Comic Transcript: Chapter 1, Page 2
Overview & Visual Setting
A six-panel watercolor and ink comic page depicting a heated dispute over a budget request inside an imperial office, followed by a frustrated exit into a crowded hallway.
Panel 1
Visual Description: Inside the office, Lady Penelope Peacock stands rigidly in a green coat, facing Professor Genevieve, who has short white-blond hair and glasses. Professor Genevieve turns away slightly while holding a small sack of coins behind her back.
Lady Penelope Peacock:
“I’m sorry, Professor Genevieve, but Chadeim runs on strict protocols. As department chair, it’s your job to turn in an adequate budget request….”
Panel 2
Visual Description: A close-up on Professor Genevieve looking distressed and frustrated, grit-toothed as she argues her case.
Professor Genevieve:
“But this year’s budget was due eleven months ago, and our camera wasn’t broken then!”
Panel 3
Visual Description: Medium close-up of both figures facing profile to profile. Lady Penelope maintains an unbothered, stern expression, while Professor Genevieve looks glum.
Lady Penelope Peacock:
“Poor planning, Professor. Your only recourse now is to submit a petition to the Budget Committee.”
Panel 4
Visual Description: Close-up of Professor Genevieve throwing up a hand in exasperation, bristling with irritation lines.
Professor Genevieve:
“But that will take months! We need a new camera now!”
Panel 5
Visual Description: Diagonal split panel focusing on Lady Penelope in the foreground, waving an indifferent hand dismissing the argument. She looks forward with a flat, stoic expression.
Lady Penelope Peacock (Thought Bubble):
“…Whiner!”
Panel 6
Visual Description: A wider shot outside the office door. Professor Genevieve exits into a busy, bustling hallway crowded with people in dark coats and suits. A colleague standing by the doorway greets her as she leaves.
Colleague (Off-panel):
“Hey, Gin, any luck?”
Professor Genevieve:
“The dragon’s not budging from her hoard today.”