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Location: Ochima, Brenho, Rose City, National hospital.

Time: 8:30 PM, Morning.

Beep,Beep,Beep

The steady rhythm of a heart monitor, it’s beeps reverberating in time with your thankfully still beating heart.

Right now though, that’s about the only thing you can tell is still working as intended, your brain is too foggy, too far having just returned from The Realm in between, you need time to reorient yourself to the physical world again.

Clearly you can check hearing off the list, so next up is smell and taste.

Taking a sniff, your nose picks up the whiff of sterilized air, ethanol and freshly applied bandages, a bland yet powerful scent that tickles your nose and leaves a tangy taste in your mouth, the flavor of a hospital.

That’s taste and smell, next is touch and sight.

“Mgh...gah…” You groan as you try and open your eyes and fail in your half-awake state, leaving your hands to flail around a bit to get a feel of your surroundings.

Under your fingers you grip a springy and slightly hard material, one you can feel all across your back, meaning this must be a hospital bed you’re lying in, you can tell by how inhospitable it feels to lie on.

“Hmmm…Huh...?” But aside from the uncomfortable bed at your back, a much stranger feeling rolls across your chest and stomach.

You feel something slithering up and down your chest and stomach area, something wet and slippery.

Your first thought leads you to snake but putting aside how strange it would be for a snake to just be roaming a hospital, it’s a bit too small and narrow to be a snake.

Not only that, but as you feel the strange slithering entity go lower down your abdomen, you feel a pair of heavy weights bearing down on both your legs but they aren’t like sports weights, these weights have heat, they have a weird springy and kinda soft feeling and they slid up and down your legs at random.

These clearly aren’t artificial weights, they feel more like...

“Like...like...hands…?” Your half-conscious brain, responding to the stimuli, finally allows you to open your eyes and speak your mind.

“Ah! Oh no…” Someone says back as they hear you speak, you know the voice, but your head is too foggy to place it.

“What the...who the hell…? What’s going on?” Awake but not yet fully aware, you trace the source of the voice to be underneath your sheets, made only more evident by the impression it props up as it rustles.

“Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about~ Go back to sleep, you need rest to get healthy!” The impression under the sheet advises.

“Get Healthy…? Oh yeah, I’m in the hospital because I was chasing Surion...then I ended in a fight with him and I got injured and then...yeah, It’s coming back to me now…” The fog in your brain is beginning to clear.

“Oh? Your memories are already coming back? You sure recover fast don’t you Sunny? People are usually more groggy when doctors give them enough anesthesia to put them in a half-coma.” The voice admires.

“Memories…? Oh yeah...I was getting my memories back...with Lucy, I remember now…” It’s all starting to come together now.

“Lucy? Who’s that? Some lady friend I don’t know?” The voice asks.

“She’s not a friend...more like a...horny stalker I can’t shake off…” You correct in your stupor.

“Huh? Sunny! You seduced another woman and left her high and dry!? I swear, leave you alone for 5 minutes and your belt gets looser than the women you leave in your wake! How in the world am I going to explain this to poor Etheline!?” The voice admonishes you.

You feel a pang of rage, “First off she’s not my girlfriend...second, why would Etheline care? And third off...wait, who the hell even are you!?”

FLAP!

Finally coming back senses fully and realizing just how odd the situation really is, you throw off the sheet, uncovering the person underneath.

And all it takes is one look at that dark red-head and surprised look on their face as they lick the wounds on your unbandaged stomach and chest to tell you what’s happening.

“Landon…?” You say, some parts confused, some parts horrified to the point of total shock as you watch as he literally licks you up and down.

“Uhhhhhh….” He drags on, caught red-handed, or in this case, red-tongued.

What will you say?

>What.The.Fuck

>Explain yourself or die.

>Punch

>>4897720
>Punch
>Explain yourself or die.

>>4897720
>Punch

>>4897737

>Punch and explain or face death.

>Posting.

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You shoot him a glare that could freeze hell over, "You better start explaining yourself Landon. Fast. Or it will take all the doctors in this hospital to put you back together after I'm done."

"Uhhhh-No! I’m not Landon! I’m your long lost pet dog! Don’t you remember me!?” He claims.

“My long lost pet...Red? Red Rover? Is that you!?” You look at him with an expression of surprise and elation.

He sits up on all fours and lolls his tongue at you as he speaks, “That’s right, Bark! It’s me Red Rover, Bark! I missed you so much master, bark! That’s why I couldn’t help but kiss you all over, Bark!”

You open your arms wide and give him a big smile, “Rover, boy! I missed you too! Give me a hug, boy!!”

He nods and leaps forward, arms spread for a hug, “Thank you master, Bark! I’ll happily give a hug, a kiss, more kisses and maybe even a little tongue action-”

SMACK!

https://youtu.be/K-GhPaDm88I

“THE HELL YOU WILL YOU FUCKING HORN-DOG!” Dropping the act the moment he gets into striking range, you give him a right hook that would make getting hit with a dump truck seem pleasant in comparison.
“OOF!” Making a funny noise with his mouth and less funny noise with his skull, Landon goes flying out of your bed and crashing into the one right next to yours, toppeling it and him over to the white tiled floor below.

“You fucking creepo! So you’ve finally shown your true colors and tried to make a move on me huh!? I’ll rip your tongue from your throat!” You move into a crouching combat stance as you ready for battle.

“Huh? Huh!? What’s going on!? ” Landon ducks behind the fallen bed for cover and looks up at you in fear and confusion..

“That’s what I wanna know! Why were you in my bed licking me!?” You ask.

“What do you mean!? That was me treating you!” He answers.

“Treating me!? Did I fall into a coma and wake up to a world where sexual assault is medical treatment!?” You ask, fist primed to strike.

Landon puts a finger to his lips, “Shhhhhhh! Quiet with the S & A words! For some reason, whenever people hear them and I’m in the same room, I get the cops called on me!”

“Yeah cause you’re always the one committing it! Like you just did! To me! Speaking of which, I should call the cops!” Your head darts left and right as you look for a telephone.

Landon rises to his feet and waves his arms in a panic, “Oh no! No! No! No need to do that! As I said, I was just treating your wounds!”

“Well, that’s…” Landon looks away and trails off.

“And besides, if you were just treating me, why’d you try and play off the whole thing by acting like my long lost dog!?” You ask.

“Wait, you actually have a long lost dog?” He asks.

“Fuck no! That’s why I’m amazed you thought I would buy that bullshit! Now answer the question!” You demand.

“I thought you just wanted some impromptu pet play…” Landon confesses.

You look at him with horror and disgust, “What kinda fucked up pervert do you take me for!? And even if I was into that kind of shit, why would I want to fuck the moment I woke up from a coma!?”

“Well from the moment I wake up, usually that’s the first thing on my mind, isn’t everyone the same?” He asks.

“No! No we’re not! And you only think like that cause fucking any available hole is literally the only thing that’s ever on your mind!” You counter.

“Oh come now, you can’t mean...well is that really such a bad thing?” He asks.

“It is! Especially when you think my hole is available you creep! Now get back before I kick your ass and throw you to the Cops! I need space so I can call the police on you!” You threaten.

“Wait, doesn’t that mean no matter what I do I get sent to jail!?” Landon points out.

“Where you fucking belong!” You retort as you hop off the bed.

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https://youtu.be/QaQKCo2ST18

“Gah- Fuck!” But the moment you jump, you feel a gut-wrenching pain all across your chest and abdomen, sending you to your knees the moment you land.

“Ahhh, see that, that’s why you shouldn’t get so excited, you’ll re-open your wounds…” Landon gets from behind the bed and looks at you with concern.

“Uhhhh, sorry to interrupt while you two are having, gah, fun, but…” You hear a weak, panting voice from the other side of the room.

“Hm? Oh Hansel!” Landon exclaims, prompting you to look over.

“Ah…” There you see Hansel, bed-ridden and looking at the two of you with a pained but entertained face.

“I’m trying to...sleep over here, so I would appreciate it if you could fight a little more...quietly…” He asks, ever courteous, in spite of the clear pain he’s in.

What will you say?

>Hansel, I’m glad you’re alright…

>I’m amazed you’re alive!

>Did this freak attack you too?

>>4897762
>>Hansel, I’m glad you’re alright…

>>4897778

>I'm so glad...

>Posting.

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You gape at him like a beached fish for a moment before smiling, “Hansel...You’re alright.”

“Alright isn’t...the word I’d use to describe myself...but to see that smile on your face makes me feel that way.” He smiles back.

Landon smiles as well, “Ahhhh, well isn’t this just perfect, we’re all so happy to be alive, why don’t we all come together and have a big Still-alive hug!?”

You shoot a glare his way, “Touch me and my next punch sends you out the window! Don’t think just cause I’m happy to see Hansel means I’m happy to see you.”

“I try to be wholesome for one second and this is the thanks I get...Come on! All I want is a hug and maybe a little kiss! I promise I won’t slip any tongue in! You know unless-”

“Keep! The! Hell! Away!” You shout.

“Again, could you two, Err...please keep it down with the shouting?” Hansel begs in a pained, soft voice.

“What in the world is going on in here?” Lawrence asks as he enters the room with him are Noell, Florette and Gretel.

“Oh! Well would you look at that! The gang’s all here now! It’s only been a single night but it feels like it’s been months! How are you all doing this fine morning?” Landon greets, acting as if the torn up scenery around him is totally normal.

“Terrible, now that I’ve had to behold your smug grin.” Noell answers.

“Hahahaha! Always the Joker Noell! You don’t mean that!” Landon breaks into a laughing fit.

“I do, actually.” He confirms.

“Oh…” Landon deflates.

“Also, did you all know? This hospital is apparently a host to a miniature zoo.” Noell states.

“What? Really? I didn’t know there was anything like that here...” Landon asks.

“Neither did I, until I walked in this room and found a pair of monkeys shouting at each other.” Noell walks up to the upturned bed, giving a swift kick that puts it back upright before sitting down on the bed.

“Damn, I can’t tell what hurts more, my wounds or the fact that I’m being compared to Landon…” You lament as you hold your pained abdomen and try and fight your way back to your feet.

“Now now, I know it must be mentally strenuous to be stuck in the same room as him but try your best to relax, you’re injured you know.” Florette reminds you as she offers her hand to help you up and seats you bedside.

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“My word! You people can say some very hurtful things without realizing huh? And let me remind you I was injured as well! That’s why I’m in the same room as him!” Landon counters.

“That’s the part that amazes me, you still have the energy to sexually harass people, even while injured, if nothing else, your stamina deserves praise.” Florette notes.

“Oh trust me my dear, you are far from the first woman I’ve impressed with my stamina.” Landon says with a smile.

Florette giggles, “And you aren’t even the first man to throw that pick-up line my way this week and fail miserably.”

“And I thought Noell was the hurtful one in the relationship…” Landon visibly deflates.

https://youtu.be/BAascOQcmL8

As Florette sets you down and moves away, you speak, “So how are you doing this morning anyway? Can’t imagine you feel great after...well everything.”

She sits herself beside Noell as she answers, “Well we didn’t get much sleep last night considering we were so busy and active last night, but I’m used to waking up tired and sore.”

“Already used to being run ragged huh? I guess being the servant of ol’Cranky McRestingbitchface over here must be a real pain in the ass.” You console.

“That’s not true, you’d be surprised to know that master Noell isn’t a demanding man at all, he’s very independent and rarely asks for help! In-fact I wish he would ask more of me, I feel I rarely get to act the part of a proper maid!” She complains.

“That’s not true, you’re a big help to me, you’re irreplaceable in my eyes.” Noell counters.

“R-Really?” Florette looks elated

“Yeah you’re always there whenever I need to vent or hit something but everything around me is too valuable to break, it's a big help for stress management.” He answers.

“That’s the kind of compliment you would give a good punching bag…” You comment.

“Thank you very much, Young master! Your praise is too good for me!” Florette takes it as a genuine compliment anyway.

Then Lawrence steps in, hanging over you with a stern look in his eyes, “And Mr.Holums, Might I remind you that you too are a servant of ol’Cranky? Surely you know to watch your tone around your master?”

“Ah! Sorry about that…” You lower your head and apologize, sneakily shooting a glare Noell’s way from which he promptly looks away from.

(I forgot this bastard roped me into playing master and servant with him, I know I already consented but goddamn I get irritated every time I think about it…) you think.

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While you’re stuck under Lawrence ’s watchful eye, Landon turns his attention to Gretel who quietly pulls up a chair and sits herself right beside Hansel’s bed.

“Hi there sweetie! Come to visit your boyfriend?” He asks her.

“B-B-Boyfri-!!” Gretel goes red to her ears, “W-What are you even saying!? I-I came to check on everyone! And Hansel isn’t my uh- My Boyfriend!”

Landon lets out a mischievous laugh, “You say that, but I heard you were the last one to leave the hospital last night, you said: I would never leave Hansel’s side! I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t know he was okay!”

“I-Isn’t it only natural to be concerned for one’s friends?” She counters.

“So concerned the doctors have to physically drag you from the building kicking and screaming because you wouldn’t leave otherwise?” Landon adds.

“K-Kicking and screaming? O-Oh come now, I wasn’t that bad.” She disagrees.

“I believe you threatened to stab the nurse who asked you to leave and knocked out 3 security guards before they could subdue you.” Noell counters.

Gretel looks away, “W-Well...We’re really good friends and I was feeling a little H-Hysterical after all that happened so, c-could you blame me?”

Landon shakes his head, “No, no, no! I would never blame a woman for fighting to stay with the man she loves! You better not let this one go Hansel, she’ll be an excellent wife!”

“W-What? What are you even saying!? Please stop already, this sort of embarrassment isn’t helping my blood pressure...” Hansel blushes at the sudden call-out.

Landon dawns a mischievous smile, “I’m sorry but you two are just so cute I can’t help myself~”

“That doesn’t give you license to harass them, give the young’uns a break would you?” Lawrence orders.

Landon clicks his tongue, “Now here comes the boring old man to ruin the fun…”

Lawrence scoffs, “Sorry for being a boring old man but I think we could all do with a little boredom after all we went through last night. Speaking of which, Hansel my boy, how are you?”

Hansel cracks a smile, “A little hurt Sir but I’ll heal up just fine, I’m rather jammy despite how I look!”

Lawrence laughs, “Good to hear, but I wasn’t simply referring to your physical state my boy, is your heart holding up?”

Hansel’s smile fades, “Now that’s a front I’m a little less certain on Sir…”

Lawrence’s eyes narrow, “To hear that from the mouth of someone who survived a battle with an A-Class terrorist is something I didn’t expect, not feeling glad to be alive boy?”

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He closes his eyes as he hears that, “Well of course I’m grateful but I’m also...frustrated.”

“Frustrated? What do you mean?” Lawrence questions.

He shakes his head, “I mean...Frustrated, I can’t say anything other than that, I don’t know how to describe this feeling…”

“I do, you’re pissed that you lost aren’t you?” You explained for him.

“....” Hansel looks to you.

You narrow your eyes at him, “You’re pissed, you feel weak and unworthy, you feel like you let everyone, including yourself down and you’re...frustrated.”

“That’s...exactly right, how did you know?” he asks.

“Of course I know, I’m the same, cause I fought that same terrorist and I lost too and I’m pissed as hell right now.” You explain.

Lawrence nods in understanding, “So that’s what it was, well it’s only natural to feel that way after a brutal loss but you must temper your expectations, your opponent out-classed you in every category it was only natural that you would lose.”

Hansel grits his teeth, “I’m sorry Sir but that doesn’t make me feel much better...that’s just a nice way of saying I’m weak isn’t it? Because it’s only natural for weak people to lose.”

Lawrence shakes his head, “That’s not what I was saying and that’s not true at all-”

“It is true! Because now what!? Because I couldn’t shape up and fight, that man gets to go out and hurt even more people! Because I’m weak, more will have to die!” He declares.

“...” Lawrence stands, a little shocked, this must be the first time Hansel’s talked back to him.

Hansel takes his sheets into a white-knuckle grip, “I’m weak, pathetically weak and it’s so frustrating...If I can’t do anything, why am I even still alive?”

“Hansel…” Gretel gives him a saddened look.

For a while the room is silent, no one says a thing, right up until you open your mouth and say:

>Stop making excuses.

>You’re stronger than you think.

>You’re not dead, you can try again.

>>4897823
>>You’re not dead, you can try again.

>>4897839

>Hey, there's always next time buddy!

>Posting.

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“...Because now you can try again.” You declare.

Hansel looks your way again, confused, “Derrick? What did you say?”

“I answered your question, you’re alive because now you can try again.” You repeat.

He sighs, “Why? Just so I can lose all over again? Just so I can be reminded how weak and pathetic I am? Why try again if it will end the same way?”

You feel a pang of anger, “Who said it will end the same way?”

“No one said that...But since I’m weak, isn’t that just inevitable?” He counters.

You feel another, stronger pang of anger, “If no one’s said it’s impossible for you-hell- even if someone did, what does that matter? You’re alive, you can try again, you can do better this time.”

Hansel is taken aback, “You’re….You’re right...When you put it that way, you’re so very right, what an incredibly stupid thing I’ve said.”

Lawrence sighs, “Don’t feel too down, it’s only inevitable you would feel weak after such a brutal loss, but you mustn’t let this defeat define you or else how will you ever handle the defeats that will follow this one?”

“There will be more after this?” He asks.

“Too many to count.” You all say in unison.

“That’s just what it means to lead this kind of life, it’s understandable if you wish to quit after what you’ve experienced.” Noell states.

He shakes his head, “First and foremost, I can’t quit, I have no living relatives and no home to go back to, this job is the only place I can prosper.”

“For your service so far I can put in a request for you to collect your pension so you could live while unemployed and with the skills you have you can work for a number of other noble families, I could recommend you.” Florette adds.

He shakes his head again, “Maybe I made it sound like I care only for the money I’m making...wrong, the butler corps and all the friends I’ve made there is my home and I refuse to abandon it or my duties.”

“So you’re going to stay with us, despite how hard things are going to get?” Noell asks.

“I want to stay with you all and I also want to improve, invent and innovate like you all said, mayhaps I can have some ideas on how to do that by the by?” He asks.

What do you suggest he does to get stronger?

>If you feel you lack power, why not focus on gaining more of it? Become a real damage dealer.

>If pure power isn’t your strong suit, focus on defense, just put everything into becoming a good punching bag.

Despite how innocuous this may seem, this choice is actually rather important so I'm going to wait on more than one vote for this one, apologies if that means I take a while before the next post

>>4897865
>>If pure power isn’t your strong suit, focus on defense, just put everything into becoming a good punching bag.
"Make sure you don't end up in the hospital like this again."

>>4897865
>If pure power isn’t your strong suit, focus on defense, just put everything into becoming a good punching bag.

>>4897885
>>4897892

>Defense, what you need my good sir, is defense!

>Posting.

“If I had to give you any training advice, something to emulate...why not look into a punching bag?” You ask.

He gives you an annoyed look, “Well, I mean, I guess I could use one to help me improve my attacks but I was hoping for something more specific…”

You shake your head, “No,no, sorry, that came out wrong, I mean, why don’t you try being like a punching bag.”

He gives you a totally confounded look, “Excuse me...what? You want me to...be like a punching bag?”

“You say that like it’s stupid or weird, what’s wrong with being a punching bag?” You ask.

“Well-because...Because it is? All punching bags do is get brutalized and beat down by whoever uses them...in what way is that useful?” You ask.

“Well a punching bag can absorb hits like crazy and take no real damage right? What if we had someone like that who could take damage on the behalf of the people who can’t?” you ask.

“Take damage on other’s behalf...Ah! I think I get what you mean now!” He gleans your idea.

“Think you can train with something like that in mind?” You ask.

“I can certainly try! Thanks for the advice!” He says with a smile.

Lawrence laughs, “It seems hiring you wasn’t a mistake after all young Derrick, though you need more training in polite speech, you’re already working to improve the lives of your master and your peers, such is the butler’s work.”

“I just talked about what pissed me off and gave some advice when asked, is that really a butler thing to do?” You ask.

“So long as you are being considerate and acting with everyone’s best interest in mind, you’re already well on your way to being a good butler!” He praises.

You smile, “Ha! And everyone said I’d never cut it in the upper crust, that will show those motherfuckers!”

“Now if only we could do something about how obscene that mouth of yours is…” He wonders.

“Anyway, while we’re talking about things that piss me off, Surion, we got any leads on where he’s at and what he’s doing?” You ask.

“Now, now, don’t you think it’s a bit early for you to be thinking of pursuing Surion, you’ve barely even begun to recover.” Lawrence reminds you.

“Yeah, I know, but every minute we sit around here is another minute that scum is readying himself to cause another tragedy like last night, we can’t let him get away!” You counter.

“No one is saying we should let him go, worry not, we want him to face justice just as much as you.” Florette says with a determined look.

“But tracking him down isn’t our top priority, we should leave that matter to the police, we have neither the resources nor the time to waste on him.” Noell explains.

“You say that but haven’t the police been trying and failing to track him down for 6 years now? How good is this asshole at hiding anyway?” You ask.

“Terrifyingly so, he’s an A-Class criminal in every state of the Federation yet not even once has he been tracked down or caught. Not to compliment our enemy, but the man is a genius at escape and diversion.” Florette answers.

“You say that, but I sure as hell don’t feel that flaky bastard is a genius at anything, especially not after that shit-show he caused last night, you’re telling the police couldn’t find anything on him after that?” You ask.

“C-Currently the police are investigating the cause of the blast and t-tallying death tolls, otherwise they have no leads on the man who caused it.” Gretel answers.

“Are you kidding me? You’re telling me that no one has found anything? Nothing we can use to track him down?” You ask.

Gretel recoils a little from the belligerent tone of your voice, “N-Not exactly, w-we have found a few things that give us a hint of where he went next...b-but…”

“But what? If you know something, spit it out already!” You demand.

Gretel jumps a little from being shouted at, “U-Um, I’m sorry…I can’t...”

“She cannot, that’s a matter of police confidence.” Hansel cuts in.

“Who cares about police confidence!? That bastard needs to be caught and put down as soon as possible! We can’t just let him get away!” You counter.

“And do you believe you are in any state to be chasing after a man like Surion?” Lawrence steps in.

You relent a little, “I-It’s not about whether I’m fit to fight or not, the longer he goes free, the more people who are to hurt, the more who are going to die...and I can’t let it happen!”

Hansel smiles, “Your sense of justice is strong and I admire that and I know you must feel responsible for what happened since he got away.”

Hansel turns his head to meet your eyes, “I’m the same...I’m angry, I’m frustrated, I want to stomp out of here and redeem myself for last night’s failures...but we can’t, not in our current states, not so soon...”

You bite your lip, “You think I don’t know that...damn it…”

“No, I don’t believe you know that at all in-fact.” Noell cuts-in.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” You ask.

“This isn’t just a matter of whether you’re physical able to pursue him or not, legally he’s out of our hands.” He answers.

“Legally? What do you mean legally?” You ask.

“The Federation has laws in the books to prevent citizens from endangering themselves by pursuing A-class criminals like him, if we’re seen doing any investigations or launching any attacks on him, then we’ll be classed as criminals too.” Florette explains.

“We can’t investigate or do anything to stop him? That’s complete horseshit! And if that’s the case why aren’t we being arrested after we battled him last night?” You ask.

