Princess Marianne watches on in cruel delight as Pauline pulls you into the room.

"Mr. Reinhold, I heard all about your tale of gallantry yesterday! And you got to show off in front of THREE pretty girls, you sly dog!" Pauline says, her cold old lady hands still a vice around your own.
"I don't know about that, Nicolette and Sylvie did most of the work..." you reply nervously.
"Oh, you're too modest!" she lets go of your hands to playfully nudge you in the chest. "But anyways, I suppose we should get on to the day's lesson..."

The Princess follows the two of you to the middle of the room and crosses her arms as she waits for Pauline to begin.

"Alright, we have about two weeks' worth of classes left before you go to the big ball in Marconetti... I wish I could attend myself, but travel doesn't really agree with these old bones..." Pauline says, pouting. "so, who would like to start off?"


>suggest that the Princess shows Pauline what she knows, and then work from there
>volunteer yourself for the slaughter
>offer to dance with the Princess so Pauline can give you both pointers
>shut your mouth and accept what comes

>>27767450
>shut your mouth and accept what comes
First option sounds pretty okay too, though.

>>27767450
>volunteer yourself for the slaughter
Fall on our sword...

>>27767450
>shut your mouth and accept what comes

>>27767450
>volunteer yourself for the slaughter
be braver than the princess will give you credit for! impress her!

>>27767450
>>volunteer yourself for the slaughter

>>27767450
>offer to dance with the Princess so Pauline can give you both pointers
it'll be good to learn how to dance if we are going to a ball and we'll get back at the princess
two birds one stone

>>27767450
>Offer to dance with the princess so Pauline can give both of us pointers
She can see better what needs work if she is just observing

>>27767593
how about this. volunteer first, then drag her in!

>>27767450
>offer to dance with the Princess so Pauline can give you both pointers

We're going to be sent to that ball as well. We need to learn, unfortunately.

>>27767450
>volunteer yourself for the slaughter
May as well get it over with.

>>27767450
>Offer to dance with the princess so Pauline can give both of us pointers

The princess was mad the last time we danced with her even though we didn't suggest it. So lets not suggest it now

>>27767633
I'd second it. We need more work than her anway.

>>27767450
[x] offer to dance with the Princess so Pauline can give you both pointers
She's having far too much fun.

>writing

>>27767775
i have been thinking this.... the princess has been eating alone in her bedroom for way too long. how about we slip her the sugesstion that she could slip down to eat with us, Nico, and sylvie in the kitchen, drop the pretences and just enjoy each others company. besides, She will become the ruler in time, she should get to know her people a bit better. it could help ease her lonelyness.

"Um..." you begin, "how about the two of us start with whatever this dance is, and then you can show us where we need work?"
"Ooh, that's an excellent idea!" Pauline claps her hands together excitedly. "It's nice to see that you're showing some initiative, Mr. Reinhold!"

You then turn towards the Princess, and she is staring at you with an expression of pure anger. Maybe she was looking forward to watching Pauline manhandle you?

With a sigh, she approaches you and flashes you another glance of "I want to punch you in the face" before relaxing her features into the same blank stoneface that she puts on when Monique's around.

"Alright... put this hand here and that hand there..." Pauline mumbles as she manually positions the two of you into the proper dancing form. "Aaaad begin! You take the lead, Mr. Reinhold."
"You'd best pray that your hand doesn't slip..." the Princess mutters while glancing at your left hand, which is resting on her hip.
"I'll be extra careful, Princess," you reply rigidly.

Working from what you remember from the last time you were forced to do this, you step forward, beginning the dance... taking SPECIAL CARE not to step on the Princess's feet or let your hand slip from its precarious position, you move from memory and things seem to be going well.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 12

>>27768143

Rolled 14

>>27768143

Rolled 17

>>27768143

Rolled 18

>>27768143

Rolled 19

>>27768143

>>27768143
I warned you about not dancing with pauline anon
I warned you anon

>>27768178
sweet

Oh good no crit fail accidental hand slippage.

>>27768191
Eh. I agree we should have just stayed quiet or threw ourself under the bus but this is fine too. It's not about just doing whatever she wants us to. Arguably, she kind of needs to be knocked out of her comfort zone.

>>27768143
>>27768154
>>27768160
>>27768178
>>27768189
>>27768190
STOP ROLLING!

>>27768231
I think in this case she was having a bad day and looked forward to laughing at our pain.
That being said, she shouldn't necessarily be allowed to laugh at our pain.

>>27768226
That would've been the critical success.

>>27768236
How does Archelon do rolls anyway? Best of 3?

>>27768253
I was hoping for a crit fail.

>>27768255
Pretty sure it's best of 3, so that guy needs to cool his jets.

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>>27768154
>>27768160
>>27768178
>>27768189
>>27768190

Sir Michael the Jackson, reporting for duty.

>>27768283
i just fear what will happen with a 1.

>>27768251
She obviously isn't looking forward to the party for certain reasons but I don't see how she's having any worse of a day than usual.

>>27768331
People gave her a crap ferret joke last thread.

>>27768315
Spaghetti dropping, in the tradition of the old anime classics.

Y'all got lucky.

>back to writing

>>27768315
We delimb the princess with our feet and crush her pelvis with our hand.

BAD END

>>27768352
Yes, completely ruined day right there as I'm sure her entire mood is dependent on some guy she met a week ago's ability to tell a joke every morning.

