Apologies for the delay between threads. Life got super busy all of a sudden. Hopefully the break's given me some time to recharge.

>>4721293
>Baby and dote on her and see if you can embarrass her.

>>4721293
>>Baby and dote on her and see if you can embarrass her.

>>4721293
Welcome bqck!
>Obey Seiko and play this game out, no matter how disgraceful it is.
She obviously won't be embarrassed by groveling, we'll just make a fool of ourselves.

It’s to Seiko’s surprise when you react in an entirely unexpected way … Total pampering.

“Alright Seiko-chan!” You say in a saccharine voice, “Open wiiiiide!”

You pick up a piece of squash with your chopsticks, lifting them to Seiko’s mouth as if you were feeding a baby.

“W-why are you talking like that!” Seiko protests, turning away in embarrassment.

“Because you’re so adorable!” You coo, patting Seiko’s head. You had found her weak point. Seiko was used to being in control. But while being doted on by someone older, a small child wasn’t really in control. In fact, they were completely at the mercy of the one doing the doting! Pampering was something quite hard to refuse politely. It could be quite humiliating as well. If the adults had dismissed Seiko’s sadism towards you as just a game between children, they wouldn’t even give your embarrassing attention a second thought.

“S-stop treating me like a child!” Seiko whines.

“But you are! A very cute, very small child!” You tell her. With your insinuating tone, even Seiko-chan gets your veiled insult. But there wasn’t anything she could do about it.

Just then, you feel a hand on your shoulder.

“Apologies cousin, but could I borrow Kaguya-chan for a while?” Kuro asks politely.

“Go ahead!” Seiko snaps, “I don’t want her for a servant anyways!”

With that, she turns her back on you.

Kuro draws you away from her back to your seat. You see that he’s set up his tray next to yours.

“I have to apologize for my cousin’s behaviour.” Kuro says, “She can be quite … boisterous.”

>Thank Kuro for saving you from her.

>Insist that you didn’t mind at that Seiko-chan isn’t that bad.

>Ask what Kuro’s relationship with his cousin is.

>>4723267
>Thank Kuro for saving you from her.

Welcome back Noir!

>>4723267
>>Thank Kuro for saving you from her.

>>4723267
>Thank Kuro for saving you from her.
Huh, I was wrong.

>>4723267
>>Thank Kuro for saving you from her.

>>4723267
>Insist that you didn’t mind at that Seiko-chan isn’t that bad.
The girl must be bullied.

>>4723267
>Thank Kuro for saving you from her

“She is.” You agree, “I have to thank you for saving me from her.”

“It was no trouble at all!” Kuro laughs lightheartedly, “Besides, if it was for your company, then … perhaps I should be the one grateful.”

With such an innocuous comment, the plutocratic boy managed to make you lose your composure, if just a bit and for a brief second. You blush slightly and look away. You know that your reaction is not lost on Kuro, but he doesn’t capitalize. He waits for you to regain your composure before continuing.

“In contrast, your own resident children are charming.” Kuro says.

“Seru and Teru are quite cute.” You giggle, “They are quite boisterous together as well, but no one ever minds.”

“Indeed.” Kuro nods, “Although, ‘Seru’ and ‘Teru’ are quite unique for names. I assume they are nicknames?”

“That’s right. They’re nicknames we gave the two of them. We nicknamed them after the siblings from the story ‘Hansel and Gretel’.” You tell Kuro.

“I see!” Kuro exclaims, “‘Seru’ for Hansel and ‘Teru’ for Gretel, is that right?”

“Indeed. Their real names are Margot and John.” You confirm.

Kuro pauses a second, before continuing. “It’s a curious thing though. Compared to you, Seru and Teru seem to deviate from the traditions you were raised in. They seem quite unique in their upbringing. If I’m not mistaken, their Governess was specially brought in to give them such an upbringing. May I ask why?”

>Explain what you know of the circumstances of Seru and Teru’s side of the family as is appropriate to a stranger (Easy Roll)

>Subtly change the conversation to another subject (What subject, Medium roll)

>Tell Kuro a plausible lie (Hard roll)

>Flatly refuse and forcefully end the conversation

>>4726025
>Subtly change the conversation to another subject (What subject, Medium roll)

I was quite curious about his family situation, as he spoke rather harshly of his home. I don't wish to open old wounds and spoil our conversation though, so if he doesn't wish to open up, I say we respect that.

