At the DG Bivouac
"You wanted to see me, Sir?"
"Ah, come in Coward. I see that you followed my recommendation and applied
for the Ministry of Justice post?"
"Yes, Sir. The 2,500 a month you mentioned will come in rather handy."
"Ah, yes, indeed. Better not be too greedy though, wouldn't you say? Surely
a thousand a month would be more than sufficient to cover your needs?"
"Are you now intending to go back on your word again, Sir?"
"No, of course not! Well...not exactly. But you must admit that it's I who
will have to cook the books each month - you only have to turn a blind eye
to any 'discepencies' which might cross your desk. So, I'd a suggest a
thousand for you and two thousand for me."
"And what about the other two thousand, Sir?"
"Well, neither of us would be in a position to embezzle at all if it
weren't
for Duc Senior's kindness in appointing us, would we? You have to admit
that
that must be worth a couple of thousand a month...?"
"I'm beginning to see why Duc Robert was not too enamoured with your
scheme,
Sir."
"Not at all! De l'Aubergine refused outright, and then had the temerity to
complain to Duc Senior himself regards my treasonous conduct!"
"Did Duc Senior take the charge seriously, Sir?"
"Of course he did, but he cares for nothing other than being reappointed as
Minister of State for a further year in October. What do you think this
treason trial of de Mylcandonai's is all about man?!! He is obviously
innocent of all the charges, which are as totally groundless as he has
repeatedly pointed out. Not that that will save him, of course. The Duc
will
find him guilty of treason in any event (he still expects you to testify
against him too, by the way) and sentence him to death as a result. That
way, anyone who is owed a favour or two by His Majesty will petition the
King to have the sentence reduced - rather than using their influence to
prevent Senior from being reappointed as Minister of State. You must admit
that Senior is a brilliant politician."
"A better politician than he was a soldier, Sir, most certainly. Though
that
isn't saying very much, I suppose..."
"I've been able to use my foreknowledge of this situation to improve my own
standing in the eyes of Society too! I've challenged de Mylcandonai to a
duel - so long as he is aquitted of treason!"
"Sorry Sir, but I'm a little confused here. Didn't you just say that Duc
Senior would find de Mylcandonai guilty of treason in _any_ event, and that
there is not the slightest chance of his being aquitted...?"
"Yes, that's the beauty of it! I can be seen to have bravely called de
Mylcandonai out - and he's no mean duellist despite his small stature -
whilst not running the slightest risk of having to actually _meet_ the
man!"
"I see, Sir. Bully for you. Will that be all, Sir...?"
