>>32418216
>Get ready to leave right away?

>>32418216
>>Invite her in for some breakfast?
Ask Louie whether he is still our employ, if he is, he can come in for breakfast too, if not, pout and make some tears in his direction then go have breakfast without him.

>>32418310
>our employ
employee*

I'm heading to bed because I clearly can't see straight, but anons, whats the plan regarding Louie?

Rolled 74

>>32418216
>>Invite her in for some breakfast?
>>Ask her what she means about a trial?

>>32418216
>Invite her in for some breakfast?
Congratulate Louie on his new adventurer status.

>>32418216
>>Ask her what she means about a trial?
Trial? Mob? What? This sounds bad.

>>32418350

He needs to be brought back into the fold somehow.

That or he needs to be "convinced" to skip town. He has too much dirt on us and our activities to run free with our main competitor.

>>32418376
>He needs to be brought back into the fold somehow.
I agree with that.

I'm thinking we guilt him into spilling the beans on whats going on with him and our rival, then bring him back into our happy little family, maybe throw in how the bed we brought for him is still sitting there, unused and neglected

>>32418216
>Invite her in for some breakfast?
Did she remember to feed the Louie? He needs food to work properly.

So uh, did we remember to tell Charme we kinda needed her for this or did we only do the Caillou thing?

>>32418216
>Ask her what she means about a trial?

This is disconcerting.

>>32418400

We could also concede that he'll used for primarily official adventures and as muscle at the store.

If Recette's cuteness and guilt trip doesn't work, we can always remind him what happens to our enemies and potential snitches.

AAAH
Forgot to run errands!
Short delay inbound!

AAAAAHHH

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>>32418216
"Oh. Well, we we're just about to have breakfast. Would you like to join us? We've got plenty to go around." You hold your arm out to welcome her inside. She ponders on the offer for a few moments before deciding to enter.

"I did skip breakfast this morning, and it is the most important meal of the day. Perhaps just this once I could stoop low enough as to join the lesser folk for one meal."

She's passing you when something about her first statement catches your attention. "W-wait, what did you mean by a trial?"

The question catches her by surprise. "You didn't hear the town crier this morning? He was running about a few hours ago, waking everyone up and shouting about how the Inquisitor caught a witch and his accomplice is heresy. They're down in the town square trying to get a confession out of the accomplice right now."

>?

>>32418719
Got a bad feeling about this.
Let's take a trip down to see what's going on.

>>32418719
RIP Euria. It was a fun ride.

>>32418719
We should probably get down there and see if it's as bad as I think it will be.

>>32418719

>ohboyherewego

Excuse yourself, find a quick disguise, and try to find Charme while you go down to see what's happening.

>>32418789

Not to get too murderhobo, but we might need to genuinely murder Euria if we get the chance to do it discretely.

She knows far too much and is inevitably going to rat us out if she's under enough duress.

>>32418863
>>32418789
You do realize that this is most likely Charme and Caillou, right?

>>32418905

That would fuck us even further since we can't get rid of Charme.

>>32418905

We could persuade/blackmail Louie into helping us rescue them if that's the case.

He was an accessory to heresy just like us and I'm sure that he wouldn't want his new promising career to go down in flames.

If we go down, we'll rat him out the first chance we get as well.

>>32418905
It seems more likely Euria would be the accomplice, given that we did send her off with the goods for him and she (probably?) isn't as experienced in the staying out of sight business as Charme. But I'm sure we'll know soon.

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>>32418719
You try to feign casual interest while masking your abject horror at the news. "Really? Interesting. I've never seen a trial before. Do you mind if we hold off breakfast for a bit? I'd love to go see it."

Alouette frowns at you, "as long as you don't forget our agreement! We're supposed to be adventuring now!"

You ignore her, grabbing a jacket with hood from your stock on display, calling Tear and stepping out of the store, locking it behind you once everyone is outside. A swift walk brings you to the town square, Alouette protesting at the rapid pace the entire way.

Soon you reach the back of a huge crowd. Over half the town must have turned out for this! Over their heads, you can just about make out a hastily constructed wooden platform beside the fountain. Caillou is tied to a post, face bloody and beaten. Beside him, the form of a girl is tied to a table, currently being worked over by the cloaked form of the Inquisitor. Her screams can be heard even over the raucous cheering of the crowd.

The screaming stops for a moment, and you can hear the booming voice of the Inquisitor. "Admit to your heresy and all this, all of it will cease. Repent now, and perhaps we can yet save your immortal soul."

Euria's voice screams back, "I don't know what you're talking about!" The agonized screaming resumes.

Louie blanches, while Tear's face scrunches in distaste. Alouette looks downright bored.

>?

>>32418976
They wouldn't call HIM a witch though. The inquisitor called him a mage.

Part of me is glad we didn't go do this trade ourselves. Another part of me feel sorry for poor Euria. We should do something. And if we manage to rescue her she will be further in our debt.

Also, Louie will get his ass fired as soon as we're done with this issue

>>32418719

Wait a minute, didn't the Inquisitor said he wouldn't punish the seller if they didn't know the heretical nature of their client?

Oh well, I'm glad we didn't fall for this

>>32419062
Hrm. She hasn't ratted us out yet, but that might still happen. How do we get rid of her? Or rescue her, whatever works.

>>32419062

Is there only one Inquisitor there? How many guards are present?

>>32419062
OP, is the Inquisition allowed to torture people because they sold heretical merchandise?

>>32419062
FFFFFuck. Fucking inquisitor, we have monopoly on doing that! I can't really think of any good ideas, whether for rescuing or, less appealingly, murder.

>>32419063
Mage is "nice" word. When you need to tell people it's heresy, you switch to words like witch.

>>32419062
We could defend her. She's our kitchen girl that we took in from the streets (just look at those clothes of hers!) she surely wouldn't be a heretic. Whatever the stupid girl has done, it must be a misunderstanding.

>>32419062

>Take Louie aside and explain to him that he's going to help rescue Euria and Caillou or that we are both going down together
>Find Charme
>Have them wear disguises
>Have them do a daring rescue and then escape outside of town
>Tell Cailou and Euria to never return

This is a terrible plan, but I can't think of anything better. We can't let Euria or Cailou talk and rat us out.

Alright guys, how about we hear with Tear which high-ranked Inquisitor might be persuaded to end this heinous assault on innocent people for a reasonable briber?

>>32419258
THIS! THIS IS A GOOD PLAN!

>>32419258
Obviously we'd need something else long-term, might work to buy time at the very least though.

>>32419197
We could resort to one of my typical stratagem:

>If there is no ennemy, create him

The Inquisition is looking for a mage. If we disguise ourselves (climb on Charme's shoulders, fake beard, etc) and put on a show with some smoke and mirror, mocking the Inquisition for not managing to catch [insert fake name ] yet, we might be able to convince them that they got the wrong girl. Or create enough chaos to allow one of our allies to free her.

>>32419062
We need some sort of rescue strategy, I just don't know which of these terrible plans is the correct one.

>>32419302

Wouldn't that just bring the heat down on us?

>>32419346
On our fake identity, yes. But the great Montagne does not fear feeble-minded fools that kneel before false faith!

Or we could start crying loudly, and when asked why we said in our more innocent and heart-broken voice that the Inquisitor said he would be indulgent to merchant that did not know what they were selling and that we're so sad the Church doesn't stick to its word.

>Guilt trip, ho!