>>4726025
>Subtly change the conversation to another subject (What subject, Medium roll)
On the relative pros of governors from different schools.
Btw, why do Seru and Tery have a different upbringing?

>>4726025
>>Explain what you know of the circumstances of Seru and Teru’s side of the family as is appropriate to a stranger (Easy Roll)

>>4726025
>Explain what you know of the circumstances of Seru and Teru’s side of the family as is appropriate to a stranger (Easy Roll)

>>4726025
>>Explain what you know of the circumstances of Seru and Teru’s side of the family as is appropriate to a stranger (Easy Roll)

At the surface, Kuro's question seemed innocuous. But you know better than to believe that. Any hints to an internal division in the family wouldn't escape him. Even if he was asking without ulterior motive now, such an answer would be easy to exploit. But at the same time, politely changing the conversation or outright lying would be too difficult. And the attempt would tell Kuro that something was off.

The easiest thing to do would be to tell him what was appropriate to tell him without giving anything too important away.

>Roll 3 1d20's. One success required.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>4728829

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4728829

>>4728835
I'm in love.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4728829

File: LennyHappy.jpg (60 KB, 1103x767)

60 KB JPG

>>4728835
14.25% strikes again, positively this time.
Kuro better be eating out of our hand after this.

>>4730274
Based Kuro is our good luck charm.

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

284 KB JPG

I can't believe I haven't posted Kaguya's pic yet

“The Muramoto Family believes in exposing different members of it’s family to the ways of different cultures so that we may deal with peers across the world on equal footing.” You vaguely say. You smile, hoping that that answer is enough for Kuro-kun.

“I see.” Kuro-kun nods, seemingly accepting your explanation. “The Muramoto Family has a reputation for embracing an orthodox and traditional way of being. But to see the way Seru and Teru are being raised … It seemed contradictory to the Muramoto Family’s reputation.”

You delicately shrug. “It’s not our concern what people outside of our family believe about it’s reputation.”

“Such confidence in one’s family and its reputation is commendable. And you yourself give the impression of being a flawlessly raised and mannered young lady” Kuro says before sighing, “But as you can see from the behaviour of my cousin, the behaviour of this branch of the Ishii family leaves much to be desired …”

That was interesting. Kuro-kun, a member of the Ishii Family’s main branch, seemed to look down on the Noir branch. And he also seemed to admire the traditionalism of the Muramoto Family.

But Kuro-kun was right. The way your Father had decided to raise his legitimate children was extremely unorthodox and directly flaunted the Muramoto Family’s tradition on purpose. According to Kyune Onee-Chan, it had angered Lord Muramoto greatly. But not even Lord Muramoto could decide how his brother decided to raise his family. Besides, apparently your Father had many business ties to the West, outside of the Muramoto Family’s traditional sphere of operations. Some outside influence was to be expected.

But Kuro-kun couldn’t know that.

The conversation quickly moves on.

“I’m surprised I don’t see the Branch Manager’s daughter here.” Kuro-kun comments.

“Ah? You mean Kyune Onee-Chan? You know her?” You say in surprise.

“Not personally, unfortunately.” Kuro-kun admits, “But I’ve seen her work at the Beauer Gala. It’s quite exquisite.”

And then, speaking of the devil, a certain someone made their appearance. Kyune Onee-chan strode into the room, as if waiting so long to greet such important guests was the most natural thing in the world.

“Greetings, Auntie.” Kyune says to Lady Muramoto, “I see the guests have arrived. I was hoping to catch them.”

“Kyune!” Lady Muramoto beams, “How pleasant of you to join us! Please, have a seat. Have you had lunch yet?”

>Kyune sits next to Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii, you overhear snippets of their conversation

>Kyune approaches you. Is she checking how you’re doing?

>Kuro approaches Kyune, intent on introducing himself

>>4731614
>Kuro approaches Kyune, intent on introducing himself

>>4731614
>Kyune sits next to Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii, you overhear snippets of their conversation

>>4731614
>Kyune sits next to Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii, you overhear snippets of their conversation

>>4731614
>Kyune sits next to Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii, you overhear snippets of their conversation

>>4731614
>>Kuro approaches Kyune, intent on introducing himself

File: PortraitOfKyune.jpg (43 KB, 512x512)

43 KB JPG

While Kyune Onee-Chan introduces herself to Yuling Ishii, you see Kuro-kun get up from his seat to introduce himself. You wonder how Kyune Onee-Chan will treat him. Well, it’s your duty as his host and companion to accompany him.

