File: Melody Crying.png (268 KB, 609x487)

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Soon enough the weekend came to well, an end, as the new shined over the horizon. Maria herself felt a small bit of chipperness as she rose from the bed this morning to a clear blue sky and gave a small stretch.

“Did you have a good night Mistress?” Melody asked with a small smile, “You came in quite late than you normally do.”

“I did indeed have a good night.” Maria answered with a small smile.

Melody continued with a slightly larger smile, “Was it by chance with a man?”

“Melody, what are you getting at?”

“Are you not going to tell me mistress!” Melody quickly turned into something much closer to a puppy from Maria’s eyes.

Maria quickly weighed her options before conceding, “Well, I did. It was simply a reward for him helping me with some research.”

“Was it Prince Elric, Albert, or was it even Prince Lucien!”

“I desire not to tell.” Maria finished with a swiping of her hand.

With those words Melody seemed to break down slightly, even more so this time as she quite literally on the verge of crying. Though Maria quickly noted how the maid was easily able to get so much information right out of her without much issue.

Still, on the other hand she seemed to quickly fall into the trappings of an average Noble woman, focusing on marriage and love. Then again Maria would fall for it if she did not have another outlet like her ambitions in life.

>Tell her the truth, that is was Albert
>Lie to her that it was Prince Elric, as Maria is too embarrassed otherwise
>Tell her nothing, as Maria does not want her getting any silly schemes with rudimentary skills
>Another Idea instead?

Alright, quickly at the end of this I am looking to get pictures of these characters. As you can see the character on the previous post shall be the image of Melody, and you all know what Maria is based on. As such, find me the images of what you think said characters should look like, where you got it, and who the image actually is.

If I like it and can get enough pics off it to make my days being lazy worth it, you shall get a Vote worth three. These of course shall be tracked by IP and the like. I ask that you treat these as ‘Oh I got a really good idea but I might not get the initial votes.’ This is a bad idea, I know, but think of it as compensation.

>>4329387
>Tell her nothing, as Maria does not want her getting any silly schemes with rudimentary skills
"Now now my dear, A woman must have her privacy, so pls don't cry over something so simple."
>>4329391
Good to see you again bro. Remember to link this new one in the old thread

>>4329387
>>Tell her nothing, as Maria does not want her getting any silly schemes with rudimentary skills

>>4329387
>Tell her nothing, as Maria does not want her getting any silly schemes with rudimentary skills
Nothing beats the speed at which gossip travels through the servants.

>>4329387
>Another Idea instead?
>Give her a task to find out on her own. Bonus points if she finds out without alerting any of the parties

>>4329387
QM REMEMBER TO ADD LINK TO PREVIOUS ARCHIVED THREAD AND ALL THE ARCHIVES

>>4329447
Supporting.

>>4329449
You making me work so hard!

Previous Thread: >>4301440

Archived threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Otome

>>4329387
>Tell her nothing, as Maria does not want her getting any silly schemes with rudimentary skills

>>4329447
+1

>>4329387
>>4329447
+1

Maria looked at her maid only to give a small laugh, “If you so desire to know, surely you can find out.”

“You… want me to find out?” The question marks started to pop up above the girls head.

“Yes, I task you with finding out who exactly I was with as a sort of experience for you. Such an achievement would double to both satisfy your curiosity and give you some experience.”

“You are no fun Mistress, I only wanted to know so that I could help you.” She pouted.

“You simply need to prove that you can help me~” Maria teased with a smile, “Oh, and do not forget not to tell anyone what you learned. I do not wish for this to end up like some kind of scandal.”

“Of course Mistress, I would never have betrayed you like that.” She answered with a genuine counter to it. To Melody’s credit, she has never leaked anything of Maria’s to the Servants. However, just in case her desire was too much she shall see.

“Well in any case I shall be going to class now.” Maria claimed with a thrusting of her chest, “Prepare for me a good set of clothing and the like.”

“Oh, understood my Mistress.” And with that Melody quickly got to work getting Maria ready for her classes and the rest of the day.

The morning was of course devoted to Economics, learned about all she really could with the time given to it. Her focus from earlier and even a little extra study on the side was enough to skyrocket her forward in lessons as things finally started to click for her.

Honestly it might just have been the simple fact that they finally started edging away from Double Entry Accounting, but Maria was not going to fault them for skipping something so important. Without it, it would be easy for Merchants to leverage a great many more resources against the Nobility.

Though she had to laugh in that it seemed it still occasionally went over the minds of many of her fellow students. Such people would be easy prey if she ever grew a business as they would be the first she would sell to on credit. They would of course not be able to pay up most likely, and thus allow her to get much more than just cash and coin from them.

Hmm, was that not a little too evil? Maria thought for only a moment before realizing what kind of world she was in. It was quickly becoming a strange place where a dagger or sacks of gold could be around every corner.

Soon however the class finished, which left Maria to herself for the lunch period. Her maid seemed to be missing on account of researching Maria’s previous deeds last night. Honestly going this far, she wondered about things.

>Go meet up with the gossip girls
>Take the break to try and learn a skill *Which one*
>Go visit Albert and Prince Elric in their study to share lunch

>>4329937
>Take the break to try and learn a skill (Conversation)
Since the otome is coming soon, let’s up it to give us more of a chance in the social game. This is going to be crucial to deal with the *objectives*

>>4329937
>Take the break to try and learn a skill *History*
If we're going to take over places in the future, we should know more about the world we live in and the connections countries have to each other to make our invasions more effective.

>>4329967
+1

While Maria met up with the Gossip Girl for the standard lunch tea, her mission today was not really learning the Gossip. No instead her aim was to learn their mannerisms and discussions on topics. The way they kept going and keeping each other’s attentions with gossip that had little value to eachother.

Honestly such a method of learning could easily be called psychopathic, but Maria was not going stop stop for something as simple as a mental order describing her up to now!

With that time seemed to move fast between classes and the like, soon leaving her to the end of those and the beginning of the evening. Right now she was simply walking down the halls without much care, noting that Melody has yet to show up.

Maybe the girl became too distracted trying to find out who she ate dinner with. The answer of course was Albert but Maria just wanted to test her maid.

However those thoughts soon melted away as the sounds of footsteps entered her ears. It was too late as she turned around that she was greeted by someone she was not expecting.

“Sister!” her brother announced with a goofy smile about his face, “Its been a week since I last saw you. Have you been good?”

“Bon, why are you here?” Maria said automatically.

“Well its the hallway, of course I’m just walking around.”

“Oh, I guess that would be correct.”

“I would be.” he triumphed with a smirk, “So I heard you participated in the group tournament practice thing the Knights had. Sounded like you beat everyone there.”

“Well, I did not do that good.” Maria admitted with a sigh, “One fellow got me. And if I got to admit Bon I question whether the person was even human.”

“Well, at least you didn’t lose your arm this time right?”

“Indeed, that is a great case.” Maria admitted with a small smile.

>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)
>Ask if they can visit Prince Lucien just for the hell of it
>Simply Chat with her brother *Topic Recommendations wanted*
>Say goodbye to Bon for now, as they have nothing really to talk about right now. Surely later though.

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)
Bon needs to know and think about this stuff considering he's supposed to inherit the duchy.

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)
Also I archived the previous thread. I hope you guys at least vote it up on suptg.

We'll talk to him about expanding the Duchy, our alliance with the tectonic order, and farming techniques right?
Are there any other schemes we have?

>>4330562
>Ask if they can visit Prince Lucien just for the hell of it

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)

>>4330562
>Talk to Bon about Maria’s schemes (IE: Her plan to go expand the Duchy North)

“Well Bon, there is something we need to talk about.” Maria said with her eyes checking either side of the halls, “Though we should probably find someplace a little bit more private as its about our territory.”

“Oh really? Well the classrooms are emptied now so lets head to one of those.” He answered with a slight caution to his voice as well.

[Intrigue Success]

So they quickly made their way about the Academy, easily avoiding any who would desire to listen into the conversation. Soon enough they ended up in a room where Maria would have had class. Instead however, just as Bon said, it was completely empty without a soul to hear what they had to say.

Bon turned around with a look of worry upon him, “So, what is it you wanted to talk about?”

“Brother, we need to consider expanding the Duchy.” Maria answered with her heart strengthened by Iron, “Where we are now is too isolated, as not even Merchants are willing to visit us to distribute goods and form wealth.”

“So, what do you want to do about it?”

