Marianne and her father are still with Randolf and Mira... and judging from Thierri's exaggerated gestures and the Princess's embarrassed expression, he's probably boasting about one of his adventures or something similar.

Your job-related worries having subsided for now, you now get to the next order of business- looking for Luciana. Scanning the room for the red-haired princess or her Eastern bodyguard, you can't find any trace of either of them... then again, this place -is- really crowded.

And so, you enter the crowd of nobility in hopes of finding a better vantage point from which to look for your friends. Damned if these people aren't pushy as hell, though. Even though you're getting shoved all over the place, you've yet to hear so much as an "excuse me."

...and someone just grabbed your ass. What the hell.

As you find yourself more and more irritated by this situation, someone grabs you by the hand and pulls you into what passes for a vacant part of the floor.

"Mr. Reinhold, it's so wonderful to see you here!" a woman giggles as she holds one of your hands in both of hers. With long brown ringlets of hair and a warm smile, she seems kind of familiar...
"Umm... hello?" you say, not quite able to remember her name.
"Aww, you've forgotten me already?" she says, pouting. "I'm Alicia, Karel's mother!"

>how do you respond?

>>29163758
Welcome back arch. Enjoy your christmas?

Damn it, I'm here early but I don't have the flowcharts.
Someone, post them!

>>29163800
"Good to see you again. How are you enjoying the party?"

>>29163800
"I'm sorry about that, it's been a pretty busy few days. How have you been? I saw Karel earlier, if you were looking for him."

>>29163800
Sorry, hello, glad to see you, how are you, enjoying the party, general pleasantries. You know, stuff that would sound good coming from someone who actually knows how to write dialogue.

>>29163800
"Good evening Karel's mother, how are you enjoying the evenings festivities?"

>>29163800
> ...and someone just grabbed your ass. What the hell.

While I suspect that was Alicia, I have no proof and thus we shouldn't bring it up.

Greet her pleasantly, ask if she's been enjoying the whole castle life and the hobnobbing with nobility.

>>29163823
This, but additionally, "Did you just grab my ass?"

>>29163800
"Why did you feel the need to do that?"

>>29163858
That is not polite conversation anon.

>>29163800
>Get fondled by an older woman
Is it time?

MAXIMUM OVERTRAUMA!

>>29163855
This.

>>29163800
this:>>29163823

>>29163858
that's wrong on so many levels. no.

>>29163913
Oh no, anon. This is when we overcome our trauma by taking control of it.

This time, we're going to be the one in control.

>>29163854
+1

>>29163800
muh trauma...

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>>29163963
That sounds... sexy.

>>29163963
I don't know if I like the sound of that.

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>>29163963

>>29163800
Greet Karel's mother!
thank her for her assistance and ask if she has seen the red princess.

>writing

MILF route?

>>29163800
Pleasantries. Apologize for not remembering her immediately. Ask how she's been enjoying the festivities. Etc.

>>29163858
If you want to ask that, just ask her "Wait... Was that you just before?"

If she goes full coy "oh whatever do you mean, fair sir bodyguard?" wink wink, etc, it probably was. If she seems genuinely confused and asks was WHAT her, you can just go "Oh, it must've been someone else, then. You DEFINITELY would have known if it had been you.", and then see if it was just that she didn't realize what we were referring to and she figures it out after thinking about it again, or if she's genuinely clueless.

If it wasn't her, it probably confuses her a bit, but it's easy to write it off as us doing our due diligence from our bodyguard be-on-notice reflexes.

>>29164080
I fucking hope so.

>>29164080
>>29164102
MILFs and Doms are like the two types of girls that Reinhold definitely doesn't like.

>>29164088
You don't...You don't *awknowledge* a light groping unless it actually becomes a problem. At worst, it was totally accidental and it just humiliates her. At best, it just turns into more flirting, which seems to be a negative outcome based on the consensus that Reinhold isn't looking for any sort of relationship, which would further complicate things.

Unless it becomes a problem. Then the gloves are off.

Tl:dr: Awkwardness ensues.

>>29164132
>kek

>>29164088
Ok, yeah much better thank my dialogue. Danke!

