anyone who puts on a crown will end up looking for a kingdom ——— @bup1957.
You stink of ambition. Courtesy prevented such a thought to unfold upon Ann’s tongue; it took root unspoken, tainting the image she was certain he tried to cultivate. Speech was a tool of theft as much as one’s hands, and, so, a question: what did Mr Mansley wish to gain with his words? The answer came just as quickly. Yes, ah-h-h-h, this is a government man, a pen-and-paper foot soldier of the great American empire. Bureaucracy bred titles which bred titles, a populous nation ever more fertile for bottom feeders; here, before her very eyes, was a prime specimen of such stagnant water. A crown, a kingdom, a rhetoric justification ——— what magnificent names for his greed!
❝ I apologise; English is not my native language... Do you mean that positively..? ❞
She softened her sentence with a smile, the slight bow of her head well practiced. How exciting! Ann rarely spoke beyond affirmations, much less debated, but this was bait she was simply unwilling to release. Although Kent Mansley could (would, oh, how sweet her day becomes if only it was a would!) be dissected for all his body can offer, the true extent of his character remained hidden. For better or for worse, a man’s malignancy is unwritten in the lines of his flesh; an asymptomatic disorder until witnessed.
❝ Um... It is just that... One interpretation could be that striving for high places is a good thing, for it delivers a kingdom in need of a king with one who fought for the title, rather than simply being born into it... Ah, but... I am sorry. This is not a very pleasant topic... Would you like a slice of strawberry shortcake? ❞