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>>1643977
>Nah, Cody. I'm good, let's go eat.
>Unless you got some better idea?

>>1643977
>Nah, Cody. I'm good, let's go eat.

>>1644008
Just to clarify, I want to hear what he's got but probably dismiss it.

>Aye should probably talk to the crew, make sure they're in the know about all this.

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"Nah Cody, Aye'm good, unless ye got some better idea?"

"Well, I was wanting to visit my bride real fast-"
"-Ah, Camille?"

"No, the other one." Cody adjusts his voice.

Suddenly, you realize something that may be important later.
"Cody, have ye told yer summoner that ye have a baby comin' from another woman, yet?"

"Nope." He states with an almost bland certainty.

"Aye, so Amaretti knows nothin' about it, huh?"

"She does not." Cody states, rather plainly.

There's a minute of silence between the both of you as you descend into the halls of the castle. Maids are none too happy about your surprise banquet. Again, that's not really your problem.
Cody still isn't saying anything. You feel the need to interject just a little.

"..She's gonna kill you, ye know?"
"Yep."

You still feel as if there's something that at least should be said.

"Ye know, Cody. The longer ye wait to tell 'er, the worse it's gonna be."
"I know."

"Aye dun mean to pry. Ye wanna skip this dinner and spend time with yer future wife? Aye'll just tell everyone ye got sick."
"I'm trying not to think about it, Jack. I'll just go to dinner, enjoy myself, and worry about it later."

>How much longer is 'later', Cody?
>You're going to have to tell your future wife that you're having a child with another woman eventually.
>Okay, sounds good.
>Let's get a drink before we hit the table.
>Other?

>>1644927
>How much longer is 'later', Cody?

>Okay, sounds good.

Doormat, other peoples' problems, we just had a thread about this.

>>1644927
>Yeah, best save this for after the main event, you have to recharge

>>1644927
>How much longer is 'later', Cody?
>After this battle, I could arrange for the info to get out while you're somewhere far far away for a good while. Let things settle a bit.

>>1644927
>Okay, sounds good.
Not our circus, not our monkeys.

>>1645725
These monkeys would probably find a way to get onto our back sooner or later. All the others do.

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"How much longer is 'later', Cody?"

"Haven't decided yet."

There are so many questions you want to ask. For one, why does he even think this is remotely a good idea? How long does he think he can hold out?

Oh wait, you just remembered something.

"Okay, sounds good." You adjust your voice, "Hope it works out for ye."

Now, the problem is completely off of your hands!
There we go, that's the way old Jack would have solved things.
It must be an effective way to solve problems, because it got you where you are right now.

"Yeah, thanks." Cody absentmindedly tries not to pay attention to what you just said.

"Aye'll let ye know, though. After this is over, I could arrange fer ye to get away fer a while. Someplace far, far away. Just te let things settle a bit."

"Hey, you know what." Cody noticed you, that time. "Maybe that'd be great."

"Hah! Perfect."

You walk into the main hall and notice the massive amount of food being set out.
Good, it feels good to not have to worry about anything.

-Is what you would be thinking if you didn't notice Atlas already sitting in one of the chairs at the other end of the table.

"Wow! The whole thing?!" Dorje seems entranced with a story he's telling.
"Absolutely!" Atlas chuckles, "That's how you take down the tunneling demons, you have to encase them in something they can't swim through. Granite is a good one. So is quicksand."

You're not sure how much of Atlas' story is true from just hearing that little snippet, but you're glad to see him at least keeping the kid happy.

Yuuki is already sitting at the table. Louise and Kayda are missing, but that's no big surprise. Cody is seeing what kind of drinks are being set out.

>Sit down at the table.
>Wait, where are Louise and Kayda?
>Try to strike up a conversation with someone.
>Excuse yourself for a minute, try to find Tuile and/or Madeleine
>Other?

>>1648056
>Excuse yourself for a minute, try to find Tuile and/or Madeleine

>>1648056
>Sit down at the table.
>Just listen around a bit.

>>1648056
>Wait, where are Louise and Kayda?

>>1648056
>Wait, where are Louise and Kayda?
>Excuse yourself for a minute, try to find Tuile and/or Madeleine
bring everyone!

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You decide to sit down for a few moments. There's no need to make yourself look awkward. Everyone is a friend here!
Time to just sit, and listen to the crew banter for a bit.

"What else did you do?!" Dorje asks Atlus.
"After we got rid of the massive serpents, the problem remained of the holes they have dug! Several tunnels went straight under the castle."

"Wow, so did you fill them with granite or something?" This story sounds bogus, but Dorje seems interested in it.
"That's the problem with massive holes in the ground. If you fill them with something like granite; the surrounding foundation washes away. Something too soft, and it's impacted by the stone which secures it.

"So what did you do?"
"We spent almost two years going section by section of the caverns, filling them with various types of stone and water. By the end, we had a complete limestone cavern. I checked on it recently, and it still seems to be holding up." Atlas seems a little proud of himself.

