Your eyes open as the first streams of dawn filter in through the single small window you get down here. Inhaling sharply, then exhaling slowly, you quietly hop up from your bed and make your way out of the room.

Man, are these people all lazy or do servants here just start late?

You make your way out of the common room and into the hallway. Using the incomplete mental map you have going, you make your way to the place where you kind-of remember the change rooms being.

Luckily, you’re much better at this than you give yourself credit for, as this door does indeed lead to the change rooms. Not the King and Queens bedroom or some other place where you should not be at this time of day, like you were afraid of.

Finding a uniform is much easier today than it was yesterday, mostly because the inevitable tornado hasn’t been through this room yet. It doesn’t take you long to get changed, and you make sure to put the 5 daggers you had on you yesterday in around the same hiding spots again. Satisfied with your ability to dress yourself, you give yourself a once over in the mirror. In part to see if you look presentable, but mostly to see if any of your weapons are showing.

Once you’re certain that nothing is poking out where it shouldn’t be, you exit the little changing booth. Strangely, the one next to yours opens too and out pops Eleanor. She bends over and brushes her dress down, then straightens up and takes a deep breath.

Doesn’t seem like she knows you’re here.

>[ ] Greet her normally

>[ ] Surprise her

>Kill self.

>>38725101
>>[ ] Surprise her

>>38725101
>[ ] Greet her normally

Too early for pranks

>>38725162
Here

Changing vote to
>surprise

>writing

Quietly as you can, you sneak up behind Eleanor. Only when your head is directly behind hers do you finally say “Good morning!”

“EEP!” Eleanor squeals. She trips when she tries to turn and face you, and ends up stumbling backwards until she ends up against the far wall.

“Giles? When the hell did you get here?” Leaning back against the wall and clutching her chest with one hand as she attempts to catch her breath.

You let the last of your laughter out before responding “About five minutes ago, maybe. Sorry about that, by the way. Couldn’t resist.”

Eleanor’s face scrunches up in mock anger, but quickly returns to her usual chipper demeanor. “That’s okay, I’ll just have to get you back.” She says, her smile turning several shades angrier and more ominous than you thought her face would be capable of.

“Oh really?” You say, changing your own expression to match hers. “I’ll be holding you to that.”

>[1/2]

>>38726158
The two of you share a laugh as you exit the change room. Though you definitely feel like Eleanor is plotting something… Hopefully it’s nothing too bad.

“Bartholomew tells me that you got dumped with babysitting duty last night.” Eleanor says.

You laugh awkwardly. “Yeah, it didn’t sound too bad until Cedric told me what it actually entails.” You say.

“It isn’t TOO too bad. I got it shoved on me just after Lady Laura left, she was a handful then. Half of my time was spent just making sure she didn’t storm out of the castle to follow her sister. Compared to then, she’s like a little angel now.” Eleanor says.

So last night she was LESS of a handful? Oh man… “So how does this work? Do I go grab her now, do I talk to Bartholomew…?” You ask.

“The little one doesn’t get up until a little later, so you have some time. I think the kitchens should be open if you wanted to have breakfast in peace. The other option is to try and get as much of your regular duties out of the way before Lady Selene wakes up. It’s up to you.” Eleanor says.

>[ ] Eat first

>[ ] Work first

>[ ] Other

>>38726501
>[ ] Work first

>>38726528
This

>writing

“I should probably just try and get as much done as I can. Eating while babysitting sounds much easier than trying to work while babysitting.” You say.

“Good choice!” Eleanor pulls up her sleeve and takes a look at her time-teller. It consists of a pair of crystals, one large and one small. Each one glows a different colour based on the time, the large one noting the hour and the small one noting the minute in 5 minute intervals. It isn’t as exact as a mechanically powered piece, but it’s much cheaper. “I’d say you have about an hour or so before Lady Selene is up and about. The queen will probably just drop her off in Bartholomew’s office, so if you’re late someone will definitely come and find you.” She says.

“Thanks for the heads up.” You say.

“Anyways, I have my own duties to attend to. Maybe I’ll see you later.” She says, turning and walking rather quickly down the hall. She gets down a ways before turning back. “And tell Ced that I said hi. You seem to be pretty good at running into him.” She doesn’t wait for a response before continuing down the hall at her brisk pace.