>>32419062
Across

"We need to help them," you mutter under your breath, careful not to let the crowd around you hear. Tear is the only one who responds.

"Don't do anything foolish, Recette. This is a delicate situation. The Inquisitor is well within his rights to torture anyone he suspects for a confession of sin."

She's not as quiet as you, and Alouette catches wind of the exchange. Her eyes go wide. "Wait, are you thinking of..." Louie places a hand on her shoulder, keeping her from interrupting your thoughts. You can't really make it out through the crowd, but it looks like four or five guards keeping an open space around the base of the platform. The Inquisitor is the only non-local in the entire square.

"We could take them by force," Tear states as if reading your mind, "but that would put us in just as much danger, as well as outright crossing the Church. If we had time, we could perhaps find or forge evidence that the two are innocent but I don't know how long those two will last. Or we could try confronting him now-" the rest of her sentence is drowned out by an even louder scream from Euria. She's begging the audience now, apparently ignoring the Inquisitor's questions completely.

"PLEASE, SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! MAKE HIM STOP!"

>?

>>32419462
Ask if there's anyone we could bribe (and in time).
If not, fuck it. Gotta wade in there and do something. Just need an idea of what.

>>32419462
Could we accuse him of being a paedophile, because he gets off on torturing little girls? He did threaten us, after all.

>>32419462

Confront the inquisitor! Rabble rouse and turn the public opinion against the inquisitor.

He's the only non-local there, accuse him of torturing an innocent woman whose only sin was that she was trying to make ends meet. Ask him whether he would do the same to all the other merchants if they unwillingly sold something to a "heretic".

If we can turn the public opinion, surely the Inquisitor wouldn't act alone in a town square of hostile individuals. The guards are all local as well.

>>32419514
Hmmm, seems weak, but...

>>32419482
I say either >>32419426 or:
>Disguiseas a mage
>Do an hammy performance about how we hate the Church so bad and they felt into our trap to trick them to torture an innocent girl in front of everyone
>Exit with a smoke bomb
>remove disguise

>>32419462
>>32419526

If it fails, at least they are unlikely to brutalize a little girl on stage in front of the entire town.

>>32419526
If we claimed her as our employee and demanded he take it out on us, I do think that would cost him the popular support, though I don't know if that'd be enough.

>>32419594

Claiming her as our employee would be risky, I would save it only as a clincher if the rest of the speech fails to get the reaction we are looking for.

>>32419626
We could merge it. We could accuse him of getting off on little girls and that he is only going after our employee, because we rebuked his advances.

>>32419626
How about we say to other merchants that Caillou may have spoken to that it's scandalous to be treated like that just for trading a few goods?

still, I'd prefer either of those>>32419550

>>32419700
We could ask Alouette is the Inquisitor did question her strangely, too, and then start crying if she answer yes

>>32419750
Ooooh. Good idea.

Alright, so we're accusing him of pedophilia?
Writing!

So, I recap: Our plan is to start crying, making a scene, and scream between sobs that the Inquisitor acted creepily toward us yesterday, threatened us, said he'd come back the next day and that we'd regret to not accept his "deal". And now he's torturing our employee because we didn't agree

>>32419911
What could go wrong?

>>32419911
>>32419891
Also, if people contradict us, say that you're sure Euria was molested, and that if she wasn't, she wouldn't have any bruise on her lower body.

Now let's hope she still got red cheeks from the spanking

>>32419891
Also, ask Tear to spread the word to everyone she know in the crowd.

No one dispute the word of the local mafioso's right-hand fairy

>>32419987
That's actually genius. Jesus crap.

>>32419987
You're suspiciously good at this anon...

>>32419911
>>32419987
best plan i've seen in a while

>>32419987
>>32419911

Oh hell, that's actually pretty clever.

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>>32419462
An impulse overtakes you, a crazy idea. There's no way this will work, but you can't think of anything else. "MONSTER!" You bellow the insult at the top of your little lungs, and somehow it carries over the crowd around you just enough to get them to quiet a little, bringing their attention to you. "LIAR! DEVIL!" The entire crowd has now gone silent, all eyes rapidly turning to face you in time for your final accusation to carry through every pair of ears in the square. "PEDOPHILE!"

The Inquisitor spins in place in seething rage to locate the source of the voice. When his eyes fall upon you, he growls his question at you. "What is the meaning of this? Who dare throw such terms at me, an Inquisitor of the most Holy Church!?"

"I do," you shout back. "Recette Lemongrass of the store Recettear!"

The crowd splits around you to open a path between you and the wooden platform. They look equal parts shocked and horrified at your interruption of the trial. "Recette," Old Man Jones steps towards your, "don't do this. You're too young to-" you ignore him and continue your impromtu speech, aimed more at the crowd than at the black-caped man on stage.

"First you come to my store and physically THREATEN me with no evidence, unless I do... indecent things for you," this causes a gasp in the audience, "then you try to coerce me to testify that one of my INNOCENT customers is a witch and that you'll come back today, and that I'd regret not accepting your 'deal'!" You make sure to force a break into your voice, as if it distresses you to even recall the events.
Murmuring runs through the crowd as you spin the story to make out like you're both innocent and looking out for your loyal customers.
"And now here you are, TORTURING my kitchen girl that I took in off the streets and offered a safe home to! Do you get off on abusing little girls, or are you doing this just because I rejected you!?"

>>32420091
Don't forget this, OP >>32419987

>>32420062
I once made a city believe my low-level alchemist was a wizard, and that he unleashed an Headless Horseman on their ass for being sinful.

>>32420156
You're the guy that did that? With the bronze statue? I remember reading that story.
Was a good thread.

>>32420200
Thanks, dude!
I love your Quest!

>>32420091
As the crowd's uncertainty echoes through their murmuring, you ignore his question, instead turning to Alouette. "I bet he asked you some creepy questions as well, didn't he?"

She catches your eye, uneasily answering the affirmative. "Y-yes. He did, now that I think back to it." Her hesitant answer is thankfully interpreted by the crowd as further proof of her honesty, and they once more direct their anger on the man on stage.

"Guards, seize the trouble maker," he orders coldly. They look between each other, apparently deciding it would be best to follow a direct order.

"I BET YOU MOLESTED EURIA!" you cry out in desperation. "If you didn't, then she'd have no marks or bruises on her in indecent places, right!?"

The guards freeze. The crowd, too. The Inquisitor pales. That alone suggests he knows something. Tear chuckles beside you, before whispering in your ear. "He'll have already given her a once-over before putting her on-stage. He knows she's marked."

The guards turn back to face him. "...Inquisitor?"

>Apply any extra nails to his coffin?
>Wait and watch?

>>32420329
>Apply any extra nails to his coffin?
maybe "ask" Caillou too for extra gay damage

>>32420329
>Apply any extra nails to his coffin?
"An innocent man would not hesitate to produce the proof he didn't do anything! We demand to be shown the trust! We demand justice!"

>>32420413
Caillou is probably unmolested, though

>>32420422
*shown the truth!

>>32420329
>Apply extra nails
Basically what >>32420422
Is saying good rabble rousing stuff that might even get the church burned

>>32420329
>Wait and watch?
We've said enough. Keep going and he may be able to turn the situation back around by pointing out that the only way we could know all these things is if we were the actual witch. Or something heresy-related. Just stop.

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>>32420329

Seconding >>32420422

Drink his tears (metaphorically).

>>32420329
>Apply any extra nails to his coffin?

I always did hate those types. Let him have it.

