human
Bordeaux:  His remark—indeed, his provocation—sent a shock wave through the audience chamber.
gpt
Imperial Soldier:  They lurched from their resting positions, straight swords pressed against Bordeaux’s thick neck.
human
Bordeaux:  “What’s this? I figured you’d slice me up without a second thought—never thought you Imperials to be so compassionate.” Bordeaux simply looked around at the panoply of bare steel, huffed, and stood. The men around him had the honed builds of trained soldiers. Even so, Bordeaux towered over them.
gpt
Imperial Soldier:  The imperial soldier closest to the old man suddenly realized his quarry was gazing down at him and trembled slightly at the power Bordeaux radiated; the tip of his sword shook. An instant later, the terrified soldier forced his arm to stay still, forced the sword not to shake.
human
Emperor:  “That’s enough. Remember whom you all stand before.”
gpt
Imperial Soldier:  The soldiers’ battle lust instantly vanished, and after a moment of hesitation, they sheathed their swords.
human
Bordeaux:  “Very kind of you, Your Majesty. Did your Stargazers tell you to be especially nice to the envoys?”
gpt
Emperor:  “Our Stargazers are indeed farsighted, but we do not wish to become a puppet dancing on their strings. And we would not bother consulting them about your fate.”
human
Bordeaux:  “Oh-ho?”
gpt
Emperor:  “Who would be so foolish as to lose their temper because of the yapping of one ill-trained dog. Or perhaps it has less to do with a lack of training than a lack of intelligence? If so, all the more reason to pity him.”
human
Bordeaux:  “How dare you…” Bordeaux was infuriated when his taunt was seen and raised by an even greater one. He was obviously spoiling for a fight, and the imperial soldiers in the room began to perk up once again.
gpt
Emperor:  “That exchange just now was from The Guillotine of Magrizza. A conversation between an elder of great intellect and a father-king…”
human
Bordeaux:  “What?” Bordeaux asked, befuddled by the unexpected murmur that forestalled his rage.
gpt
Vincent:  Vincent, however, responded with a “hmm,” his interest piqued by someone who had previously been all but invisible to his upswept eyes.
human
Julius:  It was Julius who now bore the weight of the emperor’s gaze.
gpt
Julius:  “Please accept my profound apologies for my disrespect, Your Majesty. It is the height of presumption for me to encroach upon the conversation of an emperor.”
human
Emperor:  “Forgiven. You see, we are merciful to all but the most despicable.