The sun had reached the midday mark as Maria was wondering about the inner courtyard of the Academy. Birds were chirping, and the sounds of crowds moving about were in Maria’s ears. Though it is where they were going is what interested her at this point.

It is Thursday, four days from the Lord’s day of rest and the second day before the Academy itself does so. It was only yesterday that Maria broke into the Prince’s room and yelled at Ford. She has yet to see or hear of him throughout the day, so she was wondering what their deal was. Then again, they could be preparing to drop her acts at an opportune time.

It did not really matter right now to Maria as she finally heard the voices of men yelling.

“You fucking bastard! You should be thankful the Emperor even let you attend the Academy!”

“I do not bow to your emperor, as neither does the Holy See, damn imperialist!”

“For this infraction against us, I will have you!”

“I like to see you try!”

“Bastard!”

“Chlop!”

Looking over the crowds there was a pair of men, one dressed in more puffy fured clothing while the other was wearing a more sleek suit. These were the two young men known as Johnson Humperdink and Oskar Balinski.

While at the start Johnson came over to accuse Oskar of subversion, their argument had quickly devolved into something that could be described as warlike. I her honest opinion, such a rivalry could truly spark a war, as both men were slated to inherit their lands. One the Duchy of Nordost, the other Holand.

Their reason for this, Oskar seems to have gotten too close to a girl from one of Johnson’s Counties. A Miss Lisa Monita who was hiding away right now. The men should count themselves lucky for that, since this was a nasty affair in and of itself.

Though sadly it seems Maria got to the tail end of their yelling match, as both men simply stared at each other before splitting off from one another. Guess both were lucky neither were armed today, or Maria would have assumed arms would have been thrown.

>Go to Johnson Humperdink, to act as a counselor for him.
>See Oskar, Maria’s Second Cousin, as a family member seeing another in trouble.
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

>>4366392
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

>>4366392
>>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

>>4366392
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

>>4366392
>>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.
Gurl power

>>4366392
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.
You forgot do update our Conversation stat bro

>>4366392
Ford is on some peace between the lands kick yes? What better first step for revenge than making him look incompetent by being BETTER at achieving his goals than he is?
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

>>4366639
At this point, he is sticking close to the prince and if the prince doesn't go out, he is inside the room. He's probably thinking 10 different ways on how he could defend herself from us. I won't be surprised if he nailed now the windows with wooden planks.

>>4366392
>Track down this Lisa Monita, as she has the most power in this situation.

Maria thought to herself for a moment, ideas going through her head on what to do. Surely she could side herself with one of the men, making either Oskar easy to backstab or leverage herself on Johnson. Both were modest options, but there was only one option that seemed to spark Maria’s taste.

[Military Success]

As such, it was not hard for her to spy on the girl who was suffering these two men and their feud. Around the corner she could see someone running away as fast as they could, easily someone who was not part of the average crowd.

With that thought in mind, Maria made her way around towards the direction of the fleeing person. So Maria drifted her way through the yard, tracking the person with likely guesses and estimates.

It was hard, but here Maria was almost a Master at Military.

“Those idiots…”

A small smirk came across Maria’s face as she closed in, the sound of tears easily giving the girl away. There was a small irony, as Maria was sure she should be feeling horrible about closing in like a predator finding their prey, but here Maria could not resist it.

“Why do they both have to be like this.”

Soon enough Maria came upon a slightly brown haired girl, hunched over in a corner like a fool. From the few looks upon her face, Maria could guess that she was a more fair person. Though she was no where near the sights of both herself and Chloe.

[Intrigue Success]

In the end it seems she did not notice Maria’s stalking. Such a sad state of affairs, though Maria honestly could not feel that bad for her. Now was the time to gain the advantage.

>Approach her like one would a friend.
>Give her a devils deal, one that she learns who she loves. The Price however, is up to you Anons.
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366852
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366852
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366852
>Approach her like one would a friend.

>>4366873
>>4366878
Feels like we're groping her mentally and emotionally.

>>4366914
Knowing your target is crucial to manipulating them.

>>4366914
gib vote, anon

>>4366852
>>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366852
>>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366947
Aight
>>4366852
>>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her especially on the breast

>>4366852
>>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4366852
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

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22 KB JPG

>>4367002
das gai

>>4366852
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her
Maybe see is she's favouring one over the other, however slightly.

Also...is Oskar the Holand prince who's attending the academy, or is he just a random Holand noble?

>>4366642
Letting him b overly paranoid might be hilarious in it's own right since Bon is always there, so he thinks we're spying on him at all times when Bon is just hanging out with his friends.
>>4366852
>Ask her if she wants somebody to talk to. Helping her sort out what she wants to do with herself seems like the easiest solution. Then we bother trying to figure out how to deal with the fallout between the two men.

>>4366852
>Simply stalk her for now, try and get a feel for her

>>4367804
Should we pass Ford's window or door talking loudly preferably with Bon just to tease him? It would be glorious if we pull this prank.

So its Stalking...

You know, I should not expect anything less of you all.

>>4367769
He is the Prince of Holand, here to earn his blessing from God to become a ruler.

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502 KB PNG

While there will likely be a time Maria needs to make direct contact with this girl, now was not it. Information of course was the highest priority and as such she would make sure this girl will never be alone for the coming few minutes.

“Come on Lisa, get yourself together. Looking like a peasant will only make the situation worse.” She called out while patting her face.

[Intrigue Success]

After a few more minutes of psyching herself up the girl took a few steps for the exit right past Maria. The Villainess simply blended into the shadows as she did so, the target completely unaware of her existence.

So they walked, Maria blending into walls and corners as the mistress she was tailing was making her way to somewhere. Time was passing, and soon Maria would need to divert if she wanted to attend her classes. However…

“Lisa, there you are!” cried out the man Maria guessed was Johnson, “I was looking all over for you.”

“You were…”

“Yes, I wanted to have some lunch with you but then…” The young fellow did not continue his words.

“It’s alright, I was out with some friends.” She lied while shaking her head a small bit, “I guess I am sorry about not being that easy to find.”

“No, I just got really distracted by someone. I should learn to keep a better handle on yourself.” Johnson said while rubbing the back of his head.

“Taken you long enough to realize that.” Lisa said with a tempered laugh, “Don’t be going head long into things like this anymore, and I am sure you will live longer.”

“Well, never late than never right?”

With that the two shared a short laugh between each other, the small feel of familiarity going through the air. Such a state of affairs was something Maria suspected but was not going to confirm until she had this kind of proof. It seems that Stacy did not know her Cousin as well as she thought…

“Well, its time for us to get to class.” Lisa said with a slim smile.

“Oh yeah, your right. Uh, hope to see you later than?”

“Yeah, we can do that.” Lisa answered before the two of them breaking apart.

Now that Maria thought about it, it was time for her to go to class. However there was the small temptation to test herself, maybe to infiltrate the class of Lisa so she can learn even more.

>Continue Maria’s Stalking through class
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.
>Another option?

We do have a loyal maid, thinking on it. Perhaps she could ask around the servants to get a better idea of Lisa's personality and situation?

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.
We need to get in contact with Albert and maybe Mateo. Everyone and their mother would have probably heard about our altercation with Ford and we gotta give our side of the story.

>>4367985
>>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.
That pic tough

>>4367985
>Get to class.
We need to be organized for whatever this schoolyard war we've started entails. We can skip class some other time to make Ford think we're doing something nefarious.

>>4367985
>Continue Maria’s Stalking through class

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

>>4367985
>>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

>>4367985
>No, Maria needs to head to class to keep face and relationships.

No, Maria needed to go to class. There are times in which she could not appear, maybe to mess with some heads, but today would not be one of them.

So with that thought in mind Maria left for her own direction towards the class on war. As per usual, Maria did modestly well in it. The only issue was that ethical standards were not really something Maria wanted to pay much attention to. Chances are she will only be fighting wars against Heretics, and as such were they truly needed for her?

Such a thought was entertained during the modestly boring class, but was disposed of when Maria finally arrived in her class on faith. Taking her seat next to Albert, Maria noticed at the corner of her eye the Heroine Chloe was no where near her. Instead, the girl placed herself next to the window because of course she would be there.

“Oh, Maria, I have not seen you since yesterday!” Albert exclaimed with wide eyes, “What happened? Everyone has been asking about it.”

“So what happened has not gotten out?”

“Well… no. Did it have something to do with the First Prince?”

