>Guard Rank: LIZARD
>Congratulations, you are a pitiful lizard! One step above an Ant, at least you're considered a vertebrate now!
>Don't assume that she likes you now though, because she doesn't.
>And you're still not seen as an actual person.


Thread archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Princess%20Guard%20Quest

This bed is so comfortable...

...but you must awaken, for there are things to do!

With a groan, you open your eyes. Still half-asleep, you stumble towards the window and open it. A cool breeze helps you regain your senses, and the first thing you notice is that this is around the same time you woke up yesterday.

After you get bathed and dressed, you'll have a bit of time...

>head straight to the dining room
>go look for someone (specify who)
>explore the castle
>[OTHER]

>>27168346
>head straight to the dining room

>>27168346
>explore the castle

And use the convenient map we got so we can better learn all the passageways as we do this.

>>27168346
>explore the castle

Lets poke around a little bit. We ended up way early yesterday if I recall.

>>27168346
>head straight to the dining room

>>27168346
>explore the castle

We ended up waiting for a while last time, no need to hurry, get some exploration in while we have a good chance.

>writing

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Gerhard lent you a copy of the castle plans, so you decide that now's as good a time as any to put them to use. Unfolding the map and placing it onto your bed to get a better look, you're pretty surprised at how detailed it is.

This isn't a "guide to where everything is" kind of map, but more like actual construction blueprints. General placement of rooms, details on where load-bearing walls are, shortcuts for "service reasons," it's quite overwhelming for a beginner to make sense of.

Realizing that these would be QUITE dangerous if they were to get into the hands of an enemy, you make a mental note to put these somewhere safe when you're done looking at them.

And then you remember that Gerhard seemed to have simply been walking around with them...

...but now isn't the time to wonder what the hell is up with that guy, you have other things to do.

like exploring.

>[1/2]

>>27169050
Focusing on the section of the plans that you're currently in, you notice that this wing connects to two major parts of the castle by main pathways. It'd be a decent idea to move to one of them after you finish exploring this wing...


>go to north passageway (connects to armory)
>go to east passageway (connects to residential quarters)

>>27169200
>go to north passageway (connects to armory)

>>27169200
>go to north passageway (connects to armory)
It would be good to see what we've got there.

>>27169200
>go to north passageway (connects to armory)

Rolled 9

>>27169200
To the armory, we will flirt later.

>>27169200
East passageway

>>27169225
forgot to take trip off.(is anyone else getting numbers for thier capcha, for the last 2 hours all my capcha are numbers)

>>27169200
>go to east passageway (connects to residential quarters)

>>27169200
go east, meeting people is always good

>>27169240
Last night in my 3D printing thread all I had were numbers. Now I'm back to words, although I prefer the numbers...

>Armory

>>27169240
Yeah I'm getting them too

>>27169200
To the armory!

>writing

>go to north passageway (connects to armory)


For now, you decide to take the north passage. It leads to the armory, and you figure that it'd be a good idea to check out what's in there.

Hey, maybe you'll get the chance to see a legendary sword!

With your course decided, you fold the map back up and place it inside your desk. It's not the best hiding place, but it's better than just leaving it out in the open.

And with that, you head out. First you explore the wing that yours and the Princess's rooms are in, while saying hello to the occasional maid and butler that you pass along the way.

Then you head to the north corridor, which the map said would lead you to the armory. After a long walk through a windowless passage, you finally reach your destination. There is one guard at either side of the entrance, with several others patrolling the premises.

You salute both guards as you approach, but then you see someone familiar.

...what's Arnaud doing all the way out here?

>greet Arnaud!

>>27169945
Is Arnaud going to be our sparring partner?

>>27170072
He's an old butler, we're a young spry swordsman, I don't think it'd be polite to ask him to spar, there's plenty of people we can spar with other than him.

>>27169945
"Hey Arnaud. What brings you to the armory?"

I think we should chill with local guards a bit later. We haven't got to really do that.

>>27170101
seconding

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"Hey Arnaud, what brings you to the armory?" you ask, more than a bit puzzled.
"Oh, Reinhold! I didn't expect to run into you here!" Arnaud says with a bow. "I was actually checking on my old cursed armor, you see. You need to cycle the wards every few days, or the curse's influence starts to leak out..."

WHAT.

You were NOT expecting to hear about something like that. The shock shows on your face... and is met with laughter.

"Hahaha! Sorry about that, son! I wasn't expecting you to take that story seriously." Arnaud says as he wipes tears from his eyes. "Ah, to be young and impressionable again..."
"U- um, it wasn't -that- funny..." you say, attempting to save face.
"Ah, no worries. I'm actually down here because an inventory on our armaments was requested, and I was about to bring the paperwork to Sir Vincent," he says, producing a clipboard.
"I- I see..."
"And what about you? If there's anything in particular that you needed, I have more than enough time to assist you..."

>Ask Arnaud for a tour
>Ask Arnaud for something else (specify)
>Turn down his offer and do your own thing (specify)
>[OTHER]

>>27170752
>Ask Arnaud for a tour

Since we're pretty much just looking around, may as well get the guided tour.

>>27170752
>Ask Arnaud for a tour
Better to have someone point out all the stuff then trying to guess where it's at later

>>27170752
>Ask Arnaud for a tour

"Nothing in particular I needed, mainly just looking around, getting an idea of the area, and looking at the collection of arms and armor you have."

Rolled 19

>>27170752
>Ask Arnaud for something else (specify)
check out the swords and light armor

Have to run to the store, I'll strt writing when I ge back.

>>27170752
Ask for a tour and possibly a way to improve your gear.

>>27170752
Ask about where most guards tend to hang out on their off hours. And archery+stuff range. Ask shit about magic, or disappearing like a certain librarian.

>>27170983
We don't even know what kinda gear we got

>>27171005
this is the royal palace, they are bound to have better stuff than the rest of the military and they can also sanction stuff to be improved if we can't get new gear.

>>27170831
But anon we have a special sword from our master and a sob story waiting for it, we mustn't get rid of the sword.

