Reimian Empire

Elrina, by birthright a countess of the House Anzenwein of the northwestern Reimean lands; marquise of the Seymour family estates within the imperial capital and beyond.

-Father, with your permission, I would like to speak regarding my planned engagement to Marquis Seymour. -Elrina respectfully bowed her head, awaiting permission to continue.
The old Count Anzenwein, leaning back in his wide armchair, thoughtfully smoked his pipe, gazing toward a velvet-covered cassone containing the dowry that occupied the far corner of the spacious room, filled with elegant furniture and other luxuries.
-What is it, my dear? -as always, the count spoke in a calm and cold voice.
-First and foremost, I assume you are aware of the Marquis's precarious financial situation, as well as his passion for gambling and... other unreliable monetary machinations. -Elrina began carefully, closely watching her father's reaction. -His family, though high-titled, is in my view not a suitable candidate for a possible union of our noble houses.
-What are you trying to say, Elrina?
-Put simply, Father, Marquis Seymour is a spendthrift, a drunkard, and a gambler who, using his position, connections, and fame, does not hesitate to extort and blackmail people no less worthy and respected. He wants nothing from you except your money.
The count's face showed no emotion during this tirade, but Elrina knew him too well not to realize that the old man was seriously angered by what he heard. With a heavy sigh, Anzenwein set his pipe aside and coughed hoarsely.
-I will take your words into account, my love; however, for the future, I advise you not to allow yourself such loud statements in the presence of the Marquis. As for the rest... I can promise you nothing. This marriage is extremely honorable for our family, and furthermore, at your age, beauty and attractiveness begin to fade, so we simply cannot wait for a second such gift of fate. Do you understand, daughter? -the old count tried to smile, but instead only slightly curled the corners of his pale, withered lips.
-As you wish, Father. -Elrina curtsied. -Then, with your permission, I shall continue the wedding preparations.
The House Anzenwein had always been distinguished by its exceptional conservatism in matters of social values, traditions, morale, and etiquette, and the count was a man of the old school in this regard. He simply could not keep up with the rapidly developing technological progress, missing promising opportunities to support the Empire's leading companies with investments, and he feared innovations and avoided them. The death of his beloved wife significantly undermined his health, and since he preferred to handle all business himself, over time this led to certain financial difficulties. Once a luxurious estate, built near the capital, the Anzenwein manor now frightened with its emptiness; lands had been leased or sold, and most servants dismissed. Instead of an heir capable of worthily helping the family's development in a difficult moment, fate sent the count a only daughter, and the last option to improve their situation was to find her a suitable match. At least the Seymours were much wealthier and more famous, had good connections in the capital, and one could turn a blind eye to the future groom's minor flaws.
***
-Where are you going so early? -Seymour mumbled, his face buried in a pillow.
-I wanted to visit my father's grave. It is the anniversary, after all. -Elrina replied, pushing aside spilled bottles of unfinished alcohol with her foot.
-Ah... poor old man. -the marquis drawled, rolling onto his other side and snoring.
The girl gave her husband a cold look, then headed to the wardrobe.
-Mistress Elrina, allow me to help you! -the maid fussed, helping her dress.
-Thank you, Marie. -the marquise nodded, trying on a fashionable city dress and bright shoes.
-The carriage is ready, as you requested. Perhaps you would like some breakfast?
-No, thank you. -Elrina declined. -Please remind the marquis when he wakes up that he has a meeting scheduled for noon today with entrepreneurs from Calvada. And clean the bedroom.
-As you wish, mistress.
The rhythmic clatter of the carriage horses' hooves on the stone pavement reminded Elrina that she had been living in Reime—the imperial capital, a rich and luxurious city—for two years now. After her father's death, all his holdings formally became the property of the House Seymour. The countess, along with a small staff of loyal servants, moved into the marquis's city mansion and no longer took part in managing affairs outside its walls. Despite this, on her advice, some lands outside Reime were successfully resold to interested entrepreneurs from large private companies, which provided a good influx of funds, sufficient to temporarily curb the marquis's appetites.