“Because he attacked first and we used our rights as citizens to defend ourselves against his attack, that’s legal, but to do the opposite and attack him unprovoked would mean we are acting as vigilantes which can have us sent to prison or even treated as terrorists ourselves.” She explains.

You click your tongue, “And what do I care for the laws in this place? The police can’t touch me!”

Lawrence looks at you cross, “Do you believe yourself some kind of diplomat with immunity because you’re a working immigrant boy? Don’t mistake yourself or your place, it’s only temporary but you are a citizen here and you can and will be tried as one if you act out.”

“No, I get that, what I mean is they can’t touch me because I’m a-”

SMACK!

Just before you can finish speaking, Noell smacks you across your face, hard.

“What the fuck!?” You ask as you rub your red cheek.

“Sorry there was a fly on your face.” He explains.

“No there wasn’t! I would’ve noticed!” You counter.

“Yes there is, let me show you-” He says as he grabs you and pulls you close.

The moment he gets near your ear he speaks, Don’t mention your hunter license to anyone, you’ll blow your cover story.

Huh? What do you mean? What cover story? you ask.

The one I came up with to get you into the country and working in the butler corps, I excluded the part where you worked for the Hunter Organization. He answers.

What!? Why!? You question.

Because around here Hunters are seen as Yorbian spies and would be considered too untrustworthy to be let into the country, so don’t you dare mention that here. He answers.

But-Lawrence knows I took the Exam and that you’re a Hunter, what’s the point in hiding it? you ask.

It’s fine for me to be a Hunter, the entire country hates me anyway so they won’t even bother accusing me of anything and I did include that you took the exam in your cover story...but… He trails off.

But!? But what!? you insist.

I added that you failed. Miserably. And that because you failed, I took you in because you were out of money and needed more training to retake next year.

You give him a deeply cross look, Why is my cover story that I’m a broke loser that you took in out of pity?

Listen it had to be convincing otherwise the recruiters would’ve seen through it. he answers.

What part about that shit is convincing!? Are you saying I look like a broke, pitiful loser!? you ask.

Well less that you look and more that you give off that vibe… He answers.

Step outside this room motherfucker, injured or not I can still beat your ass. You threaten.

Listen you can fight me and fail all you want later but for now play your part, you don’t have a license which means you’re working off the wage I give you and you have no extra-judicial powers here, you’re just a servant, got it? he reminds.

What other parts of this cover story have you conveniently left out, I think I better ask so I can get pissed about it now rather than later. you demand.

Ask Lawrence , this talk is dragging on too long, just mention nothing of your license, have I made myself clear? he asks.

Crystal. you sneer out.

“...And there, it’s gone.” Noell pulls back.

“You spent an awfully long time getting rid of that fly, speaking of which, I didn’t see any fly land on him in the first place.” Hansel points out.

“There was more than one fly on him, I had to pick them off one by one.” He answers.

“W-What? There were so many you had to p-pick them off, I didn’t see anything t-though…?” Gretel questions.

“There were hidden various fat folds all around his body.” Noell answers.

“Fat folds!?” You blurt out.

“W-What do you mean? W-What fat folds as far as I can tell he’s q-quite slender...” She asks.

“Don’t let his appearance fool you, he’s Yorbian, even when they look slim they still have various pockets of fat hidden all over their body where flies can get caught.” He answers.

“Huh? I...I don’t think that’s how anatomy works…” Hansel counters.

“Our anatomy, yes but Yorbian anatomy is a little different, you wouldn’t understand since you didn’t live among them but all of them have hidden fat pockets, it’s genetic.” He claims.

“I-It is?” Gretel asks.

“It is.” He answers.

Hansel looks to you, “It is?”

You blush and your eye twitches, “I-It is, yeah, we have fat pockets where we like to hide cookies and crack or some other shit…”

“O-Oh, I see I still have much to learn of Yorbian culture…” Hansel says, a little grossed out.

(IsweartogodI’llkillIyouIsweartogodI’llkillIyouIsweartogodI’llkillIyou-) you give Noell a death glare.

“Well your fat pockets aside, Master Noell is right, hunting Surion is the jurisdiction of the Federal Police, it’s not our business as civilians to step in, so all we can do is pray that they catch him this time.” Lawrence consoles.

“Right…” You nod, repressing the growing anger inside you.

Lawrence raises a finger, “With that said though, even if we cannot pursue him there’s no doubt in my mind that wretched man will make another attempt on our Master’s life.” he starts.

“The first time we were unprepared, untrained, unprepared for his assault but we have a saying here in Ochima, Today’s failure is tomorrow’s success and since we failed yesterday, today we must succeed.” He declares.

“That is to say...what? You’re kinda rambling right now.” You point out.

“That is to say there’s no telling when he’ll come back for more so we servants, defender of our master must prepare ourselves, we must train, we must be ready...and I will personally see too it that all of you younglings are ready.” He declares.

Both Hansel and Gretel's eyes light up at those words, “W-Wait, Sir.Lawrence, you don’t mean-!”

He nods, “Indeed I do, after you two are freed from the hospital, I will personally take all 3 of you under my wing and train you in the art of combat, I hope you do not mind.”

“Don’t mind!? I’m overjoyed you would take the time! To be taught how to fight by the Black Iron knight himself, I could only dream of such a thing!” Hansel proclaims in unbridled joy.

“I-I cannot express my gratitude in words! I am truly u-unworthy of this! From the very b-bottom of my heart, thank you!” Gretel cheers.

Lawrence chuckles, “That title is almost as ancient as the days of my service that earned me it, to hear it still respected by the youth today brings this old man such happiness…”

While Lawrence basks in cheer, you lean over and whisper to Noell and Florette, “Is this really such a big deal? I get the guy is respected and has this crazy legacy, but is he that good a fighter?”

Florette nods, “Yes he is, very few men survive long military service in this country and even fewer live long enough to earn a title, you can trust he will be an excellent trainer.”

“I mean you say that, but I haven’t actually seen him fight and I’m already doing Nen training with the Hunters and all that…” You add.

“No need to worry about that, he’s a Nen user as well, so he should be able to cover that area just as well as anyone from the association.” Noell clarifies.

Your eyes widen, “He’s a Nen user? Could’ve fooled me, I can’t sense even a little aura off him.”

“That should tell you precisely how good of a Nen user, Okabe told us, the better the Nen user, the harder it is to ascertain their strength.” Florette points out.

“That right? I guess I’ll take your word for it...by the way, quick question, Noell.” You turn to look at him.

“What is it?” He asks.

“Lawrence was the guy who taught you how to swing a sword right? What’s he like as a trainer?” You question.

Noell has to take a second to think, “What’s he like…? Well if I had to sum up training with him in one word, it would be...humbling.”

“Humbling? How about in a few words?” you ask.

“Brutal, violent, hellish, from time to time I still have nightmares.” Noell answers.

Your eyes flutter in amazement, “N-Nightmares? That’s gotta be a joke right, no matter how strict he is, he can’t be that bad.”

“Derrick.” Noell says, looking you dead in the eye.

“Y-Yes?” You acknowledge and meet his gaze.

“In all our time knowing each other, have I ever once told you a joke?” He asks.

“...Oh fuck you’re serious.” You realize.

“Consider yourself warned.” Noell states.

You sigh, “...Oh man I sure have some fun shit to look forward to when I get out of this hospital...when am I getting out by the way?”

“The doctors said you, Hansel and Landon should be fit to leave by the 21st.” Florette answers.

“Which, coincidentally is the same day that the Christening ceremony has been rescheduled for, what luck.” Noell adds.

“Rescheduled the event huh? Go figures after we just went through a terror attack, but two weeks huh? Two weeks of just sitting around in bed, man I’m going to be bored…” You sigh.

“Don’t say that Sunny, with me staying with you, I’ll never give you the chance to get bored!” Landon consoles.

“Well forget resting up in that case, I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re within groping distance of me every night.” You complain.

He laughs, “Oh Derrick! I would never grope you while you sleep! You lose half the fun that way!”

“...” You stare at Landon quietly for a good few moments before turning to Noell, “Can you put in a request for me to transfer rooms? Also file a police report while you’re at it?”

“Done.” Noell nods.

“Okay! Okay! I’ll keep my hands to myself! I get it alright!” He pouts.

“Hands and tongue.” You demand.

“Tongue? What do you mean tongue?” Noell and Florette ask, looking to Landon who begins to sweat.

“T-Tongue? What could he mean indeed? Hahahaha…” he slowly backs away.

And that’s when Lawrence steps back into view, “Don’t worry, you shan’t be bored, because I will be returning here every morning to teach you more socio-economics.”

You feel your eye twitch, “O-Oh, is that so…(Oh Jesus not again, the lesson on the train made me realize it’s actually possible to suffer brain death from boredom!)”

“W-Wait, does that mean we get to finish up our lesson on the effects the blue onion boom had on local Dalam farmers!?” Gretel asks with clear excitement.

“Yayyyy! I was wondering what became of the poor lemon potato farmers after they were put out of business!” Hansel fights through the pain of his wounds to ask.

“Oh that is a tragic and lengthy tale indeed, that lesson alone will likely take 5 hours to summarize.” He states.

“A-Are you kidding me? 5 whole hours for a summary!?” You ask in total exasperation.

“M-Mr. Derrick is right! Just 5 hours is too short for a real lesson, don’t b-bother with the summary and just give us the whole unabridged story.” Gretel asks.

“Oh but the unabridged tale is about a 12 hour read, are you sure you want such lesson?” Lawrence questions.

Your eyes near pop out of your head, “12 Hours!? Aw, Hell N-”

“Yes!!” The two shout in unison, drowning out your denial, “We would love that!”

Lawrence giggles in delight, “Well if you 3 are so excited to learn, what is this old man to do but oblige these young, eager minds.”

“O-Oh sweet mother of god I’m not going to survive…” You shiver a little in fear.

Noell pats you on the shoulder to comfort you, “H-Hey man, Lawrence is basically your personal butler right? Can’t you get him to cool it with the lessons?” you ask.

“Derrick, my friend…” Noell gives you a kind look, “...Do you believe just because he’s my butler that I have any control over him?”

“Ah…” You gasp.

“Learn this now that you’ve joined the corps, Derrick. In the Cromwell household, you follow two masters, the one who hires you and the one who owns you.” Florette explains.

“W-What do you mean?” You ask.

“I am the man who hired you.” Noell states.

Lawrence holds you by your shoulder, “And I am the man who owns you.”

“Okay...understood...Sir…” You feel the weight of Lawrence ’s heavy hand and your even heavier future on your shoulder.

“Anyway, now that we know everyone is okay, it is time we left you 3 to your recovery.” Noell gets up and makes for the door, Lawrence and Florette follow in his lead.

“Wait, what? You’re already leaving, we barely even had a chance to catch up…” Landon pouts.

“Believe it or not, some of us have better things to do than listen to your terrible jokes and vomit-inducing tales of depravity. There is much preparation to be made for the coming weeks.” Noell explains.

“D-Don’t worry though, we’ll be sure to visit you guys whenever we all have f-free time!” Gretel promises.

“That’s If we all have free time.” Noell reminds.

“Even so, that’s great to hear! I couldn’t imagine a week without you by my side, let alone 2!” Hansel says as he takes Gretel’s hand into his.

Gretel looks enchanted, “M-Me as well, a week without you sounds like a n-nightmare…I’ll be sure to visit you everyday.”

A smile graces Hansel’s face, “Really? You promise?”

“For you, anything.” Gretel nods.

“Gretel…” Hansel stares longingly into her eyes.

“Again, you can only keep that promise if we have any free time, things are going to get extremely busy-” Noell attempts to explain.

“Hansel…” Gretel stares back into his eyes.

“Don’t waste your breath young master, once those two are in their little world, there’s no stopping them now.” Lawrence advises.

“Not that we should stop them even if we could! Such beautiful, young love, I would sooner die than break them up! And let it be known I would kill anyone who gets in their way!” Florette says, watching the two with an overjoyed expression.

Fear creeps unto Noell’s face, “Oh lord her monomania is acting up, now we really have to get out of here.”

“It is as my young master says, we must be off, a good day to you Young Derrick, Mr.Augustus, Mr.Hansel, know that we all hope for your swift recovery.” Lawrence says as she grabs Gretel and Florette by the collar and drags them to the door.

“You and me both Larry! Good luck in whatever the hell you’re gonna do.” You wave.

There’s a twitch in his eye, “L-Larry- Clearly the first thing you need to learn is how to address your superiors, we will be covering that when I return!” He says as he walks out the door.

You laugh, “Sure whatever you stick in the mud, you have a good day too, Noell.”

He nods, “I’ll try, thanks.”

“I also hope you have a nice day, my dark delight!” Landon wishes.

Noell turns back and glares at him, “I hope the doctors botch your surgery-on purpose”

“I’m not even being operated on! And why is your response to me so different!? I didn’t even say anything dirty that time!” Landon complains.

“Because you opened your mouth when I’m in a foul mood.” He answers.

“You weren’t in a foul mood when Sunny spoke!?” He asks.

“No.” He answers.

Hansel laughs as he listens to the exchange and speaks, “I wish you both safe travels and happy days.”

“Oh be careful Handsy! Didn’t you just hear, the prince happens to be in a foul mood-”

He nods, “Thank you and same to you.”

“Wait, wait, wait! Why does he get a friendly response!? Why was I the only one given a death threat for a goodbye!?” You ask.

“I already told you, I was in a foul mood.” He repeats.

“And it faded already!? How quickly does your mood swing!?” He asks.

“It’s not that my mood is swinging, I just had a foul mood the exact moment you opened your mouth. In-fact I only ever seem to be in a foul mood when you speak, what are the odds of that?” Noell explains.

Landon looks hurt, “Oh so it’s like that huh!? I try to be nice and sweet and even then I’m met with hatred and pain! Well if my presence offends you so, why don’t you just leave!?”

“Yeah, I think I will, thanks.” He nods as he walks out the door.

“...Now he gives me a nice response…!” Landon looks genuinely upset.

What will you say?

>Let’s be honest, he only treats you like cause you deserve it.

>That’s just who he is, forgive it

>>4898039
>That’s just who he is, forgive it

>>4898039
>>That’s just who he is, forgive it

>>4898063
>>4898082

>That's just Noell, give him a break.

>Posting.

“Hey, rotten as it is, that’s just his personality, you should be used to it by now.” You console.

“I know, I know! Still, can’t he be just a little nicer?” He asks.

“Noell being nice at this point would actually kinda creep me out, his mean-spiritedness has actually grown on me.” You answer.

“That’s only because he’s half as mean to you as he is to me...whatever, I suppose that’s just his charm.” he resolves.

“Exactly, now let’s make like patients and recover, what do you say Hansel?” You ask.

“...Handsy?” Hansel repeats.

File: Butler Derrick01.jpg (43 KB, 225x350)

43 KB JPG

>2 weeks later…

Time: February 21st, 8:00 am, morning.

Location: Rose city public transit line #93, heading for Camelot.

ZIPPPPPPPPPP…

Two weeks come and go before you even realize it, after spending a few hours getting final checks and treatments from the doctors you and Hansel were both released from the hospital and declared fit to walk around and even work.

Though that second one came with the recommendation of moderation and warning that if you stress yourself too much it will be a quick trip right back to that accursed bed you were basically confined to, forced to listen to Lawrence ’s never-ending lectures…

The mere memory of it makes you quiver, so you think of something else, like your brand new outfit and look!

As much as you love your bouncer get up, naturally that was considered too uncouth as Lawrence called it, so one day you, Landon, Hansel and Lawrence got leave from the hospital to go to the tailor and design some new work clothes, which itself was an absolutely hectic mess that you rather not recollect of the details of.*

>Want to see the event? Remind me by the end of the thread.

But in the end you did get some pretty great clothes and a whole new look to you out of it all, now you wear a much more business formal suit like something you’d see out of those corporate parties or even an old world ball thanks to this big red ribbon.

And not only did your clothes change but you got a new haircut, you shaved some off the sides and got a ponytail to fancy yourself up and even a very regal pair of glasses. (With fake lenses.)

At first you did wonder if it was necessary to go so far to change up your appearance but Lawrence decreed that your previous look was too crass and wild and would be an embarrassment to the corps and that your current look was nothing special but presentable at least.

To which you felt…

>Annoyance, you hate this new look and can’t wait to switch back.

>Acceptance, it’s not you but it’s not terrible either, so who cares?

>>4898100
>Annoyance, you hate this new look and can’t wait to switch back.
YOO welcome back QM I was started to think you'd might have died, I missed ya man.

>>4898109

>Thought you might have died.

After investing this much in this story I would never die until I finish it, it just takes a WHOLE lot longer to prepare these episodes nowadays.

Anyway:

>Can't stand this godawful look.

>Posting.

>>4898100
>Annoyance, you hate this new look and can’t wait to switch back.

What an absolute pain in the ass it is to do all this dressing up, you’re not a doll and you refuse to be treated like one. But no matter how much you thrash and fight if you don’t wear this Lawrence will tear your ass apart worse than a bad case of hemorrhoids.

So for the sake of a peaceful existence you’ll continue to wear this in public but hell if you’ll wear this ridiculous get-up in private.

Anyway, your appearance aside, you also finally had all the details of your cover story divulged to you and boy are they a doozy…

According to Lawrence , you’re an orphan with no living relatives that grew up in the mean streets of Yorknew, with no formal education and not enough time in polite company. You lack good manners and proper skills but make up for it with good work ethic.

You bounced around odd jobs all throughout your teenage years until you took a stab at trying to become a Hunter and took the Exam, Where you met Noell, but ultimately failed early on.

After passing Noell finds you and recruits you as he thinks you have great potential and, This is the important part, you want to learn skills to serve something greater like the Royal family and you feel no particular attachment to your country of origin.

(Not particularly full of lies but not totally the truth either...Minimal enough that it gives nothing for them to trace but concrete enough that no one wonders who I am and what I want...far as cover stories go, it’s solid.) you recognize.

(But man I cannot stand how much it makes me sound like a waste of space...as far as anyone’s concerned, I’m a broke, rude loser now…) After all the work you put in to get it, not being able to use your license makes you feel sour.

(Though I guess none of that really matters huh? For the next few months I’m going to be living a new life here, so maybe it’s better to start with a clean slate like this…) You realize as you listen to the sound of the train engine roar, gliding along the sky tracks in that strange way only Ochiman trains do.

(Right now I’m heading to the castle, to my new workplace for a while, so I guess I better relax and just...take in the sights for now.) You realize.

Before your eyes and past a window screen down below, lies a rolling green pasture a sight that invokes a certain rural, almost rustic atmosphere as you see wild horses racing past and feeding on grass and from time to time, you pass a ranch or farm settled out, all by it’s lonesome in the distance.

This place is so different from Yorbia, while there are very urban places like Rose city, so much of the land lays untouched, rural villages, clear pastures, you can see untamed animals graze on the grass underneath the railways via a window under your feet.

It gives you mixed feelings, being someone born and raised in York New City, one of the most urbanised places on earth, you’re used to every tree and field of grass being the product of some preservation project or a display piece from a national park.

But mixed feelings aside, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of this sight one bit and you’re doubtful much of anything can ruin this experience-

“Hah...hrrrgg...Oh...Oh no-Blahhhhhh” Cries the man next to you as he regurgitates his breakfast onto your shoulder.

“....” You look down at your shoulder of your brand-new, freshly pressed suit, now covered down to the forearm in green yellow stomach matter and you meet the sight with benign silence.

“Oh dear…” Hansel sat right next to you cringes at the sight.

“Now that isn’t going to come out easy.” Landon, two seats away from you states the obvious.

“Heavens above and I just got that pressed and readied for you...” Lawrence, three seats away, shakes his head in disappointment.

“Oh god, I’m so, so sorry, I-” The man adjacent to you, a total stranger, doesn’t even wipe off the mess on his lips before he starts to apologize.

“No, no, it’s okay, don’t apologize.” You console as you try your hardest to escape reality.

To give a little context to what’s happening, you are currently sat alongside Hansel, Landon and Lawrence who’s acting as your escort, on a public train that’s carrying you off to the Castle where you’re supposed to meet up with Noell and Florette whom you haven’t seen since their first hospital visit.

Apparently, the castle where the royal family lives alongside many of the major noble families of the country is sat in its own region far away from the city, which is what prompted the need for this train ride.

The problem now resides in the fact that it seems this country suffers from the same problems that every other country suffers from when it comes to public transport. For every readily available ride, there are people you have to ride with, whether you like it or not.

Take the gentleman who just barfed on you for example, the entire ride he’s been showing signs of erupting harder than a dormant volcano during a plate shift but because literally every other seat on the train is taken, you had no choice but to be caught up in the runoff he left when he burst.

Despite under any other circumstances you would cave this man’s skull in for dumping his guts on you, you have no choice but to forgive him for his transgression.

“I-I’m so sorry mate, I really am, I was trying to hold it in, but-but, my god eggs and broccoli with cheese was a bad choice for a morning bite-” For his part, at least he seems genuinely apologetic.

“I’m not upset, I have a spare coat on me so I can just replace it.” You mean that, you aren’t upset, disgusted, yes, but upset you are not.

“No, no, mate! You can’t just throw that away, I don’t want to know I cost ya a jacket, that’s terrible! Let me pay your cleaning fees, how much ya need? I got some 30 shillings on me-”

You shake your head, “No, really man, I don’t mind, save your money, It’s fine.”

“I can’t bloody do that mate! Oh Armis this is all mi bloody fault! I was out drinking with my lads and I got too heated, so I’ve been fighting this monster of a hangover all fockin’ day-”

“It’s fine man, we’ve all got our struggles in life.” You aren’t surprised to hear that, he reeks of alcohol, it’s clear he hasn’t bathed in some time actually.

“And now I’m running late fer work, my boss is gonna have mi balls for showing late and that’s to say nothing of how pissed my Missus’s gonna be, she don’t even want me drinking no more, but this week has been so stressful, ya see-”

“I get it man, you don’t have to explain yourself to me, it’s fine, seriously-”

“It’s not fine! It’s not fine mate! I really fucked your day up and it’s all cause of this bloody drinkin’ problem of mine! I’ve been seeing a shrink about it but haven’t done me any good, I think i get it from me pap-”

“I said you don’t need to explain any of this, you aren’t listening to me are you?” You realize.

“Listen mate, I’m sorry, I’m so so, sorry, I wish I wasn’t such a fuck-up! Here, let me pay for your cleaning fees, I’ve got some 50 shillings on me-”

You sigh, “Oh fuck me...like I said, I don’t want your money, I’m not mad-”

“You’re not mad, really? My Missus always says she’s not mad at me, but I can tell she is, that’s why she isn’t putting out no more. My kids have been like that too, I sees the way they look at me and I don’t tell’em but it’s...it’s really starting to hurt mi feelings…!” The stranger begins to cry.

You sigh again, even harder this time, “Like I said, I’m not mad, really I’m not, so if you could just calm down-”

“Calm down? After I ruined your coat? I could never! That was so bloody terrible of me! Here, let me pay your cleaning fees, I’ve got some 12 shillings on me-”

“Oh my fucking god this is going nowhere…” You realize as you let out an even heavier sigh.

“See! You really are mad! I knew it! Everyone is always lying to me, trying not to hurt my feelings, when the lies are what really break mi heart…!” He cries even harder.

“Sunny, just don’t respond, sometimes people just want to yammer to whoever will listen, so just let him talk.” Landon advises.