Rolled 5

>>27171123
but we can always carry another

>writing

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>Ask Arnaud for a tour

"Well, it would help if you could show me around..." you say.
"Ah, a tour? It would be my pleasure!"

With a warm smile, Arnaud motions for you to follow him into the armory. The moment you step inside, he begins explaining everything around you.

"...we have magical scrolls of all types, for those who can't actually cast spells on their own," Arnaud says while pointing to a sealed cabinet that takes up an entire wall. "...and here are our swords. His Majesty and his predecessors have accumulated just about every major variety, all from the most skilled blacksmiths!" he said, motioning to a rack with more swords than you'd ever seen before in your life.
"They certainly are nice..."
"And here are the enchanted blades. Nothing too fancy, they're mostly swords enchanted with fire or ice. Unfortunately, we don't have any of the Sealed Kings... it was my dream to obtain one of them when I was younger," he says with a sigh. "Alas, not all dreams were meant to come true."
"Wow. This is like Sword Heaven," you say in awe as you take in in the sights.
"Is there anything that's caught your eye? A new sword, perhaps? If you put in a request, I'm sure you can get pretty much anything that you might want from here. The king is quite serious about Priness Marianne's safety, after all."
"Eh? Ah- that's okay, I'm kind of attached to the one I have now," you reply as you place your hand on your sword's pommel.
"Hm... interesting. ould you mind showing me your sword, if you don't mind?"

>refuse, you most definitely do mind.
>let him see it
>[OTHER]

>>27172249
>let him see it

No problem.

>>27172249
>Let him see it

>>27172249
>let him see it

We can trust him with it, he's not going to mess with it.

>>27172249
Let's show him our sword...with style! Flourish it out and strike a pose!

>let him see it

>writing

>let him see it


"Okay, I guess..." you say as you hand Arnaud your sword, still in its sheath.
"Hm. Not bad, not bad..." Arnaud says to himself as he examines the hilt. "And the blade..."

He then unsheaths your sword and hands you the scabbard. He then holds the blade close to his face, examining its edge up close.

"Nice balance, and the metal itself is of top quality."

Arnaud then steps back, takes a stance, and...

"Hah!" he shouts as he dashes into action. Two thrusts into the air, followed by a horizontal slash and then another thrust, which he then segues into a vertical slash which becomes a full spin, ending with a flourish and bow. "Aah, it's been quite a long time since I've done that."

"You certainly have a fine weapon here, Reinhold. I'm almost tempted to try and buy it off of you," he says with a wink. "Now if you don't need anything else, I suppose I should get going..."

>ask him something (specify what)
>thank him for his help and say goodbye
>[OTHER]

>>27172679
>ask him something (specify what)
train together a little (of course we're probably going to hold back, we wouldn't want to hurt him, just raise his spirits and have fun)

>>27172679
>ask him something (specify what)

"You have an eye for swords, and you did not appear quite as rusty as your words would suggest.

Were you a soldier before you became a butler?"

>>27172679
>thank him for his help and say goodbye
I think it's close to time to get to our post for the Princess

Asked about sealed kings.

We need to get them blades.

>>27172679
>thank him for his help and say goodbye

Probably about time to get ready for duty.

Later though we should totally look in to those magic scrolls, get a utility belt full of various useful magic just in case.

>>27172777
I have to agree with this guy. I'm curious as to what the Sealed Kings are, probably really fancy magic swords.

>>27172793

Seconded, but unsure about the scrolls bit.

>writing

>>27172679
Hm...When we get the Dragonslayer, we'll have to remember this.

>>27173163
no fuck you and you're stupid sword

>>27173163
>>27173207

Dragonslayer? What?

>>27173207
What? We were all for it last thread.

>>27173261
Dragonslayer. It's the sword in Berserk. It's basically a giant slab of iron that someone sharpened and strapped a hilt to.

>>27173293
No. Just no. Absolutely no.

>>27173343
Why?

>>27173354
Because its a stupid thing to shoehorn in out of fucking nowhere onto a character who clearly doesn't fight like Guts.

Bigheug anime swords are ok sometimes, but not now. Please stop trying to ruin everything.

>>27173354
no people were not for it they pointed out it would not work for are fighting style

>>27173384
>>27173381
Eh. It was pretty much in favor of the Dragonslayer, but whatever. Guess the tides turned.

>>27173293
It's a nice sword for Guts, but we aren't Guts in the least. Nothing in our character suggests that we'd fight like that, it doesn't suit us.

You've been here in the armory for a while now, and you'd like to get to the dining room before the Princess can complain about you being late, but something that Arnaud says caught your ear.

"Um, Arnaud?"
"Yes?"
"You said something before about 'Sealed Kings,' what exactly does that mean?"

The second you said that, Arnaud's eyes grew wide with disbelief.

"Reinhold! You actually don't know about the Sealed Kings?" he asks.
"This is the first time I've even heard the phrase," you reply.
"I can't believe that a swordsman of all things could have never heard about them..." he says to himself, and then turns to you. "I don't have enough time to tell you the full story, but I'll give you the abridged version for now."

"Over a thousand years ago, the Old Kings divided this continent amongst themselves. Being the most powerful beings in existence, those dragons and elemental spirits all kept to their own territories and there was peace," Arnaud says as he closes his eyes in recollection.

"But there was a certain swordsmith who was -quite- mad, obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect swords. He managed to prolong his life by forming a contract with a certain elemental, and then spent hundreds of years perfecting a horrible spell."

>[1/?]

>>27173443
no it wasn't, there was one, maybe two idiots trying to push for it but it makes no fucking sense for the character and its a stupid idea

>>27173516
Let the samefag samefag, bro. No need to get all rustled.