>>32420486
Maybe just say "An innocent man would not hesitate!" ?

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>>32420329
The ladies of the town circle around you and Alouette, placing reassuring hands upon your shoulders. The men start to crowd closer and closer to the stage.

You shout out another rabble-rousing statement. "An innocent man wouldn't hesitate like that! We demand proof! We demand justice!"

The Inquisitor takes a few paces back as the guards start to make their way up the stage towards him. One of them sets to releasing Euria from her bindings. Caillou's form seems to shake a little, and you squint to make out a... smirk on his down-turned face? He's conscious!
"Caillou!" You call out to him. "Caillou, are you okay?"

Slowly, with a serious effort, he raises his bloodied face and answers you with three simple words, a rasping whisper that only carries due to everyone's attention being fixed on the beaten boy.
"My arse hurts."

The townsfolk go into a frenzy.

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>>32420588
>"My arse hurts."

>>32420588
Sides gone

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>>32420588

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>>32420588

>"My arse hurts."

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>>32420588

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>>32420588
>Putting the people against the Church

>tip pic related

>>32420588
The swarm is like nothing you've seen before as the mass of bodies surges forwards after the cloaked man. Unfortunately, his is not the sort of occupation that can be filled by any unfit types. He leaps from the platform and bolts for the nearest alleyway, outstripped the mob with ease as he dashes in the direction of the church.
Even in such a rage, you know the townsfolk will do nothing if he makes it to their doors, since they wouldn't dare bringing the wrath of God down on the city.

You'll just have to hope the clergy don't side with him. Or let him out to hunt you down for retribution. That's an issue for later, though.

You climb onto the platform and approach the two victims of the Inquisitor's torture.
Euria is a trembling wreck, bleeding from many tiny cuts across her bare upper body, while Caillou is bruised all over but lightly chuckling to himself. Each breath coming in more of a choked cough than a laugh.

>?

>>32420735
Have we any healing items? If so, use those on them. Then bring them to the shop, ask Tear to find Charme, and go dungeoneering with our trusted rival and that traitor that will get his ass more fired than after one night with the Inquisitor

>>32420735
>Whisper sweet nothings to Euria, while cutting her loose. And do offer her something to get decent with.

>>32420735
Get Euria back to the shop somehow, she can probably walk with support at least. Caillou sounds like he's doing decently physically at least.

>>32420735
hmm, well if anyone has some healing potion (or knows a spell for that) now is the time
else, just cover Euria with something and carry them discretely to our shop where we sell them two healing potions for cheap

>>32420735
Give healing items if we have any. Also try to comfort Euria.

Should we bring them back to the shop? Or see if there are any other safe havens that they could recuperate in?

>>32420735
Haul them to our shop and fix them up for cheap. Also, try comfort Euria.

>>32420892
I think the shop is fine. We pretty much declared them our friends in front of everyone: even if we hide them somewhere else, people will know where to find us.

Maybe it's a good occasion to start this underground casino/illegal shop.

>>32420735
We should get Euria cleaned/healed up and back to the shop sharpish, before she lets anything slip. Louie can help Calliou, assuming he doesn't have to stick perfectly to his new employer of course.

>>32420735

Get them back to the shop, clean them up, comfort Euria, think of a cover story in case the church comes asking around.

We reward loyalty. We're a good boss.

Which mean Louie's bed in now Euria's.

>>32420735
Get Euria back to the shop somehow, she can probably walk with support at least.

As gently as you can, you lift Euria upright, whispering to her that it'll be alright now. That' you're here with her. "Recette? Is that you? You saved me? You saved me." You take off the jacket you'd thrown on as a quick identify-covering tool and wrap it over Euria's shoulders. She whimpers as it comes down on her injuries, but doesn't protest at the covering of her features.

After a little effort, you discover that she' can't stand unassisted, but Louie takes her from your hands, picking the girl up into a princess carry. "You might want to look after the other guy," he says to you, voice emotionless, "he seems a little out of it." He brushes past you, carrying Euria off the stage and up the road.

"H-hey, Louie! Wait, where are you-" Alouette rushes off the stage after him, leaving you and Tear to tend to Caillou. He seems to be able to manage himself, and you simply walk beside him in silence back to the store. When you arrive, Louie is sat outside, Alouette resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. She looks up when you arrive. "Your servant is inside, resting on your bed. She only has some cuts. They're all clean none deep. Anyway, now that this nasty business is behind us, how about we get on with our own business?"

>?

>>32421278
There's still an issue of what to do about all this. We MIGHT (might) get ourselves and Euria off the hook, but I'm not sure how Caillou won't get a new visit fro a different inquisitor, probably in secret next time.

>>32421320
>Get Euria back to the shop somehow, she can probably walk with support at least.
Err. Please ignore that line.
Forgot to delete my writing prompt once done with it. Derp.

>>32421320
Well, we need to leave someone behind to watch Euria. Who were we planning on bringing anyway?

>>32421320

> "You might want to look after the other guy," he says to you, voice emotionless, "he seems a little out of it." He brushes past you

oi Louie u cunt

We should probably ask for a break until we find Charme and get her ready for adventuring. We can tend to Euria and ask Caillou some questions in private in the meanwhile.

In the meantime, it would be good to remind Louie what happens when you cross Recette for she is the one who knocks.

>>32421320
>Say:
"Of course! Tear, could you tell Charme to met us at the dungeon Alouette chose for today? While you give your instruction, dear rival (in a masterful way, no doubt) I will just take a quick look at Euria. Then, you'll lead the way and I will follow! But don't get used to it."

>Wink

>>32421320

Ask Alouette if she was really just going to be okay with that Inquisitor murdering both of them without evidence.

Cast doubt on her personality, let Louie realize he fucked up.

>>32421320
>Hug Alouette and thank her for helping us save our friends
We're FRIENDLY rivals. No hugs for Louie though. Not yet.

>>32421320

Pretty sure Caillou needs a band-aid and a healing potion at the very least, and Euria some intensive therapy. You guys can go on ahead, I think I'll need to keep an eye on these two for today.

Besides, I'm fucking hungry.

>>32421320
Bring Caillou (if he's up for it) and Tear, get Charme to watch Euria? Charme is too lolicon for it to be a risk that way, might get drunk and useless for support though.

>>32421439

No hugs ever for Louie, unless it's to stick a shiv in his back.

We do not reward traitors

>>32421320
Ask for a short break and talk to Louie

>>32421487
More hugs for everyone else when he's around though. Make sure he realizes just how good the hugs he's missing out on are.

Plus I just want to hug Alouette because she'd hate that and maybe like it a little bit, then hate that she liked it.

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>>32421487
Louie is too dumb for proper treason, he's just being bitter/tsundere.
Sure, it shall not go unpunished, but on the other hand it's no reason to damn him for good. Kid just needs proper leadership.

We should also tease Caillou that maybe he didn't exactly hate whatever was happening to his butt....

>>32421559
Let's give her a victory hug when we complete the dungeon. And compliment her on her leadership skills.

I vote that we simply give Louie a (short) letter of recommendation, his wages if there is some left unpaid, and then we ignore him. We don't have time for losers.

>>32421559
Are we turning Recette into a hugslut?

>>32421598
He who betrayed you once, will betray you twice
When it comes to loyalty, everyone's on thin ice

>>32421623
Of course not. But hug embargoes can be a formidable weapon. He won't be able to resist.

>>32421487
Nah, don't treat him like a traitor, treat him like our rival's faceless employee. We used to to consider him as a beloved pet, now he gets the cold shoulder.