"That's amazing." You need to tell Dorje not to believe everything he hears, later.
"That's the cost of living with demons. It's why heroes have to strike them while they are still young, before they become big enough to create that kind of chaos."

"Well, I'd like to start doing that!" Dorje is really buying into this. "I think you should tell Louise and Kayda this, too! With them by my side, we could beat anything!"

Atlas laughs, and ruffles his hair a bit.
"One step at a time, Lad."

Those two are getting along surprisingly well.
Wait, Louise and Kayda. Where are they, anyway?

You quietly stand up and head for the guest quarters. You hope they aren't off causing trouble, again.

The guest quarters are bustling, as usual. Except there's someone standing outside the door leading to Louise's room.

--

"Heya, Tuile. Whatssup?"

She smiles, and places her fingers to her lips.

You quiet down, and notice that you can hear an almost strange, complaining sound.

"I told the head maid to dress Louise and Kayda." Tuile smiles, slyly. "So then Alicot got the girliest outfits she had. Kayda hasn't stopped complaining ever since Alicot went in."

"Argh, so yer torturing them?"

"Yes, but they'll look so cute. So it's worth it. Anyway, what's up?"

>Just checkin' to see what's goin' on.
>Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up.
>Speakin' of which, is Madeleine around?
>Nothin', I want to see this, too.
>Other?

>>1650658
>Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up.
>Nothin', I want to see this, too.

>>1650658
>Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up.
>Speakin' of which, is Madeleine around?

>>1650658
>Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up.
>Speakin' of which, is Madeleine around?
>Nothin', I want to see this, too.

>>1650658
>Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up.
>Speakin' of which, is Madeleine around?
>Nothin', I want to see this, too.

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"Just wanted to make sure everyone would be showin' up."
"Oh, I wouldn't miss that for the world." Tuile gives a brief smile. "Just like I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"I wanna see this, too." You feel yourself smiling.
You don't know exactly why you want to see Louise and Kayda all dolled up. You just think that it's going to be very entertaining to watch.

"Speakin' of which, is Madeleine around?"

"Yeah, she said she was off to get Atsuko to help carry you home by the end of the night." Tuile says, idly.

Damn, that snake doctor knows you well.

"Well, aye hope she makes it back in time." You adjust your voice.

The relationship between you, Madeleine, and Tuile has been mostly kept unspoken. Sure, you've had a talk with them about it before.
You suspect Tuile and Madeleine themselves have had more discussion about it than you have with them.

That's something you have to tackle, eventually. There's no reason for it to feel so uncomfortable.

There's some yelling inside, and Tuile's face almost lights up.
"Ooh! They sound mad!" Tuile seems more than a little happy to hear that annoyed rabble.

In a way, you are too. This is gonna be great!

"All done!" You hear Alicot sound out from inside. The door slowly swings open to reveal the greatest sight.

The blonde little girl, Louise, is the first one you see. Her gown is every bit as radiant as her smile. The white bright hair matching perfectly with the gentle bows that extend down her arms and down the hem of her dress.

Now, on to the entertainment.
With a scowl that could crack steel, is the tanned-but-definitely-blushing face of Kayda. Her straight, back hair being styled into a cute hair-tie around the back. Alicot clearly taking advantage of her naturally-straight hair to make a flowing pattern in her locks that ties into a row of silver beads.
Below Kayda's sourpuss frown is a frilled, green-pattern gown. One you're certain was made to match her skin tone. The tiled pattern evenly spaces itself across her chest to a set of brass buttons. Each circular button securing a tiny ribbon, and seemingly flowing downward into a red sash around her waist. A sash that's tied into a very elaborate bow.

"Why is everyone LOOKING AT ONLY ME?!" Kayda immediately bursts out.

Behind her stand the beaming faces of both Alicot and Charlotte. You're pretty sure you see Greta hiding behind them; as she tries not to burst out laughing.

Tuile is the first to reply to Kayda's question,
"Kayda! You look-"
"Absolutely SILLY!" Kayda answers in turn. "Why are there ties and bows that don't hold anything?! What's the point?"

>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>Absolutely adorable
>Cute.
>-It's a good look!
>HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
>Other?

>>1652369
>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>Absolutely adorable
>-It's a good look!

>>1652369
>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>Absolutely adorable
>-It's a good look!
>It's not useless. Think of it like uh.. bird, with all the fancy feathers to look good.

>>1652369
>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>-It's a good look!
>They're to look pretty.
>Like a rooster or peacock.

>>1652369
>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>Absolutely adorable
>-It's a good look!
i wonder how Greta is dressed, ha

>>1652369
>Kayda, Aye think ye look-
>Like the figurehead of a fancy ship

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"Kayda, Aye think ye look absolutely adorable!"

"Oh yeah, that means a whole lot coming from you!" She furrows her brow.

"Serious! It's a good look." You try to be as supportive as possible about this.

"Look at all this fabric just hanging off of me! If it catches any of these door handles or uneven floors, the whole dress might rip right off my body!"

"They're not useless, Kayda." You try not to smile too widely, "Think of it as, er, a bird. With fancy feathers n' the like."

