We should try to clear the air between us and Hadraniel, from what I remember the relationship ended up as pretty strained

>>18805899

I don't think there's much else we can do at this point except perhap read up on the clan's legal history. We might find something we can use.

Perhaps ask Yuyu for help? See if she can help us find some relavant texts and preceedents.

>Bump for a great quest

>that feel when people were interested in this but when it's on they don't really seem to care
Fear not INH, I shall be here 'til the end.

This archery range seem to have become the undesignated meeting place for almost everyone you’ve got to know, everyone seem to occupy a small area while you stand and look at the targets, your mind mulling over the details of meeting, while stealing some glance at Athena, Hadraniel and Sylphis, the three of them sitting close and talking, actually only the swordswoman and the angel seem to do the speaking, the mantis is simply listening.

In the far back, you spot the 9 tailed Inari with a cup in her hands; at her side is the Jurougumo who seem to be looking at you, before making a shrug with her shoulder and placing her attention back with her queen who giggle slightly, flustering her. Servants come and go, you notice that it seem to be the same three, all of them monsters with fox ears and a single, fluffy tail.
You also notice that Tsukiyomi is nowhere to be found, but then you remember that she stayed in the room while Ame and Yuria prepared to live.

There no such thing as too much preparations, right? A brief idea make you walk toward the Queen and her aid, the spider give you a rather large smile, making you remember the little events that happened a few hours ago, you certainly need to repay her little prank…

‘’Ame-no-Uzume, Yuyu’’

You greet them, the spider emit a very clear ‘’Hmph’’

‘’Since my destination is the clan of the cat folks, I’ve been thinking of getting to know they’re laws, anything binding them to you, my queen’’

Your serious question make them both look at each other’s, then look down and sigh in perfect synchronization.

‘’I would love to gain back such records, Siegfried, for they would truly be incredibly useful’’

The queen start, you notice the cup in her hand is letting out a small amount of vapor.
>cont

‘’But most of the law that truly made them vassals to me were… blurred when the Order first invaded, although it is true that the Lizard folk are indebted to me, they are also arrogant. I suspect the ruling family of the Chief clan may, indeed, have some record, but the fact that I can call myself Queen is now more cultural, although the First of Spring is enough to bring more than enough prestige.’’

She pauses, her tails swinging lightly in the fresh autumnal wind.

‘’I am the Queen because I help the island as a whole, but nobody like to be a vassal’’

>>18806139

Only thing I ask is enough activity for a good time, I'm not really greedy for attention.

>>18806139

We are the few, we are the proud; we are the ones that compose speeches at the drop of a hat.

>Iknowthatfeelbro.jpg

‘’However’’

Yuria interject, her arms crossed while looking at you with one eye.

‘’There was a situation thirty years ago, I wasn’t born yet, but a coalition was formed between the Queen force and the ruling family of the Chief clan, the dynasty of Rahal’’

The queen nods at her, then look at you.

‘’30 years ago, the Demon Queen tried to corrupt the island and bring it under her control, the crisis required almost the entire extermination of the southern provinces, the conflict was rather… bloody, but corruption was purged, but the area became lawless with the various Oni tribe that bid they’re time to strike. It was still much better than the alternative, anyhow’’

The Inari finish by drinking, 30 years ago… wasn’t that when the Purge in your homeland took place?

Still it is good information’s.

Gotta unrust myself, haven't written in a while, still time for a bump

>>18806368
"Are there any others from that time that I could question, to try to learn a little more before I leave?"

Not much to work with here.
Personalities of the people we'll be talking with would be nice. What kind of behavior we can expect and so on.

rolled 71 = 71

>>18806480

seconding this.

Any racial or character traits will help.

‘’Are there any others from that time that I could question, to try to learn a little more before I leave?"

The queen finishes her drink, the nod at you, and her eyes staring at you with a strange intensity.

‘’I was there, but my mother was the reason why the temporary alliance was formed, she didn’t reveal to me how, so I won’t doubt her intentions for if she does not tell me, then it is irrelevant.’’

She then closes her eye and lean on the spider woman.
‘’It was a rather quick crisis, I did not had any time for anything but the battlefields’’

A time now past, but it left impression and scars; it’s evident in the way she’s frowning.

Still, you mull over the information, should you try to go see Tsukiyomi to get to know how, exactly, she managed to convince these stubborn cat folk to lend aids? Past cooperation… It isn’t exactly farfetched to accomplish your objective with this kind of argument.

‘’Who would I be speaking to once I reach my destination?’’
Ame-no-Uzume opens her eyes, but doesn’t move from her position, provoking a slight protestation from Yuria.

‘’The regent, the ruler is young and was victim of… an incident, it would truly be in your best interest to talk to her, but her aunt is stubborn, I suspected that she planned to actually assassinate her niece but’’

She sighs

‘’The mantis order is loyal to the ruler alone, I suspect her to be power hungry, but she know how to keep appearance, arrogant and prudent.’’

rolled 29 = 29

>>18806604

" 'To the ruler alone'? Are they loyal to the current regent or the office itself? If the order is already loyal to the ruler, why do they still require Sylphis to bind them further?"

