>>4640730
>Watch him for a while

>>4640730
>Greet him formally

>>4640730
>>Watch him for a while

>>4640730
>>Greet him formally

>>4640730
>>Greet him formally
I'm curious and he's too handsome to be left alone surely

>>4640730
> Leave before he notices you
He's too handsome for our own good, and that's exactly why he's a problem. Also, there's no way he isn't the Ishii boy, and that means:
> Hard social combat rolls to charm a full Plutocrat
> Even harder social combat rolls against Winslet-san the morning after.
The dice gods hate Kaguya.

Also, welcome back, OP, thank you for running with us again!

>>4640730
>Leave before he notices you

File: Kaguya.jpg (284 KB, 899x500)

284 KB JPG

It would be rude not to greet him. And the last thing you want to do is appear rude.

“Good Morning,” You say, drawing his attention. You bow formally, although not more respectfully than appropriate for your station. “I see you are enjoying our archery range.”

“Indeed.” The young Plutocrat bows back, just as respectfully and formally and with a good deal less stiffness. “It is a fine archery range, one that gives a beautiful view of the morning.”

“Is that so?” You stare up at the small square of blue the range’s open portion provided. It was a perfectly clear day, save for the distant vapour trail of a high-altitude plane. “Ah, but where are my manners? May I ask your name?”

“Ishii Kuro.” The young Plutocrat replies. Just as you suspected, he was the Ishii boy. He smiles, although there’s a hint of unsureness in his expression. “And here I thought I had met every plutocrat my age … May I ask your name?”

>”Muramoto Kaguya.” The proud daughter of the Muramoto family he’s somehow never heard of.

>”Suzuki Kaguya.” Some would insist this is the truth, but then there is the shame of illegitimacy ...

>A playful nickname (what?)

>>4643936
>"Kaguya". Avoid the matter of the family name.

>>4643957
support

>>4643957
^this.
I told you that there's no way this will turn out good for us.

>>4643957
+1

>>4643957
+1, play up the folk tale angle.

>>4643936
What happened to our most recent ex-body guard that got the covid virus? Is he still a vegetable?

>>4645256
Yep.

>>4643957
This. Mysterious~
>>4645256
Yes, but we have a badass merc on the case, surely it will all turn out fine.

File: ArcheryHall.jpg (71 KB, 736x490)

71 KB JPG

“Call me … Kaguya.” You say slightly mysteriously. You don’t elaborate any further.

“Kaguya, huh? Well, there certainly is plenty of bamboo on this mountainside.” Kuro-kun says, playing along.

“Indeed. And how about you? Are you planning on making a target of the Sun?”

“Unfortunately, I am not so fine a shot as Hou Yi ...”

You and Kuro banter back and forth. This kind of veiled conversation was an acceptable form of social combat. It allowed one to get the measure of their conversation partner. A conversation between Plutocrats could be entirely unpredictable for outsiders, changing from obscure mythological references to gauge their level of culturing to an in-depth analogy on advanced scientific terms to gauge their technical understanding and capability to follow. It was rare that you talked to a peer with the same level of knowledge and education you had. But even then. you’re only able to keep up for a few lines before you subtly withdraw from the verbal battle. It seemed that Kuro-kun had experience with this.

You feel a slight yearning for the community of plutocratic peers you know exists now. Perhaps if you were treated as a full member of the Muramoto Family and not hidden away, then you would have met a friend on your level from an earlier age. But if they’re all as adept as Kuro-kun is, then you would simply be as out-of-place as if you never met them at all. So it was no use dwelling on it.

“I hope I’m not preventing you from practising your archery.” Kuro-kun politely says, shaking you out of your gloomy thoughts.

“Hmm … Oh, yes? I’m sorry, but I missed that …”

“You are dressed for archery, aren’t you?” Kuro-kun points out.

You were trapped now. There was no retreating from this situation without making things awkward … Well, so be it. You practised archery every day, you wouldn’t embarrass yourself …

… Winslet-san will not be pleased to hear that you’ve interacted so much with the guests she warned you to stay away from, would she?

>Quickly apologize and awkwardly retreat. You should be looking for your tutor … or something.

>Quickly apologize and shamefully retreat. Admit you were forbidden from speaking with guests.

>Grab a bow and begin practising. Let’s see how your archery compares to a peer’s.

>What is he doing using your archery range without permission? You’re sure the answer will be interesting.

>>4645410
>What is he doing using your archery range without permission? You’re sure the answer will be interesting.
But state it in a roundabout way like "I didn't expect to find anyone at the range today"

>>4645425
Supporting this

>>4645410
>Grab a bow and begin practising. Let’s see how your archery compares to a peer’s.
He did invite us, and it'd be improper to disobey our betters.

>>4645410
>What is he doing using your archery range without permission? You’re sure the answer will be interesting.

Better to engage than retreat, and Winslet can't be too mad as we were following her schedule and were thus ambushed. Speaking of which, our tutor should be here to help with our classes, so this meeting may have been intentional.

>>4645501
Normally I would agree, but Winslet specifically told us to stay away from our guests, and him being here alone during our class time is... highly unusual, to say the least.

>>4645410
>>Quickly apologize and awkwardly retreat. You should be looking for your tutor … or something.
I already regret this. Time to book it.

>>4645501
This. Roll the nat1 we deserve, and burn in shame. I told you so...

>>4645410
>>Quickly apologize and awkwardly retreat. You should be looking for your tutor … or something.

>>4645410
>>Grab a bow and begin practising. Let’s see how your archery compares to a peer’s.

>>4645425
This.
>>4645501
He might've BTFO'd us with his sick bantz, but he's not out boss or anything. He's just a plutocrat kid.

>>4645410
>Apologize and awkwardly retreat

“I’ve been meaning to ask …” You begin, “I did not expect to find a guest using the range at this hour. The tour of the martial arts facilities was slated for this afternoon, according to the itinerary I received. If I may confess, you caught me unprepared.”

“Is that so?” Kuro-kun chuckles, a gentle and musical titter, “Well to tell the truth, I abandoned the tour not long ago. It was getting dreadfully boring, you see? When I stumbled across this hall, it did not seem restricted. And that’s when I found a rack of these bows.”

Kuro-kun bends back the bamboo yumi bow appreciatively. “Back home, all the bows are made from synthetic materials. It’s rare for me to see an artisan handcrafted bamboo bow, especially one intended for use. I couldn’t resist trying it out.”

