Crimson Rose & White Lily

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

<<if settings.textanim>> <a data-passage="A1S1-01"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 1<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Xxxxx XX, X-XX — early morning <</fadein>></a> <<else>> <a data-passage="A1S1-01"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 1</h1> Xxxxx XX, X-XX — early morning</a> <</if>> <<set $day to "dawn">>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Your body twitches and lifts your chest. You open your mouth and take a deep breath. Too deep. Too dry. You cough. Almost expecting water to gush out of your mouth, you are surprised when nothing comes out. Still, your lungs welcome this fresh air. The newly found oxygen is pumped into your veins. You put your hand on your chest, hoping to stop your heart from bursting inside of you. You are now panting as if your life depended on it. //Doesn’t my life depend on it, though? Wasn’t I deep in the water, losing the battle against the abyss just a moment ago?// You slowly inhale through your nose, trying to calm yourself. Around you, it smells like fresh laundry and cut flowers. The air feels warm and dry, but not uncomfortably so. Afar, you hear the relentless whining chirping of cicadas. This feels just like a holiday. With each new breath, you feel your body regaining its strength and your heart settling down. //But what about the sinking? Am I hallucinating again? Was it all just a dream?// You feel cold sweat slowly running down your spine. Your body trembles. You’d convinced yourself you were about to die, or even you had just died. You can’t think of a reason someone or something would want to bring you back. But if you didn’t die, //what was this nightmare all about?// You open your eyes. The room is dark, save for some dim light coming from your left. You turn your gaze towards its source and see a glimpse of a window, covered by some thick dark-reddish curtains. With still some darkness enveloping the room, the light barely delineates the shapes of the furniture around you. Even if you could guess what they could be, you can’t see well enough to be sure of it. You recognise nothing. The darkness still has a hold on you. An alarming feeling crosses your mind. //Has the darkness followed me here? Will it take me back to that frightful place? // You know you never want to see or feel it ever again. You bring your knees towards you and embrace them with your arms. You realise you are sitting on a mattress, firm but still cosy, covered in luxurious, soft linen. A similar cloth covers your legs. As you touch the edge of the cover, you feel it has been embroidered with a flowery design. Running your fingers over it, you wonder what kind of flower it is. You put your forehead on your knees. //This can’t be real. What just happened? // You tighten your embrace. //Someone must be playing a prank on me. // You feel tears rolling down your cheeks. //Where am I? // Even if everything seems calm, it all feels foreign to you. //Has someone done something to me?// <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>>You lift your chin to your knees and raise your hands to your eyes. Turning them over, back and forth, you take a long look at them, checking every line and detail. These… These at least feel familiar to you. Your <<CycleSkin>> skin glistens in the dim light. You wipe away the tears with your fingers. //What is happening to me?// You cover your face with your hands and sigh deeply. This nightmare you just had must have been messing with your brain. The lack of any sensation cut between frightful snippets of drowning can’t escape your mind. There must be a reason you felt all of this. There must be a reason you are here now. And not there, deep in the abyss, deep in the darkness. //Will I go back to it if I fall back asleep? // You feel a shiver travelling down your spine. //Better not think about this now.// You move your hands upwards, brushing your skull, settling finally on your neck, fingers crossing. You let out a snort. No matter what just happened, at least you still have your <<CycleHair>>! Even though your mind is still racing with uncertainty, you feel relieved that some things are still the same. Your body relaxes as you lay back, held by the strength of your arm. You straighten your legs. The cover gets caught, revealing the rest of your naked body. While it looks like it always has been, its nakedness ends up alarming you. //How did I end up naked? If someone is playing a prank on me, this is not funny.// <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> </li></ul> <<default>><<silently>><<NoSomeHair>><<RandoNames>><</silently>>You bring the cover back over you. This body seems to be like yours. You still have $mc.hair0 hair on your head. Your face feels the same. Your hands look the same. If you look the same, you must still feel the same. Just in case, you tick down your mental checklist. //Let’s see… I still remember my name being:// <<textbox "$Name" `either(_example)`>> @@#not-right;@@ //I still am a <<CycleGender>> (<<CyclePronouns>>) and still feel <<CycleSex>>.// //My favourite colour is still that shade of <<CycleColour>>.// “//Well, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then I am really me!//” you exclaim. “//I mean… I know I am more than those three things… But if these did not change, the rest shouldn’t have either… I think…//” Something groans next to you. <ul><li> <<link Continue>><> <<if $Name is "" or $Name is " ">> <<replace '#not-right' t8n>>Please enter a name.<</replace>> <<elseif ['Yael', 'Raymond', 'Emilia', 'Victor', 'Victoria', 'Vic', 'Ray', 'Theo', 'Theodore', 'Theodora', 'Alex', 'Alexander', 'Alexandra', 'Charlie', 'Charles', 'Charlotte', 'Isabel', 'Arturo', 'Áurea', 'Olivier', 'Noa', 'Inès', 'Rosie', 'Guillem', 'Anne', 'Nicolette', 'Jonah'].contains($Name)>> <<replace '#not-right' t8n>>Please enter a different name.<</replace>> <<else>> <<unset $text>> <<goto "A1S1-02">> <</if>><><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<silently>><<SexMC>><<NPCGenderRO>><<NPCGenderF>><</silently>>Something groans next to you. You turn your head towards the noise and notice a lump under the sheet next to you. //Has it always been there? How did I not notice that before?// You add a bit of distance between the lump and yourself until you reach the edge of the bed. The lump moves around under the cover and slowly forms a human shape. Then an arm appears, setting on the pillow above it. Then another. It groans again. “//Humph! … What’s with the ruckus? … Is it already time for me to go, my ?liege?//” you hear a sultry voice through the sheets. “//What a shame… I had hoped to stay a bit longer, for once.//” <<SetGender "Yael">>The hands attached to the newly discovered arms grab the sheet to uncover the rest of the lump, exposing a naked ?person, laying on ?their back. Looking unconstrained by the linen, ?they stretches ?their arms. The light sets delicately on ?their pale body, where you discern some defined solid muscles. ?They seems like quite the athletic person. Looking up at ?their face, you are struck by the mystical aura of ?their piercing blue eyes, framed by the white strands of hair falling on both sides. ?They looks other-worldly. With a well-built body like this and that mysterious vibe, you can only wonder how many artists have taken ?them as a muse over the years. You would definitely see a body like that on display in paintings or sculptures. Realising how long you have been gawking at this naked stranger, you blush. //Who is this ?person? // As ?they moves to the side of the bed and stretches ?their legs, ?they continues: “//I’ve heard through the grapevine that you will be set to marry one of the Princes soon. I see that your ambition still has not faltered. What a shame for all of your other admirers. No one could compete with a royal. Though… I am a bit saddened you did not tell me that yourself before, my <<SetGender>>?liege.//”<<SetGender "Yael">> //Me? Marrying a prince?// How can you process what that ?person said when you still have so much to digest? You don’t even recall ever agreeing to that kind of thing. You don’t seem to recall who this ?person is, either. Or where you are. You attempt to conceal your shock and confusion by bringing all of your attention back to the stranger next to you, hoping that ?they did not catch your reaction. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>><<SetGender "Yael">>?They rises from the bed, picks up some clothes from the floor and gets dressed. Still confused by the presence of this strange person in this room, you watch ?them move in silence. Looking at the pieces ?they is putting on, you realise ?they is the one looking out of place. The cloth seems rough compared to the soft linen you are hiding under, and, in some spots, looks stained. ?They fastens a coarse leather belt around ?their waist, to hold in place a pair of pants seemingly too big for ?them. As ?they turns around, you see a dagger hanging from it. ?They notices you staring, moves toward you and leans over the bed, getting closer. Too close. You wonder if there is a hint of worry on ?their face. “//No responses? From you? How queer…//” ?They looks intensely into your eyes. “//Are you alright? Should I be worried?//” ?They then shakes ?their head. “//My <<SetGender>>?liege, had I known your state beforehand, I would not have agreed to our little nightly rendez-vous and sneaked around… Even if you seemed much more eager, then.//”<<SetGender "Yael">> ?They sighs, leans back, and finishes dressing. ?They puts a dark, dusty coat on ?their back. ?They walks around the room, looking for something. “//Still…//” ?they continues, looking around. “//I can’t help but wonder what will happen to me when you do marry one of them royals. Ha!//” ?They bends over to pick up something and puts it on ?their head. “//Nobody seems to know about this, and I know you want to keep it that way. What a pity that our days are numbered.//” ?They walks towards the source of the light and pulls one curtain aside. More light engulfs the room and blinds you momentarily. ?They opens the window, sits by the opening, and looks outside. You see that ?they now wears a black tricorne, with gold accents on the rim and dark feathers. With the whole get-up, ?they looks like some sort of sea rover or an adventurer. “//It is late indeed… Some of the servants are already out and about. Don’t worry, my <<SetGender>>?liege, I won’t make myself visible to them. It’s not like they’ve ever noticed me before.//” <<SetGender "Yael">>?They pauses, looking out the window, seemingly at the movement of those servants. ?Their gaze moves again towards you. “//Well then, please do call on me before the wedding. I so enjoy these secret meetings. You know how to reach me. I bid my <<SetGender>>?liege goodbye.//” <<SetGender "Yael">> ?They blows you a kiss, which your body instinctively reacts to and pretends to catch it. ?They then tilts ?their body further into the opening, lets ?themself fall from the window, and disappears. The room returns to complete silence. //What a foolish way to leave a room//, you think. //Who in their right mind jumps out a window?// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<SetGender "Yael">>//Jumps out a window…// Your mind wanders on these last words for a few seconds. //What about the fall? What if this building is too tall to land properly?// You do not remember hearing any noise after the stranger disappeared. //What if ?they is hurt?// Suddenly panicked, you rush to the window yourself to look for ?their body. Even though ?they was just a stranger, you do not wish ?them any harm. You look at the window and see nothing but gravel. No body, no blood, no footprint. Nothing. As if ?they had never been there. You feel relieved, but also confused. //How could ?they jump like that and disappear so easily?// This seems so surreal. You wonder if, after all, this may be just a dream. //How could it even be anything else but a dream?// “//If I am dreaming,//” you exclaim, “//there is only one way I can confirm it.//” You look at your hand for a second. Letting out a sigh, you bring it to your arm and <><<linkappend "pinch it.">> ''Ouch!'' //Pain? How… How is it possible? I… I was so sure… If this is not a dream, then what is this?// <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S1-03]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul><</linkappend>><><</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>//If this is not a dream, then what is this?//<<SetGender "Yael">> You slowly drag yourself back to the bed, struggling with the realisation that you still might not be back to reality, no matter how real this whole thing feels. You might even be stuck here for a while. In this strange place. With some strange people. Naked people. Sharing a bed with you. For apparently not the first time. You blush again and cover yourself with the bedsheets in shame. You wonder about the exact nature of relationship you seem to have with that ?person. Trying to brush off this thought, you recall what the strange ?person just said to you. You noted ?they mentioned a few interesting things. ?They didn’t call you by your name but <<SetGender>>‘my ?liege’ instead. //Is that a normal way of talking to other people? Or am I supposed to have some sort of title myself? Isn’t it supposed to be reserved for nobles, anyway? Am I… a noble?// Your fingers play with the edge of the sheet as you try to unravel this mystery. They keep brushing against the flowery embroidery. You look down and see a string of red roses. You follow the embroidery till it hits the corner of the sheet and ends. The intricate pattern of stitched flowers seems to repeat itself almost perfectly. It must have taken hours for someone to complete this. //If this is supposed to be my bedroom, I must be really rich to afford this kind of work.// <div class="heir">Of course, I am rich! Have you seen where you are? Do you think commoners could afford all of this?</div> \ A voice exclaims, snarkily echoing behind your ears. You turn around, but only see the headboard and the wall. You turn back, still no one here. //Who was that? Is… Is someone listening to me?// You feel uneasy. That voice… //it sounded so familiar…// But you can’t say who. Your breathing speeds up. //Is that just a voice in my head? Am I going mad?// //No. I am not mad… At least, not yet. Let’s just start with finding out where I am. I’ll cross the crazy bridge when I get there. If I hear the voice again, that is.// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>><<notifAISIthree>> <<default>><<SetGender "Yael">>You look past the bed. Since that ?person drew part of the curtains aside, more light is shining through the room. It is now easier to see what is standing around you. From the blueish tone the light radiates, you assume it is still quite early in the morning. You hope it is early enough for people to avoid entering your room. If you are truly nobility, you should be able to have some time to think about all of this uninterrupted. You’ve now noticed two doors in this room: one located right in front of you, and a larger one on your left. With the window on your right, you have now three different ways to leave this room. What lies beyond them is currently only up to your imagination. On the right side of the large door, you find a bookshelf and, in front of it, a desk. On the left side of that door, stand a vanity and a chair tucked under the vanity. Between you and the vanity, you see another similar chair next to a small round table. That chair is covered with some dark clothes, which you assume are yours. Further left of these items, is a large closet and a tall standing mirror. You also notice the round sizeable rug on the floor, under the small round table, with a large red rose painted in the middle, and more flowery patterns around it. On the left of the bed, and left of the window, sits another bookshelf. In front of the window, stand two chairs and an oval table on top of another flowery rug. There is on that table a vase filled with a bouquet and an open bottle of wine, almost empty. Behind this set of furniture, you see a chamber stove. With the current warmth in the room, you guess you won’t be needing it for a while. On the right side of the bed, you spot a nightstand and a small flowery rug, with a pair of slippers on top of it. On the other side, there is another nightstand and a rug. You realise that the voice you heard a moment ago was right. The design of all these pieces of furniture looks intricate and expensive. The green walls around you even have painted roses on them, which, with a glance, seem to have been done by hand. Still, you wonder if you should trust the words of someone you can’t even see, and who does not seem that friendly. <div class="heir">Someone is coming.</div> \ Just as the voice mentioned, you hear a couple of knocks coming from the large door. //Best to pretend to still be asleep. Aren’t nobles asleep until their servants wake them up, anyway? // You lay down back in the bed, your head facing the large door, putting your arms in front of your face as cover, leaving just enough space in between to be able to take a peek or two at the intruder. * <<link [[Continue|A1S1-04]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You hear another two knocks on the door. Before you can wonder whether you have to tell them to come in, the handle moves on its own and the door opens. You hear a few footsteps, but no one comes in. Then a deep sigh, as if someone was trying to calm their nerves. There is an excruciatingly silent pause, the whole room standing completely still. Until the footsteps resume. You see a short young woman, barely an adult, entering the room, holding a tray. Even though the tray seems heavy and her dark frock is hindering her movements, her steps are still light on the wooden floor. Judging from her simple dress and white bonnet, she looks to you like a chambermaid. She walks towards the small round table, still clinging onto the tray. As she moves about, the scents of fresh bread, fried eggs, fruit cut and pressed in a juice, as well as freshly brewed coffee, diffuse throughout the room. Your stomach grumbles, highlighting the fact that you actually are hungry, despite what has happened. The little maid puts the tray down on the table. Seemingly a bit too harshly, as you hear some of the dishes clanging against one another. A small, scared gasp escapes from her mouth. She takes out a piece of cloth from a pocket in her frock and dabs it on the tray. Something must have spilled. She looks awfully anxious. The maid moves across the room to reach the window. As she passes in front of the bed, you see a few ginger strands of hair dangling down her bonnet. One strand looks stiffer than the others, as if it had been played with and twisted often. Wanting to know what she will do next, you turn to the other side, assuming a similar position but flipped. You see the chambermaid seizing the heavy curtain, opening it wider. But she stops in her tracks, the cracked window having caught her attention. She grabs the handle and closes it. She snatches the curtains again and opens them completely. The room fills in with more light that blinds you once more. You shut your arms for a moment to get your eyes adjusted to the brightness. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>><<notifAISIfour>> <<default>>She turns around and bumps into the oval low table. Both the bottle and the vase wiggle for a bit. The maid tries to grab both the vase and the bottle, but the vase slips her hand. She gasps in horror at the thought of seeing it break. The vase swings back and forth and slowly stables itself. Lucky for her, only a few drops of water fell on the table and the carpet. She sighs in relief, but still shaking from the ordeal, and wipes the few droplets with her sleeve. Your mouth opens and you hear that voice again. <div class="heir">Incompetents, the whole lot of them.</div> You put your left hand in front of your agape mouth, hoping that these words did not pass your lips. Distressed, you look at the maid. //Did she notice me? Did she hear me? Or did she pretend not to? // The maid crosses the room, biting her nails, the hand holding the bottle still trembling. She seems deep in thought, as if she was replaying the last minute in her head. She continues toward the door, not paying any attention to you. At the door, she puts down the bottle outside of the room. She turns around, closes the door and walks towards the bed. She then announces with a shaky voice. “//?Liege $Name Vasmosia. I have come to wake you as requested.//” She must still think you are deep asleep. Your fake sleeping must be pretty believable. Still, what a weird wake-up call. Maybe you should play along with the charade and pretend to wake up, too. ''How should you wake up?'' * <<link [[You take inspiration from that stranger earlier. You groan, complain and refuse to move for a bit. |A1S1-05a]]>><<unset $text>><<set $relhouse -= 2>><</link>> * <<link [[You try to ‘wake up’ looking as natural as you can. |A1S1-05b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[Nobles do things in quite extreme ways, maybe you should pretend to wake up as over the top as you can imagine. |A1S1-05c]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</switch>>

<<SetGender "Yael">>You choose to get inspired by that strange ?person that woke up next to you earlier. You groan and bury your face in the pillow. You wait a bit to see what the maid will do next. She seems pensive for a moment but ends up repeating herself, only slightly louder:<<SetGender>> “//Liege $Name Vasmosia. I have come to wake you as requested.//” You groan a ‘//don’t want to//’ through your pillow. //Aren’t nobles allowed to do what they want, anyway?// The maid approaches you and sticks her arm out as if she wanted to touch you. She stops herself for a moment, her arm still hanging. Her body shakes slightly before she nudges your shoulder gently. “//I am sorry to approach you that way, my ?liege. Your breakfast is waiting for you.//” You hear your stomach grumbling once more, but fight the urge to jump out of bed and devour the food waiting for you. You instead shake your shoulder to get rid of her hand and mumbles: “//Let me sleep longer. Breakfast can wait.//” “//I understand my ?liege. But you have made it very clear yesterday to wake you up now,//” the maid pleads as she tries to take the cover from you. “//Well, today is a new day. Just go, and leave me be.//” You keep a strong grip on the sheet and do not let go. You pull it past your head as the chambermaid capitulates. She takes her time before responding. You hear her short breathing, fighting back tears. It must not be every day that she has to stand up to you. You hear her walk away and handle some cloth further in the room. As she comes back, with some shaking in her voice, she tries once more. “//Please, my ?liege. I do not want to get into trouble. I know we usually bring your meal later in the morning. But you were very insistent yesterday for us to come at this hour. If we did not follow your instructions, you would miss some business engagements and we would face the consequences.//” You stay quiet under the sheets. //Business engagements? What kind of business am I running here?// You are pretty sure that you’ve never handled this kind of thing before. //Why would I have to take care of business, today of all days?// You had hoped for an uneventful day to explore and learn more about what is going on here at your own pace. You sigh deeply. //If I go along with the program, I might learn something.// You let go of the sheets and feel them again being slowly pulled from you. The force used seems timid and shaky. You recall the maid’s last spoken words. You wonder if every servant is supposed to fear their employers, and if they are often threatened. It seems that the maid had to gather all of her courage to speak to you that way. You decide not to delay the inevitable any longer and uncover yourself brashly, your face looking annoyed by the series of events. Startled by your reaction, the maid jumps on her feet and takes a few steps back. She puts down next to you a long nightgown that she was holding. She waits for you to pick it up, and when you do so, she hurries back to the tray, still sitting on the small table. As she lifts it up, she adds: “//If you could sit up a bit more, my ?liege, I will be able to lay the tray on your lap.//” You huff and puff, showing yourself being even more annoyed by her request. You still end up sitting up on the bed and spreading your arms, awaiting the promised breakfast. The maid lays it in front of you. “//How did my ?liege sleep last night? I hope that you are well-rested, even if your awakening was not ideal. It seems you have a long day ahead of you.//” <<SetGender "Yael">>You freeze. //How did I sleep last night?// On one hand, you have no proper recollection of what happened in this strange place before waking up, next to a strange ?person, who implied the two of you had done some inappropriate things. Though ?they mentioned these interactions being a secret, so it would probably not be a wise thing to mention it to the maid. You don’t even know who this ?person is! On the other hand, the only thing you remember before this morning is that nightmare of you drowning and probably dying. You don’t seem to be able to go further than that. Even then, you really hope that this had just been a nightmare and not a memory. If you mention this to the maid, she would most likely scurry away to the master of the house —or the rest of the staff— and paint you as crazy. //No... No. It would be best if I just lied to her.// Someone already saw through you that something was not normal. You don’t need to bring more attention to yourself. * [[Continue|A1S1-06]]

You choose to pretend to wake up while looking as natural as possible. You move on your back and stretch your arms. Seeing one of your arms coming in her direction, the maid jumps on her feet to take a step back. She tries to control her breathing, which you can hear sounds quite unsteady. You then let out a yawn, not too long, not too short, covering your mouth with the back of your hand. Even while waking up, you try to look dignified. You rub your eyes for good measure and open them. You smile at the maid and sit up. The cover falls on your lap, revealing your naked torso. The maid reddens and turns her head away. “//Would… would you like a chemise, my ?liege?//” “//A chemise?//” “//Yes, my ?liege. To… to cover yourself?//” she blushes even harder. “//It might not be… comfortable to have breakfast in this state.//” “//Very well… It seems to make you uncomfortable. I shall, as you say, cover myself.//” The maid walks to the chair by the round table and picks up from the pile of clothes a long nightgown to bring back to you. You guess this is the chemise she was talking about. As she comes back, she adds: “//I am glad my ?liege woke up so swiftly. You mentioned yesterday having some important business engagements to attend to today.//” //Business engagements? What kind of business am I running here?// You are pretty sure that you’ve never handled this kind of thing before. //Why would I have to take care of business, today of all days?// You had hoped for an uneventful day to explore and learn more about what is going on here at your own pace. You sigh deeply. //If I go along with the program, I might learn something.// You accept the nightgown gracefully and put it on. The maid walks again to the small table to pick up the tray. As she lays it on your lap, she asks you: “//How did my ?liege sleep last night? I hope that you are well rested today. It seems you have a long day ahead of you.//” <<SetGender "Yael">>You freeze. //How did I sleep last night?// On one hand, you have no proper recollection of what happened in this strange place before waking up, next to a strange ?person, who implied the two of you had done some inappropriate things. Though ?they mentioned these interactions being a secret, so it would probably not be a wise thing to mention it to the maid. You don’t even know who this ?person is! On the other hand, the only thing you remember before this morning is that nightmare of you drowning and probably dying. You don’t seem to be able to go further than that. Even then, you really hope that this had just been a nightmare and not a memory. If you mention this to the maid, she would most likely scurry away to the master of the house —or the rest of the staff— and paint you as crazy. //No... No. It would be best if I just lied to her.// Someone already saw through you that something was not normal. You don’t need to bring more attention to yourself. * [[Continue|A1S1-06]]

Since you assume nobles do things in extreme ways, you don’t see why they would not wake up in an over-the-top way. You launch yourself on your back and sit up. Your move startles the maid, who jumps on her feet and takes a few steps back. The sheet covering your body falls, revealing your naked torso. The maid blushes and turns her head away from you. With your fingers crossed, you vigorously stretch your arms upwards. You move them sideways, then in front of you, parting them aside and rolling your fists. You hear the maid’s breathing speeding up. She does not seem to be that comfortable around you. You let out a loud yawn with your mouth wide open. You drag it on for a good twenty seconds, until you start to worry your jaw would get stuck staying that way. When you are done, you rub your eyes and squint, for good measure. //Maybe one yawn is not enough.// You let out a second one, half as long, almost as loud. //There, that should do it.// You see the maid standing next to the small round table, grabbing what looks like a long nightgown. She walks back and as she hands it to you, she adds: “//I am glad my ?liege woke up so energetically this morning. You mentioned yesterday having some important business engagements to attend to today.//” “//Quite right, quite right,//” you mumble. //Business engagements? What kind of business am I running here?// You are pretty sure that you’ve never handled this kind of thing before. //Why would I have to take care of business, today of all days? // You had hoped for an uneventful day to explore and learn more about what is going on here at your own pace. You sigh deeply. //If I go along with the program, I might learn something.// You take the nightgown from her and put it on. The maid walks again to the small table to pick up the tray. As she lays it on your lap, she asks you: “//How did my ?liege sleep last night? I hope that you are well rested today. It seems you have a long day ahead of you.//” <<SetGender "Yael">>You freeze. //How did I sleep last night?// On one hand, you have no proper recollection of what happened in this strange place before waking up, next to a strange ?person, who implied the two of you had done some inappropriate things. Though ?they mentioned these interactions being a secret, so it would probably not be a wise thing to mention it to the maid. You don’t even know who this ?person is! On the other hand, the only thing you remember before this morning is that nightmare of you drowning and probably dying. You don’t seem to be able to go further than that. Even then, you really hope that this had just been a nightmare and not a memory. If you mention this to the maid, she would most likely scurry away to the master of the house —or the rest of the staff— and paint you as crazy. //No... No. It would be best if I just lied to her.// Someone already saw through you that something was not normal. You don’t need to bring more attention to yourself. * [[Continue|A1S1-06]]

“//My ?liege, is everything alright?//” The maid, still waiting for your answer, has noticed your silence. Your mind has been spiralling for probably longer than it should have been. “//Yes, yes… all is fine. I slept fine,//” you snap at her. The maid nods and walks back toward the clothes on the chair to put them away. You look down at the tray on your lap. It holds many delicate porcelain cups, crystal glasses, and plates. All of them seem to have the same painted design as on the walls, but on a smaller scale, with red roses and green accents around them. Looking at the golden cutlery, you notice a similar design forged into them. Everything on this tray is coordinated and seemingly opulent. Hearing your stomach grumbling again brings your attention to the most important thing on this tray: your awaiting breakfast. You see steam coming out of the hot coffee and scrambled eggs, condensation droplets on the cold juice glass and the fruit cup. There are so many things on it, you don’t even know where to start. Even if it overwhelms you a bit, you realise how hungry you are. As you prick your fork into the fruit cup, you notice in the corner of the tray a cloth tissue. You pick up the napkin and inspect it. It is a simple piece of cloth, with a light brown stain on it, which you guess may have come from the spilling earlier. There is also an embroidered name on it. “//Anne…//” you read aloud. “//Yes, my ?liege?//” The maid turns around and sees you holding the napkin. Her expression transforms into horror at its sight. She rushes back to you and snatches it from your hands. “//I’m sorry, my ?liege. I’m so sorry. I forgot it before handing you the tray. Please forgive me. It won’t happen again.//” Instinctively, you shoo her away with your hand. She goes back to the closet, her hands fidgeting with the napkin, which she ends up putting back in her pocket. The appetising smell takes you back to your breakfast. * [[Continue|A1S1-06a]]

“//My ?liege, what style would you prefer to be wearing today?//” You look up towards Anne, confused by her question. How can you even remember your clothing style when you barely remember anything of yourself before awaking in the darkness? Anne also mentioned how important the meetings you were attending were going to be. How can you know what is appropriate to wear when you don’t know what kind of meetings these are? Or about the customs of this world? What if you make a faux-pas without realising by picking the wrong outfit? Unnerved by your silence, Anne opens the closer and grabs two different outfits. Hanging them each on one of her wrists, she shows them to you and clarifies her question. “//Are you feeling like wearing a more feminine outfit today,//” she lifts a dress, “//or a more masculine one?//” she lifts a suit. * <<link [[You point towards the dress. |A1S1-06b]]>><<set $suit to "dress">><<set $suits to "dresses">><</link>> * <<link [[You point towards the suit. |A1S1-06b]]>><<set $suit to "suit">><<set $suits to "suits">><</link>>

You point towards the $suit. The chambermaid sets the it aside and puts the other outfit back into the closet. The scent of your breakfast brings your attention back to the tray. “//Would you like to wear a wig today, my ?liege?//” You choke a bit on a piece of toast you had just taken a bite of. You gaze at Anne, taking again some pieces out of the closet. Some dust or powder falls as she moves things around. Unconsciously, you feel your hand caressing your <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>bald<<else>>hairy<</if>> scalp. “//Err… Am I required to wear one?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege. You wear one sometimes. Other times, you don’t. So we always ask you.//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“I think I’ll wear one today.”">><<replace "#wig" t8n>>“//I think I’ll wear one today.//” “//What hair colour would you like to wear?//” “//Let’s go for <<CycleWigC>>, today.//” Anne nods in confirmation and looks for a wig with the chosen colour. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S1-07][$wig.on to 1]]</li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“I won’t wear one today.”">><<replace "#wig" t8n>>“//I won’t wear one today.//” “//Noted.//” Anne puts back some boxes in the closet. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S1-07]]</li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li><<link '“I would rather have my <<if $mc.hair0 is "some">>hair<<else>>head<</if>> wrapped,”'>><<replace "#wig" t8n>>“//I would rather have my <<if $mc.hair0 is "some">>hair<<else>>head<</if>> wrapped,//” you reply shyly. Your request does not faze Anne, who puts back some boxes in the closet before taking out a few pieces of fabric. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S1-07][$wig.on to 2]]</li></ul><</replace>><</link>> </li></ul> <>

You bring a spoon full of food into your mouth. The taste lingers on your tongue. You take another bite, savouring each ingredient. You take a sip, cherishing each drop. Even if you can’t remember much of your life, you feel as if you’ve never eaten food this good before. You hope to eat these delicious dishes for the rest of your life. While you appreciate the effort of whoever cooked this feast for you, you notice the chambermaid staring at you. //Has she never seen me enjoy food before?// As your gazes meet, she spins around and brings her attention back to the wardrobe. You do the same with your breakfast. Some bites later, you faintly hear something from her direction: “//Why ?arethey still having breakfast here? Shouldn’t ?they be eating with the rest of the family by now? ?Theyare only the heir, not the Parriach or Consort. ?Arethey sick? No… ?Theyseem fine now. And ?they would have looked sick yesterday as well. I mean… it can’t still be because of Lady Isabel. She left us really suddenly, but it’s already been months. Everyone else has at least tried to go back to normal.//” As more and more words are passing through her lips, you find yourself feeling sick. Something insidious from deep within you trying to take over your body. Something burning, boiling you from the inside. You don’t know how to handle it or how long you will be able to contain it. <div class="heir">How dare she speak of me like this? Does she not know her place?</div> You hear that voice again, full of anger and disdain for Anne. You realise it is not just anger, but pure full wrath for the little maid. It’s as if you’ve never hated anyone as much as you do right now. With every new word Anne utters, a heavier burning weight sits on your chest. You don’t know how much longer you will be able to stay that way. ''How do you proceed?'' * [[Take the easy road with dealing with this feeling and release it into the world, damned the consequences. At least, you won’t need to feel it another second more. |A1S1-08a][$relhouse -= 5]] * [[Agree with Anne on having to go back to normal. Maybe this will help turn this negative feeling into something positive. |A1S1-08b][$relhouse += 2]] * [[Pretend you did not hear anything and bury this feeling. |A1S1-08c]]

You know you can’t keep this burning feeling inside of you anymore. It is already throbbing so much. You are afraid that if you try to bury it any longer, you will end up hurting yourself even more. Or unleash it at a very inconvenient time towards someone who should never be the target of your wrath. You let the feeling flow through you, allowing it to take over your body. The boiling sensation slowly fades into a comfortable warmth. As the pain diminishes, you realise you might not be in control anymore. “//How dare you speak her name!//” A harsh voice yells at the chambermaid. Words come out of your mouth even before you think of speaking them. It feels as if something or someone else is controlling it for you, trying to push you out of your own body. As you dissociate from your flesh, you are forced to see yourself in a ruthless light. Your face flushes and trembles as it screams at the frightened little maid. Veins are popping out on your face and your neck. You wonder if you have ever been this angry at someone before. It seems so surreal to you to see your body behaving in a way you’ve never seen yourself behaving. The eerie thing about it all is that you can’t seem to understand what your mouth is saying. You can hear sounds, your yells towards the maid, and feel that words are passing your lips. But your brain can’t process any of this and turn it into coherent sentences. You have noticed though that Anne had mentioned a Lady Isabel having suddenly left, and that you had reacted so strongly to it. You wonder who she was and how she was like. //Has this family had a scandal? Or a death?// As more words echo in the room, you feel the pent up anger slowly leaving your body. Your pulse decreases and your breathing gets back to a more normal pace. You sense getting control back of your movement and your body. You glance at the maid. She stands on her feet, not moving a muscle, but still shaking from the whole ordeal, almost in tears. She probably didn’t expect to be yelled at so early in the morning. She turns away from you and continues pulling out some outfits from the wardrobe. You can hear faint sniffles from her direction. Whatever you have said in the past minutes really affected her. <div class="heir">Serves her right.</div> You brush the voice away. It might be best to just finish your breakfast in silence. If you try to comfort the poor maid, it might not end up feeling as genuine as you would want to be. She would probably feel some emotional whiplash from getting crucified for misspeaking, to being comforted by the same person the next. You can always turn it around later, when wounds are not this raw anymore. You go back to your breakfast, all the while avoiding looking at Anne. * [[Continue|A1S1-09]]

“//Mmh… Maybe you’re right, Anne. Maybe it is time.//” The chambermaid, surprised, does not dare to move a muscle. She didn’t realise you could hear her mumbling from the bed. You were probably not supposed to overhear what she had just said. Seeing her strong reaction, you wonder if you normally notice other people around you, and if you pay attention to what they say. Anne’s voice was definitely clear enough for you to hear whatever would come out of her mouth. You break the silence. “//I should probably get my affairs in order and rejoin the family breakfast at some point.//” “//Oh my ?liege, please do not mind a word I just said. I should not have spoken out of turn.//” “//It’s alright Anne. I may have been somewhat unfair to everyone lately.//” “//Of course not, my ?liege. It was my mistake and mine alone.//” You brush off her last comment with your hand, and get back to your breakfast. You notice that your anger has completely disappeared, as if it had never been there to begin with. You did not expect depriving that dark energy of attention would be that easy to do. You can only imagine what would have happened if you had tapped into that anger. Something from Anne’s monologue still sticks with you. She had mentioned a Lady Isabel having suddenly left. You wonder who she was and how she was like. //Has this family had a scandal? Or a death?// You know what you were feeling just now tells you how much this woman meant to you. The clanging of hangers being pulled out and back into the closet rail, as well as the brushing of fabric against one another, takes you out of your reverie. You see in the corner of your eye the maid pulling some outfits from the wardrobe. * [[Continue|A1S1-09]]

You pretend not to having heard a thing coming from Anne’s lips. Maybe you were not supposed to hear anything. Maybe this is the way you’ve always behaved here, pretending like the help is not there when they are not needed. Or maybe, you should have said something. After all, she was brazenly criticising you in broad daylight, right under your nose. You imagine what would have happened if you had tapped into that anger to punish her. But you realise that moment has passed, along with that anger of yours. There was no need to unleash anything. Still quiet, you shrug and get back to your breakfast. You already feel much calmer and your chest much lighter. Something from Anne’s monologue still sticks with you. She had mentioned a Lady Isabel having suddenly left. You wonder if this family had a scandal or if there had been a death. You wonder who this Lady Isabel was and how she was like. What you were feeling just now could mean how much this woman meant to you. The clanging of hangers being pulled out and back into the closet rail, as well as the brushing of fabric against one another, takes you out of your reverie. You see in the corner of your eye the maid pulling some outfits from the wardrobe. * [[Continue|A1S1-09]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Finally feeling satiated, you lay out a satisfied sigh, pushing the tray aside. You stretch your limbs, moving away from the bed. As you order your limbs around, you sense every muscle contracting and relaxing. You have not completely processed the eerie sensation, or lack of sensation, since you’ve awakened. You still can’t get over being able to feel things again, to taste them, and see something else than pitch-black darkness. In the corner of your eye, you see Anne zooming past you, picking up the breakfast tray and walking to the large door. She opens it and puts down the tray just outside. “//Uh…//” she comments, as she sets the tray on the floor, “//?they finished it all…//” She walks back to the closet, standing next to some outfits she has selected for you. Waiting for you to join her and pick your choice, she balances herself back and forth on her heels. As you step towards her, you notice a figure appearing in the standing mirror on your left. The figure resembles what you think you look like, but something is missing. Or has something been added? You can’t tell. Your gaze is blinded by Anne taking off the nightgown you had just put on. Though, it does not take long for you to be able to glance back at the mirror, while she goes to the wardrobe to find you a fresh one. While she is busy, you focus your attention back to your reflection in the mirror. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>This is the first time you have been able to see the whole of yourself, since… as long as you could remember. You remember little from before the abyss, and there was certainly no mirror there. You feel tense, scared you won’t recognise the person in the reflection. In the mirror, you see the picture of a young <<CycleSize>> <<CycleBGlook>> body staring back at you. Its $mc.skin skin glistens in the warm light. Your gaze moves to your face. Unconsciously, your hands frame your face, touching your cheeks and feeling <<CycleFacial>>. Knowing that this did not change, you catch yourself smiling. Looking up, two <<CycleEyes>> eyes peer intensely back at you, as if trying to look into your soul. The longer your stare, the more you wonder who is actually the reflection and who is the real $Name here! You shake your head. This is not the time to explore existential dread! Avoiding locking eyes with your reflection again, you focus on something else. Your eyes shift from one spot to another frantically until they settle on your hair. <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>Well, lack of hair. Your hand grazes your shiny $mc.skin scalp. <<else>>Your hand brushes through your <<CycleHairT>> hair, <<CycleHairL>>. The light glazes on its <<CycleHairC>> strands. <</if>>This helps your mind calm down and avoid that dreadful feeling. You try to energise yourself up, by placing your hands on your hips and twisting your body to look at your sides and back. Focusing on your body’s shape, you see a <<CycleChest>>, <<CycleBuild>> body, with <<CycleLimb>> limbs. You sigh in relief, seeing that this coat of flesh has not changed one bit. Well… save for that long scar on your right side, running from your knee to your hips. You wonder where you got it from. “//Is my ?liege ready to get dressed?//” Anne interrupts your dreamlike state, a chemise in hand. * <<link [[Continue|A1S1-10]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<ShortLongHair>><<SetColours>><<set $outfitpick to 0>>“//Is my ?liege ready to get dressed?//” Anne is waiting patiently for your cue, holding some undergarments in her arms. Your nod sets her in motion and treats your body like her mannequin. Even though she blushed at your naked body earlier, it does not seem to matter to her anymore. //How did she get desensitised from its nakedness so quickly? Or was the implication of its place in the bed something she could not handle?// From her movement, you can’t help but feel less like a person and more like a dummy one can dress up.<<if $mc.size gt 1>> She bring a small stool at one point, which she stands on to help her pull the garment over your head. You had bent over slightly to assist her movements, but she requested you to stand still.<</if>> After your undergarments are safely set, Anne stands next to a rack of three $suits she pulled out of the closet as you were finishing your breakfast. Each garment is adoring colours, drearier than the next. Between black, navy and dark mauve, you are not sure which one seems the least depressing to wear. They all look like heavy and stuffy outfits. At first glance, they are probably not fit for the warm day settling outside, either. //Is there a reason that only these funeral-looking outfits have been picked over anything else? Would it be because of this Lady Isabel I’ve been hearing about? In any case… How am I going to survive under these kinds of layers?// You wonder whether you are mandated to wear these outside or if you are allowed to choose something else. “//Which one would my ?liege like to wear today?//” * [[You point at the black outfit. |A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[You point at the navy outfit. |A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] * [[You point at the mauve outfit. |A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] * [[These clothes are too depressing. You ask Anne to show you other outfits. |A1S1-11b][$relhouse -= 1]] <<notifAISIten>>

“//Bring me the <<if $outfit is 1>>black<<elseif $outfit is 2>>navy<<else>>mauve<</if>> one,//” you order the chambermaid. Anne acknowledges your request, bringing forth the desired $suit. She holds the outfit in front of you, so you can imagine how it would sit on your shoulders. <<switch $outfit>><<case 1>><<if $suit is "suit">>Hanging between you and the mirror, the black suit is composed of three pieces: a pair of black high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable plaid pattern of lighter blacks; a black single-breasted vest with a silver embroidered flowery design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. You notice Anne added on one of the suit’s shoulders a black and silver cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>Hanging between you and the mirror, the black dress is composed of three main pieces: a solid black full skirt; a full-sleeved black blouse, with a barely noticeable plaid pattern of lighter blacks; a thick black leather belt with a silver buckle. You notice, on one shoulder of the blouse, Anne added a pair of black wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case 2>><<if $suit is "suit">>The navy suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of deep navy high-waist trousers, with a single slim navy stripe on the outside of the leg; a desaturated cyan single-breasted vest, with a Gainsboro paisley design; and a simple navy button shirt with a high collar. On one of the suit’s shoulders, you notice Anne had placed a moon mist and Neptune cravat tie, reminiscent of the pattern on the vest. <<else>>The navy dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid deep navy full skirt; a full-sleeved navy blouse, with a stripe pattern of desaturated cyan; a thick deep navy leather belt with a Gainsboro painted buckle. On one of the dress’s shoulders, you notice Anne had placed a pair of deep navy wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<default>><<if $suit is "suit">>The reflection in the mirror shows the dark mauve suit in front of you being composed of three pieces: a pair of dark old mauve high-waist trousers, with a violet check pattern; a lilac single-breasted vest with an old mauve stripe design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne has added on one of the suit’s shoulders a lilac cravat tie, complimenting the vest. <<else>>The reflection in the mirror shows the dark mauve dress in front of you being composed of three main pieces: a solid dark old mauve full skirt; a full-sleeved old mauve blouse with a check pattern of violet; a thick deep navy leather belt with a lilac painted buckle. On one of the dress’s shoulders, Anne has added a pair of lilac wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>><</switch>> “//Does this outfit pleases you, my ?liege?//” * [[“Yes, very much. Let’s go with this one.” |A1S1-12]] * [[“No, not really.” |A1S1-11o][$outfitpick +=1]]

“//These outfits look so depressing. I mean… look at the colours. You’d think someone just died.//” Anne twitches, but you continue. “//I think it would be much nicer if I wore something with a bit more panache. A different colour, that would work better with my… complexion.//” “//A different—//” “//Yes, Anne. A different colour. Shouldn’t I have all the colours of the rainbow in this gigantic closet of mine? Isn’t there anything else I could wear today? Anything but these sad, SAD, colours?//” “//Oh,//” Anne winces at your reaction to the hanged outfits. “//Yes. Yes, of course, my ?liege.//” Anne opens the closet once more. As you correctly assumed, you do have all the colours of the rainbow stacked in there, and then some. Neatly arranged by types of wear, and then by colours, you feel a bit dizzy at the potential amount of choice you can pick from. Thankfully, the chambermaid, standing in front of a specific part of the closet, pulls out three other $suits: a $colour.fav one, $colour.rdm1 one and $colour.rdm2 one. “//Which colour would my ?liege prefer today?//” she holds with a bit of difficulty the three new outfits. * [["“Let’s wear something with " + $colour.fav + ".”" |A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“I’d rather wear " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”" |A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] * [["“Let’s go with " + $colour.rdm2 + " today.”" |A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]]

You don’t feel particularly happy with the outfit hanging in front of you. Anne notices your discontentment with the $suit chosen. “//If my ?liege is not happy with this $suit, we can always look at another one. Would my ?liege prefer that?//” “//Yes… I don’t think this one will do for today.//” “//What shall we look at next?//” she asks as she takes the outfit back. <<switch $outfit>><<case 1>> * [[“Bring me the navy one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] * [[“Bring me the mauve one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] <<if hasVisited("A1S1-11b")>>* [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.fav + ".”"|A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm2 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]] <<else>>* [[“Let’s look at different colours.”|A1S1-11b]]<</if>> <<case 2>> * [[“Bring me the black one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[“Bring me the mauve one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] <<if hasVisited("A1S1-11b")>>* [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.fav + ".”"|A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm2 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]] <<else>>* [[“Let’s look at different colours.”|A1S1-11b]]<</if>> <<case 3>> * [[“Bring me the black one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[“Bring me the navy one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] <<if hasVisited("A1S1-11b")>>* [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.fav + ".”"|A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm2 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]] <<else>>* [[“Let’s look at different colours.”|A1S1-11b]]<</if>> <<case 4>> * [[“Bring me the black one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[“Bring me the navy one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] * [[“Bring me the mauve one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm2 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]] <<case 5>> * [[“Bring me the black one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[“Bring me the navy one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] * [[“Bring me the mauve one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.fav + ".”"|A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm2 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-2][$outfit to 6]] <<default>> * [[“Bring me the black one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 1]] * [[“Bring me the navy one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 2]] * [[“Bring me the mauve one.”|A1S1-11a][$outfit to 3]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.fav + ".”"|A1S1-11b-f][$outfit to 4]] * [["“Let’s look into " + $colour.rdm1 + ".”"|A1S1-11b-1][$outfit to 5]] <</switch>>

“//Let’s wear something with $colour.fav today.//” <<if lastVisited("A1S1-11b-2") is 1>>Anne puts down the previous outfit to pick up the requested $suit. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<<else>>Anne puts down the other outfits and brings forward the requested $suit. From your vantage point, as Anne left the closet doors open, you see multiple $suits in different shades of $colour.fav, each with unique designs. If you had to pick for yourself, you would not know where to start. You feel happy that Anne did not need any inputs from you and already took out one $colour.fav $suit from your wardrobe. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<</if>> <<switch $colour.fav>><<case "yellow">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of chrome yellow high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of pine tree; a champagne single-breasted vest, with a light greenish-grey floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a champagne and greenish-grey cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid chrome yellow outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of pine tree underneath; a chrome yellow bodice, with champagne detailing; and champagne full sleeves decorated with greenish-grey ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of champagne wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "orange">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of cognac high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of dark jungle green; a coffee single-breasted vest, with a burnt sienna floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a coffee and brunt sienna cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid cognac outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of dark jungle green underneath; a cognac bodice, with burnt sienna detailing; and burnt sienna full sleeves decorated with coffee ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of cognac wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "red">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of rosewood high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of liquorice; a grullo single-breasted vest, with a coffee floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a rosewood and liquorice cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid rosewood outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of liquorice underneath; a rosewood bodice, with grullo detailing; and grullo full sleeves decorated with coffee ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of grullo wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "purple">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of deep royal purple high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of lavender; a pearl single-breasted vest, with a laurel green floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a royal purple and lavender cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid deep royal purple outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of lavender underneath; a lavender bodice, with laurel green detailing; and laurel green full sleeves decorated with pearl ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulder a pair of pearl wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case is "blue">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of zodiac blue high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of pastel grey; a royal blue single-breasted vest, with a smoky white floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a zodiac blue and pastel grey cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid zodiac blue outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of royal blue underneath; a royal blue bodice, with pastel grey detailing; and smoky white full sleeves decorated with pastel grey ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of pearl wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<default>><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of palm leaf green high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of beige; a citron single-breasted vest with a pale goldenrod floral design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulder a palm leaf and beige cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a solid palm green outer skirt, with an opening in the middle, demarcated by some ruching, revealing another skirt layer of beige underneath; a palm green bodice, with citron detailing; and beige full sleeves decorated with pale goldenrod and citron ribbons. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of pale goldenrod wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>><</switch>> “//Does this outfit pleases you, my ?liege?//” * [[“Yes, very much. Let’s go with this one.” |A1S1-12]] * [[“No, not really.” |A1S1-11o][$outfitpick +=1]]

“//I’d rather wear $colour.rdm1 today rather than those,//” you say as you nod at the darker outfits. <<if lastVisited("A1S1-11b-2") is 1>>Anne puts down the previous outfit to pick up the requested $suit. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<<else>>Anne puts down the other outfits and brings forward the requested $suit. From your vantage point, as Anne left the closet doors open, you see multiple $suits in different shades of $colour.rdm1, each with unique designs. If you had to pick for yourself, you would not know where to start. You feel happy that Anne did not need any inputs from you and already took out one $colour.rdm1 $suit from your wardrobe. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<</if>> <<switch $colour.rdm1>><<case "yellow">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of chrome yellow high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of pine tree; a champagne single-breasted vest with a light greenish-grey matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a champagne and greenish-grey cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent chrome yellow organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by pine tree ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of pine tree satin skirt that covers the rest of the legs; a chrome yellow open bodice, with pine tree detailing; and a champagne undershirt decorated with a greenish-grey leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of champagne wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "orange">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of cognac high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of dark jungle green; a coffee single-breasted vest with a burnt sienna matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a coffee and brunt sienna cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent cognac organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by dark jungle green ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of dark jungle green satin skirt that would cover the rest of the legs; a cognac open bodice, with dark jungle green detailing; and a coffee undershirt decorated with a burnt sienna leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of coffee wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "red">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of rosewood high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of liquorice; a grullo single-breasted vest with a coffee matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a rosewood and liquorice cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent rosewood organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by liquorice ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of liquorice satin skirt that would cover the rest of the legs; a rosewood open bodice, with liquorice detailing; and a grullo undershirt decorated with a coffee leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of grullo wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "purple">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of deep royal purple high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of lavender; a pearl single-breasted vest with a laurel green matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a royal purple and lavender cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent deep royal purple organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by lavender ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of lavender satin skirt that would cover the rest of the legs; a deep royal purple open bodice, with lavender detailing; and a pearl undershirt decorated with a laurel green leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of pearl wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case is "blue">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of zodiac blue high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of pastel grey; a royal blue single-breasted vest with a smoky white matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a zodiac blue and pastel grey cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent zodiac blue organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by pastel grey ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of pastel grey satin skirt that would cover the rest of the legs; a zodiac blue open bodice, with pastel grey detailing; and a royal blue undershirt decorated with a smoky white leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of smoky white wrist length gloves with lace. <</if>> <<default>><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of palm leaf green high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable honeycomb pattern of beige; a citron single-breasted vest with a pale goldenrod matelassé design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a palm leaf and beige cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a few translucent palm leaf green organza layers for the outer skirt, ruched up to the knee and held in position by beige ribbons, to reveal underneath a layer of beige satin skirt that would cover the rest of the legs; a palm leaf green open bodice, with beige detailing; and a citron undershirt decorated with a pale goldenrod leaf design. While you look at the outfit, Anne adds on one of the dress’s shoulders a pair of pale goldenrod wrist length gloves with lace. <</if>><</switch>> “//Does this outfit pleases you, my ?liege?//” * [[“Yes, very much. Let’s go with this one.” |A1S1-12]] * [[“No, not really.” |A1S1-11o][$outfitpick +=1]]

“//I’d rather wear $colour.rdm2 today rather than those,//” you say as you nod at the darker outfits. <<if lastVisited("A1S1-11b-1") is 1>>Anne puts down the previous outfit to pick up the requested $suit. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<<else>>Anne puts down the other outfits and brings forward the requested $suit. From your vantage point, as Anne left the closet doors open, you see multiple $suits in different shades of $colour.rdm2, each with unique designs. If you had to pick for yourself, you would not know where to start. You feel happy that Anne did not need any inputs from you and already took out one $colour.rdm2 $suit from your wardrobe. She holds it in front of you. You look at yourself in the mirror, imagining how the outfit would sit on your body.<</if>> <<switch $colour.rdm2>><<case "yellow">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of chrome yellow high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable pinstripe pattern of pine tree; a champagne single-breasted vest with a light greenish-grey clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a champagne and greenish-grey cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered chrome yellow skirt with a pine tree dotted pattern and pine tree lace at the end of each layer; a chrome yellow pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a champagne chemise underneath, with a greenish-grey stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of champagne wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "orange">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of cognac high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable shepherd’s check pattern of dark jungle green; a coffee single-breasted vest with a burnt sienna clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a coffee and burnt sienna cravat tie, reminiscing of the flowers on the vest. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered cognac skirt with a dark jungle green dotted pattern and dark jungle green lace at the end of each layer; a cognac pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a burnt sienna chemise underneath, with a coffee stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of burnt sienna wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "red">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of rosewood high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable pinstripe pattern of liquorice; a grullo single-breasted vest with a coffee clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a rosewood and liquorice cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered rosewood skirt with a liquorice dotted pattern and liquorice lace at the end of each layer; a rosewood pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a grullo chemise underneath, with a coffee stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of grullo wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "purple">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of deep royal purple high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable pinstripe pattern of lavender; a pearl single-breasted vest with a laurel green clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a royal purple and lavender cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered deep royal purple skirt with a lavender dotted pattern and lavender lace at the end of each layer; a deep royal purple pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a pearl chemise underneath, with a laurel green stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of pearl wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<case "blue">><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of zodiac blue high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable pinstripe of pastel grey; a royal blue single-breasted vest with a smoky white clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a zodiac blue and pastel grey cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered zodiac blue skirt with a pastel grey dotted pattern and pastel grey lace at the end of each layer; a zodiac blue pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a royal blue chemise underneath, with a smoky white stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of pastel grey wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>> <<default>><<if $suit is "suit">>The suit in front of you is composed of three pieces: a pair of palm leaf green high-waist trousers, with a barely noticeable pinstripe pattern of beige; a citron single-breasted vest with a pale goldenrod clover design; and a simple white button shirt with a high collar. Anne adds on one of the suit’s shoulders a palm leaf and beige cravat tie. <<else>>The dress in front of you is composed of three main pieces: a multi-layered palm leaf green skirt with a beige dotted pattern and beige lace at the end of each layer; a palm leaf green pointy bodice with short sleeves, embellished in the same pattern as the skirt; the pointy bodice reveals a citron chemise underneath, with a pale goldenrod stripe design. On the dress’s shoulder, Anne had added a pair of pale goldenrod wrist length gloves with lace.<</if>><</switch>> “//Does this outfit pleases you, my ?liege?//” * [[“Yes, very much. Let’s go with this one.” |A1S1-12]] * [[“No, not really.” |A1S1-11o][$outfitpick +=1]]

<<OutfitColour>>Seeing you satisfied with the $suit hanging in front of you, Anne sets it for a moment on the chair next to you. She picks up the discarded outfits and puts them back in the closet. <<if $outfitpick gt 2>>Since you were indecisive with your choice, she needs to haul away quite a few pieces before she comes back to you. <<if $mc.size gt 1>>With her small frame, you are worried about her balancing this load. With any wrong movement, she would end up being buried under it. <</if>>A small part of you feels a bit guilty for having asked the chambermaid to take out all these $suits, only to have them being sent back unused.<</if>> Anne brings her attention back to you<<if $suit is "dress">>, with a flattened hoop skirt, a petticoat, and a sturdy corset in her arms. She puts them aside for a moment<</if>>. She delicately takes apart the layers of the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> $suit, to reach the separate pieces with more ease. Looking at her diligent work and the many layers, you realise it will take her quite some time to dress you. <<if $mc.hair0 is "some" or $wig.on isnot 0>>And that’s not taking into account Anne having to set your <<if $wig.on is 1>>wig<<elseif $wig.on is 2>>headwrap<<else>>hair<</if>>.<</if>> //No wonder I requested to be awakened early.// To pass the time and not think about being Anne’s mannequin for the time being, you try to think of a way to entertain yourself. With this place being still unknown and your standing in it being unclear to you, you wonder if you could trick the chambermaid into answering some questions for you. However, unless you manage to frame it properly, she could get suspicious of you and tattle to the master of the house. Anne brings over the first layer and starts dressing you<<if $mc.size gt 1>>, again with a bit of difficulty, even if she does not show it<</if>>. ''Will you take the risk?'' * [[Ask Anne some questions. |A1S1-13b][$relhouse += 1]] * [[Don’t risk it and stay silent.|A1S1-13a]]

You feel it would be best if you avoided asking questions for now, especially if the ones you would want to be answered are probably supposed to be common knowledge in this world. You are afraid that your fake persona would be discovered if you asked anything out of line. Always gossiping, the help would welcome any information they could come across. And if their suspicions get brought up to the wrong person, you could get into a lot of trouble. You keep an eye on Anne, who continues to dress you, which seems to last an eternity. <<if $mc.size gt 1>>You are not too shocked, as she needs to handle a body much bigger than hers. <</if>>Save for the fabric being moved around or set on your body, the overall silence is getting unbearable. You want to break that silence by saying something, but you are too afraid to utter even one word. You know one wrong move would mean your end. Layer after layer, you impatiently wait for the chambermaid to be done with you. When she adorns your $suit with a rose brooch, Anne exhales loudly, as if dressing you had been a tough exercise on her small frame. <<if $mc.size gt 1>>Looking down at her, it does not surprise you to see her forehead sprinkled with shiny droplets. <</if>>She puts her fists on her hips and takes a step back, wanting a better look at her work. Satisfied, she walks towards the vanity behind you and stands next to it, seemingly waiting for you to join her. <<if $mc.hair0 is "some" or $wig.on gte 1>>//Right, she still needs to do something about this <<if $wig.on is 1>>wig<<elseif $wig.on is 2>>headscarf<<else>>hair<</if>> of mine. Hopefully, she won’t need too much time to be done with it.// You sit in front of the vanity and let the chambermaid finish her job. <<if $wig.on is 2>>She takes one of the pieces of cloths she had put aside earlier, a <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> one with a faint pattern woven through it. She pleads and pins it around your head and face in a way that the fabric <<CycleHeadwrap>>. <<elseif $mc.hair0 is "some">>You wonder if you should tell her how your hair should be handled, but she does not seem worried one bit. She seems to have done this before. <<if $wig.on is 1>>She picks up a simple $wig.colour wig from one of the boxes next to the vanity. The wig has been braided on each side until the hair reached the top of the neck, where the braids have been attached with a small ribbon. The rest of the length has been curled. Anne detaches the ribbon and changes it with one matching your outfit. Before setting the wig on your head, she gathers your hair under a cap, flattening it with some gel on the side. <<if $mc.hair1 is "long">>She makes a bun with the rest of the length and shoves it in the cap the best she can. <</if>>She then adds the wig on top, securing it with some pins here and there. <<elseif $mc.hair1 is "long">>She picks up a brush and combs through your hair. For some tougher knots, she goes through them directly with her fingers. She then parts your hair into three sections and braids those separately. She twists and secures each braid on the back of your hair with pins and ribbons matching your outfit. <<else>>She picks up a comb and brushes your hair. As your hair is too short to have a complicated styling, Anne contents herself with setting it nicely on your head, adding some pins where needed. <</if>><<else>>She picks up a simple $wig.colour wig from one of the boxes next to the vanity. The wig has been braided on each side until the hair reached the top of the neck, where the braids have been attached with a small ribbon. The rest of the length has been curled. Anne detaches the ribbon and changes it with one matching your outfit. Before setting the wig on your head, she applies some sort of cream on your bald scalp. She then adds the wig on top. <</if>>With a small comb and some sort of paste, she sets some unruly strands in place. Anne opens one of the vanity drawers and brings out some small pots and brushes.<<else>>You sit in front of the vanity and let the chambermaid finish her job. Anne opens one of the vanity drawers and brings out some small pots and brushes.<</if>> “//Could you close your eyes for a moment, my ?liege?//” You do as instructed, though reluctantly, and flinch when you first feel unknown touches on your face. Though Anne tries her best to reassure you, her soft fingers massaging and the bristles of different brushes rubbing feel alien on your skin. Still, you try your best to stay still. You don’t want it to last more than it should. “//Will you need anything else, my ?liege?//” Anne asks after her finger touches your cheek for the last time. You slowly open your eyes and see your face reflected in the vanity mirror. With the creams and powders applied skilfully by Anne, the subtle changes to your face make you look more lively, more vibrant. You feel more confident that, whatever could happen to you today, you would be able to face it all. Anne has created a mask strong enough to hide behind. Still, something deep inside of you tries to push you to take a leap of faith and ask the chambermaid some questions. ''Will you dare act on it?'' * [[“Actually, I do need something else from you.”|A1S1-13b][$relhouse += 1]] * [[“That will be all, thank you. You can go.”|A1S1-14]]

<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13a")>>“//Actually… there is still something I need from you.//” “//Of course my ?liege. What can I get you?//” the maid asks, waiting patiently for your request. “//Ah! It is nothing you would need to bring. I just have some questions.//” She bites her lips and fidgets with her fingers. <<else>>“//There are a few things I would need from you.//” “//Of course, my ?liege.//” She stops her movement for a moment, her hands trembling as she waits for your orders. “//Ah! It is nothing you would need to bring. I just have some questions.//” As she does not need to leave your side, Anne goes back to dressing you. You notice her movements are shakier than before, accounting for her hands still trembling.<</if>> //There must be a way to be inconspicuous about this. // You could take another minute to think of a reason to ask your questions, in case something goes wrong, but you don’t want to cause the little chambermaid more pain and anxiety. You take the plunge and hope for the best. “//Anne, how long have you been into service in this house?//” “//About four months, my ?liege.//” “//And where do you originally come from?//” “//From the Courrault region, my liege, in the countryside.//” “//How have you been adapting to living in the city?//” Anne hesitates to answer. “//Don’t worry, you can speak plainly here,//” you try to reassure her. “//I… Well… It’s not really what I expected…//” “//Uh-huh…//” gesturing her to get to the point. “//But I am really happy to be here!//” “//I’m sure you are. Is it fair of me to assume that you must have learnt quite a bit of information since your arrival?//” “//Yes, my ?liege. It was a bit hard to remember everything at first. There were a lot of things that I needed to know. It is easier now.//” “//Good… good…//” It finally strikes you. “//I shall test this knowledge of yours, then. To make sure that everything is as it should be.//” Anne’s eyes widen and her fingers fidget even more. She was definitely not expecting this today. Nor were you expecting to end up here. You can hear her breathing get faster. Looking at her face, her lips are moving as if she was trying to recount all of her newly learnt knowledge since she arrived. * [[“Shall we start?”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 = 1]]

<<if visited("A1S1-13l") is 1>> “//Shall we start?//” Anne answers by shyly nodding at you, fidgeting still with her fingers behind her back. ''What should you ask Anne?''<<elseif visited("A1S1-13l") is 2>>“//I still have another question for you.//” Anne smiles at you. She seems less anxious than before and awaits your next questions with more energy. ''What else do you want to ask?''<<else>>“//I still have a question for you.//” Anne now stands eagerly, more confident in her knowledge. Though it warms your heart to see her blossom so quickly, you struggle to find another topic to discuss… ''What would you like to ask again?''<</if>> * <<if $textf gt 2>>[[“What do you make of me?”|A1S1-13f][$textf += 1]]<<elseif $textf gt 1>>[[“What do you make of my parents?”|A1S1-13f][$textf +=1]]<<else>>[[“What have you learned about this family?”|A1S1-13f][$textf = 1]]<</if>> * <<if $textc gt 1>>[[“What else do you know about the capital?”|A1S1-13c][$textc +=1]]<<elseif $textc gt 0>>[[“What do your think of the capital?”|A1S1-13c][$textc +=1]]<<else>>[[“Tell me a bit more about this region.”|A1S1-13c][$textc = 1]]<</if>> * [[“What is on my schedule today?” |A1S1-13s]] * [[“What do you know of my engagement?” |A1S1-13e]] * <<if visited("A1S1-13l") is 1>><<link [[Actually, you’ve changed your mind. There is no reason for you to ask those questions. |A1S1-14]]>><<set $question.a1s1 = 0>><<set $relhouse -= 1>><</link>><<else>>[[You have asked enough questions and give leave to the maid. |A1S1-14]]<</if>>

<<switch $textf>><<case 1>>“//Since you’ve arrived, you must have learned a lot about this family, haven’t you?//” “//Yes, my ?liege. There isn’t a day passing where I don’t learn something new.//” “//Then tell me… what do you know?//” A look of horror embraces Anne’s face. “//Is it that bad? Are we all terrible people?//” “//Oh, no! No, my ?liege,//” she shakes her hands. “//It’s just… I’ve been told a lot. I’m not sure if I remember everything yet. I don’t really know where to start…//” “//How about we start with the basics? Our names, titles… that sort of thing.//” The chambermaid looks up, relieved, before counting her fingers. Deep in thoughts, she stays silent for a long moment. When she is ready again, she faints a smile. “//Shall I start with you, my ?liege?//” “//Sure… why not?//” “//You are ?Liege $Name Vasmosia, heir to the March of Vasmosia, located in the East of the Mobreassau kingdom,//” she recites the information as she had been told. <<SetGender "Theo">>“//Your ?parent, Marquis of Vasmosia and Parriach of the family, is ?Liege ?Theo. ?They became the head of this house shortly after ?their marriage to Consort ?Liege ?Alex, when your grandmother, Lady Brigid, decided to step down.//” “//Wait. Wait just a minute,//” you cut her off. “//?Theo… ?Alex… Am… Am I adopted?//” <<SetGender>> “//Pfft, what?//” she giggles. “//My ?liege, you are so funny!//” Her smile quickly disappears when she sees you are not laughing with her. As she recalls your question, she is left in a state of confusion. The neglected conversation brings about an uncomfortable silence. //Oh, no… Did I say something wrong?// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textf +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>> “//Oh!//” Anne lights up. “//You were testing me!//” “//Err… yes… right… I was…//” you agree, pretending it was your idea all along and thanking whichever deity guiding this land for sending you such a gullible woman your way. <<SetGender "Charlie">> “//Your family was appointed a Drocili, ?Mix ?Charlie, for that purpose. ?They has stayed for the conception of all of your siblings.<<SetGender "Theo">> ?Liege ?Theo <<SetGender "Charlie">>said that ?they is an essential part of this family and that ?they needs to be treated as such under this roof.//” “//Right…//” //Drocili?// You are tempted to ask more questions, but Anne does not seem to be the type to know about this kind of things. Instead, you try to hide your confusion by changing the conversation. “//You mentioned some siblings?//” “//You have sev—//” she stops. “//N-no, six siblings.//” She props up her fingers and starts counting. “//There is Master Arturo, the oldest after you. He is currently training to be a lawyer,<<SetGender "Theo">> though ?Liege ?Alex wanted him to become a man of the cloth —whatever that is—. Then, Miss Áurea, who is really looking forward to debuting next year… or is it the one after that?//” That thought lingers in her mind, forgetting your question. “//Before you go on a tangent about my sister’s debut, shall we finish this first?//” <<SetGender>> “//Right…//” she looks down, guilty. “//Sorry, my ?liege. After Miss Áurea, you have the twins, Master Olivier and Master Noa, two little rascals, always up to some mischief. Then, Miss Inès, who is turning 6 in the fall. And finally, Baby Rosie, the cutest baby you would ever meet!//” “//That is six,//” you proclaim, having counted along. “//I thought you said seven earlier…//” “//Ah… yes. Well… Erm… It used to be seven before Lady Isabel… left us,//” her face turns grave. “//It was so sudden. No one saw it coming. We mourn her loss still…//” * <<link "“What do you make of my parents?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s1 +=1>><<set $textf +=1>><</link>> * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <<notifAISIthirteenf>> <<case 3>>“//Err… about my parents,//” you mumble, hoping to fill the silent space around with some noise. “//What you make of the Marquis?//” <<SetGender "Theo">> “//?Liege ?Theo?//” She thinks for a moment. “//Your ?parent is a stern… but fair ?person. ?They usually stays in the study, handling the March business, or in the library, reading some books. We haven’t really seen much of ?Their ?Liegeship aside from dinner lately. We’ve been told to keep clear of ?their way. Even Mrs Vinea and Mr Courlon are hesitant to bother ?them.//” “//Must be hard being head of a House, huh?//” you mundanely say. “//What about the Consort?//” “//?Liege ?Alex is more of a gentle person than the Marquis. ?They is very organised, especially with the family’s social calendar. The other maids told me ?their schedule was so busy one season, ?they had to appear at five gathering during one evening. Including one in this house! ?They got nicknamed The Magician for it.//” “//That is impressive, indeed,//” you nod along. “//?They also gets the most praise around town for the parties ?they throws. It sometimes even rivals the Royal balls!//” She turns quiet. “//Or so I’ve been told. I haven’t been here long enough to see these parties. ?Liege ?Alex has not been in the mood to throw them, anyway.//” “//I’m sure there will be one happening soon enough.//” “//Our annual ball is supposed to happen next week, but,//” her lips quiver, “//there has been talks of forgoing it. With all that has happened…//” “//And you were looking forward to it, weren’t you?//” “//I was…//” “//Cheer up, Anne,//” you smile. “//If Vasmosia balls almost rivals the Royal ones, there must be too much organisation to be cancelled hastily.//” The chamber maid nods, drying some tears with her tissue. “//There’s… No,//” she stops, biting her lip. “//Anne, if you have something to say… Say it.//” “//It’s just… I have seen ?them being quite cold towards you, <<SetGender>>my ?liege. Colder than anyone else in the house. Even colder than towards the servants. I have… asked around, but no one wants to tell me why.//” “//Everyone squabbles with their family from time to time…//” “//But—//” “//I am sure you have nothing to worry about,//” you interrupt her, taking a note on avoiding the Consort and this subject.<<SetGender "Charlie">> “//How about the Drocili? How does ?they come about in all of this?//” “//?Mix ?Charlie was appointed by the Church of Our Lady Nynera.//” She scratches her neck. “//I’m not really sure how that system works, to be honest… ?They is the first Drocili I’ve ever met.//” “//I meant, as a person, how is ?they?//” “//Oh! ?They is very nice. Out of all the family members, ?they is the one who talks to us the most, and ?they always seems to worry about us. Everyone regards ?them as an ?auncle, but ?they behaves more like someone who doesn’t care about those rules, you know? Like ?they will spend hours downstairs talking with the cook and then help host tea with<<SetGender "Theo">> ?Liege ?Alex.//” “//That’s not common, is it?//” <<SetGender "Charlie">> “//I guess not? I’ve been told Dorcilis don’t always stay in the same family. But ?Mix ?Charlie will probably not leave this one, even after ?their services won’t be required anymore. ?They also seems to be the person you are the closest to.//” If you wanted to learn more about this Drocili system, you realise you’d have more luck getting proper answers from ?Charlie directly. If you are as close to ?them as Anne claims, it would probably be a simple affair. * <<link "“What do you make of me?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s1 +=1>><<set $textf +=1>><</link>> * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Codex: //Vasmosia Household// has been updated.<</notify>> <</if>> <<default>>“//What do you think about me?//” “//Y-you, my ?liege?”// As fear takes over her face, she seems to shrink. “//I… Err…//” “//Please, Anne. Do speak candidly.//” “//I-if you wish…//” She speaks slowly, choosing her words carefully. “//You are… very much like the Consort… in that you know what you want and will stop at nothing to get it… And also like the Parriach… You are very meticulous about your work and expect a lot from people around you… You are not happy when things don’t go your way, or don’t end up the exact way you wanted them to be.//” “//That is quite the picture you are painting, Anne.//” “//But you can also be very generous,//” she blurts out, “//when you want to.//” The chambermaid smiles, content with her answers. You can’t help but feel that you will get nothing of substance from her regarding this subject. * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.”|A1S1-14]] <</switch>>

“//You mentioned something earlier…//” “//Mmh?//” “//You said my schedule was a busy one today. Can you tell me more about it?//” “//Y-your s-schedule, my ?liege?//” She looks like a deer in headlights. “//I’m sorry… I’m not privy to this kind of information. Do… do you not know where it is?//” “//I… I mean, sure I do… It’s just early… My mind…//” “//Oh, of course, my ?liege,//” she nods compassionately. “//We all need reminders in the morning.//” “//Exactly, Anne!//” You clap. “//Anyway… I know I must be keeping track of all these appointments… Have you seen a… planner around?//” “//Your diary? I’m afraid I haven’t seen it.//” She scratches her head. “//That’s… not really helpful,//” you pout. “//But,//” she continues, “//I’ve been told you keep it close at hand. If any of us find it somewhere, we are not allowed to touch it. Only to tell Mrs Vinea or Mr Courlon.//” “//Why them and not me directly?//” “//We are not allowed to bother you, my ?liege,//” she whispers. “//Unless you have told us to report to you directly, we must always go through either the Housekeeper or the Butler.//” “//Could either of them help me find my planner?//” “//I am sure they would,//” a faded pearly smiles appears on her face. “//They are better able to answer most questions than me. They know everything that happens in this house.//” “//Everything?//” “//So they say.//” Though she shrugs at the notion, you perceive that she still believes it. //How can two people know everything happening around here? Do they have some kind of power?// Even before meeting them, you are already suspicious of this Mrs Vinea and this Mr Courlon. //Could they find me out?// They could be helpful inyour search for answers… or they could leave you astray if they realised you are a fake. Still, it would be good to know where that planner of yours is. * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.”|A1S1-14]] <<notifAISIthirteens>>

<<switch $textc>><<case 1>>“//Please, tell me more about this region.//” Anne mutters a worried //Oh no!// as a response. Though she tries to think hard about what to say next, you quickly realise you’ve chosen the wrong person to ask. “//Err… I am not really good with geography or history, my ?liege,//” she finally admits. “//It’s not something we are told about in the country.//” “//I see…//” you murmur, still disappointed. “//In that case, just tell me what you know. There must be something. Even if it is just common knowledge.//” “//Well… We are currently in the Montvelrose district in Oswaria, the capital city of Mobressau. It is ruled by the Barassac Royal Family since the start of the Bremdena era, which was… Err… a really long time ago. Err…//” She falls silent. “//I really don’t know much about this, my ?liege. Anything outside of Oswaria or Courrault is a complete mystery to me. I barely even remember the trip I had to take to get here. I slept through most of it!//” “//No matter, Anne. I should have known better than to ask…//” * <<link "“What do you think of the capital?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s1 +=1>><<set $textc +=1>><</link>> * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <<notifAISIthirteenc>> <<case 2>>“//What do you think of the capital?//” you ask, hoping for any crumb of information. “//It is very different from home. There are so many people and too many buildings. It’s still a bit confusing to get around… I get lost every time I have to get something outside by myself.//” “//I’m sure it’ll get easier with time,//” you try to reassure her. “//Have you been able to venture around town since you arrived?//” “//Not as much as I would have liked, my ?liege,//” she confesses, feeling guilty by the thought. “//The House is keeping me busy. But I don’t think I’ve ever been outside of the city walls. I’ve barely left Montvelrose since I’ve arrived,//” she still laments. “//That is a shame…//” you sympathise with her. “//If you had some more time, where would you want to go?//” “//I really want to see the ocean,//” she smiles, looking into the distance. “//I’ve never seen any open sea before, not one where you don’t see the other side! There are only rivers and a small lake in Courrault. I’ve been told that the nicest view is by the rampart at Highyard, because you can also see the Royal barque there. Oh!//” she exclaims. “//And the Cathedral of Oceonova.//” Her face turns grim. “//But I will probably never see its interior. Only nobles and some hand-selected people by the Church of Our Lady Nynera can enter it. They are very strict about it.//” “//Right… If you plan on staying long in service, I am sure you will get some time to visit all of these places, and then more.//” “//I hope so, my ?liege,//” she sighs. You can’t help but smile at the girl. There is something so endearing about her. * <<link "“What else do you know about the capital?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s1 +=1>><<set $textc +=1>><</link>> * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <<default>>“//What else do you know about the capital?//” you try one last time to get information from her. “//Is there something Oswaria is known for aside from its status?//” “//I really don’t know, my ?liege… I think there’s a big shipyard and a port north of the town… And some big fields and orchards in the south…//” She scratches her elbow. “//Err…//” “//It’s alright, Anne,//” you reassure her once more. “//This was a long shot, anyway. I guess… being cooped up in the house does not help, huh?//” You hear a nervous laugh coming from her lips. * [[“I have another question for you.”|A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <</switch>>

“//What do you know of my engagement with one of the Princes?//” Anne instantly lights up. “//Oh, my ?liege! It has been so exciting to find out about this. Though, we were warned not to tell anyone, since the whole engagement is still in discussion with the Royal House. We were harshly reprimanded when a rumour was going around town about this, since someone must have said something to the wrong person. It is weird though…//” “//What is weird?//” “//Well, I’ve been told about this when I arrived. And others have known about this even longer. But the rumour only started spreading through town like wildfire only a few weeks ago…//” she squints her eyes, thinking intensely, but ends up shaking her head. “//Anyway, it’s been the only thing everyone talks about these days. Still, not everyone seems as joyous as we are. Eh…//” she shrugs, “//you can’t please everyone.//” You chuckle at her contempt for people not appreciating this piece of news. It does not take long before she gets excited again and gets closer to you to whisper:<<SetGender "Vic">> “//Rumour has it that you had caught the eye of ?Their Royal Highness, Prince ?Vic Barassac, for a while now.//” “//Have I now…//” “//Yes,//” she exclaims. “//I heard that ?Their Royal Highness has not stopped talking about you since the Cardaidras’ ball last winter. You were the only one ?they had requested to dance with that night. Many people were terribly jealous of you, <<SetGender>>my ?liege.//” <<SetGender "Vic">> “//I don’t doubt it. Though… being in the favours of ?Their Highness must not only have positives, unfortunately. I can’t imagine how they will feel when the engagement rumours have been proven true… In any case, I won’t let their petty feelings influence me.//” <<SetGender>> “//As you should, my ?liege,//” she nods in agreement. “//What do you know about the Prince?//”<<SetGender "Vic">> “//Prince ?Vic is King Roland’s third child. People say ?they is the kindest of the King’s children. ?They apparently takes a lot after ?their late mother, Her Highness Consort Hélène. Since her passing a few years ago, the prince has taken over her charity work. ?They is very well-liked and highly regarded by most people in Mobreassau. Some even see ?them more highly than Prince Dauphin Antoine.//” “//Have you ever seen Prince ?Vic?//” “//No, not in real life. I have only seen ?their portrait in the paper. ?They looks very regal,//” she looks saddened at the thought. “//But ?they is supposed to make an appearance during our annual summer ball in a few days. I hope I get to, then.//” * [[“I have another question for you.” |A1S1-13l][$question.a1s1 +=1]] * [[“There are no more questions I want to ask you. You may go.” |A1S1-14]] <<notifAISIthirteene>>

<<if def $textc>><<unset $textc>><</if>><<if def $textf>><<unset $textf>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("A1S1-13b")>>“//I have no more need of your right now. You can take your leave.//” <<elseif hasVisited("A1S1-13a", "A1S1-13b")>><<if $question.a1s1 is 0>>“//Actually… I’ve changed my mind.//” “//My ?liege?//” Anne looks confused. “//There is no reason for me to be asking you about things. Why would I expect the help to know anything?//” You sigh. “//You can take your leave, Anne.//” <<else>>“//I have no more questions. You can take your leave.//”<</if>> <<else>><<if $question.a1s1 is 0>>“//Actually… I’ve changed my mind.//” “//My ?liege?//” Anne looks confused. “//There is no reason for me to be asking you about things. Why would I expect the help to know anything?//” You sigh. “//Just finish dressing me, will you?//” <<else>>“//I have no more questions.//”<</if>> Anne nods and finishes putting on you the final layers. When she adorns your $suit with a rose brooch, Anne exhales loudly, as if dressing you had been a tough exercise on her small frame. <<if $mc.size gt 1>>Looking down at her, it does not surprise you to see her forehead sprinkled with shiny droplets. <</if>>She puts her fists on her hips and takes a step back, wanting a better look at her work. Satisfied, she walks towards the vanity behind you and stands next to it, seemingly waiting for you to join her. <<if $mc.hair0 is "some" or $wig.on gte 1>>//Right, she still needs to do something about this <<if $wig.on is 1>>wig<<elseif $wig.on is 2>>headscarf<<else>>hair<</if>> of mine. Hopefully, she won’t need too much time to be done with it.// You sit in front of the vanity and let the chambermaid finish her job. <<if $wig.on is 2>>She takes one of the pieces of cloths she had put aside earlier, a <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> one with a faint pattern woven through it. She pleads and pins it around your head and face in a way that <<CycleHeadwrap>>. <<elseif $mc.hair0 is "some">>You wonder if you should tell her how your hair should be handled, but she does not seem worried one bit. She seems to have done this many times before. <<if $wig.on is 1>>She picks up a simple $wig.colour wig from one of the boxes next to the vanity. The wig has been braided on each side until the hair reached the top of the neck, where the braids have been attached with a small ribbon. The rest of the length has been curled. Anne detaches the ribbon and changes it with one matching your outfit. Before setting the wig on your head, she gathers your hair under a cap, flattening it with some gel on the side. <<if $mc.hair1 is "long">>She makes a bun with the rest of the length and shoves it in the cap the best she can. <</if>>She then adds the wig on top, securing it with some pins here and there. <<elseif $mc.hair1 is "long">>She picks up a brush and combs through your hair. For some tougher knots, she goes through them directly with her fingers. She then parts your hair into three sections and braids those separately. She twists and secures each braid on the back of your hair with pins and ribbons matching your outfit. <<else>>She picks up a comb and brushes your hair. As your hair is too short to have a complicated styling, Anne contents herself with setting it nicely on your head, adding some pins where needed. <</if>><<else>>She picks up a simple $wig.colour wig from one of the boxes next to the vanity. The wig has been braided on each side until the hair reached the top of the neck, where the braids have been attached with a small ribbon. The rest of the length has been curled. Anne detaches the ribbon and changes it with one matching your outfit. Before setting the wig on your head, she applies some sort of cream on your bald scalp. She then adds the wig on top. <</if>>With a small comb and some sort of paste, she sets some unruly strands in place. Anne opens one of the vanity drawers and brings out some small pots and brushes. <<else>>You sit in front of the vanity and let the chambermaid finish her job. Anne opens one of the vanity drawers and brings out some small pots and brushes.<</if>> “//Could you close your eyes for a moment, my ?liege?//” You do as instructed, though reluctantly, and flinch when you first feel unknown touches on your face. Though Anne tries her best to reassure you, her soft fingers massaging and the bristles of different brushes rubbing feel alien on your skin. Still, you try your best to stay still. You don’t want it to last more than it should. “//Will you need anything else, my ?liege?//” Anne asks after her finger touches your cheek for the last time. You slowly open your eyes and see your face reflected in the vanity mirror. With the creams and powders applied skilfully by Anne, the subtle changes to your face make you look more lively, more vibrant. You feel more confident that, whatever could happen to you today, you would be able to face it all. Anne has created a mask strong enough to hide behind. “//No, Anne. You can take your leave. Thank you.//”<</if>> Anne curtsies and walks towards the door. Reaching for the handle, she pauses and makes her way back to the closet. She shuffles some boxes around before bringing out a pair of <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> leathery pumps with a silver buckle on top. She kneels before you, gently grabs your feet helping them to be slipped through. After tightening the buckles, she gets up and adds: “//Oh, my ?liege. I almost forgot! The Parriach has asked that you see<<SetGender "Theo">> ?them before you leave the manor today. ?They should still be in the study.//” “//Thank you, Anne.//” She curtsies again and retires from your bedroom. Though she closed the door behind her, you can still hear her picking up the tray she had previously left outside. * [[Continue|A1S1-15]]