>>29164132
Actually, based on real-world psychology, it's fairly common for victims of abuse to try and "take control" of the scenario--dressing provocatively, becoming more promiscuous, or seeking out similarities. It's not always what happens, or how it works, but it's not unheard of at all. It's one form of coping.

>>29164172
Oh, I'm aware. But everything shown so far indicates Reinhold does the exact opposite.

>>29164145
Fair enough.

I'm not actually pro bringing it up in conversation with her, but I figured if it gets voted for, it'd be better to do so in a way that doesn't outright accuse her.

>>29164201
Except for every time Ara Ara comes up, in which case his paranoid delusions (that's us) go insane with desire for the Christmas Cake.

>>29164251
Reinhold isn't his players.

Thank fucking god.

>>29164251
I like to imagine that every time there is a vote, our conversations are his subconscious figuring out what to do next.

Considering that you'd only met her once before and just for a few minutes at that, you don't feel as bad for not recognizing her as you may have if she was someone else. Plus, she looks -quite- different with that fancy dress and her hair loose...

But no matter, she doesn't seem to be horribly bothered by it.

And you're kind of suspicious that -she- may have been the one who groped you, but it's probably best not to mention that.

"It's nice seeing you again," you say to her. "How've you been enjoying the party?"
"It's honestly kind of overwhelming," Alicia says as she fiddles with one of her long ringlets in a nervous manner. "But I'm still happy to be here, and even happier that Karel seems to be doing fine."

Considering that Karel is her only(?) child, it would make sense that he'd be her top priority.

"I was also lucky enough to be able to meet King Thierri... he's ever bit as bombastic as I'd heard," Alicia says.
"Yeah, I can certainly understand that," you reply with a chuckle.
"Ooh, and I also met your opponent in the finals of your tournament, Monique Gilbeault! Omigod he's so HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!" she giggles.

"...not to say that -you're- not handsome as well though, Mr. Reinhold!" Alicia says, winking at you. "You're just scrumptious in different ways..."

>[1/?]

>>29164313
With Monique, at least, that seems to be true.

Oh god, what if intense training actually causes you to develop these multilayered consciouses, representing your ability to rapidly assess the battlefield and decide on the best course of action?

Maybe that's what makes humans so capable? Just their insane ability to rise in power because of their constantly expanding minds!

Or not. Probably not. That'd be dumb.

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>>29164376
looks like Monique has a rather interesting fan girl

>>29164376
Reinhold: "I need an adult!"

Alicia: "I AM an adult!"

>>29164561
>Alicia: "I AM an adult!"
are we sure about that? she seems a bit like an extra old 13 year old

>>29164376
>[2/2]

"Uh, okay..." you mumble, feeling kind of -extremely- uncomfortable right now.
"Sooo... what brings you over here, Mr. Reinhold?" Alicia asks, tapping a finger on your chest. "Looking for a pretty single mother to hit on?"
"Uh, I was actually looking for Princess Luciana..."

"Oh, her? I just saw her over by that side doorway," Alicia says, pointing to the doorway where you previously ran into King Celestino.


>thank the lady and head over there
>chat with the sexy older lady
>ask her to dance

>>29164628
>>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164376
>>29164628
>[x] Throw rival under bus
"Well... I do know Monique is currently looking for a wife, I remember him saying something about needing to continue the Gilbeault family line..."

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there
GET OUT NOW

Alicia is making ME uncomfortable.

>>29164628
>Thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>>thank the lady and head over there

Run, run from the cougar.

>>29164628
>>thank the lady and head over there
Oh man, Alicia is pretty dangerous. I figure she is likely to find someone in her first social outing.

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady
This is not a wafu thing I promise. It would be rude to just leave without even attempting polite conversation.

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

Dammit Reinhold, you can do this. It's safe now. You're in control of the situation here. You can't live your life in fear. Just take it smooth. She's just a person.

You, are a MAN. You can't let your fear own you like this.

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164648
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164677
I like this

>>29164628
>>chat with the sexy older lady

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady
It be quite rude to just run off so quickly. This is a friends mother after all.

Gotta start working on that fear to Reinhold buddy

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady
This is probably the best chance to try and get over our fear of flirty older women.

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady
FACE YOUR FEARS!

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>chat with older sexy lady as we make our way over to Luciana.