"A bird?" Kayda's look goes from pouty to annoyed.
"Yar! Like a rooster, er a Peacock. They have pretty feathers, and those feathers don't mean a darn thing at all! They just have 'em to look pretty."

"So this dress just exists to make me look pretty. To who? Everyone here already knows me." Kayda continues to be stubborn.

"Some people just want to see you pretty, Kayda." Greta comes out of the background.
Greta is wearing a beautiful ruby-red gown. Despite her having the same hair-color as Louise; Alicot really went all-out trying to differentiate them! It seems almost a little silky, but fits her form well. Not to mention that ponytail that Alicot put in her hair. Usually Greta wears it messy and unkept, but Alicot spotted that and quickly worked to make it look almost elegant.

You give Alicot a lot of work, mostly cleaning up duty after you've drank too much or disorganized a room or two. At the same time, you have to admit that she's a very talented maid. She's earned her title as the "head maid".

Of course, you can tell Greta is a tad bit uncomfortable in it. She walks uneasily and seems just as self-conscious as Kayda. That said, she doesn't seem as fun to tease about it as Greta does.

You'll save teasing her about it for later.

"Why would they want to see me pretty, anyway?!" Wow, Kayda. That's an awful thing to say.

"Everyone wants to see you pretty, Kayda." Greta tries to encourage her hero.
"After all, you are pretty!" Louise moves in to cheer up her best friend.

This extra attention causes Kayda to blush furiously.
"I am not." You hear a slight whisper.

"How about this." Tuile grinning. This is gonna be great! "Let's take you into the banquet hall, and see what everyone else thinks, okay?"

"Yeah, fine." Kayda states, defeated.

Louise and Greta happily pull their friend along as they walk toward the banquet hall.

You look toward Tuile, and she gives you a sly wink. The madwoman. She knows exactly what is going to happen.

>Cont.

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Kayda continues her slow and merticulous pace toward the hall. Charlotte catches up after putting on some makeup from her room.
It's funny to think that, out of all the girls who are well-dressed and dolled up in pretty dresses, the only one who isn't wearing one is Tuile. She's wearing a rather standard sundress.

A part of you wants to think that the reason Tuile was so happy about getting Alicot's attention onto Louise and Kayda was to take some of that attention off of herself.
Your future wife is a sharp one.

Speaking of future wives, Madeleine still hasn't shown up yet. You'll go look for her in a minute if she doesn't appear, but until then; there's something you have to watch.

Alicot walks in front of the girls, and swings the heavy oaken door open for them.

"That's why you need to be careful for demons made of water. Ground and Earth can't contain liquid-like demons." Atlas is STILL continuing his big rant to Dorje about how great and amazing he is. Give it a rest.
"Really? So it's hopeless?" Dorje is still eating this up.

"Not really, you could try summoning clay, or even trying to slow them down. If you pair with someone specializing in fire magic, you could even solidify the clay and encase them!" Atlas grins.
"Wow, Fire magic! Kayda has-"

"Dorje." Tuile interrupts the fierce exchange of ideas.

Dorje's head turns away from Atlas to meet Tuile's eyes.
Then, Dorje's sight slowly moves to meet Kayda.

Slowly, his cheeks start to redden, and his eyes narrow. Two features that are not as obvious as his jaw slowly starting to open.

His eyes slowly take in Kayda's beautiful form. He looks like he wants to say something, but lacks the words to do so.
Atlas immediately notices Dorje's reaction, and suppresses a toothy grin. Simply giving way to a simple, normal grin.

"Well, what do you think?" Tuile chirps happily.

"I think.. she looks like a.. figurehead." Dorje seems to have spaced out, for a second. "Like a... mermaid, or-"

"I think he needs to keep his eyes to himself!" Kayda crosses her arms, her tanned skin being no match for the red flowing across her face.

You notice another rarely-seen face at the table. None other than Dorje's summoner, Princess Eileen.
She's trying to hold back a laugh, too. Which is good, because you thought Eileen might take that a bit more personally than she is.

>Give Tuile the thumbs up
>Sit down at the table.
>Naw, see what happened to Madeleine, now.
>Anyone else you're missing? Try to think of someone.
>Like Aligot?
>Or how about the knights?
>Other?

>>1653385
>Give Tuile the thumbs up
>Naw, see what happened to Madeleine, now

>>1653385
>Anyone else you're missing? Try to think of someone.
>Like Aligot?
>Or how about the knights?
>Naw, see what happened to Madeleine, now.

>>1653385
>Anyone else you're missing? Try to think of someone.
>Like Aligot?
>Or how about the knights?
>Like that one knight that kicked ass that one time.

>>1653385
>Anyone else you're missing? Try to think of someone.
>Like Aligot?
>Or how about the knights?

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You smile at the still-blushing teenagers as Kayda saunters over to her chair and sits down. Greta quietly pulls up a chair next to her.

You can't tell what they're saying, but you're certain that Greta is teasing her right now.

Tuile catches the corner of your eye. Her smile has not faded one bit since Kayda left her room. She seems to have a knack with younger children.
Quietly, you give her the thumbs up. She smiles at you with a wink.