>>18806604
>but she know how to keep appearance, arrogant and prudent.
Yeah she'll be like butter in our hands

oh shit, i can see a bunch of stuff that can happen just from that.

oh man, i hope athena doesn't die

rolled 24 = 24

>>18806691

Can to share you thoughts anon?

>>18806604
Sounds like the Aunt could be a lot of trouble.
And it doesn't sound likely that we could get the ruler to re-assume authority so that we could negotiate with her.

the regents might pull us over and try and get us to assassinate the ruler and she'd agree to help us and not take sil for one thing

"To the ruler alone'? Are they loyal to the current regent or the office itself?’’

It’s a very unusual practice, you look at the Queen who gives you a soft smile, and her business face is nowhere to be seen.

‘’They answer to the young head of the clan, the one that inherited from her mother, they do not answer to anyone else, be it office or family members. Only, the head of the clan.’’

The one leading gain a shadow group, must be effective in keeping the court in order.

‘’If the order is already loyal to the ruler, why do they still require Sylphis to bind them further?"

This question is by far the most important, why would they need her if loyalties are already set in stone?

‘’This a question that elude me’’

The queen frown then put one of her hand on the insect leg of the spider that give a half satisfied growl.

‘’The only thing I know is that the activity of these agents lowered drastically once Sylphis and her mother evaded them, Athena was the one that found her and I was more than glad to give her asylum in my court…’’

She stop, rubbing her chin, you notice some of her tails place themselves on her thighs.

‘’My opinion is that they need her due to some kind of political reason in the order itself’’

rolled 29 = 29

>>18806715

I'd say that would be a trap.

If we take any overt action to harm any member of the nobility, they can just use that to say that we harbour aggressive intentions against their clan. They can then easily call to arms their people to wage war on us. It's a trap we cannot afford to fall into.

>>18806747
If we can help resolve this political crisis within the mantis order, we may be able to get Sylphis out of there alive and safe.
Perhaps that would also give us the leverage needed to get the regent to agree to our terms.

>This question is by far the most important, why would they need her if loyalties are already set in stone?

there is a slight hope of getting away with Syl at least

>>18806747

"I see. Perhaps Sylphis might know more. Else I would have to ferret out the details myself when I arrive. In any case, I will not let them take her away from us."

"...Amy, I must apologise, for my earlier outburst. I do not wish to see the people I care about disappear. However that fear made me push the burden of blame upon you. That was wrong of me. I'm sorry."

"I see. Perhaps Sylphis might know more.’’

Before you can say anymore, the queen shake her head, you also see Yuria closing her eyes while looking downcast.

‘’She was much too young to really know more than impression, my intelligences come from… long investigations’’

So you’ll have to dig out once you find yourself in the nest den? Quite the dangerous situations, but if that means you can keep Sylphis…

‘’I will not let them take her away from us."

Your voice is clear and authoritative, but Ame-no-Uzume simply lay motionless, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, while Yuria look at you with a neutral stare. Both of them seem unconvinced or aren’t holding much hope.

"...Amy, I must apologize, for my earlier outburst. I do not wish to see the people I care about disappear.’’

The Queen opened her eyes to look at you in the middle of your sentence; you see her fox ears twitch, but she stays silent.

‘’However that fear made me push the burden of blame upon you. That was wrong of me. I'm sorry."

The large tails around her make her look like a pale flower, resting on the spider woman, the Inari seem relaxed even if you see her tighten her jaw, but then she sigh and pull herself upright, both hands on her knees.

‘’I am ready to shoulder such blames as well as the hatred of failure, but I’d never be able to hold ill will toward you, Siegfried, so you do not need to apologize.’’

She…she even bow, a queen bow to you, it leave you speechless. Yuria share your sentiment, this is quite… embarrassing for some reason.

rolled 88 = 88

>>18806963

I keep getting the feeling that amy is another childhood friend that we somehow forgot about. Anyone else getting that vibe?

>>18806963

"I... I am undeserving of such words."

Look around embarrassed, see if yuyu will help us out of this situation.

>>18806963
"Please, rise. It troubles me to no end to have my queen offer such favor to one such as me."

Look over to Yuria, hopefully she can help us recover from this.

"I... I am undeserving of such words."

You can’t look at her; you put your hand over your moth then rub as you try to chase the warmth in your face, but soon you recover slightly and look at her. Her fox ears twitch again.

"Please, rise. It troubles me to no end to have my queen offer such favor to one such as me."

You hear her giggle softly as she does, her countenance is nothing but serene, if not a bit mischievous, you allow your eyes to wander for some kind of aid from your prank rival whose cheeks have already turned red, but when she cross your eyes she lift her chin and make a soft ‘’Hmph’’.