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

Face our fears, we can do it. Maybe talk about how Karel has been a good influence on Emilio.

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164677
I'm no fan of MILFs, but Reinhold needs to start taking some steps out of his trauma shell.

Seconding.

>>29164628
>>chat with the sexy older lady
Maybe? I feel very conflicted right now.

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

>>29164628
>>chat with the sexy older lady

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>thank the lady and head over there

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

>>29164628
>chat with the sexy older lady

This is no time for trauma. We have to face this eventually.

No matter how scared we are.

>writing

>>29164628
>run for the hills (for Luciana)
I'm pretty sure this conversation counts as sexual harassment. That, and the fact that she seems to have the common sense of a blithering lunatic, is kinda creeping me out. She might hold our hands on the dance floor

>>29164628
>chat with the older lady
Fixed that for you.

>>29164628
>Ask her to dance

Why no MILF love?

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>Running away from an opportunity to unleash the D

>>29164950
Only Marianne is getting the D.

>>29164962
What are you, gay, anon?

>>29164950
MILFs are scary anon, our body is not ready.

>>29164986

We need a FABULOUSLY GAY character in this story.

>>29164950
we can give the D to anyone we want.

just not as Rein.

>>29164429
Anon, I want to tell you ily for posting Dakini. If only the author wasn't so obscure [spoilers]and fond of guro...

>>29164998
Rein needs to hone his D skills.
Trust me, it's good for his psychological health. I'm a doctor.

>>29165018
Rein can hone his D skills solo, I mean, I thought that's what we did when we ran through sword drills?

>>29165012
>[spoilers]

Good job, me, making us all proud.

>>29165027
>Inb4 he becomes a swordNEET and spends the rest of his life in a cave polishing his sword

While Alicia seems to be a reasonably nice lady and all, you -did- want to get to finding Luciana already...

...well, that's the excuse that you're going with.

"It was nice talking with you and all, but, um..." you say, glancing towards the doorway that Alicia just told you that Luciana was at.
"Ah, no problem!" Alicia says cheerfully. "Sorry if I came on a bit strong. I just LOVE swordsmen, you see..." she says, licking her lips.
"Uh, thanks?" you reply, backing away -ever- so slightly as your DANGER SENSE is screaming at you to retreat ASAP.

As she notices your reaction, a wife smile forms on Alicia's lips.

"Oh don't worry about me!" Alicia laughs. "While I can't deny that I love to flirt with cute boys such as yourself, I prefer my men with a bit more meat on them... you'd have to bulk up a bit before I'd actually get serious."
"I see..." you reply, laughing nervously.
"But if you -were- to decide to do that..." she days, winking at you.

>[1/?]

>>29165163

> a wife smile forms on Alicia's lips.

Waifu confirmed.

>>29165163
She must meet Theri.

>>29165163
>sense danger
>roll to evade
>1
>"oh reinhold! How forward, motorboating me in public! Ufufuf."

>>29165163
So close
way to be be turbogays /tg/

>>29165194
She did.

>>29165204
Well /tg/ - Totally Gay.
You knew this going in, why are you disappointed?

>>29165163
God she skeeves me out.

>>29165204
We are /tg/ - Transgender

>>29165163
>While I can't deny that I love to flirt with cute boys such as yourself, I prefer my men with a bit more meat on them...
Even more points in favor of the Adrien theory, it looks like.

>>29165194
He's confirmed forever alone

>>29165204
B-b-but muh trauma. She is probably the most spinelle type waifu weave encountered so far.

>>29165241
The boner is weird, but I'm so ok with it.

Oh my god, captcha gave me a word that actually looks like normal text. The end is nigh.

>>29165245
What's the Adrien theory?

>>29165204
>implying one night with her wouldn't lead to post traumatic impotence, vocal disarticulation, ptsd, and a completely irrational fear of women.

>>29165259
We will heal the trauma by recreating the traumatic situation, but have it resolve in a favorable way.

There's a better word than favorable, but it escapes me.

>>29165271
That Adrein is Alicial's baby daddy.

>>29165271
The theory that Adrien doinked her and Karel's the resulting offspring.
I think.

>>29165282
>>29165259
Old habits die hard

I don't think Karel would like us banging his mom though

>>29165314
Or he'd call us Dad.
He's been pretty hero worshippey towards us thus far.