<<set $searchroom to 0>>With Anne gone, you are again alone in this ostentatious room. Though you hope nobody else will bother you further, as this could be the perfect moment to explore this room, you are almost afraid to be left to your own devices. //What if they are watching me?// You struggle with making a decision about your next step. You could look around the room and hopefully find some answers about where you are. Or you could leave the search behind for a later time. After all, this room is yours —you are almost sure—, and you don’t know when you are expected to show up at these meetings. Time wasted here could bring some unforeseen consequences. //I don’t want to turn myself into a target…// Indecisive, you delay leaving your chair. //But what if I find something important here?// You fidget with your sleeves. //No… I can always look around later.// You tentatively prop yourself up, still unsure. //Who knows when this later will be?// ''What do you decide to do?'' * [[Stay and search the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom = 0]] * [[Move on with your day. |A1S1-17]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if def $search>><<unset $search>><</if>><<CodexClueQuestAone>>//Ding… ding… ding…// You are startled by the ringing of <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16n")>>the<<else>>a<</if>> small clock on the nightstand. You hadn’t noticed you had been sitting around the room for quite some time already. Recalling Anne’s words, you concede it would be best if you got going. A long schedule awaits you, after all. <<if setup.clue.acc is true && setup.clue.booklet is true>>While you feel pretty satisfied with the extent of your search of the room, you feel it has left you with more questions than answers. You had hoped to uncover some answers, but you realise there is not much you can do still at this point. //Why all the secrets?// <<elseif $searchroom gte 1 and $lock isnot false>>Even though you’ve looked around the room, you found nothing piquing your interest. It only looked like the room of an affluent noble. None of your questions received an answer. Still, you hope to uncover these secrets soon. <<else>>Satisfied enough with the information you’ve gathered so far, you decide to leave this bedroom. You didn’t think it would have been wise to linger any longer. You are sure you will have another opportunity further down the line.<</if>> You grab the door handle and turn it. As you open the door, your eyes are blinded by light once more. Though, unlike last time, you feel some throbbing pain in your head. You hold yourself to the door frame to avoid falling. The pain is so intense you almost feel the need to throw up. Thankfully, your stomach seems sturdy enough to keep your breakfast safe and sound. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>><<reallife>>For a brief moment, everything around turns black. In the distance, you hear some voices but can’t quite make out that they say. The pain in your head worsens as a beeping noise, with a steady rhythm, covers any other sound. Everything feels cold around you. //And the smell…// metallic. It overwhelms your sense. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<unset $lock>>A warm hand lands on your shoulder and helps dissipate these unwelcome feelings. You also hear a soft voice talking behind you. “//My ?liege, are you alright? Should I fetch the physician?//” Your eyes shutter for a bit, until everything starts to sharpen around you. Your gaze focuses on the beige-skinned wrinkled hand on your shoulder. You retrace with your eyes the path to where the hand comes from. Standing next to you is a petite older woman with a worried face. She adjusts her glasses in front of her hooded dark eyes. Her greying hair is propped in a bun set on the crown of her head. She looks at you with such warmth and calmness that the pain seems to magically disappear. “//Ha… Mrs Vinea… There is no need to trouble anyone. All will be fine… I just need a moment. I was a bit… light-headed,//” you hear yourself say. Words have come out of your mouth before you even thought of them. Mrs Vinea… the name sounds familiar to you. //Did Anne mention her?// <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13s")>>You recall that name being linked to the Housekeeper of the manor. <</if>>It is always good to put a name on a stranger’s face. Mrs Vinea smiles but continues to keep close. She holds your arm until you recover fully. Taking a look around you, you feel like you’ve seen this place before. //Why does it feel so familiar? Why does it feel like I’ve walked these halls?// Your brain seems to know you are standing in front of your parents’ room, and that further down the hall you would find your siblings’. You try to imagine how these rooms look like, but your brain points blank. You get anxious. //What the hell was this pain? Where did it come from? Why did I blackout? How did I remember things I couldn’t before?// * <<link [[Something is definitely out of place here. |A1S2-Title]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <<notifAISIseventeen>> <</switch>>

<<if settings.textanim>> <a data-passage="A1S2-01"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 2<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Xxxxx XX, X-XX — morning <</fadein>></a> <<else>> <a data-passage="A1S2-01"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 2</h1> Xxxxx XX, X-XX — morning</a> <</if>> <<set $day to "morning">>

“//My ?liege!//” Mrs Vinea’s soft but worried voice startles you as you stride towards the stairs. “//Are you sure you are quite alright? That fainting spell has me quite worried… My ?liege?//” <div class="heir">Don’t bother responding. Just walk.</div> You do not question the instruction and keep mute. You don’t even disagree with that inner voice of yours. Since you’ve started feeling gradually better, you have relentlessly tried to reassure the old Housekeeper of your state, to no avail. Your quick recovery made her worry even more. //I can’t blame her for that…// Though you feel much stronger physically than before, many questions still plague your mind. You can’t shake the grim suspicion that you may never find the answers you are looking for. Regardless, the old woman follows you closely, inquiring again and again after your health, and pleading you to let her call on the physician for a quick consultation. As you descend the marble steps, you can’t help but roll your eyes at her incessant requests. You wonder what would be enough for her to hear to stop her from bothering you. You try to increase the pace of your steps, hoping she would take the hint, and go on with her day, preferably far away from you. “//Really, my ?liege,//” she continues, trailing close behind, “//you should not be so quick on your feet! It is so imprudent of you not to care for your health so! We do not want another tragedy on our hands. I can see you still look quite ashen. It is truly worrying you pretend to be fine. What if something happens to you?//” Getting increasingly frustrated, you snap back at her: “//Oh, would you please shut it already, Mrs Vinea?//” Surprised by your tone, the Housekeeper stops dead in her tracks and falls silent. Your hands shake. //How… Am I supposed to lose control like this?// You try not to let this faze you and continue with your course. Shortly, you hear the sound of Mrs Vinea’s heels clicking along with yours once more. The rest of the descent is spent in utter silence, ending as soon as you reach the final step. * [[Continue|A1S2-02]] <<notifAISZone>>

With your feet standing firmly on the lower floor, you recall Anne’s words about a schedule, how packed and important today is supposed to be for you. You do not remember seeing any sort of planner in your room<<if setup.clue.booklet is true>>, even though you’ve combed through it<</if>>. You twist your heels to face Mrs Vinea. “//Oh, good! You’re still here. How convenient. I actually have a need of you right now.//” The old women’s face brightens, smiling back at you, awaiting your command. <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16d")>>“//Have you seen my personal planner, by any chance?//” “//Your planner?//” she repeats, mindlessly. “//You usually have it on yourself or in your room. Wasn’t it there?//” “//Where? My room?//” you snort. “//If it had been there, I would not have asked you, now would I?//” “//Are you quite sure, my ?liege? You often leave your things on your desk…//” “//Mrs Vinea,//” you bring your fingers to your temples. “//Haven’t I made myself clear already?//” “//Quite, my ?liege,//” she nods. “//But you do tend to forget these things in your room before you leave,//” she comments. “//It has happened many times before. And those missing items were still in their original place.//” “//Well… it obviously isn’t! So. We are back to square one. IF it is not in my room, where is it?//” “//Mmh… Let me see.//” <<else>>“//Do you know where I would have left a personal scheduler, by any chance?//” “//Your planner?//” she repeats, mindlessly. “//You either have it on yourself or leave it in your room. Didn’t you see it there?//” “//Where? My room?//” You remember you barely looked around your bedroom earlier. “//Yes, there, my ?liege,//” she nods. “//You usually put most of your things on your desk.//” “//Mrs Vinea, I am quite sure it is not there,//” you bluff. “//I don’t have time to go back and shuffle through my things again,//” you say, frustrated. “//If it is not there, where would I leave it?//” “//Ah, these youngsters,//” she chuckles. “//Always forgetting where their things are. Even when they are often in front of their noses.//” “//Mrs Vinea,//” you bring your fingers to your temples. “//This is truly not helpful. Please answer the question.//” “//Mmh… Let me see.//”<</if>> <div class="heir">I have told these light-fingered helps too many times to never —ever— touch certain items. And what do they still end up doing? Messing with my things! Unbelievable!</div> You push the voice out of your mind to focus on the thinking Housekeeper. An eternity seems to pass before she shakes from her torpor and moves towards a small closet tucked away under the stairs. You hear some boxes and containers being moved around or pushed against others. She soon comes back with a small velvety pouch, which she hands you. “//Here, my ?liege. For your nerves.//” “//That’s—,//” you huff, but as her hand still hangs in the air, you begrudgingly take the offering. “//If you insist. But this,//” you point towards the pouch, “//is not related to our conversation or will help me find my planner.//” “//Well, if you end up feeling faint again, it will.//” <div class="heir">Told you. All of them are incompetent.</div> You open your mouth to object, but realise any protest will be in vain. No amount of temple massaging will get rid of your ever-increasing frustration towards the peculiar Housekeeper’s actions either. “//Mrs Vinea, I really don’t have time for your antics today. So, for the last time, where could I have left my planner?//” She shrugs, looking as if she didn’t know the answer, before opening her mouth. “//Before you say another word, Mrs Vinea,//” you warn her, “//if you cannot tell me where it is…//” You sigh. “//Could you at least point me towards someone who can actually help me?//” “//How rude,//” she gasps. “//My ?liege, I can help you just fine! I have been in your family’s service for many decades now. And—//” “//Mrs Vinea,//” you interrupt her, “//now is not the time. The location, please.//” “//I guess… the other place one could find a personal planner one would take anywhere most likely be in their <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>,//” she candidly answers as she points at a table behind you. You want to ask her why she couldn’t have told you all this earlier, but nothing could bring back lost time. Instead, you walk towards the small table. There, you find <<if $suit is "suit">>a top hat, laid atop a <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> coat, and other small trinkets. You also notice a stylish cane<<else>>a bonnet, laid atop a <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> shale, a small <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> purse, and other small trinkets. You also notice a stylish parasol<</if>>, leaning against the table. You take a closer look at the trinkets dispersed on the table<<if setup.clue.booklet is true>>, only to notice another leather-bound booklet. This one is similar to the one you found in your room, the major difference being that it is crimson coloured.<<else>>Among them, a small leather-bound crimson booklet catches your eye.<</if>> You pick it up. “//Ah! It seems you’ve found it, my ?liege,//” chimes in the warm voice of the Housekeeper. “//Now that we’ve located what you were looking for… where are expected today?//” You pay the old woman no mind as you flip through the booklet’s pages. Strange looking dates mark the top of each page. Some pages are filled with what you assume are names of people or places you have visited, others are completely blank. Something piques your interests with a few pages. Next to the dates, you notice a number scribbled on with a pencil, while the rest of the schedule is printed in ink. Still, you continue to flip through the planner until you reach a page marked by a small $colour.fav ribbon connected to the spine of the booklet. “//What date is it today, again?//” * [[Continue|A1S2-03]]

<<pickup '$inventory' 'planner'>>“//What date is it today, again?//” “//Freqa 28, my ?liege.//” You look back at the page marked by the small ribbon. ''Freqa 28, B-U9''. Next to the date, you see three numbers, ''872'', scribbled on with a pencil, similar to previous pages you flipped through. Below are some clearer notes. <div class="schedule">''Morning'' – //Sunwin Garden – Count of Razac// (Guillem) Luncheon <h6>lioness expect return</h6> ''Afternoon'' – //Judy’s Scissors// Fitting <h6>ƒƒ¢</h6> ''Evening'' – //Duke of Cardaidras// (Sofía) Dinner</div> “//That’s it?//” you mutter under your breath. “//Mmh?//” Mrs Vinea chimes in. Taking a peek at the open page, she adds: “//Well, aren’t you a busy bee today, my ?liege.//” //Is this really what busy means here?// You feel you’ve spent days swamped under meetings and tasks, where you could barely catch a breath. Days where sleep and food meant nothing in front of a deadline. Anne had made it seem like your schedule would be full of engagements and business arrangements. This page, however, shows more of a day of amusement. Still, you are intrigued by the strange annotations under some of your appointments. You wonder what these would mean. //Are these the important meetings Anne mentioned?// You can’t believe anything here is business-related. It would be even far-fetched to call a fitting a business meeting. //Are these truly what I warned the staff about yesterday?// This seems a bit overkill. //Meeting both a Count and a Duke today… What is the ranking of nobility again?// If those two individuals are important to you, it would be unwise to keep them waiting. You’ve already spent quite some time in your room upstairs<<if $outfitpick gte 4>>, being indecisive when it came to choosing an outfit <<elseif $searchroom gte 20>><<if $outfitpick gte 4>>and<<else>>,<</if>> rummaging around for any crumb on information<</if>>. Mrs Vinea also wasted some of your time just now. //Should I leave already? It’s not like I’ll find answers without drawing attention to myself… // However, you recall Anne’s words before she left. You are expected in the Parriach’s office before you step foot outside the manor. From the chambermaid’s tone, it seemed this was not something you could afford to skip. //Can I afford to stay a little longer? Or is it too much of a gamble to anger the people under whose roof I am sleeping?// ''What is your next step?'' * [[You’ve wasted enough time in this place. You would rather go out and explore the world than go to another boring meeting. You will march out of this house. |A1S2-03a][$relhouse -= 3]] * [[You are sure you have some time to spare to meet the Parriach. You would rather not miss a meeting you have been summoned to. You will walk towards the office. |A1S2-03b]] <<notifAISZthree>>

<<set setup.here.theo to false>>After some careful consideration, you decide it would be best if you went on your way already. You have wasted enough time in this place, only finding your situation stranger and more confusing by the second. Since you woke up, you’ve stumbled on more questions than answers. You realise you might ignite the wrath of the head of this house with your action, but you’re willing to take the risk. It will be worth it if you manage to find even a single crumb of information out there. Even if you do not find all the answers you are looking for, you might be able to find a way to escape it all. “//Mrs Vinea, is the carriage ready?//” you ask as you put the small planner in your <<if $suit is "suit">>blazer’s<<else>>skirt’s<</if>> pockets. “//I’d rather not be late today.//” “//Jonah is bringing it forward, my ?liege. It will be waiting outside. But—//” “//And help me with my <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>>,//” you interrupt her. “//But, my ?liege,//” she pleads,<<SetGender "Theo">> “//your ?parent is expecting you in ?their office. Shouldn’t you go meet with ?them before you leave?//” “//Oh, never mind that, Mrs Vinea. ?They will surely still be there when I come back. If it is that urgent, ?they will send a word to me or leave me a note. Now, my <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>>.//” “//?They won’t be happy, you know…//” “//So be it,//” you shrug. “//I’d rather get ?their anger behind closed doors than be in everyone’s gossiping lips because of my tardiness!//” <<SetGender>> “//You should really reconsider, my ?liege.//” “//And you should help me with my <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>>, Mrs Vinea,//” you snap at the old woman. The Housekeeper puts her head down, grabs the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on the table and finally executes your command. You grab mindlessly the other trinkets on the table and shove them in your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat’s pockets<<else>>purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, Mrs Vinea hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and helps you put it in place.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, she hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>. <<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror and, satisfied with the reflected image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door for you and bows as you pass him. Though barely audible with the distance, you still hear Mrs Vinea mumbling something about being a disappointment and <<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>your lack of filial piety<<else>>her disapproval towards your choice of outfit, considering everything<</if>>. Your eyes roll in their sockets as you step outside. * [[Continue|A1S2-07]]

<<SetGender "Theo">><<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>After some consideration, you fathom you have enough time to spare to meet this Parriach. //Can one really refuse a summon like this?// The wrath of your ?parent would probably be worse to experience than being a bit late to a lunch. If this minor concession is needed to ensure a safe haven for yourself under this roof, you won’t need to think twice. //Isn’t it fashionable to be somewhat late when you are expected somewhere, anyway?// “//Let’s see what my ?parent wants,//” you sigh, taking the corridor on your left. While you let your feet guide you to ?their office, Mrs Vinea continues to follow you, a few steps behind, muttering something about your health and her wish you’d go back to bed. A dozen steps are all you need before you face a massive redwood door. You raise your hand to the door, as if you were going to knock, but stop yourself at the last moment. Your fingers brush the intricate wood carvings, resembling the flowery design you’ve seen around your room. You stand still in front of this door, unable to move. Only a shiver runs down your spine.<<SetGender>> “//My ?liege?//” Mrs Vinea’s voice shakes your stillness and you feel your hand knocking on the hard polished wood. Before waiting for a reply, you grab the handle and open the door. “//Ye-… Hrmph,//” you hear someone sigh, seemingly frustrated, as you step into the room. You instantly look down, feeling guilty. Or… //ashamed?// “//$Name,//” continues the voice. “//How many times have I told you to wait for an answer before entering my office? How is this still going over your head?//” the authoritarian voice scolds you. “//Well… too late now, I guess. Since you are here, let’s get right to business.//” * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>You take a few more steps into the office and glance around. While large and busy looking, on the account of the furniture and piles of books scattered around the room, the office does not look as ostentatious as you had imagined it would be. Even compared to your room, it seems quite… //tame.// Standing around a massif redwood desk are three individuals. You somehow recognise the stern ?person as you ?parent, ?Theo, from which the voice originated. On ?their left, you see an older gentleman, Mr Laroche, your ?parent’s advisor. On ?their right, Raymond, the newly acquired office lackey. The <<if $gender.theo is "man">>three men<<else>>the two men and your mother<</if>> are hovering over a map and other piles of papers. Besides the trio, <<CycleAnimal>>. //Is that the family pet?// “//Are you coming in or not?//” ?they almost barks at you. “//I don’t have all day… and I’m sure you don’t either.//” You step closer, staring at your ?parent. With golden spectacles mounted on ?their nose, ?they barely takes a look at you before going back to the pile of papers. Simply dressed in black, your ?parent’s outfit looks to be made of quite expensive materials. You notice creases on ?their pants and sleeves, telling you ?they had not changed since yesterday. You wouldn’t be surprised if ?they worked through the night. ?They brushes ?their hair with ?their fingers and swears at the page in front of ?their eyes. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISZthreeb>> <<default>>“//Well, $Name?//” ?their face turns towards you. You notice the dark circles under ?their eyes. This doesn’t look like ?they’ve only had one sleepless night recently. ?Their gaze wanders behind you, looking at the anxious face of the Housekeeper. “//What’s the matter with you, Mrs Vinea?//” You look harshly towards her, ordering her with your eyes not to peep a word about what happened upstairs. The Housekeeper’s gaze switches swiftly between you and your ?parent, frantically. Silence covers the room, save for <<animalsound>>. “//Out with it, woman!//” your ?parent barks. “//Well, your ?liegeship… It’s just…//” you see some beads of sweat drip down her forehead. <<SetGender>>“//I found ?Liege $Name in quite a state earlier,//” she admits, disobeying your command. “//Just as ?they left ?their room, ?they fell to the ground, like ?theywere having a fainting spell of sort. It took my smelling salts a few good minutes, ?theywere that out of it. ?Theykeep denying something was wrong, even though ?they seemed to be truly gone for a moment!//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?Theo faces you, ?their countenance shifting from frustration to deep concern. ?Their eyes are veiled with worries and you notice ?their left hand shaking slightly. “//Your ?Liegeship,//” Mr Laroche pipes in. <<SetGender>>“//If ?theyare truly unwell, shouldn’t it be wiser to postpone everything?//” “//Let’s… let’s not worry about this just yet, Laroche,//” <<SetGender "Theo">> ?Theo almost whispers. “//Not until $Name gives us an explanation,//” the volume of ?their voice increases. <<SetGender>>“//?Child! What is the meaning of this? Are you truly unwell?//” * <<link [[You attest you are feeling quite fine, Mrs Vinea having exaggerated your condition as usual. |A1S2-04a]]>><<set $relhouse -= 3>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[You confirm you felt a bit faint for a moment earlier, but you are feeling much better. |A1S2-04b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> /* * <<link [[You confirm the Housekeeper’s report of your state, adding that you are unsure whether you’ve recovered fully. |A1S2-04c]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> */ <</switch>>

“//?Child! What is the meaning of this? Are you truly unwell?//” <<SetGender "Theo">> You hear the worry in ?Theo’s voice as ?they utters those words. This stern ?person’s demeanour had changed so quickly, you wonder why so much fuss was made out of your little fainting spell. “//Ah… ?Parent… it is nothing, truly.//” “//Mrs Vinea didn’t make it sound like it was nothing, <<SetGender>>?child.//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//She is just exaggerating, as usual, ?parent,//” you roll your eyes. “//You know she does this every time someone has even a sniffle by making it sound you are on the clasp of death. I was only a bit light-headed for a second,//” you hear your ?parent sigh in relief. “//She made a mountain out of a small heap of dirt.//” “//But, <<SetGender>>my ?liege, you were on—//” “//That is quite enough of you, Mrs Vinea,//” you snipe at her. “//<<SetGender "Theo">>?Parent has much more important things to worry about than your foolish woes.//” ?Theo utters a //Humph// in your direction. Whether ?their contempt was directed at you for your —lack of— manners or Mrs Vines for her worries, you cannot tell. ?They does not seem to enjoy having ?their time wasted or ?their mind worried for no apparent reason. With ?their palm facing the ceiling and showing you off, ?they mumbles to Mr Laroche that there was nothing to worry about. The old man takes a good look at you in disbelief. “//With that little… misunderstanding cleared up,//” ?they looks at you inquisitively, which you respond with a nod. “//There is much I need to discuss with you, $Name.//” * [[Continue |A1S2-05]]

“//?Child! What is the meaning of this? Are you truly unwell?//” <<SetGender "Theo">>You hear the worry in ?Theo’s voice as ?they utters those words. This stern ?person’s demeanour had changed so quickly, you wonder why so much fuss was made out of your little fainting spell. “//Ah, ?Parent… It is… true I was feeling a bit faint when I left my room earlier. But, thanks to Mrs Vinea’s quick thinking, I managed to recover quickly!//” “//Her claims sounded quite alarming, $Name. Are you sure you are quite alright, now?//” “//Yes, ?Parent. I assure you. I couldn’t feel any better.//” ?Theo keeps ?their gaze fixed on you, scrutinising every inch of your face for evidence of your affirmation or Mrs Vinea’s claim. ?They mutters something you don’t quite catch. Still, ?they does not completely believe you. “//If this… fainting spell comes back,//” ?they adds, “//do let Mrs Vinea know right away, am I clear?//” ?They waits for you to nod. “//Though… it would make me feel better if the physician checked up on you, still.//” “//That’s what I have been <<SetGender>>asking ?them to accept, <<SetGender "Theo">>your ?liegeship,//” the Housekeeper pipes in. “//<<SetGender>>But ?theykeep <<SetGender "Theo">>refusing!//” “//Really, ?Parent. I feel just fine, now. I promise if anything changes, I’ll let Mrs Vinea know to call the physician at once. Would that satisfy everyone?//” Your ?parent nods, almost reluctantly. With ?their palm facing the ceiling and showing you off, ?they mumbles to Mr Laroche that there was nothing to worry about. The old man takes a good look at you in disbelief. “//With that little… misunderstanding cleared up,//” ?they looks at you inquisitively, which you respond with a nod. “//There is much I need to discuss with you, $Name.//” * [[Continue |A1S2-05]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<SetGender "Theo">><<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//There is much I need to discuss with you, $Name.//” ?Theo gestures for you to come closer before continuing: “//As you know, for the last couple of months, I have been involving you more into the duties of the March. Duties you need to master as the future head of this family. My mother did the same when I became of age, as did the previous generations before us.//” “//I know, ?Parent—//” “//Involving the heir early on,//” ?they pays no mind to your interruption, “//is critical to ensure a smooth transition for the March’s operations and its—//” ?they stops, “//our people.//” ?Theo motions you to take a closer look at the parchments laid on the desk. The map you had noticed earlier is of the Vasmosia March, your family land and estate. Around, you recognise some of the letters and reports scattered around. //Why do I have the feeling of having read them before?// “//I had hoped we’d have a quiet Ota this year,//” ?they sighs. “//I had planned to travel to the country with the whole family and start the process of getting you in the good graces of the council, but…//” ?They pauses, sadness falling upon ?their face. Mr Laroche puts a compassionate hand on ?their shoulder. ?Theo shakes ?their head and inhales loudly. “//I agreed with your ?parent,//” ?they continues, “//we would wait for next year to put this plan into motion. It is what the conventions require of us, after all.//” “//You agreed with the Consort on this matter?! ?Parent, ?they is jeopardising my future!//” “//$Name! Will you please let me finish?//” “//Sorry, ?Parent,//” you mumble. “//I decided to push this plan until next year. But, without accounting for these simpletons,//” ?they waves a report in ?their hand, “//my plans are foiled again!//” ?They slams the reports on the desk. “//I expect you will be happy to hear I am putting you in charge of a few matters while I am gone.//” “//While you are gone? ?Parent, where—//” “//I don’t know why I have left that local council to take care of the small day-to-day issues and squabbles of the March, when I knew they couldn’t be left without supervision for this long. Our lack of presence these past few months must have set them off somehow.//” “//But, why, ?Parent,—//” “//I was hoping not to have to go to the Estate until ?Alex feels better, but…//” ?they passes ?their hands through ?their hair, “//…if we don’t deal with this soon, they will create unsolvable problems for everyone.//” “//?Parent—//” “//So, $Name,//” ?they takes your hands in ?theirs. “//While I am away, however long it may take to handle this affair, I need you to hold down the fort here.//” * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISZfive>> <<case 2>>You look at your ?parent, stunned. While part of you rejoices at the opportunity to run the House, the other dreads handling any responsibility other than taking care of this body. //Why? I already have enough on my plate…// “//Does that—//” “//Yes, $Name. That also means you will need to look after ?Alex.//” “//But—//” <<SetGender>> “//?Child! This is not negotiable!//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?They snaps back. “//Travelling will not help ?them right now. Nor will it me. ?They is staying here!//” ?They massages ?their temples. “//Just be nice, alright?//” You feel your eyes roll. “//Stop that,//” ?they nags you. “//I am sure ?they will stay as much out of your way as you will to ?theirs.//” “//That’s not—//” “//And Raymond will be here to help as well.//” ?Theo gently pats the young man’s back, who smiles at you. There is kindness in his eyes, you catch yourself contemplating. “//I am not sure how much help he could be with the Consort,//” you heard yourself scoff. “//Seriously, $Name. That is your job, not his.//” ?Theo’s eyes feel like daggers. “//Come now, don’t groan.//” ?They pauses, waiting for you to regain your composure. “//You know full well I meant help with the business aspect. Have you seen the young man anywhere else but my office since he arrived?//” “//No, but—//” “//Don’t worry. Laroche has brought him up to date with everything he needs to know to advise you.//” ?They snorts, “//Or handle the mundane tasks I know you won’t do.//” “//?Parent—//” “//I do not expect any difficulty to arise while I am away.//” ?They nods. “//This should be an excellent test run for you.//” Though ?their eyes scream their annoyance at you, a warm smile appears on ?their face. It seems your ?parent expects you to oblige with whatever command ?they gives you, no matter how bothersome the task may be. Nor does it seem ?they would want to hear your opinion on said tasks. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISZfive>> <<case 3>>“//When can I expect your departure, ?Parent?//” you ask, hoping you won’t have to carry those heavy responsibilities just yet. “//Not too soon, I hope. I should want some time to… prepare for your absence.//”<<SetGender>> “//Don’t be so dramatic, ?child. Everything will be fine…//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?They notices you pouting. “//Yes, yes. I know ?Alex can be… a lot sometimes. Just be nice to ?them,//” ?they reminds you. “//That is all I am asking of you in that matter. I don’t need ?them to distract me with letters detailing how much the two of you are fighting again.//” “//That wasn’t what—//” “//I don’t care who started it last time,//” ?they shakes ?their head. “//I just don’t want it to happen again. Understood?//” ?Their stern eyes stare straight into you. Your body stiffens with panic. You instinctively want to swallow, but you find your mouth completely dry. Satisfied with your reaction, ?Theo turns ?their attention back to the pile of papers on the desk. “//About your departure, your ?liegeship,//” Mr Laroche starts. “//Ah, right. If the reports we received paint a true picture of what is happening over at the estate, I may need to leave as soon as tomorrow!//” “//But, your ?liegeship,//” Laroche insists, “//you’d be missing the party. I do not think it would be wise of you not to make an appearance.//” He bites his tongue, seeing ?Theo glaring at them. “//Es-especially,//” he continues, hiding his jittery hands being his back, “//since the Royal House has confirmed their attendance.//” “//Goddess…//” ?Theo sighs deeply. “//Is that… I almost forgot…//” <> <ul><li> <<link "Agree with Mr Laroche. It is poor decorum when the Parriah is absent of their own party, more so if a Royal is attending!">><<replace "#go" t8n>><<set setup.here.theo to true>>“//You cannot go yet, ?Parent! Laroche is right, for once. It is important you must be present.//” “//It is also important that I must handle this affair, $Name, before it is too late.//” “//What will the Royal House think, if they find you are away while they made time for us? What of the gossip around town? ?Parent,//” you take ?their hands, “//we cannot be shunned out of court this way!//” “//Very well,//” ?they quickly relents. “//You will have to travel without me, Laroche. I will join you as soon as I can. You may as well prepare your bad now, my old friend,//” ?they smiles remorsefully. “//Please let Courlon know about this as well, Mrs Vinea.//” The old advisor nods at the command and leaves the room, swiftly followed by the Housekeeper. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <</replace>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Persuade the Parriah you can handle the fort and will host the Royal Family as the head of the House. If the situation at the March is that dire, the Parriah must go.">><<replace "#go" t8n>><<set setup.here.theo to false>>“//It is understandable, ?Parent,//” you reassure ?them. “//How could one think of wasting time at a party when there is a fire is consuming everything outside?//” <<SetGender>> “//Quite right, ?child,//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?they looks at you proudly. “//If the situation is as dire as the reports suggest, you must go, ?Parent!//” “//But the ball, your l—//” Laroche persists. “//If holding down the fort means entertaining Their Highnesses,//” you take your ?parent’s hands, “//I will do it gladly. I will represent our House in a way that will make you proud, I promise.//” “//I knew you were ready,//” ?they whispers proudly. “//Laroche, you’ve heard my heir! Things are in good hands. You may as well prepare your bad, we must depart at once! Mrs Vinea, please let Courlon know as well.//” The Housekeeper nods at the command and leaves the room. The old advisor follows in her steps. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<default>>“//Speaking of our beloved Royals,//” ?Theo mentions as ?they scribbles something, “//I have heard the rumours of your engagement to Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic spreading through town again. I thought I’ve asked you not to talk about this. Must I remind your of our agreement with the Royal House?//” <<SetGender "Theo">> “//?Parent… I have kept my word! And will continue to do so until the engagement is officially announced. It is not my fault the help’s gossip spreads like wildfire during summer!//” <<SetGender>> “//Still, ?child. We mustn’t add to the fire. If you were to be asked some questions, I urge you to stay silent. There is enough on my plate already. I’d rather not add the wrath of His Majesty to it.//” You mutter an annoyed //fine// as you roll your eyes once more. <<SetGender "Theo">> “//Right then. There is much I need to do. I’m sure you must be busy as well today. So, I shall set your free.//” ?They glances at you. “//Unless you needed something else?//” * <<link [[“Actually, I have a few questions.” |A1S2-05a]]>><<unset $text>><<set $question.a1s2T = 1>><</link>> * <<link [[Shake your head and leave the study. |A1S2-05b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <<notifAISZfive>> <</switch>>

<<if visited("A1S2-05a") is 1>><<SetGender "Theo">>“//Unless you needed something else?//” “//Actually… I did have some questions.//” “//Questions?//” ?Theo faces you, resting ?their hands on the desk behind ?them. “//How… unusual. What would you want to know, $Name?//” <<else>>“//I have another question.//” “//Another?!//” ?They crosses ?their arms. “//Well, what is it?//”<</if>> ''What would you know more about?'' <ul><li> <<if $textt gt 1>>[[If sending Laroche could help. |A1S2-05pt][$textt +=1]]<<elseif $textt gt 0>>[[The issue the Parriah needs to solve. |A1S2-05pt][$textt +=1]]<<else>>[[The Parriach’s trip to the March. |A1S2-05pt]]<</if>></li> <li> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05pp")>>[[More information about the party next week. |A1S2-05pp]]<<else>>[[The party next week. |A1S2-05pp]]<</if>></li> <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-05peend")>><li>[[Your engagement to the Prince.|A1S2-05pe]]</li><</if>> <li><<if hasVisited("A1S2-05pd")>>[[Raymond, the office lackey.|A1S2-05pd][$textd +=1]]<<else>>[[Your duties when the Marquis leaves.|A1S2-05pd]]<</if>></li> <li><<if $textc gt 1>>[[Where you could find the Consort.|A1S2-05pc][$textc +=1]]<<elseif $textc gt 0>>[[Whether the Parriach could take the Consort along.|A1S2-05pc][$textc +=1]]<<else>>[[The Consort.|A1S2-05pc]]<</if>></li> <li>[[Nothing more. You are ready to leave.|A1S2-05b]]</li></ul>

<<SetGender "Vic">><<if ndef $QEng>><<set $QEng = 1>><</if>><<switch $QEng>><<case 1>><<unset $QEng>>“//I have a questions about my engagement with Prince ?Vic. Isn’t a bit peculiar I have to keep this quiet, even when rumours have been flying around again?//”<<SetGender>> “//I don’t know what to tell you, ?child. This was the sigh of the Royal Household. I will not question nor go against their wishes, especially if this engagement actually happens.//” “//Ac-actually?//” You are taken aback. “//What do you mean by actually? I though this was a done deal. Is there a chance it will not happen?//” “//Until the marriage licences have not been signed by both parties, nothing is set is stone. The Royals could break it off for any reason. Or we could, if we wanted it. Not that we would want to. Right?//” You lower your head, your silence saying it all.<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Right?//” ?Theo asks again. “//$Name, if there is something wrong with this arrangement,//” ?they grabs your hand and presses it tenderly, “//I need to know. As soon as possible.//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“Something is wrong with this arrangement.”">><<replace "#eng" t8n>> “//Well…//” you bite your lip. “//Something… something does not feel right with this arrangement.//” “//Oh, $Name…//” <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>></li><</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <li> <<link "“Nothing is wrong.”">><<replace "#eng" t8n>> “//Nothing is wrong, ?Parent,//” you shake ?their hand off. “//Then, don’t stay silent like that. Not when I ask you a question. Goddess… always making me worry for nothing… Now, what is it you wanted to ask me?//” <ul><li> <<link "“When did the engagement talks start?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 2>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“Why did the Prince choose me?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 3>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“When will the engagement be official announced?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 4>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“What will happen to us after I marry?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 5>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“Do I have to go through this engagement?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>></li> <li> [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]]</li> <li> [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<case 2>>“//When did the talks about my engagement to Prince ?Vic starts?//” “//Sometime last winter. I think it was shortly after the Cardaidras’s ball. It was not surprising when we received Prince ?Vic’s sensible letter soon after, revealing their attraction towards you.//” “//How so?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//$Name… Really…//” ?They shakes ?their head. “//You danced all night with Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic. Both of your dance cards were filled with each other’s names. It was only a matter of time before ?their letter would reach my desk. That and a royal summon.//” “//For what?//” “//To start the matrimonial negotiations. $Name… You were with me during most of these meetings…//” “//Negotiations? Why does it sound more like a business transaction than an engagement.//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Goddess, I should not have let your ?parent give you those romance novels when you were younger. I thought your tutors taught you this.//” ?They brings ?their fingers to ?their forehead, hiding the disappointment in ?their eyes. “//Very few marriages for heirs are love marriages. Do you think any noble house wants to see their heir run off with the first ruffian out there? That’s how you end up with empty coffers and a bridegroom having taken off!//” “//But this is the Royal Family we are taking about here…//” “//It is the case for them as well, even more so. The Royal House would never let their members marry whomever, not without their consent at least.//” “//But still, why the need for negotiations? Aren’t we a respectable family?//”<<SetGender>> “//You are not engaged to any other noble family here, ?child. There are protocols to discuss. Red Tape to address. They rarely marry off the Princes to noble families, and even then, this honour is reserved to Dukes only. And Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic would not only lower ?their rank significantly to join our family, the entire Royal House would be scrutinised for that choice!//” “//Why would they bother with us, then, if they could have better candidates to marry off their offspring?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//I can’t claim to know what is on their mind,//” ?Theo shrugs. “//But none other than you would do, Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic said.//” * <<link "“Why did the Prince choose me?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 3>><</link>> * <<link "“When will the engagement be official announced?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 4>><</link>> * <<link "“What will happen to us after I marry?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 5>><</link>> * <<link "“Do I have to go through this engagement?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 3>>“//Why did Prince ?Vic set ?their eyes on me? I’m only an heir of a March. Wouldn’t the Royals want Prince ?Vic to marry someone of a higher standing? Like a Duke, at least or foreign royalty?//” “//Of course, the Royal House would prefer a higher title! Our negotiations would have been much smoother and quicker if it had been the case. But, Prince ?Vic chose you. I can’t tell you why. You should really ask Prince ?Vic directly, $Name.//” “//Don’t you have any guesses?//”<<SetGender>> “//Urgh… I don’t have time for gossip, ?child!//” “//Please?//”<<SetGender "Vic">> “//I don’t know why… It’s pretty well known Prince ?Vic has been extremely picky about ?their betrothal choice, giving everyone around ?them a headache. ?They has rejected everyone presented to ?them. Some foreign power got so offended by ?their negative reaction to their proposal, they threatened to start a war. Prince ?Vic is unwilling to leave the capital, ?they is very attached to it. And now, ?they seems attached to you.//” * <<link "“When did the engagement talks start?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 2>><</link>> * <<link "“When will the engagement be official announced?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 4>><</link>> * <<link "“What will happen to us after I marry?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 5>><</link>> * <<link "“Do I have to go through this engagement?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 4>>“//When will the Royal Household announce this engagement? Haven’t they been dragging our feet long enough?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Protocols demanded it, $Name. Not only from their end, as there is much red tape regarding this arrangement; but from our side as well…//” ?They takes a deep breath. “//No date has been set yet. But I expect it to happen very soon.//” “//Would they do it at the ball next week?//” “//This would be a reasonable assumption. The ball would make for a good occasion to do so. It wouldn’t be too surprising. They seem eager to marry Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic quickly. Our last correspondence touched upon the details of the marriage contract and what we would what we want to include. This… We will need to discuss this soon…//” * <<link "“When did the engagement talks start?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 2>><</link>> * <<link "“Why did the Prince choose me?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 3>><</link>> * <<link "“What will happen to us after I marry?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 5>><</link>> * <<link "“Do I have to go through this engagement?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 5>>“//What will happen to us after I marry Prince ?Vic?//” “//What do you mean, $Name? You know very little will change for us…//” “//Will I have to move to the Palace? Will I stop being your heir?//”<<SetGender>> “//What? No! I thought you studied this, ?child. The heir of a family does not change unless they pass away or they were disowned. You are still standing and have yet to do something so damning I would need to disown you.//”<<SetGender "Vic">> “//But Prince ?Vic is a royal…//” “//A non-heir royal. Unless the other Princes were to perish —I pray to Goddess this won’t happen—, making ?them the heir… Prince ?Vic will become your consort and live here, with us.//” “//Oh…//” you say, somewhat disappointed. “//I wouldn’t be surprised if ?they still kept ?their quarters at the Palace nonetheless. I am sure you will be able to enjoy them as well,//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?they winks at you. You snort, feeling a bit embarrassed by and uncomfortable with your ?parent’s comment. “//What… what about my title? Will it change?//” “//Do I need to get you a tutor again, $Name?//” ?Theo sighs. “//Even your siblings can remember this basic information.//” “//Just humour me, ?Parent!//” “//No, $Name,//” ?they looks at you, aggravated. “//Your title won’t change. You will still only become a Marquis when I hand you the helm.//” “//Ah…//” “//Why do you sound disappointed? You title may not changed, but you will be linked to the Royal Household nonetheless in official records. This House will be more revered by other nobles, even by the ones with higher ranks. Though… I do not expect everyone of them to welcome this union as eagerly as they would if Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic would marry a Duke. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people would think of us as social climbers…//” * <<link "“When did the engagement talks start?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 2>><</link>> * <<link "“Why did the Prince choose me?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 3>><</link>> * <<link "“When will the engagement be official announced?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 4>><</link>> * <<link "“Do I have to go through this engagement?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $QEng to 6>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<default>>“//Do… do I have to go through with this engagement?//”<<SetGender>> “//Oh, dear ?child,//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?Theo presses your hand again. “//What has happened with you? You were…//” ?they sighs, worries. “//You were quite forward with your wish to marry Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic just a few days ago. Are you having doubts?//” “//I guess… Maybe? I… I don’t know,//” you look down. <<SetGender "Theo">>?Their eyes stare at you with deep concern. ?They pulls you closer and embraces you. “//If something does not feel right to you, we can stop it. I can send a note, right now, to the Palace and tell them to cancel everything. I will not force you into a union you do not want. We can find another consort elsewhere.//” “//But, what… What would they say… How would they react if I asked you to?//” “//It won’t matter how they react. Not to me.//” “//It does to me, ?Parent.//” ?They sighs deeply and loosens the embrace. Bringing ?their hands on your shoulders, ?they holds you firmly. “//They would be surprised, to say the least. Maybe a bit hurt, even. You were quite vocal about your happiness regarding this engagement. They would most certainly want to know why… why you would want to stop this so suddenly. I,//” ?they nods along with each word, seeming unsure of them, “//am sure they would be understanding if you were to explain it to them. Now… when it would come to Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic…//” “//?They is going to be mad, isn’t ?they?//” “//Most likely, $Name. You will receive more flack from ?them than the rest of the Royals, I would wager. But I am sure you could handle it just fine.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?They smiles at you and presses ?their hands a bit harder on your shoulders. ?Theo then releases you. “//Before we do anything, however, you need to be sure of the choice you will make, $Name. Once I send them that note, if that is what you wish of me, there will be no going back. Do you understand?//” You nod quietly. “//Now, do you want to end your engagement to Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic?//” * [[“No. This was only a hypothetical question.”|A1S2-05peend][$engagement to 1]] * [[“I… I don’t know. I think I need to sleep on it a bit longer.”|A1S2-05peend][$engagement to 2]] * <<link [[“Yes, I want to end it. This whole situation does not feel right to me.”|A1S2-05peend]]>><<set $engagement to 3>><<set $relvic to 0>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<SetGender "Vic">><<switch $engagement>><<case 1>><<unset $engagement>><<set setup.ro.letterv to true>>“//Now, do you want to end your engagement to Prince ?Vic?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Err… no. No, ?Parent. This was just… a hypothetical question.//” “//Thank Goddess,//” ?Theo sighs in relief. “//I really wasn’t prepared to do this today. Nor am I prepared to be barred from entering the Palace either. Still…//” ?They gazes intensely into your eyes. “//If you change your mind at any point, tell me right away. We will take care of this!//” You are about to nod when a thought strikes you. “//But… what if I change my mind while you are gone?//” “//Ah… right…//” ?They brings ?their hand to ?their mouth, falling deep in thoughts. “//I will leave a pre-written note in this desk. If and when you feel it is time, send it in my stead. Alright?//” As you nod at your ?parent and ?they smiles back at you, you feel a strange warmth in your chest. <<case 2>><<unset $engagement>><<set setup.ro.letterv to true>>“//Now, do you want to end your engagement to Prince ?Vic?//<<SetGender "Theo">>” “//I… I don’t know,//” you look down and away from your ?parent. “//I think I need to think about this arrangement more seriously. Maybe I should sleep on it even.//”<<SetGender>> “//A sound idea, ?child.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?They smiles, relieved. “//Still… There is something I don’t quite understand. Why the change of hear? You were so enthusiastic about it.//” “//I…//” You stop yourself, unsure of your own reason. “//I am not sure… Maybe the glamour of being engaged to a royal has chipped off as this rumour continues to spread. Maybe knowing some resistance is coming our way… Err… Maybe I need to re-evaluate this choice.//” “//That is quite… sensible of you,//” ?they squints sceptically. “//In any case, please let me know if you change your mind. I will take care of it, I promise you.//” You are about to nod when a thought strikes you. “//But… what if I change my mind while you are gone?//” “//Ah… right…//” ?They brings ?their hand to ?their mouth, falling deep in thoughts. “//I will leave a pre-written note in this desk. If and when you feel it is time, send it in my stead. Alright?//” As you nod at your ?parent and ?they smiles back at you, you feel a strange warmth in your chest. <<default>><<set setup.ro.vic to false>>“//Now, do you want to end your engagement to Prince ?Vic?//” <<SetGender "Theo">>Looking down and away from your ?parent, you keep silent. You have nothing against this Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic everyone has been talking about. ?They must be a good person, you are sure. But you don’t see yourself being tied down to someone you don’t know. And neither while you don’t even recognise yourself. “//$Name, you can’t stay silent like this! This is not something I want to drag longer than it needs to be. If this is an issue we need to resolve, let it be now! You need to be clear with me,//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?they scolds you. “//I will repeat myself only once more. If you stay silent, I will consider the matter closed and we will get back to our tasks like nothing happened. Understood?//” ?They waits for you to nod. “//Do you—//” “//Yes,//” you almost shout back. “//Yes, I want to end it!//”<<SetGender>> “//Oh, my sweet ?child…//” “//This whole… situation does not sit right with me. I don’t know why, but something is wrong, very wrong. And I don’t want to be part of it anymore. I don’t know why I agreed to it in the first place. I shouldn’t have accepted it to begin with.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?Theo comes closer and embraces you once more. ?They pats you on the head gently, whispering ?they will take care of it and to not worry about the matter anymore. Though somewhat awkward, this embrace feels surprisingly soothing. ?They breaks the hug to smile at you. There is a strange warmth growing in your chest.<<notifAISZfivepeend>><</switch>> “//Now, was there anything else you wanted from me?//” * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]]

<<SetGender "Theo">><<if ndef $textc>><<set $textc to 1>><</if>><<switch $textc>><<case 1>>“//I have a few questions about the Consort.//” “//$Name! Stop referring to your ?parent this way!//” ?Theo scolds you. “//I know the two of you have been at each other’s throats lately. But this does not excuse your coldness towards ?them! At least call ?them by ?their name.//” “//Do I really have to?//” you grumble. “//Yes, you do. For me, at least.//” “//Fine. For your sake,//” you relent. “//I have a question about the—//” you stop yourself. “//About ?Alex. What’s ?their issue with me?//” “//Oh, no!//” ?Theo shakes ?their hands. “//No, no, no, no, no! I will not be brought in the middle of your squabbles again. You deal with your disputes with ?them directly. Talk it out like regular — who am I kidding here… Hash it out. Fight it out. I don’t care. Deal with it. The earlier, the better for everyone.//” “//It’s not my q—//” “//I do not care who started it or who made it worse, $Name! If you want things to change, go see ?Alex. I am not dealing with this any longer!//” ?They slams ?their palms on the desk. You jump back. You did not expect such a strong reaction from ?them. //I didn’t think my words warranted… this!// You only wanted to ask ?them a simple question. Still, this seems to be a sore subject for ?them. ?Their reaction even suggests your past interactions with Consort ?Alex have probably not been very… //constructive//. <<if visited("A1S1-13f") gt 1>>Anne had mentioned how cold the Consort was with you, but it looks like you are also a guilty party in this affair.<</if>> <div class="heir">It would help everyone if that ?person went with ?them… I can assure you, you do not need any interaction with that ?person!</div> * <<link "Try to persuade the Parriach." `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T += 1>><<set $textc +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 2>>“//Why can’t ?they travel with you? Wouldn’t the fresh air from our estate help?//” “//As I have already told you, $Name, ?they is not in a state fit for travelling right now,//” ?Theo sternly reminds you. “//And ?they wouldn’t want to leave your siblings unattended, either.//” “//Then bring them along, if ?they is that worried…//” “//And slow me down when time is of the essence? I think not!//” ?They scoffs at your proposition. “//Instead of riding my horse until I reach the March, we would need to set a carriage, or two, and we would have to stop every time someone feels slightly uncomfortable. I do not have time for this! Now will I have the time to care for them when I am already dealing with the council’s mess!//” “//Why can’t ?their family look after ?them, then?//” “//That is what we are doing, $Name!//” ?They gets closer to you menacingly, ready to grab you by the collar. “//And you better not have meant ?their parents. If I catch you mentioning them in the same room as ?Alex, for that matter…//” “//Err… What about granny?//” you ask something else, hoping to avoid further confrontation. “//Can’t she look after ?them?//” “//It would have been preferable if she were here… Unfortunately, she won’t be back from her trip before I leave. She might not arrive before I am back. Really, $Name, there is no way around this,//” ?they shakes ?their head. “//You will have to take care of ?Alex, whether you like it or not. You don’t have to spend every waking second with ?them. But check on ?them once a day, at least. That is the minimum I ask of you.//” “//Fine…//” you relent. If you must share a roof with someone you don’t have a particularly good relationship with, you could either try to mend the bridges, or avoid that person altogether. Either way, you might want to know where the Consort spends her day. * <<link "Ask the location of the Consort." "A1S2-05pc">><<set $question.a1s2T += 1>><<set $textc +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<default>>“//Where can I find… ?Alex?//” your voice cracks a bit on that last word. “//I don’t know, $Name. I have not left this office since yesterday. If ?they managed to leave our bed today, I’d suspect ?they would spend ?their day either in the sitting room upstairs, the drawing room or the library.//” <<if setup.outfit.s1num gt 3>>?They looks you up and down before adding: “//You better not bother ?them if you are going to wear… this. Not if you want to avoid another fight.//” <<else>>?They looks at you and adds: “//Why are you asking, anyway? You better not try to start another fight. I don’t want to deal with that…//”<</if>> “//I won’t, I promise,//” you smile. “//I am not sure I would have the time, anyway. Not today, at least.//” “//Then why ask?//” “//Just to know, I guess,//” you shrug. * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <</switch>>

<<SetGender "Theo">><<if ndef $textd>><<set $textd = 1>><</if>><<switch $textd>><<case 1>>“//I have some questions…//” you pause, biting your lips. “//…about my duties while you are away.//” “//Duties?//” ?Theo looks at you incredulously. “//How can you have questions about your duties? You should know them by now!//” “//Well…//” “//If you ask my to list them to you,//” ?their eyes turn dark, “//I will kick you out of this office, right now!//” <> <ul><li> <<link "Ask for the list of your duties.">><<replace "#out" t8n>><<set $thrown to true>><<set $relhouse -= 2>>“//Can I get a list of my duties?//” you ask cheekily. “//I wouldn’t want to miss a thing from what I am supposed to do.//” “//That’s it,//” ?Theo throws ?their hands in the air. “//Out! Get out, $Name!//” You chuckle under your breath. “//You think I am joking here?//” your ?parent yells. “//I have better things to do than humour your little attitude. Get. Out.//” ?Their dark eyes feel like daggers piercing your heart. You lower your head in shame, and retreat quietly to the corridor. Before leaving the room, you take one last glance behind you, hoping your ?parent would change ?their mind. Unfortunately, ?they is set in ?their ways. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S2-05b]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Ask whether there is something specific you need to do.">><<replace "#out" t8n>>“//Is there something specific you’d want me to do while you are done? Aside from my regular duties, I mean.//” “//Mmh… let me see,//” ?Theo scratches ?their chin. “//I am not quite sure, actually. Apart from everything that crosses the manor’s doors, the correspondence, keeping up the house books and finances to date, to keeping the peace around the house… I can’t think of anything else right now…//” “//I see…//” you try your best to hide a smile, rejoicing on receiving the information ?Theo swore not to give you. “//Or maybe…//” “//Yes?//” “//It wouldn’t hurt if you paid some visits to other noble houses. You know, as the acting head of the family. I haven’t done much of that lately… I’d rather not want them to feel neglected or insulted by my lack of social calls. And I couldn’t ask your ?parent either…//” “//I am certain they understand.//” <<SetGender>> “//Anyone understands up to a point, ?child. But only so much time can pass before they change their minds and turn on you.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?They looks tired. “//Just make the rounds…//” “//If that means less time looking after the <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-05pc")>>Consort<<else>>?Alex<</if>>, fine.//” With all tasks laid out for you, you are afraid you may not have time to explore the city or find answers to your many questions. <<if setup.here.theo is true>>//Good thing I have a few days before ?they leaves.//<<else>>//Why did I persuade ?them to leave so early?//<</if>> Still, you are not looking forward to those responsibilities. //Why couldn’t I have woken up in an easier life…// You recall your ?parent mentioning having some help for that reason. You do not really trust the young man still standing in the office. <ul><li> <<link "Ask the Parriach about Raymond." `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T += 1>><<set $textd +=1>><</link>></li> <li> [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]]</li> <li> [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<default>>“//You mentioned Raymond was here to help me. How come an office lackey has been set to help a head of a House?//” “//Office la—//” ?Theo looks shocked by your words. “//$Name… There is no need to be rude. He is right there,//” ?They points at the young man, still in the office. “//Raymond is to become your advisor, just as Laroche was appointed to me when I was your age. Office lackey…//” ?They shakes ?their head in disbelief. “//Really, $Name. I thought I raised your better than that. This is not how you lay the foundation for what is supposed to become a life-long partnership.//” “//Life-long? ?Parent, you can’t be serious!? You want me to be advised by someone whose background is fogged so.//” “//If you had not stormed out when I presented him to you, you would have known an old acquaintance of mine recommended him to me.//” ?They gets closer to you and whispers: “//I owed that acquaintance a little favour or two still.//” “//That is not fair, ?Parent! Why do I have to get your failed enterprises dumped on me?//” “//Come on, $Name. Give him a chance! You don’t need to like him. Just tolerate him and listen to his opinion.//” “//Why would his opinion matter to me when I have no confidence in his abilities, ?Parent?//” “//I told you Laroche trained him. Shouldn’t that be good enough for you?//” Seeing your head shake, ?they sighs. “//I know Laroche is getting old, but he is not as decrepit as you think he is,<<SetGender>> ?child. In any case, Raymond has already proved his competences to me.//” <<SetGender "Theo">> “//?Parent…//” “//He has already saved our coffers from ruin, $Name. That should count for something, don’t you think?//” “//Hrmph…//” “//You recall the poor investments the Massoumières never recovered from?//” You grimace at the thought. The Massoumières not only fell on hard times, they had lost everything. Their exquisite possessions, their bountiful estates, their prestigious titles… Nothing was spared. They were lucking the rich merchant they sold their lands to was gracious enough to let them keep their smallest castle in the country and live there in peace, away from the gossip and the shame. “//Is that enough for you yet?//” “//Err… Fine,//” you relent. “//I’ll tolerate him. For now…//” <<SetGender>> “//Good, ?child.//” * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <</switch>>

<<if def $textd>><<unset $textd>><</if>><<if def $textc>><<unset $textc>><</if>><<if def $textt>><<unset $textt>><</if>><<SetGender "Theo">><<if $thrown is true>><<unset $thrown>>You sigh loudly and shut the door behind you. It was never your plan to get into any more trouble than you are already in. You did not mean to be malicious in your words. You only wanted some straightforward answers. //For once…// You don’t take more than three steps before you hear the door creak behind you. “//?Parent, I’m sorry. I didn’t—//” you start as you turn around. <<else>><<if $question.a1s2T gt 1>>“//Since there is nothing else…//” ?Theo waves you off and goes back to the piles of paper on ?their desk. On cue, you step out of the study as quietly as you entered it, avoiding disturbing ?their concentration further. Nonetheless, ?their stern voice follows you before you close the door behind you. <<else>>“//Unless you needed something else?//” You shake your head, as you wish to leave already. ?Theo responds with a stiff nod, going back to the piles of papers on ?their desk. Having been granted your wish, you step out of the study as quietly as you entered it, avoiding disturbing ?their concentration further. Nonetheless, ?their stern voice follows you before you close the door behind you.<</if>> “//And please, $Name. Do not get into any more troubles. I have enough things to handle!//” You groan loudly and shut the door. It was never your plan to get into any more trouble than you are already in. You too have enough things on your mind and are not looking into adding more on your plate. //Not if I can avoid it!// You don’t take more than three steps before you hear the door creak behind you. “//?Parent, don’t worry I won’t—//” you start as you turn around.<</if>> <<SetGender>>“//Ah, my ?liege. It is just me. I wanted a word with you as well. If it is not too much trouble.//” Unlike the stern figure you were expecting, you see the young lackey stand before you. “//Raymond… right?//” “//Yes, my ?liege.//” “//Is… this urgent? I have somewhere to be.//” “//Erm…//” Raymond seems to be trying to choose his words carefully. “//Well? Out with it!//” “//I… I think we got off on the wrong foot when I first arrived. I thought it would be best if we started over.//” He extends his hand to you, which you avoid taking right away. Instead, you cross your arms. Something about the young man gives you pause. The voice inside your mind warns you to stay away, though you do not understand why. //He seems so kind and smart…// Fostering this relationship could be useful in the future. So much so, you have a feeling Raymond could handle most things for you in this office, leaving you with more time to gallivant outside. //But is he too smart?// The thought eats at you. You’ve managed to stay //somewhat// under the radar. //What if he finds me out too?// * <<link [[“I guess I can spare a bit of time for you, if it is that important.” |A1S2-06b]]>><<set $relray +=2>><</link>> * <<link [[“I don’t have time for this right now. Can we have this conversation later?” |A1S2-06a]]>><<set $relray -=2>><</link>> <<notifAISZfiveb>>

<<if ndef $textt>><<set $textt to 1>><</if>><<switch $textt>><<case 1>>“//I had some questions about your trip.//” “//I am not sure what else to say, ?child. I thought I was clear enough on the situation.//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//You were, ?Parent. I just… If you want me to prove myself to the local council as your successor, wouldn’t this have been a good opportunity for me to do so?//” “//Really, $Name?//” ?they looks at you, disappointed. “//This isn’t the time to reopen old wounds. There is already enough fuel thrown into the fire.//” “//But—//” “//Have you forgotten what happened last time I let you? The council is still mad at you for what you did, you know…//” “//Come on!//” You roll your eyes. “//Shouldn’t they have moved on by now? It has been like… forever!//” “//I… I didn’t think my child was this dense,//” ?Theo shakes ?their head. “//How could they forget their building catching fire because you—//” “//Whatever I may have done,//” you brush ?them off. “//It won’t help me get on their good side if I can’t change their mind about me!//” “//Are you trying to convince me to go there? Now? I… I can’t… We almost had to drag you out of the manor last time we left for the March! Because you didn’t want to face them.//” “//Well, if I am supposed to get the reign over the estate soon, shouldn’t I at least try to do something about this little kerfuffle?//” “//I have planned for this. We were supposed to…//” ?They looks in the distance. “//It just won’t be happening right now.//” ?Their harsh tone whips the room into silence. Your fingers fidget behind your back. You don’t know why you were insisting so much, anyway. You had not planned on leaving the manor and be stuck in the countryside. * <<link "Ask about the issue the Parriach needs to solve." `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T += 1>><<set $textt +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 2>>“//Err…//” you <<if lastVisited("A1S2-05pt") is 1>>break the silence<<else>>think about what to ask<</if>>. “//What’s the issue this time?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Everything? Nothing? Who knows, really?//” ?Theo massages ?their temples. “//It probably started as backyard bickering, as it always does, only to escalate for no reason, as it usually ends up. Someone always ends up realising their mistake and everyone moves on. But now,//” you hear rage seething in ?their voice, “//they can’t seem to agree on anything! Not the little things, nor the important ones! Tax collection appointment,//” ?they throws a letter on the desk, “//ended with black eyes. Finding an organiser for the annual harvest fair,//” ?they slams down another letter, “//someone was thrown out of the window. And worse… when it came to organising a hunt for a beast that ravages a few flocks of sheep, someone got stabbed!//” “//Tsk, tsk… what a pain.//” “//I know you said this sarcastically, but you won’t have to tell me twice. They can be so backwards sometimes…//” “//Then, why don’t you replace them? The council is pretty useless if they can’t agree on anything.//” “//What do you think will happen if I do that, huh?//” ?They looks at you in disbelief. “//What are you ready to lose in the process? The March? The status? The riches?//” ?They asks, raising ?their voice with each addition. “//Because this is how you would lose it all!//” ?Their words echo in the room. You do not dare say a think, listening only to ?their loud breathing as ?they regains ?their composure. “//They may be a bit…//” ?they continues, “//a bit rough around the edges. But they have the support of the people there. And without those people taking care of the land, well… the land would be worthless! You might just as well wear a plaque round your neck that says ‘I’m an idiot heir’ and parade in front of the Palace to have the same effect!//” ?Theo takes ?their glasses off and rubs the bridge of ?their nose. ?They looks more tired than when you entered, and probably more tired of your antics here. * <<link "Suggest only sending Laroche to solve the problem, so the Parriach can rest." `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T += 1>><<set $textt +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<default>><<SetGender "Theo">>“//Why do you need to go? You look exhausted, ?Parent. Can’t Laroche handle it? You have a lot of faith in his competencies to resolve this situation.//” “//His sister is on the council, remember? The sister than has not talked to him for the past decade because her gourd was not chosen when he last judged the Harvest Fair. Do you really think his authority as my advisor would be enough to handle her, and her alone?//” “//I mean… if you made it clear to the Council you gave him your full authority to do as he pleases, wouldn’t that help?//” “//Yeah, that will go very well with them,//” ?they scoffs. “//If you want to tell them I don’t care much about their current squabble, that is the way to go! Seriously, $Name. I thought you knew better than that. They would either not take any of Laroche’s words seriously or they would turn against the family. Either way, it will not resolve the issue.//” “//And here I thought you trusted Laroche…//” “//And you underestimate the length these people would go through to be heard. At the end of the day, this is what they want: for us to hear their complaints and to feel seen. Which is something I have been neglecting to do these past months…//” As ?their last words are uttered, ?their bottom lip quivers. ?They covers ?their face with ?their hands, taking long breaths to avoid sobbing. Still, ?their breathing betrays ?their state. ?They swiftly wipes ?their eyes and puts ?their spectacles on ?their nose. “//I… I have delayed this trip as much as I could, accounting for the circumstances. I cannot delay it any longer.//” “//When will you be back?//” “//I don’t know…//” ?They looks saddened at the thought. “//It will depend on how the situation develops when I get there. As soon as I resolve this. Maybe a few days after things are settled, just in case. There is much I need to check.//” ?They glances at you, smirking. “//Why? Do you worry about holding down the fort here? You don’t think you can do it?//” “//What? No! No, everything will be fine,//” you try to reassure ?them, and yourself. “//I was just… hoping not to miss your guidance for too long.//” “//That… is actually quite sweet of you, $Name,//” ?Theo smiles. “//Thank you.//” * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <</switch>>

<<if ndef $Qparty>><<set $Qparty = 1>><</if>><<switch $Qparty>><<case 1>><<unset $Qparty>>“//I have some questions about the party next week… Laroche mentioned the Royal Family would be attending this year. Is there a specific reason?//”<<SetGender "Vic">> “//You asked Prince ?Vic to attend, which ?they graciously accepted,//” <<SetGender "Theo">>?Theo looks at you confused you did not remember this. “//If I only invited the Prince, why would the rest of the family come?//” “//The court rules require us to invite the whole family every time a ball like this is organised, regardless of their wish to attend. I am actually quite surprised they decided to come. They usually make little appearances to nobles balls from families holding a title lower than a Duchy. More so when the whole family chooses to attend the reception. We have had some of the Princes coming in the past, but never more than two or three at once.//” “//Still, don’t you have any idea? Could to take a guess?//” “//Eh… It could be related to your engagement. Maybe they just want to see how you handle yourself around them, or the rest of the court. It goes without saying you will need to be on your best behaviour, then.//” You smugly cross your arms, muttering an obviously under your breath. * <<link "Who else has been invited?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 2>><</link>> * <<link "Why are we hosting a ball?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 3>><</link>> * <<link "Does this party have a theme?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 4>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 2>><<unset $Qparty>>“//Who else has been invited?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//You know better than to ask me this,//” ?Theo responds, exasperated. “//?Alex is the one in charge of this, like every year. Ask ?them.//” “//But—//” “//How many times do I need to remind you I am not involved in the family social calendar? I don’t know, nor care, about these things. ?Alex gives me what to where and where to do. That’s it.//” “//Fine, I get it.//” * <<link "Why are we hosting a ball?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 3>><</link>> * <<link "Does this party have a theme?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 4>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 3>><<unset $Qparty>>“//Why are we hosting a ball?//” “//You really need to stop your partying if you can’t even remember this, $Name. <<SetGender "Theo">>Even I know. With all the reminding ?Alex has put me through all these years, I know better than to forget! It is the only one I attend out of my own volition and not because ?Alex needs to drag me out of this office. Even then… <<if setup.here.theo is false>>?They won’t be happy to hear about my absence this year…<</if>>//” ?they mumbles. “//When is the party, again?//” “//In a week.//” ?Theo looks at you, concerned. “//Seriously, $Name. How do you not remember that? You have been boasting about it for the past month to whoever with ears crosses your path. Maybe you do need to be checked by the physician…//” “//What? No… I just… err… drunk to much yesterday…//”<<SetGender>> “//You might want to cut back on your nightly outings, ?child. It is not doing you any good if you are already forgetting this…//” “//It’s fine… I promise.//” * <<link "Who else has been invited?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 2>><</link>> * <<link "Does this party have a theme?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 4>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <<case 4>><<unset $Qparty>>“//Does this party have a theme?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Ask ?Alex. ?They knows more about this than I do, since ?they is the one who organise it all. I only show up with the outfit ?they sets out for me.//” “//That’s not very helpful, ?Parent…//” “//Well, you should have known you were asking the right person, $Name. Haven’t you chosen your outfit already? I am pretty sure you mentioned something about a fitting…//” “//I am going to one today, indeed.//” “//Please remind the modiste to send the invoice this time. I’d prefer not make the trip to her shop to demand it again. You know how I hate to owe people.//” You mumble repeatedly a few //yes//. * <<link "Who else has been invited?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 2>><</link>> * <<link "Why are we hosting a ball?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2T +=1>><<set $Qparty to 3>><</link>> * [[Ask a different question. |A1S2-05a][$question.a1s2T += 1]] * [[You have no more question. You’d rather leave. |A1S2-05b]] <</switch>>

“//Err… I don’t really have time for this right now. I should have been on my way for a while already. Can we talk about whatever this is later?//” “//I…//” Raymond looks disappointed. “//I understand, my ?liege. I will be here when you have some time.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>He bows and turns his heels to rejoin your ?parent in ?their office. //What was that all about?// You retrace your steps to the entrance, experiencing a state of utter confusion. //Why would we have started on the wrong foot?// You wonder what the young man had done wrong then, hoping you were not the guilty party. Though he seemed sweet enough, his insistence on taking some of your time to make things ‘//right//’ leaves your feeling a bit unnerved. Your contemplation is interrupted when you bump into the little table you inspected earlier. You find a servant standing by it, your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on his arm. Somehow, you expected Mrs Vinea to stand in his place to wait on you. But, after being dismissed earlier, she probably went on about her day. You gesture at the servant to come forward and help you. “//Is my carriage ready?//”<<SetGender>> “//Yes, my ?liege,//” he responds as he sets the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on your shoulders. “//Jonah has brought it to the door.//” You mindlessly put the small planner and trinkets from the table in <<if $suit is "suit">>the inside pocket of your coat<<else>>your purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, the servant hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and, with shaky hands, helps you put it in place. You wish Mrs Vinea were still there to help you instead.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, he hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>.<<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror, and, satisfied with the reflecting image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door of your and bows as you pass him. You finally take your first steps outside. * [[Continue|A1S2-07]]

“//I guess I could spare some time…//” you reluctantly agree, leaving his hand hanging, “//if it is that important to you.//” “//It is. It is important to me,//” Raymond reiterates, retracting sadly his lonely hand. “//Trust is important if this partnership is to work properly. You need to trust me with your affairs as much as I have confidence in you. I would really hate not being able to get along with you, my ?liege.//” “//Would you now?//” you smirk. “//If I were not to trust you, what would you do? March out of the manor with our coffers?//” “//Goddess, no! I meant—//” “//Yes, yes, I get it,//” you brush him off. “//I was just jesting.//” You hear the bookish man sighing in relief. “//If I don’t trust you, working together would become difficult.//” “//Lack of trust makes affairs prone to errors,//” he nods.<<SetGender"Theo">> “//Still… I don’t get why ?Parent assigned some… chaperon to me. I am sure I can handle the manor just fine by myself.//”<<SetGender>> “//I am sure you would too, my ?liege. I was appointed to support you, in whatever you need.//” “//Whatever I need, you say?//” “//Well, short of actually murdering someone,//” he chuckles nervously, avoiding your eyes, “//or other illegal activities… that’s what I am here for!//”<<SetGender "Theo">> <div class="heir">>I’ve told ?Parent enough times I don’t need any advisor. Especially not this useless little man.</div> “//But… why would ?Parent appoint you in particular? You seemed to have appeared at the manor out of nowhere. I can’t say I can trust a stranger. Would you, if you knew practically nothing about that person or their… background?//”<<SetGender>> “//I understand your reticence, my ?liege. We haven’t had much chance to… discuss my place here after the Marquis brought me in. I can’t blame you, as I did not put my best foot forward when the Marquis introduced me. I had not managed to say it but… Er… I really am sorry about ruining your silk shirt, my ?liege.//” <div class="heir">Those butterfingers ruining my favourite shirt so carelessly!</div> “//Fav—//” you cut yourself short and sigh. “//Let’s… let’s not talk about this today.//” “//Right,//” he looks down, scratching the back of his head. “//Still, my ?liege… What can I do so you would put your trust in me?//” * <<link [[“I don’t know enough about you to make up my mind. I have some questions for you.” |A1S2-06q]]>><<set $question.a1s2R = 1>><<set $relray += 5>><</link>> * [[“Let me think about this a bit longer. We can talk more about this later.” |A1S2-06n]] * <<link [[“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t think we need to start over, nor do I need your help.” |A1S2-06f]]>><<set $relray -= 10>><</link>> * <<link [[“Let us leave our affairs aside. I would much rather discuss something… else.” |A1S2-06s]]>><<set $relray -= 10>><</link>>

“//What can I do so you would put your trust in me?//” “//I… I am not sure, to be honest,//” you sigh. “//You can’t expect me to have a whole list of gruelling tasks for you to prove yourself to me. Not at the drop of a hat.//” “//I understand, my ?liege,//” Raymond looks a bit disappointed. “//It’s not like I don’t want to trust you, Raymond. I do want to. Your… eagerness to get to that step makes me want to. I just need to think about this a bit longer.//” Your heart pinches seeing his face. “//We will talk about this later, alright?//” “//Most gracious of you,//” he bows his head slightly. “//I should not keep you any longer. Thank you, my ?liege.//” <<SetGender "Theo">>He bows at you and rejoins your ?parent in ?their office. Though his insistence on making you trust him leaves you somewhat uneasy, you feel compelled to agree to his request. Still, part of you stays reticent to the idea, afraid he would discover your true identity sooner or later and use it against you. //But he seemed so willing…// you are tempted to take to your advantage. Your contemplation is interrupted when you bump into the little table you inspected earlier. You find a servant standing by it, your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on his arm. Somehow, you expected Mrs Vinea to stand in his place to wait on you. But, after being dismissed earlier, she probably went on about her day. You gesture at the servant to come forward and help you. “//Is my carriage ready?//”<<SetGender>> “//Yes, my ?liege,//” he responds as he sets the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on your shoulders. “//Jonah has brought it to the door.//” You mindlessly put the small planner and trinkets from the table in <<if $suit is "suit">>the inside pocket of your coat<<else>>your purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, the servant hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and, with shaky hands, helps you put it in place. You wish Mrs Vinea were still there to help you instead.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, he hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>.<<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror, and, satisfied with the reflecting image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door of your and bows as you pass him. You finally take your first steps outside. * [[Continue|A1S2-07]]

<<if visited("A1S2-06q") is 1>>“//What can I do so you would put your trust in me?//” “//I am not quite sure… I do not think I know enough about you to make up my mind.//” “//Then, think of my as an open book! Ask whatever crosses your mind, and I will do my best to answer it.//” “//Let’s see…//” <<else>>“//I have another question for you.//” “//What information can I provide you with, my ?liege?//”<</if>> ''What do you want to ask Raymond?'' * [[“Where do you come from?”|A1S2-06rb]] * [[“Where did you get your education?”|A1S2-06re]] * <<if $textu gt 1>>[[“You are good with numbers and have a sense of duty. What else can you do?”|A1S2-06ru]]<<elseif $textu gt 0>>[[“Would you believe any information given by a trusted source?”|A1S2-06ru]]<<else>>[[“How can you be useful to me?”|A1S2-06ru]]<</if>> * [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]]

“//What can I do so you would put your trust in me?//” You leave his question hanging for a few awkward seconds. Raymond’s insistence on getting your trust unnerves you. You are not ready to trust him. //Not now, not ever. Why would I need his help, anyway?// “//Never you mind trust,//” you brush him off. “//I do not think we need to start whatever this is over.//” “//Really? Oh, my—//” a mistaken glimpse of joy brightens his face.<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Nor do I need your help, urchin! I have handled all of his by myself just fine! I do not need an office lackey following me around like a lapdog. Now, run along to my ?parent and tell ?them just that!//”<<SetGender>> “//My l—//” “//I better not see you within my line of sight after this!//” “//Oh…//” Raymond stands still, looking grave. “//My ?liege… you cannot do that. You cannot dismiss me like that. I have—//” “//I can’t—//” you scoff. “//Pray tell, why can’t I?//” “//The Marquis—//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//—leaves <<if setup.here.theo is true>>next week<<else>>tomorrow<</if>>. If ?they is the only barrier between me and a quiet office free of you, I can be patient enough. Be sure to have your bags ready the moment ?they steps foot outside.//” “//But—//” “//Or I’ll make sure they are thrown out by then!//” You turn your heels, leaving Raymond dumbfounded by the door. <<SetGender>> “//My ?liege, please. Why?//” you hear his pleading voice following you. “//I have already told you. I do not need you.//” You shake your hand, gesturing him to leave. “//There is no need to make a scene, boy. Now, run back to the Marquis like the good little lackey you are and let me be!//” Expecting him to plead his case further to you, you increase your pace. You are filled with relief to hear his defeated heels clicking back and the office door shutting again. //One less pair of eyes to worry about.// You’ve already felt nervous around the maid and the housekeeper. //That one though…// He looked smart enough to figure out the whole truth and maybe hold this information against you. You reach the entrance of the manor. You find a servant standing by it, your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on his arm. Somehow, you expected Mrs Vinea to stand in his place to wait on you. But, after being dismissed earlier, she probably went on about her day. You gesture at the servant to come forward and help you. “//Is my carriage ready?//”<<SetGender>> “//Yes, my ?liege,//” he responds as he sets the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on your shoulders. “//Jonah has brought it to the door.//” You mindlessly put the small planner and trinkets from the table in <<if $suit is "suit">>the inside pocket of your coat<<else>>your purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, the servant hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and, with shaky hands, helps you put it in place. You wish Mrs Vinea were still there to help you instead.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, he hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>.<<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror, and, satisfied with the reflecting image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door of your and bows as you pass him. You finally take your first steps outside. * [[Continue|A1S2-07]]