There was also the whole following up the gift from yesterday that she liked with telling her we enjoyed her company.

If anything is making her have a bad day, it might be the uncertainty that came with that revelation.

>>27768425
>oh shit I want his dick
>[panic intensifies]

>>27768352
Did we at least proceed to say in our cheesiest New York accent "Listen kid they can't all be winners."

>>27768425
>A fussy, snarky, finicky princess couldn't possibly be acting like we ruined her day with a bad joke.

>>27768425
instead of a joke.
this guy has an viable idea.
>>27768101

>>27768101
Remember Nico actively dislikes the princess and Sylvie is afraid of her (and I think might pity her a bit).

>>27768500
I'm down for inviting her but wouldn't get our hopes up. Also don't put words in the mouths of Nic or Syl because they hate and fear the princess, respectively.

>>27768101
I'd hardly call two other members of the royal family 'her subjects'.

>>27768464
It's more like she's having trouble believing that's the case because low self-esteem. And since she's Tsundere she hides that shit with more anger.

>>27768500
That's a bit presumptuous of an offer. It will most likely backfire.

>>27768101
Maybe once she sees us as a person.

>>27768544
I forget what thread it was but someone made a pretty good observation of how fatalistic/cynical Marianne is.

>>27768553
A noble goal!

>>27768553
I think we can wait a bit on that.

Like maybe until we're a pig, or maybe even a dog

>>27768544
I think she's more Kuudere then Tsundere.

STEP

STEP

TURN

You're dancing like a pro! ...well, not a pro, but you -think- you're doing decently. You haven't stepped on any feet or let your hand slip to Where It Does Not Belong, and things are going pretty well.

"Very good, Mr. Reinhold!" Pauline says, beaming. "One would have never thought that you'd just started this less than a week ago! And you too, Princess, you're moving a lot more naturally than before! One thing, though..."

Pauline then walks up to the two of you and pushes you closer.

"You're too far apart!" Pauline says, smiling happily.
"Er- I'm not sure if it's appropriate that-" you stammer.
"Nonsense, this is -practice- for Prince Emilio's party!" Pauline replies, shaking her finger. "And I just know that that lout of a prince Giancarlo is going to be there, and he's sure to try and pull even closer than this!"

Upon hearing that name, the Princess rolls her eyes and sighs.

"I suppose she's right... I doubt marriage will have curbed his tendencies any, after all," the Princess says. "And at least I can be assured that any hand slips on your part actually -would- be an accident."
"Er, yeah..." you reply, unsure of what to say.

With that, you continue going over the steps, slowly getting more used to the repetition... though Pauline pushes the two of you closer together every time you try and back away.

Because god damn it, you DO NOT want to make this any awkward than it already is.

After what seems like HOURS of dancing, Pauline finally signals that the day's lesson is over. Finally free of your prison of awkwardness, you release the Princess as quickly (and carefully) as you can.

>ask if you can keep going
>say something to Pauline
>say something to the Princess
>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut
>[OTHER]

>>27768608
I'm thinking its:
ferret
pig
dog
monkey
person
popo

>>27768634
It's still the same character in the end, just a different execution.

Someone with severe insecurities too afraid to admit or acknowledge them and instead puts up an act to hide/ignore them.

>>27768586
Pretty sure that was the last thread.

>>27768636
To the Princess: "If this Giancarlo tries something untoward, would it be better for me to punch him, or challenge him to a duel?"

>>27768636
>>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut
Because while shitty dialogue may be shit, silence is golden. Or something. I think buddhists might tell that differently.

>>27768681
We're her bodyguard, not her boyfriend.

Keep our mouths shut.

>>27768636
>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut
The Princess is probably still angry at us.

>>27768636
While i feel we should say something here, I couldn't think of anything that won't cause more harm than good.

>>27768636
Thank Pauline for the lesson and thank the Princess for letting us take part. "I would hate to embarrass you in front of everyone by acting anti-social or being a clumsy oaf and Amaud said that I needed to work on my footwork so..."

>>27768636
>say something to the Princess
"Sorry if I overstepped my bounds a bit with that suggestion."

>>27768636
>>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut

>>27768636
>question
We've only learned one dance are there any other dances that we'll be expected to know?

>>27768720
I think this is the most diplomatic thing we can say right now.

>>27768663
Agree, popo is master level

>>27768681
Are duels even legal? Even in France, which was infamous for its duels in the 16th-19th
centuries, duels were outlawed and who ever won could be charged with murder. I don't think we want to start an international incident over one piggish fop now do we

>>27768768
>International incident
Monique is loyal to the same kingdom. It would just be a regular incident.

>>27768717
>>27768734
one of these

>>27768768
I'm pretty sure if there's a ton of books on dueling, one of which we have read, there's a good chance they are.

>>27768768
Theres a guy who got famous for it and became a noble so yea I think so

>>27768717
I don't know why we would EVER speak to the princess for longer than five seconds. That's like a rant right there.

>>27768708
This is going to sound strange, but she's probably more angry that we hesitated and acted like we didn't want to be close to her while dancing.

What's the worst thing you can tell someone with self-esteem issues? That you don't want to be near them.

>>27768768
Yeah, it's perfectly legal as long s both parties consent.
Barring neck/heart stabs or decapitation, the fatality rate is pretty low thanks to magic.