[Intrigue Success]

Maria looked around for a moment, easily noticing a number of ears pointed towards her. It seemed that everyone was starving for information. Honestly Maria did not know why it hadn't gotten out yet, but here she was.

Maybe it was because the situation was embarrassing for those involved? Maybe they were waiting to see what Maria did first, as a kind of self incrimination. What she did was of course wrong, but so was deflaming someone behind their back.

Oh what to do, that was simply the thought Maria had.

>Simply tell the truth, as later on Ford nor Waltz will be able to tell Maria she was wrong.
>Embellish the truth, say acts that Ford commit that were much harsher than he committed
>Maria will tell Albert later, as now is not the right situation to start a rumor

>>4368365
>Maria will tell Albert later, as now is not the right situation to start a rumor
We make ourselves look like we don't want to make a big deal of it, so when they start their rumor we can hold even more high-ground.

>>4368365
>Simply tell the truth, as later on Ford nor Waltz will be able to tell Maria she was wrong.

>>4368365
>Maria will tell Albert later, as now is not the right situation to start a rumor

>>4368365
>Maria will tell Albert later, as now is not the right situation to start a rumor

>>4368372
Anon has the right idea.

Besides if anything we should be playing down what had happened - we won't give any ammo to the 'manipulative bitch' angle that Ford is probably going to take, and iit'll look like Ford's the aggressor in this situation rather than us if he starts something first.

Plus we really shouldn't be airing our dirty laundry to the masses.

>>4368365
>Embellish the truth, say acts that Ford commit that were much harsher than he committed

I think people are overthinking this. People will create a rumor, sure, but gossiping people don't give a fuck about who holds the high moral ground. Trying to play this down can easily end with us being seen as reacting overly harsh and brutal to some small slight.

>>4368415
Basically shape the public perception as early as possible, because people loathe having to admit they were wrong. So once they believe our story they won't be easily convinced that it is wrong, because that would mean they made a mistake.

>>4368365
>Simply tell the truth, as later on Ford nor Waltz will be able to tell Maria she was wrong.

>>4368365
>Give only a tiny morsel of information to get things rolling. Embellishing will do us no good if it's caught and airing our laundry will just encourage Chloe to start annoyingly interfering since she'll wrongly blame herself.

Eg Ford is a twat who can't remember people are actually human instead of whatever deranged caricature he makes up in his mind. Since Ford is too stubborn to actually realize he was wrong it lets him dig himself further into the mess he made when everyone on campus realizes he's a lunatic chasing at imaginary shadows.

>Maria will tell Albert later, as now is not the right situation to start a rumor

>>4368365
>>Simply tell the truth, as later on Ford nor Waltz will be able to tell Maria she was wrong.

>>4368619
So poke that Ford implied we would kill other nobles of the church?
It isn't inaccurate. And it can be pointed at as why we were mad if they refute. He did imply we would kill chloe.

>>4368780
That can work. The idea is that if we lay out the truth, people (might) think we are embellishing or using hyperbole and give Ford the benefit of the doubt. If they hear only a tidbit (of the real thing) and get to speculate, then he gets run into the ground by people's imagination and the gossip travels further than if people knew everything from the get go. It also adds an extra layer of irony in that he gets to experience what he was doing to us if the rumours slander him.

Start the rumors, with truth!
>>4368383
>>4368441
>>4368770

Nah, let them make the first move
>>4368372
>>4368401

Embellish truth
>>4368415

>>4368398
>>4368816
You forgot this bro

>>4368830
Sorry about that, but that would result in a tie. If most had a chance, it looks like they would lean towards atleast starting the rumor.

>>4368832
Sounds like that makes me a tiebreaker, and while i'd prefer to only tell a little, if i had to pick between saying something and not saying something. Id say something since Ford lost his right to us going easy on him when given it freely.

Maria chewed on her thoughts for a moment, thinking upon herself for a moment. When things come down to it, the thinking of Ford is quite the opposite of people in this day an age, belonging more to the modern day really. Such a stark contrast of thoughts however is surely to make friction.

“That, oh I simply found out what Ford thinks of me.” Maria answered with a smile.

“Thinks of you? Uh, well how bad was it?” Albert asked with a shaky smile upon himself.

“Hmm, well he seemed to have given Chloe the wrong idea when it comes to me.” Maria said with a simple laugh, “He thought I was going to eat her.”

“Eat?”

“Maim, kill, all are the same in context.” Maria answered with a wave of the hand, “I simply had to burst into their room and give the man a piece of my mind.”

“Yeah I can see why you were angry.”

“Indeed, being called a murderer would do that to anyone. Simply it was what happened to me though.”

Looking around Maria noted many of the people already zoning out, happy with their fill. Hopefully this will paint him as someone who spreads slander and one who overreacts. Though Maria also wondered if people might also accept the idea of her being a killer as fact, but that would be the minority.

“Excuse me, Miss Regnia, but can I ask you to not be saying things like that?” Maria should have expected it, but next to her desk was a rather annoyed Chloe.

“Come now, I am simply talking to a friend here. It is nothing that you should worry about.”

“You are hurting someone who helped me though.” Chloe claimed with what could amount to a pout.

It seems Maria was not able to sneak this from under the Heroine’s nose. Indeed it was truth, that Chloe could not use against her, but what of the ethical whims of a possible Saint. Though Maria should keep her cool, it seems just being near the girl was starting to rub Maria the wrong way.

>Tell her to shoo, Maria will not entertain her today
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class
>Move to mocking Chloe, as she was the one who listened to such an idiot

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class
"But don't you think that what he did was wrong, tough ? He hurt me and I that's not nice"

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class

>>4368842
>I have told nothing but the truth. If telling the truth about what he has said hurts him, then he has done it to himself. Turn back to Alfred.
If she tries to keep talking
>Explain what he did wrong, not for Chloe but for the class. Chloe either has harem goggles preventing her from thinking what we said is true or is airheaded enough to have not thought about what Ford did properly yet.Barring isekai/etc shenanigans.

Very tempted to point out that we helped her when she went through the very gate. We trust that you shall admonish Ford for speaking ill of us when you next meet him?Feels like it would backfire by making Chloe actually think of us as (somewhat) friendly or tsundere.

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class
I'm only telling the truth. As for him helping you, the first question he had when I confronted him was if you were dead yet. He seemed to have planned for your death, so I would call that more using a pawn.

>>4368842
>Tell her to shoo, Maria will not entertain her today

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class

>>4368872
Supporting

>>4368842
>>4368872
Support, I like the bit about reminding her that we helped her as well too.

>>4368842
I never been so pissed about wishy washy protagonist.

>>4369067
To me she reads like an absolute airhead, I've read far more offensive protagonists than Chloe before, so on my basis of personal experience I'll conclude she isn't that bad. Just yet.

>>4368842
>Explain what he did was wrong, not for Chloe but for the class

>>4368872
Support.

>>4368842
We could ask if she's willing to let us explain why it's bad and to wait until we're done explaining.
Simply put that just because someone helped you does not mean they're necessarily good or acting in your own interests.

Explain for all to see
>>4368849
>>4368866
>>4368867
>>4368872
>>4368874
>>4368892
>>4368957
>>4369089

Shoo girl
>>4368933

“Tsk, do you not realize what he did was wrong.” Maria called back with a little burning in her throat, “I have been made out as something I am not, as such it is horribly egregious to me.”

“It was nothing that bad!” Chloe called out with a small whimper, “He explained that you were a person who fought others. That's what I should apologize for before you get angry about it.”

“I was already angry about it.” Maria answered back with quick chirp.

“And I am sorry about that. I truly am Miss Regnia.” She answered back sincerely like the Heroine she is, “But please do not harm him because of my ignorance.”

“Tsk, it was because of that ignorance that we got in this situation.” Maria mumbled as she seemed to get more and more angry, “Chloe, I ask that you from here onwards keep in mind that I have tried to help you too. You are the one who caused this to happen in the first place!”

The little snap in the end seemed to stop it, as all the steam that was fueling Chloe was drained in an instant. Though it was less guilt that Maria saw but something much more….

Fear, the same kind she has seen in the eyes of Heretics right before their deaths by fire.

And like that the girl quickly took a few steps backwards before finally leaving to return to her chair. At least that shut the girl up, and it meant her winning of the verbal debate. Who knows, maybe the budala will figure out she’s the root of all these issues.

“She’s… a little off.” Albert mentioned with a small perplexment to himself.

“You have just figured it out?” Maria soon shook her head with a sigh, “Sorry, it’s just aggravating just being near the budala.”