>>32421654
>everyone's on thin ice
I'm pretty sure we just got massive points with Caillou, actually. For saving his life from the Inquisition and siding with him over the Church.

>>32421598

Tsunderes also deserve a shiv in the back

Alrighty, I'm struggling to see a consensus here.
Putting it to a proper vote.

>Stay here and look after Euria?
>Take Caillou and go adventuring?
>Hug everyone/Talk to Louie?

>>32421654

You know what they say about it being lonely at the top.

Pretty sure we have Euria and Caillou's loyalty at the moment though. We also have enough to compel Caillou's loyalty.

>>32421728

>>Hug everyone/Talk to Louie?

LOUIE DOESN'T GET A HUG

>>32421728
>Hug everyone/Talk to Louie?

>>32421728
>Take Caillou and go adventuring?
As long as we get Charme in to watch Euria. Actually watch, not get drunk and fall asleep. So

>>32421756
"It wouldn't be proper to consort with the employees of my worthy rival."

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>>32421687

>>32421728
>Take Caillou and go adventuring?
If he's up to it

Give an hug to Euria before going, though

>>32421788
I'm pretty sure drunk Charme left alone with another helpless girl wouldn't think of falling asleep...

>>32421728
>>Stay here and look after Euria?
We should see just how much mental damage that caused.

>>32421728
>Stay here and look after Euria?

The girl just got worked over by a professional torturer. It might not be safe to leave her alone if we can help it.

Besides, this builds up our image as good people (in addition to saving her and Caillou from being tortured to death).

>>32421858
2old4Charme. Plus, we just make sure she knows it'd kill her chances at sweet, sweet Recette ass. She'd keep in line.

>>32421728

>Stay here and look after Euria?

If possible, ask to have a word with Louie.

After all, he did just bail out on us without so much as a word. Or a two week's notice. Or all these other horrible things that put him in irrevocable debt with us and it'd just be so awful if that would make things so difficult for him.

>>32421858
Charme is actually not a lesbian at all, it's just that the ways of expressing purely platonic affection in her land are easily misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with her culture.

>>32421728
>>Stay here and look after Euria?
Let's make sure she isn't completely broken first.

>>32421962
Well I'm not sure a maiden cheerfully violated in her bed would really care whether it's true love or Charme's version of a greeting. Really, the latter might feel even crappier.

Sorry for the delay there.
Counting, writing.

>>32421962
I wouldn't mind getting familiar with her culture, if you know what I mean.

>>32422153
Yea, I know, sometimes I'd love to just go traveling around the world and meeting strange cultures too.

>>32422153
You mean you want to do some import-export with her?

>>32422226
more like an intense anthropological study of her culture's customs, if you know what i mean.

>>32422269
So you want to examine the market intensely before making your big investment?

>>32422332

I'd rather diversify my investment and spread my eggs around multiple baskets

>>32421952

Perhaps the best approach here may be honesty and remorse (with at least a pinch of sincerity)? If he sees that there is still a shred of sincere goodness in Recette, he may try to kindle/revive that spark later on.

>>32422386
You're too attached to the past, dude.
the Louie ship has sailed, and we aren't on board.

>>32422363
Interesting strategy, but let's remember to not spread out too thin.

>>32422455
dude why do you hate louie so much he did not do anything wrong

>>32422455
It may not get Louie back, but it could deny Alouette use of him. Though it could be too soon for that approach to work.

>>32421320
"Sorry Aloutte. I'm going to stay here and look after Euria today." You pull her into a hug, "thank you for backing me with the Inquisitor though!"

"Th-th-that w-was nothing!" She stammers as she pushes you off her, raising her nose at you as she does so. A faint blush tints her cheeks. "I could hardly let some dirty old inquisitor steal my rival now, could I?"

You beam at her, before turning to Caillou and gently pulling him into a hug as well. "I'm glad you're okay, Caillou. I was really worried about you there."

He harrumphs at your words. "Well, perhaps next time you could ensure that your agents aren't followed by the Inquisitor's men when you set up a secret meeting." You pout, but don't argue the jibe.

Instead, you turn to your fairy aide. "Tear, can you go find Charme for me? Ask her to come here?"

She frowns, "I'm not your messenger pigeon."

"Please?" You pull puppy-dog eyes at her.

"Haaa. Fine. I'll try to find her. She's likely in the tavern as usual, no?" She flutters away, leaving the four of you in silence by the door.

"Very well," Alouette speaks up after a moment, "I guess we shall take out leave for today. Come, Louie. I'm sure there are other 'profitable ventures' we can arrange today."

The emphasis on her words isn't lost in you, and you idly wonder what she's suggesting as Louie quickly falls in behind her like a dog at his master's heel. You sigh as he leaves, wondering how things ended up like this.

You head inside and take up a vigil beside Euria in your bed. Apparently Louie opted not to strip her of her clothes or make her comfortable, instead lying her out above the covers with the jacket still covering her wounds. The jacket is open though, just enough to be able to see the clean cuts below.

>?

>>32422494
I don't hate Louie. I just think he's not fit to work for us. It's either end with him as a jaded, desillusioned piece of shit or with him ratting us out to whoever appears to be the most honnest and heroic autority.

>>32422503
I'd say we let Alouette use him. That girl needs a bodyguard.

>>32422494

>Jumping ship for our primary rival without giving us the courtesy to match their offer
>After we saved him from literal starvation and a life of being a destitute hobo
>After we got him a perfectly nice bed as a present

Louie's the one who ended their mutually beneficial relationship on a sour note. He should not be surprised at the burnt bridges and the consequences to follow

>>32422571

Tend to her wounds and nurse her.

Ask her if she's alright, what happened, etc, the standard questions

>>32422571
>Treat her wounds. At the very least clean her wounds with some fresh water

>>32422571
Make Euria comfortable, treat her wounds, generally be nice to the poor girl.

>>32422571
Apply medical care to the best of your ability.

>>32422571
Clean up Euria's wounds. Talk about how to not get tailed by the Church.

Heh, does Louie already know we bought him a bed? I don't particularly mind him leaving, save that we're missing the only adventurer that we constantly have on hand.

>>32422571
Do we have any healing items? If yes, use it on Euria. Remove the jacket if necessary.

Also, could you give us our complete inventory?

>>32422687
Adventure is a sucker's game, anyway. We should build a mini-dungeon and make squares pay to enter it, for training.

>>32422571
Clean her up, of course. Where'd Caillou go? Might want to plot what to do regarding further inquisitorial investigations with him while we're doing it. He can talk from outside since Euria isn't exactly fully decent

>>32422571

Very carefully let Euria know that we are in the room. Very softly and carefully ask her if she wants us to tend to her wounds and stuff. Then do so, ask her if she's OK, and if she's up to it ask her what happened.

Not sure about this second part... But If we want to check if she's borked, we could ask her how much she wants for the job and bonus. If she cries or sobs, then she's in need of help. If she tearfully asks us for 100,000 pix or more, then she'll pull through.

>>32422571

Tell Euria that no one's going to hurt her again so long as she's your employee.

We need to build some loyalty among our remaining minions

You know, we're nearly doing pavlovian conditioning to this poor girl.

>>32422814
this reminds me of the time where we nearly Stockholm Syndromed a kid in Saviour Quest.

>>32422814
Well to be fair, it's (mostly) unintentional. How could we know she'd get caught AND tortured badly before we even found out?

