>>27978360
I keep hitting the update button

>"Well, um... I hope you have a good time while you're in town..." Melanie says to you, bowing.
"I hope you have a good day too," you say to Melanie as she heads over to the princess to talk to her about something.

You then spend the next few minutes fiddling around with your bracelet. From what Niklaus said, it shouldn't be able to react to you right away but you do hope the crystals fully infest (or whatever it is that they do) the bracelet soon so you can at least make the surface of it smoother. As it is, it's a little less rough than sandpaper.

As your train of thought shifts to today's trip into town, you see that the maids have now finished their business with the Princess and are now heading off to do whatever it is that maids do.

>ask the Princess about something
>wait quietly for your delicious foodstuffs

>>27978378
"Where do you plan on stopping in town, Marie?"

>>27978378
>>ask the Princess about something

"So... Have you already picked out a gift for the birthday boy?"

>>27978378
> Wait for food

GET HYPE

>>27978378
>ask the Princess about something
"I bet you're looking forward to seeing Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm's baby, huh?"

I intend to run until around 3AM tonight, as I have class in the morning.
And updates between midnight to 1AM will be slower than usual since I'm going to be watching the Metalocalypse finale tonight.

Right now, I'm writing up a Nicolette interude thing that the folks on the twitter thing voted for over a Melanie one... it's going to be LONG.

Aside from that, it's business as usual.

Rolled 6

>>27978378

>>ask the Princess about something
Must be eager to see the baby aren't you?

Bringing anything for the Wilhelms?

>>27978399
>>27978403
>>27978420
These seem good.

>>27978378
>ask the Princess about something
this!>>27978420
and
"do you want to get them a belated baby shower gift?" (if they have those kind of things in this world)

>>27978440
you can just watch that later on youtube ya know archelon.

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>>27978420

I like it.

>>27978440
I just caught up with the archives tonight.
I'm looking forward to the thread, QM. Keep being awesome.

It's like an anime/VN and I want to hate it but I CAAAAAN'T

>>27978403
I assume that the gift will be coming from the kingdom, rather than from Marie herself. Gifts for royalty (at least not between those who are personally close) tend to be extravagant, and therefore are planned much in advance. As princess, she would be lumped in with the monarchy for gift-giving responsibility, so the king has it covered.

Rolled 18

>>27978519

Wait till Archleon comes out with the actual VN.

dohohohoh

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>>27978440

>using twitter for votes

Rolled 18

>>27978563

I wanted Melon but no twitter

>>27978539
Jugging from the art I've seen in these threads you wouldn't be able pay people to read it.

>>27978519
dude I just finished earlier today. Holy shit this quest is the most relaxing thing I have ever read. After a long shitty day of workign at my minimum wage job, serving people smoothies and stale pretzels, I can always expect a smile and a warm relaxing time while reading some of Arc's classic lines. I'm hoping that posting in one of the actual threads might be even better for my chronic headaches

Ty based Arc, for curing me of my brain cancer

>writing

>>27978631
I'm just using it to distract myself from the crushing workload of a CpE degree.
I too give thanks to Arch for making my day better.

>>27978619
There are VN's with shitty art that sold well.

>>27978619

Have you not see the art of the When they cry series?

Its terrible

>>27978668
Like almost everything by Key.

>>27978575
But this way we might be able to learn who Nicolette's been lusting after... $20 on Melanie

>>27978712
Zun level shitty artwork then?

>>27978742
Go look up Kanon.

>>27978737
Thats scandalous!!

She obviously wants to hate-fuck Monique

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Was reading manga earlier today and this made me remember the whole thing with Nico's mom and Sylvie.

>>27978737
$30 says she never got over Lucy.

>>27978737
>>27978762
I'll take the longshot with $20 on Arnaud.

>>27978737
>>27978762
>>27978789
Betting $20 on Taka.

>>27978758

I loved that manga.

>>27978799
As did I.

>>27978797
>>27978789
>>27978762
>>27978737
$50 on Niklaus

>>27978360
>you are now a mangy DOG!

But we are not dirty or sick...aren't we?

>>27978799
>>27978833
What manga?

>>27978848

Psyren

>>27978762
$10 it's a fictional character and she ghost writes pulp romance novels on the side.

>>27978841
$100 on Sir Gregory
Bueno

>>27978843
....we must get the princess back to that bakery and in sight/ear shot of her, the new mom and baby go.. "Woof!"
if the mom and baby laugh... we win.

>>27978888
I don't think Arch would do that.

I mean he made a VN quest and didn't even include an imouto route.

>>27978924

The princess is the imouto

>>27978378

>ask the Princess about something

Might as well find out what we're doing in town today, unless it was mentioned previously and I forgot. I assume it's the usual shopping.

wow am in time for this quest

I missed the the last five

>>27978951
ask if her if she's planing on seeing the same shops or such as last time. but we must do this
>>27978903
the lulz we will have!

>>27979001
Using the same joke twice usually isn't funny.

>>27978742
Higurashi and its sausage hands sounds right for you

>>27979014
not to make the joke twice, but to prove that mother and child DO share the same type of humor. go re-read that thread. Marianne hoped it wouldn't be so. i kinda wish to see her wrong.