‘’Siegfried, I would like to ask something personal’’

The queen whisper, Yuria frown at this and she would have left if not for two of the queen tail wrapping themselves around her bust, eliciting a small breath of surprise from her while the queen simply smile.

‘’There is nothing to hide, Yuyu, nothing at all, so stay~’’

She’s been captured, hasn’t she?

‘’Siegfried’’

Ame face you while the spider is growing redder, her tone, however, is serious.

‘’Why do you consider me your queen? I do not rule over you or your people, I had you come for personal reasons and forcing duties upon you. Why am I your queen?’’

>>18807170

Oh wow.

Motivations, folks?

I say maybe because shes actively trying to promote some sort of stable peace instead of the two extremes of the order and the demon lord?

Any other possible reasons?

>>18807170
You know, as a player, that's a good question. We just kind of accepted it as a given, didn't we? Or at least, a fair number of us did.

Well, she's actively working to try to create a society where Monsters and Humans can co-exist, so there's that. The Church kind of bungled things because of their fanaticism, and finding out what happened with the Lizardfolk just soured us on the Human nations who made the whole situation worse.

I guess it's because, as mischievous as she is, Ame is worth following.

"I'm not sure but I might have gotten married with your mother when we met, is that reason enough?"

rolled 87 = 87

>>18807201
>>18807227

Agreed on that.

I guess that siggy is also comfortable with her and likes her in some way would be the another reason.

>>18807273
Oh yeah.
Oh shit.
That kiss back there.

>>18807273
Do we remember anything from the school place?

>>18807312

You've remembered everything in the morning, Tsukiyomi even revealed Avina demise to you.

>>18807170
>>18807201
>>18807227
>>18807280

"Why I see you as my queen?

I guess I could give many reasons, that I cannot stand by and the order's action anymore after what I've seen. That perhaps I wish to atone for what I've done to earn the butcher's name... Maybe that you are actually attempt to create some sort of stable peace between all the races, unlike what the church and the demon lord both want... Or that because my cherished companions call this place home.

I can give many justifications but none could really keep me, save that I like this place, I am at peace here and I like the ruler who lives here."

>>18807337
This, and mention >>18807273

>>18807273

Ohh boy. She is going to swap between dere and tsun so fast.

It take a moment, a rather long one in fact, the question of the goddess of dawn linger in your mind as you ponder with nothing but the sound of the wind, quickly broken by the soft clamors of the activity practiced by your three linked companions who, when you sneak a glance, are practicing archery and, from your experience, doing a rather poor job at it but they aren’t exactly trying either.

"Why I see you as my queen?’’

You look into her bright golden eyes, as if stealing the brilliance of the sun.

‘’I could give many reasons’’

You stop as bad memories flash in your mind, but you face forward and look at Ame-no-Uzume, while allowing your eyes to drift slightly to observe Yuyu who is now looking at you with her own intensity, different from the queen.

‘’I have seen the actions of the church and its military branch, someone I cared about was victim of its fanaticism, I cannot forgive that’’

Your seriousness, your nostalgia, your sadness, its gripping your heart and you feel more than enough affection and worry from the three at your back to never waver in your tone and gaze.

‘’Mayhap I wish to atone, for the shame of my title in the north is once that stay with me, for the memories I have affected my psyche more than I thought, maybe I simply wish to reach out, to be stubborn and think of monsters as friends instead of predators’’

Back in the thick of it, if not for your uncle, your mother, the soldiers at your back and… there was someone else as well, if not for all of them, you don’t have any doubt that your psyche would have crumbled. To kill humanoid asking for peace and pity is the domain of sociopath, one that the Order seems to have embraced.

>cont

The queen is gazing down, probably regretting the question.

‘’I admire your efforts, your accomplishments, creating a realm free of much corruptions, monsters living in civilization, trying to reach a medium between the extreme of the demon lord and the Order.’’

The queen is now looking at you again, Yuria eyes are closed.

‘’Zipangu state was allowed thank to those extreme.’’
She doesn’t seem entirely proud of herself, that’s the feeling you have as you look at her, she is standing with all the grace of a ruler but… something is gnawing at her.

‘’My companions call this place home and call you queen, perhaps this is what I also want, for my previous home is now unwelcome’’

Somehow, you truly feel like you belong here, even with the possible crisis or taboo associated with the fabled land of Zipangu. This is the home of Athena, Sylphis, Hadraniel, Yuria, Ame-no-Uzume, Tsukiyomi and you sincerely wish you could have Avina with you here, away from the stigma of the damn church.

‘’I can give many justifications but none could really keep me, save that I like this place, I am at peace here and I like the ruler who lives here. I am but a simple man"

The queen has, once again, closed her eyes, leaving you to imagining her feelings and thoughts, Yuria is giving a smile that seem all the more sweet, thus you resolve to break this rather heavy mood.