Seymour himself, having inherited all the property of the distinguished house, was used to living lavishly and denying himself nothing. In essence, he was by no means a bad person; he never oppressed his wife, did not restrict her funds, and did not insult her. Rather, he simply tried not to notice her, allowing her to arrange her own leisure. His only serious flaw was a passion for drinking and gambling, which, coupled with a complete inability to handle money, painted a very grim picture and could lead to unpleasant consequences in the near future. Most of all, the marquise feared that under the influence of alcohol he would do something truly extraordinary, where neither connections nor money would help.
***
-Tell me, Elrina, are the rumors about Marquis Seymour true? -a noble plump lady in a wide pink hat asked the girl with interest.
-Yes, I also heard that he even sold one of his estates to pay off debts! -another echoed, waving her fan actively.
-I happened to know his respected father. -grunted an old woman in a wheelchair. -Undoubtedly, he was a great man! Pity the son, evidently, did not follow in his footsteps.
-Please forgive me, but you are deeply mistaken. -Elrina calmly cut the conversation short. -Perhaps I do not possess all the information, however, I dare assure you that my spouse is a person of exceptionally positive qualities and talents. As for the sale of the country estate, it was entirely my initiative, necessary to reduce excess taxes. In other respects, I would like to leave the discussion of our family's financial matters as a private affair for its representatives.
-However, the recent story with Count N. received wide publicity. -the first persisted. -The Marquis openly accused him of cheating and promised to shoot him on the spot.
-Nevertheless, the respected count himself admitted to the deed the next day under the excessive influence of alcohol, as well as satisfied all my spouse's claims. As for his modest passion for gambling, it seems this is not yet forbidden in our noble society.
-Well, since you say so, marquise, please excuse us for the unnecessary gossip. -the ladies cooled down completely, immediately losing interest in the conversation.
***
On the threshold of the house, Elrina encountered a tearful maid.
-What happened, Marie?
The young girl answered nothing, covering her face with her hands, and ran away. The main hall was smoky, some furniture was overturned, and a company of six people, led by Seymour, sat comfortably at a wide wooden table.
-Oh, Elrinochka is back! -the marquis exclaimed joyfully upon seeing his wife. -How did your meeting go? Truly, they are all just bitches, aren't they? -at this, one of his acquaintances chuckled loudly.
-I offer you my deepest apologies, gentlemen, but I would like to have a word with my most respected spouse. -Elrina requested.
-Oh come on, there are no strangers here! -Seymour laughed.
-As you wish. First, I would like you to introduce me to your... friends, as is proper. Second, receive an explanation regarding the disorder created in our mansion. Then find out how the meeting with the gentlemen from Calvada went. And finally, what happened to Marie.
-Ah, her I threw out. -the marquis began from the end. -A clumsy fool of a girl. Yes, then those inventors came, but unfortunately, I could not receive them. There were urgent matters! Besides, it's all just boring stuff anyway—enhancers, winged ships and other nonsense, that's it. As for the new arrangement in the house, as its owner, I have every right to do so. Don't you like it?.. And my comrades... hey, bring more drinks! And generally, can't you see I'm busy! Let's discuss everything tomorrow, alright, dear?
-So, you don't think that your unworthy behavior shames our family?
-Before whom, I wonder? Look around, these are not the times of Reisen Reime! -the marquis flared up. -Things are completely different now! Everyone can live as they wish, provided they have money. Am I doing something terrible or illegal? Can't one relax in the company of good friends? Maybe instead of this I should have filled the mansion with undead and set traps here? And generally, don't forget yourself. Without my goodwill, you would still be rotting somewhere beyond the capital's ring road.
-As you say. -with a sigh, Elrina nodded, going up to the bedroom. -Please forgive me, I did not want to anger you. "Raising the stakes, raising the stakes!" -reached her from below the landing.


Characteristics:
Strength - 10
Intelligence - 10
Will - 10
Agility - 25(33)
Perception - 30(38)
Wisdom - 10
Charisma - 35


Origin:
Aristocrat
Starting capital is 75 thousand rumiums.


Skills:

Gunslinger

The character can use the empire's ephemeral weapons.
+2 to firing range.
Critical damage chance +10%
Eagle Eye
+(perception)% damage.
+40% to accuracy.

Swindler
+8 to agility, +8 to perception. +1 to stealth for each unit of agility.

Merchant (x2)
-(charisma/2)% item cost. Limit: 30%


Inventory:
"Sylphid" and quartz cartridges (I'll buy the rest myself), signet ring of the House Seymour, fashionable dress and shoes, fan, umbrella, lady's handbag, jewelry, money.