>>32422797

The Inquisitor needs to be got, whether now or later.

He fucked with our customer and our employee and he probably holds a grudge against us.

He'll have to leave the church eventually, we can abduct and dispose of him in a way that doesn't attract suspicion on us.

He probably made a lot of enemies among the townsfolk or it could be construed as a robbery gone bad.

Either way, he needs to die.

>>32422814
And?

>>32422796
>Not sure about this second part... But If we want to check if she's borked, we could ask her how much she wants for the job and bonus. If she cries or sobs, then she's in need of help. If she tearfully asks us for 100,000 pix or more, then she'll pull through.
This.

>>32422814

Mindbreak her into being our loyal minion? Sounds good to me

>>32422840
It's the kind of statement that leave me between wanting to know more and being afraid to know.

>>32422814
She'll be a good dog.

>>32422840

RIP Savior Quest

>>32422906
It was mostly harmless, since we let the kid go in the end, but if he ever came back to be a loyal servant...

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I suddenly just crashed really, really hard. I'm trying to write the next bit up, but it's just not coming.
Really sorry guys, I might have to postpone the thread until tomorrow morning. Again.

I know, I know. I'm a terrible person.

>>32423054
Worse than Louie.
Take care.

>>32423054
it's ok, dude, get some rest

>>32423054
See ya tomorrow, OP! I hope I'll catch this thread again.

>>32423054
See ya later, thanks for running!


Kaleun did nothing wrong.

>>32423054
goddamnit, I just woke up and got here.

WELL, can we at least put recruiting people on the table now? Louie seems mostly out for now, and Caillou probably shouldn't be seen near us for now.

>>32423116
I dunno dude, I think all the damage there has already been done.

>>32423139
true, and I suppose we don't REALLY need to complete the ingredient list, but officially recruiting Caillou might need monk guy anyway.

>>32423116

Charme should be good enough for our adventuring needs.

Euria should make for a loyal slave to tend to the shop when we are out.

We should be a bit more discerning about hiring help to avoid another Louie situation.

>>32423116
Well, we identified Caillou as our customer, so we'd be in trouble anyway if the Church decides to be even more of a jackass. At least we can employ a competent mage now.

As for recruiting people, I think we first need to define what we will do from now on. Do we keep the adventuring/selling routine, or do we try something else?

>>32423213

We need some long term protection against Church interference. Maybe we can discretely ice the lone Inquisitor and deal with more amendable church officials who would be open to reason and bribes.

>>32423249
True. But we can iron out the details with Charme and Tear.

Right now, we should discuss what kind of direction our business should take

>>32423183

We may also run into Nagi sooner or later. Though her availability may be very inconsistent.

>>32423394

I think it's safe to say the official adventuring wouldn't be worth our time. Too many taxes and the truly valuable items might be confiscated by the church.

As long as Charme is on-board, we should stick to our unauthorized adventures.

>>32423394
Getting into the fusion business will take a load of of all the suspicion on illegal activities. Noone cares as much where you get the raw materials if you turn it into something new.

On the other hand, repeatedly selling stuff to Arma is relatively safe AND profitable...

>>32423394
Also, we should learn how to fight, at least a little more.

>>32423394

The good thing about Euria being here is that we can keep our shop open while we go on adventures. She can man the shop fine while we are gone.

>>32423472
And we'll be sure to reward her.

>>32423472
>>32423498
we can technically just pay her like a normal shopkeeper with a little extra, then teach her the ways of deflecting suspicion.

>>32423472

Euria's "contacts" may also be valuable as well

>>32423543
as long as she get her bonus for the night shift, if you get my drift...


Anyway. Would having a second, hidden shop for illegal stuff be a good idea?

>>32423593

The upfront capital expenditures wouldn't make it worthwhile

>>32423593
Make it mobile, and either hidden in the markets, in the outskirts of town, or near the dungeons.

>>32423624
I guess.
What about oppening "after hours"?

>>32423643
>>32423648

Far better to invest in few hidden cabinets to store the contraband items.

Interested parties can contact us discretely and we can attend to their needs away from our store.

We get the cash up front, they go to outskirts of town or some other remote place and an independent courier will arrive to deliver the contraband.

We want to limit our risk as much as possible.

>>32423643
now, that's a good idea! Maybe in a chariot or that kind of thing

Doing illegal stuff is risky, tough. We should branch out in other legitimate trade.

Maybe we could loan to beginning adventurers? After all, they need money to equip, and since no one want to loan money someone's who may die soon, we could ask pretty high interesst.

Orwe could invest in other company for a steady income.

Or try to obtain a monopoly on something.

>>32423903
Problem here is our massive debt. It's entirely possible we could do things legit but making enough income to cover just the interest on the loan is already a long shot much less pay off the principal.

>>32423976
Yeah, you're right.

We need to find something people want but only a very crazy or a very desperate would be able to get them

I think that we should ask her (Euria) how much she sold that music box for. If she sold it for less than 1/2 Million pix then we could use that as a way to explain to her how much we could help her.
In her weakened (and susceptible) state I really think we could gain a truly loyal employee.

>>32424329
I think she'd already be pretty loyal, or at least truly grateful, since we saved her.

I think we should try to take over this gang that tried to racket us. This would make us safer, richer, and would please Mr. Treme

>>32424429
Or we'd fuck with whatever plans Terme already has for these fucks.

If we go get permission (and actually get it) then we'll need a plan and actually be able to carry it out or we'll look really incompetent.

>>32424646
True. Let's ask Tear if we're authorised to try. Then we'll come up with a plan

>>32424429
>I think she'd already be pretty loyal, or at least truly grateful, since we saved her.
Unless she blames us for sending her there in the first place. Clearly we have to be suitable apologetic about that.

>>32422153
> purely platonic affection
> her culture

Think "British Soccer Hooligan" more than lesbo.

>>32429551
Pretty sure this is what Kaleun is getting at. Considering he was playing what is the worlds closest equivalent to blood bowl this weekend.

No seriously, After monday i was about to send out the undertakers to find his battered corpse since he had vanished at that point

Awake and alive. Thread will continue in eta 2 hours.

>>32432510
Y'know dude, I really think you should just stick to the later run time. Spreading threads out over so many timezones is kinda bad for your players.

>>32432510

Will be waiting

>>32432510
Jolly good.

>>32432681
It works for me. my stupid Australian timezone allows me to adapt to a vast majority of quest run-times.

>>32433115
I also am an ausfag. This thread started at FOUR IN THE GODDAMN MORNING for me.

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>>32422571
You head to the kitchen to grab a bucket of clean water and some towels. You pass Caillou collapsed on the chair behind the counter on your way, but he seems fine if tired, so you leave him be. Upstairs, you set about gently removing Euria's jacket while letting her know it's you and that she's safe now. She seems to relax each time she hears your voice, so you keep whispering the same phrases to her as you work.
Ever so carefully, you take the wet towel and work over each of the slices on her upper torso. Thankfully you find for yourself that Louie's judgement was right: each of these slices is little more than a papercut made with a fine, clean edge. These were specifically used to inflict maximum pain with no lasting damage.
Every time you dab the cloth against Euria, her muscles tense and she whimpers in pain, but she doesn't try to fight, simply letting you act on her body.

By the time you're done, she seems to have relaxed to the stinging somewhat and her eyes are open, trying to focus on you.
"Thank you, Recette. You... saved me."