“Well, take it easy then.” Albert said before getting his pencil out to begin the day’s lesson.

The lesson had come with a quick education on the ideas of rulership. Examples of being a ruler should be to service to man, their family, or to the Lord. Honestly Maria was a little surprised that they were teaching this in the Academy, of course there was an angel the church could exploit. Simply put, all men of the Lord’s lands are in service to just him; thus serving either family or man shall support his cause.

Such is the reason he allows man to have free will, Maria mused.

With that class was coming to an end, everyone starting to pack their things to head to whatever activities they were up to.
>Go stalk Lisa a little bit more
>Hang out with Albert and co.
>Go see the Gossip Girls,

>>4369840
>He explained that you were a person who fought others
Chloe making lies? Plenty of nobles have fought others. I'm more surprised we didn't jump on that. We should just have had her say exactly what she was told.

>But please do not harm him because of my ignorance
Should make it clear we do not intend to harm him. All we want is a retraction and public apology for his claim. If anything, we want Ford's crass opinion of us to the open, so people can see he's a paranoid freak with a veneer of righteousness. Any Noble with a brain would be able to tell based specifically on what he told Chloe. In fact the fact we didn't clear that her ignorance is irrelevant to what he did is no bueno.

>Chloe, I ask that you from here onwards keep in mind that I have tried to help you too. You are the one who caused this to happen in the first place!
Really wish we could've told her to be less ignorant. Spend more time studying how nobility works, and you'll hurt less people. It's ez pz and ideally would turn us from a direct antagonist to a foil.

Wish Maria was a little sharper on that. Welp
>>Hang out with Albert and co.
We've done enough gossip spreading. To keep at it would be to come of as if we were on the active attack. Best to start consolidating people we can trust to some extent.

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>Go stalk Lisa a little bit more

>>4369840
>Go stalk Lisa a little bit more

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>Go stalk Lisa a little bit more

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>>Hang out with Albert and co.

>>4369840
>“But please do not harm him because of my ignorance.”
Chloe looks to be jumping to conclusions already. Sounds like she's not willing to accept that he can be an asshat while also being "nice" to her. Chloe is really getting to us. We keep on dragging her back into everything out of anger.


>Hang out with Albert and co.

The company part of this makes me think the other prince's faction might be there too, so I think it's best to be around as a warning if they start making plans on how to use us. The gossip girls could also use a little more time to hear about how everyone's reacting to the news so that we get a better infodump from them. We can't neglect them too much. My personal plan is to make Ford alienate himself, not make ourselves get cut off from our friends because we're too busy being vengeful.

Pursue the Dove
>>4370048
>>4370058
>>4370083

Hanging out is fine enough
>>4369919
>>4369926
>>4369966
>>4370071
>>4370097
>>4370173
>>4370189
>>4370199

Going to check with the Second Prince's Faction it looks like!

“Well, I will see you.” Albert said while making himself in the direction of the Library. However as he took a few steps his eyes widened slightly as he noticed Maria walking next to him, “Uh, Maria where are you going?”

“Hmm, with you.” Maria answered back with an average smile.

“With me, why would, uh-”

“What can I not hang out with you?” Maria asked with it now becoming a devious smile.

“I, uh, yeah your right…” He admitted with a little chuckle, “You normally have your own things though.”

“Today is different.” She answered as they crossed into the next part of the building.

Since it was the end of general classes things were busy as they could be. People were going to clubs or Fraternities, or opting to go home on this Thursday night. However in the end their paths were not nearly as jammed as others, so the two were able to get into the study room.

What they came into was a pair of men, one diligently working at his studies while the other was lounging on a sofa looking quite exhausted. The atmosphere was more melancholy than Maria would have wanted it, which was quite the objective.

“Hmm, oh hey Albert.” The resting Prince said with a lazy wave of his hand before noticing the other, “oh, you brought Maria here. nice to see you again.”

“Same here, though you sure a vampire hasn’t been drinking your blood. You look like all your youthful spirit was taken from you.”

“yeah yeah.”

With a little bit of curiosity about herself Maria turned towards Mateo, “What happened? Normally I would get a retort not acceptance.”

“We met her Brother earlier.” he answered dryly while turning to face them, “You know, I had heard the Prince was getting more active but what we saw a little while ago was something I never thought I would see.”

“What, that he actually speaks coherently?” Maria joked.

“Worse, he talked passionately about something.”

Maria herself felt her eyes widen a good bit, “Well that seems quite unusual, but not enough to throw in the towel like this.”

“No, that was because he kept us for an entire hour about the Chloe girl.” Mateo shook his head in resignation, “Though the way things are going I am not liking the future.”

>Get out of Mateo what he thinks this bad future is.
>See if Maria can entertain them with other topics, like her being Albert’s date.
>Maybe a fine glass of tea would suit them fine

>>4370352
>Maybe a fine glass of tea would suit them fine

>>4370352
>Get out of Mateo what he thinks this bad future is.

>>4370352
>>Maybe a fine glass of tea would suit them fine

Nothing goes wrong with tea

>>4370352
>Maybe a fine glass of tea would suit them fine
We have much to talk, so how about a treat

>>4370352
>Maybe a fine glass of tea would suit them fine
Get them comfortable before we launch into a gossip session.

I'm really curious to what QM was planning to do if we went down Lucien's route, considering Chloe is homing in on him like a heat seeking missle.

Also Albert's cute. We really need to spend more time with him rather than running off after INTRIGUE all the time. (Maybe we could get his help with the love triangle situation...? Mix in bonding *with* intrigue)

>>4370454
>Mix bonding with intrigue
>tfw your crush doesn't send you secret love letters under your dorm room and being obvious in her advances

>>4370352
>Get out of Mateo what he thinks this bad future is.
>I didn't expect you to be so protective of your brother's love life.
>Find a way to segway into us being Albert's date. We haven't had a chance to brag about it yet.

Some fine tea should calm them down
>>4370355
>>4370362
>>4370369
>>4370454

Just a simple talk
>>4370357
>>4370508

Seeing as things were not going to get much better in this room, Maria simply gave a sigh while walking to a small cabinet to the side of the room. Searching about it for a moment, she noticed a small tea pot that looked quite out of the ordinary. Slowly removing it, Maria noted how it was made of a black metal instead of porcelain.

Noting how it seemed to not be covered in rust, Maria decided on using it. Yes there were precious ones made of porcelain with golden threads layed upon it, but Maria just felt better using this one.

With that item in hand Maria quickly got out a bunsen burner, water, and a few leaves labeled ‘Fruity’.

“Do you need any help there Maria?” Albert called out.

“No, I have this quite well. I atleast know how to make tea.” Maria answered while puring her creation into some cups, “There we go.”

With that Maria handed around a cup to everyone, gaining a rather perplexed look from Elric, “What are you trying to do here?”

“Make tea, is there a problem that I used your supplies.”

A little skeptical he took a sip before his eyes widened, “Did you use my Fruit Leaves?”

“I did.”

“Do you know how hard those are to get?”

“Well hoarding them is not going to do you any good.” Maria answered with a smile, “If you do that the economy is not going to budge as none of that sweet royal money gets around.”

“You have been hanging out with Albert too much.” The Prince said annoyingly while taking a sip of his cup.

“Please do not drag me into this.” The man said with a sigh, “Though if you do want some more I can see about getting some imported.”

“And how much is that going to be?”

“Well, the price is going down. The Miaphate has finally finished its Civil War and is currently rebuilding.”

“Really now? I don’t know if I should say good because my stock will be refilled sooner or that the Free States will be threatened again.” Elric said with an unusual answer. Well, an unusual one to Maria.

>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.
>Try and bring them into the fold on Maria’s little love triangle

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

>>4370850
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

We should learn about this if we do ever intend to go down the Solomon route.

>>4370850
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

>>4370850
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

>>4370850
>>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

>>4370850
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

>>4370850
>An interesting topic has come up, learn about the Empire’s view on the Miaphate.

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

We should call second prince an silly goose and point out his brother being enthrall with Chloe is great boon for him.

What other major players will do? Who will they support? When they here first prince is not only planning to marry some peasant girl but will listen to her every call and so on.

Hell you can even convince first prince now to abdicate and give you his position.

"Oh dear brother I support you two so much! But realm will not like this! They will stand against you. Let me take your place as leader so you two can lead peaceful life." Or some such

"Let him do some work like improving state of health or reform like my Albert here training to implement. He seems to be interested in things like that"

>>4370850
>>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse
The miaphate stuff is interesting, but we can get info on that any time. Let's talk about the Chloe Lucien situation while the events are still fresh

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse
Definitely gotta drag that info out about the Caliphate before we leave. Since we're part of a fiefdom bordering it the info's importance can be a matter of life and death if we hit some sort of jackpot.

