Life's Little Triumphs--Edgar Roni Figaro
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	Sabin watched disdainfully as Edgar bid farewell to Celes in his usual, extravagant way.  Celes, of course, paid no attention to Edgar's flirting; Locke, on the other hand, looked like he was ready to strangle Edgar with his bare hands.

	"Don't you ever give up, brother?" Sabin asked after the couple left.

	Edgar smiled mysteriously.  "What fun would there be in life if I didn't?"

	"You're hopeless," Sabin groaned.

	"And you're clueless," Edgar countered.

	Sabin pretended to be angry.  "Shameless womanizer!"

	Edgar also pretended to be angry.  "Brainless bodybuilder!"

	The two glared at one another for a while before cracking up.

	"Lobster," Edgar got out between chuckles.

	"Crab," Sabin snickered.

	Finally, Edgar managed to compose himself.  "Now that we've gotten *that* out of our systems, there are a few things I'd like to discuss with you, brother."

	Sabin groaned again.  "Is it the old 'settle down and have a family' speech?"

	Edgar grinned maliciously.  "No, it's the 'stop sponging off of me and get a job' speech."

	Sabin punched Edgar--very, very lightly, of course--in the arm.  "How could you be so cruel to your own brother!"

	Edgar backed away a few steps.  "I was kidding! Kidding!"

	"Hmph."

	"Seriously, brother...you've been hanging around here more than usual.  Is there something wrong?"

	Sabin looked at his twin brother and saw the genuine concern in Edgar's face.  "I think...it's because I don't feel needed anymore."

	To say that Edgar was beyond shocked would be an understatement.  "Sabin!"

	"Now that Doma Castle is more or less up and running, there really isn't any use for a muscle-head like me..."

	'I've never seen Sabin so down since Father died...' Edgar thought.  'But he does have a point...'

	"Sometimes, I almost wish that things were like before, when I could actually *do* something..."

	Edgar's eyes lit up as he thought of something.  "Say, brother, have you ever considered opening a training hall?"

	"I'm pathetic, aren't I..." Sabin was rudly jerked out of his self-pity.  "A what?"

	"A training hall," repeated Edgar.  "I'm sure there are still idealistic young kids out there who think that the martial arts are the greatest things since sliced bread."

	Sabin narrowed his eyes.  "Are you toying with me again?"

	"Not at all! You could really make a living out of teaching people your Blitzes! Besides, don't you want to pass down what Duncan taught you?"

	"..." Sabin suddenly developed an interest in studying the intricate designs on the floor.

	"Think about it, okay?" Edgar gave his brother a reasurring pat on the shoulder.  "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off performing my kingly duties."


	Through his years of experience, Edgar came to the conclusion that women generally fell into two types: Impressed and Not Impressed.  While it was flattering when a woman was Impressed, Edgar discovered that those who took in his flirting hook, line, and sinker usually wasn't the most intelligent, discerning, or mature type.  It was those who were Not Impressed that presented the true challenge, the strong-willed, self-made woman who could think for herself.

	The woman which was currently the target of Edgar's attention was without a doubt of the first type.  She giggled breathlessly when Edgar approached her, blushed deeply when he complimented her, and looked at him longingly when he broke off the conversation and left.

	'Why does Locke get all the luck?' Edgar wondered.  Celes had been the epitome of Not Interested, but somehow Locke broke through the wall that she had erected around herself and won her heart.  Quite unfair, really, considering how much more effort Edgar had put into trying to win Celes' affection.  Edgar more or less knew early on that he had already lost, that Celes was never interested in him as anything more than a friend at best, but he still refused to give up.  In the end, though, his constant bantering with Celes ended up as nothing more than a joke at his expense.

	'Ah, well.  There are plenty of other fish...'

	As Edgar was thinking this, he was approached by a soldier.  "A representative of the newly formed Republic to see you in the throne room, Your Majesty..."

	The Republic was a provisional government created after the death of the Emperor; it was only after Kefka was also killed that the Republic began to gain true acknowledgement.  Consisting of a very loose alliance between Jidoor, Kohlingen, Albrook, Tzen, Miranda, and most recently Narshe and Moblitz, each city was still relatively self-governmed, but they pooled their military and elected officials to sit in the council which met at Tzen.  Edgar and Cyan had kept out of the Republic citing their business in rebuilding their repsective domains as an excuse.  Now, though, there was no avoiding the Republic, as weak as it might be, especially since the Republic was discussing to rebuild Vector to serve as its capital.

	"Inform the representitive that I'll be right there," Edgar replied.  The soldier bowed hastily and left.


	Tina Manning waited somewhat nervously for King Edgar to enter the throne room.  She had heard quite a bit about the young king of Figaro; unfortunately, none of them painted a good picture of him.

	'I hope he doesn't play politics the way he does romance,' Tina thought, suppressing a shudder, remembering the rumors of Edgar's heavy-handed womanizing.

	At that moment, the soldiers guarding the door stood to attention.