>cont

‘’But I might have gotten married with your mother when we met"

Yuria start laughing, she can’t contain it, as the queen open her eyes and glare at you with a unreadable expression, her aid cannot contain her laughter, but does with the volume.

‘’Hoho~’’

The goddess of dawn tilts her head while smiling.

‘’Not only are you almost claiming Sylphis and Athena, but you wish for my mother love as well? A greedy man, are you not? You are aiming for mine as well as Yuyu?''

She claps her hand together, is she angry? Her face is the very image of serene. You can’t help but feel amused as the spider woman start coughing.

‘’Maybe you should go to her, for I know she truly need someone to comfort her’’

>didn't get maimed burned killed ripped to pieces or destroyed
>everythingwentbetterthanexpected.jpg

"Well, since you began to list persons, might as well count in the Lady of Crosswalk, a Purifier, as well as a Minotaur Mercenary."

>>18807633
oh shit, say this, siggy

>>18807633
>mfw
Also, you forgot our Angel.

>>18807633
Okay, one more joke, I think we can get away with that.

>>18807633
"Well, my queen, since [stress]you[/stress] began listing persons, you should write up Hadraniel, the Lady of Crosswalk, as well as a Church Purifier, and a Minotaur, of which the latter two I had a bath at the same time."

>>18807686
Oh god no, not the bath part

"Mayhaps I should, might I ask you to accompany me on the way?"

""Well, my queen, since…’’

You find yourself interrupted slightly by Yuria whose hands grab her kimono and looking at her queen completely red in the face.

‘’I would NEVER fall for such a person!’’

One of her spider legs gesture to you, but she’s not looking, however the queen is looking at you and lean forward.

‘’…YOU began listing persons, you should write up Hadraniel, the Lady of Crosswalk, as well as a Church Purifier, and a Minotaurus, of which the latter two I had a bath at the same time."

Your sentence flow like the most pure and serene of river, your feelings never showing as you observe the queen of Zipangu, who frown, while the Jurougumou is giving you a look of complete disbelief.

Then, the Inari inches forward, closing in on you in slow, deliberate movement, crawling in the most suggestive way you’ve ever seen someone do, her numerous tails adding to the mysticism as her golden eyes enrapture your mind, you hear a soft whisper and the energy of magic lingering in the area but then, your attention is ravished by the queen, she put two hand on your cheek then close her face, resting her foreheads against yours, her breath smell fruits, her eyes…

‘’Are you slave to your lust, Siegfried?’’

She’s… hypnotizing, she’s peering at you, so close, a soft melody enrapturing your sense, making you dizzy she’s… its

‘’Perhaps I should make you mine, Siegfried?’’

You’re not entirely certain what she’s trying to accomplish, but your face is getting quite hot, you can’t look away.

>cont

‘’Whose company would you love? The night is barely settling, the baths are open…’’

Then her rosy lips fall on yours, but barely enough for a kiss, it is naught but a brush and then the queen let you go as you take a deep, deep breath, your heart thumping and everyone present is looking at you, various amount of disbelief washing from the link.

To your luck, none of your companions heard anything.

>>18807803
I'm trying to think of a more gentlemanly "I'll be in my bunk" and keep failing.

"Well then, Yuyu, would you care to join us in a bath?"

>>18807803
Gulp, take a moment to center ourselves. She's good, but so are we.
"Oh, but must I choose only one, my queen? Would not such a thing be better all the more with a group of close companions?
"What do you think, Yuria?"

>>18807801
oh god, i'm so glad i skipped playing fate stay night for this.
holy fuck, that was great, siggy you sly dog you

>touch fluffy tail

>>18807978
Now?
You want to ruin our chances at being able to hug and caress and lose ourselves in ALL of her tails, just to touch ONE now?

>>18808024
They're just so soft. I can't resist.

The distance allow you to refresh your mind, however a gulp find itself down your thread as Ame-no-Uzume barely lick her lisps, everything she’s doing seem to be just slightly out of reach.

But you’ve never been one to back down.

"Oh, but must I choose only one, my queen?’’

She tilt her head again, her ears also twitch while her various tails starts to move in unison.

‘’Would not such a thing be better all the more with a group of close companions?’’

She giggle, as everyone attention are on the two of you, your voice is low, but her laugh make your heart skip a beat, you haven’t seen her cheerful in a long while.

‘’Are you truly a man worthy enough, I wonder?’’

The queen voice while sitting on her legs, both hands on her thighs.

However you decide to do something different than take her bait.

"What do you think, Yuria?"

The woman in question gives a low growl and voices her opinion

‘’I think you need to jump off a bridge.’’

There another soft giggling coming from the queen, you also start to hear some more talking behind you, seem like the three of them are back at their previous activities, good… good…

‘’Poor, poor Yuria, not only afraid of water, but also afraid of men, do not play so hard to get’’

You hear something between a growl and a moan of desperation as the spider woman look down with a hand covering her mouth, however the queen attention is soon back on you, her golden eyes can’t help but make you swallow awkwardly.