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>>27173458
"When he cast it, she was transformed into a sword. But not just any old piece of metal, it was a blade of pure magic!" Arnaud says as he waves his hands excitedly. "And the spell was such that in her sword form, she bonded to the swordsmith and gave him full access to her elemental powers. They would be together forever, and she was now in the form of what he loved most- a sword. Just as she wanted."
"That sounds... completely insane," you say.
"Oh, it was. And he wasn't satisfied with just having turned his lover and patron into a sword, he then went on to each of the Old Kings who were elemental spirits and used the spell on them, transforming them into the same kind of sword. This naturally caused all kinds of chaos, what with the massive power vaccuum that followed."
"So this guy got away with all of this?" you ask.
"No, he was killed and his sword destroyed about ten years after he began his mad quest. But the damage was already done," Arnaud finishes, a solemn expression on his face.

"Aaand those swords are collectively known as the Sealed Kings! There's more to the enchantment that created them, but that's pretty much the basics. And now I must get going, farewel!"

With that, Arnaud gives a bow and hurries out of the armory.

>[2/?]

>>27173824
so what are the chances that the sword we have is a sealed king, a failed experiment, or the blacksmith himself

>>27173992
Somewhere approaching zero,

>>27173992
Remarkably low I would hazard.

>>27173824
>[3/3]
Arnaud's story certainly was interesting, but it's about time for you to head to the dining room. Trying out a few sidepassages that you saw in the blueprints, you make it there rather quickly and assume the post that you did yesterday beside the door.

Just in time too, you can see the Princess and her entourrage of maids approaching. But she's not wearing her usual princessly gown, instead wearing something that you'd expect more from a lesser noble. Clothed in a light dress with a cardigan and her hair done up in a bun, she still looks nice... but you are a bit thrown off.

Just as you get done wondering about what's up with the Princess's clothing, she notices you.

"Hm. I see that you're punctual today as well. Please try and make it a habit," she says in her usual passive-agressive fashion.

>greet the princess!

>>27174095
>greet the princess!

"I shall keep to it, Princess. May I ask about the change in dress for you?"

But less... less formal.

Couldn't think of something good.

>>27174118
"Sho 'nuff, Boo. What's with the new threads?"

>>27174132
Awww yeeeee.

Stepping out for an hour or more, I'll get to writing when I get back.

>>27174132
>"Sho 'nuff, Boo. What's with the new threads?"

"WHERE'S WALLACE, MARIANNE? WHERE'S WALLACE!?!"

>>27174095
[x] "It's a nice enough hallway. Feeling a bit more casual today?"

>>27174118
Second

>>27174095
"Of course, milady. Though, it's easy to be motivated to come to so fine a hallway. If I may ask, why the change in attire?"

>>27174313

Seconded! But let's call her Princess.

Not sure how saying 'Milady' will go.

>>27174095
Turn on the polite sarcasm.

"Of course Princess. I shall endeavor to live up to your expectations and match the beat of my heart with the ticking of a clock.

Might I ask after your schedule for today? Is your change in outfit because of an activity you have planned?"

>>27174288
Changing my vote to
>>27174313

>>27174168

It's been a while.

Didn't see this post, too.

>>27174313
sounds great

>>27174988

I know right?

Bump

OP will come back. We all just have to believe.

>>27176246
Clap your hands!

But seriously, this quest thread is going to be the only thing that keeps me awake long enough to finish this fucking essay

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>>27174168

Late night Denny's is always fun when you're not the one who has to pay the bill.

And now, I writing. Sorry for the wait.

Is this one of those 24 hour quests with breaks in between?

>>27176671
It's seeming like it, though I suppose that it'll depend on how long the thread lasts.

>>27176722
This is /tg/. Threads can easily last days.

"Of course, Princess," you say with a bow. "Though I must admit that it's easy to be motivated to come stand in a hallway as fine as this one," you finish while giving a genuine smile.

Your greeting is met with the sound of giggling from the group of maids who surround Princess Marianne. She herself only places her hand to her forehead as if in pain, letting out a deep sigh.

"You're... annoyingly sarcastic this morning. Though I suppose that it's better than having to put up with Sir Gregory's foul mood," she says while glancing to the side.
"Permission to ask a question, Princess?"
"That itself is a question, but go ahead."
"I see that you're dressed more casually than you have in the past few days. Is there any special reason for that?" you ask.

Princess Marianne opens her mouth in surprise, before quickly regaining her poise.

"I'm surprised that you actually noticed," she says. "I'm wearing this today because I wanted something easier to move in, walking around town in my usual attire would draw unwanted attention, and it's also quite uncomfortable," she says while crossing her arms.

Wait, what?

She's going into town?

"And naturally, you will be accompanying me," she says, noticing your surprised expression.

>say something
>don't say anything

>>27176883
[x] "I look forward to it."

>>27176883
>>say something
We should know where we're going. And who will accompany us.

>>27176883
"Good, I was worried the brothel would forget my face. I still get two more free rides from that tournament victory."

>>27176883
>Ignore princess
>Ask whichever maid looks most competent for something concealing (cloak probably) to disguise the fact that we are armed to the teeth
>Get someone to prepare us a map of the city to study during food, a list of the princess's favorite shops on it
>Try to see if we're doing this on our own, or if we get backup

>>27176915
This, lets get our itinerary figured out beforehand. Knowing her she might just not tell us if we don't ask.

>writing

>>27176883
>[x] Get a cloak
Cloaks are useful for disguising how we are armed to the teeth and shit.

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>>27176883
>"I look forward to it"

>>27177098
Cloaks are fine. As long as it isn't a cape.

>>27176883
>>27176915
Voting for itinerary

>>27177098
>>27176980
Bitches love cloaks

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>say something


"um, where exactly are we going?" you ask, concerned about this unforeseen change in schedule.
"Like I said, into town. As in, outside the castle. You've only been here for three days, surely you haven't forgotten the outside world already?" she replies.

This girl...

"I meant, where in town are we going to be headed? As your bodyguard, I can't say that I'm all that comfortable with you wandering around outside..." you say.
"So you mean that you're not certain about your ability to -do your job- and keep me safe?" she replies.
"I didn't mean like-" you stop yourself and sigh, regaining your composure. "What I -meant- is that it's kind of dangerous out there, expecially for a high-profile target like you."
"Oh, I know what you meant," she says while grinning slyly. "Let's continue our conversation at the table."

