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It is easy to pretend you don't hate someone. Sometimes you almost believe it.

I remember when


...I don't have time for this. Marcia's family is coming over so that we can get our wedding plans underway at long last.

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And life just keeps getting better! Father's been humbled, his advisors have been tasked with solving the problem, and now Marcia and I can finally set a definite date for our wedding. She's waited so patiently all this time...she will make a very good wife.

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That was almost too easy. Poor Father, you may never win back all the respect our people have lost for you! Mm, but perhaps this is for the best...maybe this will convince you to step down and let someone else take care of things before you dig yourself in deeper. Surely even in your madness you can't be that stupid, I hope.

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I've got you now, Father. You'll be sorry you ever spent a copper.

I do hope everyone's Festival of Leaves has been as wonderful as mine. Sheila's skill at picking out gifts is as impeccable as ever!

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Don't think I've forgotten about you yet, Father. I've let you dangle long enough, but your frivolous spending is about to come to an end.

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Dark magic study is coming along much better than I expected.

Lord Kresley has proposed to my sister, and Mother couldn't be any more delighted. Though I do hope Marcia isn't too disappointed that she may have to wait longer for our wedding, depending on how soon Lord Kresley wishes to be married.

As for the situation with Gerald and his wish to ride a dragon, he still refuses to give up his pursuit. ...I can only pray he comes to his senses. I'd much rather not have to be within close proximity to one of those creatures.

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Between Gerald's foolishness and this business with my father's careless spending, I fear I'll be keeping dear Marcia waiting much too long for our wedding to take place. Of course, I can attempt to ignore Gerald, he's most likely only doing this for Father's sake anyway...

My brother still insists he be allowed to catch and ride a dragon, he doesn't see the dangers involved at all! Foolish Gerald...there must be some way to make him realize!

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...allies, yes. They're what I need, it's impossible to put a stop to a stubborn man's foolishness myself. But who? Normally it would be Mackie, but with his mother ill I hate to bother him...Wendy? No, her strength is fighting, not politics? Eric...no, he's too naive and easily intimidated...

Of course, the longer I spend searching for allies the longer I allow Father's foolishness to continue, and that isn't very fair to the townspeople.