From August to October

[Zhuge Liang]

I open the door.

"Ah, welcome my lady, and to you as well Comrade Sovietsky. Welcome to my humble little abode. I am much better, thank you. And what may I do for you this fine evening?"

[Lady Violet]

"I simply wanted to make sure you were feeling better. But I see you are looking good....well.. looking ...well, you are well, so I am pleased." I say nervously and look at the floor

I clear my throat and pretend to have some important business

"Well then, have you learned anything more on the Bloody Violets, young strategist?"

["Pyervie" Sovietski]

"I am just here with the Lady Zedung." I state.

[Zhuge Liang]

"Of course, Comrade." I say.

"Yes, I have managed to eke out a few strategies to use against them. Shall I deliver them to anybody? I know that you do not like to get involved in the fighting."

[Lady Violet]

"No you can deliver them to me, that is fine."

I look back up. I appreciate that he is so hard working. He is harder working than I am.

It is amazing to have such work ethic.

"It would be better for your health if you did not work so hard. You worker harder than me and that is saying a lot. Do you find anything in this world enjoyable besides...working and strategising?"

[Zhuge Liang]

I smile.

"I'm afraid I haven't found too many hobbies lately. My reeducation training left me little time to explore this modern world, and I have had little opportunity to do much outside of work, though the times I am able to accompany you are always quite enjoyable."

["Pyervie" Sovietski]

"I understand what you mean... I seldom do anything but work myself." I say to Liang.

[Lady Violet]

"Well...we should spend more time together then. I mean...there is nothing wrong with spending time with me. Would you like to do something now? Or are you too busy or tired?"

I step back, looking at the floor again, and moving closer to the door.

It is strange thing to want to be with someone, while wanting not to be at the same time.

I do not think I have had this problem before

Quite frankly, I find most males unchallengeing and boring.

[Zhuge Liang]

I smile and nod at Sovietsky.

"So true. I have finished with my duties tonight, and if you two are off into town I would be more than happy to accompany you."

[Lady Violet]

"Sure, we could go for a walk the three of us. I enjoy going to the park. It helps me gather my thoughts."

I turn to Sovietski, nearly forgetting that he is still there.

"Do you think that is a good idea?"

["Pyervie" Sovietski]

"yes, that would be acceptable. I enjoy being outdoors."

[Zhuge Liang]

"Very well then. I've always been fond of the outdoors myself." I say.

[Lady Violet]

"Let's go then."

I depart the Ministry of War with the two of them, and we begin towards the park.

I look at Sovietski wondering if he is learning anything

[Zhuge Liang]

"I don't believe I've had a chance to go to the park." I say lightly. "It will be nice to visit it, I've been at my studies for far too long."

["Pyervie" Sovietski]

"There is one thing I was curious about... Lord Kolov had said something about my sister being in love with Bassarov. I don't understand what this means, could you please explain?"