>>4370850
>Talk about Elric’s situation with his Brother, now that he’s no longer a corpse

Of the Resurrected Prince
>>4370855
>>4370855
>>4370856
>>4371093
>>4371247
>>4371293
>>4371307
>>4371342

The Miaphate
>>4370866
>>4370879
>>4370911
>>4370921
>>4370936
>>4371133

Of Princes and those who control.

“Well, atleast commerce will be a little easier.” Albert claimed grabbing at the good part at the very least.

“So now that you all have regained your sanity atleast for a little while,” Maria began with a somber tone, “Why if I may ask is Lucien gaining an ounce of sanity not enough?”

Elric gave a long mellowed sigh, “Well that’s because my chances of becoming Emperor have just gone way down.”

“And if I may ask, why?”

“Well I was thinking I had a chance if my brother either advocated for me or if I could convince enough people that having a lifeless Emperor was not the greatest idea.” Elric mentioned as if it was a matter of fact.

“Would whats happening not just better your case? Surely the man being pulled by the heart would be way too much risk than someone who still has their sanity.” Maria countered with a sound claim.

“Hmph, maybe you have not heard before but my brother’s attitude was not by accident.” Elric answered back with a wave of the hand, “He was raised to listen to whoever had his ear and obey them. He was meant to be the perfect puppet for the Nobility to have on the throne.”

“That seems quite ridiculous to have when your father is on the throne.”

“Tsk, if he really had a choice he would. However Father was deeply in debt at the time and this was seen as a way to fix his dues. Though I feel things would have ended up like this regardless, Lucien simply got the worse of our bloods I admit.”

Maria was about to say something back, but began to think to herself about what Elric said. From all Maria gathered the Emperorship was infact an elected position that was made by the Elector Counts. While his family has served the title for a long time, it did not mean upstarts would not try and assume the position if enough resources were available. Thus a debt would be struck to tell off the usurper.

There was also the fact that the Elector Counts made Lucien who he is, a complete yes man who would not hesitate to help even the smallest of realm. Indeed, the value of having such a man on the throne was probably worth more money than anything Elric could get onhand.

>Let him wallow in defeat, Maria has no need for him if this is the case
>Simply tell him to try, if nothing else than to not bring shame upon himself for giving up
>Tell him he is being a lazy idiot who is worth nothing more than the dirt on Maria’s shoe
>Maybe there is another method to prove himself, gaining his own land and title.

>>4371820
>Maybe there is another method to prove himself, gaining his own land and title.

>>4371820
>>Maybe there is another method to prove himself, gaining his own land and title.

>>4371820
>Simply tell him to try, if nothing else than to not bring shame upon himself for giving up

>>4371820
>Maybe there is another method to prove himself, gaining his own land and title.
It's not the heir but having the good favour of the second son might stand us well in the future.

Plus heirs can always kick the bucket...

>>4371820
>Simply tell him to try, if nothing else than to not bring shame upon himself for giving up.

>>4371820
>Simply tell him to try, if nothing else than to not bring shame upon himself for giving up

>>4371820
>Simply tell him to try, if nothing else than to not bring shame upon himself for giving up
Getting his own land is a fallback plan.

Prove oneself by conquest
>>4371846
>>4371873
>>4371910


Come on, don't give up!
>>4371882
>>4371918
>>4372001
>>4372092

Did an error, now I am a little sad but will run with this. damn you last minute vote!!!

>>4371820
>Maybe there is another method to prove himself, gaining his own land and title

>>4372097
...

FUCK IT I WANT THIS. NO MORE VOTES

>>4372098
Hehe. No problem QM.

>>4371820
Noo. I'm too late.
I was going to point out that technically all he needs to stop the brother from being a puppet is have a competent wife. Aka some poor sap has to teach Chloe how to discern the difference between helping and being taken advantage of. As the wife she's the most able to veto any manipulation and he is madly in love with her even if it's just another puppetmaster.

“Tsk, so the game was already rigged at the very start.” Maria announced with a curse to herself.

“Yup, that’s been my life. I atleast want something in my life, you know, so I’m not just some fucking useless bastard Prince who could not beat his brain dead brother.” Elric announced with a small amount fire in his voice.

It seemed that while the Prince was being forced to call off his little attempts at Kingship, there was a little fire in his belly. A fire that Maria would not help but admit she was both intrigued by and could admire. Hell, she was already seeing him as an ally, this boy might be someone who could give her that little bit of an edge.

“You know, there might be another way for you to me looked highly upon by those of the Empire.” Maria mentioned with a small smile curling upon her face, “To make your name worth more than just a simple Prince but instead a great conqueror.”

“...” Elric all but went silent upon hearing Maria’s words, though only for a moment, “What do you mean?”

“Fufufu, if one was to gain the might and prestige greater than his foe, general opinion follows. Gaining men under your name and a title with your own blood and sweat would place you leagues above a simply reanimated corpse.”

“... That is tempting.” Elric said with his head now raised, “But what lands are there to conquer? I have not claims to my name except for the Empire itself and my Father’s fiefdoms.”

“You do not, but I have one to which I have been working on.” Maria felt like something was finally going her way after days of anguish, “The Despot of Holand, the remnants of an old pegan empire who used to rule the east. My mother was of their royal family, so upon her death I inherited her claim as birthright.”

“So you will get their throne, what about me?”

“A valid question.” Maria took a nice taste of her tea, “Not all of it would be mine, as I need to pay my allies with something. MaKain is poor so not gold and we do not have any trade routes to speak of. So, I suggest we organize a partitioning of Holand.”

He was growing a little smile before going back to skeptical, “Will we be alone?”

“I personally have the support of the Tectonic Knights, and I am sure they wish to join up with the Lord’s Lands themselves.” Maria announced, “Though…”


What are they going to do about the Army Elric shall bring?

>He shall take loans, the money can easily be repaid through selling his conquered lands through redistribution
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man
>Suggest he looks into joining the Tectonic Order, as with his blood and Maria's support Elric will get far in their ranks.

There is always other, since this is quite the situation thats come up.

>>4372124
>Suggest he looks into joining the Tectonic Order, as with his blood and Maria's support Elric will get far in their ranks.
If in doubt, start a crusade. Sure you may never hit Jerusalem but Constantinople is close enough!

>>4372124
What are the obligations of joining the Tectonic order? I feel like Elric shouldn't be going in with both feet in as this might be a big risk, but he could temporarily join them under the guise of training from the ground up to get their respect/comradery before he assumes a high rank on the campaign. It's not uncommon for princes to have to command some sort of army for training or basic prestige even if it's a milk run after all. The difference is that it'll be a real war instead of him relegated to the safest spot on a skirmish.
mercenaries are a bad idea imo if we're outfitting them with our new +whatever serrating since the mercs might want to run off with the shiny new weapons, let word spread, or sell them on the black market.

I feel like we've also forgotten that Chloe is a Saintess. Once she starts busting out miracles left and right, Elric is gonna need to be Alexander the Conqueror to compete with that.

Elric needs to learn this quick since it's gonna demoralize the shit out of him and Chloe is unsuited for being on the battlefield where she can be tactically used to try and get some of that prestige to himself. Unless we inadvertently just setup the game having a love triangle scenario where Elric tries to seduce her for her future prestige?

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man
Begin proving the ones who already support him that they’re doing the right choice all the while building future prestige

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man
Honestly this will give us a good idea of which, if any, factions can be relied on to give him their aid. Plus he shouldn't commit to the Knights before we find out exactly what that will entail.

Inb4 we start a civil war by getting all the nobles unhappy with the current regime to rally around Elric.

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man

>>4372124
>Elric shall look for his supporters, Nobles who don’t mind supporting a Young ambitious man

Point out that whoever stays loyal to him despite how the First Prince's revival will be among his most loyal and staunch followers. In fact, its a marvelous way to filter them out. So he shouldn't be too upset about it. Its actually doing him a huge favor in the long run.

>>4372161
Chloe is a Saintesss of Peace while Maria is a saintess of War. You would be right if Maria wasn't willing to lend her support to him. He would be truly fucked. However to properly earn the support of also Maria's followers he needs to prove himself in battle and in commanding wars. Otherwise, Maria's support would only go so far. As to keep in mind only the war hungry church followers will support Maria. While the peace lovers will support Chloe. If it wasn't for Maria the war crowd among the Church would be completely suppressed until Chloe dies. Instead, they'll be forced to rally around Maria in order to counter Chloe's influence.