It is such a simple and innocent motivation that you can’t help but laugh a little yourself. “Well, please feel free to. The bows are on a rack for public use after all. Still, slipping away from a formal tour is quite, how should I put it … adventurous?”

“Is that so? Well, I wasn’t much more than a tagalong to begin with.” Kuro-kun says.

“A tagalong? Is that so?”

“Indeed. I was visiting the local branch of my family while I was in town. I’m from the main branch in Tokyo, you see? And well, there wasn’t much to do today so I decided to join this tour more or less on a whim.” Kuro-kun explains, “Perhaps leaving the group behind was a small mercy, as they never factored me into the original planned tour.”

“Ah, perhaps it is then.” You automatically agree with Kuro-kun before catching yourself.

You’re not unaware of the effect he’s having on you. The small, usually subconscious facial cues he was giving you was triggering your orbitofrontal cortex. And the tone of his voice was simultaneously relaxing your amygdala and stimulating your paracingulate cortex. A baseline person would be defenseless against him. You hope your own partially enhanced self-awareness will be able to keep up.

“But even given that, I’m surprised they did not give you at least a retainer to guide you.” You comment.

“Oh, they did.” Kuro-kun explains, “I simply … left him behind.”

His words are swiftly proven when just as he finishes them, you hear the sound of running footsteps in the distance. Moments later, a distressed looking Muramoto Enforcer enters the archery hall.

“Ishii-sama I finally caught up to you.” He gasps. To make a cybernetically enhanced enforcer out-of-breath just by slipping away from them … Then again, the pursuer always had to cover more ground than the escapee. And it would have reflected badly on that Enforcer if he needed to call on the Manor’s security systems to find one boy.

“Ah. I was wondering when you would catch up.” Kuro-kun nonchalantly, and utterly shamelessly, says. The Enforcer is visibly fuming, but for the sake of courtesy he holds his tongue. You have the utmost admiration for the professionalism of Enforcers.

“Well, I think we’ve wandered around enough. Let’s return to the rest of the group now.” The Enforcer politely, but firmly insists …

>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>Intercede on Kuro’s behalf. You’ll take responsibility for touring him.

>>4647014
>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

Not worth the fallout with Winslet IMO

>>4647014
>>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>>4647014
>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

We have classes to engage in, after all.

>>4647014
>Bid farewell
Until he slips away again

>>4647014
>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>>4647014
>Intercede on Kuro’s behalf. You’ll take responsibility for touring him.
We're not part of the tour. He's not part of the tour. Whinslet's got nothing to kick about.

>>4647301
^This.

We're already neck deep in . Kuro likes us, why won't we hit on someone our size?

>>4647301
>>4647355
We are in no hurry, and I'm sure this incident will force Winslet's hand on the matter. Better to be invited rather than barge in where we're not wanted. Plus, I'd bet a Hopeful token that we've peeked his interest enough that he'd seek us out instead. Playing hard to get may give us more in the long run.

>>4647355
>Kuro likes us
Citation needed, anon. Don't mistake general plutocratic sociableness for affection.

>>4647014
>>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>>4647014
>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>>4647014
>Intercede on Kuro’s behalf. You’ll take responsibility for touring him.
Fuck it

>>4647015
>>4647043
>>4647051
>>4647072
>>4647186
>>4647731
>>4647745
>Bid farewell to Kuro-kun. It seems no damage was done.

>>4647301
>>4647355
>>4647893
>Intercede on Kuro’s behalf. You’ll take responsibility for touring him.

When the fuck did I get this many players?

>>4649193
Jokes on you, I've been samefagging all this time! But seriously, don't sell yourself short Noir. You reap what you sow, and the seeds were bountiful.

“Very well.” Kuro-kun acquiesces to his guide, before turning to you. “It seems that’s it for now, Kaguya-hime. Send my regards to Chang’e.”

And with that, Kuro disappears, leaving the archery range as it usually was. Minus your tutor. Speaking of that, where was your Tutor?

You do your stretches, string your bow, and wait. Fifteen minutes pass. Still no tutor. Strange, he was always here before you. This was unprecedented.

Your class is almost half-over. Well, as your Governess, Winslet-san was responsible for managing your education. If there were any issues, you should go to her.

So you call Winslet-san. She immediately responds. However, her voice is slightly irritated. “You should know that I’m hosting our guests. I hope this is important.”

“I apologize for disturbing you, Winslet-san, but my tutor is missing.” You inform her.

“Your tutor is missing?” This gives Winslet-san some pause, “That’s … quite unexpected.”

“Yes. Perhaps he saw Ishii-kun in the archery range and thought it was being used for the guests today.”

“Ah, was that where they found him?” Winslet-san says , “... Wait, you saw him?”

“Yes. He was quite courteous.”

Silence on the other end. Then, finally Winslet-san speaks up. “That … changes quite a few things. Well, it would be impolite for a known member of the family to not formally greet such guests. Lady Kaguya, please change into an appropriate outfit for the occasion. If you require assistance, please call Lady Muramoto’s handmaids over. And when you arrive, try to remember your etiquette lessons.”

You quickly return to your room and clean up. Since your class ended early, you have much more extra time. Things feel much more leisurely. It was almost like an extra free day …

So in the end, it turns out it was fine for you to meet the guests after all … at least given the circumstances ...

>Wear a relatively casual Yukata. It’s a social event, not a banquet.

>Wear your furisode. Elegance never hurts.

>Wear the outfit you used in your excursion into the Hills.

>Your gothloli outfit is modular. Make it more casual. Might as well use it.

>>4649538
>Wear your furisode. Elegance never hurts.

>>4649538
>Wear your furisode. Elegance never hurts.
Dress to impress.

>>4649538
>>Wear your furisode. Elegance never hurts.

>>4649538
>Wear a relatively casual Yukata. It’s a social event, not a banquet.
Kuro was dressed simply, and I doubt he brought a separate outfit specifically for archery.

>>4649538
>>Wear your furisode. Elegance never hurts.

>>4649698
^ this. This is a formal meet and greet, the two families are expected to make diplomatic contact and prepare for the formal negotiations while the exact details of the treaties to be signed were wrked on for months by low level diplomats.