The stranger then leans in on your barf covered shoulder and wails into it, covering your already dirtied clothes with his tears and snot.

You feel a small twitch in your eye, “I’ll try my best...instead, let me ask you something Lawrence .”

“Yes? What is it?” He acknowledges.

“Why is it, we, butlers to the royal family, servants to the most powerful men and women in the country...have to ride on a public train?” You ask.

Lawrence raises an eyebrow, “What in the world do you mean? You ask that like we’re doing something odd.”

“Aren’t we though? Ignoring that we’re servants, we’re employed by the richest, most powerful people in the country. The Royal family couldn’t create some private railways for their workers to go to and from work on?” You ask.

He shakes his head, “Being rich and powerful doesn’t mean being frivolous young man! Why build and maintain private railways for a small number of people when we can save costs by having everyone ride on the same transportation?”

“Oh, I dunno, so I don’t have to deal with crap like this!?” You say pointing to your barf and snot covered shoulder with a man crying all over it.

Lawrence sighs, “Listen, I know you must feel inconvenienced right now, but the cost of cleaning your suit is minimal in comparison to the cost of railway maintenance.”

You sneer at him, “Larry I-”

“What did I say about addressing me like that?” Lawrence scowls at you.

“Sorry, I mean Sir Larry…” You start.

He sighs, “Not much better but at least you’re showing respect...what is it?”

“I know you’re being totally logical and under any other circumstances I would be with you, but I’m having a hard time being rational right now…” you explain.

“Please just bear with it, I promise you will be reimbursed for your suffering.” He consoles.

“This isn’t even about the money…” You complain as you try and push the man off your shoulder, but his face has stuck onto you with all the snot he’s leaked out and you don’t have enough room to put your full strength into pushing.

“Mr.Derrick, I understand you must be very uncomfortable right now, but commutes like this are regular for every staff member, I’m one of the most senior staff and I must ride this train and just like you, Hansel must ride this train, but see how quiet he is, unlike you?” Lawrence scolds.

“That’s not a fair comparison! He doesn’t have a guy with a hangover and train sickness crying into his coat! He’s got it way better than I do!” You complain.

“T-That’s where you’re wrong, Mr.Derrick…” Hansel counters in a nervous voice as he cranes his head to look at you.

“You may have to deal with that drunkard’s harassment, but at least you don’t have to deal with this man’s harassment!” Hansel says pointing to Landon sat to his left.

“My Harassment? What harassment? All I’ve been doing is sitting here.” Landon counters.

“Don’t play dumb! You think I can’t feel your hand touching my thighs whenever the train rocks!? Please stop, it’s really creeping me out!” Hansel cries.

Landon looks offended, “What in the world are you accusing me of? I would never take advantage of this train ride to touch your ample, soft thighs! Aren’t you just being overly-conscious?”

Hansel recoils in disgust, “You would describe my thighs as soft and ample and try and act like you aren’t trying to cop a feel!? What’s wrong with you!?”

“Listen, providing an honest description of the softness of your sweet, amazingly feminine legs, isn’t the same as admitting I’m trying to touch them! Honesty isn’t a crime!” He counters.

“No but groping people on the train is! So stop!” Hansel demands.

“Again, I’m not groping you! You have no proof, so stop with the baseless accusations-Oof!” Mid-sentence, the train shifts around a bend in the sky track, causing a shake throughout the car, rattling everyone inside.

The shake is minimal, a little shocking at most, but somehow the shake throws Landon off-balance enough that his hand just so happens to grab Hansel’s thighs.

“Hiiiii-!” Hansel screams as he tries to shake his hand off.

“Oh well, what a terrible accident, my word this train is just so rickety! The engineers really must do something about that-” Landon prattles on without removing his hand, occasionally even squeezing and kneading it.

“Get off! Get your hand off now!” Hansel shouts as he swats his hand away.

“Ow! How violent! Couldn’t you see that it was an accident?” Landon asks as he holds his hand in pain.

“It was anything but! Oh lord, why must I sit next to this pervert…!” Hansel cries.

“You really love exaggerating don’t you, come on! It was just a little friendly thigh fondling! If was really groping you, I would’ve gone for your tight, supple rear-”

“Oh dear god how much more of this ride do we have to go, Sir.Lawrence !? I’m with Derrick! Why must we be subjected to this!?” Hansel asks.

Lawrence sighs and shakes his head, “Oh my word, didn’t I just explain this? I swear, youth these days, a little inconvenience and they can’t help but wail and cry as if the world is ending.”

“Are you calling this-” You point to the man on your shoulder, who cried himself to sleep and yet more snot and tears flow from his flabby face as the train rocks and he lets out a little more vomit.

“-A little inconvenience?” You ask.

“Sir.Lawrence how much longer until the station?” Tears form at Hansel’s eyes as Landon uses the back of his hand to rub the side of thigh continuously.

Lawrence whips out his massive map which takes up way too much space in the cramped train and checks.

“Considering the large bend we just took, it should be another 30 minutes before we arrive.” He informs us.

“30 minutes!? 30 more minutes riding with this creep!? My chastity won’t survive the ride!” Hansel complains.

“How rude! I would never go that far, I know you have a woman waiting for you and I would never take you from her.” Landon counters.

“O-Oh good, at least you have that much decency-”

“After she’s done with you though is a different story-” He adds.

“Why are you even here!? Oh god someone get me off this train!!” Hansel cries.

Landon laughs, “Come on now, it’s a joke! I’m just joking, calm down!”

You give him a side-long glance, “Putting aside whether you’re really joking or not, he just asked a good question, why are you here?”

Landon gasps, “Why Sunny I’m hurt! You would ask why your friend would want to stay with you? I thought we were closer than this…” he covers his eyes as tears run down his face and his lips quiver.

“Man I’m amazed you can cry fake tears that easily, what’s your trick?” You counter.

“Oh you could tell? You really do know me!” He laughs as he reveals eye drops in the hand he covered his face with.

You feel a pang of rage, “Just answer the question already!”

“What? The one about why I’m here or the one about fake tears? Because if it’s the fake tears question, than I have a very good acting school I can tell you about-”

“Screw acting school! You know which goddamn question I was asking!” You shout.

“Okay, okay, calm down! I’m just here because...well I have nothing better to do really.” He answers.

You give him a confused look, “You have nothing better to do? Didn’t you tell us on the ship ride here that you had to meet up with a benefactor or something? Or was that a lie so we wouldn’t throw you overboard?”

He shakes his head, “Oh no that wasn’t a lie, I am here to meet up with someone very important along with a couple of friends.”

“Then...why haven’t you?” You ask.

“Because I don’t know where they are.” He answers.

“You don’t know...how? How don’t you know? You came to this place to meet someone and you don’t even know where they are?” You question.

“Nope, they didn’t tell me where to find them, just that I needed to meet them.” He answers.

“And...you were just okay with that?” you ask.

He nods, “This is how they operate, they like to keep things interesting by making even finding them a game! Isn’t that fun!?”

“The hell it is! I should’ve guessed given your fucked-up personality that your friends would be into doing weird and tedious stuff too! Assuming you aren’t just lying again.” You realize.

“I’m not lying! Really! You would be surprised to know 98% of everything I say is the unfettered truth!” He counters.

“Seriously? And how do I know you’re not lying about only lying 2 % of the time? What’s the probability of the probability that you aren’t, not lying?” You question.

Landon looks very confused, “Uhhhhhhhhhhh….69%?”

“You just quoted the 1st number that came to your head aren’t you? And of all the numbers of course it had to be that one…” You shake your head.

“Look! The point is until I find out where my friends are, I’m sticking with you guys! Which is cause for celebration! Yayyyyyy!” he cheers.

“That is anything but cause for celebration...Sir.Lawrence, surely he can’t follow us the entire way!?” Hansel questions.

“He can’t follow us into the Royal Palace without special permission, but all are free to roam the streets of Armis Landing, so he’s free to follow us up until the castle gates.” He answers.

“So we are going to be free of him, thank the lord…” Hansel breathes a sigh of relief.

“I wouldn’t speak so soon! What is this special permission I need to get into the castle?” He asks.

“You would need an invitation from a member of the royal family or a high-ranking senior staff member like myself.” He answers.

“Oh really? Does that mean if I asked nicely you would let me into the castle?” Landon asks, behind him you can see Hansel shaking his head and mouthing the words ‘No, please no’.

“I would if you promised to be on your best behaviour...but unfortunately I was ordered by Young master Noell to never grant you permission.” He answers.

Landon clicks his tongue as Hansel breathes another sigh of relief, “I see, well don’t worry, I think I can find my own way in.” Landon states.

“So long as that way doesn’t involve sneaking or forcing your way in, you are free to do as you wish.” Lawrence states.

Landon laughs, “Oh don’t worry, a real gentleman like me knows the ladies hate it when you force your way in. You have to get them to Open the gates themselves if you catch my drift.”

Lawrence looks confused, “I don’t...But the fortune of Armis be with you.”

“What the heck does that even mean?” Hansel asks you.

“Good question, I end up asking myself that almost every time this pervert speaks and I always regret the answer, so let’s not ask alright?” You warn.

“Understood…” Hansel sighs as you all try to endure the remainder of the ride.

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“Look everyone! We’re finally here!” Hansel chants excitedly as he turns around in his seats and points toward the city closing in distance.

You follow his finger and before you a structure like no other, to call it simply a castle or even castletown would underplaying it’s majesty, it’s ingenuity and most of all it’s unbelievably size.

A small city folds out in the distance, sat atop 3 distinct rings all of which shaped like cogs in a machine, on each of these rings are housing, stores and commercial districts, with train-tracks and pathways leading all around each and every district and at the very center is a castle the size and width of a small city in of itself, towering so high it pokes the skies above.

The whole place is reminiscent of a fantasy model city that’s been upscaled to the point where people can actually live in it, you very much doubt there’s any place like this one on earth, truly showing the uniqueness and opulence of the people of Brenho.

And as you pull into the city and close in on the station, you look upon this incredible piece of art, you only had the most appropriate response.

“Whoa...That’s pretty cool.” You said with all the excitement of a rotten tomato.

“What’s with that total lack of reaction!? You’re looking upon the Royal city, the grand palace, the seat of power in all of Ochima and all you can say is that’s pretty cool.” Hansel complains.

You give him a confused look, “What did you want me to freak out? 2 weeks ago I might’ve given you a better reaction, but after all of Lawrence ’s lectures, I have such a good grasp of the landmarks and geography of this place that I think there’s a map literally imprinted on my brain.”

“Good to know my lessons have been getting through to you, I was worried that you might have only been pretending to listen to me this whole time.” Lawrence admires.

“Yes, thank you very much Sir. Larry…” You nod with a pained expression.

(Like hell I could even dream of doing that with you watching me like a Hawk everytime you visited! If I blinked for too long and he would whack me with that ruler of his, faster than I could even see…)

https://youtu.be/Q1KnXyFJU6c

A few moments later, the train rolls into the station and let’s you off, pushing the sleeping man off of you and swiftly changing tops in the train bathroom, you get off unto the train platform and walk out onto the streets, lugging your briefcase filled with all the stuff Lawrence bought for you to help you settle in along the way.

Walking through the streets of the richest place in the capital really puts the difference in luxury in perspective, where downtown Rose city was indistinguishable from the slums you knew in York New, the streets here put even Yeverly Hills to shame.

Every store sells designer goods, every street corner houses a café in which only the most exotic and expensive blends can be found. The roads are a mix quality, clean concrete and cobblestone road on which trams and taxis are the main means of transport, you doubt anyone in this place has ever known what it’s like to be stuck in traffic with how clear the roads are.

There are so many parks, named after so many famous people, with every house you pass by being either an over-designed condo or out-right mansion, where everyone is clearly trying to out do their neighbor in a game of How vain can you get before it’s tacky?

As you look upon the sights, it’s clear the term minimalist is completely lost on these people outside of their weird art-pieces and the scent of obscure perfume and people sniffing their own farts is going to drive you up the wall.

Landon whistles as he enjoys the sights, “Whoa! This is my first time in Armis Landing and I must say this place certainly gives off a very…”

“Pompous vibe?” You guess.

“I was going to say high-class but that works too.” Landon nods.

“Please don’t say such things Mr.Derrick, the people here don’t appreciate such comments.” Hansel warns.

“You mean they hate it when people are honest.” You counter.

“Be that as it may, the essence of politesse is to speak your mind only when the other party wishes to hear your thoughts, this is not one such time.” Lawrence corrects.

“Yes Sir…” You sigh.

“Well even if you 3 can’t speak your mind, I will. This place is so droll! Nothing but golf courses full of boring old men and beauty salons stocked with women well past their prime, I can’t stand it! Where are the young, fiery ladies and gentlemen!?” Landon complains.

“Well this place is home to practically every noble house in the country, so the younger nobles are likely stuck at home, studying and preparing to inherit the family name.” Hansel explains.

“So basically all the attractive people are stuck in their gilded cages then? See that? Things like that are why I can’t stand the nobility.” He shakes his head.

You laugh, “Damn and here I thought you were the kind of guy who pops up rich old ladies' bedrooms while their husbands are away.”

“Did I give off that kind of vibe? Well let me set the record straight, not at all, as much as I love to sleep around, I never do it for money. You couldn’t pay me to lay any of these people.” Landon shakes his head.

“And yet I would pay anything for you to get your hands off me…” Hansel comments.

Landon throws his arm around his shoulder and clings to him, “But Hansel baby, you and Derrick are the only attractive people I can see! Who else can I play with?”

Hansel pushes him off, “How about neither of us!? And if Derrick’s on your radar, why are you only harassing me!? Go after him so I can be rid of you!”

(Man for a guy who was so quick to sacrifice himself to save me, he was even quicker to throw me to the dogs huh…) You think as you listen.

“I would, but my face is still stinging a little from the last time I played with him so I’d rather go after someone who can’t fight back!” He explains.

“Why must I endure this…! Someone please help!” He cries out.

What do you say?

>Just give up, trying to stop him is pointless, trust me.

>Knock it off already Landon or should we get the cage for you again?

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>>4898192
>Just give up, trying to stop him is pointless, trust me.
I'm curious what this shady fucker was actually trying to do in the beginning of the thread. taking a DNA/Blood sample of derrick maybe? Still feels a bit far-fetched. Maybe it was some nen thing, I honestly can't remember if we've seen the full extent of his powers yet in his POV

>>4898192
>>Knock it off already Landon or should we get the cage for you again?

>>4898192
>Knock it off already Landon or should we get the cage for you again?

>>4898197
>>4898198
>>4898204

>I guess you want another round in the cage huh?

>Posting.

"Lay off him for a bit Landon, if you couldn't tell, he's not enjoying that." You point out.

"Well they always act like this at first but if you just-"

"Don't finish that sentence, just knock it off." You demand.

"But I'm so bored! Watching Hansel freak out is the only fun thing to do around here! If I can't play with him, who am I supposed to play with?" he asks.

"Please stop treating me like a toy..." Hansel comments.

"Unless, you'd offer yourself up in his place? Then I would consider." Landon asks.

You laugh, "Me? No, but I do know of a nice iron cage that would be happy to have you, it has your name on it and everything."

Fear grows in his eyes, "T-The cage? You still have that? No way, y-you're bluffing, aren't you?"

"Actually, Master Noell had me move that cage to storage for later use." Lawrence corrects.

"Wait, seriously?" He asks.

"Yes, we even had it re-designed to incorporate a number of complex locks, extra-strong bars alongside a bed and working latrine system to ensure you couldn't break out of it." He answers.

"W-Wait, so you're saying he had a jail made personally for me?" He asks.

He nods, "Noell took your complaint of it being too small and even had it redesigned to your exact measurements and went as far as to have your name engraved into the metal."

Landon gives a strained smile, "W-What a kind thing to do..."

"So yes. We do, in-fact. Have a cage with your name on it." Lawrence clarifies.

"Wait seriously!? Oh god, Oh god no! Not that cage again! I don't want to go back to that cold and hard place..." He starts shaking.

"If you don't want to go back, just let the kid go." You demand.

He lets forth a nervous snort, "H-Hmph, you think I'm scared of that cage? If I feared being locked up behind bars I would never get as much action as I do!"

"Man why is it everything you say sounds like an incriminating statement in court, do you do that on purpose or...?" You wonder.

"Nevermind that! You can't scare me with some measly cage, I won't let my toy go so easily-"

"I'll take-away the panties you have in your right pocket." You add.

His eyes go wide, "Huh!? How'd you know-"

"When do you not have stolen underwear on you?" You ask.

"G-Good point, but that's still not enough to-"

"And the bra in your left pocket." You add.

"What!?" He exclaims.

"And the ones in your boots." You add.

"..." He goes quiet.

"And the back-ups you keep hidden." You add.

"Fine, I get it already!" He lets Hansel go.

"Ah! Free! I'm free!!" He exclaims in joy.

"I'll just wait until you aren't watching to continue anyway." He smiles.

"What!? No, Derrick! You have to stop him!" He orders.

"That would require me to watch this creep 24/7, a job I have neither the time nor the stomach to handle." You counter.

"N-No way..." Hansel deflates.

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“We are only a few minutes from the castle gates Mr.Hansel, please hold out until-Hm?” Lawrence notices something in the distance.

Emerging from a high-class bar nearby 3 women emerge, one in a tight-fitting dress and the two others in casual wear.

The two in casual wear are young, fresh 20-something ladies who are carrying the 3rd woman who appears to be a bit older than them, probably early or mid 30’s.

“Waaaaaaaah! Why must life be so cruel!? What did I do to deserve this God!?” Cries the older lady as the two younger ones try to console and calm her.

“It’s not that bad Madam! There are plenty of other suitors out there!” One of them states.

“Exactly, that last man was simply unworthy of you! He couldn’t see the shining gem you really are! You were a pearl before swine!” The other consoles.

“That doesn’t matter! What’s the point of being a pearl when all the men are looking for diamonds!? Why does every man I date dump me by the 3rd date!? What am I doing wrong!? It’s not fairrrrrr!!” The older maid wails, the excessive make-up on her face running down in laps.

You watch from the distance in awe, “Oof, that chick looks like she’s had a rough morning, must’ve flunked a hot date.”

“Indeed she did...yet again.” Lawrence sighs.

“Again?” You question, but Lawrence has already left to go speak to the woman.

“Please calm down Madam, we have to be back to work in 30 minutes and we need time to change back!” one of the younger girls warns.

“I can’t calm down! I won’t calm down! Why won’t anyone love me!? Does being 35 turn people off that much!? I’m still 5 years from my 40’s!” She points out.

“...wait, I’m only 5 years from my 40’s!? If I don’t shack up soon I’m going to go into menopause with no kids! I’m so screwed! Seriously, why won’t any man date me!? Is it cause I’m ugly!? It’s cause I’m ugly isn’t it!?” She asks one of the other ladies.

“You’re beautiful Brittany! All those guys just couldn’t see it!” One of the ladies flatters.

“That’s just a nice way of saying guys find me ugly isn’t it!? Why was I born so ugly!? It’s not fairrrrr!!” She starts crying even harder despite the words of encouragement.

She sighs, “She’s such is such a pain in the ass...Why did I agree to play wingwoman to this…?” She laments under her breath.

“Ahem, Ms.Brittany, what are you doing?” Lawrence asks as he approaches.

All 3 of the ladies jump in shock and then go stiff with fear, “Oh shit it’s Naggy Larry- I mean! S-Sir Lawrence ! What brings you out here?” Brittany asks.

(Oh Naggy Larry? That’s a new one, I’ll be sure to use that sometime…) You note.

“I was just on my way escorting a new servant to the castle, now that I’ve answered your question. Please answer mine, what are you doing?” He asks again.

Brittany’s eyes start to dart this way and that, “Oh-well-um-I-I-I was on break and decided to spend some time here with these girls! Getting to know the younger girls better you know!”

“And by that you mean you’re shirking your duties to go on dates again and you dragged these two young ladies with you for support is it?” Lawrence deciphers.

Brittany looks away “W-What? Nooooo, that would be so irresponsible and an abuse of my power, I would never do that!”

“...” Lawrence gives her a silent, terrifying gaze which causes the maid to sweat.

“R-Right girls? We’re just out here getting to know each right?” She dare not meet his gaze and defers to the younger girls for help.

They both nod, “Y-Yeah we were all just talking and getting to know each other, it was nothing illicit…” One of them claims.

He turns his gaze to one of the ladies who just spoke, “You are Ms.Maryjane correct?”

A pang of fear appears in Maryjane’s eyes, “H-How did you know?”

“I remember the names and faces of every single staff member in the castle, especially the younger ones considering they’re prone to being mischievous or easily played with by older staff members.” He explains.

“And when such a thing happens I will without mercy take appropriate disciplinary action, I was just doing what I was told is no excuse in my eyes young lady.” He threatens.

Maryjane starts to sweat, “Y-You don’t mean, the tickler do you?”

“Yes my dear, yes I do.” He answers without hesitation.

“O-Oh god…” The fear and sweat is plain on her face now.

“What’s the tickler?” You ask Hansel.

Hansel cringes at hearing the name, “A torture device from the depths of hell, it’s a spiked metalcasket they keep in the dungeons which inflicts indescribable pain to anyone put inside it.”

“Like an iron maiden?” You compare.

“Worse, instead of metal spikes which stab you, it’s filled with finger-like protrusions which randomly jut out and whirl around, poking you in your sides, neck, under your feet...for two hours straight.” He explains.

Landon cringes hearing that, “Oof, that sounds rough, two hours straight of getting your most sensitive spots tickled...Even to me that sounds hellish.”

What will you say?

>Is it really that bad? Sounds kinda tame.

>That’s pretty rough…

>>4898256
>Is it really that bad? Sounds kinda tame.

>>4898256
>>Is it really that bad? Sounds kinda tame.

>>4898267
>>4898273

>Gonna be honest, sounds kinda mid bro.

>Posting.

You’re not convinced though, “Maybe to you guys that sounds bad, but in comparison to most other torture that’s pretty tame...not to mention, wouldn’t you lose most sensitive after two hours of tickling?”

“Yes but the worst part is that just before you’re put in the casket, they tie your hands and feet and sprinkle some itch powder on your nose.” He adds.

Your eyes go wide open, “What.The.Fuck...and they don’t allow you to scratch it, for the whole two hours?”

“They don’t allow you to scratch it.” he nods.

You cringe hearing that, “What kind of fresh hell is that...remind me not to get on Lawrence’s bad side ever again…”

“So you can say his proper name after-all...” Hansel comments.

“So Ms.Maryjane, let me ask again, is what Brittany said true?” He asks.

She jumps, “Eeep! I-I-I-Yes! It’s true! Of course its-”

“Ms.Maryjane.” Lawrence repeats in a stern voice.

“Not true. It’s not true at all, Ms.Brittany took us here to help her win over a date.” She cracks.

“Hey! Traitor!” Brittany cries.

“And you are a liar Ms.Brittany. So I suppose this means you’ve gone hunting for suitors during work hours yet again?” Lawrence crosses his arms and meets her with a stern gaze.

“Ah...Yes Sir.” She bows her head in apology.

He sighs, “How many times have we gone over this...And I suppose this date of yours was yet another failure?”

“What do you mean yet another!? And this date wasn’t a failure, he said he would call back for sure and that we just need a little more time to get to know each other!” She counters.

“Is this true?” He asks.

She sweats again, “Y-Yes! I’m really being honest this time!”