>>29165314
And that's why he can never find out. "Oh, hey Karel, figured I'd visit again, catch up with everyone. How you been, man?"

We become his best friend. His sparring partner. His mentor.

And then entire time we're railing his mother behind his back.

>>29165163
>[2/2]

TIME TO GO FIND LUCIANA.

Waving goodbye, you do your best to put as much distance between yourself and Alicia as you possibly can without bumping into anyone. But you somehow manage to do just that without incident (or getting groped again), hugging the wall and making your way to said doorway.

And there they are, right where Alicia said they'd be!

Takamaru's doing his usual stoic bodyguard thing, standing along the wall while Luciana leans against the doorframe... is she talking to someone? She's not facing anyone in particular, and it doesn't seem like Takamaru's the one she's talking to, judging from his body language...


>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
>stay back until she's done walking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations
>say hello as if you didn't notice her talking
>[OTHER]

>>29165359
>stay back until she's done walking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165359
>>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165352
>>29165338
And so we become the villain, and him the MC

I'm fine with this

>>29165359
>>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

Plotters gonna plot

>>29165359
>say hello as if you didn't notice her talking
i want to eavesdrop but...nah, we shouldn't.

>>29165359
she's talking to the kidnappers that she hired to try to grab herself so that we'd save her and develop a protective sense towards her

>>29165314
in all seriousness, this was a bit to strong of a come-on for the character to deal with properly, at least given our surroundings. Assuming we were somewhere else, with less people, we might be able to enjoy ourselves more, and develop Reinhold's character a bit more. But in a crowded party room while we are (technically) on duty, anything else would have been improper at best.

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
i know we shouldn't, but it's too tempting

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165271
>stay back until she's done talking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations
>[OTHER]
See if we can get Takamaru's attention. If she's doing something important, he can have us wait, and if she wouldn't mind the interruption and/or it's something related to the incident earlier, he can wave us over so we can be in on it.

No eavesdropping. Total dick move...

And even if it wasn't, do you really think Takamaru isn't going to notice if we try and get sneaky and listen in?

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
Seems pretty interesting.

>>29165359
>>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>All that eavesdropping choices
Guys, Takamaru will notice us right away.

Guys i know eavesdropping is tempting but you should know, even if Lucianna doesn't realize it, we are bound to be caught by Takamaru if we do that. I think we shouldn't. If we ask Luci maybe she'll just tell us.

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
plotplotplotplotplotpersonaplotsociallinksplotplotplot

>>29165359
I support this>>29165419

>>29165359
>>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165359
>gesture to takamaru to not gives away, the walk up and stand besides the princess until she notices. act equally as surprised as she does, upon realization

>>29165359
>>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
I know that we shouldn't and that it could backfire but I can't help it!

>>29165359
>>say hello as if you didn't notice her talking
Cmon guy's, don't be dicks.

You really think we'll just get away with eavesdropping? We are sure to get caught.

>>29165427
>>29165429
What's he going to say?
"STOP LISTENING"

All he is hired to do is keep her safe

>>29165359
>stay back until she's done walking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations

>>29165359
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
At this point. I'm curious enough to risk it.

>>29165359
>stay back until she's done walking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations

O.O Nico was doing the exact same thing earlier. Maybe it's the same person... Ninja girl?
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!

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>>29165359

>say hello as if you didn't notice her talking

>>29165359
talk to takamaru

>>29165478
>eavesdrop, it might be something interesting... or important!
Listen, Luciana is a schemer. She has plots I'm sure we should be aware of. Hopefully we'll ace the hell out of a stealth roll.

>writing

>>29165515
i thought nico was just staring into space out of boredom/frustration

>>29165523
us eavesdropping is one of her schemes

>>29165515
>O.O

kill urself

>>29165565
>ur
Please die. :)

>>29165419
>do you really think Takamaru isn't going to notice if we try and get sneaky and listen in?
let him watch

>>29165515
nico was talking to sylvie.

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>>29165596
No that's just what she wanted us to think.

>>29165582
Even if the ":)" is sarcastic, you're a fag.