>>27979229
>EAT PAMCAKES

Messed up there at the top, arch.

Rolled 3

>>27979229
>>talk about a thing
Ask about the baby gift

>>27979229
>EAT PAMCAKES

"So, Marie..." you turn towards the princess, "...where do you plan on stopping in town today?"
"Well..." Marianne says, sighing, "...the primary purpose of today's outing is so that I can choose and get fitted for a dress for the party in Marconetti. Before that, we'll just be stopping by Mr. Marchamp's bookstore and the Wilhelms' bakery. I don't really have anything else in mind aside from those three stops, so there should be plenty of time to wander around or stop by somewhere that you wanted to go to as well."
"Heh, thanks for the consideration," you reply. "I bet you're looking forward to seeing the Wilhelms' new baby, huh?"

Unable to help herself, Marianne starts to smile when she hears your question.

"I... I have to admit that I am..." she says as she tries to cover her face. "...the last baby I've been around was Sylvie's youngest sister, and she's seven years old now."
"That long ago, huh," you say. "I've never actually been around babies before, but I guess it's the kind of thing that you start to miss after a while."
"Yes... they're adorable..." she says, blushing.

As Marianne swoons over the prospect of being able to actually see a baby for the first time in several years, Margot and several waiters arrive with today's breakfast.

"I see that you're in a good mood this morning, Princess... I bet these pancakes will keep you in those high spirits!" Margot says as she places a stack of pancakes in front of each of you.
"I certainly hope so... thank you, Margot," Mariane replies.

With a bow, Margot and the butlers then leave the two of you to your meal.

>talk about a thing
>EAT PAMCAKES

>>27979282
>talk about a thing
Do we bring a baby shower gift or something?
Reinhold doesn't know much about stuff like this, apparently.

>>27979282
>EAT PAMCAKES

Rolled 20

>>27979282

>>talk about a thing
baby gift~

>>27979282
Ask about a gift for the baby.

>>27979282
>EAT PAMCAKES
I love it when you delete post over little things Arch.

>>27979282
PAMBOS!

>>27979282
Marie's pretty adorable when it comes to kids.

>talk about a thing
Baby gift sounds good.

>>27979282
"I would like to buy a few more sketchbooks and pencils, actually. I ran through mine surprisingly fast."

>>27979282
was going to say eat pamcakes until I saw >>27979317
Go with it.

Rolled 3

>>27979347

This as well. Including with the baby gift talk

>>27979347
I think that's something we can bring up when it's time for free time.

>>27979347
>>27979317
Both, why not?

>>27979358
Stop rolling.

>>27979372
Well, we need a new Sketchbook or two, but I think that's all.

Rolled 4

>>27979372

>>27979282
>talk about a thing
we should get another set of drawing books, pencels and such. also yea, a baby gift sounds good as well. i wonder if cameras or a magical version of one exists in this world?

>>27979403
We don't need to talk about getting art supplies now. We can just mention it later and stop by. Now is time for pamcakes and ideas that win points with the princess, i.e. baby gift.

>writing

>>27978843
I wish we were still a ferret. I like ferrets. They're cute. I have three, and I don't think I'll ever own another kind of animal.
And they're smart. Apparently we got dumber when we ranked up to Dog.

>>27979605
>Apparently we got dumber when we ranked up to Dog.
You'd be surprised at how smart dogs are. Care for them and they'll be more loyal them family.

>>27979722

>>27978360
>>While dogs are loyal, they're not all that smart...
We were explicitly a smart ferret, and are explicitly a dumb dog
I'm just shooting the shit while I wait for an update, don't read too much into my griping

>>27979722
that and the right kind of dog could rip someone's jugular right out and give up their life to protect their bonded friend/family. a perfect bodyguard.

>>27979803

Yea, dogs can totally take out helicopters

>>27979791
We did grope her unintentionally, that could factor into the not all that smart thing

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>>27979803
Indeed

>>27979791
It's more the Princess' opinion more than anything. When we upgraded to ferret we were showing off our intellect, I guess. While she might be thinking we're dumb now for the dance mistake and being nice to her when she feels she doesn't deserve it.

>>27979819
is there a joke here I am missing?

>>27979824
I totally wanted to grope her, and had been greatly anticipating the fail roll in dance class

>>27979848
call of duty has a dog jump onto and tear a pilot from his low flying heli

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>>27979848

>>27979843
>>27979824
So is it, like, a lateral move?

>>27979866
you and me both brother, and now that our goal has been reached we must pick up the momentum. Holding hands level lewdness.

"so, uh... are you going to bring a gift for the baby or something?" you ask.
"A gift?" Marianne turns to you. "...that might be a good idea... a rattle, or a stuffed animal..."

A wide smile forms on the Princess's face, but she tries to hide it by stuffing her mouth full of pancakes. Taking that as a signal for you to start eating as well, you shift into CONSUME mode and quickly finish off your food.

After the Princess clears off her plate, she stands up and motions for you to follow her. The two of you then make a beeline for the castle gate, where a carriage is already waiting. You open the door and get inside first, and then extend your hand to her.

"You seem to have remembered what to call me while we're out, so I suppose I don't have anything else to remind you of before we go," Marianne says as you help her into the carriage and then close the door behind her.