“I think we need to expand, at least to the North where we are actually in contact with this Empire.”

“Is that so… uh let me get out a map.”

Through maybe luck, Bon quickly reached into one of the desks and brought out a map of the local area. Of course the Holy Austin Empire was front and center, but it also showed a vast majority of local realms and even some of the Miaphate.

Where MaKain was located, it was obvious they were small. Maybe it was only because of the dangerous mountains and her Father’s recent acting as General that kept them from being consumed. Either way, they were but a speck in comparison to the territories surrounding it.

File: Presia Jun30 13-10.jpg (2.74 MB, 9600x4685)

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“So you wanted to go North into Holand?” Bon asked with a sigh, “Well maybe, if I remember correctly our Mother was from their Ruling Family.”

“It was the initial thought, and we can easily call upon the Tectonic Order to help with it.”

“Yeah, but are they not part of the Lord’s Lands. You might be pushing it if you ask for them to attack those they were tasked with defending.” Bon said in a rebuttal.

[History Failed]

“Hmm, I guess you are right.” She answered with a clicking of her tongue, “It will be hard then. Do you know of anything else we can do?”


“We could go through Tricyon. We used to be together as part of a MaKain Kingdom, but we were broken off after the ruling family all died.”

“So we could sight unification. How long ago was this Kingdom?” Maria asked while rhythmically tapping the table.

“Maybe a century ago.” Bon answered back.

“What about Krich? Do we know anything there?”

“If I remember correctly they are a Pagan land, but after that I can’t really way.” Bon admitted with a frown.

[Military Successes]

The two looked upon the map a little more, Maria quickly noting now Tricyon was mostly grasslands. With few cities to their name, their militaries might be of equal size meaning the difference will be in leadership.

As for Holand, if she somehow convinced the Tectonic Knights to help they would surely carve territory out of it. If by chance she convinced an Austin Duke as well, well they could easily devour it between each other.

For Krich, it would be hard to take over since there were no rivers between it and MaKain. However attacking it would allow them to sight a Holy War for it, allowing them to gain prestige and direct access to the Prophet’s Sea.

Of course there was the Miaphate, but that was suicide. Only something in terms of a full blown Crusade would crush them.

>Plan to Partition Holand
>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!
>Holy War for Krich
>Build up a Crusade against the Miaphate.

>>4331233
I made a map. Took a few hours though and the West is subject to change.

>>4331233
>>Plan to Partition Holand
Mainly because the other expansion plans would result in nasty bordergore.

>>4331233
>>Plan to Partition Holand

>>4329391
I am once again looking for character representations as posted above. If you give me a good one that is used, you get a vote worth three.

>>4331233
>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!
Holy moly we’re smol pp with big balls

>>4331233
>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!

>>4331233
>Plan to Partition Holand

>>4331233
>Plan to Partition Holand

>>4331233
>Holy War for Krich

>>4331233
>>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!

>>4331233
>Plan to Partition Holand

>>4331233
>Plan to Partition Holand

>>4331233
>Plan to Partition Holand
What did you use to make the map qm?

>>4331233
>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!

>>4331233
>Unify the MaKain Kingdom!

>>4331808
Fantasy Map Generator

Alright here it is

Fuck Fantasy Poland: 7
Fuck Fantasy Czechoslovakia: 5

You guys are making history!

>>4331934
so what are the pagans supposed to be then? Fantasy Russia?

>>4331944
Fantasy Lithuania.

>>4331934
Wouldn’t it be fantasy Czech Republic and we’re Slovenia ?

>>4331950
Hey, its not like historic Czech really is a fantasy. Honestly based on the events I feel you guys are Albania but not really.

>>4331950
I mean Slovakia
>>4331953
You got a point actually

Anyways, it was called Bohemia until the 20th Century.

“I think we should move onto Holand.” Maria declared with dagger like eyes pointed at them, “It would give us all that we want. Population, location, and we might soon share a border with our allies if it goes good enough.”

“Alright, sounds like a plan.” He answered with a sigh, “Though I do not really know who we can ask for support.”

“Comeon brother, put a little trust in me.” Maria advertised with a smirk.

“Well, alright. I just don’t want what happened in the last war to happen to us again.” He admitted with a sigh.

[Conversation Success]

“I would not worry much about that, as we have the Will of the Lord on our side. If he deems it so, we would have already been dead.”

“You made your point.” He finally relented with a smile, “I will try and find out who neighbor’s Holand, I am sure they’d be happy to hear about the expansion.”

With that the two of them split, leaving Maria to head back to her room with a smile. Though as she arrived there she noticed Melody was there too with a smile all her own.

“Were you able to find out who it was Melody?” Maria asked with a slight lethargy in her voice.

“I was~”

“Alright, you may make your guess then.”

“Oh, I thought I was not suppose to tell anyone.” Melody joked with a devious smile.

“Well do you not wish to be graded on your work?” Maria asked with a straightening face.

“Oh I do not mind that much about being graded. Though you got yourself quite the man Maria.” She snickered.

“Oh, is that so.” There was a slight feeling of dread building up in Maria’s chest as she listened to her talk. However in the end, Maria brought this upon herself by being secretive.

So Maria went to sleep wondering what her Maid found out.

>Continue training in Speech
>Do some research on Holand
>Talk to one of the capture Targets *Who*
>Send a letter to the Knights to tell them the plan.

>>4331996
>Do some research on Holand
>Send a letter to the Knights to tell them the plan.

>>4331996
>>4332003
Support.

>>4331996
>inb4 she thinks it was the second prince
>>4332003
+1

>>4332003
+1

>>4332003
>>4331996

>>4332003
+3

Soon enough the night turned to day, to which another day passed without much issue for Maria. In such a time she had done a good bit of work getting things ready and the like.

When it comes to Holand, Maria has found that it was a nation that has been teetering on being Infidelic for the last few decades. It seems that they have a modest relationship with the Duchy of Krich, which comulated in them fighting the Tectonic Knights when the order first attempted to crusade those lands.

However there still is the case of whether or not the Knights are still modestly angry about that. Simply put it is something she would need to file, but cannot use until later. Maybe as an advantage in convincing them to attack with her.

So she sent them a letter, personally carried by one of her ruffians. Hopefully it makes it to them before the end of the month, but she can only hope so much.

It was Wednesday where Maria was found in the Library, researching her foe and their history. She has become aware there is a representative from the Holand’s Royal Family here, but she felt like a fool not knowing their previous history.

“Argh.” A voice exclaimed from nearby, which of course grabbed Maria’s attention. Honestly she has been working for the past few days, she might as well get a break!

So she turned the corner, much to her surprise was Albert labouring over a series of books. Before him was a few sheets of paper along with a few items similar to chess pieces so MAria took a guess, “Hey Albert, are you working on some homework for out Military class?”

“Hmm, oh Maria, yes I am.” He agonized while looking over his stuff with a pained expression, “I’m just, well, stuck trying to remember the lesson from a few days ago.”

“Well I find it hard for you to be forgetting that much, you are quite studious in class.” Maria’s eyes sharpened like a vulture smelling freshly dead meat, “Did something happen?”

[Conversation Success]

“My notes disappeared, all of them!” He cried out with a huff.

“Oh thats not good, wait are you working on-”


“Yes, whats due here on Friday. Missing a week was not enough, but now I need to write two pages and simulate the battle.” He soon had a gleam in his eyes while turning to Maria, “You know this stuff, here I helped you on Sunday so why not the other way around. That way we can be even.”

[Intrigue Success]

While not a bad proposition, something smells rotten about his stuff going missing. Maybe it was… no Maria thought she thought it was Prince Elric.

>Help him with the work anyways, a good chance interact with Albert
>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid
>Eh, just leave him be.
>Maybe not have them work here publicly in the Library, as maybe a private study is in order.

>>4332663
>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid
Really Melody ? Why bully the guy ?

>>4332663
>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid

>>4332673
It's not bullying.
She took the notes so he would have to go to the library and meet with us, and since we're good with military it would be a good opportunity to be alone with him more.
Melody picked up intrigue really well it seems.

>>4332663
>>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid

>>4332674
You got a point. She really went to “help” us indirectly KEK, but still she gotta be careful

>>4332663
>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid
I guess the genre is pushing our maid in to weird directions

>>4332663
>>Go find the hidden notes hidden by Maria’s Maid

>>4332663
>Help him with the work anyways, a good chance interact with Albert

You guys are still up for helping him if he asked again, right?