You wouldn’t say you’re good at running into Cedric, it seems like she’s just really bad at it…

But you have what amounts to some free time. You could try to get some work done like you said you were going to…

But you still have no idea how you’re going to make your escape once you have the crown. You’ll need to get out quickly and without being seen. Putting your uniform back on and pretending you were asleep is not the best idea, as there’s no way they’ll let you out once they know it’s gone.

With that in mind you-

>[ ] Get to work

>[ ] Look for possible exits.

>[ ] A little bit of both.

>>38727129
>>[ ] A little bit of both.

>>38727129
>[ ] A little bit of both.

>writing

You nod to yourself, why not do both? Most of the rooms you’re tending to have windows, and the pyramid-like design of the palace means that most rooms with windows will also make good escape routes.

If you recall correctly the first room you need to tend to is on one of the upper floors, so you make your way to the central staircase.

The guard in the palace is not incredibly tight, but you’ve heard that they are careful. Patrols are done semi-randomly so that no amount of watching on your part will reveal any sort of pattern. If you want to know when which guards will be where, you’d have to procure each of the guard captains patrol schemes and put them together. A task that would be far too incriminating if you were to be caught, better to have a simple but flexible plan and work off your senses than risk having this all blow up in your face.

The first room in your rounds is a bit of a mess. This is one of several rooms currently occupied by visiting nobles. Not all of the rooms you need to look after are currently occupied, but the number of unoccupied rooms is sure to decrease as the big party draws closer.

Taking a quick look out the window, you scowl. That’s not a drop you’d want to make unaided, and you wouldn’t want to rappel down from an occupied room. Comfortable with the fact that you can write this one off, you get to tidying up.

>[1/2]

The next 3 rooms on your route are all unoccupied, so you simply perform a quick check to make sure everything is in order, scope it out as a possible escape route and move on.

You get through a fair portion of what you’re supposed to do as far as cleaning goes. None of it takes too long. In fact, the most time consuming part of this job seems to be the long walk between rooms.

Finishing off one last room in peace, you get the feeling that it’s about time to go see a man about a Princess. So you make your way down to Bartholomew’s office.

It’s barely been one day and you’ve already got the layout of this place pretty much down. There’s bound to be some secret passageways around somewhere. Maybe you’ll get a chance to look for those later. Or perhaps Selene knows about them. After all, no one is more apt at finding hiding spots and secret paths better than an adventurous child…

You reach Bartholomew’s office in no time at all, and find that the door is already open. Inside, you can hear Bartholomew and the Queen conversing.

>[ ] Eavesdrop

>[ ] Enter

>>38727993
>[ ] Eavesdrop
Make sure the coast is clear
A juicy secret?

>>38728047
You genius, backing still.

>writing

“You have been spending an awful lot of time in the upper chamber lately. Just what do you go up there for?” Bartholomew asks.

“Quiet contemplation, about what is not your concern.” Frederica snaps at Bartholomew.

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with your plans for Sir Roderick, would it?” Bartholomew asks. The old butler is playing with fire here, just how secure is this guy in his position?

“Did I not just say that it is not your concern?” The queen says.

“Your majesty, I know you fear for your daughter’s future and the future of the crown. But your father allowed you and your sister to choose who you would marry, why can you not do her the same service?” Bartholomew asks.

“Because if her previous… -escapades- … are any indication, then the golden crown will not have a head to rest upon when the time comes for it to be worn.” You can taste the venom in those words, is the queen really that mad about Laura taking off to go dragonslaying?

“What about me? If Laura doesn’t want it can I wear it?” Selene asks. She was being so quiet you hadn’t even realized she was in the room.

“I’ll be taking my leave now. If he has any sense that Giles fellow should be here at any moment.” The queen says, then you hear footsteps rapidly approaching the door.

Before you can react, you find yourself face to face with a VERY angry queen.

“Oh, hello.” She says, her can feel the anger in her tone. “We weren’t eavesdropping were we?”

>[ ] I just got here.

>[ ] Maybe a little…

>[ ] Other

>>38728515
>>[ ] I just got here.