>>29165582
ur a gae fagot

u need 2 kill urself already

>>29165359

>stay back until she's done walking to herself(?), it's impolite to listen on on a lady's conversations

>>29165616
What's wrong? :O

Sylvie is a fucking massive slut like holy shit

shit girl

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>>29165634

>>29165634
I bet she only wears those glasses to look moe!

>>29165631
>posting emoticons
>on an image board

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>>29165657

>>29165657
;)

Yeah, you're curious as to what she might be talking about... as well as who she's talking to. Doing your best to stay inconspicuous and evade Takamaru's hawklike gaze, you creep juuuuuuust close enough to get within listening distance without giving up your positiion...

>roll 1d20

Rolled 13

>>29165680

Rolled 16

>>29165680
This is a sneaking mission

>>29165680

Rolled 5

>>29165680
Reinhold the Man of Ears

Rolled 13

>>29165680

>>29165634
>>29165654
She takes them off when she's being gangbanged

Just kidding, she's pure waifu and definitive best girl[/spoiler

Rolled 14

>>29165680
Pretend you're hiding from Spinelle.

Rolled 12

>>29165680
Critfail

Rolled 14

>>29165680

>>29165692
Not bad.

Rolled 1

>>29165680

>>29165692
Good, but I don't like our odds.

>>29165692
Based Librarian training.

>>29165710
>1d1

>>29165710
har har

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>>29165709
I think you mean "pretty good". This is a sneaking mission after all.

>>29165710
Did you think that was clever?

>>29165710
>"Rolled 1d1"
Anon pls.

>>29165717
Reinhold grew up in a place where being sneaky was kind of necessary to survive. I'd think his modifiers from that would cancel out Takamaru's hawklike gaze.

Time to do your best impression of Gerhard. Blend in with the scenery, become one with the room itself... almost as if you were a piece of furniture that isn't noticed until it's needed...

"...do you understand?" Luciana says in a low voice. "Find out whatever you can about them and then report back to Father, Uncle Gregory, myself or Mother, in that order of importance."

Find out about... OH. This is about last night.

"Not the Guard Captains, just the three of us," Luciana sighs. "If you're completely unable to find us, then you can report to Alberto... but -nobody else can be trusted,- you got that? Until we find out who's behind this, everyone is a potential suspect."

"No. Under no circumstances can you engage them," Luciana says, glaring to the side. "If your cover is blown, head -straight- to one of us, the information is more important than fighting the culprits. Now hurry up and leave, it won't be long before I draw a-"
"Princess," Takamaru mutters, placing a hand on Luciana's shoulder while he glares DIRECTLY AT YOU.


>come clean, he knows you're there
>act like you didn't hear any of that
>COBRA! RETREAT!!
>[OTHER]

>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there

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>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there

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Rolled 6

>>29165865

>>[OTHER]
"Dammit Taka, I wanted to surprise Luciana."

>Come Clean but deflect

>>29165865
>Come clean
How can we help?

>>29165865
>COBRA! RETREAT!!
But not really.
>Come clean.

>>29165865
>>act like you didn't hear any of that
Unless called out, then admit listening in.

>>29165886
>Come Clean but deflect
this

>>29165865
this:>>29165886

>>29165865
'IT WAS ME ALL ALONG, I SENT THE ASSASSINS, ME, REINHOLD'

'ALSO KNOWN AS DIO'

>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there
He probably didn't see us i think but i still want to come clean with this.

>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there

>>29165886
>"Dammit Taka, I wanted to surprise Luciana."
Thats just pathetic.

>>29165865
>>come clean, he knows you're there

>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there

>>29165907
It was me LUCI! IT WAS ME LUCI! IT WAS ME ALL ALONG LUCI!
but seriously, you fuckwits, we are not spy, and we are not schemer, stop being retarded.
>>29165865
>come clean, he knows you're there

>>29165865
>>come clean, he knows you're there

>>29165886
I approve, she should be amused.

>>29165865

>>29165887
>>Come clean
>How can we help?

This is probably the best way of going about things.

This is something we have at least some degree of investment in already, and we're already somewhat in the loop.

Rather than trying to deflect, or claim we didn't hear anything, or pretend that we were just passing by incedentally, or any of a handful of other superficial, totally unbelievable excuses, now that we know it's about something serious, we should enter serious business mode in order to address it.

>>29165887
>>29165971
This.