>chat as you ride
>appreciate the scenery, we have all day to talk about stuff

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>>27979883
Its like we don't even need human soldiers anymore.

>>27979894
Sorry, but I don't want Princess End. I just wanted to grope her.
Nicolette best girl.

>>27979883
God damnit COD... this is birdemic levels dumb

>>27979903
"You really like kids, don't you?"

>>27979903
>appreciate the scenery, we have all day to talk about stuff

>>27979916
didn't know you were such a big fan of dick

>>27979903

>>chat as you ride

>>27979923
Seconding.

>>27979917
I'm happy that they've accepted their place as an over-the-top ACTION war game.

>>27979903
Did we ever actually set up the get-me-the-fuck-out signal for the party? IDR

>>27979960
Yeah, we did. I think it was her tugging on her earrings.

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>>27979923
I have been on the internet far too long. Sounds good.
>>27979960
This, very much so unless it's the ear tug.
>>27979938
Stop that.

>>27979903
>chat as you ride

"This is nice." Simple. Elegant. Reinhold.

>>27979903

>appreciate the scenery, we have all day to talk about stuff

>>27979938
Futa end only makes it better. Sadly, I'm pretty sure she's Misha and lesbian.

>>27979960
She's in a good mood. I don't think we should kill it by reminding her of the party, go with this:

>>27979923

>>27979938
Nicolette sure isn't

>>27979903
>chat as you ride
talk a little more.
"I guess you wanted a little brother or sister as well marie?"

>>27980032
That brings up her mother, may not be a great idea.

>>27980032
That doesn't sound like a good topic, man. Her mom's dead so family won't be a happy thing to bring up.

>>27980021
If only we were more like Monique - then we could hit on her shamelessly until she spaghetti'd and ran away, while Sylvie despairingly informed us that Nicolette is gay.

>>27979923
This.

>>27979903
>appreciate the scenery, we have all day to talk about stuff

>writing

>>27979903
Man Marianne is using a lot of ellipsis lately.

>>27979981
>>27980021
This quest is VN inspired which means Nicolette was romance-able at the beginning. That rout might have closed due to the choices we've made. She can't be a lesbian because that would have made her off limits from the beginning. That said, there is a VERY high probability of her being Bisexual.

>>27980132
That logic doesn't quite track for a variety of reasons. It's also a bit shameful that you're taking the VN-style that literally.

>>27980132
I'm going to put £20 on Nico's crush being a chick.

>>27980132
I think that's way too meta. Also there a VN's with female non-romance-able side characters.

Also, we arguably tripped the biggest flag with her near the beginning by punching Monique, compared to the other girls. So your logic doesn't really work.

>>27980132
If we closed off a route, I think that Archelon would be bro enough to tell us.

>>27980183
The law of conservation of characterization supports this as well.

>>27980196
Considering the panic from missing even a SINGLE Meido flag, he might not WANT to say we fucked up a whole route.

>>27980188
Perhaps we did trip the flag. but I doubt she's one so easily swayed. This one will probably require more effort.

>>27978789

Putting another $20 on Best Butler.

>>27980267
Several flags, we didn't invite her with us today.

>Decide to go back and read the first two dozen threads, which I missed
>Princess constantly bitching about our manners
>She maintains stoney silence and speaks rarely, even when addressed (considered rude as it makes her appear proud)
>She hides her face in her hands when even slightly flustered and will speak to people while doing so (concealing your face while speaking was taken as a sign of dishonesty and ill intent)
>On several occasions, she introduces strangers in the wrong order (supposed to do so from highest to lowest)

But she's not a bitch anymore, so I guess it's okay now.

>>27980188
Except she's not a side character. She's clearly in the main three. She's therefore romanceable. That doesn't mean that she has to be attracted to us any time soon. We could still have a large number of flags to trip before that happens. We're currently in the friendzone with her. We need to trip some major chivalry/romance flags if we're going to get out of the friendzone.

>>27980267
Was that when she said that she had wanted to walk around outside with us? As it was a totally open activity choice, we didn't so much miss the flag as we didn't make the flag. She just basically mentioned a way that we could have triggered a flag had we come up with the event for it. We've been playing neutral all along, trying to trip as many flags as possible when choices arise, but we've never really been proactive about making events with particular girls.

>>27980401
>but we've never really been proactive about making events with particular girls.

Yes we have.

That whole Tea Party thing? That whole thing was for the benefit of Marie

when we are in town we should re-up on some art supplies maybe take a swing at painting

>>27980423
We got points for almost all of the girls by doing that.

>>27980530
Yes but if we would focus we would already have Sir Vincent threatening to kill us if we don't "take responsibility" for our actions by marrying his daughter.

... if you know what I mean

After the driver confirms that the two of you are set to go, the carriage starts its long trek into town. The two of you sit in silence for a while, Marie looking out the window while you continue to fiddle with your strange new accessory.

"So..." you say, reaking the silence. "you really like kids, huh."
"Hm?" Marianne turns towards you. "Kids? I don't know about that, but I do enjoy playing with babies. They're just so cute, and then there's the way they stumble around when they're first learning how to walk, and..."

Realizing that she's starting to get carried away, Marianne takes a deep breath to regain her composure.