With that, Princess Marianne turns her back to you and heads into the dining room, her maids following close behind. After sighing VERY deeply, you do the same.

After the Princess finishes her business with her maids, they quickly disperse and you take a seat next to her.

"I don't have any lessons scheduled, so I decided to spend the day in town. This is something that I do regularly, and the area of the city that I'll be in is one that I am familiar with. Father also knows that I'll be going, and the number of guards posted has been increased accordingly. Is that good enough?"

>yes
>no (if so, why)

>>27177139
[x] Yes.

>>27177114
Nah a cape would be bad, as that just covers our back, a cloak can cover our front and sides as well, hiding our weapons and armour.

>>27177139
Yes

Maybe we'll finally get to show of our swordsmanship?

>>27177139
>yes
Fucking brat.

>>27177139
Yes.

>>27177139
>No

Because castle guards are easy to get past. They have predetermined patrol routes and guard shift changes. Increasing the amount of guards only shortens the windows that an assassin has to get through, not eliminate them.

Rather, we might want to know what kind of people are in that part of town. If they are kind, just, and all around good people, it will be easy to point at the Assassin and spout bullshit like, "That man tried to kidnap and rape my friend here!"
It will turn the public against the Assassin, blowing the Assassins stealth and cover. Forcing him to either get rid of everyone there, or flee.

However, if the people there are scumbags and swindlers, they won't care if there is an assassin right in front of them.

>>27177139
>yes
Because random encounters.

>writing

Next post is the last for the night, guys. Getting kind of sleepy.

>>27177139
>Yes
"As long as you don't mind me intimidating any strangers that get within arm's length of you."

"I guess it is," you say.
"Good. So long as you stay out of the way while doing your job, the day should go by smoothly," she replies.

Before you can say anything else, a butler enters the room with two trays. He places the first in front of the princess, and then does the same for you.

You can smell a familiar sweet aroma...

...pancakes!


>talk to the princess
>talk to someone else
>disregard bitches, CONSUME PAMCAKES
>[OTHER]

>>27177302
>>disregard bitches, CONSUME PAMCAKES
The only correct choice.

>>27177302
>Talk to the princess
>while eating pancakes politely

"How is your father?"

(We know she likes her father, hence appropriate topic to keep her interest and raise her opinion of us.)

>>27177302
>PAMCAKES
Well at least we know they didn't stick to the pan.

>>27177302

ask how her father is on this fine day, while eating pancakes.

>>27177302
>Ask for cloak, stylish but not flashy so we don't look like a murder-vagrant
>Talk to maids, or butler, or somebody. Chat it up servantclass style and see if we can make the princess annoyed at being ignored.
>Ask SOMEONE about that section of the city.
>Then shovel pancakes

To bed with me, I'll resume whenever I wake up.

>>27177348
Well played good sir.

>>27177312
It's like I'm in Sekirei Quest all over again!
I miss being a Russian mobster assassin who eats pancakes...

>>27177368

The frequent coming and goings this thread are kind of annoying.

bump

Wait, if nobody's gonna tell us where we're going, that's an excuse to requisition more bling. After all, haunted pyramids are "outside the castle". A dozen scrolls of fireball are a perfectly viable precaution in case the princess ends up insulting a mummy lord.

Eh? Eeeh?

>>27181274
>go out of castle
>several months and campaigns later
>"we thought you were dead. you're also fired"

At the very least we might get our hands on one of those blinged swords with elementals inside.

Alright, I'm up. Leaving suggestions open for ten more minutes, and then it's writing time.

>>27177302
pankakes

>>27177302
>disregard bitches, CONSUME PAMCAKES

>>27181846
writing

>>27181882

Ugh, christ.

>disregard bitches, CONSUME PAMCAKES

There are a few questions that you kind of want to ask the Princess, but you figure that interrupting her meal would just make her mad. And so, you decide to focus on the plate of pancakes in front of you and CONSUME them.

But then you remember that HORRIBLY BORING etiquette class, and decide to eat at a slower pace. While pancakes are delicious, there's no sense in having the Princess think of you as being -completely- uncultured.

After the two of you finish your food, the same maids from before enter the dining room and Princess Marianne gets up from her seat to talk with them. You can't quite make out what they're saying, but you do notice that the Princess is smiling slightly.

She must be looking forward to this little outing...


>ask somebody something (specify what)
>watch in silence
>[OTHER]

>>27182126
>better than I expected

Ask about the specific shops we'll be going to.

>>27182126
>ask somebody something (specify what)

"Anything you're looking for in this trip?"

>>27182126
>>watch in silence
It's not like she'll tell us any details.

>>27182126

"Anything specific you want to get on this trip, your highness?"

>>27182148
this

>>27182126
if we got cash, we should help her out since we used to be a street urchin and there isn't much different from one cities lower class doings than an others.

>>27182200
Seems decent enough.

>>27182126

Hello, OP?

As she sees you approach, the smile on Princess Marianne's face quickly turns into a frown.

"Um, PrincesS?" you ask.
"What is it?"
"Was there anything specific that you wanted to get on this trip?"
"I'm just going to stop by a few stores and browse," she begins to explain. "I heard that my favorite bookstore just got a new shipment, and there were a few clothing stores that I haven't checked in quite some time."

Just as you think to yourself that her itinerary sounds rather normal, she glares at you as if reading your mind.

"I'm sure that you were expecting me to waste my entire day at an expensive jewler's or something of that sort," she says while crossing her arms. "I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"I'm not disappiinted oranything, just a bit surprised," you answer honestly.
"Just keep out of the way and try not to draw too much attention to yourself," she says as she motions to a maid who then scurries away.

>[1/?]

>>27182200
Backing

>>27182734

You there, OP?

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>>27182734
"While we are out, you will refer to me as 'Marie.' And try not to be so formal," she says. "The owners of the establishments that I'm going to all know me, but there's no telling who else will be in the store."
"Will do, Princess," you say with a salute.