>>27768785
their talking about punching prince Giancarlo which would be in international incident especially since we're just some commoner. We might even get excited for hitting a prince.

>>27768636
>say something to the Princess
"sorry for embarrassing you, i guess..."

>>27768768
france never gave a shit about laws (they're more like guidelines anyway)

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>>27768846
>We might even get excited
>our face when

>>27768636
>>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut

>>27768820
No clue. What did The Gentleman's Guide to Sensitive Ladies say?

>>27768707
Sorry, I was trying to sound flippant without making it clear.

>>27768833
Question! How are duels perceived? Are they approved of, or seen as barbaric?

>>27768846
>We might even get excited for hitting a prince
Oh my~.

>>27768820
This. At least thank her for the dance, guys.

>>27768636
>be grateful that you didn't screw up and keep your mouth shut

>writing

>People talking about duels

Please don't do this.

Better idea: Discuss the get-out-of-awkward-situation-free plan with the princess, have her tug on her earring to have us make up some lie about her father needing her presence. She could escape anything that way.

>>27768887
Dude, there is always side conversation. In larger quest the side conversations only grow.

>>27768887
This.

>>27768887
this... is actually a good plan...

>>27768909
I worry about side conversations because there are people fucking crazy and/or stupid enough to actually DO IT

>>27768870
Duels are seen as a most manly and noble affair, as long as you keep to the rules. That's how Monique's family made it into the nobility, among many others.

The most respected way to win a duel is to force submission, hitting vital organs is less sporting.

You can totally go all THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE and cut dudes' heads off and get away with it though, but it makes you like a barbaric piece of shit and you're liable to get assassins sent after you.

>>27768872
I think /tg/'s spaghetti is showing with this one

The proper thing is to thank her for the dance and find a way to relieve the tension. Not freeze up and act like we just survived a traumatizing hell.

If the plan is to make the princess into someone who doesn't hate herself, we're going about it the wrong way.

>>27768995
I assume, though, that there are times when there can only be one, or does it not come to that very often?

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>>27768995
Pffff
With the Quickening on our side they won't be able to touch us.

>>27769016
yes

>>27768995
>You can totally go all THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE and cut dudes' heads off
Great mental image.

Are duels particularly common? And how exactly does one become ennobled through dueling? Embarrass enough of the reigning king's political rivals?

Side question: You hinted in a couple places that there are requirements to qualify for knighting. Do we know them, or should we ask in character?

>>27769016
Does she hate herself? I archive binged so maybe I missed something, but she doesn't seem self-loathing. Perhaps too conscious of her social position and responsibilities, but she certainly doesn't hate herself.

>>27769158
She has on multiple occasions expressed the sentiment that she believes people just inherently hate her and don't want to be around her at all.

That's self-loathing or at least incredibly low self-esteem if I ever saw it.

>>27769158
>>27769158
right before the day off the last thing she said was some thing along the lines of you should be happy you don't have to put up with me for a day. ie she knows people don't like her but pretend to be nice

>>27769158
I believe that her last body guard had gone around telling everyone he knew about her insufferable personality which probably affected her a bit. That and she really doesn't have any close friends either.

>>27769201
or just an accurate assessment of how people respond to unpleasant individuals

>>27769158
People believe being around the princess is torture. She believes this as well and isn't very happy about it.

>>27769254
When someone takes that assessment and start's treating it like it's some sort of inevitable fact in a fatalistic way it's not a good thing.

Perhaps we can suggest to Pauline that if there's someone sure to try to take liberties, she should also include some "polite but firm" escape maneuvers

>>27769299
or just a sign that they should stop being so unpleasant. I have very little sympathy for the princess

>>27769307
We may have blew it for this trip to Pauline. I think archelon is going to move us to the next event for the day in his next post.

>>27769344
Clearly you were never 15-16 before.

Or a girl.

>>27769307
"and now i shall teach you the secret art of kneeing jewels"

>>27769250
Wasn't Gregory her last bodyguard?

>>27769201
I think her problem is that she's too self-aware. She knows she's a princess, so she's overbearing. She knows she's overbearing, so she's unpleasant. She knows she's unpleasant, so she's lonely. And she knows she's lonely because she's a princess.

I don't want to quite jump the gun in case I'm reading it wrong, but the root cause of this probably has to do with her mother's death.

>>27769307
That's... a really good idea. Wish I'd thought of it.

>>27769307
>>27769370
You just gave me the best mental image ever of Pauline actually being a retired/still active Ninja who will teach us the ways of disappearing in the crowd.

I joke but that could actually be the case

When did Marriane's mom die?

Considering Nicollette and Sylvie used to hang out with her something had to have happened at some point for that to stop. Dead mom seems like the place to start.

>>27769344
Of course it's a sign but you don't just change over night. I don't really care if you like the princess or not. That has nothing to do with her lack of self-esteem.

>>27769344
you might not, but our MC should. the princess is trapped in a gilded cage. we might not free her, but we darn well can get some interaction with others with her. That is why i surgested she eat dinner with the three of us in the kitchen with no pretense. clear the air between the girls and GET THEM TO TALK IT OUT!

>>27769381
I haven't seen much that seems to show that she's really upset over her position. She seems more just upset with her life and herself over anything. The princess aspect of her seems almost a tertiary trait at times. She acts much like any 16 year old girl would.

>>27769387
if we want to dissapear we should ask out ninjbraien for that trick.