So far nobody knows Chloe is a saintess candidate and only some within the Church are aware of Maria's status as Saintess candidate. The Church is aware however that Maria is preparing herself as a Saintess of War as she told them. Currently, the peace lovers are unaware that they have their own saintess candidate and are probably rather worried. If Elric chooses the War route to prove himself then he has no choice but to align himself with Maria because Chloe will never go for it. Civil war is possible if he pushes for the Throne with the backing of his war hungry new allies. Ultimately this comes down to the fact that there are two saintess candidates to fight over in order to gain their support. Hence the changing dynamic with the princes as they adjust unaware of what is actually happening.

>>4372480
That's even worse since
Our Kingslayer attribute might come into play and be a danger to the first prince while we also automatically lose vs Chloe.

In this case it would probably be something like her gaining the hearts of the religious peasants/nobles while the first prince also has the support of anyone who wants to manipulate him by default. Chloe's love interest prince becoming the king in the story ending also seems fairly standard so we're really in a bind here imo unless we flip tables, start love triangles and whatever else to get outside the box in the future.
It might be possible to convince him that being king wastes away lovey dovey time, so he should get a career that lets him be more laid back in life, but that requires getting past Ford and the rest of the faction to point that out.


What we really need is a big enemy to unite against on the war route if we want to match the double whammy Chloe and puppets bring but we kinda neutralized the traditional one by seducing it's heir. Maybe mongol hordes or Pakistani/Indian armies might ride out for us to rally against in the future? Aztecs landing would probably be too far out there. An invasion to stop tends to bring everyone together.


Or we really ham it up and do USA style "peacekeeping" where we bamboozle em with 20th-21st century doubletalk and propaganda techniques. I personally think that's going too far.
>>4372462
Mostly, but it also brings out corrupt/corpulent traditionalists angry at the relative loss of power. Those guys will be the ones to watch out for since their influence from built up area/bloodlines over the centuries gives them political power to play both sides and still come out ok. Eg You can't just ignore Texas.

Tectonic Order
>>4372130

Support of the Nobles
>>4372184
>>4372189
>>4372190
>>4372207
>>4372397
>>4372441
>>4372462

Support of the Nobles I guess.

>>4372519
Being a saintess of War is very hard especiall in peacetime. Unless we are starved in resources, we could go to every merchant and noble with military background to get every support we can. It would involve promises, prestige and fame. Unless we slowly corrupt Chloe into something. (e.g. gambling, prostitution, hedonism, gluttony, etc.)

“Hmm, you do have supporters in the empire, right?” Maria asked the Prince with a raised brow.

“Yeah I do, mostly from lower counts and most of my relatives.” Elric answered back with a defined point.

“It might be hard for you, but why not ask them to help form an army at your command. It might not be many men for the battlefield, but I am sure a few thousand men could help turn the battle clearly into our favor.” Maria answered with a small smirk.

Elric seemed to think to himself long and hard, “I am going to need to ask around. I can’t pledge so many men’s lives if I do not even have their word.”

“Indeed that is a thought, a valid one infact.” Maria soon began to run thought through her head a little more, “You do however still have the ability to help push my plans along. The Prince of Holand attends this school, and is getting into a small tussle over a Countess who lives in the neighboring duchy within Austin.”

Such words drew the narrowing eyes of Elric, “So he is trying to steal a piece of my realm for himself?”

“I do not wish to incriminate someone who might simply be in love,” Maria said while twirling the last of her tea, “But yes, that would be a likely case besides true love.”

“...” Elric seemed to think a little more before finally he said the words Maria has been waiting to hear, “Alright, I will help you in whatever way I can. Honestly, what else am I going to do with my life without gaining the Kingship.”

With those words said by Elric, Maria finally took a seat on the sofa next to Albert. During their entire conversation he had been keeping quite, but Maria could tell he was keeping up. It seemed soon enough his eyes were widening in realization as if something finally struck him, and they were straight at Maria.

Yes, Albert, things were coming together. The Threads that make Maria’s life were nicely knitting themselves together in a fabulous knot.

>Maria shall personally investigate the Lisa girl here tomorrow
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.
>Take a little time out of Maria’s day to bully Chloe, because fuck Chloe

>>4372595
>Maria shall personally investigate the Lisa girl here tomorrow
What purpose does bullying Chloe serve that it would be a choice at all I wonder.

>>4372595
>Maria shall personally investigate the Lisa girl here tomorrow

>>4372595
We might be freaking Albert out a bit.
I don't think the others know about our shit with Ford really. Should we disclose to some extent? Give some room so we aren't coming off like it's a partisian thing?
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.

also implying ">Take a little time out of Maria’s day to bully Chloe, because fuck Chloe"
Why would we Maria even spend the time if it was of no benefit. We aren't one to harm others just to feel better about ourselves. We got plans.

>>4372595
>Maria shall personally investigate the Lisa girl here tomorrow

>>4372531
Peacetime where mankind hasn't been at war since the start of civilization doesn't even add up to 100 years. There will always be a war or a preparation for a war somewhere and we have most of europe to run around looking for it if we get into the merchant business. Chloe (hopefully) stops being an issue once we graduate as our spheres of influence can just naturally avoid each other)

>>4372599
>>4372604
I think it reflects our natural dislike of her influencing our mindset despite how bad an idea that is from what we outright know about how such a thing ends? It's actually rather strange since as a former player of this game, we should naturally be more open to her existence a little out of nostalgia.
>>4372595
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.
Caution her to not let herself be blinded by her vivid romantic imagination.

>>4372595
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.

>>4372595
>>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.

>>4372595
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.

>>4372595
>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.
Since we're the center of gossip ourselves, best to act like it's business as usual.

Also we really need to interrogate Elizabeth more about the relationship between Lisa and her cousin.

>>4372595
>>Melody shall do the work, while Maria catches up with the Gossip girls.

Maria shall investigate herself!!
>>4372599
>>4372600
>>4372610

Let the Maid do her work
>>4372604
>>4372622
>>4372669
>>4372741
>>4372805
>>4372894
>>4373053

Well it was leaning one way when I was going to sleep, and then changed to the other.

The sun was high in the sky upon this Friday lunch. With the temperature being on the slight cold before Winter truly began everyone was out enjoying the sun’s rays. Indeed it was the perfect day out for some tea, which is how Maria decidedly spent her time as she took a sip of her cup.

“So Maria, I heard you got into a fight with the Marshal’s Son. Is that true!?” Were the first words Stacy asked with a look full of interest.

“Indeed it is, though I can only hope that whatever you heard was true.”

“Oh I am sure it is. Like how you cracked their door in half when you came into the room.”

“I only broke the door handle.”

“How you yelled at the man so hard that he started to cry.”

“No…”

“Well, uh, did you atleast slap him?”

Maria finally gave up with a huff, “Why are the stories getting so brutal. I only yelled at the man, not physically injure him.”

“Well didn’t he talk about how you like to bath in the blood of virgins to keep your skin so elegantly.”

“By the Lord that is quite the insualt.” Maria called out with a rather exemplar brow raised, “If that is what happened, I can see why people think I did the other things.”

This time it was Erica who spoke, “Well Maria, you are known to be quite the powerful woman, we would have expected you to do something. If I was honest though, what I heard was not nearly that outrageous.”

“Well, I do not know if I should be glad that I am seen in such a strong light or hate it that they remove my womanly charm.” Maria complained, though a smirk never left her face with them.

>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse
>See if Stacy has any intel on her cousin
>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs
>Surely there are rumors of the resurrected prince about

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

>>4373336
>>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse
Are these rumors really that bad for us if his insult was interpreted that badly?

We're basically mad about him thinking we're crazy for what the church is proud of us for. They aren't normal pagans we killed, they were demon cultists who were killing innocents willingly.

>Is it true that your stomp crack his floor?
>Is it true that your shout broke the glasses around?
>Is it true that you're so mad you could boil water and could cook an egg?
>That your voice is so scary all the animals run 10km aways from the academy?
>That a passing maid terrified so much that she quit her job and never returned?

Man rumors are so shit.

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

>>4373336
>See if Stacy has any intel on her cousin
The more ridiculous the rumor the better for us in the long run.

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

Honestly I'd let the rumor go out of control so we have a casus belli to destroy Ford whenever.

