Convincing Clarisse felt like negotiating a treaty. It took two days of strategic whining, carefully deployed D-Rank `[Deceive]`, and emphasizing the vital importance of maintaining ties with the "influential" Baron Vanya.
"Rosalie specifically invited me, Mother!" I'd insisted, twisting a lock of my crimson hair nervously. "It would be terribly rude to refuse! Especially now that... well, now that we need connections."
Clarisse had eyed me suspiciously, her sharp gaze missing nothing. "Connections? What sort of connections does a seven-year-old need?"
"Merchant connections!" I'd blurted, latching onto the Vanya family's business. "For... for the estate! Rosalie's father knows everyone in Oakhaven!"
It was flimsy, but it played on Clarisse's current obsession: restoring House Briar.
Simultaneously, Thomas had performed his own masterpiece of manipulation.
