...Later as the singing is dying down and you've carefully refrained from any further toasts, you make sure to observe the two people who most merit observation. You're not seated near either bachelorette but you can watch and listen in. Runa has a round face, a short and buxom figure. She looks... Uncomfortable in the fancy dress, and generally quite bored with the whole feast. She does glance at you and your father more than once, an unreadable expression on her face. Sylvia, meanwhile, is quite pretty with an almond shaped face and striking blue eyes. She wears her dress with confidence, smiling, smooth, poised. Everyone seems to be talking to her, and her face is bright as she issues compliments on this or that, or commentary about the music, rumors she heard about some other noble, and is generally the life of the party.
Hmm... this doesn't really turn me off from Runa, as we were interested in her due to her connections and her architecture abilities. It does make Sylvia more interesting though. I personally think a diplomacy minded wife is going to be pretty important for us, it's one of the reasons I leaned towards Lucille.
After that, you're shown a series of drawings by Runa. This one depicts the colorful spire towers in Ganz, this one shows the prospective finished form of the Kalenbal castle's new walls, that one is a view of a bridge from side on with particular attention paid to the arching stones and central island. They're all impressively realistic-looking in careful black ink and shaded outlines. You ask some questions about erosion and the construction process, for the last one, but Runa answers with simple and straightforward statements in a dull tone, like someone fulfilling her duty rather than talking about something she loves. Hmm.
Huh... that's... frustrating. I mean, by asking specific and knowledgable (due to our experience designing mines) questions you would think that Runa would be excited to have someone interested in her work.
Makes me wonder if "architect" is due to "artist" not being as valued in her family. In which case she's not as good a pick as people thought...
It's also possible that rather than Runa being called an architect to cover up her liking to do stuff with her hands that she's being called an architect to gussy up her drawing/art hobby as being more practical/useful than it really is - possibly even because the Count Kalenbal (noted to be enthusiastic about technology for its applications in warfare rather than love of knowledge) wouldn't let Runa take up drawing without it having a practical benefit.
That's what I feel. Sounds like she likes to draw and has real skill at it, but in our war crazy land that's not as valued as someone who can design a castle. I guess a skilled draftsman is still valuable for us but... if it's not what she enjoys doing I feel like it put unwelcome strain on the marriage.
[] Stick with courting Runa. The dowry and connections will still be potent. Spend time attempting to get to know her and all. Maybe she was just nervous with everyone there?
[] Heinrich will make a few quiet probes about Sylvia's eligibility after the gunpowder demonstration, risking disapproval. A more socially adept wife could be something you need. You'll still try to court Runa if the response is unfavorable but it would make things a bit awkward.
... I kind feel bad because I'd like to get to know Runa more first, but I do get the feeling that asking after Sylvia's hand is best done right after the gunpowder question.
Although honestly... I think I'd prefer the following:
[X] Focus more potential investments and cooperation regardless of marriage alliances. Seek to make the connection one not dependent on a match with either Runa or Sylvia.
Mainly because I'd rather not risk that connection by going after Sylvia, and I don't want to link it to Runa either, since she is giving hints of not actually being an architect.