“Greetings. I am Ishii Kuro.” Kuro-kun introduces himself, “You must be Muramoto Kyune. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Ishii Kuro, did you say?” Kyune tilts her head in slight surprise, “I didn’t know members from the Ishii Family’s main branch were visiting this city. How are things in Tokyo?”

“Tokyo is as vibrant as ever.” Said Kuro-kun, “Although, Noir is a beautiful city itself.”

“Is it?” Kyune Onee-chan comments dryly, “And what do you consider beautiful about Noir?”

“The Plaza is beautiful, is it not?” Kuro-kun said, “And the skyscrapers in the Financial District grow higher daily.”

“I see.” Kyune shrugs. “In my experience, the most beautiful aspects of Noir can only be found outside the Plaza and the Financial district.”

“Ah. The true beauty of a city can only be found where it is allowed to grow naturally, is that so?” Kuro-kun nods.

“Perhaps you will have the opportunity to experience them for yourself, someday.” Kyune Onee-chan says, before turning to you.

“So Kaguya. I see you’ve been How do you find our guest?” Kyune asks you.

>Praise Kuro

>Slander Kuro

>Be noncommittal

>>4735381
>Be coy

>>4735381
>Be coy

>>4735381
>>Praise Kuro

>>4735381
>Praise Kuro

>>4735381
>Be coy

“Well ... I don’t think I’ve known him long enough to say.” You say in a noncommittal tone, coyly twirling a loose strand of hair. “Perhaps he will prove himself to be very gallant.”

“I hope I will prove myself deserving of your good opinion then.” Kuro-kun says, bowing slightly.

“Well, Kaguya’s good opinion is fairly easy to gain, so it’d be a shame if you failed to gain it.” Kyune laughs.

Kuro-kun takes Kyune’s comment in stride, seemingly assured that he is making a good impression.
…

“So what did you think of Kyune Onee-chan, since you finally met her?” You ask Kuro-kun.

“Well … She’s not very talkative, is she?” Kuro-kun laughs, before sighing.

“Kyune Onee-chan … does have a certain efficiency with words.” You agree.

“Still, I didn’t know that you were the Branch Manager’s daughter!” Kuro exclaims, “I feel quite honored, being personally escorted by such an important member of the family as yourself.”

“Wait, you’re mistaken!” You giggle, “Onee-chan is just a nickname. She isn’t my older sister.”

“I see. I don’t remember the Moon Princess having an older sister named Kyune either.” Kuro muses, “ I have to say, I’m glad the skirmish between the Ishii and the Muramoto ended as soon as it did, or else I would not have been able to meet Kyune-san.”

“But you didn’t have the opportunity to talk about her work with her.” You point out. “Wasn’t that the reason you wanted to meet her?”

“That’s true.” Kuro sighs, “But perhaps another day …”

Before long, lunch is concluded. Kyune disappears, and Lady Muramoto and Yuling Ishii round up their children to continue the tour.

“This tour led by the adults is a bit too slow for my liking. ” Kuro says to you, “It’s quite tempting to just run ahead. But I’d need a guide to keep my bearings. Perhaps you could show me around?”

You glance at Lady Muramoto who gives an approving nod …

>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

>Show Kuro the interior of the Manor

>Show Kuro your room

>Perhaps you should just follow the group around instead

>>4739566
>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

Based Mom.

>>4739566
>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

>>4739566
>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

>>4739566
>>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

>>4739566
>>Show Kuro your favorite gardens

>>4739566
>>Show Kuro your room

“… So, where are you guiding me, Lady Kaguya?” Kuro-kun asks. The two of you had been walking through the garden for the last few minutes, following a path through the inner gardens

“I want to show you somewhere. But I’d rather it be a surprise.”

“Very well. I like surprises.” Kuro-kun says, “Although do warn me if it’s a scary one.”

You giggle. “It might be …”

You lead Kuro-kun through a small pavilion to the outer gardens hugging the mountainside. Here, the secluded courtyards of the inner gardens were replaced with sloped and terraced affairs, creating a much more dynamic feeling to your surroundings.

“You won’t see this in Tokyo.” Kuro whistles, staring at the three-dimensional park surrounding him. A spruce tree grew out of the terrace above him. Directly below his feet sprouted the trunk of another tree. In front of him, the path crossed through a rock garden that spilled across multiple terraces before meandering through a flower field so sloped some of the plants seemed to grow almost vertical with the mountainside.