>>4333187
Yes, just going to chat with our maid for being so helpful

The Expert at Intrigue gave a sigh as she her thoughts were finally forming in coherency. Indeed this was surely the work of her Maid Melody, and her scheme was to try and get Maria closer to Albert. Stealing his notes and forcing the young man to come visit Maria was something only a maid from an Otome game would act.

“Sorry Albert, but lets go find your notes instead.” Maria answered back with a sigh, “I think we can find them pretty easily here in a moment.”

“Oh really… well alright.” He answered with a sigh, “Lead the way I guess.”

Maria began to leave her seat, quickly spying a figure hanging out at the doors. It was quite unmistakably Melody waiting there, with her cheeks in a pout before disappearing into the halls.

Maria soon shook her head, “This way.”


“Okay?”

With that they quickly made their way to the hall, Maria quickly going in the direction of where Melody went. She would simply need to track her down and ask here-

“Oh here they are!” Albert rejoiced while picking up some papers off the ground, “Though, uh, I do not know why they are here. I don’t remember going down this way?”

When it comes down to it, Maria would need to shelter her maid for now. Punishment will be given accordingly to the greavnesses of how much trouble she caused the Steward’s Son.

So how to make him think differently, “Maybe some girl who likes you stole them, but once she heard you coming down the hallway she forgot them.”

[Conversation Success]

“W-what!” He scrambled before growing a small bit red, “I would find that hard pressed! The girls in this school are nothing but Noblewoman, none of them would even consider taking me.”

“You say that but love is blinding. It would also greatly grow your Family’s prestige if you were to do so, as I am sure your father and fathers before him were looking for a way to break out of the Mercantile industries.”

“Well… maybe.” He admitted with a sigh before steeling himself, “But I would not trick a girl just for my benefit. Such a relationship would lead to disaster once we grow old and wary of one another.”

“Is that so…” Maria could not help but feel her cold war torn heart warm to that idea however, “Well then I hope whoever has your hand will enjoy the sentiment.”

“Thank you.” He looked over the papers in his hand quickly before giving a small sigh and keeping his blush, “Well, uh, since I already asked would you be willing to help me? It would help me, uh, finish my work on time.”

>Go ahead and agree to it.
>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.
>No, Maria has other things she needs to do

>>4333218
>>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.
I like this game.

>>4333218
>>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.

>>4333218
>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.
Hehehe

>>4333218
>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.

>>4333218
>>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.

>>4333218
>Agree, but change the venue as Maria has the sneaking suspicion that Melody has more schemes in place.

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You guys make me, and conversely Melody, sad. Also forgot the pic.

>>4333282
KEK, where is this from ? Fits well with the theme

>>4333293
Tearmoon Empire

>>4333293
On that note, I am still looking for character images. Remember, you make your vote worth three if you get me one!

>>4333655
Does pictures in non anime style count?

>>4333681
Maybe if I can get a bunch of screenshots. I need variety.

“Sure, though could we move to something like your private study or something?” Maria asked with a shaky smile.

“Why?”

“Simply because I have a feeling we do not want to be in the library.”

He seemed to ponder for a moment in confusion before giving a reluctant shrug, “I guess we can.”

With that they soon made their way through the halls and deeper into the academy. The paths and such starting to jog a little bit of Maria’s memories. It only confirmed it when Albert opened the door and welcomed her into a study which was now much more clean than before.

“It's been awhile I’ve seen this place.” Maria answered with her memory finally coming to her, “This is where you were working on the Church’s books.”

“Yeah your right.” He admitted before dragging a table from the wall, “Though I have not been using it much since I got most of that work done.”

“Oh, so how did the finances come out?”

“Modest, though like I said before it could be better. They are not in the red yet, but with so much land I am surprised it has not usurped the Emperor.”

Maria shrugged her shoulder to those words, “If you think about it they have no reason too. The Lord above, and thus the church, legitimises the Emperor and grants power while the Church is protected and kept cohesive while being in many other Realms.”

“I guess you are right.” With those words he finally dragged out a pair of chairs, one for either side of the table, “Well, I have been having a few problems here about Sir Tulius’s actions.”

With that the two began working with Albert’s schoolwork. The amount was of course nothing too bad, doubly so that Maria already did all of it herself, but it was nothing to sneeze at. However within about a two hour stretch most of the work was done which left them a little more exhausted.

“Alright, there we go.” Maria exclaimed with her relieved sigh, “Honestly that took much longer than it should.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. This is not my forte.” Quickly enough his face grew a few shades red as he looked a little worn down, “So, uh, I do need something to thank you. How about I take you out to get something to eat from the town nearby.”

“Oh, are you sure about that?” Maria asked with a little bit of a shaky smile, “I don't really need it, as I can take care of myself. Let alone, I need to talk to someone.”

“Well, I guess it's fine if you do not want to. It's just you treated me to one last time I helped you I might as well do the same thing.” He claimed while scratching his cheek a little.”

>Accept his little proposal
>Maybe another activity is more fitting (Horseriding, chess games, or something else)
>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.

>>4333752
>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.
Pursing this guy romantically will most likely end up badly for us, if he doesn't want to suspect his wife as he gets older then the Otome will pass all her innocence checks and win his heart over the ever-scheming Maria easily.

>>4333752
>Accept his little proposal
Let’s humor him a little

>>4333752
>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.

>>4333752
>>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.

>>4333752
>>Accept his little proposal

>>4333752
>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.

>>4333752
>Accept his little proposal
It's just a prank bro

>>4333752
>Accept his little proposal

>>4333752
>No, Maria needs to discipline a maid right now.

>>4333752
>Accept his little proposal

>>4333752
>Accept his little proposal

Yeas:
>>4333776
>>4333839
>>4333861
>>4333953
>>4334189
>>4334258

Nays:
>>4333763
>>4333811
>>4333819
>>4333852
>>4334181

>>4334381
Damn it was close, by one vote. No more, please.

File: 61448ec38555835fecb81ba63(...).jpg (264 KB, 1920x1080)

264 KB JPG

“Well, I do not have much else to do.” Maria off handily said with a subtle smile, “I shall accept your proposal, though I hope you have a nice place in mind.”

“Well, uh, I do have one.” Albert answered with a small scratching of his cheek.

With that they soon went off to town. Such a place is not terribly far from the Academy, only maybe three miles at the least. Taking a carriage was well within their means, as the Academy does not have any policy with restricting travel.

Honestly it was because no one had the means to prevent it.

Soon enough they arrived outfront of a nice looking establishment, the place looking quite above what normally should be expected of a restaurant. However, Maria chopped that up to the teens from the Academy coming to be served.

Maria quickly noticed walking in that it was similar to an inn, as there was a bard in the background and people having drinks. Though watching the kind of crowd gathering about placed it more on the Noble crowd. As expected, since the Academy does contain a number of powerful children and Nobleman.

The two of them went ahead and took a seat, since places like this did not have any hostess. Taking their seat, Maria noted the furniture was of high quality and given a good bit of space between one another.

As soon as they sat down a waitress came to their table with a heavenly smile and modest clothing to herself, “Ah, Albert it is nice to see you. I would ask if you’re here to talk business, but I see you have brought your lover to our establishment. I take it everything will be on your tab?”

“N-no, just a friend who helped me.” He sputtered without much of a saving grace, “And yes, I owe her this for helping me with a lot of school work.”

“Understood understood,” She turned to Maria with a courtesy and a pad of paper, “And may I ask what to get you miss?”

“Some fine wine and whatever the chef says is the best.” Maria responded with a small subtle smile.

Soon Albert gave her an order and the two watched her walk away with the small booklet.

[Intrigue Success]

“She’s literate?” Maria asked Albert with a raised brow, “What kind of place have you brought me to Albert~?”

“Its the nicest place I know around here, The Helm.” He gave a small sigh before leaning back, “They are members of a Guild my family has fingers in. I normally come here to talk business and the like.”

“While nice, it does have more in common with an bar. Do you realize it would be demeaning to bring a lady here?” Maria teased with a smirk.

“Well, I like to look for the quality of things first, and I am sure you desire the same as well.”

“Hmm, you are correct, the quality could easily trump circumstance. Alright, let us see if this place matches my tastes.”

>Try and learn about his family
>Talk about maybe getting supplies to MaKain for War
>Simply enjoy the meal and the atmosphere.