<<if ndef $textb>><<set $textb to 1>><</if>><<switch $textb>><<case 1>>“//Tell me, where do you come from?//” His head falling, eyes to the ground, Raymond loses his previously chattering disposition and turns silent at the question. You see his fist clench, which he quickly hides behind his back. “//Well?!//” You are starting to lose patience. “//Answer my question!//” “//I… Err…//” he babbles. “//Goddess, help me,//” you sigh. “//You told me to think of you as an open book, but you are standing there, shut down. I can change my mind on you if you don’t say anything, Raymond.//” “//Right… It’s just…//” “//Do I have to pry this information out of your mouth myself?//” “//I… Err…//” he passes his hand through his hair. “//I don’t want you to think less of me, my ?liege. My background… it is not as… clean as I would prefer it to be.//” <div class="heir"> My, my… The office lackey might not be as boring as I thought…</div> “//How can I think less of you when I barely think of you to begin with?//” You cross your arms, annoyed. “//I know very little about you to think of you, Raymond. Hell… I’d probably think even less of you if you get back on your words and avoid giving me clear answers!//” Still, no intelligible words come out of his mouth. //What is he hiding from me?// His head still down, you see his arms trembling, probably due to him fidgeting with his hands. “//I can’t understand a word you day, man,//” you reproach him. “//The bueoe…//” he mumbles, barely audible. “//The what?//” “//The Burrow!//” he blurts out, before hiding his face in his hands. “//I am from the Burrow, my ?liege, on the other side of the river.//” <div class="heir">A pauper? Ha! Hahaha! Out of all the things I was expecting… This was not on my list.</div> * <<link "What?!" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><<set $textb +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//Ah…//” “//See,//” he shakes his hand, the other still covering his eyes, “//this is why I did not want to say a thing.//” “//I don’t—//” “//I know I am more than where I come from, but people don’t seem to see past that. No matter my accomplishments or proving my capabilities, they don’t see past that when they find out the truth…//” “//Then… why didn’t you make something up? I would have been none the wiser.//” “//Lie? To you, my ?liege?//” “//Nothing wrong with reinventing yourself, once in a while. If it hurts no one…//” you shrug. “//And start this partnership on dishonesty?//” he gasps. “//That would go against my goal for…//” His hands gesture between the both of you. “//Would a little lie like this truly have destroyed any chance for a good partnership between us, Raymond?//” “//I… Erm…//” he looks down, blushing. “//You would have felt guilty knowing you deceived me, wouldn’t you?//” “//Yes,//” he mumbles again, nodding. “//And it would you would have had issues talking about our affairs, as the guilt would turn any interaction you would have with me awkward…//” “//I… guess?//” “//Well, at least you are honest. Even if I had to push more than I’d have wanted to.//” <div class="heir">Can even he…</div> “//Or… is it just because you can’t tell a lie?//” “//Not even if it would save my soul,//” he blurts out, before covering his mouth. “//How… interesting,//” you snicker. “//It has not always served me well,//” he admits. “//And yet, you are standing in a position that many would covet. For one who cannot lie, that is quite impressive, to say the least.//” “//Ah… well…//” the bookish man blushes, uncomfortable by the compliment. “//I guess I may be a bit lucky.//” “//Luck or not, it brought you here nonetheless. I wonder…//” You pause. “//How has there been no talk of an individual escaping the Burrow like this? This would be quite the talk of the town. For a moment, at least.//” “//I… Few people know of my background, my ?liege. Most of them do not entertain gossip.//” “//It is only gossip when the facts are uncertain. But here you stand, proof of it happening.//” “//I would rather they not talk about me, at all. As an advisor, we should not be heard of, only heard when requested. I find the shadow more comforting, my ?liege.//” “//Still… How does one leave the Burrow? I have heard more about people ending up there, than… well,//” you gesture at him. “//It is a long story, my ?liege.//” He glances around. “//One best told behind closed doors.//” “//Can’t you give me at least the short rundown?//” “//Let’s just say I ran into the right person at the right time. And I do mean running into someone,//” he smiles, and continues mumbling: “//That bump on my forehead still hurts sometimes…//” “//Do remind me not to let you walk first then,//” you chuckle. “//To avoid running into people again.//” “//I will, my ?liege,//” he nods, still smiling. “//I must remember to keep you quiet around some of our contacts, as well… It’s a wonder how much one can achieve with a little lie or two,//” you wink. * <<link [[Ask another question.|A1S2-06q]]>><<unset $textb>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><</link>> * <<link [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]]>><<unset $textb>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $texte>><<set $texte to 1>><</if>><<switch $texte>><<case 1>><<SetGender "Theo">>“//I am sure Laroche, as old as he is, did a fine job taking you under his wing, but I must expect you to have some sort of… training before you arrived here. If ?Parent took you in with no…//” you shake your head. “//Where did you say you got your education again?//”<<SetGender>> “//Hasn’t the Parriach mentioned it before, my ?liege?//” the young man fidgets with his hands.<<SetGender "Theo">> “//I don’t believe ?they has, no.//” “//Ah… Err… Well…//” “//Goddess… Can you read?//”<<SetGender>> “//Yes, my ?liege. I have—//” “//And write?//” “//I have a fine penmanship, my ?liege.//” “//Basic arithmetic?//” “//As well as advanced statistics, my ?liege. I enjoy doing predictions in—//” “//Which school did you attend, then?//” “//Err… None, my ?liege,//” he looks down. “//Then how?<<if hasVisited("A1S2-06rb")>> You can’t expect me to believe you learned it all in the Burrows!<</if>>//” “//Well… I may not have had a formal education like yours, my ?liege. Not with official tutors and professors. But you could say I experienced a more… practical training.//” <div class="heir">Our delivery man has had a practical training. I still wouldn’t trust him with our books!</div> “//Practical?//” “//I have worked… Err… under a few brilliant minds, each with their own specialisation in trades. I may have learned as much under them as one would in a school, my ?liege. Maybe even more.//” “//Raymond… you are not saying much here. Practical training is all well and good, but what have those smart people taught you? What specialisation do they have? How does this knowledge even prepare you for this position? For all I know, having you as my advisor could end up to be the cause for our demise!//” “//My ?liege, I would never make such a mistake!//” “//Then, tell me!//” You say, exasperated by the lack of clear answers. “//Tell me who trained you. Tell me what you know. Tell me how I can rely on you.//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//?Their ?Liegeship has assured me my references were up to ?their standards,//” Raymond avoids your request and your eyes. “//References, which ?they has forgotten to give me —yet again—. Standards, that may not be my own. And do not think I did not catch your non-response, Raymond. Now, for Goddess’s sake! Who. Trained. You?//” Raymond keeps looking at this shoes, his demeanour radiating defeat. He bites the corner of his mouth, hesitating. In the end, he relents. “//Rizzuto.//” * <<link "Who?" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><<set $texte +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//Rizzuto.//” <div class="heir">Is he actually joking? Rizzuto? As in the sacked Royal Treasurer, Ser Leone Rizzuto?</div> <<SetGender "Theo">>You wince at the mention of this name, though you do not quite understand why. You have some mixed emotion about this person. Under the disgust of hearing their name, you can’t help to feel some respect for this former Royal Treasurer. //Is that Rizzuto my ?parent’s old friend? The one with the favour?// Raymond also notices your strange reaction. “//This… this is <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06rb")>>also <</if>>why I avoided mentioning any name,//” he sighs. “//They were an excellent teacher, even after their appointment was wrongfully rescinded… Especially after it was rescinded.//” “//No one,//” you hear yourself seething, “//and I truly mean no one, must find out about this, Raymond. Am I clear?//” “//You think I want anyone else to find out either?//” He replies, his dark eyes sending daggers into yours. “//I know if they did, you would do the smart thing and let me go. I understand it and would advise you to do so in that case. But I would not get employment anywhere else. Unless their name gets magically cleared…//” he sighs. “//I am glad we are on the same page about this,//” you say smugly. “//Still…//” you mindlessly scratch your arm, “//I am not sure what to feel about this, Raymond. Why would ?Parent accept to take someone in, whose mentor is a disgraced courtier, when our position at the court is in balance? This does not make any sense…//” “//I cannot say much about ?Their ?Liegeship’s reasons, but I can assure you no other teaching could prepare any advisor better than Rizzuto’s. Without their guidance, I would not have realised the March had made some questionable investments, the ones the Massoumières suffered through.//” You grimace at the thought. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05pd")>>The Massoumières not only fell on hard times, they had lost everything. Their exquisite possessions, their bountiful estates, their prestigious titles… Nothing was spared. They were lucking the rich merchant they sold their lands to was gracious enough to let them keep their smallest castle in the country and live there in peace, away from the gossip and the shame. <<else>>Your ?Parent had reminded you about this fact earlier. You thought it would have been luck then, but you are questioning that idea now.<</if>> “//I guess… that will have to do. For now.//” * <<link [[Ask another question.|A1S2-06q]]>><<unset $texte>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><</link>> * <<link [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]]>><<unset $texte>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textu>><<case 1>><<SetGender "Theo">>“//I am not sure if I mentioned it enough already, but I don’t see the need for an advisor by my side. My ?parent seems set on pushing one onto me against my wishes, and you on weaselling your way into this house.//”<<SetGender>> “//I am here to assist you with anything you need, my ?liege.//” “//We have the Help for that, Raymond. What do you add to this? What can you do to be useful to me?//” “//I think I am pretty good with numbers.//” “//And? So are Mrs Vinea and Mr Courlon. They keep a book for the Kitchen’s expenses.//” “//I have been told I have a keen eye when it comes to investments and… special books.//” The voice in your head winces. It screams in your mind to stay away. You try your best to brush its comment off, but it keeps getting louder. “//Investments, huh? So you could potentially make us richer than we are?//” “//Pretty easily, from what I’ve been able to see with the current trends.//” “//Richer than the Royal House?//” “//We are talking theoretically, my ?liege, right?//” “//Sure…//” “//It may take a bit of time initially, to set some things up, and you may have to turn a blind eye on some of your values if you want the results to be quick. While I could do so, I should warn you against it. The Royal House does not take kindly on Noble Families gathering more health than stored in the Royal coffers.<<if hasVisited("A1S2-06re")>> Rizzuto experienced their wrath first hand, though it was not warranted.<</if>>//” “//So that is what you mean by having a keen eye…//” “//It is easy to find discrepancies when you know where to look, my ?liege,//” he grins slightly. “//Though, it is easier to find those in books than in predictions. I have seen enough cooked books over the past years to recognise when something had been altered in a way.//” “//Were you ever told<<if hasVisited("A1S2-06re")>> by Rizzuto<</if>> to alter an official document that way?//” “//Goddess, no!//” Raymond chuckles. “//I mean, I have been requested to, many times, but I can’t make myself to agree to it.<<if hasVisited("A1S2-06re")>> Rizzuto never made me do things I was uncomfortable with.<</if>>//” “//A rebellious spirit, huh? Can’t you follow orders?//” “//I can, my ?liege. It’s just… I don’t think I could ever forge something. I can’t in god conscience report anything else but the truth when it comes to accounting. Those books are the base of any good organisation. If this information is not accurate, how can things go right? How can you make sound predictions about the future with false data?//” “//If one were to force you, would you?//” “//Then my work would most certainly land them in trouble. Anyone, even one without any knowledge of these matters, would recognise it as fake from the first glance!//” “//Well… that is a good piece of news for our books.//” * <<link "“Would you believe any information given by a trusted source?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><<set $textu +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask another question.|A1S2-06q][$question.a1s2R += 1]] * [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]] <<case 2>>“//Let’s say, hypothetically, someone were to ask you to include a specific information onto the March books—//” “//Who is this someone? What information? Even with hypothetical, my ?liege, you must be specific! I already told you I would not in good conscience include any information I cannot verify myself.//” “//Right… then let’s say you believe the information to be real and true, but you have no way of verifying.//” “//Do I trust that person, then? No… even then, I am not sure I could…//” “//What if you trusted this person completely?//” “//There are very few people I trust this much, my ?liege,//” he snarks. “//Even they know better to request this of me without proof.//” “//This is just a hypothetical question, Raymond.//” “//My answer stays unchanged, my ?liege. I would not let myself make such a mistake.//” “//Even if the information is true?//” “//How can I be sure, if there is no way of verifying this?//” “//So you don’t trust anyone’s word?//” “//Not anyone’s. Not unconditionally.//” “//Would you trust mine?//” “//I…//” Raymond bites his lip. “//As I have not made up my mind about you, you are unsure whether to trust me as well, I see.//” “//I know this is not what one’s superior would want to hear. But we have not interacted enough for me to make a fair assessment. As neither would you, I assume.//” “//So you would not follow my orders?//” “//I would never go against your decision, my ?liege. Unless you ask me to cook you books —though I can’t see why you would—, or I deemed your decision too dangerous.//” “//You would not only question my decisions but act against me if you deemed them too dangerous?//” “//I would, my ?liege,//” he nods. “//How presumptuous of you!” you huff. “Dangerous… From whom? You? Me?//” “//You,//” he blurts out almost immediately. “//Always you first, my ?liege.//” “//I thought you were here to advise me on the matter of the March. Wouldn’t you consider these affairs more important?//” “//I can’t advise you on those matters, my ?liege, if your actions take away your title or your lands.//” “//So, you are not afraid of a decision that could harm you in any way?//” “//If this was the soundest decision to make,” he shrugs. “I see…//” * <<link "“You are good with numbers and have a sense of duty. What else can you do?”" `passage()`>><<set $question.a1s2R += 1>><<set $textu +=1>><</link>> * [[Ask another question.|A1S2-06q][$question.a1s2R += 1]] * [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]] <<default>>“//So… you are good with numbers and have a sense of duty. What else can you do?//” “//I’ve been known to give pretty solid business advice, which, when taken seriously, is always successful.//” <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-05pd")>>“//Do you have an example?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Hasn’t ?Liege ?Theo mentioned my involvement in the Massoumière’s investments?//” You grimace at the thought. The Massoumières not only fell on hard times, they had lost everything. Their exquisite possessions, their bountiful estates, their prestigious titles… Nothing was spared. They were lucking the rich merchant they sold their lands to was gracious enough to let them keep their smallest castle in the country and live there in peace, away from the gossip and the shame. “//Did… did you have anything to do with their demise?//” “//Me? Goddess, no!//” He shakes his hands. “//I had noticed that the March was involved in those risky investments. And mentioned it to ?Their ?Liegeship. That is all.//” “//Right… How did you even know this would happen, anyway?//” <<else>>“//Right… the Massoumière thing… How did you even know this would happen, anyway?//”<</if>> “//I have… some contacts, here and there.//” <div class="heir">Huh… A lackey with connections… How… intriguing.</div> “//Would you care to share more… details?//” “//Is it truly necessary?//” “//Do you care to still be employed by the end of this conversation?//”<<SetGender>> “//If you wish,//” he shrugs. “//I have been told you are considered quite the social butterfly in your circles, my ?liege. You could say we share this quality.//” “//You?//” you snort. “//A social butterfly?//” “//In a… tamer way, yes.//” “//You seem reticent to talk about yourself in any way, shape, or form. How does that… work?//” “//While, you are correct, I would rather not talk about myself, others seem to enjoy talking about themselves or their affairs to me.//” <div class="heir">Not intriguing… Dangerous.</div> “//So you are like what? A good listener?//” You pretend the voice in your head is not there. “//You just stay silent and they talk to you about anything and everything?//” “//Essentially? Yes.//” “//And they willingly do so?//” “//A pint or two at the closest pub may help to get things started, it usually does not take more.//” “//They really tell you anything?//” You are still astonished at the idea. “//You’d be surprised how a friendly ear is often all one needs, my ?liege. And maybe a few leading questions to stir the conversation.//” “//That is… surprisingly useful. Have you used these contacts much?//” “//Yes, thought they may not know it,//” he smirks. <div class="heir">This could still be advantageous… if played right.</div> “//Err… Anything else?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//?Their ?Liegeship deemed it quite enough already.//” “//I would prefer not to get any more surprises.//” “//Well…//” He scratches his chin as he thinks. “//It may not be what you’d expect of me… but I can mend fallen buttons and tiny holes pretty well.//” * [[Ask another question.|A1S2-06q][$question.a1s2R += 1]] * [[You’ve asked all the questions you wanted. You should probably leave.|A1S2-06l]] <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $question.a1s2R is 1>>“//Err… Actually…//” You take a step back, embarrassed. “//I am not sure what to ask you, right now. I still have some questions for you… just… erm… later. I should go…//” “//Oh, right,//” Raymond brings his hand to his lips, remembering your previous engagements. “//I must have kept you long enough already. But…//” He bites his lips and turns silent. <<else>>“//Right…//” You balance yourself on your heels, unsure how to end this conversation. “//I think I asked you everything I had in mind so far…//” “//If you have any other question, my ?liege, please let me know.//” “//I will… Later… I should get going…//” “//Of course, my ?liege. I must have kept you too long already. But…//” Raymond bites his lips and turns silent.<</if>> “//What now?//” “//Are… are we on a better footing?//” His eyes resemble ones of a needy puppy. <> <ul><li> <<link 'You still don’t know if you can trust this man. You just mutter a disingenuous //Sure//.'>><<replace "#alright" t8n>>“//Sure,//” you mutter, doing your best pretending to be ingenuous. You are still unsure whether you can trust this man<<if $question.a1s2R gt 3>>, even after he answered your many questions<</if>>, but you don’t have the time to waste on debating this right now. You glance at the bookish man, seemingly happier having had the opportunity to exchange a few words with you. Still, his gaze leaves you unnerved. You wonder if he picked up on your disingenuous response. He bows at you, turns around and enters the office. As you make your way back to the entrance of the manor, you can’t help but contemplate on why the little man was so insistent on getting things right with you. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "You smile at him and reassure him.">><<replace "#alright" t8n>>“//Yes, we are,//” you smile warmly at him. You hope these few words will reassure the man, even if you are still not quite sure you could trust him entirely<<if $question.a1s2R gt 3>>, even after he answered your many questions<</if>>. You glance at the bookish man, seemingly happier having had the opportunity to clear the air between the two of you. He bows at you, turns around and enters the office. As you make your way back to the entrance of the manor, you can’t help but contemplate on why the little man was so insistent on getting things right with you. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<default>>You find a servant standing by it, your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on his arm. Somehow, you expected Mrs Vinea to stand in his place to wait on you. But, after being dismissed earlier, she probably went on about her day. You gesture at the servant to come forward and help you. “//Is my carriage ready?//” “//Yes, my ?liege,//” he responds as he sets the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on your shoulders. “//Jonah has brought it to the door.//” You mindlessly put the small planner and trinkets from the table in <<if $suit is "suit">>the inside pocket of your coat<<else>>your purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, the servant hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and, with shaky hands, helps you put it in place. You wish Mrs Vinea were still there to help you instead.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, he hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>.<<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror, and, satisfied with the reflecting image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door of your and bows as you pass him. You finally take your first steps outside. * <<link [[Continue|A1S2-07]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Let us…//” you take a few steps towards the bookish man, “//…leave our affairs aside for a moment.//” “//M-my l-?liege?//” Raymond follows your movement, taking a few steps backwards. “//I would much rather we discuss something… else,//” you smirk, looking deep into his pitch back eyes. “//Wouldn’t you?//” “//I-I…//” Taken aback by your sudden sultry tone, Raymond does not dare to move an inch. Looking petrified, his eyes transfixed on yours, you see him losing his ability to speak. //Have my words turned him into stone?// His mouth, left agape, does not produce any sound, save for his staccato breathing. //Cute.// You grin, looking at this frozen face, whose mind has gone elsewhere.<<SetGender "Theo>">> “//You know…//” your fingers gently graze his soft cheeks, which turn red under your touch. “//I may not need an advisor, not one as my ?Parent would picture at least. But you…//” You grab his chin and pull it closer. “//I could see myself making an exception for you, dear…//” Slowly regaining his senses, Raymond shakes his head and steps further back until his heels hits the door. As his back reaches this dead end, he flinches and shakily brings his hands up, hoping it would detract you from getting any closer. //Still…// While he looks away from your eyes, you notice he bites his lip. You wonder if he is as confident with his decisions as he acts to be. “//You aren’t completely opposed to the ideas, are you?//” you smugly chuckle. “//Oh dear, sweet, Raymond,//” your mouth gets closer to his ear and whispers: “//I promise you, you’ll enjoy every second of it.//” He exhales loudly, a faint cry passing through his lips. You pull back, eager to study the reaction on his face. Though you only manage to catch a glimpse of it, Raymond having covered his lovely features with his hands as soon as space allowed it, his flushed face would betray any denial.<<SetGender>> “//M-my l-?liege,//” you hear him mumble behind his hands. “//P-please… This c-can’t… I… am n-not… It would b-be proper…//” <div class="heir">Ha! His willingness is not set on only getting our trust…</div> “//Proper?//” your fingers caress his hands, in hope it would help uncover his cute face. “//My dear, sweet, innocent man… Proper is overrated. Proper is not fun. Proper should never be considered. Don’t you think?//” “//I—//” His response is interrupted by the door handle moving beside him. In an instant, his flustered demeanour disappears and makes place for a more stoic one. //No!// His flushed complexion washes away from his beige cheeks. //Why?// You see him straighten his vest as he clears his throat. * <<link "“Raymond?”" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>><<SetGender "Theo">>“//Raymond?//” you hear your ?parent’s voice from the other side. “//Are you quite done? We will need to—//” “//I will be right there, ?Liege ?Theo.//” Hearing your ?parent’s footsteps walking away from the door, you focus your attention back on the bookish man in front of you. Still looking away from you, you see him hesitating. “//Duty calling so soon?//” you lament. “//And here I hoped we would have a bit more time…//” “//I think it’d be best—//” “//If we finished this… conversation somewhere else?//” you wink. “//How very sly of you!//”<<SetGender>> “//My ?liege, please,//” he tries to shush you, looking at the closed door. <<SetGender "Theo">>“//Your ?parent could hear us.//” “//Never you mind ?Parent, dear,//” your thumb kissing his lips, you see his cheeks regaining colours. “//?They would be more than pleased to learn we had got… closer.//” “//As much as I,//” he brushes your hand away. “//No…//” He stops, biting his lip again. “//This would be wrong—//” “//How can it be wrong when it feels so right?//” your face moves closer. “//Come, dear… I know you want—//” “//No!//” A small but strong force pushes you back, making you almost lose your balance. You stare him down, your $mc.eyec eyes revealing seething anger burning behind. //Is it really anger? Or something else?// As he looks up and realises what he has done, Raymond pales and mumbles intelligibly. //Did… did I go too far?// You want to grab him by the collar and make his mouth yours. //What is happening to me?// He looks down in shame, his hand trying to turn the handle next to him. //Why…// <<SetGender>> “//I… I am sure you have… other engagements to fulfil, m-my ?liege,//” Raymond says as he tries to regain his composure. “//I shall take my leave.//” “//Wait…//” “//Forgive me, my ?liege,//” he bows coldly. <<SetGender "Theo">>“//I should not let ?Their ?Liegeship waiting.//” “//We should…//” Before you can say another word, the bookish man opens the door and disappears. Left alone in the corridor, you turn your heels away from the scene of your humiliating actions, contemplating what pushed you to act so brazenly towards a man who just wanted to restart on a better footing. //And what did I do? Shoot myself in the foot…// Still, the image of his flushed face does not leave your mind. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Your contemplation is interrupted when you bump into the little table you inspected earlier. You find a servant standing by it, your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on his arm. Somehow, you expected Mrs Vinea to stand in his place to wait on you. But, after being dismissed earlier, she probably went on about her day. You gesture at the servant to come forward and help you. “//Is my carriage ready?//”<<SetGender>> “//Yes, my ?liege,//” he responds as he sets the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>coat<<else>>shale<</if>> on your shoulders. “//Jonah has brought it to the door.//” You mindlessly put the small planner and trinkets from the table in <<if $suit is "suit">>the inside pocket of your coat<<else>>your purse<</if>>. After waiting for your hands to be free, the servant hands you the <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>, on which you notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil is adorned on its brim and covers your face<</if>>.<<else>>bonnet and, with shaky hands, helps you put it in place. You wish Mrs Vinea were still there to help you instead.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> You notice a light <<= setup.outfit.s1col>> veil adorned on the bonnet, which covers your face.<</if>><</if>> Lastly, he hands you the <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>.<<pickup '$inventory' 'a flat wallet' 'a silver case' 'a handkerchief' 'a pencil' 'a matchbox'>> You glance in the mirror, and, satisfied with the reflecting image, you stride towards the main door. As you get closer, a quiet tall suited man opens the door of your and bows as you pass him. You finally take your first steps outside. * <<link [[Continue|A1S2-07]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if def $textu>><<unset $textu>><</if>><<if def $texte>><<unset $texte>><</if>><<if def $textb>><<unset $textb>><</if>><<if def $text>><<unset $text>><</if>>Stepping out of the manor, you are immediately greeted by a slender man, dressed in a dark wintergreen suit, standing in front of a carriage. Just like your room, the wooden horse-pulled vehicle has been coloured in crimson and deep green. A large crest has been painted on its door, representing a rose surrounded by thick and prickly thorns for borders. The man, who you assumed is the aforementioned Jonah, opens the carriage door for you to step in. The door opened, you notice the window curtains cut from a black fabric, unlike the bright colours around. “//Good morning, gov’nor,//” he says, as your foot sets on the first step. “//Is Sunwin Garden still first on your schedule today?//” You stop, taken aback by his question. So far, you’ve only received comments on your schedule, nothing further than lamenting on its business rather than its details. From the little information you’ve managed to gather so far, you aren’t the kind of person to share any details about your life with others. You glance inquisitively at Jonah. //Is it normal for him to know my schedule this extensively?// The man stands unbothered, waiting for your answer. With no words from you, he continues. “//We went through your itinerary yesterday, gov’nor.//” “//Did we?//” “//You told me to expect it to change at a moment’s notice and to be prepared to drive you to an opposite direction if the need arose. I just didn’t want to assume…//” “//Let me see then,//” you take the little crimson booklet from your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> and <<link "check its content">><><<script>> Dialog.setup("Inventory"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Inventory").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><><</link>>. ''Where should you set your destination?'' * [[Your schedule mentioned Sunwin Garden for your morning engagements. That is where you should go. |A1S2-07a]] * [[You don’t care much for schedules and would rather go somewhere else instead. |A1S2-07b]] <<notifAISZseven>>

<<if hasVisited("A1S2-07b")>><<if lastVisited("A1S2-07b") is 1>>“//Never mind, I don’t know where else to go but Sunwin Garden right now.//” <<elseif lastVisited("A1SO-Club") is 1 or lastVisited("A1SO-Rec") is 1>>“//Fine,//” you relent. “//Let us go to Sunwin Garden then.//” <<else>>“//Let’s just go to Sunwin Garden,//” you tell your driver<<if lastVisited("A1SO-DukeM") is 1 or lastVisited("A1SO-PalaceM2") is 1 or lastVisited("A1SO-Cathedral") is 1>>, disappointed by the failed adventure<</if>>. “//Maybe the Count is still there waiting.//<</if>> <<else>>“//It still says Sunwin Garden on the page,//” you continue. “//I guess it is the only place I am expected to be at this morning.//”<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral") or hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>>“//Aye, gov’nor,//” Jonah closes the door and gets back to his seat. The whip cracks again the air and the carriage rolls away. Looking out the window, the landscape blurs once more and loses your attention. <<else>> You step inside and make yourself comfortable on the bench facing the front of the carriage. Jonah’s words still linger in your mind and unnerve you.<<if lastVisited("A1S2-07") is 1>>//Why was he expecting me to go somewhere else? Should I have changed the destination?//<<else>>//Why was he so insistent on going to Sunwin Garden after being expected to drive anywhere else? Did I miss something?// <</if>> While you could have gone anywhere else, you aren’t sure if it would have been wise to do so. You barely remember how to reach certain rooms in the manor. You’d be lost in navigating the city when you can’t still map it out. “//Aye, aye, gov’nor. Sunwin Garden it is,//” the slender man bows, closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat. You wave the thoughts away, as a whip cracks outside and the bridled horses pull the carriage forwards. Thought you could have chosen to go somewhere else, you feel pretty confident this choice was the correct one. You know you will have other opportunities in the future to visit any place you like. //If I could just remember their name…// You hope at least. You push aside the black curtain behind you to catch a glimpse of the building you have just exited. The large, yet simple, red four-story building gets smaller and smaller as the vehicle drives away. The structure seems quite classical, with simple lines demarcating the different levels and rooms. Decorated pillars by the entrance support a small balcony, at the halfway mark of the staircase leading upstairs. You wish you had more time to study the building, but, soon, the manor leaves your sight completely. You sit back to a more comfortable position and look around the interior of the carriage. The black curtains covering the windows give the interior quite the gloomy atmosphere. You pull one aside and let some light inside. Seeing familiar colours around you, you snort. Dark greens and reds are woven into every material inside the vehicle as it was outside and in your room. //Is this an obsession? This was cute before, but this is getting a bit overkill, now.// You pursue still your little exploration of the interior. There are two padded benches built inside, the one you are sitting on and one in front of you. Before now, you hadn’t noticed how comfortable there were. You hadn’t expected them to be so and wouldn’t be surprised to be able to travel hours in this carriage without feeling pain or stiffness. Especially as the sides of the carriage are also padded. You put your head on one of them and look out the window, hoping to see something interesting.<</if>><<Time>> * [[Continue|A1S3-Title]]

<<set $loc to "manor">>Your sense of adventure trumping the one of duty, you realise you don’t care as much about schedules or set plans as whomever you are supposed to be here. Instead, you’d prefer to spend this day as you wished. //Following someone else’s plan is not my plan today.// Whatever this person had set for you in this planner won’t compare to the adventures you will have by yourself the moment you step in the carriage. //I’m sure this Razac person won’t mind too much if I don’t show up to this outing, right?// If you have the opportunity to explore this world with no one looking over your shoulder, you might as well take it. “//Actually, Jonah, I will be going somewhere else this morning.//” “//Alright, gov’nor. Where are we going?//” //Where to go indeed?// This world could be your oyster, if you remembered how it looked! You could recollect how the manor resembled and where to go if you wanted to reach a specific room, but you can’t quite map out the city just yet. //Or anywhere else either!// You could always visit the places written in your planner, but in the order you’d prefer.<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>> You do recall Anne mentioning earlier some lovely spots she had wished to visit as well. //There was a cathedral, the Palace and… wanting to see the ocean?//<</if>><<if setup.clue.match is true>> You could also choose to visit those intriguing spots on the matchboxes you found in your desk. //Wasn’t one named after Paradise?//<</if>> As a last resort, you could always ask your driver for a recommendation. //Could I trust him, though?// “//Gov’nor? Are we going anywhere?//” As Jonah insists on getting a swift answer, you feel pressured into choosing a destination. //What if what I choose will land me in trouble again? Should I just give up on my adventuring?// ''Where do you want to go?'' <ul> <li> [[Going rogue on Day One might not be the wisest idea. It might be best to follow your schedule and go to Sunwin Garden. |A1S2-07a]]</li> <li> <<link [[Skip the first outing and go directly to your fitting. If you are supposed to be this rich, you might as well enjoy it as soon as you can. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[You know it is not dinner time yet, but you still want to meet that Duke first.|A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><li> <<link [[Follow Anne’s recommendation and set for the Cathedral |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[You are quite interested in meeting that Prince, maybe you could see them at the Royal Palace? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[You want to explore another part of the city. Maybe enjoy a breeze of fresh air at the Harbour? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><</if>> <li> [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]</li> </ul>

<<if hasVisited("A1SO-H3") or hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><<set $time to "over">><<set $day to "afternoon">><<set $relcourt -= 5>><<if settings.textanim>> <a data-passage="A1S3-01"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 4<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Freqa 28, B-U9 — afternoon <</fadein>></a> <<else>><a data-passage="A1S3-01"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 4</h1> Freqa 28, B-U9 — afternoon</a><</if>> <<else>><<set $relcourt +=5>><<set $day to "lunch">><<if settings.textanim>><a data-passage="A1S3-01"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 3<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning <</fadein>></a> <<else>><a data-passage="A1S3-01"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 3</h1> Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning</a><</if>><</if>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $time is "over">>Your eyes continue to wander through the passing landscape on the other side of the glass as the carriage follows its enraged course. Still, you’ve stopped paying much attention to it long ago, as your brain keeps replaying this morning’s events over and over. //Something is wrong here.// Escaping the never-ending darkness landed you in a similarly uncomfortable fog. While you rejoice at having regained your senses, you can’t help but feel despair in your situation. You do not feel as if you have got closer to understanding anything happening around you. You feel uneasy around these people, who seem to know more about you than you know yourself.<<else>>You let your eyes wander through the passing landscape before you, as the carriage continues its enraged course. Still, you pay little attention to it. Instead, your brain keeps replaying the events of the past few hours over and over. //Something is clearly wrong here.// After escaping the never-ending darkness, you feel as if you’ve landed in a fog. While you feel as if you’ve uncovered some important elements, every new piece of information comes with its set of question. You feel uneasy around these people, gawking over you, seemingly knowing more about you than you know yourself.<</if>> //And then, there’s the voice…// You sigh. At times, it seems to guide you. At others, it pushes you to act in ways you are not entirely comfortable with. Having landed here only a few hours ago, you already feel how troublesome keeping control over this body is becoming. Not only words are coming out of your mouth without you having thought of them, you have been feeling sentiments about people you don’t even remember! You can hear the voice sneering in the back of your head, teasing the knowledge it has locked away. //Knowledge that could be darn useful now!// You know there is something in there, but you can’t seem to access it without the voice’s permission. //It will never let me go, will it?// Whatever force pulls the strings, that voice has already taken over your body. You’ve felt it a couple of times already since you woke up. Still now, you feel it has control over this flesh and seems reluctant to let go. Whenever it wishes, it pushed you aside, locking you away, unable to do or say a thing. You are stuck watching these pounds of flesh speak and act against your wishes. It never lasted long. A minute or two, tops. //It is still too long… // * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>You don’t realise the carriage has stopped. Even after your slender driver jumps out of his seat and rushes towards the door, reality does not set in. It is the //click// sound emanating from the handle that brings you back. Stepping out of the vehicle, with Jonah’s surprisingly steady arm to help you, and landing your food on the gravel path, your face plunges into the warm sea of sun rays. You stand still, with your eyes closed, for a brief moment, enjoying the slowly becoming overbearing heat. Shade soon covers your face, as Jonah <<if $suit is "dress">>opens your parasol and hangs it over your head<<else>>hovers the top hat you had left on the bench over your face<</if>>. You mindlessly grab the <<if $suit is "dress">>parasol<<else>>hat<</if>> and mumble your thanks to the driver. Forced to lower your gaze, your eyes focus on the large open plain before you. Here and there, patches of large trees have taken roots, though you wonder how so many of them can still stand strong. Far ahead, you think you discern some ruins from an older time over which nature has reconquered. Along with a wide green pasture, a grand body of water seems to separate you from these ruins. You believe you can make out the bank at one end of the pond —//or should I consider it a lake with its size?//—, aside from which a few swans are swimming majestically. Around the pond, reeds have created a dangerous buffer, which would drown many if they were not careful with their steps. You imagine many people waking around the park enjoying the peaceful landscape. You could even see yourself sitting by the weeping willow tree, on the other side of the pond, reading a book or etching the view. Still, you can’t shake the burgeoning feeling that this place seems familiar to you. You sense you recognise something you’ve seen before, bits and pieces you may have noticed in another life. This familiarity seems different to the one you experienced earlier when you stepped out of the bedroom. Something inside keeps voicing you have visited this place before, many times. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<reallife>>It did not use to look like this. At least, not exactly. Its colours were not as bright or vibrant. The greeneries were not this green, but more of a much tamer and washed-out version. The body of water was much greyer; that is when you could even see it. Algae had overtaken most of the pond a long time ago. The paths were not covered with a simple gravel but with a smoother grey substance, and were delimited by little wire fences on each side, as if to prevent people from enjoying the little nature around. As you feel you have done so many times before, you drift along the path set in front of you. //Something’s wrong…// You realise your arms feel much heavier than before. Looking down, you see yourself holding a stack of files and folders, with quite some difficulty. You try to cover them from something falling around you. //What was it again? Flower petals? Dead leaves?// Aimless, you stumble on your feet a few times, gripping onto those files as if they were your life. A cold liquid drips down your warm cheeks. //Is it raining again?// You stop, confused. //It seemed so sunny just a moment ago.// Your hand tries its best to wipe away the drops, but its movements affect the delicate balance of the stack of files in your arms, sending them tumbling and spreading all over the ground. You feel your knees shake before you fall on them, sobbing uncontrollably. Why? Around you, the many passersby continue their journey without a care in the world. Some glance over in pity, while others frown at the inconvenience of stepping aside. None of them takes the time to stop and check on you, or even attempts to help. You feel utterly alone in this crowd. * <<if $time is "over">><<link '//What is going on?//' "A1S3-02late">><<unset $text>><</link>><<else>><<link '//What is going on?//' "A1S3-02">><<unset $text>><</link>><</if>><</switch>>/*[[A1S3-02]] [[A1S3-02late]]*/

“//My ?liege!//” A honeyed voice brushes the washed-out tableau away from your eyes. The sun is shining once more on your dry cheeks. Seeing yourself still on your feet, you glance backward and realise you have not even made a step forward. That… How… Looking down, you see your arms are empty, save for that <<if $suit is "dress">>parasol<<else>>cane<</if>> you are holding. Did… did I imagine the whole thing? It seemed so clear to you, so… vivid. As if you had lived through it… again? While you try to shake off the strange feeling of what just transpired, you can’t seem to get rid of the anguish. “//Welcome, ?Liege $Name! Welcome! It is so good to see you!//” chants the voice. You notice a shortish bronzed man, <<if $mc.size gt 2>>much shorter<<elseif $mc.size is 2>>barely shorter<<else>>though not shorter<</if>> than you, walking briskly in your direction with his hand offered out to you. The newly appointed Count of Razac smiles enthusiastically at the sigh of his friend’s arrival, his twirled moustache making his already large smile wider. Instinctively, you giddily walk towards the man, raising your hand in return to meet his. <<if $time is "early">> “//What a surprise to see you!//” The man continues, as he warmly grabs your hand. “//And this early,//” he faints shock before winking. “//I had hoped for your appearance today, but didn’t expect to be graced with your presence so ahead of the activities! We all think of you as an auspicious sign for an entertaining gathering,//” he chuckles. “//How lucky this will make me!//” “//Ah, well… My dear Count… Nothing was keeping me from you this morning.//” “//So I can see!//” His grin widens. “//I will never complain to be in your presence, even less when I get to have you are for longer. You are not just stopping by, are you?//” “//Of course not, Guillem. I would never dare do such a thing to you!//” “//Good!//” He puts his arm out towards the pond. “//Please! Come and follow me. I do hope you will enjoy your time here, on this fine —finer now— morning. Have you eaten anything yet?//” You smile kindly in response and follow the man further into the park. Walking towards a group of broad-shouldered and muscular individuals setting up some white open tents by the pond, you wonder how you had not noticed them before. With their bright reflective colour, those tents are already looking quite the eyesore in this idyllic place. As you get closer, you find the spot quite empty, save for the servants running around and busying themselves around a large buffet table. You should not be too surprised to see the luncheon grounds in this chaotic state, having arrived this early. You realise now you could have taken your time back at the manor or even stopped at a few spots around town. But the dread of being found out had you stayed a minute longer was eating at you. You even disregarded the prospect of other destinations when you set out for Sunwin Garden. Your eyes wandering around the camped ground, you notice some rough-dressed men carrying and setting down some large wooden crates. “//Ah-ha!//” the Count almost jumps out of excitement. “//I see you have found our main event for today!//” He smiles, having noticed your gaze fixed on the working men. “//Oh, I do hope you will join in on the fun,//” he exclaims. “//It has been quite some time since we have had the pleasure of seeing your legendary aim in action.//” “//M-me?//” you are taken aback. “//Sh-shooting?//” “//Ah…//” Guillem looks dejected by your reaction. “//You may not be in the mood to partake. It is understandable,//” he nods slowly before swearing under his breath: “//How could have I forgotten?//” He shakes his head. “//No matter! I have set aside a spectator’s row with my most comfortable outdoor seats, from which you will be able to enjoy the show.//” He chuckles. “//I would not be surprised some of my guests will set up some sort of betting arrangement around the result of the game.//” ''What do you feel like doing this morning?'' * <<link [[You do not feel comfortable enough holding a weapon in your hands, much less shooting at something… or worse, someone. |A1S3-03a]]>><<set $relcourt -=1>><<set $relvic += 2>><</link>> * <<link [[If that is a show Razac’s guests are expecting, it is a show you will give them. There is no need to disappoint the inviting Count by refusing to shoot. |A1S3-03b]]>><<set $relcourt +=2>><<set $relvic -= 5>><</link>> <<elseif $time is "late">>“//Goddess, I am glad you managed to come,//” the man continues, as he warmly grabs your hand. “//We were getting quite worried we would miss your presence once more. You never confirm your attendance at any event these days. We are never sure whether you would even appear. So many of us always hope to catch a glance of you when going to large gathering like this one. And to think we were about to start without you!//” “//Ah, well… My dear Count… I managed to free myself only recently.//” “//I shall blame whoever kept you from us this long!//” He dramatically raises his fist into the air. “//How dare they take so much of your precious time!//” “//Calm down, Guillem,//” you snicker, as you pat him on the <<if $mc.size lt 2>>back<<else>>shoulder<</if>>. “//I am here. That is all that matters, don’t you think?//” “//Yes. Yes, it is,//” he nods in approbation. “//I do hope you will be able to enjoy yourself on this fine late morning.//” He puts his arm out towards the pond. “//Please, come. Follow me. Have you eaten anything yet?//” You smile kindly in response and follow the man further into the park. Walking towards some white open tents by the pond, you wonder how you had not noticed them before. With their bright reflective colour, those tents look quite the eyesore in this idyllic place. As you get closer, you find many guests sitting around the tastefully decorated tables, while others are standing, all chatting with one another. Some servants are almost running between the well-dressed visitors, serving drinks and other delicacies. Other attendants are bustling behind a large buffet, serving whoever is standing on the other side. Having spent so much time delaying your arrival, you realise why you’ve avoided coming here. You’ve left some interrogating individuals for a gawking crowd. //Not the smartest choice…// Your eyes wandering around the camped ground, you notice some rough-dressed men, around some large wooden crates, handing over pistols and muskets to a couple of guests. “//Ah-ha!//” the Count exclaims, having noticed your gaze fixed on the working men. “//I see you have found our main event for today!//” A faint smile appears. “//I had hoped you would join in on the fun, as it had been quite some time since we have had the pleasure of seeing your legendary aim in action.//” “//Hoped?//” “//Ah…//” Guillem looks slightly uncomfortable. “//The game has already been set up. While I am sure one of these fine shooters would gladly step aside and free their spot for you —and get in your good graces in the process, I’m sure—, I do not think the bookies would appreciate this. Many, if not most, guests have already set their bets on their favourites. I would hate to disturb the fragile ecosystem that is gambling. I hope you do understand my position.//” ''How shall you proceed?'' * [[You quite understand Razac’s position, and will gladly take your place among the spectators. |A1S3-03a]] * You arrived too late to take part in the shooting competition. <<else>>“//You cannot comprehend how glad I am to see you’ve managed to stop by,//” the man continues, as he warmly grabs your hand. “//These days, you never seem to confirm your attendance at any event. We are never sure whether you would even appear. So many of us always hope to catch a glance of you when going to large gathering like this one. More so today! You are like… an auspicious sign for an entertaining gathering!//” “//Ah, well… My dear Count… it just so happens I became free this morning.//” “//An auspicious day indeed!//” He puts his arm out towards the pond. “//Did you know I almost prayed to the Goddess this morning, to ask her for you to come? Me, praying!//” He laughs heartily. “//Foolish, I know, I know… Anyway,//” he wipes a tear from the corner of his eye, “//I hope you will enjoy yourself on this fine day. You deserve some distraction after all. Have you eater anything yet?//” You smile kindly in response and follow the man further into the park. Walking towards some white open tents by the pond, you wonder how you had not noticed them before. With their bright reflective colour, those tents look quite the eyesore in this idyllic place. As you get closer, you find a few guests sitting around the tastefully decorated tables, while others are standing, all chatting with one another. Some servants are almost running between the well-dressed visitors, serving drinks and other delicacies. Other attendants are bustling behind a large buffet, serving whoever is standing on the other side. Having spent so much time delaying your arrival, you realise why you’ve avoided coming here. You’ve left some interrogating individuals for a gawking crowd. //Not the smartest choice…// Your eyes wandering around the camped ground, you notice some rough-dressed men busying themselves around some large wooden crates, taking out pistols and muskets from them. “//Ah-ha!//” the Count almost jumps out of excitement. “//I see you have found our main event for today!//” He smiles, having noticed your gaze fixed on the working men. “//I do hope you will join in on the fun. It has been quite some time since we have had the pleasure of seeing your legendary aim in action.//” “//M-me?//” you are taken aback. “//Sh-shooting?//” “//Ah…//” Guillem looks dejected by your reaction. “//You may not be in the mood to partake. It is understandable,//” he nods slowly before swearing under his breath: “//How could have I forgotten?//” He shakes his head. “//No matter! I have set aside a spectator’s row with my most comfortable outdoor seats, from which you will be able to enjoy the show.//” He chuckles. “//I have already heard there is a bet already going around on who will make the most hit.//” ''What do you feel like doing this morning?'' * <<link [[You do not feel comfortable enough holding a weapon in your hands, much less shooting at something… or worse, someone. |A1S3-03a]]>><<set $relcourt -=1>><<set $relvic += 2>><</link>> * <<link [[If that is a show Razac’s guests are expecting, it is a show you will give them. There is no need to disappoint the inviting Count by refusing to shoot. |A1S3-03b]]>><<set $relcourt +=2>><<set $relvic -= 5>><</link>><</if>> <<notifAISEtwo>>

“//Gov’nor?//” Jonah’s voice brushes the washed-out tableau away from your eyes. The sun is shining once more on your dry cheeks. Seeing yourself still on your feet, you glance backward and realise you have not even made a step forward. //That… How…// Looking down, you see your arms are empty, save for that <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>> you are holding. //Did… did I imagine the whole thing?// It seemed so clear to you, so… //vivid.// As if you had lived through it… //again?// While you try to shake off the strange feeling of what just transpired, you can’t seem to get rid of the anguish. “//Are you alright, gov’nor?//” “//Yes, yes, Jonah. Quite… quite alright.//” Looking for the promised luncheon, you scan the park once more. Instead of finding a gathering of well-dressed guests and spread-out tables filled with bites, you discover the remnants of a party, with a few servants cleaning up behind and gathering up the last forgotten items. You realise one of them has noticed you, as they run in your direction. “//Guess we just missed it, gov’nor,//” Jonah states the obvious. “//I hope that Count won’t be too mad at you…//” Before you can retort, the servant stops in front of you, bows and hands you a handwritten note, before running back to their comrades and returning to their tasks. The note seems to have been written hastily and without much care or concern for form, as you manage to decipher the following from the questionable handwriting:<<pickup '$inventory' 'Razac’s note'>> <div class="message">//My dear friend, What a shame we had to go on with the luncheon without you. I must say I worry about your lack of presence in our circle. I would not want to be known as the friend of a hermit before the end of this season. I hope you consider this note as your last lifeline for social interaction. Call on me when you decide to rejoin proper society. Yours truly, Lord Guillem, Count of Razac. PS: A ruffian was looking for you. Whatever dicey activities you may be involved with, please remind your underlings not to disturb mine. //</div> Your fist clenches as you read the note, crumbling slightly the paper in the process. Through the slight shade in between the lines, you question whether this friend of yours, as he calls himself, truly has your best interest at heart. His words leave a sour taste in your mouth. You pocket the note, turn on your heels, and enter the carriage once more. Your lateness to the party seems to have offended your morning host. //Not only my late arrival, it seems…// “//Errr… Where to, now, gov’nor?//” * [[Your schedule mentioned a meeting at Judy’s Scissors. Maybe, if you left now, you’d be able to make it on time.|A1S3-03late][set $dest to 1]] * <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>>[[You are not interested in going to a fitting just yet, maybe another destination would be more interesting to you.|A1S3-03late]]<<else>>[[You already have visited Judy’s Scissors this morning. With a free afternoon ahead of you, you could consider visiting another spot in town.|A1S3-03late]]<</if>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $time is "late">>“//My dear, Guillem,//” you pat him on the <<if $mc.size lt 2>>back<<else>>shoulder<</if>>, “//do not worry. I quite understand your position and am sorry to have disappointed you with my late arrival, as it forfeited my participation in your little tournament.//” “//Disappointed?//” His hand clutches an invisible string of pearls. “//My ?liege, you misunderstood me. How can I feel disappointed when you found some time in your busy schedule for our lowly crowd?//” “//You are too kind, Count,//” you mutter, unsure whether he tried to mock you. “//Oh, dear… you should have waited with this compliment until after what I was about to tell you,//” he winks. “//In the event of your attendance, I instructed my servants to ensure our best seat to watch the show was kept free. Just for you!//” “//In what honour am I to receive such generous offerings?//” “//Our friendship, pardis!//” He laughs. “//Now, as I could not delay the last preparation any further —we waited as long as we could for you—, and as we were still missing a participant, I have gracefully sacrificed myself to the wolves —my dear guests— and filled in for you.//” <<else>>“//My dear Razac—//” “//Oh, no. Do not ‘dear Razac’-me! Please, ?Liege $Name. You always keep the ‘my dear Razac’ for the bad news…//” “//I absolutely do not!//” “//…or when you mock me! Truthfully, I am disappointed. And this day might as well be ruined!//” He throws his hand into the air. “//I am sincerely sorry to hear that, Guillem. But I am afraid I do not feel… disposed to shoot anything at the moment. To be quite honest with you,//” you sigh, “//I had been hoping for a calm morning with my friend only.//” “//Oh…//” he blushes, embarrassed. “//Then… there is nothing you should apologise for. You must, instead, forgive me for my presumption, of which you would be looking for an exciting kind of entertainment. You were always game for those activities before… Err…//” He looks away, towards the tent. “//It would be poor form to <<if $time is "early">>refuse the oncoming guests<<else>>throw out the present guests<</if>> so late in the day, but—//” “//Are you daft, Guillem?//” you stop him. “//Do not commit social suicide! Not on my account. I would not want your efforts to go to waste! I’d be more than content to be a spectator instead.//” “//Oh, thank Goddess,//” he sighs in relief. “//I shall instruct my servant to ensure the best seat to watch this show be kept just for you.//” He signs at someone and mouths them some instructions. “//Now… as you have chosen to step aside and let another bathe in the glory of winning this small tournament,//” he smiles mischievously, “//there is no other way but for me to sacrifice myself to the wolves —my dear guests— and fill in for you.//” <</if>>“//There is no need for the dramatics, Guillem,//” you still chuckle along. “//You sound as if you were being sent off to war.//” “//When it comes to them,//” he points at the tents, where <<if $time is "early">>you expect guests to run towards and<<else>>the guests have gathered around to<</if>> shield themselves from the now burning sun, “//and their unquenchable thirst for entertainment, I’d choose war any day!//” “//And yet… you would have been quite content to use me as bait this morning.//” “//Of course, I would. Any of us would. In a heartbeat! Organising these gatherings is such hard work. And you are expected to best yourself every single time. I have only so few ideas left before they brand me as a down-an-outer!//” His hand now covers his mouth. “//Could you even imagine?//” “//Worrying too much, Guillem, as always. You are always a crowd pleaser, and have been so since you debuted. You even became the little darling of the court this season —didn’t they crown you after your appointment?—. It would require a lot to cast you out. As long as you feed them and ale flows aplenty…//” “//…the party will rage on,//” he finishes your sentence. “//I know, I know…//” He glances at <<if $time isnot "early">>the group of guests by <</if>>the wooden crates. “//<<if $time isnot "early">>It seems the other contestants have not yet chosen their arms. We may still have a few minutes to<<else>>Now, I must<</if>> show you the beauties I have procured especially for today’s event!//” * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>The Count motions you to follow him further, walking towards those crates.<<if $time is "late">> His men are conversing with a couple of well-dressed guests about the single-shot artillery deployed between them. From simple pistols to intricate muskets, they are waiting for who you assume are the other contestants to take their picks, advising them on the best choice for their abilities.<<else>> His men <<if $time is "early">>were just starting<<else>>had already started<</if>> deploying the single-shot artillery, from simple pistols to intricate muskets, waiting for their master and his guests to take their picks.<</if>> Razac passes by the large inventory —sensibly large for this kind of event—, going straight for an open velvety box where a brace of ebony pistols has been laid in, embossed in rich shiny gold, forming an arabesque pattern on the barrel. Similar gold details look to have been welded onto the different parts of the gun. “//Here, $Name. Look at these stunners. My newly most prized possession. Such a shame you will not participate today…//” “//Why?//” you ask, purposefully taking the bait. “//I would have let you try them first…//” “//Even before yourself? My, my. My dear Guillem… One would think you were trying to butter my up for a favour… or ten.//” “//A favour?//” the playful man gasps, pretending to be offended. “//My ?liege, I would never!//” “//We shall see…//” You nod towards the pistols. “//In any case, I am sure if I were to ask, you would let me try these anytime.//” “//They would be by your side within a minute,//” he blurts out almost immediately. You retain a laugh at his countenance towards you. Whether he would be trying too hard for your affection or playing it up to entertain you, you have a feeling you would never be bored in his presence. Still, something about the weapons intrigue you. “//These are… truly magnificent,//” you brush lightly one of the pistols with your fingers. “//Their design is so… unusual. Where did you even manage to find them, Guillem?//” “//Some sad, SAD, house auction in town some time ago. An inconsequential noble had lost everything to their creditors. What was their name again?//” He brings his fingers to his lips. “//Mass… Mass-something? I don’t quite recall —nor care—. To tell you the truth, I stumbled onto it on my way back from a long night at Le Negresco. You know how these nights end up,//” he nudges you. “//Though it must have been tragic for them to part with these, I was quite happy with the transaction myself. Have you seen those ivory details on the grip?//” Razac holds the aforementioned pistol part closer to your face. You smile, impressed at the work of art. Though, your gaze is quickly distracted by some of the Count’s men coming closer carrying another couple of crates, this time with holes in them. Through those, you think you hear flaps of wings and chirping. “//Finally,//” Razac scolds the men, clapping. “//<<if $time is "late">>Another minute and today’s game would have been ruined! To think I have shelled out a small fortune for these. Only to be told yesterday they would not even be ready for today’s main event! Goddess, why must you put me through these trying ordeals?<<else>>I was afraid they would not arrive on time. I have shelled out one would think is a small fortune for these. Only to be told just yesterday something went wrong with the shipment. I kept being told they may not even arrive for today’s main event! The gall of these sellers…<</if>>//” He shakes his head in disbelief. “//In any case, this is a relief. It would have been such a shame if all we had to shoot at was some lame planes,//” he snorts. “//Could you imagine?//” * <<link [[What’s…|A1S3-03n]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if $dest is 1>>“//To the modiste,//” you sigh, as you return to your seat in the carriage. “//Aye, gov’nor.//” Jonah closes the door behind you and regains his seat. Shortly after, you hear a whip cracking in the air and the carriage’s speed doubles. The rough change of speed shakes the interior of the vehicle and you struggle to find an anchor until it stabilises. You press your head against the side window once more, seeing the landscape now hurrying along. The carriage soon enters the city as it passes under the gates. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-14]]>><<unset $dest>><</link>> <<else>><<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><<set $loc to "garden">>“//Anywhere else but here,//” you sigh as you return to your seat in the carriage. “//Aye, gov’nor.//” Jonah grabs the handle of the door, but hesitates to close it. “//Where to, exactly?//” Not interested in following your schedule any further, you take a moment to think of your next destination. You have a few options at hand. <<else>>//Where indeed…// Your little detour by the modiste having derailed your schedule a little, making you miss what looked from afar an impressive luncheon, you are not quite sure where to go next. You should be rejoicing in the prospect of a free afternoon ahead of you, getting the opportunity to visit the town by yourself. You know you have a few options at hand. <</if>> <ul><li> <<link '<<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>You’d rather if the Duke is back and pay her a visit.<<else>>You’d be more interested in paying a visit to the Duke.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link "After this disastrous late arrival, you may find some solace at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li><<if setup.ro.vic is false>><<link "You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>><<else>>[This path is currently locked]<</if>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> <<link '<<if hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>>Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.<<else>>You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.<</if>>' "A1SO-Club">><</link>></li> <li> <<link '<<if hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.<<else>>You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?<</if>>' "A1SO-Rec">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link "Having no idea where to go, you ask Jonah to proceed towards Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</if>>

“//Well, well, well, Guillem. Aren’t you twisting my arm just a little? There is no other answer to give but accept your request, is there?//” “//Just think of those poor guests of mine,//” he looks at you with puppy eyes, “//that <<if $time is "early">>are coming<<else>>have come<</if>> just to watch you exceptional skills!//” “//If everyone truly <<if $time is "early">>will do<<else>>does<</if>> as you say,//” you relent, “//I guess I shall have to oblige, then.//” “//How I am glad to hear those words, ?Liege $Name!//” He claps. “//I was truthfully not ready to sacrifice myself to the wolves and take your place!//” “//There is not need for the dramatics, Guillem,//” you smile at his antics. “//It is not like you would have been shipped off to war.//” “//When to comes to these guests of mine,//” he shivers, “//and their unquenchable thirst for entertainment, I’d take the battlefield any day!//” “//And yet… you are quite content for me to be the bait.//” “//Oh, please,//” he waves your comment off. “//You will do just fine. With your aim and skills, we are all bait when you are armed,” he chuckles nervously. “Now, come! I must show you the beauties I have put aside especially for you.//” “//Ha! So you were expecting me to accept from the start, weren’t you?//” “//We wouldn’t be such close friends if I didn’t know you just a little,//” he winks. The Count motions you to follow him further, walking towards the wooden crates. His men <<if $time is "early">>were just starting<<else>>had already started<</if>> deploying the single-shot artillery, from simple pistols to intricate muskets, waiting for their master and his guests to take their picks. Razac passes by the plain weapons, going straight for an open velvety box where a brace of ebony pistols has been laid in, embossed in rich shiny gold, forming an arabesque pattern on the barrel. Similar gold details look to have been welded onto the different parts of the gun. “//Here, $Name. Look at these stunners. My newly most prized possession.//” He offers you to hold one. “//And now yours, for today.//” “//Are you serious, Guillem? Even before yourself?//” You gasp. “//My, oh my… One would think you were trying to butter my up for a favour… or ten.//” “//A favour?//” the playful man gasps, pretending to be offended. “//My ?liege, I would never!//” “//Still… Are you quite certain, my friend? They look more like a work of art to be displayed than a simple weapon to fire with. Is it wise to use them like this? I can assure you I am more than content with a simple and reliable shotgun.//” “//MY ?LIEGE!//” he exclaims, scolding you in the process. “//Really… Tsk, tsk, tsk… How could you not take the opportunity when presented to you? I know you would have a few months ago.//” He shakes his head. “//Come on, my friend. You are my guest of honour today! Live a little!//” He presses your hand, the one holding the pistol. “//Must I remind you it would go against any form of decorum if I were not to offer —nay, insist— you use them? You most assuredly out-rank most of the crowd coming today anyway…//” While you could resist the Count’s offer just a bit longer, you understand it would be utterly pointless. He already looks ecstatic because of your presence today, as well as your participation in his little competition. No matter how much you try, you cannot find a good reason to refuse his insistent hospitality. You let out a relenting //Fine// and shake your hand free of his. You are unsure if you will be allotted enough time ahead of the shoot to become accustomed to its weight and how it handles. Under the smiling eyes of your host, you let your hands get used to the weapon. Something glimmers in the corner of your eye, making you move on to inspect the pistol closer. “//These are truly magnificent. Their design is so… unusual. Where did you even manage to find them, Guillem?//” “//Some sad, SAD, house auction in town some time ago. An inconsequential noble had lost everything to their creditors. What was their name again?//” He brings his fingers to his lips. “//Mass… Mass-something? I don’t quite recall —nor care—. To tell you the truth, I stumbled onto it on my way back from a long night at Le Negresco. You know how these nights end up,//” he nudges you. “//Though it must have been tragic for them to part with these, I was quite happy with the transaction myself. Have you seen those ivory details on the grip?//” Razac holds the aforementioned pistol part closer to your face. You smile kindly back at him and look down at the grip. The intricacy of the ivory details takes your breath away. Your room had impressive details on the furniture and the wall. But this is on a whole other level. The person who sculpted the ivory must have used the tiniest tools and broken their eyes working on the arabesque. Your trance is interrupted by the sound of Razac’s men setting down with difficulty some large crates, this time with holes in them. Through those, you think you hear flaps of wings and some chirping. “//Finally!//” Razac claps. “//I was afraid they would not arrive on time. I have shelled out one would think is a small fortune for these. Only to be told just yesterday something went wrong with the shipment. I kept being told they may not even arrive for today’s main event! The gall of these sellers…//” He shakes his head in disbelief. “//In any case, this is a relief. It would have been such a shame if all we had to shoot at was some lame planes,//” he snorts. “//Could you imagine?//” * [[What’s…|A1S3-03n]]

Before you can even answer your host’s rhetorical question, a strident voice shouting behind you pierces your ears. “//Live birds?!//” you manage to make out, as the voice repeats itself while getting closer. “//For shame, Lord Guillem! For shame!//” “//Lady Emilia,//” the Count replies coldly, visibly annoyed to see her. “//I did not know you had intended on joining us today. This is… surprising, as I do not recall inviting you, quite frankly.//” “//When one advertises his parties in the papers, one should expect anyone and everyone to drop in,//” she bites back. Her fan snaps as she opens it to cool her temper. “//Had I known you were going to MURDER some poor creatures today… I would have thought twice before coming!//” “//Hmph,//” he brings his fingers to his temples. “//Must you always shout, dearie? Has no one told you very few of us care about your… opinions?//” “//I will voice it whether you like it or not, Lord Guillem! One must advocate for these poor creatures.//” “//That’s rich coming from you,//” he snickers. “//What on earth do you mean?//” “//Oh please, Lady Emilia,//” he rolls his eyes. “//Have you even read the notice in the papers? Everyone should know full well the purpose of this gathering today. Why do you feel the need to make a fuss about this? There are birds aplenty around! And knowing who will end up aiming a gun today,//” he sneers, “//I can say with certainty most will fly away unscathed!//” His loud laugh echoes around the three of you. With each of her concerns brushed aside, the condemning woman’s face reddens. Though, you could misinterpret her anger for the oppressive heat getting to her. “//Still, Count,//” she continues to object. “//We do not need this needless violence. Not when the day is this lovely! Can you not find it in your heart to think of the poor birds’ demise?//” “//Isn’t it a bit hypocritical of you, my dear?//” “//Goddess,//” she rolls her eyes. “//Why must you make everything so hard?//” “//Let me ask you then,//” Razac presses on. “//Did you think about the poor pheasants you so altruistically donated last week at the Charité? Or was the prospect of seeing your name so graciously mentioned in the papers more important than their pain?//” The young woman pales in response, making your host snicker in pleasure as he witnesses the drastic change of her countenance before him. While she tries her best to regain her composure in a timely fashion, as well as finding a good retort, Razac beats her to the post. “//Please, do not—//” he laughs, “//do not tell me you were only raising this concern of your out of the goodness of your own heart. You! Having a heart! I—//” He slaps his knee, unable to control his laughing fits. “//I would not be able to take it!//” His laugh has now become a roar, turning a few heads in your direction. The Count hides his mouth behind his hand, breathing noisily through his nose, containing as best as he can the remainder of his laughter. Lady Emilia, on the other side, pouts, looking more than annoyed at this reaction. Still, she does not even bother saying a word. “//Oh, my!//” He wipes away a tear. “//I was not expecting the entertainment to start this early.//” He elbows you gently and winks. “//And here I thought this little charade of yours had an ulterior motive…//” “//I do not know what your are insinuating, Count,//” the woman grumbles. “//Why, haven’t I included in the notice that a certain lonely Prince disapproved of this little gathering? I am sure I had included something along the lines of…//” he takes a pensive stance. “//Come rejoice in the entertainment rejected and disapproved by our most popular Royal!//” “//I must have not crossed my eyes,//” she shrugs. “//Oh, for Goddess’s sake! Stop playing coy, Lady Emilia!//” Razac rolls his eye. “//It is well know you have been trying —well, failing, to be honest— to sway <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic. If you think saving a handful of little pigeons will change ?their mind about you, dearie… your delusions must have taken a greater grip on your head than we thought…//” The woman steps back, looking more hurt by the Count’s words than her obvious defeat in this sparring exchange. She stutters on some incomprehensible words, as she continues to think of a rebuttal strong enough to get back at him. However, Razac continues to pull the rug under her feet, taking away any change of reprieve. “//If it makes you feel any better,//” your host adds, “//—not like it would matter one bit to me—, my men have also brought along some lame plates. In the unfortunate case the birds would not have made it on time, I had thought of a… lamer option,//” he winces as his choice of words. “//I will swear on my honour the shooters will be given the choice of target ahead of the competition. They may choose as they prefer. Now, if you intend on staying//” he shoos her away, “//stay out of my sight. I would rather be in the company of a leper than in yours.//” Noticeably humiliated, Lady Emilia hides her now crimson face behind her fan as she runs away to hide. Your eyes follow her embarrassed sprint towards the white tents, where you ultimately lose track of her. You only now realise she had completely ignored you this whole time, barely glancing in your direction or even acknowledging your presence. In return, disdain towards the woman has settled in your mind. Next to you, Razac sighs loudly, before turning his attention back to you. <<SetGender>> <<if hasVisited("A1S3-03a")>>“//My apologies, my ?liege. Please do not take Emilia’s words to heart. She can be quite a pain in y— in the behind, if we must stay polite. Especially when she sets her mind to it… She does not mean to be such a nuisance —I think?— be she usually ends up being one.//” He sighs away, before taking on your arm. “//Anyway, shall we find you a seat?//” * <<link [[You recall feeling a pinch in your heard when you realised those birds were caged just so. Knowing about their untimely fate even fills you with anguish. You’d rather see plates being used instead of the small creatures. Maybe you could persuade your amenable host? |A1S3-04ap]]>><<set $relcourt -= 2>><<set $relvic += 3>><</link>> * <<link [[You’ve heard enough about these dumb birds and have been longing for a seat since that harpy screeched. You cannot wait to relax among like-minded guests and be waited on. |A1S3-04as]]>><<set $relvic -= 1>><</link>> <<else>>“//My apologies, my ?liege. Please do not take Emilia’s words to heart. She can be quite a pain in y— in the behind, if we must stay polite. Especially when she sets her mind to it… She does not mean to be such a nuisance —I think?— be she usually ends up being one.//” He sends you a faint smile, before nodding at the pistol still in your hand. “//So… How about these beauties? Are you ready to put them into action?//” * <<link [[You recall feeling a pinch in your heard when you realised those birds were caged just so. Knowing about their untimely fate even fills you with anguish. You’d rather shoot plates instead of the small creatures. Maybe you could persuade your amenable host? |A1S3-04bp]]>><<set $relcourt -= 1>><<set $relvic += 2>><</link>> * <<link [[You are more interested in putting the brace of pistols into action than having another length inconsequential argument about some dumb birds under the scorching heat of the sun.|A1S3-04bb]]>><<set $relvic -= 3>><</link>> <</if>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Shall we find you a seat?//” “//Actually,//” you free your arm. “//And I can’t believe I am going to say this, but… I… have…//” The words feel painful in your mouth. “//…to… agree…//” “//Please don’t say it,//” your host pleads. “//…with Lady Emilia.//” “//Nooo!//” he grunts. “//To some extent.//” “//Agree with—//” Razac scoffs. “//Dear $Name, how could you lower yourself to her level? After all the troubles I went through to get these beasts!//” “//Now, now, Guillem,//” you pat him gently on the <<if $mc.size lt 2>>back<<else>>shoulder<</if>>, “//pace yourself! I said I agreed with her to some extent. I do feel a pinch in my heart every time my eyes set on the crate. It does not seem fair to free these birds out of these dark prisons, only to shoot them down moments later.//” “//But, my friend,//” the man retorts, “//these shoots have always been organised this way! You talk about fairness, but what about fairness towards me and my lengthy efforts to get these birds?//” “//Close your eyes for a moment,//” you move your hand to his arm. “//My, my. ?Liege $Name,//” he winks. “//What—//” “//Please be serious, Guillem!//” you huff. “//Now,//” you make sure the Count is complying to your request. “//Imagine for a moment you have been trapped for many, many, months in a dark prison. You get used to the darkness and the tight space, but long for the sun and running through wild fields, unhindered by your rough containment. One day, the door towards liberty opens. Filled with glee with finally being set free, you rush toward the light, leaving the darkness behind. How would you feel when you realise you would be executed just a few steps later?//” Still with eyes closed, your host opens his mouth and swiftly closes it. Instead, he stays silent. Following a small, awkward stillness, Razac opens his eyes, averting his gaze away from you almost immediately. “//What has brought this on, my ?liege? You more than happily shot the birds last time we did this.//” “//Things have… happened since. People change, Guillem.//” “//I know the past months have been… difficult, but it seems a bit drastic for you.//” He pauses once more, bringing his fingers to his lips, pensive. He smirks, mischievously. “//Would it maybe be due to a certain someone?//” “//I don’t know what you are talking about.//” <<SetGender "Vic">>“//A certain… Prince ?Vic maybe?//” he winks at you. “//That rumour has been going around for quite some time already. Oh, please do say it is so! I would rather you say yes now that tell me you’ve changed for that harpy.//” “//Guillem, please. Can’t I change my opinion out of my own accord, and not because of other people’s?//” The man laughs in return. You know he is right, though. You have changed. You are probably the person he may have met yesterday, the person he knew. You don’t even know who you are supposed to be here, either. Or who you are. “//Do you truly care about these dumb birds?//” “//I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.//” “//Will you make a scene like she did?//” “//Not unless necessary.//” “//Goddess…//” he sighs, putting his fists to his hips. “//And here I thought today was my lucky day.//” He paces a moment. “//Are you quite sure?//” “//Guillem, really?//” “//Fine! Let me think a bit then.//” Razac continues his pacing back and forth. While he seemed to have accounted for the antics of individuals like Lady Emilia, he probably did not expect someone else to object to his preparations, let alone you. Still, unwilling to disappoint you, you see him mumbling to himself and thinking of an acceptable solution. Pacing around you, making your head turn, your eyes are caught by his servants carrying some of the contingency plates back to the tent. * <<link '//The plates!//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//What about those plates?//” you propose. “//Huh?//” “//Those plates,//” you nod towards the servants. “//The ones you brought along, in case your precious birds were not in attendance for the shoot.//” “//These?//” Razac points at the china. “//Wouldn’t it be too… easy for them, my ?liege? I was more thinking of finding an actual beast or two…//” “//And trouble yourself further? Guillem, there is no need! We have everything we need here.//” “//I am not so sure, $Name,//” he grimaces. “//This is what my father used to train me when I started shooting… at the age of five! Wouldn’t that be too—//” “//If I am truly considered the biggest threat on the shooting field, this tells much about their actual skills,//” you snicker. “//The contestants most assuredly need the practice.//” “//I take full offence to that, $Name.//” “//Present company aside,//” you pat him on the <<if $mc.size lt 2>>back<<else>>shoulder<</if>>. “//In any case, whether the presented target is a plate or an actual bird, only a few shots will end up reaching their marks, don’t you think?//” “//One will surely miss most of his.//” “//Save yourself the trouble, then. And keep the birds for something else. Something less… violent.//” “//Goddess, what a bore you’ve become! What is the point of spending so much on these dumb birds if I can’t use them?//” “//You could always take a page from Emilia’s antics.//” “//$Name…//” “//What? I am sure a donation to a local church would raise the populace’s spirit, and your reputation.//” “//You know how little I care about that!//” “//Liar,//” you chuckle. “//Make it in the name of the winner, if you want the participants to still take the competition seriously. After all, who wouldn’t want to be seen as both the champion of the shoot and of the paupers?//” “//Fair point… Or I could make it in the name of the loser. You know… stirring the pot.//” “//You might as well put Emilia’s name on the crate and ship it right now if you do!//” While the two of you share a laugh, you notice your host has avoided approving your idea, but lets it linger a bit longer in his mind. Your words appear to have made more of an impact on the Count than Lady Emilia’s. //Still… Did he buy it?// Seemingly far from convinced by your approach, you continue to press him further, nagging him to agree on your plan. You may not be able to save these birds yourself, but you’d feel better knowing they may have avoided unnecessary harm and you may have given them a more respectful end. “//If that is what you truly wish,//” Razac finally relents. “//I shall make it work, somehow. Damn the appearance, I guess.//” He motions to his servants to bring the faïence back to the shooting range and instructs another to hide the bird crates away from his guests’ prying eyes. While still annoyed by your request, as appearances are everything to your host —no matter how much he pretends not to think so—, he has shown his feelings did not matter as much as being able to accommodate your wishes. “//They shall even have my best china as their targets,//” he sighs. “//That might save me some face.//” He turns back towards you. “//Now, my friend, follow me to your seat.//” * <<link [[“Gladly!”|A1S3-04as]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//<<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>Now, my friend, follow me to your seat.<<else>>Anyway, shall we find you a seat?<</if>>//” <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>You nod at the host,<<else>>You<</if>> grab Razac’s arm, generously offered to you, and walk away from the crates. Moving closer to the tents, you can’t help but feel awe towards the set-up before you. You imagine Razac having instructed his staff to meticulously arrange the setting of a limited amount of tables and chairs by the shooting station. As such, only a few selected guests would be able to enjoy the show comfortably. You feel touched by your host having made sure one of these seats would be left available to you. Razac directs you to a table unlike any other you’ve seen so far. <<if $time is "late">>Strangely, while the tent is bursting with guests, none have settled on this spot. <</if>>Right in the middle of the arranged seating, the table seems too expensive for this type of outdoor gathering, suiting better a cosy drawing room instead, with its delicate wooden details. The seats plopped all around look much more refined and comfortable than its neighbours. This spot is also one of the few with a large parasol, providing much-needed shade for this warm day. In contrast, the tables further to the sides seem to have been put together in a simple manner, almost thrown with little care, built from a lowlier wood, and devoid of sun protection. //Is the Count trying to show me off or punishing others?// “//Please, ?Liege $Name. Take a seat,//” he pulls back one of the fancier chairs, facing the field. “//I hope you will enjoy the show.//” “//I’m sure I will, Lord Guillem.//” “//Now, do excuse me,//” he bows. “//<<if $time is "late">>I need to check a few final things before we start.<<else>>I still need to ready myself before the contest starts.<</if>>//” Left to your own devices, you throw a quick glance around you. Behind you, under the tents, long tables have been erected, upon which plate warmers and silverware have been laid down. <<if $time isnot "early">>Some of the Count’s staff have already <<if $time is "late">>added<<else>>started to add<</if>> fragrant dishes onto the table, <<if $time isnot "late">>ready to be served to the guests<<else>>and started serving his guests<</if>>. <</if>>Left and right, seeing your presence at the party, guests have taken their cues and are settling onto the last free tables or gathering about. Fearing making eye contact with someone, and be forced to engaged in conversation with another stranger, you focus on the shooting field before you, By the distance between your table and the aforementioned field, you note you are seated close enough to catch any error made by the contestants, while still be far enough to avoid the gunpowder smell from reaching your nose or the sound of gunshots from piercing your ears. //I can’t imagine the pain I could have felt had I been one of the shooters…// One of Razac’s attendants interrupts your peeping by offering you a refreshment. Distracted by your surroundings and the lively conversations with your host, you had not noticed or cared much about the increasingly insufferable heat. <<if $suit is "dress">>Protected under your small parasol, the heat had yet to do some noticeable damage. But you would not be against having a drink.<<elseif setup.outfit.s1num lte 3>>You had not yet realised how your dark clothes had been unrelentingly oppressing on your body after all this time. A cool drink would be more than welcomed.<<else>>It has not yet been particularly bothering to you. Though, you realise now how parched your throat was becoming and how soothing a drink would be.<</if>> You gladly request<<drinkp>>. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>As your drink is set on the table, you are swiftly joined by a handful of Razac’s guests, excitedly taking a seat by your side with full glasses in hand. Though you don’t particularly feel any attachment to any of them —not like you felt around your host earlier—, you reckon you would be enjoying their company. Some of them, at least. Like that older woman, sitting on your right. “//Ah! ?Liege $Name!//” She greets you, handing her hand out to you. “//How lovely it is to see you again! It had been a while since we’ve had the please, isn’t it?//” The table nods along. “//Will you be participating in the shooting today? I had heard the Count voicing his excitement about finally seeing your skills in action after all this time.//” “//Good morning, Lady Chaugnac,//” you bring her hand close to your mouth but avoid kissing it. “//Lovely to see you, as well. <<if $time isnot "late">>I thought it best to leave my spot to our gracious host today. I was more interested in being a spectator anyway.<<else>>I did not make it in time to be eligible for this fun little contest, unfortunately. No matter, being a spectator is as enjoyable.<</if>>//” “//What a shame!//” she exclaims, visibly disappointed. “//I think many of us were looking forward to seeing you walk all over the competition. Your absence in these previous games made them quite a bore.//” “//Is it truly that exciting to see me participate? I’d thought, with everyone knowing the outcome before the game would even start, it would not be very thrilling…//” “//Of course it is exciting, my dear! What a ludicrous thing to say. You are truly a sight to behold when you compete. Heck! You really should participate more often. There are only so many years I have left in me, you know?//” “//Maybe next time,//” you smile at her. “//If you are guilting me into it…//” “//Believe me, I will.//” She puts her purse on the table, looking for something inside. “//But since your fate has been settled into being a spectator today, you might as well join in on our little game.//” * <<link '//Another game?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//Join… you?//” “//Why, yes! The shooting aspect is only one part of the fun. I can admit it can get a bit repetitive, especially when a participant is too skilful like yourself or… less apt at securing their aim.//” “//Pray tell, Lady Chaugnac. What is this little game?//” “//None other than betting our hard earned money,//” she winks at you, as the table laugh along. “//You must have realised by now we all have been placing bets while the contestants ready themselves.//” “//All this time?//” “//Would you be more surprised to learn we’ve always bet on you? Since you shot your first musket at one of these royal contests way back when, you’ve turned into quite the reliable winning bet.//” “//You honour me, my lady.//” “//Bah! Your great shooting accuracy has made the bookies lose their hair. They do not allow us to make vague wagers about you winning anymore. We’ve had to become so creative and specific for our best to be accepted, it made better a proper game of change again!//” She laughs. “//Why wouldn’t you bet on someone else, then?//” “//We still do,//” she pauses. “//To be honest, when those wagers do not involve you, the bets may sound a bit… insulting.//” “//How so?//” “//Erm… We will often bet about the point difference between the winner and the loser. Or how humiliated the loser’s reaction to the ranking ends up becoming…//” “//Since I am not participating, today… Aren’t you forced to place… kinder bets?//” “//Oh, how your words wound my heart, sweet child,//” she place a hand to her chest. “//But your assumption is fair. Our choice has been made a bit more… difficult, with your absence in the participants’ ranks.//” “//Truly, Lady Chaugnac, it cannot be this hard to have a second favourite.//” “//Fine. Maybe difficult would not be the right word. It is not that difficult to place a bet, after all. Let’s just say… Boring?//” “//Oh, dear,//” you chuckle. “//Do not repeat this out loud. You would hurt our host’s feelings.//” “//He knows where I stand,//” she shrugs. “//Surely, there must be someone that you would find entertaining enough to bet on!//” “//Not particularly,//” she shakes her head, defeated. “//Viscount Pouinzin is entertaining enough to watch, but we have long given up on crowning him the winner. Nowadays, we only try to guess how many targets he ends up hitting. Ser Caggiano must be the most boring competitor I have ever laid my eyes on, as she tends to shoot at least half of her targets. Now, Baron Échelles is a bit more of a wild card. Some days they will swipe the competition —when you are not there, obviously—, while on others they might land towards the bottom.//” “//Now, that would not be a boring should, would it?//” “//Maybe not…//” she looks away, seemingly not convinced by her words. “//You… erm… haven’t listed all competitors, have you?//” “//Haven’t I?//” “//What about the Count of Razac? Since our host has taken over my spot, where would you place him?//” “//Guillem? He is shooting today?//” she looks surprised by the information. “//He is known to be a pretty good shot. Though it has been a while since I have seen him shoot anything.//” “//I heard the Count will be testing some new weapons today,//” a passing guest says to another. “//The odds will be stacked against him, it seems,//” Lady Chaugnac comments. “//It seems you hold little faith to all contestants. Who will you be rooting for, then?//” “//Alas! My first and only choice has forsaken me,//” she fans herself dramatically. “//And I’d hate to get attached to a new champion, for they would ultimately break my poor heart.//” “//Now, now, Lady Chaugnac…//” “//It is fine, dear. I think I will wait until the game is about to start to place any wager.//” * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04aa]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//My esteemed guests!//” Razac’s honeyed voice echoes around, as the Count tries to get the attention of his party. Though you do not particularly enjoy the crowd getting closer all around, you feel relieved to see his words ending the already dwindling conversation with Lady Chaugnac. “//It is a real pleasure to see you all coming from far and wide, leaving the comfort of your stuffy homes, to join in today in my little quarterly shooting contest. Now, I know the conditions are not as ideal as last spring, but my attendants will serve any refreshment you desire to help with this heat.//” He gestures toward the back of the now-formed crowd of guest, where his army of loyal servants are standing ready. “//I am truly glad to see some returning faces, like our favourite Lord Pouinzin,//” he waves at said guest, “//who faces a disastrous defeat last time! Yes, yes. Do clap for the courageous man coming back to reclaim his honour,//” he plays along with the pitiful applause. “//I am especially overjoyed to see my friend, ?Liege $Name Vasmosia, returning to us and gracing us with ?their presence today. Though,//” he pauses for dramatics, “//I am sorry to announce,//” he pauses again, “//?they will not be joining the competition<<if $time isnot "late">>, no matter my pleads<</if>>.//” A disappointed groan emerges from the crowd. “//I know, I know,//” he tries to calm his guests. “//I am upset as well. But,//” he smiles mischievously, “//I shall not let ?their spot idle in vain, as I have decided to take ?their place in this contest! I do hope you will cheer for me by the sidelines, as you would have our famous shooter. I know ?they will,//” he shoot you a wink. A few guests whistle merrily at the news, while most remain disenchanted by this sudden change. As it seems many individuals had come especially to see your legendary skills in action —as you have been reminded multiple times already—, you wouldn’t be surprised if the Count had advertised his little gathering as such. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//Now! Every participant’s name has been added to a bowl. And— Ms Pellegnes, if you please!//” A plain-looking woman crosses through the crowd, pushing aside guests standing in her way, holding a glass bowl in her arms. When she reaches the Count and stands by him, Razac continues. “//The order in which today’s contestants will shoot will be determined by Ms Pellegnes hand as she picks their name out of the bowl. As the host, I will graciously go last and let everyone get their moment to shine. Each contestant will shoot once, and once only, at each target, and one at a time. Only shot down targets will be counted in the final score. After ten rounds, we will announce the lucky, or skilful, winner! Ms Pellegnes?//” The plain woman puts her hand in the bowl, shuffles the pieces of paper around before picking one. She opens the folded note and announces the first contestant with a clear voice. “//Baron Riley Échelles.//” The crowd applauds as a person makes their way towards the Count. The latter shakes the hand of the individual Lady Chaugnac characterised as a wildcard. As they stand aside, you agree this title fits them well, as their peculiar attire of questionable colour combination makes them stand out from the crowd. While you don’t really know what to make of them, you are given little time to set out your thoughts. Ms Pellegnes already has her hand in the bowl, pulling out another piece of paper. “//Ser Carla Caggiano//” A woman almost appears out of nowhere by Razac’s side, who jumps a bit when his eyes finally perceive her. She looks more like a guard you could spot around the palace than a guest at a noble party. She does appear somewhat dashing with her dark blue and white cape. You wonder what kind of rank she holds, as she was only named Ser. As with the first contestant, the Count shakes the hand of the middle-of-the-road shooter before nodding at Ms Pellegnes, who takes the last piece of paper from the bowl. “//Viscount Colin Pouinzin.//” The last unknown contestant steps forward under the snickers of the crowd. Lady Chaugnac did mention he would be an obvious loser for this tournament, a sentiment shared not only by the host when you talked earlier, but with seemingly the rest of the crowd. Still, the man holds his head up high and waves almost tauntingly at the crowd. When he stands in front of the count, he grabs his hand vigorously and with a smile. Razac pats his shoulder and addresses the <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>small group of contestants besides him. <<else>>crowd once more<</if>>. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>“//Yes, one last thing before we start. My patient guests, at the wonderful counsel of our esteemed ?Liege Vasmosia, we will be shooting a very peculiar sort of target today.//” A voice in the crowd heckles the Count about the promised birds. //My participation was not the only thing he must have advertised.// “//Ah, yes. I did mention the Suricontinae forstitimus earlier…//” he almost mumbles. “//But, these are not the targets I was referring to. No, instead of these extremely lively and vicious birds, the targets for today will be…//” he makes the crowd clapping in suspense. “//…my best china! Shooters, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to destroy my property with my full blessing.//” The crowd cheers and chuckles. Someone shouts, asking what the Count will do with the birds, voicing how much of a waste it would be to toss it aside. “//Indeed, my friend! It would be a waste to let these birds aside. Why, I have a plan for them.//” He pauses, smirking. “//I shall be donating these crates of tasty birds to the local church in the name of the winner!//” The crowd applauds the decision, though with less ardour than you had expected.<</if>> “//Now, participants, join me to take your marks.//” The Count turns his heels and strides towards the crates, where the chosen weapons have been laid out, awaiting their use. The three announced participants follow closely behind, chatting friendlily with each other. From their smile and laughter, the competition does not seem as cutthroat as it had been described to you. You are almost disappointed about the lack of tension between the competitors. “//So, my dear,//” Lady Chaugnac chimes in, “//have you finally decided? Who shall be your favourite?//” * <<link [[Baron Riley Échelles|A1S3-04af]]>><<unset $text>><<set $pick to 1>><</link>> * <<link [[Ser Carla Caggiano|A1S3-04af]]>><<unset $text>><<set $pick to 2>><</link>> * <<link [[Viscount Colin Pouinzin|A1S3-04af]]>><<unset $text>><<set $pick to 3>><<set $relcourt -= 1>><</link>> * <<link [[Count Guillem of Razac|A1S3-04af]]>><<unset $text>><<set $pick to 4>><</link>> * <<link [[I am not sure.|A1S3-04af]]>><<unset $text>><<set $pick to 5>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//So, my dear. Have you finally decided? Who shall be your favourite?//” <<if $pick is 1>>“//This Baron Échelles has quite the… aura. The one of a winner,//” you respond assuredly. “//You mentioned they were quite the wild card. I understand this is a risky choice, but I have a good feeling about them.//” “//Quite in the adventurous mood today, aren’t you, my dear?//” “//You could say so, Lady Chaugnac.//” <<elseif $pick is 2>>“//I think I will place my bet on Ser Caggiano. I know,//” you stop the woman from speaking her mind, “//I know it is quite the bland choice. But you made some good points earlier. The other participants have enough pitfalls to be unworthy of my picks.//” “//Unworthy?//” you’ve shocked the woman. “//Even the Count? My dear, while he would not bat an eye had I said those words, he would be more than saddened to hear of this from you!//” “//Pouah!//” You wave her worry off. “//I think he would play the dramatics to the elevens and pout for a while.//” “//He pouts too much for a grown man,//” Lady Chaugnac sighs. “//It makes his face look like an ugly side puppy, you know the one. When you take away their treats. Still… aren’t you worried?//” “//Why? Someone just needs to compliment him or get him drunk to bring him back to his usual state. He is not one to hold a grudge, after all. Not against me, at least.//” <<elseif $pick is 3>>“//I know you do not have much faith in that Viscount Poinzin’s—//” “//My dear, no…//” “//What? I liked his countenance towards the heckling crowd. He did not seem to care much about their negative attitude, and even played along with their reaction to his name being announced. Now, that takes guts!//” “//Is that quite wise, my dear? He has proven himself as the loser time and time again. You’ve even beaten him on multiple occasions! All of them!//” “//Lady Chaugnac, our lives are boring enough. These small risks make it exciting, wouldn’t you think so? And who knows, maybe he will shock us today!//” <<elseif $pick is 4>>“//I think if I did not pick our amenable host, he would not let it go.//” “//We all know how Guillem gets when he does not get the attention he so craves,//” Lady Chaugnac concurs. “//Isn’t that a bit… cruel, even for you? I only meant it as—//” “//A joke? Of course you were, my dear. But is it really cruel when it is true?//” “//I would rather avoid hurting his feelings.//” “//Even if you do not believe in his capabilities?//” “//He is still a good shot, I think. I am sure he will do just fine.//” <<else>>“//To be frank, I am not quite sure, Lady Chaugnac.//” “//Have their announcements not inspired you, my dear?//” “//I would rather think a little longer about it before choosing, that is all. They all have their strengths and weaknesses to take into consideration.//” “//Even Viscount Pouinzin?//” she scoffs. “//My dear, you must be pulling my leg here.//” “//Everyone can get lucky… once in a while. Who knows? He could have a good day, as much as anyone else could get a bad one. No one can predict that! No one can know. Not until the contest is over, anyway.//” <</if>><<unset $pick>> Someone approaches the table, a small notebook in one hand and a sizeable stack of folded banknotes in the other. Asking around who or what they would like to place their bets on, they tap their charcoal pen on the notebook, ready to take notes. Though the table presses you to go first, as the dictums expect them to, you graciously let them take their picks before you. Revealing their choices by whispering them secretly to the bookie, they hand them a banknote, with a large //5ƒc// printed on it, for each bet. * <<link '//Do I even have money on me?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Though you have not yet decided whether you would bet at all, you instinctively check your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> in your search for coins. You know you collected a couple of items when you left the manor this morning, but had yet to examine them properly. In there, you find a flat leather $colour.fav wallet, seemingly too flat to hold any sort of currency. //Why am I expecting their currency to look like something specific? I don’t even know how it works here!// While you do not expect to walk around like a destitute with an empty wallet, you still refrain from opening it right away, afraid its content would not be up to par with your status. //Should I ask someone for a few banknotes? Or would it be best to forgo the bet altogether?// Opening it, you find neatly folded a handful of banknotes of diverse amounts. Swiftly flipping through them, you guess the stack would amount short to a hundred of whatever currency this place uses. //Oh, thank Goddess!// You let out a quiet relieved sigh and leave back on your chair. “//Now, ?Liege Vasmosia,//” the bookie turns to you, “//will you join this game?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "You’ll pass. You’d rather not get tangled in this vice.">><<replace "#bet" t8n>>“//I think… I think I will pass this time.//” “//Are you sure, dear?//” Lady Chaugnac asks. The other guests at the table express their disappointment as well, but you stand firm on your decision. Gambling is not a vice you’d like to be tangled in, especially this early in the day. Lady Chaugnac nudges you to play along, offering you a few banknotes herself. Still, you resist the urge. You’d rather not bring more attention to yourself today. Razac already made a spectacle of you, by making you sit in this gaudy chair. //Could you imagine if my choices ended up being correct? Or worse, dead last…// The bookie shrugs and moves on to another table, counting the newly received banknotes and changing the odds in their little notebook. The table follows suit, proceeding with another subject, impatiently waiting for the tournament to start. Their patience is soon rewarded, as a horn blows through the park, marking the start of the competition and the first rounds of shorts. <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04ac]]>><<set $bet to false>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Of course, you’d join. Where’s the harm in that?">><<replace "#bet" t8n>>“//What a daft question! Of course, I am joining. It would be a shame to miss out on the fun!//” “//What would you like to bet on?//” <ul><li> <<link "Place your bets!">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Betting Card"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("MGBet").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li></ul> <<liveblock>><<if $bet is false>>“I changed my mind… I think I’ll pass this time.” “//Are you sure, dear?//” Lady Chaugnac asks. The other guests at the table express their disappointment as well, but you stand firm on your decision. Gambling is not a vice you’d like to be tangled in, especially this early in the day. Lady Chaugnac nudges you to play along, offering you a few banknotes herself. Still, you resist the urge. You’d rather not bring more attention to yourself today. Razac already made a spectacle of you, by making you sit in this gaudy chair. //Could you imagine if my choices ended up being correct? Or worse, dead last…// The bookie shrugs and moves on to another table, counting the newly received banknotes and changing the odds in their little notebook. The table follows suit, proceeding with another subject, impatiently waiting for the tournament to start. Their patience is soon rewarded, as a horn blows through the park, marking the start of the competition and the first rounds of shorts. <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04ac]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<elseif $bet is true>><<if $betsame isnot true>>Confident with your pick<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>,<<if def $betwin>> $betwin as your champion<<if $bets is 3>>,<<elseif $bets is 2>> and <</if>><</if>><<if def $betlose>> $betlose as the loser<<if $bets gte 2>> and <</if>><</if>><<if def $betshot>>$betshot as the winning lucky number<</if>>, you let the bookie know and hand them the requested banknote<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. They note down your choice<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>, picking up with a bow the banknote<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. They salute the rest of the table, wishing everyone good luck, and continue their round around the party. The other guests try to ask for your reasoning behind your choice<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>, but you are saved by the horn blowing through the park, marking the start of the competition and the first rounds of shorts. <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04ac]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <<else>>Confident with your picks, $betwin as your champion and as the loser<<if $bets gte 2>> and <</if>><<if def $betshot>>$betshot as the winning lucky number<</if>>, you let the bookie know and hand them the requested banknote<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. “//Erm… My ?liege,//” the bookie whispers to you. “//Are you sure you meant to have $betwin as both your pick for the winner and loser?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "Why not? You’d be more likely to win this way.">><<replace "#same" t8n>>“//Why not?//” you shrug. “//More chance for me to win, don’t you think?//” While the table laughs at your flawed but entertaining bet, the bookie notes down your choice<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>, picking up with a bow the banknote<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. They salute the rest of the table, wishing everyone good luck, and continue their round around the party. The other guests try to ask for your reasoning behind your choice<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>, but you are saved by the horn blowing through the park, marking the start of the competition and the first rounds of shorts. <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04ac]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "He is right, you made a mistake.">><<replace "#same" t8n>>“//Ah… erm… it is indeed a mistake.//” The bookie waits for you to update your wagers. ''CLICK AGAIN ON PLACE YOUR BETS!'' <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <><</if>><</if>><</liveblock>> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <</switch>>