‘’I am afraid there is not enough space.’’

Her tails come back at her side, the image of a flower return.

‘’Do you truly believe you can…’’

The top of her index finger find itself in her rosy mouth as she closes one of her eyes.

‘’Handle more than me?’’

>>18808120
Answer by advancing on Yuria.

>>18808120
"N-no..."

I keep missing the start of this quest, really need to pay more attention

Is this archived so i can read the rest?

>>18808226
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Monster%20Girls%20Quest

>>18808158
This is not the suave confidence I expect from Siegfried.

>>18808120
"Shall we put it to the test, then, my lady? I'm sure that Yuria would not back down from such a challenge."

Could we be pushing it too far? Because honestly, I don't know if we can handle Ame if she gets serious with the trolling.

we do have a smile on, so nobody takes us TOO seriously, don't we?

>>18808312
You mean we are not deadpanning this? Poor show.

>>18808307
I doubt she'll back down before us. However, we have an out that totally fits our personality; it wouldn't be fair to our companions to do... things with the queen without even telling them.

You stare at her for a moment, but instead of words you allow a silence to settle as Ame-no-Uzume look at you with a smile you want to believe is mischievous, but you don’t let yourself charmed, you quickly stand and put a hand to your chin before giving her a soft smile and, slowly, walk to her, she’s staying still, but confused, however once you step a bit closer, her smiles widen while she give you a small nod.

‘’Wha…’’

The objection of the long haired spider woman doesn’t complete, she’s looking at you with round eyes as you softly grab her two human hands in yours, softly cupping them, looking at her with one knee on the floor.

At this point everyone is looking at the scene.

‘’I sincerely hope that you do not find yourself afraid of me, Yuria, for I find your presence both strong and peaceful’’

‘’Wha…’’

This is all she says, although she’s visibly shaking, her eyes also waters.

As you step away from her personal space, you cannot contain your grin.

"Shall we put it to the test, then, my lady? I'm sure that Yuria would not back down from such a challenge."

The queen look down, one hand on her chin, before looking up at you, not before giving a peek at the three woman who are now talking amongst themselves, utterly confused.

‘’It would be my pleasure to have you addicted to the taste, Siegfried’’

And Yuria, poor, poor Yuria, she’s staring ahead in complete disbelief, her mind refusing to accept what is happening.

>>18808306
The QUEEN is coming on to us. It would be normal to be a bit flustered. And I'm pretty sure we couldn't handle just her, much less anyone else.

>>18808158

>Frozen spaghetti fall out of your pockets

>>18808376
"Ah, but I'm forgetting something. The lovely young women I journey with - surely they would not want to be left out?"

>>18808442
Ha!

>>18808442
It would be worth it to see the look on Ame's face.

>>18808383
Siegfried Schieffer is no ordinary man.

oh definetly, we need to take our companions, we might not see them again after this mission so lets have a lovely time with them

>>18808442
Why does this keep happening?!?

>>18808376
"Then allow me to gather the others, my lady."

Ooh boy. This is turning out to be a game of Spartan Gay Chicken. Neither one of us is willing to flinch, and now we're going to get 5 ladies into a bath with us.

"Ah, but I'm forgetting something. The lovely young women I journey with - surely they would not want to be left out?"

Ame nod at you, she look to the darkening sky and close her eyes as the breeze caress her face.

‘’You will need to convince them’’

But then there an anomaly, as you turn to look at your companion, you suddenly see two of them, namely Athena and Hadraniel.

A poke on your right side.

There stand the mantis, looking bored; her head tilt as she asks.

‘’Are you a slut, Siegfried?’’

Where… Yuria face flare up, oh boy, gotta play it cool.

>>18808546
"No, no, no, my dear Sylphis. The term is 'man-whore'. You see, I have impeccable taste in clothing. A slut, does not."

I suppose we're deviating quite a bit from where we should be in terms of gentlemanly and sophisticated speech. But teasing Yuria and playing Troll Chicken with Ame is just so much fun.

>>18808546
"It's only a joke."
Signal Ame to back you up.

oh Syl

>>18808546
"No. I am only a man on an island, surrounded by beautiful women. I simply want to bring you all together before we leave, on yet another mission of importance."

>>18808639
The more serious route, if we're going to admit defeat in Troll Chicken.
Which might be a good thing, since Hadraniel and Athena aren't really the type to appreciate jokes.

"No. I am only a man on an island, surrounded by beautiful women. I simply want to bring you all together before we leave, on yet another mission of importance."

You say in one, smooth flow, although nothing is forced because, deep down, you’d really enjoy that, for the risk of both expeditions may very well result in a tragedy you don’t want to look at.

Your words have a surprising effect on the Yuria, although still red, she look at you, only to have her eyes flee when you try to look her in the eyes, Sylphis head look at the floor for a moment and you can’t resist patting her on the head.