>>4334455
>Try and learn about his family

>>4334455
>Try and learn about his family

>>4334455
>Talk about maybe getting supplies to MaKain for War

>>4334455
>Talk about maybe getting supplies to MaKain for War
Oh yeah we'll need someone to bankroll the war huh?

>>4334518
I didn't vote for that option because the entire reason we're having the war in the first place is because merchants won't trade with us due to our location.
Aside from that, talking about that here will jeopardize the information about our plans for war to any listeners, and to Albert himself.

>>4334455
>Try and learn about his family

>>4334455
>>Try and learn about his family

>>4334455
>Try and learn about his family

>>4334455
>>Try and learn about his family

Looking around the place once again Maria felt the environment growing on her. The Bard in the corner was singing a ballad about how the Empire came to be. Such a tale of glory was something that even after centuries the people tell tall tales about.

“So, Albert.” Maria turned herself back about to the man to which she was with, “What's your family like?”

“My family?” He seemed a little surprised at the question but soon rolled with it, “Well if we are talking about my immediate family, I’ve got maybe 15 siblings in total, 10 Brothers and 5 Sisters.”

“Oh my, thats a lot of siblings.” Maria lamented with a raised brow, “Are they all from your mother?”

“Yeah, it gets a little hard to handle sometimes. My Father always says that for every Son he has, it's a new branch office that can be opened.” Albert shook his head at what was likely insanity, “And no, they are not. My Father is a prolifically procreative man, and honestly I sometimes wonder if I am even the halfbrother to some.”

The young man soon gave a sigh, “What about yourself?”

“Well I had 3 brothers.” Maria allowed herself to rest her head on her arm, “And thats it.”

“Yeah, so you only have the one brother left?”

“Yup.”

On such a mellow note however the food finally arrived. What was placed in front of Maria was a small steak while infront of Albert was a similar meal. As they were on such a dour note, Maria decided to simply say her prayers and began eating the meat proper.

It was only when she took a bite into it that she realised it was actually a really good piece of steak! It was tender and savory, cooked to a modestly rare state to allow some blood still within it. Doubled with the making of spices that all seemed to mix into it...

“Enjoying the steak? Supposedly they get their ingredients from all across the Lord’s Lands, and occasionally from the Miaphate as well.” Albert answered with a small smirk.

“I do, but I cannot believe just spice can make this good. The meat is of high quality as well for sure!”

“Really, normally people just notice the spices.” Albert laughed to himself as they ate through the meals before them.

>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.
>Try and learn more about a Merchant’s life
>Just bullshit with him *Topic Suggestions Welcomed*

>>4335092
>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.

>>4335092
>>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.

>>4335092
>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.

>>4335092
>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.

>>4335092
>Try and understand the setup of his family’s ‘Trade Network’.

Maria thought to herself for moment of all the spices, “Are the spices brought here because of your family’s trade network?”

“You would be right.” He answered back while slicing up his stake a little more, “Its pretty hard to get the materials over here otherwise, but we make due and its easily found to be profitable.”

Maria continued to nod to herself, “Hmm, how exactly does your family keep such a large network together? Surely it would be difficult otherwise.”

“Well most of it is thanks to everyone being at least partially related. What my father believes about getting as many sons as he can was more or less the thought of my family throughout the ages.”

“Oh, and would you believe in that?”

“I question it sometimes, and honestly I don’t even think I could handle that many children.” Albert relented with a sigh.

“So where are you on the manner of things. Are you looking to take over as the head?”

“That, well maybe.” He admitted with a small whimper, “My Father says I am the best when it comes to money and negotiations, but I am not the first born. Of course my biggest brother is already about 50 years of age while my Father is kicking 70.”

“By the Lord, are you at least trying something to fix that?”

“Well you see.” For the first time Maria saw a more ambitious smile upon his face, “With all the work I’ve done, depending on the deals I make with them I can equal to a small kingdom on dividends alone.”

Maria’s eyes slowly widened at the idea, “Do you really think your improvement will be worth that much?”

With that he simply gave a shrug, “I can’t say for sure, but even if I do not get my family’s name I might be able to start my own Guild House. Even better, well there are other things in the works.”

Maria grew a small smile, hearing that. While he was not outwardly ambitious, it seemed that Albert of course had a good head on his shoulders. Such a mind of course should not be put to be put to waste.

>Maria shall seek to help him, but at a cost of course.
>Maria should stay away from this, as if something his relationship with the Church goes sour she has the most to lose.
>Simply ask to be kept in mind if he needs anything

>>4335678
>Simply ask to be kept in mind if he needs anything

>>4335678
>Simply ask to be kept in mind if he needs anything

>>4335678
>Simply ask to be kept in mind if he needs anything

>>4335678

>Maria shall seek to help him, but at a cost of course.

“Well, if you do need help do say so.” Maria told him with a small smile, “You know I am becoming more a Servant of the Church by the days gone by. If it is such a profitable arrangement for both of you than I shall look into sponsoring it.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” Albert answered back with a small smile before finishing up his meal.

Maria did the same, soon time quickly going by for the pair. The meal and the atmosphere are quite good, which seemed to cause it to move even faster. What might have been a time of rushing, fast beating hearts was replaced with calmness and sanity. Maybe that was such a reason Albert chooses such a place for business, as he was someone who would not outright con someone.

No, better to make them feel like you were their friend and make the best deal for both parties.

“Such was a good night.” Maria said as the two finally arrived back at the Academy, “Thank you very much for it Albert.”

“Oh, uh, your welcome.” The man’s feet stumbled a little as he kept walking, “Well, it was of course a thank you for helping me.”

“Indeed it is so.” Maria answered back with a wave of her hand, “However such opportunities simply seem less of a reward and more common place if we keep doing so.”

“Oh, then I will think of something else next time.” He answered back with a stern determination about himself.

Next time? Maria thought about those choice words for a moment but did not mention anything of them, “Very well, then I pray you have a good night.”


“Thank you, Maria, I surely will.”

And with that, the two split apart.

>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy
>Work on Maria’s story
>Continue training of conversation
>Try and get some Gossip

>>4336230
>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy

>>4336230
>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy

>>4336230
>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy
What's your timezone OP ?

>>4336230
>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy

>>4336230
>>Track down who the Holand Royal Family Member is in the Academy

>>4336260
My sleep schedule is fucked. Eastern Standard though.

The night quickly turned to day, leaving Maria with time until after classes began. For Maria she was more or less focused on getting information on her likely new rival, the Royalty from the Holand Despot.

[Intrigue Successful]

It only took a small chat with the Gossip Girls to find out his name, one Oskar Balinski. It seemed that a few hundred years ago, they were part of a greater pegan empire that bordered the Austin Empire. Their family getting what should have been a temporary title from the Emperor.

However not all comes as planned, and soon the Emperor’s empire collapsed in a religious revolt which the Holish were a part of. As such, they kept the name Despot while not being part of a larger group.

As for the child, Oskar, well Maria learned quickly he was a second year here at the school. Such a state might be easy enough to manipulate, but Maria will need to meet him first.

However, what comes first is the Maid who showed up the moment Maria left the girls.

“Mistress, why did you not accept any of my help…” She said while producing a small ounce of tears.

“Agh.” Maria took a few looks around and noted how no one was in the area with the two of them, “Melody, why in the world did you do all that?”

“I wanted to help find you a good man.” She rebuttled while wiping away the tears.

“And that included stealing his notes?”

“Yes, but you ran away before I could do more.”

“What were you even going to do?” Maria asked with a small sigh.

“Well, I was going to give the two of you some tea.” Melody wanted to leave it at that but soon caved in to the stares Maria was giving her, “I was… going to lace his with Alcohol…”

“Melody…” Maria could only shake her head.

“B-but you did go out on a date with him though!” Melody championed, “I heard about it from one of the guards!”

“I-it was not a date.” Maria barked with her face just barely changing color, “It was simply him thanking me.”

“Ohh, I was hoping…”

>Give the Maid a punishment *Any ideas?*
>Give her a warning for now.
>Actually, the outcome was not that bad.

>>4336734
>Give her a warning for now.
Let's pat her head and tell her to be more sensible with her actions

>>4336734
>Give the Maid a punishment *Any ideas?*
Whipping

>>4336766
too harsh dude, I'd suggest tickling

>>4336734

>Actually, the outcome was not that bad.
Praise her. But tell her to not do that shit to us

>Give the Maid a punishment *Any ideas?*
>Spanking

>>4336734
>Actually, the outcome was not that bad.
But tickle her anyway.