The Princess simply rolls her eyes at you as a maid hurries back into the dining room.

"Thank you, Melanie," Princess Marianne nods at the maid and then turns back to you. "Your appearance is what will stand out the most, so wear this cloak," she says as the maid, apparently named Melanie, hands you a large bundle of clothing.
"Um, thanks."
"It's my pleasure, sir," she says with a bow.

Unfurling the cloak, you see that it's the type that you've seen some of the more successful adventurers wearing in the past. Large enough to fit over your uniform, while loose enough to not hamper your movement.

"This is pretty nice," you say as you put it on.
"It's not like I can have my bodyguard wearing rags," the Princess replies coldly. "Now if you don't mind, it's time for us to get going."

>[2/?]

>>27182973
"sure thing Marie, lets get moving"

>>27182973

luckily we can make the transition back to informal pretty quickly.

We should get her back to the castle before dark.

>>27182973
help the bitch shop with your street knowledge.

>>27183021
>>27183023
>>27183025

All seconded.

OP hasn't finished writing apparently, the hell are you even voting for..

>>27183054
just passing the time doing SOMETHING.
>>27183025
this will help. infact, we should forge a way to keep some leads on the "ground" so we can keep some form of tips and intel of possable threats to the princess. a good defense is a great offense. we could form the base of the royal secreit service.

>>27183054
give him an idea and its not like he won't ask for options later on.

>>27182973
>[3/3]
"Princess, your carriage is ready," you hear a familiar voice say. You turn in the direction it came from, and see Arnaud standing in he doorway.
"Thank you, Arnaud," the Princess says as she motions for you to follow.

After a few minutes of walking, you stop at a side gate of the castle. Waiting in front of it is a moderate-sized carriage, drawn by a cow-sized reptile that you think looks kind of like a Behemoth... but it's far too small, and you heard that Wyverns are the only lesser dragons what are capable of being trained.

Pushing that out of your mind for the moment, you watch as Arnaud opens the carriage door and motions for you to enter. The two of you do so, and he turns to face you.

"Have a safe trip, Princess," he says with a bow and then closes the door.

>make conversation as you travel
>shut up and enjoy the scenery

>>27168317
>Brothel in a poor fishing village.
How would a poor fishing village be able to support a whole brothel. I can't imagine anything more than a couple of whores being able to sustain their trade in a poor fishing village, and even then, one whore would be more believable.

>>27183252
>>shut up and enjoy the scenery

>>27183252

"have you had any trouble before, during such a trip?"

>>27183260
Perhaps the fishing village was a stopping point for raiding parties on the way to areas that actually had money?

>>27183260

They're not actually fishing there. The whores just have really really really bad personal hygiene.

>>27183291
Seconded

>>27183252

>make conversation as you travel

'So what would you normally do on such a trip?'

>>27183364
We already asked that.
And she answered that she goes shopping.

>>27183291
This.

>>27183291

This.

>>27183291
xth for asking questions that help us do our job.

>>27183291
joining the club in saying do this

>writing

>>27183432

Great!

File: 1379016645326.jpg-(587 KB, 850x675, sample_cd7c99f9ec40f7cddf(...).jpg)

587 KB JPG

>make conversation as you travel

The carriage rides rather smoothly, and is a lot less noisy than you were expecting. You'd like to take the time to just enjoy the experience, but you have things to do.

"Pri- er, Marie?" you ask, remembering what she told you before you left.
"What is it?" she replies, not bothering to turn away from the window.
"I was just wondering, have you ever run into any trouble on one of these trips?"
"Trouble?" she pauses, seemingly in thought. "There's never been anything directed at me, if that's what you're asking. Though there was one time when I was unfortunate enough to witness a drunken brawl that spilled out into the street."
"...I see." You can't even imagine how she reacted to that...
"But aside from the odd event like that, things go rather smoothly. I'll do my part in not advertising who I am, so all you need to do is watch out for the unexpected," she says while turning to face you. "Is that all?"

>yes
>no

>>27183708
yes

>>27183708

>Yes

now enjoy the hell out of that scenery.

>>27183708
no, ask her what she is ghetting and if she wants to see anything.

>>27183708

Yes, also I most commend you on the casual dress, its easy on the eyes.

>>27183766
She already told us that

>yes

>>27183708
ask her if she is going to visit someone, perhaps a lover...

>>27183820
I feel the need to remind you that we're barely a vertebrate in the princess' eyes. I really can't see asking something like that going well for us.

>>27183708
Ask if you can stop by a few places. Gonna see some old mates from the army!

Also, how veteran are we? We're apparently the best swordsman, and we did some knifing on the streets, but did we see any combat? Ever killed anybody? Any monsters?

>>27183820
>Insinuating that the princess has a lover
Yeah, that'll go over well.

Let's not do that.

>>27183820
>>27183916
then only ask her if she's visiting someone.

>>27183940
We do know that she has no real friends, other than that other princess that hasn't been around for some time.
Possible, but unlikely.

>>27183820

let's not, you want to be an ant again?

maybe if she visits a suspicious location but not before.

>>27183940
She already told us what she's doing on this trip, though

>"I'm just going to stop by a few stores and browse," she begins to explain. "I heard that my favorite bookstore just got a new shipment, and there were a few clothing stores that I haven't checked in quite some time."

>>27183940
She already told us we are going to the bookstore to check out a new shipment and a few clothing stores.

>>27183992
BUT WHAT IF SHE IS LYING?

>>27184007
>BUT WHAT IF SHE IS LYING?
Then she'll just lie again you clown.

>>27183992

Maybe we could ask her about her books. If she's offended at us thinking she's shallow, maybe our appreciation of her intellectual appetite will make her see us more kindly.

>>27184021
;)

>>27184007
Even if she is, what possible reason would she have to tell us the truth the second time she asked?

>>27184027
I like this, though. Reinhold needs some book-learnin'.

>>27184007
>>27184021
we're going to find out one way or another!