>>4649538
Also don't we have anything between a yukata and a furisode which is a Japanese style dress (type of kimono)? I'm thinking between business wear and black tie, since the furisofe is white tie wear, and that should be reserved for only the most formal events.

>>4649948
Frag, I should have included that as an option. Fashion is hard.

You decide it would be best to wear the furisode. If pulled off correctly, elegance never hurt. It was only when it was distasteful that it became out of place. So, you’ll dress to impress.

But if that’s the case, you’ll have to get help from Lady Muramoto’s Handmaids to dress. You shudder as you remember the last time they had visited you. Hopefully, an incident like that wouldn’t happen again. That being said, how would you contact those handmaids? Usually when you needed their help, it was an event known in advance and they’d just appear. They were Lady Muramoto’s personal staff so unlike most of the servants in the household, you didn’t have the privileges to simply request their service over the net.

You’ll have to call Winslet-san again …

“Oh what is it this time?” Winslet-san snaps telepathically over the call. Even given the circumstances, she’s more irritable than the situation calls for.

“Winslet-san, I can’t summon my Mother’s handmaids.” You tell her.

“Can you not? Frag.” Winslet-san swears. She sounds at the end of her patience, although thankfully her ire is not directed at you. “I’ll fix this. Please wait a moment, Lady Kaguya.”

The call cuts out, leaving you to wait. It seems you’re doing a lot of waiting today. Then, you hear a knock on your door. Opening it, you find not the two handmaids you’ve grown to expect, but Winslet-san herself.

“I may not have much experience with eastern clothing, but it seems we’ll have to make do.” says Winslet-san, “Now, Lady Kaguya, if I may ask to enter your room …”

She asked you politely, but you don’t have much of a choice but to oblige. And so, a woman you had no small amount of apprehension for stepped into the one part of the Manor that was truly yours.

“Would you like some refreshments?” You offer.

“Don’t forget your position.” Winslet-san scolds you, “I’m your family’s domestic servant. It isn’t your place to wait on me … unless you’ve gotten a personal handmaid since the last time I checked. Now, let’s get you in that dress.”

>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

>Ask Winslet-san why she came personally

>Winslet-san proves to know her way around a kimono. Where did she learn?

>Ask Winslet-san if you’re in trouble for meeting Kuro (Social Combat)

>Ask Winslet-san what’s got her in a bad mood (Social Combat)

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going
My guess is not well.

>>4651424
I'm even going to guess, based on how Winslet-san reacted to the offer of refreshments, that Kyune is making an ass of herself out there.

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san what’s got her in a bad mood (Social Combat)

>>4651418
>>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

If she blows off some steam, she may feel better.

>>4651418
>>Ask Winslet-san if you’re in trouble for meeting Kuro (Social Combat)

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

>>4651418
>Ask Winslet-san how the visit is going

“How is the visit going?”You ask. Perhaps if you give Winslet-san an opportunity to vent, she will feel better.

“As well as one could reasonably expect, I suppose.” Winslet-san sighs, “But Seru and Teru never behave like anything but the brink of courteous. I confess, it’s quite a nightmare watching those two devils and hoping they behave themselves …”

“I see.” You nod understandingly. You had half-expected that Kyune would be the one misbehaving. But then again, Winslet-san wasn’t Kyune’s governess. You … actually wasn’t sure who’s Kyune’s governess was. She had never mentioned one. “Is my older sis-Cousin attending the visit as well?”

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for Lady Kyune not to.” Winslet-san says, “But judging from stories from the staff, whether or not Lady Kyune behaves appropriately is up to her whims. She hasn’t deigned to show her face yet.”

Winslet-san tightens your Obi with a tug, before stepping back to observe her work. “It appears that we’re finished.”

>Roll 3 1d20’s to see how Winslet-san did. You will need 2 Successes.
>Also, do you have any other questions for Winslet-san?

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4653259

>Also, do you have any other questions for Winslet-san?

Besides Kuro-kun, who else did the Ishii bring that Kaguya has to greet?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4653259
>Also, do you have any other questions for Winslet-san?
Any last minute advice on how not to drop the ball?

>>4653265
Eek.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4653259

>>4653259
Any advice, Winslet-san? Are you mad at me?

Thank you for your assistance, Winslet-san!

>>4653260
>>4653273
The dice gods hating *Kaguya* to be specific confirmed.

>>4653259
Fuck questions, let's meet some people.

File: Alfred_Stevens_-_La_Paris(...).jpg (2.45 MB, 1883x2834)

2.45 MB JPG

Passed out yesterday, whoops.

>+2 Winslet is good with clothes
>2 Successes

You look in the mirror. What you saw surprised you. It didn’t look bad per se, but where Winslet-san hadn’t known how to authentically tie or bind, she had made do with her own taste. What Winslet-san had dressed you in was nothing like a Furisode and more like a haute couture piece of fashion. It was less Japanese and more Japonisme.

“I hope that’s satisfactory, Lady Kaguya.” Winslet-san says.

You smile and nod. “Thank you!”

“There’s no need to thank me, Dear.” Winslet-san tells you, “Now let’s go visit our guests.”

If the itinerary hadn’t been deviated from, then the guests would currently be touring the Western Gardens. And judging by where Winslet-san was leading you, that was the case. But right before you turn the corner to the hallway leading out of the Upper-West Wing, Winslet-san stops you.

“I pray you remember your etiquette lessons.” She says.

You nod. “May I ask who from the Ishii family is present?”

“There’s Yuling Ishii, the young wife of the Ishii Branch Manager. Then there’s Seiko Ishii, her daughter. You shouldn’t have many problems with her.” Winslet-san tells you, “And then there’s Kuro Ishii. You’ve already met him. Now, do you have any other questions?”

“Yes. Is there anything else I should know?” You ask.

“Act as if you are an equal to them.” Winslet-san says, “We are only presenting you to them because you presented yourself to one of them as a member of the Muramoto Family, and it would be impolite for you not to greet the rest of the guests if you were. So carry yourself as a daughter of the Muramoto Family.”

>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>You’re sorry about that, meeting Kuro and making work for her. (+1 Cynical)

>>4656546
>>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4656546
> You’re sorry about that, meeting Kuro and making work for her. (+1 Cynical)
Mine Cynical whenever possible to have the Cynical options wherever necessary

>>4656546
>>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4656546
>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4656546
>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4656546
>You’re sorry about that, meeting Kuro and making work for her. (+1 Cynical)

Even though we are a daughter of the Muramoto Family, and I like the Hopeful options despite Cynical costs coming up more often, I do feel this way. It wasn't our intention to create more work for her.