>>4336734
>Give the Maid a punishment *Tickling*
>Actually, the outcome was not that bad.
Tell her to think more before taking action.

>>4336734
>>4336827
supporting

>>4336743
Also
>Tickle her as “punishment”

File: Leo.Baskerville.600.1171629.jpg (108 KB, 497x600)

108 KB JPG

>>4336734
>Actually, the outcome was not that bad.

Also I nominate Albert's faceclaim to be Leo from Pandora Hearts.

File: Leo01.jpg (70 KB, 469x478)

70 KB JPG

>>4337026
Default is glasses Leo but if he ever gets that main love interest otome glow up he maybe could go non-glasses Leo

File: Paniced with Name.png (252 KB, 405x725)

252 KB PNG

Maria thought about it more and more, as by the end of the day her Maid did give her something of benefit. For maybe the first time she genuinely talked with Albert about ideas and the like, learning that the man in fact has ambitions in his life.

“Well, do not worry too about me too much.” Maria said while turning her head off to the side, “As you need to worry about yourself, as I need to give punishment!”

Melody was not ready as Maria quickly went for the stomach, her fingers quickly tickling the maid without much issue. From the sudden force and the like, Melody was sent to the ground while laughing to the heavens.

“Haha! Misstress stop! Hahaha - Please I cannot breath!”

“Oh no, this is punishment!”

The Sadist had her fun for a few minutes, not letting up until she truly seemed to be out of breath. With a breath of exhaustion, Melody rose while being a little shaky on the feet.

“There, you have been punished.” Maria claimed with a smirk, “Really Melody I do not mind what you did, just please think a little more about your actions and schemes before putting them into motion. A one day turnaround is too soon in my opinion.”

“R-right Mistress.” Melody finished with another deep breath, “I-I will think about it more next time.”

“Good.” Maria soon turned around and began her walk away from the place, “In the end it was all for my benefit, and I thank you.”

And with those words the two split off, Maria going towards classes for the end of the day. THey were nothing too difficult, and Maria was easily able to get things done for the end. Military as always a breeze and Faith studies were something Maria was steadily becoming more and more good at.

Though things soon got a little more exciting as Maria was walking through the form of a passing Prince Elric, his face filled with a little bit of worry.

“Oh hey Maria, I’ve been looking for you.” The prince quickly grew a clean worry free smile upon his face.

“Is that so? Well then you have my ear here and now, I hope you do not waste it.” Maria answered back with a smile equal to his.

“Guh, well uh, I would prefer not to do it here. Can you come to my study.” He asked with worry already starting to come back.

>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree
>Nah, Maria has better things to do.

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

>>4337061
>Something interesting is happening, Maria shall agree

“Alright, I am willing to give you my ear, show the way of dear Prince.” Maria gave a small wave of her hand, one symboling that he should get going.

With those words they traveled through the halls, Maria noting that they just grow more and more plain with every time she passes through there. However what caught her attention was the motions of the Prince. He seemed to look around corners and swiftly search dark corners for suspects.

Maria grew a shrewd smile as she began to realise what exactly the problem was here.

“Alright, we made it.” He exclaimed before falling into a nearby chair, “Uh, take a seat. I don’t really know how long this will take but I do not wish to make your feet sore.”

Seeing no reason to rebuttal Maria took him up on the offer, “So let me take a wild guess, has someone been causing you problems?”

“Shit, Im guess thats why I came to you.” He admitted with a small sigh, “I have been having some issues, you see. I, uh, am having troubles with a girl recently. She’s, uh, how can I say this, getting way too into me right now.”

“So you are telling me you have a stalker?” Maria asked with a small brow raised.

“Fucking hell…” The man simply shook his head again, “You got it again. Do I need to even tell you what the problem is?”

“Ohoho, do I? Let me guess, this girl has been sending you dozens of letters, opening your mail, and lastly she surely has been stalking your every move she could.”

“Well, can we add in that whoever she is, tried to slip a poison into my drinks only a day ago.” Maria was about to get excited before the young man shook his head, “It was only something that makes you sleep harder than you ever had. I only figured it out after making Matheo drink it instead.”

“Quite the friend you are.”

“Yeah… well he was pissing me off yesterday and curiosity got the better of me.”

“So why do you want me, a forign agent, to take care of this problem for you. Surely your guards could take care of the problem for you.” Maria responded while holding back a small laugh.

“Look, I do not really even know who she is. Where the signature for her letters should be is simply a bunch of scribbles put together. If she’s the daughter of a Duke then I can’t really deal with her lest I want to cause a civil war. Hell, my reasons are doubly so if she is an Elector Count.”

“And to save you from the embarrassment?”

“No, well kinda, I just want whoever this is gone.” He finally looked Maria dead in the eyes, “Look, if you help me take care of this I will try and find somekind of reward for you. Alright.”

Honestly Maria could only laugh at what seems his little Lady Killer escapades hitting a breaking point finally. Looking into the form of blackmail, this was on the lower end of things as if she said anything it might actually validate the woman’s arrest and help him. Though a Favor from a Second Prince to an Empire is surely not something to sneeze at.

>Take him up on the offer
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!
>No, Maria has better things to do with her time.

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

>>4337800
>No, Maria has better things to do with her time.

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

>>4337800
>>Take him up on the offer

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!
Troubleshooting sounds fun

>>4337800
>>No, Maria has better things to do with her time.

>>4337800
>>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

>>4337800
>Sure, but he’s going to help Maria for sure!

File: letters.jpg (54 KB, 635x458)

54 KB JPG

“Alright, that sounds like something I am willing to do.” Maria said with a small smile, “Though I will not do it by myself. You will have to help me.”

The Prince looked at Maria in surprise, but only for a moment before sighing, “I guess I should be expected to do that much. Alright, fine. What do you want to do first?”

Maria pondered to herself for a moment, “Well first can I see the letters that were sent to you?”

On command the Prince made his way to one side of the room, grabbing onto what Maria realised was a modestly sized sack. Soon enough the man dumped the bag onto a table, releasing a torrent of letters and paper.

Curiosity beset upon Maria, she reached into and withdrew one of the letters. Opening it up she quickly noticed the reason the Prince has yet to find her.

“This letter is just unreadable scribbles. Its not even another language just a mess!” Maria complained with a vein popping onto her forehead.

“Yeah its bad. I mean I can read some of it, but whoever is writing this is going about it way too fast for it to actually matter.” The Prince said while shaking his head, “I have only started getting these a little under a week ago. I’m honestly surprised they can send this much paper to me.”

Maria studied it again and again, the words starting to become a little bit more coherent.

Oh so lovely Prince oihnphawpdhv aoinop qerohqvr my love!

(^*&%)_(&)& I want to *(& )_&*_) _)&^ ^^*)_*&_ and &*^)^_*

Please return m()*^&)( ^&*(^

-Love of *(^)
R&%s)$ &em&$*

>Study the Letters more *Any tactic*
>Try and locate her via where the letters are coming from
>Stalk the Prince to Stalk the Stalker *Intrigue*

>>4338354
>Try and locate her via where the letters are coming from

We have network build for it
Oh shit, oh fuck is that player? Is that protag?

>>4338354
>Try and locate her via where the letters are coming from

>>4338354
>Try and locate her via where the letters are coming from

>>4338354
>Try and locate her via where the letters are coming from
Stalking the prince sounds fun but we'd have a better sell if we exhausted all the obvious paths first.

Also this gives us a chance to check in with our bandits to see how the mail network is coming along.

>>4338372
If it was the protag I'd imagine she'd either be homing in on Ford or Albert. We probably have more relationship points with those two than Elric at the moment.

>>4338354
>>Stalk the Prince to Stalk the Stalker *Intrigue*

>>4338354
>Stalk the Prince to Stalk the Stalker *Intrigue*

Maria thought to herself for a few moment as she looked towards the Prince, “So where have these letter been showing up?”

“Yeah, uh, well they occasionally come in through couriers, I know for sure they’ve been snuck into my stuff.” The Prince lamented while sighing.

“Well, I will go talk to a few people.” Maria answered with a smirk, “I should know who your culprit is tomorrow for sure.”

“Uh, alright?”

And with those words a day quickly came and gone. Soon Maria had finished her classes and was off to the Bandits.

As she arrived the first thing Maria was welcomed with was, well, a good to honest house. One of the men standing outside quickly noticed Maria, coming over to meet up with her on the way up.

“So hows the business going?” Maria asked the man.