He turns his gaze to the young lady, “Ms.Wiltshire, is this-”

“It’s not true, not true at all. They talked for over an hour without really meshing and when the guy told her how pretty she was, she pushed advance after advance on him with all the force of a military campaign, with none of the strategy.” She cracks.

“He didn’t even have to finish asking the question! At least try and put up a fight, Whitty!” Brittany complains.

“I can’t be bothered anymore Madam! Watching you screw up these dates is getting too sad! This is the 5th guy who’s rejected you now!” She counters.

“That’s because I need to get married before I hit 40! Guys are already throwing me to the curb the second they hear I’m over 30! Can you imagine having to find a date in my 40’s!?” She argues.

“It’s not your age that’s the problem Madam! It’s your desperation! If you stopped bull-charging every man you see, maybe they’d all stop running from you!” Maryjane argues.

“B-But I’m only so desperate because I’m getting old and I’ve never been married! How am I supposed to stop!? Waaaaaaaaaaah!” She starts to wail again.

“Ahem.” Lawrence clears his throat, quieting all 3 of them.

Brittany grimaces, “Oh no, here comes the nagging…”

Lawrence takes a deep breath, “Ms.Brittany, I can understand you feel insistent on finding love and I will not fault how you spend your personal time, but work hours are for work only. It’s one thing to spend your work time finding a suitor, it’s another thing to pull two of our recruits into your escapades! You have been working for the Royal family for 15 years now and I would expect better of someone of your experience and age! You are exploiting your position as a senior member of staff-”

“Hm?” Landon’s ear pricks up.

“-To your advantage! And I am very disappointed in you! If you don’t get your act together soon I will be taking action to ensure you get your act together! Understood!?” He scolds.

She nods rapidly, “Understood! Understood! It won’t happen again!”

“Good answer! Now we must be on our way, please enjoy the rest of your lunch break and evening!” He wishes.

“W-Why does it feel like you’re ordering me to...Whatever, yes Sir!” She walks off with the other two Ladies.

Your group resumes their walk but as soon as the maids are out of earshot, you speak, “Jeez Sir.Naggy, you really laid into that chick, this really happens that often with her?”

He gives you a cross look, “Sir.Naggy…? Whatever. Unfortunately yes, I am ashamed to say she’s been acting like this for the past 15 years now and it seems no matter what I say it’s only weeks before she’s back at it again.” He answers.

“Well at her age I suppose it’s only natural she’s desperate for a partner, I used to work at a bar and let me tell you, you haven’t heard sob stories till you hear the stories of a woman in menopause.” You state.

He nods, “Don’t get me wrong, I feel for her, her social skills with men have always been quite weak and pair that with all the desperation she’s built up over the years and well... You saw with your own eyes what it’s like for her, didn't you?” He answers.

“I really wish I didn’t, I take no pleasure in smelling people’s dirty laundry you know.” You state.

Landon steps in, “Well I do! Dirty laundry happens to be my favorite! Tell me, why is it no one wants to date her? It can’t be simply desperation, some men find that kind of thing attractive.”

Lawrence gives him an odd look, “Well...take what I say with a grain of salt as this is mere hearsay, but there have been a few times where Ms.Brittany has scored herself a relationship, but those all failed as well.”

“Why?” You ask.

Lawrence looks away, “Again, this is merely hearsay...but I heard that the men ran away due to her being something of a sexual deviant.”

“A...what?” You give him a confused look.

“They said when it comes to any matter regarding sex, she becomes highly aggressively, nearly to the point of out-right assault and if that isn’t enough, I heard she enjoys drinking various...fluids, among other things.” He explains.

You cringe, “What? No wonder no one wants to date her, that’s weird as hell! But that kind of degeneracy sounds right up your alley, ey Landon...Landon?”

You look over to the spot Landon was just standing and he’s disappeared without a trace, you look behind you and see Landon has taken Brittany’s hand into his and looks into her eyes with a bright shine, much to the dismay of the two maids who watch in awe.

“Good morning my lady! I heard you just had your heart broken? What a tragedy, a beautiful lady like you being thrown to the wayside, what a crime! A crime I say!” He declares.

She looks confused, “Uhhhh, thanks, you don’t look half bad yourself but...who are you?”

“I’m the man who will mend your aching heart and end your tragic loneliness! We can over the details over a nice cup of tea.” he explains.

“Oh...Oh you’re flirting with me!” She realizes.

“Indeed I am.” He admits.

“Oh, I am flattered but I literally just got my heart broken and I’m kind of healing from that, I have work to be at really soon, you’re really attractive but I don’t even know your name, soooo...” She lists off.

He pouts, “Ah, so you’re not interested, what a shame…” he says as he reaches into his back pocket.

“Yeah, sorry friend, I really am flattered but-”

He pulls out a ring and shows it off, “I had this nice golden ring I was hoping to put on my beloved’s finger too, but I suppose if you’re not interested-” He turns to walk away.

Grab

She snatches his hand and pulls him close, “You said tea? I can make time for tea. Let’s get tea.” She says as she drags him off.

“Oh, so assertive! I like assertive.” He flirts as he follows her.

“What...just happened?” Maryjane questions.

“I don’t know, don’t care, I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with her depressing ass for the rest of the day. Let’s get back to work.” Whittaker advises as they walk off.

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Lawrence blinks in surprise, “My word he works fast, He met her not even 5 minutes ago and he’s already taking her on a date?”

“Well I’m just glad to be free of him, jokes or not, any more advances on my chastity would’ve given me a heart attack...now we have no more uninvited guests following us to the castle.” Hansel sighs in relief.

“Yeah and right on time too, we’ve arrived.” You announce as you look ahead and see a tall circular wall, stretching around the castle.

On the ramparts you see armor-clad guards they stand around the perimeter of the gate, some on high in the ramparts, some patrolling the grounds, some at the gate itself watching everyone and everything that moves with their keen eyes.

All of them armed with powerful guns with blades much like the one Noell carries strapped to their sides, if there was ever someone so brave as to try and break in, they probably won’t even be able to get past the gate with these guys watching.

Pair that with a number of cameras, turrets on the walls and mortars on the ramparts, it’s clear this place was made to defend against any and all intruders, even ones that came with the force of an army.

Walking up to one of the many large, iron gates, you approach the glass booth next to the gate, in which a vigilant checkpoint officer sees you all coming up.

Before you even say anything, the checkpoint officer exits his booth and meets you halfway, “Mr.Hansel Klein, Mr.Derrick Holums and Sir. Lawrence Rutland, that’s you three right?”

You all nod as Lawrence answers, “We are expected inside by Prince Noell.”

“I’m aware, shall I escort you all to Prince Noell’s present location?” The guard asks.

“Would you be polite enough to let us through if I said no?” Lawrence asks.

“No, but I’m polite to ask beforehand anyway.” The guard quips.

“Very well, Please do.” Lawrence chuckles.

With that the Checkpoint officer guides through the gate and into the castle grounds, the moment you’re through the gate, a beautiful, green garden, made up of perfectly cut hedges, evenly mowed grass and numerous flowers, all of which are enamoring.

“Do you mind if I ask where we are and where we’re going?” You ask the guard.

“We are presently walking through the eastern garden, we are heading to the southern garden where Prince Noell is enjoying tea served by Madam Florette under the gazebo.” He answers.

“Understood. Thank you.” You nod.

“You’re welcome.” He says without turning to face you.

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You look at his back with mixed feelings, (Damn, the guys around here don’t play huh? Usually even in the most high-security places the guards know how to crack a joke or keep a conversation but these guys are by the books huh?)

You then look around the garden, (It’s not just the guards either, the whole place feels a little too perfect, everything is measured, every place is controlled and monitored, everyone knows to watch their tongues. I don’t think even the grass has the stones to move from it’s designated spot with how neatly cut it is.)

You narrow your eyes, (It’s not just that either, it feels like from the moment I stepped through the gate, someone’s eyes have been on me…)

Look… The wind speaks to you.

“Huh?” Caught off guard, you look ahead and see that no one ahead was speaking to you.

Look up… The wind orders.

“What…?” And just as ordered you look up, up at that towering castle, the heights of which you cannot even see past the clouds.

However, just before the structure disappears into the white beyond, you see something...no, someone looking down from a balcony high up.

https://youtu.be/4OVJKqmH4JQ

You recognize her, her hair a fiery red, her brilliant shining dress that would make even the richest woman feel modest, the air of pure, unfettered authority that commands your attention.

(I know her...that's the woman that acted as Judge in Noell’s case, what is she doing here…?) you question as you look up at her.

And the moment after you hold that thought, you dare not hold it anymore as in that moment, she locks eyes with you, despite what must be an over 50ft height difference, from a place where you look like nothing but ants in the distance to her, she locks eyes specifically with you.

How do you know? You can feel it.

“Hehe…” And whatever it is she sees with those eyes hers, it pleases her, you hear the faintest giggle on the wind as she takes note of you.

“Mr.Derrick? You’re lagging behind.” Noticing you’ve stopped, Lawrence calls you back to reality.

“Huh?” You look towards him, now free of the woman’s spell.

Hansel looks at you concerned, “You look distraught, are you okay?”

You look back up to the balcony, but the woman is gone now, she left in the brief moment you looked away.

You calm up a little as heat returns to your chilled blood, looking to Hansel and Lawrence you speak, “Yeah...yeah I’m good, sorry for the hold up.”

“....Are you sure you’re okay?” Lawrence asks again.

You nod, “Yeah, yeah, I just...question, is there a woman that lives here, has red hair and a red dress and uh...a powerful presence?”

“Powerful presence?” The guard questions.

“I have no other way of describing it than that, sorry, I must sound like I’m chatting nonsense…” You admit.

“Well leaving the last descriptor aside, there is a woman that fits that description, that would be the Queen, Gwen Cromwell.” Lawrence answers.

“The Queen!? As in...Noell’s mother?” you question.

“There are very few ladies in the castle with as much love for the Royal Red as the Queen so it must have been her.” Lawrence answers.

“O-Oh…” You feel taken aback.

“Why do you look so shocked?” He asks.

“Oh nothing, I just…(Didn’t expect the woman who had given Noell such a harsh punishment would be his own mother…)” You think for a moment.

“You just?” The guard presses.

“Just...didn’t expect her to be so beautiful.” you cover up.

“Of course she’s beautiful, she’s the Queen.” The guard confirms.

“So wait, are you saying you saw the Queen somewhere?” Hansel asks.

“Yeah, on the balcony up there I think?” you point up high.

“Somewhere around there would be the Queen’s office but that’s a little strange…” Lawrence points out.

“Strange? Strange how?” you ask.

“The Queen is terribly busy most of the day since she has the King’s work plus her own in his absence, she can rarely even make public appearances, she basically never leaves her office or quarters nowadays.” Hansel answers.

“But she was there, I’m sure of it and...she was looking at me…” You announce.

“Looking at you? Why?” Lawrence questions.

“I...don’t know.” you answer.

“Are you sure your nerves aren’t making you hallucinate? Why would the Queen step from her office just to see some new no-name butler and a foreigner at that?” The guard counters.

“Are you calling me delusional?” You ask, a hint of annoyance in your voice.

“You’re the one claiming to have been sought out by the Queen when she’s nowhere to be found.” He answers.

“If I’m hallucinating, how did I know her appearance already?” you ask.

“I would hope if you’re working here you would’ve seen at least an image of your bosses by now.” he answers.

(Prick…) You shoot him a quick glare.

"You got something to say Yorbian?" He glares back.

“Now, now, let’s not fight over something so trivial, we can’t keep the young master waiting now can we?” Lawrence mediates.

“Exactly, we’re almost there, keep moving.” The guard orders.

You nod, “Right.”

>A few minutes later.

A short walk through the lengthy garden of the castle and you all reach the gazebo in question, as you approach, you spot the figures of Noell sitting at a table, sipping tea with an annoyed expression (One more annoyed than usual anyway).

Standing a few feet away from him, still as a statue and just as quiet, Florette quietly watches him and the other person who you don’t recognize but looks familiar anyway.

A woman, one a little older than Noell, clad in a military uniform that’s been adorned with a number of medals, her red hair goes well with the refined red-lipstick she wears.

Her demeanor and appearance give the impression of a responsible, straight-lace young woman, must be some kind of high ranking military official or the daughter of some noble family, you wonder who she might be as you all step up onto the gazebo and stand in a row near the table where she and Noell talk.

The guard is the first to speak, “Prince Noell, The servants you requested to see have arrived.”

“I can see that, thank you, you are dismissed.” Noell answers, taking a sip of his tea.

“Thank you very much.” The guard bows and makes his way back to his station.

Then Lawrence steps up and bows, “Thank you for requesting our presence young master, it is an honor to receive command from our glorious Prince.”

“It is an honor.” Hansel bows.

“Oh? Uh, it’s an honor.” You follow just a moment late.

This is a detail the military woman doesn’t let slip by her, she points her finger at you and speaks.

“You there, you with the blonde ponytail.” She points out.

You feel a pang of rage but resist acting on it as you answer, “Y-Yes madam, what is it?”

“Do I know you? The guard referred to you as a servant, but I’ve never seen a servant that looks half as queer as you.” She asks.

Your eye squints a little at the rudeness of that question but nonetheless you answer with a bow, “Sorry for the confusion, my name is Derrick Holumns, I will be working for the royal family from this day forward.”

“Derrick Holumns...I’ve heard of you, you’re the infamous foreigner right? The Yorbian stray dog Noell picked up and brought home because he pitied you.” She asks.

What do you say?

>A stray dog? Isn’t that a little rude…

>Yeah, that would be me!

>>4898345
As much as I'd like to tell her to fuck off I wouldn't want to screw over Noell and sperg out.
>Yeah, that would be me!

>>4898345
>Yeah, that would be me!

>>4898352

>Keeping things polite.

>Posting.

“(Stray dog? Who the hell are you calling a stray dog you rude cunt-!)-I suppose you could call me that! I didn’t have anywhere to go and Master Noell finally gave me a place where I can be useful.” You restrain your angrier thoughts behind a nice smile.

“Oh? I thought you’d take greater offense to being called a stray. You’re surprisingly level-headed.” She compliments.

“(You’re damn right I’m offended you horrid bitch, oh if only I could give you a piece of my mind-)-Well it’s basically true...though I wish you wouldn’t call me that, I’m not going to get upset over it. I’m the one intruding after-all, being a foreigner in a place as sacred as this.” You reason.

She puts a hand up and reaches down for her tea cup with a smile, “At ease, at ease, that was just some light teasing from me, you’re no intruder. In-fact, were you not working here, I would’ve invited you as a guest.”

You blink, “Really?”

She laughs, “Yes It's nice to have a rare and exotic person such as yourself to talk to.”

“Rare and exotic, you’re too kind…(Rare and exotic? That’s how you’d describe a zoo animal not a person! Is this what it feels like to be a token hire?)” you think.

“It’s nice to see new cultures in the work-pool but just a warning, don’t go flaunting your heritage too proudly around here.” She states.

“What do you mean?” You ask.

“We informed the staff ahead of time we would be hiring a Yorbian and made extra sure that no one would harass you on the basis of your heritage lest they face disciplinary action.” She wiggles her finger, likely a reference to the tickler.

“But even so, we can stop the harassment but we can’t stop the dirty looks or the snide comments you get, so you’ll have to deal with a degree of harassment unfortunately.” She warns.

“Don’t worry, I came prepared and ready for such a thing! (The guard back at the gate was anything but friendly after-all…) But don’t worry, my skin is extra-thick, I won’t cry over some bad-mouthing!” You boast.

“Good to hear but I suggest you don’t try and take it all on the chin, speak up for yourself and don’t become a doormat or else it will just get worse...and if possible do make some friends.” She suggests.

“Duly noted, Madam! (Thanks whoever the hell you are…).” You bow.

“Thank you for being understanding and don’t call me Madam makes me feel old, I’m only 28 you know.” She informs you.

“Duly noted, Miss.” You correct.

“That’s much better, Lawrence has trained you well indeed.” She smiles.

Noell looks annoyed, “If you’re satisfied now could you please stop grilling my attendants and leave? I would like to speak with them now.”

“And who are you to say who and who cannot grill? They are my attendants too, you know, I’m just curious about him, that's all.” She counters.

His annoyance grows still, “Well you can save it for when I’m not here, we’re going to discuss something important and I don’t need you listening in.”

“Is it so important that you cannot share it with me? Now I’m truly curious, so I think I’m going to stay, sorry.” She shakes her head.

Now you can see the rage on his face, “If you can’t tell, I’m trying very nicely to tell you: You’re a bother and an eyesore, so be gone already!”

She nods, “Yes, I can tell, and no since you’re going to be so very rude about it, I will not leave.”

He sighs, “My apologies, I’m about to engage in an important discussion and I would appreciate it if you could excuse yourself for a moment.”

She smiles, “So you have manners after all! Much better!”

“So are you going to excuse yourself?” he insists.

She shakes her head, “Of course not! I’m far too curious to excuse myself now, however I will compliment your manners.”

Noell leans into his palm and groans, “Oh god, why must I deal with this horrid harpy…”

You look at the exchange with confusion, seeing this, Hansel whispers to you, “Amazed someone can talk like that to Master Noell aren’t you? I can’t blame you, Most are afraid to even look at him, let him alone argue with him...myself included.”

“Well, yeah I think that’s pretty crazy, but like, who is this chick? She must have some crazy authority to argue with the Prince.” You ask.

Hansel looks at you amazed, “Wait, are you telling me Lawrence didn’t tell you who she is? I thought he gave you the list of every important noble in the kingdom along with pictures of their faces....”

You nod, “Well yeah, but it’s kinda hard to place a particular person from a list that was over a 1000 names long...remind me who she is?”

Hansel shakes his head, “I suppose it can’t be helped since you’re new to the culture, but if you have to remember anyone, you have to make sure you remember her, she’s a General Major in the Army, Nylora C-”

“What are you two whispering about over there?” The military woman, who’s name is apparently Nylora, cuts in.


You and Hansel panic and separate, “N-Nothing My lady! We weren’t talking about anything!”

“Really now? You certainly weren’t whispering of me literally behind my back were you? That sounds like grounds to be sent to The Tickler if you ask me...” She threatens.

Fear sets into Hansel’s eyes, “O-O-Of course not my lady! Derrick was just...wondering where the bathroom is! Apparently he ate some nasty food early and is having the runs!”

“Huh!?” You look at Hansel in shock.

“Play along! Play along!” He mouths to you.

Nylora’s face mends into a mix of disgust and concern, “Is that so? Sorry to hear that, would you like for Lawrence to take you to the bathroom?”

You frown as you answer, “N-No thank you, I think the feeling has passed, I can hold it in.”

“Really? Are you sure? Holding it isn’t healthy, you know, if you want to go, you can go.” She tells you.

You grimace, “No, really, I’m fine, thank you…”

She scrutinizes with her eyes for a moment before shrugging her shoulders, “If you say so, but if the feeling returns, don’t hesitate to say something okay, the last thing we would want is for you to have an accident yes?”

You nod and bow, “Thank you for your concern my lady…”

As you bow, your mind races in embarrassment (Damn you Hansel! I just got talked down to like a child about to shit his pants cause of you and still don’t know a damn thing about this chick other than her name! How are you going to repay me for this!?)

He looks away, (Apologies! My deepest apologies Derrick! But I cannot go back to The Tickler...I can still feel the fingers crawling on my skin from the last time…)

Nylora turns back to Noell, “Anyway, shall we begin? This important discussion of yours I mean.”

Noell grimaces, “I suppose no matter what I do you’ll continue to be a fly in my ear won’t you?”

“The kind you can’t swat or blow away.” She nods.

He sighs, “Well no point in fighting than, let’s begin-”

Noell rises from his chair, “-Good to see you all here, even if you’re all over 30 minutes late. I Must say Lawrence , I never thought I’d see the day you’d be late to answer my summons.”

Lawrence bows deeply, “My deepest apologies young master, it is no excuse, but trying to accommodate the new recruits while making timely travel was a challenge to say the least.”

Hansel laughs and nods, “Indeed, apologies my master.”

“Apologies, Master…” You say in a stiff tone, (You telling us to sack up and shut up was you being accommodating?)

Noell sighs, “Save it, I’m not even angry, let’s just get to business, Lawrence, what is the next step on the agenda for these two?”

“Thank you for asking the young master.” He pulls out a small notepad from which he reads.

“From 10:00 AM- 11:00AM , these two are to attend a castle tour to get them acquainted with the facilities and fellow staff members. From 12:00 AM - 8:00 PM, they alongside Ms.Yunzbane will join me in a short bout of introductory training-”

(Wait what!? Did I just hear that right!?) Time seems to slow down for you as you hear that ridiculous number.

(From 12 to 8, assuming I didn’t fail pre-school math, that’s 8 fucking hours straight isn’t it!? What the hell, he can’t be serious, this is the first I’m hearing of this!) You nearly scream.

(I want to question him on why the hell we need 8 hours for a short introductory course! But I feel like I might be stepping out of line, but at the same time if I don’t ask, I doubt I’ll get the chance again…) You sweat a little as you think.

What should you do?

>Politely suggest that the schedule provided might be a tad much.

>Actively tell them that the schedule is a little ridiculous.

>Inform them that these are sweatshop standards.

>>4898396
>>Inform them that these are sweatshop standards.

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>>4898430

Apologies for the wait, I'll take your vote come the morning, I'm signing off early because I don't want to drag people late into the night, plus I have stuff to do in the mornings.

Be back with you all at 12:00 PM EST time, you can leave me questions if you want and I'll answer them when I get the chance, Goodnight all.

>>4898462
Thanks for running, glad to have you back

>>4898396
>Inform them that these are sweatshop standards.
Poor derrick...

Thread resumes in 30 minutes, get ready my anons.

>>4897710
roll

“Wait, wait, wait, hold on!” You shout, waving your arms.

Everyone turns their attention to you, Lawrence is the first to speak, “What is there some kind of issue young Derrick?”

“Yes there’s an issue! The hell kinda schedule am I hearing!? What do you mean 8 hours straight of training!?” You ask.

“I mean exactly as I say, we will be undergoing a short session of training.” He answers as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Short!? Your definition of short would make a union sweat and bring out the third columnists faster than a billionaire shorting your local dying lilly shop!” You deride.

“...” They all stare at you for a protracted amount of time.

“I’m sorry, as fond as I am of foreign accents, I simply cannot comprehend them...can any of you translate what he just said to me?” Nylora asks.

Hansel scratches his head and bows, “Sorry, I would attempt to do so, but as I have learned from staying with Mr.Derrick, much of the Yorbian dialect is...lost on me…But Master Noell has Known Mr.Derrick the longest, perhaps he can-”

“Do I look like I speak Yorbian gutter? Let Florette handle translation.” He demands.

“Well Ms.Head Maid, you’re a scholar of foreign tongue and dialect, surely you’ve probed him to learn the ways of Yorbian speech.” The military woman questions.

“With all respect Madam, I have and the only thing he has taught me are slurs.” She answers.

She raises an eyebrow and looks at you, “Slurs?”

“Ah...Well...It’s like…” You want to deny her claim, but she’s actually kinda right.

“A variety of them, apparently the people of Yorbia are very fond of ways to degrade each other, I learned of words like: Techie, long-nose, greaser, snob, fart-huffer and other such terms.” She answers.

“Really? What mysterious words...though they don’t sound too bad if you ask me.” She states.

