Page 110 of The Pacifist
Magni moved in his seat and frowned. “I don’t care what you want, Councilman. What the hell would Mila even be doing in the Motherlands?”
“She wants to become a veterinarian. There are great schools where I live.”
"I don’t care. We have schools here too. As I said, you’re fucking up my plans."
I stiffened and listened as he continued.
“But Mila makes up her own mind and for some reason she likes you. I can’t imagine why, because you’re the most argumentative and annoying man on the planet.”
“Hmmm. Maybe it’s because I remind her of you in that way.”
The corners of his lips pursed upward. “Except, I’m right and you’re wrong!” Pushing his chair back, he stood up. “I’m sure Mila already told you about her decision to back out of her bridal tournament, but I want you to know that I appreciate your being willing to fight for her.”
I stayed quiet, remembering Mila’s words about letting them assume.
“Laura and I both thought you were crazy, but we liked that you would risk your life to marry our daughter.”
“Thank you.”
“By the way, what did you think about our video?”
I opened my mouth and then closed it again. “What video?”
“The one Pearl shared with the Council.”
“You know about that?” I was confused.
“Of course I fucking know about it.”
“But Pearl said that it was a surveillance video. Wait, are you telling me that Pearl lied to the entire Council?”
Magni swung a dismissive hand. “Aghr, don’t look so shocked. She didn’t want to do it, but even a righteous Motlander will get corrupted after living with Khan for twelve years. It was a matter of saving your seat on the Council.”
“It was all a set-up then?”
“Pretty much, but I meant every word I said.”
Remembering how he had praised me, I bowed my head. “Thank you.”
“Do you think it helped? Khan had this idea that we should show them how you’re brave enough to befriend a bear.”
“Excuse me?”
“No, not a real bear. The bear is just a metaphor for me; you know, because I’m scary and shit.”
“I’m confused.”
Magni sighed. “Khan thought the Nanny Club would be impressed that you have befriended us and that we spoke about you with respect.”
“Oh. I see.” I rubbed my forehead. “I think that message might have been drowned in all the profanities and insults you spewed at the Council.”
“Huh. It wasn’t that bad.”
My brow lifted. “It was bad!”
Giving a small shrug, Magni brushed some crumbs off his desk. “Okay, so maybe we got a little carried away, but they’ll still be impressed that you’ve made friends with me and Khan, won’t they?”
I hesitated before speaking. “A few of them might be, but to be honest, I think most of them liked me less because of it. They are disturbed that I would associate with people who act and speak like you do.”