"I suppose you've discovered another of my weaknesses..." Marianne says, sighing.

>[1/2]

>>27980724
I like Vincent, but his daughter is friend-zone material.

>>27980795
Like hell.

Shy, lewd glasses chick who muscle wzards without the ridiculous muscle?

That's fucking waifu material there.

>>27980795
I agree

>>27980837

Eh, princess route has my vote.

>>27980837
Can I waifu Sir Vincent?

>>27980795
I must respectfully disagree. all the girls we talk to on a regular basis are waifu material. The only downside to this is that harem route is ridiculously difficult/incredibly lethal

>>27980876
Stop that. It is not yet time.

>>27980795

>Moe muscle wizard
>not waifu material

>>27980891
Thank god for that, since Harems are the most boring option.

>>27980837

This anon has taste. Sylvie best grill.

>>27980886
Sir Vincent waifus YOU.

>>27980837
No offense but that's really damn shallow for a romantic interest, you just listed of a bunch of traits. I like Sylvie as a character but I don't think she's the girl for Reinhold.

I'm tentatively going with Marie. She's going through things that Reinhold has gone through himself and Reinhold obviously sympathizes with that based and goes way out of the way he goes to help her because of it. It might not be love, but it's a much more personal connection than the other characters and I can see it reasonably going that way given time.

>>27980893

you started it~

Just having some fun

>>27980916
*based on how out of the way he goes

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>>27980837
agreed Sylvie and the princess are the only two options.

>>27980916
This guy gets it. Waifuing is a shitty way to handle romance in a quest. Romance the best choice for the protagonist, not the one that you find most attractive.

>>27980916
Of the characters so far Marianne is the only one who seems even remotely compatible. Although they (probably) mean well, I think they're just way too violent/abusive for Reinhold to be comfortable with. He might murder people professionally, but with a history of abuse casual beatings doesn't seem like a wise choice. Luciana meanwhile seems to be too much of a trabblemaker/teaser for Reinhold to handle.

Marianne, so far, appears to be the only one gentle enough for Reinhold.

>>27980916
princess for waifu? u r fukin retarded

>>27980916
See, it for the reasons that you just listed that I'd rather stay friends with the princess. I just don't see them actually being a romantic couple.

>>27980916

You don't have to have a lot in common to go full love interest. That and Marie too tsun.

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>>27980918
Rein x Taka OTP

Man I love this quest, keep up the good work archelon.

Looking back at most the threads and replies, there is a lot of waifu talk but not a lot of bro talk. Also, the holy magic "mantra" doesn't really have a representative in the story that we can be friends with.

Can we have a religiousbro sometime in the story to edumacate us holy magic or share honey mead with? Like a friar or priest in training? Missionary?

>>27980916
Marie is currently my favorite as well, but I feel like we're constantly eclipsing her problems with our own.

"My mother died when I was very young, i never knew her."
>"I'm an orphan, I didn't know EITHER of my parents."
"My last body guard got close to me and then almost raped me."
>"I grew up in a brothel and was raped regularly by an old lady."

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>>27980951

>Froze us in a motherfucking ice wall
>Gentle

what now?

>>27980967
>Can we have a religiousbro sometime in the story to edumacate us holy magic

damnit, Mantra isn't something we can just learn. we would have to be deeply religious in order to use it.

>>27980972
well I mean... Those DO kinda eclipse her problems.

I feel as though Reinhold doesn't intentionally bring these sort of things up, and doesn't really ever try to, so its okay ya know?

>>27980967

We have just found our bro. Nik.

The objective is to hook him up with Melon

>>27980972
>we're constantly eclipsing her problems with our own.
might be a good think, she gets all tragic past and we can show that other people can have had hard lifes of their own.

>>27980972
The thing is, Reinhold gotten away from and dealt with his problems a while ago already. Marie hasn't. She got sexually assaulted a month ago and is currently having huge issues with self-esteem like Reinhold used to.

>>27980982
Extenuating circumstances etc

>>27981000
Fuck no, I hate it when players try to hook NPC's up. if they're gonna get together, let them do it themselves/

My favorite is Nico, as she is similar to us in professsion, hasn't seemed as prone to casual violence as Sylvie, nor does she have quite the load of baggage that the princess does. Finally, we are of exceedingly poor birth. Even if the king has no problem with it, it could still cause the kingdom problems if the princess were to take us as a consort.

>>27981012
I don't think so, Reinhold definitely has intimacy issues to this day.

>>27980997
I get that, Reinhold doesn't have to practice it, but perspective about mantra, and fluff about regional religious or cultural practices can be voiced by a religibro. Its whatever, just brainstormin.

>>27980967
Thread decided we're not religious enough for Mantra of the nature you're referencing.
Nik, however, could eventually open up Mantra of a different sort.
I just don't like hanging out with him, because he reminds me of the protagonist from Steins;Gate and then I think of Kurisu and then I remember the week of sadness and despair I spent playing that game and watching her die and not being able to save her and how shitty it all felt and then that fucking ending when I finally did save her where she barely even recognizes you and FUCK MAN WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME.

>>27981027

whats wrong with helping friends hook up

>>27981040
Okay, he has had more time to learn to deal with them than Marie has. The problems are still there but aren't as obvious or detrimental.