“Well apparently those are some of the nicer words, there are stronger words people use when they really wish to offend the other party.” Florette adds.

“Oh really? Do tell.” She inquiries.

(Why the hell did my complaint turn into a discussion about slurs…?) You think as you search for a moment to interject.

“Oh well, there is this term a man named Bradford had taught me he said to use when faced with a boorish person of darker skin, I believe you are to call them a Nigg-”

“WHOA WHOA WHOA! OKAY WAIT! SORRY! LET ME RE-PHRASE MY QUESTION!” You cut in desperately.

Everyone looks shocked at your outburst, Hansel blinks in terror of you, “O-Okay sure, but can you wait a moment, Madam Florette was about to tell us about this new word-”

“There’s no need! No need at all! Who needs to learn new words anyhow!? Let’s just drop that, okay!” You order.

File: Butler Derrick15.gif (153 KB, 500x278)

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“That is where I must rebuke young Derrick, the pursuit of knowledge is never meaningless, I say we let this lesson continue, Florette dear, what were you saying?” Lawrence asks.

“As I was saying, if you see a dark-skinned man or woman, you are to refer to them as a Nigge-”

“NIGGEL! WE CALL THEM NIGGELS! END OF STORY! STOP!” You demand.

“Niggel? Why? What is the meaning of that word? Where does it come from?” Nylora asks.

“Does it really matter, I answered your question so-”

Lawrence shakes his head, “No, no, wrong, wrong, wrong young Derrick. Of course the meaning and history of a word are paramount in understanding it’s usage, we cannot simply know the word, we must understand it, master it-”

“Gah! Fine then!” You cut in, knowing that he’s just going to droll on for ages.

“There once was a man named Niggel Wiggins, he fought in like 2 wars, donated to a 1000 charities, brought an end to racism and sexism with his activism and got re-elected for president for 4 terms! There!” You explain.

“Wait...I thought an individual could only be elected as President for 2 terms…” Hansel questions.

“Well Niggel was so amazing everyone decided they wanted him to be President 2 extra times so shut up!” You demand.

“O-Oh is that so. I understand…” He says, clearly very lost.

Nylora nods in astonishment, “Whoa, such men of legend and prowess exist across the pond? Color me impressed...but questions, why is this Niggel associated with dark-skinned people then?”

You roll your eyes, “I dunno, he was a darkie I guess-Oh fuck!”

“A darkie? What’s a darkie?” Nylora asks.

“Oh that’s another word I learned from Bradford, he said you can use it to address anyone with a skin tone darker than pasty.” Florette compounds.

“A darkie...I see…” She nods.

(Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I was trying to stop them from using the n-word but I ended up using a different, arguably worse slur instead! This is what I get for hanging around Bradford too much! I don’t even want to think about what Etheline would say if she heard that…)

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>Meanwhile...

Back at the mainland HQ, Jesper is issuing commands to the ever busy Terror department, as always it’s all hands on deck and there never seems to be a shortage of people trying to see the world burn.

Jesper points to a nearby desk and shouts, “Hey! Hey! Let me see those fingers moving Richie-Rich, I need a report about that arson case on my desk by last week!!”

Dillion turns from his computer screen and sneers at Jesper, “Who do you think you’re calling Richie-Rich!? If I wanted to, I could hit you with a workplace harassment charge! My lawyers would jump at the chance to turn a quick profit!”

Jesper pulls out his pistol, “And I could hit you with the back of my glock or pop you with a blank! Wanna test how good my aim is with sunglasses on, indoors!?”

A flash of fear appears on his face, Jesper is known for randomly blasting people with blank rounds when they’re caught slacking off, the pain of which is extraordinary.

“Y-Your threats only work to strengthen my case!” Dillion does not back down.

“Oh? Feeling tough are we!? Well if getting booty-blasted by a glock won’t scare you, how about I let my secretary do the colon-cleaning instead!” Jesper points to Alice who scribbles notes and collects reports as she walks around the office.

Dillion looks confused, “W-What? What’s that supposed to mean? What’s colon-cleaning?”

“A very vulgar term Mr.Jesper uses in regard to the treatment I give men he sends my way for disciplinary action.” Alice answers.

“Disciplinary action? What kind of action?” Dillion asks.

“Vulgar but accurate! Most of the boys we send your way can’t even walk straight for weeks after you’re done with them.” He points out.

“C-Can’t walk straight? Why? What does she do to them?” Dillion asks.

“That’s because they struggle to take it the first few times, but after enough training, they not only learn to take it, they learn to love it too.” She smiles.

“It!? What in the world is i-it!? What are you people talking about!?” Dillion panics.

“I don’t know...Want to keep pushing your luck and find out?” Alice smiles down at him.

“J-Jesper, what does she mean?” he asks.

“Sorry, I don’t gotta answer that, but what I will say is, that unless you want to be under Ms.Alice’s care, you’d best get back to work, she loves them blonde and pretty like you.” He explains.

File: Etheline Brooks34.jpg (168 KB, 1047x1094)

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“...” Dillion looks back at Alice and sees her licks her lips with a smile on her face.

“I’m sorry Sir. Please let me work, Sir. I’ll have those reports to you by the afternoon Sir.” Answers in polite fashion.

“See, you can listen to reason after all.” Jesper laughs.

“Goddamn it, what sort of hellish work environment is this, I’ll die of overwork at this rate…” Dillion grumbles under his breath.

“Now ya know how all them orphans you got on the back-burner feel.” Reynauld, whose desk was accidentally placed adjacent to Dillion’s laughs.

“I swear to god I will string you up by your gizzard one day you country bumpkin…” Dillion glares at him.

“Not before you become Alice’s newest butt buddy! And you’ll be lucky to still have a gizzard after that.” He laughs.

“Why the hell did I choose this job…?” Dillion laments holding his head in his arms.

“Hey! Less life regrets! More report writing!” Jesper demands before turning his attention to Etheline who walks through the door and hurries up to his desk, something slung under her shoulder.

“Here you go Mr.Jesper, here’s the road-map for the bus route you asked me to track!” She says as puts the map down.

“Ah, thank you! The bus on this route has been making a number of off-route trips and we suspect they might be running drugs around the city. See this boys!? This is the kind of good work I expect from you all!” Jesper demands.

“Don’t make it into such a big deal, it was easy to get considering our division does repairs for a number of the public buses! Just had to do a bit of asking around.” She states.

“Don’t play this down, this is fine work you’ve done! Not to mention you aren’t even under my command, so you’re really doing me a favor.” He commends.

“Don’t mention, don’t mention it!” She smiles from the praise.

“You run back to your garage now...but wait, what’s that? Some kind of swear jar?” he asks, referring to the object under her arm.

“Oh this? Yeah...you could call it that.” She nods.

“What are you doing carrying around a swear jar?” He asks.

“Well, my friends are very nice people, but they have a tendency to be meaner than necessary, so I like to use this as a means of...quality control, let’s call it.” She answers.

“By making ‘em pay up for every time they let their lips get too loose? Damn, good idea, kinda infantilizing, but would instill some discipline in these worthless idiots...Know a place I can get a good jar for cheap?” He asks.

“Uh, sorry, no, I didn’t buy this jar, I made it.” She answers.

“You made it? Why? Isn’t that way more expensive than just buying it?” He asks.

“Well yeah, but that’s because this jar is special.” She answers.

“Special how?” he asks.

“It’s special because-Oh!” As she was speaking, the jar begins to vibrate like a phone and a small slot opens up at the top of the jar revealing an LED screen, one displaying the character’s DH

“What the-What is that?” He asks.

“This is what makes it special! This jar can detect when someone has said a no-no word and automatically fine them based on the severity of the word they said.” She answers.

“Wait-what? It can do that? How?” he asks.

“Simple trackers and microphones with voice recognition software that has a dictionary of every swear word and slur ever created attached to it.” She answers.

“...You attached trackers and microphones to your friends? Do they know that?” he asks.

“They know whenever they say a no-no word, I’m always there to make them pay for it, so they know enough.” She answers.

“You’re a surprisingly scary woman for having such an angel face...so who dropped a bomb?” He asks.

“Derrick of all people! I thought he knew better! Oh he’s going to get an earful when he gets back…” She promises.

“That and a desk stocked with so much work he’d be lucky to sleep an hour when he gets back.” Jesper says, pointing to Derrick’s desk which has so many requests and reports to fill out on it the legs look like they are about to give way.

“I do not envy that boah when he gets back…” Reynauld laughs.

>Back to Brenho…

(Man I wonder what everyone’s doing...Hopefully nothing as retarded as this…) You say as you look upon your work.

“So if you see someone dark, call them a darkie?” Hansel asks.

“I see, the appropriate term for dark men are darkies...Such a smooth word, just rolls off the tongue.” Lawrence nods.

“Darkie does sound more appropriate than the other term, so I think I will use that from now on.” Florette agrees.

“Darkie...what an excellent word, I will make extensive use of it.” Nylora nods.

“Honestly, you’re all a bunch of darkies.” Noell says, acting as if he finds this all stupid but is just as enraptured as the rest.

(This is so bad...well, they’re all rich nobles, the likelihood they encounter someone darker than a fine shade of Alabaster is basically 0.) You say as you just write it off.

“Anyway, what I was trying to say is that this schedule is a little crazy isn’t it!? Training from 12 in the morning straight through to 8 at night!” You announce.

“Yes, is there some kind of problem?” He answers.

You shake your head, “Well- No...not really...But you just said it was a short bout of training right?”

“Indeed I did.” he answers.

“That’s 8 hours straight of training!” You counter.

He gives you a confused look, “Yes. Your point?”

“Y-You guys consider 8 Hours of non-stop training short? Is that how it works in this country?” You ask.

“No, but it is how I work in this castle and it is how you will work considering I am personally training you.” He answers.

Your eye twitches, (G-Good god, as if his 8 hour lectures weren’t bad enough…) You look to Noell in desperation.

He shakes his head, “Don’t look at me, Lawrence is of a working breed, when he isn’t running the staff ragged around here he’s improving his sword technique and his personal training sessions can last from sunrise to sunset to sunrise and sunset again.”

“Come now young master, that’s just ridiculous, don’t fill these youngster’s heads with nonsense.” He sighs.

(Oh so that was just hearsay, thank god, that would’ve been fucking insane-)

“I’m too old and busy for multi-day training sessions anymore, nowadays I stop when morning mildew sets in or else my backaches, I swear old age is as much a curse as a blessing...” He corrects.

“...Christ this place is going to kill me isn’t it?” You realize.

“Only if you’re too weak to handle it and surely not, you’ve lived your life fine until now haven’t you?” Lawrence counters.

“I wouldn’t call it fine but it is true I lived to see today, kinda of a miracle in retrospect actually…” You think back on the numerous trials you’ve overcome.

“Besides, the training isn’t simple combat practice, it’s mainly regular servant training course work.” Hansel assures.

“Oh really?” You question.

“Yeah, it’s mainly stuff like service practice, cooking lessons, proper speech lessons, massage lessons, chaperoning practice-” he lists.

Your expression softens a bit, “Oh whoa, that’s actually pretty normal, maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

He nods, “Yeah it’s all normal stuff like: Disguise making, espionage courses, wilderness survival training, assassination techniques-You know, the usual stuff.” He finishes off.

“...Are we butlers or are we secret agents?” You ask.

“There’s a difference?” Hansel asks, genuinely confused.

“Why did I have to open my stupid mouth…?” You feel endless regret.

“Come on now, if you have time to lament, you have time to write up strategic maps of the area! Speaking of which, master Noell, I would like to begin the tour of the castle post-haste.” Lawrence asks.

“Permission granted, in-fact I believe I’ll go with you if you don’t mind, anything to be away from this woman…” Noell stands up and steps away from the table.

“Now hold on a second.” Nylora puts a hand up and in-between Noell.

Noell looks down at her with annoyance, “Is there something else you want, if you can’t tell, me and my servants have a long day ahead of us.”

She nods, “Oh yes I can, but right now it is 9:30 is it not?”

“What of it?” He asks, stepping away and putting his hands on his hips.

“That means you’ve got 30 minutes before you begin this castle tour of yours, you have a little time to waste so why not spend it here, with me, drinking tea?” She asks.

He raises an eyebrow, “Because I hate you?”

She laughs, “When you say that like it’s such an obvious fact you hurt my feelings! Okay, I guess I have to make it worth your while then.”

“What are you getting at?” Noell rushes.

“Why don’t we play a game? I’m feeling up to a game right now.” She suggests.

He sighs, “I see, I figured that’s what you wanted. Another Constant Contest right?”

“A Constant...Contest?” You can’t help but ask.

“That’s what Lady Nylora and Master Noell call their series of games and challenges they have for when they want to train, settle a dispute or ask for a favor.” Lawrence explains.

Nylora nods, “In the past we’ve done knife throwing challenges to see who would get the last Sponge pudding, wooden sword fights to determine who’s the better warrior…”

“We would even bare-knuckle brawl to see who would have to sit through Lawrence’s lectures and take notes while the other slept.” Noell adds.

Lawrence looks at him, “You would do what!? Is that why you two always looked so bloody and beaten before you got to class?”

“The fights over who has to endure Lawrence ’s never-ending prattle were always the most brutal…” Nylora reminisces.

“Please don’t treat my lectures as something to endure and don’t do such dangerous challenges just to see who listens to me...” Lawrence asks.

You nod, “I see...But why do you call it Constant Contest? How constantly are you challenging each other?”

Nylora looks away and thinks for a moment, “Oh...Only every single day.”

Your eyes widen, “Everyday? As in...Every single day?”

“Every single day, Since childhood.” Lawrence answers.

You can’t hold back your shock at that one, “Huh!? They’ve been challenging each other everyday since childhood!? How many of these contests have they had??”

“According to the castle records, roughly 12,474 times last I checked.” Florette answers.

“12,474-!? Huh!? You can’t be serious! And wait, there are official records on this!?” You realize.

“Some very bored people decided to record how many challenges we go through yearly for fun, a waste of time if you ask me.” Noell explains.

“I actually kind of like it, I lost count after the 1000th match so I was glad someone else was keeping track.” Nylora counters.

“That shouldn't be your concern! For you to be producing those kinds of numbers you would have to be challenging each other 3 times a day! Isn’t that a little crazy!?”*

*>This is my shitty, quick calculation, if it’s wrong feel free to correct my math.

“...” Noell and Nylora look at each other before looking back to you.

“Well I...” Noell points to Nylora.

“Well I…” Nylora points to Noell.

“Just can’t stand that uppity look on his/her face.” They say in unison.

“So you two just fought? All the time?? Every day???” You ask.

“Yeah, basically.” They both nod.

You’re stumped, “...Why can’t you get along? Haven’t you known each other since you were kids?”

“It's because we’ve known each other since we’re kids that we can’t get along.” They say in unison.

“R-Right, got it…” You nod and look away.

(You say that but you both are pretty in-sync, seriously what is the relationship between these two…?) You wonder.

“Anyway, what do you say to a contest? I’m feeling quite bored and I would love it if you could help alleviate my suffering.” Nylora asks.

“Shove it and leave, I don’t need to listen to this hogwash...is what I want to say but I do want something from you.” Noell answers.

Her eyebrow perks up, “Oh? And what’s that?”

“Get your watchdogs off me, I can’t stand them.” Noell asks.

“Watchdogs…?” Hansel questions, not catching his meaning.

“I mean the people watching us, it's ridiculous, I can’t go anywhere without someone watching me, there’s even some of them in this very courtyard.” Noell explains.

“In this courtyard...ah!” Hearing that Hansel takes a look around and notices that he was being stared at by a nearby gardener.

“I was wondering why it felt like I was being watched the whole way here…” You look to a nearby window and see a man in a butler uniform glancing at you before turning away.

“I ignored them since I figured they were your agents Lady Nylora but I do have to admit I find being monitored rather unpleasant.” Lawrence explains.

Nylora smiles, “So you noticed them did you? I see your time aboard has made you sharper.”

“More like I just got used to not having your watch dogs breathing down my neck and watching me as I sleep, if you agree to call them off, I’ll take your challenge.” he proposes.

“I’ll have you know, the men watching you are from my personal elite guard, you would really want to get rid of all this extra security I’ve arranged for you?” She asks.

“I don’t need it, I don’t want it, I didn’t ask for it. It’s seriously creepy when I look over my shoulder and someone is always there.” He points out.

“Oh come on now, When you phrase it like that you make them sound so malicious, I put them there to protect you.” She explains.

Your eyes narrow at her, (She can just arrange a team of elite guards to watch someone at all times? Whoever this woman is, she commands a high degree of power...daughter of a noble family? General in the army? Or maybe…)

“I don’t need your protection, thank you very much.” He counters.

She laughs, “Are you sure you can say that? Did you not barely escape with your life two weeks ago after an assassination attempt? Surely you don’t want a repeat of that.”

He shakes his head, “If I felt I needed extra protection I would’ve asked for it, I’ve got 4 capable bodyguards right here.” He sweeps his head across you, Florette, Hansel and Lawrence .

She looks doubtful, “Lawrence and Florette I get, but what can Hansel and Derrick do? One’s barely had a year’s worth of training and the other is a street urchin who failed the Hunter Exam.”

(I really hate this cover story damn it…) you complain.

“Trust me when I say all of them, including Gretel, are capable. They all aided me in escaping my assassination and fought off a horde of terrorists to protect me.” Noell explains.

(Is he just going to leave out the part where I nearly died doing so…? I shall keep my trap shut…) Hansel thinks.

She smiles, “You have a high degree of faith in them, I’d love to see the true extent of their strength...in-fact, why don’t we make that the aim of this game?”

“Excuse me?” Noell asks.

“Hansel or Derrick...I want you to pick one of these two to be your representative in this challenge.” She proposes.

“Huh!?” You and Hansel gasp in unison.

“You want me to pick between two of the newest and weakest here do you? I can accept those terms should the game type be fair.” He reasons.

“The game type...How about Reverse Tag?” She names.

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Noell grimaces, “That’s a rough one to start with...you’ll really remove the watchdogs? All of them?”

“Stop calling them that and yes, I promise I will remove all of them.” She sticks out her hand.

“Done.” He takes the deal and shakes her hand.

“Whoa, all this stuff is being decided without any input from us…” You comment with a strained expression.

“That happens a lot around here, you’ll get used to it…” Hansel nods.

“I suppose that means we should just get on with it, yes? Time’s ticking after-all, let me take my pick of representatives...” Noell looks between the two of you.

She puts a hand up, “Wait, you’ve decided your reward should you win, but what do I get out of this should I win?”

He sighs, “Damn I was hoping you’d forget to ask…”

“You shouldn’t count on me to make mistakes, that’s a fatal error.” She smiles.

“Hahhh...What do you want?” He asks with an annoyed look.

“You know what I want, it’s been ironed and ready for you to wear for months now.” She says with an excited smile.

“Dear god you’re really going to make me wear that…? For how long?” He asks.

“Hmmm...I’ll be merciful and say the rest of the day.” She answers.

He grimaces, “Are you kidding me, you expect me to walk into the christening ceremony dressed like that, at least make it tomorrow…”

“It would be amazing precisely because it’s today of all days, I want the whole kingdom to see it.” She states.

“Excuse me, but what is this highly-dramatic it you two keep talking about?” You ask.

“Oh you don’t know? I guess I’ll have to show you...Florette?” She calls.

“Yes my lady?” Florette answers.

“Please put it on the table.” She orders with a sip of tea.

“As you wish.” Florette nods and steps forward, pulling something from behind her back and putting it on the table for all to see.

And as you look upon it, shock and fear you didn’t know you can feel wells up in you and every other man in the immediate vicinity.

“W-W-W-What the hell…?” You take a step back in awe as you look up at the sheen of it’s black and white cloth.

“My...god…” Hansel stares agape, in horror at the shortness of the skirt and the frilliness of the hem.

“It is as if they dragged it from the very depths of the abyss, what an ungodly machination…” Lawrence, normally unshakable even before death, quivers at the sight of the head-dress, broom and red-ribbon accessories.

What you stare in horror at, is none other than a perfect maid cosplay outfit, one that’s been custom ordered and even stitched to last for years to come!

“I had it custom-made a month ago, in celebration of your return Noell...” Nylora stands up and holds the dress up so you can get a better look.

“A classic, short-skirt maid outfit, complete with a ribbon and broom for effect, made exactly to proportion and-” She lifts up the skirt to show the white frilly inside.

“-It even has a stealth from knives and short swords, so you can defend yourself, it’s got everything you could possibly need...even a fresh pair of panties for you to put on.” She says as she looks at Noell.

“Even panties..” You recoil in horror.

“The extra lacy kind only whores wear, yes.” She smiles at you.

He cringes in pure disgust, “It is everything I stand against, the moment I dawn that dress I will be violated, stripped of my manhood and dignity, reduced to nothing more than a doll for your amusement…”

She smiles, “Exactly. Which is why I’ve been trying to get him to wear it for the last two weeks but he continues to fight me...But if I win this challenge…” She says no more.

Noell bits his lip, “You would make me choose between a chance at freedom or a chance at humiliation? Your heartlessness knows no bounds…”

She inches closer to him, showing off the dress, “Come on now, it’s only for a day, if you win, you get rid of my men permanently! Surely this is only fair.”

Hansel closes his eyes, he simply can’t bear to watch, “This is cruel, the very idea of wearing such a thing is emasculating, you can’t make a man make such a choice…”

“Is this how you get your kicks? Humiliating and degrading men? Is this fun to you?” You ask, pain in your voice.

She smiles, “Well...Just Think about it for a moment. The prideful, strong, manly Noell, brought down, humiliated and made to wear a dress of my choosing, what woman wouldn’t get excited to see it? Surely you understand, Florette?”

Florette shakes her head, “That isn’t true, how in the world could I ever enjoy seeing my master disgraced…”

“Florette…” Nylora calls her.

“Yes?” She answers.

“It’s nice of you to be so considerate, but perhaps you should wipe the drool off your face before you try and claim to be pure?” She points out.

“Ah…” Florette only now notices the trail of drool running down her chin.

“Et tu Florette…?” Noell questions.

She looks away in shame, “I’m sorry Young master, but the thought of you in a maid dress, it’s just so...just so…! Ahhhhh…!”

(I never knew this place was filled with so many perverts…) You realize.

“See? I knew you would understand me! So Noell…” Nylora shoves the dress in his face.

“Do we have a deal?” She asks him.

“...” Noell bites his lip.

“Surely a little dress wouldn’t be enough to make you chicken out? You’re not scared of losing...are you?” She asks.

After a moment of silence, he speaks, “...You’re on.”

“This will be an excellent game…Now pick your representative.” She says with a face of pure elation.

“....” Noell steps up and looks between you and Hansel.

(Damn, now that this maid dress is in the mix, he’s under a whole lot of pressure to get one of us to win…) You realize.

“....” he quietly ponders for a moment.

(I don’t know what this Reverse tag is all about. But if it's anything like normal tag, then the better you know the area, the better you’ll do. Meaning he’ll likely choose Hansel since he at least knows the layout of this place.) You infer.

“...Derrick, I choose you.” He decides.

(...I stand corrected.) You eat the egg on your face.

“B-But why? If the game is reverse tag, wouldn’t I be the better pick? I have a clear idea of the layout of the compound, Derrick’s barely seen past the front gate!” Hansel protests.

“Normally you would be absolutely correct, under any other circumstance I would’ve picked you.” He explains.

