Rumored Nuptials: Before Battle

Ingrid
...

Dorothea
What's the matter, Ingrid? I never hear you sigh like that.

Ingrid
Oh, hi, Dorothea. And hello, Professor. Nothing's the matter. Well, nothing major.

Dorothea
You don't look like it's nothing major.

Dorothea
Then again, I suppose you always have a furrowed brow, don't you?

Ingrid
Truth be told, there's rather a lot going on. It seems that there's always something to worry about...

Ingrid
You see, I received a letter from my father recently.

Dorothea
From Count Galatea? What a kind gentleman to have for a father.

Ingrid
I thank you. But the content within the letter is what I find troubling.

Dorothea
Let me see! Oh, it's a marriage proposal... For you.

Ingrid
I've not met him, though I've heard his name here and there.

Ingrid
He began life as a merchant but has somehow achieved rank in court. An enterprising noble from an allied territory.

Ingrid
It's most likely that he wants the Crest of Daphnel that I bear to adorn his family name.

Dorothea
Hmm, yes, that sounds about right. The jerk.

Ingrid
You sound as though you know him. Do you?

Dorothea
Yes, I must admit that I know him. He tried to court me when I was a singer.

Dorothea
Best advice I can give you, Ingrid? Stay far, far away from this guy.

Ingrid
He's offered a sizable dowry, so I must at least consider it—for the sake of my family.

Dorothea
Dowry? Ha! Blood money. That's all it is.

Ingrid
Dorothea, I—

Dorothea
This jerk's entire fortune is soaked in blood. Do you want to rebuild your own house using that kind of money?

Dorothea
I mean, it's all just rumors, but I think it still might be worth investigating.

Dorothea
What do you think, Professor? Should we go check this guy out?