You would sit down, but you have to figure out where everyone went. Besides, you don't think the knights were invited. You should go change that.

You quietly slink out of the room once more. You're really curious where Madeleine has run off to, but there's a part of you that is worried.

Usually, when you can't find her, that's because something is either wrong or she's been roped into something.

You notice a small meeting happening near the armory. Felice, Bennet, Pomelo, and Noel are sitting around a table with Fritelli. Bennet seems to not really fit into the new uniform he has, but it still looks good on him.
The lack of Antonin and Odelle is noticable. Odelle has refused to leave the Gallete hold where Antonin is being held. Poor girl still thinks her brother did nothing wrong.

The mood improves when Fritelli notices you, but the knights still seem puzzled about something. Fritelli waves at you, and you slowly approach her.

"Hey Jack!" Fritelli seems in high spirits.
"Fritelli, how're ye doin?"

"Pretty good, Oh! Right, Madeleine went to check up on Camille. She'll be back in a few.

Oh, well that explains that.

"Aye, great. What's this meetin' about?"

"We're just discussing the odds for tomorrow." Bennet answers for you.
"Argh? Well, that's pretty good. How're ye fair us for?"

"The odds are terrible.." Pomelo sighs.
"Not as bad as we thought, though!" Fritelli seems happy about that, somehow. "I thought it was hopeless, but we've started to go through the battle plans tomorrow, and I think we have a chance."

"It's not a great chance." Noel joins Pomelo in raining on your parade. "-But I guess it's possible."
"More than possible!" Fritelli smiles, "Just follow our lead on the battlefield, and we can wax Atlas."

>Now, when ye say 'wax' Atlas, ye dun mean
>Oh, oh! Yargh. Glad to hear that!
>Anythin' else I should know about the battle tomorrow?
>Well, ferget about that. The feast is startin' and yer all invited.
>Aye'm gonna go get Odelle.
>Let's go sit down and show me what ye found
>Other?

>>1654683
>Now, when ye say 'wax' Atlas, ye dun mean
>I don't think us humans furball, you're gonna have to get him to pass out or give up.
>Aye think maybe we just gotta impress him.
>Let's go sit down and show me what ye found
>Well, ferget about that. The feast is startin' and yer all invited.
>Aye'm gonna go get Odelle.

>>1654683
>Now, when ye say 'wax' Atlas, ye dun mean
>Do humans furball?
>Anythin' else I should know about the battle tomorrow?
>Well, ferget about that. The feast is startin' and yer all invited.

>>1654683
>Well, ferget about that. The feast is startin' and yer all invited.
>Aye'm gonna go get Odelle.

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"Now, when ye say 'wax' Atlas, ye dun mean, well, aye dun think us humans furball."
Fritelli seems confused by your statement.

Oh, OH. They didn't mean literally.
Oh, well, of course you knew that. Time to put on that charm and make your recovery.

"What aye mean is- Aye dun think us humans can puffball, aye?"

"Heroes? Not from what we've seen."

"So we just gotta get him to pass out er give up, right? That should be way easier than tryin' ta wear 'im down."

"I've already thought of that, and I think that maybe if we can corner him, then-"
"Aye think just impressin' him will be enough." You think about the possibility, "He just wants to test us, after all."

"Well, test or not, it's still going to be the hardest battle Biscotti has faced since I've been alive." Pomelo sighs.
"There she is being negative, again." Bennet twitches his ear, "Sure, the odds aren't great, but I think we might have a chance."

"I'm withholding judgement." Felice rests her head on the table. "Frankly, I don't see what's so great about him."
Felice, are you.. blushing?

"In any case, I think we should be prepared. Would we be-"
"No." Fritelli cuts off Noel's train of thought, almost by reflex.

What?

"Oh come on! It's a great idea!" Noel immediately goes on the defensive.
"We're not doing it." Fritelli sighs.

Must be some kind of crazy plan Noel had cooked up. You'll ask about it later; you like those kinds of plans.

"Anythin' aye need to know fer the battle tomorrow?"
"Nope. Bruschetta's army is arriving in the morning, Carancha is probably going to miss the festival, so that just leaves Biscotti and Gallete's army taking to the field." Fritelli shrugs, "So, just, follow our lead and it'll be a piece of cake."

"Probably." Bennet nods.
"Maybe." Pomelo sighs.

"Aye, that's the spirit. Now there's a feast goin' on and yer all invited, get to it."

They ajourn, and you go searching for someone who also deserves to be there.

--

The Gallete holds are located in an ajacent guardhouse to the castle. These are where prisoners who are kept under their jurisdiction are held.
Which means, contained within, is that idiot Antonin. As well as his sister, Odelle. Only Odelle isn't sitting behind the bars like her brother is.

"Hey." You call inside the small box-like structure from the entrance. "Odelle, Feast is startin', yer invited."

No response.

>Okay, fine.
>Leave her to it.
>No, go in there and talk to her.
>Other?

>>1658398
>No, go in there and talk to her.

>>1658398
>No, go in there and talk to her.
>If no one is in there, sitting behind bars or not, you're going to be very upset.