>>27184027

This sounds good.

>>27183708
>yes

>>27184077
And this is the story of how we get shivved
And then her lesbian gets jealous of us and we get shoved in a ditch
Ooh, then we become a vampire assassin through the force of our hatred! OP, a plan is formed

>>27184105
What.

>yes

"I think so, Marie." you say. "I'd also like to compliment you on your choice of dress, it looks good."
"...thanks. If -you- don't find it overly fancy, then I suppose that I succeeded in my goal," she says as she turns back towards the window.

You're a bit surprised that she took your compliment at face value, but you push that to the back of your mind and resume your enjoyment of the scenery.

After about a halfhour of travel, the carriage stops and the driver opens the door.

"We are here," he says with a bow.

You leave the carriage first, then turn back and help "Marie" down. Once again, you're glad you managed to pay attention during that etiquette lesson.

"We'll be fine from here," she says as she turns to the driver. "Come and pick us up an hour or so before sunset, I don't plan on spending time out here after dark."
"As you wish," the driver replies as he tips his hat. He then gets back onto the carriage and drives off.

After the driver is out of sight, the Princess turns to you.

"Let's get going, I dislike wasting time."

>follow her
>ask her something
>[OTHER]

>>27184263
Follow her

>>27184263
Follow her.
We have no pressing issues or questions at the moment and she apparently doesn't like to waste time.

>>27184263
Follow

>>27184263
She'd probably dislike it if we immediately asked for the destination and, really, it's probably not necessary right now. Best option seems like following her.

>>27184263
>follow her

Keep our eyes open and looking around, pay attention to our surroundings.

>>27184263
>Follow her
Let's get to shopping, err guarding. If SHE wants to talk, she will

>>27184263
>follow her

Deciding to keep your mouth shut for now, you follow the Princess silently as she heads to her first destination. Her claims of actually knowing the area seem to be true, as it seems like she's taking a direct route.

You, on the other hand, have never been in this part of town before. It's a shopping district, and the people you see walking around are wearing clothing that's as fancy as the PRincess's usual garb.

You suppose that she really did a good job in making herself stand out less.

As you follow the Princess, you take a note of your surroundings. As expected of a city, there are plenty of places for a potential ambush to take place... but there are also gurds all over the place. While it does seem safe, you remain on high alert just in case.

"We're here," the Princess says as she stops and turns to you. "This is the bookstore that I mentioned earlier."

You look up and see a sign that says "Marchamp's Literary Emporium." You then notice that she's waiting for you... you hurry up and open the door for her, making a point to look inside before stepping aside so that she can enter. You follow closely behind.

Inside, you are met by an elderly gentleman with glasses.

"Ah, if it isn't little Marie! I see that you heard about our new stock," he says as he waves to her. "And I take it that this gentleman is your new bodyguard?"

>introduce yourself
>let "Marie" introduce you

>>27184263
>Follow her

You there, OP?

>>27184835
>let "Marie" introduce you

Keep on the lookout.

>>27184835
>>let "Marie" introduce you

>>27184835
>introduce yourself

>>27184835
>let "Marie" introduce you
If she thought all of this up and gives us breadcrumbs for information she can't expect us to really take charge.

>>27184835
>let "Marie" introduce you

the shop keeper knows about our princess. he knows we're a bodyguard. this... could be a problem. we must be wary...

>let "Marie" introduce you


"Yes, he is my bodyguard. He's usually rather aggravating, but he's promised me that he would be on his best behavior today," she says to the old man.
"Haha, I see that you're as feisty as ever!" he replies happily, then turns to you. "I'm Marchamp, the owner of this fine establishment. I thank you for protecting my dear Marie, she's my favorite customer!"
"You know that flattery doesn't work on me," "Marie" replies while sighing slightly.
"You keep on coming back, don't you?" the old man replie with a wink.

Marchamp then gets up from the counter and approaches the two of you.

"I suppose that we should get to business already, a lady like you is sure to be busy," he says as he leads the two of you to a bookshelf. "I just got these in last week..."

As Marchamp talks with "Marie" about his latest stock, you step back and keep guard. Fortunately, the bookstore is rather open and you have little trouble confirming that the area is safe.

>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do
>join in on the conversation
>[OTHER]

>>27185401
>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

>>27185401
>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

>>27185401
>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

This is work, and since we are outside of the palace we should be on high alert.

>>27185401
>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

Guard like a motherfucker. Gotta make absolutely certain nothing goes wrong on this trip.

>>27185401

Leave them to their books, but listen in.

>>27185401
>[OTHER]
BOTH OPTIONS!
we need to keep her safe, but we should also learn more what she wants. so we don't stand out too much.

>>27185401
>>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

>>27185401
>>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

>>27185401
>join in on the conversation

>>27183892
>Also, how veteran are we? We're apparently the best swordsman, and we did some knifing on the streets, but did we see any combat? Ever killed anybody? Any monsters?

Never seen war or anything, but you've cut down more than a few bandits. No monsters, though.


>writing

>>27185401
Browse through the book store while keeping one eye on the girl

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>>27185401
>Dumb bodyguard.
>Trying to talk about books like he knows shit.

Yeah no.
>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

I hope we don't get railroaded into falling in love with her. Because there's so many reasons why an adult in Reinhold's position would go NOPENOPENOPE at that.

>>27185932
Back in the beginning of thread 2 when some people wanted to fuck her, QM was quick to point out what a horrible idea that was for a variety of reasons. So, I wouldn't worry.

>leave them to their books, you have guarding to do

Seeing that "Marie" seems to actually be enjoying herself while talking to Marchamp about his latest stock of books, you decide not to spoil the mood by butting in. Instead, you continue to be wary of your surroundings and keep on standing guard without saying a word.

The pinnale of professionalism, that you are.

This continues for over an hour, as they get pretty deep into their conversation about the merits of such-and-such author, what the best genre of fiction is, and several other things that you weren't really paying too much attention to. Finally, she picks out several books which Marchamp carries back to the counter.