>>27981053

But she remembered abit!

There was hope and hell they're both alive and the world wasnt going to end

>>27981054
Matchmaker quest when

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>>27981035
Lancelot modo?

>>27981035
indeed, with the vast majority of the nobles who still hold political power being the elite jerks they are, if a lowest of the low birth like Reinhold to marry the princess and heir to the throne, it could very well lead the nation into a revolt if not complete civil war.

>>27981026

That's not really what I would call gentle ever though. Also if she can freeze someone as fast as rein here then why does she even need a bodyguard?

>>27981027
agreed. It doesn't help that /tg/ is way too hamfisted when they try to play matchmaker.

>>27981035

We're pretty on track to be Knighted, I believe.

>>27981070
I would definitely agree with you there.
On another totally different note, I think we should try to hang with Niklebacher more, as much as I like the female companions, it would be nice for Reinhold to have a dude friend too

>>27981100
Because it still took four or five seconds to pull off. And she doesn't have telescopic vision.

>>27981054
because it come off as obnoxious. and more than a little OOC for Reinhold as well since he has problems with intimacy of his own.

>>27981052
well, even still, we can't have a "born again" event and bam! have holy magic, but could learn to have some faith. i see Reinhold as someone who simply was not TOLD or exposed to religion as he grew up. not that he will jump right into it. this is something that will take years to make a small change in him.

>>27981100
What he's saying is that Marie doesn't do anything violent casually or regularly compared to the other characters. The ice thing was a moment of huge anger and betrayal and not an everyday occurrence.

>>27981053
>Bitching because of what happened with Kurisu
Goddamnit man, you won her heart once, YOU CAN DAMN WELL DO IT AGAIN!

And this time you have the advantage of knowing what buttons to push!

Furthermore, she remembers at least -something- about you. So there's that.

>>27981085
Except you're basing that off of OUR world, not Arch's.

>>27981100
Good question, the Princess seems more than fine on her own to be honest.

unless that was a spell that drained like all her magic or we're even more of a meatshield than we originally thought

>>27981074
>>27981144
I know. That was the "barely recognizes you" bit. It still fucking hurt, in this really bittersweet way.

>>27981100
She got us because it was a sneak attack from someone we had no idea would do that.

Someone can easily do the same to her.

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>>27980997
technically we can learn mantra just not the churches mantra. I say we start meditating regularly and make our own.

>>27981085
That sounds like a surefire way for the elite jerks to end up as red mist.

The king said that he doesn't give a fuck who his daughter marries. Vincent and Gregory, both of whom are supposed to be terrifying nightmares on the battlefield, both support him.

>>27981157
Nothing wrong with being a meatshield.

>>27981139

Eh? I know plenty of people who has had crap like Reinhold happen to them and they still go around wrestling with people and shit for giggles.

I can see the princess but not as much as people seem to be saying.

>>27981188
Something that starts like "My body is made out of swords."

>>27981194
eventually a meatshield is gonna get tenderized.

>>27981100
I think a better question is why are WE her bodyguard.
I really like this quest, but I feel like we bounce between "awesome" and "mediocre" sometimes. We won a national swordsmanship tournament, but we have a shitty sword grip and bad footwork? A 16 year old guard captain nearly beat the shit out of us? A baby mage blew us away with ease?
I GET that we're supposed to be an exceptional person surrounded by other exceptional people - but why doesn't the king get one of those WAY MORE EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE to guard his daughter?

>>27981188
I thought you had to be a little loopy in the head to have your spells work in mantra?

I dunno if Reinhold qualifies. He seems pretty mentally stable for the vast majority of the time.

>>27981218
No. We already talked about that.

>>27981188
I seriously believe that swords power was reflective lasers.

>>27981223
Because they have other things they are doing that we don't see.

>>27981218
On an irrelevant note, I was slightly disappointed when we didn't get the opportunity to learn a sword related spell in the timeskip.

At this rate, Arch is never going to let us pull an Unlimited Blade Works.

>>27981223
Probably because he actually intends for her to have a friend her age, and you don't get much more exceptional than us at the age of like seventeen. It's just a bonus and excuse that we can meatshield for her. Or so I imagine.

>>27981223
Because Marianne saw us in the sword tournament and got a crush on us so she asked for us specifically.

>>27981223
Politics and tradition. Actually its because the person who would be best at the job is officially retired and everyone else in the castle who would be good at the job can't stand her. This leaves bringing in outside support.

>>27981114
Still. We are, chances are, a whoreson. Even a knighted whoreson will have detractors. Serious ones. Like civil war serious.

>>27981154
I'd agree with this, especially since you can become a noble through dueling or just being an old adventuring friend of the king in this setting.

I think there's still some drama about her being a princess that we can't avoid, but it isn't going to be in that way. Her last bodyguard tried to use her just to become king himself and that's something she's definitely still paranoid and aware over when it comes to guys showing interest in her.

>>27981287

Eh depends. There has been cases where mercs have been knighted for being badass. Their shouldn't be too much issue if we don't go around saying where he was raised.

>>27981154
not sure if it's the same here.
>>27981192
we're not a complete dictatorship here. this place smacks me of having some sort of fudalism in place here. there are other people of power too that can stand up to the powerhouses in the castle as well.