>>1658398
>No, go in there and talk to her.
mainly to check that something stupid isn't happening
>>bring them a full plate

>>1658398
>No, go in there and talk to her.
>Consider for a moment, that a prisoner being watched over by only his doting sister might have consequences.

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Okay, well.
If she doesn't respond, then she must be fine.

..
Oh, who are you kidding.
No, no; you're going to go in there and at least check. Just to make sure nothing stupid is happening in there.

You're going to be very upset if you go in there and there's no one in there. Either behind bars or not.

After all, it's probably a poor idea to have a prison being watched over by only his doting little sister.

You push the door open all the way and slowly walk in.

The Gallete holds are surprisingly empty. You thought more of the prisoners you captured would have found their homes here. Especially after giving you as much trouble as they did.
It's stupid.

You look ahead and notice, slumped over in a chair, is a very dejected looking girl with a curtain of long blonde hair.

"'Ey Odelle."
"..Hi."

You look behind bars, and sure enough Antonin is still sitting in his cell. Strangely enough, he's still sleeping.
He's been sleeping for at least a week now. Ever since the incident happened; he's only been awake for a few hours at a time.

You want to feel bad for him, but you don't. What an idiot. He deserves everything comin' to him.
Oh! Wait, you don't want to say that out loud.

"How'se he holdin' up?"
"He's still sleeping." Odelle sighs.

"He's been sleepin' a lot."
"I know.."

What a great attitude, Lass.

"Ye know, yer invited to the feast. Have ye heard about it?"
"Yeah.."

"Why dun ye get yer substitute to fill-in fer a while. Then ye can go to the feast."

She thinks about it, but doesn't seem to want to move.

"I want to be here if he wakes up." Odelle says, softly.

>Fine with me!
>I'll bring a plate back for you, later.
>No, no. I think you need to quit obsessing over this.
>Come do somethin' that's not worrying about your brother.
>Other?

>>1660040
>I'll bring a plate back for you, later.
>ask one of he maids if Odelle has any friends in the castle who should come talk to her

>>1660040
>Ya think seeing you tired and worried and mopey is gonna make him happy?
>Don't make me carry you out of here.
>The sleeping is actually mighty weird, have someone look into that later.

>>1660040
>Fine with me!
>I'll bring a plate back for you, later.
>How much booze you want?

Is this where I post the obligatory "I am worried that Antonin is possessed by a demon and I think we should ask Atlas to look him over" comment?

>>1660420
If you wish to suggest that, sure.

Although, you may want to ask Atsuko that question instead. Atlas has years of experience fighting them, but Atsuko is still the demon-hunting priestess with the training and tools.

But again, valid decision, up to you.

>>1660040
>Come do somethin' that's not worrying about your brother.
>The sleeping is actually mighty weird, have someone look into that later.

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"Fine with me." You grumble, "Aye'll bring back a plate for ye later."
"Okay.." Odelle certainly doesn't seem happy about it.

"How much booze ye want?"
"I don't care."

Yeah, this certainly isn't the outcome that you were expecting. Darn it, are you really going to walk out like that?

"Ye know, aye think yer brother would be happier not seeing ye tired, and mopin' about."
"I know."

"Don't ye think ye should do somethin' about that?"
"Probably."

Yeah, this isn't going anywhere. Something else about this strikes you as odd, though.
"How long has ye brother been sleepin'?"
"A while."
"That's not healthy."
"I know. "

"Tell ye what, come do somethin' that's not worryin' about yer brother, and aye'll get someone to come look at him."

She thinks about those words, and then looks up from the floor.
"Fine."
"Great!"
She stands up and slowly follows behind you to outside. You take this time to beckon a guard to take her spot watching the cell.
Damn it, this is gonna be a HAPPY night. Filled with food and drinking.

--

"Yuuki, glad ye made it."
The black-haired girl walks in with her summoner, Anna. Tagging behind her is another familiar face.

"Hey there, Elise." You greet the white-haired girl, she's rarely seen outside of her room. "Good te see ye."
"Likewise." Soft spoken, as usual.

Anything you want to say before you get this show on the road.

>One of ye will have to carry me home.
>Generic 'good luck to everyone tomorrow' speech.
>Who cares, just start eating.
>Other?

>>1661117
>LET'S PARTY AS IF IT WAS THE LAST DAY ON EARTH!

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>>1661222

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Hmm, this party feels just right, but there's something missing.

Two very familiar figures walk through the door. One is the blonde lass you know as Atsko, and the other-
"JACK!" Keiko immediately comes running toward you.

That's right, how could you forget your own summoner. Keiko hugs you, and starts talking in her usual excited manner. She quietly says 'excuse me' as she notices Kayda's beautiful dress.

Immediately, the green-haired girl goes over to her friend and starts doting on the gown much to Kayda's dismay. It's enough to bring a smile to your face.

With that, you think it's time to this party on the road.

"EVERYONE!" You raise your voice to get the full attention of the room, "The drinks are cool, the food is warm, and we have the battle of a lifetime waitin' fer ye tomorrow! Let's party like it's the end of the world!"