>>38728515
>other, why i just got here to pick up Dear Selene, and thougt i might have a minut or so to myself befor i was to start babysitning duty

>>38728515
>[ ] I just got here.

>writing

>>38728515
>[ ] I just got here.
Give her a wide smile.

“Oh, of course not. I just arrived.” You say, faking your best innocent smile. “Good morning by the way, I take it you’re here to drop Lady Selene off?”

The queen takes a moment to compose herself. She either believes what you just said and doesn’t want to you think anything is up, or she’s putting up a front and you may have to sleep with one eye open. You sleep light anyways, so that isn’t too much of a problem. Though it would be difficult to justify your presence in this castle after the queen tried to have you killed.

“Yes, yes I was. Thank you for agreeing to this, my schedule is so busy lately that I’ve not had the time nor the presence of mind to properly look after her.” The queen says, all signs of her previous anger having vanished without a trace.

“As I said last night I consider it my pleasure, your majesty.” You say, bowing lightly and doing your best to sound genuine.

With that the queen thanks you and takes her leave, and you enter the room where Selene and Bartholomew are waiting.

“I’m sure you’re aware by now that you’re still expected to perform your other duties, correct?” Bartholomew says. His encounter with the queen having clearly soured his mood, and he is nowhere near as good at hiding it as she is.

“Yes, I have been told.” You say.

>[ ] Ask what the queen was mad about

>[ ] Take your leave.

>>38729045
>[x] Take your leave.

>>38729106
I'll go with this too.

>>38729045
>>[ ] Ask what the queen was mad about

>writing

You briefly consider throwing the innocent face back on and asking what the queen was so mad about, but ol’ Barty doesn’t seem to be in a talking mood.

In fact, if you’re not mistaken, the look he’s giving you right now says quite clearly ‘get thyself and the princess the hell out of my office before I start throwing books at both of you’.

“Well, come along then Lady Selene. Best not bother Bartholomew whilst he’s working.” You say.

Selene hops over to your side. “Kay.” She says, and then she turns back to Bartholomew. “Bye Bartholomew!”

“Take care little lady.” Bartholomew says, bowing politely to Selene.

With that, you take Selene by the hand and lead her out of Bartholomew’s office, shutting the door gently behind you. Poor guy, you get the feeling that he might actually enjoy the kid’s company when he’s not busy.

“Breakfast?” Selene asks you as soon as the door is closed.

“Breakfast.” You say back to her. You were starting to get hungry yourself, so this works out pretty well.

>[1/2]

You take Selene and head off on the quickest path that you know of between Bartholomew’s office and the kitchens. When you arrive you find the many of the kitchen staff’s faces are unfamiliar, save for one. You decide to play it safe and go talk to her.

“Hello Debra.” You say.

“Hiiiiiiiiiii!” Selene exclaims, running up to her and jumping up and down excitedly.

“And hello to you too sweetie!” Debra leans down and gives Selene a big hug, leaving you wondering if she’s like this with everyone around here. “Did you come all the way down here just to see me?”

“Breakfast!” Selene says, throwing her arms up in the air.

“Ah, alright then. Why don’t you two go sit in the dining room and I’ll have them bring something out for you?” Debra says.

“That sounds good, we wouldn’t want to get in the way. Come on Selene.” You say, motioning for her to follow along. The kitchens seem very busy right now, and you’d like to stay as out of the way as possible.

The dining room is empty save for a few guards and servants idly munching on whatever it is they serve for breakfast here, so finding a place to sit is easy.

>[ ] Wait quietly for your food

>[ ] Ask Selene about Debra

>[ ] Ask Selene about her mom

>[ ] Other

>>38729965
>>[ ] Ask Selene about Debra
>>[ ] Ask Selene about her mom
Make it seem like a game, kids love games....

>>38729965
>[ ] Other
''So, what you're planning on doing today?''

>>38729965
>[x] Ask Selene about her mom

we need info that we can use for the job

>>38729965
>>[ ] Ask Selene about Debra
>>[ ] Ask Selene about her mom
>>38730046
These, please.

>writing

The two of you sit quietly for a minute or so, with Selene clacking her shoes together under the table out of boredom. Which isn’t annoying you. Not at all.