‘’Even if it’s selfish, I’m glad you decided to come with me, Siggy…’’

Then you bend to bet ad her level, putting your hand near her ear as you voice

‘’The term you’re looking for is ‘man-whore’’

She frowns and looks at you, confused, and you give her a shrug.

‘’It is naught but a joke’’

She simply continues staring as the link is enough to tell you of her confusion.

‘’Now, it is time for my retinue to enjoy some quality time together!’’

The queen announces is a rather loud voice that seems fitting for command.

‘’I am OUT’’

The deserter is, as expected, Yuria, but one of the tail from the queen slap her in the face and forcing a stop.
>cont

‘’It was asked, by our good Siegfried, to have a relaxing bath together before departing and I, as queen and maybe friend, would certainly not refuse such a romantic query’’

It’s hard to not laugh at how Athena and Hadraniel mouth hand open.

Ame clap her hand.

‘’I will have my mother come and the large outside bath prepared, for it is after all the only one large enough to handle such a crowd’’

‘’Wait, wait wait!

Never have I agreed to such activity!’’

Useless protestation coming from both knights.

--

After a good 30 minutes of arguing, it was decided that you would either be blindfolded and forced to hide ‘’what need to be’’ or 'enjoy' some alone time with Tsukiyomi, who seem to have immersed herself is smoking from a long, very long actually, ornate pipe.

You were not allowed to place one word.

>away from the computer for a bit, probably 20 minutes

"Ladies, it is but a bath, as far as I am aware there is nothing to be afraid of."

>>18808871
Oh but the blindfold will allow for such shenanigans.
I don't think they realize what they've unleashed.

>>18808871
Yes, Yuria, you will learn.

Nobody picks a fight with Siegfried Schieffer, Royal Man-Whore.

we can probably smooth talk that blindfold off halfway through the bath

"Why is it that a minotaur who'm I had known for a day or a couple had more trust in me than you, and I could be your step-father"

>>18808889
Yeah. It's not like we're the type to take advantage of the situation. Athena and Sylphis should know us better than that.

Oh you tried of course, having a blindfold mask you from a garden of Eden was not something you would have enjoyed at all, but the most persistent of all was Hadraniel who, quite honestly, threatened to quit the bath if you weren’t going to blind yourself and keep a small amount of ‘’decency’’ for she would do the same, she wouldn’t budge on the matter, thus Athena was second with Yuria outright wanting to throw you out.

Your group was led by some of the servants, the outside bath wasn’t far from the castle in, again, the forest but the path leading to it was very easy to find, and from the eye you wondered if it was a hot spring.

‘’The baths of Zipangu are remarked as legendary’’

While Hadraniel forced you to stay out for a while, Tsukiyomi seemingly grabbed the opportunity to grab your attention, you noticed that, in her hand, is the long pipe you saw her hold back at the archery range, the fume escaping from it was of the most mystical of purple, and you couldn’t help but wonder if she was truly the Tsukiyomi you knew, for the fume kept enveloping her form and her eyes of the same golden of her daughter lacked the vitality and brilliance the Queen had.

‘’Are you planning of going even with your… handicap?’’

A bright red bandana to force you blind and a rather large sheet to tie around your waist…

The Youko put the pipe on her pale, beige lisp and again, the colorful fume escape as she look with an intensity you never thought she could muster.

>>18809309
"Of course, my lady. I would not dare dream of backing out now."

>>18809309
"This may well be one of the last times I get to spend with all of my companions, if I were to back out now, and the worse occurs, I would regret not spending more time with them. So no, despite my enforced modesty, I will not be neglecting the baths, nor the company of my companions"

‘’This may be the last time I get to spend with all of them’’

Her eyes never waver, the pipe doesn’t leave her mouth, but her attention is on you.

‘’ If I were to back out now, and the worse occurs, I would regret not spending more time with them’’

You put a hand on the door; you can hear some talking, some laughing, and some protestation, all coming from the bath where everyone is relaxed.

‘’So no, despite my enforced modesty, I will not be neglecting the baths, nor the company of my companions"

A smile, Tsukiyomi advance while her apparent lack of vitality doesn’t’ affect her elegance. The bright purple smoke coming out of the pipe smell sweet and strong, the woman open the door to, you see, a hallway leading to another closed by a door, where the changing area is likely located.

‘’In a very short amount of time, you both found a place to belong and became important to several individuals’’

She starts, walking with assurance, prompting you to accompany her and listen.

‘’I keep asking myself a question again and again, even if the answer is always the same one’’

She opens the second door; inside you see all the clothing of all the ladies neatly folded.

‘’Are gods and rulers allowed a family and lover?’’

Tsukiyomi stop, the sound of the pipe can be heard as she inhale, then the smoke escape from her nostrils, her tails lightly swinging.

‘’Siegfried, do you believe yourself lucky with how… easy it was for you to gain such a precious group here in Zipangu, or do you believe something is at play?’’

She starts to slowly undress but you can’t help but have the impression that she seem… wounded and fatigued.