>>4656546
>You ARE a daughter of the Muramoto Family. (+1 Hopeful)

>+1 Hopeful

“Thank you for your advice. But I am a daughter of the Muramoto family.” You nonchalantly, but perfectly seriously tell Winslet-san. You wait for her to scold you, and for a moment it seems she will.

“Now isn’t the time for this.” She eventually says, neither agreeing or disagreeing with you. “Now, it’s about time to meet the guests.”
…

You meet the guests in a corner of the garden, under a perpetually fruiting plum tree. The air was heavy with the scent of ripe plums that had fallen and burst on the ground, heavier and richer than a natural plum tree.

“Kaguya-chan. I’m so glad you could join us.” Lady Muramoto cordially greets you. She is clad in her customary multicolored Junihitoe, her face plastered in makeup. Seeing her, you realize that there was no need to have worried about dressing formally. it wouldn’t have mattered how elegantly and formally you had dressed, no one would have noticed while Lady Muramoto was around.

“Hello, Mother.” You say simply in reply. It needled at you slightly to call her mother, but you had to keep up appearances after all.

Virtually clinging to her skirts were Seru and Teru. In stark contrast to their mother, they were dressed in expensive western clothes like animated porcelain dolls. They didn’t usually cling so closely to their mother. You’re guessing that Winslet-san had scolded them rather harshly recently, only for Lady Muramoto to intercede on their behalf.

And then there were the guests. Standing next to Lady Muramoto was a tall, elegant lady with platinum-blond hair, dressed in what you guessed were the latest fashions in the city. Then. there was a conceited-looking girl sitting on a bench and fanning herself with a fan. And then there was Kuro, standing slightly apart from the group and admiring some flowers. Kyune was nowhere to be seen.

>Focus on talking with Yuling Ishii. It seems plutocratic traditions vary from family to family.

>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. She seems bored.

>Resume your talking with Kuro-kun. You were interrupted last time.

>Keep to yourself and see how things play out

>>4658361
>Resume your talking with Kuro-kun. You were interrupted last time.
Only polite, plus I feel talking to Seiko might go better after this.

>>4658361
>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. She seems bored.

>>4658361
>Focus on talking with Yuling Ishii. It seems plutocratic traditions vary from family to family.

>>4658361
>Resume your talking with Kuro-kun. You were interrupted last time.

Seiko will naturally gravitate towards us, if only to alleviate the boredom.

>>4658361
>>Resume your talking with Kuro-kun. You were interrupted last time.

>>4656773
> I like the Hopeful options despite Cynical costs coming up more often
^this. OP, could you please rebalance the Hopeful and Cynical options so that either we choose, we could achieve a better result, just with the opposite polarity, such as:

You are sitting in a bench together on one of the lush terraces of the Manor with Kuro-kun. The Sun begins to set, and you are feeling a tad cold. You look deep into the eye of Kuro.
> He has a nice, warm sweater, maybe you could ask him for that
> You call the Enforcer behind you and say goodbye to him, it's getting late
> (Hopeful) You inch closer to him in anticipation that he has received your subtle signs to watch the sunset in your caress
> (Cynical) Standing up, you invite him into your wing of the Manor for some evening Go. He must be cold, too.

(I'm not OP, I can't write, but something similar. Achieve the same result with a route of opposite polarities - here is to get closer to Kuro)

>>4659475
Cynical comes up more because you guys play Kaguya pretty schemingly.

That being said, perhaps I haven't been watching the costs closely enough so I'll keep a closer eye on them in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

“I hope you’re enjoying this tour.” You say to Kuro-kun.

“Yes. It’s a lovely garden.” Kuro-kun responds, “Although it lacks as many exotic specimens as the Tokyo Ishii Manor.”

“Well, a branch family’s garden could never compare with the seat of power of a global Plutocratic family.” You politely protest. “Many more delicate specimens would not survive here. Even high up in the mountains, air pollution levels are too much for them to bear.”

“Not necessarily. Most of the flowers here are natural, or varieties selectively grafted and bred without genetic engineering. The only plant I saw in this garden that was genetically engineered was that plum tree. Furthermore, the flowers here are all cared for by hand. A human nourished them, cared for them.” Kuro-kun admiringly says, “Back home, we have a fleet of drones to garden. And most of the gardens are not open to the sky, but in greenhouses where the temperature is regulated. Even in the midst of enjoying hanami in march, the air feels no different than outside.”

“I see.” You nod, “But I’ve heard that Tokyo is known for the quality of air, especially after Japan’s Wind and Water initiative. The airspace above the Kanto Plain is said to be 2000% cleaner than the air above Shenzen, let alone an industrial artificial island such as Noir.”

“One would have hoped that the initiative would have ended Japan’s dependence on such polluting imported fuels.” Kuro-kun laments, “But Even two years before the projects end, the wind farms and hydroelectric dams proved far from sufficient to fulfill Tokyo’s energy needs. Perhaps if the Wind and Water initiative was supplemented with thorium reactors too, but the public would never accept that no matter how hard the Corporations try to sell it to them. And even then, atmospheric smog wouldn’t stop being carried over by ocean winds from the mainland as well as the artificial islands in the South China Sea.”

“It seems this world will remain a polluted one for our foreseeable lifetimes.” You sigh softly.

“It seems so.” Kuro-kun agrees, “But then again, it makes places like this, of clean air and water, all the more precious, does it not?”

“Sometimes I forget I live on Hourai Island.” You admit, staring at the verdant beauty of the garden around you.

>Ask Kuro-kun to introduce you to his family

>Kuro-kun spoke rather harshly of his home, didn’t he?

>Kuro-kun seems to value the natural and human factor quite highly.

>How did Kuro-kun tell that the garden was tended by hand?

>>4660672
>>Kuro-kun seems to value the natural and human factor quite highly.

>>4660672
>Kuro-kun seems to value the natural and human factor quite highly

>>4660672
>Kuro-kun seems to value the natural and human factor quite highly.

>>4660667
We're scheming for the greater good!

>>4660672
>Kuro-kun spoke rather harshly of his home, didn’t he?

>>4660672
Wait, Noir is an artificial island? With _mountains_?