There's a mighty cheer as the patrons smash their glasses, beer mugs, and flasks together. That's the way to start a party if you've ever seen one!

You take your seat at the end of the table. Tuile takes her seat right next to you. Madeleine takes her seat on the other side.
Oh dear.

You're going to ignore the precarious position and just focus on the food! The drinking! The-
Wow, how did you drink a whole mug already?

Maybe you should slow down just a bit.

"So Jack." Madeleine seems to be taking advantage of her position. "The battle is in the morning, right? We should go to the guest rooms afterwards and share some quality time."
The way quality time hangs in the air tips off Tuile.

"Hold on, tomorrow is Tuesday, and that means that I got Jack for the whole day." Tuile responds immediately.

Oh no.
This is happening in a way you did not anticipate.

You try to turn your attention to Yuuki talking with Kayda. Even Yuuki is doting on Kayda's beautiful dress. Kayda repeats some nonsense about not being pretty at all, but Yuuki immediately shoots down those nonsense words and pulls Kayda into a hug.
Oh man, Kayda looks annoyed to say the least.

"Jack." Uh oh.
"What are you doing tomorrow after the battle?"

>Ladies, Ladies! Please! There's enough Jack to go around!
>Errr, let's talk about that after the fight.
>I, uh-
>I need to recharge after the battle, heck, I should be recharging right now.
>So I'll be sleeping at the shrine, with Keiko, in a completely platonic way.
>Other?

>>1661816
>I need to recharge after the battle, heck, I should be recharging right now.
He really should be.

>>1661816
>I, uh-
>if i say "both of you" i'll get slapped in the face twice, right?

File: dealing with it.gif (1.96 MB, 220x165)

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>>1661816
>So I'll be sleeping at the shrine, with Keiko, in a completely platonic way.

And do picture related, before or after as OP prefers.

>>1661816
>Just keep drinking

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"I- Uh."

Step right up, Jack. You just got propositioned to sleep with two beautiful women of whom you are engaged to. What is the correct way to respond to their requests?

"Sorry loves, aye'll definitely need a recharge after tomorrow's battle. Heck, I shouldn't be awake right now if the good fox is to be believed."

"Tch." Madeleine makes a half-sarcastic sigh.
"Excellent point, Jack." Tuile sips at her mug, "Don't wear yourself out trying to please two at once. There's plenty of time for all of us."

That was the number one answer, Jack! Excellent choice of words, and made it seem like it was no one's fault! Now, how do you follow that one up?

"..But let's say aye didn't, If I say 'both of ye', aye'll get slapped in the face twice, right?"
Ohh, Jack! Not the right thing to say there, big guy. What's your consolation prize?

You look over toward Tuile, and she has about the disappointed face you were expecting.
Then again, when you look over to Madeleine you see an almost bemused look.

Did Madeleine just wink, and definintely not at you?

"No." You hear an annoyed groan from Tuile, "But I'll get the urge to slap two people at the same time."

She finishes that statement by taking a hit from her mug.
Yeah, you think you're going to do the same.

Just keep drinking, Jack.
Just keep drinking.

That's your consolation prize.

Suddenly, Madeleine bursts out laughing.
"Well, in any case!" Madeleine gives you a pat on the shoulder, "I'll be rooting for you, big guy."

"Here, here." Tuile coughs, "Don't get in a stubbornness match with Atlas, by the way. I think he has to beat on that front."

>Hey! Come on now, I have a pretty good chance of beating Atlas tomorrow.
>My stubborness is a plus, aye'll have ye know.
>Ah, aye think it's gonna be a cinch.
>It'll be hard, but aye'm optimistic.
>Other?

>>1662131
>It'll be hard, but aye'm optimistic.

>>1662131
>It'll be hard, but aye'm optimistic.

>>1662131
>My stubborness is a plus, aye'll have ye know.
>It'll be hard, but aye'm optimistic.

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"Hay, aye'll have ye know that my stubbornness is a plus."
"Well, just don't let it cave your head in." Tuile sighs, "I think you're right about heroes not being able to puffball."

"Sure." You take another drink, "Aye'm not saying it'll be hard, but aye'm optimistic."
"That's probably the best attitude you can have." Madeleine takes a drink, herself.

"Hey Jack." Yuuki calls out from across the table, "What did you ever do about the dragon girl? She's staying at the castle, right?"

Oh shoot, you forgot all about her.

"Yar. Fer now."

"Where is she? Should I go get her?"

Well, that's a good question. You have no idea where she is.

"Naw, it's fine. Aye'll make it up to her later."

You're lying, you really don't have much intention of doing such a thing.
Darn it, you hope her sister doesn't find out about how you just forgot about her. That's something to add to the to-do list after this whole battle thing has drawn to a close.

"Anyway, besides that," You try to change the subject, "yer army comin' in tomorrow?"
"Yep, just in time for the battle!" Anna replies, enthusiastically.

"Good te hear that. We'll need all the help we can get."