Obviously Maria wouldn't spread that rumor herself, so obviously it's his side that is running embelishment to slander Maria, and all you need is just a glove being thrown at that point

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

>>4373336
>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs

>>4373336
>>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs
I love that the rumors are so outrageous. Makes us have that much more a force to not mess with.

>>4373336
>>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs
I mean, we could try and curb those rumours, but we could also see if Ford accidentally reveals that he thinks we're evil because we saved his (and the prince's) LIVES from demon cultists engaging in ritual sacrifice. Ford doesn't seem to be the type to care about rumours, but he's still immensely hurt politically within the school by the truth when it comes out from his side.

>>4373336
>>4373458
>Try and find out the state of Chloe’s affairs

Alright, I'll change to this.

>>4373336
>Try and curve these rumors before they get even worse

Trying to Curve such ludicrous rumors
>>4373345
>>4373376
>>4373389
>>4373430
>>4373468
>>4373544

What has the Heroine been up too?
>>4373374
>>4373583
>>4373612
>>4373624
>>4373626
>>4373657

Intel on the Cousin
>>4373458

I'mma go for the Heroin, because I will admit the rumors are lackluster. Guess I should not be writing after going 4 hours of clerical work.

>>4373705
>I'mma go for the Heroin
Dang, going for the hard shit QM

>>4373705
>Guess I should not be writing after going 4 hours of clerical work.
Wait a minute, OP a monk confirmed ?

“Well, oh well I cannot do anything more I guess.” Maria answered with a sigh, “Though I worry that if they go too out of hand I might end being a snake haired medusa.”

The two girls who were quite active in gossip simply shrugged to one another, clearly not really caring about the rumors. Of course that would be the case, as they were able to get primary information at who is likely the second most talk about girl on campus. Maria would be the first, but simply put the reality of her world was in her benefit.

However that did change things towards an interesting direction, “So what is the status of miss Budala? I am sure that Chloe girl is up to something right now.”

“You mean the girl who has been staying very close to the First Prince as of recent days?” The venom coming from Erica’s voice was quite pronounced, “She has the first prince around her dirty finger.”

A small grow could be heard out of Tracy, “That upstart peasant is getting too good of a life. I mean, how in the world does she look so good when she came into the Academy in rags! Its unnatural I tell you!”

“I do not like her.” Elizabeth said after a long time of being silent for who knows how long.

Maria felt herself with even more relief as their words reached her ears. Knowing more and more that there were people who were against Chloe was enough to soothe whatever damning thoughts Maria experienced.

“Well, I heard that she was getting a little close to that Holish Prince.” Stacy called out with a frown to herself, “I mean, if she takes the Prince surely she’d help my Cousin but then she’ll have half the Lord’s land under her sway!”

“She’s going after Oskar?” Even hearing it here Maria could not help but feel that was odd. Yeah her memories were foggy, but Oskar was most definitely not a target for capture. It did not make a lick of sense whatsoever!

“That bitch, I hope she burns in hell for this.” Were the words Erica said, which Maria could not agree more with.

>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.
>Go to class as usual, this is not something Maria should be freaking out about
>Other, as I honestly can’t come up with anything more

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.
Come on its military class, Maria can literally learn nothing more from it. Better use the time productively by checking in with our maid.

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

>>4373739
>>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

We might need to warn our friends to back off from anything too extreme with Chloe soon. If they try something with Chloe they're gonna pay a major price and we're gonna get taken down with them by association.

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

>>4373739
>Spend Military class going over what Melody learned of Lisa.

I am not going to bother doing a vote count here.

Soon enough everyone was making their ways to class, education being the foundation of why people stay here. However that was not the plan for Maria, and quickly she traveled towards the Servant’s quarters with a purpose. None around her bothered to question her appearance, either because they know not to get involved or they just did not see her.

For Maria, she could feel a sense of Pride about the latter.

Soon enough she came upon her maid who only took a moment to notice her, “Mistress! Why are you were aren't you supposed to be in class!”

“I am not too worried about class since it is simply my military education.” Maria answered back with a firm determination for herself, “I wanted to know if you found anything about Lisa.”

“Her? Yes I watched the girl during lunch. She was not very observant, though that's because she seemed to be struggling with another person.” Melody seemed to think for a moment, “He was a very plain looking man and he was really wanting to talk to her.”

“PLain looking man, that much be Johnson.” Maria said aload without much thought, “Continue.”

“Y-yes. He was being really sticky to her the entire period. It was like watching a herding dog trying to keep the sheep from leaving them. Though I will admit, it did not seem like the girl was against it.”

“Alright alright, then I guess Oskar is winning her affections. Atleast, that would explain a few other things.”

“Yeah I think so too. Though they have agreed to go on a date here tomorrow.”

“Really, he was able to convince her that!?”

“Well, she mentioned something about already making plans, but never mentioned when. Sorry Mistress, but I could not find what the event was as she was tight lipped about it even to Mr. Johnson.”

“No no, thats alright Melody. The only thing I can think of is that she planned a date with the other man. Yes, that would definitely make sense.”

“Really? Someone told me that, but I was not too sure myself.”

“Someone else, what do you mean by that?” Maria’s interest was suddenly taken at the chance of a third character running the show.

“Yes, her, I never got a good look at her face but she was very helpful in my watching of them. The girl claimed to have been doing it for a few days for, uh, research purposes.”

>Since Maria is already skipping class, she might as well stalk Lisa in her last period to find out more information.
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.
>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.

>>4374056
We haven't planned for our own dance with Albert yet.We should let Ford think we're making evil plans when it's actually us picking out dresses and getting prettied up.
Interfering without knowing what the people themselves want can easily go wrong. Since we don't seem to be bothering with directly talking with people, maybe we need to start having a spy network?
>Track down the mysterious figure
I think it's the old stalker we found earlier and she's researching for her book. If she's doing this well at it then we've got access to our first dedicated spy in a network.

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.
Probably Ms. Fien Kers

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.
No loose ends!

>>4374056
>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

>>4374056
>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.

Right, so our endgame here is to get Lisa and Johnson together, so the Oskar doesn't get more power (and land) from a union with Lisa?

>>4374056
>After class, Maria shall track down this mysterious figure.

>>4374056
>>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

>>4374065
Support

>>4374056
>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

>>4374056
>Make plans for this Date she is already aware about, Maria needs to make it the best either ever had

Mysterious Figure
>>4374058
>>4374065
>>4374086
>>4374117
>>4374230
>>4374266
>>4374384
>>4374405

Date Infultration
>>4374122
>>4374164
>>4374424
>>4374437
>>4374471

Well, this is a little interesting. Oh well time to see mysterious figure!

“Alright, thank you Melody you have done a lot of work for me.” Maria told the maid with a smile, “I guess I will be seeing this mysterious figure myself quite soon.”

“You are welcome, Mistress, I try my best.” Melody said while giving Maria a courteous bow.

With that Maria went off to her Faith class, the place once again being filled with modest activity. Just as Maria took her seat next to Albert, the man gave him a small smile upon receiving her. As for the Heroine, well Chloe was of course at the far end of the room looking out of the window into the Courtyard.

Indeed she is such a pesky girl, and seeing her just grated on Maria’s nerves. Though Maria also noted how the girl was alone, completely alien to the class itself. It was… interesting to say the least.

“Hey Maria, how has your day been going?” Albert asked with a slightly hushed voice.

“Moderate, though I am still in the steps of learning the situation. Though honestly, it feels as if I am not getting enough information.”

Albert gave a slight nod, “Is that so, sorry I could not be of help there.”

“There is no problem with it, you do not possess the skills that I have spent an entire lifetime to craft.” Maria answered back with a smirk, “You however have your own skill set, to which I can confidently say I do not possess.”

“Well since things have come they way they have, I need to help you a little. You know my family is quite powerful in the stakes of trade, and as such we are able to get anything that can be made. While even things in the far east are not feasible in a day, many I keep stalked for many reasons.”

“Is that so…” Maria could not help but feel a little intrigue at his words, “How long is the turnaround?”

“For things that are easy to retrieve, it would take me a day.” He answered with a slightly proud smirk, “Others however will take me much longer. If I have it in stock I can do a week, while those not within my possession will take two weeks at most.”