"Don't thank me," you tell her simply, "this was the risk of the job I sent you on. I should have warned you."
She wiggles her neck a little, as if trying to shake her head without moving.

"It's my fault, not yours. I was lazy. Got followed. I-"

You hush her with a finger to the lips. "That doesn't matter now. You're safe, the client's safe. And the job's done, right? So how much do you want for the job? We agreed 10%, right? But I think you deserve a bonus."

She smiles weakly at you at that. "I don't think so. But you're the boss, right? That's your call I guess."

>?

>>32433987

Give her 20% of the profits, tell her we'll have her on her feet soon enough and to just relax until then.

Also tell her that she won't have to worry about the Inquisitors again and that we take care of our own here at the Recettear

See if Tear returned with Charme, if not speak with Caillou if he doesn't seem too tired

>>32434092
Sounds like a good plan, I support it.

Should we be offering to take Caillou in? Not sure what his current status is but seeing as he fell under the eyes of the church it might be good for him to stay low for a while.

>>32434226

I think so, but he needs to be kept out of public eyes.

He can stay hidden at our store or we can find a discrete hiding place for him while we sort out this church business

>>32429551
I didn't know those expressed their affections at all. Always been told they're purely about fighting.

>>32433987
[x] give her your pantsu

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>>32433987
"Hm. I suppose an extra... 10% then? So 20% of the profit overall. That sounds fair, right?"
She smiles at you again.

"You're not as stupid as you look, but you're still too kind for your own good, Recette. 20% sounds good."

"Ehehe, people keep saying that. But I'm managing, right? So I guess I can afford it. Anyway, you rest up and get better. We're going to keep your safe here, for as long as you want to stay under my roof."

She acknowledges your promise with a nod. "Right. I guess I'll just stay here for a while then." With a little co-operation, the two of you manage to slide her under the covers with little fuss and tuck her in.

Once you're satisfied that she's settled in, you drop back to the store to talk to Caillou. He seems semi-conscious in his chair, and with a call of his name you wake him up.

"Are you feeling okay now? Do you want anything? Something to drink? Maybe I could wash your injuries?"
He shakes his head, turning down both offers.

"This damage is no major inconvenience. I can cope with this much."

"Oh. Okay. Well, uhm. Would you like to stay with us for a few days at least? The Church is still going to be after you, so it'd be best to lay low for a while right?"

He smirks at your offer, "please. I am perfectly capable of looking after myself. It was you and your staff that got me detected in the first place. My cover is perfectly adequate. Thank you for the offer, though."

"Any time," you answer.

"Well, if there is nothing else you need from me, I think I should be taking my leave."

>Anything more to talk about?

>>32434398

Inquire about further business with him in the future. Apologize for the rookie's mistake, but that there may be opportunities for further collaboration in the future.

After all, it seems like you share a common enemy and both of your safety would be at risk if either of you get captured and tortured for information. It's unlikely other stores in this town will be able to cater to your exact needs.

Ask how you two can stay in touch safely

>>32434398
However confident you are, consider being even more thorough in the future. The church already knew a lot about you before this happened.

>>32434398
"There is one more thing," you catch him as he heaves himself upright. "I just wanted to apologize for Euria's mistake. And to point out we're in this together now. The other stores aren't going to supply you with anything questionable now, after that trial, and if either of us get caught and questioned it would be bad for the other. So we should work together, right?"

He shrugs. "I suppose that would be unavoidable, yes. An unfortunate turn, but it seems you will now be my only supplier."

"R-right. So, if we had a secure way to contact each other, that would be benefi-"

He cuts you off, "any contact between us would be dangerous at best. We should keep our interactions to business only. I am still a registered Adventurer, so if you need my services, ask the Guild. If I am in need of your services, I can find you here. That should prove more than adequate.

"I guess that's true."

"It is," he confirms. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

As he takes his leave, you call one last warning after him. "Just remember to be more careful in the future, Caillou! However good you think you are, the Church was on to you before they were on to me." He acknowledges the warning and leaves the store.

Well, it's still ridiculously early in the morning and you don't have much to do now.

>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast?
>Open the store? Might as well be profitable.
>Go talk to Euria some more?
>Other?

>>32434597
>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast?
naked apron go

>>32434597
>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast?

>>32434597
>Open the store.
Look miserable. Get as much pity out of the townfolk as you can.

>>32434597
>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast
So hungry.

Any ideas on what to do about the Church? Just hope that our show did enough damage for the inquisitor to be disowned? If he's not, he'll be coming at us with a vengeance.

>>32434597
>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast?

Waffles sound good.

>>32434597
>>Wait for Charme and Tear, make some breakfast?

>>32434655

I still think he needs to be killed discretely.

We can make it look like street justice against a pedophile or a robbery gone bad. Nothing that would make anyone overtly suspicious of little Recette.

We can ask Tear to use Terme's network to find someone else in the church who would be receptive to a little bribe to let sleeping dogs lie.

The inquisitor is going to hold a personal vendetta and he really needs to be removed from the equation.

In the video game, Recette is able to freely ignore the fact that the Church hates and condemns all things magical because the Merchant's Guild is powerful enough that they quite simply can't touch any of their merchants. Clearly, the balance of power is different in this universe, but it might still be possible to seek the help of the Guild now that we've spread the idea that the inquisitor has not just been asking questions but also attempting to "harass" us. If public opinion stays in our favor, the guild might be able to apply enough pressure that the church will have no choice but to condemn the inquisitor. Depends on just how powerful they are in this universe.

>>32434770
In that case, we REALLY need to start learning how to fuse things.

>>32434597
You decide to use the time to make some breakfast for everyone. Waffles sounds like a brilliant idea, so you start getting some ready for the four of you. Soon enough, you've got several plates stacked full of the deliciously warm battered sweets with a melting square of butter atop each. Fresh sliced strawberries surround the base of the stack, and you've prepared a jug of sugary syrup and a jug of melted chocolate for the others to add as they wish.

Belly already growling at the beautiful smell of your prepared breakfast, you refrain yourself from immediately gorging and instead carry the first plate up to Euria. She thanks you as you put the plate down beside her just as the store door bell chimes, alerting you to new arrivals.

Tear brings Charme in

"Aauuuugh, that smell delicious!" Charme exclaims as you greet her, inviting her into the kitchen to eat with you. "What did I do to deserve such luxury?"

After a few more words of thanks for the food, the three of you together dig in to the miniature feast of high-calorie sweets.

>Talk about something?

>>32434911
Actually adventuring. Probably with Allouette.

A bit of politiking ala >>32434770, although I don't think Charme knows much about fusing.

Lastly....redocorate?

>>32434911
Tell Charme to move in with us, since Louie's loyalties obviously lay elsewhere.

>>32434911

About what happened that morning with inquisitors.

How to protect everyone from the church's wrath, what allies we can round up (Guild or Terme)

Whether we need to shank the inquisitor or not

Adventuring with Allouette and the Betrayer

>>32434911
"Do you guys know any down-on-their luck adventurers who will gladly give their lives for scraps?"

We need a Louie replacement, a loyal meatshield bodyguard

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>>32434974
I would love to see expies of pic related show up.

>>32434911
Talking politics over breakfast usually isn't great manners, but you don't have much of a choice with such pressing issues. "So we need to deal with this Church problem. They hate anything magical, and they hate us for being involved with it. So we need a way to protect ourselves."

Tear nods her agreement. "It used to be the Church would never try something like this against a merchant of the Guild, since the Guild held all the power. The only power the Church has is through their taxes, and guess who pays the taxes.