“Then...what’s different this time?” he asks.

He points to Nylora, “She is, something tells me she won’t pull any punches this time around.”

She laughs, “Oh, you do know me so well...I will use every tactic and tool at my disposal, there is no line I won’t cross to ensure victory this time.”

“D-Don’t you think you’re taking a game of tag a touch too seriously?” Hansel questions.

“Too seriously? With Noell in a maid dress at stake? Too seriously? You’re lucky I’m still willing to work within the rules.” She answers.

Hansel takes a step back, “She’s a total fanatic…”

“And you wouldn’t be able to handle this psychotic harpy at her best, so apologies but this is too much for you at your level.” He explains.

“No master, it’s okay, I understand…(And honestly I’m a little thankful, Mistress Nylora really scares me…)” he thinks.

“You say all that, but what makes you think I can handle her?” You ask him.

“...What are the rules this time?” he asks Nylora.

“Helping Hand. One-touch-one-Zone and Takedowns Allowed.” She answers.

“Time limit and area?” He asks.

“Hmmm...I’ll be nice since it’s his first time playing and he doesn’t know the area. So let’s set the time limit for 10 minutes and restrict the play area to the inner garden and the Guest Hall.” She answers.

“Inner Garden? Guest Hall?” You question.

“The Guest Hall is a small section a short hike west of where we are now, it’s a small building made of 5 floors where we keep all of the guest rooms.” Lawrence explains.

“Wait so you mean it’s like a small hotel you have prepared for when you have guests staying over? Do you really need 5 floors worth of rooms in that case?” You question.

“The Royal family is constantly inviting entire noble families and having them stay over for weeks at a time, if we didn’t have that many rooms, where would they all stay?” Hansel explains.

“Well, when you put it like that it makes sense but…(That’s how you know you’re dealing with rich folk, forget a single room, they need a whole HALL just for guests…)” You think.

“Not to mention it gets used from time to time to help hide family members from assassins while body doubles go to take their place, so it doubles as a bunker if necessary.” Florette adds.

Your eyes go wide, “H-How often do you need to use it for that?”

“Too often.” Florette answers.

“I went through 6 body doubles myself last year…” Noell adds.

“You lost only 6? I lost count of mine after 12, the assassins in this country just love me it seems…” Nylora adds.

"Are you seriously going to make the number of doubles we've lost a competition?" He asks.

"Yes and I'm winning." She smiles.

He clicks his tongue, "Well with the Young Dragons coming after me again, let's see how long that lead of yours lasts."

(My god this place is fucking crazy…) You realize once again.

“The Inner Garden is the Garden that makes up the perimeter of the castle behind the walls, as opposed to the outer garden which makes up the perimeter outside the walls.” Lawrence explains.

(You really need two different building spanning gardens? Nevermind the extravagance of it, I can’t even imagine the hell the landscapers must go through…) You think.

“Naturally since you’ve only just arrived, running around the entire Inner garden would be too much for you right now, so the game will take place mainly within the Guest hall.” Nylora explains.

“Then why include that in the play area?” You ask.

“Well...you never know when things might get too…exciting too stay within the bounds of the hall is all.” She sips her tea and smiles.

“Huh…” You don’t get what she means but you get bad vibes from it anyway.

“Now that he’s heard all of that, shall we begin?” Nylora asks Noell.

“Before that, one more thing.” He turns back and looks at you.

“I will be totally honest with you, our chances of victory here aren’t 100%...but with you, I’d bet they’re at least 50%.” He explains.

“Just 50%?” You squeem.

“If those odds frighten you, you’re free to not participate, I’m not ordering you to play on my behalf.” He explains.

“But if you do say no, we can’t play the game which means my elite forces stay and Noell retains his dignity for another day, which would be an overwhelmingly boring conclusion to this affair, so for both of everyone’s sake...say yes.” Nylora implores.

“Hm…” You think about it for a moment.

Do you participate?

>Yes

>No

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>>4899399
I can't help feel that it would be smarter to say no, but... where's the fun in that?
>Yes
Also I can't believe Derrick is a racist! Why would a person who lived in urban fantasy new york EVER be racist? It's clearly entirely bradford's fault for corrupting this poor young man

>>4899399
>>Yes

>>4899409
>>4899411

>Time to play some Tag!

>Posting.

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“...Understood Master, I’ll do my best.” You nod as it begins.

>15 minutes later..

“...So I said but I have no idea what I’m doing, great…” You bemoan the role you’ve been given as you observe the room you now find yourself in.

You are currently residing in a room in the middle of the hall on the 3rd floor of the Guest hall.

Inside the rather spacious room, you see a cabinet filled with plates and knick-knacks to the west wall, a desk pressed against the east wall where a number of files and books rest atop it.

The north wall is the entrance to the room, a single wooden door which is currently unlocked and to the south wall is a queen-sized bed and two symmetrical spaced windows from which light shines into the room.

And in the center you have a single, square, low hanging glass table that appears to be 40” long and 40” wide.

You currently stand a few feet from this table, behind you is the Queen sized bed and in-front of you is the single wooden door, the only way in and out of this room.

This room was designated to be the starting point of the game, which is why you find yourself standing alone in this inconspicuous room.

You sigh and put your hand to your forehead, “What am I going to do...well first I should remember the rules of the game huh? How did they explain it again…?”

>15 minutes prior…

“Since I’ve agreed to play, can someone give me a rundown of the rules?” You question.

“Of course, ask away, what do you want to know?” Nylora asks.

“Well...I guess I should start by asking the thing that’s been digging at me most...what even is Reverse Tag anyway?” You question.

“Reverse tag is a war game our military uses to train for surviving prolonged combat while alone and stranded in enemy territory.” Nylora answers.

“Like the name implies, it’s much like regular tag. Except the roles are reversed where instead of it chasing down the other players and touching them, it will be chased by the other players and if touched will be eliminated.” Florette explains.

You grimace, “That sounds way harder than regular tag…”

Lawrence nods, “It’s supposed to be, it’s normally a 12-player game, played in an 8-km area where it is supposed to avoid pursuit from the other players for a minimum of 3 days to upwards of a week.”

“These games can go on for a week!?” You question.

“To better simulate the feeling of desperation of being stranded without a supply line in enemy territory.” He answers.

“You guys are way too hardcore…” You can barely keep up.

“Well thank your lucky stars the game is only 10 minutes long and you’re only going up against me and this grouch. Much nicer when you think of it like that right?” Nylora smiles at you.

“I guess…” When she puts it that way, how can you disagree?

“Any other questions?” He asks.

“What are these One-touch-One-Zone and Takedowns allowed rules?” You ask.

“Takedowns allowed means that, so long as it doesn’t permanently injury, maim or kill the person, it is allowed to fight back against their pursuers using takedowns and hand to hand techniques.” Florette answers.

“But how would that work? This is tag. I have to touch someone to take them down don’t I?” You ask.

“That’s where one-touch-one-zone comes in-” Noell reaches into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulls out a large hexagonal sticker with the words touch-here on the front.

“-This sticker designates which part of your body to be your elimination zone, that way you can use your hands and feet and not be eliminated.” He hands you the sticker.

“Whoa, you guys really thought this out...hm?” You notice something off about the sticker.

“Just so you know, it’s a rule that the sticker has to be displayed on a visible part of your body, no hiding it under your clothes or putting it under your feet, that would make things too hard for the pursuers.” Nylora explains.

“Ah...Right, got it.” You say as you pocket the sticker.

“If you have no other questions, we should begin now.” Noell prompts.

“Just one more, what does the Helping Hand rule entail?” You ask.

Noell laughs at that one, “Good question, what does Helping Hand mean this time?” He looks to Nylora.

“Don’t give me that look as if I’m going to go overboard and bring an army down on your friend.” She asks.

“An army? Are you implying you can ask people to help chase me down or something?” You guess.

He sighs, “Basically yes. The rule means that you’re allowed to ask people not participating in the game to help you win it. Usually by blocking the person, restraining them and even incapacitating them.”

“Wait what? You can just bring anyone along to help you pin me down and tag me? That doesn’t sound fair.” You counter.

Nylora shakes her head, “You’re allowed to request help from 3rd parties, but 3rd parties aren’t in the game, so even if they touch your elimination zone it won’t count as a tag and we still have to abide by the 12 player limit, so since me, you and Noell are participants, we can only request direct help from 9 other 3rd parties.”

“Also it isn’t just anyone there are certain people that aren’t allowed to be called upon no matter what.” Noell adds.

“Certain people?” You ask.

“They’re talking about Sir.Lawrence . Aside from the highest-level of play, he’s been banned from participating in anyway in any and all reverse tag games, official or otherwise.” Hansel explains.

“Dare I ask why?” You question.

“Because every time he’s been a part of the hunting team, forget 3 days, most games don’t even last an hour when he’s chasing.” Noell answers.

“And him being it is out of the question, none of us would have any chance of winning if he did.” Nylora declares.

“Is he that good?” You ask.

She laughs, “Is he that good? Lawrence was stranded behind enemy lines alone for over 3 months where he survived in the wild by hunting and gathering and stayed hidden so well that neither HQ the enemy didn’t even notice he was gone until he crossed the border.” Nylora adds.

You nod, “Ah so that’s why he’s banned...Because no one else can play when you’re that overpowered…”

“It’s actually rather heart-breaking how people run every time I say I want to play a casual game of tag…” Lawrence laments.

“Alright, if that’s all questions, let’s move to our starting positions and give it their 1 minute head start…” Noell said as you all moved out.

>Present time…

“So if I’m getting this right, Nylora wins if she catches and touches me, same for Noell and if I manage to last all 10 minutes, neither of them win and I get a favor from both of them…” You realize.

(While it would be nice to have a Prince and...whatever Nylora is to owe me one, it’s clear that it would be best if Noell won this contest, having less people watching us would make things much easier…) You think.

(Not to mention…) You pull the sticker from your pocket and turn it over to find a note stuck to the back of it.

You remove the note and unfold it, on it is a single line: Nylora is on the 1st floor, I’ll be waiting on the roof.

“Real sly Noell, the other players' positions are meant to be obscured from me so I don’t get an advantage this early but this way I can just make my way to you while dodging her.” You applaud.

You rip the note off and place the sticker in the center of your chest as a cloud blocks out the light pouring through the window for a few seconds before passing.

(Still Noell’s on the roof and she’s on the 1st floor huh? They don’t know my position but they’ve got me sandwiched from the get go huh?) You realize.

“Wait…” You pull out the stopwatch you were handed to track the time and see 20 seconds have passed since you were given your 1 minute headstart.

(I’ve got 40 seconds left to move without pursuit...I was told this is my starting position, but I wasn’t told that I was stuck in here until my time runs out.) You notice.

“Doesn’t that mean...I can just walk out?” You ask yourself.

(If I walked out right now and went for the stairs, I could reach roof access and head right for Noell’s position before the game even starts...what’s stopping me?) You wonder.

“Though also, I can do the opposite can’t I?” you plan.

(This room has only one way in and one way out and that’s the door in front of me. If I just barricaded that, I could just sit here and wait out the timer and after I win, I can ask Nylora to get rid of her watchmen…) You realize.

“Took me 5 seconds to come up with those ideas...Both plans are viable, what should I do?” You ask yourself.

What will you do?

>Walk out of the room and head for the 3rd floor.

>Barricade the door and stay in the room.

Go ahead and vote guys, but know that this is the one of part of the thread I don't have written ahead of time (For the most part) and since I'm busy with background stuff, if I take a while to respond or post, it's because I'm caught up in real life stuff, forgive me.

>>4899458
>Walk out of the room and head for the 3rd floor.
Both options kinda suck however being on the move probably gives us a mild advantage, where as simply staying put makes it easier for them to dogpile us.
>>4899463
It's fine QM, as long as you're posting at least once a day it should be all dandy, it takes forever for /qst/ threads to archive so we have plenty of time.

>>4899458
>>Walk out of the room and head for the 3rd floor.
Well, preferably run

>>4899481

I want to take this vote because I have a short moment to write but it feels unfair to take a single vote, so I will wait 20 more minutes, then take what I get.

>>4899555
Oh well that makes thing easy then!

>Head for the roof.

>Writing...

File: Hallway.jpg (47 KB, 800x600)

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(Considering Noell went out of his way to attach this note rather than just making his way to me on his own, it must mean he's either restricted from coming to me or has no idea what my location is, so he chose to let me come to him.) You realize.

(Thinking like that, it means even if I lock myself in this room, there's no guarantee he'll find me and there's a chance Nylora may find me before he does, considering she's only 2 floors below me while Noell's all the way on the roof.) You note.

"Meaning..." You hurry for the door and walk out into the hallway.

"The best option would be to just head right for him, fast too. Considering I've got like 30 seconds left." You reason as you start to dash down the hall.

The hallway is quiet aside from the sound of you dashing down it, the beige walls and old antique lights give the impression of a hotel of an older era, Windows dot the hall as you dash down, pouring in rays of sunlight that brighten the otherwise dim hall, interrupted only by a few passing clouds that darken the room.

Creak...

"Hm?" Your dash is slowed by a distinct sound, the sound of a door cracking open.

Casting a quick look behind you, you notice that one of you passed has opened up ever so slightly, catching your interest for just a moment.

(Huh? Was it not locked properly? Is the door just insecure from age or something?) you wonder.

But your interest wanes quickly as you turn away, (I guess I'll tell someone the doors are busted when I get out, too busy right now.)

Soon you round the corner and when you do the staircase comes into view, flights of stairs going up and down the building as well as a number of rooms along the hall leading up to it.

In front of these doors are a set of windows letting one have a nice view of the massive garden outside, the many flowers and hedges, butterflies and gazebos the moment they step out of their door.

(No time to waste...) You think as you rush for the stairs, getting halfway down the hall in just 2 seconds.

Creak...

"Huh?" But then it happens again, not just to one door this time, but almost all the doors along this hall, they all creak open and set themselves slightly ajar.

You stop your sprint, skidding a little along the smooth floor as you look upon the doors, narrowing your eyes as you take a cautious stance.

(Okay, one door was weird, two would've been creepy, but an entire hallway? This place is old but it can't be that old...Someone is doing this and it probably isn't Noell) You reason.

(Is this some kind of attack? But that can't be, the head-start isn't over yet? Is just a coincidence? It feels far too uncanny for that to be the case but on the off-chance that it is, I'll have wasted time checking.) You realize.

(Hell even just standing here is taking too much time...what should I do?) You wonder.

What will you do?

>This is too suspicious, check the room first.

>Don't bother, don't got time, just run for the stairs.

>>4899634
>>Don't bother, don't got time, just run for the stairs.
This seems like a trap to waste time. Even if it isn't, better get as much distance as we can before our head start ends

>>4899634
>Don't bother, don't got time, just run for the stairs.

>>4899666
>>4899669

>Not worth the precious few seconds.

>Writing...

You shake your head and turn away, "Not worth the effort, I have to get moving..."

You head for the staircase, the shadow of a cloud passes you by, blotting out the light for just a moment before letting the light return.

“Boy it sure is cloudy today, seemed real sunny when we arrived, I wonder if it will rain soon…” You make pointless small talk to yourself as you near the stairs.

Dink,dink… But the moment you put one foot on the first stair, you hear something metallic bounce it's way down the stairs from above and roll towards your feet.

“Huh?” You look down and see two smoke grenades underneath you.

“...HUH!?” It takes your brain a second to process the object, so out of place, so random that even in your focused state your reflexes didn’t even pick it up until it was already there.

PSHHHHHHHHHH! And by that point it was already too late, the smoke pours from the two grenades, engulfing the entire hall in thick white smoke that chokes and blinds you as you breathe it in.

You cough and hack as you stagger away from the staircase, swiping and swinging to clear the smoke enough so you can open your eyes.

“Wha-WHat the fuck-!?” Your burning eyes open and you’re caught off guard as you detect a presence- no- several presences all around you.

And the moment you realize they’re there, they’re already pouncing on you, emerging from the thick of the smoke, an armored hand reaches out to grab you.

“RAH!” You let forth an invigorating shout as your body enters combat mode, pushing forward, you slip to the left side of the black hand and reach out towards the collar of the person it’s attached to.

“Shit!” You hear the person in the smoke cry as your grab holds true, even if you can’t see their whole body, experience and anatomy tells you exactly where to grab to take control.

“You’re going down!” And you meant that literally, as you grab his still extended hand and put it over your shoulder, you pick him up by his collar and do a full-force shoulder throw.

“Gah-!” The force of the throw is mighty, more than your assailant can handle, he bounces off the ground as all the air in his lungs is ejected incapacitating him in a single move.

“What the- The guards!?” Now at your feet, you see your assailant is wearing the same uniform as the guards you saw on your way here.

FSWHHH-! But it was a mistake to waste any time identifying a single enemy when there were others still around, behind you, the sound of more hands speeding through the smoke and towards you reach out.

File: Butler Derrick04.jpg (23 KB, 480x360)

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“Hah!” You slap the hand going at your back away and move to counter.

grab-! But before your extended arm can return to a striking position, it’s grabbed by someone else.

“Damn-!” You try and use your other hand to strike at your grabber.

Grab! But that too is caught mid-motion.

Sweep! With your arms controlled, there wasn’t a moment of hesitation to do the same for your legs as someone sweeps your feet, bringing you to your knees.

“Fuck-!” You curse as the two holding your arms cross and hold them behind your back, putting enough pressure that if you were to fight, you might dislocate them.

When the fighting comes to a close, it only takes a few seconds for the smoke to dissipate and you get to see the full force of your attackers.

The once empty, narrow hallway is now filled near to capacity as a force of by what you count to be 15, maybe even 16 men, some armed with blades, others with guns and all of them watching and ready to attack you.

"Excellent work, as always gentlemen." And then, walking through the new crowd of attackers, the woman who arranged this assault approaches your restrained form.

“Hello there newbie.” Nylora crouches to get to eye level with you before flashing you, a smug, victorious smile.

You grimace at her, “Hey, nice to see you so soon, maybe even too soon, considering I’ve still got time until my headstart ends.”

She laughs, “That you do, a whole 15 seconds in fact!”

“Yeah...so if that’s the case, why the hell am I on my knees and you're right in front of me!?” You question.

One of the men restraining you twists your arm, “Quiet cur, how dare you speak to Lady Nylora in such a manner!”

“Argh-!” You groan in pain.

Nylora puts a hand up, “Come on now, rude as it is, his anger is justified, no need for all that.”

“Sorry my lady, won’t happen again.” The man relents.

“Gah...I see you brought your goon squad after-all, a whole gang in-fact, color me impressed! Cause I see way more than 9 people here! Isn’t that against the rules!?” You point out.

She wags her finger in your face, “Clearly you weren’t listening when I was talking earlier, I said We can enlist direct help from up to 9 people to abide by the 12 person rule.”

“Direct help meaning actually helping me restrain and capture you, so long as I ensure no more than 9 people are attacking you at the same time, this still counts as fair!” She explains.

“My god the game hasn’t even started and you’re already exploiting loopholes huh?” You say with an exasperated smile.

She smiles, “Precisely so! And to answer your previous question, while you do have a headstart that prevents me from touching and eliminating you, there’s no rule saying my helpers can’t take proactive action to ensure you don’t go running anywhere.”

“Meaning since you haven’t touched me yet, you still count as abiding by the rules...my god, I’m starting to see why Noell is so scared of you…” You comment.

She’s a little taken aback to hear that, “Noell’s scared of me…? Delightful…” She smiles from ear to ear hearing that.

You grimace, “Crazy sadist...How’d you even know which room I’m in?”

She giggles, “Who knows? Maybe it was simply written into the stars? Or in this case, written in the clouds”

Your eyes go wide, “Ah...so that’s why it was so cloudy all of a sudden, those shadows weren’t clouds...they were your goons scoping the rooms for you…”

She nods, “Astute observation, Shame you didn't realize a little sooner else you might have escaped my clutches by going to another floor and rushing for the roof where I would have a harder time reaching you since I was stationed on the 1st floor.”

She gives you a curious look, “But might I ask how you knew which floor I was on? Did someone tell you?"

"..." You don't answer, you refuse to incriminate a friend.

She stands up, "Well even if you don't answer I already know. he slipped you a note with the sticker and told you his location along with mine so you could get to him first right?"

"Wait, you knew? Did you see it happen?" You ask.

She shakes her head, "No, it's just I would do the same thing if in his place, with so much on the line, I would never leave it up to chance whether I could catch you or not so by that same logic, he wouldn't either."

"And so you prepared by having guys stationed all over the building ready to jump me as soon as they saw me?" You guess.

"Precisely, you were naïve to think I would just let you walk right over to Noell and hand him a easy win." She points out.

“Less naïve, more I just didn’t think you were crazy enough to do all this!” You explain.

“Hey come on now, it’s not that I’m crazy…” She shakes her head and smiles.

“I’m just determined. Determined to win. Determined to be the best. Determined to conquer all in my path-” She reaches down for her stopwatch and pulls it up to show you that only 3 seconds before your headstart ends.

“-and I’m very determined to see Noell in a dress, so do me a favor and don’t struggle...okay?” The ticker counts down to two seconds as she slowly reaches out for the sticker on your chest.

“Fuck...Sorry Noell, looks like your faith was misplaced…” You lament as one second remains and hand is literally inches before contact.

File: Flourette Rutland08.png (253 KB, 800x491)

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Crack! But the second that timer reaches 0, something neither of you expected occurs, a bullet breaks through the window beside you and a round pings one of the men grabbing you in the back of the head.

Thud! Soundlessly, knocked out in an instant, he falls to the floor unconscious, freeing one of your hands.

“Wha...What?” Nylora looks down at her unconscious goon in bafflement.

Though you’re as confused as she is, you won’t let this chance slip you by, “Hmph!” You thrust out your freed hand in a palm strike, aimed for Nylora’s face.

“Wha-GAH!” Her reflexes are quick, she almost reacts and dodges, but the proximity of her face was too close for you to miss, you hit her square on the nose, drawing blood as you knock her onto her back into the crowd of men behind her.

“My lady!? You fiend, what have you done-!?” The other man restraining you flies into a rage and prepares to break your arm.

“No you don’t!” You lunge your head to the side, smashing it into the open section of his helmet stunning him.

“Hrah!” In that moment you free your hand and spring to your feet and look out the window and see, a good 100 or so meters away, Florette crouches on the top of a gazebo roughly on the level of the hallway, a rifle in her hand aimed and ready.

(Knew something was off when he didn't arrive in time, good thing I followed those men scaling the buildings or I might have been too late!) Florette thinks as she watches you.

(Thanks for the save!) You think as you scan both ends of the hallway, a crowd of 6 men stand between you and the staircase, even more plus Nylora on the other end of the hall.

(With Flourette's support I might just be able to break through that crowd in the front but if I screw up, Nylora will tag me in an instant!) You realize.

You look to the windows, (Alternately, I could give up on trying to reach Noell at all, so long as Nylora doesn't catch me I can just ask her to remove her men anyway, so if I just jump from this window and buy some time running around...)

What will you do?

>Jump out the window.

>Rush the staircase.

>>4899782
>Rush the staircase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-_9LcwKRQE

>>4899782
>Rush the staircase.

>>4899791
>>4899810

Apologies, was on urgent business and just got back, but also:

>Been gone for over 2 hours.

>Still on page 1

Damn this board has slowed down since I've been gone!

>Rush the stairs.