Not one bit.

“So, you seem to like Debra.” You say, hoping some conversation will be enough to keep her interest.

Selene beams you a huge smile. “She’s super nice, sometimes she even gives me candy. And she always gives me hugs, even when other nobles are around and she’s not s’posed to.” She says.

Well, it would probably look bad if the Laustrights were seen letting commoners fawn over their children. Debra must be a special case. If you have the time you’ll have to ask someone just what her husband did to secure them such a position. Preferably someone for whom this is not a touchy subject…

“I wish she was my mama.” Selene says, her chin resting on her arms, which are folded over the table.

“Why do you say that?” You ask.

“Mama is always ignoring me, and she never hugs me, and she’s always leaving me with other people.” She says, you can see tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes.

Wow. Your mother abandoned you at birth and Queen Frederica is making HER look good.

You should probably do something to cheer her up…

>[ ] Tell her a story

>[ ] Tell her a riddle

>[ ] Do a magic trick

>>38730628
>[ ] Do a magic trick

>>38730628
>[ ] Do a magic trick

>>38730628
>[ ] Tell her a story
Let's talk about our past in such a way that she thinks it's a story. Call our-self the Little Thief King or something.

>>38730730
We're undercover, that's an awful idea

>>38730628
>Do a magic trick

Should we try to convince Selene that it's the crown's fault her mom is so mean and that if the crown disappeared her mom would be nicer?

>>38730628
>[ ] Do a magic trick

>writing

“Man, that makes me so mad. I could just… just…” You grab a spoon and pretend to bend the head all the way back. It’s an old trick, one that Klaus taught you back at the orphanage. You make it look like you’re breaking it because people think you’re holding the handle straight in your hand, when you’re really letting it slide across your palm.

Selene looks horrified. “Oh my gosh you can’t just break things when you get mad!” She shouts, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

“Break what?” You say, holding up the spoon to reveal that it is still intact and unbent.

She gasps, her eyes alight with wonder. “How did you do that?” She asks.

“Do what?” Comes a familiar voice. You turn to see Debra, carry two plates of what looks like your breakfast.

“Giles got all mad and broke that spoon, but then the spoon was fine!” Selene says.

“Oh, we’ve got a regular magician here then do we?” Debra asks as she lays the plates down. “There we go, bacon and eggs. And try not to break any of your utensils.”

You smile. “will do”

>[1/2]

As soon as Debra is gone, Selene flashes you a smile and digs in. You don’t think you’ve ever seen anyone eat so fast in your entire life.

Not wanting to get left behind, you start eating as well. The eggs are probably the best you’ve ever had, and the bacon is bacon. Not really one of those things that varies in taste too much, and not something that’s easy to screw up.

Selene finishes before you, and spends the rest of your time in the dining hall watching you eat impatiently. Though she doesn’t have to wait too long, as you finish rather quickly yourself.

“Took you long enough!” She says as you finish off the last of your breakfast.

“Well excuse me if I like to take a moment to breathe between mouthfuls.” You say, standing up and ruffling the little girl’s hair. “Come on, I’ve only got a few things left to do and then I’m free.” You say.

“Aww. I have to sit around and do nothing?” She asks.

>[ ] Well, you could always help

>[ ] I’m sure I can find something for you to do

>[ ] Yes

>>38731598
>[ ] I’m sure I can find something for you to do
We don't want someone to see a servant putting the little princess to work, do we?

>>38731598
>[ ] I’m sure I can find something for you to do

>>38731598
>[ ] I’m sure I can find something for you to do

Seems safe. Cedric warned us about trying to get her to help.

>writing

“I’m sure I can find something for you to do.” You say, continuing to ruffle Selene’s hair. “Wouldn’t want you getting bored and running off, would we?”

Selene pouts. “Okay…”

The two of you make your way through the halls as quickly as you can without running. Regrettably, with Selene here you won’t be able to scope out the rooms like you were earlier. But you got enough info for one day, you can check out the rest of your designated rooms tomorrow.

The first few you visit are thankfully unoccupied; it’s when you get to one that had guests that you have troubles. The room itself is easy enough, but you can see Selene getting antsier by the second.