“Its been freakin great ma’am.” The man said as he finally arrived to her, “We actually got a house all to ourselves now.”

“Good to hear, good to hear.” Maria said while they reached the residence, “Have you all found anything good recently?”


“Eh, no we havn’t. Just a bunch of junk of Parents trying to talk to their daughters.” The bandit said while they moved into what was a room filled with boxes of letters.

“Well that's a little sad, though I was wondering if by chance were you all hired to send letters to the Second Prince. I am currently trying to figure out who that is.”

“You mean the scribble letters? Yeah those were coming from a rather weird gal. No problem though, since she is paying us double the normal rate to deliver them ‘discreetly’.” The Bandit Mailman laughed.

“Well thats not bad.” Maria said with another sigh, “Though I fear that relationship will be coming to an end.”

“Oh, uh, so what are you wanton’ us to do? Kill her or something?” The bandit said without much care.

>Yeah, make her disappear
>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman
>Kidnap her and bring her to Maria.
>Other schemes

>>4338951
>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman

>>4338951
>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman

>>4338951
>>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman

>>4338951
>Other schemes
Wait can't we just send one of our former bandits who actually DO work in delivery services take care of it instead? Isn't that we have that business in the first place?

>>4339056
We may discover something else if we do it personally anon and we can even “recruit” her potentially

>>4338951
>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman

>>4338951
>>Kidnap her and bring her to Maria.

>>4338951
>No, Maria shall meet her under the guise of being a mailman

“No, that would be too outright and obvious. Let alone dangerous for us.” Maria mentioned with a small ponder, “When is the next time you are suppose to be picking up the mail from her?”

“I.. don’t really know what Ma’am, but I’m sure Charlie does. Charlie get down here, the Ma’am is here.”


“Oh sorry sir!” The sound of rapid footsteps erupted through the building as a modestly aged and appealing boy about Maria’s age appeared infront of them, “Do you need something?”

“Dat girl you got in the Academy, you know her name and shit?”

“Uh, I never caught her name, though I know what she looks like.” He answered with a quick motion to breath, “I am suppose to be heading over there to pick up the mail in a few minutes actually.”

“Well I will be relieving you of that duty for now.” Maria announced while taking a few steps towards the boy, “Can you give me a description of her looks and where you normally meet her?”

“Well, I can’t really say anything about what she looks like. She always wore some kinda cloak.” Charlie seemed to ponder for a moment, “Though I always meet her in the Gardens, uh, behind a large treeline.”

“Perfect, get me a bag and whatever you all call a uniform.” Maria announced with a devilish smirk, “I will be taking your place today.”

Charlie seemed to be dumbfounded upon Maria’s words until the other bandit gave him a shove, “Get moving kid! Give her your things!”

“Y-yes sir!”

And just like that Maria was quickly given a makeshift peasant clothing and a series of bags. Honestly they were nothing too good, but clearly better than a bunch of bandits should have. It seemed that Jimmy took Maria’s words to heart and actually made themselves look presentable to Nobles.

Soon enough though Maria was off. To make sure she would not be noticed instantly Maria took the time to hide her hair and face under a hood. Such is the time of year that she could easily get away with it.

And like that, Maria was easily making her way about the compass without a stir. Acting natural and slipping through the place yielded her success as the Garden was now in sight. Searching about the place, Maria quickly drift her way through to the treeline and out of sight of everyone else.

In her vision though was a small girl carrying a large bag filled with material. Of course she still had her hood, so Maria could not instantly recognize her. Such a state however could be easily remedied.

>Run up and remove the hood, forcing her to reveal herself
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince
>Simply stalk her now, as Maria can easily do so.

>>4339778
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

>>4339778
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince
Can we not blow our cover so fast? Maybe act like the mailperson we're supposed to be?

>>4339778
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

>>4339778
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

>>4339778
>>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

>>4339778
>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

>>4339778
>>Approach the girl with small chatter about the prince

File: a95.jpg (122 KB, 1193x1200)

122 KB JPG

While it would be fun just to run over and yank off the hood of her ‘foe’, Maria is always going to take the more stealthy option so that nothing too dangerous happens.

So with that thought in mind Maria approached, “Hello there madam, I am here to pick up your packages.”

The figure’s hood seemed to move towards Maria slowly but surely, “Y-you are the normal mailman, what happened to the last one?”

“He grew quite sick and needed a day off,” Maria lied straight to her face, “Are these all for his Majesty?”

“Yes it is! These right here are to be given directly to his door while if you can smuggle these into his things that would be great.” She started rambling while going through the dozens of letters.

“You must like him very much to go to this much of an effort.” Maria said with a small enticement to conversation.

[Conversation Success]

“Y-yes I do, b-but I have yet to hear back from him.” she timidly said with a small whimper.

Maria pondered her words for a moment, “What is he like? I have never seen the Prince upclose yet.”

“OH yes, you are a peasant! But I am sure a woman knows a catch when they see one!” She championed, “Firstly its his eyes, such a dreamy set that you can get lost in. Followed by his soothing voice and the way he thanks you! Oh by the Lord I want to marry such a man.”

Alright, this girl is delusional, or at least that's what Maria thinks. It sounds like this girl is simply a fangirl who is going too far. Honestly Maria should feel bad about it, but she could not resist a small laugh watching the girl’s animated desires.

“Oh, uh, did I say something funny?”

“Well, kind of. But I would put it more under cute.” Yes, it was cute to watch the torturer of the Prince act so innocently.

“Oh, r-rreally?” Somehow Maria knew the girl was blushing under the hood, “I-I uh, yeah uh…”

“Well, what is your name? Actually, can I see your face too. I would be hard pressed such a passionate person is not beautiful in her own right.”

“Oh, really, uh, my name is Fien Kers.” She answered before lowering her hood to reveal a nice looking face.

>See about convincing her to abandon this little mess outright
>Try and Angle her love towards something else, as it seem fickle
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…

>>4340273
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…
At no point did we say we were going to do more than find out who was sending the letters today so no manipulations yet.

>>4340273
>>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…

>>4340273
>Fien Kers

DO we know anything about Kers people?

>>4340273
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…

>>4340273
>Try and Angle her love towards something else, as it seem fickle

>>4340273
>>See about convincing her to abandon this little mess outright

>>4340273
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…

>>4340273
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…
The first off-brand with self insert

>>4340273
>Maybe she be interested in writing a certain kind of book…

Maria thought about the name some, and then a little bit more. By the end in her honest opinion there was no one really notable by that name that she had. Simply put she was a nobody in the entire affair of things in and outside of the Otome Game.

Which made Maria think about it for a moment, who exactly was she. Clearly she was not someone related to Maria, but here she was causing trouble for one of the capture targets. Maybe she was simply a person who was shoved away by the previous Maria’s presence, but since this Maria has not gone outright on the targets they are starting to crop up?

“Uh, excuse me?” Maria was snapped out of her thoughts by the leaning in of said person. She looked to become the confused side of things, which also meant she had more time to figure out who Maria was.

“Uh, sorry Madam.” Maria said in her recovery before finally growing a smile, “If I dare ask, how much do you read?”

“Read? A good bit, but wait why are you asking?” She quickly turned about with an explanation point over her head.

“Oh, well I know it is rough but maybe you can make use of this.” And with that Maria handed over a rough manuscript of her writings.

Yes for some reason she was carrying this, as it was a feeling she had just earlier in the day. It seemed to have been a blessing by the Lord though, as the more the girl read the script the more she was enamoured by it. Her jaw coming wide and what was clear desire written upon her face.

“W-what is this?” She shakily asked while rereading the script.

“Oh, simply something I dabbled in. It is far from finishing and I do not really have the time to work on it.” Maria admitted with a sigh. Honestly she did want to finish it, but her work was simply too much.

“I-I love it!” She cried out with a thrill and devilish eyes piercing the pages, “I want to read more please!”

“Sorry, ma’am, but I cannot as I do not have enough time.”

“What if I hire you.”

“Again, sorry.”

Fien looked up with complete anguish, as if Maria stabbed through her heart with a sword. That might surely have been the case, however there was an end to her madness.

>Recruit her as a ghost writer for Maria’s Otome Book, thus revealing herself.
>Let her go free, as surely her ambitions have been changed and job done and her Identity shall be hidden
>Maybe regret what Maria has released upon the world.

>>4341165
>Recruit her as a ghost writer for Maria’s Otome Book, thus revealing herself.