	"Presenting His Royal Highness, King Edgar Roni Figaro!" A voice announced.

	With that, a man garbed in fancy robes strolled into the throne room.

	"Pleased to meet you, King Edgar," Tina said, bowing.  "You certainly know how to make an entrance.  Tina Manning, representative of the Republic, at your service."

	Edgar stared at Tina for a moment.  "You're a woman?" He blurted out.

	'Why, of all the egotistical, idiotic...' Tina narrowed her eyes.  "That's right.  You've got a problem with that?"

	Edgar raised his hands defensively.  "N-not at all! I didn't mean to offend you..."

	'Yeah, right...' Tina thought, saying out loud, "No offense taken, Your Majesty.  Let's get down to business, shall we?"

	"Lets." With a guesture, a table and two were brought out.  It was with great relief to Tina that Edgar sat directly across from her--in other words, as far away from her as possible.

	"Now," Edgar began, resting his chin on his clasped hands, "I assume your visit is to further relations between my Kindom and your Republic?"

	Tina sighed; this wasn't going well at all.  "It isn't just *my* Republic, Your Majesty--"

	"--Edgar.  Just plain Edgar would be fine."

	Tina suppressed a scowl.  'This guy just doesn't give up, does he?' She cleared her throat.  "Well, then, Edgar, the Republic was founded to counter against future disasters.  Of all the people in the world, I'm sure you are one of those who understand the most that we don't need another Kefka.  To achieve that, the Republic needs your support."

	"In other words, you want me to commit my machinery and my army to you guys so that we can jump in and rescue you if you're ever in trouble?"

	Hearing the patronizing tone in Edgar's voice, Tina decided that she just about had enough.  "If you don't want to make an alliance with the Republic, then just say so." She stood and collected her things.  "Have a good day, Edgar."

	"Wait!" Edgar hastily rose as well, blocking Tina's path.

	Tina narrowed her eyes.  "Why should I? Obviously talking to you is just a waste of my time."

	Tina made a second attempt to leave, but Edgar stood his ground.  "I'm sorry if that's your impression of me, but I simply don't want to commit my people to more war."

	'Finally, he's starting to be more sincere,' Tina thought, softening a bit.  "I understand, but you could have treated me with some more respect.  Even if the Republic is only in its infancy, and it can't really do anything, it is a government that must be recognized."

	Edgar didn't say anything for a few moments.  "All right.  I apologize for not taking you seriously.  Now, will you kindly sit back down so we can get something accomplished?"

	Tina studied Edgar carefully; this time, though, he was all business, every bit the king he was supposed to be.  "Thank you, Edgar.  I will."

	"Good." The two sat down again.  "I know you want to cement good relations with Figaro as soon as possible, but I'd rather not hurry.  Lets take things one step at a time."

	Tina tapped her chin thoughtfully.  "That sounds like a reasonable request.  Where would you like to start?"

	Edgar also looked pensive.  "How about a formal introduction ceremony? Then we could begin correspondence."

	Tina nodded vigorously.  "The Embassys would be next, and exchange programs between your citizens and ours."

	"Correct," Edgar agreed.  "Finally, Figaro will join the Republic in a mutually acceptable alliance."

	Tina struck a fist into her palm.  "That's an excellent plan, Edgar! When would you like to begin?"

	Edgar's eyes twinkled.  "As soon as possible, of course."

	Tina stood, this time not out of anger.  "I'll go back and present your ideas to the Republic when it reconvenes and bring back the response."

	Edgar rose out of his chair as well, and bowed deeply.  "I'll be looking forward to it."

	'Damn, he really *is* a hunk when he's not such a jerk...' Tina thought, giving him a quick once-over.  Mentally shaking herself, Tina returned the bow.  "I'm glad we were able to get over our initial understandings, Edgar."

	"Me, too," Edgar gave Tina a lopsided grin.  "It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Manning."

	"Tina," the ambassador corrected, also grinning from ear to ear.

	Edgar looked like he had died and gone to heaven.  "If you wish."

	Tina nearly laughed out loud.  She shook a finger at him.  "But remember, we are strictly diplomatic acquaintances."

	Edgar pretended not to be disappointed.  "Of course, Tina.  Good bye."


	After Tina left, Edgar sighed blissfully.

	'Not Impressed...One Hundred Percent Not Impressed...' He sighed blissfully again.

	Life was good.
---
Despite Edgar's apparent superficiality and constant woman-chasing, the double-headed coin incident and the Edgar-designed machinery in Figaro Castle show that there's more to him than meets the eye.  I wrote this little bit to explore that kinder, gentler side of Edgar as well as give him a woman that is finally his match (in more ways than one ;).

FYI: I named the new character "Tina" on purpose.  ^_~
---
-"Dot"
http://www.fortunecity.com/westwood/italian/70
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Writer of Unnecessarily Long Author's Notes and Bad Spamfics. ^^;
Bane of the FFML since 1998. ^_^
Coming soon to your local inbox: Dragon Ball stories 
with -gasp- plot! ^_^


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