>>27769417
We really should clear that with Nico and Sylvie beforehand. Otherwise it will probably blow up in our face.

>>27769441
I suspect that has more to do with liberal use of darkness magic.

You're right though, HE'S probably the ninja

>>27769345
I meant at the end of or after the session, so that she'll have time to prepare her lesson plan. Alternatively, we could suggest this directly to the Princess

So you guys think that shit will go down during the party or not?

>>27769504
Is this even a question? Of course it will

>>27769504
How could it not?

Really.

It's going to be wacky social antics followed by shit-getting-real. And only the dice gods will determine how that will go.

>>27769504
We've got info on a country that might be trying to start a war. So es.

>>27769463
that might be a prerequist to BE a ninja. but darkness magic is something we CAN learn at least.
>>27769452
of course, we'll clear this with the two of them. sylvie is a cosien to her still, this bad relations with that close of family hits me in the feels rather hard.

>>27769537
yes*

>>27769517
>>27769523
>>27769537
But you know, considering that there will be dragons in the ballrooms and other powerful spell-flinging people, it seems like a very bad idea to cause ruckus there.

>>27769504
It's not a matter of if it will or not but how much

"Um..." you turn to the princess. "...thanks for the dance. Sorry if I overstepped my bounds with that suggestion..." you say with a slight bow.
"...hmph." the Princess places a hand on her forehead, and then looks at you. "I don't appreciate you volunteering me like that, but I suppose that's what Pauline had planned anyways... just don't do it again."
"Ooh, you're such the gentleman!" Pauline says, grabbing onto your arm. "I'm sure the Princess enjoyed dancing with you, she's just being shy!"

Princess Marianne doesn't reply to that comment, just crossing her arms instead.

"Umm... anyways, thanks for the dance lesson," you say to Pauline, bowing slightly as you free your arm.
"Any time! I'll be seeing the two of you tomorrow, so don't be late!"
"I wouldn't dream of it,' the Princess feplies.

With that, you follow the Princess out of the room and into the hallway.

"I was thinking..." you turn to her as you walk.
"Hm?" the Princess glances at you.
"...if you get roped into dancing with this Giancarlo guy or someone else who you don't want to be bothered with, how about you tug on your earring or whatever and I'll pop in and make up a story about your father wanting to ask you something," you say. "That way, you'll be able to get out of it."

Upon hearing this suggestion, the Princess raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"That..." she begins, laughing a bit "...may be a good idea. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
"Just trying to help out however I can," you reply.
"I suppose you really are smarter than you look."

>say something else
>keep quiet

>>27769420
Really? I can't think of any sixteen year old who willingly lives such a heavily regimented life. I mean, she's the one who leads Reinhold to each of her classes, and she's been at this for years. She willingly locks herself up at night, doesn't associate with her people her own age who aren't servants, and even her days off keep to a tight schedule. She's never complained about the work, only the personalities involved. She adores her father, but the only people she gets along with besides him don't know how she really acts, and the amazing evolving ferret swordsman (maybe).

>>27769504
I think Reinhold should seriously consider apprenticing himself to Arnaud in preparation. If we want Reinhold plateau to overcome his plateau, we've got to aim at the highest peaks.

>>27769618
>Keep quiet

>>27769381
>Wasn't Gregory her last bodyguard?
Technically he was but if i remember correctly he was just filling in between the last guy before him and us.

>>27769618
>keep quiet
Time for tea. Time for quiet.

>>27769618
>>keep quiet

>>27769618
[x] Use nearest reflective surface to observe our own appearance.
"Hmm, I dunno. Everyone keeps telling me how handsome I am..."

>>27769618
>say something else
"That's not saying much." everyone like a little self deprecating humor

>>27769618
>>keep quiet

>>27769629
Those are all things 16 year old girls do. You don't have to be a princess to isolate yourself and not associate with certain people and complain about dealing with them. Being a princess obviously is a huge responsibility but there's nothing about what she does that screams "princess problems." Just typical girl problems that are complicated by being a princess.

"Thank you?"

>>27769618
keep quiet

>>27769618
Keep quiet.

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>>27769629
>Reinhold plateau to overcome his plateau
sudoku

>>27769712
Every 16 year old thinks they're a princess. She's been generally unpleasant for years; I think her being nicer when she's not in princess mode suggests that it's the princess bit that's causing most of the problems. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

>>27769618
Laugh. "I'll take that for the compliment it is."

>>27769791
This

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"You wound me"

>>27769641
>>27769658
>>27769662
>>27769703
>>27769740
>>27769745
>>27769757
why are there so many advocates for doing fuck all.

>>27769817
Because sometimes doing fuck all is the correct response.

>>27769817
Because we have nothing important to say and no one likes That Guy who always has to have some inane bullshit to say.

>>27769817
because sometimes there's just nothing right to say

>>27769817
Because we are currently unsure of the feisty 16 year old princesses mood and sometimes doing nothing is the best response.

>>27769817
They're too afraid of getting our head cut off for no reason.

>>27769158
>Are duels particularly common? And how exactly does one become ennobled through dueling? Embarrass enough of the reigning king's political rivals?
Impress the ruling classes enough with your mad swordery skills, usually. Generally involves either being formally given a title, or "YOU CAN COME OVER TO MY HOUSE AND MARRY MY DAUGHTER."