You’d rather avoid the issues it would cause if she tried to sneak away or throw a tantrum, so you-

>[ ] Tell her a children’s story

>[ ] Occupy her head with a riddle

>[ ] Other

>>38732286
>[ ] Occupy her head with a riddle

>>38732286
>[ ] Occupy her head with a riddle

>>38732286
>Riddle

>>38732286
>[ ] Tell her a children’s story

>>38732286
>[ ] Occupy her head with a riddle

>>38732286
>[ ] Occupy her head with a riddle

After she solves that, we should consider teaching her magic tricks to hold her interest.

>writing

>>38732644
“Do you like riddles?” You ask Selene as you work.

“Yes!” She says, smiling expectantly.

“Alright, let me know if you’ve heard this one before.” You clear your throat and think for a moment. You know a lot of riddles, you just need to remember a good one... “What force and strength cannot get through, I with a gentle touch can do. And many in the street would stand, were I not a friend at hand.” You say.

Selene’s face quickly turns from smiling to pensive, and you return to your work. Every now and then you look up and see if she’s got it yet, but it seems to be giving her some trouble.

By the time you’ve finished the room off and are ready to go, she still doesn’t have it.

As you check out the next couple of unoccupied rooms, you hear her humming and hawing. Every now and again she looks up like she’s got it, but goes right back to thinking.

>[1/2]

It isn’t until you’re heading up to the last room you need to check on that you run into trouble.

Walking down the hall in the direction you’re coming from are two noble looking people.

One of them is a tall, gallant looking man with long brown hair and blue eyes. He is dressed in what looks like a knight’s ‘casual garb’, consisting of leather boots, pants, a simple tunic and a long, brown leather over coat. On his belt in full view he is carrying a longsword.

Walking beside him is an Alka-Habran woman with brown skin, black hair and dark eyes. She is dressed in a normal servant’s dress.

You’re careful enough to give them a wide berth. Selene on the other hand is not, and she winds up running right into the one you pegged as a knight. He seems unfazed, but Selene gets knocked right to the ground.

“Watch where you’re going you little shit!” The knight says. “What the hell is a damn brat like you doing around the palace anyways?”

“Hey now, that’s no way to speak to a lady.” You say, hurrying over to Selene and helping her up.

“And what business is it of yours, peasant?” The knight says.

“You alright?” You ask Selene, making a point of ignoring the knight.

“I asked you a question.” He says, you can hear the ringing of steel being drawn. “If you won’t answer than perhaps I should teach you a lesson about manners.”

You could just tell him who the kid he just bowled over is, but a part of you REALLY wants to cut this guy’s throat… or at least punch him, or something…

>[ ] Threaten to go to the queen.

>[ ] “You’d have fun trying.”

>>38733550
Threaten to go to the queen

He's an asshole, but we have no reason to go further than this

>>38733550
>[ ] “You’d have fun trying.”

>>38733550
>[ ] Threaten to go to the queen.
Let's maintain the disguise for now, we'll probably have a lot of situations to lose the temper with.
Besides, we would probably traumatize the little princess.

>>38733550
>"Speaking of manners, I wonder how the Queen will react when she finds out who's responsible for her daughter's newly expanded vocabulary?"

>>38733550
>[ ] “You’d have fun trying.”

>writing

>>38733550
>[ ] Threaten to go to the queen.
Mental note, make his life miserable.

This fucker is the fiancee of the older princess, isn't it?! I sense the tropes in the distance...

Once you’ve gotten Selene to her feet, you turn back to face the knight.

“On the topic of manners, I am quite curious to see how Queen Frederica will react when she hears all the new words that her youngest daughter just learned.” You say in a matter of fact tone, making sure to keep between the knight and Selene. Chances are that he won’t use it on her, or you for that matter, but it’s always better safe than sorry.

“So that’s the runt I keep hearing about then…” He says, peering around you in curiousity. “Heh, never mind then.” He smiles and sheathes his sword. “Come on Cass, we have better things to do than play with a pair of brats.”

“Yes Sir Roderick.” The Alka-Habran woman says, and they both walk around you and continue down the hall. The woman looks at you strangely as she passes, Roderick pays you no mind.