.writing

>>29165971
Seconded

>>29165887
>>29165971
I agree. No sense in making excuses and beating around the bush, best accept it and offer help. They'll probaably handle it themselves and not ask help but still..

>>29166048
If they try to weasel out of help we should press it. We're here as security in the end no matter how much we're treated like a guest.

>>29166062
Security of Marianne.

>>29166079
Depending on the situation it could lead to her being put in danger. They're apparently trying to hunt someone out and it's possible they're at the party.

>>29166079
Also, as you can see they are not looking for a fight yet but using spies. So most likely there isnt anything we can do to help.

>>29166062
We don't need to force ourselves into matters; we've got our own things to worry about, after all, especially if things are still going on to a degree where they thing something might happen at the party itself.

At the bare minimum, we should ask what we should do so as not to impede whatever their current investigation already has going on, though.

>>29166062
We are not HER security. If she wants help, she knows us well enough by now to know that she need only ask.

Well, crap. At least you were able to get the general gist of what's going on...

"Umm, hey," you say as you emerge from your hiding place, waving hello.
"Oh, it's you..." Seeing that the eavesdropper was you as opposed to someone else, Takamaru breathes a sigh of relief.
"R- Mr. Reinhold?" Luciana gasps.

"It isn't good to eavesdrop," Takamaru says. "Were we somewhere other than at this party, I may have been inclined to attack."
"Really," Luciana mumbles. "I'm on edge enough as it is, I don't need you elevating my stress level as well..."

"...sorry about that," you say. "I didn't mean anything bad by-"
"I was just messing with you!" Luciana laughs as she flits over to you and grasps your hand. "...er, how much of that did you hear?"

>[1/?]

>>29166211
>Roll a nat 1
>Takamaru thinks we are an assassin and instinctively attacks, slicing us in half.
>Bad end

>>29166211
>"It isn't good to eavesdrop," Takamaru says. "Were we somewhere other than at this party, I may have been inclined to attack."
if we were somewhere else we wouldn't be doing it, silly Taka.

>>29166211
>[2/2]


"Telling whoever what to do and who to report to?" you reply, trying to avoid from repeating any specifics in case someone else is eavesdropping.
"I see... so you got the general idea," Luciana sighs. "I have some people checking some things for me out in the city, so you don't have to worry," she says, smiling at you.

>how do you respond?

>>29166211
Well, at least we learned not to be sneeky around Takawaka

Rolled 15

>>29166268

"Anyway I can help?"

>>29166268
Of course I worry, if I weren't around last time they would have actually managed to grab you.

>>29166268
"That's good to hear.

Anything in particular I ought to keep an eye open for?"

>>29166283
>>29166292
This.

Also ask if she's figured anything else out.

>>29166283
This

>>29166268
>My friend is in danger, I'll worry regardless how much do you reassure me.

>>29166284
And their hands would have been promptly removed by Takamaru.

>>29166268
"I'm worried that you might not cut me in on some of the action. I'd love to give those assholes from last night a few new scars."

>>29166268
"Are you sure that is the size of the problem? Had I ought to stick to Marianne or anyone else in particular?"

>>29166268
"That's good but seeing as i could sneak up and listen, i think there is merit in being a bit more discreet. I am not exactly the most sneaky person."
also this >>29166283

>>29166292
>>29166300
This. See if we can learn more and then offer help.

>>29166312
This. Bloodthirsty Reinhold is best Reinhold

>>29166268
"If you need help don't be afraid to come talk to me, this goes for everything too: you need somebody to confine in, I'd be more than happy to listen"

>>29166268
>>29166283
>>29166312
voting this

>>29166283
And add "I 'am' your friend and I 'am' here if you need me. For anything."

>>29166312
This.

>>29166292
This works.

>>29166283
This.

>>29166312
I prefer this. It implies Reinhold would like to help while being substantially more metal about it

>>29166292
Yeah, this is about right.

>>29166356
""Anything", Eh, Reinhold" She says, smiling coyly.
"W-well,I-I mean..." you begin.
"Relax", she says, bemused, interrupting your stuttering. "I know what you meant, and I appreciate the sentiment."

>writing

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The silence makes me nervous.
Here, have dancing skeles to break it.