>>18809548
"Something is always at play, but how can I know who is moving the pieces? Gaining may have been easy, but I suspect holding on to my friends and companions will be hard."

"What do you desire, my lady? Certainly you do not lack for family, though I cannot speak for your lover..."

>>18809647
Second. Hits all the right points.

>>18809548
"You ask if rulers cam have family and lovers. What makes you think they cannot? Can they not have people they care about and people who care about them in turn? Is that not what family is?"

"And as for your question, I do not know. It does seem possible that some outside power is influencing events, especially given that I still do mot know of my memory loss was an intentional act or not, but I would never rule out the part chance plays in our lives"

"But, if you were to force me to answer, I suppose I would attribute my current situation to my, no doubt charming, wit."

"Something is always at play, but how can I know who is moving the pieces?’’

She doesn’t seem to have a hint of shyness, Tsukiyomi is undressing in a slow motion while putting her pipe on a nearby bench and you quickly turn, interrupting your speech and respecting her modesty.

‘’Gaining may have been easy, but I suspect holding on to my friends and companions will be hard."

You can’t resist sneaking a peek, she’s already free of anything covering her bust and you are allowed an amazing profile view. You’ve always suspected Tsukiyomi to be of venerable age, but her elegance and beauty seem fragile, somehow a part of you want to reach out and protect her, her skin is pale but what really strike you the most are the scars. They start from the hips, go up to the shoulder and continue down the back. Numerous marks that convince you of one thing: those are not the wounds of a warrior.

Nevertheless, she is really pretty.

She probably caught you staring, but at this point you’re certain she doesn’t mind.

"But, if you were to force me to answer, I suppose I would attribute my current situation to my, no doubt charming, wit."

A chuckle escape her, you tie the sheet around your waste as you sigh with the bandana in your hand, you dare not turn around and face her yet, you have to admit that the charm of the feminine body, especially an elegant one, is something that give you trouble.

‘’You are a man of strength, Siegfried’’

‘’And of heart’’

You straighten your back while tying the bandanna around your eyes, you hear the Youko exhaling, likely the fume.

‘’Rulers and gods are worthy of family and lovers if someone dares to love them in return, because not even gods can control the heart of humans…’’

You add after a pause

>cont

‘’And monsters, I would never allow them to devolve to what they were previously, not after witnessing Zipangu’’
Something brush your shoulder, soft, fluffy, a tail?

"What do you desire, my lady? Certainly you do not lack for family, though I cannot speak for your lover..."

There a pause, you smell the sweet aroma of the smoke on your nostril as she blows it.

‘’My daughter no longer needs me, for I am now naught but a burden on her duties, but what I desire…’’

Her voice is fatigued.

‘’I wish to accomplish what I promised to do, even if I were to sacrifice myself or any kind of feeling, I’ve been trying and failing for a long, long time, tonight is simply a moment where I can allow myself to be tired.’’

Very delicately, you feel her hand on your arm, then it slither to your hand, making you resist a shiver to the feather touch.

‘’Are you ready to enter, Siegfried? I will make certain you are not wounded with the blindfold’’

>>18809978
"I am ready."

I want to know what she promised to do, but perhaps now isn't the best time to have that conversation.

>>18809978
"Please, lead the way. I am in your care."
Cover her hand with our other one, and gently hold it.

"Please, lead the way. I am in your care."

Another chuckle, you hear her breath from the pipe again.
‘’I enjoy leading the way.’’

Then she warn you to watch your step, for there is a slight uneven spot on the floor and, gently, you cover her hand with your other one, making her squeeze slightly while using her pipe.

‘’I won’t be able to help you after tonight, but now let’s… stop worrying’’

She was probably talking to herself.

Oh Queen-Mother, what burden you so?

You grimace when the door open, face full of warm steam making you look away as several voice you recognize express various comments.

‘’You certainly took your time’’

That… that’s Ame-no-Uzume; you let yourself be led by your guide who take a while to answer.

‘’Merely enjoying the view, Amy’’

‘’Ahem, do not think of removing your part, the water of this land is magical and require no substitute to the cleaning’’
That must have been Hadraniel.

Tsukiyomi gently guide you and, once you find yourself in the water with probably the stare of everyone present, she asks gently.

‘’Need I let you free now?’’

You almost don't hear her, the warm water washes away in comfort and fatigue, the magical energy you're feeling is, in no way, giving you any kind of alarm.

>>18810246
"Only if you wish to."

"Only if you wish to."

You answer, letting one of your hands go so the two of you stay linked by one, you make yourself comfortable and allow a sight to escape, Tsukiyomi isn’t letting go.

‘’I didn’t expect the Queen-Mother to actually act as a guardian

Isn’t it better that way? Else he would probably be wandering, if he came close I’d have to drown him’’

Those are… Athena and Yuria, if you were to guest, the three of them might be sharing a spot near each other’s?

Perhaps you should call it the prude corner?