"I'll pick these up on my way back," she says to him. "I doubt that my bodyguard would enjoy carrying them around all day, after all."

>say goodbye to Marchamp and follow "Marie" to your next destination
>talk to someone about something
>[OTHER]

>>27185790
Join in. Knowledge is power. The etiquette knowledge has allowed us to skip a few issues. Might as well learn some book knowledge. Plus their is magic in this setting. Might require a certain level of knowledge before we can even start casting.

>>27186010
>say goodbye to Marchamp and follow "Marie" to your next destination
Might be a good idea to get to know her friends. If they start acting suspicious could be someone under glamor or polyjuice. Of course we'd only be able to tell if we knew the guy well.

>>27185932
i'll be happy to try to improve her personality some so she isn't a bitch. we're not going to land her more than likely. but the worst possablity is she'll take the throne, if we can't help fix her bitchyness, god help us all from the wicked queen! not even thinking about if we fail so bad she get killed before any of that.

>>27186010
Did she just do something considerate? Huh. Well, let's continue being PROFESSIONALEST PROFESSIONAL and say goodbye to Marchamp and follow "Marie".

>>27186010
>say goodbye to Marchamp and follow "Marie" to your next destination
we should take note who she talks too. this could be important later.

>>27186010
There's not much to talk about right now, might as well follow.

>>27186010
Say goodbye to Marchamp, and thank him for his time.

As we're following "Marie" to the next location, keeping our eyes open and observing the area, ask her if there are any fiction books she would recommend to us.

>>27185995
It'd be funny if we had the opposite.
Princess: Reinhold, I think I'm in love with you....
Reinhold: I appreciate that you'd think that way of me but it just won't work.
Princess: What? Why!?
Reinhold:
1. We're of different birth. I'm a commoner, let alone of nobility high enough to be worth considering.
2. It'd be extremely unprofessional, sullying the reputation of myself plus the guard and betraying the King's trust. It would also be a huge scandal throughout the country and may even get me killed.
3. You're probably going to find a more compatible man who will be suitable for you as a lover and husband anyway, rather than me.
4. Again, I'm your body guard. My duty is to protect you, and getting so emotionally involved it my cloud my thinking would hamper my ability to protect you in times of crisis.
5. You're still young and this may be a spur of the moment thing anyway. Don't worry, it's not the end of the world for you.

Unless we somehow fulfill most/all of the prerequisites AND get the King's explicit support/encouragement, it's a bad idea. Either way this has potential without being Waifu Quest #234532

>>27186284
6. Are you deaf? I mean seriously, I've been banging hot chicks in my room for weeks. Some of them are really, let's just say passionate. How did you not hear them?

>>27185401
>Say goodbye to Marchamp, and thank him for his time.

And maybe make some SHORT, polite conversation.

>>27186284
I agree with this fully.

>>27186314
>6. Are you deaf? I mean seriously, I've been banging hot chicks in my room for weeks. Some of them are really, let's just say passionate. How did you not hear them?
Women are more attracted to men who have girlfriends already.

In case you were wondering:

Reinhold is 17.
Nicolette is 16
Marianne is 15, as is Melanie.
Sir Gregory is 38.

You have no idea how old Sir Vincent, Arnaud, or Gerhard are.

And now I write.

>>27186515
>15
ABORT ABORT ABORT

>>27186515
Only 17, huh? I imagined he was older.

>>27186567
Living in a shithole makes you grow up fast.

>>27186562
Abort what? We don't seem to have any plans to romance her.

>say goodbye to Marchamp and follow "Marie" to your next destination


As you prepare to leave the bookstore, you turn to Marchamp.

"It was nice meeting you, Mrchamp."
"Likewise, my boy! And make sure you take good care of Marie, you hear?" he replies with a arm smile.

With that, you open the door to the bookstore and head out, "Marie" following close behind.

>roll 1d20+1
>bonus to the roll because you're still on high alert

Rolled 15

>>27186600
For Luck.

>>27186515
the age gap isn't as bad as i thought.
>>27186562
stop thinking like we're in the modern times.

>>27186585
The opposite is true, actually. Malnutrition is bad for maturation.

Rolled 20 + 1

>>27186600
Let's do it.

Rolled 6 + 1

>>27186600
SHITSHITSHITSHIT! red aleart!

>>27186629
WE SEE INTO THE FUTURE

>>27186515
The captain of the king's guard is only 16? Wow, time to ramp up my suspension of disbelief.

Rolled 9 + 1

>>27186629
Sick.

>>27186515
how about the dancing teacher

>>27186629
Noice

>>27186629
...well. I wasn't expecting that. Nice going.

>writing

>>27186635
Well judging by the recruitment method for the princess' bodyguard, he probably hired her due to her preformance at some kind of lance wielding event. (Jousting?)

>>27186635
I thought she was just A captain in the king's guard. Which is still a step lower than being a Knight.

Anyhow in medieval times people were considered adults at a very young age compared to today. Marriages at 14 were common.

File: 1379026926144.gif-(1.88 MB, 300x233, yesYesYES.gif)

1.88 MB GIF

>>27186629
lighting reflexes go!

>>27186677
Dude do your fly up, your innuendo is hanging out.

>>27186705
I might be wrong. maybe she's just a captain - which isn't too hard to believe. I just expected the king's guard to be made up of more experienced, older people (like his knights) but maybe most of them are and she's just the exception.

I think the wedding thing is kinda a moot point though, weddings and guarding a monarch are two very different things.

>Critical success!

Just as you close the door to the bookstore behind "Marie," you hear shouting.

"Please! Someone, help! Stop him!" a woman's voice cries in the distance.

Your senses on full alert, you turn to the source of the sound, and see a blur racing down the street...

...and right towards the two of you.

"Marie! Get back!" you shout as you dash in front of her, readying your sword. As the blur moves towards you at an inhuman speed, you release the scabbard from your belt, and...