>Writing...

>>4899782
>Jump out the window.

https://youtu.be/MF-dowWi1Pg

You narrow your eyes at the crowd in front of the staircase and draw up a plan of action in your mind, (The name of this game is speed, I don't need to fight, I don't even need to knock anyone out, I have an eye in the sky to deal with that.) You cast a glance to Florette who stands at the ready.

You hop in place to hype yourself up and alert Florette to your plan, (So focus only on those stairs, the only thing that matters is getting up those stairs! All I have to do-)

"-Is get up those stairs!" You kick off into a sprint and run for the stairs.

"He's making a run for the stairs!" One goon shouts.

"That damn Yankee thinks he can run!?" Another insults.

"Form a wall boys! Ones with guns to the front! He must be dreaming if he thinks he can just run right through us!" One of the men in the crowd ahead of you orders as they reform and put 3 men with rifles poised to fire at you.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

"Huh!?" In your mind's eye, a future where you're riddled with bullets and sent crashing to the floor flashes through your mind.

"Damn!" The vision is shocking but informative as it tells you the exact trajectory of the rounds, giving you the briefest of moments to duck down and avoid the first 2 shots and roll to avoid a shot that would've knee-capped you.

You speak as you roll back unto your feet and dash, "The hell!? You're going to shoot me!? I thought this was just a game of tag!"

"We're shooting riot rounds idiot! Plus you guys were the first to open fire! So who the hell are you to talk!? Gun him down now!" The leader of the crowd orders.

"Shit!" You're in a terrible position, you doubt you could pull a dodge like that off again.

CRACK!

But that's when your sniper-wielding angel comes to the recuse, pulling off a near impossible shot by shooting at the metal knob of a door adjacent to one of the riflemen, the round ricochets off the knob and into his head, knocking him out.

"What the hell!?" The leader shouts in shock, the two other riflemen, dodge back in a panic, fearfully of being Florette's next victims.

"Hmph!" This presents you with the perfect chance, putting everything into your next sprint, you close the distance between you and the crowd in that brief moment it takes the riflemen to take aim again.

"Shit, he's too close! FIRE DAMN IT!" The leader shouts, the riflemen lock onto you in an instant.

"Like hell you will!" You hop off the ground and into the wall, leaping into the air and over the riflemen's heads.

"What-!?" They exclaim as you fly over their heads, as you fall, the man who was issuing order's face makes an excellent platform for you to spring off of and right behind all of them.

"That will show you! Huh!?"You smile with victorious glee, until a vision enters your mind, one of a bullet smashing into your right shoulder in mid-air.

BANG!

"OW!" Unfortunately there's nothing you can do to avert this future, what with your inability to control your direction mid-air, so instead you look back and identify the shooter.

"Ha..." In the split instant you turn your head before you land, you see Nylora's bloody smirking face looking back at you, smoking pistol in hand.

"Damn...!" You grimace as you fight the pain, as you land, you crumple, grabbing your right shoulder which pangs in pain.

"Grab him! GRAB HIM!" The leader shouts in a nasally tone, you jumping off his face must've broken his nose and he's none too pleased about it.

"Shit!" You exclaim as you rush up the stairs, a crowd of men hot on your heels.

Nylora recovers and wipes the blood off her face, drawing her sword and looking towards the staircase.

“Well now...His planning needs work, but in terms of physical ability he’s impressive.” She praises.

“My lady, don’t give that Yorbian dog any praise! All of that was desperate flailing.” One of her men counters.

“Now, now lads, desperation is it’s own kind of strength and you know saying that means you lot were just beaten by the desperate flailing of a dog correct?” She points out.

“We realize and we won’t let it happen again! Allow us to give chase!” All the men that were just knocked down get up and line up before Nylora.

“A swift recovery! As expected of men trained under my watch...but still, you all seem a bit more fired up than usual.” She notices.

“My lady, that worthless dog had the gall not only to hit you but to draw your blood as well! We wish to make him suffer 1000 deaths for his crime!” The leader of the men explains.

“Oh yes…” She wipes the blood from her nose, “While I respect his effort, being hit does frustrate me a little…”

She smiles, “Right then, you are free to give chase! And if it would ease your aching hearts, you're free to be a little rough about it as well.”

“As you command, my lady!” All the men shout in unison as they unbarricade the door and rush out in droves.

>119 posts
> 8 posters
Talk about a cult following

“Oh those lads make me proud they do…” Nylora looks behind her to the additional men she brought out.

"I have a number of jobs for you lot, firstly, can one of you boys go and distract Florette? Her sniping will be troublesome to deal with." She orders.

"On it! We'll track her down right away!" One of them answers.

"Track her down? You needn't, she's right over-" She looks over to the gazebo where Florette once was but now she's nowhere to be seen.

She cackles, "Should've expected as much from a legendary sniper, if you're going to hunt her, be sure to bring your best bloodhounds or we'll never pin her down."

"Understood!" The man runs off.

She points to another guard, "It's clear our target is experienced in combat and has the support of we're going to need more men, call for reinforcements."

"Understood Madam! Right away!" The man turns to run off.

"Oh, one more thing!" She stops him.

"Yes Madam?" The man asks.

"This is a good chance for some training, tell little Mary she's needed." She adds.

He flinches at the name, "R-Right Madam, I'll have her here right away!" He says as he runs off.

She smiles as she heads for the stairs, "This game will be short, but oh my will it be fun..."

>On the floor above...

"Shit! Shit! SHIT!" You shout as a group of what was once 6 men, now 12 men, chase you down the hall of the 4th floor, you attempted to keep climbing the staircase right to the top, but the second you tried to ascend to the 5th floor, a group of 6 more men came running after you from above.

After which you managed to worm your way between the two groups and escape which brings you to your current predicament.

"Stop running! Turn and face us you coward!" One of your chasers demands.

"As if! The second I stop running you'll just mob me!" You answer.

"You'll pay for hurting our lady! Face us in ritual combat! We will have your throat for what you've done!" Another shouts, the faster of the chasers grabbing at your collar, nearly pulling you to the ground.

"Seriously! This is just a game of tag, you people are taking it wayyyyyyyyyy too seriously-huh!?" As you approach a bend in the hallway, a vision hits you, one where a hammer will swing at your head.

"Wait-A hammer!?" You duck and slide around the corner as a sliver warhammer swings around the bend.

"Huh!? GAH!" Screams the man who was grabbing at your collar, the hammer clanging into his head and sending him tumbling into the carpeted floor, completely unconscious.

File: Hansel's Hammer.jpg (30 KB, 883x883)

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"What-!? Who dares-!?" The chasers back up as they attempt to identify the threat.

"I dare!" From around the bend, Hansel rears his proud smirk and ready warhammer, puffing out his chest in a show of confidence.

"Ow-my ribs..." Only to grab at said chest in light pain, still not fully recovered.

"Hansel!" You exclaim in excitement.

"Here to aid you Derrick! Keep running down this hall! There's an emergency exit at the end of it, there should be a fire escape that leads you to the roof from there!" He explains

"What about you?" You ask as you stand back up.

"I'll stay here and hold these lot off, you just focus on getting to the young master! He's waiting for you on the roof!" He reminds.

"Got it! I'll go as fast I can!" you nod as you turn towards the hall ahead of you, you see the green emergency exit sign over the door at the far end of it.

"You think we'll make it that easy!?" Shouts emerge alongside a number of men who come from the various rooms in the hall as well as crashing through the windows and into your path.

You back up a bit, "Uh, Hansdy, this path isn't exactly clear either..."

Hansel backs up a bit from the encroaching group in front of him, "What can I say? Lady Nylora commands much power and even more men! At least it's less than what I have to deal with here!"

What will you do?

>Rush through the hall ahead, dodging as best you can while Hansel distracts the greater force.

>Tell Hansel to give up on the distraction and have him help you reach the exit.

File: [Couldn't agree more].jpg (343 KB, 1446x1080)

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>>4900027

It's what I have and who I write for, honestly I'm grateful it's more than 1 considering how long it takes me to write these episodes.

It also helps to cope if I think I just have a whole lot of lurkers and few active posters.

>>4900050
>>Rush through the hall ahead, dodging as best you can while Hansel distracts the greater force.

File: [Sadmiral].png (225 KB, 611x316)

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Gonna let this vote roll out into the morning, had a day that was as busy as it was stressful, should be better tomorrow and if I run things right, we should be done by Saturday.

But for now, Goodnight anons, you guys made things bearable.

>>4900050
>Rush through the hall ahead, dodging as best you can while Hansel distracts the greater force.
>>4900027
This quest is definitely a hidden gem, though I do kinda wish it had more of a following because it deserves it.
>>4900053
As a former QM I'm well aware that this doesn't always work, however shilling this quest on /qtg/ *might* attract new people

>>4900072
>>4900524

I'm back, let's do this!

>Rush! Rush! RUSH!

>Writing...

https://youtu.be/UH17k-fJUKU

"Thanks man, don't push yourself too much alright! You're not totally healed yet!" You shout as you dash down the hallway heading for the fire exit.

"Oh please! If a few cuts and bruises were all it took for me to give up, I would be embarrassment to this household!" Hansel shouts back as he rushes into the massive group of 11 men.

"He's coming! Get back!" Someone from the crowd warns as Hansel takes advantage of the superior reach of his weapon, throwing a low swing at the two men at the front of the group, he sweeps one of them off their feet as the other barely dodges back.

"Hey! Watch it!" Another man says as the man who dodged collides into him and almost sends them both stumbling back.

"I can't help it! This hallway is too damn narrow for all of us!" He tries to creep back only to be pushed forward by another man trying to move forward, creating chaos in the crowd.

Hansel stomps the stomach of the man he knocked down, knocking all the air from his lungs and pinning him the floor. he slings his hammer over his shoulder and flashes a confident smile at the crowd.

"Dare anyone take me on!? I'm a touch out of practice you see! I would love it if you all could help me grease up my swinging arm!" he shouts.

"You green brat!" A man falls for his provocations and rushes him with a high-swing from his broadsword.

"Ha!" Hansel anticipating such an attack thrusts the handle of his hammer into the throat of his attacker just before he can bring his sword down.

"Kah-!" The man can't even scream as his windpipe is almost caved in from the force, he drops his sword and clasps at his neck.

"Say hello to your friends in the back!" Hansel shouts, taking advantage of his dropped guard he launches a full-power front kick into the man's face, launching him backwards into the crowd, toppling a good 3 or 4 people along with him who struggle to get back to their feet in the cramped space.

"The uppity prick! Rush him! Mob him damn it!" One of them demands.

"We can't! It's too cramped! If we move too fast he'll just swing his hammer and push us back again!" Another counter.

He laughs, "You chose the wrong environment for mob attacks! And here I was thinking our guards actually knew how to fight!"

"Grrr...You bastard! All this effort for a damn Yank! Why in the hell is Master Noell even interested in that foreigner!?" One of the attackers ask.

"Because he can see something in him that you lot are too blind to! Not stop asking stupid questions and come at me-"

BANG!

"Whoa!" The men in the crowd exclaim as a bullet whizzes over there heads, missing them only be inches.

"What!?" Hansel barely has time to react as a bullet almost claps him in the head, he barely manages to bring his hammer up in time to deflect.

"You make a fair point, we can't quite see what Noell sees in that street urchin." Nylora, the shooter, states.

"Damn...(Just my luck the one opponent I don't see myself winning against...)" Hansel thinks as he watches her approach, the crowd parting the best they can to let her through.

"But I think that's the point of this game, his coming here at this time, this critical juncture in our nation's history must mean something and I'm eager to see what it is by...testing him a little." She says as she closes in with a smile.

Hansel readies his guard, "Test him? Test him...how...?" He loses focus, fear sets in as he notices the person-no- the monster that follows in Nylora's steps.

STOMP! STOMP! STOMP!

"Oh...my...Armis..." A number of men whisper as a large figure casts their shadow on all of them, the overwhelming size and presence causing the crowd to disperse and retreat to allow room for their approach.

"Y-You called...Little Mary here? Isn't that a little...excessive for a game of Reverse tag?" Hansel backs away, sweat dripping from his head.

She smirks, "Nothing is excessive if it's in the name of seeing Noell in a maid dress, besides...I told you, I want to test the foreigner a little."

Hansel clenches his hammer and sighs, "Apologies Derrick, seems I won't be able to hold them back for very long after-all..."

>Back to Derrick...

As you dashed off into the corridor, a number of men met your dash with their own, 2 sword-wielding guards beeline you, rushing you with their swords poised to strike, 2 more men stay in the backline with their rifles at the ready.

"You bastards don't know how to give up!" You shout as one of the swordsmen gets close enough to swing at you, you swat at his wrist before he can make contact, knocking the sword from his hand.

"You're going to help me now!" You demand as you grab them by their other wrist.

"Wha-Oh shit!" The swordsmen cries as you twist his arm around and turn him to face the gunmen in the backline, pushing him forward hard enough to carry him off the ground.

File: Flourette Rutland31.jpg (422 KB, 823x1175)

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BANG! BANG! Two shots ring out, both end up pinging your poor human shield in his stomach as you push forward.

"Let him go you scum!" The other swordsman tries to tackle you both to the ground.

"Catch!" You counter by tossing his injured friend at him just before he can grab you both, putting him to the floor.

"He's coming!" This buys you enough distance that you reach within 20 meters of the riflemen, they attempt to take aim and fire at you.

"Try me!" You shout as you start zig-zagging as you dash, throwing their aim off a little.

"You slippery bastard, just be still for a damn second-!"

BANG! BANG!

Two more shots ring out, both missing by a tiny margin as you duck and weave close enough deliver gravity defying uppercut to one of the gunmen, sending him shooting up to the roof and crashing back down to the floor, knocking him out.

"Wha-How strong are you-!?" The other gunman cries out in fear.

"Strong enough to beat your wimpy asses!" You declare as you kick him upside the head, sending him tumbling down as you dash off for the emergency exit.

SLAM! Goes the door you escape to the fire escape, a narrow metal platform just barely wide enough for you to shimmy around.

You look up and see that the fire escape ascends upwards toward the roof, "Just need to climb up now-"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

You duck as a bullet misses your head by an inch and two more bullets collide into the wall behind you, "What now!?" You ask as you trace the line of fire and look down to see a small firing squad has gathered up in the courtyard in the distance and is taking shots at you.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Another volley you barely manage to dodge by taking cover against the railing, the riot rounds ping off the metal producing a painful sound in your ears.

"Fucking hell, I knew she was going to pull out all the stops but pretty much every guard in the castle must be on my ass at this point and it's been like what!? 6 minutes!?" You guesstimate.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Another volley, this one much closer to your position, "Shit, their aim is getting better the longer I sit around! It's time like these I could really use a little more support-!"

CRACK!

"Gah!" Your prayer is answered as you hear the distinct sound of a rifle's crack, looking over your cover you see one of the riflemen has been downed and looking around a bit more, you see Florette, some 50 meters from them, taking shots.

"Shit it's Florette!" One of the riflemen cry as he runs for cover.

"We had orders to find her, but the Yankee takes priority! Focus fire on him!" Their leader orders as two men stick their heads up and aim at you.

CRACK! CRACK!

"Damn it!" The men who stood up barely escape being knocked out as they duck down after being fired upon.

"As if I'd let you. My master requested I ensure his safe escort, my pride as a maid is on the line here." Florette points out as she reloads her rifle with lighting hands.

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You whistle as you watch her work, "Once again I'm reminded of how much of a badass you are!" You compliment as you take this chance to climb up the fire escape.

You soon reach the ladder that separates the fire escape from the roof and after a quick climb you've made it. The roof is a mostly empty wide open space, cordoned off by a tall fence, of which only one gate resides that to the fire escape and a water tank that feeds the whole building further off, aside from that, the only other way off the roof is a roof access door to your left.

SHING! CLANG! SHING!

But most importantly, you find the person you've been fighting to reach this whole time, Noell, caught in his own drawn-out brawl against a mob of 14 men, previously 20 but the 6 unconscious men on the floor aren't getting up anytime soon.

"Noell!" You shout as you watch him battle against the crowd of swordsmen, light cuts and bruises on his face.

"Ah Derrick, glad to see you've arrived-" He's cut off by 2 men swinging at him forcing him to dodge and swing at them to get them to back away.

"-I would've met you half way but-" As he dodges, another man swings at him from behind.

CLANG! He weaves his sword behind his head to block.

"-As you can see I'm a little busy dealing with some riff-raff!" He shouts as he slides the attacker's blade along the length of his sword, throwing him off balance.

"Shit-!GAH!" Then twisting with the momentum, Noell spins and elbows the man in the back of the head, knocking him out before retaking a stance and readying himself for another onslaught.

"Don't worry, I'm coming over!" You declare as you dash for the crowd, preparing to duck and weave and get close enough for him to tag you.

CRASH!

"WHAT THE-" But those plans are interrupted as the roof access door comes flying off it's hinges and hurtling towards you, forcing you to jump back to avoid being sent flying with it.

"Now, now, not so fast, we've still got 4 minutes in the game." Nylora voice rings from where the door once was.

"Shit, you got past Hansel-Huh!?" You look over expecting the pretty, petite frame of Nylora only to be met with a sight that leaves you breathless.

File: Little Mary.jpg (74 KB, 658x1031)

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Stepping from the broken doorway, comes a giant, one so big they have to duck down to fit through clad in the thickest, heaviest armor you've seen since you got here, the floor shaking a little as the figure, standing some 8ft tall closes in on you.

Nylora follows the armored giant and stands beside it, "Hansel Didn't put up much of a fight, Little Mary here hasn't gotten any good exercise today, we were hoping you could help with that!"

"Hrm..." The giant which's name is little Mary apparently, let's forth a quiet grunt in response.

"What!? Don't tell me you injured Hansel!? He just got back from the Hospital!" You ask.

"Calm yourself, I wouldn't hurt a servant of mine like that, he surrendered as soon Mary made an appearance. Come on out dear." She flashes a hand behind her.

Hansel appears, his weapon carried by a guard that flanks him with a sad look on his face, "Apologies Derrick, I did my best but there was no way I could win..."

You shake your head, "No worries man, I told you not to push yourself right? You made the right choice giving up."

"And you would be wise to do the same. Give up and let me tag you, Mary here is a mix of Brenho and Kuggend blood, if that wasn't obvious just by looking at her." She explains.

"Wait...Her!?" You exclaim.

"What? Did you think Mary was a man or some such? Despite her intimidating size and frame, she's actually very feminine and cute under her armor." She clarifies.

"P-Please refrain from saying such things Lady Nylora, It's embrassing..." A soft and gentle voice leaks from the helmet of the towering woman.

"This place is seriously throwing me off my game..." You lament.

"Anyway, she's one of our best fighters, highly trained, overwhelming strength and a toughness that would make most tanks seem feeble in comparison, I would advise against running at this point, just give up." She orders.

What will you do?

>Turn around and make a run for Noell

>Charge at Mary and tell Hansel to grab his weapon while you distract.

>>4900863
>Turn around and make a run for Noell
No offence Hansel however if we're going to have any chance winning it's going to be with Noell's help

>>4900863
>Turn around and make a run for Noell
I don't see us taking on Mary and having anything good come out of it

>>4900872
>>4900884

>Go for Noell!

>Writing...

File: Noell Cromwell37.png (352 KB, 662x757)

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You laugh, "You're right, I should just give up."

She gives you a surprised look, "Whoa? Really? I was sure given what I've seen of your nature so far you would at least try and put up a fight."

"Against that brick shithouse? You've got to me kidding me, I don't have nearly enough bones to last a minute alone against her." You counter.

"A brick shithouse? That's a little mean..." She pouts.

"Sorry, It's a turn of speech, don't think about it too much..." You apologize.

Nylora laughs, "Well you're more sensible than I thought, I'm happy to see you can quit while you're ahead."

You smile, "Right, I can quit while I'm ahead, I know my limits-"

You turn on your heel and dash towards the crowd surrounding Noell, "-I know an easy way around my limits is just to run! Screw this!"

Nylora sighs, "Figures you were just trying to get me to let my guard down, a little annoying....but..."

STOMP! A powerful stomp rings out from behind you, the concrete at your feet cracks a little as you turn your head around and see the massive frame of Mary bearing down on your from above her hands clasped together in a club shape.

"Oh shit!" You scream as you roll away.

SMASH! The area you were just standing on nearly collapses under the weight of the attack, concrete pebbles and stones flick over to you, one of them poking you in the eye and blinding you for a second.

But as you close your eyes, a vision of an attack reaches you, a slash from behind.

SHING!

You duck under the blunted edge of a saber, the sharp sound ringing in your ears as you dodge away, you open your pained eyes and see Nylora, her Saber pointed your way with an excited expression on her face.

"-This is a far more exciting result!" She shouts as she points her pistol your way.

"Damn it! (I'm screwed, that giant bitch is way faster than she looks, if I dodge I'm sure she'll smash me into the dirt, what am I supposed to do-!?)" You wonder, feeling cornered.

"Right, things are far more exciting this way."

CLANG! A cold, harsh voice is followed by the clashing of steel, in the instant before Nylora pulled the trigger, Noell took that chance to strike at her back, which she narrowly blocks.

"What!? When did you-!?"

"Escape your gang of cannon fodder? Had to act fast and clear a path while Derrick was distracting you." he explains.

You behind them and see that indeed, while you were talking and dodging attacks, Noell knocked out 3 more men, clearing enough of them out so he could escape the encirclement.

He smirks, "So long as I have the open, I never miss it." He declares as he pulls back and swings at her again.

"You want a duel do you!? Well let's have at it!" Nylora consents by meeting his broadsword with her saber, the two of them engaging intense exchanges.

"Noell has escaped the circle! Trap him again!" One of the 12 remaining men shout as they surround you and Noell.

"Look! It's the Yankee! Time for revenge!" Then climbing from the broken door way, 8 of the men you escaped from prior join the entrapping circle, locking you and Noell inside.

"Oh great, everyone wants in on the party huh!?" You shout as you ready your battle stance, enemies on all sides.

STOMP!

"Don't forget about me!" Mary shouts as she rushes at you again, swinging her massive fist down at your head, making you dodge to avoid an immediate knock out.

"Oof! Oh! Noell!" You end up bumping into Noell, your back to his as he faces down Nylora and you face down Mary.

"If only you attached your sticker to your back, this would have been game." Noell scolds.

"Sorry, if you want, I can turn around real quick, how confident are you can tag me before they shoot us?" You ask.

BANG! BANG!

Two shots ring out, both from Nylora at your feet causing you both to separate and face your respective opponents, "Does that answer your question?" Noell asks.

"Doesn't mean we still can't do it, we just need to find an opening!" You answer.

"That's more trouble then it's worth, there's only 3 minutes on the clock, all we have to do is last those 3 minutes and we win anyway, so just focus on not getting tagged!" He orders.

"Easier said then done, there's wayyyyy too many of these bastards..." You lament as the circle closes in on you, Mary inching closer and closer.

"Then how would you recommend we deal with this situation?" Noell asks.

What do you say?

>You focus on distracting Nylora, so long as she doesn't touch me we win!

>Just focus on tagging me, I'll distract everyone so just find a good opportunity!

>>4900936
>You focus on distracting Nylora, so long as she doesn't touch me we win!

>>4900936
>You focus on distracting Nylora, so long as she doesn't touch me we win!
Trying to get him to tag us is way too risky. Better to play it safe than sorry

>>4900958
>>4900973

>No choice but to run out the clock!

