The Sixth Proposal

The Sixth Proposal is a quest in .
==Steps==
# Walk around Sumeru City
# Go to the tavern to look for Kaveh
==Dialogue==
===Commissioner Quarrel===
;(Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Kaveh, optional)
: Kaveh: (Ugh, just my luck... Why does this happen to me?)
;(Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Badawi, optional)
: Badawi: (If only I didn't fall for that scam last time...)
: Badawi: I've taken a look at your proposal. It's much better than the ones you showed me before, but I'd still like to make some changes...
: Kaveh: ...Come on, not again? Isn't this the sixth proposal I've shown you? What's your issue this time?
: Badawi: Hmm... It's a bit hard to put into words, but the design still doesn't look quite right to me.
: Kaveh: I have to say, that's a terribly vague and unconvincing explanation. Please enlighten me — what would feel more "right" to you?
: Badawi: Hmm, for starters, don't you think this roof is jutting out a bit too far from the top? It looks almost like the head of a fungus.
: Badawi: This door, too — I don't think it needs to be nearly this large. If you could reduce it to around my height, you could use the leftover materials to construct a few more rooms—
: Kaveh: I... *deep breath* The roof and the door are the most fundamental parts of a building. If we were to change them, then what would be left of the design!?
: Kaveh: Even if the soul of the building won't be lost, all traces of architectural style would be gone. Anyone with the slightest inkling of architectural knowledge would know to leave them alone!
: Badawi: Oh, I understand the principles of what you are saying, of course, but the truth remains that I'm still a bit unhappy with this design as-is. Is there anything else that you can do?
: Badawi: Ah, actually, I just got an idea. Can we get rid of all the extraneous sections on the roof, so the whole design will just be one vertical structure, similar to that of a tree trunk?
: Kaveh: ...What!?
: Badawi: Don't architects often say that symmetry makes everything more balanced and pleasing to the eye? This way, the proportions will be completely balanced.
: Kaveh: I... I really don't know how you managed to come up with such a ridiculous idea. Wait, don't tell me... Someone hired you specifically to commission me and put me through the wringer? Come to think of it, though, I really don't think I've gotten on anyone's bad side recently...
: Kaveh: Anyway, that's it, I will not be working on this commission anymore. Goodbye! Maybe you can find yourself some other genius who'll be able to satisfy your demands.
;(−3 Hearts)
: Badawi: Hey, young man, please wait!... *sigh*
:: (Kaveh looks like he's in a bad mood. I should go check up on him.)
;(Talk to Badawi again, optional)
: Badawi: *sigh*... Were my requests out of line?
===Tavern Heart-to-Heart===
: Kaveh: Taking this commission was truly the worst decision ever...
: Are you all right?
: Kaveh: Hmm? Oh, hey, I wasn't expecting to run into you here.
: Kaveh: Actually, while we're on that, what are you doing here at the tavern? Don't listen to anyone who says that drinking is an elegant pastime. It's no good for your health.
: I followed you here.
: I saw you arguing with someone just now...
: Kaveh: Uh... So you saw all that, did you? Ugh, I thought I was in the clear — I made sure to double check that nobody I knew was around...
: Kaveh: Ahem... Anyway, thanks for looking out for me. Honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal. I'm used to it by now.
: Kaveh: Stress is just an inescapable part of being a working adult. Boss! I'll have a glass of wine — same as last time.
: Kaveh: Do you want something, too? I'll put it on my tab.
: I'll have a glass of juice.
: Lambad: Wine and a glass of juice, coming right up.
:
: Kaveh: I know you're already keeping a secret for me, but if you could add this one to the list as well, I'd really appreciate it. Arguing with a client is not a good look for me... If word gets out, other potential clients might be afraid to work with me.
: Kaveh: That guy, though... What was he even going on about!? All those ridiculous demands of his... he's just a blabbering fool trying to act like a know-it-all!
:: (Kaveh seems a lot more honest after he's had some wine...)
: Kaveh: Another glass, please, Boss! I'm not leaving today 'til someone has to carry me out!
: Lambad: You've got it, sir! Haha. Gotta say though, it almost feels like you're saying that every other day now...
: Kaveh: It really is every other day that you'd run into a client who knows nothing about construction requirements or architectural style. If this was in the past, I'd never have gone through six whole drafts trying to accommodate the client's preferences.
: Kaveh: But perhaps getting "used" to this just means that I've grown "numb" to it. I've worked on so many projects since graduation, and none of them have been approved at the first pass...
: Kaveh: I would spend a lot of time altering my designs, and by the time the clients were finally satisfied, all my passion and enthusiasm would be gone. It feels like I'm straying further and further from my artistic vision with every change I have to make.
: Kaveh: I suppose, though, that just sticking to your guns and completely disregarding other people's feedback would also not be a good thing.
: Kaveh: All of this makes for a real paradox, one that particularly crops up in my work, too. In the end, what is the true meaning of art? Should I see it as a divine gift of inspiration from the gods, or an expression of the light of my own wisdom?
: Lambad: Here's your drink. How are you already spouting nonsense after just one glass? Your tolerance is usually much better than that.
: Kaveh: Boss, what do you think is the meaning of art?
: Lambad: The meaning of art? Really, my friend, who in Sumeru understands art better than you?
: Lambad: Anyway, I dunno about art, but I do know that I'm interested in business, and some patrons are waiting to be served. So you'll have to excuse me for now... Just holler if you need anything.
: Kaveh: ...What do you think, ?
: I honestly have no idea...
:: Kaveh: No worries. It was just an offhand question.
:: Kaveh: It's been bothering me for a while. Even when I'm awake, the question haunts me like a bad dream. I still haven't found a good answer to it... or maybe, there was never a correct answer in the first place.
