Grondar might be playing the same game: They don’t want to have to say no but can’t say yes and so just ask for something they know will kill the deal.
I think what Scarlet’s doing is quite machiavellian and I’m all for it, yet those who play with fire end up burned…
Scarlet may be bitting more than she can chew (that’s the expression right?)
Exactly. She’s playing a risky game without having any idea of what Grondar wants in return. It could be something that might compromise Kirelia’s position later down the line.
It looks like a simple move, but can cause a great amount of movement behind the scenes where Scarlet won’t see. It’s an excellent move because that’s what obstructionists deserve.
Aide: Are you sure we shouldn’t have taken Grondar’s offer, sir? Their demand wasn’t THAT unreasonable.
General: If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: my granny’s secret recipe for firebeet pie is NOT. FOR. SALE!
Of course Grondar might demand something unacceptable, for example the release of war criminals or land it covets. That often happens between warring factions. The assumption that it wouldn’t be unreasonable has no basis.
Yeah, Scarlet’s possibly being a bit naive. She’s a teenager, and she’s beautifully written as a realistic one. But it’s also possible she’s right. Both scenarios have merit.
The release of a war criminal or some land would certainly be a big ask. Something Kirelia’s government feels is unacceptable, but which isn’t actually if as much is on the line as Scarlet believes.
There is a problem with playing any kind of games with a state: if they are losing, they can flip the board and make sure you lose even more. Depending on a good will and honesty of people in position of power is very risky.
15 thoughts on “Machine Girl 049”
BCS
Grondar might be playing the same game: They don’t want to have to say no but can’t say yes and so just ask for something they know will kill the deal.
El Príncipe Austral
Or even “ask for something unreasonable but doable, then we either get what we want or Kirelia ends up as the bad guys”
Novil
No, Scarlet’s reasoning makes more sense.
El Príncipe Austral
I think what Scarlet’s doing is quite machiavellian and I’m all for it, yet those who play with fire end up burned…
Scarlet may be bitting more than she can chew (that’s the expression right?)
BlackDragonSlayer
Exactly. She’s playing a risky game without having any idea of what Grondar wants in return. It could be something that might compromise Kirelia’s position later down the line.
Vicious Sand
It looks like a simple move, but can cause a great amount of movement behind the scenes where Scarlet won’t see. It’s an excellent move because that’s what obstructionists deserve.
MegaJar
Meanwhile, back in the general’s office…
Aide: Are you sure we shouldn’t have taken Grondar’s offer, sir? Their demand wasn’t THAT unreasonable.
General: If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: my granny’s secret recipe for firebeet pie is NOT. FOR. SALE!
Hegel-Marx
🤣
JW
My guess is Grondar wants to keep Scarlet after touring the cellar. It’s always nice to have a genius at your beck and call, after all.
And narratively it’s a good way for Scarlet’s plan to backfire on her.
Novil
Good thinking. But that can’t be Grondar’s demand since Kirelia’s government would certainly not rate it as unacceptable.
Arent
Of course Grondar might demand something unacceptable, for example the release of war criminals or land it covets. That often happens between warring factions. The assumption that it wouldn’t be unreasonable has no basis.
ToBeFree
Yeah, it won’t be a pie recipe.
ME
Yeah, Scarlet’s possibly being a bit naive. She’s a teenager, and she’s beautifully written as a realistic one. But it’s also possible she’s right. Both scenarios have merit.
Novil
The release of a war criminal or some land would certainly be a big ask. Something Kirelia’s government feels is unacceptable, but which isn’t actually if as much is on the line as Scarlet believes.
No One of Consequence
There is a problem with playing any kind of games with a state: if they are losing, they can flip the board and make sure you lose even more. Depending on a good will and honesty of people in position of power is very risky.
Characters
Ariana Carolus Athamas Baako Bolin Cyril Elwin Flammt Evelina Ferrus Gale Nenawa Gavin Carolus Iona Jehona Shardyk Julius Mirkning Kala Silverspring Kenan Orege King Protos Lauro Levon Goldwood Leyton Wayt Ludis Graybold Luitpold Marik Marton Princess Elodie Raymond Reto Mirkning Reva Rodar Rosetta Greenleaf Scarlet Carolus Severin Silvana Mirkning Tibor Frey Vidal Viola Vreni Xaver Yerim Zach Ilkin