>Side question: You hinted in a couple places that there are requirements to qualify for knighting. Do we know them, or should we ask in character?
Show the king that you are skilled enough to deserve it, basically. There are other knights around other than Vincent and Gregory, but they don't generally hang around the castle.

>>27769644
Yeah, Gregory was a fill-in.

>>27769791
I'm not seeing it. Like you said. She doesn't complain about the duties but the people involved. That seems more like someone who has problems with people over anything. Obviously, having to deal with these people as a princess makes this problem worse but I don't see it as the real root of the issue. It's just complicating things; not causing them.

>>27769702
voting this

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>>27769846
Something like this?

>>27769884
That is exactly the thing I had in mind.

>>27769618
>keep quiet
at tea time, we might bring up the topic of why our princess is not taking any magic training or other kinds of classes.

>>27769946
Because she has us to defend her?

Bleh.
I'm getting dragged out for the next hour or so, I'll start writing when I get back.

I intend to run LATE to make up for falling asleep instead of doing a thread last night, so I guess I'll run even LATER still to make up for this

>>27769846
Got it. Sorry for so many questions, but I had a few more that I'll put up later if that's okay.

>>27769973
Have fun Archy.

>>27769977
ask away, it doesn't bother me at all.
And now I leave.

>>27769973
Damn. Oh well, I'll read the archives then.

>>27769973

That's fine, archelon.

>>27769969
isn't a bigger magic talent means a longer youthful life? i want our princess to be a young girl for quite awhile.

still, she should have a more rounded education than this. she needs to learn how to balance a bank book to help ensure our kingdom will keep it's finances in order. diffrently languges to speak that is IF there are others to learn, everyone might speak common in this world setting and other kinds of classes.

>>27770071
We're her bodyguard not her father.

>>27770101
This.

That's stepping way out of bounds.

>>27770071
>our princess
she's not our princess yet

>>27770071
It's not our position to worry about that stuff, however I'll agree with the magic thing.

>>27770189
waifu husbandry time!

>>27770141
>>27770101
>>27770071
Speaking of which if her father is a strong wizard then she might not even take the throne for quite a long time if Nico's mother and Nikalus are any indication

>>27770333
>however I'll agree with the magic thing.
Learning magic is pretty much guaranteed longevity, and you don't even need to become a lich for it.

Look at Arnaud; he's not a dedicated mage, and yet he's able to beat the shit out of us even though he's served the Royal Family for, what, 5 generations? And they all presumably learned magic as well, extending their lifespans.

>>27770343
This is Princess Guard Quest. Not Princess Maker Quest.

>>27770001
Neat.

So, magic vs. non-magic. Magic has the edge in versatility, can non-magic keep up? Or do the best swordsmen do both?

How hard is it to learn magic? Is Reinhold's progress typical or slow or fast? (you don't have to answer if it'd be OOC knowledge)

Could we get a rough map of the countries mentioned so far? I think I understand where things are, but after the first step away from Granache I'm lost.

What's Reinhold's general education level? He's got the basics down, but he's gone from the basics to the equivalent of a world-class college level education. The fact that he's following it at all is pretty impressive.

Lastly, life experiences. Brothel-->army we know, anything else? Or just a constant refrain of self-taught sword education? How did Reinhold come to ENTER the tournament in the first place?

>>27770369
I think Arnaud might be one of them not-humans in a human form rather than just a really good mage.

>>27770356
agian, someone might want to change her training so she WON'T DIE OF OLD AGE before taking to the throne.
>>27770371
yet

>>27770377
The answer to most of those questions is Sword.

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>>27770495
Well yes but some of them might not be.

>>27770513

When did that happen?

>>27769618

>>27770426 is right.

In addition to one of the aforementioned responses, let's bring up the topic of encouraging Marianne to return to her practice of magic. Kinda transition to it ad hoc.

We can always bring up the age/beauty related points if she's really against practicing, but from what's been said so far, there isn't any obvious disposition of hers that detests training in the arcane.

As long as we don't come off snobbish or a know it all (unlikely) we should be fine.

>>27770785
i bet she had "issues" with that crazy nicklaus (if he was her teacher, ofc)

>>27770763
Crossover fanart.

>>27770763
That's Shirou with Excalibur, so I'm guessing Fate?

>>27770785
That's dumb. It isn't our place to suggest that kind of thing at all. Maybe ask why she stopped or isn't practicing but anything else is way too presumptuous.

Furthermore, we're a guy who only learned about magic and how to cast a fucking night light a few days ago and now we're preaching the benefits of magic to someone who's probably better and much more knowledgeable with it then us. There's no way we're not going to come off as a know-it-all.

>>27770857
Then turn it around. Show that we're interested in the ramifications of magic and ask her which ones are big, besides the obvious direct impact spells have in being cast.

Start up a dialogue. Unlike certain other character archetypes, it's not like Marianne's so quiet that whatever we say or ask will transition to an awkward silence.

>>27771025
It's not awkward silence people are worried about, it's making her mad.

>>27771044
What's she gonna do, fire us?

Ha ha! She can't! Thanks, dad!

>>27770816
>>27770821
>Crossover art

Oh okay.

Thanks for explaining though!

Alright, back.

>>27771225
Praise Allah!

>>27771225
Just when I have to leave. Like a clockwork.

>>27771225
oh thank the omniscience everywhere.
it was getting weird again while waiting.