>>4341165
>Recruit her as a ghost writer for Maria’s Otome Book, thus revealing herself.

>>4341165
>Let her go free, as surely her ambitions have been changed and job done and her Identity shall be hidden

>>4341165
>Let her go free, as surely her ambitions have been changed and job done and her Identity shall be hidden

>>4341165
>>Recruit her as a ghost writer for Maria’s Otome Book, thus revealing herself.

>>4341165
>Let her go free, as surely her ambitions have been changed and job done and her Identity shall be hidden

>>4341165
>Let her go free, as surely her ambitions have been changed and job done and her Identity shall be hidden

“Well, if you really want to read more I would advise you make some yourself.” Maria admitted with a smile, “Just make sure to present it to the right people, and I am sure it will be published.”

“M-make this?” Fien said before her eyes widened, “Of course I will! Thank you very much miss!”

With a small smile upon Maria’s lips she watched the girl quickly run off with her rough draft. Honestly it was a small cost for something she did not really need, getting the Prince to be indebted to her. So with that thought in Mind Maria picked up the dozens of papers left on the ground and dumped took her time to burn them.

It was to the next day, a Friday, that Maria came to the Prince’s study. From the looks of things the place was emptied with the exception of the Prince who looked much more relaxed.

“Thank you so very much.” Elric after having a little tea to himself, “You are a lifesaver.”

“I know I am.” Maria smugly said while ploping herself onto the couch, “Can I get some tea?”

“Little unlady like.”

“You have room to talk, oh Prince.”

It seemed that the Prince lamented and gave Maria a small serving, letting her have a nice drink of the fruit tea he acquired.

“So who was she anyways?” The Prince asked with a small question mark appearing above his head, “You know, just in case she ever shows up again.”

“Some no-name Noble, though she might have her name on a book soon.”

“In a book, how the hell is she going to be that prestigious?”

“Reasons.” Maria answered back with a devilish smirk.

“Tsk, alright.” He said while finishing up his cup, “Just so you don’t dangle it above my head, what do you want as payment?”

“Oh I don’t know, maybe a date~”

“W-what!?”

“Pff, look at your face.”

“Tsk, damn it. Don’t do that.” He said, though as the man leaned back Maria noted he was a little more red than he should be.

Hmm, this would be a grand opportunity to take the Prince by the ear kicking and screaming. If she actually used this as her chance, she would surely grow lots of prestige in the interim.

>Demand that he becomes Maria’s date to the Dance, prestige awaits!
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.
>*Anything you guys want, just remember if too outrageous he will reject it*
>Not right now, Maria shall cash that in a later time.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.
I'd rather we go to the ball with Albert let's be real.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

>>4341627
>>Not right now, Maria shall cash that in a later time.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

>>4341627
>Not right now, Maria shall cash that in a later time.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

GIB MONEY!

>>4341627
>Ask for monetary compensation, so that Maria can grow her projects ten fold.

While that would be an entertaining thought, “Well in my honest idea I simply require a monetary reimbursement.”

“Is that all you want? Yeah I can give that.” The Prince admitted while the blush was finally fully gone from him. Though she also noticed he seemed to be a little, well lethargic about the idea.

“Well then, Prince Elric, I hope we can help each other again here later on.” Maria said while making her leave from the room.

Soon enough the day’s light became night, Maria returning to her dorm without much issue. Things seemed to have calmed to a crawl as other students did the same. The night sky however was clear, with a full moon illuminating everything the eye could see.

“Welcome home Mistress.” Melody said with a bow.

“Thank you, Melody.” Maria answered with a smile adorning upon her face, “How have the Servants around the Academy been?”

“They have been modest enough, though the rumors of a new student coming in are getting quite out of hand.”

“Is that so.” Maria chewed on those words for a moment, “She must be someone special then.”

“That's what I don’t get. She is a simple Daughter of the Ordain Baron, it was nothing special besides them having a Saint somewhere in their bloodline.” Melody complained with a sigh.

“Is that so, well keep an ear out about her then. Maybe she will pose some risk.” Maria said right before a knocking could be heard form the door, “Hmm, come in.”

Opening the door was a rough looking man, who Maria recognized as the leader of the Bandit Mailmen, Jimmy, “Ma’am, I got a delivery for you. Thought I come over and deliver it personally since its from ya’s Father.”

“Father sent me a letter?” Maria could not help but feel surprised at the idea, “Well give it here, and take those clothes I borrowed from Charlie. I have no use for them as of now, and I am sure he is begging for them back.”

With that the two made the exchange, Maria quickly opening the letter with a sense of finesse that would put many other men to shame. In spite of that, she made sure to read every word on the letter.

My dear Daughter Maria,

I hope you are doing fine, as Bon assured me you have been making comrades in the school proper. Your achievements of course have reached my ear as well, and I would like to congratulate you on killing the Heretics. You are surely of my Blood, much more than any of your brothers both alive and dead. Though do not speak of this to Bon, as the poor child will have his heart wrenched by it.

I have also heard that the Academy will be having a Ball soon, it is such a perfect time to find yourself a powerful man who can equal yourself. I am starting to have a minor fear, but I'm starting to worry that our bloodline will end with either you if neither you or Bon find someone. Even if you must marry someone in a Patrimonial fashion and inherit, at least your Children will carry the blood to Rule MaKain along with theirs.

When you can come home, as it seems you have grown quite a lot from last I have seen you if only for a few months. Maybe bring the man who you’ve decided to Court, as I would want to see him as soon as I possibly can.

Your Father
-Rado Regnia, the Dragon of MaKain

Maria read and reread it again, her worry about her Father becoming more and more. It seemed that old age and his injuries are finally getting to him, making him worry so much about lineage. Of course she will tell him about her plans to attack the North, but what about the reason she came here. To find a lover…

>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.
>Maria shall tell him her idea of being Celebate to best become a religious figure.
>Do not respond at all, dodging the question
>Nominate another other *Who*

>>4342512
>>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.

>>4342512
>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.

>>4342512
>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.
She is also open to courting another man if Father so desires.

>>4342541
This

>>4342512
>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.
Should we tell him that we have the Miaph as a suitor as well?

>>4342511
>>4342541
Support, maybe say she's sounding out one of the princes?

Yeah Albert's cute and all but I don't want to give up on Elric. Threesome end where.

>>4342512
>You are surely of my Blood, much more than any of your brothers both alive and dead.

That's rough....

>>4342512
>Tell him she is Courting Albert, a powerful Merchant who potentially can become Doge.

We need to find someone for Bon.

>>4342541
>>4342615
+1

>>4342512
>>4342541
Supporting, though we shouldn't give up on Solomon without meeting him first. He's a difficult route, but imagine what's to gain if we actually succeed.

>>4342512
>Maria shall tell him her idea of being Celebate to best become a religious figure.

>>4342541
This.

File: Maria Writing.png (598 KB, 706x761)

598 KB PNG

Maria pondered on her previous actions over the week. In the time she had, she had gone on what was essentially two dates with Albert and only started helping out Elric. In the end, she found Elric’s personality quite meh and the woman killer charm ineffective.

For Albert, well while the man does not have anything in the looks department he was easily the most competent. Maria felt his more meager demeanor was simply because he was not use to being with so many Nobles. From the time in the Pub, well he was starting to feel a little different in her opinion.

So with that Maria wrote:

Hello Father,

Thank you very much for the words of praise and encouragement. I miss you too, even as everything around me has been happening. I will never forget the warm hearth of a fire at home. As such, I will seek a good time to come home to see you again in person.

You ask about me finding a suitor, and I met someone quite interesting here. His name is Albert Giovana, a merchant whose family serves as the Current Steward for the Empire. He may seem meek, but under that I feel is an ambitious man who will rise to the top of his city and reassume the position of Steward. With his incoming power and wealth, well I feel he will bring MaKain to greater heights.

Of course, Father, if you have men you suggest please tell me. I am still open for choices in these times.

As such, Father, I ask that you prepare for War. The Merchants, who are the lifeblood of Kingdoms and Empires, will begin to trade with us if we expand. As our blood entails, I plan to use my claim on Holand with the help of the Tectonic Knights. With this, we will break out of the Mountains and gain fiscal power.

I pray that you stay in good Health, in the name of the Lord
- Maria Louisa Regnia

“Jimmy, I have a letter for you to deliver.” Maira handed the Mailbandit the item, “You are to make sure it arrives to my Father.”