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>>27981254
Tailwind naturally combos into Stinger. Its not about learning magic that swords for us, its about learning magic that lets us sword harder.

Do you even CUHRAYZEE?

>>27981287
So we kill them and win the war

>>27981313
Reinhold isn't a merc with a proven record. he's a from right off the street nobody and a couple of years in a peace time army. that is a problem and the nobles HATE to see a bottom rung serf like Reinhold jump over their heads, even more so to marry THE PRINCESS!

>>27981337
Violence is bad.
Unless its Monique.
Then violence is good.

>>27981319

This reminds me. Am I the only one who wants Reinhold to learn a bunch of low level spells. Then practice so absurdly much with them he can trash epic mages?

>>27981287
Although Archelon has denied all guesses at Reinhold's parentage, I doubt he's a whoreson. Either he's an orphan of unknown parentage because Archelon is planning an important reveal later, or it's so that there weren't any parents in the picture, so Reinhold could have his crapsack backstory, and his parents will remain unexplored. It's not because his parents are going to turn out to be a whore and soldier A. That's just not very likely from a literary standpoint.

>>27981372
Not at fucking all.

We need to get a whole bunch of spells that synergize really well with swordplay, and integrate them into our style.

>>27981368
He's also a winner of a sword tournament and current student of the greatest swordsman in the kingdom. He's got a pretty good reputation already.

>>27981372
Yes. You are.

>>27981223

You've made a mistake there, Anon. You're assuming the king wanted a body guard. The Princess can obviously take care of herself, and she's surrounded by people who are able to - literally - put craters in the Earth when they get pissed.

The King wanted a friend for his lonely, isolated daughter. But you can't hire a friend, Anon.
Not someone who'd be able to actually match her in social status.
Not a real friend.

So you get a body guard who's smart, chivalrous, and trust worthy. Someone who can charm her inadvertently with his insatiable drive to do good.

Someone she can confide in.

You've underestimated the King.

>>27981372
>Become so good at Sparkle Shine you kill epic mages with lights
I like it.

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>>27981254
like this?

>>27981394

To be honest? I'm pretty sure we would have been picked anyways, even if we'd lost the tournament, just for the qualities we possess.

>>27981368

Ah now that much is true. Though that is right now. I imagine once he proves himself to be one of the biggest badasses around he would have a easier time of it. I see your point though.

>>27981382
If anything, he's the son of that Swordbreaker guy we aw in the flashback.
An the kind whore (the one that starts with a 'C') is actually his sister.

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>>27981319
I'm still hoping we learn Royal Guard somewhere down the line.

Did arch die or something? This argument is getting old and it's been forever since the first part of his post.

>>27981421
He said his posting would slow because of Metalacolypse or whatever it's called.

>>27981394
I will accept the "hired as a friend" explanation as canon.
I still find us frustratingly incompetent on a couple of occasions, though. But dice rolling is so scant that it isn't a big deal.

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>>27981319
>>27981417
Yes
>learn Royal Guard
YES

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>>27981417

Considering Holy Shine can be used for parrying ala Melty Blood style, or maybe Royal Guard style, we'll be the best at it.

Also we get to be one with the wind.

>>27981438
>Whatever its called
Let a man watch his show. In the meanwhile, what are some neat things we can do in town? We might have an opportunity time permitting to invite Marie on an expedition.

>>27981438
This thread is turning into dildos.

>>27980781
>[2/2]

Marianne then clams up, which you take as a signal to stop asking questions that would cause her further embarassment. As such, the rest of the carriage ride is spent in silence, with both of you appreciating the scenery as you go.

After a short while, you arrive in town, with the carriage stopping at the same place it did the first time you came here with the Princess. When the driver opens the door, you head out first to make sure that it's safe and then help the Princess out.

"Please meet us at the dress shop around five in the afternoon," Marianne says to the driver.
"Will do, P- er, Miss Marie!" the driver says with a salute.

He then heads off, leaving the two of you to your own devices.

"Our first stop will be Mr. Marchamp's bookstore, and then we can decide where to go from there," the Princess says to you.
"Just lead the way, Marie," you reply.
"I see that you are as strange as ever..." she sighs.

You then follow her down the street and into Marchamp's Literary Emporium. The bookstore is the same as ever, mostly empty aside from its elderly shopkeep sitting at his counter.

"Ah, Marie! How have you been?" Marchamp asks, happy to see her after so long.
"I've been well," Marianne replies. "And what about you, has your back been bothering you lately?"
"Ha, you're as sharp as ever... with the changing temperature, my arthritis is starting to act up... but I should be fine until winter. And how has your friend here been doing?"
"I've been alright," you reply, not having expected to be brought into the conversation.

Marianne and Marchamp then start going on about various books and authors, with Marchamp bringing out several books that he thinks that Marianne would like.

"We'll be a while, so feel free to look around if you want," Marianne says to you.

>poke around the bookstore for something (specify what)
>ask Marie something
>ask Marchamp something
>stand quietly, you're not particularly interested in anything here
>[OTHER]

>>27981462
>>poke around the bookstore for something (specify what)
more advanced art books. Probably get something else about myths and legends

>>27981462
Go find more drawing pads.