>>4660672
>Kuro-kun spoke rather harshly of his home, didn’t he?

>>4661147
>>4662135
You know, I'm curious about this as well.

“Kuro-kun, you seem to care a lot about the natural factor of things.” You comment.

“Is that so? Well, I suppose I do.” Kuro-kun muses.

“It seems a lot of people put an emphasis on whether something is natural and handcrafted or artificial.” You say, “I understand that sometimes it leads to a higher-quality product. But otherwise, is there really a difference between the two?”

“In that case, may I ask why you personally think that people differentiate between the natural and artificial?” Kuro asks.

“Hmmm.” You ponder this question carefully. “I would say that the ultimate reason is that the end consumer of the product feels more of a connection with the original creator if a human is more or less directly responsible for the product. The modern world vastly favors the delegation of the myriad processes behind the creation of any product to any number of workers, or even automated processes. However, when a product is handcrafted, a worker is never divorced from their labour. And humans, being social creatures, will favour the feeling of a beneficial social connection the vast majority of the time.”

“How interesting for you to explain this in terms of economics.” Kuro-kun comments, “Are you a marxist?”

“Huh? No!” You giggle. “That level of socialism requires a high level of artificial maintenance with more-or-less intangible returns. And artificial systems of order always tend towards failure. Isn’t that the nature of entropy?”

“If that is the case, then what would you say about our current global economic system? Isn’t it artificially maintained as well?” Kuro laughs amiably, “While your reasons for valuing the natural and human factors are valid, and no doubt common, I have other reasons.”

“Oh? And what would they be?”

Kuro-kun stares deeply at the flower bush in front of him.

“It’s the spirits of the objects.” Kuro-kun simply replies. “Everyday objects are made from many smaller objects, which I feel aren’t always assembled with enough care. Something natural or handcrafted is almost always used as it was intended. I think the spirits of the objects are happier for it.”

“You believe in the spirits of everyday objects?” You ask. It seemed like a terribly archaic belief to you.

“I think it’s a belief that is spiritually healthy to hold.” Kuro-kun explains, “But what about you? What do you think about this so-called ‘natural’ factor?”

>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)

>There is nothing inherently special about something handcrafted or natural. (+5 Cynicism)

>>4661150
>>4662506
You mean you don't have corporations and world governments organizing large-scale geoengineering? What century do you live in?

>>4663209
>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)

>>4663209
>>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)

>>4663209
>>There is nothing inherently special about something handcrafted or natural. (+5 Cynicism)

>>4663209
>There is nothing inherently special about something handcrafted or natural. (+5 Cynicism)

>>4663209
>There is nothing inherently special about something handcrafted or natural. (+5 Cynicism)

>>4663209
>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)

Let's be polite to the higher ranking plutocrat

File: PepeMarx.png (393 KB, 1000x940)

393 KB PNG

>>4663209
>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)

>>4663209
>>Perhaps the intent behind creating something, anything, matters. (+5 Hopefulness)
Too much hope desu, but it would feel out of character otherwise

>+5 Hopefulness
>Kaguya has max 25 Hopefulness

“I suppose such spirits may exist.” You admit. Kyune onee-chan definitely believed that the intent behind anything mattered. If so many people believed it to be the case, then perhaps it was true. You’re not sure what it really changes about the world whether it’s true or not though.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Yuling Ishii speaking with her daughter. Seiko stands up.

“Everyone, it’s time to move on.” Lady Muramoto calls out. The tour of the Manor grounds continues from it’s stop under the Plum tree.

“Seiko-chan doesn’t seem to be talking with others much.” You comment, “Was she feeling tired?”

Looking more closely at Seiko-chan, you realize that she isn’t a Plutocrat at all. She was a cute kid, but she didn’t have the aura of charisma every such gene-engineered child had around them. But it would be impolite to mention it.

“She’s only a child. It’s hard to walk around a garden all day.” Kuro simply says.

“Ah. I see.” You nod. How strange …

>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her.

>Try talking to Yuling Ishii. Is she a baseline as well?

>Continue your conversation with Kuro-kun. You’re just getting to know him.

>>4665761
>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her

Time to brighten her day!

>>4665761
>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her.

>>4665761
>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her

>>4666083
^this.

> Yuling Ishii. Is she a baseline as well?
We're not baseline humans. Also, can baseline people still ascend to Plutocrat status? Isn't the gap between baselines, augs and plutocrat that wide?

And how can a Plutocrat family have baseline children?

>>4665761
>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her.

finally, someone we can dunk on

>>4665761
>>Try talking to Yuling Ishii. Is she a baseline as well?

>>4665761
>>Try talking to Seiko Ishii. You’re curious about her.

>>4666193
Well, Kaguya was baseline for a few years, as a small child, but was then adopted into the Muramoto family where she started undergoing all the treatments and training and shit. That's why Winslet called us half-plutocrat. So baseline people can ascend if the treatments start at a young age.

>>4667021
That means that Plutocrat children are genetically the same as baselines, or that they need epigenetic triggers to express their augmentation, or fall back into being baselines?

>>4667021
>>4667683
Kaguya was never baseline, nor did she retrieve any therapy upon arriving at the Manor. The genetic traits of a Plutocrat are passed down, but without both in utero editing, therapy throughout early childhood, a solid and highly specific super-nourishing upbringing, and conditioning from birth to adolescence it remains only a foundation. Albeit, a very impressive one.

You don't need plutocratic parentage to be a Plutocrat yourself. That can be done with in utero editing. But ascending into being one is only possible if it starts in the womb.

To continue talking solely to Kuro-kun would be discourteous to the other guests so you politely excuse yourself and walk over to Seiko-chan who was busy glancing to the side at the passing flowers as the tour moved through the Garden.

“Greetings Seiko-chan!” You politely bow, “We haven’t met yet, so let me introduce myself as Kaguya.”

Seiko-chan sniffs haughtily.

“I’m Lady Seiko.” she replies curtly before casually ignoring you.

“I see. And how do you like our garden, Seiko-chan?”

Seiko-chan noncommittal shrugs her shoulders.

It takes you by surprise. You’ve never met anyone conceited enough to the point of being immune to a Plutocrat’s charm, much less a child. How had the Ishii Family raised this girl? Did she not have a governess at all?