Yuuki interjects, "If you don't mind me asking, do you happen to have a plan for tomorrow? I kind of missed the discussion you and Cody were having."
"Aye'll tell ye about it after dinner. Aye've thought about it enough right now."

"Yeah, if you can even stand up by then." Atsuko unhelpfully points out your intention to get slammed. "-Either ways, I think you should maybe let your fellow heroes in on the plan that's more than just 'I'll think of it as I go.' Your plan is more than that, right?"

Time to switch subject again,
"Argh right, Atsuko, befer aye forget. Go hav'a look at Antonin in the Gallete holds. He's been actin' up, and aye dun want another demon on our hands."

"Jack." Noel, who is sitting across from Atsuko, asks a simple question; "Your speech is starting to slur a little, maybe you should tone down the drinking just a bit until you've had a bite to eat?"

>I will do no such thing.
>So Yuuki, you wanted to discuss strategy?
>Maybe Noel has a point.
>Try to get Cody or Fritelli to change the subject for you.
>Atlas and Dorje are still talking to one another, call them out on it!
>Other?

>>1665227
>Maybe Noel has a point.
>>grab a full mug in one hand and some food in the other

>>1665227
>So Yuuki, you wanted to discuss strategy?
>Use magic to continue drinking

>>1665227
>Try to get Cody or Fritelli to change the subject for you.
>Eat some food
>Use magic to continue drinking

>>1665227
>Maybe Noel has a point.

For some reason the idea of Keiko pouting at him for being blackout drunk the night he is supposed to be sleeping with her swims into Jacks mind.

>>1665227
>Maybe Noel has a point.
>Get some food and drink something lighter, like wine.

>>1665873
Also
>Atlas is giving Dorje all his demon fighting stories, even if we lose that's probably handy advice if there's anything to it. Get it written down later or something.

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Maybe Noel has a point. You should consider at least eating something.

While you're taking food from the center of the table; Yuuki continues to badger you about preparations for tomorrow.

"You seem oddly silent. Don't tell me 'make it up as you go' was your actual plan for tomorrow."
Sorry Lass, you can't hear her over this food that you've started to eat.

"You're ignoring me."
"Mhmm." You mumble.

Yuuki sighs, "Great, I'll just get with Fritelli to see what the actual plan is, then."
"Aye, Fritelli, wanna fill 'er in?" You take the wine bottle from the center of the table, you may as well try something light if you're trying to maintain consciousness long enough to at least have a presence.

"Tomorrow is going to be a- Hold on."
Fritelli looks t the end of the table to make sure Atlas is properly distracted. Sure enough, he's busy regaling Dorje of whatever weird adventures he used to have.
"Aye, glad he's still talkin'. Dorje might learn somethin' useful from 'im, whether he stays with us or not."

Fritelli continues, "So, tomorrow we're going to try an all-in formation. He's chosen to start at the bottom of the incline, so our forces will maintain their position while trying to force him to meet-"

Oh darn it, you've tuned her out again. That seems to happen when something else takes your attention away.
This time, it's the food. You haven't had a big feast here at Biscotti, but you're going to make a note to yourself to definitely request that you have another, again.
Heck, when was the last time you've ate a proper meal? Something that wasn't drinks, wine, and beer?
Longer than you can remember, that's for sure.

You use what Atlas taught you to gradually keep drinking while eating. It's a neat trick, and garners some attention from Louise. It's something you're not entirely sure how you were able to live without.
"What are you, two? Quit playing with your food." You're no fun, Atsuko.

"-And that's the plan." Fritelli finishes regaling Yuuki of the strategy. "Any questions?"
"None while Atlas is around, but it's mostly straightforward. I'm glad we have a real general watching out for us." Yuuki smiles.

>Hey! I resent that!
>Continue eating, pretend you didn't hear that.
>Laugh, you are a real general, they just don't know it, yet!
>Making long-term strategies for this battle is kind of pointless anyway.
>Other?

>>1666364
>Continue eating, pretend you didn't hear that.

Take our lumps now so we can give her the biggest shit eating grin when we bring up the "real general" comment up in some snappy one-liner after we win.

>>1666364
>Laugh, you are a real general, they just don't know it, yet!

>>1666364
>Continue eating, pretend you didn't hear that.

>>1666364
>Continue eating, pretend you didn't hear that.

>>1666364
>Yeah yeah, tactics and strategy. I'm better at, uh... one of those.

>>1668979
Also
>Not really my job anyway, and it's not like I don't get anything done.

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You're going to continue eating and pretend you didn't hear that last part.
You ARE a real general; but they just don't know it, yet!

"So, are we going to have any kind of direction from you out in the field?" Yuuki's eyes light up at Fritelli.

"Afraid not, I'll be commanding my own forces." Fritelli takes a drink, "After all, you have your fearless captain to look after you."

"Yar, yar." You idly nod, "Tactics and strategy, Aye'm better at.. uh.. one of 'em."

Fritelli laughs, Yuuki doesn't seem as amused.

Then again, she hasn't even drank anything at the table. You know she doesn't handle her liquor well, but she can at least try some wine.