>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy
>An exotic beast will do, something to bring wonderment for sure.
>Order something else *Write in Anons*
>Not now, Maria is not in the situation for items just yet

>>4374627
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy
Time to cook

Also OP, I dunno if you paid attention, but you forgot to update our conversation stat when you created the new quest

>>4374627
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy
I'm not sure why we have these choices, but I'm assuming that it's a brainfart on my end. This is a good chance to set a trap for our enemies with the alchemy set. Eventually somebody is going to try and steal from our laboratory and they might even be doing it to frame us. We just have to keep meticulous notes (in a language they can't read) to notice when it happens. Be sure to warn Bon before some idiot triggers us burning the empire to the ground if said scheme on their end kills him.


This might be a good chance to advance organic chemistry but im unsure on if our modern knowledge is good enough despite the simplicity of knowing we only have to deal with the bonding of carbon atoms.
Two notable advancements would be getting ammonia without having to buy people's pee and cheap purple dyes when purple dye is only barely affordable for Kings.

>>4374627
>Order something else *Write in Anons*
>A dress and a very sharp hair pin
Did we ever get a dress for the ball? Otherwise I don't think we need anything really.

>>4374665
How long is it until the ball? I figured we had enough time to actually surprise Albert with our dress instead of him seeing it ahead of time. Like spend some time dress shopping or speaking to a gifted artist/tailor with our friends or at least Melody?

>>4374674
You got a week, the event is on the Saturday.

>>4374675
That's cutting it pretty close due to labor if we're getting it handmade from scratch instead of some store. We might need to buy some cloth and hire a tailor/designer asap or alter a premade design.

Chloe will undoubtedly stumble into something radiant that grabs everyone's attention but Chloe only ruins the ball for us if she distracts Albert or causes a commotion that ruins our dance, so the ball itself shouldn't be a problem.

>>4374665
Support. We should vote on the specifics and style of the dress next though.

>>4374718
Actually disregard this. We should just go to a tailor next to order one.

Actual vote:
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy

>>4374627
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy

>>4374659
>>4374627
Adjusting my old vote.

>Request a tailor/designer that can show us some prospective dresses and make adjustments
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy
>Start planning out modern safety measures for the lab that are feasible like an eye wash station (and general emergency shower if something gets splashed on us, first aid kit, protective clothing, and the like so that we don't end up killed in a freak accident.

>>4374627
>Ask for a selection of Medicines (Read Poison) and a book on Alchemy
Might as well start to to study now I guess, since we're getting an economics boost soon.

+
>Ask Albert for seamstress recommendations
He'll probably know the one which all the noble ladies around here are raving about, and maybe some lesser gems.

Of course we're not gonna let him *see* the dress until the dance (a girl's gotta have some ~mysteries~), but we gotta tease our new beau with the fact we're gonna be pretty, well pretty on the night. (And partly for him to boot)

>>4374683
Forget Chloe, the only one we need to impress is Albert. But I will not be opposed to Maria catching someone else's eye in true shojo love triangle fashion.

>>4374659
>I'm not sure why we have these choices
Our boy here is offering us a gift to woo us

>>4374627
>An exotic beast will do, something to bring wonderment for sure.

Exotic beast... like a parrot or like a wyvern? What we are talking here?

>>4374643
>>4374659
>>4374723
>>4374760
>>4374837
Guys we have high intrigue, we don't need poisons. We can procure this easily be ourselves.

>>4374837
>Forget Chloe, the only one we need to impress is Albert.
Well uh.. yeah. I did kinda point that Chloe doesn't matter during the dance unless he's dumb enough took at her instead or some major event happens that gets in the way of having fun.
>>4374861
True, but we are clearly part science nerd deep inside and if we eventually unlock some sort of game potion it's a game changer for any army.

>>4374627
>An exotic beast will do, something to bring wonderment for sure.
>Ask Albert for seamstress recommendations

>>4374627
>>4374807
+1

>>4374861
We could easily ask for some books on actual medicine to be included in the lot. Infact, we probably should to disguise our poison book acquisition.

>we don't need poisons
But poisons perfectly compliment our high intrigue/stealth build though? Assassinations and the like.

And yeah we can procure poisons on our own, but I'm betting increasing the medicine (poison?) skill will also increase our knowledge of poisons and their antidotes too.

Poison is a woman's best friend
>>4374723
>>4374760
>>4374807
>>4374837
>>4374881

Exotic beast
>>4374858
>>4374870
Im not going to bother counting the dress as that actually should just happen. Besides that, Poison it is!!

“Hmm, well there are a couple of things.” Maria answered still in a hush tone, “If you can gather for me some medicines would be a grand things. Maybe a book along with it so that I might be able to study what exactly I am handling.”

“That would be easy to get. I have a few things in stock that would work.” He gave himself a nod before raising a small brow, “And what else would you need?”

“Hmm, well a dress of course.”

“A dress…” Albert seemed to be surprised but for a moment before slapping himself in the face, “Oh by the Lord above why have I not organized getting you a dress!”

“Well that would simply be because I never thought of it till now.” Maria answered with a shrugging of her shoulders, “So I am at fault for that little problem, since I am simply in a land where the only weight I hold is with the religious institution.”

“Well, I will see what I can do. My family knows a good amount of seamstresses so I should have a good opening here early next week.”

“Alright then, I will go take care of that when it comes.”

“You said ‘I’, are you planning on going by yourself?”

“Indeed, as I want to keep it a little secret for the ball. Why would you want to spoil the fun?”

For a moment the man seemed to be in deep thought, eventually though he gave a nod, “As long as I do not pay my entire fortune.”

“You think I am that kind of girl.” Maria asked with a laugh while Albert just shook his head.

With that conversation done class began with time swiftly flying by. Before anyone could really notice it was already over and the hallways were filled with people once again. For Maria she was quickly moving through the crowds after saying good bye to Albert, seeking her target with swift precision.

[Military Success]

It was not that hard of a matter, in order to find the girl Maria was dedicated to watching. Just as she expected, the girl was avidly talking to the Holish Prince, seemingly enjoying her time. However, unknown to the other two, there was a figure stalking the two with a brown cloak this time. However, Maria knew for an instant the moment she saw the writting upon the girl’s paper who it was.

Fein Kers, once an avid stalker and now someone addicted to the concept of Otome.

>Approach the girl as a simple Noble, no need to rise suspicion from her.
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write
>Maria shall simply let the girl bask in her glory, for she will surely give information to someone as interesting as Maria the Kingslayer
>Eh, just stalk the stalker again
>Other methods of approach

>>4375166
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write

>>4375166
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write
So we meet again, my dear novelist

>>4375166
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write
Let's try to get some goodwill from her. Could make a good spy later on, she's not bad at stalking.

>>4375166
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write

>>4375166
>>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write
>Other
>Recruit the girl
tfw no big tiddy goth medieval fantasy gf

>>4375166
>Maria shall simply let the girl bask in her glory, for she will surely give information to someone as interesting as Maria the Kingslayer

>>4375166
>Reveal who Maria was, the person who hinted at an entire genre for her to write

Maria watched over the group for a few minutes, looking for her chance to intercept this little parade of people. Of course her chance eventually came as the couple just rounded the corner, leaving Fein Kers out of their sight. So with that, Maria made her approach.

[Royal Demeanor Success]

“Hello there, Miss Kers, it has been a long time.”

“Huh!” The girl quickly flipped around with wide eyes. In a moment later though they became the size of saucers with a small hint of fear, “Oh, uh, Miss Regnia. Did I do anything wrong?”

“No no you have not.” Maria answered with a guiding hand, “Though I do wish to talk to you. Mind if we get out of this hallway.”

“Uh, are you sure that you did not confuse me with someone else?”

“No I did not. I wanted to talk to you about the book I am sure you have been writing.” Maria answered while making her way towards an empty classroom.

“Y-w-how,” The girl seemed to suddenly begin to malfunction but began to follow anyway. It was likely just the presence of Maria leading her on, easily controlling such a confused brain.

As Maria shut the door behind them the Kingslayer felt she could finally speak freely, “It is quite easy on how I know. You have already read what it was I wrote.”

It only took a moment after Maria’s words the the girl seemed to snap, “I-it was you!!”

“Indeed, though sadly I have not had the time to continue myself. Simply put my life is way too cluttered now I fear to have drop it.” Before the girl could say anything about Maria’s words she quickly followed up with her question, “So, if I may ask, how is your story coming along?”

“It's coming along really well!” she announced while taking out a large pile of papers and placing them in front of Maria from who knows where, “If you want to look over them you can!”

Maria did just that, but quickly noticed the problem presenting itself, “I am sorry, but however you wrote this I cannot read it.”

“Oh damn it! I should have translated them first!” She complained before quickly gathering the papers back into her being.