“//Oh! I can’t watch,//” one of your neighbours declares. “//I don’t think my heart can take the excitement!//” “//Then,//” says another, “//you should have restrained yourself and forgone the bet altogether. You always do this…//” “//But you know how I like to be included in these things!//” “//My dear… you are truly hopeless.//” <> ''How much attention do you pay the competition?'' <ul><li> <<link "You only keep a distracted eye on it. What is happening around you is more interesting.">><<replace "#ReplaceMe">>While you try to keep an eye on how the competition is progressing, you only do so nonchalantly. You recognise you are not as interested in the competition as other onlookers seem to be. Instead, the crowd around you piques your interest much more. Their different reactions to the participants’ every movement or their targets are more entertaining and amusing. Following the //Oooh!// and the //Aaah!// or the //Nooo!//, you can’t help but chuckle at how invested each and every one of the guests seems to be. All around you, you notice people being visibly anxious at the potential result of the tournament, looking intensely at the field as they question the bets they’ve placed earlier; people hiding on the side, crying or praying to their lucky star or whichever god of the week for their bets to be the winning one, as they probably wagered more than they should have; or people heckling at others, for their champion had just missed a shot. You almost wish this contest never to end, as you could see yourself spending the whole day watching each and every one of these guests squirm with each new action —or lack thereof—. If only the competition were longer… But the sound of the last shot and the closing horn already reaches your ears. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-04ar]] </li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <<if $bet is false>><li> <<link "All your attention is on the game, even if you did not place any bets.">><<replace "#ReplaceMe">>You bring your chair forward and sit straighter than before. All your attention is set on the competition. You scrutinise the field before you, where the participants are now lined up and ready to shoot. There is something mesmerising about these individuals standing tall, weapon in hand, ready to fire. You hope for a good outcome for all of them, even though you know deep down some will not pull through. Scanning around the field once more, you spot Ms Pellegnes, the woman who pulled out their names, standing aside with a notebook at hand. Though she keeps an eye on the competition, as most people around you are, she does not seem particularly focused on the actions happening before her. Instead, you see her chatting with some of Razac’s men, holding some <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>plates<<else>>birds<</if>> in their arms, waiting for their turn to release said targets. After every shot taken, Ms Pellegnes glimpses at the field before scribbling something down in her notebook, returning to her conversation soon after. With your eyes glued to the field, you pay little attention to your neighbours, or the rest of the crowd, for that matter. You don’t seem to care much about their opinion, though they seem to have much to say about it between each other. Not only their opinion seems to matter little to you, you realise you don’t care about how they feel about the competition’s outcome nor the bets they placed. The only thing mattering to you right now is how the tournament will play out, even if you did not place a bet yourself. The sound of gunshots resonates through the air, but it does not faze you as much as it does others, as you are so absorbed by the scene in front of you. You don’t even realise you are biting your nails in impatience until a bit of skin gets stuck between your teeth. The contest still carries on. Your impatience increased as you feel the time between each shot increases. This whole ordeal is dragging on, you lament. While it is still barely mid-day at this point, you almost expect to see the sun setting before the end of the competition. Your heart is finally relieved when you hear the final shot and the closing horn echoing through the park. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-04ar]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <<else>><li> <<link "All your attention is on the game. You’ve betted enough to depend on its outcome.">><<replace "#ReplaceMe">>You bring your chair forward and sit straighter than before. All your attention is set on the competition. You scrutinise the field before you, where the participants are now lined up and ready to shoot. Your bet<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>> depend<<if $bets is 1>>s<</if>> on their performance during the next couple of minutes, especially $betwin, your champion. You’d rather not be made a fool on this fine morning. Razac has put you enough on the spot, <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>by name-dropping you in this little speech<<else>>by sitting you in this ‘special’ seat<</if>>. Scanning around the field once more, you spot Ms Pellegnes, the woman who pulled out their names, standing aside with a notebook at hand. Though she keeps an eye on the competition, as most people around you are, she does not seem particularly focused on the actions happening before her. Instead, you see her chatting with some of Razac’s men, holding some <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>plates<<else>>birds<</if>> in their arms, waiting for their turn to release said targets. After every shot taken, Ms Pellegnes glimpses at the field before scribbling something down in her notebook, returning to her conversation soon after. With your eyes glued to the field, you pay little attention to your neighbours, or the rest of the crowd, for that matter. You don’t seem to care much about their opinion, though they seem to have much to say about it between each other. Not only their opinion seems to matter little to you, you realise you don’t care about how they feel about the competition’s outcome nor the bets they placed. The only thing mattering to you right now is how the tournament will play out and how it will affect your own bet<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. The sound of gunshots resonates through the air. You almost pray for <<if def $betwin>>your champion to hit each target<<if def $betlose>> and for the other contestants to miss theirs, especially $betlose<</if>>. <<if $betwin is "Baron Riley Échelles">>You hope the wildcard that is Baron Échelles is having one of their good days and does not miss. <<elseif $betwin is "Ser Carla Caggiano">>You hope the knightly Ser Caggiano shoots down more targets than she would miss. <<elseif $betwin is "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">>You still hope Viscount Pouinzin comes through for you this time, even if he is set as the obvious loser. <<else>>You hope that Razac’s new brace of guns doesn’t blow up in his face. <</if>><<elseif def $betlose>>your loser to miss as many shots as possible. <<if $betlose is "Baron Riley Échelles">>You hope the wildcard that is Baron Échelles is having one of their bad days today. <<elseif $betlose is "Ser Carla Caggiano">>You hope the knightly Ser Caggiano misses more shots than the others. <<elseif $betlose is "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">>You should not worry yourself this much about the fate of Viscount Pouinzin, as is seems to be the obvious loser today. <<else>>While you don’t hope for Razac’s new brace of guns to blow up in his face, you depend on them failing to work to win. <</if>><<elseif def $betshot>>your guess of winning shot to be the correct one. <</if>> You don’t even realise you are biting your nails in impatience until a bit of skin gets stuck between your teeth. The contest still carries on. Your impatience increased as you feel the time between each shot increases. This whole ordeal is dragging on, you lament. While it is still barely mid-day at this point, you almost expect to see the sun setting before the end of the competition. Your heart is finally relieved when you hear the final shot and the closing horn echoing through the park. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-04ar]] </li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "You follow your nervous neighbour, close your eyes and pray for the best outcome.">><<replace "#ReplaceMe">>You decide to follow your nervous neighbour and close your eyes as well. You assume everything will probably end up fine, but you aren’t sure if your heart could take all the excitement of watching the competitors shoot —and miss— their targets. //Why did the Count have to put me so close to the field?// You would have preferred a quieter spot away from the commotion. The tension around is so intense, you start feeling dizzy. <<if $bet is true>>You wish you had passed on placing a bet and chose to only enjoy the competition as it. //Even if money doesn’t seem to matter much for me…//<</if>> <p?Hearing each new //Oooh!// and //Aaah!// or //Nooo!//, you wish reiterate your internal wish for the competition to end, so you could resume your fun conversation with your host, or enjoy a few of the fragrant dishes displayed in the back of the tent. Though, you are afraid your appetite will be lost before this whole ordeal comes to an end, making you unable to enjoy anything after this. While you’d want to lament your situation to someone, you hear your neighbour whimpering between each shot and her friend comforting her the best he can. //I wish someone would comfort me too…// Still, in the short relief between each shot, you hope —no, pray— for <<if def $betwin>>your champion, $betwin, to come on top. You wouldn’t consider yourself a sore loser if <<if $betwin is "Baron Riley Échelles">>they<<elseif $betwin is "Ser Carla Caggiano">>she<<else>>he<</if>> did not manage to snatch the metaphorical crown, so to say, but you’d rather see your bet<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>> be the winning one<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>. <<elseif def $betlose>>your predicted loser, $betlose, to grovel to the bottom. You wouldn’t consider yourself a sore loser if <<if $betlose is "Baron Riley Échelles">>they<<elseif $betlose is "Ser Carla Caggiano">>she<<else>>he<</if>> did not bite the dust, but you’d rather see your bet<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>> be the winning one<<if $bets gt 1>>s<</if>>.<<elseif def $betshot>>your prediction to come true. You wouldn’t consider yourself a sore loser if it did not come to happen, but you’d rather be congratulated for your sharp guessing.<<else>>the bets placed by Razac’s guest to be the winning ones, even if you know this would not be feasible.<</if>> Your solace is <<if $bet is true>>partially<<else>>finally<</if>> granted when the horn concludes the small tournament. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-04ar]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <>

* <<linkappend "The winner of the tournament">>: ''Who shall be my champion today?'' <<betwin>><</linkappend>> * <<linkappend "The loser of the tournament">>: ''Who do I think will be walking home in shame?'' <<betlose>><</linkappend>> * <<linkappend "The winning number of shots">>: ''How many successful shots will the winner make?'' <<betshot>><</linkappend>> <<button "Confirm">><> <<if $betwin isnot 0 or $betlose isnot 0 or $betshot gt 0>> <<set $bet to true>> <<elseif ndef $bewin && ndef $betlose && ndef $betshot>><<set $bet to false>> <<else>><<set $bet to false>><</if>> <<set $bets to 0>> <<if $betwin isnot 0>> <<set $bets +=1>> <<else>><<unset $betwin>><</if>> <<if $betlose isnot 0>> <<set $bets +=1>> <<else>><<unset $betlose>><</if>> <<if $betshot isnot 0>> <<set $bets +=1>> <<else>><<unset $betshot>><</if>> <<if $betwin is $betlost>> <<set $betsame to true>><</if>> <<update>> <<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>> <><</button>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<setscore>><<resultcs>>As the sound of the horn enters your ears, announcing the end of the small tournament, a crescendo of applause rises from the crowd as the participants, let again by the Count, make their way back to the tent. Chatting playfully with one another, you wouldn’t have guessed they were stepping out of a cutthroat competition. Rushing to the host, Ms Pellegnes hands him a sheet of paper from her notebook, which he briefly scans before <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Colin" or setup.resultcs[3].name is "Guillem">>laughing<<elseif setup.resultcs[2].name is "Guillem">>frowning<<else>>smiling<</if>>. “//My esteemed guests,//” Razac’s voice echoes once more, silencing the jittery crowd. “//I hope our show of skills has entertained each and everyone of you, today. This competition was… tight for a moment. Some of us,//” he gestures towards the participants, “//have been quite impressive with their proficiency, while others,//” he taps the sheet, “//were unfortunately not so lucky —and may become the laughingstock of the town—. Ms Pellegnes?//” He hands the paper back to the plain woman. “//Could you please announce the results? It would be quite unethical,//” he chuckles, “//for me to do so, having participated along.//” He turns back. “//My dear shooting companions, please step forwards just a bit more.//” When the last participant stands by the Count, the little woman moves towards the crowd and clears her throat. “//As with every competition, we have to have a winner and, regrettably, some losers. Before I reveal the ranking, let’s give everyone a round of applause for their efforts!//” The crowd, increasingly anxious since the blow of the horn to see whether their wagers were correct, reluctantly claps. At the front, some guests motion the woman to move along already. She rolls her eyes and takes her sweet time before continuing, just to spite them. * <<link '//Coming last…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//Coming last, with <<= setup.resultcs[3].value>> targets shot, <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles. It seems your lucky start was not with you, today,<<elseif setup.resultcs[3].name is "Carla">>Ser Carla Caggiano. Being a middle-of-the-road shooter was not enough for the competition, today,<<elseif setup.resultcs[3].name is "Colin">>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. You seem to really like this spot, for you had it last time as well,<<else>>err… Count Guillem of Razac. Our gracious host’s pistols were not as lucky as he hoped them to be,<</if>>//” she faintly smiles at <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcs[3].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>>. The crowd chuckles uncomfortably at the woman’s attempt at humour. Some guests throw their hats on the ground or their hands in the air, looking defeated, and their champion did not reach the top this time. Still, the aforementioned shooter is not a sore loser and bows at the crowd, who applauds <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcs[3].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>> fair play in return. <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Guillem">>Razac waves at the crowd, laughing at his terrible result. <<else>>Razac takes <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcs[3].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>> hand and shakes it in congratulation, though his praise seems to sound more sarcastic than anything else. <</if>>Ms Pellegne waits a short moment before coming back to her list. * <<link '//In third place…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>“//In third place, with <<= setup.resultcs[2].value>> successful shots, <<if setup.resultcs[2].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles, better luck next time, eh?<<elseif setup.resultcs[2].name is "Carla">>Set Carla Caggiano. It seems you have met the end most guests had wagered you would.<<elseif setup.resultcs[2].name is "Colin">>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. We should probably congratulate you on finally escaping the last spot.<<else>>Count Guillem of Razac. You missed the last spot by a hair. We should all take this as a lesson to try out one’s newly acquired pistols before participating in tournaments, shouldn’t we?<</if>>//” As with earlier, a few frustrated guests find themselves with fewer banknotes than they arrived with. Still, the crowd applauds the performance of this contestant, who bows as well. <<if setup.resultcs[2].name is "Guillem">>Razac waves at the crowd. Though, disappointed in his position, he continues to hold his head up high.<<else>>Razac pats the lucky <<if setup.resultcs[2].name is "Riley">>person<<elseif setup.resultcs[2].name is "Carla">>woman<<else>>man<</if>>’s shoulder, looking somewhat sorry for <<if setup.resultcs[2].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcs[2].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>>.<</if>> Ms Pellegne awaits for the host’s nod to announce the next result. * <<link '//In second place…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 4>>“//In second place, with <<= setup.resultcs[1].value>> targets hitting the ground, <<if setup.resultcs[1].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles. You should thank your lucky start to bring you this far, even if it was just short of the top.<<elseif setup.resultcs[1].name is "Carla">>Ser Carla Caggiano. Your performance today was stronger than some would have imagined. You were still just a few shots away from the crown.<<elseif setup.resultcs[1].name is "Colin">>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. You must count this as a win in your books, as we all should. Congratulation on leaving your comfortable last spot!<<else>>Count Guillem of Razac. Your new brace of guns brought you quite the bundle of luck, but not enough for you to win this little contest.<</if>>//” The crowd’s applause feels stronger than before, as the guests have pre-emptively started celebrating their wins, having now guessed who the winner would be. Some seem quite happy about this result, while others are found disappointed. Still, as Ms Pellegnes reminds them, they let the happy runner-up have <<if setup.resultcs[1].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcs[1].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> time in the spotlight, clapping for <<if setup.resultcs[1].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcs[1].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>>. <<if setup.resultcs[1].name is "Guillem">>Razac waves at the crowd, rousing his guests with his happiness. While you see in his eyes the disappointment of the outcome, he seems relieved not to have been dead last. <<else>>Razac grabs <<if setup.resultcs[1].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcs[1].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> hand and happily shakes it, exchanging a few king words in the process.<</if>> * <<link '//And finally…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 5>>“//And finally,//” Ms Pellegne smiles, “//saving the best for last…//” She pauses for suspense. “<<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Riley">>//Baron Riley Échelles! Congratulations! Today was indeed your luck day.//” <<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Carla">>//Ser Carla Caggiano! Congratulations! You have impressed us all immensely today!//” <<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Colin">>//Vicounst Colin Poinzin?//” She frowns, reading the paper once more, hoping for a mistake. “//Hein? I mean… I am sure I counted all the shots correctly… No… It is indeed you, Viscount. It has to be, since you are the only one left. Congratulations! I— We didn’t think you could manage such a feat today, did we?//” She scans the crowd for a response. <<else>>//Count Guillem of Razac! Congratulations! Our gracious host has snatched the trophy today. By his own capabilities, as well! Though, it must be said these new pistols of yours must have brought you quite a bit of luck today,//” she winks at him.<</if>> <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Guillem">>Razac throws his arm into the air and struts around in front of the crowd, as if paraded by a chariot as a champion. Always with the dramatics with him, huh… A loud round of applause emerges from the crowd, as the winner of this little gathering is crowned with a laurel wreath. One of Razac’s attendants steps forwards and hands him a wooden box, in which you assume a mystery prize is hidden. As he receives it, Razac laughs heartily, joking that he was not expecting this. The crowd laughs back, getting closer by the second, hoping to find more about the mysterious object. The Count swiftly steps asides and flees towards you, ignoring his guests for once.<<else>>Razac extends his hand towards the winner, which is happily shaken in return. He keeps <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> hand in his and throws it in the air. A loud round of applause emerges from the crowd, as the winner of this little gathering is crowned with a laurel wreath. One of Razac’s attendants steps forwards and hands <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Riley">>Baron Échelles<<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Carla">>Ser Caggiano<<else>>Vicount Pouinzin<</if>> a wooden box, in which you assume a mystery prize is hidden. Razac voices his hope that <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Riley">>they<<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Carla">>she<<else>>he<</if>> will enjoy this gift as much as he would have himself. The crowd gets closer, hoping for a peep at the mysterious object, but the winner is smart enough the hand it back to the attendant for safekeeping, saving <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Riley">>themselves<<elseif setup.resultcs[0].name is "Carla">>herself<<else>>himself<</if>> from being swallowed by the envious guests. The Count steps away from the crowd and approaches you.<</if>> * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 6>>//“Ah, my friend! I am sad you were not the one to win this,//” he <<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Guillem">>holds up the wooden box<<else>>nods backward<</if>>. “//Though anyone should feel honoured to receive it,//<<if setup.resultcs[0].name is "Guillem">>” he chuckles. “//I never thought it would not leave my hands today. It would have made me feel better had it found another home and been cherished more.//”<<else>>//it would have made me less sad to part with it knowing a better owner would have cherished it more.//”<</if>> “//You didn’t need to organise a pretend competition to gift something to me, Guillem,//” you retort. “//True,//” he swiftly concedes. “//However, I would not have been able to show off the close friendship I have with you to… them,//” he gestures at his guests. “//Not everyone can say they are close to the future betrothed of <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic!//” “//Ah!//” you pale at the notion of your engagement<<if setup.ro.vic is false>>, the news of its end having not yet reached his ears<</if>>. “//I did not know you succumbed so quickly to rumours, my dear Count. How unlike of you!//” “//It is only a rumour if one does not have proof,//” he winks at you, stepping away. Before disappearing into the crowd, he yells: “//Do try to enjoy yourself still! Have a few drinks… and maybe some bites!//” You want to run after him and ask for an explanation, or at least find out what he meant by having proof. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>Your<<SetGender "Theo">> ?parent explicitly asked you to shut down any rumours of your would-be engagement. <<if setup.ro.vic is false>>You could have already cleared up the situation by telling your friend of your decision to end it. <</if>><</if>>You would rather avoid people bothering you with this subject, as long as you can, especially as it has not been officially announced<<if setup.ro.vic is false>> —not like it would ever be, now—<</if>>. You only manage to get a few steps before you lose sight of the mischievous man, your way being blocked by the crowd congratulating the contestants. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-05]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Are you ready to put them into action?//” You glance at the pistol in your hand. Then, at the crates filled with the lively birds. Back to the pistols. Then, towards the tents, where the capricious woman decided to hide under, after leaving in shame for failing to have her concerns validated by the host. And finally, at the crates once more, in which the chirping gets louder. //That Lady Emilia made some good points,// you sigh. While you do not mind giving a show to your friend’s guests, you do not feel quite comfortable shooting those helpless creatures. “//Well… I might as well look like a hypocrite,//” you hand the pistol back to the Count, “//but I’d rather not start this little game without saying my peace.//” “//Are… No. No, $Name. My friend… Don’t tell me…//” “//She has a point, Guillem,//” you put your hand on his <<if $mc.size gt 2>>shoulder<<else>>arm<</if>>. “//Thinking of these birds being set free from their cages, only to be shot down moments later… It makes my stomach turn.//” “//Are you really agreeing with this pest?//” Razac scoffs. “//Dear $Name, how… how can you lower yourself to her level? And after all the troubles I went through to get these beasts!//” “//It does not seem right… or fair, for that matter.//” “//Fair?! Fair for whom, ?Liege $Name?//” “//Those birds, of course. What else?//” “//Me! You are not being fair to me right now!//” “//Oh, please. Get over yourself. What are you crying wolf for?//” “//Them!//” He points at the tent. “//Are you happy forcing my hand to ridicule me in front of my guests?//” “//And here I thought I was your guest of honour!//” “//You are!//” “//Then why would you make me shoot helpless birds?//” “//Make y—//” “//Do you really think with, as you said, my legendary skills…//” you do not bother finishing your sentence, motioning only your hand. “//Ah… Right.//” * <<link '//Was that enough?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>Mentioning your supposedly legendary skills seems to have been enough for his frustration with your request to magically disappear. Instead, he stands still, looking somewhat aghast. “//I… Even I must admit that with these beauties in your hands,//” he sighs, “//no one could stand a chance. Not even these little creatures. And it is not like they get to choose their competitors… If they could, Viscount Pouinzin and his legendary aim,//” he says mockingly, “//would be their first choice!//” “//As it should, if they wanted to survive,//” you chuckle along, slightly confused to how persuasive your words were. “//As it would not be fair to the birds, it would neither be so for the other shooters, don’t you think?//” “//How… so?//” the Count squints at you. “//This contest, as you organised it, was skewed from the start in my favour. You said it yourself. My legendary aim will have no match here. Adding on the birds…//” “//…when thrown into flight, will become so predictable in their flight pattern, it makes it easy for a hunter to shoot them down. I know, I know, $Name! We had the same teacher!//” “//How can I consider this a competition, then? And here I thought,//” you pretend to pout, “//you wanted to throw me into the wolf’s den and give me an actual challenge…//” “//I… see,//” he mumbles. “//This was never going to be hard enough for you…//” Razac paces back and forth, still mumbling to himself. As he probably thought to have organised a game to your liking, he must not have accounted for you to object to his preparations. Unwilling to disappoint you, you see him try his best to find an acceptable solution. He stops dead in his track, before shaking his head and continuing his incessant rambling. Feeling somewhat discarded by your friend, and his pacing making your head turn, you look around, waiting for the Count to have his //Ah-Ha!// moment. Your eyes are caught by his servants carrying some of the contingency plates back to the tent. * <<link '//The plates!//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//What about those plates?//” “//Huh?//” “//Those plates,//” you nod towards the servants. “//The ones you had brought along, in case those precious birds of yours would not arrive on time.//” “//These?//” Razac points at the china. “//Wouldn’t it be too… lower of your position, my ?liege? I was more thinking of finding you an actual beast or two…//” “//And trouble yourself further? Guillem, there is no need! We have everything we need here.//” “//I am not sure I follow. Shooting the china feels like you would be taking it a step backwards.//” “//Only if the throwing patterns are consistent between each shot. If you instruct your men to throw the plates in a way I cannot predict, now that would be a challenge!//” “//Really, $Name?//” he grimaces. “//This is what my father did to train me when I started shooting… at the age of five! Wouldn’t that be too—//” “//What about your other guests?//” “//Shoot my guests?!? I know you have grudges, but—//” “//I am not in a murderous rage, my friend,//” you smile at him, patting his <<if $mc.size gt 2>>shoulder<<else>>back<</if>> gently. “//I meant, we could ask them to throw the targets instead. I am sure more than one would come out running to volunteer, if there was even a slight chance of making a fool out of me.//” “//I am sure someone would rise to the occasion,//” he turns his head toward the tent. “//But, would that be prudent?//” “//My dear Guillem,//” you laugh at him, “//when have I ever been prudent in a contest? Come on, do not be a spoilsport!//” While you invite him to laugh along, and proceed with your request, the Count still takes a moment to mull your idea over. Your words may have had more of an impact on your gracious host and Lady Emilia’s, but you sense he does not seem completely convinced by your approach. //What would it take…// You press him further, nagging him to agree. Though you are certain you would not be able to save those birds entirely, you would feel relief knowing you would not be part of their suffering. “//If that is what you truly wish,//” Razac finally relents. “//I shall make it work, somehow. Damn the appearance, I guess. You might as well have my best china as your target, if it can help me save face!//” He whistles to his servants to bring back the faience they had started to put away. Then starts another lengthy debate about the most appropriate type of target this challenge requires. The Count categorically refuses any item bigger than a dessert place, stating his guests would surely mock you —well, mock you more after they would hear your target choice. On the other hand, you’d rather be able to see your target, especially when thrown into the air. You end up settling on dessert bowls. You have to admit, appearances are still important to Razac, no matter how much he pretends not to. “//Now, is there anything else you require before we start, my ?liege?//” Truthfully, you are not quite sure you are ready to play his little game, but you are not to back out when you made your host go through this whole ordeal just for you. You nod to the negative. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04bc]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

“//Are you ready to put them into action?//” Ignoring Razac’s words, you move the gun around once more, before cocking it and pretending to aim at the fictional target above your host’s head. He instantly goes stiff and his eyes widen. You wink at him as you fire the pistol. //Click.// “//Huh,//” you react disappointed the clicking noise was the only thing having come out of the barrel. “//That was a bit… anticlimactic.//” “//Speak for yourself, $Name,//” the Count chuckles nervously. “//I wasn’t going to leave all of these weapons loaded until the competition starts. I’m not going to repeat the Pouinzin’s incident all over again.//” “//Poor Colin. For an unlucky man when it comes to shooting, it was pretty fortunate he was wearing such loose pants.//” “//I know! I heard he framed them and hung it all in his office!//” “//Really?//” you suppress a laugh as you hand him back the pistol. “//Anyway, you just need to load these and I will be ready.//” You glance in the direction of the tents, where the capricious woman decided to hide after leaving in shame for failing to have her concerns validated. She makes you wonder whether she was truly trying to convince the Count or whether she was trying to convince you. Even though she barely acknowledged your presence, it seemed peculiar to start a fight with such a strong-headed man like Razac. Her plight was not compelling enough to change his mind, nor yours. “//What a strange character,//” you mutter. “//Pouah!//” gestures Razac. “//Let her out of your mind, my ?liege. A worthier goal is set in front of you.//” “//Is there now?//” you smirk. “//And here I thought we were having this little competition just for fun.//” “//Just for–,//” Razac looks shocked. “//My ?liege, no competition is just for fun. It is a new challenge. A way of crushing your adversaries and coming on top!//” “//Are you quite sure this will be challenging? I thought my legendary skills were unmatched.//” “//Well… while you do have an advantage over your other competitors, these little creatures right here,//” he knocks on the holed crates, “//can be quite… unpredictable. One may never know how their flight will take shape. I have chosen them especially for this challenge. You have no idea the trouble I went through to get them here. And to think it would have ruined everything had they not made it in time!//” “//No need to dwell on what could have been, when your birds are already here,//” you pat the man’s shoulder. “//But, my ?liege, my dramatic flair!//” You chuckle at the Count, feigning to faint on an imaginary sofa. “//Now,//” you continue, “//I do wonder about something. What will happen to the birds that we shoot down? Granted, aside from mines, very few will hit the ground again. I dare say, most would end up flying away.//” “//Why, we will eat them, of course! I have instructed my servants to prepare a pyre behind the tent, and my cooks will prepare them as soon as they fall to the ground.//” “//Eat th– The birds are so small! I am not sure the taste of bullets will be appreciated by your guests, nor by my tongue.//” “//Have you no faith in my cooks? I am hurt, my ?liege,//” he pretends to pout. “//Don’t you know the Palace has been trying to poach them from me for years now? They wouldn’t be doing so without a good reason.//” “//Or it could be to save you from choking hazard,//” you joke. “//How tragic it would be to lose you! Pierced by a bullet, but not during a duel. How people would mock you!//” “//Ha! Everyone knows that the cook would only use poison to kill their masters, not bullets! I’d first worry about my butler before I would my cooks.//” “//How trusting you are, Razac!//” “//With the kinds of feasts I have daily, I need to be!//” He giggles. “//If I still trust them after all of these years, and it has served me right, I am sure you can do the same.//” “//Alright, alright. I accept defeat,//” you put your hand on his <<if $mc.size gt 2>>shoulder<<else>>arm<</if>>. “//I will even be the first to try a bit. How about that?//” “//How adventurous of you!//” A few pats on the back are all it takes to make you burst into laughter. You had tried your best to keep it all in, but you understand you are no match for your host’s sarcasm. Razac soon joins along, wiping his eyes of tears. Though you attempt multiple times to regain your composure, your laughter doubles every time you catch a glimpse of the Count. By all accounts, the same seems to be happening to him as well. A few lengthy minutes are needed before the both of you manage to calm down. “//Now,//” he wipes his eyes again, “//is there anything you require before we shall start?//” Your throat turns dry. You hadn’t prepared yourself for the game to start so quickly. You swallow with difficulty and want to voice this newly felt anxiousness to your host. But no words come out of your mouth. You know deep down there is no turning back when it comes to accepting the Count’s requests. You nod to the negative. * [[Continue|A1S3-04bc]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Razac puts the brace back in its velvety box and informs his men to keep it away from the other contestants, as they are for your use only during this contest. He grabs you by the arm and pulls you gently towards the tent, where his other guests have <<if $time is "early">>started to gather<<else>>already gathered<</if>> around and are enjoying some refreshments. One of Razac’s attendants interrupts your peeping by offering you a drink. Distracted by your surroundings and the lively conversations with your host, you had not noticed or cared much about the burgeoning heat. <<if $suit is "dress">>Protected under your small parasol, the heat had yet to do some noticeable damage. But you would not be against having a drink.<<elseif setup.outfit.s1num lte 3>>You had not yet realised how your dark clothes had been unrelentingly oppressing on your body after all this time. A cool drink would be more than welcomed.<<else>>It has not yet been particularly bothering to you. Though, you realise now how parched your throat was becoming and how soothing a drink would be.<</if>> You gladly request <<drinkp>>. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>When the drink finally reaching your hand, relieving your parched throat, you hear the Count clearing his throat loudly and whistling to get his guests’ attention. As the unruly crowd does not deign him the time of day, he whistles a few more times before they relent and flock to him. “//My esteemed guests,//” Razac shouts, all smiles. “//It is a real pleasure to see you call coming from far and wide to join in today in my little quarterly shooting contest. I am truly glad to see some returning faces, like our favourite Lord Pouinzin,//” he waves towards said noble, “//who faced a disastrous defeat last time. Yes, yes, do clap for the courageous man coming back to reclaim his sullied honour,//” he plays along the crowd. “//Still… I am especially overjoyed to see my close friend, ?Liege $Name Vasmosia, returning to us and gracing us with ?their presence. More so since ?theyhave agreed to put ?their legendary skills into action today!//” This mention is greeted by the crowd with loud applause and cheers, which you repay with a playful bow. Still, scattered around the crowd, you notice a few faces aggrieved by the news, including a certain one, resembling the Lady Emilia who insultingly snubbed you earlier. “//Now! Every participant’s name has been added to a bowl. The order in which today’s contestants will shoot shall be decided as their names are taken out. Each contestant will shoot once, and once only, at each target, and one at a time. Only shot down targets will be counted in the final score. After ten rounds, we will announce the lucky, or skilful, winner! Ms Pellegnes, if you please.//” A plain-looking woman crosses through the crowd, pushing aside guests standing in her way, holding a glass bowl in her arms. She puts her hand in the bowl, shuffles the pieces of paper around before picking one. She opens the folded note and announces the first contestant with a clear voice. * <<link "You hold your breath." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>“//Baron Riley Échelles.//” As you sigh, relieved, the crowd applauds as a person makes their way towards Count Razac. “//Aaah, the wildcard,//” you hear a gruff voice behind you, only loud enough for you to hear. You cast a glance past your shoulder and recognise one of Razac’s men you saw earlier by the weapon crates. “//Some days,//” he continues, “//they swipe the competition with such ease it renders the other participants jealous. Other times, they barely scrape the barrel… and their targets.//” You turn your eyes back to the commotion before you, as your host shakes the hand of the ‘wildcard’ before they stand aside. You feel this title fits them well, as their peculiar attire with questionable colour combinations makes them stand out from the crowd. It worries you that a shooter such as them could make your skills pale in comparison. While you take another sip of your drink to calm down, Ms Pellegnes puts her hands again in the bowl and pulls out another piece of paper. * <<link '//Am I next?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 4>>“//Ser Carla Caggiano.//” “//Phew,//” the man whistles, “//the most boring middle-of-the-road shooter wants to play champion. Heh! What a joke. Don’t worry, my ?liege. She is no match for you.//” A woman almost appears out of nowhere by Razac’s side, who jumps a bit when he finally spots her. She looks more like a guard you could spot around the palace than a guest at a noble party. She does look somewhat dashing with her dark blue and white cape. You wonder what kind of rank she holds. As with the first contestant, the count shakes the hand of the middle-of-the-road shooter before nodding at Ms Pellegnes, who picks another piece of paper. “//Viscount Colin Pouinzin.//” “//And the obvious loser is here, once again,//” the gruff man chuckles. “//I am surprised he would show his face again after his last defeat. I have to give him this, he is persistent.//” The last unknown contestant steps forward under the snickers of the crowd. The sentiment of this man being this competition’s third runner-up is not only shared by the host, but the whole party as well. Still, the man holds his head up high and waves at the crowd, almost taunting them. When he stands in front of the count, he grabs his hand vigorously and with a smile. Finally, Ms Pellegnes picks up the last piece of paper. * <<link '//And then, there was one.//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 5>>“//?Liege $Name Vasmosia.//” You shudder at the sound of your name leaving her lips. <div class ="heir">No turning back now…</div> “//Please do not be disappointed by being picked last, my ?liege//,” the gruff man comments. “//It will leave the other contestants just enough time to show off their ‘skills’ before they will have to eventually bow down to you.//” You turn back, wanting to thank the man for this compliment —you think?—, but he is long gone when you would have been facing him. <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>“//Now, contestants,//” Razac smiles, “//if you’ve had yet to make your choice of armament, please follow my man Daniel and do so promptly. Otherwise, come take your marks.//” * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04bs]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <<else>>* <<link '//Now, what?' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>><</if>> <<case 6>>“//Ah!//” The Count addresses the crowd again. “//One more thing, my patient guests, before we start. Our esteemed ?Liege $Name asked of me a peculiar… request. Instead of the lively birds I had promised you, ?they would like to shoot some of my precious lunch service! Now,//” he holds up his hand, stopping the crowd from voicing their concerns, “//before you claim riggory due to the easiness of shot, ?theyhave also requested for one of you to throw my personal property as well!//” Gasps echoes throughout the party, some out of excitement, while most seemed to be outraged. “//You may throw the targets in any way you wish, and make it as difficult to shoot as you would want. I am only requesting you throw them upward enough into the air. We would rather avoid shooting at someone walking further in the park… Whoever would like to volunteer and be part of this game, please step forward!//” Bewilderment takes over the crowd, as it turns completely silent. Your request to shoot those dessert bowls instead of living creatures was a strange one to begin with. It is not surprising this would not go over well with the Count’s guests. Some faces seem to be considering joining in on the fun, while others are chucking nervously. In the corner, Lady Emilia looks to be in shock. “//Come on, people,//” Razac presses the crowd. “//Is there truly no one who would want to make this shoot challenging to ?Liege Vasmosia? Now is your chance to maybe see ?them miss!//” The prospect of making a fool out of you pushes a few brave souls to step forward. One of them you recognise as the gruff man speaking behind you, probably at the request of your host. Another is a very young and fashionable woman. It strikes you to see such a young person in a gathering like this, as she barely looks like an adult. //Has she even debuted?// Still, she stands tall and confident, as if she had been walking in this kind of crowd all her life. The last person is a jittery man, wearing a much simpler outfit than the young woman —and maybe even the rest of the crowd—. If it were not for the kind of fabric he was wearing, a dark expensive-looking velvet —a bold choice for a summer day—, you would assume him to be one of Razac’s men. * <<link '//That’s it?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 7>>“//At last, we have our contenders!//” the Count claps. “//My trusted Daniel,//” he shakes the gruff man’s hand. “//If ?Liege Vasmosia picks you, I trust you will not throw any easy target. You know better than to disappoint me,//” he chuckles. “//Next, we have…//” He gets closer to the young woman, who whispers her name in his ear. “//Gentilhomme Élodie de Ste Sonia. A pleasure to have you with us today. Please send my regards to your Mother, though I do not think she would approve of your presence here today. Still… I hope your arm is as skilful throwing faïence as it is swinging that sword,//” he nods at the item strapped to her hip, which is met by her smile. “//And, finally, Escuyer Ignace Baumé…//” Razac pauses and looks the man up and down. “//What on earth are you wearing today, my good man? This hasn’t been in style since… the last century at least! My, my. I pray for your sake your pitch is stronger than your sense of fashion.//” While the crowd riles at the Count’s comment, the poor man tries his best not to let his face redden in shame. You notice him taking a few steps back, seemingly trying to take his leave and probably hiding somewhere. He is stopped by Razac, holding his arm strongly and patting the frightened man’s back with his other hand. They exchange a few quiet words —though it seems only Razac is speaking—, turning the jittery man almost docile. “//So my ?liege,//” Razac addresses you, “//which of these brave souls will you choose as your challenger? My trusted Daniel? the skilful Gentilhomme? or the quiet Escuyer?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "Daniel, Razac’s man">><<replace "#thrower" t8n>><<set $pick to "Daniel">><<set $relcourt -= 1>>As you point at Daniel, your choice is acknowledged by the crowd with a few bored claps. The delays in the competition are making the Count’s guests a bit bored and restless. Your host shakes the hand of the lucky thrower and sends him back to the field. The other two volunteers walk back under the tent and take back their place as guests. “//Now, contestants,//” Razac smiles, “//if you’ve had yet to make your choice of armament, please follow my man Daniel and do so promptly. Otherwise, come take your marks.//” <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04bs]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Gentilhomme Élodie de Ste Sonia">><<replace "#thrower" t8n>><<set $pick to "Gentilhomme de Ste Sonia">>As you point at Gentilhomme de Ste Sonia, your choice is acknowledged by the crowd with a few bored claps. The delays in the competition are making the Count’s guests a bit bored and restless. Your host shakes the hand of the lucky thrower and sends her to the field. Daniel leads her on and instructs her on how to proceed. The other rejected pick walks back under the tent and takes back his place as a guest. “//Now, contestants,//” Razac smiles, “//if you’ve had yet to make your choice of armament, please follow my man Daniel and do so promptly. Otherwise, come take your marks.//” <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04bs]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Escuyer Ignace Baumé">><<replace "#thrower" t8n>><<set $pick to "Escuyer Baumé">>As you point at Escuyer Baumé, your choice is acknowledged by the crowd with a few bored claps. The delays in the competition are making the Count’s guests a bit bored and restless. Your host shakes the hand of the lucky thrower and sends him to the field. Daniel leads him on and instructs him on how to proceed. The other rejected pick walks back under the tent and takes back her place as a guest. “//Now, contestants,//” Razac smiles, “//if you’ve had yet to make your choice of armament, please follow my man Daniel and do so promptly. Otherwise, come take your marks.//” <ul><li> <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04bs]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Now, contestants,//” Razac smiles, “//if you’ve had yet to make your choice of armament, please follow my man Daniel and do so promptly. Otherwise, come take your marks.//” Leading the march to the designated shooting spot, set around the crates you stop by earlier, you can’t help but feel somewhat unprepared for the Count’s little game. //Why did I agree to this?// Behind the other contestants, Ms Pellegnes follows closely, a notebook in hand, before sitting on one of the crates. With a shaky hand, you pick up the brace of pistols, the one your host had set aside just for you. //I don’t even think I know how to shoot!// Aside, the other contestants make their final picks. The attending men show each of the participants to a specific spot, the one you’ll stand to shoot your target, before standing behind, ready to load and reload your weapons. As you are set to shoot last, your place is much aside from the rest. //Keep it together… Nothing will go wrong… Right?// You hand you weapon s to your attendant, waiting for your turn to shoot. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>The sound of a horn blares through the park, announcing the start of the contest. Being last in the shooting order, you take a peek at your competition, hoping their handling of their targets would inspire you —or at least, calm you down a bit—. You notice some of them have <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>also <</if>>chosen to hit —or try to— some of Razac’s tableware, a choice he had promised Lady Emilia to provide. The thrown plates seem to be much larger than the <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>birds<<else>>dessert<</if>> bowls they have prepared for you. //How…how is that fair?// The contestants’ attendants seem to be throwing these items in a very predictable manner, providing the shooter with a very easy target to hit. //Even with my supposed legendary skills… that—// <div class="heir">You don’t need to worry about that. Trust me.</div> Tough the voice sounds much more confident than you are, it does not bring the encouragement you had hoped for. Instead, you feel your breathing become erratic, getting worse with each new weapon being set off. //Who was I kidding? I can’t do this!// You swallow with difficulty and take a step back. //Why would I put myself in a position to handle such a deadly instrument? This is madness!// You want to run and disappear, as you realise how big of a mistake you have made. <div class="heir">And be ridiculed by everyone? I think not. Take that pistol and breathe.</div> A blurry figure presents you with the brace, now loaded. Your hand hovers over the weapon but avoids touching it. //I should have never accepted doing this…// A force pushes your shaky hand to pick it up and aim it toward the field. //I only wanted to have a calm day…// Your arm trembles as your hand continues to shake, making you lose control of your grip. You almost let the pistol fall. <div class="heir">Keep it together, dammit!</div> Far in front of you, <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>glaring back, $pick smiles mischievously, playing with the dessert bowl as if it was a ball, waiting for <<if $pick is "Gentilhomme de Ste Sonia">>her<<else>>his<</if>> turn to throw it.<<else>>one of Razac’s men is holding a bird, waiting for his turn to release it.<</if>> You take a long breath, trying to calm yourself down and recollect your composure. You aim upward, now holding the pistol more firmly. “//Pull!//” you yell. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>$pick throws the bowl into the air with all of <<if $pick is "Gentilhomme de Ste Sonia">>her<<else>>his<</if>> might, in a way you had not expected. //What—//<<else>>The attendant throws the bird into the air, immediately taking flight.<</if>> Swiftly, your eyes pick up on the target and you feel your finger pulling the trigger. //Pow!// The bullet hits the <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>bowl, exploding in the air. Its leftover pieces fall to the ground.<<else>>bird, stopping mid-flight. It falls on the ground, lifeless.<</if>> <div class="heir">Good.</div> Your eyelids shutter, blurring your vision. //How…// Your head is spinning. //Did…// Your legs turning wobbly, barely able to hold your weight, you hold yourself a nearby shoulder. //What…// The pistol slips your hand but you don’t hear it hit the ground. //I’m going to throw up.// Your heart pounds in your chest, wanting to burst out of its bony prison. //Never again! I will never submit myself to this again.// <div class="heir">Only 9 more times and we are done.</div> * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>//“My ?liege, are you alright?//” a voice whispers in your ear. “//Should I get the Count?//” “//No! No…//” you hear yourself say. “//I… I am fine. I just need a minute.//” “//Would you want something for your nerves?//” “//My nerves are fine!//” you snap back. “//I… I’m sorry, my ?liege,//” the attendant almost whimpers. “//I thought a strong drink…//” “//That… actually sounds like a good idea.//” You try to stand up a bit straighter, and take the small flask the attendant hands you. Though the smell is repugnant, you still happily drink from it. //If this doesn’t calm my nerves…// The liquid tastes like earth and burns your mouth a little. As it does down your throat, you start feeling warm and strangely mellow. <div class="heir">It’s not called liquid courage for nothing… </div> You are about to hand the flask to the attendant, when you hesitate. The sound of shots setting off echoes in your ears. A sip already made you feel better, but you are not sure if it would be enough to survive this whole ordeal. Soon, it will be your turn again. For good measure, you chug the rest of the small container. You pick up the other loaded pistol and ready yourself again. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-04br]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<setscore>><<resultcp>>The sound of a horn vibrates in your ears as soon as your finger pulls the trigger, shooting down your last target. //It is over… Finally…// You shakily hand the pistol back to the attendant as your eyes look down the field. In between your first and last shot, you can’t recall much of what had been happening. While you clearly remember striking that first <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>bowl<<else>>bird<</if>>, and how horrid it made you feel, you can’t say the same about the other shots. //Did I…// Your feet carry you back to the tens, heeling the other contestants. As they chat playfully with one another railing about each other’s performances on the field, you are put on the spot when they ask about your opinion. Even if you had paid any semblance of attention to the shoots, you would not be able to say what your eyes may have seen. You mumble incoherently, hoping they would move their attention elsewhere. A crescendo of applause rising for the crowd, as you get closer to the tents, stops them from commenting further on your strange behaviour. While you could not recount how the competition went, it seems the four of you have put on quite the show for Razac’s guests. Your host, all smiles, greets your return with excitement. Ms Pellegnes hands him a sheet of paper, which he briefly scans before grinning. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//Erm, erm,//” Razac’s throat clearing echoes in the park, clapping his hands to quiet the crowd. “//I hope this show of skills has entertained each and every one of you, today. This competition has been… quite the sight. Some of our wonderful participants,//” he waves towards your group, “//have been much impressive with their proficiency, while others,//” he taps the sheet in his hands, “//were unfortunately not so… lucky —and may even become the laughingstock of the town—.//” He pauses, looking grave. His silence, keeping the crowd on its toes, brings something electric around the tent. You hear whispers of already disappointed guests, whimpers of anxious ones or even the stomping of impatient feet. “//Now, my dear shooters, please step forwards a little be more.//” Taking your place beside Razac along with the three other participants, with two of you standing on each side of your host, you feel your hand trembling. //What if I didn’t… // “//As with every competition, we must have a winner, and regrettable some losers. Before I reveal the ranking —and before your prognostics are revealed as correct or erroneous—, I must plead you to give another round of applause to our entertaining contestants!//” Reluctantly clapping, as ordered by their host, you notice the crowd gradually becoming more anxious by the second. //The bets…// In the front, some guests are tapping their heels in impatience, frowning at the delay in the countdown. You’d imagine they would gesture the announcer less politely had he not been the Count. Moving your gaze towards the latter, you see in Razac’s eyes the temptation to drag this moment a little longer, just to spite them. * <<link '//Coming last…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>“//With <<= setup.resultcp[2].value>> shots, coming in last place,//” he finally announces, “//<<if setup.resultcp[2].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles. It seems your lucky start was not with you, today.<<elseif setup.resultcp[2].name is "Carla">>Ser Carla Caggiano. Being a middle-of-the-road shooter was not enough for this competition, today.<<else>>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. You seem to really like this spot, for you had it last time as well, didn’t you?<</if>>//” While the crowd chuckles at the Count’s commentary, they still applaud the loser, providing them/her/him with this little compensation prize. Some guests throw their hats on the ground or their hands in the air, looking defeated, and their champion did not reach the top this time. Still, the aforementioned shooter is not a sore loser and bows at the crowd, who applauds louder <<if setup.resultcp[2].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcp[2].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> fair play. Razac takes <<if setup.resultcp[2].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcp[2].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> hand and shakes it in congratulation, though his praise seems to be more sarcastic than anything else. * <<link '//In third…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 4>>“//In third place, with <<= setup.resultcp[1].value>> targets down, <<if setup.resultcp[1].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles. Better luck next time, eh?<<elseif setup.resultcp[1].name is "Carla">>Ser Carla Caggiano. It seems you have the end most guests had bet you would.<<else>>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. We must congratulate you on finally escaping the dreading last place!<</if>>//” As with earlier, a few frustrated guests find themselves with fewer banknotes than they arrived with. Still, the crowd applauds the performance of this contestant, who bows in return. Razac pats the <<if setup.resultcp[1].name is "Riley">>person<<elseif setup.resultcp[1].name is "Carla">>woman<<else>>man<</if>>’s shoulder, looking somewhat sorry for <<if setup.resultcp[1].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcp[1].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>>. * <<link '//In second place…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 5>>“//In second place, with <<= setup.resultcp[0].value>> shots… <<if setup.resultcp[0].name is "Riley">>Baron Riley Échelles. You should thank your lucky star to bring you this far, even if you were just short of the top…<<elseif setup.resultcp[0].name is "Carla">>Ser Carla Caggiano. Your performance today was stronger than some would have imagined. You were only a few shots away from the crown!<<else>>Viscount Colin Pouinzin. We are sure to count this placement as a win in our books, as you should in yours. Congratulations!<</if>>//” The crowd’s applause feels stronger than before, as the guests have pre-emptively started celebrating their wins, having now guessed who the winner would be. Some seem quite happy about this result, while others are found disappointed. Still, as their host reminds them, they let the happy runner-up have <<if setup.resultcp[0].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcp[0].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> time in the spotlight, clapping for <<if setup.resultcp[0].name is "Riley">>them<<elseif setup.resultcp[0].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>him<</if>>. Razac grabs <<if setup.resultcp[0].name is "Riley">>their<<elseif setup.resultcp[0].name is "Carla">>her<<else>>his<</if>> hand and happily shakes it, exchanging a few words in the process. * <<link '//And finally…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 6>>“//And finally, saving the best for last…//” Razac pauses, smirking. “//I know you know who is our lucky winner —though I must say, little luck is needed with ?them—. Why, of course! ?Liege $Name Vasmosia, with a perfect scorecard!//” He claps heartily. “//I must say, in ?their hands, my brace of pistols shot the targets with more ease than it probably was. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>Even the commendable throws of $pick were not enough to shake our ?liege’s legendary aim. ?They still managed to shoot down all targets, regardless of the tricks $pick used! <</if>>Congratulations!//” Razac extends his congratulating hand towards you, which you gladly take. While you try to pull it away, he keeps your hand in his and throws it in the air. A loud round of applause emerges from the spectating crowd, as your head is crowned with a laurel wreath, titling you the winner of this little competition. One of your host’s attendants steps forwards and hands you a wooden box, in which you assume a mystery prize is hidden. As the crowd gets closer, hoping for a peep at the mysterious object, Razac pulls you away swiftly before it encircles you. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//Ah, my ?liege! You cannot imagine how glad I am to see you win this,//” he nods at the box. “//Though the others would have felt honoured receiving this, it would have made me quite sad to part with it knowing a better owner could have cherished it more.//” “//You didn’t need to organise a pretend competition to gift this to me, Guillem,//” you retort. “//True,//” he swiftly concedes. “//However, I would not have been able to show off the close friendship I have with you to… them,//” he gestures at the crowd. “//Not everyone can say they are close to the future betrothed of Prince<<SetGender "Vic">> ?Vic!//” “//Ah!//” you pale at the notion of your engagement<<if setup.ro.vic is false>>, the news of its end having not yet reached his ears<</if>>. “//I did not know you succumbed so quickly to rumours, my dear Count. How unlike of you!//” “//It is only a rumour if one does not have proof,//” he winks at you, stepping away. Before disappearing into the crowd, he yells: “//Do try to enjoy yourself still! Have a few drinks… and maybe some bites!//” You want to run after him and ask for an explanation, or at least find out what he meant by having proof. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>Your<<SetGender "Theo">> ?parent explicitly asked you to shut down any rumours of your would-be engagement. <<if setup.ro.vic is false>>You could have already cleared up the situation by telling your friend of your decision to end it. <</if>><</if>>You would rather avoid people bothering you with this subject, as long as you can, especially as it has not been officially announced<<if setup.ro.vic is false>> —not like it would ever be, now—<</if>>. You only manage to get a few steps before you lose sight of the mischievous man, your way being blocked by the crowd congratulating you. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-05]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("A1S3-04br")>>Getting rid of the congratulating crowd was no small feat, as the guests encircling you gave no way of escaping their grasp. Some guests were genuinely happy about your winnings, applauding and complimenting your performance on the field. Others were more interesting in the content of the box, the mystery prize. It is only when you yield to their cries by agreeing to show them said contents, do they calm down. With the help of a pair of a stranger’s hands, you open the containing to reveal… //a dusty wine bottle?!// While the //Ooohs!// and //Aaahs!// of the crowd, as well as some jealous whispers, gives you an idea of how valuable this prize seems to be, you can’t help but feel a bit cheated. //Am I supposed to be impressed?// With their curiosity satisfied, the crowd finally relents to let you go —but not before feeling entitled to your prize as they plead for the bottle to be shared—, you extract yourself from flock of guests to look for your host. //Who invites someone only to throw them to the wolves like that?// <<else>>With some issue, you end up finding a way to rid your path of the crowd of guests still congratulating the champion. Hoping to find your host, you continue looking for the man who left you to fend for yourself. //Who invites someone only to ditch them moments later?//<</if>> Nowhere to be seen, you soon give up your search for the Count, instead making your way towards the back of the tent. Hoping to find some peace and quiet, and respite for your feet, you now have to worry about your stomach grumbling. You are glad to see a servant approaching you as soon as you sit down. //At least one person is looking out for my needs…// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//My ?liege,//” the servant whispers close to your ear. “//Someone is looking for you.//” You glance inquisitively at the young man, hoping for more information from him than just ‘someone is looking for you’. You gesture for him to do so, as he hesitates to continue. He bites his lip but relents. “//They wouldn’t give me a name, though they assured me you were expecting them, today. And expecting them here. I wasn’t too keen on bringing them closer, especially as luncheon will be served soon. Master Razac is quite particular about who is and who isn’t allowed around his guests. And that one… well… they would be truly out of place.//” “//Out of… place?//” your brows furrow. “//Would they stand out so much other guests would take notice of it?//” “//Stand out?! My ?liege, absolutely! Any ruffian would, and should, look out of place around nobility.//” //A ruffian? Is that the type of company I keep around?// “//Why… why would you believe a ruffian would be given an audience with a noble? And here of all places?!//” “//Err…//” he scratches his neck. “//Normally, I wouldn’t, my ?liege. But… but they gave me your card, you see…//” The servant hands you a small piece of thick paper, with your name indented on one side. Flipping it over, you see some words scribbled on it. You recognise the handwriting as yours, somehow, though you couldn’t say you wrote the note. <div class="message">//Sunwin Garden Around luncheon time Ask a servant Do not be seen! //</div> You do not know, nor remember, who else you were supposed to meet this morning. Aside from the Count, there was no indication in your planner for such meeting, as far as you can recall. You feel quite certain, however, you would not hand out a calling card to anybody, especially not to a ruffian. Especially not with an annotation like this. With this item in hand, you cannot deny someone is looking for you, nor deny you were expecting them. //But a ruffian? Why not another noble?// “//I can take you to the back, if you wish to meet this… person, my ?liege. It would be unwise to do so under their prying eyes,//” the young man continues. “//Or I can tell them to leave.//” * <<link [[Give up your quiet spot and follow the servant. This is a mystery you do not want to remain unsolved.|A1S3-06b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[Ask the servant to send the ruffian away. You won’t let this moment of peace and quiet slip through your fingers, not when lunch is about to be served!|A1S3-06a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//I can take you to the back, if you wish to meet this… person, my ?liege. It would be unwise to do so under their prying eyes,//” the young man continues. “//Or I can tell them to leave.//” //Why so many mysteries? Why so many at once? Can’t I get just one moment of calm today?// You sigh as you get up from your chair. At least, there is a way of solving this mystery: you only need to meet with the ruffian to learn what they want from you. “//Lead me to them.//” The servant bows slightly and motions you to following to the back of the tent. You heel him, scanning the space around you as you move, making sure no one is paying attention to you. * <<link '//What am I doing…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>The young man stops in front of some piled crates, upon with a dusty youngling has decided to sit. The kid, looking barely older than ten, is dressed in what seems to be rags. Compared to the other guests or Razac’s attendants, they look from another world. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06rb")>>//Could they be coming from the Burrow?// <</if>>The child swings their legs in the air, tapping their heels on the crates when they fall back down. They whistle a tune, looking bored. When they finally spot you, the child stands up on one of the crates, straightens their coat and dusts off their pants. They take off their run-down top hat and bow, almost comically, at you. “//A kid?!//” you scoff at the servant. “//You made all this fuss for a kid?//” “//My ?liege. Please understand. It would still have been improper.//” You roll your eyes before turning towards the child. “//What do you want, urchin?//” “//Send him away,//” they nod at the servant. “// ‘was told to only speak to you.//” “//Bold of you to order a noble around!//” “//I won’t leave ?their ?Liegeship unattended,//” the servant argues, “//not with a ruffian like you!//” “// ‘was told to only speak to you, my ?liege,//” they repeat. “//I promised. I ain’t breaking my word!//” “//My ?liege,//” the servant pleads. “//Master Razac would not approve.//” <div class="heir">What a waste of time…</div> “//You heard the child,//” you pat the servant on the shoulder. “//Damn Razac and his rules. Everything will be fine. What harm can a child do?//” “//B-but, my l-?liege…//” “//Do not worry, I won’t tell the Count,//” you wink at him. The servant reluctantly bows and takes his leave, looking back with every step, hoping you’d change your mind. Still, he goes back inside the tent and his duties to attend to the other guests. * <<link '//I hope he won’t tattle…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>“//Now… what do you want?//” The child grins, happy of a noble complied with their demand. With their mouth open, you can see some missing teeth, the empty space sitting along with rotten or broken ones. //Ugh! Disgusting…// You want to look away from the sight, but can’t help yourself staring down. “//The lion found the cub//,” they utter. “//The lion… what?//” “//The lion found the cub.//” You squint at the child, confused. They stare back at you, confused in return. You both stand there quiet for a moment, as you both wait for the other to break the silence. “//You’re supposed to say something back.//” * <<link [[“The lion fights the cub?”|A1S3-07c]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[“The lioness expects its return?”|A1S3-07b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[You don’t have time to play these childish games. Force the child to spill the beans.|A1S3-07a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

“//So?//” the child asks again, getting more agitated. “//The lion found the cub.//” While you still need a moment to think of what to answer back, you are quite certain this exchange is rooted in some sort of code phrase, like one would use before handing over secrets or information. //Am I… a spy as well?// You shake your head, trying to go back to the matter at hand. //What in the world am I supposed to say? Aren’t these phrases supposed to be close in words?// As the seconds pass, the child taps their feet louder on the crate. “//Uh… The lion fights the cub?//” you answer, hesitantly. The child casts a confused glance at you. They jump down from the crate, putting their hat back on their head. “//Ah… Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe you ain’t the person I’m looking for.//” “//But you asked for me! ?Liege $Name Vasmosia. It is I!//” “//I was told if they can’t say it back properly, they ain’t the person,//” the child shakes their head. “//Come on, now! Everyone at this party knows who I am. How can’t…//” you sigh, exasperated. “//Just get on with it, child, and tell me what you were told to say!//” “//Sorry, my ?liege… if I can’t be sure of who you are… I… I should go.//” <div class="heir">Goddess… I am stuck with a dimwit, aren’t I?</div> * [[You don’t have the time to play these childish games. Force the ruffian to spill the beans.|A1S3-07c]] * <<link 'You must have read the answer somewhere… Maybe check your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>?' "A1S3-07b">><</link>> * [[Give up and go enjoy yourself at the party. You’ve wasted enough time here.|A1S3-08a]]

<<if not hasVisited("A1S3-07a")>>“//So?//” the child asks again, getting more agitated. “//The lion found the cub.//” While you still need a moment to think of what to answer back, you are quite certain this exchange is rooted in some sort of code phrase, like one would use before handing over secrets or information. //Am I… a spy as well?// You shake your head, trying to go back to the matter at hand. //Now, why do I feel I have read the answer somewhere?// <div class="heir">This morning, you idiot. If I could roll my eyes right now…</div> //The little planner!// You recall the scribbled words in the booklet: //Lioness expect return.// <<else>>“//Sorry, my ?liege,//” they almost mock your title as the words come out of their mouth, “//if I can’t be sure of who you are… I… I should go.//” “//Wait!//” You grab the child’s arm, stopping them from leaving. “//Just wait a second, alright? I’ll get your answer. Just… just let me think another moment.//” The child rolls their eyes and reluctantly stands still, trying to free their arm. You pat your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, hoping to find the answer there. Your fingers touch a leathery cover. //The planner!// <div class="heir">Fucking finally!</div> You swiftly take it out and flip the pages, until you reach today’s schedule. //Lioness expect return.//<</if>> “//The lioness expects its return?//” you reply hesitantly. “//Eh… close enough, ?Liege,//” the child sighs, relieved. Their hand disappears in their coat, ruffling around before the ruffian pulls out an envelope, which they hand you without any hesitation. As you pick it up, you flip it around to examine it. Aside from its mystery content, you find nothing out of the ordinary with it. You open the envelope and unfold the letter tucked within. The letter is only a few lines. <<set setup.clue.letter to true>><<pickup '$inventory' 'a coded letter'>> <div class="message">//<<codedletter>>//</div> As its words make little sense, you start freaking out. You read the letter multiple times, hoping to understand its meaning or to find something you can recognise. But, no matter how many times your eyes move back to the first line, the letter continues to read as gibberish. //Is this a joke?// Perplexed, you look back at the child, now fidgeting with their hat. * [[Ask the child for an explanation. There can’t be such level of secrecy for just a joke. Right?|A1S3-08c]] * [[The child can’t know more than you do. Put the letter away and shoo the ruffian. You can deal with this later.|A1S3-08b]]

<<if not hasVisited("A1S3-07a")>>“//So?//” the child asks again, getting more agitated. “//The lion found the cub.//” You roll your eyes at them. //I’ve played enough games for today.// You don’t need to see your time wasted by a tiny trickster playing a joke on you. The only joke you want to hear is the one told by the guests back at the party on the other side of the tent. “//The lion found the cub,//” they say again. “//You’re supposed to day something back!//” “//Listen, kid,//” you snap back. “//I don’t have time for shenanigans. You were clearly given this card,//” you wave the handwritten note, “//to get to me in some sort of fashion. I hope for your sake someone is not trying to pull a joke on me…//” <<else>>“//Sorry, my ?liege… if I can’t be sure of who you are… I… I should go.//” You roll your eyes. //Why must I play these childish games with this kid?// You have something better to do than waste your time here. Like enjoying yourself at the party. You grab the child’s arm, stopping them from leaving. “//Listen, kid,//” you snap back. “//I don’t have time for shenanigans. You were clearly given this card,//” you wave the handwritten note, “//to get to me in some sort of fashion. I hope for your sake someone is not trying to pull a joke on me…” <</if>> “//A—//” “//You must have some sort of message for me, don’t you? If not,//” your eyes send daggers. “//Pfft,//” the child snickers. “//Or what, uh? I ain’t afraid of no posh lordy here!//” “//Oh, but you should be very afraid,//” you retort, now towering menacingly over them. “//I can make your life very difficult —more difficult than I am sure it is now— if you don’t explain yourself this instant!//” The child fidgets with their hat, avoiding your dark glare. Their confident state is all but gone now. You did not need to threaten them much to make a difference. “//I… I ain’t… afraid of… of you!//” They stutter, harnessing all the courage they had left. “//I ain’t saying nothing!//” “//You better spill the beans!//” You shake their shoulder. “//Tell me exactly who sent you and what they want from me!//” “//No!//” “//Yes! I am not giving you a choice here, child! That is… if you don’t mind spending some time in the gallows. Just for a few years or so… I hear the dungeons are quite… refreshing.//” The child swallows with difficulty, trying their best to keep on a brave face. They stay silent, their face looking as if they were debating on whether to call your bluff or to spill the beans. With their thin physique and weak-looking body, they would probably not survive their first winter in the gallows. “//Well?! What is it going to be?//” The child sighs and puts their hand in their coat, ruffling around before they pull out an envelope, which they reluctantly hand out to you and plead for mercy in the process. Without even glancing at the child, you pick up the envelope, flip it around to examine it. Aside from its mystery content, you find nothing out of the ordinary with it. You open the envelope and unfold the letter tucked within. The letter is only a few lines.<<set setup.clue.letter to true>><<pickup '$inventory' 'a coded letter'>> <div class="message">//<<codedletter>>//</div> As its words make little sense, you start freaking out. You read the letter multiple times, hoping to understand its meaning or to find something you can recognise. But, no matter how many times your eyes move back to the first line, the letter continues to read as gibberish. //Is this a joke? Are they fucking with me?// Perplexed and frustrated, you look back at the child, now fidgeting with their hat. * [[Ask the child for an explanation. There can’t be such level of secrecy for just a joke. Right?|A1S3-08c]] * [[The child can’t know more than you do. Put the letter away and shoo the ruffian. You can deal with this later.|A1S3-08b]]

“//Sorry, my ?liege,//” they almost mock your title, “//if I can’t be sure of who you are… I… I should go.//” Frustrated as well with this childish game going nowhere, you don’t bother protesting. You are not in the mood for riddle, or burn daylight to think about its solution. You’ve wasted enough of your time with the little ruffian and its dumb riddle. //Goddess… I could have enjoyed myself more… surrounded by better company… had I not left my seat.// “//Just… just go, child. Whatever the reason you were sent to meet me today must surely not be that important anyway…//” “//If you’re sure,//” they shrug. “//I’d rather do something else than stand idiotically here. Whoever sent you… if they want to reach me this badly, they can find a better way to do so.//” Even before you utter your last words, the child runs away from the tent and its party. You watch them disappear in the distance before making your way back inside. Trying to shake off the frustration this meeting has left you with, you realise, by sending the ruffian away, you have uncovered nothing of substance. //Who sends a ruffian to a party, anyway?// Whoever tried to contact you today must not have thought this through. Still, you expect this would not be the last time they try to contact you. //Hopefully, in a more sensible fashion this time…// * [[Continue|A1S3-09]]

//This has to be some sort of joke. There is no other way. There can’t be…// The thoughts stick in your mind as you read the letter once more. You’ve read it enough times, you may as well have memorised it at this point. Still, you hope another glance would reveal something. //Anything…// You hope you received some sort of coded text. //Please, don’t let this be a joke…// You bite your nails. If this letter has been ciphered in some sort of fashion, you are not seeing its pattern. You would need to sit down somewhere quiet and away from prying eyes to take a crack at it. //Could I even…// For a moment, you toy with the idea of asking the child for information. From their attire, you assume they would not be carrying a cypher, much less the one needed for this code. //Maybe just a clue? A small one?// You glance at them and see them still fidgeting their hat, being uncomfortably out-of-place. //There is no way they could know anything…// “//Can… can I go now?//” You wave the child off, allowing them to escape from your invisible clutches, before folding the letter and putting it back in the envelope. You are about to stash the confusing package away when a small scribble catches your eye. Inscribed lightly with a pencil, left with a thin trace, you discern five little words: //The Fall of the Marked.// //I knew it had to be coded! It has to be!// You could not believe someone would purposefully send you on a wild goose chase for a laugh. //No one would be that stupid,// you feel yourself snicker. You pray that this little clue will be the key to this mystery, as its name feels oddly familiar, reading like a title of a book or of a piece of art. //<<if setup.clue.cypher is true>>Where have I seen this before? I could have sworn I read these words this morning…<<else>>Have I seen these words before?<</if>>// Unsure about its provenance, you stash the envelope in your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> and rejoin the party. * [[Continue|A1S3-09]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>//This has to be some sort of joke. There is no other way. There can’t be…// The thoughts stick in your mind as you read the letter once more. You’ve read it enough times, you may as well have memorised it at this point. Still, you hope another glance would reveal something. Anything… You hope you received some sort of coded text. //Please, don’t let this be a joke… // You bite your nails. If this letter has been ciphered in some sort of fashion, you are not seeing its pattern. You would need to sit down somewhere quiet and away from prying eyes to take a crack at it. //Could I even…// Having checked the envelope thoroughly, you soon lose hope in finding even a trace of a hint to help you solve this mystery. You glance at the child still standing by, waiting to be released. //They must know more than they let on…// “//Say, child,//” you wave the letter in front of their eyes. “//What do you know about this?//” “//N’thing,//” they shrug. “//How can…//” you pinch your nose. “//It can’t have magically landed on your lap with instructions, can it?//” “//Someone gave me a coin earlier. And told me how to deliver it.//” You instantly feel disappointed. Not as much as the ruffian’s answers, but your expectations that they would be walking around with some sort of cypher in their pockets. It seems now like an outrageous idea. //One could only hope…// Though they may not be the key to finding the meaning of this letter, you pray they would still tell you a thing or two about the mysterious sender. “//By instruction,//” you wave your hand, hoping the child would divulge some information, “//you mean…//” “//Well, the card and the password,//” they respond matter-of-factly. “//Who asked all this of you?//” “//I ain’t know them! He was like those fancy people,//” they nod towards the tent, under which Razac’s guests are enjoying themselves. “//Can’t you at least describe them?//” “//T’was a tall gentleman… with a blue cape!//” “//That’s… that’s not much to go on,//” you frown. “//Anything else?//” Seeing the child hesitating, you continue: “//Like his hair? Or his eyes? Or face?//” “//Couldn’t see it well. T’was covered by one of dem’ fancy hat with a feather,//” they finally recall. “//Anyway, he wasn’t talking long enough. Said t’was urgent. Had me running here.//” “//So… you just took the letter and his coin, and ran off to see me? Without asking any question?//” “//That’s right, my ?liege,//” they smile proudly. “//How…//” you mumble. “//How can one—//” “//Oh! He also had a very fancy sword. On his hip!//” * <<link '//A swordsman?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>While the child’s description of the mysterious sender does not give you much to go on, it is their last piece of information that piques your interest. //A man walking around with a sword to his side… Now, that surely can’t be common!// Out of all the guests you had seen mingling among the crowd earlier, you only remember a few persons hold on to a weapon —the contestants—, and among those, only one wore a sword. Ser Caggiano. As far as you could tell, no one else was armed. //Could she be… No…// “//What about the letter? Did you take a peek inside the envelope?//” “//No!//” The child almost shouts, before covering their mouth. “//The man said never to open it!//” “//You weren’t a bit curious to see what was in there?//” “//My ?liege,//” they look offended. “//I’m just the messenger. It ain’t my place to do that!//” “//Still,//” you nudge them. “//In your place, I would probably have looked.//” “//The man paid in gold!//” They protest. “//It’s sacred enough to leave it alone.//” “//Right…//” you squint, not fully believing them. “//Can… can I go now?//” You wave the child off, allowing them to escape from your invisible clutches, before folding the letter and putting it back in the envelope. You know you won’t learn much else from them. //They didn’t seem to know much anyway…// You are about to stash the confusing package away when a small scribble catches your eye. Inscribed lightly with a pencil, left with a thin trace, you discern five little words: //The Fall of the Marked.// //I knew it had to be coded! It has to be!// You could not believe someone would purposefully send you on a wild goose chase for a laugh. No one would be that stupid, you feel yourself snicker. You pray that this little clue will be the key to this mystery, as its name feels oddly familiar, reading like a title of a book or of a piece of art. //<<if setup.clue.cypher is true>>Where have I seen this before? I could have sworn I read these words this morning…<<else>>Have I seen these words before?<</if>>// Unsure about its provenance, you stash the envelope in your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> and rejoin the party. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-09]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

Entering the tent, you hope to find your seat still empty and to finally be able to indulge yourself with food and drinks. After this ordeal, this is the only thing you want to do. //How am I going to survive a whole day like this?// It makes you wonder whether coming here had been the right choice. After <<if hasVisited("A1S1-04as")>>being forced to mingle with unconventional characters<<else>>participating in a shooting competition<</if>>, you met with a lowly ruffian who played games with you. //I just wanted some peace and quiet…// The peace and quiet you have been coveting all this time will not be found either under the tent, much less by your former seat, now filled by another of Razac’s guests. Neither do you end up finding it in the neighbouring spots, realising now how packed the tent has become in your absence. Scanning the space for a free chair, you find your el dorado on the opposite side, forcing you to cross the busy tent. As you advance towards the coveted chair, you pass behind a snickering group. Their cackling makes you want to fasten your pace, to get safely away from their noisy voices getting on your mind. That is… …until your name passes their lips. You stop dead in your track, and listen more closely. They do not seem to notice your presence — or pretend not to—. * [[Continue|A1S3-10]]

<<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>“//I don’t know how you managed it, Lady Emilia. But I would never have imagined it would be this easy to ridicule ?Liege Vasmosia so. It had never worked this well in the past. How on earth did you think of this?//” <div class="heir">That wench!</div> “//I don’t know what you mean, my dear Baron,//” the aforementioned woman snarks —the same Lady Emilia you met earlier, the one chastising Razac for this choice of shooting targets—. “//I mean… How did you convince the little Marquis to take part in this game,//” continues the first orator, as he tries to keep a fit of laughter in, “//and make ?them shoot only childish practice targets? Dessert bowls…//” He nudges his neighbour with his elbow. “//Even I haven’t used those since I was wee-high!//” The rest of the table laughs heartily. “//Now, now, Baron,//” Emilia protests. “//You are giving me credit for something I did not do! I did not even utter a word to ?them today. How could I possibly have convinced ?them?//” “//Come, Lady Emilia. Do not play coy with us,//” another guest chimes in. “//It was quite ingenious of you to plead the case for those poor animals, trapped in tiny little cages. Especially when everyone knows <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic is such a staunch opponent of ‘needless violence’.//” “//Do not misunderstand me, now. I would have chastised the Count of Razac regardless <<SetGender>>of ?Liege Vasmosia’s presence at this party or intent on participating in the shoot. Why shouldn’t I follow our most beloved Royal and be an advocate <<SetGender "Vic">>for ?their principles?//” she smiles mischievously. “//It was, though, a delightful surprise when the haughty Vasmosia took the bait.//<<SetGender>>” <<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-04bb")>>“//I don’t know how you managed it, Lady Emilia. But I would never have imagined it would be this easy to ridicule ?Liege Vasmosia so. It had never worked this well in the past. How on earth did you think of this?//” <div class="heir">That wench!</div> “//I don’t know what you mean, my dear Baron,//” the aforementioned woman snarks —the same Lady Emilia you met earlier, the one chastising Razac for this choice of shooting targets—. “//I mean… How did you convince the little Marquis to take part in this game,//” continues the first orator, as he tries to keep a fit of laughter in, “//when it was obvious to anyone else this competition was just a sham? With Viscount Pouinzin participating today —we all know how bad of a shot he is—, ?they should have known we all gathered to make fun of poor shooters! Why would ?they want to compete against that?//” He wipes a tear from the corner of his eye. “//It can’t even be considered a challenge at this point… What a waste of bullets, indeed!//” The rest of the table laughs heartily. “//Now, now, Baron,//” Emilia protests. “//You are giving me credit for something I did not do! I did not even utter a word to ?them today. How could I possibly have convinced ?them?//” “//Come, Lady Emilia. Do not play coy with us,//” another guest chimes in. “//It was quite ingenious of you to be against this shooting altogether, knowing how ?they would do anything to spite you. Of course ?they would take the bait! We all know how the two of you have not been the best of friends for some time, to say the least.//” “//Do not misunderstand me, now. I would have chastised the Count of Razac regardless of ?Liege Vasmosia’s presence at this party or intent on participating in the shoot. Why shouldn’t I follow our most beloved Royal and be an advocate <<SetGender "Vic">>for ?their principles?//” she smiles mischievously. “//<<SetGender>>It was, though, a delightful surprise when the haughty Vasmosia participated nonetheless. I know a Prince who will not be pleased to hear of this…//” <<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-04ap")>>“//I don’t know how you managed it, Lady Emilia. But I would never have imagined it would be this easy to ridicule ?Liege Vasmosia so. It had never worked this well in the past. How on earth did you think of this?//” <div class="heir">That wench!</div> “//I don’t know what you mean, my dear Baron,//” the aforementioned woman snarks —the same Lady Emilia you met earlier, the one chastising Razac for this choice of shooting targets—. “//I mean… how did you convince the little Marquis to side with you and force a change in the shooting targets,//” continues the first orator, as he tries to keep a fit of laughter in, “//only for Razac to announce that the rescued birds will be donated, only delaying the inevitable… What a useless gesture!//” The rest of the table laughs heartily. “//Now, now, Baron,//” Emilia protests. “//You are giving me credit for something I did not do! I did not even utter a word to ?them today. How could I possibly have convinced ?them?//” “//Come, Lady Emilia. Do not play coy with us,//” another guest chimes in. “//It was quite ingenious of you to plead the case for those poor animals, trapped in tiny little cages. Especially when everyone knows <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic is such a staunch opponent of ‘needless violence’.//” “//Do not misunderstand me, now. I would have chastised the Count of Razac regardless <<SetGender>>of ?Liege Vasmosia’s presence at this party or intent on participating in the shoot. Why shouldn’t I follow our most beloved Royal and be an advocate <<SetGender "Vic">>for ?their principles?//” she smiles mischievously. “//It was, though, a delightful surprise when the haughty Vasmosia took the bait.<<SetGender>>//” <<else>>“//I could not believe my ears when Razac announced that his little guest of honour was not participating in the contest he had so obviously organised just for ?them. How easy it must have been for you to ridicule ?them so, Lady Emila!//” “//I don’t know what you mean, my dear Baron,//” the aforementioned woman snarks —the same Lady Emilia you met earlier, the one chastising Razac for this choice of shooting targets—. “//I mean… how little you needed to do before the little Marquis decided to forgo the contest altogether…//” “//?They never needed me to show how much of a coward ?theyare,//” the woman responds maliciously. <div class="heir">That wench!</div> The rest of the table laughs heartily. “//But how glad I was when ?they finally showed ?their true colours today!//” She giggles. “//I wish I could take credit for it, but it wouldn’t be fair, would it? After all, I did not do anything. I did not even utter a word to ?them!//” <<if $time is "late">>“//Now, now,//” another guest chimes in. “//Is it fair for us to judge, when ?their ?Liegeship arrived so late to the grounds? The contest was already about to start.//” “//Do you truly believe someone or something kept ?them away until that fateful moment?//” Lady Emilia responds. “//Or did ?they wait until the last possible moment, like the coward ?theyare, to roll in and have no choice but stand on the sidelines?//” <<else>>“//Now, now,//” another guest chimes in. “//Is it fair for us to judge, when we sat on the sidelines right beside ?their ?Liegeship, forgoing participating as well?//” “//Can any of us at this table pretend to be good enough of a shooter to avoid ridicule?//” Lady Emilia responds. “//?Their aim being quite legendary —as we all know, unfortunately—, ?they can’t have this luxury. No other reason than ?them being a coward!//”<</if>> “//Lady Emilia, my dear,//” another pretends to be shocked, “//what would our host say if he heard you, now?//” “//Ha! I am not worried about the Count of Razac. Haven’t you seen me chastise him earlier? I’d be more worried about ?Liege Vasmosia’s reputation when ?their cowardice spreads all over town,” she feigns worries. “What would ?their family think when they find out about this?//”<</if>> <div class="heir">That harlot will pay for making a fool out of me!</div> * [[Don’t engage with the group and move to a quieter spot. |A1S3-11a]] * [[Stay behind a little longer and listen quietly to the rest of the conversation. |A1S3-11b]] * <<linkappend "Fight back.">> * <<link [[Unleash your anger at the harlot. That is the least that woman deserves after what she said. |A1S3-11c]]>><<set $relemilia -= 1>><<set $relcourt -= 1>><</link>> * <<link [[If she wants to play dumb games with your reputation, you might as well have fun here. On your terms. |A1S3-11d]]>><<set $relemilia += 2>><<set $relcourt += 1>><</link>> * <<link [[Kill her with kindness. If she lives to send this much spite into this world, this could take her off guard. |A1S3-11e]]>>>><<set $relemilia += 3>><<set $relcourt += 1>><</link>><</linkappend>>