: Art is something that resonates with the masses?
:: Kaveh: Yes, art shouldn't be self-indulgent entertainment saved for the elite.
:: Kaveh: Let's say that I built a house for someone. If they don't like how it looks, then no matter how brilliant it may appear to me, they won't be happy with it.
:: Kaveh: The problem is that it can be very difficult to get validated by others. I could compromise my personal standards to accommodate my clients, but often, that'd just mean creating a final product that I would struggle to look at.
: Something that embodies the creator's efforts and dedication?
:;(+1 Heart)
:: Kaveh: Exactly. So our thoughts on the meaning of art are rather similar.
:: Kaveh: In Sumeru, and especially Sumeru of the past, the arts are not a popular discussion topic. Trying to talk about the arts is basically the key to killing any conversation.
:: Kaveh: It's too bad that I'm not in my best form today... Otherwise, we could have talked about this for a little longer.
:: (Kaveh still looks dejected, and even the wine didn't help his mood. How can I help cheer him up?)
:: (Hmm, maybe I should play it safe and just make a simple suggestion...)
:
:: Kaveh: Hmm? Ah, thanks for offering, but you've seen how he is... He's not going to listen to anything I say.
:: Kaveh: He understands nothing about my design, and all the suggestions he made were as if he just wanted to mock me.
:: I don't think he was intentionally trying to be difficult.
::: Kaveh: ...Okay, it is possible that I was just jaded by my frustration.
::: Kaveh: Well, given I'm already on my sixth draft, I can probably push myself to make a seventh... Let's go have another talk with him. I know where we'd be able to find the guy.
:: If you can convince even him to see your point of view...
::: Kaveh: You mean... If I manage to get him to see things my way, then this project would also gain recognition from many people?
::: Kaveh: Hmm... you've got a point. Let's hear him out one more time, then.
::: Kaveh: Time to get going. I know where we'd be able to find the guy.
:: Kaveh: There's no time to waste... The wine can wait until another time. I'll go take care of the bill.
::;(Go to Searching for the Commissioner)
: Let's do something else and clear your mind.
:: Kaveh: Sounds great to me! I don't even want to think about this project anymore. But what should we do? It's probably not a good idea to just drink until I pass out here...
::
::: Kaveh: Huh? Where did that come from...
::: Kaveh: I mean, it's not like it's some kind of secret. You probably already know some bits and pieces of my past.
::: Kaveh: My mother is also an architect. I've always adored her drawings, and when I was young, I used to sit next to her and watch her bring all kinds of buildings to life on paper. You could say my interest in architecture just naturally grew with time.
::: Would she be able to understand how you're feeling right now?
::: Kaveh: Perhaps. In fact, I have also seen my mother argue with her clients... But she would always quickly find the motivation to return to her work.
::: Kaveh: Unfortunately, I've barely had any contact with her since she remarried and moved abroad... Even if I wanted to ask her about her ability to stay positive after an argument, it would seem rude to barge into her life again over something as trivial as that.
::: Kaveh: I did remember something else, though. When my mother left, she only carried some small personal luggage with her. She left most of the belongings in the house to me.
::: Kaveh: At the time she even told me that it would be great if I could learn a few lessons from her life experiences, so my life and career could go a little more smoothly.
::: Kaveh: I hadn't quite come to grips with my emotions, and didn't really have it in me to go through any sentimental items, so I just packed anything with memories away in a box, and haven't reopened it since.
::: Kaveh: It's been a really long time... Now that so many years have passed, maybe I have finally developed the maturity I need to face those memories without losing my mind. Yeah... I should dig it out and take a look.
::: Um... Do you think I can come with you?
::: Kaveh: Huh? Ah... Sorry, I've had too much to drink and wasn't thinking clearly. You're right... I should do these kinds of things with the support of a friend.
::: Kaveh: Uh... speaking of that... I can call you a friend now, right...?
::: Kaveh: Either way, thanks for reminding me that I can invite you to come along. Had I just gone back by myself, it would have looked like I'm deliberately trying to keep things from you.
::: Kaveh: Ugh, thinking too hard about the words is giving me a headache, so I'll just give it to you straight. Ahem. Thanks to your advice, I have decided to put my current projects on pause for now, and spend some time trying to rekindle the passion for my craft.
::: Kaveh: If you want to stick around and see how this will turn out, you'll be sure to encounter some bits and pieces of my past. Do you think you'd find that too boring?
::: I don't think so.
::: Kaveh: Alright, then let's head back together. I mean, you already know where I live...
::: Kaveh: Hah, who knew that the day would come when I, too, would have some friends over.
::: Kaveh: Let me see... I should have tidied up the place before I left the house this morning. Alhaitham shouldn't be home now, either — he's usually in the records room at this time of the day.
::: Kaveh: Anyway, there's no more time for drinks. I'll go take care of the bill.
::;(Go to A Dear Memento)
::
::: Kaveh: A different career... I see, that's not a bad idea.
::: Kaveh: I think I've heard a saying somewhere before — eighty percent of a working adult's woes are due to not having enough Mora in the bank.
::: Kaveh: It's just a saying, of course, but even I will admit that my life would be a lot better if I could make additional Mora.
::: Kaveh: And if I want to make Mora, I should finish that ridiculous commission... But I really can't find it in me to go back and talk to him right now.
::: Kaveh: Hold on! I just remembered that I used to have a senior classmate by the name of Alkami. If memory serves me right, he's no longer taking private commissions, but he's still doing pretty well for himself.
::: Kaveh: Maybe I'll be able to get some advice from him... Yeah, I should get on this right away! No more wine for me today — I'll grab the bill and be on my way.
::;(Go to Educational Organization)
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
vi:Phương Án Thứ Sáu
es:La sexta propuesta