Deciding to keep quiet so as not to potentially spoil the Princess's mood, you quietly follow her to her next destination. And as you expected, it's that pinnacle of tedium that is known only as ETIQUETTE.

The old butler who teaches it (whose name you never caught) has yet to show himself, so you and the Princess take your seats and wait patiently for him to arrive.

...which is the polite thing to do! You're learning already!

>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her
>ask the Princess something else
>you're a ferret and ferrets don't talk

>>27771332
>>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

Rolled 52

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

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>>27771044
At this stage of our relationship, making her mad is fine; she reacts because she is beginning to care about us.

What should be more worrying would be if she was indifferent to whatever we said or did, or - as Archelon hinted when she had the same blank face when Monique was around - concealed her emotions around us.

Besides, at the cost of one or two relationship points - which we can afford now - we can then raise even flags down the road - either with Marianne herself, or with the people around her. It's a risk-reward investment that should be reflected on more, rather than completely ignored.

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her
we already know there is, but shh

Shut up for now unless she speaks to us. We've been doing a lot of talking and we're not her friend, yet.

And holy shit, guys. This is Princess Guard, not Princess Mom. Can it with the "encourage princess to take up magic and blah blah and suck our dick forever." She's not even our friend yet.

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

She doesseem a bit more upset than usual today.

>>27771362
Gah. Typo

*event flags

>>27771371
What board you think you're on, son?

>>27771371
This please

>>27771371
How do you expect to become friends with someone if you don't talk to her? She already likes us a little bit and we're approaching that sort of relationship. There's no reason to just be a wallflower anymore.

>>27771362
I agree, but from an in character perspective we're just starting to get comfortable around the princess and figure out our boundaries. we're slowly becoming more familiar with Marianne and the people in the castle and are therefore able to make calls like "should i push this issue" now

>>27771332
No talky ferret boy

>>27771332
>>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

>After the Princess finishes eating, she get up from her seat and motions for you to come along. You follow her through the hallway wordlessly, and the atmosphere is a lot more unpleasant than what you've gotten accustomed to.

She's obviously upset about something.

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>>27771401
Someone called?

>>27770377
>So, magic vs. non-magic. Magic has the edge in versatility, can non-magic keep up? Or do the best swordsmen do both?
Gregory's a magic swordsman and he made Knight, and it's assumed that Arnaud uses magic as well. I'll let you guys extrapolate from there.

>How hard is it to learn magic? Is Reinhold's progress typical or slow or fast? (you don't have to answer if it'd be OOC knowledge)
Magic is too hard for most people to learn (it's the initial meditation part that trips them up) He was quick to access the ability to form Script, and his progression thus far has been somewhat slower than usual.

>Could we get a rough map of the countries mentioned so far? I think I understand where things are, but after the first step away from Granache I'm lost.
Working on it.

>What's Reinhold's general education level? He's got the basics down, but he's gone from the basics to the equivalent of a world-class college level education. The fact that he's following it at all is pretty impressive.
He learned how to read in the brothel, and learned some other things in basic training. This is decidedly a step up.

>Lastly, life experiences. Brothel-->army we know, anything else? Or just a constant refrain of self-taught sword education?
Took up the sword as a little kid, kept at it in pretty much every spare moment until he was able to get the fuck out at the age of 13. There, he made his way to a non-shit city and joined the army.

>How did Reinhold come to ENTER the tournament in the first place?
His CO suggested that he make something of his constant swordsmanship practice. Things worked out better than expected.

>>27771391
So if you had a plant you'd water it all the time because watering plants a lot definitely makes them grow.

We've been extraordinarily chatty with her, and despite our slip in dancing most of it was received very positively. Step back, anon. don't be crowding.

>>27771452
>I'll let you guys extrapolate from there.
So it's for suckers and old men.

>writing

>>27771332
>ask the Princess if there's something bothering her

>>27771487
Yes. Ditch magic. Get Tome of Battle Weeaboo Fightan Magic.

>>27771466
It's not crowding to make conversation with someone. There isn't some set limit on how much we can talk to her like there is with watering a plant. It's not a talk or not talk situation. What's going to make her mad isn't how much we talk to her, but what we talk about.

We're the only person she actually spends time with. Everyone else she sees everyday is just there to teach or bring her food. She doesn't have anyone but us to really talk to. I don't see any reason to fill so much of our time with her with silence when we're the only person in a position to actually be a friend she can have regular conversations with each day.

>>27771550
That's kinda white knightey.

I'd suggest leaving it at "Why not chat up a bitch, we literally have nothing else to do."

>>27771550
If there's something I've learned in thirty years of dealing with women, it's that not-talking is always better than talking.

>>27771564
Have you considered not playing dating sims?

>>27771546
The only magic we need is SWORD magic.
We will become a sword elemental.

>>27771575
Please, dating sims want you to talk. In reality, it's the smarter option to just shut up.

>>27771578
Too limiting. Learn everything, that way you don't die to the first guy who knows rust magic.

>>27771452
Neat, thanks.

>>27771562
That was basically what I was saying except I was doing it from her perspective. She's got nothing else to do either and we're just sitting there doing nothing.

>>27771583
So...you're a kissless virgin both in 3D AND 2D.

Pig disgusting.

>>27771578
you didn't listen to the crazy wizard we gave books to, did you?

>>27771594
> first guy who knows rust magic.
That's why you learn punch magic.