“So that’s Sir Roderick, huh?” There was something about the way he smiled there that you did not like one bit. Though you can’t quite put your finger on it…

Either way, it kind of makes you want to stick around for a while after you take the crown so you can see his face when he hears that it’s gone. But that can wait.

You turn back around and crouch down to eye level with Selene. This incident seems to have shaken her up a bit. “You okay?”

She shakes her head.

This is the third time you’ve had to cheer this kid up since you got here, luckily it’s a simple thing to do.

>[ ] Give her a piggyback ride

>[ ] Tell her the answer to the riddle

>[ ] Tell her a story

File: Card Please.jpg (29 KB, 558x414)

29 KB JPG

Make note: steal his sword for the sole purpose of shoving it up his ass, later.

Messed with the wrong Gambler, bitch nigga

>>38734401
> piggyback ride and a hint

>>38734401
>[ ] Tell her the answer to the riddle
It's him, i said it was him!!

>>38734401
>[ ] Give her a piggyback ride
>[ ] Tell her the answer to the riddle

>>38734401
>[ ] Tell her the answer to the riddle
>[ ] Let her know that you'll help her knock him down a notch.

>>38734560
Include the piggy back ride, but oh fuck yes.

"... I can break his sword, because he was a meanie, right?"

>writing

>out of curiosity, did any of you get the answer to the riddle?

>>38734492 here
>>38734602
Backing.
>>38734668
Nope, that one was hard...

>>38734668
I dunno...love?
I'm terrible at riddles

>>38734668
A Key

You pat her on the head and smile warmly. “It’s a key by the way.” You say.

Selene looks confused as she attempts to work out why you said that, and then it dawns on her and her face brightens right back up.

Yeah, that’s much better. You keep crouching and turn back around, reaching your hands out behind you. “Let’s go, there’s one last room left to go and then we’re free to do whatever you want to do.”

Happily, she hops up onto your back and you make your way over to the central stairway. Where you see Cedric speaking to the guards posted at the entryway.

“Hiiiii Cedric!” Selene calls out.

Cedric breaks away from his conversation and looks over at you. “Oh hey, you both look like you’re having fun.” He says.

Well…

>[ ] Tell him about what happened with Roderick

>[ ] We sure are!

>>38735082
>[ ] Tell him about what happened with Roderick
Let's spread the word.

>>38735082
>[ ] Tell him about what happened with Roderick

>>38735082
>[ ] Tell him about what happened with Roderick

>writing

>>38735082
>"It's a key, by the way."
>>38734790
NAILED IT.

“We had a bit of a run-in with Sir Roderick…” You tell him about your little confrontation.

“Well, something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. My advice is to keep your anger to yourself and stay out of his way.” Cedric says, sighing in defeat.

“Woah, seriously? Not even a ‘maybe we should let the king know’ that one of his knights pulled a sword on his daughter?” You say.

“He’s Fate’s Chosen, remember? Things go his way because the gods themselves wrote it into the tale of the world. You could tell the king, but even he’ll wind up just stepping aside. If he decided to punish Sir Roderick, it would go badly not only for him but for the whole country.” Cedric says.

“So we let him do as he wants?” You ask him.

“What, you secretly a nameless devil or something? Because that’s what you’d have to be, and I doubt that’s what you are. Devils are all either wildmen who’ve never been named, or retards that can’t take a name.” Cedric says, almost shouting. “Look, I’m not happy about it either. But unless you feel like getting your shit handed to you, I’d leave this alone.” He finishes.

You try to think of a retort, but come up dry. “This sucks…” You say.

“Tell me about it. If it’ll take your mind off things, I’m off in a few hours. We could hang out later if you want.” Cedric says.

“Can I come too?” Selene says.

“Right! I completely forgot you were there. Excuse my language.” Cedric says.

>Anything else you want to talk to Cedric about?

>>38735734
"Can I at least spit in his food?"

File: Run.jpg (36 KB, 373x422)

36 KB JPG

>>38735734
>“What, you secretly a nameless devil or something? Because that’s what you’d have to be, and I doubt that’s what you are."

Oh, Roderick...