Facing Seiko-chan directly, there’s no way to mistake her as a Plutocrat. She was a very healthy looking child, and wearing expertly applied makeup as well. But her eyes lacked the focus and attentiveness of even a bored Plutocrat. To a Plutocrat, even a bored one, the world was a vivid place of sharp colors and constant sensory input. The eyes of an immature Plutocrat roamed around the surroundings, scooping up information unconsciously. Seiko-chan didn’t look dull by any means. But compared to a Plutocrat child, she barely even seemed present. But that raised a few questions too. What was a Baseline child doing in a Plutocratic family. Was the Ishii Family in Noir such nouveau riche stock that their branches hadn’t even undergone gene therapy? Or had Yuling Ishii married into the family only after she already had her daughter? Was Seiko adopted? Unfortunately, there wasn’t really any way to tell.

“She won’t play with us.” Teru whines, peeking out from behind her Mother’s skirt.

“That’s because the two of you won’t listen to what I say.” Seiko-chan snootily says before returning to looking at the flowers.

>Question Seiko-chan to the edge of propriety, perhaps even beyond

>Try to charm Seiko-chan (Social Combat)

>Scold her to play nice with the other kids

>Cater to her and be a good host.

>There’s no helping with this girl ...

>>4667758
>Try to charm Seiko-chan (Social Combat)

>>4667758
>>Try to charm Seiko-chan (Social Combat)

>>4667758
>>Try to charm Seiko-chan (Social Combat)

>>4667758
>>Cater to her and be a good host.

>>4667758
> Cater to her and be a good host
I wouldn't be surprised if Seiko-chan is a specially engineered anti-plutocrat social weapon.

>>4667758
>Cater to her and be a good host.

she doesn't seem to be saying a whole lot for them to listen to

>>4667758
>Cater to her and be a good host.

“Well if there’s anything that Seiko-chan would like, then please let me know.” You tell Seiko-chan before bowing politely.

“Well, I’m a bit bored.” Seiko-chan says. “Play with me.”

It seems that no matter how snooty she is, in the end Seiko-chan is still a child.

“I’d be happy to.” You reply. What are we playing?”

“I’ll be a princess. You’ll be my servant.” Seiko explains. Nevermind that Seiko-chan was already virtually a princess … Wasn’t this stretching the bounds even a child’s conception of courtesy? You can see why Seru and Teru had refused to play with her.

You glance at the rest of the party for any potential assistance. Lady Muramoto is staring in askance, not sure if she should interfere. Yuling Ishii is watching in interest. Winslet-san seems to be quietly fuming in outrage at Seiko’s bad behaviour. And Teru-chan is poking her tongue at Seiko from cover.

>Scold Seiko as an older adult and tell her such behaviour is hardly appropriate.

>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

>Go along with her request. It’s just a game after all.

>Try to signal to someone for help (who?)

>>4670170
>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

She isn't a Plutocrat, so we have a decent chance here.

>>4670170
>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

Wonder if she gets outshone at home by the plutocrat kids and wants to feel special here.

>>4670170
>>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

>>4670170
>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

>>4670170
>>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

>>4670170
> Go along with her request. It’s just a game after all.
Diplomacy *must* come first. Even though the Muramoto Family cannot lose face, we're not Muramoto.

>>4670170
>>Gently turn her down. You can’t be her servant because you’re a princess too. (Roll)

Roll 3 1d20's. You will need one success.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>4671323
We got this lads!

>>4671359
It's what I deserve from tolling drunk!

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4671323

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4671323
14.25%

>>4671359
Bros, if there is serious social cringe here I may have to skip a few posts. I'm shivering at the thought. Pray to god noir interprets this as us failing to calm Seiko, rather than spilling spaghetti in front of everyone.

>>4671748
I feel you bro/sis.

>>4671719
>rolled 19 after dat 1
Why God? Why must you torture poor Kaguya more? Haven't you taken your pound of dice already? Why must you take more?

>>4671748
You mean sending Seiko into a fit by not playing her servant? What do you mean by social spaghetti, if you don't mind me asking?

>>4671788
>What do you mean by social spaghetti
I just mean anything that would primarily make us look bad, rather than Seiko. Could be anything, it just depends on how the QM writes this failure.

>>4671809
Well, being a half-plutocrat has it's perks over the more baseline individuals, I would say atleast.

>>4671719
14.25% anon, your rolls are usually good, please roll for us everytime we need a saving throw :)

>>4671748
Strictly speaking, we needed one success. We had a 19. We also have Plutocrat charm, though Seiko is shown to be immune, so maybe we will have a neutral DC mod. That nat1 sure looks bad, though.

>>4671933
I think I also rolled the first critfail of the quest, so don't rely on me.

>>4671933
A 1 is an auto-fail unless it's canceled out by a 20.

>>4672520
Anon is right.

>Critical Failure

“I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t make a good servant. You see, I’m a princess as well.” You tell Seiko-chan.

Seiko-chan frowns. “You mean, you’re refusing to play with me?”

Her lip quivers. Seiko-chan looks as if she’s about to cry. But then, her expression transforms into one of pure, petty, hatred.

“Fine, I didn’t want to play with you anyways!” She screams.

“Now, now, girls. I … hope you’re all being nice to each other.” Lady Muramoto finally intercedes. But it’s too late. Seiko-chan has parted from your own company and returned to her own party. Yuling Ishii has lost interest in observing you as well.

As for Kuro, he’s farther up the garden’s path, too far away to have seen what had happened. The rest of the tour is busy in conversation.

>Pull Winslet aside to check if you’re behaving acceptably

>Return to talking to Kuro. Things were going fine when you were doing that.

>Stick with your family for now and try not to disturb things.

>>4672875
>Pull Winslet aside to check if you’re behaving acceptably

WTF is wrong with that Seiko girl

>>4672875
>Pull Winslet aside to check if you’re behaving acceptably
That could've gone much worse.

>>4672875
>Stick with your family for now and try not to disturb things.

Family bonding time. We'll try again when things have calmed down.

You’ll stick with your family for now. You’ve already talked with Kuro-kun to the point that paying him any more attention would be uncourteous to the other guests. And as for blatantly asking Winslet-san how you were doing … that would just make you look inept.

Currently, Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii were deep in conversation. Although it looked as if Yuling Ishii was dominating the conversation and Lady Muramoto just nodding and agreeing with her now and then. Seru and Teru had sallied forth from their Mother’s skirts to play with each other.