>>27771612
Silence is always the best option. Everything else opens up a world of hurt for everyone. There's no benefit to flapping your gums at someone unless you have something important to discuss.

>>27771645
You don't interact with very many people, do you...?

>>27771645
I don't like using the word "beta" but fuck man.

>>27771658
>>27771663
Oh boy, this is going good places. Look, I'm just saying that save your words for important things.

>>27771613
FUCK THAT NOISE!

>>27771682
Yeah, not them, but you can think like that but most people disagree with you. However feel free to vote for your opinion.

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>>27771682
I don't mind being quiet if it means we can play the "strong manly type" card.

>>27771645
Denying yourself social interaction out of fear is not healthy behaviour.

>>27771737
Go for it, man. Let's be masculine as fuck.

>>27771645
I'm as Hikki as they come and even I know it's awkward and uncomfortable as fuck to just not talk to a person when you're sitting in a room alone with them. I fucking vomit out gibberish due to thought problems on semi-frequent occasions and I still know how to have a regular conversation with a girl. Only talking about important things is a really dumb suggestion. That's just not how relationships with people work.

>>27771756
Maybe we can do some affirmative or negatory grunts. Keep it manly, though

I CAST FIST

The requirements to learn FIST spell is doing hundred push up, hundred sit up, hundred Squats, and Ten KM running, everyday.

No AC in the winter to strength the mind and will, and eat only a banada for breakfast.

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>>27771773
I refuse to believe your serious at this point.

>>27771756
Not disagreeing with you, but if you know how to have a regular conversation with anyone you're nowhere near as hikki as they come.
Some people go a long fucking way with social withdrawal.

>>27771750
No, see, we'll do like these guys suggest.

>>27771737
>>27771753
>>27771773
Keep it to short, manly grunts or "Mm"s, and things of that nature.

>>27771783
That's a horrible training regimen. your gonna kill your gains with that breakfast, and you're aiming real low with the body weight exercises.

>>27771818
>That's a horrible training regimen. your gonna kill your gains with that breakfast, and you're aiming real low with the body weight exercises.
> not catching the reference
Shit man.

>>27771799
No, no, trust me. It'll work great on a sheltered princess type.

>>27771818
And it'll make all of your hair fall out, too.

>>27771832
It's perfectly understandable for people to not catch references to random manga.
Or maybe he was making a joke.
Who knows.

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>>27771783
Are you referencing one punch man?

>>27771834
Thank you.

>>27771849
It's not random manga, it's an image that has been reposted a billion times.
/autism
>>27771860
He is.

>>27771804
I spent the last 6 years in almost total isolation, dropped out of school, lost all my friends, and alienated myself from my entire family after having my first Schizophrenic episode. I'm still incredibly isolated and horribly neurotic, I've just learned to act normally to get people to leave me alone because it's all I really want from life anymore. Everything else just slowly drives me more insane.

>>27771724
>>27771682
Kinda agree with this guy's sentiment, if not his wording.
When youre with guys, it's fine to just talk about whatever jumps into your head, keeps things interesting. but with Women, most of the time it seems they mostly want a sounding board, someone to respond to them when they have a subject. So if they seem bored or annoyed usually the best thing to do is appear attentive and just wait.
Realize that sounds a little deragotory but it's not intended to.

Of course, this isnt real life, it's a text quest, and nothing tends to happen if we dont go out there and do stuff, so, not sure if the same rules apply

>>27771818
It worked for One Punch Man

>>27771663
Then don't use it since it isn't applicable here.

"Is there something bothering you?" you ask.
"You..." the Princess sighs. "...you really are insistent, aren't you."
"Er, sorry?"
"You," she turns to you and points. "You show up all of a sudden and make strange jokes and you haven't even known me for a week yet I've seen more of you than any other individual in that time and now you claim to actually -enjoy- my company." she rambles on, letting out another long sigh.

"Uh..." you reply, completely dumbfounded.
"I apologize for finding it odd that -you- of all people are one of maybe five in this entire castle who actually manages to like me, despite being fully aware of how I am when not putting on an act. Either you're playing me for a fool, or you really -are- that nice, and I'm not really ready to deal with either option," the Princess rants.

>how do you respond?

>>27771908
Awkward silence. Then suggest tea and cake.

>>27771908
"Well, who are the other five?

Besides your father, of course. He's quite obvious."

>if she answers openly, it means she trusts us.

>>27771876
>but with Women, most of the time it seems they mostly want a sounding board, someone to respond to them when they have a subject. So if they seem bored or annoyed usually the best thing to do is appear attentive and just wait.
>Realize that sounds a little derogatory but it's not intended to.

My mother taught me the exact same thing, and so far it hasn't failed me. Polite sage spoiler for personal blog.

>>27771908
"Have you ever considered that maybe you just aren't that bad? Everyone was telling me that this job was going to be torture but so far things have been pretty great for me"

>>27771908
Welp, should've stayed silent.
>Say nothing
She'll get over it

>>27771908
Shut our trap. Stand at attention. Appear attentive. Nod if necessary.

>>27771908
Shrug. Resume silent waiting.

>>27771908
>"Thank you may I have another!"

>>27771908
Shut ourselves up. Smile.

>>27771908
"Eh, I am who I am. I think your indifference just happens to be a bit more forced than what you want others to believe."

Also, this: >>27771932

>>27771945
this sounds pretty good, but I would only keep the first sentence. Second one could upset her a lot

>>27771908
"Maybe you just Arent as bad as you think.Ive definitely known worse people."