Feeling a seething anger getting stronger under your skin, and afraid it would submerge you<<if hasVisited("A1S1-08a")>> again<</if>>, you fight as best as you can the idea of spitting back some of the hate brought forward by their comments. Engaging with them would mean spilling more vile into this world, and into your heart, as well as potentially bringing more attention on you. //Well, even more after that Razac’s little show.// You did not come to this place to spar with anyone, less so with other guests of your gracious host, even if their words are provoking you.// What’s the point in stirring the pot if I land in more troubles?// <<if hasVisited("A1S3-06b")>>You thus carry on with your route, looking unbothered by or oblivious to the group’s comments.<<else>>You decide it would be best, for your sake, to step away from this table, looking as unbothered as possible by their comments.<</if>> Your nonchalant behaviour catches the attention of Lady Emilia, who seems offended by your lack of reaction. Huffing and puffing, she continues to fail in getting a response out of you, enraging her even more. When you are certain your face is not in her sight anymore, you grin widely. You did not even need to utter a word to get retribution. Continuing to more away from her and the spiteful table, you notice the Count waving joyfully at you to join his table. You gladly take on his offer and make haste towards him, leaving behind his disrespecting guests. * [[Continue|A1S3-12]]

Feeling a seething anger getting stronger under your skin, and afraid it would submerge you<<if hasVisited("A1S1-08a")>> again<</if>>, you fight as best as you can the idea of spitting back some of the hate brought forward by their comments. You could try, surely in vain, to defend yourself against the insulting remarks, but <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>you recall your <<SetGender "Theo">>?parent’s request on avoiding making a scene today<<SetGender>>.<<else>>you’d rather avoid making a scene, for your sake.<</if>> A sensible person would walk away from the table and leave their vile behind. But you are not that person. Not when something inside pulls you even closer to the group. Maybe it is the masochist in you looking to get hurt, maybe you are just craving to learn more about how other people perceive you in this world. Regardless of the reason, you want to hear more from their lips. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-06b")>>You find a newly emptied chair close by and take a seat,<<else>>You bring your chair closer,<</if>> trying your best to stay inconspicuous. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>“//Though,//” the Baron comments, “//I have to admit ?they turned the situation in ?their favour. The idea of having someone throw these bowls so aimlessly —making it look like an actual challenge— and opening the position to any of us was a stroke of genius! I don’t know how ?they still made each shot so effortlessly easy. ?They still did not even miss one!//” <div class="heir">Damn right! Always been a sharpshooter!</div> “//Sure…//” Lady Emilia does not sound as impressed. “//Still… I wouldn’t be surprised if ?they paid the ‘lucky’ thrower off beforehand, and strategised the throw patterns. How else can you explain this too clean of a scorecard? No one can be this good!//” <<if $pick is "Escuyer Baumé">>“//Why would Vasmosia pay off Escuyer Baumé, Lady Emilia? It is pretty well know he hates the little Marquis —even more than you do, somehow—, while the latter feels only but disdain towards the man.//” “//Baumé would not pass the change of getting a fat sack of gold, if presented to him. He has no scruples when it comes to coins. You should know that, Baron, since he did not think twice before throwing you to the wolves last week at Paradisio, just to ensure bigger winnings.//” “//Ugh! Do not remind me, my dear. I am still getting an earful at home to this day because of this!//” “//And from what I heard, Baumé has not only gambled away that loot, his greedy hands landed him in bigger debts! Again!//” “//Hmm…//” The Baron nods in agreement. “//This… situation would also make me reconsider accepting payment from a foe.//” “//I’m sorry, Lady Emilia,//” another woman interjects. “//But this seems a bit too… convoluted. It would be circumstantial at best. We’ve all heard Escuyer Baumé boasting about his performance on the field and how unpredictable he threw the targets. He said it himself: no one should have been able to hit them! You’ve seen them as well as I, none were as easy to shoot down as you are making them to—//” <<elseif $pick is "Daniel">>“//Why would Vasmosia pay off Daniel, Lady Emilia? He is one of Razac’s men, after all. You’d expect him to throw easy targets at his Master’s request rather that the little Marquis’s. But the Count is known to throw his friends to the wolves for his entertainment…//” “//Would the help pass the change of getting a fat sack of gold? The Razac family is notorious for their tight grip on their servants. What Vasmosia could offer may mean liberty at last for some of them,//” she says with some disgust in her voice, admitting you could have done a good deed. “//Really, my dear… accusing our host of what? Borderline slavery at his own party? It is of poor taste.//” “//How is me telling you all this to be of poor taste, Baron, when it is true? Shouldn’t his action be of poor taste?//” “//I’m sorry, Lady Emilia,//” another woman interjects. “//But this seems a bit too… convoluted. Do you even have any proof of this? Razac’s behaviour towards his servants never seemed… predatory. They look pretty happy to me, even while serving the more rowdy guests.//” Before Emilia can respond, she continues: “//In any case, do you really thing ?Liege Vasmosia would entertain a known slaver? With ?their family history?//” <<else>>“//Why would Vasmosia pay off Gentilhomme de Ste Sonia, Lady Emila? You can’t be serious! She is one of the most straight shooters there is in court. She follows the rules with so much zeal it has ruffled some important feathers!//” “//How naïve of you, Baron. Even someone as straight as her may falter when promised with a fat sack of gold. We are all greed to a point. It is a human trait, after all.//” “//How philosophical of you, my dear. If only it didn’t sound do ludicrous!//” “//Oh, come on! Especially at her age, wouldn’t you have been tempted to accept a quick payout like this? I recall—//” “//I’m sorry, Lady Emilia,//” another woman interjects. “//But this seems a bit too… convoluted. It would be circumstantial at best. Ste Sonia’s ethics and honesty are well known throughout town! She wouldn’t sell her ideals like this, not to fake a few throws in a small competition like this one. And ?Liege Vasmosia seemed to shoot them with—//”<</if>> <<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-04bb")>>“//Though,//” comments the Baron, “//I have to admit ?they were still quite impressive. These birds are well known to have unpredictable flight patters. I don’t know how ?they still made each shot so effortlessly easy. ?They still did not even miss one!//” <div class="heir">Damn right! Always been a sharpshooter.</div> “//Sure…//” Lady Emilia does not sound as impressed. “//Every feat of strength or accuracy will look impressive when in the company of poor shots. I mean, going against Pouinzin should not be considered a challenge, no matter how clean of a scorecard ?they achieved.//” “//Why would Vasmosia care about ?their competition,//” another woman interjects, “//when the point of the contest is to reach the top? Shouldn’t we look at ?their performance regardless of who shot besides ?them?//” “//How naïve of you, dear… In these competitions, optics are everything. Being stacked against poor competitors renders the win too easy, cheapening how spectators and commentators will view your skills in retrospect. Moreover, when one is rumoured to be engaged to a certain Royal, one known to object to hurting helpless creatures at that, one should not be boasting about ?their shooting skills by using live animals. It is not a good… look.//” “//I’m sorry, Lady Emilia,” the other woman objects. “But that stills seems harsh to me. No matter the optics, as you say, Vasmosia still managed to—//” <<else>>“//Tough,//” another young woman interjects, “//I have to admit we should be more thoughtful towards ?them, considering everything that happened… No one should feel forced to perform for a crowd, when they’ve just buried their own.<<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>> I mean, ?theyare still wearing ?their mourning attire.<</if>>//” <div class="heir">Damn right! I am not a fucking monkey!</div> “//Sure…//” Lady Emilia does not sound convinced. “//As tragic as it was to hear about Lady Isabel’s demise —may she find peace—, ?they can’t play the dead-family-member card anymore! Not after ?their debaucheries at Le Negresco last month. The way ?theywere parading around with these… harlots,//” she shivers in disgust, “//is clearly a sign of full recovery. Anyone would agree, had they seen ?them then.//” “//I’d argue that would be more of a cry for help,//” the other woman objects. “//?Theydo not seem to be dealing with ?their grief very well, if ?theyare resulting in seeking entertainment in such extreme ways…//” “//How naïve of you, dear… Haven’t you ever heard the details of ?their nightly exploits? Even before Lady Isabel’s passing, ?theywere doing the exact same things. The only time ?they stayed out of the limelight was shortly after that… tragic event. Still, it did not stay as such for very long. Trust me, ?theyare back to ?their old self.//” “//I’m sorry, Lady Emilia, But that still seems a bit harsh to me. Haven’t you noticed how weird ?they’ve been behaving this morning? <<if setup.outfit.s1num lt 4>>And ?their mourning outfit? <</if>>?They are not over it, and—//” <</if>> “//My dear… If what you want is to be a sycophant for that prick of a want-to-be-marquis, you have chosen the wrong crowd to voice your adoration about ?them!//” “//That’s not—//” “//Be quiet,//” the Baron snipes at her. “//You will only end up making a fool of yourself. Just like Vasmosia!//” The rest of the groups fall into laughter once more, save for the objecting young lady, looking seemingly dejected by the reaction of her peers. Seeing her pout, her companions double in their roars. //This feels like a good time to move on…// Your thought is swiftly gratified when the laughter subsides around the table and the conversation sways to other topics. As you get up, Lady Emilia’s gaze catches your eyes. She smirks, showing she knew you had been listening in on their little debate all along, before moving her attention back to her companions. Her smirk sends shivers down your spine, as you feel her icy contempt towards you. Still shivering, you turn away from her, hoping to find much friendlier faces. Further inside, you spot Razac waving at you to join his table. You gladly make haste towards him, leaving behind the disrespecting group. * [[Continue|A1S3-12]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//You… you harlot!//” you shout back at the woman. “//Don’t you have anything better to do, than play childish games with people’s reputation?//” Your voice resonates in the now silent tent. Turning their attention towards you, some faces around the table seem shocked to see you standing close by; some try to cowardly hide their face from you, afraid of being recognised; while a few stand proud. Lady Emilia, among the latter, has her gaze fixed deeply on you. Still, you see her face paling, as she realises other guests are looking her way. “//Nothing to say now, huh? How convenient,//” you snicker. “//My ?liege, please,//” she almost whispers. “//There… there must be some kind of misunderstanding.//” “//Mis—//” you scoff. “//Are you quite serious? Misunderstanding?! How could I have misinterpreted such clear insults coming out of your mouth?//” “//I would never dare do such a thing! Please, ?Liege $Name, you must believe me!//” //Misunderstanding, my ass…// You clearly heard her words. There cannot be room for misunderstanding, as she had made herself quite vocal about her wish to ridicule you. The way she talked still makes your blood boil with anger. <div class="heir">She needs to be…</div> * <<link '…taught a lesson.' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>You can’t let her get away with this, not when she stomped all over your reputation. Your honour demands it. No matter the way, you need to save face. Nothing can stop you until you get retribution, until her punishment satisfies you. Your fist clenches so hard your nails mark your skin. //She needs to be taught a lesson…// Your fist backs a little, ready to be thrown her way, when a hand squeezes your shoulder gently. “//Is there a problem here, my ?liege?//” you hear a familiar voice next to you. “//Ah! Lord Razac!//” Emilia, now shivering, looks relieved to see him appear. “//You must restrain you d— calm ?their ?liegeship.//” Seeing your dark glare, she gathers her courage to continue: “//R-raising ?their voice l-like this makes for p-poor decorum, d-don’t you think?//” “//What makes for poor decorum, here, is you, Emilia!//” You bark, but are stopped from getting closer by your host. “//You and your lies! I won’t let myself get insulted this way!//” “//Please, Lord Razac,//” she pleads. “//I beg you to reason with ?them! I am sure you would not want a trivial bother derailing this lovely luncheon.//” “//You should know this is me being perfectly reasonable, considering the circumstances,//” you address your host. “//Why shouldn’t I want to know the reason for attacking me so, when I know I have neither done nor said anything to ail her?//” “//My friend,//” Razac continues to pull you away from the woman. “//May I handle this for you? You should not have to stoop this low to avenge your honour. Please, let me be your hand.//” “//I can handle my affairs myself, Guillem,//” you shake him off. “//I am not a child whose hand needs to be held!//” Turning back to Emilia: “//Now, you little harlot. You have yet to answer my question. Speak!//” The woman jumps a little when you shout and whimpers quietly. You take a step forwards, towering over her. She brusquely rises from her seat, barely avoiding your head in the processes, and mutters: //‘this is why I hate you’// under her breath, before turning her back to you and moving away from the table. Whispers rise all around you, slowly drowning the tent. <div class="heir">NO! DO NOT LET HER GO!</div> * <<link [[Stop her from fleeing by grabbing her wrist. She started this whole mess. She must face the consequences of her actions. You won’t feel satisfied until your honour is regained.|A1S3-11ca]]>><<unset $text>><<set $relemilia -= 2>><<set $relcourt -= 5>><</link>> * <<link [[Let her go. You’ve attracted enough attention to yourself. There is no need to drag this little scene any longer. She is not worth the troubles you would be drawing.|A1S3-11cb]]>><<unset $text>><<set $relemilia +=1>><<set $relcourt +=1>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>Though whispers are drowning the tent, none of the murmuring words reach your ears. //Do not let her get away!// You grab Emilia’s wrist, stopping her from fleeing the scene, where you caught her red-handed. She freezes under your touch. “//Don’t you dare leave like this!//” you growl. “//Not until you give me some answers. Tell me. Tell me why you would say such things!//” “//$Name, please. Let her go. You are making a scene.//” “//Guillem,//” your eyes shoot daggers at him. “//She started it.//” Turing back to your prisoner: “//But I intend to end it!//” You are not surprised Emilia took the opportunity of Razac distracting you to try to free herself. But the grasp you have on her wrist stood firm. //She cannot get away so quickly…// As she continues attempting to escape, your hand jerks, twisting the woman’s wrist, just a little. Emilia lets out a small cry. She will not get away. //I won’t let her…// * <<link '“//Speak, harlot!//”' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//Speak, harlot!//” No words leaver her lips, only a few small whimpers, as she continues her fleeing attempt in vain. You see tears rolling down her cheeks before getting caught in fallen strands of hair. As more strands cover her face, straying away from her heightened coiffure, they reveal the semblance of a cushion under the mass set on top of head. Having noticed her discomposure, Emilia tries her best to push the strands away with her free hand, looking anxious as her hair does not comply with her wishes. Around you, the whispers have become louder. More guests have taken notice of the commotion and moved closer to see with their own eyes, hoping to gather new gossips to spread around town. Razac tries his best to shoo the onlookers away, but finds himself quickly overwhelmed by the increasing number of prying eyes. Still, this does not discourage you, as you tighten your grip. Emilia shrieks a little more. “//Please, my ?liege,//” she murmurs, barely audible behind her whimpers. “//You don’t need to break my wrist for so little.//” She nods at the crowd. “//This is disgracing enough.//” “//Is it now?//” you scoff. “//I don’t think this is enough for what you’ve said, Emilia.//” “//Everyone is watching, my ?liege,//” Razac comes back, jittery. “//There… there must be another way to resolve this.//” <div class="heir">There are many ways… A more ‘honourable’ way… Or…</div> * <<link [[Take out your glove and slap her with it. While you’d rather not delay the issue any longer, this would be the more honourable way of resolving this. The only one none would object to. |A1S3-11cab]]>><<unset $text>><<set $relemilia += 2>><<set $relcourt += 5>><</link>> * <<link [[Twist her wrist harder. Fuck waiting. You deserve retribution for her hurtful words. Here and now. In front of everyone. If they want something to talk about, you’ll show them what you’re capable of. |A1S3-11caa]]>><<unset $text>><<set $relemilia to 0>><<set $relcourt -=5>><</link>> <</switch>>

//She cannot be worth the troubles she has incited, not when everyone around is watching so ardently,// you shake your head, disappointed. You had wanted retribution from her, to make her pay for her brazen words. //Who does she think she is, insulting me like this? What have I done to deserve such treatment?// Under the judging gaze of Razac’s guests, you see her making her escape, alone and humiliated. Still seething, part of you wishes you had stopped her from fleeing so quickly. Not until she was made accountable for her actions. Not without making her face the consequences of her imprudent words. The rest, however, only feels sorry for her. Watching her retreating in shame should probably be the least of her worries. While your exchanges must have been quite the blow to her reputation, this may be little compared to the gossip about her would spread later. “//Can you believe her?//” one of her former companions, the Baron, loudly proclaims. “//Trying to ridicule ?Liege Vasmosia like this? The nerve of the woman!//” The table nods in agreement. <div class="heir">Cowards!</div> “//She would neither stop criticising the young ?liege when we asked her to,//” the orator blatantly lies, “//nor when she saw ?them passing by our humble table. How very brazen of her!//” Heads around him continue to bobble, mumbling their disingenuous disapproval for the disgraced woman’s actions. “//And to think she was willing to throw us to the wolves to save her skin!//” <div class="heir">COWARDS!</div> //Cowards!// You may not agree with Lady Emilia’s choices nor her actions, but you know she does not deserve the despicable conducts of her former conspirators, smearing her name to save themselves. Not when she is not here to fight for herself. //That’s not fair! // You take a step forward, ready to confront the Baron and his minions, when a firm hand presses your shoulder again, stopping you. Razac shakes his head, warning you to not get involved further. Seeing your reluctance to let the matter be, he brings his index to his lips, before directing you to a table in the opposite direction. Looking that way, you see some of his livelier guests waving to the both of you to join. * [[Continue|A1S3-12]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<set setup.ro.emilia to false>>You twist the woman’s wrist again, rejoicing as she cries out in pain. Around you, the crowd gasps in surprise. //They wanted a fucking show, they will have it!// A vicious smile forms on your face, terrorising Emilia further. She tries to pull herself away from you, with tears now flowing down her cheeks. //Retribution!// “//Answer the goddamn question, Emilia!//” Still, the woman does not utter a word. Not any coherent ones, at least. Frustrated by the lack of response, you twist her arm again, harder this time. She falls to her knees, screaming in pain. The gasps turn into echoes of concerned blabber —this is what it sounds to your ears—. You barely hear, and acknowledge even less, your host shouting at you, pleading you to end this charade and to let her go. Maintaining the cap, you ignore his request. You will not let the affair go. You cannot let it go. Not until she answers. Not until she apologises. Your hand readies to twist Emilia’s wrist again, when something —or someone— pulls you back. Looking for the distracting meddler, wanting to give them a piece of your mind, your fingers loosen their grip slightly. As you feel your prisoner’s hand slipping away, you fail to regain your grasp swiftly enough. Bringing your eyes back towards her, your gaze catches a striking tableau, full of shocked faces, horrified by the scene playing out in front of them. <div class="heir">What have you done…</div> * <<link '//What have I done…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>Razac runs towards the wounded woman, holding gently her painful wrist in his hands and barking orders at his staff. Though you know words are coming out of his mouth, your ears don’t register a thing. Instead, an incessant buzzing is all that you can hear. //What…// The Count helps Emilia get up and walks her towards her carriage, away from your wrath. A servant runs after them, holding a clothed pouch, from which a few cubes of white ice fall out. You want to pursue them, but your feet stand firm on the ground. //What just…// Instead, your body falls on the closest chair, almost lifeless. //What… what just happened?// Your hands catch your head as you close your eyes. You shiver. Emilia’s disfigured face from the pain is printed on your eyelids. * <<link '//What have I done…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISEelevencaa>> <<case 3>>Slowly, the surrounding crowd disperses, the whispers dissipate, and the party goes on as if nothing had happened. Nothing horrific, nothing violent. Your stomach aches. Still with your head down, you wonder if anyone would notice if you would throw up. Between the cracks of your fingers, you spot Razac’s shiny shoes standing just below. You raise your head, embarrassed, and see him fuming. //Oh, no…// He grabs you by the arm, and with as much decorum you had granted Emilia, before dragging you to a quiet corner. “//What the absolute hell was that, Vasmosia?//” He finally lets go of your arm, leaving you stumbling. “//What in the world were you thinking?//” “//I… I don’t know,//” you look down. “//You don’t know?! How… No one gets this… violent without a good reason!//” “//I guess… I guess she was pushing my buttons a b—//” “//She is always pushing everyone’s buttons!//” He retorts, exasperated. “//She was already doing it when you arrived, for Goddess’s sake.//” He sighs. “//That’s what she does. You should know better than to engage with her… poppycock!//” “//So what? We should let her walk all over us and take her belittling like it’s nothing? There is only so much one can take before not engaging stops working!//” “//You could have just walked away!//” * <<link '//If only I did…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//I can’t…//” Razac shakes his head. “//Her behaviour may have been… low—//” “//Low?! Didn’t you hear her words? She was attacking me!//” “//…but you made everything worse! It does not matter how this… kerfuffle started, not when you took it much further than you should have! Why did you,//” his hand covers his eyes, “//have to use violence…//” “//Come on, Razac,//” you roll your eyes. “//I did not twist her wrist that hard.//” “//Seriously?! Did you look at her arm before she left? You almost broke it! The poor girl won’t be able to hold anything or use her hand for weeks!//” “//Oh, please,” you wave it off. “She will most assuredly milk her ‘injury’ until after her arm ‘heals’.//” “//As she should, that is if she has the courage to face anyone!//” Razac frowns. “//Do you really think she would leave her house after this?//” “//Bully for us, then,//” you shrug. “//Goddess… This was supposed to be a fun and relaxing morning, where the only hurt thing would have been Pouinzin’s ego and some dumb birds. But you had to ruin it, by failing to control yourself. Yet again!//” “//Hey! I didn’t take it that far, not this time! Considering what she s—//” “//That far? That far?!//” He pauses, composing himself. “//Had you been drunk, I would maybe have understood. Maybe! But… you were sober as a nun!//” “//Are you telling me I should have just slapped her with my glove? That—//” “//And duel? No! Well…//” He crosses his arms. “//Actually, yes. It would probably have been a better option.//” “//That would have been pathetic! Me? Duelling her? What a waste!//” “//Are you truly happy with your decision, right now?//” He takes a step back, horrified. “//You just went up to her like some sort of psycho, and tried to break her wrist, right then and there, in front of everyone, for just a little insult!//” “//Everyone seems completely unfazed to me. I mean, look around you, Razac. Do your guests really care about what I did still?//” “//Goddess… How can you be so oblivious? I thought you were much smarter than that… If you think they do not care about what happened, you are gravely mistaken. There’s a reason no one spoke out. They obviously don’t want to share Emilia’s fate! Be certain, however, that they will not bury the matter. Oh, no. It will be spread all over town. Everyone will know about it by sun fall. And I do mean it. E-ve-ry-one.//” “//Pouah! You are clearly overreacting, Guillem,//” you pat the man’s shoulder. “//If they were afraid of my wrath, wouldn’t they avoid talking about the event altogether? Shouldn’t they?//” “//I…//” he brushes your hand off, with some disgust. “//I think it would be best if you went on your way, ?Liege Vasmosia.//” “//Went on my way? Guillem, what is the meaning of this?//” “//I am asking you to leave. Now!//” “//Are you seriously kicking me out? Your guest of honour? Your closest friend? Guillem, come on! Be reasonable. I have done nothing wrong. She did! You say it, didn’t you?//” “//Just… just go.//” The Count turns his heels, hastening to rejoin his guests. He motions at one of his attendants and whispers in his ear. The latter march towards you and coldly bows, before showing you to your carriage. You glance one last time back at the tent and feel dark eyes reflecting in return. * <<link '//What have I done?/.' "A1S3-13">><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You lower your head, sighing dramatically. Soon, the tent falls silent, waiting for your next move. Both Emilia and Razac stand still, frozen. You bring your free hand to your lips, pulling the glove with your teeth. With little force, you slap Emilia’s face with the glove, before letting it fall to the ground. Loud gasps echoes all around the tent, followed by more whispers —the event being described to the unlucky guest unable to observe the action first hand—. You finally release your grasp. Holding her barely reddened cheek as if you had cut it with a knife, Emilia’s eyes stare at you fiercely. //What a… I barely grazed her with that glove!// “//Lady Emilia Épivin de Sarrazac,//” Razac announces, his finger pinching the bridge of his nose. “//You have been challenged by ?Liege $Name Vasmosia to duel. Do you accept this challenge?//” She does not respond right away, gathering herself instead to look more presentable. “//The challenged party may set the terms of the duel, correct?//” she asks, now massaging her sore wrist. “//As long as these terms are honourable and do not go against the rules of the Chartre,//” the host sighs, disappointed she asked, “//that is correct.//” “//Then,//” she gracefully bends to pick up the discarded glove, “//I accept the challenge. I do hope you are ready for what is to come, ?Liege $Name.//” “//Oh, please,//” you scoff. “//Knowing how much a flake you are, I won’t need to worry one bit!//” Under the laughs of the crowd, she hands the glove to the Count, rather than your extended hand, and turns her heels. Without even addressing her spineless companions, who stayed suspiciously silent this whole time, she leaves the tent. As she walks towards her carriage, you see her trying her best to rearrange her messy coiffure with shaky hands. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISEelevencab>> <<default>>In the tent, the whispers have turned into lively conversations about this duel. The smarter guests have taken back their seat, escaping the unruly crowd, before debating on the outcome of this new challenge. Your name won’t leave their lips, <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04as")>>whether you’d like it or not<<else>>and not because of your extraordinary aim<</if>>. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><<SetGender "Theo">>?Parent is going to kill me, isn’t ?they?<<else>>And here I tried not to bring any further attention to me…<<SetGender>><</if>> “//Well, well, well,//” Razac chuckles nervously. “//What a turn of event, huh? I know my parties tend to be a bit… wild. But this takes the cake! Never has there been a challenge for a duel instigated. They will be talking about it for days… maybe weeks!//” He pats your <<if $mc.size lt 3>>shoulder<<else>>back<</if>>. “//Bully for you, my ?liege.//” He gently grabs your hand and wraps it back in the soft glove. He then directs you to a table, far from the chaos, the one he had left to get to you. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-12]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Lady Emilia, I truly feel sorry for you. What a sad life you must be living if all your enjoyments seems to come from putting others down like so.//” The table turns their attention to you. Some faces seem shocked to see you standing close by; some try to cowardly hide their face from you, afraid of being recognised; while a few stand proud. Lady Emilia, among the latter, has her gaze fixed deeply on you. “//?Liege Vasmosia,//” she smirks, unfazed by your comment, “//what on earth do you mean?//” “//I apologise, I should have made it simpler for you. I must have forgotten how long sentences tend to… confuse you. Let me try that again.” You gutter your throat and return her intense look. “Who hurt you?//” “//Hurt me?//” She snickers. “//Who hasn’t at this point?//” She nudges her neighbour gently with her elbow, who in return laughs along with her. The rest of the group soon follow. “//I… I am truly sorry to hear that, Lady Emilia,//” you sympathise, bringing forward a chair to sit next to her. “//Is there… is there something I could do to help?//” “//Help…//” The woman falls silent, taken aback by your proposition. With her laughter gone, the other guests start to look uncomfortable, feeling the wind of control shifting. “//I don’t know what you mean,//” she finally snipes back, turning away from you. “//Please Lady Emilia, I must insist,//” you grab her hands, pressing them together. “//It is clear to me —nay, everyone— something must be giving you a lot of grief, for you to react this way. I truly want to help you. Please, let me!//” “//I do not know where you got this… impression, my ?liege,//” she tries to retract her hands, “//but nothing is wrong!//” “//Ah… denial. Of course. How could I have not seen it before?//” You shake your head. “//One won’t face their problem when one does not believe they exist.//” “//Oh, please,//” she rolls her eyes. “//I have problems, like everyone else. I am not foolish enough to avoid them. I don’t need your help with those either!//” “//My lady,//” you bring a hand to your chest, “//you wound me! And here I thought we were friends.//” “//Friends?!//” she snorts. “//Indeed… we WERE. Not… not anymore. Have not been for a while.//” She pauses, looking chagrined at the thought. “//Now, please, leave us. You are making us all uncomfortable.//” “//Are we not friends?//” Your face founders. “//What happened, Lady Emilia? What happened to our friendship?//” “//Would you drop it already?//” She barks at you. “//I am not in the mood to be toyed with for a laugh. Not again.//” As her harsh tone whips the table into silence, your body stiffens and pulls back. Emilia takes this opportunity to free her hands from you, her eyes sending daggers. * <<link '//Why is she so angry towards me?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//Anger,//” you hear yourself say. “//Good… We are progressing much faster than I anticipated!//” She rolls her eyes at the remark, shifting her attention back to her companions, some of which have started fleeing the scene. The rest look for an opportunity to follow suit. “//Please, Lady Emilia. If you tell me what is wrong, we would be able to resolve the issue much faster.//” “//Right now,//” she hisses, “//you are the obvious problem. Ruining my perfectly pleasant morning with my actual friends. And the solution is quite simple: for you to leave me be!//” “//My dear… this is only a superficial issue. I know something is troubling you, something much… deeper. You need to work with me, here, to fix it.//” You see Emilia shiver, though you cannot tell whether she is afflicted by a deeper issue, as you had voiced, or whether you are asking her to spend time with you. Either way, she does not seem wanting to engage on this matter further with you. “//What is it going to take for you to leave me alone, ?Liege Vasmosia?//” “//Such formality among friends… My dear, must you keep hurting me?//” “//Ugh… Just answer the question, will you?//” Hearing nothing but your silence, she repeats: “//What is it going to take to leave me —us— alone?//” “//Well…//” you touch your chin, pensive. “//Wait… was this bargaining I hear?//” “//I know money is not an issue for you, obviously,//” she frowns. “//So, what do you want? Information? A—//” she stops and swallows with difficulty. “//A favour from me?//” “//We are advancing indeed!//” you barely acknowledge her words. “//How much progress we have made! And in so little time. I am so,//” you firmly put your hand on her shoulder, “//so very proud of you.//” “//Answer the goddamn question, Vasmosia!//” she shakes her shoulder of your hand. “//My, my… Your heart is still filled with anger,//” you lower your head, disappointed. “//I have been hoping YOU would answer MY question all along, Lady Emilia. Yet, you have been avoiding giving me a response. I guess,//” you grasp your chin, taking upon a pensive look, “//I must take a different approach with you.//” “//What do you want?//” she asks again, frustrated. “//What will it take for you to leave?//” “//Let’s say… information?//” “//Infor— What kind?//” She side-eyes you. “//Rumours? Stories? Canards?//” She then whispers: “//Or secrets?//” “//I only want information on you, my dear. And what better way to get it than asking at the source!//” “//Goddess, help me…//” She leans back on her chair, letting her head fall backwards as she exhales slowly. I’ve pushed her buttons… but was this enough? As she glances around the table, she turns pale, seeing her companions have now deserted her. What friends they are… Her breath faltering, you see she tries to hold back tears. She pushes forward the plates and cookery placed in front of her, only to bury her face in her arms. * <<link '//Is she accepting defeat already?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>“//Aaaah… depression,//” you pat her head playfully. “//Arguably the worst stage of all. And the one people linger on for too long.//” Your fingers tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “//Though… this means we only have one state left to go through.//” “//I should have never tried to interlope my way here,//” you hear her mumble. “//This was such a bad idea…//” “//Here we go,//” you whisper under your breath. “//I never learn, do I? Whatever I do always blows up in my face…//” She sighs. “//And why did I think antagonising Guillem about his dumb birds would lead me anywhere? I still ate <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-04ap") or not hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>the gigot they served<<else>>the birds that got shot down<</if>>. Talk about being a hypocrite. Goddess, he was right…” “//Almost there…//” “//Why do I even bother with you at all? It never ends well for me. I always get the short end of the stick, whether I start it or not…//” Her hands tighten their grasps on her arms. “//Every time I see you, I have this urge… It doesn’t stop until I put you down… Why?//” “//So close…//” “//Is it because I hate you?//” She pauses. “//Do I even hate you? I don’t think that’s… the right word for what I am feeling when I hear about you. No…//” <div class="heir">I don’t und—</div> “//You’ve always done so much better than I. Whether it be in our studies, or learning a craft… or in society. Goddess, how jealous I was of you then. Every time I would see how much you improved, how better you’d become, and I…//” she sighs again. “//After all this time, nothing has changed.//” <div class="heir">What is she—</div> “//Being gone for so long has most assuredly hurt my seating more than anything… And here you are… Having done so well for yourself at the court. More than well!//” she scoffs. “//Is that… Do I…//” She pauses. “//Am I jealous of what you represent, when I know I could never reach… Is that why I have been resenting you all this time?//” * <<link '//Acceptance…//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Leaning back on your chair, you clap proudly. Emilia raises her head, confused. Realising you had heard her little monologue, every word that passed her lips, she turns pale, then blushes. She snaps her fan open to hide her embarrassment. “//And finally, acceptance,//” you proclaim. “//Congratulation, Lady Emilia! You have surmounted your grief towards me! And in such a short time! You should be very proud of yourself! Very few can claim to have done the same, you know?//” You extend your arm to pat her shoulder, but she pulls back. “//Shall I send you the certificate later?//” Seeing her frowning face, you continue: “//Or maybe not… It may be a bit harsh of me…//” You brush some pleads from your <<if $suit is "suit">>pants<<else>>skirt<</if>>. “//I shall instead release you of my presence and let you enjoy the rest of your day. You’ve earned it, after all!//” Giggling under your breath, you pull away from your chair and leave the woman to her own devices, utterly alone. As you turn back and walk away from the table, you stop yourself from glancing past your shoulder. Instead, you keep your gaze focused in front of you. You end up spotting the Count waving at you to join his table. You gladly make haste towards him, leaving behind a probably traumatised young lady. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-12]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>> “//Ah! Lady Emilia, I am quite hurt. What have I done to deserve such treatment from you?//” The table turns their attention to you. Some faces seem shocked to see you standing close by; some try to cowardly hide their face from you, afraid of being recognised; while a few stand proud. Lady Emilia, among the latter, has her gaze fixed deeply on you “//?Liege Vasmosia,//” she smirks, “//what a surprise! We didn’t see you there. Had I known…//” “//Please, my lady, you must tell me what wrong I have done. I can not go—//” “//Tell you?! That’s rich, especially coming from you. You damn well know what you did!//” “//I… I do not understand Lady Emilia. Why… why would I try to hurt you? Aren’t we good friends?//” She spits a bit of her drink, in shock, while the rest of the table laughs. Emilia dabs her lips with a napkin, swiftly regaining her composure. “//Friends? Friends?!//” she scoffs. “//We haven’t been friends for years, Vasmosia. And I do not plan on going back on those words soon either.//” “//F-for years? I am truly confused, my deal. I thought we had rekindled our relationship when you came back into town. You are truly hurting my feelings now, Emilia.//” “//Rekindled? Relationship? Are you quite alright, my ?liege? Are we in the same reality right now? Because I cannot, for the life of me, recall any warm welcome from you.//” “//I can assure you, I feel fine —aside from my hurt feelings—. But you still haven’t answered my question. What have I done to deserve your wrath?//” She stays silent, only glaring at you with a frown. “//Was I rude? Did I say something out of place? Have I forgotten something important? Did I steal a suitor from you? Ruined an outfit? Please, Emilia, tell me!//” “You never replied to me!” * <<link '//Huh?//' `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“You never replied to me!” The blurted-out words echo in your mind. She bites her lip and looks away, regretting the opening her mouth. Looking around the table, you see the rest of the group being as confused as you are. Some are whispering to each other, looking in her direction, probably already speculating and gossiping about her mishap; while others have taken their leave, as they were not enjoying the soured mood brought forward. You finally land your gaze on Emilia, who doesn’t dare to meet your eyes. “//I… Emilia… What?//” you mutter, still confused. “//My letters,//” she sneers. <div class="heir">Letters?</div> “//You…//” she pauses, biting her lip again. “//You never replied. To any of them.//” She looks down. “//I sent so many. When Father sent us away, you were… You promised you would always respond. Always send something back.//” She looks up, her eyes glistening as she holds back tears. “//Goddess… Why would you even remember…//” <div class="heir">There never were any letter…</div> “//I… I never received anything from you.//” “//Oh please,//” she rolls her eyes. “//There is no need to lie. Not to me.//” “//I would never lie to you, Emilia. And I would never break a promise, either. You, of all people, should know that!//” “//You never… I-I don’t understand… No…//” “//I never broke my promise to you. I swear, Emilia!//” “//It… It can’t be… How…//” “//I never received a word from you, none since you left.//” “//You lie!//” she shouts. “//You must have. There’s… There can’t be any other explanations!//” “//What?!//” you cock your head, baffled by her view. “//Why would I…//” You groan. “//Of course, there must be other explanations! Why must I bear all the blame? Have you never thought about other possibilities all these years?//” “//I have made so many excuses for you,//” she shakes her head. “//I can’t believe you. Avoiding taking responsibilities for your actions like that!//” “//You said you sent letters, but I never received any. What if someone intercepted them during its journey?//” “//Goddess… Do you know how ludicrous you sound? Out of all the lies you’ve ever told, Vasmosia, this one takes the cake! Why would anyone care about a little girl’s letters to her friend? Who would ever think to do something this cruel?//” As she utters her last words, a single tear rolls down her cheek. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>She does not notice right away the stream of tears going down her face, nor does she realise the table having turned silent during her protests. While you could not say whether she believed your words, you have a feeling her anger was most certainly misplaced. //Are there other people out there holding similar year-long grudges against me?// You shudder at the thought. You can’t imagine yourself hurting your friends, even as a child. //Were her letters truly lost?// The silence around you is broken when Emilia’s whimpers turn into full-blown sobs. Despaired by the tableau etched in front of them, the last of her companions disappears from the scene, leaving behind and without a word the distraught woman. You pat her shoulder gently. Still, you can’t help but feel guilty for her current state. You could have chosen not to engage with her, avoiding making her look like a fool. //I made my bed… I must lie in it…// Nonetheless, you can’t shake the feeling that something seemed off about her story. You want to press her further on the matter and get to the bottom of this inconsistency. But her tears stop you. //I should probably not try to make cry even harder, should I?// She sneezes loudly into her handkerchief before hiding her face in her arms, all the while still avoiding your eyes. //I’ve created enough of a scene here…// As her companions, you decide to take your leave as well. There is a lingering bitterness in your mouth when you turn your back to the young woman sobbing all alone, in the middle of a such lively party. This unease swiftly leaves your mind when you spot Razac waving at you to join his table. You gladly make haste towards him, forgetting all about the upset young lady. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-12]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if not hasVisited("A1S3-11c")>>It takes you little time to reach the Count’s table. Light on your feet, you hasten towards the group, looking forward to breaking bread with, hopefully, a kinder company. “//Ah, my ?liege! You must warn us before you disappear next time. I took my eyes off of you for just a moment and could not seem to find you the next! I was afraid something had happened to you<<if hasVisited("A1S3-06b")>>, you were away for so long<</if>>. But then,//” he smirks mischievously, “//I find you exchanging <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11a") or hasVisited("A1S3-11b")>>looks<<else>>words<</if>> with none other but Lady Emilia! What was that about?//” He does not let you answer, adding: “//I thought you hated her!//” “//Hate is too strong of a sentiment when it comes to her, Lord Guillem,//” you smile back. “//That would imply I care somewhat about her or her opinion of me. I can assure you, I absolutely do not! Her name rarely crosses my mind.//” “//And yet…//” he winks. “//My friend, you are making mountains out of molehill,//” you chuckle in response. “//Let’s just say I only enjoy her company—//” “//Ha!//” “//…for entertainment purposes.//” “//In any case,//” Razac proclaims, “//I am glad you have decided to join us. Come,//” he motions you to a newly emptied seat, “//enjoy some actual good company.//” “//If you insist,//” you laugh, accepting the invitation by sitting down. Taking a seat at the table, you let your host and his servants pamper you, as you are brought plates of fragrant dishes and glasses of scrumptious drinks. You had not realised how hungry you were before this delicious meal was placed under your nose. A guest jokingly asks whether you had starved yourself before coming, seeing you dig in with such ardour. You coldly stare at them in response, taking another bite without breaking eye-contact. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<else>>Arms interlocked with your host, you make your way away from the crowd. It takes you little time to reach the Count’s table. Hastening as your feet take you closer, you look forward to breaking bread with, hopefully, a kinder company. “//Here we are my ?liege,//” he pulls up a chair for you. “//I was getting quite concerned when I saw you exchanging words with that spiteful woman. I know how she can push people’s buttons, but I was not expecting you to react so… quickly.//” “//Ah… well…//” you look down, almost ashamed. “//No need to explain,//” he shakes his hand. “//Considering everything that has happened recently, I should not —cannot— hold this brief side-step against you.//” “//That is kind of you, my friend.//” <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>>“//I should actually thank you, my ?liege. You gave the vultures an opportunity to rave about my wild gatherings! Who could have predicted that a duel would be initiated today? Most importantly, that it would be completely unrelated to the competition’s results?//” “//Stranger things have happened…//” “//Goddess, ain’t that the truth,//” he laughs. “//Speaking of bets… I know you would have waged upon Pouinzin breaking down from another poor score, yet again.//” “//Damn straight I would have! <<if setup.resultcs[3].name is "Colin" is or setup.resultcp[2].name is "Colin">>And I would have been correct!<<else>>Even if his performance today shows the contrary.<</if>>” He puts his hand on your shoulder. “But you? Not in a million years! You’ve always managed to stay clear of dangerous situations like this…//” “//What can I say? I am full of surprises,//” you smirk. While the table chuckles along, Razac stays awfully quiet. Concerned, you look in his direction and are surprised to find an excited face. “//What?//” “//Pleeaaase! Do let me be a part of this!//” “//Part of—//” “//Of the duel, pardis! Not with the fight itself —obviously—. But the arrangements. Let me do this for you. After all, you challenged Lady Emilia during this little gathering of mine!//” <> <ul><li> <<link '“//Of course!//”'>><<replace "#ReplaceMe" t8n>><<set setup.duelEm to true>>“//Can I even refuse a request from you, Lord Guillem?//” “//Absolutely not,//” he chuckles. “//Not unless you’d want to spend the rest of your life away from any amusement.//” “//We must avoid this, indeed!//” “//Then, I shall do as you bid and be your messenger! I will handle our little lady duellist,//” he claps his hands. “//Woo! How exciting this will be!//” The Count sits by you, already deep in thought about his new role. Leaning back on your chair, you let your host’s servants pamper you, as you are brought plates of fragrant dishes and glasses of scrumptious drinks. You had not realised how hungry you were before this delicious meal was placed under your nose. A guest jokingly asks whether you had starved yourself before coming, seeing you dig in with such ardour. You coldly stare at them in response, taking another bite without breaking eye-contact. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> * <<link '“//Maybe not…//”'>><<replace "#ReplaceMe" t8n>>“//Err… I’d rather—//” “//Do not say another word, Vasmosia,//” he interrupts you, disappointed. “//It’s just—//” “//I understand you would rather avoid dirtying my reputation further. What a shame…//” The pouting Count sits by you, looking saddened by your refusal, before getting swiftly distracted with another conversation. Leaning back on your chair, you let your host’s servants pamper you, as you are brought plates of fragrant dishes and glasses of scrumptious drinks. You had not realised how hungry you were before this delicious meal was placed under your nose. A guest jokingly asks whether you had starved yourself before coming, seeing you dig in with such ardour. You coldly stare at them in response, taking another bite without breaking eye-contact. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<else>>“//I am glad I stepped in when I did. I seemed you were going to chew her out!//” “//I… I think I could have…//” Your hands shake. “//Considering how she had been behaving lately,//” he sighs, “//we could all have.//” He puts a hand on your shoulder. “//I know how aggravating she can be, and, like most, I try to engage with her as little as possible. Though… I have heard much about her antics lately. She has been… involved with too many affairs for her standing.//” “//Did… did something happen to her?//” “//I do not know,//” he shrugs. “//Nor care, really.//” The Count sits by you, already moving on to greener pastures and conversations. Leaning back on your chair, you let your host’s servants pamper you, as you are brought plates of fragrant dishes and glasses of scrumptious drinks. You had not realised how hungry you were before this delicious meal was placed under your nose. A guest jokingly asks whether you had starved yourself before coming, seeing you dig in with such ardour. You coldly stare at them in response, taking another bite without breaking eye-contact. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>><</if>><</if>> <<case 2>>You have a swell time at Razac’s table, conversing with charming guests —all of whom you could not recall a name— and tasting delectable dishes. While many topics are brought forward, the most prevalent and recurring revolves around <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04as")>>the shooting contest<<else>>your incredible performance on the field<</if>>. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04as")>>Many voice their disappointment at your absence on the field, as they had hoped to see your skills in action once more. Some admit they had come to the park especially for this, to the despair of your host. They plead you to consider participating in the next royal hunting trip in the fall, but you only respond non-committally.<<else>>Many praise your results, admitting they had come to the park especially to witness your skills, to the despair of your host. A few even request some of your time to teach them some tricks, requests swiftly suppressed by the Count, shocked at the gall of his guests. Soon, they plead you to consider participating in the next royal hunting trip in the fall, but you only respond non-committally.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04as")>><<betwinresult>>With suspiciously good timing, the bookie stops by your table, paying out the various victorious bets. Seeing the meagre returns handed out, <<if $bet is false>>you are relieved you chose not to play their games. Even if you had won, you’d have been disappointed had you received so little.<<else>>you start to worry you won’t get much back either. <<if _win is 0>>Unfortunately, your worries were substantiated, as you had failed to place any correct bets. It should not surprise you much, as both the rankings and scores had been announced earlier. Still, you can’t hide your disappointment in the matter. Razac even takes the change to tease you a little, when the bookie leaves the table without handing you a single bill. <<elseif _win is 3>>Fortunately, your worries were unsubstantiated, as all your predictions became reality. Though this result does not come as a surprised, as the rankings and scores had been announced earlier, you are almost shocked to see the thick stack of banknotes landing in your hands. The envious eyes of Razac’s guests follow the bundle until it disappears in your <<if $suit is "dress">>purse<<else>>pocket<</if>>.<<else>>Still, while some of your predictions were rendered true, you cannot help but feel disappointed by the few banknotes landing in your hand.<</if>><</if>><<else>>Thankfully, their pleads are drowned in the congratulations from other guests stopping by the table. Some even thank you for your performance, as their bets won them quite the prize, the bookie having finally paid out the gamblers, while a couple blame you for their losses. Against the latter, Razac called them out on their rude comments, adding that their winnings were tied only to their wagers, not the contestants’ performance. It was only theirs to lose, them to blame. <</if>> With the excitement of the contest dwindling down, the unrelenting crowd moves on to the next hot topic of the time: your family’s ball. Already thrilled by the prospect of a grand party, as your family seems to be known for, their enthusiasm heightened when rumours of the Royal Family being of attendance spread around town. Though some ask for confirmation, most request your approval on their already selected costumes. The relentless questions leave you with few opportunities to respond, much less provide them with substantial comments. Truthfully, <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-05") or not hasVisited("A1S1-13f") or not hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>>the mention of the party surprised you. //This explains the need for the fitting later…//<<else>>the party had not crossed your mind, not since this morning. //Should I be more excited about it?//<</if>> In an attempt to save you from your discomfort —or push you further into it—, Razac mischievously drags the table towards a different rumour, namely the one of your engagement. He wagers as well on this alleged union to be officially announced to the court during said ball. //Why, Guillem, why?// your eyes laments. Though you vehemently deny your involvement at every turn, your words are muffled by the re-inflamed table’s speculations. Even when you are finally heard, none of your neighbours seem to believe any passing your lips. You throw glancing daggers at the Count, who can’t help but laugh at the entertaining mess he created. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>The lengthy discussions and heated debates over your matrimonial situation do not stop by the time desserts are served. Your input, however, is completely ignored, no matter your protest. The guests care little about <<if setup.ro.vic is false>>the truth of the matter. You made your choice this morning to end this coveted engagement. Still, your repudiation only pushes them to find the rumours credible.<<else>>your wish to set aside the conversation. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>You were asked to extinguish those rumours whenever necessary. <<else>>You would rather not entertain the subject any longer. <</if>>Still, secrecy over the matter makes them want to discuss it further.<</if>> Feeling abandoned and forgotten, you throw your eyes further into the tent. You notice the party has now got quieter, as most guests had left the grounds, feeling the burning heat of the sun. <div class="heir">It is time for us as well to take our leave.</div> Following the voice’s order, you get up from your seat. Your movements are mirrored by your neighbours. You gently bid them to remain seated, as they seemed deep in conversations, blaming other prior engagements for your sudden departure. The Count, as a good host, walks you back to your carriage. “//My ?liege, before you go,//” he looks at you, anxious. “//I… I hope you were entertained today. I know how reticent you were to go anywhere. More so when I handed you the invitation.//” “//My dear friend, very little would have made me miss your event.//” “//It warmed my heart to see you among us. I am so pleased you made time for this, for me.//” You stop and squint at the man. “//Guillem… What’s the meaning of this?//” “//W-what? N-no!//” “//Were you trying to butter me up as an apology for the cacophony you put me through all afternoon? From the roaring crowd to the baseless rumours… The noise still rings my ears…//” “//?Liege $Name, how you wound me!//” he playfully gasps. “//I would never throw my dearest friend to the wolves to satisfy my unquenchable need for entertainment!//” “//Of course, you wouldn’t,//” you smile back at him. Razac extends his arm forwards, in the direction of your vehicle. * <<link "Follow him closely." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//I heard from one of my servants the reason for the little… kerfuffle with Lady Emilia earlier. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cb")>>I know I mentioned this to you then, but <</if>>I can’t help but feel some… guilt over the situation. I should have made sure she steered clear from your path —more so after our exchanges when you arrived—. Knowing your history with her…//” “//One cannot tame a beast already in pain, my friend. She would have found a way to irk me, regardless of our interaction. Were it not me in her light of sight, she would have set her eyes on another influential or vulnerable target —Pouinzin would have surely left sobbing from her antics—.//” “//Fair point. Still… I do now know how she weaselled her way to this gathering! The pest!//” “//Guillem… You asked us to come to a park. An opened park. What were you expecting? Magical gates?//” “//I… Err… Anyway,//” he brushes the issue off, “//I hope you won’t take her spiteful words into your hear. She… does not always mean well. But you know better than anyone she did not use to be this vicious.//” “//Do I, now? It has been long since we exchanged proper pleasantries. One changes as the season passes. Or so they say… Whether she keeps this course, now that is a question you should bet on!//” Jonah, having seen you walk up, had been standing by the door ever since. He opens the vehicle’s door and holds his hand out to help. You step inside and, as the door closes, you prop down the small window to your side and say your goodbyes to your gracious host. “//This has been an… interested morning, my dear Guillem. I do hope to see you sometime soon.//” “//Oh, you will, my ?liege! At the latest, during your family’s ball, next week.<<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>> Though I expect Lady Emilia wanting to duel before that…<</if>>//” The Count bows as your carriage slowly leaves the part. * <<link [[Continue|A1S3-13]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<set $loc to "garden">><<if hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>>Bitterly walking back to your carriage, you don’t know whether to feel furious at your friend throwing you out like this or saddened by the sequence of events. You can’t explain why you decided to take it this far. //She’s the one who created this mess… Why wouldn’t she just apologise?// Finding the carriage unmanned —Jonah was probably not expecting you to be back this early—, you fling the door open. On one of the benches lays a man in a dark coat, snoring heavily. Turning to his side, unaware of your presence, you recognise him as the driver, sleeping soundly. “//What in the world?//” You hit the man with your <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>. “//Wake up, you lazy bum!//” Jonah jumps and swiftly scurries away, mumbling an apology or two in passing. You enter the vehicle and slam the door behind you, while your driver takes his seat at the front. He does not move the carriage right away. Instead, he opens a small window in front of you. “//Err… Gov’nor?//” “//What now, Jonah?//” you reply, frustrated. “//Is my course still set for the seamstress shop?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“Of course it is, you dimwit! Get a move on already!”">><<replace "#ReplaceMe" t8n>>“//Of course it is, you dimwit! Get a move on already!//” A whip cracks in the air and the carriage’s speed doubles. The rough change of speed shakes the interior of the vehicle and you struggle to find an anchor until it stabilises. You press your head against the side window once more, seeing the landscape now hurrying along. The carriage soon enters the city as it passes under the gates. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-14]]</li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> [[“No, we are not!”|A1S3-13b]]</li></ul> <> <<else>>Peering through the window, you see the landscape slowly losing its luscious greeneries as the carriage leaves Sunwin Garden and enters the modest borough of Nieuwmoor. Compared to the excitement of the earlier luncheon, the drive away from the park is incredibly dull, as are the surrounding buildings. You welcome the interruption created by the small window opening in front of you. Trying to cover the sounds of the horses’ feet clopping on the pavement, your driver almost shout. “//Is my course still set for the seamstress shop, gov’nor?//” You wince at the reminder of your whereabouts being known by this man. While he had mentioned earlier that you previously told him about your itinerary, you feel uncomfortable about his requests for confirmation. Aside from him, <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><<SetGender "Theo">>and your ?parent<<SetGender>>, <</if>>none of the other household staff seemed to have this level of knowledge about your schedule. //There is something about him…// <div class="heir">Trust him, you dimwit.</div> “//Gov’nor?//” asks a nervous voice from the other side of the window. <> <ul><li> <<link "“Yes. Continue your course to the seamstress.”">><<replace "#ReplaceMe">>“//Huh?//” you shake the thoughts away. “//Yes, yes… the seamstress.//” A whip cracks in the air and the carriage’s speed doubles. The rough change of speed shakes the interior of the vehicle and you struggle to find an anchor until it stabilises. You press your head against the side window once more, seeing the landscape now hurrying along. The carriage soon enters the city as it passes under the gates. <ul><li> [[Continue|A1S3-14]]</li></ul><</replace>><</link>></li> <li> [[“No, we are not!”|A1S3-13b]]</li></ul> <><</if>>

<<if $day is "lunch">><<set $day to "afternoon">><</if>>“//No, we are not!//” you <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>>yell at<<else>>tell<</if>> your driver. “//Are you quite sure, gov’nor?//” “//Did I ask for your opinion, Jonah?//” “//No, gov’nor,//” he puts his head down. “//Where are we going, then?//” //Where indeed?// You have quite a few options: <ul><li><<link "Give up with your wild plan and follow your original schedule by going to Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <li><<link '<<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>You’d rather if the Duke is back and pay her a visit.<<else>>You’d be more interested in paying a visit to the Duke.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link '<<if hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>>After this disastrous end, you may find some solace at the Cathedral.<<else>>While you didn’t choose to go there this morning, you are still interesting in visiting the Cathedral.<</if>>'"A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li><<if setup.ro.vic is false>><<link "You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace." "A1SO-Main">><</link>><<else>>[This path is currently locked]<</if>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>>[[Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]<<else>>[[You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.|A1SO-Club]]<</if>></li><</if>> <li> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>[[While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.|A1SO-Rec]]<<else>>[[You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?|A1SO-Rec]]<</if>></li></ul>

<<if $loc is "garden">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") and not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Passing the gates, the carriage follows along a dark street feeding into a bright open plaza, forcing you to cover your eyes to avoid being blinded. Light engulfing the carriage, you need some time to adjust to the surrounding luminosity. As you feel more comfortable with the sun shining so strongly around you, you start to notice bits and pieces moving around the carriage, continuing its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away. You glance further from the vehicle and discern a busy plaza filled with people. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is buzzing. <<else>>Passing the gates, you recognise the dark street leading to the large plaza you had seen earlier, the one you crossed when you stopped by the <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Palace<<else>>Cathedral<</if>>. As with earlier, the place is still buzzing with people, maybe even more so. It does not stop your carriage though, as it continues its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Far in the distance, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even considering the distance between you and the edifice, you manage to perceive large stained glass windows with sophisticated design and the large intricate sculpted arch above the door. There is something so revered and holy about this building. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>//Would it be the cathedral Anne wished to visit?//<</if>><<else>>Far in the distance, you distinguish the large ostentations white building, the one you were denied entry earlier. //The Cathedral//, you shudder. You wonder what heinous crime you may have done to deserve such negative treatment by the sister.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>The building disappears and yields to another construction, enclosed by ramparts. For just a second, you think you caught a glimpse of it through its golden gates. A simpler but architecturally pleasing building is hidden behind, leaving you with a feeling of awe and excitement. Seeing the heavily armed guards around the gates and along the walls, you safely assume having found the Royal Palace.<<else>>The building disappears and yields to another construction, enclosed by ramparts. You recognise its classical structure as being the Royal Palace, having visited it earlier. Having been turned away at the door then, you wonder if you should have stopped there again and taken the opportunity to roam around. //No matter, I’m sure I could do that later…//<</if>> The carriage is soon filled in darkness as it enters a small street, leaving behind the bright and busy plaza. The vehicle shakes some more, as it twists and turns into new alleys, leaving you to your own devices to find grounding. You try your best to keep an eye on the path the carriage has been taking, but you end up losing track quickly, believing your driver has gone around in circles. By the time the carriage stops, you know you would not be able to retrace your steps to the plaza. <<elseif $loc is "cathedral" or $loc is "palace">>Leaving the <<if $loc is "cathedral">>Cathedral<<else>>Palace<</if>> behind, the carriage crosses the busy plaza again. Barely missing running over a few inattentive onlookers, the vehicle is soon filled in darkness as it enters a small street, leaving behind the bright and busy plaza. Shaking some more, as it twists and turns into new alleys, it leaves you to your own devices to find grounding. You try your best to keep an eye on the path the carriage has been taking, but you end up losing track quickly, believing your driver has gone around in circles. By the time the carriage stops, you know you would not be able to retrace your steps to the plaza. <<elseif $loc is "duke">>Leaving behind the Duke’s villa, the carriage continues its demented course through narrow streets, twisting and turning sharply into new alleys. The vehicle shaking some more, it leaves you to your own devices to find grounding. You try your best to keep an eye on the path the carriage has been taking, but you end up losing track quickly, believing your driver has gone around in circles. By the time the carriage stops, you know you would not be able to retrace your steps to the villa or the manor.<</if>> “//We’re here, gov’nor,//” pipes in Jonah, jumping down from his seat. * <<link [[Continue|A1S4-Title]]>><<unset $loc>><</link>>

<<if hasVisited("A1S3-14") or hasVisited("A1S3-02late") or hasVisited("A1SO-HTitle")>><<set $relcourt += 2>><<set $day to "afternoon">><<if settings.textanim>><a data-passage="A1S4-01"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 4<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Freqa 28, B-U9 — afternoon <</fadein>></a> <<else>><a data-passage="A1S4-01"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 4</h1> Freqa 28, B-U9 — afternoon</a> <</if>> <<else>><<set $relcourt += 1>><<set $day to "lunch">><<if settings.textanim>><a data-passage="A1S4-01M"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 3<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning <</fadein>></a> <<else>><a data-passage="A1S4-01M"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 3</h1> Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning</a> <</if>><</if>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>The driver opens the door and helps you out of the carriage. Still feeling a bit disoriented, you welcome his help as you tentatively put your foot down. Sensing your legs being strong enough to carry you forward, you descend from the vehicle with more assurance. Before you, stands a large corner store, at the crossing of the //Voie de la Mer// and an inconspicuous smaller street. The three-story store has multiple large windows on the first two floors, displaying magnificent gowns and suits on the ground floor and decorated with closed curtains on the second one, though you could swear something moved up there. In between the floors, a freshly re-painted sign adorns the name //Judy’s Scissors,// with the namesake item hanging from a pole. The iron scissors are swinging with the bit of wind going through the street, making an eerie noise. Your gut warns you that something is not quite right here. What or why, you cannot tell. You take a few steps closer and peer into the window. The store seems busy inside, with many people strolling between the models and display tables. While it looks like a regular shop, doing regular business, you still can’t shake off that weird feeling. Something about its location seems unusual. Shops like these, with delicate and expensive wares, should not be located in such a place. Though the street around you looks clean, you would expect gentle folks to stroll around rather than some ruffians with a full purse. You’d be surprised to see any of your kind here. //What am I doing here, then?// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<notifAISAone>> <<default>>By the time you reach the door of the shop, someone clears their throat behind you. “//What now, Jonah?//” you turn to him. “//Unless you need anything else, I’ll go take care of that quick errand. It shouldn’t take me longer than a tea break.//” “//That quick… what quick errand?//” <div class="heir">Don’t worry about it.</div> “//You… asked me yesterday,//” he looks confused. “//You needed something fetched during your fitting, but couldn’t do both at the same time.//” “//Right. What—//” “//I promise I’ll be back before you know it,//” he sets off. “//I’ll have the carriage parked a few houses that way,//” he waves towards his back. “//If there is anything else you need during your fitting, I’m sure any of Judy’s employees would be more than happy to get me,//” he winks at you. Before you can say anything, your driver sends the horse galloping down the street. //What on earth was that about?// Your eyes follow the carriage until it disappears. Left to your own devices, and with many questions flowing through your mind, you push the door and step into the shop. * <<link [[Continue |A1S4-02]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

The driver opens the door and helps you out of the carriage. Still feeling a bit disoriented, you welcome his help as you tentatively put your foot down. Sensing your legs being strong enough to carry you forward, you descend from the vehicle with more assurance. Before you, stands a large corner store, at the crossing of the //Voie de la Mer// and an inconspicuous smaller street. The three-story store has multiple large windows on the first two floors, displaying magnificent gowns and suits on the ground floor and decorated with closed curtains on the second one. The store seems quite empty, aside from the few shadows passing behind the displays. //Did I see something move behind the curtains?// In between the floors, a freshly re-painted sign adorns the name //Judy’s Scissors,// with the namesake item hanging a pole. The iron scissors are swinging with the bit of wind going through the street, making an eerie noise. Your gut warns you that something is not quite right here. What or why, you cannot tell. You take a few steps closer and peer into the window. The store seems quiet inside, with a few customers strolling between the models and display tables. While it looks like a regular shop, doing regular business, you still can’t shake off that weird feeling. Something about its location seems unusual. Shops like these, with delicate and expensive wares, should not be located in such a place. Though the street around you looks clean, you would expect gentle folks to stroll around rather than some ruffians with a full purse. You’d be surprised to see any of your kind here. //What am I doing here, then?// * [[Continue |A1S4-02M]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Good afternoon, my ?liege!//” sings a clear voice. You give the greeter only a small smile in return. “//We’ve been waiting for your arrival,//” she continues. “//Your costumes are finally ready for a proper fitting. Madam Judy conveyed to us that this would be your last fitting before their delivery.//” “//Co-costumes?//” Your eyes widen. “//As in multiple? And here I thought I was here today to finalise the details of one <<costume>>.//” “//Well, you are still. But, as you could not decide the last time you met with Madam Judy, that choice has been left hanging ever since. According to Madam Judy, her designs were so exquisite it made choosing impossible. Since time was running out, we had to start constructing all three, though you promised you would tell us your decision today.//” “//I… see.//” You scratch the back of your neck. “//I’m afraid I still feel unprepared to make a choice today.//” “//Completely understandable, my ?liege!//” She tries to reassure you. “//I would not be able to do it either!//” She gets closer and whispers: “//I had the chance to take a peek at them earlier. Madam Judy once again outdid herself! They are, truly, incredible. No one could think of outshining you.//” “//That is kind of you to say.//” She is left speechless and motionless for a second, before her face beams with you. If it were not for your presence, or her job, she would most certainly jump up and down. “//I… I’ll tell Madam Judy you’ve arrived!//” She rushes off and your eyes follow her as she walks further into the store, looking for its owner and navigating between the other customers. When she disappears from your sight, your glance mindlessly scans the busy room. Haziness envelops your vision as the heat takes over your body. You try to fan it away with your hand. Behind you, the sun shines warmly through the windows. //How I would kill for some ice right now…// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//My ?liege?//” you hear a faint voice by your side. You reply right away, unsure if another strange voice has taken over your mind. Instead, your eyes are fixed on the crowd, now looking back at you and whispering. Save for their murmurs, you notice the shop has been rendered silent. Though it would not surprise you that your entrance made their heads turn, all of these eyes on you are making you feel uncomfortable. Like an exotic animal in a cage, people are gathering closer and looking at you with curiosity. //More like a piece of meat…// “//My ?liege?//” the faint voice asks again. “//Would you prefer to wait somewhere more private, away from their prying eyes?//” You look down at the quiet employee, who cowers under your eyes. “//I-I can b-bring you to the f-fitting room upstairs,//” she whispers. “//If… if you’ll follow me.//” She shows you to a staircase on the side of the room. You follow her as she leads you to the upper floor. At the landing, she opens a door and ushers you inside. As you cross the door frame, she curtsies and closes the door behind her. * <<link [[Continue |A1S4-03]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Good morning, my ?liege!//” sings a clear voice as you enter the shop. You give the greeter only a small smile in return. “//We weren’t expecting you this early, today,//” she continues. “//But it is always a delight to have you bless our store!//” “//I’m sure it is,//” you mumble. “//Is everything ready for me?//” “//Yes, my ?liege! Your costumes are finally ready for a proper fitting. Madam Judy conveyed to us that this would be your last fitting before their delivery.//” “//Co-costumes?//” Your eyes widen. “//As in multiple? And here I thought I was here today to finalise the details of one <<costume>>.//” “//Well, you are still. But, as you could not decide the last time you met with Madam Judy, that choice has been left hanging ever since. According to Madam Judy, her designs were so exquisite it made choosing impossible. Since time was running out, we had to start constructing all three, though you promised you would tell us your decision today.//” “//I… see.//” You scratch the back of your neck. “//I’m afraid I still feel unprepared to make a choice today.//” “//Completely understandable, my ?liege!//” She tries to reassure you. “//I would not be able to do it either!//” She gets closer and whispers: “//I had the chance to take a peek at them earlier. Madam Judy once again outdid herself! They are, truly, incredible. No one could think of outshining you.//” “//That is kind of you to say.//” She is left speechless and motionless for a second, before her face beams with you. If it were not for your presence, or her job, she would most certainly jump up and down. “//I… I’ll tell Madam Judy you’ve arrived!//” She rushes off and your eyes follow her as she walks further into the store, looking for its owner. When she disappears from your sight, your glance mindlessly scans the room. Haziness envelops your vision as the heat takes over your body. You try to fan it away with your hand. You were not expecting to get this hot this fast. Behind you, the sun shines warmly through the windows. //How I would kill for some ice right now…// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>“//My ?liege?//” you hear a faint voice by your side. You reply right away, unsure if another strange voice has taken over your mind. Instead, your eyes are fixed on the little crowd, now looking back at you and whispering. Save for their murmurs, you notice the shop has become quiet. Though there are very few customers around, their eyes on you are making you feel uncomfortable. Like an exotic animal in a cage, people are gathering closer and looking at you with curiosity. //More like a piece of meat…// “//My ?liege?//” the faint voice asks again. “//Would you prefer to wait somewhere more private, away from their prying eyes?//” You look down at the quiet employee, who cowers under your eyes. “//I-I can b-bring you to the f-fitting room upstairs,//” she whispers. “//If… if you’ll follow me.//” She shows you to a staircase on the side of the room. You follow her as she leads you to the upper floor. At the landing, she opens a door and ushers you inside. As you cross the door frame, she curtsies and closes the door behind her. * <<link [[Continue |A1S4-03M]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You slump on the closed door, shutting away the murmuring customers and the scorching heat downstairs. You close your eyes and exhale loudly, relishing the unexpected coolness and gentleness of the surrounding air. You don’t know how you’ve managed to withstand this weather all this time. //These clothes are not helping at all…// The door handle wiggles next to you, as someone is trying to open the door. There is a knock, followed by a quiet request to free the door. Moving aside, you see the shy employee entering the room, holding a tray, and whispering something about refreshments. She sets the tray down on a low table surrounded by a divan and some padded chairs, before scurrying away without a word. Ignoring the tray for now, you take a turn around the room. Aside from the seats around the table, you see a folded floor screen, a tall mirror and a couple of mannequins. There is nothing around you piquing your interest. You stroll towards the window, covered by heavy curtains leaving only a shimmer of light passing through where the fabric doesn’t meet. You get closer and pull a curtain aside. Looking at the street below, you recognise it as the //Voie de la Mer.// You were standing on its pavement just a moment ago. You watch passers walk by and go about their day when a familiar object catches your eye. Further down the street, you see your carriage parked. //Wasn’t Jonah supposed to go on an errand somewhere? I haven’t had time to have tea yet…// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>Standing next to the carriage, your driver seems to be arguing with a strange shadowy figure, covered with a dark cape. //Who wears that in this heat?!// The mysterious figure pushes Jonah against the vehicle, threatening him. You are miffed not being able to hear or make out their conversation. Still, part of you is glad not being able to hear their words, as you would rather not get involved in whatever these two are doing. Jonah stands tall and cool, unbothered by the figure’s action. The two exchange a few more words before the stranger pushes your driver again, with more force this time. The latter responds swiftly, lunging his fist into his assailant’s face. The figure stumbles back and falls on its buttocks. A passerby points at the figure and laughs. Others, having followed the scene unfold as well, seem shocked and cross the street to avoid the commotion. It takes a moment for the figure to recover from the blow, sitting now on its knees. The hood of the cape, having slipped in the fall, reveals a dishevelled man, looking eerily familiar to you/, though you can’t seem to place him. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04bp")>>//Isn’t that the man who volunteered to throw those dessert bowls?// <</if>>The man raises his hands, pleading to your driver and trying to grab his arm. Jonah pushes the man away and voices a few words. The man’s hands disappear under his cape, looking for something. You take this momentary pause between the two men to look for a way to open the damn window. //If I could just listen, it would make more sense, right?// You envy the passersby below being able to hear it all. As much as you search for a handle or lock, nothing seems to budge the window. You almost miss the passing of a strange small item between the hands of the two men —though, the man seems to be pressing your driver to accept said item, as he looks reluctant to take it—. When the mysterious object leaves the man’s fingers, he runs away. //What was that for?// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>The door creaks as it opens and an older woman enters. She looks too old to pass as your mother, yet seems younger than Mrs Vinea. Standing straight, though relying on a cane to walk, she smiles at you and her face lines deepen. Wearing her hair tucked behind her head in a bun, save for two curly strands on each side of her face, she has a matronly look to her. Adding her outfit, a sombre and more expensive copy of her employees’ frocks, you assume to be in the presence of the modiste, Madam Judy. “//?Liege $Name Vasmosia,//” she exclaims, moving towards you. “//What a pleasure to see you again!//” “//Ah, Madam Judy,//” you meet her halfway, leaving the strange scene behind. “//The pleasure is all mine.//” You grab the hand she put forward. “//Especially as I have been promised some magnificent pieces today! Your employees seem in much awe of your creations.//” “//Indeed,//” she tries to curtsy as your hands meet. “//I deliver nothing but the best for you, my ?liege. Now, please,//” she waves at the seats. “//Make yourself comfortable.//” You seat on the divan, looking more comfortable and it seats. As Madam Judy takes the armchair by your side, you wiggle to find a better spot, but your seat remains unpleasant. The modiste picks up the teapot standing on the tray before handing you a delicate teacup with warm liquid. //Is that supposed to be refreshing?// You avoid remarking as you graciously accept it. “//Now, my ?liege,//” she takes her cup. “//What shall we handle first?//” “//Mmh?//” “//Do we truly need to do this dance every time?//” she sighs. “//I know what time of the month it is. I have prepared for it, as I always have. I understand you’d rather avoid discussing this subject —you fancy folks always do—. The mention of money is not as pleasurable as other activities,//” she winks at you. “//Nonetheless, the three special pieces are waiting for you,//” she gestures at the plain mannequins. * <<link [[“I am sorry, Madam Judy. I am not sure I quite follow you.” |A1S4-04a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[“We might as well rip the bandage off with the displeasure on our hands, Madam Judy. The earlier, the better.” |A1S4-04c]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link [[“Ah! Madam Judy, you always seem to read my mind. Pleasure above all else, always.” |A1S4-04b]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You slump on the closed door, shutting away the murmuring customers and the burgeoning heat downstairs. You close your eyes and exhale loudly, relishing the unexpected coolness and gentleness of the surrounding air. You don’t know how you will be able to withstand this weather if the temperature increases so. //These clothes are not helping at all…// The door handle wiggles next to you, as someone is trying to open the door. There is a knock, followed by a quiet request to free the door. Moving aside, you see the shy employee entering the room, holding a tray, and whispering something about refreshments. She sets the tray down on a low table surrounded by a divan and some padded chairs, before scurrying away without a word. Ignoring the tray for now, you take a turn around the room. Aside from the seats around the table, you see a folded floor screen, a tall mirror and a couple of mannequins. As if unprepared for your presence, many items are laying about. Boxes, swatches of fabric, pins and needles, are messily scattered around the room. Still, there is nothing around you piquing your interest. You stroll towards the window, covered by heavy curtains leaving only a shimmer of light passing through where the fabric doesn’t meet. You get closer and pull a curtain aside. Looking at the street below, you recognise it as the //Voie de la Mer.// You were standing on its pavement just a moment ago. You watch passers walk by and go about their day. All and all, there is nothing interesting there either. //How boring…// * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>The door creaks as it opens and an older woman enters. She looks too old to pass as your mother, yet seems younger than Mrs Vinea. Standing straight, though relying on a cane to walk, she smiles at you and her face lines deepen. Wearing her hair tucked behind her head in a bun, save for two curly strands on each side of her face, she has a matronly look to her. Adding her outfit, a sombre and more expensive copy of her employees’ frocks, you assume to be in the presence of the modiste, Madam Judy. “//?Liege $Name Vasmosia,//” she exclaims, moving towards you. “//I was not expecting you to arrive this early. Nonetheless, what a pleasure to see you again!//” “//Ah, Madam Judy,//” you meet her halfway, leaving the window behind. “//I was in the neighbourhood and decided to have this taken care of.//” You grab the hand she put forward. “//Especially as I have been promised some magnificent pieces today! Your employees seem in much awe of your creations.//” “//Indeed,//” she tries to curtsy as your hands meet. “//I deliver nothing but the best for you, my ?liege. Now, please,//” she waves at the seats. “//Make yourself comfortable.//” You seat on the divan, looking more comfortable and it seats. As Madam Judy takes the armchair by your side, you wiggle to find a better spot, but your seat remains unpleasant. The modiste picks up the teapot standing on the tray before handing you a delicate teacup with warm liquid. Is that supposed to be refreshing? You avoid remarking as you graciously accept it. “//Now, my ?liege,//” she takes her cup. “//Shall we look at those designs?//” “//With pleasure!//” * <<link [[Continue |A1S4-04M]]>><<unset $text>><</link>><</switch>>