>Writing...

https://youtu.be/BWgc4F725L8

You nod, "You're right, we can't take that risk, you focus on distracting Nylora, I'll do my best not to get caught!"

"Perfect plan, except it has a single flaw in it." Noell states.

"What? What flaw?" You ask

CLANG!

He rushes Nylora, swing down on her with all the force he can muster, nearly knocking the saber from her hand as they lock eyes and blades.

"You assume all I can do is distract this wench! When I plan on defeating her!" He declares.

She glares and smiles at him, "Wouldn't that be a treat!? Last I recall you lost the last 300 fights with me!"

"You forget before that I had 301 streak on you! Time make that 302 don't you think!" He taunts.

"That single loss is a shame on my name and it's about time I cleaned it!" She kicks him off her blade and opens fire at his feet, causing him to dodge, locking the two in intense combat.

"Jeez, wasn't this supposed to be a friendly competition? I feel like it's turned into a duel to the death all of a sudden." You comment as you watch them.

"Know this Foreigner, In the Cromwell household, even the most causal of games are played to win! For the Cromwell name is the name of victors!" Mary explains.

"Doesn't mean you have to kill each other over it..." You counter.

"Don't worry, they act as if they'll kill each other but their blades are blunted, they're both just very determined to win." A man from the encroaching crowd of men assures.

You take a combat stance, "Oh yeah? Well if Nylora's so determined to win, you'd think she'd ask some of you to back her up instead play with me."

"As if our Lady needs help defeating Master Noell, her swordsmanship is top-class, some of the greatest in the country!" One man praises.

"It would be a shame on her name and honor as well as a show of bad faith if we interrupted them." Another man explains.

"Instead, she'd be much happier if we offered you to her after she's done dealing with Master Noell." Another adds.

"Preferably bloody and beaten after what you've done to her and our comrades." Another threatens.

You look around and find you're totally surrounded, no gaps from which to escape and a mob ready to bear down on you.

"Well here you guys are talking about honor and shame and yet all of you would gang up on one guy!? Where's my honorable duel!?" You taunt, hoping to prevent them from rushing you all at once.

Mary steps forward, "You raise a fair point, fine then, I will face-"

"No Mary, allow me!" A random grunt pushes his way to the front and faces you.

"I will face you Yankee!" The not particularly note-worthy grunt declares as he draws near.

"Oh it's Shelly!" Another grunt cheers.

"Get that Foreigner! Beat his ass!" Another one cheers.

"You will know the true strength of guardsmen now!" Another warns.

(They put this guy before the 8ft monster woman? He doesn't look like anything special but I should be on my guard...) You think as he faces you down.

He grabs points his broadsword at you, "Are you ready to meet your defeat Foreigner?"

You take a ready stance, "As ready are you are."

He laughs, "Good! Know the name of he who will disgrace you! My name is Shawn Shelly-"

PLAP! A meaty sound rings out as you rush in and uppercut Shawn Shelby, knocking him flat on his ass.

"...." The cheering crowd goes quiet.

"Okay, who's next?" You ask.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! What do think you're doing Yankee!?" The crowd goes into a rage.

"What? What's the problem? He was clearly ready to fight." You point out.

A group of 3 guys come over and prop him up, "No he wasn't! He was in the middle of telling you his name and you attacked him, what dishonor!"

"What? but he said his name, it's Shawn Shelly isn't it?" You correct.

"Owwww-Wrong! That's just the first part of my name, plus I haven't even told you my titles or accomplishments yet!" Shawn, disoriented and grabbing his jaw in pain points out.

You give him an annoyed look, "Seriously? I have to listen to your entire life story before I can fight you?"

"Are you not interested in who it is you fight!? Or are do the barbarians that infest Yorbia not even have the courtesy to ask a man his name before dueling him!?" Shawn counters.

"(It's not that we don't ask names, it's that we just never duel in general...) Fine, sorry, sorry, can we have a do over? I promise to listen this time." You agree.

"You'd best, don't interrupt me this time, you promised this time!" Shawn tells you, fighting himself back unto to steady feet.

"Okay, just get it over with...(Good thing my objective is wasting time else I'd never humor this shit.)" You allow.

He points his sword at you and speaks, "Prepare to meet your doom! Before you stands a 3rd rank guardsman! Adept in Brenho swordsmanship! One who placed 3rd in his local sparring contest!"

(My god he sounds mediocre as hell so far...) You think.

"I am a proud warrior of the Brenho nation and carrier of her banner, my name is Shawn Shelby Shiloh-"

(Wait his name seriously goes on? Oh god...) Your patience begins to wane.

"-Shivansh-Shiv-Shelby-ShePEH" You uppercut him mid-speech, knocking him out this time.

"What!? He did it again!" The crowd rages.

"Oh shit I got so tired of him speaking I just hit him on reflex. Sorry about that." You explain.

"Incorrigible cur! How dare you, he still had the 2nd half of his name to go through!" The crowd boos.

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"Who the hell has time to listen to drawn out bullshit like this anyway!? If you're going to fight! Just fight already!" You counter.

STOMP! The concrete caves a little as Mary steps forward, silencing everyone.

"I couldn't agree more Foreigner. Why waste time with petty greetings we can get to know each other with our fists instead?" Mary cracks her knuckles and approaches.

"Little Mary takes the field! Now you're really in for it!" The crowd cheers.

"Shit, this time they're serious aren't they..." You take a combat stance and begin to circle around the giant full-plate woman.

"What's wrong little man? Scared of a delicate lady like me? Just come at me, I'll even be so kind as to give you a nice hug." She opens her arms wide, ready to grab you the second you get near.

You give a nervous smirk, "I'd rather not, I have a feeling a hug from you won't be as nice as you make it out to be...(Is putting it lightly, if she grabs me I can kiss any chance of winning goodbye, she'll squeeze me out like a toothpaste tube.)"

"You think so? Really? But you haven't even tried yet-!" She shouts as she leaps and rushes closing the distance between the two of you in the blink of an eye.

"Damn-!" You escape her clutches by sliding through her legs and hoping back.

She looks back at you, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes, "You won't hug me but you're happy to slide under my skirt, you Yorbains are wild indeed..."

You blush a little, "I-It's nothing like, I didn't even see anything!"

"Doesn't make you any less of a creep!" Someone from the crowd shouts.

You shoot a glare his way, "Shut up-!"

STOMP!

"Oh shit!" You barely escape her grasp again, she doesn't miss even the slightest chance to jump you if you let your guard down.

You think as you land, (This is bad, I can hit hard but her massive frame and tough armor will be a hard nut to crack...unless I use Nen, but is she tough enough to take a Nen-enhanced punch?)

She cracks her neck, "You're so slippery, you remind me of the water-soaked boulders I find at waterfalls to suplex! Only so much cuter!"

You flinch, (Yeah she's probably tough enough...but even then, I would rather not use my abilities where so many people can see them, isn't there some other way?)

FWOOOOOOH!

"Huh!? Is that-!?" The sound of spinning blades cutting through the air and approaching swiftly catches everyone's attention.

You look on in shock as you see, "A helicopter!?"

You see a helicopter start to circle the the rooftop, aboard you see in the cockpit the face of Lawrence who pilots the vehicle.

"What!? One of the family helicopters!? What is it doing here!?" Nylora stops swinging to ask.

"I requested it be readied before the game began in case one of my helpers needed to make a quick ascent." Noell answers.

"No way! You can't mean Lawrence right!? We have rules against him participating!" Nylora counters.

"Funny you prattle about rules when I'm sure you've broken some yourself at this point but don't worry, he's not coming down here." He explains.

The helicopter side door opens up and out sticks the rifle of Florette who aims down at the crowd surrounding you, Noell smirks, "Instead, he's helping someone else up."

"You bastard, this is underhanded!" She shouts as she swings at him.

"That's rich coming from you! You're not the only that will use every tool at their disposal!" Noell clashes with her.

"Thanks for the assistance, your aid is crucial in winning this battle." Florette says as she takes aim.

"I'm just happy I get to help in any capacity! Can you identify your targets? How steady is your rifle? Should I slow down more?" He asks.

"No, this just fine..." Florette says as she starts with the biggest target in the center, Little Mary.

CRACK! PING! Florette opens fire and her round lands on target however, the bullet fails to have any strong effect on Mary, it merely bounces off her helmet leaving a small dent.

She laughs, "A good effort but I didn't come here full-plate for nothing!" She taps at the spot she was shot in.

"There's almost no gaps in this stupidly heavy suit, since they can't pierce, your riot rounds are like breeze in the wind to me!" She taunts.

Florette clicks her tongue, "Even with my skill sniping her in those tiny gaps will be hard, I need an opening..."

You look on at this exchange in bewilderment, (Looks like I can't count on Florette to save my ass without help this time, it's clear she needs to hit her in a gap in her armor, I might be able to great that gap, at great risk of just leaping into this amazon's bear hug...)

What will you do?

>Create a gap for Florette to shoot, time to go on the attack!

>Hang back and let Florette take pot shots to distract, play defense!

>End this battle now by using your Nen, all you need is to hit her once before anyone notices!

>>4901082
>Create a gap for Florette to shoot, time to go on the attack!
Time to put our trust in florette, it probably isn't wise revealing the fact that we can use nen by showing it off

>>4901082
>>Create a gap for Florette to shoot, time to go on the attack!

>>4901090
>>4901110

>Florette will come through! Just give her a shot!

>Writing...

https://youtu.be/AtZG8jzFDZ8

You narrow your eyes at the giant woman and scan her armor, locating a number of small gaps but nowhere that would be good enough to knock her out in a single shot.

(Looks like if I'm going to have her land the decisive blow I'll have to rip some of that armor off!) You realize as you rush at Mary.

She turns her focus toward you, "Oh? Finally done playing hard to get!? Come to Mary!" She brings her fist back and readies it to crush you the moment you get into range.

"Hm!" You dodge her strike by weaving around it then twisting around her body, as you spin, you grab at a small opening in her flank and pull at it with all the force you can muster.

TEAR! You rip the small plate off her flank, taking a chunk of chainmail with it, revealing her skin to the air.

"What-!? My armor!" She shouts as she realizes what's been done to her.

CRACK! She doesn't have much time to do anything about it, as Florette quickly picks up on your plan and shoots at the opening.

"OW-!" She screams as the riot round slams into her open flank, a big pink blotch appearing as it shakes her stance and forces her to grab at her flank in pain.

"Got her!" You smirk as you toss the ripped off piece of armor away.

SWING But you don't get to revel in victory long, her recovery is much faster than you anticipated, before she even turns to see you, she lashes out with her tree trunk of a leg in a back kick.

"Oh shi-"

PLAP! You have no time to dodge so you opt to block, not that it does you much good, the force and power behind her kick would put horses to shame, in an instant you're lifted off the ground and sent flying unto your back.

"Damn! Fuck!" You curse as hellish pain rages through the arms you blocked with, you almost think she broke them with how numb they feel.

"Ripping a lady's clothes off, how uncouth, I swear, men are such wolves." She laughs as she turns to face you.

You scramble back to your feet and retake a combat stance, "If I'm a wolf, that makes you a goddamn bear! God you hit like a truck!"

"I know it's admirable you're still standing after that, most men around here can't even take that much damage before they start crying and giving up." She readies her combat stance.

"You seem like you'll make good exercise though...ow..." She grunts under her breath.

You don't let that grunt escape you, (She acts tough, hell, she is tough not to be down and out after getting shot like that. But it's clear it's getting to her, I just need to weaken her enough that I can take her helmet!)

With that in mind you rush at her yet again, closing the distance in an instant, she swings at you and you weave around her, twisting and moving for her other flank.

"The same trick twice!? I won't let you!" She counters by pulling away and going for a side kick, attempting to knock you off your feet again.

"Saw that coming!" But that attack was just bait, duck her kick by a hair and pull at the straps of her ankle armor before she has a chance to pull her leg back.

"Bastard!" She corrects her position just as the armor is undone and bears down at you with an axe-kick instead of retreating.

SLAM!

"Shit-!" You're forced to fall to the ground and roll away before you're flattened to the ground.

CRACK! Florette shoots at her exposed ankle the moment it hits the ground, another pink blotch spreading across her skin.

"DAMN-OW!" She shouts in agony as she falls to one knee, grabbing her ankle in pain.

"There!" You see your chance at victory, her back is bended at an angle you can climb on, if you rush her before she can recover, you can steal her helmet.

"We won't let you!" The guards who were watching also realize this and decide it's time for them to intervene, a group of 4 men come rushing to form a wall between you and her back.

"Shoot her down!" Following that, a gang of 4 men with rifles take aim at Florette, firing upon her in attempt to incapacitate her.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

"Whoa! They're firing on us! Apologies my dear, I have to move!" As bullets ping off the side of the helicopter as lawrence starts to move faster to avoid direct hits.

"That's fine...just keep it steady..." But despite the shaking of the helicopter, despite bullets whizzing by her head, Florette never takes her eye off the scope and adapts her aim to the turbulence.

"Just a little more-!" You realize it's now or never, she'll recover in seconds if you don't capitalize on this attack now so despite the gathering group you rush for Mary.

"We'll cut you down!" The group of swordsmen meet your charge, with your numb arms, you aren't certain you can take them all at once.

You smirk, (But that's the beautiful thing about it, I don't have to take them head on.)

CRACK A shot rings out, an uncanny one, even if the range wasn't particularly far, the shakiness of the helicopter would make even the most practiced of marksman waiver.

Barrel alignment and ranging are thrown off in a state like this meaning one can't even trust their own scope, Florette was being shot at, a bullet cutting through her hair just before she pulled the trigger and not to mention the target was in the middle of moving.

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PING! But even then, the shot lands true, pinging one of the swordsman charging you in the back of his head, sending him falling forward.

"NOW!" You shout as you hop off the back of the falling man and unto the back of Mary who just on the verge of recovering.

"What the- When did you get past-!?" Mary shouts in confusion, she was so focused on recovery she didn't even notice you charging her.

"You're mine!" And that's exactly what you hoped for, she has no defense ready for this, no counter as you grab the underside of her helmet, rip the straps and pull it off.

"Ah-!" In the single instant the helmet comes flying off, Mary gets back to her feet throwing you off her back and unto the floor.

"Huh-Wait-HUH!?" She stands up and turns to you with a face burning in rage shocking you, but not out of fear.

She raises her fist and readies herself to bear down on you, "You little bastard! I'll have your head for that-!"

"It's Mary's face!" A random guard shouts.

"This is my first time seeing her with her helmet off! She's beautiful!" Another guard shouts.

"She's so cute! She's so big but she's got such a cute face! Mary is cute! CUTE!" Another chants.

"Huh? Huh!?" Mary notices that you have her helmet in your hands and feels at her face, realizing it's bear for the world to see.

"O-Oh no! Oh no! I'm extremely conscious about how cute my face is in comparison to the rest of my body! Don't look!" She covers her face and creeps away.

CRACK! Florette doesn't let that moment of weakness and distraction stop her from finishing the fight, with one shot she pings Mary in the back of the head, sending the giant crashing back to the ground with a THUD!

"Oh shit! The foreigner took down Mary!" One of the guard backs away in horror.

"This bastard's way stronger than he looks! Plus he's got Florette backing him up! We can't win! Retreat!" Another guard suggest all the remaining guardsmen run for the exit.

"I can't believe it, you actually beat Mary, no one's ever been able to beat Mary..." Hansel approaches and looks at you with of admiration.

You laugh, "It wasn't me, Florette was the one to deliver the final blow, give your praise to her." You throw up a thumbs-up sign as thanks to Florette, a gesture she returns.

"True, but even then she would've never had the chance to deliver that blow if not for you, you have such skill and you don't panic even when you're outmatched or outnumbered, it's a wonder how you failed the exam with such prowess..." Hansel compliments.

You grimace, "Yeah...it's a wonder..."

Noell pulls back from clashing with Nylora and watches you as you stand over Mary, "Well looks like this battle is just about over, all your grunts have run for the hills."

"So what? They were just here to help me pin down Derrick so I wouldn't have to bother chasing him! I can handle you, Florette and him just fine on my own!" Nylora says as she readies her saber.

FWOOOOOOH! However her attack is interrupted by the wind from the propeller blades of the helicopter descending unto the roof.

"No, this game is over, time is up." Lawrence turns the helicopter off and declares.

You breathe a sigh of relief, "Finally! That 10 minutes felt like 10 hours!"

"Now do you see why it was a kindness for the timer to be lowered to 10 minutes?" Hansel ask.

"Hell yeah! Now I wish it got lowered to 5, had me sweating at the end!" You complain.

"But even still you pulled through, excellently done Derrick." Florette praises as she climbs out of the helicopter as well.

You smile as you see her, "Right back at you, I wouldn't have even made it past the first minute without you backing me up! Seriously, you're the best!"

She smiles, "You're too kind, I only gave you a chance escaping. In the end, it was by your hand you managed to last all 10 minutes."

"And so this constant contest comes to an end with neither of us winning huh? Do you accept your defeat?" Noell asks of Nylora.

She grimaces, "Of course not, to have put all that effort out, used all those recourses all to lose? I could never accept this kind of result!"

"Well you must, the rules of the game were decided and agreed upon and you must abide by them." Lawrence reminds.

"I know that, I won't throw a temper tantrum just because I lost..." She pouts.

Noell smiles, "Now wait Lawrence, she isn't alone in not being satisfied with this ending."

"What? What do you mean master?" Lawrence questions

"I want an extension of 5 more minutes and to change the rules of the game." Noell answers.

"What!? You can't be serious!?" You exclaim in exasperation, feeling drained after so much prolonged fighting.

"I am, this time, no running or tagging, instead-" He points his sword at her.

"Me and her will duel to decide who will tag Derrick, whoever wins has their terms met." He explains.

"You want to duel to decide the ultimate victor? After the game is already over?" Lawrence asks.

"There's no problem with that is there? This is just a causal game after-all." He asks back.

"Feels like anything but causal though..." You comment.

"So long as Mistress Nylora agrees, then you may go through with it." Lawrence answers.

"I, the prize, get no say in this matter...?" You ask.

"Didn't I tell you things get decided for you a lot in this place?" Hansel reminds.

"So I trust you agree to this extension, Nylora?" He poses it as a question but he already knows the answer.

She gives him a curious look, "Are you sure about this? Though not technically, you've basically won since your servant ran out the clock, he'll make your request for you won't he?"

"He will...but it's bittersweet, even if it's only technically, I still lost. I have my pride as a man of Cromwell, I won't be satisfied with half-victory, I want to earn my true victory with my own two hands." He explains.

She smiles, "A perfect answer...my word you make me almost regret that I have to beat you black and blue now." She raises her saber again.

"You're assuming I'll lose? You poor, stupid girl, I know what I just said but really, I'm challenging you again because I just want to see you cry when I defeat you absolutely." He says as he starts to circle around her.

She laughs, "My god so prideful, so sure of yourself...Seeing you prance around in a dress and panties is going to be one of the highlights of my existence." She says as she circles in tune with him.

"They're seriously going to do this..." You realize as they disappear into their own world, focused only on defeating each other.

Lawrence sighs, "I swear these two never change..." He fishes into his pocket and pulls out a stop watch and sets it for 5 minutes.

"When your swords meet, I will start this clock! Should Nylora win this duel, she will tag Derrick and win the contest! Should Noell win, his victory will be set in stone! Is this understood!?" He tries to affirm with them.

"...." But they've gone quiet, locked away all sounds as they focus on finding a weak-point in the other's guard.

"Not even listening to me are you? Just be quick about it will you!? It won't be long till the tour!" Lawrence orders.

"Understood!" They shout in unison as they leap forward and swing at each other.

https://youtu.be/_scbziJUEog

CLANG! Their swords meet and the clock starts ticking.

"HA!" And they waste no time trying to settle things in an instant, Nylora sweeps at Noell's feet from under him with her leg, knocking him off balance which she tries to follow up by jabbing him with her sword.

SHING! not bothered by the loss of his balance and with terrifying acrobatic ability, Noell stops his fall with one hand, propping himself up on it and twisting his upper body to allow his sword to swipe at her .

CLANG! This forces Nylora to block his surprise swing and the power of the clash gives Noell enough balance to get right back to his feet.

"RAH!" Noell rushes forward and puts his full force into slamming his blade down into her blocking saber, using his superior strength to try and break her guard by force.

"Grrrr-!" The attack almost works too, she can't hope to beat him in power, so instead she maneuvers herself slowly away from his attack until she creates enough space for her to turn her blade parallel to his and slant it.

ZING! Noell's sword slides down the edge of hers, throwing him off-balance for a moment, she follows up by twisting and trying an overhead strike on him.

CLANG! That's met with a quick swipe that pushes her away for a second, allowing Noell to jump back and out of the way of her carry through.

"Damn, she can keep up with Noell? She's good." You admire as you watch.

"When it comes to pure skill, Nylora has always been the superior of the two, in that sense she's likely to win." Florette evaluates.

"But Noell has always had an advantage in terms of strength, so her skill can only make up so much of the gap, if this drags out, she's going to lose." Lawrence counters.

"Both of them are about on par when it comes to stamina though, so even if it The two of them carry on like this non-stop, it won't change much." Hansel adds.

"So wait, who's gonna win then?" You ask.

"No clue." All three of them say in unison.

"Wait so all that analysis was pointless than?" You ask.

"They've been going back at forth like this since childhood and for every win Nylora takes, Noell takes 2 and she repays that by winning 3." Lawrence explains.

"Try as we might to predict the outcome, we won't know until the end." Florette adds.

"So just sit back and enjoy the show, this makes for a nice break." Hansel suggests.

"Well...okay then..." You trail off as you continue to watch their masterful fighting in awe.

And so 4 minutes come and pass, 4 violent minutes filled clashing and clanging of steel, exchanges almost too fast for the eye to perceive happen before your very eyes, neither of them ever giving the other an inch.

And then, finally, the moment they’ve both been waiting for has arrived. The culmination of 100 exchanges, the focal point of a 1000 slashes, all to reach this single moment.

The power of their clash knocks them back an even distance from one another, however, even as they fly backwards never once do their locked eyes break focus and as their feet touch the ground, they retake their stances and stare at one another.

“....” In a moment of silence, total silence, the kind of silence you would find within the eye of a ferocious storm, they stare at one another.

A line of sweat traces the length of your forehead as you watch, (Incredible, they’re both amazing, their technique, their finesse, their prowess is all on a whole other level…) You admire.

You bite your lip, (But at the same time, they're evenly matched, even after all of those attacks, not one of them was landed a single damaging blow…)

(There can’t be more than 1 minute left till game over...Meaning they can’t play around anymore, it has to end here...their next exchange will decide it all…) You realize.

And they do as well, they stare each other down precisely because they know the next move will decide the victor, not only to this competition, but to their years of rivalry.

“Ha…hahah...” The first to break the silence is Nylora, letting forth an amused chuckle.

“What is it? The reality of your loss finally sunk in and driven you mad has it?” Noell berates.

“Not quite considering I haven’t lost, no. I was just amazed, just a few months abroad and you’ve grown so very much, so much can change in so little time…” She notes.

He chuckles, “For once you speak and what escapes your trap isn’t total nonsense.”

“You can just say You’re right like a normal person you know?” She hits back.

“So much can change in so little time, I too am amazed how much your sword technique has improved after so little time away.” He compliments.