“We’re not there yet.” You say, leading him around a corner, and then …

… and then, the path seemingly drops away. The mountainside is an endless field of countless flowers. The garden wall is not nearly tall enough to keep out the wind, a gentle breeze that wafts the scent of the flowers up, accompanied by dozens of multicolored petals giving the breeze it’s own pallet. Gazing over the low, whitewashed wall, there are the miles of undeveloped forest all the way down to the Hillside Terraces far below. And even farther away lies the vastness of Noir, like an oil-injected jewel at and taking up the horizon.

For once, Kuro-kun seems at a loss for words. He just gazes out at the view spread out in front of him. Several minutes pass, in which the wind slowly dies down, before he finally speaks. “I’ve never felt so high up in my life.”

“Is that so?”

“Thank you Kaguya.” Kuro-kun turns to face you, “This is truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my life ...”

You smile. You’re glad you were able to show something capable of astonishing Kuro-kun.
…

As soon as Kuro-kun finishes admiring the view, the two of you retire to the pavilion in the center of the garden. Kuro-kun mentions something about how the view is even more beautiful from the pavilion and you tell him an anecdote about how the architect chose to build the pavilion here because of that. You had planned to show him other gardens, but Kuro-kun seems content to simply stay in the pavilion and admire the view. And for the most part, so are you.

>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

>Pull out a go board and challenge him to a friendly game

>Try to make some conversation (what?)

>Try to shift slightly closer to him

>>4746180
>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

>>4746180
>>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

>>4746180
>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

>>4746180
>Pull out a go board and challenge him to a friendly game

>>4746180
>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

Nice, calming tea for the perfect evening.

>>4746180
>Pull out a tea set and try to impress him with your tea

Also, I just noticed after catching up from the archive that this thread is #10, but the previous one is 8.

>>4749003
I miscounted on previous threads, this is thread 10.

You quietly pull out a teamaking set was stowed away in a cunningly concealed cabinet under the table. As if just for yourself, you begin brewing a cup without any word from Kuro-kun. But your actions attract his attention as he watches your practiced hand at work going through the steps of chado.

As if just noticing his attention, you pause for a second and ask. "Would you like a cup?"

"I quite would." Kuro-kun says. You smile and continue brewing the cup of tea, now for him. Of course. from the beginning, you had intended it from him.

>Roll 3 1d20's. You will need 1 Successes.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4750148
14.25%

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4750148
Well someone's smitten

>>4750148

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>4750148

>>4750349
Goddammit

>>4750349
As it has been foretold.

>>4750349
;_;

>>4750349
14.25%
Our life is suffering.

You had brewed this cup of tea with perfect form and the resulting cup of tea is perfect in every way. A light shade of green with a garnishing of delicate white foam. It’s aroma surpassed the perfume of all the flowers in the garden, even despite not nearly being as strong in smell. It’s light aroma was simply that much more exquisite. Kuro-kun leaned forwards in anticipation. He could obviously smell it, anticipate the balanced sublimity that such a perfect aroma could only fortell.

“Here!” You say, presenting the cup of tea to Kuro-kun with two hands in the most elegant way possible.

“Thank you!” Kuro-kun says, reaching out to accept the cup of tea from you …

… And then you spill the cup of tea.

Kuro-kun shouts as the hot tea soaks his lap.

“Frag!” Kuro-kun swears, wincing in pain.

“I’m sorry!” You immediately apologize. But the damage is already done. Kuro-kun’s lap is sopping; Somehow, when spilled on fabric, the smell of your tea goes from a delicious fragrance to a disagreeable odor.

“Please don’t concern yourself. I’ll be okay.” Kuro reassures you. “But … I think I’ll need a change of clothes.”

“O-of course!” You stammer, “I’ll get a servant immediately!”

It was a shame. A moment between you and a peer ruined. Kuro-kun had looked like he was really looking forward to that tea. And if his clothes were any quality at all, they were most definitely ruined by the thick matcha powder of the tea.

But now to find clothes that would fit Kuro …

>An Enforcer’s uniform, large and low class, but easy to acquire.

>A training gi or hakama from the dojos, quite silly-looking for daily wear

>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>You wonder if your Father has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>A training gi or hakama from the dojos, quite silly-looking for daily wear

>>4753663
>>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

>>4753663
>You wonder if your Uncle has any clothes from his childhood left

I'm not dead, just dying

Clothes of a quality that would be fit for a Plutocrat were expensive. They weren’t just kept around in stock. Your best bet for finding clothes fit for Kuro-kun would be to see if your Uncle had any he had saved from his childhood. But a normal servant you could command wouldn’t have permission to go into your Uncle’s private quarters. You couldn’t just contact your Uncle. You had no real way of doing so, nor did you have the authority to do so as you wished.