"Well, I'm glad General Fritelli is looking out for us, at least."
"Tactics aren't really my job, anyway." You take a bite from a delicious fish steak, "and it's not like aye dun get things done."

"In either case, don't worry about how we'll be handling it tomorrow, just worry about yourself and worry about facing Atlas." Fritelli gives Yuuki the thumbs up.

You can tell Yuuki is still a little worried, but that's expected.

Hey, how many drinks has this been? It feels like five, but there are at least eight mugs next to you. You can tell Tuile is starting to really hit the drink herself.

This feast might be over for you a lot sooner than you think.

"Hey." Atsuko gets your attention again, "You said there was something you wanted me to look at, earlier? What was it."

"Aye, it's Antonin. He's sleepin' a lot, and I wonder if him turnin' at the last minute wasn't related to possession or somethin'."

Atsuko looks over her shoulder to make sure Odelle isn't listening. She then turns to you, and whispers softly.
"Are you sure you want to say that this is demonic possession? I think he's just a jerk."

>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.
>Y'know if we dun find somethin' wrong with him, Charlotte might kill him.
>Ye know that, right?
>Atsuko, aye'd like to continue this conversation but my vision is starting to blur and there are two of you.
>Aye'm goin' back to the shrine.
>Other?

>>1673073
>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.
>Y'know if we dun find somethin' wrong with him, Charlotte might kill him.
>This actually might be something Atlas can help with

>>1673073
>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.
>Atsuko, aye'd like to continue this conversation but my vision is starting to blur and there are two of you.

We can pace ourselves for one night.

>>1673073
>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.
>And aye wouldn't want to deal with a possessed jerk on the loose

>>1673073
>>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.

Best to consider alternate possibilities before he's executed, fair trial and all that

>>1673073
>Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth looking into anyway.
>Atsuko, aye'd like to continue this conversation but my vision is starting to blur and there are two of you.
>Consider perhaps that we might actually be drunk enough for the moment, stop drinking, eat more and enjoy the buzz.

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"Aye, while he may be a jerk, it's worth lookin' into anyway." You put your mug down, "Y'know, if they find that nothin' is wrong with him, Charlotte might kill him."
"I know." Atsuko sighs.

"And aye think if it came down to that, there are certain-"
You look toward Odelle. Good, she's still distracted.
"-elements who might try'na spring him from prison. And aye wouldn't want a possessed jerk on the loose."

"Yes, that's another good point." Atsuko takes a drink from her tiny, tiny wineglass.

"Also, Atsuko, aye'd like to continue this conversation but my vision is startin' to blur, and there are two of ye."

Atsuko coughs, "Really, Jack? That was only the, what, ninth mug you've drank tonight? I was going to ask if you'd like to food to go with that booze, but I already knew the answer to that one."

"Usually aye would say 'no', but aye think some mod'rashhion iz in orders."
You mentally slap yourself. Yep, it must be time to stop and simply enjoy the buzz.

"Glad you finally admit to it." Atsuko smiles, "Just try to keep from falling face-first into your food."
"Unlike ye, aye can hold my liquor, Lass."

"It was just that one time!" Atsuko snaps back, immediately.

Oh, it would be very embarassing if you told everyone about that 'one time', wouldn't it?

You feel a smile creep across your face, until you look right and notice Madeleine giving you a 'don't do it' look.
You're going to listen to the good doctor, this one time.

Instead, you try to eat some more food and listen in on what the other patrons are talking about.

"Really?" You hear a louder conversation starting down the table. Yuuki and Charlotte are asking Elise some questions.
"Yeah! He's been teaching me to read again. He says I'm a fast learner."

"..How long has this white-haired boy been visiting you?" Charlotte seems concerned by this.
"Uh, always? Ethan's my brother." Elise doesn't seem to understand the trap she's walking into.

"Then, how is he getting in? I haven't heard anything about that." There it is, Yuuki just sprung the trap without realizing it.

"I don't know, he just sort of shows up in my room."

That causes Charlotte to sigh, and Yuuki to have a very worried look.
"I'll ask security to double up on your quarters, and to check exterior entrances. There should NOT be some random kid sneaking into girls rooms at night." Charlotte crosses her arms.

>Don't say anything.
>Now hang on, aye've met this Ethan kid
>He is totally not doin' somethin' like that.
>..He may be stealin' things, though. He is pretty good with locks.
>Y'know what, aye agree.
>Other?

>>1676236
>Now hang on, aye've met this Ethan kid
>He is totally not doin' somethin' like that.
>He's scary good with locks and stealin, but I talked to him about that. He's tryin to break bad habits. Amazing skills though.
>I'll talk with him again, but he'll need permission to visit properly.

>>1676236
>Now hang on, aye've met this Ethan kid
>He is totally not doin' somethin' like that.
>But he's real good with locks and stuff, he might enjoy the challenge, ayedunno

>>1676236
>Now hang on, aye've met this Ethan kid
>He is totally not doin' somethin' like that.
>He's scary good with locks and stealin, but I talked to him about that. He's tryin to break bad habits. Amazing skills though.
>I'll talk with him again, but he'll need permission to visit properly.