“Alright Ma’am, I’ll put my trusted men and horses on it.” He announced before quickly making his way out. Honestly Maria wondered how the man snuck his way onto the Academy, but what should one expect of a Bandit.

“So…. do you have any plans for the coming week end Mistress?” Melody asked while sneaking her way towards Maria.
“Hmm, I do not think I do. Maybe I could make some though~” Maria said with a devilish thought in her mind.

>Grab Albert and force him to take Maria to Town
>Find the Lady Maria released upon the wider world. She’s probably already written a book at her speed.
>Go see the Gossip girls again, as Maria has not had a genuine talk with them in a while.

>>4343192
>Find the Lady Maria released upon the wider world. She’s probably already written a book at her speed.
It'd be good if we could sponsor her.

>>4343192
>>Grab Albert and force him to take Maria to Town

>>4343192
>Go see the Gossip girls again, as Maria has not had a genuine talk with them in a while.

>>4343192
>>Go see the Gossip girls again, as Maria has not had a genuine talk with them in a while.
>Send Melody to go check on Fien from the shadows

>>4343192
>Grab Albert and force him to take Maria to Town

>>4343192
>Grab Albert and force him to take Maria to Town

>>4343192
>>4343196
Changing to this: >>4343243

File: Groupies.png (154 KB, 560x303)

154 KB PNG

It was a few hours into the morning, coming close to about lunch time when Maria walked upon the gardens of the Academy. All about the place were people having tea parties or simply hanging out, just the place Maria expected a trio of women.

They were all stationed at a rounded table, talking to themselves as Maria arrived and took a seat for herself.

“So have you heard, a new student is going to come to school soon.” Erica claimed with a devilish smile.

“Really, do we know where she is from?” Elizabeth said with sparkling eyes.

“Somewhere in the North. Somehow the Baron was able to convince some local religious authorities to let her in.” Tracy said with a sinister smile, “Rumor has it though their family is about to be bankrupt from changing the local inheritance law.”

Maria only let out a sigh as she finally had enough, “Well, is there anything else in the news. Has World Peace been achieved because of this girl’s arrival?”

The girls all looked at one another as Maria finally spoke a few words in a while.

“Yeah, its such old news the Servants are talking about it.” Tracy claimed.

“Off, I think I heard the birds chirping it.” Erica said with a shaking of the head.

Elizabeth however said nothing, as Maria guessed she was genuinely curious about the girl. She would not fault her, Chloe is indeed the Protagonist and thus the world tends to bend around her.

However surprisingly it was Elizabeth who asked the first question, “Miss Regnia, I was wondering if it was true. Did you fight a powerful warrior about a week ago in a spar?”

“That is indeed the case, why?” Maria asked with a raised brow.

“You actually fought the Iron man Maria?” Erica quickly asked with a small sense of fandom, “I heard he could take out three men with a single swing of his Halberd!”

“Yeah, supposedly he did that down south of here.” Tracy supplemented, “Rumor has it he’s been going to all the great jousts all around the world.”

“Hmm, quite interesting indeed.” Maria answered with her interest peaked.

>See if there is gossip about monsters
>Try to figure out if all this Heroine gossip
>On the topic of the Royal Succession
>Ask if there is any groups currently in a pissing match

>>4343519
>On the topic of the Royal Succession

>>4343519
>Try to figure out if all this Heroine gossip

>>4343519
>Ask if there is any groups currently in a pissing match
Let's hunt down the Iron Man.

>>4343532
THIS

>>4343519
>>On the topic of the Royal Succession

>>4343519
>Ask if there is any groups currently in a pissing match

>>4343532
+1

>>4343519
>Try to figure out if all this Heroine gossip

>>4343519
>On the topic of the Royal Succession

>>4343532
Support

“Do you know of any martial competitions coming about anytime soon?” Maria asked with ber brow raised.

“Martial Competitions?” All the girls looked one another in confusion, wondering what the hell Maria was talking about.

“Well, you know there is the King’s Bolt coming soon.” Elizabeth mentioned, “I think its in a month if I am not mistaken.”

“The King’s Bolt, you mean the biggest competition in a Ruler’s life!” Erica quickly said with her eyes widened, “Why did I not hear about this happening!?”

“Maybe its because you don’t have any men in your life Erica.” Tracy snipped with a devilish smirk about herself.

“Th-that has nothing to do with it, but every Lord of the Empire will be there.” Erica quickly stammered while growing red in the face, “Just imagine all the men there, why there might be a few fellows who have either already left or are coming into the academy.”

“Are you into that kind of thing Erica?” Maria asked, “Them being the younger ones.”

“P-pff! By the Lord no! But can you imagine the event would be perfect. All the men readying themselves to fight, the feats of power each of them are capable of. Oh by the Lord those muscles.” And like that Maria watched Erica began to drill quite unlady like in her opinion.

“Oh Erica please snap out of it, someone might see you.” Elizabeth pleaded her friend while Stacy simply gave a small laugh to herself.

Though as she laughed, Maria noticed a figure walking through the halls of the Academy. Soon she quited down, quickly exiting her seat to stealthfully make her way over to the fellow. He did not see her coming until she was right next to him.

“Hello there Albert.”

“Guh! Maria!” He panicked while shuffling a series of books he was carrying, “Please do not do that, I might have a heart attack.”

“Oh, does that run in the family?”

“Well, not exactly. Only those who stuff themselves too much of course.” Albert admitted with a scratching of his cheek.

“Then you have nothing to worry about, you are fit and able I am sure.”

>Find out and Join in where Albert is going
>Convince him to head out to town
>That was simply to say hi, and scare him
>Other

>>4344292
>Ask him what he's doing
Doesn't matter to me whether we join him or not.

>>4344292
>>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>That was simply to say hi, and scare him

>>4344292
>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>That was simply to say hi, and scare him

>>4344292
>Find out and Join in where Albert is going

>>4344292
>>Convince him to head out to town

“So, Maria began with a small smirk, “What is it that you are doing?”

“I was, uh, getting ready to head to town.”

“Oh, to do what?”

“Well, going to do some discussions with a potential seller to my family.” He answered with a small sigh.

“Really now, that sounds quite a bit interesting. Care if I come along?” Maria teased with a healthy smile about herself.

“Uh, I’m not too sure I can have you do that. This is a business decision for my family.” He answered with a more meek reply.

“If you are worried that I am unable to negotiate, I would have you know even the Prince said my tongue was a snakes.” Maria took a few steps forward before standing proud, “As a Merchant, you must know two heads are better than one.”

“I… alright.” He answered back while slouching his back, “But please let me take the lead on this.”

“Thats fine, it is your family’s business. Just think of me as a privately contracted negotiator.”

“Alright…” He reluctantly said, seemingly having no power against Maria. Though Maria would say that if the young man actually wanted it, well he would have easily gotten rid of her.

While they did travel to the city and to the Pub where the were last time, the mood was slightly different. Maria quickly noticed how the clothing Albert was wearing was different than his usual attire, such as him wearing more plain but colored clothing. Such a uniform, well Maria guessed it was a symbol of his family’s wealth in that they can afford such dyes.

Soon enough they went into the Pub, taking only a moment before Albert made a beeline for a table. It kinda perplexed Maria that no one was sitting there yet, but Albert seemed comfortable just sitting down there.

“If you want to buy something, you can.” He said with a sigh, “I am just a little bit early, so they will be here soon.”

“Is that so? Why would you make yourself wait?” Maria’s head a topped with a question mark, “Would it not show more power to be late to the meeting?”

“If I was late I would likely anger them.” He answered with a smile as the waitress arrived with four drinks, “I don’t like to lord my power over them, as if someone simply paid them more money I would lose their business.”

“Hmm, I should have known you would aim to be the more cooperative type.”

Upon those words Maria noticed a pair of men making their way into the room, talking to the Waitress for just a moment before noticing them. Soon the pair crossed the room towards the table they were at.

Maria could not help but smile, “Oh, it seems they had the same idea we had.”

“Indeed, I would have been outnumbered.” The Merchant admitted.

>Try and dominate the pair through Maria’s will, but take the risks with that.
>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.
>Join in what will likely be a general exchange of words, simply being a persuasive voice

>>4344903
>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.

>>4344903
>>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.
I want to see how competent Albert is.

>>4344903
>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.

>>4344903
>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.

>>4344903
>>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.

>>4344903
>Hang back and let Albert take control, Maria will input herself later after a little bit of talking.