“Kaguya!” Teru calls out to you “Look at these flowers I gathered!”

In Teru’s hands was a beautiful bouquet of orchids.

“Ah! That’s very pretty, Teru-chan.” You Pat Teru on the head. Teru blushes shyly

“Hey, hey. Kaguya, what color are the flowers on the moon?” Teru asks you enthusiastically.

“Hmm. What color do you think they are, Teru-chan?”

“White!” Teru-chan answers immediately, “Because otherwise we would be able to see them.”

“I suppose you must be correct because otherwise we would be able to see flowers on the moon.” You agree rather matter-of-factly.

“See, Brother? I told you Kaguya is from the moon!” Teru shouts at her brother.

“There are no flowers on the moon!” Seru argues back.

“Well perhaps it would be healthy and beneficial to believe there are!” Teru shouts.

You laugh at the two sibling’s antics before you feel a slight tug on your sleeves. It’s Seiko-chan, holding her own bouquet of flowers.

“I’m sorry about my behaviour earlier.” She apologizes, “I want to play with everyone too.”

You smile kindly and gently pat Seiko-chan on the head. “It’s okay. Just be nice with everyone, okay?”

You watch over the kids playing. In the end, it seemed that everything had turned out well, hadn’t it? Seiko-chan wasn’t so bad.

But then, you spot Seiko-chan plucking flowers from the Centipede Lilies that had been planted as a gift from the famous poet Pseudonyma Nemo. Flowers that you weren’t even allowed to touch, let alone pick.

“Seiko-chan! Those flowers are expensive! Please don’t pick them!” You yell, quickly running towards her.

Seiko-chan turns towards your voice. A sly smile spreads across her face. She raises a palm and swats at the centipede lily bush. One, two … six flowers are beheaded before you can do anything ...

>Stare in horror and powerlessness.

>Grab her by the shoulders and scold her like she deserves

>Desperately beg her to stop at any cost. (Hopefulness Roll)

>Perhaps you can use this to gain pity. (Cynicism Roll)

>>4675416
>Desperately beg her to stop at any cost. (Hopefulness Roll)

We have max hopeful, time to use it to our advantage.
14.25%

>>4675416
>>Desperately beg her to stop at any cost. (Hopefulness Roll)

>>4675416
>Perhaps you can use this to gain pity. (Cynicism Roll)
Hope has no place in the presence of bad actors.

>>4675416
>Stare in horror and powerlessness.

this wording is too legit to pass up

>>4675416
>>Desperately beg her to stop at any cost. (Hopefulness Roll)

>>4675416
>Desperately beg her to stop at any cost. (Hopefulness Roll)

Maybe she'll see the error of her ways?

>>4675416
>>Stare in horror and powerlessness.

>>4675416
>Stare in horror and powerlessness.
Not our problem, let someone else deal with it.

“Seiko-chan, please stop! Those flowers … they were a gift from a famous poet!” You desperately implore her. “Hey, come on. Be a good girl! Please! I’ll do what you want. Anything! You wanted to play princess, didn’t you? Let’s play that instead!”

>Roll 3 1d20’s. You will need 2 Successes.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4677860
14.25%

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4677860

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4677860
Yes, because I enjoy the feeling of helplessness...

File: ClownSuicide.gif (3.91 MB, 270x263)

3.91 MB GIF

>>4677987
>>4678078
We must never attend a social event ever again.

>>4678525
We had max hopeful, so we can boost this roll with hopeful.

Sorry if the threads have been a bit slow. I've been busy.

[/b]1 Success, 2 successes required.[/b]

>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.

>Accept failure

>>4681109
>>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.
optimism?

>>4681109
>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.

>>4681123
>>4681134
*hopefulness
My brain glitched. Must have gotten hacked.

>>4681109
>>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.

>>4681109
>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.

Np mate, just make sure everything is alright on your end.

>>4681109
>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.

>>4681109
>Spend 5 Optimism to succeed.
Finally, Hopeful is useful for once :)

“Hmm? You mean you will play Princess with me?” Seiko smiles gloatingly.

“Yes. I will.” You bow your head in submission.

“Excellent!” Seiko laughs, “You’re my servant now then. And your first task … is to gather all the flowers I tossed to the ground. They’re dead anyways, so no one should miss them.”

“Understood … my lady.” You acquiesce, scooping up the priceless and rare centipede lilies in your arms.

“I don’t have a bag to carry them around in … so give me the outer robe of your clothes.”

Now Seiko was just taking your personal belongings. Your outer robe was pure organic silk, a luxury that was incredibly expensive. But every one of those flowers lying on the ground was more expensive than your entire furisode by itself. If you wanted her to not destroy any more of them, you better do what she says.

“Your robe doesn’t make a very good bag. So I’ll need your hairpin to hold it together. Hahahaha!”

“Seiko-chan …”

“Seiko-sama.” Seiko corrects you haughtily.

“Very well. Seiko-sama, it isn’t nice to treat other’s belongings like this.” You protest.

“Oh really?” Seiko twirls her hair, “If you don’t like this game, I suppose we could play another game … flowerpicking maybe?”

“No! No, this game is fine.” You quickly say, desperate to prevent Seiko from destroying any more flowers.

It was finally around this time that Lady Muramoto and the rest of the tour had noticed what was going on and come to investigate.

“Girls?” Lady Muramoto says, “Is everything going alri … What happened to the flowers? The bush is wrecked!”

>This is your chance for justice. Lay all the blame on Seiko. (+2 Hopeful)

>It would look bad for Seiko to get in so much trouble. Accept the blame. (+2 Cynical)

>>4684792
>This is your chance for justice. Lay all the blame on Seiko. (+2 Hopeful)

>>4684792
>Accept the blame

We can tell the truth later, but the blame game right now would look bad.

>>4684792
>This is your chance for justice. Lay all the blame on Seiko. (+2 Hopeful)
I'm assuming we have the tact to lay the blame without looking too accusatory.

>>4685030
This. We should have the soft skills and assertive communication to blame Seiko, especially while emphasizing that we have literally tried everything to stop her, save an outright scolding (which is in her Governess's power).

>>4684792
>>This is your chance for justice. Lay all the blame on Seiko. (+2 Hopeful)

>>4684792
>This is your chance for justice. Lay all the blame on Seiko. (+2 Hopeful)
We'll critfail. And if we don't we won't be able to change anything anyway. And if we change something then only for the worse. Fucking Seiko. Remove Ishii, corp war now.