With the chance given Maria decided to ask her question, “So if I may ask, why were you following the Lisa girl.”

“Oh them? Research!” The girl cheered while finally getting her work together, “Their relationship is getting so spicy that I want to see it to the end! Then I shall write about it!”

“Is that so…”

>Ask the Questions Maria has *Write in please*
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining
>Maybe they both can go stalk Lisa

>>4375646
>Ask the Questions Maria has *Write in please*
Tell about what you’ve seen from it, which one is more likely to win her hand ?

>>4375646
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining
And this too >>4375658

>>4375646
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining

>>4375646
>>4375658
This first, then:
She's a bit of a blabbermouth if anyone actually speaks to her and she's going to write everything anyway. Best to not be direct since it would be misinterpreted as actually targeting Chloe when misc factions start thinking about assassinations.
>Tell her past gossip and how it resolved. (Eg Ford and her Cousin's little spat. Some misc romance stuff that happened during our time here) Remember out loud how we have to warn Bon from starting some sort of forbidden affair while complaining about how catastrophic a love decahedron jenga tower could get when the first prince is involved in a battle over a woman. All carefully worded.based on what she's actually done with maybe some hypothetical extra entanglements (aka tease out a bit of info on certain routes) if she doesn't learn how to avoid such things. That should hook her in and we can just pretend reading about the chaos that ensues around Chloe is at least entertaining. If she asks why we have such specific scenarios in mind? Well as noble women we have to be prepared for such things as a manner of course! That'll make Kers seem like she's obsessed with romantic delusions of the nobility if somebody notices and questions her.

>>4375646
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining

And
>>4375658
This as well

>>4375646
>>>Ask the Questions Maria has *Write in please*
>>4375658
Also what has she been up to? Have an actual conversation with the girl.

>>4375646
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining

>>4375658
+1

>>4375646
>Recruit this girl into Maria’s network, by convincing her the Chloe ordeal is far more entertaining

Recruit Her
>>4375680
>>4375689
>>4375738
>>4375801
>>4375983

Just Questions to Ackowledge
>>4375658
>>4375783
>>4375858

Yeah no Recuitement
>>4375723

Looks to be recruiting, and I acknowledge the question.

“Well if that is the case, who do you think is winning?” Maria asked the relationship researcher.

“Oh it would be Oskar almost by a landslide!” She announced without much worry, “The kind Childhood friend was beaten out by an exotic Forign Prince. Oh it is a tragedy in the making for sure!”

“Is that so?”

“It is, though again we cannot rule out the Childhood friend. He was able to get a date with her on saturday.” She mussed before getting a sinister smile, “Though the Prince scored Sunday, so take that as you will.”

“Sunday… is she taking him to Church?”

“Fufufu, you got that right.” Fein announced while a snicker, “It seems they are taking all day for each other. Church in the morning, a horse ride in the afternoon, finishing with dinner at an expensive restaurant.”

“Is that so? Is that not a little too much for them?”

“That is what I thought. I mean the Childhood Friend only has a nice walk and dinner planned with her.” Fein answered with a shrugging of her shoulders, “Though you never know what could happen~”

With those words Maria was for the most part satisfied with knowledge but not everything, “Interesting, well is that everything you have been uptoo recently?”

“Eh, well, I have been writing….” Fein answered while timidly bridging her fingers, “I guess school work as well.”

[Intrigue Success]

“Well it sounds like you need to get out a little more, how about coming to one of my Tea Parties at some point?”

“A-a Tea Party!?” She exclaimed with a good amount of excitement, “Are you sure about that?”


“I am. We talk about these kinda things all the time, I am sure you would find many of them interesting to write about.” Maria seemed to ponder for a moment, “Though I suggest you bring a translated copy of your novel, they will love it.”

“Is that so. Well, I will do so!” She cheered.

“Oh and another thing, I suggest you eye a girl named Chloe Loveheart. She is one who will make an interesting story.”

“Yeah, people were saying she was getting with the first prince…” Fien Kers made a nice nod to Maria and a cheer, “Alright, I will do so!”

And with that, Maria had a spy who did not even know they were one.

>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation
>Go see Melody, have some fun with the maid
>Instead of scheming, go for a walk

>>4376163
>Go see Melody, have some fun with the maid

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation
Fellas we have a date to crash (Also we need to make childhood friends date go swimmingly)

>>4376163
>>Instead of scheming, go for a walk

>>4376163
>>4376192
Support

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation

>>4376163
>Go see Melody, have some fun with the maid

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation

>>4376163
>Go see the Second Prince’s Camp to tell them of the situation

>>4376163
>Go see Melody, have some fun with the maid

Looking at the maid looks like Hitori bocchi in maid costume

With her talk with Miss. Kers done, Maria quickly made her way down the halls and through recognizable walls. Just as many times before, she noted the rather calm library as she passed it. Though now that she thought about it, why did the Second Prince choose to stay here. Yes it was a spare room he could get, but Maria also noted that with his political clout he could likely get another room more equal to the First Prince’s.

How such a thought ebbed away as Maria finally arrived at the door to the study. Without much care she opened it, receiving a welcoming sight of a few men drinking tea.

“Oh Maria, welcome.” Albert called out with a smile, “I have good news, they were able to transport the goods with the messenger on his way back.”

“Really? That was quite fast.”

“Indeed, but I would give my thanks to a recent service opening up. The Mailmen seem to come to the Academy on the hour it seems.”

“Fufufu, well that's good to know.” Maria mused while thinking of what were likely her men doing a good job, “So what do we have?”

“Well, uh, I don't really know myself. I felt it would be better for you to look over the things before anything else.”

“Then lets open it.”

Albert quickly took out a rather large case, the object looking to have suffered a few years under the counter for sure. After a pair of latches were removed, the smell of leather entered their noses.

“By the Lord, what did you get?”

“I… do not really know myself.”

There were a series of vials and what looked to be old plants scattered about it. In the middle was of course a Mortor and Psetil, but there as well was a series of measuring instruments with a rather large needle. At the side was a book, so Maria picked it up and began to read the first page.

A Thousand Secrets of the Gods, Valor The Alchemist

That name, where was it Maria recognized from?

“Oh I found the list!” Announced Albert, which quickly drew Maria’s attention from him and to a rather lengthy sheet of medicines. Of course, Maria was easily able to read over the man’s shoulder.

Drought of Mending Rendered Flesh
Drought of Burn Relief
Liquor of restfulness
Potion of Lust
Mind Manipulator
Cospotan
Drought of Human Ecstasy

Most of the names were self explanatory, so what kind of scheme could Maria pull off with these…

>Use the Lust Potion to get the Holish Prince and the Girl kicked from the school.
>Use the Mind Manipulation potion to drive Oskar insane
>During the Johnson Date, drug the girl with Ecstasy
>Other Ideas

>>4376717
>Other Ideas
A combo of drugging Lisa with Ecstasy + Mind Manipulation of Oscar plans

Use the ecstasy potion during Lisa and Johnson's dates to push them together (maybe a low dose of Lust Potion on the two when the time is right to get them to seal the deal, so to speak), while at the same time drugging Oscar with mind manipulator so that his resulting breakdown looks like the result of him being jilted by Lisa.

This way we stop Oskar gaining more power by way of Lisa's lands, and also undermine him to make our eventual takeover easier.

Using the lust potion on Oskar and Lisa might backfire because there's nothing to stop them hitching up after they're kicked out, which is what we're trying to avoid.

Suddenly making Oskar go insane out of the blue might draw too much suspicious to us, especially with Ford's ongoing smear campaign.

>>4376717
>Use the Mind Manipulation potion to drive Oskar insane
Let's give the other guy a happy ending and only kick the boy out, which would increase our reasons for invading

>>4376717
>This Valor person seems like a pervert. At least they made some useful potions too.
>The liquor of restfulness to make the Holish prince miss his date seems the most efficient usage. Can we take steps to overwork him slightly before he sips some tea so that he thinks he doesn't suspect foul play?
>Try to improve Johnson's self esteem or at least work him up to be true to his feelings rather than let his heart be torn asunder for it is almost too late. I'm sure the gossip girls can find a way to spur him into action. Lisa is probably waiting for him to man up already.

>>4376737
Actually, this is more complete

>>4376717
>>4376737
+1

>>4376737
Remember, getting kicked out is equal to an excommunication as he will not be Corinated. Thought I would clear that up.

>>4377034
Be that as it may, I think having the prince under our control rather than excommunicated is still better, since we'll better be able to influence Holand's moves during the war.