But Kyune did.

You knew for a fact that Kyune had a close relationship with her father. If she knew whether your Uncle had hung on to his clothes from his childhood, she’d be able to fetch them for you.

There was one problem though. You had no idea where Kyune Onee-Chan was.

>Try to find Kyune yourself (Roll)

>Gamble that Kyune is still with the tour

>You wonder if you’re on good enough terms with your Aunt to ask her for help instead.

>>4757785
>You wonder if you’re on good enough terms with your Aunt to ask her for help instead.

>>4757785
>You wonder if you’re on good enough terms with your Aunt to ask her for help instead.
I'm assuming we can't text Kyune or something? We really should carry a phone.

>>4757785
>You wonder if you’re on good enough terms with your Aunt to ask her for help instead.

>>4757809
>>4757916
This also

>>4757785
>>You wonder if you’re on good enough terms with your Aunt to ask her for help instead.

>>4757809
>>4757918
You have one built into your skull. Kyune doesn't. The general assumption is that plutocrats have servants around them at all times to receive calls for them, but Kyune is a special case.

>>4758865
Damn you plutocrats and your healthy ways of not putting this in your head

>>4757785
>Try to find Kyune yourself (Roll)

Now lads, I know we have a bad relationship with the dice rolls as is, but...

>>4759076
I wonder what a critfail on this would entail.

>>4757785
>Gamble that Kyune is still with the tour

>>4760094
Getting lost... in your own home... while giving a personal tour with an important guest. It wouldn't look good.

I know this is late, but I was violently ill Please forgive.

You weren’t sure whether you could find Kyune in time. It would be a smear of the Muramoto Family’s reputation to keep Kuro-kun waiting long. Since she didn’t have a cyberspace connection on her body, and disliked even being followed by servants who did, you couldn’t even call her. But you had another option. You could try asking your Aunt instead.

On one hand, your aunt had seemed to like you the last time you met. On the other hand, you had only met her less than a handful of times. You weren’t sure if she was fond enough of you where you could casually make a request of her. But since this was a relatively minor request, it was worth testing the waters with.

Unfortunately, you didn’t have the authorizations on the Manor’s local cyberspace to call Lady Muramoto. You would have to go up to her yourself. The question was, did you have the authorizations to walk into your Uncle’s wing of the manor? Fortunately, authorizations in the real world were more negotiable.

You’d be pressed for time to get to your Uncle’s quarters though. You’re forced to run. By the time you near the entrance to your Uncle’s Wing, you’re starting to feel out of breath. You slow down before the last hallway so you can catch your breath and enter with some dignity. However, there’s no hiding how your furisode is slightly disheveled from your haste. There will be no fixing that.

The first thing you see stepping into the wing is a Guard Post. You’ll have to pass by it if you want to continue.

“Lady Kaguya.” An Enforcer at the checkpoint greets you. “I’m sorry, but you aren’t permitted past this point without invitation …”

>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

>Lean on your authority as a member of the Muramoto family (Cynical Roll)

>Tell them you need to see Lady Muramoto. It’s better than leaving empty handed.

>>4764091
>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

>>4764091
>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

>>4764091
>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

>>4764091
>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

>>4764091
>>Lean on your authority as a member of the Muramoto family (Cynical Roll)

>>4764091
>>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)
Use your megacorp discount to to check in at a good clinic QM

>>4764091
>Charm them into letting you pass (Hopeful Roll)

"But I've already been through before." You protest, looking at the Enforcer with the most innocent, harmless expression possible. Surely it was okay to let you pass, right? What harm could you do?

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

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4767631
so ready for this 1

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4767631

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4767631

Hi Frens.

Gotta be honest, this week's been tough. So I'm probably going to come back to the quest with a thread 10.5 to finish where we left off. This will probably be next week.

Sorry about this. Hope to see you guys in the next thread when I can make it.

- Noir

>>4773747
Good to hear you aren't ded
Take all the time you need

>>4773747
Take care.

>>4773747
No problem mate, no one's expecting life not to bite people in the ass randomly. Take care of yourself, and we'll see you next week. Best wishes Noir.