Rolled 2

/crickets

Sooo

Your waifu a shit

>>29166636
I keep trying to see if arch will ever have 2 posts in a row without someone saying something.

Rolled 18

rolling for more plot

>>29166639
>your not you're
You a shit!

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So just how decked out is the average knight guy? In a world where enchantment is a thing, at what point does physical, tactile armour start getting in the way?

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Ded thread

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So she has spies or something out there... good.

"So, is there anything I can do to help?" you ask. "I was worried that you might not cut me in on the action, you know?"
"Ehehe, it's nice to see that you're so worried about me," Luciana says as she gently squeezes your hand. "But you don't have to worry... your duty is bodyguarding, not intelligence gathering, right?"

"I guess you have a point there..." you say as you idly tap a shoe against the floor.
"No need to be all gloomy, you've already done more than enough for me," Luciana replies. "This is my little brother's party, so let's try and keep our minds off of the more unpleasant parts of life!"


>ask the Princess about something?

>>29166697
>enchantment
>armor becoming dead weight
You contradict yourself knowingly right? No way you can be that much an idiot.

>>29166726
"Care to dance, M'lady?

Rolled 14

>>29166726

"Then, Princess Luciana, how about that dance?"

>>29166726
dance time?

>>29166726
In that case, would you care to take the floor with me?

>>29166726
"Well then, let's move on to happier things, I wanted to ensure that I got my dance with you in, so if the lady wishes to join me on the floor?"

>>29166726
What better way to return into party spirits than to DANCE!

>>29166726
>"Ey, supah-ho numbah 2, u want sum fuk?

>>29166697
Physical armor is heap and effective for most things... though it's utterly useless against something like a lighting-element attack spell.

Guards wear armor for the imposing factor as much as anything else, but your higher tier of folks like Gregory completely abscond with it at all in favor of enchanted clothing.

Vincent wears armor but it's more decoration in his case than anything else...

>>29166726

Retract our vote of confidence in Lord Girardot.

He's not to be trusted. We've had a bad feeling about him/heard a rumor from source we trust about him/whatever

>>29166749
Why the hell not.

Rolled 14

>>29166776

Yes, this too/

>>29166768
So at a certain level of personal badassery armor is about looking swag and not actually protecting your giblets from getting turned into kebabs.

It's like Star Wars Sagas like that!

>>29166776
Yep, this too. After this go to dance floor with her.

>>29166776
Definitely this.

>>29166726
>>29166748
voting this with the M'lady and every thing

>>29166768
>higher tier of folks like Gregory completely abscond with it
>abscond
You calling Gregory a thief?

>>29166832
*Tips sword*

>>29166776
Definitely say this. Don't go into detail just make sure it turns out he's a jerk.

>>29166776
I think we should say this, but I DON'T think we should say it now. Wait until it's appropriate in conversation.

>>29166836
im englush gud
日本語じゃだめなのか…

>writing

>>29166837
Boy from brothel is about to ask blood princess for dance. I think little manner is required in this situation, right?

>>29166836
But Gregory is a thief anon. And Elena is his accomplice

together, they stole my heart

>>29166892
You realize that calling a princess a lady is not, in fact, proper manners at all, right?

>>29166892
>>29166921
I think both of you are missing the *tip hat* "M'Lady" joke.

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>>29166892
>Dance with Luci
>Make a few jokes, she laughs, looking close
>Dance with Marie immediately after
>Half of the guests start plotting for assasination

>>29166932
Nobody's missing it. It didn't deserve acknowledgement.

>>29167040
>the way that you saw Sir Gregory doing while he played with Sir Gregory.

WHAT

>>29167040
>Sir Gregory doing while he played with Sir Gregory.
wut

>>29167040
>you notice that he's smiling quite similarly to the way that you saw Sir Gregory doing while he played with Sir Gregory.
um...

>>29167053
>>29167054
>>29167056

I think he means masturbation, anon.

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>>29167040
> saw Sir Gregory play with Sir Gregory
WAY TOO LEWD

>>29167058
Or he can make a copy of himself then proceed to masturbate.

Rolled 16

>>29167076

selfcest is still masturbation

>>29167076
MY OWN CLONE!