>>38735734
>nope
Ask the little princess if she wants to play a little game, something like hide and seek. It can help you scout the rest of the castle or find some hidden passageways.

>writing

>>38735875
Oooo....

>>38735875
Hang on, we don't wanna risk losing track of her.

“That sounds good, should I meet you in the commons again?” You ask.

“Yep, I’ll be waiting.” Cedric says, and then he returns to whatever he was talking to the other guards about as you make your way up the stairs.

The last room on your list is up on the top floor. A part of you wishes it was Rodericks, but alas it is not so. The room belongs to Louis Harthright, Prince of Harth and nephew to the king and queen here. You get the feeling that had you not received a recommendation, they would never have left you in charge of a foreign dignitary’s room.

The rooms on the top floor are massive, with the bedroom alone being the size of the male’s sleeping area in the servants quarters. From the looks of things, this may take a while.

>[ ] Ask Selene if she wants to play hide and seek

>[ ] Tell her a story

>[ ] Other

>>38736375
>[ ] Ask Selene if she wants to play hide and seek

>>38736375
Storytiem

>>38736375
Story time. I don't wanna lose track of her, and God knows what she might stumble upon.

>>38736434
Bad idea. We don't want to lose her.
>>38736375
>tell her a story
About how one day a pompus knight got a sword shoved up his ass.

>>38736375
>>[ ] Other
Let's try teaching her a magic trick to keep her occupied. The thumb removal one is always a crowdpleaser!

>>38736375
>[ ] Other
Strike a deal, the secret of the spoon trick for a secret of hers, like a hiding spot?

>writing

>>38736492
>It was lodged so far up his ass, that no one could free it. One day, he petitioned a devil to remove it; the devil freed the blade, and chopped the knight's head off. The moral of the story? Don't fuck with Giles.

What kind of story do you want to tell?

>The story of who you assume is her namesake, Princess Selena of Elemeer

>A story about yourself, veiled as fiction

>A story the master thieves

>other

>>38736724
Torn between the first 2
But I'll go with the one about her namesake.

Also, there's more than one master thief? Do we know the other ones?

>>38736724
>Other
A tale of a teacher and a student training in a secret location on how to be sneaky like a ninja eventually taking path in a heroic journey.
Princess you want to see if we can make this happen?

>>38736724
If she knows the story, and is tired of hearing it, then we go for one of the others. In the meantime, option 1

>writing

>>38736724
>A story about a mean knight being humiliated by the people he mistreated

“Has anyone ever told you the tale of Princess Selena?” You ask as you start tidying.

“But I’m Princess Selene. Are there stories about me?” Selene asks, taking a seat on a chair in a corner of the room.

“Not Selene, Selena. Have you actually not heard it?” You ask.

Selene shakes her head.

“Odd, most girls with your name are named after her. Princesses especially so.” You say, peering at her out of the corner of your eye to gauge her reaction.

You most definitely have her attention, so you begin your tale.

Long ago, there was a great kingdom known as Elemeer. Elemeer was ruled by wise monarchs, and it prospered under its many close ties with its neighbours.

All was well, until Rog arrived. Rog was and remains the most powerful dragon ever to exist. When he began his assault on Elemeer, countless knights and warriors tried and failed to defeat him. Elemeer sent for aid from its many allies to no avail.

In the end, abandoned by those who should have come to its aid, Elemeer fell. And Rog claimed the house of the king and queen as its own, standing upon the high tower so it could revel in the devestation that it had caused.

>[1/?]

From the ashes of Elemeer rose Princess Selena, the youngest and only living member of the royal family, wearing nothing but torn rags. Whenever Rog wasn’t looking, she would gather her people and make sure they all had shelter.

Under the ever present gaze of Rog, they bided their time. And when the moons Catha and Ferri went dark leaving the sky pitch black, they made their escape.

Haggard and hungry they made their way through the scorched landscape to the kingdom of Rezil. Not wanting to draw the ire of Rog, Rezil turned them away. It was the same for all of their other allies, for they all feared Rog more than they loved Selena.

With nowhere for her and her people to go, Selena turned back to Elemeer.

Under broad daylight she walked into the city. In nothing but worn rags, she would do what armored knights and fierce warriors could not.