>>4684792
>>It would look bad for Seiko to get in so much trouble. Accept the blame. (+2 Cynical)

“I’m sorry.” You quickly bow and apologize, immediately seizing responsibility for the situation, “I shouldn’t have watched Seiko-chan so carelessly. But by the time I noticed, it was too late ...”

“What! That’s not true! Kaguya was the one who did it!” Seiko wails.

It’s a bald-faced lie. But at this point, it would be counterproductive to defend yourself. You had already accepted the blame after all. The self-accusatory nature of your testimony would lend credence to your side of the story. After all, who would admit to being at fault?

“Kaguya-chan isn’t the kind of girl who would do such a thing.” Lady Muramoto says. But she hesitates to accuse a guest’s daughter of behaving so badly. Yuling Ishii seems like she has something to say as well, but is finding it hard to vouch for her daughter’s innocence herself.

To your utter surprise, it is Winslet-san who breaks the deadlock.

“I have checked the footage from the security cameras. Lady Kaguya is telling the truth.” Winslet-san says.

Seiko stops wailing and goes very silent. It seems she knows better to argue against solid evidence. It seems that she’s finally going to feel the repercussions of her bad behaviour. Perhaps it is even the first time in her life she’s been truly held accountable.

“Why make such a big fuss about flowers? It’s just children playing. These things happen.” Yuling Ishii suddenly comments. She rests her hand on her daughter’s head, comforting her crying.

And just like that, you realize that Seiko is about to escape any consequences whatsoever. Lady Muramoto is too indecisive to take the first step in accusing Seiko. It above Winslet-san’s authority to do so either. You realize that as Seiko’s nominal peer, you are the only one who can lay the blame.

>Insist that those flowers were expensive and Seiko should have known better than to destroy them.

>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.

>>4687075
>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.

>>4687075
>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.

Now this would 100% be overreaching. Not our problem if Ishii family is raising a terror.

>>4687075
>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.
Once we're the family head we'll have her assassinated.

>>4687075
>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.
>>4687402
No need to wait. We can just hire the merc guy again.
>Judas-san, I have an interesting opportunity for you. What is your opinion on children?

>>4687075
>>4687402
Actually, no. Let's try and turn it around so if Yuling Ishii doesn't do something, _she_ would be causing a diplomatic incident.
>Blame ourselves further and offer to Lady Muramoto that we apologize to the famous poet and to put all our allowance towards reimbursing for the flowers, however many years it would take.

>>4687075
> Insist that the flowers were expensive
A Plutocrat's loyalty lies with the family Zaibatsu. Family always comes first and if something is expensive *for a plutocrat* that means something.

>>4687075
>>This is a diplomatic social visit. It wouldn’t be good if one of the guests got in so much trouble.

>>4687408
support

>>4687408
This sounds good.

At the end of the day, this was a diplomatic visit no matter what any of the guests did. If it were to end poorly, that would defeat the very reason that the Ishii Family had come all the way to the Muramoto Family’s Manor. So as a daughter of the Muramoto Family, it was your duty to let Seiko’s bad behaviour go.

So you say nothing when Lady Muramoto eventually acquiesces to Yuling Ishii. “Yes. I suppose they’re just flowers, no matter how expensive. If they were casualties from children playing that did not understand their value, then it can’t be helped.”

“Indeed. Children are so innocent, aren’t they?” Yuling Ishii smiles in triumph. Seiko smirks smugly at you.

But it’s settled. Seiko walks away with her mother from the scene of the crime as the tour simply … continues.

“My, it’s getting late.” Lady Muramoto comments, “Perhaps it’s time for lunch ...”

Yuling Ishii elegantly demurs and Winslet-san begins rounding up Seru and Teru. But just then, you feel a small hand pulling on yours.

“Don’t forget, you’re still my servant.” Seiko says, looking up at you before laughing …

End of Thread

Epilogue

>The History of Noir

>Centipede Lilies

>Ishii Portfolio

>>4688363
>The History of Noir

>>4688363
>Ishii Portfolio

ok seiko chan needs to experience a small case of execution

>>4688363
>Ishii Portfolio

>>4688363
>Centipede Lilies

We must honor the fallen. They shall be avenged.

>>4688363
>Ishii Portfolio
Can we send Seiko a bomb inside a cake?

>>4688363
>>Ishii Portfolio

>>4688599
>>4688693
Hostile Corporate Takeover of the Ishii Noir Branch, just to make her our servant. Victory would never taste so sweet.

Kuro is a nice enough lad, and I'm still curious as to his family relations. Hopefully we'll get a chance to talk more next time.

>>4688894
This.

>>4688363
>>Centipede Lilies

Ishii Conglomerate overview

Ishii Conglomerate: A partially publicly owned conglomerate of various autonomous corporations that share a central office.

Business Sectors: Entertainment Products, Finance, Weapons Manufacture

Refounded as a Megacorporation only a decade ago, the Conglomerate is viewed as upstarts by other megacorporations. This may be at least in part due to resentment of the Conglomerate forcibly muscling into markets that were occupied before by a delicate balance of power.

The Ishii Conglomerate was originally created out of the web of investments and partial ownerships of the Ishii family, a moderately wealthy family that managed to afford genetic augmentation for some of their children. Built around a central fund that all member businesses contributed and borrowed from that functioned as a private stock market, the Conglomerate achieved a level of cohesion and stability for macrocorps that was otherwise impossible. This ‘association’ proved very popular among macrocorps, smaller business associations, and newly fledged brands and franchises not already under contract with a Megacorp.

But no matter how stable, a loose association was not enough for the ambitions of the Ishii Family. Owning a majority share of the central fund, they consolidated power in the Association’s inter-business management structure. But even with more control over the Association, now a fledgeling Megacorporation, the Isshi did not have enough funds for expansion. So they opened up the Central Fund to investors from outside to build the capital they needed. Any dissension by any of the former elements was quashed with the private military that was funded directly by the Ishii family themselves. To this day, the Ishii Conglomerate is majority-owned by the public, with the Ishii Family itself only controlling a fraction of the corporation’s total shares.

And that's the thread! Next thread ... someday. Probably early next week.

>>4691052
Great thread Noir!

>>4691052
Thanks for running!