They ate in silence for a few minutes and then something that had been rummaging around at the back of her brain came to the floor. He had spoken of putting her father to an extra charge, of his income, did he not realize…?
“Excuse me, My Husband, but… but I don’t want to offend you but….”
“Yes? Speak freely. I am very hard to offend.”
“I… you do realize that I have my own money. Which is yours, now. I mean, ours.”
“I assumed that your father had given you some funds for the trip…”
“No, no, I mean, he did but, no. I have my own money. From my grandfather’s estate and money I have earned myself.”
“Earned yourself?”
“Yes. I don’t suppose you read my article in the ship’s journal?”
“Of course. And all of the comments, your replies, and everything else I could find.”
“Well, I have a journal… I had a journal back home, and I did reasonably well with it. My articles… I had a decent paying audience of ten thousand or so, and a free audience of upwards of a million.”
“I had read something about it, but I didn’t realize it brought you money. Very well. We can give your grandfather’s money back to your father and keep what you have earned…”
“Oh, no! Oh, please, no! It would be… it would be extremely insulting. It isn’t done!”
He stared at her for some very long seconds. “I am from a pleb background. Explain it to me.”
“Oh, among our class… no, even among lower class in our area… an inheritance is… well… not sacred, that would be an Article I violation… but… it is part of the way we handle the silent code for Article II. The grandfather gives money in his will, or even before that, and… and… it is like the parable of the talents. How well you do with the money reflects back on how well you honor your grandfather.”
He stared at her for the longest time. “I am glad you told me. We would not wish to make such a mistake. However, nor do I wish us to become dependent on that money. Can you find a good investment for it?”
“It is invested now.”
“Very well. We will leave it as it is invested, and you will seek for an investment closer to home. Something to honor your grandfather. I am very glad you told me. That is a fascinating custom. It sounds similar to ‘ana’.”
“Umm, yes,” she said, her heart starting to beat again. What would her father have thought?
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Von
Links
Article 17
Article 17 is a military science fiction story with aliens and romance. It is set in a future reminiscent of Napoleon era Britain. The war was going very poorly until the military installed a dictator. This story follows one of the dictator’s great men: Cladin Tomirosh, Leader, and thrice decorated hero.
Intro // Podcast Version
She was pretty, popular, snobby, and a planetary governor’s daughter. He was the son of shopkeepers, a social misfit, and a decorated hero. She thought she was there to dance. He had other ideas.
A Dance // Podcast Version
As a governor’s daughter, Illoia usually avoided such events, but when the captain made the announcement that there was to be an Article 17 dance, she, too, was forced to attend. If only the scum hadn’t been there too.
The Unbridgeable Chasm // Podcast Version
Eukles and Meriones, brave military leaders, quail at the idea of crossing the gulf between themselves and asking a lass to dance.
There He Is // Podcast Version
The young hero comes in, and Aleshia and Illoyia gossip about him.
Look at the Young Hero // Podcast Version
The young hero comes in, and greets Eukles and Meriones… and announces his intentions.
Target // Podcast Version
Tom, Leader Cladin Tomirosh, sets his sights on the governors daughter. She isn’t impressed.
Fuming // Podcast Version
Tom and Illoia dance, while she desperately tries to get him to go away!
Now’s Our Chance! // Podcast Version
Eukles and Meriones use Tom and Illoia as a distraction and stalk their own girls.
To Slap or Not to Slap // Podcast Version
Meriones introduces himself to his new wife with a slap on the backside.
No Sane Man // Podcast Version
Illoia insults the young hero, and he proposes.
Never You, Darling // Podcast Version
Illoia finds herself unable to turn down his proposal.
A Wild Dance // Podcast Version
Illoia finds being Tom’s Consented Wife hard… with wild New Irish dances and immodest ones.
Registered // Podcast Version
A new marriage is registered. All hail the dictator!
Middy’s Got a Lass! // Podcast Version
Medinia is deliriously happy… she got 17d!
A Duel to the Death // Podcast Version
Illoia wakes up next to her new husband.
Will the money be important later on? I find it odd that our Hero doesn't realize that an inheritance *can't* (or at least isn't) be returned. I can see not wanting to live on it. And perhaps preserve it to be passed on to any daughters they may have. Either that, or donate to a worthy charitable foundation. Or create one. I assume this universe has some?