Unless we didn't get them here. I forgot exactly.

>>27981462
A book on major places in Marconetti's capital would be nice reading for the way over. That, or stories of heroes from that country.

I kind of just want him to learn a bunch of "Help me Sword things" Spells. But work on mastering any quick easy spells he can use so he can say chuck a fire ball nigh-instantly. Or two-three if he needs to.

Just seems more his style to go for the small spells and keeping any big spells he knows in reserve.

>>27981462
>poke around the bookstore for something (specify what)
Books on guarding others be it biographies or whatever.

Every edge we can get we should.

>>27981497
We got them from an art supply store

>>27981462
>poke around the bookstore for something (specify what)
Something for art. Marie's offered to let us borrow more of her books on the Old Kings so that's not entirely necessary.

>>27981497
That was at an art supply store

>>27981462

Books about cakes.

>>27981394
I don't think the King is the kind of father who would have his daughter defend herself. He's not locking her away in a tower, but he still feels the need to protect her. That's why he got the best swordsman he could to be her guard. It's not personality, or else the last guy would probably not have happened.

>>27981462

We need more stylus for drawing. One's full and the other just got turned to ash by Niklaus.

Also, going back to 'hired as a friend'. It's dangerous to assume the king is unaware of what's going on. He's an adventurer, remember? He went with Vincent the Mega Punch and Gregory the Bloody Wind - and they both bow knee to HIM?

Why invite a bodyguard to dinner? You don't need bodyguards at dinner between the king and his daughter, with Vincent 'flick you with my finger and bruise your skull' there.

He brought us because we are hired on as a friend. Just with a different title. The fact that we're actually dedicated to protecting the princess, and may actually be good at the job? Bonus, my friend. Bonus.

>>27981511
This, see if there are any spell books for body guarding,

>>27981504
Hitch hikers guide to Marconetti

>>27981462
Be a nice guy and ask if he wants us to move any boxes for him.

>>27981462
How about something about the art culture of Marconetti?

>>27981585
There are probably apprentices or peasants for that.

>>27981462
>>poke around the bookstore for something (specify what)
>>27981521
this would be amuseing
>>27981504
travel guides then? that could be useful

HECK! get a world map too!

>writing

>>27981188
>>27981399
anyone care to enlighten my pleb self as to which animu(s) these gifs came from?

>>27981633
First one is Katanagatari. Second is Fairy Tail, I think.

>>27980724
Finally caught this thread

Sir Vincent wouldn't be threatening shit, he would be there to celebrate our upcoming engagement to his daughter. Because Reinhold wants to do the right thing yes? And he wouldn't dream of doing anything stupid

>>27981633
>>27981642
Correct on both accounts.

>>27981633

Katanagatari and Fairy Tail (I am reasonably certain).

>>27981614
Apprentice book store keepers? Yeah, I don't think so. And this guy IS a peasant. And, since you've forgotten, so are we.

>>27981676
Books are fucking expensive when they have to be rewritten by hand, usually by monks. I don't see why a treasure trove of paper and ink would only be kept orderly by a single older gent. That would be silly.

>>27981633

First one is a Gif of the best episode of Katanagatari.

>>27981712
I though Arch mentioned somewhere that the printing press was at least somewhat a thing in this setting.

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>>27981712

Magic.

>>27981730
Interesting. I imagined there was at least some sort of spell that might do a decent job at it but a printing press would change things.

It doesn't change the fact that someone watching over a store of books would probably be a decent off merchant, though. Hard to imagine this guy wouldn't have some help.

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>>27981550
Should we brush up on our unarmed combat? Swords might not be allowed at the party...

>>27981768
We're a royal bodyguard. I think we're allowed to keep our weapon.

>>27981768

We have the bracelet for that.

>>27981712
this
>>27981730
even still, a useful book has quite a bit of value. that and i am sure that a good deal of the serf population is not literate or barely literate with no formal education as WE know it.

>>27981784
We can't make the bracelet do anything yet.
But we do have knives hidden all over.

Why do I have a bad feeling that if we go and get art supplies at an art shop we'll run into Cirtine and her Hubby

>>27981768
>Swords might not be allowed at the party...
Why wouldn't they be? You could use magic to off someone just as well as a blade.

>>27981810
He said we'd probably have it working by the end of the day didn't he?

>>27981784
that bracelet better be a gauntlet sometime soon. Are we going to develop our own fighting style around the shape shifting metal?

>>27981829
I'd like to meet Citrine again, though.

>>27981829
I'm fine with that. It'll just give us a chance to meet a potential teacher

>>27981829
Why is that a bad feeling?
We have a childhood friend who is pregnant. We have a Princess who loves babies. What could be better than running into her for a pleasant mid-afternoon brunch?

>>27981843
I don't think we'll be able to make anything useful out of it, though. Not yet.

>>27981855
i guess we could do that, and introduce her to Marie and let her meet Citrine's husband. maybe something akin to a brother in law with Reinhold if Citrine was accepted as his sister

>>27981874
that!
would be perfect.

>>27981847
We aren't a blind Asian girl though.

really no one's made this joke yet?

>>27981874
Bad as In as far as we know Marie has no idea about our past, also just not looking forward to navigating the possible landmines of an encounter like that.