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it's gettin too late for this shit

>>29167076
Way back when, we had Gregory and Vincent randomly switched spaces, now Gregory's spawning clones!
>this is entirely normal for top-tier magic

>>29167076
trick is, the copy is female
guess where the name "red mist" came from...

"Fair enough," you reply as you look down at your hand... which Luciana is -still- holding. "In that case, would you care to dance?" you ask as you hold your entwined hands up to eye level.
"Oh... oh my," Luciana says, her face becoming somewhat flushed. "Umm, I'd be happy to!"

Yeah, that cheered her right up.

"No sense in wasting time, then..." Luciana says as she pulls you along in the direction of the dance floor. As Takamaru follows not to far behind, you notice that he's smiling quite similarly to the way that you saw Sir Gregory doing while he played with Elena.

>[1/?]

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>>29167040
> saw Sir Gregory play with Sir Gregory

>>29167126
d'awww. Takamaru thinks of Luci like an adopted not-kitsune daughteru

>>29167123

Everyone knows it's because he once spent too much time with Lil' Gregory, to the point of drawing blood.

In front of his prisoners.

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>>29167108
That was the best fuck-up you pulled off so far Arch. Congratulations.

>>29167146

Takamaru has nothing to do with kitsunes except for meeting some.

The visiting king has a kitsune wife apparently, and Matthias is chatting with that one.

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>>29167058
>>29167059
>>29167053
>>29167054
>>29167056
i don't get you guys, can't a guy play with his clone?

>>29167058
>>29167076
>>29167095
>>29167098
still don’t follow

>>29167170
He said that he thought Luciana was a kitsune when he first got the job. That's what I was referring to.

>>29167179
Shut up Shirou, nobody likes you.

>>29167179

Not in front of the guy with the PTSD.

Unless he found the most effective way of scarring off potential boyfriends.

>>29167147
If Gregory ever receives a injury within the vicinity of his groin, we're totally asking him how Lil' Greg is.

Rolled 8

>>29167205

Thats 'Sir' to you

>>29167126

...and then you remember your mistaken impression of a certain person's worth...

"Oh yeah, one thing," you say, tugging back on Luciana's arm.
"Hm?" Luciana turns back to look at you. "What is it?"
"About that nobleman I mentioned before..."
"Umm, Lord Girardot, right?"

"Yeah," you reply as your expression grows somber. "Just forget about what I said about him before, alright?"
"...what, did something happen?" Luciana asks, now concerned about -you- for a change.
"Not exactly, just... I found out that he's pretty much the exact opposite of how he initially showed himself to be," you sigh. "Just... I don't want you getting friendly with him and then have him surprise you with his true colors, you know?"

"Ah, I see," Luciana says with an understanding nod. "A two-faced noble... there's no shortage of those around here."
"So I've seen," you reply.

>[2/?]

Allow me to send us into sageland where hermit turles take residence.

>>29167225
>[2/2]

"well, time to cheer YOU up!" Luciana chirps as she resumes pulling you towards the dance floor. "After all, now you get to dance with a princess who actually -enjoys- that kind of thing!"

Yet another way that Luciana and Marianne differ...

As Luciana's taking the lead this time, everyone actually parts ways for the three of you to get through. Just as you're stating to think that MAYBE these guys actually have manners, you overhear several of them muttering under their breath.

"Ugh! Just look at that ruffian, shamelessly holding the Princess's hand! How lewd can you get!?"
"Who the hell does he think he is!? I saw him speaking earlier with the princess from Krassato, just as casual as he could be!"
"What does THAT guy have that I don't!?"

While their comments -are- annoying, they're far from the worst things that have been said about you... to be honest, it's almost refreshing that they're not being horribly vulgar about their badmouthing.

As you finally make it onto the dance floor, Takamaru takes position off to the side, in a place where he can both stay out of the way of the guests who want to dance and where he can rush in just in case something happens.

"So here we are..." Luciana says with a wide smile. "Are you ready to make all of those rude people even more jealous than they already were?" she giggles.

>hell yeah dance time
>no, I actually need to...

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>>29167469
>>hell yeah dance time

it is time

Rolled 11

>>29167469
>>hell yeah dance time

Grin like a mofo

>>29167469
>hell yeah dance time
Unless Marie's got something happening to her I don't see what we'd need to do.