‘’Aah, I think this water might be a bit too relaxing…’’

Ame-no-Uzume voice seems to have changed place.

Sylphis is going to pop out any second right?

Still, you could simply take it easy; part of you can’t help but care for the woman whose hand you’re holding…

‘’Would you like a try?’’

The voice next to you, Tsukiyomi, approach near enough to have both of your shoulders touch.

‘’A rather unique herb, for monsters at least, human simply feel more relaxed’’

>>18810429
My danger sense is tingling.
It COULD be another aphrodisiac.
But no one seems to be objecting...

>>18810477

Nobody is expecting her to pull something like that, she's also been smoking it for a while and doesn't seem... frisky

do it.

hmm, how would a wet tail feel like, i wonder.
use the link to find syl

>>18810508
Alright then. Let's accept a little toke.
We're here to relax and spend quality time with our dear companions, after all.

You lift your second hand out of the water and feel the Youko approach thank to the fact that you are still holding her hand underwater, you feel the back of her palm and, slowly, the pipe exchange hands while, still in silence, she maneuver your fingers to hold it in what you think is the proper way.

‘’Slowly toward your mouth, it is rather long after all, so be careful’’

You feel one of her tails brush you and it still feel as smooth as ever, making you wonder if they’re affected by the water.

Although expecting the mantis to come any second, you decide to investigate your link and overall, Athena and Hadraniel seem relaxed, but also embarrassed even if you are blindfolded. You feel a warm feeling coming from Sylphis; form what you’d guess she’s probably resting somewhere near, but not close enough to actually touch.

Still, you don’t linger too much, you slowly put the object in your mouth and take a small breath, and inhaling the smoke and having it exit your mouth.

This process is then repeated a few times…

‘’I know you won’t understand why…’’

Tsukiyomi voice is but a whisper, she’s close to you that is certain.

‘’…But I have to say to you this: I’m sorry, I’m sorry for failing again during the First of Spring, but I’ll try to salvage what I can’’

As you stop inhaling and ponder, you feel more… sluggish, comfortable, you lean more on the Youko who quickly grab your free wrist for the pipe to not fall in the water.

‘’Easy, easy…’’

Perhaps a bit too relaxing, however you can’t help but feel… strange? The magic in the water, tis as if you can sense it in even greater details, Hadraniel, Ame-no-Uzume, the magic inside them make you almost able to make out their locations.

What the hell is that stuff?

>>18810429
>unigue herb
>humans just feel more relaxed

Did the queen-mother just offer us a joint?

>>18810736

Dohoho, not exactly

I'd guess it's opium, they're "eastern" and smoked in long pipes.

"Dude, I am sooooo high right now."

The confusion clear after a bit, but the impression of feeling magic a bit more closely linger, leaving you confused at this very slight adjustment, you allow the queen-mother to gently grab the pipe again and you feel her squeeze your hand for good measure, now that you notice it you’re resting on her, and probably too close…

Well there a bit of a spiky emotion coming from Athena and Hadraniel.

‘’it’s the least I can do for now, you are mage so you are already feeling it but it’ll act primarily on your links, that herb was vastly used in rituals and research on anti-corruption in the past’’

She take another pause.

‘’It allow one to stop the spread, although it is painful, it is given to a linked man in ceremony, I simply thought to have you try since it is tradition’’

She chuckle, never letting go of your hand, now you notice, a Youko spread her corruptions uncontrollably but you haven’t felt a hint of it from Tsukiyomi.

‘’I hope you didn’t think I was trying to… do something unpleasant’’

Gonna have to end it soon, my tiredness is starting to show in the writing

>>18810933
"Unpleasant? Of course not, my dear lady. Merely... mischievous. Like what a certain spider did earlier."

I am so tempted to include "And you know...you know...I am so..relaxed right now, you know?"

"Unpleasant? Of course not, my dear lady. Merely... mischievous. Like what a certain spider did earlier."

You hear the concerned making a ‘’Hmph’’ while some giggling erupt, but then you hear both Hadraniel and Athena admonishing Yuria, saying that ‘’such actions are far from proper!’’

‘’I see, I certainly would not fault you for keeping your guards against such an intention’’

She stop, inhaling yet again.

Small talk happen here and there, but for now you greatly enjoy the company of the Queen-Mother, she is someone you can’t help but find terribly interesting, but then again everyone present have some quality that keep pushing you toward them, maybe the queen calling you greedy wasn’t entirely in jest?

But tonight, tonight is to be pleasant, for tomorrow is the start of something important.

>Gotta end it here, still want to write but brain isn’t responding very well.

giggle a little, or whatever the male equivalent of giggling is and say "of coarse not, i know you'd never do anything of the sort" very happy and relaxed smile

nice and fun quest to have before we start add venturing to a far land.

whens the next quest?

>>18811340

I'll try to have it wednesday, if not then it'll be either friday or saturday, I try to always have a thread then even if I ahd one previously.

4-5 pm EST