“//I am sorry, Madam Judy,//” you frown, looking confused. “//I am not sure I quite follow you. I though… Wasn’t I… How is this… In what part of a fitting does whatever you are implying…//” The modiste is taken aback by your reaction. “//Have… erm… have you forgotten the date of today, my ?liege?//” “//Isn’t it the… 28th of…//” “//Frega,//” she finishes your sentence. “//Indeed, it is.//” “//So?//” “//That is… erm… unusual for you, my ?liege, to forget the reason for meeting on the 28th…//” She studies your face. “//Are you quite alright?//” “//Ah… yes… I’ve just had quite the eventful…//” “//Night?//” “//Sure, you could say that.//” You cough, uncomfortable. “//It was not my intention to worry you, Madam Judy. I am still recovering from that… uhm… night.//” Trying to be inconspicuous with your answer, worrying that the modiste would see through your obvious lies, you cough once more and take a sip of tea. She continues to study your face, sensing that something isn’t quite right with you. You shove a biscuit or two in your mouth, praying she would not start drilling you further on your ‘condition’. “//If ?their ?liegeship truly needs to be reminded,//” she finally sighs, giving up, “//we should probably handle this month’s payment and have it out of the way before showing you the garments.//” * [[“It might indeed be best to handle that business first.” |A1S4-04c]] * [[“Actually, I’d rather look at the pretty frocks you’ve been hiding from me.” |A1S4-04b]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-04a")>>“//Actually, I’d rather look at the pretty frocks you’ve been hiding from me.//” “//I would never do such a thing!//” she pretends to take offence, as she rings a small bell. “//It is of the most important matter to me that you must see them at once! Business will have to wait.//” <<else>>“//Ah! Madam Judy, you always seem to read my mind. Pleasure above all else, always.//” You smile at her. “//Can you blame me, when I am surrounded by such pretty things calling me to try them on?//” “//Quite right, my ?liege, quite right,//” she rings a small bell. “//We will discuss business after you have made your choice.//”<</if>> Soon, the crystal sound of the bell rings through the room. A hidden panel opens on the wall and an employee appears, holding large boxes in her arms. She seems different from the other ones you’ve met earlier. With her simple brown dress and small bonnet barely covering her head, she does not look like she would be part of the establishment. //Madam Judy upholds a certain standard with her staff, doesn’t she?// The employee moves towards the mannequins, carefully puts down the boxes, opens them, gently takes out the outfits, and slowly dresses the dummies. “//Have you met my Nicolette before, my ?liege?//” Madam Judy smiles. “//She is my most trustful employee in this building. Unlike the hussies downstairs, she will actually do what I tell her to! And, the most wonderful part, she will never peep a word about anything. Not what she has to do, not what she sees, nor what she hears! Because…//” She pauses for effect. “//…she is a mute! Whatever goes on in this room will never leave this room, not when she is around!//” Fixated on the meticulous work of the young woman, Madam Judy’s derogatory words pass over your head. You feel hypnotised by the delicate movements of Nicolette’s hands. She seems to be handling the fine fabric and intricate layers with such care, as one would handle a newborn. Under her hands, the outfits take shape on the mannequins. While you notice form rough spots here and there, some missing stitches or visible pins, a feeling of awe overcomes you. “//Aren’t they sublime?//” Madam Judy exclaims. “//I think these must truly be my most magnificent pieces as of yet! I have certainly outdone myself, haven’t I?//” Nicolette flinches at the modiste’s words. As the latter does not respond, she shakes her head and goes back to her work. “//Oh, do not mind her attitude, my ?liege,//” the modiste says, having noticed you staring. “//She never gets along with anyone. It is a good thing she is a hard enough of a worker and does not complain. Otherwise, I would have sacked her ages ago,//” she says loudly. “//Now… you have not said a word about these <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> yet. What do you think? Aren’t they divine?//” * <<link "Examine the costumes." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Nicolette steps aside, revealing the mannequins dressed to the nines. Three very distinct designs stand before you. Shining like the sun in the room, the left-most outfit radiates in its gilded glory. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Starting with a straw button shirt, with the thinnest of golden ribbons woven every couple of threads, your eyes are caught by the double-breasted bronze vest embroidered with a damask pattern of a darker shade, adorned with bright yellow sapphires for buttons. A pair of dark bronze trousers hang below the vest. While looking much plainer at first, the pants seem to reflect as much shine as the other pieces, though you could not say how the fabric would sparkle so —are they beaded?—. Atop of it all, Nicolette had laid an opulent aureate coat with puffy sleeves and a long train —so long, it had to be kept rolled up on the floor—. Around the neckline and the edges of the coat, some intricate trimming designs have been pinned, awaiting probably your choice. Finally, a ruched tie has been set around the mannequin’s neck with a large white pearl.<<else>>The most striking element of this outfit is its largeness compared with the other two. Almost as wide as it is tall, with its extravagant amount of petticoats under the skirt, the dress would need to be appreciated in all of its glory a few paces away from the wearer. You’d rather not think of the weight of the dress on your body. Instead, you focus your eyes on the sturdy bronze bodice, embroidered with a darker thread, forming an arabesque pattern, and beaded with yellow stones and jewels. Sitting below, a similarly intricately constructed skirt, with strings of pearl hanging from the waist, seems to be floating on top of the petticoats. The thinnest of golden ribbons are woven through the fabric, making it dazzle with every movement. On each side of the bodice, aureate puffy sleeves have been attached.<</if>> “//A vision of the sun, isn’t it?//” the modiste comments. “//You would shine the brightest with this garment.//” Ignoring the woman, you move your attention to another costume. On the opposite side, the right-most mannequin glimmers like the moon in its darker corner. A flared, fan-shaped collar, made with starched white lace —//are those constellations?//—, would attract the eyes of onlookers towards your face —and your chests, seeing the low neckline below—. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Attached to a much shorter dark argent coat with open shoulders, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn onto the lapel. The back of the coat ends in two separate tails. Large pearls have taken their place as buttons on both the coat and the waistcoat. The short grey waistcoat, which could have been replaced with a cummerbund with its size, has an intricate swirl pattern embroidered with a silver thread. Under the waistcoat, white fabric is pinned, which you believe to be a shirt. Though, with such negligible amount of fabric, you’d be revealing quite a bit of skin. Feeling your cheeks warming, you lower your eyes to the dark grey pants. With the billowing sleeves, embroidered with little silver stars, on the coat and the swirl pattern stitched in a band on the outside of each pants leg, the outfit has some sort of ethereal aura. <<else>>Attached to a dark argent bodice, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn around the very, very, low neckline, covering very little of your chest. Feeling your cheeks warming, you concentrate your eyes on the bodice below. Its fabric has been embroidered in an intricate swirl pattern with a silver thread. In the middle, a triangle pointing down is left bare of those embroideries, but is instead bejewelled with minuscule pearls, recollecting the constellation pattern on the lacy collar. The skirt of the dress has two slits in the front, starting from the top of the hips, revealing a panel of fabric similar to the bodice. Small silver stars are scattered around the outer layer of the skirt. Billowing sleeves, covering everything but the shoulders, embroidered with silver little stars, enhance the ethereal aura of the dress.<</if>> “//I knew you would be drawn to a more… mysterious look,//” the modiste exclaims. “//Always in the shadow, luring others towards you, aren’t you, my ?liege?//” You do not bother responding to the woman. Instead, you move to the final outfit standing before you. In the middle, a much darker and intriguing look speaks to you. While no less extravagant than the other two, this $suitb has a tamer, maybe more elegant, feel to it. <<if $suitb is "suit">>You’ve never seen a suit so out there before. Cut from dark crimson velvet, the three-piece suit looks more and more intricate as your eyes linger. The coat is covered with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—, making for an interesting construction. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested. Under the coat, the double-breasted vest sees similar rubies as its buttons. The last layer, a very dark crimson button shirt, is sprinkled with embroidered button roses, a design mirrored on the pants hanging below.<<else>>What looks at first like a simple crimson full gown reveals itself as more intricate and detailed the longer your eyes linger on it. From the small bodice cinching the waist of the mannequin to the weightless flowing skirt, the whole dress is draped with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—. The bodice is made of dark crimson velvet, with a string of roses only stitched around the neckline. The string of roses continues on each side and wraps itself around the arms of the mannequins, ending at the wrist, where they turn into velvet gloves. From the waist down to the floor, the whole skirt is embellished with those flowers. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested.<</if>> “//When you asked me to create a garment out of your crest, I must say it came to me right away,//” the modiste continues her rambling. “//In a dream, I saw you marching in this field of roses and I knew! I knew you had to be covered in them!//” By the mannequins, Nicolette mimics the mannerism of her employer. You bite your lip to hold in a chuckle. “//Well, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy clears her throat. “//You still haven’t said a word. If something is wrong with my work…//” She lets her words linger, as if you had insulted her by your silence, before leaning towards you. “//What do you think of my creations?//” “//They are…//” you glance at the mannequins, amazed. “//…magnificent.//” “//Thank Goddess!//” The modiste sighs, relieved. “//I could see they left you speechless, but it would have pained me if you thought of them as lesser than that!//” “//You were not kidding when you said you outdid yourself.//” “//I would never lie to you, my ?liege!//” Nicolette coughs in the corner. “//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” * <<link [[You want to shine like the sun.|A1S4-04bb]]>><<unset $tex>><<set $outfit to "gold">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to sparkle like the moon and the stars.|A1S4-04bb]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "silver">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to make homage to your ancestry.|A1S4-04bb]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "crimson">><</link>> * <<link [[You don’t see why you have to choose. Press Madam Judy to have them all.|A1S4-04ba]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//Now, my ?liege,//” she takes her cup. “//Shall we look at those designs?//” “//With pleasure!//” The modiste rings a small silver bell, whose crystal sound rings through the room. A hidden panel opens on the wall and an employee appears, holding large boxes in her arms. She seems different from the other ones you’ve met earlier. With her simple brown dress and small bonnet barely covering her head, she does not look like she would be part of the establishment. //Madam Judy upholds a certain standard with her staff, doesn’t she?// The employee moves towards the mannequins, carefully puts down the boxes, opens them, gently takes out the outfits, and slowly dresses the dummies. “//Have you met my Nicolette before, my ?liege?//” Madam Judy smiles. “//She is my most trustful employee in this building. Unlike the hussies downstairs, she will actually do what I tell her to! And, the most wonderful part, she will never peep a word about anything. Not what she has to do, not what she sees, nor what she hears! Because…//” She pauses for effect. “//…she is a mute! Whatever goes on in this room will never leave this room, not when she is around!//” Fixated on the meticulous work of the young woman, Madam Judy’s derogatory words pass over your head. You feel hypnotised by the delicate movements of Nicolette’s hands. She seems to be handling the fine fabric and intricate layers with such care, as one would handle a newborn. Under her hands, the outfits take shape on the mannequins. While you notice form rough spots here and there, some missing stitches or visible pins, a feeling of awe overcomes you. “//Aren’t they sublime?//” Madam Judy exclaims. “//I think these must truly be my most magnificent pieces as of yet! I have certainly outdone myself, haven’t I?//” Nicolette flinches at the modiste’s words. As the latter does not respond, she shakes her head and goes back to her work. “//Oh, do not mind her attitude, my ?liege,//” the modiste says, having noticed you staring. “//She never gets along with anyone. It is a good thing she is a hard enough of a worker and does not complain. Otherwise, I would have sacked her ages ago,//” she says loudly. “//Now… you have not said a word about these <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> yet. What do you think? Aren’t they divine?//” * <<link "Examine the costumes." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Nicolette steps aside, revealing the mannequins dressed to the nines. Three very distinct designs stand before you. Shining like the sun in the room, the left-most outfit radiates in its gilded glory. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Starting with a straw button shirt, with the thinnest of golden ribbons woven every couple of threads, your eyes are caught by the double-breasted bronze vest embroidered with a damask pattern of a darker shade, adorned with bright yellow sapphires for buttons. A pair of dark bronze trousers hang below the vest. While looking much plainer at first, the pants seem to reflect as much shine as the other pieces, though you could not say how the fabric would sparkle so —//are they beaded?//—. Atop of it all, Nicolette had laid an opulent aureate coat with puffy sleeves and a long train —so long, it had to be kept rolled up on the floor—. Around the neckline and the edges of the coat, some intricate trimming designs have been pinned, awaiting probably your choice. Finally, a ruched tie has been set around the mannequin’s neck with a large white pearl.<<else>>The most striking element of this outfit is its largeness compared with the other two. Almost as wide as it is tall, with its extravagant amount of petticoats under the skirt, the dress would need to be appreciated in all of its glory a few paces away from the wearer. You’d rather not think of the weight of the dress on your body. Instead, you focus your eyes on the sturdy bronze bodice, embroidered with a darker thread, forming an arabesque pattern, and beaded with yellow stones and jewels. Sitting below, a similarly intricately constructed skirt, with strings of pearl hanging from the waist, seems to be floating on top of the petticoats. The thinnest of golden ribbons are woven through the fabric, making it dazzle with every movement. On each side of the bodice, aureate puffy sleeves have been attached.<</if>> “//A vision of the sun, isn’t it?//” the modiste comments. “//You would shine the brightest with this garment.//” Ignoring the woman, you move your attention to another costume. On the opposite side, the right-most mannequin glimmers like the moon in its darker corner. A flared, fan-shaped collar, made with starched white lace —//are those constellations?//—, would attract the eyes of onlookers towards your face —and your chests, seeing the low neckline below—. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Attached to a much shorter dark argent coat with open shoulders, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn onto the lapel. The back of the coat ends in two separate tails. Large pearls have taken their place as buttons on both the coat and the waistcoat. The short grey waistcoat, which could have been replaced with a cummerbund with its size, has an intricate swirl pattern embroidered with a silver thread. Under the waistcoat, white fabric is pinned, which you believe to be a shirt. Though, with such negligible amount of fabric, you’d be revealing quite a bit of skin. Feeling your cheeks warming, you lower your eyes to the dark grey pants. With the billowing sleeves, embroidered with little silver stars, on the coat and the swirl pattern stitched in a band on the outside of each pants leg, the outfit has some sort of ethereal aura.<<else>>Attached to a dark argent bodice, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn around the very, very, low neckline, covering very little of your chest. Feeling your cheeks warming, you concentrate your eyes on the bodice below. Its fabric has been embroidered in an intricate swirl pattern with a silver thread. In the middle, a triangle pointing down is left bare of those embroideries, but is instead bejewelled with minuscule pearls, recollecting the constellation pattern on the lacy collar. The skirt of the dress has two slits in the front, starting from the top of the hips, revealing a panel of fabric similar to the bodice. Small silver stars are scattered around the outer layer of the skirt. Billowing sleeves, covering everything but the shoulders, embroidered with silver little stars, enhance the ethereal aura of the dress.<</if>> “//I knew you would be drawn to a more… mysterious look,//” the modiste exclaims. “//Always in the shadow, luring others towards you, aren’t you, my ?liege?//” You do not bother responding to the woman. Instead, you move to the final outfit standing before you. In the middle, a much darker and intriguing look speaks to you. While no less extravagant than the other two, this $suitb has a tamer, maybe more elegant, feel to it. <<if $suitb is "suit">>You’ve never seen a suit so out there before. Cut from dark crimson velvet, the three-piece suit looks more and more intricate as your eyes linger. The coat is covered with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—, making for an interesting construction. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested. Under the coat, the double-breasted vest sees similar rubies as its buttons. The last layer, a very dark crimson button shirt, is sprinkled with embroidered button roses, a design mirrored on the pants hanging below.<<else>>What looks at first like a simple crimson full gown reveals itself as more intricate and detailed the longer your eyes linger on it. From the small bodice cinching the waist of the mannequin to the weightless flowing skirt, the whole dress is draped with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—. The bodice is made of dark crimson velvet, with a string of roses only stitched around the neckline. The string of roses continues on each side and wraps itself around the arms of the mannequins, ending at the wrist, where they turn into velvet gloves. From the waist down to the floor, the whole skirt is embellished with those flowers. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested.<</if>> “//When you asked me to create a garment out of your crest, I must say it came to me right away,//” the modiste continues her rambling. “//In a dream, I saw you marching in this field of roses and I knew! I knew you had to be covered in them!//” By the mannequins, Nicolette mimics the mannerism of her employer. You bite your lip to hold in a chuckle. “//Well, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy clears her throat. “//You still haven’t said a word. If something is wrong with my work…//” She lets her words linger, as if you had insulted her by your silence, before leaning towards you. “//What do you think of my creations?//” “//They are…//” you glance at the mannequins, amazed. “//…magnificent.//” “//Thank Goddess!//” The modiste sighs, relieved. “//I could see they left you speechless, but it would have pained me if you thought of them as lesser than that!//” “//You were not kidding when you said you outdid yourself.//” “//I would never lie to you, my liege!//” Nicolette coughs in the corner. “//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” * <<link [[You want to shine like the sun.|A1S4-04bM]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "gold">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to sparkle like the moon and the stars.|A1S4-04bM]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "silver">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to make homage to your ancestry.|A1S4-04bM]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "crimson">><</link>> * <<link [[You don’t see why you have to choose. Press Madam Judy to have them all.|A1S4-04aM]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” “//I…//” Your eyes are still transfixed by the designs before you. “//I am frankly not sure, Madam Judy. They are all so… perfect! How could one even choose?//” You gaze at them, languishing to have each one set on your body. “//Do I really have to choose, Madam Judy? I must have them all!//” “//Ah, my ?liege!//” The woman brings her hand to her chest, looking apologetic. “//I am so very sorry. As your party is only a week away, so many of your guests have ordered from my modest shop—//” Nicolette coughs some more. “//There is only so little time left,//” the modiste continues, unbothered. “//And with all of these requests to fulfil as well… I am afraid I would only be able to finish just one costume before the ball.//” “//Are you quite certain, Madam Judy? I thought we had a… special relationship. An understanding between the both of us, if you will. Haven’t we been working on these designs for some time already?//” “//We do. We… have. But I cannot have all three ready for the ball, my ?liege.//” “//Don’t you think I should take priority over your other order, as mine had been in the works the longest?//” “//My ?liege, how you twist my arm! But, I truly must decline.//” “//What if I made a proposition worth your time?//” You lean forward, one of your hands in your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, hoping to find some banknotes to bribe her with. The modiste bites her lip, hesitating on whether to agree. Any offer coming from you seems to be quite appealing to these folks. She raises her hands in protest and shakes her head. “//I… I must refuse, however kind you are, my ?liege. That is my final word on it.//” “//Such a shame,//” you sigh. “//And to imagine how the talk of the party, with my outfit change, could bring curious eyes to the boutique…//” “//What about my reputation, when my other customers do not receive their orders before the ball? No, no. We had agreed on you making a choice already. I promise you will look incredible in whichever you will decide to pick. No other guest will shine brighter than you!//” “//Fine!//” You slump back on the couch, pouting. “//Fine, I get it. So much for trying.//” You lean back forward. “//Though…//” “//Yes?//” “//What would happen to the unfinished ones? I have heard of your employees gushing about those three designs, having taken a peek or two of them. What would stop them from mentioning them to your other customers? Maybe talking them up and selling those costumes to them instead?//” “//My ?liege!//” A look of horror crosses her face. “//Must you think so lowly of my house?//” Her eyes flutter, as if avoiding shedding a tear. “//These designs are yours, and yours only! Whichever ones must remain here during the party will still be finished and sent to you shortly after. My employees would never break such a secret agreement. Especially any involving yourself!//” You wave her worries away by turning your attention back to the mannequins. You get up to get a closer look at each piece. Though neither of the three is finished, you are already imagining yourself wearing each and every one of them, waltzing down the ballroom, dazzling everyone around you. In the corner of your eye, you notice Nicolette trying to get your attention. She raises her finger to her lips and nods toward the door. //What does she want? Talk to me?// “//Nicolette!//” the modiste scolds her. “//Why are you bothering ?their ?liegeship? There is no need for you to still be in this room. Go back to the atelier at once! There is plenty enough you can do there, rather than lazying around here.//” Nicolette’s small frame stands tall, looking as if she was about to argue back at Madam Judy. But the latter raises her voice to order her once more to leave. Before she moves towards the secret opening, the quiet employee looks into your eyes intensely, her gaze asking you to remember her request. You smile back, still a bit confused. She disappears as quickly as she had appeared. “//So, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy brushes off the pleads of her skirt, having calmed down. “//Have you made a decision?//” ''If you cannot have them all,'' * [[you shall shine as bright as the sun. |A1S4-04bb][$outfit to "gold"]] * [[you shall sparkle like the stars in the night skies. |A1S4-04bb][$outfit to "silver"]] * [[you will make your house proud.|A1S4-04bb][$outfit to "crimson"]] <<notifAISAnicole>>

“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” “//I…//” Your eyes are still transfixed by the designs before you. “//I am frankly not sure, Madam Judy. They are all so… perfect! How could one even choose?//” You gaze at them, languishing to have each one set on your body. “//Do I really have to choose, Madam Judy? I must have them all!//” “//Ah, my ?liege!//” The woman brings her hand to her chest, looking apologetic. “//I am so very sorry. As your party is only a week away—//” Nicolette coughs some more. “//There is only so little time left,//” the modiste continued, unbothered. “//I am afraid I would only be able to finish just one costume before the ball.//” “//Are you quite certain, Madam Judy? Haven’t we been working on these designs for some time already? I would be surprised to learn that each garment requires so much alteration still.//” “//We… have. But I still cannot have all three ready for the ball, my ?liege.//” “//Can’t you hire more help?//” “//And run the risk of having these <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> ruined by their untrained hands?//” A look of horror takes over her face. “//I would not take such risk!//” “//Such a shame,//” you sigh. “//And to imagine how the talk of the party, with my outfit change, could bring curious eyes to the boutique…//” “//We had agreed on you making a choice already, my ?liege. I promise you will look incredible in whichever you will decide to pick. No other guest will shine brighter than you!//” “//Fine!//” You slump back on the couch, pouting. “//Fine, I get it. So much for trying.//” You lean back forward. “//Though…//” “//Yes?//” “//What would happen to the unfinished ones? I have heard of your employees gushing about those three designs, having taken a peek or two of them. What would stop them from mentioning them to your other customers? Maybe talking them up and selling those costumes to them instead?//” “//My ?liege!//” A look of horror crosses her face. “//Must you think so lowly of my house?//” Her eyes flutter, as if avoiding shedding a tear. “//These designs are yours, and yours only! Whichever ones must remain here during the party will still be finished and sent to you shortly after. My employees would never break such a secret agreement. Especially any involving yourself!//” You wave her worries away by turning your attention back to the mannequins. You get up to get a closer look at each piece. Though neither of the three is finished, you are already imagining yourself wearing each and every one of them, waltzing down the ballroom, dazzling everyone around you. In the corner of your eye, you notice Nicolette trying to get your attention. She raises her finger to her lips and nods toward the door. //What does she want? Talk to me?// “//Nicolette!//” the modiste scolds her. “//Why are you bothering ?their ?liegeship? There is no need for you to still be in this room. Go back to the atelier at once! There is plenty enough you can do there, rather than lazying around here.//” Nicolette’s small frame stands tall, looking as if she was about to argue back at Madam Judy. But the latter raises her voice to order her once more to leave. Before she moves towards the secret opening, the quiet employee looks into your eyes intensely, her gaze asking you to remember her request. You smile back, still a bit confused. She disappears as quickly as she had appeared. “//So, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy brushes off the pleads of her skirt, having calmed down. “//Have you made a decision?//” If you cannot have them all, * [[you shall shine as bright as the sun. |A1S4-04bM][$outfit to "gold"]] * [[you shall sparkle like the stars in the night skies. |A1S4-04bM][$outfit to "silver"]] * [[you will make your house proud.|A1S4-04bM][$outfit to "crimson"]] <<notifAISAnicole>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba")>>“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//”<<else>>“//So, my ?liege. Have you made a decision?//”<</if>> “//Ah! Madam Judy, you are the one twisting my arm <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba")>>now<</if>>!//” “//We have delayed this instance for as long as we could, my ?liege. I would have preferred your choice to have been made the last time we met, but you assured me it would be fine to delay it a bit longer.//” “//So, I did. I cannot blame you for this situation we are in. I have no one but myself to blame for this one…//” “//You mustn’t blame yourself, my ?liege! After all, I have brought you three special designs, very distinct from one another. If neither three were as good as the other, your choice would have been made long ago.//” “//And I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t the case, Madam Judy.//” “//How you flatter my old bones, my ?liege,//” she chuckles. “//I am sure whichever garment you do end up choosing will fit you to a T!//” “//Fine, fine! Since a choice must be made…//” You look one last time at each outfit before you. “//…let it be <<if $outfit is "gold">>that golden one, on the left. I want to shine like the sun and outshine everyone else!<<elseif $outfit is "silver">>the silver one, over there. I must sparkle in everyone’s eyes like the moon and the stars in the dark sky.<<else>>the only colour fit for a Vasmosia. I must make my house proud. It is a Vasmosia ball after all…<</if>>//” “//What a wonderful choice!//” The modiste claps. The door opens and the excited employee you met downstairs enters. She props up a floor screen. “//Let’s see how it fits, shall we? Juliette?//” Madam Judy motions to the employee the <<if $outfit is "gold">>left-most<<elseif $outfit is "crimson">>middle<<else>>right-most<</if>> outfit. She guides you to the space behind the floor screen. While Juliette carefully takes down the layers on the mannequins, and so does the modiste on your body. When both you and the mannequin are in your birthday suits, the employee transfers the costume onto your ADJ frame. Because of the unfinished construction of the garment, she takes a significant amount of time to do so, much longer than Anne took this morning. “//?Their ?Liegeship does not have all day, Juliette!//” the modiste scolds her halfway through. “//Yes, ma’am.//” The employee fastens her movement and becomes careless with the fabric. Once or twice, you hear her yap or gasp when a seam unfolds or when the fabric stretches a bit too much. You cast a dark glance at Madam Judy, who keeps finding things about the employee’s actions to critique rather than admit her mistake. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>What follows this uncomfortable second dressing —Oh, how you miss Anne’s gentle hands now!—, is an impromptu acupuncture session with the modiste’s pins and her forceful hands. While you are able to give out your opinion, from bringing the hems up to changing how some folds fall, those devilish little metal straws jab through the many layers of fabric. You grimace and wince when they poke your skin. Though she mouths an apology every time, you wish her mute employee, with her careful hands, had been the one handling you instead of her. <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-04ba")>>//Where is she anyway? I was sure she was right there!//<</if>> “//And, that’s the last one,//” the modiste takes a few steps back to admire her work. “//Juliette, the mirror?//” The attendant tilts a mirror to face you and looks at you in awe. Madam Judy, beside you, smiles and nods content. In front of you, reflecting in the looking glass, stands a vision in $outfit. You marvelled at the garment on the mannequin, but it hits somewhat different when seeing it on yourself. You turn around, wanting to see yourself in that $suitb in all of its glory. Even with the little pins scratching your skin as you move, you can’t deny a simple truth. You never imagined yourself so… <div class="heir">…beautiful.</div> “//What are we thinking, my ?liege?//” The modiste smirks, knowing her work has left you speechless. If the $suitb made such an impression on yourself even though it is unfinished, you can only imagine what kind of reaction you would get at the ball. Turning heads left and right as you cross the ballroom. Hearing whispers as you pass by jealous guests. Drooling as soon as they catch a glance of you. <div class="heir">A vision in $outfit. They will not see it coming.</div> * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Your little scenario is disturbed by the clapping of hands from the excited employee and the modiste scolding her loudness while you are solemnly still looking at your reflection. “//You’ve been pretty quiet, my ?liege,//” she finally laments. “//Is my work not up to your standard?//” <div class="heir">Does she think she is fooling anybody here?</div> “//Your work is fine, Madam Judy,//” you reassure her. “//More than fine. This is… exquisite.//” “//Thank Goddess,//” she sighs in relief. “//Your silence was getting alarming.//” “//I can’t wait to see it complete,//” you say, ignoring her words. “//I promise you, your garment is our utmost priority. I will have our courier deliver it as soon as the last stitch is knotted.//” You motion at the attendant to come closer and deliver you from the tortuous construction. As much as you like how you look in it, you’ve ignored your sore skin for too long. Under the scornful eye of her employer, she undresses you with more care than when she dressed you. While she minds the tension of the fabric as she takes it off of you, she tries her best to create enough buffer between the devilish pins and your skin. Thankful of her thoughtfulness, you make sure to smile every time she glances at you. Now down to your chemise, free from the pain, you slouch on the couch and massage the sore spots where the pins grazed you moments ago. The modiste takes back her chair and serves you some more tea. “//I am so very glad we have settled this, my ?liege,//” she continues. “//I was getting worried we would have to finish the garment on you just before you walk down those stairs again. I am not sure my helpers would have been able to manage it this time, not with the many orders we received.//” You roll your eyes as you sip your tea. //Does she complain this much to her other clients?// You pay her no mind, watching instead her employee bring the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> back where they came from. Seeing them go, <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba")>>you feel disappointed, having been forced to make a choice. Any of the three garments will surely impress the guests, but being able to change during the ball would have truly been something.<<else>>you are content with your choice, sure of yourself that garment will dazzle everyone. Still, your heart tightens, having been forced to make such a hard decision.<</if>> Still rambling, though you are not sure about what, Madam Judy gets up and spruces your dress/suit, readying it to cover you up. You delay that moment a bit longer, enjoying the little number of layers on your skin as the heat rages on. * <<link [[Continue|A1S4-04b2]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if not hasVisited("A1S4-04bM")>>“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//”<<else>>“//So, my ?liege. Have you made a decision?//”<</if>> “//Ah! Madam Judy, how you twist my arm!//” “//We have delayed this instance for as long as we could, my ?liege. I would have preferred your choice to have been made the last time we met, but you assured me it would be fine to delay it a bit longer.//” “//So, I did. I cannot blame you for this situation we are in. I have no one but myself to blame for this one…//” “//You mustn’t blame yourself, my ?liege! After all, I have brought you three special designs, very distinct from one another. If neither three were as good as the other, your choice would have been made long ago.//” “//And I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t the case, Madam Judy.//” “//How you flatter my old bones, my ?liege,//” she chuckles. “//I am sure whichever garment you do end up choosing will fit you to a T!//” “//Fine, fine! Since a choice must be made…//” You look one last time at each outfit before you. “//…let it be <<if $suitb is "gold">>that golden one, on the left. I want to shine like the sun and outshine everyone else! <<elseif $suitb is "silver">>the silver one, over there. I must sparkle in everyone’s eyes like the moon and the stars in the dark sky.<<else>>the only colour fit for a Vasmosia. I must make my house proud. It is a Vasmosia ball after all…<</if>>//” “//What a wonderful choice!//” The modiste claps. The door opens and the excited employee you met downstairs enters. She props up a floor screen. “//Let’s see how it fits, shall we? Juliette?//” Madam Judy motions to the employee the <<if $suitb is "gold">>left-most<<elseif $suitb is "crimson">>middle<<else>>right-most<</if>> outfit. She guides you to the space behind the floor screen. While Juliette carefully takes down the layers on the mannequins, and so does the modiste on your body. When both you and the mannequin are in your birthday suits, the employee transfers the costume onto your ADJ frame. Because of the unfinished construction of the garment, she takes a significant amount of time to do so, much longer than Anne took a few hours prior. “//?Their ?Liegeship does not have all day, Juliette!//” the modiste scolds her halfway through. “//Yes, ma’am.//” The employee fastens her movement and becomes careless with the fabric. Once or twice, you hear her yap or gasp when a seam unfolds or when the fabric stretches a bit too much. You cast a dark glance at Madam Judy, who keeps finding things about the employee’s actions to critique rather than admit her mistake. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>What follows this uncomfortable second dressing —Oh, how you miss Anne’s gentle hands now!—, is an impromptu acupuncture session with the modiste’s pins and her forceful hands. While you are able to give out your opinion, from bringing the hems up to changing how some folds fall, those devilish little metal straws jab through the many layers of fabric. You grimace and wince when they poke your skin. Though she mouths an apology every time, you wish her mute employee, with her careful hands, had been the one handling you instead of her. <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a")>>//Where is she anyway? I was sure she was right there!//<</if>> “//And, that’s the last one,//” the modiste takes a few steps back to admire her work. “//Juliette, the mirror?//” The attendant tilts a mirror to face you and looks at you in awe. Madam Judy, beside you, smiles and nods content. In front of you, reflecting in the looking glass, stands a vision in $outfit. You marvelled at the garment on the mannequin, but it hits somewhat different when seeing it on yourself. You turn around, wanting to see yourself in that dress/suit in all of its glory. Even with the little pins scratching your skin as you move, you can’t deny a simple truth. You never imagined yourself so… <div class="heir">…beautiful.</div> “//What are we thinking, my ?liege?//” The modiste smirks, knowing her work has left you speechless. If the $suitb made such an impression on yourself even though it is unfinished, you can only imagine what kind of reaction you would get at the ball. Turning heads left and right as you cross the ballroom. Hearing whispers as you pass by jealous guests. Drooling as soon as they catch a glance of you. <div class="heir">A vision in $outfit. They will not see it coming.</div> * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Your little scenario is disturbed by the clapping of hands from the excited employee and the modiste scolding her loudness while you are solemnly still looking at your reflection. “//You’ve been pretty quiet, my ?liege,//” she finally laments. “//Is my work not up to your standard?//” <div class="heir">Does she think she is fooling anybody here?</div> “//Your work is fine, Madam Judy,//” you reassure her. “//More than fine. This is… exquisite.//” “//Thank Goddess,//” she sighs in relief. “//Your silence was getting alarming.//” “//I can’t wait to see it complete,//” you say, ignoring her words. “//I promise you, your garment is our utmost priority. I will have our courier deliver it as soon as the last stitch is knotted.//” You motion at the attendant to come closer and deliver you from the tortuous construction. As much as you like how you look in it, you’ve ignored your sore skin for too long. Under the scornful eye of her employer, she undresses you with more care than when she dressed you. While she minds the tension of the fabric as she takes it off of you, she tries her best to create enough buffer between the devilish pins and your skin. Thankful of her thoughtfulness, you make sure to smile every time she glances at you. Now down to your chemise, free from the pain, you slouch on the couch and massage the sore spots where the pins grazed you moments ago. The modiste takes back her chair and serves you some more tea. The excited employee you met downstairs enters with a tray of sandwiches and offers you a few. You didn’t realize how hungry you were before this small plate of food was presented to you. “//I am so very glad we have settled this, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy continues, grabbing a sandwich as well. “//I was getting worried we would have to finish the garment on you just before you walk down those stairs again. I am not sure my helpers would have been able to manage it this time, not with the intricate construction of the garment.//” You roll your eyes as you sip your tea. //Does she complain this much to her other clients?// You pay her no mind, watching instead her employee bring the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> back where they came from. Seeing them go, <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04aM")>>you feel disappointed, having been forced to make a choice. Any of the three garments will surely impress the guests, but being able to change during the ball would have truly been something.<<else>>you are content with your choice, sure of yourself that garment will dazzle everyone. Still, your heart tightens, having been forced to make such a hard decision.<</if>> Still rambling, though you are not sure about what, Madam Judy gets up and spruces your dress/suit, readying it to cover you up. You delay that moment a bit longer, enjoying the little number of layers on your skin as the heat rages on. * <<link [[Continue |A1S4-042M]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

“//I suppose,//” the modiste voices, her hands still busying themselves with your clothes. “//I suppose we must handle that other business of ours.//” “//It seems we must,//” you sigh. She shuffles through the layers of her skirt on her side and retrieves a thick envelope, which she hands you. “//I hope this will satisfy you, my ?liege.//” You reluctantly grab it, confused by the type of business you seem to have with this woman. Curious, you take a peek at its content and find it full of banknotes. <div class="heir">That little… swindler.</div> “//I can assure you,//” Madam Judy continues, unprompted, “//that it has been counted and recounted multiple times. You know you can trust me. We’ve done this dance enough to understand each other by now.//” You stare at the matron for a moment, before opening the envelope, taking out the banknotes and counting them. While you are unsure what this whole transaction could be about, your gut screams not to trust the woman. “//Ah! Some things never change,//” she smiles sadly. “//I don’t know why I should not expect you to check, regardless.//” She sighs and shakes her head. “//No one trusts anyone these days.//” As your finger flips the last note, your calculation amounts to 680ƒ¢. //Is this supposed to be a lot? This is… weird.// You glance, still confused, at the modiste, now fidgeting as she waits for you to be done. //Am I swindling this woman?// She seems impatient to move on, wishing for this business to be concluded already. //Or is she trying to deceive me?// With her obvious nervous act, the confusing reason for this transaction, and the weirdly rounded sum of the banknotes, your gut will not settle down. //Why am I embroiled in so many odd affairs?// “//Is our business concluded?//” Madam Judy asks with a fake smile on her face. “//Shall I dress you again?//” * [[Conclude whatever business you seem to have with the modiste by pocketing the envelope. You’d rather not drag on this uncomfortable situation longer than you have to. |A1S4-04b3]] * [[Madam Judy seems to be hiding something. Press her to get the truth out of her. |A1S4-04b2b]] * [[Tell Madam Judy that the envelope feels a bit too light to your liking. Maybe you’ll get more out of it than the measly 680ƒ¢ she handed you. |A1S4-04b2a]]

“//What now, Madam Judy?//” you ask her, wanting her to stop wrinkling your clothes with her fidgeting. “//What are you hiding from me?//” “//N-nothing, my ?liege,//” she hides her hands behind her back. “//Are you taking me for a fool? There—//” You are interrupted by the excited employee barging into the room and walking briskly towards the matron, who sighs in relief. She hands her something, though you can’t see what, before leaving the room as quickly as she arrived. //What on earth was that for?// “//I suppose,//” the modiste announces, more confident in her stance, “//it is time to handle that other business of ours.//” You look at her confused. She sighs. “//I know what time of the month it is, my ?liege. I have prepared for it, as I always have. I understand you’d rather avoid discussing this subject —you fancy folks always do—,//” she laments. * [[“I am sorry, Madam Judy. I am not sure I quite follow you.” |A1S4-042aM]] * [[“We might as well rip the bandage off with the displeasure on our hands, Madam Judy. The earlier, the better.” |A1S4-042bM]]

“//I am sorry, Madam Judy,//” you frown, looking confused. “//I am not sure I quite follow you. I though… Wasn’t I… How is this… In what part of a fitting does whatever you are implying…//” The modiste is taken aback by your reaction. “//Have… erm… have you forgotten the date of today, my ?liege?//” “//Isn’t it the… 28th of…//” “//Frega,//” she finishes your sentence. “//Indeed, it is.//” “//So?//” “//That is… erm… unusual for you, my ?liege, to forget the reason for meeting on the 28th…//” She studies your face. “//Are you quite alright?//” “//Ah… yes… I’ve just had quite the eventful…//” “//Night?//” “//Sure, you could say that.//” You cough, uncomfortable. “//It was not my intention to worry you, Madam Judy. I am still recovering from that… uhm… night.//” Trying to be inconspicuous with your answer, worrying that the modiste would see through your obvious lies, you cough once more and take a sip of tea. She continues to study your face, sensing that something isn’t quite right with you. You shove a biscuit or two in your mouth, praying she would not start drilling you further on your ‘condition’. “//If ?their ?liegeship truly needs to be reminded,//” she finally sighs, giving up, “//we should probably handle this month’s payment.//” //Month’s payment?// You are taken aback by her words. //Am I indebted to her?// <div class="heir">Goddess, help me…</div> * [[Continue |A1S4-042bM]]

<<if hasVisited("A1S4-042aM")>>The modiste takes her place next to you and hands you the mysterious item she had hidden behind her back. A thick envelope makes its way into your hands. <<else>>“//We might as well rip the bandage off with the displeasure on our hands, Madam Judy. The earlier, the better.//” The modiste sighs in relief as she makes her way back and takes her place next to you. You catch a glimpse of the mysterious object she had hidden behind her back. A thick envelope is handed to you.<</if>> “//I hope this will satisfy you, my ?liege.//” With some reluctance and confusion, you grab the envelope. //What kind of business do I have with this woman? This is weird…// Still, curious, you take a peek at its content and find the envelope full of banknotes. <div class="heir">That little… swindler.</div> “//I can assure you,//” Madam Judy continues, unprompted, “//that it has been counted and recounted multiple times. You know you can trust me. We’ve done this dance enough to understand each other by now.//” You stare blankly at the matron, before your fingers mindlessly open the envelope and takes out the banknotes, counting them as you flip through the stack. While you are unsure what this whole transaction could be about, your gut screams not to trust the woman. “//Ah! Some things never change,//” she smiles sadly. “//I don’t know why I should not expect you to check, regardless.//” She sighs and shakes her head. “//No one trusts anyone these days.//” As your finger flips the last note, your calculation amounts to 680ƒ¢. //Is this supposed to be a lot? This is… bizarre.// You glance, still confused, at the modiste, now fidgeting as she waits for you to be done. //Am I swindling this woman?// She seems impatient to move on, wishing for this business to be concluded already. //Or is she trying to deceive me?// With her obvious nervous act, the confusing reason for this transaction, and the weirdly rounded sum of the banknotes, your gut will not settle down. //Why am I embroiled in so many odd affairs?// “//Is our business concluded?//” Madam Judy asks with a fake smile on her face. “//Shall I dress you again?//” * [[Conclude whatever business you seem to have with the modiste by pocketing the envelope. You’d rather not drag on this uncomfortable situation longer than you have to. |A1S4-043M]] * [[Madam Judy seems to be hiding something. Press her to get the truth out of her. |A1S4-042bbM]] * [[Tell Madam Judy that the envelope feels a bit too light to your liking. Maybe you’ll get more out of it than the measly 680 ƒ¢ she handed you. |A1S4-042baM]]

You feel the weight of the banknotes and start counting the bills again. Your silent action makes Madam Judy fidget further. You glance at her a few times while you flip through the notes. She avoids your eyes. You think you even see a droplet or two fall down her forehead. “//Madam Judy,//” you finally say, when all notes have been counted. “//I think there must be some mistake here. This,//” you wave the bundle, “//seems awfully light. Don’t you think?//” “//Li-light, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters. “//Yes, Madam Judy. Light. It is a mistake, is it not?//” You do not wait for her to answer. “//If it was not a mistake, you would have already given me an explanation, wouldn’t you?//” “//I… I am not sure I understand, my ?liege.//” “//Madam Judy, do not play coy with me. Is it really too much to ask for an answer here?//” The woman fidgets with your clothes, looking incredibly uncomfortable with the current situation. Still, she continues to avoid your eyes and bites her lips. Your hunch was right, after all. The envelope was supposed to be much fuller than this. “//Madam Judy,//” your tone gets stronger. “//I’d rather not repeat myself again.//” “//Ah!//” she starts, looking flushed. “//Yes… Hrm… You see… It’s just…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been… complicated.//” “//Complicated?//” You frown. “//Has it now?//” “//Yes, it… has,//” she speaks slowly, as if she were looking for her next word. “//How odd…//” “//My ?liege?//” “//It struck me when I arrived that your shop was so… full of customers. I would imagine such busy crowd would bring enough business by itself. That would even be without accounting for my family’s ball coming soon. Haven’t you received any requests and orders for this? I’ve heard most establishments have had to refuse business. Surely, you must have had some coming your way! Enough to…//” you shake the envelope once more. “//It is… true that your gathering has generated more interest in my lowly boutique. The opening of the theatre’s new season has also brought forward some—//” “//And yet,//” you interrupt her rambling, “//your payment does not reflect that.//” “//It has only increased a little,//” she looks down. “//And we’ve only started receiving some of the due payments. They have yet to cover all the upfront costs of the fabric and material… You know as well as I that your crowd accepts nothing but the best for their frocks!//” “//Tsk, tsk,//” you shake your finger. “//Excuses, excuses…//” “//I was forced to hire a couple of helping hands as well, to start constructing your <<if $suib is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>. It has added on to the bottom line!//” She then whispers: “//So much time wasted…//” “//Have I wasted your time, now, Madam Judy?//” The modiste reddens in shame. “//My ?liege, please forgive me! This is not what I meant,//” she pleads. “//Your words were quite clear to me! And here I thought we had an understanding…//” “//We do, my ?liege. We do! A-and… not that I do not want to repay what I owe…//” She pauses. “//I… I cannot add more until all due payments are collected. The shop would not stay afloat otherwise. And the girls depend on me!//” “//Excuses, again!//” You shake your head. “//I must remind you your shop seemed quite packed when I arrived, Madam Judy.//” “//Most enter without purchasing,//” she laments.“//Please believe me! I am doing all I can here.//” “//Are you trying to dig your grave, Madam Judy?//” “//Heavens!//” She stands still, scared. “//I am v-very grateful f-for your continued patronage in my small establishment. We have been blessed with the lack of ruffians ransacking these walls ever since.//” “//If not for my patronage, or the plethora of orders you have received, what has to be the cause for this mishap?//” “//B-but, my ?liege,//” her lips quiver. “//If I were to g-give you everything in the c-coffers this instant, I would have to c-close up for g-good!//” “//And isn’t that saying a lot about your management, Madam Judy.//” “//My ?liege…//” “//How can I stay confident with you as the head of this establishment, if you show me such meagre returns?//” “//I have been managing this shop for decades! I am more than capable—//” “//Your past record will not shed a pretty light on yourself, Madam Judy. You know that better than I.//” “//My ?liege, I promise next month’s payment will be much larger.//” “//Promises, promises… Maybe my patronage was not put into the right place.//” “//What can I do, my ?liege?//” she asks, her hands praying. “//What can I do to show you my resolve?//” “//Before much-needed changes must be made around here, I will need to see those books of yours.//” “//M-my b-books?//” she chuckles, nervously. “//Yes, books. Your accounting books. Have them sent to the manor. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> must take a look at them.//” “//As you wish, my ?liege,//” she relents, seething through her teeth. You put the banknotes back in the envelope and put the whole package aside. Though the woman tried to deceive you —or whoever you are supposed to be—, you can’t shake the feeling that something happened here. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You glance at Madam Judy, waiting to dress you. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You hope that this was just a matter of investments, but, by the words that came out of your mouth, you are not so sure. * [[Continue|A1S4-04b3]]

You feel the weight of the banknotes and start counting the bills again. Your silent action makes Madam Judy fidget further. You glance at her a few times while you flip through the notes. She avoids your eyes. You think you even see a droplet or two fall down her forehead. “//Madam Judy,//” you finally say, when all notes have been counted. “//I think there must be some mistake here. This,//” you wave the bundle, “//seems awfully light. Don’t you think?//” “//Li-light, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters. “//Yes, Madam Judy. Light. It is a mistake, is it not?//” You do not wait for her to answer. “//If it was not a mistake, you would have already given me an explanation, wouldn’t you?//” “//I… I am not sure I understand, my ?liege.//” “//Madam Judy, do not play coy with me. Is it really too much to ask for an answer here?//” The woman fidgets in her seat, looking more and more uncomfortable as the second passes. Still, she continues to avoid your eyes and bites her lips. Your hunch was right, after all. The envelope was supposed to be much fuller than this. //Why?// “//Madam Judy,//” your tone gets stronger. “//I’d rather not repeat myself again.//” “//Ah!//” she starts, looking flushed. “//Yes… Hrm… You see… It’s just…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been… complicated.//” “//Complicated?//” You frown. “//Has it now?//” “//Yes, it… has,//” she speaks slowly, as if she were looking for her next word. “//How odd…//” “//My ?liege?//” “//It struck me when I arrived that your shop was so… empty of customers. Yet… I would have imagined that you would have received many requests and orders with my family’s ball coming up so soon. Most establishments have had to refuse business. Surely, you must have had some coming your way! Enough to…//” you shake the envelope once more. “//It is true mornings have been quiet around here, my ?liege. But business picks up after luncheon. I have also seen some increase in interest in my lowly boutique. The opening of the theatre’s new season has also been—//” “//And yet,//” you interrupt her rambling, “//your payment does not reflect that.//” “//It has only increased a little,//” she looks down. “//And we’ve only started receiving some of the due payments. They have yet to cover all the upfront costs of the fabric and material… You know as well as I that your crowd accepts nothing but the best for their frocks!//” “//Tsk, tsk,//” you shake your finger. “//Excuses, excuses…//” “//I was forced to hire a couple of helping hands as well, to start constructing your <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>. It has added on to the bottom line!//” She then whispers: “//So much time wasted…//” “//Have I wasted your time, now, Madam Judy?//” The modiste reddens in shame. “//My ?liege, please forgive me! This is not what I meant,//” she pleads. “//Your words were quite clear to me! And here I thought we had an understanding…//” “//We do, my ?liege. We do! A-and… not that I do not want to repay what I owe…//” She pauses. “//I… I cannot add more until all due payments are collected. The shop would not stay afloat otherwise. And the girls depend on me!//” “//Excuses, again!//” You shake your head. “//Please believe me! I am doing all I can here.//” “//Are you trying to dig your grave, Madam Judy?//” “//Heavens!//” She sits further into her seat, scared. “//I am v-very grateful f-for your continued patronage in my small establishment. We have been blessed with the lack of ruffians ransacking these walls ever since.//” “//If not for my patronage, or the plethora of orders you have received, what has to be the cause for this mishap?//” “//B-but, my ?liege,//” her lips quiver. “//If I were to g-give you everything in the c-coffers this instant, I would have to c-close up for g-good!//” “//And isn’t that saying a lot about your management, Madam Judy.//” “//My ?liege…//” “//How can I stay confident with you as the head of this establishment, if you show me such meagre returns?//” “//I have been managing this shop for decades! I am more than capable—//” “//Your past record will not shed a pretty light on yourself, Madam Judy. You know that better than I.//” “//My ?liege, I promise next month’s payment will be much larger.//” “//Promises, promises… Maybe my patronage was not put into the right place.//” “//What can I do, my ?liege?//” she asks, her hands praying. “//What can I do to show you my resolve?//” “//Before much-needed changes must be made around here, I will need to see those books of yours.//” “//M-my b-books?//” she chuckles, nervously. “//Yes, books. Your accounting books. Have them sent to the manor. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> must take a look at them.//” “//As you wish, my ?liege,//” she relents, seething through her teeth. You put the banknotes back in the envelope and put the whole package aside. Though the woman tried to deceive you —or whoever you are supposed to be—, you can’t shake the feeling that something happened here. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You glance at Madam Judy, getting back to your clothes, waiting to dress you. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You hope that this was just a matter of investments, but, by the words that came out of your mouth, you are not so sure. * [[Continue |A1S4-043M]]

“//Something is not quite right here, Madam Judy,//” you flip through the banknotes once more. “//N-not quite r-right?//” she stutters. “//Indeed. I am sure you are not trying to deceive me in any way…//” You raise one of your eyebrows. “//Are you?//” “//N-no. I-I would never.//” Her forehead is now pearly with sweat, which she dabs away. “//Then… Is there something you’d like to tell me?//” “//N-no, my ?liege,//” she shakes her head. “//Must I do everything myself?//” you lament. “//I’m afraid I must ask you to see your books, Madam Judy.//” “//M-my books, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters at the question. “//Yes, your books. I would like to know why this,//” you flap the banknotes, “//does not feel right.//” “//I-I’m… afraid I’ve left them at… home, my ?liege.//” “//At home?//” You see her nod frantically. “//Madam Judy, why do you take me for a fool? I know you live upstairs. It can’t be much trouble for you to get them, can it?//” Having lost all of her confidence, the modiste looks down, defeated. She had stopped fidgeting with your clothes and seems now lost in her thoughts. Your hunch was right, after all. Something is off with her. Whatever deal you have with her, she must have tried to cheat you out of… //what? some triffling amount of money? Do I only care about money?// “//Madam Judy?//” you hear words leave your lips. “//I would rather not repeat myself.//” “//Y-yes… yes… I-it’s just that…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been a bit… difficult.//” “//Has it now?//” you sneer. “//And here I thought the prospect of a ball would have filled your coffers two-folds! You’ve said yourself you had received many orders for it. Yet, you have given me very little in comparison…//” “//I’ve only just started receiving those payments, my ?liege!//” She pleads for your understanding. “//This has yet to cover all the upfront costs. With my girls, and the fabric, and all the embellishment these nobles demand… This was all I could do to keep us afloat!//” “//I… see.//” “//And I’ve had to hire a couple of experienced hands,//” she continues to ramble, “//to keep up with all the work flooding on my desk. Your crowd only wanting the best… well, the best is not cheap to come by!//” “//Which begs the question—//” “//It’s not that I don’t want to repay what I owe,//” she rudely cuts you off. “//It’s just… The business needs a certain amount in its coffers to survive the next few months. Until the payments come in for the newly ordered frocks… I just can’t…//” “//If that is your final decision…//” “//It is, my ?liege.//” “//…then you would not refuse me taking a look into those books of yours, would you?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege,//” she relents, dispirited. “//Good. Have then sent to the house. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> will take a look at them there.//” “//Yes, my ?liege.//” You shove the banknotes back in the envelope, which you put aside. While you received some sort of explanation from the modiste, you are not quite sure that you have uncovered the whole truth from her. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You know for sure you are not just a customer here. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You glance at Madam Judy, looking relieved that this business has reached its conclusion —for this month, at least—. She waits for you to join her so she can dress you. * [[Continue |A1S4-04b3]]

“//Something is not quite right here, Madam Judy,//” you flip through the banknotes once more. “//N-not quite r-right?//” she stutters. “//Indeed. I am sure you are not trying to deceive me in any way,//” you raise one of your eyebrows, “//are you?//” “//N-no. I-I would never.//” Her forehead is now pearly with sweat, which she dabs away. “//Then… Is there something you’d like to tell me?//” “//N-no, my ?liege,//” she shakes her head. “//Must I do everything myself?//” you lament. “//I’m afraid I must ask you to see your books, Madam Judy.//” “//M-my books, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters at the question. “//Yes, your books. I would like to know why this,//” you flap the banknotes, “//does not feel right.//” “//I-I’m… afraid I’ve left them at… home, my ?liege.//” “//At home?//” You see her nod frantically. “//Madam Judy, why do you take me for a fool? I know you live upstairs. It can’t be much trouble for you to get them, can it?//” Having lost all of her confidence, the modiste looks down, defeated. She had stopped fidgeting in her seat and seems now lost in her thoughts. Your hunch was right, after all. Something is off with her. Whatever deal you have with her, she must have tried to cheat you out of… //what? some triffling amount of money? Do I only care about money?// “//Madam Judy?//” you hear words leave your lips. “//I would rather not repeat myself.//” “//Y-yes… yes… I-it’s just that…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been a bit… difficult.//” “//Has it now?//” you sneer. “//Would that explain the empty shop I found downstairs when I arrived?//” She looks down, mumbling something about quiet mornings. “//And here I thought the prospect of a ball would have filled your coffers two-folds! You’ve said yourself you had received many orders for it. Yet, you have given me very little in comparison…//” “//I’ve only just started receiving those payments, my ?liege!//” She pleads for your understanding. “//This has yet to cover all the upfront costs. With my girls, and the fabric, and all the embellishment these nobles demand… This was all I could do to keep us afloat!//” “//I… see.//” “//And I’ve had to hire a couple of experienced hands,//” she continues to ramble, “//to keep up with all the work flooding on my desk. Your crowd only wanting the best… well, the best is not cheap to come by!//” “//Which begs the question—//” “//It’s not that I don’t want to repay what I owe,//” she cuts you off. “//It’s just… The business needs a certain amount in its coffers to survive the next few months. Until the payments come in for the newly ordered frocks… I just can’t…//” “//If that is your final decision…//” “//It is, my ?liege.//” “//…then you would not refuse me taking a look into those books of yours, would you?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege,//” she relents, dispirited. “//Good. Have then sent to the house. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> will take a look at them there.//” “//Yes, my ?liege.//” You shove the banknotes back in the envelope, which you put aside. While you received some sort of explanation from the modiste, you are not quite sure that you have uncovered the whole truth from her. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You know for sure you are not just a customer here. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You glance at Madam Judy, looking relieved that this business has reached its conclusion —for this month, at least—. She walks back towards your closes, waiting for you to join her so she can dress you. * [[Continue |A1S4-043M]]

<<if lastVisited("A1S4-04b2") is 1>>Without saying another word, you put the banknotes back into the envelope, which you put aside. //What kind of business gives money to its customers?// You are confused by the woman’s action. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You swallow with difficulty the tea served. //What deal have I made with this woman?// You glance at the modiste, who, content with the transaction, waits to dress you.<</if>> You cross the room to meet the modiste to stop her from wrinkling your clothes further. While she seems relieved that your business has concluded<<if lastVisited("A1S4-04b2") is 2>>, somewhat<</if>>, you feel uneasy being in her presence. //There is something else she is not telling me…// Your suspicion towards the woman increases as she hurries the process, forcefully shoving some of your limbs through the layers. Still, she manages to make you look presentable enough, considering her fidgeting with your clothes. “//I’ll have your $suitb sent to the manor the day before the ball, at the latest,//” Madam Judy announces, as she continues layering fabric on your shoulders. “//Hmph, I guess that will have to do.//” “//The other two will follow suit soon after, my ?liege.//” “//But only after the ball,//” you sigh, still disappointed. The modiste turns quiet as she finishes her task. She hands you your <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<else>>bonnet<</if>> and waits for you to settle it on your head before she hands over your <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>. She moves to open the door but pauses mid-way. “//I…//” she raises her hand slightly. “//This feels like poor form after our last item of business. I hope you may forgive me.//” “//What now, Madame Judy?//” “//With which package must I include the invoice? I would not want to offend the Marquis again.//” “//Whichever,//” you brush her off. “//Whatever is most convenient.//” “//Most gracious, my ?liege,//” she bows slightly. Before you follow her to the corridor, you pick up the envelope you had set aside on the divan. As Madam Judy is about to show you downstairs, one of her employees shouts her name for help. “//Ah! The clock never stops, does it?//” She chuckles, almost embarrassed. “//Please excuse me, my ?liege, but I must go. Will you need anything else?//” “//Nothing, thank you.//” “//If you do, one of my little helpers will be more than happy to oblige,//” she shouts as she runs down the stairs. <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba")>>* [[Follow her at your own pace. |A1S4-05b]] * [[Try to find Nicolette. |A1S4-05a]]<<else>>* [[Continue |A1S4-05b]]<</if>>

<<if lastVisited("A1S4-042bM") is 1>>Without saying another word, you put the banknotes back into the envelope, which you put aside. //What kind of business gives money to its customers?// You are confused by the woman’s action. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You swallow with difficulty the tea served. //What kind of deals have I made with this woman?// You glance at the modiste, who, content with the transaction, gets back your clothes, waiting to dress you.<</if>> You cross the room to meet the modiste, ready to leave behind this whole mess. While she seems relieved that your business has concluded<<if lastVisited("A1S4-042bM") is 2>>, somewhat<</if>>, you feel uneasy being in her presence. //There is something else she is not telling me…// Your suspicion towards the woman increases as she hurries the process, forcefully shoving some of your limbs through the layers. Still, she manages to make you look presentable enough, considering her fidgeting with your clothes. “//I’ll have your $suit sent to the manor the day before the ball, at the latest,//” Madam Judy announces, as she continues layering fabric on your shoulders. “//Hmph, I guess that will have to do.//” “//The other two will follow suit soon after, my ?liege.//” “//But only after the ball,//” you sigh, still disappointed. The modiste turns quiet as she finishes her task. She hands you your <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<else>>bonnet<</if>> and waits for you to settle it on your head before she hands over your <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>. She moves to open the door but pauses mid-way. “//I…//” she raises her hand slightly. “//This feels like poor form after our last item of business. I hope you may forgive me.//” “//What now, Madame Judy?//” “//With which package must I include the invoice? I would not want to offend the Marquis again.//” “//Whichever,//” you brush her off. “//Whatever is most convenient.//” “//Most gracious, my ?liege,//” she bows. Before you follow her to the corridor, you pick up the envelope you had set aside on the divan. As Madam Judy is about to show you downstairs, one of her employees shouts her name for help. “//Ah! The clock never stops, does it?//” She chuckles, almost embarrassed. “//Please excuse me, my ?liege, but I must go. Will you need anything else?//” “//Nothing, thank you.//” “//If you do, one of my little helpers will be more than happy to oblige,//” she shouts as she runs down the stairs. <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04aM")>>* [[Follow her at your own pace. |A1S4-05bM]] * [[Try to find Nicolette. |A1S4-05a]]<<else>>* [[Continue |A1S4-05bM]]<</if>>

<<if hasVisited("A1S4-04a")>>“//It might indeed be best to handle that business first, Madam Judy.//”<<else>>“//We might as well rip the bandage off with the displeasure on our hands, Madam Judy. The earlier, the better.//”<</if>> “//Business it is, then.//” She shuffles through the layers of her skirt on her side and retrieves a thick envelope, which she hands you. “//I hope this will satisfy you, my ?liege.//” You reluctantly grab it, confused by the type of business you seem to have with this woman. Curious, you take a peek at its content and find it full of banknotes. <div class="heir">That little… swindler.</div> “//I can assure you,//” Madam Judy continues, unprompted, “//that it has been counted and recounted multiple times. You know you can trust me. We’ve done this dance enough to understand each other by now.//” You stare at the matron for a moment, before opening the envelope, taking out the banknotes and counting them. While you are unsure what this whole transaction could be about, your gut screams not to trust the woman. “//Ah! Some things never change,//” she smiles sadly. “//I don’t know why I should not expect you to check, regardless.//” She sighs and shakes her head. “//No one trusts anyone these days.//” As your finger flips the last note, your calculation amounts to 680ƒ¢. //Is this supposed to be a lot? This is… weird.// You glance, still confused, at the modiste, now fidgeting as she waits for you to be done. //Am I swindling this woman?// She seems impatient to move on, wishing for this business to be concluded already. //Or is she trying to deceive me?// With her obvious nervous act, the confusing reason for this transaction, and the weirdly rounded sum of the banknotes, your gut will not settle down. //Why am I embroiled in so many odd affairs?// “Shall we look at some <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>?” Madam Judy proposes. * [[Conclude whatever business you seem to have with the modiste by pocketing the envelope. You’d rather not drag on this uncomfortable situation longer than you have to. |A1S4-04c2]] * [[Madam Judy seems to be hiding something. Press her to get the truth out of her. |A1S4-04cb]] * [[Tell Madam Judy that the envelope feels a bit too light to your liking. Maybe you’ll get more out of it than the measly 680ƒ¢ she handed you. |A1S4-04ca]]

You feel the weight of the banknotes and start counting the bills again. Your silent action makes Madam Judy fidget further. You glance at her a few times while you flip through the notes. She avoids your eyes. You think you even see a droplet or two fall down her forehead. “//Madam Judy,//” you finally say, when all notes have been counted. “//I think there must be some mistake here. This,//” you wave the bundle, “//seems awfully light. Don’t you think?//” “//Li-light, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters. “//Yes, Madam Judy. Light. It is a mistake, is it not?//” You do not wait for her to answer. “//If it was not a mistake, you would have already given me an explanation, wouldn’t you?//” “//I… I am not sure I understand, my ?liege.//” “//Madam Judy, do not play coy with me. Is it really too much to ask for an answer here?//” The woman fidgets in her seat, looking incredibly uncomfortable with the current situation. Still, she continues to avoid your eyes and bites her lips. Your hunch was right, after all. The envelope was supposed to be much fuller than this. “//Madam Judy,//” your tone gets stronger. “//I’d rather not repeat myself again.//” “//Ah!//” she starts, looking flushed. “//Yes… Hrm… You see… It’s just…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been… complicated.//” “//Complicated?//” You frown. “//Has it now?//” “//Yes, it… has,//” she speaks slowly, as if she were looking for her next word. “//How odd…//” “//My ?liege?//” “//It struck me when I arrived that your shop was so… full of customers. I would imagine such a busy crowd would bring enough business by itself. That would even be without accounting for my family’s ball coming up so soon. Haven’t you received any request or order for it? I’ve heard most establishments have had to refuse business. Surely, you must have had some coming your way! Enough to…//” you shake the envelope once more. “//It is… true that your gathering has generated more interest in my lowly boutique. The opening of the theatre’s new season has also brought forward some—//” “//And yet,//” you interrupt her rambling, “//your payment does not reflect that.//” “//It has only increased a little,//” she looks down. “//And we’ve only started receiving some of the due payments. They have yet to cover all the upfront costs of the fabric and material… You know as well as I that your crowd accepts nothing but the best for their frocks!//” “//Tsk, tsk,//” you shake your finger. “//Excuses, excuses…//” “//I was forced to hire a couple of helping hands as well, to start constructing your <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>. It has added on to the bottom line!//” She then whispers: “//So much time wasted…//” “//Have I wasted your time, now, Madam Judy?//” The modiste reddens in shame. “//My ?liege, please forgive me! This is not what I meant,//” she pleads. “//Your words were quite clear to me! And here I thought we had an understanding…//” “//We do, my ?liege. We do! A-and… not that I do not want to repay what I owe…//” She pauses. “//I… I cannot add more until all due payments are collected. The shop would not stay afloat otherwise. And the girls depend on me!//” “//Excuses, again!//” You shake your head. “//Your shop seemed quite packed when I arrived, Madam Judy.//” “//Most enter without purchasing,//” she laments.“//Please believe me! I am doing all I can here.//” “//Are you trying to dig your grave, Madam Judy?//” “//Heavens!//” She sits further into her seat, scared. “//I am v-very grateful f-for your continued patronage in my small establishment. We have been blessed with the lack of ruffians ransacking these walls ever since.//” “//If not for my patronage, or the plethora of orders you have received, what has to be the cause for this mishap?//” “//B-but, my ?liege,//” her lips quiver. “//If I were to g-give you everything in the c-coffers this instant, I would have to c-close up for g-good!//” “//And isn’t that saying a lot about your management, Madam Judy.//” “//My ?liege…//” “//How can I stay confident with you as the head of this establishment, if you show me such meagre returns?//” “//I have been managing this shop for decades! I am more than capable—//” “//Your past record will not shed a pretty light on yourself, Madam Judy. You know that better than I.//” “//My ?liege, I promise next month’s payment will be much larger.//” “//Promises, promises… Maybe my patronage was not put into the right place.//” “//What can I do, my ?liege?//” she asks, her hands praying. “//What can I do to show you my resolve?//” “//Before much-needed changes must be made around here, I will need to see those books of yours.//” “//M-my b-books?//” she chuckles, nervously. “//Yes, books. Your accounting books. Have them sent to the manor. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> must take a look at them.//” “//As you wish, my ?liege,//” she relents, seething through her teeth. You put the banknotes back in the envelope and slip the whole package into your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>. Though the woman tried to deceive you —or whoever you are supposed to be—, you can’t shake the feeling that something happened here. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You glance at Madam Judy, ringing a small silver bell. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You hope that this was just a matter of investments, but, by the words that came out of your mouth, you are not so sure. * [[Continue |A1S4-04c2]]

“//Something is not quite right here, Madam Judy,//” you flip through the banknotes once more. “//N-not quite r-right?//” she stutters. “//Indeed. I am sure you are not trying to deceive me in any way…//” You raise one of your eyebrows. “//Are you?//” “//N-no. I-I would never.//” Her forehead is now pearly with sweat, which she dabs away. “//Then… Is there something you’d like to tell me?//” “//N-no, my ?liege,//” she shakes her head. “//Must I do everything myself?//” you lament. “//I’m afraid I must ask you to see your books, Madam Judy.//” “//M-my books, my ?liege?//” the modiste flusters at the question. “//Yes, your books. I would like to know why this,//” you flap the banknotes, “//does not feel right.//” “//I-I’m… afraid I’ve left them at… home, my ?liege.//” “//At home?//” You see her nod frantically. “//Madam Judy, why do you take me for a fool? I know you live upstairs. It can’t be much trouble for you to get them, can it?//” Having lost all of her confidence, the modiste looks down, defeated. She had stopped fidgeting on her seat and seems now lost in her thoughts. Your hunch was right, after all. Something is off with her. Whatever deal you have with her, she must have tried to cheat you out of… //what? some triffling amount of money? Do I only care about money?// “//Madam Judy?//” you hear words leave your lips. “//I would rather not repeat myself.//” “//Y-yes… yes…//” She takes her teacup to her lips. “//I-it’s just that…//” She swallows with difficulty. “//This month has been a bit… difficult.//” “//Has it now?//” you sneer. “//And here I thought the prospect of a ball would have filled your coffers two-folds! You have given me very little in comparison…//” “//I’ve only just started receiving those payments, my ?liege!//” She pleads for your understanding. “//This has yet to cover all the upfront costs. With my girls, and the fabric, and all the embellishment these nobles demand… This was all I could do to keep us afloat!//” “//I… see.//” “//And I’ve had to hire a couple of experienced hands,” she continues to ramble, “to keep up with all the work flooding on my desk. Your crowd only wanting the best… well, the best is not cheap to come by!//” “//Which begs the question—//” “//It’s not that I don’t want to repay what I owe,//” she cuts you off. “//It’s just… The business needs a certain amount in its coffers to survive the next few months. Until the payments come in for the newly ordered frocks… I just can’t…//” “//If that is your final decision…//” “//It is, my ?liege.//” “//…then you would not refuse me taking a look into those books of yours, would you?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege,//” she relents, dispirited. “//Good. Have then sent to the house. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>My adviser, Raymond,<<else>>I<</if>> will take a look at them there.//” “//Yes, my ?liege.//” You shove the banknotes back in the envelope, which you slip into your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>. While you received some sort of explanation from the modiste, you are not quite sure that you have uncovered the whole truth from her. //What kind of deals do I have with this woman?// You know for sure you are not just a customer here. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You glance at Madam Judy, looking relieved that this business has reached its conclusion —for this month, at least—. She grabs a small silver bell and rings it. * [[Continue |A1S4-04c2]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if lastVisited("A1S4-04c") is 1>>Without saying another word, you put the banknotes back into the envelope, which you slip in your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>. //What kind of business gives its customers money?// You are confused by the woman’s action. //Am I doing something… illegal?// You swallow with difficulty the tea served. What kind of deals have I made with this woman? You glance at the modiste, who seemingly content with the transaction rings a bell.<</if>> Soon, the crystal sound of the bell rings through the room. A hidden panel opens on the wall and an employee appears, holding large boxes in her arms. She seems different from the other ones you’ve met earlier. With her simple brown dress and small bonnet barely covering her head, she does not look like she would be part of the establishment. //Madam Judy upholds a certain standard with her staff, doesn’t she?// The employee moves towards the mannequins, carefully puts down the boxes, opens them, gently takes out the outfits, and slowly dresses the dummies. “//Have you met my Nicolette before, my ?liege?//” Madam Judy smiles. “//She is my most trustful employee in this building. Unlike the hussies downstairs, she will actually do what I tell her to! And, the most wonderful part, she will never peep a word about anything. Not what she has to do, not what she sees, nor what she hears! Because…//” She pauses for effect. “//…she is a mute! Whatever goes on in this room will never leave this room, not when she is around!//” Fixated on the meticulous work of the young woman, Madam Judy’s derogatory words pass over your head. You feel hypnotised by the delicate movements of Nicolette’s hands. She seems to be handling the fine fabric and intricate layers with such care, as one would handle a newborn. Under her hands, the outfits take shape on the mannequins. While you notice form rough spots here and there, some missing stitches or visible pins, a feeling of awe overcomes you. “//Aren’t they sublime?//” Madam Judy exclaims. “//I think these must truly be my most magnificent pieces as of yet! I have certainly outdone myself, haven’t I?//” Nicolette flinches at the modiste’s words. As the latter does not respond, she shakes her head and goes back to her work. “//Oh, do not mind her attitude, my ?liege,//” the modiste says, having noticed you staring. “//She never gets along with anyone. It is a good thing she is a hard enough of a worker and does not complain. Otherwise, I would have sacked her ages ago,//” she says loudly. “//Now… you have not said a word about these <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> yet. What do you think? Aren’t they divine?//” * <<link "Examine the costumes." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Nicolette steps aside, revealing the mannequins dressed to the nines. Three very distinct designs stand before you. Shining like the sun in the room, the left-most outfit radiates in its gilded glory. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Starting with a straw button shirt, with the thinnest of golden ribbons woven every couple of threads, your eyes are caught by the double-breasted bronze vest embroidered with a damask pattern of a darker shade, adorned with bright yellow sapphires for buttons. A pair of dark bronze trousers hang below the vest. While looking much plainer at first, the pants seem to reflect as much shine as the other pieces, though you could not say how the fabric would sparkle so —//are they beaded?//—. Atop of it all, Nicolette had laid an opulent aureate coat with puffy sleeves and a long train —so long, it had to be kept rolled up on the floor—. Around the neckline and the edges of the coat, some intricate trimming designs have been pinned, awaiting probably your choice. Finally, a ruched tie has been set around the mannequin’s neck with a large white pearl. <<else>>The most striking element of this outfit is its largeness compared with the other two. Almost as wide as it is tall, with its extravagant amount of petticoats under the skirt, the dress would need to be appreciated in all of its glory a few paces away from the wearer. You’d rather not think of the weight of the dress on your body. Instead, you focus your eyes on the sturdy bronze bodice, embroidered with a darker thread, forming an arabesque pattern, and beaded with yellow stones and jewels. Sitting below, a similarly intricately constructed skirt, with strings of pearl hanging from the waist, seems to be floating on top of the petticoats. The thinnest of golden ribbons are woven through the fabric, making it dazzle with every movement. On each side of the bodice, aureate puffy sleeves have been attached.<</if>> “//A vision of the sun, isn’t it?//” the modiste comments. “//You would shine the brightest with this garment.//” Ignoring the woman, you move your attention to another costume. On the opposite side, the right-most mannequin glimmers like the moon in its darker corner. A flared, fan-shaped collar, made with starched white lace —//are those constellations?//—, would attract the eyes of onlookers towards your face —and your chests, seeing the low neckline below—. <<if $suitb is "suit">>Attached to a much shorter dark argent coat with open shoulders, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn onto the lapel. The back of the coat ends in two separate tails. Large pearls have taken their place as buttons on both the coat and the waistcoat. The short grey waistcoat, which could have been replaced with a cummerbund with its size, has an intricate swirl pattern embroidered with a silver thread. Under the waistcoat, white fabric is pinned, which you believe to be a shirt. Though, with such negligible amount of fabric, you’d be revealing quite a bit of skin. Feeling your cheeks warming, you lower your eyes to the dark grey pants. With the billowing sleeves, embroidered with little silver stars, on the coat and the swirl pattern stitched in a band on the outside of each pants leg, the outfit has some sort of ethereal aura.<<else>>Attached to a dark argent bodice, the end of the collar turns into trimmings sewn around the very, very, low neckline, covering very little of your chest. Feeling your cheeks warming, you concentrate your eyes on the bodice below. Its fabric has been embroidered in an intricate swirl pattern with a silver thread. In the middle, a triangle pointing down is left bare of those embroideries, but is instead bejewelled with minuscule pearls, recollecting the constellation pattern on the lacy collar. The skirt of the dress has two slits in the front, starting from the top of the hips, revealing a panel of fabric similar to the bodice. Small silver stars are scattered around the outer layer of the skirt. Billowing sleeves, covering everything but the shoulders, embroidered with silver little stars, enhance the ethereal aura of the dress.<</if>> “//I knew you would be drawn to a more… mysterious look,//” the modiste exclaims. “//Always in the shadow, luring others towards you, aren’t you, my ?liege?//” You do not bother responding to the woman. Instead, you move to the final outfit standing before you. In the middle, a much darker and intriguing look speaks to you. While no less extravagant than the other two, this <<if $suitb is "dress">>dress<<else>>suit<</if>> has a tamer, maybe more elegant, feel to it. <<if $suitb is "suit">>You’ve never seen a suit so out there before. Cut from dark crimson velvet, the three-piece suit looks more and more intricate as your eyes linger. The coat is covered with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—, making for an interesting construction. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested. Under the coat, the double-breasted vest sees similar rubies as its buttons. The last layer, a very dark crimson button shirt, is sprinkled with embroidered button roses, a design mirrored on the pants hanging below.<<else>>What looks at first like a simple crimson full gown reveals itself as more intricate and detailed the longer your eyes linger on it. From the small bodice cinching the waist of the mannequin to the weightless flowing skirt, the whole dress is draped with roses of many sizes and many crimson shades —//they can’t be real, can they?//—. The bodice is made of dark crimson velvet, with a string of roses only stitched around the neckline. The string of roses continues on each side and wraps itself around the arms of the mannequins, ending at the wrist, where they turn into velvet gloves. From the waist down to the floor, the whole skirt is embellished with those flowers. In the centre of each rose, a small ruby has been nested.<</if>> “//When you asked me to create a garment out of your crest, I must say it came to me right away,//” the modiste continues her rambling. “//In a dream, I saw you marching in this field of roses and I knew! I knew you had to be covered in them!//” By the mannequins, Nicolette mimics the mannerism of her employer. You bite your lip to hold in a chuckle. “//Well, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy clears her throat. “//You still haven’t said a word. If something is wrong with my work…//” She lets her words linger, as if you had insulted her by your silence, before leaning towards you. “//What do you think of my creations?//” “//They are…//” you glance at the mannequins, amazed. “//…magnificent.//” “//Thank Goddess!//” The modiste sighs, relieved. “//I could see they left you speechless, but it would have pained me if you thought of them as lesser than that!//” “//You were not kidding when you said you outdid yourself.//” “//I would never lie to you, my ?liege!//” Nicolette coughs in the corner. “//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” * <<link [[You want to shine like the sun.|A1S4-04c2b]]>><<unset $tex>><<set $outfit to "gold">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to sparkle like the moon and the stars.|A1S4-04c2b]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "silver">><</link>> * <<link [[You want to make homage to your ancestry.|A1S4-04c2b]]>><<unset $text>><<set $outfit to "crimson">><</link>> * <<link [[You don’t see why you have to choose. Press Madam Judy to have them all.|A1S4-04c2a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//” “//I…//” Your eyes are still transfixed by the designs before you. “//I am frankly not sure, Madam Judy. They are all so… perfect! How could one even choose?//” You gaze at them, languishing to have each one set on your body. “//Do I really have to choose, Madam Judy? I must have them all!//” “//Ah, my ?liege!//” The woman brings her hand to her chest, looking apologetic. “//I am so very sorry. As your party is only a week away, many of your guests have ordered from my modest shop—//” Nicolette coughs some more. “//There is only so little time left,//” the modiste continued, unbothered. “//And with all of these requests to fulfil as well… I am afraid I would only be able to finish just one costume before the ball.//” “//Are you quite certain, Madam Judy? I thought we had a… special relationship. An understanding between the both of us. Haven’t we been working on these designs for some time already?//” “//We do. We… have. But I cannot have all three ready for the ball, my ?liege.//” “//Don’t you think I should take priority over your other order, as mine had been in the works the longest?//” “//My ?liege, how you twist me arm! But, I truly must decline, for those other orders will be filling that envelope next month.//” “//What if I made a proposition worth your time?//” You lean forward as you pat your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, in which you put the banknotes. The modiste bites her lip, hesitating on whether to agree. Any offer coming from you seems to be quite appealing to these folks. She raises her hands in protest and shakes her head. “//I… I must refuse, however kind you are, my ?liege. That is my final word on it.//” “//Such a shame,//” you sigh. “//And to imagine how the talk of the party, with my outfit change, could bring curious eyes to the boutique…//” “//What about my reputation, when my other customers do not receive their orders before the ball? No, no. We had agreed on you making a choice already. I promise you will look incredible in whichever you will decide to pick. No other guest will shine brighter than you!//” “//Fine!//” You slump back on the couch, pouting. “//Fine, I get it. So much for trying.//” You lean back forward. “//Though…//” “//Yes?//” “//What would happen to the unfinished ones? I have heard of your employees gushing about those three designs, having taken a peek or two of them. What would stop them from mentioning them to your other customers? Maybe talking them up and selling those costumes to them instead?//” “//My ?liege!//” A look of horror crosses her face. “//Must you think so lowly of my house?//” Her eyes flutter, as if avoiding to shed a tear. “//These designs are yours, and yours only! Whichever ones must remain here during the party will still be finished and sent to you shortly after. My employees would never break such a secret agreement. Especially any involving yourself!//” You wave her worries away by turning your attention back to the mannequins. You get up to get a closer look at each piece. Though neither of the three is finished, you are already imagining yourself wearing each and every one of them, waltzing down the ballroom, dazzling everyone around you. In the corner of your eye, you notice Nicolette trying to get your attention. She raises her finger to her lips and nods toward the door. //What does she want? Talk to me?// “//Nicolette!//” the modiste scolds her. “//Why are you bothering ?their ?liegeship? There is no need for you to still be in this room. Go back to the atelier at once! There is plenty enough you can do there, rather than lazying around here.//” Nicolette’s small frame stands tall, looking as if she was about to argue back at Madam Judy. But the latter raises her voice to order her once more to leave. Before she moves towards the secret opening, the quiet employee looks into your eyes intensely, her gaze asking you to remember her request. You smile back, still a bit confused. She disappears as quickly as she had appeared. “//So, my ?liege,//” Madam Judy brushes off the pleads of her skirt, having calmed down. “//Have you made a decision?//” If you cannot have them all, * [[you shall shine as bright as the sun. |A1S4-04c2b][$outfit to "gold"]] * [[you shall sparkle like the stars in the night skies. |A1S4-04c2b][$outfit to "silver"]] * [[you will make your house proud.|A1S4-04c2b][$outfit to "crimson"]] <<notifAISAnicole>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if lastVisited("A1S4-04c2") is 1>>“//Now, will you finally be able to make a choice this time?//”<<else>>“//So, my ?liege. Have you made a decision?//”<</if>> “//Ah! Madam Judy, you are the one twisting my arm <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a")>>now<</if>>!//” “//We have delayed this instance for as long as we could, my ?liege. I would have preferred your choice to have been made the last time we met, but you assured me it would be fine to delay it a bit longer.//” “//So, I did. I cannot blame you for this situation we are in. I have no one but myself to blame for this one…//” “//You mustn’t blame yourself, my ?liege! After all, I have brought you three special designs, very distinct from one another. If neither three were as good as the other, your choice would have been made long ago.//” “//And I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t the case, Madam Judy.//” “//How you flatter my old bones, my ?liege,//” she chuckles. “//I am sure whichever garment you do end up choosing will fit you to a T!//” “//Fine, fine! Since a choice must be made…//” You look one last time at each outfit before you. “//…let it be <<if $outfit is "gold">>that golden one, on the left. I want to shine like the sun and outshine everyone else! <<elseif $outfit is "silver">>the silver one, over there. I must sparkle in everyone’s eyes like the moon and the stars in the dark sky.<<else>>the only colour fit for a Vasmosia. I must make my house proud, it is a Vasmosia ball after all…<</if>>//” “//What a wonderful choice!//” The modiste claps. The door opens and the excited employee you met downstairs enters. She props up a floor screen. “//Let’s see how it fits, shall we? Juliette?//” Madam Judy motions to the employee the <<if $outfit is "gold">>left-most<<elseif $outfit is "crimson">>middle<<else>>right-most<</if>> outfit. She guides you to the space behind the floor screen. While Juliette carefully takes down the layers on the mannequins, and so does the modiste on your body. When both you and the mannequin are in your birthday suits, the employee transfers the costume onto your ADJ frame. Because of the unfinished construction of the garment, she takes a significant amount of time to do so, much longer than Anne took this morning. “//?Their ?Liegeship does not have all day, Juliette!//” the modiste scolds her. “//Yes, ma’am.//” The employee fastens her movement and becomes careless with the fabric. Once or twice, you hear her yap or gasp when a seam unfolds or when the fabric stretches a bit too much. You cast a dark glance at Madam Judy, who keeps finding things about the employee’s actions to critique rather than admit her mistake. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>What follows this uncomfortable second dressing —Oh, how you miss Anne’s gentle hands now!—, is an impromptu acupuncture session with the modiste’s pins and her forceful hands. While you are able to give out your opinion, from bringing the hems up to changing how some folds fall, those devilish little metal straws jab through the many layers of fabric. You grimace and wince when they poke your skin. Though she mouths an apology every time, you wish her mute employee, with her careful hands, had been the one handling you instead of her. <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a")>>//Where is she anyway? I was sure she was right there!//<</if>> “//And, that’s the last one,//” the modiste takes a few steps back to admire her work. “//Juliette, the mirror?//” The attendant tilts a mirror to face you and looks at you in awe. Madam Judy besides you smiles and nods content. In front of you, reflecting in the looking glass, stands a vision in $outfit. You marvelled at the garment on the mannequin, but it hits somewhat different when seeing it on yourself. You turn around, wanting to see yourself in that $suitb in all of its glory. Even with the little pins scratching your skin as you move, you can’t deny a simple truth. You never imagined yourself so… <div class="heir">…beautiful.</div> “//What are we thinking, my ?liege?//” The modiste smirks, knowing her work has left you speechless. If the $suitb made such an impression on yourself even though it is unfinished, you can only imagine what kind of reaction you would get at the ball. Turning heads left and right as you cross the ballroom. Hearing whispers as you pass by jealous guests. Drooling as soon as they catch a glance of you. <div class="heir">A vision in $outfit. They will not see it coming.</div> * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Your little scenario is disturbed by the clapping of hands from the excited employee and the modiste scolding her loudness while you are solemnly still looking at your reflection. “//You’ve been pretty quiet, my ?liege,//” she finally laments. “//Is my work not up to your standard?//” <div class="heir">Does she think she is fooling anybody here?</div> “//Your work is fine, Madam Judy,//” you reassure her. “//More than fine. This is… exquisite.//” “//Thank Goddess,//” she sighs in relief. “//Your silence was getting alarming.//” “//I can’t wait to see it complete,//” you say, ignoring her words. “//I promise you, your garment is our utmost priority. I will have our courier deliver it as soon as the last stitch is knotted.//” You motion at the attendant to come closer and deliver you from the tortuous construction. As much as you like how you look in it, you’ve ignored your sore skin for too long. Under the scornful eye of her employer, she undresses you with more care than when she dressed you. While she minds the tension of the fabric as she takes it off of you, she tries her best to create enough buffer between the devilish pins and your skin. Thankful of her thoughtfulness, you make sure to smile every time she glances at you. Now down to your chemise, free from the pain, you slouch on the couch and massage the sore spots where the pins grazed you moments ago. The modiste takes back her chair and serves you some more tea. “//I am so very glad we have settled this, my ?liege,//” she continues. “//I was getting worried we would have to finish the garment on you just before you walk down those stairs again. I am not sure my helpers would have been able to manage it this time, not with the many orders we received.//” You roll your eyes as you sip your tea. //Does she complain this much to her other clients?// You pay her no mind, watching instead her employee bring the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>> back where they came from. Seeing them go, <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a")>>you feel disappointed, having been forced to make a choice. Any of the three garments will surely impress the guests, but being able to change during the ball would have truly been something.<<else>>you are content with your choice, sure of yourself that garment will dazzle everyone. Still, your heart tightens, having been forced to make such a hard decision.<</if>> Still rambling, though you are not sure about what, Madam Judy gets up and spruces your $suit, readying it to cover you up. You delay that moment a bit longer, enjoying the little number of layers on your skin as the heat rages on. * <<link [[Continue|A1S4-04c3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

You cross the room to meet the modiste to stop her from wrinkling your clothes further. While she seems relieved that your business has concluded<<if hasVisited("A1S4-04cb") or hasVisited("A1S4-04ca")>>, somewhat<</if>>, you feel uneasy being in her presence. There is something else she is not telling me… Your suspicion towards the woman increases as she hurries the process, forcefully shoving some of your limbs through the layers. Still, she manages to make you look presentable enough, considering her fidgeting with your clothes. “//I’ll have your $suitb sent to the manor the day before the ball, at the latest,//” Madam Judy announces, as she continues layering fabric on your shoulders. “//Hmph, I guess that will have to do.//” “//The other two will follow suit soon after, my ?liege.//” “//But only after the ball,//” you sigh, still disappointed. The modiste turns quiet as she finishes her task. She hands you your <<if $suit is "suit">>top hat<<else>>bonnet<</if>> and waits for you to settle it on your head before she hands over your <<if $suit is "suit">>cane<<else>>parasol<</if>>. She moves to open the door but pauses mid-way. “//I…//” she raises her hand slightly. “//This feels like bad form after our first item of business, I hope you may forgive me.//” “//What now, Madame Judy?//” “//With which package must I include the invoice? I would not want to offend the Marquis again.//” “//Whichever,//” you brush her off. “//Whatever is most convenient.//” “//Most gracious, my ?liege,//” she bows. You follow her to the corridor. As Madam Judy is about to show you downstairs, one of her employees shouts her name for help. “//Ah! The clock never stops, does it?//” She chuckles, almost embarrassed. “//Please excuse me, my ?liege, but I must go. Will you need anything else?//” “//Nothing, thank you.//” “//If you do, one of my little helpers will be more than happy to oblige,//” she shouts as she runs down the stairs. <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a")>>* [[Follow her at your own pace. |A1S4-05b]] * [[Try to find Nicolette. |A1S4-05a]]<<else>>* [[Continue |A1S4-05b]]<</if>>

You glance down the stairs to make sure Madam Judy is truly gone before you embark on your search for the mute girl. You’d rather not be caught snooping around. Your search ends as soon as it starts, as a door opens and Nicolette emerges. She seems relieved to see you still in the corridor. Like you, she looks towards the lower floor. Reassured that the coast is clear, she motions you to follow her back to the changing room. * [[Well, you think she wants you to. You are not quite sure, as you didn’t understand all her hand gestures. |A1S4-05aa]] * [[You are certain that is what she was asking of you. Sign language is no stranger to you. Even in this world, it would seem. |A1S4-05ab]]