That catches your attention. "So... what changed?"

The wealth moved. With the limits imposed by the Adventurer's Guild, some of the power was already shifted from the Merchants to the Adventurers. Then the Adventurers offered their allegiance to the Church. Something about caring more for their immortal souls than their treasuries. Utter ridiculousness, but it was so. Then Mr. Terme finally seized power over all the criminal elements of the city and stripped what economic force the Merchants had left. Now the power is balanced between the Church and the criminals. Of course, if any full-on confrontation were to appear, it would be seen as a battle of good and evil, so of course the people would side with the Church. And when push comes to shove, the power of the people is the real power of the city."
"At the same time, Terme would not take anything lying down. We have enough elements placed strategically around the city that any event likely to bring Terme to its knees would also set the city ablaze."
"So Terme cannot act against the Church for fear of angering the citizenry, while the Church cannot act against Terme for fear for the safety of the populace."

You think on Tear's words for a long time, before Charme points out the obvious. "So we just need the people on our side, right? Like what you did earlier."

[1/?]

We should start our own church! With lolis! And pantsu!

>>32435235
>Religions are started by misunderstandings that big. BAD ones.
Griff is a prophet, it seems.

>>32435185
"Exactly," Tear confirms. "Though how we should rile the public such that they support the blackest hearts of the underworld over the Church's paladins is anyone's guess."

"Right," you chime in, "but for now, we need to deal with the Inquisitor. If the priests think he's innocent, he'll be back out and after us with a vengeance. What do we do, kill him?"

Tear's features darken at your suggestion. "It could... be arranged. Though I would not like to see how that situation might escalate if word were to leak that it was our men responsible for his death. The other alternative might be to simple make certain that he is not found innocent."

You nod, mulling over the options. Then, apropos of absolutely nothing, you turn to Charme and tell her to move in with you. "You should move in with me, Charme. I'd like to have you around."

"Wh-what? That's a bit sudden, Recette! I don't know if I can handle moving that fast, we haven't eve-"

"After losing Louie, I'd like to have a trusted Adventurer on hand in case anything turns messy like it usually does around me," you finish your explanation.
Charme's sudden boisterousness dies off as quickly as it arrived.

"Well, I can see how you would gain from such a setup," she says coolly, "but what advantage do I have in staying here?"

>?

>>32435259
There will be a free mug of beer on the table everyday, among other things.

Free equipment as long as it's being used by her. She can even take it with her on her own adventures as long as she doesn't sell it off or lose it.

food. She's eating the pancakes, isn't she?

>>32435259
Loli poon

>>32435285
Don't forget:free snuggles with Recette, every night under the sheets

>>32435259
Does she still owe us that cash? We can call it even.

>>32435259

Turn on the fucking charm. You are all family arent you, onee-chan?

If that doesnt work, fat paychecks and a nice warm bed should do it

>>32435259
"A steady income, no rent, access to all the equipment in our inventory and the cutest employer in town?"
>Big smile
"But the real question is: What do *you* want, Charme?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VRwTiQWoXU

>>32435259
[x] >>32435327
With the option of one free hug per day.

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>>32435259
You suck in a breath as you consider what you can offer this lecherous drunkard. "I can give you a free mug of beer for you everyday. I'll be making food like what you're enjoying right now. A free warm bed with a steady wage as standard, and I can let you use any of the equipment I have in stock, as long as it's being used by you and you don't sell it off or lose it."

Charme seems taken aback at just how energetic you are in your attempts to convince her to stay. In her moment of uncertainty, you keep pressing the attack. "I'm also willing to offer a free hug each day from the cutest employer in town." You smile wide at her, and she grins bemusedly back at you.

"Well, I can hardly turn down such a generous offer, can I? Alright then, I'll stay here for a while. And to seal the deal, how about I take today's free hug now?" There's a hungry glow in her eyes, which makes Tear fidget uncomfortably.

"Please, Charme. We have business to attend to today. I would appreciate if you could refrain from molesting my charge until after we're done."

>Give her the hug now?
>Make her work for it?

With breakfast over with, you still have the rest of the day before you.

>Open the store?
>Find Alouette and go adventuring?
>Go into town?
>Other?

>>32435525

>Give her the hug now?
Well, it's just a hug, right? What could possibly go wrong?

>Find Alouette and go adventuring?
Profits! We might also want to stock up a bit.

>>32435525
>>Give her the hug now?
>>32435525
>>Find Alouette and go adventuring?
Let's get it all over with.

>>32435525
if we offer this to everyone, Recette is gonna end up creating an adventurer's gui-

...

oh my god. Guys, this could work! Destabilize the political situation with ANOTHER adventurer's guild!

>>32435525
>Make her work for it?
She can have one when she's earned it!

>Find Alouette and go adventuring?
Let's adventure, then sell.

>>32435580
>Destabilize the political situation with ANOTHER adventurer's guild!
The reason the Adventurer's Guild has power is because they control the entrances to the living dungeons. In order to create a new Guild, you would have to reveal the hidden entrance to the public. And even then, the power would not be yours but Terme's, since he controls the door.

>>32435602
Well in this case, I suppose guild is the wrong word. Clan? Company? Either way, a united group of really competent adventurers that actually stick around is an economical force to be reckoned with.

>>32435525
>Give her the hug now
"Please be gentle."
>Find Alouette and go adventuring
Hold her hand to make sure she stays in the thingamawhatsit field.

>>32435525
>Give her the hug now
We said it was free, so...

>Open the store
The day is pretty much ruined for adventuring with Alouette, and we need to stay relatively close to Euria.

>>32435557
>Well, it's just a hug, right? What could possibly go wrong?
Keep in mind what happens if you start printing lots of money. The currency drops in value. That applies to hugs as well. If you give out too many, they become worthless, you little slut.

Alright, so we're going to become Charme's little hugslut, then going to find Alouette to hold hands go adventuring?

Grabbing myself some lunch, then writing.

>>32435663
Don't forget to stroke her hairband while feeling her cash

>>32435673
I know Recette would do unspeakable things to get her mitts on Alouette's cash-money.

>>32435525
Well, you did promise her a free hug. You stand and circle around to her, arms wide. She stands ready to accept you and wraps her strong arms around you, embracing you. As soon as she has you trapped, her arms snake down your back and slip their way up your dress to grasp your cheeks. You jump, letting out an 'eep' as you instinctively retreat from the groping hands.
Charme grins and squeezes tighter.
Tear smashes her now-empty plate over Charme's head.
Charme's limp body falls to the floor.

You stare between the tiny fairy and the unconscious lady-thief. "So unprofessional," Tear comments. "I told her to wait until after business was concluded."

This leads to a short delay as you spend the next quarter hour trying to wake Charme up again. Once she's roused (her first words upon waking were "Worth it."), you head out in search of Alouette in the hopes of being able to go on the adventure you'd promised her today.

>Look for her near the Adventurer's Guild?
>Look for her near the Merchant's Guild?
>Look for her in the market place?
>Look for her near the town square?
>Other?

>>32435810
>>Look for her near the Adventurer's Guild?
>>Look for her near the Merchant's Guild?
We should actually hang out in those places anyway.

>>32435810
>Look for her near the Adventurer's Guild?
>Look for her near the Merchant's Guild?
Anon makes a good point.
And man, Charme sure keeps backfiring from over-reaching. I wonder if she knows what patience or moderation means.