WHAM

Noticing at the last possible second that this blur is, in fact, an actual person, you grab the scabbard and make a low swing directly in front of you, hearing a satisfying sound of impact as your target loses their footing and becomes airborne. In the same movement as the previous swing, you spin around, reach out with your free hand and grab the would-be assailant out of the air, slamming him into the ground.

The adrenaline subsiding, you look down at the person who you've just subdued... it's a child of about twelve, still clutching an expensive-looking purse in one hand.

You then look up at the one who you are sworn to protect.

"Marie? You're not hurt, are you?" you ask, still breathing heavily.
"Y- yes," she stammers, a look of shock on her face.

>what to do with this person?

>>27186705
Yes, you're right. Nicolette is a captain in the guard, one of several. All of the others are older men.

>>27187081
Knee on the back, detain until whoever yelled gets here.

>>27187081
Pick the kid up by the scruff, crack your neck. "Wel;ll, what do we have here? Purse snatcher, eh? Come on, let's have it."

>>27187108
This guy right here. Scan for additional threats. This may be a distraction.

>>27187081
Scold and ask why he stole a purse. Even though we know damn well possible explanations.

>>27187081
Should give the purse back to its owner. Then follow whatever the laws are regarding thieves. Listen to the princess if she objects to punishment, I suppose.

>>27187081
Well shit. Make sure we didn't kill the little bugger first

>>27187081
bind hands and feet put him in clock like a sack.

"well looks like I got something on this shopping trip too" "would you care to go on?"

>>27187108
>>27187130
yup

>>27187081
Keep the kid one the ground, knee on his back, arm in a position that makes it painful for him to move it.

Scan the area for commotion and other threats.

"Hello there little thief. I don't think this purse belongs to you. Why don't we give it back to its owner and you tell me exactly what you're up to?"

>>27187081
Return the purse. Quietly ask Marie what the local punishment for theft is.

>>27187108

Agreed.

>>27186515
Eh. Reinhold is still more worldly than Marianne.

After making sure that you didn't just kill this kid, you hold him in place with your knee and remove the purse from his hand.

"What the hell is wrong with you, kid!?" you shout angrily. "Do you realize that I could have killed you just now!? Is some lady's purse really worth your life?"

As you scold the thief, you see several guards racing towards you. Behind them is a woman in a fancy dress, clearly out of breath from running.

"We'll take it from here, sir. Thanks for your help," a guard says as he grabs the thief by the arm.

You take that as your cue to stand back up, dusting yourself off with your free hand and then fastening your sword back to your belt. You then hand the purse that you liberated from the thief back to its owner.

"I believe this belongs to you, miss," you say with a slight bow. You then turn to "Marie."

>what to say?

>>27187609
Ask her what the punishment for theft is around here.

>>27187609
"Would you please lead to our next destination, Marie? No point staying around close to tih commotion"

>>27187609
"Well, daylight's burning. Let's go."

>>27187609
"Sorry about the scene, but I hope you'll understand if I'm a little jumpy."

>>27187081
This was such a badass moment. No way we can't get some kind of EXP for this.

>>27187609
After you, My Lady.

I assume she's pretending to be a minor noble.

>>27187609
If she still looks shocked try to calm her down.

"Everything is fine Marie, I'm glad you're alright. Now take a deep breath.

Where were we planning on going next? Do you want a minute to sit down and catch your breath?"

>>27187639
Second.

I'd feel a little shit if we just got some 12-year-old to lose his hand.

>>27187691
Preferably somewhere else in case someone recognizes us.

>>27187650
this, let's gtfo before the crowd gets even bigger

>>27187650
Exactly. The more people there are, the higher chance she'll be recognized.

>>27187848
Not just her, but Reinhold too. So that increases the chances of one of us being recognized as famous.

>>27187609
Collect 'Marie' and leave the area.

Wouldn't do for someone to inspect us too closely and ID one of us.

"It looks like the situation here is resolved, Marie," you say, remembering not to bow. "We're still burning daylight, how about we head out?"
"Y- yes, let's."

You turn back to the guards and wave goodbye. One salutes to you (does he recognize you?), and then you follow "Marie" away from all of the commotion before you draw any more attention to yourselves.

After walking for a few blocks, she leads you to a teashop and then enters, with you following closely behind. She then sits at a nearby table and you take a seat next to her.

"...back there..." she begins to say while looking down at the table. "...you didn't get hurt, did you? It was all so sudden, it took me completely by surprise..."
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me, Marie." you say to her while giving a reassuring smile.
"O...okay. If you say so..."
"You wouldn't happen to know what the penalty for theft is, would you?" you ask, still thinking about the thief.
"Hm? Why?" "Marie" asks with a puzzled expression.
"I'd just feel kind of awful if I'd just caused some kid to lose his hand, is all," you reply.
"Ah, I see. Well, he's most likely to be flogged. Especially since you caught him in the act, and he didn't have the time to sell the purse," she replies.

Just as you finish talking, a waitress approaches the table.


>talk to "Marie" about something after she orders
>let her have her tea in peace
>[OTHER]

>>27188150
>>let her have her tea in peace

>>27188150
>let her have her tea in peace
She's shaken a bit. Might as well give her a bit to calm down.

Rolled 5

>>27188150
>>let her have her tea in peace

>>27188150
>let her have her tea in peace

>>27188150
>>let her have her tea in peace

>>27188150
>>talk to "Marie" about something after she orders
it is a nice time to have some chat over a cup of tea. talk to her about her times around town, how often she comes here and such.

>>27188150
Get some tea for ourself, and a sandwich or something like that.

Then talk to her to get her mind off of what happened. Ask her about her times in town, how often she does this, where her favorite places are, anyone she likes spending time with in town.

Stewing in silence thinking about the thief won't calm her down.

>>27188150
>let her have her tea in peace

>>27188284
This.

Give her a bit of time, then give idle chatter. Ask about the book she bought.

And seriously, what the hell? A kid with inhuman speed? We need to learn some magic or something to keep up.

>>27188150
>talk to "Marie" about something after she orders

>>27188254
>>27188284
These. Though if she doesn't seem to want to talk about it then don't push it.