She called out to Rog, how she had heard that he was the greatest dragon who ever lived. But she was not conviced, how could he be the greatest dragon if he could not turn a desert into glass?

Rog was furious, he WAS the greatest dragon ever to exist. And he would prove it.

All day and all night, Rog swooped and soared over the deserts that surrounded Elemeer, breathing massive gouts of flame as he went. When he finished, the desert shimmered and shone like it never had before. His breath spent, Rog returned to his roost. Surely now this foolish child would see his greatness.

Selena was still not convinced. She had heard that there were dragons who could fly all the way around the world, how could Rog be the greatest dragon if he could not do that?

And so Rog took to wing once more, and flew off over the horizon.

It was 7 days before Rog returned to Elemeer, his breath spent, his wings tired, he could not even muster the strength to land. And so he crashed into the castle he claimed as his home.

Too tired to even move, he could only watch as Princess Selena climbed onto his chest and skewered his heart.

All of Elemeer’s old allies tried to court Selena’s friendship now that Rog was gone, but she would not have it. If they were not her friends in defeat, why should she accept them now in victory?

Selena took her people north, to what is now known as the Degran sea. There she settled, and created the kingdom of Alka-Habra.

>[3/?]

Now finished with your work, you take a step back and take a good look. Yep, this room is now fit for a prince once more.

“So the royal family in Kahabra are all Selena’s descendants?” Selene asks.

“No, Alka-Habra hasn’t had a royal family for a long while now. It’s more of a republic these days.” You say.

“And you think Mommy named me after Princess Selena?”

“If I had to guess, probably. Though they might’ve called you that because it’s a nice name.” You say.

Selene looks so excited she could explode.

Now that you’re done working, you still have a few hours to kill before you have to meet Cedric.

With that in mind you-

>[ ] –think it’s lunchtime

>[ ] –should see if you can find Eleanor

>[ ] –ask Selene if there’s something she wants to do

>>38737790
>[ ] –think it’s lunchtime

>>38737790
>[ ] –ask Selene if there’s something she wants to do

>>38737790
>[ ] –think it’s lunchtime
>[ ] –should see if you can find Eleanor

She might not have her revenge on us if we've got Selene nearby.

>>38737790
>>[ ] –think it’s lunchtime
>>[ ] –should see if you can find Eleanor

>writing

“Say, how about we go grab some lunch?” You ask.

“Lunch!” Selene echoes you, and then she hops off the chair she was on and heads right out the door.

“Hey, wait up! Damn…” You say, locking the door before going after her. “What’s got you so worked up?”

“I’m named after an awesome dragon slaying princess like Laura!” She says, still beaming with excitement.

Like Laura? How would Laura be named after a dragon slaying princess? There are no- wait no, yes there is a dragonslaying princess named Laura. As it so happens she’s returning home tomorrow.

“Are you excited to see your sister again?” You ask.

‘YES! Mama said that if I’m real good today then she’ll let me go down to the docks when she gets here!” Selene says.

“The docks? I thought she’d be coming in by carriage or something.” You say.

“She was, but Lady dif.. dee… Disiera is bringing her and Marcellus and Dalen and that other guy all here on one of her ships!” Selene says.

“Lady Disiera… That wouldn’t be Lady Melissa Disiera, would it?” You ask.

“Mmhmm! I heard she’s super cool, and-“ Selene breaks off into a tirade about several different things as you zone out.

You had no idea Melissa was going to be coming, and you’re not sure she’ll be happy to see you again. You didn’t leave on the best of terms.

That is to say, you didn’t leave on any terms, you just kind of left. You’ll just have to hope that she doesn’t blow your cover out of spite…

And that's all for tonight, I hope you all enjoyed reading this as I enjoyed running it.

I'll be on a while longer in case anyone has questions that aren't too spoilery.

The next thread will be either tomorrow night or Wednesday night.

>>38738524
thanks for the thread
and when can we kidnap selene and make her our apprentice

>>38738584
It ain't like her family's gonna miss her, sadly.

>>38738584
Obviously when everything goes to shit during/after the party

>>38738524
Damn missed my chance to participate, still it was an enjoyable read perhaps next time I'll catch it in time