>>27771927
>>27771946
>>27771947
>>27771950
>>27771958
Holy shit you guys are terrible at this.

>>27771908
>>27771958
This. Smile. Don't say shit.

>>27771908

>>27771945
"Maybe it's just the rest of the castle that doesn't know you well enough?"

>>27771945
second

Marianne is not our bud. Marianne is our immediate boss. We've talked to her a lot and have been pretty chill. This is good. Keep doing it, and don't stop being a friend IF that is what she indicates she wants, but don't act like Marianne is Nicolette or Sylvie. She deliberately pushes people away, and if we attempt to be too close too soon she will react in anger.

Silence is not awkward in itself, the awkwardness comes from not knowing what to do with that silence. And we also have this thing, called being a guard? You may have heard of it?

>>27771818
Bodyweight isn't bad. Just move on from pushups to a harder type of pushup til we can do one armed pushups.

>>27771908
"don't worry about it, the less you care, the better life gets"

>>27771958
might as well wear a "punch me" paper mask/bag

>>27771945
>>27771970
These.

>>27771908

"I don't really find you all that obnoxious, your Highness."

>>27771908
Button our lip. We've done goofed.

>>27771972
You sure?

Princess just said she doesn't know whether we're just leading her along or are actually being friendly with her.

You sure just staying silent and smiling when she says that will reassure her?

>>27771908
"I am used to being treated as a lowly person, and despite 'how you really are', when i look past that you are actually a kind person. Since i've seen some bad people treating others badly, i can easily look past your attitude. That's the main reason your usual treatment to others doesnt particularly bother me so much."

>>27771908
Shrug. "Eh. You'll get used to it."

You are FAR from the most difficult person I've handled in my life

You people recommending silence do realize this is absolute the worst moment to be silent right?

>>27771908
Stay silent. Give a good grin. Be charming.

>>27771987
Yes.

>>27771908
Choose one of the dialogue options you like arch, that's my vote

>>27771971
Yeah, I'm stark shocked people think thats the proper response.

When someone opens up to you in that manner, the correct response is to NOT retreat into a shell and shut up. Thats was socially inept shut-ins do. Its going to make her feel guilty.

Please, I know /tg/ is socially awkward, but just try to pretend your not when rping?

>>27771908
"You apologized for bringing up my parents. I don't think anyone has ever done that. On that count at least, you're the kindest person I know."

>>27771908
Start laughing.

"Princess, you really aren't that bad. You aren't perfect, but you're pretty easy to deal with.

You hardly yell, you're never cruel to anyone, your demands are easy to take care of, and you care a lot about your friends.

Compared to a lot of my life working with you is pretty nice."

>>27771940
Is she hot?

You guys just wouldn't shut up, now she is being honest and you want to shut up now? God, you are a bunch of idiots.

These two seem fine.
>>27771945
>>27771988

>>27771908
Stay quiet. Don't push this any further. Just stay quiet.

>>27772003
No, this is a great time to be silent.

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>>27772017
I think this will actually get through to her pretty well.

>>27771945
>>27771970
>>27771973
>>27771985
>>27771988
These. Anything but staying quiet. really.

>>27772023
No, it's not.

>>27772017
This is a good one.

>>27772007
You are about as personable as a donkey.

>>27772003

Yeah, they're just pushing for silence now because they didn't win the previous vote. Oh god it's going to be like this forever now, with the threat of random shutting up for now in-character reason or logic hovering over our heads constantly.

>>27771908
seconding >>27772019

>>27771971
>>27771927
>>27771946
>>27771947
>>27771950
>>27771958

This. Be quiet. No more cheesy lines.

>>27771908
Shrug
"I'm afraid I can't help you deal with things, Princess, but i can say that a noble who genuinely cares about bakers and shopkeepers is a person worth knowing on that quality alone."

>>27772017
I like it.

>>27772017
That is actually a very good point.

>>27771988
>you are actually a kind person
Hahahaha. This is a TERRIBLE idea. She's not going to believe that Reinhold believes that; it's a great way to cement our status in her head as a bootlicking flatterer.

>>27772045
This is much better.

>>27772019
This isn't bad either though.

>>27771908
"I'm sorry. I don't know any other way to be EXCEPT honest I honestly think you're a kind, caring, and, most importantly, DECENT person. I've known a lot of people, and you are far from the most unpleasant I've been around.

>>27772045
Another pretty good point.

>>27772017
>>27772019
these

>>27772017
fuck, this is perfect

>>27772044
Are you samefagging?

There can't be this many people who have no clue how to handle important semi-emotional outpourings.

>>27772044
>>27771971
>>27771927
>>27771946
>>27771947
>>27771950
>>27771958

This. Anything but more shit like *shrugs nonchalantly*

>>27772039
>now

Meant to write "no". Need to sleep, but can't for fear of silence faction winning.

>Idiots keep talking when they should stop nagging her.
>She comes on a bit hard
>Idiots realize they did wrong by talking
>Idiots choose to stay silent at this fucking moment ause they are what they are, idiots.

>>27772066
>>27772044

No.

>>27772064
This is /tg/.

Also voting for silence.

>>27772017
This pls,

>>27772045
I'll second this, and everything other than staying quiet

>>27772068
Luckily, there's actually been quite a few good dialogues suggestions.