Following her back into the room you left moments ago, you see Nicolette taking a small notebook out, though it looks more like a couple of sheets roughly stitched together. She scribbles something down and hands it to you when she is done, showing you her awkward handwriting. Having probably seen your confused face, you are glad she decided to communicate with you this way. //Madam Judy lying, possible.// The words burn into your mind. Your eyes flip between reading the page again and squinting at the young woman, bewildered. “//Wait… you mean I can…//” You shake your head. “//That can’t be… All three costumes can be ready for next week?//” Her head bobbles up and down before pointing at her chest. “//You? You will do it?//” You snort loudly. “//Madam Judy is the one ta—//” She rolls her eyes, frustrated, and points at herself again. “//That— How… Why would she… lie to me <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04b2a") or hasVisited("A1S4-04b2b") or hasVisited("A1S4-04ca") or hasVisited("A1S4-04cb")>>, again<</if>>?//” She takes the notebook. //Someone asked her to.// “//Who? Who would dare cross me?//” Your heart burns with anger. “//Is it Emilia? Oh, she would do something like this, wouldn’t she?//” You grab Nicolette by the arm. “//Do you know? Do you know you would do such a thing?//” She shakes her head, her eyes filling with panic. “//Ah.//” You release her, ashamed. “//I… I’m sorry, dear. It’s just…//” You sigh. “//Never you mind. How do you know that someone asked her to force me to make a choice?//” Nicolette brings her pencil to the paper again. //Heard <<SetGender "Theo">>?them speaking to Madam Judy.// “//So it’s a ?they,//” you murmur. “//Did you see ?them? How—?//” Seeing her head shake, you pause. “//I… see. Since you heard ?them, do you remember ?their voice? How ?they sounded?//” She shrugs before ultimately frowning, recollecting something. //Hard to describe. Sounded older. Fancy talking.// “//Mmh… That won’t help much. You are describing half of the nobles in town.//” You sulk. Nicolette snatches the notebook to add: //Sad/melancholic. Something bad happened.// “//Even if most of those could claim I hurt their feelings, few of them would frequent this shop. Or know about me having ordered my garments here.//” You put your hand on her shoulder. “//Do you remember when this happened?//” She looks down, mortified. //Some time ago.// “//Dearie…//” you press her shoulder. “//When did this happen?//” Her hand shakes as she writes. //After Madam showed you the designs.// “//That… That was weeks ago! That shrew lied to me all this time!?//” You pause. “//That’s not the full story, is it? There is something else you are not telling me, isn’t there?//” The notebook trembles in her hand. //Madam showed ?them the designs too.// “//She did what?!//” Your eyes widen as you read the words. “//Didn’t I tell her to keep this entire enterprise private? And she just showed the designs to anybody? I… I can’t let this slide.//” You take a few steps towards the door when Nicolette runs to stand in your way, stopping you from leaving. She shakes her head frantically, with a look of horror on her face. <div class="heir">Are you really going to make a scene downstairs? Is that the way to go, idiot?</div> “//What then? She can’t get away with thinking she can fool me like this? I can’t leave without knowing who she met, who made her do that, what offer she accepted to cross me so easily!//” She points at herself once more. “//You?//” You scoff. “//You barely gave me anything to work with. What can you do about this?//” She hands you her notebook. //I can finish <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>.// “//All of them? Before the ball? If Madam Judy can barely finish one on time, how can you manage the rest?//” She brings her pinkie forward and winks at you. Your own finger gets closer to hers, as if it were attracted by a magnet. “//If,//” you say, stopping your finger a few inches away from hers, “//you truly can finish the garments, how could you do so without her knowing?//” A honking noise passes her lips as her body shakes with laughter. Her eyes look at you, wondering if your words were serious, before doubling down laughing. “//What?//” you are taken aback. “//Did I say something funny?//” Still giggling, her hand shakes again as she tries to write. When she hands you the notebook, you can read: //Haven’t seen her sew since I started. Never stepped foot in the atelier.// “//Did she now? How… interesting.//” A smirk forms on your face. “//Well, if you promise to have all three garments ready by the party…//” She nods and raises her pinkie. “//…then we have a deal!//” You wrap her finger with yours and shake it. A large smile covers her face, closely followed by yours. You are glad to have this little mousy seamstress in your corner. Still, you can’t escape this daunting feeling. //Is someone trying to ruin my party or make a fool out of me?// Even if you seem to have ruffled some feathers here and there, you can’t imagine someone going as far as thwarting some costume plans like this. //Who can be this petty?// “//What about her mystery guest?//” you end up asking your new friend. “//Could you try to find something?//” Nicolette looks pensive for a moment and shrugs, unsure to be able to. She shakes your finger, as you did just before, as a promise she would try. Realising you have been asking much of her with no form of reward, you take a couple of banknotes from your <<if $suit is "dress">>purse<<else>>pocket<</if>>. She categorically refuses them, going as far as trying to shove them back where they came from. “//While I… appreciate your help, dearie, I dislike having debts hanging over my head. If you do not wish for money, what then?//” She scribbles one last time on her notebook, rips the page and puts it into your hand. Before you are able to read it, she scurries away, disappearing through the same door she used earlier. You look down to the crumbled note to read: //with the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>. “//Why would she hurry away like that?//” you mumble as you leave the room. * [[Continue |A1S4-05a2]]

Following her back into the room you left moments ago, Nicolette turns towards you. Having noticed your understanding of her hand gestures, she continues to sign. “//Madam Judy is lying. It is possible.//” You stop yourself from snorting, as the girl signed Madam Judy as a mix of the words shrewd, shady and her name. Instead, you stand there, bewildered. Nicolette signs again, unsure whether you understood her message correctly the first time. “//Wait… you mean I can…//” You shake your head. “//That can’t be… All three costumes can be ready for next week?//” Her head bobbles up and down before pointing at her chest. “//You? You will do it?//” You snort loudly. “//Madam Judy is the one ta—//” She rolls her eyes, frustrated, and points at herself again. “//That— How… Why would she… lie to me <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04b2a") or hasVisited("A1S4-04b2b") or hasVisited("A1S4-04ca") or hasVisited("A1S4-04cb")>>, again<</if>>?//” “//Someone asked her to.//” “//Who? Who would dare cross me?//” Your heart is burning with anger. “//Is it Emilia? Oh, she would do something like this, wouldn’t she?//” You grab Nicolette by the arm. “//Do you know? Do you know you would do such a thing?//” She shakes her head, her eyes filling with panic. “//Ah.//” You release her, ashamed. “//I… I’m sorry, dear. It’s just…//” You sigh. “//Never you mind. How do you know that someone asked her to force me to make a choice?//” <<SetGender "Theo">> “//Heard ?them speaking to Madam Judy.//” “//So it’s a ?they,//” you murmur. “//Did you see ?them? How—?//” Seeing her shake her head, you pause. “//I… see. Since you heard ?them, do you remember ?their voice? How ?they sounded?//” “//Hard to describe,//” she shrugs. “//Sounded older. And talked fancy.//” “//Mmh… That won’t help much,//” you sulk. “//You are describing half of the nobles in town.//” “//Wait…//” Her hands stand in the air. “//?They seemed sad or melancholic. Like something bad had happened.//” “//Even if most of those could claim I hurt their feelings, few of them would frequent this shop. Or know about me having ordered my garments here.//” You put your hand on her shoulder. “//Do you remember when this happened?//” “//Some…//” she looks down. “//Some time ago.//” “//Dearie…//” you press her shoulder. “//When did this happen?//” “//After Madam Judy showed you the designs,//” her hands shake as she signs. “//That was weeks ago! That shrew lied to me all this time!?//” You pause. “//That’s not the full story, is it?//” “//Madam Judy showed ?them the designs too,//” her hands continue to tremble. “//She did what?!//” Your eyes widen. “//Didn’t I tell her to keep this entire enterprise private? And she just showed the designs to anybody? I… I can’t let this slide.//” You take a few steps towards the door when Nicolette runs to stand in your way, stopping you from leaving. She shakes her head frantically, with a look of horror on her face. <div class="heir">Are you really going to make a scene downstairs? Is that the way to go, idiot?</div> “//What then? She can’t get away with thinking she can fool me like this? I can’t leave without knowing who she met, who made her do that, what offer she accepted to cross me so easily!//” She points at herself once more. “//You?//” You scoff. “//You could barely answer my questions. What can you do about this?//” “//I can finish the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>.//” “//All of them? Before the ball? If Madam Judy can barely finish mine on time, how can you manage the rest?//” She brings her pinkie forward and winks at you. Your own finger gets closer to hers, as if it were attracted by a magnet. “//If,//” you say, your pinkie a few inches away from hers, “//you truly can finish the garments, how could you do so without her knowing?//” A honking noise passes her lips as her body shakes with laughter. Her eyes look at you, wondering if your words were serious, before doubling down laughing. “//What?//” you are taken aback. “//Did I say something funny?//” “//Ha ha ha,//” she tries to sign, her hand shaking from giggling. “//I haven’t seen her sew since I started. She never stepped foot in the atelier.//” “//Did she now? How… interesting.//” A smirk forms on your face. “//Well, if you promise to have all three garments ready by the party…//” She nods and raises her pinkie. “//…then we have a deal!//” You wrap her finger with yours and shake it. A large smile covers her face, closely followed by yours. You are glad to have this little mousy seamstress in your corner. Still, you can’t escape this daunting feeling. //Is someone trying to ruin my party or make a fool out of me?// Even if you seem to have ruffled some feathers here and there, you can’t imagine someone going as far as thwarting some costume plans like this. //Who could be this petty?// “//What about her mystery guest?//” you end up asking your new friend. “//Could you try to find something?//” Nicolette looks pensive for a moment and shrugs, unsure to be able to. She shakes your finger, as you did just before, as a promise she would try. Realising you have been asking much of her with no form of reward, you take a couple of banknotes from your <<if $suit is "dress">>purse<<else>>pocket<</if>>. She categorically refuses them, going as far as trying to shove them back where they came from. “//While I… appreciate your help, dearie, I dislike having debts hanging over my head. If you do not wish for money, what then?//” She takes a notebook out, scribbles something, rips the page and puts it into your hand. Before you are able to read it, she scurries away, disappearing through the same door she used earlier. You look down to the crumbled note to read: //with the <<if $suitb is "dress">>dresses<<else>>suits<</if>>//. “//Why would she hurry away like that?//” you mumble as you leave the room. * [[Continue |A1S4-05a2]]

The sound of steps catches you off guard. //How did she notice that?// You turn towards the source of the noise and see Madam Judy’s head appear between the spindles as she climbs the stairs. “//My ?liege,//” the modiste looks confused finding you here. “//What… what a surprise. I thought you had gone already.//” “//Ah, well… Uhm…//” You scramble to find an excuse. “//I… Erm… had left something back in the room.//” “//Did you find what you were looking for?//” she asks coyly. “//Yes. Yes, I did. Thank you.//” Stepping aside, Madam Judy opens a path for you to move to the lower floor. You take a few steps down before turning back. “//Right, before I forget. That mousy help upstairs…//” “//Nicolette, my ?liege?//” “//Yes, her. Have her deliver my outfit next week.//” “//Her? Why? We have couriers for that!//” “//Just… in case. One always needs a stitch or two to be added last minute.//” “//I’m sure your staff can manage that.//” “//And risk ruining those exquisite fabrics?//” You pretend to be shocked. “//I think not!//” “//My ?liege,//” she frets again, “//the shop will be so busy then. I could not spare a pair of hands.//” “//If I recall correctly, you did not seem to value her skills earlier,//” you shoot back, “//aside from her quietness, that is. I am starting to wonder if business is truly the reason you cannot spare her.//” “//I cannot understand why you would want her in your presence, my ?liege. She does not deserve your kindness.//” “//Must I ask you in plainer words to get anything of value out of your mouth, Madam Judy? It is getting quite tiring to converse so.//” “//I… If you insist,//” she bites her lip. “//I do insist.//” “//Then, I must… oblige,//” she sighs, relenting. Curtsying before you can address anything else, she avoids your eyes. She stands still on top of the stairs, waiting to be dismissed to go on about her business. You are tempted to confront her further about her lies and deception. She has done enough to be untrustworthy in your eyes. Ultimately, you decide against it. You’d rather not antagonise further the woman who would most definitely hold your garment hostage if she had the change. You walk down the last flight of stairs and, without a second thought, leave the store. * <<if hasVisited("A1S4-03")>>[[Continue |A1S4-06]]<<else>>[[Continue |A1S4-06M]]<</if>>

Though she ran ahead of you, you follow the modiste’s steps down the stairs. You were tempted to stay longer upstairs and snoop around. You are certain Madam Judy is hiding something from you, //but what?// Ultimately, you decided against it. Had you been found hands deep in something you should not have been near, it would land you in trouble. //This is enough of a mess as it is…// You’d rather not antagonise the woman who would most definitely hold your garment hostage if she had the change. No, there was nothing else you could have done. Aside from lounging around on those less than comfortable couches, drinking their pitiful excuse of a tea or nibbling on dry biscuits, you would have got nothing of value from that room. Madam Judy had paid her dues —//for what,// you still wonder— and you made your choice of costume for the ball. Strolling down the stairs, the oppressive heat you had been escaping surrounds you once more. It feels as if you were walking straight down to Hell. //Hell is other people.// Too many staring eyes turn to fixate on you again when the employees announce your presence by greeting. You walk briskly towards the door, ignoring their well wishes and curtseys as you pass them. Your only goal is to bolt from this place as fast as you can, before you turn into a pool of sweat. You grab the door handle and flee. * [[Continue |A1S4-06]] <<notifAISAnicoleend>>

Though she ran ahead of you, you follow the modiste’s steps down the stairs. You were tempted to stay longer upstairs and snoop around. You are certain Madam Judy is hiding something from you, //but what?// Ultimately, you decided against it. Had you been found hands deep in something you should not have been near, it would land you in trouble. //This is enough of a mess as it is…// You’d rather not antagonise the woman who would most definitely hold your garment hostage if she had the change. //No,// there was nothing else you could have done. Aside from lounging around on those less than comfortable couches, drinking their pitiful excuse of a tea or nibbling on bland sandwiches, you would have got nothing of value from that room. Madam Judy had paid her dues —//for what,// you still wonder— and you made your choice of costume for the ball. Strolling down the stairs, the oppressive heat you had been escaping surrounds you once more. It feels as if you were walking straight down to Hell. //Inferno…// As the employees greet you once more, you realise that the little boutique has filled up while you were upstairs. The increasing crowd, as people are trying to squeeze themselves in, turns their attention towards you, gawking at you like they would at an animal. You briskly walk towards the door, ignoring everyone. Your only goal is to flee from this place. You are almost ecstatic when your hand grabs the door handle and you leave the store. * [[Continue |A1S4-06M]] <<notifAISAnicoleend>>

<<set $day to "evening">><<set $loc to "judy">>Exiting the shop, you turn towards the parked carriage up the street. Jonah is still standing by, as promised earlier. He has barely moved since you saw him through the window upstairs. The antagonistic figure, though, is nowhere to be found. “//Gov’nor,//” he opens the vehicle door. “//Has your meeting been… fruitful?//” “//You could say it has.//” You delay stepping in, your tongue burning with questions that have not left your mind all this time. //What was he doing earlier? // You recall the punch he threw at the shadowy figure and wince. //Apart from fighting…// “//Gov’nor?//” the driver asks. “//Is something the matter?//” “//Fine, just…//” you shudder, “//just fine, Jonah. Has your errand gone well?//” “//Ah! Right.//” He takes a small velvet pouch from his vest and hands it to you. “//Escuyer Baumé was not able to meet his cut-off, once more. He assures you that this minor setback of his will be resolved shortly. He said that to prove his resolve, he asks of you to keep his most precious possession. I guess you could see it as payment, if he fails again. He sends his deepest apologies.//” “//I am sure he feels sorry alright,//” you shake your head in disappointment. “//That left hook will leave a nasty bruise.//” “//You… you saw that?//” Jonah looks down, ashamed. “//I… I didn’t mean to make a scene, gov’nor.//” “//I am sure you didn’t,//” you pat his <<if $mc.size gt 2>>shoulder<<else>>back<</if>>. As you get inside the carriage, you notice a simple small wooden box, locked with a padlock, sitting on one of the bunks. You cast a confused look at your driver. “//I assumed you did not want to keep those fruits in your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, gov’nor,//” he winks at you. “//Just in case… for safety.//” Your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> feels heavy with Madam Judy’s payment and whatever kind of precious item Jonah handed you. You would rather not get robbed blind and lose this precious cargo if you could avoid it. //Is this really what I am doing now? Why didn’t I wake up in the life of a simpler ?person?// With no other thing to do, you take your seat and put the box on your knees. “//I should add it all to this small safe, shouldn’t I?//” you whisper. “//I would be most prudent,//” Jonah nods. You nod back, and, before he closes the door, Jonah asks: “//There is still some time before you are expected at the Duke’s party. Are we going back to the manor? Or…//” <ul><li> <<link "Stop by the Manor before seeing the Duke. You can’t stay a second longer in this outfit." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "md">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Go back to the Manor. Your day has been long enough. You’ll send your excuses to the Duke, she’ll understand." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "manor">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Set for the Duke’s house directly. She surely will not mind your early arrival." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destintation to "duke">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S3-Title") or hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link "To the Cathedral! For some peace and quiet… hopefully." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link '<<if setup.ro.vic is false>>To the Palace! You’d want to see what’s behind the golden gates…<<else>>To the Palace! Maybe you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Prince there…<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> /*<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>> <li> <<link "To the Harbour! You are dying for a breeze of fresh air in this heat…">><<replace "#dest" t8n>>“//Actually, Jonah… Let’s go to the Harbour. Maybe I can escape the heat for a moment.//” “//Aye, gov’nor!//” <ul><li> [[Continue |A1S4-07]]</li></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li><</if>>*/<</if>> <li> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>[[Pray Jonah has better recommendations for you this time. You were sorely disappointed last time.|A1SO-Rec]]<<else>>[[You are not quite sure what to do with the time you have left. Maybe Jonah has an idea?|A1SO-Rec]]<</if>></li></ul>

<<set $loc to "judy">>Exiting the shop, you turn towards the parked carriage up the street. Jonah is still standing by, as promised earlier. He has barely moved since you saw him through the window upstairs. “//Gov’nor,//” he opens the vehicle door. “//Has your meeting been… fruitful?//” “//You could say it has.//” As you get inside the carriage, you notice a simple small wooden box, locked with a padlock, sitting on one of the bunks. You cast a confused look at your driver. “//I assumed you did not want to keep those fruits in your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, gov’nor,//” he winks at you. “//Just in case… for safety.//” Your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>> feels heavy with Madam Judy’s payment. You would rather not get robbed blind and lose this precious cargo if you could avoid it. //Is this what I am doing now? Why didn’t I wake up in the life of a simpler ?person?// With no other thing to do, you take your seat and put the box on your knees. “//I should add it to this small safe, shouldn’t I?//” you whisper. “//I would be most prudent,//” Jonah nods. You nod back, and, before he closes the door, Jonah asks: “//What… Where should I take you next, gov’nor?//” Haring the hesitation in your driver’s voice somewhat surprises you. Having been so forward with his knowledge of your whereabouts earlier, you wonder if your less-than-stickler approach to your schedule threw him off. //Didn’t he mention expecting me to change my mind at any moment?// “//Gov’nor?//” “//Right…//” <ul><li> <<link "You could head out towards Sunwin Garden. You might still have some time left to enjoy the luncheon." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "garden">><</link>> <<link 'You would prefer spending the rest of the afternoon at the Duke’s<<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>, hoping she might be back by then<</if>>.' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathetral")>><li><<link "You are intrigued by the Cathedral. This might be a good time to visit it." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false>> <li><<link "You may enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the Palace." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if hadVisited("A1SO-Club")>>[[You wonder if that club is still closed. If it is not, you could go there and take a look.|A1SO-Club]]</li><<else>><li>[[You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It might be worthwhile to check it out.|A1SO-Club]]<</if>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> [[You hope Jonah will be more useful in his suggestions, as you still don’t know where to go next.|A1SO-Rec]]</li><<else>><li>[[You are not quite sure where to go either. Maybe Jonah has a suggestion for you?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><</if>> </ul>

Having settled comfortably, you bring your attention back to the box on your knees. As your driver advised, you should probably add today’s bounty inside. You move the chest around to take a better look. Made of a rudimentary wood, miles away from the quality of the one you saw in your room this morning, the small box looks simple. Though it is so, it seems to you to be quite sturdy, with some iron studs locking the panels together. //Well, if it does the job…// You shake the box, wondering if something is also locked inside. The only noise coming from it is the one of the padlock hitting the wood. Similarly to the chest itself, the lock is also of a simple type, requiring only a three-digit combination to open it. //Huh… like the sum of the banknotes…// You turn the dials, showing numbers ranging from 0 to 9. With time on your hand, you consider trying all possible combinations, though you wouldn’t be surprised you’d end up getting bored pretty quickly. //Could it be pick-locked instead?// Looking in your <<if $suit is "dress">>purse<<else>>pocket<</if>> for some kind of item to help, <<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>>you find your letter opener. //It worked well enough for the desk.//<<else>>you realise nothing could help. <<if setup.clue.booklet is true && hasVisited("A1SR-16RD")>>//If I hadn’t left the letter opener back in the desk//, you lament.<</if>><</if>><<set $safe to []>> ''How will you try to open the chest?'' <ul><li> <<link [[Pull on the padlock to force it open.|A1S4-072]]>><<set $try to "force">><<set $safe.force to true>><</link>></li> <<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>><li> <<link [[Pick-lock the lock with the letter opener.|A1S4-072]]>><<set $try to "pick">><<set $safe.pick to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link [[Ask the driver for the combination. He seems to know a lot more than he should.|A1S4-072]]>><<set $try to "ask">><<set $safe.ask to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Enter the sum of banknotes Madam Judy gave you.|A1S4-072]]>><<set $try to "sum">><<set $safe.sum to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Enter a different combination.|A1S4-072]]>><<set $try to "game">><</link>></li></ul>

<<switch $try>><<case "force">>You grab the padlock and try to force it open, hoping that your strength will be enough. The lock stays in place. You try to pull it harder and in a different direction, hoping to make a change. The lock still stays in place. No matter the amount of force or the direction of your pull, you make no progress on that front. The chest is still locked. You give up forcing your way in, dejected. //There must be another way to open it.// ''What will you try next?'' <ul><<if $safe.pick isnot true>><<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>><li> <<link "Pick-lock the lock with the letter opener." `passage()`>><<set $try to "pick">><<set $safe.pick to true>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $safe.ask isnot true>><li> <<link "Ask the driver for the combination. He seems to know a lot more than he should." `passage()`>><<set $try to "ask">><<set $safe.ask to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $safe.sum isnot true>><li> <<link "Enter the sum of banknotes Madam Judy gave you." `passage()`>><<set $try to "sum">><<set $safe.sum to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "Enter a different combination." `passage()`>><<set $try to "game">><</link>></li></ul> <<case "pick">>The letter opener at hand, you try your best to pick-lock the padlock. You find it very convenient to have found the item in your pocket/purse, having forgotten to put it back in the desk. However, you quickly realise your efforts are for nought. No matter how many times you turn the lock around, you cannot find an opening to slide the letter opener in. Frankly, you have no idea how to pick a lock. //Should I learn how to?// ''What will you try next?'' <ul><<if $safe.force isnot true>><li> <<link "Pull on the padlock to force it open." `passage()`>><<set $try to "force">><<set $safe.force to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $safe.ask isnot true>><li> <<link "Ask the driver for the combination. He seems to know a lot more than he should." `passage()`>><<set $try to "ask">><<set $safe.ask to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $safe.sum isnot true>><li> <<link "Enter the sum of banknotes Madam Judy gave you." `passage()`>><<set $try to "sum">><<set $safe.sum to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "Enter a different combination." `passage()`>><<set $try to "game">><</link>></li></ul> <<case "ask">>You entertain the idea of asking Jonah for the lock combination. Since you’ve met him, you’ve had that strange feeling that he knows more than he lets on, or even more than he should. You slide open the window in front of you, as he has done before. “//What can I do for you, gov’nor?//” “//Err… I’m having trouble with the box.//” “//What… Move out of the way!//” He shouts towards the street. “//What kind of trouble, gov’nor? Is it broken? Is it not locking properly? They assured me the safe was fine when I picked it up.//” “//I can’t open it,//” you admit. “//Do you have the combination, by any chance?//” “//Ah…//” Jonah turns silent. “//I am sorry, gov’nor, I don’t. You’ve instructed me to bring it out every time after you complete your businesses and deliver it afterwards.//” “//I… see.//” “//I’m sure they’ve communicated today’s combination with you. They’re known to be quite meticulous with that!//” “//Today’s combination?//” “//Yeah… this is why I don’t know the code. It changes after every transaction. For safety, they said.//” “//Right…//” You close the window and slump back, disappointed. Like you, your driver doesn’t know the lock combination. If it truly was communicated to you before today, it must be somewhere. //Did I see it written somewhere?// ''What will you try next?'' <ul><<if $safe.force isnot true>><li> <<link "Pull on the padlock to force it open." `passage()`>><<set $try to "force">><<set $safe.force to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $safe.pick isnot true>><<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>><li> <<link "Pick-lock the lock with the letter opener." `passage()`>><<set $try to "pick">><<set $safe.pick to true>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $safe.sum isnot true>><li> <<link "Enter the sum of banknotes Madam Judy gave you." `passage()`>><<set $try to "sum">><<set $safe.sum to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "Enter a different combination." `passage()`>><<set $try to "game">><</link>></li></ul> <<case "sum">>If a three-digit combination is needed to break the lock, you wouldn’t be surprised to see it being the amount Madam Judy gave you moments ago. //680//. Such a round number had to mean something, you are sure of it. You roll the dials until those three numbers align and pull the lock. It stays still. You try different combinations of those three numbers. //068. 086. 608. 806. 860.// None of them changes the outcome. The lock does not budge. You know there has to be a correct combination, but this one is not it. ''What will you try next?'' <ul><<if $safe.force isnot true>><li> <<link "Pull on the padlock to force it open." `passage()`>><<set $try to "force">><<set $safe.force to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $safe.pick isnot true>><<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>><li> <<link "Pick-lock the lock with the letter opener." `passage()`>><<set $try to "pick">><<set $safe.pick to true>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $safe.ask isnot true>><li> <<link "Ask the driver for the combination. He seems to know a lot more than he should." `passage()`>><<set $try to "ask">><<set $safe.ask to true>><</link>></li><</if>> <li> <<link "Enter a different combination." `passage()`>><<set $try to "game">><</link>></li></ul> <<default>><<unset $try>>Trying your best to think of a potential combination, you bring the padlock closer and turn the dials. <table><tr><td><<Safeone>></td><td><<Safetwo>></td><td><<Safethree>></td> </tr></table> <> @@#not-right;@@ <<button "Pull the lock">> <<if _safeone is true && _safetwo is true && _safethree is true>> <<replace '#solved' t8n>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-03")>>You pull the lock down and hear a click. You have found the correct combination. The lock hangs loose, enough for you to put it aside. You put the filled envelope inside. As you are about to add the pouch, you stop yourself, dying from curiosity. //If M. Baumé gave this to me for safekeeping, shouldn’t I know what’s inside?// You loosen the string of the pouch and pull a golden ring from it. With some dull jewels encrusted on the sides and some sort of crest on its top, you are not surprised Jonah mentioned it as being a prized heirloom. Still, you are almost disappointed by its look, having expected something grander. You put the ring back in the pouch and add it all to the chest. You close the box, reattach and lock the padlock. You open the window to notify your driver. <<else>>You pull the lock down and hear a click. You have found the correct combination. The lock hangs loose, enough for you to put it aside. You put the filled envelope inside. You close the box, reattach and lock the padlock. You open the window to notify your driver. <</if>> “//Is it done, gov’nor?//” “//Yes, everything is safe.//” “//Would you mind placing it inside the bench in front of you? You never know what could happen on the way.//” //Inside the bench?// You are about to comment on it when you see Jonah has already closed the window. You resign yourself to finding a way to put the box as instructed. You pat the cushioned bench, hoping to find some sort of lever or hole to slide the chest through. As you move your hand under the cushion, you find a small vertical handle, which you grab, twist and pull up, revealing a secret compartment. You deposit the chest and put down the cushion until you hear a click. Your hand finds the handle back in its original position. //This is getting too convoluted//, you think as you sit back. //What kind of person has secret compartments in their carriage? Or secret chests with changing combinations? You close your eyes. What did I get myself into?// <ul><li><<if $day is "evening">><<if $destination is "md" or $destination is "manor" or $destination is "duke">>[[Continue|END Demo]]<<elseif $destination is "palace">>[[Continue|A1SO-PalaceE]]<<elseif $destination is "cathedral">>[[Continue|A1SO-Cathedral]]<</if>><<else>><<if $destination is "garden">>[[Continue|A1SO-Sunwin]]<<elseif $destination is "palace">>[[Continue|A1SO-PalaceA]]<<elseif $destination is "cathedral">>[[Continue|A1SO-Cathedral]]<</if>><</if>></li></ul> <</replace>> <<else>> <<replace '#not-right' t8n>>The lock does not move. This is not the right combination.<</replace>> <</if>> <</button>> <><</switch>>

A1S4 : Manor + Manor-Duke + Duke => new title page Palace + Cathedral + Rec => show A1S4M

<<set $try to random(1,5)>> <<if $try gte 4>><<set $shot =+1>><</if>> if haft missed shot + letter opener mercy killing +1 with Prince random 1/2 dead or missed the bird

The carriage finally stops and the driver gets down his seat to come open the door. As you step out of the carriage, you realize that you are probably not in front of the Cardaidras house. The street is dirty and people walking around look ruff and most of them are drunk. The building also does not look prestigious, and some ladies and gentlemen of the night are showing their goods in the downstairs windows. “Say, X. Are we in the right place? I was sure that I was expected at Cardaidras, not in a bordello.” “My liege… ??? You enter the building. … You finally leave again, with your newly attired costume, ready to attend another party. Continue. [[Arrival at Party]]

“Lady Sofìa, how did you manage to get X to play tonight?” asks one of the guest. “I have heard that they do not hold private concerts, save for the royal family. Aside from their angelical abilities during sermons at the Cathedral and some greatest events, they are pretty secluded.” “Well, if you must know, Z, I am pretty acquainted with X. I am well known for doing favours for others, which I expect some returns later down the line. This was just a matter of repayment for a small kindness done long ago.” “Pray tell, Lady Sofìa. What did the great X need from you?” “Ha! I have said to much already. You will not get another word from me! Well… on this subject at least.” “Speaking of musicians, did you hear that V has taken on a teacher?” “Good gracious. I should have burnt that piano when I had the chance.” “To fix his atrocious piano playing? Good luck to that teacher!” “Well, this is not the juiciest part. Even though the teacher comes around every day, no one ever heard music coming from the music room. Still, their father would rather hear silence than V playing anything!” The crowd burst into laughter, and someone comments the good thing that V is not of attendance today. Another retort that they would have probably laughed along with everyone, their piano skills being… legendary. A server lowers a tray of drinks on one of your side, which you mechanically take a glass from. Another plate is lowered on your other side with multiple types of small hors-d’œuvre. DESCRIPTION of food. “Ah my liege. I can see that you also have trouble choosing too. They all look so tasty, don’t they? If it was not for proper etiquette, I would have eaten the whole tray.” MC Choice: - Meaty kind - Fishy kind - Vegetarian kind - Try them all, you are hella hungry [[Snack]]

“To hell with conventions, let me try them all,” you announce to the server. “My liege,” chuckles the young woman, “if you are doing it, then so shall I.” The servant motions to one of his man standing by the wall to bring over some small plates. He then delicately places, as you requested, one of each types of hors-d’oeuvres on the plate, before handing it to you. The same motion is done for your young excited neighbour. “Would you like another drink, my liege?” asks the server, noticing the lack of glass in your hand. “Ah! Yes… but bring me something other than served around earlier. That mixture was vile.” “Of course, my liege. What would you prefer to have?” “I could go for (cycle drink)” “Right away, my liege,” the server bows and steps away to get your ordered elixir. You glance at your excited neighbour, who seems to be enjoying the bites more than any other guests in this room. You follow her example and manage to at least taste one before the mistress of the house sneaks up on you. “Oh, my,” she nods at the plate on your lap. “Had I known about your appetite today, I would have had seated all of us at the dinner table instead.” “I’m not sure hunger was guiding our hands,” chimes in your neighbour. “How could one make a choice when presented with such confections? Anyone would try to snatch all of these delicious treats for themselves, Lady Sofìa.” “I am sure the cook would be happy to hear this, child,” the duke snickers. “What did you think about these, my liege? What comments shall I deliver to my cook?” “As you can see, I have not yet finished my tasting,” showing her your uneaten plate. “Though I do agree with the sentiments of my companion here, I would reserve my final judgement until these are done.” You take another bite. Your young neighbour tries her best to get the attention of the duke, praising her house and her party. The latter politely smiles, entertaining the young lady out of obligation rather than pleasure. The server comes back around, handing you your requested beverage, noticed by the hostess. “My liege, have you tried our concoction yet?” “Oh yes, Lady Sofìa, and to the regret of my taste buds.” “Indeed? I seem to remember you enjoying it very much last time I served it.” “Taste changes.” “I’ll be sure to remember this, my liege.” You finish your plate and put it on the small table in front of you. Seeing your movement, your hostess seems relieved, as she seems to want to get away from your young neighbour. She gets up and proposes her arm. “My liege, shall we take a turn around the room?” “With pleasure.” [[walk]]

You just feel too exhausted to do anything at this point. You know you may have other things you could do and get maybe answers. But you only have a finite amount of energy left in you. You take all of the items you have collected today and shove them in the secret drawer of your desk. You know you could always handle it tomorrow. You start undressing, with some difficulty, as Anne is not around to help you. But still manage to end up in your nightgown at the end. You fall on your bed and reflect on the day you’ve had today. Your brain has worked overtime, encountering new people and new location, all the while making sur to not be too out of place. It’s with these thought in mind that you end up falling asleep. Abyss? Memory? [[END Demo]]

After taking her arm and take a few steps away from the sofa, you feel the duke fidget. “What is the matter, Lady Sofìa? You do not seem at ease, in your own house.” “It is embarrassing, my liege. I am not sure how to bring it up delicately… without offending you.” “Do try, and I will do my best to stay partial.” “You are too kind. You see… there has been a lot of talk around town, involving you… and Prince V.” “Isn’t it unlike you to entertain rumours, my lady?” “Indeed… but given time, not everyone can stay away from them. Especially when none of the parties have said a word about it. I do not want to step on anyone’s toes, but many of us have been hoping for an actual account on the facts.” “What are you getting at, Lady Sofìa?” “It is not in my nature to be this… forward with my thoughts,” she bites her lips. “Is there truly an engagement in the works between the Royal family and yours?” MC choice: -Tell the truth [[truth]] -Deny completely [[deny]] -Stay vague and deflect [[deflect]]

“I see… While I am glad you still try to question the legitimacy of these rumours, there is nothing better than going to the source for one’s questions.” “That is exactly what I was thinking, my liege! I am more acquainted with yourself than Prince V, so I thought I would actually get an answer coming from you.” “And how right you were. Say… If I do answer your question, how can I be sure that this will stay between us?” “My liege… are you telling me–” “Before I speak another word, I must have yours! This must stay for your ears and yours only!” “I…” she bites her lip. “If I do not have your answer, Duke, I’m afraid I can’t give you mine.” “Fine,” she relents. “You have my word.” “Well,” you whisper, “nothing has been made official just yet. But if all goes well…” “Yes, yes… if all goes well?” You mysteriously smile at her. “If all goes well,” she repeats, “what then? Is it true?” “You will know very soon,” you wink at her.” “My liege, you are torturing me. Please tell me!” “Patience is not your strong suit, is it Lady Sofìa?” “How could one be patient, knowing they have at the tip of their fingertips something so… exciting!” You chuckle. While it wasn’t your intention to tease this kind woman so, it has proven to be quite entertaining. “You are of attendance next week at the ball, are you not?” You faint changing the subject. “Of course, I am. Everyone will be there. But my question?” “And you have most likely heard of the invitation extended to the Royal Family as well.” “Who hasn’t at this point? Seriously, my liege…” then a light seems to turn on in her eyes. “Do you mean?” “A very important thing will be announced there.” “Then it is true! Isn’t it?” “I already have said too much, Lady Sofìa.” “But, my liege…” “Tut tut tut. You will not get another word from these lips.” “That is truly not fair, my liege. You cannot leave me hanging like this.” You smile, still keeping silent. Your gaze leaves the pouting face of your hostess and scans the room. As the turn is about to be done, you need to think about what to do next to entertain yourself. [[Activities]]

“I see… While I am glad you do question the legitimacy of these stupid rumours, I am afraid there is not much to say about them, Duke.” “Oh…” she looks dejected. “Still, I would like to hear it.” “It is quite simple. There is nothing going on between the Prince and I.” “Isn’t there though?” “You’ve asked for the truth, Duke. And you’ve got it. Bah, these rumours are aggravating.” “But what about all of those dances at the balls? The glances you’ve exchanged? The gatherings where he would only sit by you?” “Should one ever refuse a request from the Royal family?” “I guess not,” she sighs. “Oh what sad truth you have given me, my liege. I really was hoping for something more exciting.” “If it is excitement you crave, I’m afraid you will need to look somewhere else.” An awkward silent sets between the two of you. Even if you have done as your father instructed, you feel like you have wronged this woman in some way. You avoid her gaze for the rest of the turn and look around the room instead. It might be best to stay away from the hostess for a bit. [[Activities]]

“I see… I am glad you are questioning the legitimacy of these rumours, but I am afraid my answer will probably not satisfy your search for the truth, Duke.” “Oh…” she looks dejected. “Still, I would like to hear it.” “Let me ask you this. How many times has Prince V been in the middle of those engagements charades since they have come of age?” “Too many to count at this point.” “Then you understand that our dear Royals have probably much more important things to do than responding to all of the ludicrous fabrication about them out there. As for my own family, there has been other priorities that took our attention.” “My apologies, my liege. I should have not been so insensitive. How could have I forgotten about the tragic demise of Lady Isobel?” “It is already forgiven, Lady Sofìa,” you press her arm gently. “Why would one think of death when bestowed such happy, though unfounded, news?” “You are truly too kind, my liege. Knowing this, I feel ashamed that it had seem to emerge during my ball last winter.” “Though…” “Yes?” “Don’t you find it curious when this rumour started? We are also nearing the end of summer; it is quite a long time for this kind of gossip to stay on everyone’s lips. Don’t you think?” “Why yes… now that you mention it, it is quite peculiar indeed!” “It’s as if… no… no. It would be too ludicrous.” “Pray do tell, my liege,” she gets closer. “As if someone was using this rumour to hide behind… or hide something.” “Do you truly think so?” “We shall never know until the truth comes out,” you wink at the hostess, hoping to set her mind on this track. Your words end up having an impact on Lady Sofìa, who stays silent for the rest of the turn. You take this moment to scan the room, thinking how to entertain yourself next. [[Activities]]

You leave the hostess to her thought and sit back down to your former seat. The young excited woman is still there, quietly listening to other guest who pay her absolutely no mind. She seems quite out of her element. She finally notices you and smiles awkwardly. “Ah, my liege. You must think me a fool,” she whispers to you. “But I am ashamed to say have broken the etiquette when speaking to you earlier. We have not yet been formally introduced.” “Have we not, indeed? I must say, being a guest of the Duke at a party I have been invited to is plenty introduction to me,” you wink at her. “You are too gracious, my liege,” she looks relieved. “For you see, I’m still not accustomed to all of these rules.” “Have we truly never met before? You do seem quite familiar… Ms… Err…” “Ms Penelope, my liege. I’m afraid it is quite impossible, for I only arrived in Oswaria just a few days ago.” “Have you, now! How exciting! Pray tell, how does one nowadays arriving so few days ago in our lovely capital end up in one of the most prestigious gathering of the week?” “It is a long story, my liege.” “I do enjoy a good story.” “Very well. Would you like to hear the short or long version of it?” [[long]] [[short]]

You decide to walk to the table of the card players. “My liege, will you join us for a game of whist? We are missing one player to make our table complete.” “Gadly!” you take the empty seat. “Lucky me,” says the woman in front of you. “I get to be paired with Liege $Name.” One of the player shuffles the deck and deals it. You take your cards and organize your hand. The dealer starts the game, as he put down the first card. As you and the other players follow suit, you try to keep an eye on your partner’s play to ensure the win of your team. After a few suites are played, one of the players break the silence. “How is the Consort, my liege? I have not seen much of him lately. It is understandable that he does not wish to see much of the court lately. But we have been getting quite worried when he stopped returning our calls.” “I do not see much of him either, even though we share the same home. I have been told, however, that setting his mind on organizing next week’s ball has been a great help for their state. I will send him your wishes of visit when I get home.” “Most gracious.” A few more cards are played. “I’ve heard that your son will be part of the diplomatic convoy to the East, Lord X.” “Indeed, it has been a great honour that our Luke has been chosen to be part of the expedition. He has worked really hard to master their language. We expect he will learn much from Diplomat X. Who knows, maybe one day he will take his place.” “When is he set to leave?” “The boat will leave the harbour in a few weeks. The King has yet to choose the presents to bestow onto our neighbours. Luke wished to say his goodbyes at home and go to the harbour on his own. But I don’t think my wife will be able to let him go so easily.” “He has always been her favourite.” “Indeed. If it were up to her, she would board the boat with him too. She has barely left his side since the appointment.” “Poor Luke,” you chuckle. Another rounds of cards are played. “Will you finally let your stallion compete in the next race, Mr. X? We have seen you train him for the whole season, though he has yet to make an appearance on the tracks.” “Ah… well, he has been too temperamental to compete. We have been trying to test him around other mounted horses, but he seems to be so confrontational towards others that he will not keep to the course. Even mounting him is a struggle.” “What a shame… He is such a beautiful creature.” “The King was also disappointed. The stallion had so much potential. But now, he might end up being just a hazard to anyone.” “Do you have any idea what the King will do? He usually will not keep a beast so unruly.” “I am no sure, actually. Offer it to a neighbouring country would probably end up being my guess. Or taking it down, if it can be managed without Prince V hearing about it.” “Breeding is such a game of chance. One can have the best gene pool and the best specimen, but the result can still be disastrous. Thankfully, this season’s foals seem to be much calmer.” “Let’s hope this is the case.” “Indeed, I’d rather not want to lose my position over this.” Another rounds of cards are played. “How is your daughter, Lady Clarissa? I heard that the delivery had been quite challenging this time around.” “It had been touch and go for quite a few days after the birth, but she has been slowly recovering. She is still in bed rest, as requested by the physician, but is now allowed to be carried around the garden for a few hours a day. It has helped her tremendously at regaining most of her colours!” “And the child?” “The picture of health since the first breath. Since Clarissa has been allowed to leave the bed, and the physician is much happier about her state, they finally officially named the babe. I can now call my grandson by his name, Albert.” “How nice. Why wasn’t he named before?” “Clarissa was adamant to give the child her name, in case she did not make it. Thankfully, that did not happen. I would have hated for the babe to be reminded of his mother’s death every time he would be called by someone.” “Well, all is well that ends well.” “Indeed.” Your game is disturbed by a servant and his plate of sweet confections.

You decide to sit at in a circle of guests that seem very invigorated by their current discussion. They keep whispering at one another and laughing quite heartily. You have a feeling that you will be quite entertained if you join in their fun. “Ah, my liege! Care to join us?” asks one of the gossiper, getting up to free you up a seat. “With pleasure,” you reply, accepting the freed seat. “Say, Liege $Name, you were having quite the conversation with our host. What was that all about?” “Oh dear. How forward you are,” you chuckle. “Was our conversation this intense looking from afar?” The rude asker is nudged by their neighbour. “Now, now. Why is it you ask?” “I am not sure I should say…” the asker invites everyone to get closer and barely whispers, “but I have heard that the Duke had some spats with the Royal Chancellor recently. It has been said that such violent words have been spoken between the two. So much so that neither the Duke nor her family is allowed entry into the palace.” “Oh, my! But Lady Sofìa is such a respected person at the court. Why this word sparring?” “Her daughter, Maria, was found with the son of the Royal Chancellor in a small church outside of town, trying to elope.” “How is anyone surprised by the children’s actions? Both families were not in favour of this union and had been actively sabotaging their relationship. Well, the Duke was. The Chancellor was not as active in that regard.” “Was the union consummated though?” “No, it seems not. Thought we have not seen Maria for some time.” “She was quite distressed, last I saw her a few weeks ago.” “I heard she was sent to a convent, to repent.” “No, she was not. She was sent back to the Cardaidras estate with her strict governess, who won’t let her out of her sight. She once told me, she was sure the governess was not human, for she never slept a wink.” The table continues to ramble on about the current status of Maria, Lady Sofìa’s daughter. “But, how do I fit in this story?” “Hasn’t the Duke requested your help in this matter?” “No. Why would she?” “Well, getting on the wrong side of the Chancellor meant getting on the wrong side of the Royal Family. And with this rumour going around about you and Prince V, we thought…” “That she would ask for my help to get in better standing with the royal household once more?” “Exactly!” “Well, I am afraid I have not been asked this favour. I am sure that our hostess does not deal with her problems based on fickle rumours either. She would not take the gamble of making herself a fool. Now, hypothetically, would an actual engagement between myself and a member of the Royal family were to be made official, your reasoning would be quite sound. Though… I still wouldn’t see Lady Sofìa requesting any help. She usually is the one doing favours for others, mot the other way around.” The table nod in agreement. The rude asker turns to you. “Now, Liege $Name, do you have anything juicy to share with us? We know you have dabbled in the exchange of secrets and hunted the truth of some court rumours.” MC choice: - Keep listening [[listen]] - Share some gossip [[share]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.“The long one, if you please. I have a feeling it will be a quite riveting adventure.” “As you wish. Though, I do have to warn you, it might sound quite mundane compared to some of the fantastical rumours one can hear around here.” “If this was the case, Ms Penelope, I would be quite surprised.” “Well, it is true that my presence here seems unfitting of the crowd. For you see, I am an orphan from Windrest.” “An orphan? Call me intrigued.” “I was but an infant when I entered the orphanage… Well, when I was left at its doors in the middle of the night. The Headmistress never saw who left me there or who had any information about me, as there was no note in my basket. The only thing that I still possess from that night is the blanket I was wrapped in, with a mysterious coat of arms embroidered with a golden thread on it.” “A coat of arms? Could you be a long lost daughter of some old noble family?” “My liege,” she chuckles, “as much as one would wish, life is not a fairy tale. None of my research has unearthed any information about this crest. The Headmistress thought that it was just made up to ensure I would be taken care of later on, and that no family with this crest exist.” “It doesn’t seem like you believe this though.” “I wouldn’t be trying to get into the Royal Archive if I shared this sentiment. Though I am afraid she may be right. Not a soul I have discussed it with has ever seen a crest list this.” She rumbles around a small purse she had been hiding behind hear and extracts a folded sheet of paper, which she hands to you. You unfold it, revealing the aforementioned sigil. DESCRIPTION OF CREST. “Have you seen anything like this?” “I’m afraid I have not. I am not much a heraldry aficionado.” “It’s alright. I wasn’t expecting much anyway,” she sighs. “Since I’ve arrived, I have been hoping to peruse the Royal archives and get expert help there, but its access is quite restricted.” “Indeed, without a royal recommendation or being part of a selected few houses, it is almost impossible to get in. However, what intrigues me the most here, is how you ended up reaching the capital. It is quite a long way from Windrest. How does an orphan with no possession managed this?” “Oh! It has been quite the long journey, indeed. I have been lucky to be under the wing of a generous patron, the Count of Razac.” “Razac?” you sound surprised to hear his name. “As in Count Guillem of Razac?” “Himself, my liege.” “I have met with him this morning. How peculiar he never mentioned you. Or his travels to Windrest.” “Well, he did not come to Windrest himself. One of his attendants came to fetch me.” “But, how did this came to be? I’m sorry to question your story so, it is just quite stranger that any nobility would send their servants to go fetch a young girl from an orphanage from the other side of the country without a good reason.” “I do not know much more than you, my liege. I have question the Count when I finally met him, but he did not give me any answer. Believe me when I say I was in shock when I was told to leave the only home I’ve ever known with some strange person. The Headmistress did mention something about his family having funded the orphanage for quite some time. And that when the Count took over as the head of Razac, he found some accounts of my arrival from a few decades ago, hidden in some drawer. This report was apparently enough for him to get me.” “How truly curious! With a story like this, how are you not the talk of the town instead of me? Such a mysterious fog clouds it. I am sure that if any of Lady Sofìa’s guests here were to hear it, they would want to poke their nose in it.” “Oh! Would they truly help me in my quest? I would be much gracious.” “Oh no… my dear. No one here gives their help to strangers. I meant as they would find you as interesting as I do.” “Ah…” she seems dejected. “That is a shame. The Count has yet to secure me entry to the Archives. I would do anything to enter it.” “Anything?” “I’m sure you will not have to wait much longer. The Count is a capable man.” “Really? I do hope so. I have not been able to make any progress since I arrived. It has been quite frustrating.” “I can only imagine,” you squeeze her arm, compassionately. “But come now, you must still have had the opportunity to do other things, have you not? Maybe exploring the capital?” “If you mean exploring as being dragged around to gatherings like these where I mainly stay silent, then yes I have. The Count does not like to leave me unattended or alone in the house.” “You poor thing.” The lovely conversation with Ms Penelope is interrupted by the servant, holding another plate of delicacies between the two of you. [[Snacks 2]] [[Choice 2]]

“The short one if you please. That will give you an air of mystery,” you wink at the young woman. “I have recently been put under the care of the Count of Razac. As his protégée, he has requested a few of his friends to keep me company while he cannot attend to me.” “Razac, you said? As in Count Guillem of Razac?” “The very same. Do you know him?” “I met with him just this morning, Ms Penelope. But he never mentioned you, or having a ward for that matter. Still Lady Sofìa outranks Razac, how on earth did she agree to this? Chaperoning an outsider is usually not her style.” “I cannot say for sure why she agreed to let me in, though I did hear something about a service the Count had done for her at some point. Neither really worded what this service was, but she quickly agreed with some annoyance.” “It must be quite challenging being bounced around Razac’s connections.” “I am not one to complain about my position…” “But?” “But,” she whispers. “I had been hoping to explore the city rather than staying in stuffy drawing rooms with people I do not know.” “What is stopping you from leaving these gathering and have a look at our lovely sights?” “The Count does not like me to be unaccompanied, his servants are always watching me and stopping me from doing just this. And… I’m afraid of getting lost. The capital is much bigger than any places I have ever known.” “I see. If I understand your dilemma correctly, the only solution left would be to find you an attendant that would help you tour around.” “If only it would be this easy to find someone the Count knows and would see me as a companion rather than a burden.” “Ah! It is quite a shame your arrival wasn’t very… welcoming. But, tell me, how do you find Razac?” “The Count? Well, aside from being cast away to strangers, he has been quite kind. I have nothing to lack, as he is quite generous with this coins.” “And yet, he disregards you in the care of more strangers, of Lady Sofìa of all people.” “You mention her again, my liege. Why is that?” “No offense to you, as you are quite lovely, but I am still confused as to why she would accept such a request form Razac. These two do not really engage with one another, and almost avoid one another. I do not think they have been seen in the same room together in a long time. I just wondered what happened between them.” “You mean the service the Count had provided to Duke of Cardaidras?” “Yes, that is quite intriguing.” “Mmh… I am not sure I understand the appeal of knowing what people do behind closed doors.” “My dear, in your circles, money will usually mean nothing. But information, well… Information is power.” “Do you have anything against my patron? Or Duke of Cardaidras?” “Not now, but one never knows. You see, relationships are like seasons, they will change overtime. One day, one would be your close confident. On another, they would end up a bitter rival,” you smile at her. She seems sadden by this idea. “Ms Penelope, do no look so down, especially during a party.” “My liege, what you are saying is quite sad. How can one loose a friend so quickly?” “Oh, well that is the easy part, my dear. It is much harder to keep one’s friend. And knowing about them, in any way you can, will help.” “How so?” “Topics to avoid, people to never mention or see, that kind of things… Now, you are in an incredible position. You mentioned that people pay little attention to you during these kinds of gathering.” “To my dismay…” “Well, think of it as an opportunity. It is much easier to listen to them when you are ignored than when they are invested in you. Look at the servants around us, how many of the guest have actually paid attention to them when they did not show any value?” “Very few, I’d assume.” “And yet, they are likely the ones that know the most about these guests, whether they want it or not. And some of the information they know could set them for life, if they wished to take a gamble.” The young woman still does not seem completely convinced by your arguments. It seems like she still holds on to the potential good people have, rather than the grim reality of their false goodness. Though, before she disputes your point of view, you are interrupted by the servant, holding another plate of delicacies between the two of you. [[Snacks 2]] [[Choice 2]]

[[Party dies out]]

“Anything to share? I’m afraid nothing comes to mind.” “Oh, come one now, Liege $Name. We did not take you for a bore.” “Daphne! You can’t talk to the Liege like that! If they choose to say nothing, we must respect their wishes.” “But that’s not fair! One cannot, at this table, listen to all of these stories and not contribute once!” “The Liege’s company is enough payment for us, Daphne. Now, leave the Liege alone.” “Please, please. Do not fight for my sake. If I have broken the unspoken rule, I shall empty my seat for someone worthier of the cause.” “Oh no, my liege. Do not mind Daphne. She is just an avid gossiper. When one’s life is a bore, one seeks amusement in the life of others. Your life is nothing like a bore.” “Speaking of bore, do you know who accosted me during service this morning?” You sit back a little and quietly listen to the group gossip their evening away. They seem quite absorbed by other people’s life, filling every second of their conversation around the whims and movements of nobles who probably never think of them. Like one of them so cleverly said, one will seek entertainment outside of their lives, when they have nothing exciting happening in theirs. Still, this makes for quite an interesting way of gathering what is happening around you. “Have you seen Lord Walward latest fashion faux-pas? Has anyone told him to leave these experiments at home? He needs to be stopped with these odious colour combinations. I’m sorry, but he is starting to look like a puddle of puke!” “And you have seen plenty of those puddles in your life, haven’t you?” another laughs. “This reminds me of Lady Béchallard. You’ve all heard about her little accident at the coiffeur, who burnt half of her already half-dead hair. Well, she started wearing wings to cover that disaster. I don’t know where she found said wigs or what she does with them, but you can’t pass by her without wanting to vomit. There is a faint scent of perfume somewhere, but nothing will cover up the stench coming from her head. Now, I won’t say this is the coiffeur’s fault, but had he forgo the iron, we would not be trying to avoid her.” “You mean, avoid her more than we used to, right?” “Poor Lady Béchallard. I would have sequestered myself until my hair grew back, if I had been in her shoes.” “At her age, she should be leaving court altogether and go back to her estate. Her son is more than capable to take over the reign at this point. And we would not have to pinch our noses every time she enters the room.” “Is her soon really that better? Isn’t he knee deep in debt?” “No, you’re thinking of Lord X. He has been mingled with some sort of shady figure that loaned him some money during one of his famous losing streak. He really has run into some bad luck. I heard he has even started selling his family’s heirloom to keep up with his payments.” “Bad luck? More like bad choices. No one forced him to bet on everything and nothing.” “If you want to talk about bad luck, the poor Edward Macherel has been in it for quite some times.” “The little Viscount? Yikes, I almost forgot about him.” “How could you not forget? The poor lad has been in and out of hospices since he was so young. One would think living by the sea would help, but that is not the case with him unfortunately.” “How sad.” Fortunately, this sad note is interrupted by a servant, with a tray of delicacies. [[Snacks 2]] [[Choice 2]]

“When don’t I have something juicy? Whether I will share it with you is another thing.” “Oh please, Liege $Name. Nothing really new has been spreading lately,” says one of the guests. “No offence to you, but there is only so much we can speculate about your relationship with Prince V.” “My, my. What hungry crowd you are. It is true that some interesting information has landed on my lap in the past, but like with any transaction, my secrets come at a price. The juicier, the pricier.” “Are we to assume the Duke’s current situation is not enough for payment?” “My dear, the Chancellor will ban the first noble he sees if he has a bad day. I, myself, have been in that position some time ago. Granted, I had had too much to drink when I crossed path with the Chancellor. Yet, I am not a castaway. Give it a few more weeks, and the Duke will find her welcome at the palace restored.” The gossipers congregate with one another for a moment, deciding on the best course of action. “What is your price?” “Information. Secrets. Interesting intrigues. Something that is unknown by most.” “Do we each need to give you something?” “Mmmh… I’ll be fair. If something is interesting or big enough, I’ll consider it payment for the whole table.” The table congregates once more, this time trying to find you the juiciest thing they know. You hear them arguing in whispers. Then, their leader shushes them, telling them they have the perfect thing. They lean towards you and whispers. “I hope this will be sufficient. One of us found out recently about night escapades from two high-ranking Royals in the Twilight Quarters. Now, this is not an uncommon occurrence, as our parties sometimes end up in the houses of low virtues. However, they were both spotted entering the house of a known courtesan…” “Do you mean…” “That they are visit the same woman, yes!” “At the same time? That seems… peculiar.” “Oh no! and that might be the best part. They don’t know that the other is visiting her! You see, her house is in located in a street corner, and has a peculiar construction. It has two entrances, each located on a side. Unless one peaked beyond the corner, they would never know that it exists, or that it is connected to the same building.” “How can it be? Surely they must have met each other on the inside, at some point.” “They never have! The inside construction is as convoluted. If one were to enter one side of the house, they may never know that it has another entrance. Only the mistress’s room and the servants’ corridors connect the two sides.” “So one Royal was instructed to enter from one side, while the other took the other entrance. Still…” “She has given them two different names. For one, she is Shirley. For the other, Julia.” “How long has this been going on?” “We are not sure, we only found out recently.” “That is interesting, indeed. How sure are you?” “I have seen them myself… and talked to the maid of the house.” “I see… Thank you.” You get up from your seat. “My liege, what about your piece?” “My… Ah, right. Let’s just say that you should be watching what you drink in the future. There seems to have been an epidemic of poisonous falls lately.” A few gasps of horror and one of the gossiper faints. You turn away from the group and are met with a servant and a platter of sweet confections. [[Choice 2]] [[Snacks 2]]

MC choice: -Sit back down next to the excited woman [[Ms P]] -Join a game of cards [[Cards]] -Request a song Join the gossip table [[gossip]] [[dance]] [[drunk]] => MC can't choose the same action as first one

You join the group of guests by the chamber band. “My liege, good timing. We were about to take a few steps when we realized that we were missing a dancer to complete it.” “Which steps am I supposed to make?” “We were thinking of doing something a bit more upbeat, like the gavotte.” “So a lot of light springs and a few crosses. I think I can manage just fine.” “Good.” The dancer takes your arm and places you on a spot, before standing in front of you. On each side also stands another dancer. One of them nods at the band, who start playing at the cue. You follow the steps of the dancer in front of you, ensuring that you mirror them. You don’t know how, but it feels completely natural to you, as if you had been doing this your whole life. Though, you quickly find the repetitiveness of the dance getting on your nerve. The same four or five steps repeated over and over is not as fun as you anticipated. You wonder if striking a conversation would help resume the good mood. You glance at the face of the other dancers, who seem hyper focused on their movement. Speaking would probably distract them, and who knows how they would react to it. The music soon ends and the other dances bows at each other. You also hear other guest clapping at the group. “You were quite good, my liege. Would you like to join us for another one?” “Ah! I think my feet had enough work for today. But thank you.” She bows at you and moves on to someone else to join their group. You find a chair close by and watch them continue their dance. Shortly after, a servant comes around with a tray of sweets.

After having to handle that woman , you feel like you need a drink… or maybe ten. You fall on a comfortable chair by the fireplace. You wave at a servant to bring another drink. Even though the summer heat has been following everyone around all day, you notice that the fireplace has been lit up. The gentle noise of wood crackling due to the heat and the warm glow mellows you and you fall deeper into a torpor, entranced by the fire. You are shaken out of your torpor by a funny voice. You look at the source of the noise and recognize the old man, who was snoozing a little earlier. Though, he was not sitting there then. “Lad. Just leave the bottle here. That will avoid you to walk up and down the room to refill my glass.” “But, my lord… it’s improper. The Duke–” “Don’t worry about my wife, give me the bottle.” The servant executes the command, bows at the man and leaves. “Welcome back with us mortals, my liege. I see you have found the best spot in the house.” “Mmh…” “I also find these occasions dull. I do not know why my wife makes me sit them all. Why she wants me here is a mystery. She knows it bores me to no end and that I’d rather help the cook with cleaning the dishes than make another appearance.” “And yet…” you wave at him. “Indeed,” he sips his glass, sadly. You turn back to the fire, hoping that the old man leaves you in piece to enjoy your own drink. “I hope my wife was not bothering you too much earlier. I know she can be a bit overbearing sometimes.” “It’s fine…” “She seemed very excited to have you joined us tonight. She has been buzzing my ears off all week about it.” “So I’ve heard…” “Right…” You both watch the fire sizzle in complete and utter silence. You almost block out the noise made by other guests further in the room. You then hear a snore coming out from the old man, sitting next to you. Finally, some peace. You take the bottle standing next to him and fill up your glass, sipping it to your heart’s content. Your quiet time is interrupted once again by a servant and his plate of sweet delicacies. [[Choice 2]] [[Snacks 2]]

The carriage finally leaves the dirty neighbourhood, crosses the city walls once more and navigates through the small street. With each new crossing, the environment around you progressively changes for the better. Gone are the drunks and ugly people, to save space for a better dressed crowd. The dusty and smelly streets are replaced with clean pavements and pretty bushes. The buildings look more soundly constructed and maintained, and get fancier and fancier in terms of materials and definition. Vehicles around you change from half broken cart to ones more similar to you. You don’t think you had noticed the change in your environment before, until your drive back into some crowds would call civility. The carriage passes some small detailed iron gates and stop in front of a well suited villa. Compared to your own, this one is probably half of its size and much tamer looking. From its look, it is clear that you are about to enter the house of someone much less important that you. The driver descends and open the doors for you. As soon as you step out of the carriage, the villa’s door opens wide and a well-dressed middle-aged woman comes out. She walks briskly towards you, and curtseys when she reaches you. “My liege! You’ve finally arrived. We were starting to get concerned. Please, please, come on it!” She grabs your arm and pulls you gently inside. DESCRIPTION OF ENTRANCE? While inside, the butler start taking down your overcoat, and you hand him your hat, gloves and cane. The Duke takes your arm again and directs you to a side room, where other guests have congregated. “We were awaiting your arrival before starting the festivities. Lady X was recounting your exploits of this morning at Sunwin Park. Why does it seem like everywhere you go lately, you end up on everyone’s lips, my liege? You are making the rest of us quite jealous of this attention.” You scan the faces of the guests around the room. Among the attendees, you recognize the faces of some of those, like the aforementioned Lady X., whom were also enjoying the simple pleasure of nature this morning. The mistress of the house brings you to an empty seat around the other guests, which you happily use. “Ah! My dear Lady Sofía, it is not like I seek the attention myself. It just seems to follow me. If my every moves are truly the most interesting topics people talk about, I do fear for us. I do find my life quite mundane compared to other nobles.” “At one time, this was most certainly true. But, many have heard your name associated with the Royal family lately. Inevitably, much interest has fallen upon you.” “To my dismay, I must say.” “I don’t understand you, my liege. Any one of us would love to be in your current position. Everyone around you being more attentive to your wishes than before, inviting you to places you usually can’t access…” “But they would turn on you in an instant if it meant they get ahead!” “What a pessimistic view of the human condition.” “I’d prefer to call it realistic.” “I do hope you do not look down upon us tonight, my liege. For we have been hoping to enjoy your company.” “Duke, I did not mean offense with my words. I have been craving entertainment and company lately. My home has become quite… weary.” “Understandable, knowing the circumstance. Tonight shall be festive.” She claps her hands three times. Some large doors on one side of the room slide open to reveal a small ensemble of musicians, playing some background music. [[start party]]

[[Activities]]

At some point, you notice that the music has lost its fast tempo and has become much more mellow. Some of the other guest have tried, but ultimately failed to hide their yawn, as it spreads around the room, round and round. The clock on the mantle also indicates that is has become quite late already. One of the older gentleman you had been conversing with earlier during the night has now peacefully nodded of in his chair and been left alone in his quiet sleep. Some guests finally take the plunge and bid their goodbyes to the host, providing often very weak excuse for their departure. Lady P, Razac’s protégée, is being picked up by his valet and bids you goodbye, hoping to meet with you again soon. You decide then to take your leave as well. Many rumours have been floating around you already, there is no need for you to be in another scandal as well. Your father would certainly not be happy about it, even if it was just a rumour. You bid your goodbyes to the hostess of the night, who reiterate how pleasurable it was to have had you at this gathering. She promises her appearance to your party next week in return. You exit the villa, and walk to your carriage. The driver confirms to you a good delivery of the box and hands you a small piece of paper: Freqa 28, 680. 872 -> 926. You enter the carriage and instruct the driver to get back to the manor. As soon as you sit down, you start to doze off. [[Back home]]

“My liege, you have arrived back home.” A gentle hand shakes you until you open your eyes. An older man smiles at you and helps you get out of the carriage. You graciously take his help as having slept, even for just a moment, in the carriage made you quite stiff. “Please stay awake just for a bit longer. At least you reach your bed.” “Thank you, M. Coulon. Have you really stayed awake this late just for me?” “My liege, I cannot trust the younglings when it comes to close this door, when the last of the family comes in. Too many times they forget and things end up missing.” The man helps you take down your coat, as the driver enters with the case that contains the outfit you were wearing earlier. The Butler instruct him where to put it down and the driver leaves to park the carriage. The butler then locks the door behind him and get back to you. “Shall I wake Anne up and tell her to come to your room?” “There is no need, M. Coulon. It’s late enough, let her sleep.” He bows to you and retires. You walk up the stairs and reach your room. It is still as you left it. You close the door behind you and slide down with your back on the door. This has truly been a crazy day. While you still managed to survive it , you have also been on autopilot most of the time, relying on that crazy voice in your head and somehow their knowledge to not make any faux pas. You still had a few close calls with some of your encounter, which you hope won’t come back to bite you later on. You’ve also managed to end up with more questions than answers and more has been added on your plate than you hoped for. It might be wise to circle yourself with some trusting individuals to help you manage it all. [[Room]]

You hear a knock on the door. “My liege, are you still awake?” asks a familiar voice. “Who is it?” “It’s Raymond, my liege.” “What do you want?” “I’ve found something… I’m not sure if I should bring it to your father.” “Raymond, it’s pretty late. Can’t we talk about it tomorrow.” “I think you’d want to see this.” You bury your face in your hands. You really can’t seem to catch a break today. After feeling bad for yourself long enough, you get up and open the door. The glassed face looks at you, quite worried. You step aside to let him enter your room. “How bad is it?” “I’m not sure.” “Did you show it to Laroche?” “No.” “Why not? He should be the first person to talk to.” Raymond doesn’t respond. You pull your desk chair and fall on it. Whatever he is about to show you will probably make your legs shiver. One should never hear bad news standing up, after all. “Well?” “It involves Laroche,” he finally admits as he hands you the damning evidence. //Evidence// “Goddamn it! Where did he get this?” “Where did you said you found this again?” “I… didn’t say where yet…” Raymond looks at you suspiciously. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s been a long day, ok? Can you just answer the question?” “Right… well, that’s the weird thing. It was … .” “Why… didn’t you go directly to my father? If Laroche is involved, he should be the one handling it.” “I… wasn’t sure if he would have listened to me. He has known Laroche much longer than me.” “I see. Did you talk to anyone else about this? Did anyone see you with this?” you wave the paper. “No. And I don’t think so.” “Well, I am glad you came to me about this.” “So what do we do about this?” “Right now?” Raymond nods. “Nothing. I’m going to sleep.” “But–” “We’ll talk about this later. I can barely stay awake, Raymond. Just go to bed. It will be taken care of.” Dejected, but knowing that the matter will not continue further tonight, your advisor bows and leaves your room, closing the door behind him. You turn back to your desk and think about what to do next. You barely have any energy left to do anything. MC choice (can do multiple things): - Handle the receipt - Check the letter you got at the shooting (crypto) - Check Raymond’s letter - Dump everything in the fake drawer and go to sleep [[Next]]

[[Tell me more about Parents|Parents]] [[Tell me more about Drocili|Drocili]]

Tell me more about my parents. Lady/Lord Theodore/Theodora is the 12th recorded Parriach of the Vasmosia. The Vasmosia family has predated the creation of Mobreassau. They allied with the Barassac Royal Family in the war that created Mobreassau. [[Question Chapter 2]]

//"Tell me more about the Drocili. You said they were appointed. Appointed by whom?" "The Noble Office of Family organizes it for families with titles, for both peers and gentry. The Office is part of the Church of Our Lady Nynera. Drocili do not always stay in the family. Some are appointed for one child, some become an integral part of the family and become a aunt/uncle figure." "Do these appointments happend for family without titles?" "Common families can request it at their local parish. Thought it is more common that deals are made outside of the church." "How does one become a Drocili?" "My $title, you cannot think of becoming a Drocili yourself? They would probably not allow it anyway… It depends. Heirs are never considered. Nobles have request of specific attributes. Lines are carefully taken into account. It is rare that children of nobles becomes Drocili, unless they have lost their fortune. Most Drocili appointed to nobles are part of the gentry and sometimes of common people. If they held a title before becoming Drocili, they will lose it. Sometimes strangers of this country." "Fallen nobles?" "People who wants to become a Drocili get compensation from the church. Women will get more than men for each child due to childbearing, but men will often stay longer in a family or move between family. Each birth is recorded by the Church to ensure that no too similar blood are seen between family." "How much are they compensated?" "I don't know" "Where are the records?" "At the Noble Office?" "Do Drocili stay Drocili for ever?" "No. After each conception, the Church ask them if they want to continue or not." "What happens if something bad happens during childbirth or in their placement for the Drocili?" "I am not one to gossip, but I have heard that the Ravimbert had lost their Drocili. It was very hushed hushed. The family was compensated from the Ravimbert, but they may have received something from the Church too." "How well are they percieved in the society?" ?? "When did this system started?" "Shortly after the Draguiroux incident" "The Draguiroux incident? Anne falls silent. No need to try to force it. You move on. "Has our Drocili stayed long with us?" "They have been part of the family since the first child. Your parents have taken into liking for their Drocili and made them stay. They are an integral part of the family now. Though they do not hold a title. Others will refer to them at Mister/Miss."// [[Question Chapter 2]]

<><<switch $destination>> <<case "duke">> <<if $day is "morning">>“//Take me to the Cardaidras’s house.//” “//Are they expecting you this early, gov’nor?//” “//Why wouldn’t they, Jonah?//” you raise an eyebrow at him. “//Let’s go already!//” “//Aye, gov’nor,//” <<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>the slender man bows, closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat.<<else>>Jonah closes the doors and gets back to his seat.<</if>> <<elseif $day is "afternoon">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>“//Take me to the Cardeiras’s house.//” “//Are they expecting you this early, gov’nor?//” “//Why wouldn’t they, Jonah?//” you raise an eyebrow at him, though he does not see it. “//Let’s go already!//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <<else>>“//Drive back to the Cardeiras’s house, Jonah.//” “//Are you sure the Duke will be back?//” “//We won’t know until we go there, Jonah.//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <</if>> <<elseif $day is "evening">>“//Actually, Jonah… Let’s pay a visit to the Duke a bit earlier, shall we?//” “//Isn’t it—//” “//I don’t pay you to question my actions, Jonah!//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <</if>> <<case "judy">> <<if $day is "morning">>“//Drive me to Judy’s Scissors first. I feel like dressing up again this morning.//” “//Aye, gov’nor,//” <<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>the slender man bows, closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat.<<else>>Jonah closes the doors and gets back to his seat.<</if>> <<else>><<if $time isnot "over">>You mumble under your breath. “//What?//” your driver asks. “//I couldn’t hear anything, gov’nor. Can you repeat it louder?//” “//Drive us to Judy’s Scissors, Jonah!//” “//I thought—//” “//You heard me!//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <<else>>“//Judy’s Scissors will do, Jonah…//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <</if>><</if>> <<case "cathedral">> <<if $day is "morning">> “//Drop me off at the Cathedral this morning.//” “//I ain’t sure there’s a service this morning, gov’nor.//” “//Does it matter whether there is one or not? Why wouldn’t they let me in, Jonah?//” The driver is about the respond when you gesture him off. <<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>The slender man bows, closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat.<<else>>Jonah closes the doors and gets back to his seat.<</if>> <<elseif $day is "afternoon">>“//Drop me off at the Cathedral this afternoon.//” “//I ain’t sure there’s a service, gov’nor.//” “//Does it matter whether there is one or not? Why wouldn’t they let me in, Jonah?//” <<elseif $day is "evening">>“//Actually, Jonah… Set course for the Cathedral. I—//” “//Isn’t it—//” “//I don’t pay you to question my actions, Jonah!//” “//Aye,gov’nor.//” <</if>> <<case "palace">> <<if $day is "morning">>“//Take the carriage to the Palace, Jonah.//” “//Is that wise, gov’nor? You know… with the rumours going ‘round?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Are you my ?Parent, Jonah?//” Seeing the driver shake his head, you continue: “//I’ll deal with the gossip how I see fit. I don’t see why I wouldn’t enjoy a stroll in their garden or a meeting with the Prince.//” “//Aye, gov’nor,//” <<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>the slender man mumbles, bowing and he closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat.<<else>>Jonah mumbles, closes the doors and gets back to his seat. <</if>> <<elseif $day is "afternoon">>“//Take the carriage to the Palace, Jonah.//” “//Is that wise, gov’nor? You know… with the rumours going ‘round?//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Are you my ?Parent, Jonah?//” Seeing the driver shake his head, you continue: “//I’ll deal with the gossip how I see fit. I don’t see why I wouldn’t enjoy a stroll in their garden or a meeting with the Prince.//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <<elseif $day is "evening">>“//Actually, Jonah… I’d like to stop by the Palace first.//” “//Is that wise—//”<<SetGender "Theo">> “//Did I ask for your opinion, Jonah?//” “//Nay, gov’nor.//”<</if>> <<case "harbour">> <<if $day is "morning">>“//Bring me to the harbour.//” “//Which side, gov’nor?//” “//Huh?//” “//Which side?//” he repeats, confused. “//The harbour is very long.//” “//Err…//” you try to remember Anne’s words about the beautiful view in… “//Highyard. Where the gate opens towards the sea.//” “//Aye gov’nor!//” <<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>the slender man bows, closes the door and takes his place on the driver’s seat.<<else>>Jonah closes the doors and gets back to his seat.<</if>> <<else>> <</if>> <<case "md">>“//Yes, Jonah. Back to the Manor.//” “//Aye, gov’nor!//” <<case "manor">>“//Yes, Jonah. Back to the Manor. Today has been trying enough… I’ll give you a note for the Duke. I’m sure she’ll understand my absence.//” “//Are you—//” “//I don’t pay you to question my actions, Jonah!//” “//Aye, gov’nor.//” <<case "garden">>“//To Sunwin Garden,//” you tell your driver. “//Are you—//” “//Did I ask for your opinion, Jonah?//” “//Aye, gov’nor,” the man closes the door and gets back to his seat. <</switch>><> <<if $day is "morning">><<if visited("A1SO-Main") is 1>>You wave your worries away as a whip cracks outside and the bridled horses pull the carriage forwards. You push aside the black curtain behind you to catch a glimpse of the building you have just exited. The large, yet simple, red four-story building gets smaller and smaller as the vehicle drives away. The structure seems quite classical, with simple lines demarcating the different levels and rooms. Decorated pillars by the entrance support a small balcony, at the halfway mark of the staircase leading upstairs. You wish you had more time to study the building, but, soon, the manor leaves your sight completely. You sit back to a more comfortable position and look around the interior of the carriage. The black curtains covering the windows give the interior quite the gloomy atmosphere. You pull one aside and let some light inside. Seeing familiar colours around you, you snort. Dark greens and reds are woven into every material inside the vehicle as it was outside and in your room. //Is this an obsession? This was cute before, but this is getting a bit overkill, now.// You pursue still your little exploration of the interior. There are two padded benches built inside, the one you are sitting on and one in front of you. Before now, you hadn’t noticed how comfortable there were. You hadn’t expected them to be so and wouldn’t be surprised to be able to travel hours in this carriage without feeling pain or stiffness. Especially as the sides of the carriage are also padded. You put your head on one of them and look out the window, hoping to see something interesting. <<else>>The whip cracks the air once more and the carriage gets on its way. You lay your head on the padded side and look out the window again. This time, however, you don’t pay much attention to the environment passing in front of your eyes.<</if>> <<elseif $day is "afternoon">><<if $loc is "garden">>A whip cracks in the air and the carriage’s speed doubles. The rough change of speed shakes the interior of the vehicle and you struggle to find an anchor until it stabilises. You press your head against the side window once more, seeing the landscape now hurrying along. The carriage soon enters the city as it passes under the gates.<<else>>The whip cracks the air once more and the carriage gets on its way.<</if>> <<elseif $destination is "garden">>The whip cracks again the air and the carriage rolls away. Looking out the window, the landscape blurs once more and loses your attention. <<else>>The driver closes the door and takes his place at the front of the carriage. You hear once more the whip-cracking into the air as the horses clop down the street.<</if>> * <<switch $destination>> <<case "duke">><<if $day is "morning">>[[Continue|A1SO-DukeM]]<<elseif $day is "afternoon">>[[Continue|A1SO-DukeA]]<<elseif $day is "evening" && not hasVisited("A1S4-07")>>[[Continue|A1S4-07]]<<elseif $day is "evening">>[[Continue|END Demo]]<</if>> <<case "judy">><<if $day is "morning">>[[Continue|A1SO-Judy]]<<else>>[[Continue|A1S3-14]]<</if>> <<case "cathedral">><<if $day is "evening" && not hasVisited("A1S4-07")>>[[Continue|A1S4-07]]<<else>>[[Continue|A1SO-Cathedral]]<</if>> <<case "palace">><<if $day is "morning">>[[Continue|A1SO-PalaceM]]<<elseif $day is "afternoon">>[[Continue|A1SO-PalaceA]]<<elseif $day is "evening">><<if hasVisited("A1S4-07")>>[[Continue|A1SO-PalaceE]]<<else>>[[Continue|A1S4-07]]<</if>><</if>> <<case "harbour">>[[Continue|A1SO-Harbour]] <<case "md">><<if hasVisited("A1S4-07")>>[[Continue|END Demo]]<<else>>[[Continue|A1S4-07]]<</if>> <<case "manor">><<if hasVisited("A1S4-07")>>[[Continue|END Demo]]<<else>>[[Continue|A1S4-07]]<</if>> <<case "garden">>[[Continue|A1S4-07]] <</switch>>

<<unset $destination>><<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>>Flashes of light and darkness brush your face as the carriage rolls through the many streets it enters. While Jonah continues to take some corners a bit too sharply, you don’t feel the need to hold yourself in place this time around. You glance a few times out of the window, hoping to recognise a street or a building or two. But, you quickly lose interest or track of where you think you are, after the carriage turns abruptly and pushes you away from the window. By the time the carriage stops, you concede you would not be able to retrace your steps back to the manor, or anywhere else. <<else>>Chaos soon enters the carriage, as it takes a corner too tight for your taste. You try your best to hold on to something to stay in place, but another sharp turn makes you lose your balance. Pushing your legs against the bench in front of you, you hope to stable yourself inside the shaking vehicle. //I think I’m going to be sick…// Through the small window in front of you, you hear Jonah doing his best to handle the horses, but they do not seem to enjoy the narrow road taken. //Am I being punished for something?// You knock on the window, swiftly opened by the driver’s hand. “//Is something wrong, gov’nor?//” “//Are the twists and turns necessary, Jonah? I am not feeling too good in here.//” “//So sorry gov’nor. Our usual way was blocked, forcing us to take a little detour. I’m trying to reach our destination the best I can.//” “//Ugh…//” you feel your stomach moving upward. “//Will this torture last much longer?//” “//We are almost there, gov’nor!//” The carriage takes another corner sharply, making you fall between the benches. When you manage to pull yourself up, you glue your face to the window, hoping the view would settle your nerves. While you feel your stomach calming down, you amuse yourself by creating a mental map of your vehicle’s ride. But, you quickly lose interest or track of where you think you are, after the carriage turns abruptly and pushes you away from the window. By the time the carriage stops, you concede you would not be able to retrace your steps back to the manor. <</if>>“//We’re here, gov’nor,//” your driver announces through the window. * [[Continue|A1S4-Title]]

<<unset $destination>><<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")or hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><<if $loc is "cathedral">>The carriage keeps a slow and steady pace, as it strolls by large ramparts. Seeing further some golden gates, you catch a small glimpse of another richly constructed building. Heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and along the walls, you safely assume you have found the Royal Palace. <<else>>Following a bumpy drive again, the carriage slows down to a steadier pace. Now better used to Jonah’s driving style in the small streets, you feel less shaken by the twists and turns. With the slower speed, you manage to catch a glimpse through a golden gate of a richly constructed building encircled by some large ramparts. Heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and along the walls, you safely assume you have found the Royal Palace. <</if>><<else>>Chaos soon enters the carriage as it takes a corner too tight for your taste. You try your best to hold on to something to stay in place, but another sharp turn makes you lose your balance. Pushing your legs against the bench in front of you, you hope to stable yourself inside the shaking vehicle. //I think I’m going to be sick…// Through the small window in front of you, you hear Jonah doing his best to handle the horses, but they do not seem to enjoy the narrow road taken. //Am I being punished for something?// You knock on the window, swiftly opened by the driver’s hand. “//Is something wrong, gov’nor?//” “//Are the twists and turns necessary, Jonah? I am not feeling too good in here.//” “//So sorry gov’nor. Our usual way to the Palace was blocked, forcing us to take a little detour. I’m trying to reach our destination the best I can.//” “//Ugh…//” you feel your stomach moving upward. “//Will this torture last much longer?//” “//We are almost there, gov’nor!//” The carriage takes another corner sharply, making you fall between the benches. When you manage to pull yourself up —now made easier as the horses have calmed down—,you notice the interior is now bathing into sunlight. Propping yourself to the window, you perceive a large open plaza, filled with many people walking between market stalls, around the layered trees and bushes, or lazying around the fountains. Far behind the busyness, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even with the current distance between you and the edifice, you can still notice its large stained glass window with sophisticated designs and the intricately sculpted arch above the door. There is something quite revered and holy about it. //I understand why Anne would want to visit it.// The holy place disappears from your field of vision and yields to another construction. Protected by large ramparts, you catch a glimpse of it through its golden gates. Heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and along the walls, you safely assume you have found the Royal Palace. <</if>>With your carriage getting closer, the golden gates open before you and swiftly closed as soon as the vehicle passes through. Looking at the window, you notice similar rows of trees and shrubbery to the one you saw in the large plaza behind you. Though, these seem to having been given better care. While this courtyard is not filled with pesky commoners, you find a few well-dressed individuals and quiet servants roaming around. The carriage stops at the end of the main lane, right in front of a couple of wide doors. Jonah steps down and opens the vehicle door. Aided by your driver to leave your seat, you are greeted by an average-looking attendant, whom you pay little mind. “//?Liege Vasmosia,//” the attendant bows, a fake smile on her face, “//what a pleasure it is to see you this early in this fine morning.//” “//Make away with the false pleasantries, imp. We both know you do not like me.//” “//I don’t know what you are talking, my ?liege,//” the woman retorts, seething through her teeth at your insult. “//What is the reason for your visit today?//” “//Why should I need a reason, when I am part of the court?//” You see an oddly dressed person enter the building. “//Why am I stopped when they can go through?//” “//You are indeed part of the court, my ?liege. But you cannot roam these halls without a summon in the morning. Baron Ravimber received one. You have not.//” “//Then, what about them?//” you wave at the other strollers in the courtyard. “//Did they receive a summon to come here?//” “//As long as they stay in this courtyard, none is needed. The court is welcome to enjoy it as they please,//” she says as a matter-of-factly. “//Now, do you have a reason for your visit today, my ?liege?//” * [[Meet with the Prince. |A1SO-PalaceM2][$case = 1]] * [[Roam the Palace Halls. |A1SO-PalaceM2][$case = 2]]