>>32435810
>Look for her in the market place
Look if there isn't some good business oportunities, too.

>>32435847
considering her backstory...no

>>32435810
>Look for her near the Merchant's Guild?
>Look for her in the market place?
Maybe she's doing business.

>>32435847
She's a thief, an adventurer and an alcoholic (or at least, an hard-drinking one). I bet she think moderation and patience are only things that slow you down.

>>32435988
Well to be fair, she appears to be at least somewhat successful in all those three activities, and less so at seduction. Maybe she should consider different approaches for different things.

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>>32435810
Guessing that she is likely spending her time in a profitable manner like you would, your first stop is the guild district. The Adventurer's Guild is locked and barred shut, being as it's closed on a Sunday. You kick yourself a little for forgetting such an obvious fact, but it's only lost you a ten minute walk. You hit up the Merchant's Guild next, which as always is open and manned by the Guild Master alone.

He waves a greeting, but neither Alouette nor Louie are anywhere to be seen.

>Stop for a moment to talk to the Guild Master?
>Head straight for you next stop, the market?

>>32436066
>Stop for a moment to talk to the Guild Master?
Ask if he's seen her!

>>32436066
>Stop for a moment to talk to the Guild Master?

>>32436066
>Stop for a moment to talk to the Guild Master
Ask how his day is so far

>>32436066
>Stop for a moment to talk to the Guild Master?
Info info info. Alouette been around? How's business?

>>32436066
Anyone else around? Just wondering.
>Head straight for you next stop, the market?
Onwards!

You know, I wonder how the Guildmaster handle the fact the Merchant Guild has lost so much power.

>>32436183
>he's secretly not ratting us out in the hopes that we'll turn the tide.

>>32436183
All the more reason not to go home to the missus.

>>32436066
"Good morning, Guild Master!" You return the wave as you greet him.

"To you, too. Good to see you're alright, lass. Utter shock, that Inquisitor business. Anyway, what brings you to this end of town?"

"Just trying to find a friend," you explain. "Hey, have you seen Alouette around here?"

His brow furrows in thought, "the heir to the new Big Bash store? She's not been by this morning, no. I'd imagine she's taking the day off. It's not like she has her work cut out for her with how many employees her family can afford to wait on her."

You sigh. Of course it wouldn't be that easy to find her. Still, "so how's business here been?"

The man shrugs, "same old, really. Enough going on to keep me busy enough to not have to go home, little enough that we're not making any significant profit. Still, life goes on so there's little to complain about. Anyway, it's nice of you to stop and chat, but if you're looking for the girl I'm assuming you have a deal to make or break, so don't let me keep you."

>?

>>32436268
Hmm, well we can always go around to her place I guess!

>>32436268
We could poke him for his opinion on the Inquisitor, but that might be dangerous.

We should totally ask where Allouette lives, though.

>>32436268
>Say goodbye to the Guildmaster
>Go to market place

Hey, guys, what about a food stand? People like curios, but they will always need to eat.

>>32436329
Also, we should turn our shop into a pawn shop.

>>32436268
Inquire about what kind of help he could be with the inquisitor business. Sure it's risky for him, but if we can pull it off it'd set a precedent that the power of the Church isn't absolute. Good for him, right?

>>32436346
A fair bit too direct for me.

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>>32436268
"Do you know where she lives at least? I guess I can try there."

"Wait, you mean you don't know?" He seems genuinely taken aback. "You know the mansion at the top of the hill?"

"You mean the huuuge one behind my store?" You spread your arms out for emphasis. "The one that's like a princess' castle?"

"Yeah, that one. She lives there."

"Like, she lives in the row of houses along the road leading up to it?"

"No, she lives in the mansion."

"..."

"..."

"...WHAT!? Alouette lives in the giant princess castle!? No way! We need to go visit her right away! F-for business, I mean. Of course, business! Thanks for the help!" You spin on the spot and dive out the door.

As you step outside again, you realize you'd spent a lot longer in the guild district than you'd thought. It's already coming up towards midday with most of the morning hours lost to you.
Would she be the type to stay locked indoors on a beautiful summer's day like this? You know you wouldn't.

>Try the market?
>Try her mansion?
>Other?

>>32436514
>>Try her mansion?
do it anyway, we might find her fairy companion

>>32436514
>Try her mansion?
They're not letting us in, are they?

>>32436514
>Try the market?
Mansion would be a better bet in the afternoon.

>>32436514
>Try her mansion?
Home visit!

>>32436531
>>32436542
>>32436585
>>32436636

Dudes, she said she would be looking for business opportunities

>>32436514
>Try the market

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>>32436514
Well, you'd like to see the mansion anyway so you try there next. You always thought it was a long walk up the hill to your store... It's an even longer walk to the road behind it, snaking its way along massive fancy homes on its path up the hill. At the very crest, the landscape gives out to a huge fairy tale-like castle.

You reach the gates, some hundred yard short of the actual building, and find them locked to you. The guard at the gate gives you a funny look, ignoring you when you ask him to let you in. After several futile minutes, you demand to be let in to see Alouette. The man sighs, trudging back to the building and sending a message inside, before trudging back to his post.

More waiting ensues, before finally the form of a little brown fairy appears, fluttering its way over to you. "Yo," she raises a hand in a half-assed greeting, "what's up?"

"I'm looking for Alouette," you tell the girl's fairy aide. "Is she here?"

"Nah, she's been out all morning. She came back for a bit to get changed after you refused to go adventuring. She's somewhere in the town now, wouldn't let me come with her 'cause she reckons I'd mess up her little 'date'."

>?

>>32436743
Wait, what? A DATE?! Who is she dating, could it possibly be... Louie?! Oh the blackmail potential...

>Ask where the 'date' was meant to be held, if she doesn't know then head off to the Market to try and find her.

>>32436743
Ask if she knows where Alouette was planning to go.

>>32436743
Hmm, well we'll probably come across her at the Market then.

>>32436743
Market it is.

Also, ask if there's an easier way to get some proper hospitality. We're practically friends with Allouette at this point anyway.

>>32436743
Ask the fairy to tell Alouette we'd be happy to go adventuring tomorrow morning.

Then stop waisting time and go open our shop. We'd have to let it open fairly late already to make up for the lost time.

I'd like to point our we only were going to adventure with Alouette because she asked to. She clearly lost interest for today, and we're clearly losing money

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>>32436743
"O-oh. Do you know where she was going to have this 'date'?"

"Nah. She just threw on a frilly summer dress and rushed back out. Didn't even take my advice. If ya want a man, ya gotta show some skin. Especially thigh. Miniskirts is where it's at."
She looks you up and down, taking in your super-short skirt.
"Heh, looks like I'm preachin' to the choir anyway. You know what's up."

Right, okay. Well thanks for the help! See you!" You turn away and start the long walk back down the hill to the market.

By the time you get there, you feel like falling over and sleeping right where you are, every muscle aching from the climb all the way up and down the hill. Still, you made it and now you can properly look for Alouette!

You catch a glimpse of golden hair through the crowd, and look over to the up-market cafe across the street from you.
At the table outside, under a parasol from the sun, Louie and Alouette sit together with a half-eaten sundae between them. They pay the ice cream no attention, however, their focus too enraptured by the other, as their tongues dance in a passionate embrace.

>>32436967
Huh. Really? I don't really mind, but I hadn't exactly pegged that as...happening.
Well, it wouldn't be nice to interrupt them, so let's open the store! SALES!