>>27981874
>>27981903
And then we can have an awkward reveal about brothels.
It would be 2cute.

>>27980982
>Marianne, so far, appears to be the only one gentle enough for Reinhold.
Exactly what I was thinking

>>27981951

Best quote ever to prove your point bro.

>>27981768
Please, nobles fucking love ceremonial weapons.

Acting on Marianne's suggestion, you start to look through the scores of books that fill this shop, though you always make a point to keep an eye on her while you do so. Can't be too careful, after all!

You see books about all kinds of things- dueling history, a record of the known Sealed Kings, biographies about famous people, collections of poetry... but two books in particular catch your eye.

The first is "intermediate drawing techniques," which seems like it'd be useful in helping you improve your skills at sketching, and the second is "The offense of Defense," a book which apparently lists out several lower-level defensive magic spells. You also noticed a few other books from the author of "The Legend of Alsiradna," but you decide not to grab those since Marianne said that she owns most of the series and you can always borrow them from her.

"Oh, you're done looking?" Marianne asks as you approach the counter.
"Hm? Yeah, I guess," you reply.
"Alright, then... Mr. Marchamp, I suppose that I'll be taking these..." she says as shs points out two decently-sized novels.
"Haha, I see that your taste is as good as ever, Marie!"

After Marianne pays for her books, Mrchamp puts them in a bag.

"And did you find anything that you were interested in, young man?" he asks.
"Just these," you say, handing your two books to him.
"I'll just put them in the same bag, since I assume you'll be carrying Marie's books as well..."
"Of course he will," Marianne chimes in.
"Haha, you've gotten yourself stuck with a bossy one, my boy!"

After you pay for your books, Marchamp hands you your bag and the two of you head back outside.

"I suppose we can have lunch now, unless there was somewhere that you wanted to go?" Marianne asks.

>LUNCHTIEM
>Actually, I wanted to go to...

>>27981992
Let's go stock up on some art supplies.

>>27981992
>>Actually, I wanted to go to...
get some sketching supplies

>>27981992
How about getting that baby gift?

>>27981100
>why does she even need a bodyguard?
Three reasons.

1. Having a bodyguard distracts assassins from even considering that she's perfectly capable of defending herself.
2. She can nominate us as her champion in the event of duels and the like, giving her extra flexibility in dealing with courtly matters.
3. All the other nobles have their own jobs at these kinds of affairs. So we can count on Vincent, the King ETC to be bro-ing it up elsewhere on a battlefield keeping threats from even getting close to the Princess.

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>>27981992

>LUNCHTIEM

>>27981992
>>LUNCHTIEM

>>27981992
art supplies

>>27981992

Ask her if she wants to get the babby gift first.

>>27981992

ART SUPPLIES

>>27981992
Ask about the baby gift. I think we have time afterwards to worry about art supplies.

>>27982014
You're forgetting the number one reason:

Having a meat shield is always better than not having one.

>>27981992
Priority on baby gift, second food.

Guys

guys

we could

sketch the baby

>>27982068
Babbies are notoriously bad at staying still but I suppose we could do that.

>>27982068
We don't have that kind of time. We're not good enough for it to be entertaining for the princess. Just no.

>>27982068
YOU'RE A GENIUS

100 hundred internets to this anon!

>>27982068

We sketch Marie and the Baby

I think she'll like that

>>27981223
>We won a national swordsmanship tournament, but we have a shitty sword grip and bad footwork? A 16 year old guard captain nearly beat the shit out of us? A baby mage blew us away with ease?
You're underestimating the calibre of our opponents.
our skills aren't shitty. Arnauld is just that good. Nicolette is damn near every inch our equal, and I suspect her desire to master the spear is actually handicapping her: She'd be even better with a sword. And magery simply isn't as common as you'd think: The castle tends to give a warped view of magery because there are more mages there than per square inch in the rest of the country.

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>>27981447
Hang on a second.

Does Holy Shrine create a wall in the air? As in, it hovers in place? And it only lasts for a moment, yeah?

GUYS

HOLY SHRINE ISN'T ROYAL GUARD

ITS -AIR HIKE-

>>27982068
Is it a gift for Marie or the family, though?

>writing

>>27982104
whynotboth.jpg

>>27982108
Marie. We'll actually get them a proper gift.

>>27982104
Does that mean we can jump cancel with practice?

>>27981223
>but we have a shitty sword grip and bad footwork?
And yet despite that our natural talent let us land a solid hit on someone who is supposedly the best there is. Its simply a sign of our rough, self-taught style.

>A 16 year old guard captain nearly beat the shit out of us?
A 16 year old who is the daughter of one of the King's most trusted knights, and is hailed as a prodigy.

>A baby mage blew us away with ease?
While we were extremely unprepared and off guard.

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>>27982104

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>>27982104
Oh god we are going to be the most absolutely crazy royal bodyguard oh god

>>27982068
><Arc> Okay guys, 1d20 to see how your sketch turns out!
>4
>7
>1
><Arc> Goddamn, you guys.

Latenight headaches are best headaches.
And by "best" I mean that they fucking suck.

>back to writing

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>>27982104

holy fuck we are going to be amazing