Ucho’s Reviews > Master of Formalities > Status Update

…people who care will always be at the mercy of people who don’t.

“Certainly,” Lady Jakabitus said, smiling. “I can imagine how unpleasant it would be to have armed guards drag Hennik out of there, kicking and screaming.”
“Indeed, Milady. So, I would—”
“Wait,” Lady Jakabitus said. “Give me a moment. I’m imagining it.”

(2/2)
“Look. You’re right. You can always improve. I do say that.”
“I am trying.”
“I know you are, son.”
“So you’re saying I should try harder?”
“Rayzo,” Lord Jakabitus said, “I’m not talking about sports.”
Rayzo looked perplexed. “Father, I’m sorry. Have I displeased you outside of sports as well?”

(1/2)
“Son,” Lord Jakabitus said, “I know this has been a difficult time for you.”
“Yes, Father. My performance has not been as good as you would like, but I know I can do better.”
“That’s not what I meant, son. I mean, of course, you could do better.”
“As you always say.”
“Yes,” Lord Jakabitus said.

“Master Hennik, Master Rayzo is right to be proud. He has worked very hard to achieve his current ranking.”
“But I just started to play sports, and I already outrank him,” Hennik said. “So what does that tell you?”
“You tricked me,” Rayzo said.
“Yes, easily,” Hennik agreed.

She nodded,said “Your Lordship,” then casually vaulted over the balcony railing.The New Palace wall tilted at a steep angle.At first Hartchar fell,then she slid,then her feet caught,and she ran several steps down the wall before redirecting her momentum and jogging to a stop on the ground.Lord Jakabitus hadn’t needed a reminder of why Hartchar had been hired to train Rayzo physically,but he was reminded nonetheless.

“That’s not a proper stealth suit,” Hennik said.
“Master Hennik, everything that comes into the palace is subject to scrutiny. I was forced to be creative, so I ordered things that would serve our purpose without arousing suspicion.”
“It’s white!” Hennik cried.

“We, your servants, present to you this Skolash. We prepare this food for the same reason most of you will eat it, because we must.“

“His Lordship says that raising a child is one of the most challenging tasks a person can undertake.”
“I agree,” Lady Jakabitus said.
“As such, his brilliance in tricking his sworn enemy into raising his son for him will become legendary.”

(2/2)
There was a long silence, then Barsparse said, “An interesting idea. I can think of at least one way to make Ebbler part of the kitchen staff.”
“Yeah,” Pitt said, agreeing with Barsparse without stopping to consider her words. “And I bet he’d make the Skolash. He’d probably thank you for the opportunity.”
There was another long silence. Barsparse took a sip of her drink, then said, “You know, I bet he would.“