<<notifAISOpalace>><<switch $case>><<case 1>><<unset $case>><<SetGender "Vic">><<if setup.ro.vic isnot false>>“//I was on my way to meet with Prince ?Vic this morning.//” “//Is ?Their Highness actually expecting you?//” the woman raises her eyebrow, incredulous. “//Why the interrogation, puck? Shouldn’t Prince ?Vic expect to see me at any moment?//” “//You think so?//” she scoffs. “//Why wouldn’t I? I expect the same of ?them. After all, we are set to be betrothed.//” “//Shh! Do not say this so loud!//” “//You asked why,//” you shrug. “//My <<SetGender>>?liege knows full well the Royal House has not confirmed your relationship with Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic. You must refrain from mentioning it to anyone.//” “//Oh, come on!//” you roll your eyes. “//Everyone knows about it at this point. What’s the harm?//” “//There are protocols to follow, my <<SetGender>>?liege.//” “//Let me pass.//” “//Err… No.//” “//What?! Why not?//” “//The Prince is… indisposed.//” “//Bull—//” you feel a hand on your shoulder, stopping you, and see Jonah shake his head. “//Why didn’t you say so earlier?//” <<SetGender "Vic">>The woman shrugs. Her countenance towards you infuriates every cell in your body. You know it is not her fault Prince ?Vic will not see you right now, but you can’t help feeling cheated by this attendant. “//Can’t I still enter and wait for Prince ?Vic to be able to see me?//”<<SetGender>> “//I am sorry, my ?liege,//” she smirks. “//But I cannot make an exception for you. You are still able to enjoy the courtyard,//” she gestures at the space behind you, “//or wait until this afternoon when the Palace is open to all. Though… I wouldn’t count on Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic being inclined on joining the court today.//” The attendant unwilling to let you through, you are not sure what else you would be able to do here. As much as you could make a scene, it would be unwise to do so —unless you would want to feel the wrath of the Royal Family—. You turn your heels and step back into your carriage. “//So… no walk in the garden?//” the attendant tries to taunt you. Paying her little mind, you shudder. The thought of strolling down the empty courtyard gives you the hives. Still, you settle on the bench, dejected of seeing your hope for a more positive outcome shattered by that snarky woman. Jonah waits before closing the door. <<else>><<set $relcourt -= 1>>“//I was on my way to meet with Prince ?Vic this morning.//” “//Why?//” she scoffs. “//Are you trying to rub your rejection in ?their face?//” “//This is none of your business, puck!//” “//You expect to be let in the Palace after the note from the Marquis His Majesty just received. How brazen of you, my <<SetGender>>?liege!//” She smirks. <<SetGender "Theo">>Your ?parent did mention ?they would write to the Royal House about your wish to end your engagement with Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic but you didn’t realise it would be this quick. //Are we already barred from court?// <div class="heir">What have you done…</div> “//I thought it would be best to explain my wish in person.//” “//And you will be summoned when they will deem it necessary, my <<SetGender>>?liege.//” She gestures you to step back into your carriage. “//I can’t even stay there?//” you motion at the courtyard behind you. “//Why would you wish to?//” She frowns, confused. “//Do you truly think the King will look upon this favourably after what you’ve done?//” She chuckles. “//Don’t you understand you are out of favour with the Royal House now?//” Dejected, you enter your carriage and settle yourself on the bench. This is for the best, you tell yourself, as you hear the snarky woman still chuckling in delight. Jonah waits a bit longer before closing the door.<</if>> <<case 2>><<unset $case>><<if setup.ro.vic isnot false>>“//I just wanted to walk around the castle, that’s all.//” “//I am sorry, my ?liege. As I have just said, unless you have received a summon, I cannot let you pass these doors.//” “//Are you barring me access to my future residence, puck? Don’t you know you will be seeing more of me in these halls very soon?//” “//But not yet, my ?liege.//” “//Why can’t I look around to see where I will be staying after my betrothal is complete?//” “//Shh! Do not say this so loud!//” “//You asked why,//” you shrug. “//My ?liege knows full well the Royal House has not confirmed your relationship with Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic. You must refrain from mentioning it to anyone.//” “//Oh, come on!//” you roll your eyes. “//Everyone knows about it at this point. What’s the harm?//”<<SetGender>> “//There are protocols to follow, my ?liege.//” “//Let me pass.//” “//Err… No.//” The countenance of the woman towards you infuriates every cell in your body. You know there are rules you must follow, as every member of the court does. Still, you find it ridiculous you must be forced in these way, considering the situation. You can’t help feeling cheated by this attendant. “//What?! Why not?//” “//As long as you,//” she comes closer and whispers, “//are not wed to <<SetGender "Vic">>?Their Highness, we will continue to require a summon for you to pass these doors. I cannot make an exception for you. You are still able to enjoy the courtyard,//” she gestures at the space behind you, “//or wait until this afternoon when the Palace is open to all.//” The attendant unwilling to let you through, you are not sure what else you would be able to do here. As much as you could make a scene, it would be unwise to do so —unless you would want to feel the wrath of the Royal Family—. You turn your heels and step back into your carriage. “//So… no walk in the garden?//” the attendant tries to taunt you. Paying her little mind, you shudder. The thought of strolling down the empty courtyard gives you the hives. Still, you settled on the bench, dejected of seeing your hope for a more positive outcome shattered by that snarky woman. Jonah waits before closing the door. <<else>><<set $relcourt -= 1>>“//I just wanted to walk around the castle, that’s all.//” “//Why?//” she scoffs. “//Why would you want to show yourself here?//” “//How dare you speak to me this way, puck!//” “//How are you surprised of this welcome, my ?liege?//” She smirks. “//To be expected entry after the note the Marquis sent His Majesty earlier this morning… How brazen of you!//” <<SetGender "Theo">>Your ?parent did mention ?they would write to the Royal House about your wish to end your engagement with Prince <<SetGender "Vic">>?Vic but you didn’t realise it would be this quick. //Are we already barred from court?// <div class="heir">>What have you done…</div> “//I… I didn’t think…//” “//Evidently.//” “//How can—//” “//Wait to be summoned, like everyone else,//” She gestures you to step back into your carriage. “//I can’t even stay there?//” you motion at the courtyard behind you. “//Why would you sigh to?//” She frowns, confused. “//Do you truly think the King will look upon this favourably after what you’ve done?//” She chuckles. “//Don’t you understand you are out of favour with the Royal House now?//” Dejected, you enter your carriage and settle yourself on the bench. This is for the best, you tell yourself, as you hear the snarky woman still chuckling in delight. Jonah waits a bit longer before closing the door.<</if>><</switch>> “//Err… where shall we go next, gov’nor?//” <<set $loc to "palace">> <ul> <li> [[There might still be time for you to reach Sunwin Garden before the party dies down. |A1S2-07a]]</li> <li> <<link [[You could make yourself feel better with a little shopping therapy. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>><li> <<link [[Could you expect to be greeted by Duke Cardaidras more warmly? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link [[A visit to the Cathedral may lift your spirit up. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li> <<link [[Walking by the ocean could clear out your smudged mind. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club") && setup.clue.match is true>><li> [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><</if>></ul>

<<notifAISOpalace>><<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $loc is "cathedral">>>The carriage keeps a slow and steady pace, as it strolls by large ramparts. Seeing further some golden gates, you catch a small glimpse of another richly constructed building. Heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and along the walls, you safely assume you have found the Royal Palace. <<elseif $loc is "judy">>Driving away from the modiste shop, anxiousness overwhelms you. You keep glancing around you, through the windows, expecting someone to jump onto the carriage at rob you in broad daylight at any moment. You barely notice you are biting your nails. When you are not looking outside, your eyes are fixed on the bench in front of you, the one you hid the safe inside. You utter a high-pitched squeak when the carriage bumps, one of its wheels having run through a hole in the road. A nervous laugh passes your lips as you try to recompose yourself. Still, you can’t stop your hands from shaking. <div class="heir">Keep it together, you wet chicken!</div> Soon, the carriage slows, almost to a stop. Afraid someone would take the opportunity to force themselves inside, you hold onto the door handle and scan around you. Unfortunately, your fear has been realised, as you find a buzzing crowd swarming around the carriage. Your grasp on the handle tightens, even after seeing few faces turn your way, instead going on about their days. Outside, you hear Jonah shouting obscenities to whoever blocks the path of your carriage. With the carriage barely moving, you cast a glance further in the busy plaza. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is bustling. Your eyes are caught by a golden light, coming from the side of the plaza. Glistening gates open and close with every ornate carriage passing through to reach a richly constructed building, which you <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>assume to be<<else>>recognise as<</if>> the Royal Place. <<elseif $loc is "garden">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral") or not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Passing the gates, the carriage follows along a dark street feeding into a bright open plaza, forcing you to cover your eyes to avoid being blinded. Light engulfing the carriage, you need some time to adjust to the surrounding luminosity. As you feel more comfortable with the sun shining so strongly around you, you start to notice bits and pieces moving around the carriage, continuing its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away. You glance further from the vehicle and discern a busy plaza filled with people. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is buzzing. <<else>>Passing the gates, you recognise the dark street leading to the large plaza you had seen earlier, the one you crossed when you stopped by the Palace. As with earlier, the place is still buzzing with people, maybe even more so. It does not stop your carriage though, as it continues its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Far in the distance, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even considering the distance between you and the edifice, you manage to perceive large stained glass windows with sophisticated design and the large intricate sculpted arch above the door. There is something so revered and holy about this building. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>//Would it be the cathedral Anne wished to visit?//<</if>><<else>>Far in the distance, you distinguish the large ostentations white building, one you had seen afar when you went to visit the Palace. You were pretty certain you had found the Cathedral<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>, the one Anne wanted to visit<</if>>.<</if>> <<elseif $lock is "duke">>Leaving the Duke’s house behind, the carriage enters and exits familiar streets to arrive again at the bright, large plaza. Still busy with people, you hear Jonah shouting more obscenities at passersby to move aside. You try to pay little mind to the wide array of cursed words used by your driver, focusing instead on the crowds gathered around buzzing stalls. <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Far behind the busyness, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even with the current distance between you and the edifice, you can still notice its large stained glass window with sophisticated designs and the intricately sculpted arch above the door. With the carriage getting closer, the detailed art gets clearer and more impressive by the minute. There is something quite revered and holy about it. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>//I understand why Anne would want to visit it.//<</if>><<else>>Far in the distance, you distinguish the large ostentations white building, one you had seen afar when you went to visit the Palace. You were pretty certain you had found the Cathedral<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>, the one Anne wanted to visit.<</if>><</if>><</if>> The holy place disappears from your field of vision and yields to another construction. Protected by large ramparts, you catch a glimpse of it through its golden gates. Heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and along the walls, you safely assume you have found the Royal Palace. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>><<set $relcourt -= 5>><<set $loc to "palace">>With your carriage getting closer, the golden gates open before you and swiftly closed as soon as the vehicle passes through. Looking at the window, you notice similar rows of trees and shrubbery to the one you saw in the large plaza behind you. Though, these seem to having been given better care. While this courtyard is not filled with pesky commoners, you find it crowded with other vehicles, waiting for their masters. Jonah stops the carriage at the end of the main lane, right in front of a couple of wide open doors. Stepping down, nodding respectfully at other nobles passing about, he opens the vehicle door for you. Aided by your driver to leave your seat, an average looking-attendant runs to you. “//?Liege Vasmosia!//” the attendant growls, trying to keep her voice as low as possible. “//How dare you show your face here today?//” “//Watch your language, imp! I am not sure your King would appreciate you treat his court this way.//” “//I am not sure His Majesty would appreciate you roaming his palace’s halls after what you’ve done!//” “//What I have done… Pray enlighten me on such horrific acts I may have committed to deserve such lowly welcome.//” “//How are you surprised by this welcome, my ?liege?//” She smirks. “//To be expected entry after the note the Marquis sent His Highness earlier this morning… How brazen of you!//” <<SetGender "Theo">>Your ?parent did mention ?they would write to the Royal House about your wish to end your engagement with <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic but you didn’t realise it would be this quick. You glance around you and see small groups of well-dressed individuals looking your way, whispering and snickering. //Are we already barred from court?//<<SetGender>> <div class="heir">What have you done…</div> “//I… I didn’t think…//” “//Evidently. Or you would have done the right thing and hide back at your Estate.//” “//Am I—//” <“//You may be summoned, if deemed necessary,//” she announces, loud enough for everyone around to hear clearly. “//Though, I could not think of a reason why the King would wish to see you anytime soon. You understand, right, my ?liege?//” Frozen on your feet, you become overwhelmed by the whispers becoming louder around you. Why did I come here? Everywhere you look, your eyes are met with disdain and mockery. //Why didn’t I—// “//Must I call up the guards?//” the woman sneers, gesturing you to step back into your vehicle. “//Or will you leave peacefully?//” Humiliated, you run back and hide behind the safe and padded walls of your carriage. //This could have gone better,// you concede. Had you known the Palace’s grounds would be this crowded in the afternoon, you would probably not have crossed the gates so imprudently. //Still… this is for the best,// you tell yourself as the snarky woman’s delighted chuckles fill you with grief. Even after Jonah closes the door, her nasty voice carries through inside. Your driver jumps back to his seat and sets the horses galloping away from the Royal Palace. It is not until the carriage has crossed the gates once more that Jonah opens the small window in front of you and asks. “Err… where shall we go next, gov’nor?” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li><<link "You should probably leave for Judy’s Scissors to get to your fitting on time." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S3-Title")>><<link "You could head out towards Sunwin Garden. You might still have some time left to enjoy the luncheon." "A1SO-Sunwin">><<set $destination to "garden">><</link>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") or hasVisited("A1S4-06M") or hasVisited("A1SO-Sunwin")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li><<link "If your presence is truly persona non grata at the Palace, you could find salvation at the Cathedral.""A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><li><<link '<<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>If the Duke is back, paying her a visit could lift your spirit.<<else>>You may receive a warmer welcome at the Duke’s.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">>>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<else $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">>>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</switch>>

<<unset $destination>><<if $loc is "cathedral">>The carriage keeps a slow and steady pace, as it strolls aside large ramparts. Further, you see some golden gates, the one you remember passing earlier. Through them, the richly constructed building appears. Still heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and the along the walls, you know you’ve arrived. <<else>>Driving away from the modiste shop, anxiousness overwhelms you. You keep glancing around you, through the windows, expecting someone to jump onto the carriage at rob you in broad daylight at any moment. You barely notice you are biting your nails. When you are not looking outside, your eyes are fixed on the bench in front of you, the one you hid the safe inside. You utter a high-pitched squeak when the carriage bumps, one of its wheels having run through a hole in the road. A nervous laugh passes your lips as you try to recompose yourself. Still, you can’t stop your hands from shaking. <div class= "heir">Keep it together, you wet chicken!</div> Soon, the carriage slows, almost to a stop. Afraid someone would take the opportunity to force themselves inside, you hold onto the door handle and scan around you. Instead of a busy street, filled with ruffians, you find a golden gate, behind which the richly constructed building you caught a glimpse of earlier. Still heavily guarded with soldiers by the gates and the along the walls, you feel relieved to see you’ve arrived. <</if>> With your carriage getting closer, the golden gates open before you and swiftly closed as soon as the vehicle passes. Through the window, you notice similar rows of trees and shrubbery to the one you saw in the large plaza, now behind you. How cared they are compared to their cousins outside doesn’t tick you as much as finding the courtyard almost deserted. The carriage stops at the end of the main lane, right in front of a couple of wide doors. Jonah steps down and opens the vehicle door. Aided by your driver to leave your seat, you are greeted by an average-looking attendant, whom you pay little mind. <<if setup.ro.vic isnot false>>“//?Liege Vasmosia,//” the attendant bows, a bland smile on his face, “//what a surprise your carriage passed the gates so late in the day.//” “//Late?!//” you scoff. “//I have yet to eat dinner!//” “//My ?liege,//” his head cocks slightly to the side, “//we’ve just closed the doors. Unless… you have a reason to be present at this hour?//” “//Why would I need a reason? Aren’t I a member of the court?//” <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>>You strangely feel as if you’ve had this argument before.<</if>> “//You are indeed, my ?liege! However…//” He pauses, uncomfortable. “//A summon is required after the doors are closed to… general audience. If you have not…//” He raises shyly his hand towards your carriage, hoping you’d take the hint and leave. * <<link [[Pretend you’ve received a summon. A piece of paper won’t stop you from roaming these halls. |A1SO-PalaceE2]]>><<set $text to 1>><</link>> * <<link [[Admit you did not receive one. You don’t need to waste your time any longer.|A1SO-PalaceE2]]>><<set $text to 2>><</link>> <<else>>* <<link [[Continue |A1SO-PalaceE2]]>><<set $text to 3>><</link>><</if>>

<<notifAISOpalace>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//As a matter of fact,//” you stand tall, arms behind your back, “//it so happened my presence was requested.//” “//It… was? I… I don’t think I saw your name on the li—//” “//It was sent very recently. Maybe so recently it had not had time to be added to the list?//” “//Unlikely?//” the man side-eyes you. “//If… if it was so recent, may… may I see the summon?//” “//Do you doubt my words?//” “//I would never, my ?liege! I just… If you were not on the list… As a proof… In case…//” “//In case what? Goddess… What could even happen for a flimsy piece of paper to become so essential?//” “//…you know…//” “//No, I obviously do not. Out with it, little man. What is the worse that could happen?//” “//An assassination attempt on Their Royal Highnesses!//” “//Oh…//” The man extends his hand, waiting for you to provide the requested documents. “//I do not have it on me?//” “//I am very sorry, my ?liege, but I cannot let you pass without proper documentation.//” “//Unbelievable,//” you throw your hands in the air. “//This is unacceptable!//” “//I am truly sorry. I cannot go against—//” “//Cannot you check your list one last time? Maybe my name could have been added since?//” “//I… That is not possible, my ?liege.//” “//Why not?//” “//It is in my vest.//” “//What is— Oh…//” The attendant stands, silent, waiting for you to retrace your steps and return to your carriage. You want to push the issue further, wear the man down until he relents, but you know you’ll only end up making a fool of yourself. Dejected, you enter the vehicle once more and settle yourself on the bench. //Better luck next time…// Jonah waits just a moment longer before closing the door. <<case 2>><<set $vicmsg to true>>“//Ha… What a shame indeed I arrived so late…//” “//You do not—//” “//Unlucky me! I did not receive a summon either.//” “//I’m sure—//” “//I had been so busy all day… I did not see the time pass at all! Had I kept an eye…//” you sigh. “//There’s always t—//” “//And here I wanted to surprise ?Their Highness. What a fool I have made myself. Do you think…//” You stop and shake your head. “//No. It would not be proper.//” “//What…//” The attendant gets closer and whispers: “//What did you—//” “//Serenading under ?Their Heighness’s window,//” you whisper back. “//I… No, indeed… It would not be proper. I am not sure ?Their Highness would appreciate it either. I… I could leave—//” “//… a message to ?Their Highness mentioning I tried to see them? How gracious of you!//” With these words, you turn your heels and return to your carriage. You are disappointed you were barred entrance to the Palace, but hope your message will grant you a personal summon instead. //It could not have got better…// Jonah waits just a moment longer before closing the door. <<case 3>>“//?Liege Vasmosia,//” the attendant bows, trying to keep his voice as low as possible. “//What a surprise to see you here, today!//” “//Surprise? Why… Wasn’t I supposed to…//” “//Err… I am not sure how to say it.//” The man looks uncomfortable. “//Oh, please, take your time,//” you respond sarcastically. “//I never mind my time being wasted so.//” “//It is just… We never expected you to show up here… Not after… Err… the Marquis’s letter.//” “//The let—//” You stop yourself, now recalling <<SetGender "Theo">>your ?parent mentioning ?they would write to the Royal House about your wish to end your engagement with <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic but you didn’t realise it would be this quick. You glance around you but see no one. //Are we already barred from court?// <<SetGender>> <div class="heir">What have you done…</div> “//I… I didn’t think…//” “//It is quite alright, my ?liege. It is actually a good thing—//” “//Being barred from court? A good thing?//” “//Goddess, no,//” he shakes his hands. “//I meant having chosen this time to come here. Had you arrived earlier, it would have been more… awkward to explain. In front of the other nobles.//” “//Oh.//” The attendant stands, silent, waiting for you to do something, anything. Dejected, you enter your carriage and settle yourself on the bench. This is for the best, you tell yourself, as you see the conflict-averse man avoiding your gaze. Jonah waits a bit longer before closing the door. <</switch>> “//Where shall we go next, gov’nor?//” <ul> <li><<link [[Stop by the Manor before setting for the Duke’s. It would be most appropriate to arrive in a different outfit.|A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "md">><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[Go back to the Manor. You’ve already had a long day. You’ll have Jonah deliver your excuses to the Duke.|A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "manor">><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[You may still have some time to visit the Cathedral.|A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li> <<if $rec2 isnot 1>><li> <<link '<<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>You are not quite sure where you’d want to go. Maybe Jonah has an idea?<<else>>You hope Jonah has better recommendations for you this time. You were sorely disappointed last time.<</if>>' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> </ul>

<<unset $destination>><<notifAISOduke>><<if $loc is "cathedral" or $loc is "palace">>Leaving the <<if $loc is "cathedral">>Cathedral<<else>>Palace<</if>> behind, the carriage enter narrow street once more. Unlike the first drive out of the house, this one is remarkably more pleasant. Jonah having a better control over the horses, you manage to enjoy the relatively short drive to the Cardaidras’s house. Soon, the carriage passes through some intricately detailed iron gates and stops in front of a well-suited villa. Compared to your house, this one is probably half its size and much tamer looking. From its exterior, you would think you are about to enter the house of an individual with a lower status than yours. //Wasn’t I supposed to meet a Duke though?// <<elseif $loc is "harbour">>Leaving the ocean front behind, the carriage continues its course in the narrow streets it had taken earlier. Unlike the first drive out of the house, this one is remarkably more pleasant. Jonah having a better control over the horses, you manage to enjoy the journey with a more settled stomach. While you do your best to avoid thinking about that chaotic ride, you rest your head by the window. Soon enough, the carriage passes through some intricately detailed iron gates and stops in front of a well-suited villa. Compared to your house, this one is probably half its size and much tamer looking. From its exterior, you would think you are about to enter the house of an individual with a lower status than yours. //Wasn’t I supposed to meet a Duke though?// <<else>>Soon after leaving the manor behind, the carriage passes through some intricately detailed iron gates and stops in front of a well-suited villa. Compared to your house, this one is probably half its size and much tamer looking. From its exterior, you would think you are about to enter the house of an individual with a lower status than yours. //Wasn’t I supposed to meet a Duke though?//<</if>> Jonah descends from his seat and opens the door for you. As soon as you step out of the carriage, the villa’s main door opens and a strict-looking man comes out. He walks briskly towards you, arriving before you as you set your foot down. He bows inches away from you.<<set $loc to "duke">> “//We were not expecting you this early, my ?liege,//” the man explains. “//Is there something the matter? Will you not be able to attend tonight’s dinner?//” “//No, no,//” you pat the man’s shoulder. “//Well, yes… I was hoping to meet with Duke Cardaidras this morning rather than tonight. You see, I do not particularly look forward to the prospect of being in a crowd.//” “//I see, my ?liege… Lady Sofìa will be disappointed to learn you will not make an appearance at her dinner. She had planned this whole event, especially for you.//” “//I am sure she would be happier to spend some more personal time with me this morning instead.//” “//Were she currently at home, I am sure she would indeed,//” the man nods. “//Unfortunately, she has already left herself. Just a few minutes before you arrived!//” “//Indeed? What a shame!//” you lament. “//And to think I was to miss her so closely!//” “//It is very unfortunate, my ?liege.//” “//Do you know when she would be back?//” “//Ah… I do not, unfortunately. Lady Sofìa likes to take her time when she does out. You would have more chance at seeing her tonight. If you are still—//” “//Maybe I could catch her during her errands?//” you interrupt him. “//Do you know where she was going?//” “//Err…//” the old man scratches his head. “//I do not, my ?liege. She often leaves on a whim. We only find out where she was when she comes back.//” “//How inconvenient,//” you pout. “//Well, there is not much I can do…//” “//Will Lady Sofìa still be expecting you tonight?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“Of course she should still be expecting me!”">><<replace "#duke" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to true>>“//Of course she should still be expecting me!//” you roll your eyes. “//Why would she not?//” “//I assumed—//” “//You assumed?//” Your eyes widen. “//Can you read my mind?//” “//No, my ?liege. Please forgive me,//” the man bows. You wave him off as you turn your heels to get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <li> [[You might still reach Sunwin Garden in time and not miss too much of the fun. |A1S2-07a]]</li> <li> <<link [[Maybe you could have more fun trying on outfits instead? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link [[A visit to the Cathedral could lift your spirit up. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>> <li> <<link [[You wonder if you’d have more chance meeting someone important if you went to the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li> <<link [[A walk to the Harbour could distract your from this failed enterprise. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“Maybe it would be best if I rescheduled our little meeting.”">><<replace "#duke" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to false>>“//Maybe it would be best if I rescheduled our little meeting.//” “//Have I mentioned Lady Sofìa organised this dinner for you already, my ?liege? Would it—//” “//Are you in charge of my goings and leavings, old man? Must I ask you permission to go anywhere?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege,//” the man bows his head in shame. “//Convey to your mistress my apologies. I will make it up to her.//” “//I will, ?my liege.//” You turn your heels to get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul><li> [[You might still reach Sunwin Garden in time and not miss too much of the fun. |A1S2-07a]]</li> <li> <<link [[Maybe you could have more fun trying on outfits instead? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link [[A visit to the Cathedral could lift your spirit up. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>> <li> <<link [[You wonder if you’d have more change meeting someone important if you went to the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li> <<link [[A walk to the Harbour could distract your from this failed enterprise. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <>

<<notifAISOduke>><<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<if $loc is "garden">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA") and not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Passing the gates, the carriage follows along a dark street feeding into a bright open plaza, forcing you to cover your eyes to avoid being blinded. Light engulfing the carriage, you need some time to adjust to the surrounding luminosity. As you feel more comfortable with the sun shining so strongly around you, you start to notice bits and pieces moving around the carriage, continuing its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away. You glance further from the vehicle and discern a busy plaza filled with people. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is buzzing. <<else>>Passing the gates, you recognise the dark street leading to the large plaza you had seen earlier, the one you crossed when you stopped by the <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Palace<<else>>Cathedral<</if>>. As with earlier, the place is still buzzing with people, maybe even more so. It does not stop your carriage though, as it continues its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away.<</if>> The carriage is soon filled in darkness as it enters a small street, leaving behind the bright and busy plaza. Though the vehicle shakes heavily, you end up recognising some buildings through the window, buildings you had seen when you left the neighbourhood. Soon enough, the carriage passes <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>again<</if>> through some intricately detailed iron gates and stops in front of <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>a<<else>>the<</if>> well-suited villa. <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>Compared to your house, this one is probably half its size and much tamer looking. From its exterior, you would think you are about to enter the house of an individual with a lower status than yours. //Wasn’t I supposed to meet a Duke though?//<<else>>The sight of the small villa, when compared to your abode, still strikes you as being underwhelming, especially when you know it houses a Duke.<</if>> <<elseif $loc is "cathedral">>Leaving the Cathedral behind, the carriage crosses the plaza once more and enters a narrow street. Settled deep in your seat, you glance at the close landscape outside the window. Some buildings catch your eyes, as you recognise seeing these structures when you left the neighbourhood earlier. Soon enough, the carriage passes <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>again<</if>> through some intricately detailed iron gates and stops in front of <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>a<<else>>the<</if>> well-suited villa. <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>Compared to your house, this one is probably half its size and much tamer looking. From its exterior, you would think you are about to enter the house of an individual with a lower status than yours. //Wasn’t I supposed to meet a Duke though?//<<else>>The sight of the small villa, when compared to your abode, still strikes you as being underwhelming, especially when you know it houses a Duke.<</if>><</if>> Jonah descends from his seat and opens the door for you. As soon as you step out of the carriage, the villa’s main door opens and <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>a<<else>>the same<</if>> strict-looking man comes out. He walks briskly towards you, arriving before you as you set your foot down. He bows inches away from you. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<set $loc to "duke">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>“//We were not expecting you this early, my ?liege,//” the man explains. “//Is there something the matter? Will you not be able to attend tonight’s dinner?//” “//No, no,//” you pat the man’s shoulder. “//Well, yes… I was hoping to meet with Duke Cardairas this afternoon rather than tonight. You see, I do not particularly look forward to the prospect of being in <<if hasVisited("A1S3-02late")>>a<<else>>another<</if>> crowd.//” “//I see, my ?liege… Lady Sofìa will be disappointed to learn you will not make an appearance at her dinner. She had planned this whole event, especially for you.//” “//I am sure she would be happier to spend some more personal time with me this afternoon instead.//” “//Were she currently at home, I am sure she would indeed,//” the man nods. “//Unfortunately, she has already left herself. Just a few minutes before you arrived!//” “//Indeed? What a shame!//” you lament. “//And to think I was to miss her so closely!//” “//It is very unfortunate, my ?liege.//” “//Do you know when she would be back?//” “//Ah… I do not, unfortunately. Lady Sofìa likes to take her time when she does out. You would have more chance at seeing her tonight. If you are still—//” “//Maybe I could catch her during her errands?//” you interrupt him. “//Do you know where she was going?//” “//Err…//” the old man scratches his head. “//I do not, my ?liege. She often leaves on a whim. We only find out where she was when she comes back.//” “//How inconvenient,//” you pout. “//Well, there is not much I can do…//” “//Will Lady Sofìa still be expecting you tonight?//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“Of course she should still be expecting me!”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to true>>“//Of course she should still be expecting me!//” you roll your eyes. “//Why would she not?//” “//I assumed—//” “//You assumed?//” Your eyes widen. “//Can you read my mind?//” “//No, my ?liege. Please forgive me,//” the man bows. You wave him off as you turn your heels to get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“Maybe it would be best if I rescheduled our little meeting.”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to false>>“//Maybe it would be best if I rescheduled our little meeting.//” “//Have I mentioned Lady Sofìa organised this dinner for you already, my ?liege? Would it—//” “//Are you in charge of my goings and leavings, old man? Must I ask you permission to go anywhere?//” “//Of course not, my ?liege,//” the man bows his head in shame. “//Convey to your mistress my apologies. I will make it up to her.//” “//I will, ?my liege.//” You turn your heels to get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<else>>“//How lovely to see you again, my ?liege,//” the man greets you. “//Are you…//” “//Looking for Duke Cardaidras? Indeed, I am,//” you nod. “//Will I be a bit luckier than this morning, my good man?//” “//Err…//” the butler looks down. “//I’m afraid you are not, my ?liege.//” “//How… unfortunate. Is Lady Sofìa still not back?//” “//She… was, my ?liege.//” “//Have I missed her again?//” you lament. “//Just by a few minutes again.//” “//Really?//” you shake your head in despair. “//I suppose you don’t know where she went or when she will be back, either?//” “//I do not, my ?liege.//” “//Well,//” you still pout, “//not much I can do…//” <<if $dukepresent is true>>“//I am sure she will be the next one to welcome you the next time your carriage crosses the gates.//” <> <ul><li> <<link "“About that…”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to false>>“//About that…//” “//Please, my ?liege,//” the man pleads. “//Do not say you won’t attend my mistress’s dinner.//” “//…I do not think I would be able to attend tonight.//” “//Why, my ?liege? Lady Sofìa has organised this dinner especially for you!//” “//None of your business, old man!//” you snap back. “//What must I tell my mistress?//” “//Convey my apologies. I will make it up to her another day.//” Even before waiting for the butler to respond, you turn your heels to get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li><<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") and not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li><<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“I hope she will.”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to true>>“//I hope she will./” Smiling at the old man, you turn your heels and get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <> <<else>>“//Will you still miss…//” the man does not bother finishing his sentence. <> <ul><li> <<link "“My decision stays unchanged.”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to false>>“//My decision stays unchanged.//” “//But, my ?liege—//” “//You’ve heard me!//” Exasperated by his insistence, you turn your heels and get back into the carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li><<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li><<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "“Actually, if I cannot meet with the Duke now…”">><<replace "#here" t8n>><<set $dukepresent to true>>“//Actually, if I cannot meet with the Duke now…//” “//Oh, praise the Goddess,//” the old man clasps his hands together. “//What a relief!//” “//I am sure Lady Sofìa will be pleased to hear of this,//” you smile, amused. “//Actually, I had not broken your decision to Her Ladyship yet,//” he blushes, feeling caught. “//I had been hoping you’d change your mind before.//” “//What a luck man you are! More than me today, it seems.//” With these words, you turn your heels and return to your carriage. Jonah hesitates to close the door as soon as you sit. “//Where shall we go next gov’nor?//” <ul> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li><<link "If you cannot spend the afternoon with the Duke, you may have a pleasant time during your fitting at Judy’s Scissors." "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") && not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li><<link "You might have a more interesting afternoon at the Cathedral." "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "cathedral">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link 'You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $club is 1>><li> <<link 'Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.' "A1SO-Club">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link 'You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $rec is 1>><li> <<link 'While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.' "A1SO-Rec">><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</replace>><</link>></li></ul> <><</if>><</if>><</switch>>

<<unset $destination>><<if $day is "morning">><<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><<if $loc is "duke" or $loc is "harbour">>Rocking you into a trance-like state, you barely pay notice to the twists and turns of the drive towards the Cathedral. The shakes when Jonah takes a corner too sharply do not phase you as much as it did before. Looking out the window, you see the buildings passing and merging into one another. <</if>>The carriage soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of earlier. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small. <<elseif $loc is "harbour">>Rocking you into a trance-lick state, you barely pay notice to the twists and turns of the drive towards the Cathedral. The shakes when Jonah takes a corner too sharply do not phase you as much as it did before. Looking out the window, you see the buildings passing and merging into one another. Then, the dark shadow covering your carriage disappears, as your face now bathes into sunlight. Covering your eyes with your hand, you perceive a large open plaza, filled with many people walking between market stalls, around the layered trees and bushes, or lazying around the fountains. Far behind the busyness, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even with the current distance between you and the edifice, you can still notice its large stained glass window with sophisticated designs and the intricately sculpted arch above the door. With the carriage getting closer, the detailed art gets clearer and more impressive by the minute. There is something quite revered and holy about it. //I understand why Anne would want to visit it.// The carriage finally stops its wild course in front of wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors. <<elseif $loc is "judy">>Driving away from the modiste shop, anxiousness overwhelms you. You keep glancing around you, through the windows, expecting someone to jump onto the carriage at rob you in broad daylight at any moment. You barely notice you are biting your nails. When you are not looking outside, your eyes are fixed on the bench in front of you, the one you hid the safe inside. You utter a high-pitched squeak when the carriage bumps, one of its wheels having run through a hole in the road. A nervous laugh passes your lips as you try to recompose yourself. Still, you can’t stop your hands from shaking. <div class="heir">Keep it together, you wet chicken! </div> Soon, the carriage slows, almost to a stop. Afraid someone would take the opportunity to force themselves inside, you hold onto the door handle and scan around you. Unfortunately, your fear has been realised, as you find a buzzing crowd swarming around the carriage. Your grasp on the handle tightens, even after seeing few faces turn your way, instead going on about their days. Outside, you hear Jonah shouting obscenities to whoever blocks the path of your carriage. With the carriage barely moving, you cast a glance further in the busy plaza. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is bustling. Your eyes are caught by a golden light, coming from the side of the plaza. Glistening gates open and close with every ornate carriage passing through to reach a richly constructed building, which you <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>assume to be<<else>>recognise as<</if>> the Royal Place. The building swiftly disappears from your field of vision and your eyes wander further. Far in the distance, and getting closer, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even considering the distance between you and the edifice, you manage to perceive large stained glass windows with sophisticated design and the large intricate sculpted arch above the door. There is something so revered and holy about this building. //Would it be the cathedral Anne wished to visit?// The carriage finally stops its course in front of wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors. <<else>>Chaos soon enters the carriage as it takes a corner too tight for your taste. You try your best to hold on to something to stay in place, but another sharp turn makes you lose your balance. Pushing your legs against the bench in front of you, you hope to stable yourself inside the shaking vehicle. //I think I’m going to be sick… //Through the small window in front of you, you hear Jonah doing his best to handle the horses, but they do not seem to enjoy the narrow road taken.// Am I being punished for something?// You knock on the window, swiftly opened by the driver’s hand. “//Is something wrong, gov’nor?//” “//Are the twists and turns necessary, Jonah? I am not feeling too good in here.//” “//So sorry gov’nor. Our usual way to the Cathedral was blocked, forcing us to take a little detour. I’m trying to reach our destination the best I can.//” “//Ugh…//” you feel your stomach moving upward. “//Will this torture last much longer?//” “//We are almost there, gov’nor!//” The carriage takes another corner sharply, making you fall between the benches. When you manage to pull yourself up —now made easier as the horses have calmed down—,you notice the interior is now bathing into sunlight. Propping yourself to the window, you perceive a large open plaza, filled with many people walking between market stalls, around the layered trees and bushes, or lazying around the fountains. Far behind the busyness, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even with the current distance between you and the edifice, you can still notice its large stained glass window with sophisticated designs and the intricately sculpted arch above the door. With the carriage getting closer, the detailed art gets clearer and more impressive by the minute. There is something quite revered and holy about it. //I understand why Anne would want to visit it.// The carriage finally stops its wild course in front of wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors.<</if>><<elseif $day is "afternoon">><<if $loc is "garden">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Passing the gates, the carriage follows along a dark street feeding into a bright open plaza, forcing you to cover your eyes to avoid being blinded. Light engulfing the carriage, you need some time to adjust to the surrounding luminosity. As you feel more comfortable with the sun shining so strongly around you, you start to notice bits and pieces moving around the carriage, continuing its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away. You glance further from the vehicle and discern a busy plaza filled with people. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is buzzing. <<else>>Passing the gates, you recognise the dark street leading to the large plaza you had seen earlier, the one you crossed when you stopped by the Palace. As with earlier, the place is still buzzing with people, maybe even more so. It does not stop your carriage though, as it continues its frantic course with no shows of slowing down. A few individuals come close enough for you to worry about them getting run over, but Jonah shouts obscenities at them to move away.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Far in the distance, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even considering the distance between you and the edifice, you manage to perceive large stained glass windows with sophisticated design and the large intricate sculpted arch above the door. There is something so revered and holy about this building. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>//Would it be the cathedral Anne wished to visit?//<</if>><<else>>Far in the distance, you distinguish the large ostentations white building, one you had seen afar when you went to visit the Palace. You were pretty certain you had found the Cathedral<<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>>, the one Anne wanted to visit<</if>>.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>The carriage soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of this morning. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small.<<else>>The carriage soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of this morning. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small.<</if>> <<elseif $loc is "duke" && hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Leaving the Duke’s house behind, the carriage enters and exits familiar streets to arrive again at the bright, large plaza. Still busy with people, you hear Jonah shouting more obscenities at passersby to move aside. You try to pay little mind to the wide array of cursed words used by your driver, focusing instead on the crowds gathered around buzzing stalls. The carriage soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of this morning. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small. <<elseif $loc is "duke" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Leaving the Duke’s house behind, the carriage enters and exits familiar streets to arrive again at the bright, large plaza. Still busy with people, you hear Jonah shouting more obscenities at passersby to move aside. You try to pay little mind to the wide array of cursed words used by your driver, focusing instead on the crowds gathered around buzzing stalls. Far behind the busyness, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even with the current distance between you and the edifice, you can still notice its large stained glass window with sophisticated designs and the intricately sculpted arch above the door. With the carriage getting closer, the detailed art gets clearer and more impressive by the minute. There is something quite revered and holy about it. I understand why Anne would want to visit it. The carriage finally stops its wild course in front of wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors. <<elseif $loc is "palace">>The carriage soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of this morning. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small.<</if>> <<elseif $day is "evening">><<if $loc is "palace">>The carriage keeps a slow and steady pace, as it strolls aside large ramparts. It soon stops before the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of earlier. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small.<<elseif $loc is "judy">>Driving away from the modiste shop, anxiousness overwhelms you. You keep glancing around you, through the windows, expecting someone to jump onto the carriage at rob you in broad daylight at any moment. You barely notice you are biting your nails. When you are not looking outside, your eyes are fixed on the bench in front of you, the one you hid the safe inside. You utter a high-pitched squeak when the carriage bumps, one of its wheels having run through a hole in the road. A nervous laugh passes your lips as you try to recompose yourself. Still, you can’t stop your hands from shaking. <div class="heir">Keep it together, you wet chicken! Soon, the carriage slows, almost to a stop. Afraid someone would take the opportunity to force themselves inside, you hold onto the door handle and scan around you. Instead of a busy street, filled with ruffians, you find the large ostentatious building you had caught a glimpse of earlier. With its wide stairs leading to the Cathedral’s massive doors, you start to feel small. <</if>><</if>> Jonah steps down and runs to the vehicle’s door, opening it for you. Still, you refrain from leaving the comfort of your seat. Though the building intrigues you, something about it almost scares you —you can’t say what or why—. Save for a chill running down your back, your body refuses to move. “//We’re here, gov’nor,//” the driver whispers. “//I can see that, Jonah!//” you snap at him. “//Just… just give me a moment, will you?//” Jonah looks down and squishes something on the ground with his foot. You take a deep breath, trying to calm yourself, and muster the little courage you have left to leave the vehicle, even if something keeps pulling you back. Leaving behind the safeness of the padded carriage, you put your foot down on the pavement and take a few steps forward. With each new step, you feel your breathing speeding up and your knees weakening. You do not climb more than a dozen steps before a veiled middle-aged woman runs to greet you. * <<link '//How nice! A welcoming committee.//' "A1SO-Cathedral2">><</link>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>“//?Liege Vasmosia,//” she almost barks, “//what are you doing here?//” “//Sister, I am here to find peace!//” You try your best to smile, with your cheeks shaking. “//I was not expecting a welcoming committee this fine morning. How lovely of you to come and greet me! I am very honoured, Sister.//” “//Find peace?!//” she blinks, confused. “//Find peace?!//” “//Why, yes! Where else but in our wonderful Cathedral of Oceonova, taken care for the past centuries by the admirable nuns of our Church of Our Lady Nynera, could I find peace?//” “//Anywhere else but here?//” “//Sister, have I forgotten to pay my tithe this month?//” “//Pardon my language, ?Liege Vasmosia, but… Cut the crap.//” Taken aback by the foul language of the solemn-looking woman, you take a step back, almost missing a step. “//I… I am truly sorry, Sister, if my visit is not of your personal liking. But I fail to see what warrants this…//” you grimace, “//…welcome.//” “//Oh, please,//” she rolls her eyes. “//You know exactly what warrants it, Liege Vasmosia. Barring you from entering these halls without being accompanied by your family is but a slap on the wrist, considering what you have done!//” “//Come on, Sister! Isn’t one of your stable to forgive past mistakes?//” “//If the accused wants to repent, they may be forgiven. But we both know you are not that type.//” “//You wound me, Sister,//” you bring your hands to your chest, “//for thinking so low of me. Don’t you know, I do wish to repent for my past mistakes. Doesn’t the Church grant access to all who wish to do so, to feel closer to the Goddess?//” “//We were ordered by the highest rank of our congregation to bar you access to this building if you were to approach it alone. By force if necessary.//” “//But, I am not alone, Sister.//” You point behind you. “//Jonah is with me.//” “//You know damn well he does not count!//” She looks frustrated by your insistence. “//Lower ranks are not allowed into this building. I will not let you pass these doors.//” In front of you, the nun stands tall, unrelenting. //How can she… What have I done to be refused passage?// You can’t believe the words having come out of her mouth —or yours, for that matter—. //I thought that title would grant me access to any place I wished to visit…// At this rate, it will be difficult to smuggle Anne into the building, if you ever decided to do so. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<set $loc to "cathedral">>“//Still, Sister…//” you tentatively address the nun. “//There is something I don’t quite understand.//” “//What is there you can’t understand, ?Liege Vasmosia? Haven’t I made myself clear?//” “//No, no, I get it,//” you waver her worries away. “//You won’t let me inside. I meant… Well… How did you know it was I who arrived?//” “//Really?//” she gives you a dumbfounded glare. “//Who else but your family drives in these ostentatious vehicles?//” She gestures at the carriage behind you. “//Ah… Right… The colours, huh…//” You pause, seeing her still looking disapprovingly at the carriage. “//But… How did you know it was me, specifically?//” “//That driver of yours,//” she grimaces at Jonah. Taking advantage of her distracted gaze, you sidestep the nun and make a run for the doors. The enticing discovery of a spot you are forbidden to enter surpasses any anxious feeling that may have crippled you earlier. The nun, though, having predicted your movements, stops you before you make it to the doors. “//Good grief,//” she puts her fists to her hips, catching her breath. “//We have done this dance more time that I’d like already… It is utterly useless, and you know it! I have stopped you every time you’ve tried. And I will continue to do so every time you will attempt again.//” She shakes her head. “//Until the Hierophant retracts her order, nothing will change!//” “//Then, tell me. How can I persuade Her Holiness to retract this silly order if I cannot see her? She never leaves her quarters—//” “//If you ever managed to ever this building unaccompanied,//” she snorts at the idea, “//I very much doubt she would agree to see you.//” “//You… You ass!//” The nun laughs at your weak attempt to insult her. “//I think,//” she wipes away a tear. “//I think it would be best if you got back into your little carriage, ?Liege Vasmosia. I am sure you’d rather not create a scene this close to the palace,//” she winks. “//His Majesty the King would probably not appreciate such an outburst towards his revered Church, don’t you think?//” You hear Jonah opening the carriage door behind you. “//Now, how about you just run along with your day?//” The nun waves you off, hoping to see you leave the Cathedral’s steps swiftly. Feeling humiliated by the nun’s actions, you reluctantly retrace your steps and enter the vehicle once more. “//I’m sorry, gov’nor. I should have said something earlier,//” Jonah mumbles before closing the door. “//Would I have listened to you, Jonah?//” “//Err… probably not.//” He lingers by the door a moment longer. “//Where… where should I drive you next?//” <ul> <<if $day is "morning">><li> <<link [[You could maybe reach Sunwin Garden before you miss too much of the luncheon. |A1S2-07a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif not hasVisited("A1S3-Title")>><li> <<link [[You could head out towards Sunwin Garden. You might still have some time left to enjoy the luncheon.|A1SO-Sunwin]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link '<<if $day is "morning">>Maybe you might feel reinvigorated after a fitting instead.<<else>>You could probably have a nicer time at your fitting.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>><li> <<link [[A visit to the Duke may be sweeter and agreeable than this cold greeting. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><li> <<link '<<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>A visit to the Duke may be sweeter and agreeable than this cold greeting.<<else>>Hopefully, the Duke could be back to give you a sweeter greeting than this nun.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "evening">><li> <<link [[You’ve waited long enough. The Duke must surely be ready to welcome you. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "evening">><li><<link [[Stop by the Manor before setting for the Duke’s. It would be most appropriate to arrive in a different outfit. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "md">><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Go back to the Manor. You’ve already had a long day. You’ll have Jonah deliver your excuses to the Duke. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "manor">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") or hasVisited("A1S3-14") or hasVisited("A1SO-Sunwin")>><<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li> <<link [[Would you have more chance meeting nicer company at the Palace? |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><<elseif setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "evening" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE") && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li><<link [[You may still have some time to visit the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "moring" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li> <<link [[A walk by the Harbour could distract you from this humiliating bout. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && $club is 1>><li><<link [[Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li><<link [[You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && $rec is 1>><li><<link [[While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li><<link [[You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "evening" && $rec2 is 1>><li><<link [[You hope Jonah has better recommendations for you this time. You were sorely disappointed last time.|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "evening" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li><<link [[You are not quite sure where you’d want to go. Maybe Jonah has an idea?|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</switch>> <<notifAISOcath>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<set $loc to "harbour">><<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Unlike any other destination you picked beforehand, this one takes much longer to reach. Twisting and turning into many more streets than before, you let the balancing act of your carriage rocking you to a daze. As Jonah takes a corner right too sharply, you barely even notice it. Your body even reacts unconsciously to keep you in place. Still, it does not take into account the vehicle turning left almost immediately, sending you flying inside. When you manage to pull yourself up, you notice the carriage has stopped in a dark street. <<else>>Chaos soon enters the carriage as it takes a corner too tight for your taste. You try your best to hold on to something to stay in place, but another sharp turn makes you lose your balance. Pushing your legs against the bench in front of you, you hope to stable yourself inside the shaking vehicle. //I think I’m going to be sick…// Through the small window in front of you, you hear Jonah doing his best to handle the horses, but they do not seem to enjoy the narrow road taken. //Am I being punished for something?// You knock on the window, swiftly opened by the driver’s hand. “//Is something wrong, gov’nor?//” “//Are the twists and turns necessary, Jonah? I am not feeling too good in here.//” “//So sorry gov’nor. The streets are a bit busier than usual today. I’m trying to reach our destination the best I can.//” “//Ugh…//” you feel your stomach moving upward. “//Will this torture last much longer?//” “//We are almost there, gov’nor!//” The carriage takes one last corner sharply, sending you flying inside, before slowing down. When you manage to pull yourself up, you notice the vehicle has stopped in a dark street.<</if>> You hear Jonah getting down from his seat before opening the door. Taking a quick glance around, you are left confused. Anne had mentioned large gates by the city walls open towards the ocean. You only see tall bland buildings squishes against each other, casting large dark shadow onto the street. “//Are you quite sure we are where we are supposed to be, Jonah?//” you ask your driver condescendingly. “//I was expecting more… light, to be honest.//” “//The gate is just ‘round the corner, gov’nor. I thought it’d be best if I left your carriage in a safe spot beforehand.//” “//Safe sport?//” You scoff. “//I don’t recall this place being dangerous…//” “//Well… you won’t lose your life or anything. Just your valuables, if you are not careful.//” “//What does it have to do with us stopping so out of the way?//” “//We’ve had some… issues in the past. Your carriage having been… defaced by some ruffians. I just wanted to act more prudently this time.//” “//Is it wise then? For me to stroll in such a place?//” you ask, regretting slightly choosing this destination. “//I wouldn’t want something bad to happen,//” you pat your <<if $suit is "suit">>coat pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>. “//I’ll be here to keep an eye for that, gov’nor. Like I usually do.//” He extends his hand out. “//If you give me just a moment after you step down, I will station the carriage.//” * <<link [[Take his hand and leave the vehicle. |A1SO-HTitle]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> * <<link "Change your mind and go somewhere else." `passage()`>><<set $text+=1>><</link>> <<default>>Fear encompasses you as Jonah’s words linger in your mind. You had hoped for a gentle stroll, in a place enjoyed by many. Yet, afraid it would be crawling with ruffians ready to jump you, you refuse to move. “//Is everything alright, gov’nor?//” your driver asks, having noticed your lack of movement. “//Actually, Jonah,//” you say with a shaky voice. “//I think it would be best if we retreated. To maybe somewhere else.//” “//Ah… I’m sorry, gov’nor… I didn’t mean to sca—//” “//I’m not scared,//” you almost shout. “//I… I just changed my mind!//” “//Aye,//” he nods. “//Where shall we go instead?//” <ul> <li> <<link [[Even if you drove quite away, there might still be time for you to reach Sunwin Garden before it is too late. |A1S2-07a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[You could have more fun surrounded by caring hands at your fitting instead. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>><li> <<link [[You may feel safer at Duke Cardaidras’s house. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link [[A visit to the Cathedral could invigorate you. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li> <<link [[Maybe you’d have more chance meeting someone more agreeable at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true && not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li> <<link [[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> <<link [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<if settings.textanim>> <a data-passage="A1SO-H2"><h1><<fadein 5s 2s>>Act 1 - Scene 3<</fadein>></h1> <<fadein 5s 3s>>Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning <</fadein>></a> <<else>> <a data-passage="A1SO-H2"><h1>Act 1 - Scene 3</h1> Freqa 28, B-U9 — late morning</a> <</if>> <<set $day to "lunch">>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>You emerge from the carriage with the help of your driver. The dark street you lay your feet on does not give you any ounce of confidence in its safeness. Jonah climbs back to his seat and carefully guides the vehicle through a small gate close by. For a brief moment, you are completely alone. You furtively look around, expecting a ruffian to jump you and attack any second now. You jump at any strange noise, only to realise shortly after it was just a cat climbing a drain, or a rat scourging for its next dinner. “//Gov’nor?//” You screech. “//Ha! It’s just me, gov’nor,//” Jonah tries to calm you down. “//Sorry… I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. It took me a bit of time to calm down the horses. They don’t take too kindly to small spaces.//” He hesitates. “//Are you alright, gov’nor?//” “//Quite… quite alright, Jonah,//” you lie as your heartbeat still buzzes in your ears. “//Let… Let us move on.//” Your driver nods and shows you the way out of this dark alley. Even though Jonah looks like a thin meat strip on a stick, you somehow feel calmer and safer with him close by. Your heart soon settles and your senses push aside eerie noises and strange smells. As your steps carry you forward, you start hearing seagulls mewing above you, waves rolling and breaking against a shore afar, and people going on about their day. A salty wind soon enters your nostrils. It won’t be much further now… You giddily follow your thin driver as he takes another turn. You barely pay attention to the maze of streets you are going through, only trusting blindly your companion. Your faith is swiftly rewarded as you step into a bright plaza<<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>, almost as bright as the one by the <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>Palace<<else>>Cathedral<</if>><</if>>. Before you, two ends of the large city walls stand tall and sturdy, linked together by a wooden bridge at the top. Wouldn’t that view be grand? Above you and aside the walls, heavily armed guards are monitoring the crowd, with some walking back and forth between the posts. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>>Past the wall, you enter a promenade overlooking the sea, and your eyes post a free bench. You relish the idea of enjoying the melody of the waves crashing before you unbothered by other onlookers. After Jonah assures you any splashes from the ripples would not reach the bench, you take a seat, already mesmerised by the open body of water before your eyes. As if plotted on the horizon, you think you see some ships sailing away or towards you —you are not quite sure—. Sighting them fills you with curiosity about their travel and slight envy. “//Ever wanted to jump on a boat and escape it all?//” Jonah spouts, propping himself on the back of the bench. “//Esca—//” you turn towards the man, perplexed. “//Now, why in the world would I want to escape?//” <<SetGender "Theo">> “//Why wouldn’t you?//” His shoulders shrug slightly. “//Leaving behind those brown-nosers from court and their dumb rules. Being free from a heavy title. Getting away from that crazy ?parent of yours… Have you never wished to go on an exciting adventure in a faraway land?//” “//You make my life sounding much bleaker than it is, Jonah… There is still much excitement to be found within these walls,//” you wave at the gates you passed earlier. “//I do not need faraway lands to have adventures. You, of all people, should know what by now.//” “//I dunno, gov’nor,//” he takes his cap to his chest. “//You’ve seemed a bit on edge lately. Since Lady Isa—//” “//I don’t know what you are talking about, Jonah,//” you snap at him. “//And on that matter, must you be reminded not to share your unwanted opinion? Not unless asked?//” “//No, gov’nor. Sorry, gov’nor.//” * <<link [[Continue |A1SO-H3]]>><<unset $text>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text = 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>><<SetGender "Theo">>You close your eyes and sit back, hearing your driver mumble under his breath as he takes a few steps away from the bench. Logically, it should worry you a little to be left alone in a strange town, in a neighbourhood known for ‘incidents’ to happen. Instead, you rejoice this quiet time, fully trusting Jonah would never leave you stranded, no matter how much you would chastise him. If you were to look back, you have a feeling you’d find him sitting on a barrel, keeping a close watch on your surroundings. You smile as you recall the moment he entered your services. You were younger, then —//ten years younger maybe?//— and had sneakily driven away from the manor with one of the family’s carriages to get to some kind of teenage shenanigans. What you hadn’t thought about, before essentially stealing your ride, was your ?Parent —//or was it the Consort?//— requiring that specific carriage for one of ?their event that same evening. Thinking the vehicle had actually been stolen, ?they sent off the guards after you. Seeing people chasing after you pushed you to whip the horses to a faster gallop. So much so, you ended up losing control of the beasts. While you don’t recall your joyride injuring anything —you hope—, you seem to remember seeing some stalls losing their wares in your passing. It was only by chance Jonah made his way aboard the wild rig, swiftly calming the horses down to a safer pace as he took over the reigns. //Why… How did he get there again?// When the assailants realised you were on the carriage’s front seat, the case was called off and your little escapade was cut short. The stern sermon that followed, the one your parents dragged on for hours when you reached the steps of the manors, became a staple in your family’s joking repertoire. When someone would nick the last slice of cake or break a glass at the dinner table, parts would be repeated word for word with a laugh. Still, your parents, feeling relieved to see you brought back safe and sound, mainly thanks to Jonah’s quick thinking and skills, decided to hire him on the spot as your personal chauffeur. They also made you promise to never hold any carriage’s reigns ever again. As the waves roll away, so does this strange memory… * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>“//Gov’nor?//” Loudly exhaling through your nose, you internally lament over the end of your quiet and relaxing time on this simple bench, as Jonah towers over you. “//What?//” you ask him, annoyed. “//Erm… It’s just… I mean…//” “//Out with it, Jonah!//” “//Have… Haven’t you heard the bells ringing, gov’nor?//” “//What about them?//” “//It’s well past luncheon, gov’nor.//” “//And? What? Are you hungry?//” “//I… Well, yes, I am… but no. I mean… I don’t think we’d make it to Sunwin Garden on time.//” “//So? I am sure the Count won’t mind my absence,//” you brush him off, glossing over his other words. “//Right… Erm…//” “//For Goddess’s sake, man! What, now?//” “//You might not want to miss another meeting, gov’nor.//” “//And you might want to mind your business, Jonah!//” Taking his quiet demeanour as disapproval, you shrug. You don’t see why you should feel any guilt for missing a luncheon with most likely too many guests to interact with. //There will probably be a new one soon enough.// You’ve enjoyed your peace and quiet away from any loud voice, orders and reproaches. //I should probably get a move on, huh…// Your stomach grumbles. //Right…// Jonah mentioned we passed lunch time. You could linger a bit longer around and find some street vendor to fill your hunger. Faced with this impossible decision, you look at the ocean with its unrelenting waves crashing before you. * Stay a bit longer. //[This path is currently locked]// * <<link "Get back to your carriage." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>As much as you’d wish to stay and enjoy the stillness of the moment, sitting quietly on this bench listening to the mesmerising music of the waves rolling and breaking in front of you, you have been reminded once more of engagements you need to fulfil. You had hoped to spend this time reflecting on the strange events of this morning and draw a plan of action, but the sound of water pushing and pulling left your mind in a strange, yet relaxing, daze. You wonder whether you would have been able to pull yourself away had Jonah not interrupted your trance. Swiftly moving away from your seat, afraid of being hypnotised once more by the enticing water, you avoid looking back, following closely instead the assured steps of your driver. Still, you hope to waste a day away in these parts in the future. Leaving behind the calming sound of the waves continuously breaking over the stones, you pass the walls once more. Since you passed between them some… //hours ago?// —you are not quite sure—, a crowd has now filled the plaza. Packed with busy street stalls and people minding their business, you try your best to stick near Jonah to avoid getting lost. You now realise the little attention you paid to your surroundings when you left the carriage. You know you would not be able to find your way back without your driver guiding you. * <<link "Oh no…" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<set $day to "afternoon">>You feel a hand grabbing your arm and pulling you into a dark street. //Oh, no… Is this how I’m going to die?// Your body tenses up and gets ready to fight back against this rude assailant. What if I don’t want to fight? You feel your hand finding its way to your <<if $suit is "dress">>purse<<else>>pocket<</if>>, <<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>>in which you remember having put the letter opener earlier<<else>>hoping to find a sharp object to defend yourself with<</if>>. As your eyes get accustomed to the darker environment, you soon discover the identity of the malicious grabber to only be Jonah. “//Oh, thank Goddess,//” you murmur<<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>>, putting the sharp tool back<</if>>. <<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>>“//Were you going to stab me with that thing, gov’nor?//” the slender man nods at the small weapon still in your hand. “//I know I was a bit out of place earlier, but I don’t think I deserve that!//” “//If you had warned me beforehand, defending myself against some violent stranger would not have crossed my mind, Jonah!//” <<else>>“//Are you alright, gov’nor?//” the slender man cast a worried glance at you. “//You seem a bit shaken.//” “//I wouldn’t be, if had warned me in advance before pulling me like this, Jonah! I thought you were some kind of violent stranger!//”<</if>> “//Ah, right…//” he looks down, “//Sorry gov’nor.//” Before opening the carriage door, strangely parked in the street, you see your driver throwing a coin at a couple of children playing about. He inspects its interior and extends his arm to help you get inside. As he closes the door, Jonah inquires about your next destination. <ul> <li> <<link [[“Let’s try Sunwin Garden. Maybe the Count is still there waiting.” |A1S2-07a]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li> <li> <<link [[“We might as well drive to Judy’s Scissors already. We wouldn’t want to miss another meeting…” |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><li> <<link '<<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>“Drive me to the Duke’s house.”<<else>>“Let’s try the Duke’s house again.”<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<link[[“I would like to visit the Cathedral.” |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if setup.ro.vic is false && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li> <<link [[“Maybe a stroll through the Palace halls could be pleasant.” |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> /*Palace Afternoon all:“That attendant at the Palace mentioned the court being welcome in the afternoon. Drive me there.”*/<</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<if $club is 1>><li><<link [[Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<elseif not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li><<link [[You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.|A1SO-Club]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li><<link [[While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><<else>><li><<link [[You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?|A1SO-Rec]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>></ul> <</switch>>

<<if ndef $rec>><<set $rec to 1>><<else>><<set $rec += 1>><</if>><<if $day is "evening">><<set $rec2 to 1>><</if>><<if $day is "morning">>“//I am not sure where I should go, Jonah,//” you admit. “//Would you have any recommendation for me?//” “//Recommendation, gov’nor?//” he repeats, confused. “//Err… Why?//” “//I just said it, Jonah. I am not sure where I should go.//” “//Then you should go to Sunwin Garden, gov’nor.//” “//Why?//” “//Because it is on your schedule for this morning?//” “//But what if I don’t want to?//” “//Then we can go somewhere else,//” he shrugs. “//But I don’t know where to go!//” You lament again. “//If you were me, where would you go, Jonah?//” “//To Sun—//” he stops, seeing your frowning face. “//Err… I do not know, gov’nor,//” he bows his head. “//Where would you want to go?//” “//I go wherever you ask me, gov’nor.//” “//That’s not my question, Jonah,//” you shake your head. “//Where would you want to go?//” The slender man stays silent, thinking. “//This early in the morning?//” he finally answers. “//Back to bed, gov’nor.//” “//That is not helpful, Jonah.//” “//You asked,//” he shrugs. You are tempted to ask your driver again for a sound option, but you are afraid you’d start the same cycle once more and end up nowhere. <<elseif $day is "afternoon">><<if hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>>“//I am not sure where I should go next, Jonah,//” you admit. “//I was supposed to go to Judy’s Scissors this afternoon, but we managed to cross that out earlier.//” “//I dunno why you are asking me, gov’nor,//” he shrugs. “//I ain’t the best person to ask.//” “//Can’t you humour me for a minute?//” “//Err…//” “//What would you do in the afternoon?//” “//Probably be at the sables. Taking a nap.//” “//That is not helpful, Jonah.//” “//You asked,//” he shrugs. <<elseif hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>“//I am still not sure where I should go next, Jonah,//” you admit. “//Could you give be a better suggestion this time?//” “//Again, gov’nor?//” you hear some confusion in his voice. “//I thought you knew by now I would not be the best person to ask.//” “//Still, Jonah, can’t you make an effort?//” “//Then you should go to Judy’s Scissors, gov’nor.//” “//Unwavering from my schedule again, are we?//” You sigh. “//What if I just didn’t want to follow that plan, Jonah?//” “//I am not sure why you would want to go somewhere else, gov’nor.//” “//If you were me, where would you go?//” you pay no mind to his last response. “//To Ju—//” he stops, like last time. “//Err…//” “//Why do we need to go through the same dance again, Jonah?//” “//Sorry, gov’nor…//” He pauses. “//I guess… I would relax at the stables. Probably taking a nap there.//” “//Very original,//” you snicker. “//You asked,//” he shrugs. Again, you are tempted to ask your driver for a better option, but you are afraid his answer will still render you disappointed. <<else>>“//I am not sure where I should go, Jonah,//” you admit. “//Would you have any recommendation for me?//” “//Recommendation, gov’nor?//” he repeats, confused. “//Err… Why?//” “//I just said it, Jonah. I am not sure where I should go.//” “//Then you should go to Judy’s Scissors, gov’nor.//” “//Why?//” “//Because it is on your schedule for this afternoon?//” “//But what if I don’t want to?//” “//Then we can go somewhere else,//” he shrugs. “//But I don’t know where to go!//” You lament again. “//If you were me, where would you go, Jonah?//” “//To Ju—//” he stops, probably imagining you frowning. “//Err… I do not know, gov’nor…//” “//Where would you want to go?//” “//I go wherever you ask me, gov’nor.//” “//That’s not my question, Jonah,//” you shake your head. “//Where would you want to go?//” The slender man stays silent, thinking. “//Just after luncheon?//” he finally answers. “//Probably at the stables, gov’nor, taking a nap.//” “//That is not helpful, Jonah.//” “//You asked,//” he shrugs. You are tempted to ask your driver again for a sound option, but you are afraid you’d start the same cycle once more and end up nowhere. <</if>> <<elseif $day is "evening">><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>>“//To be quite honest with you, Jonah, I am not sure where to go next,//” you admit. “//You said there was some time left before I should appear at Duke Cardaidras. How much time is that?//” “//Err… Enough to go back to the manor change, I guess?//” “//Is that a lot or…//” “//Sure,//” he shrugs. “//Then,//” you huff, “//what should I do with this free time?//” Jonah only looks at you, confused. “//Well? What should I do?//” “//Gov’nor,//” he looks at you gravely, “//you should do whatever you want.//” “//But I do not know what I want, Jonah! That is why I am asking for help.//” “//Then, we should go back to the Manor.//” “//What if I don’t want to?//” “//Then we can go somewhere else.//” “//But I do not know where to go,//” you lament again. “//If you were me, where would you go?//” The slender man keeps mute. “//Where would you want to go, then?//” “//I go wherever you ask you ask me to, gov’nor.//” “//That is not my question, Jonah,//” you shake your head, frustrated by the useless answers of your driver. “//Where would you want to go?//” “//Err… Probably lazy around the kitchen, bothering the cook for a piece or two.//” “//That… that’s not helpful, Jonah.//” “//You asked,//” he shrugs again. You are tempted to ask your driver again for a sound option, but you are afraid you’d start the same cycle once more and end up nowhere. <<else>>“//I am not sure what to do next, Jonah,//” you admit. “//You mentioned I had some time before Duke Cardaidras’s dinner, but I don’t know how to fill it. Could you give me a sound suggestion this time?//” “//Again, gov’nor?//” He almost sounds worried now. “//Are… are you alright, gov’nor? It is unlike you to… not know how to fill your time.//” “//I did not ask you to comment on my well-being, Jonah. Can you answer the question for once?//” “//Then, you should go back to the Manor, gov’nor, and… err… change?//” “//Are you telling me I smell bad?//” “//I would never, gov’nor.//” “//Why are you asking me to change, then?//” “//That is what you usually do,//” he shrugs “//Goddess… Can you pretend for a moment to be me, Jonah, and tell me what you would do?//” “//Back to—//” he stops again. “//Err…//” “//You are so useless…//” you sigh. “//Where would I find you, if you had been on your own today?//” “//Probably lazying around the kitchen, bothering the cook for a piece or two.//” “//That… that’s not helpful, Jonah.//” “//You asked,//” he shrugs again. You throw your hands in the air, giving up, frustrated. You don’t even bother entertaining the idea of asking your driver once more, knowing his answer would disappoint you. <</if>><</if>> ''Where will you go then?'' <ul> <<if $day is "morning">><li> [[Relent to your driver’s first option, and set for Sunwin Garden. |A1S2-07a]]</li><<elseif $day isnot "evening" && not hasVisited("A1S3-Title")>><li><<link [[You could head out towards Sunwin Garden. You might still have some time left to enjoy the luncheon.|A1SO-Sunwin]]>><<unset $text>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning">><li> <<link [[Skip that event to go to your fitting. That park outing would probably be a bore anyway. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></if><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><li> <<link [[Relent to your driver’s insistence and set for Judy’s Scissors. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "evening">><li><<link [[Relent to your driver’s insistence and set for the Manor as a stop before going to the Duke’s. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "md">><</link>></li> <li><<link [[Follow partly your driver’s advice and set for the Manor, as today’s final destination. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "manor">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>><li> <<link [[You could make a pre-emptive visit to the Duke rather than waiting for tonight. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><<link '<<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>You’d be more interested in paying a visit to the Duke.<<else>>You’d rather if the Duke is back and pay her a visit.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>><<elseif $day is "evening">><li> <<link [[You are not in the mood to wait any longer. Order your driver to leave for the Duke’s. |A1SO-Main]]>><<unset $text>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") or hasVisited("A1S3-14") or hasVisited("A1SO-Sunwin")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li> <<if $day is "evening">><<link [[Since you have some free time, you could spend some time visiting the Cathedral. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>><<else>><<link [[You may have a more interesting time visiting the Cathedral. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>><</if>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li> <<link [[You might have better conversation at the Palace. You might even catch a glance of the Prince. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA") && setup.ro.vic is false>><li> <<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><<elseif $day is "evening" && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE") && not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA")>><li><<link [[You are quite intrigued by the building behind the golden gates. Maybe you could see more of the Palace? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li> <<link [[You could escape it all for a moment by going to the Harbour. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><li> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>>[[Set the destination to one of those clubs: Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && $club is 1>>[[Thought it was closed this morning, you are still interested in visiting that club, the Paradisio.|A1SO-Club]]</li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><li>[[You can’t keep the name Paradisio out of your mind. It could be interesting to check it out.|A1SO-Club]]<</if>><</if>> </ul>

<<if ndef $club>><<set $club to 1>><<else>><<set $club += 1>><</if>><<if $day is "morning">>“//Does the name Paradisio mean anything to you, Jonah?//” Your driver does not reply right away, looking confused by your question. //Oh, no… Not again…// He glances towards you, grimacing. <<SetGender "Yael">> “//Hrm… Gov’nor…//” he whispers, afraid of a listening ear, “//if you mean the club at the Twilight Quarters… That is where you were… last night…//” his cheeks blushes slightly, “//with that gentle?person…//” //Is he talking about that strange ?person who jumped out the window this morning?// You recall ?their words, hoping you’d find ?them sooner or later. You were supposed to know how to contact ?them. //Is ?they staying there?// you ask yourself, finding the idea idiotic. //Who in their right mind would sleep at a club?// “//Are you sure you want to go there, gov’nor?//” Jonah asks, still confused. “//Why not?//” you shrug. “//Well…//” he seems uneasy. “//I could drive you there… but I am not sure you’d be able to go inside.//” “//And why couldn’t I, Jonah?//” you huff, feeling almost insulted. “//Do I need to throw some banknotes their way to gain access to their lousy business?//” “//There is no need for that, gov’nor. They’d roll the red carpet for you, if they knew you were coming.//” “//Then why?//” “//Err… It’s probably not open yet.//” “//Ah…//” “//Very few spots in that neighbourhood are open at this hour, gov’nor,//” he continues. “//It’s not called Twilight Quarters for nothing, eh,//” he chuckles. “//But if you want to have some fun…//” “//Yes?//” “//I’d suggest we leave for Sunwin Garden, gov’nor,//” he bobs his head up and down. <<else>><<if visited("A1SO-Club") gt 1>>“//Hrm… Jonah?//” “//Yes, gov’nor?//” “//Do you think that club is open now?//” “//The Paradisio, gov’nor?//” He pauses. “//Well… Establishments in that neighbourhood will be starting to open by now. But…//” “//That club won’t,//” you finish his sentence, disappointed. “//Unfortunately for you, gov’nor.//” <<else>>“//Does the name Paradisio mean anything to you, Jonah?//” Your driver does not reply right away. Though you cannot see his face, you wonder if you spoke out of term again. You hear him clearing his throat before speaking another word. “//Hrm… Gov’nor…//” he tries to say as quietly as possible, “//if you mean the club at the Twilight Quarters… That is where you were… last night…//” He pauses<<SetGender "Yael">>. “//…with that gentle?person…//” //Is he talking about that strange ?person who jumped out the window this morning?// You recall ?their words, hoping you’d find ?them sooner or later. You were supposed to know how to contact ?them. //Is ?they staying there?// you ask yourself, finding the idea idiotic. //Who in their right mind would sleep at a club?// “//Are you sure you want to go there, gov’nor?//” Jonah asks, still confused. “//Why not?//” you shrug. “//Well…//” he seems uneasy. “//I could drive you there… but I am not sure you’d be able to go inside.//” “//And why couldn’t I, Jonah?//” you huff, feeling almost insulted. “//Do I need to throw some banknotes their way to gain access to their lousy business?//” “//There is no need for that, gov’nor. They’d roll the red carpet for you, if they knew you were coming.//” “//Then why?//” “//Err… It’s probably not open yet.//” “//Ah.//” “//Establishments in that neighbourhood are starting to open at this hour, gov’nor,//” he continues. “//But most clubs, including the Paradisio, won’t welcome guests until dusk. It’s not called Twilight Quarters for nothing, eh,//” he chuckles. <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>>“//But if you want to have some fun…//”<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>>“//Yes?//” “//I’d suggest we leave for Judy’s Scissors, gov’nor,//” he bobs his head up and down. <<else>>“//So? What now?//” “//I don’t know, gov’nor,//” he shrugs. “//You have a free afternoon.//”<</if>><</if>><</if>> ''Where will you go then?'' <ul> <li><<if $day is "morning">>[[Relent to your driver’s suggestion —and your schedule—, and set for Sunwin Garden. |A1S2-07a]]<</if>></li> <li><<if $day is "morning">><<link [[Skip the luncheon to go to your fitting. That park outing would probably be a bore anyway. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>><<elseif not hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><<link [[Follow your driver’s suggestion and deal with your fitting at Judy’s Scissors.|A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "judy">><</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>><li><<link [[You could make a pre-emptive visit to the Duke rather than waiting for tonight. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><<else not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><li><<link '<<if not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>>You’d be more interested in paying a visit to the Duke.<<else>>You’d rather if the Duke is back and pay her a visit.<</if>>' "A1SO-Main">><<set $destination to "duke">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>><li><<link [[Set for the Cathedral for a holier experience. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "cathedral">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>><li><<if $day is "morning">><<link [[You might have more luck seeing doors open for you at the Palace. You might meet the Prince there too. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>><<elseif setup.ro.vic is false>><<link [[You would probably have more luck meeting another noble at the Palace. |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "palace">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>><li><<link [[It might feel stuffy inside. Maybe a breeze of fresh air at the Harbour could help? |A1SO-Main]]>><<set $destination to "harbour">><</link>></li><</if>><</if>> <<if $day is "morning" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li> [[You still don’t know where to go. Maybe Jonah can help give you some recommendation?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><<else $day is "afternoon" && $rec is 1>><li> [[While Jonah was not very inventive in his recommendations, he could still help you choose your destination this time around.|A1SO-Rec]]</li><<elseif $day is "afternoon" && not hasVisited("A1SO-Rec")>><li>[[You are still unsure where to go. Maybe Jonah could help?|A1SO-Rec]]</li><</if>> </ul>

<<if $loc isnot "judy">>“//To Sunwin Garden,//” you tell your driver. “//Are you—//” “//Did I ask for your opinion, Jonah?//” “//Aye, gov’nor,” the man closes the door and gets back to his seat. The whip cracks again the air and the carriage rolls away. Looking out the window, the landscape blurs once more and loses your attention. <<else>>Driving away from the modiste shop, anxiousness overwhelms you. You keep glancing around you, through the windows, expecting someone to jump onto the carriage at rob you in broad daylight at any moment. You barely notice you are biting your nails. When you are not looking outside, your eyes are fixed on the bench in front of you, the one you hid the safe inside. You utter a high-pitched squeak when the carriage bumps, one of its wheels having run through a hole in the road. A nervous laugh passes your lips as you try to recompose yourself. Still, you can’t stop your hands from shaking. <div class="heir">Keep it together, you wet chicken!</div> Soon, the carriage slows, almost to a stop. Afraid someone would take the opportunity to force themselves inside, you hold onto the door handle and scan around you. Unfortunately, your fear has been realised, as you find a buzzing crowd swarming around the carriage. Your grasp on the handle tightens, even after seeing few faces turn your way, instead going on about their days. Outside, you hear Jonah shouting obscenities to whoever blocks the path of your carriage. With the carriage barely moving, you cast a glance further in the busy plaza. Whether congregating around market stalls or strolling along the layered trees and bushes or around the fountain, the whole place is bustling. Your eyes are caught by a golden light, coming from the side of the plaza. Glistening gates open and close with every ornate carriage passing through to reach a richly constructed building, which you <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>assume to be<<else>>recognise as<</if>> the Royal Place. The building swiftly disappears from your field of vision and your eyes wander further. <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>>Far in the distance, you distinguish a large ostentatious white building. Even considering the distance between you and the edifice, you manage to perceive large stained glass windows with sophisticated design and the large intricate sculpted arch above the door. There is something so revered and holy about this building. //Would it be the cathedral Anne wished to visit?//<<else>>Far in the distance, you distinguish the large ostentations white building, one you had seen afar when you went to visit the Palace. You were pretty certain you had found the Cathedral, the one Anne wanted to visit.<</if>> Slowly but surely, his shouts clears out the vehicle’s path before you hear the wheels rolling away. You feel your heart settling as the crowd thins away, and the carriage leaves the plaza.<</if>> * [[Continue|A1S3-Title]]

<<if $searchroom is 0>><<set $search to {}>>//There must still be time to snoop around, right?// You try to persuade yourself that you’ve made the correct choice. Not knowing how long you will remain in this world, you recognise it would be useful to learn as much as possible before you go anywhere else. //Maybe I’ll find some answers…// Information that could help you avoid further slip-ups. Information that could shed light on your condition. Maybe even information that could give you an edge. You look around the room. Realising it is not as large as it seemed when you were still laying on the bed, you find comfort in expecting your search not to take too long. You think hard about what you want to investigate first.<<else>><<Clean>><<if setup.clue.booklet is true && setup.clue.acc is true && setup.clue.fire is true>><<if _visited is true>>Though you still look around the room, you have a feeling you’ve left no stone unturned.<<else>>Though you still look around the room, you have a feeling you will not find much more in this room.<</if>><<else>>Once more, you look around the room and think about where you should go next. //Why do I feel like something is missing?//<</if>><</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16d")>><<if $lock is true>>[[You’ve tried to go through the desk but found it locked. Have you found its key?|A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]]<<elseif setup.clue.blooklet is true>>[[You’ve gone through the whole desk. Do you want to go through it again? |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]]<<else>>[[You’ve searched the desk once. Have you found what you were looking for? |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]]<</if>><<else>>[[Snoop through the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16n")>>[[You’ve already looked inside the nightstand. Do you want to search it again?|A1SR-16n][$searchroom += 1, $search.night to true]]<<else>>[[Search the nightstand.|A1SR-16n][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if not hasVisited("A1SR-16c")>>[[Investigate the wardrobe. |A1SR-16c][$searchroom += 1]]<<else>>You’ve gone through the wardrobe but found nothing of interest there.<</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16bd")>>[[You’ve already perused through the bookcase by the desk. Do you want to do so again? |A1SR-16bd][$searchroom += 1, $search.acc to true]]<<else>>[[Peruse through the bookcase by the desk.|A1SR-16bd][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if not hasVisited("A1SR-16bw")>>[[Look at the bookcase by the window.|A1SR-16bw][$searchroom += 1]]<<else>>Tough some book titles were interesting, the bookcase by the window held nothing of interest.<</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16w")>>[[You’ve already looked out the window. Do you want to look around some more?|A1SR-16w][$searchroom += 1, $search.window to true]]<<else>>[[Look out the window.|A1SR-16w][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16f")>>[[You’ve already investigated the woodstove. Do you want to go through it again?|A1SR-16f][$searchroom += 1, $search.fire to true]]<<else>>[[Look around the fireplace.|A1SR-16f][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if not hasVisited("A1SR-16v")>>[[Search through the vanity.|A1SR-16v][$searchroom += 1]]<<else>>You’ve found nothing of value in the vanity.<</if>> * <<if not hasVisited("A1SR-16b")>>[[Open the smaller door.|A1SR-16b][$searchroom += 1]]<<else>>You’ve found only found a bathroom behind the small door.<</if>> * <<if $searchroom is 1>>[[You’ve changed your mind and will leave this room early instead.|A1S1-17][$searchroom = 0]]<<elseif setup.clue.booklet is true && setup.clue.acc is true && setup.clue.fire is true>><<if _visited is true>>[[You’ve searched this room very thoroughly and left no stone unturned. |A1S1-17]]<<else>>[[You’ve searched this room thoroughly and found enough interesting items. |A1S1-17]]<</if>><<else>>[[You’ve looked around this room enough. You just want to leave.|A1S1-17]]<</if>> <<notifAISRmain>>

<<if $search.window isnot true>><<SetGender "Yael">>Strolling towards the window, you recall that stranger jumping and mysteriously disappearing just earlier. With all the secrecy around these nightly rendez-vous, as ?they called it, you imagine ?they used the same way and climbed into your room. //?They wouldn’t have gone through the main door, would ?they?// ?They seemed used to this. You sit on the window stool and gaze at the view beyond. To your right, you see a plain brick building, with not much else to take notice. Your bedroom looks to be the furthest room in this part of the house. Turning your head to the left, you hope to find a more interesting view. You expect to see more rooms on this side of the manor. //Shouldn’t I expect a grand building if I am this rich?// As assumed, you discern what seems to be another chamber, then a large balcony. Though you cannot see properly further, it looks like the balcony is the halfway point of the building. Under the balcony, you notice a large empty hall. Now looking ahead, you are faced with a sizeable garden of neatly cut and geometrically laid out flower beds and shrubbery. In the middle stands a simple white marble fountain. A row of trees surrounds the garden, providing a much needed barrier between the lawn and the encircling neighbouring buildings. The strong contrast between the red brinks of those buildings and the pine green plants reminds you of the hues in your room. //This can’t be a coincidence, can it?// You wonder whether you’ll see this combination again throughout the manor. //Do they have a monopoly on these colours?// Though your eyes had scanned the entire garden, you only notice now servants hard at work. As they rim the bushes, water the flowers, and rake the paths from fallen leaves and weeds, you feel a sense of peace embracing you. The repetitive sound from their movements, the water flowing in the fountain, and the slight wind blowing through the trees calms you. //Maybe I could enjoy myself a little…// A glare catches your eye. Far back in the garden, a polished iron gate radiates the bit of sunlight shone. As you realise the gate leads to an already busy street, a crazy idea crosses your mind. //What if… No, that’s too risky… But ?they managed, right? ?They must have left through there.// Planning out your hypothetical escape via that gate, you catch on the position of your room in this house. Though it is only on the first floor, climbing down the window could prove itself a bit of a challenge. //These clothes won’t help…// It could still be the quickest way to flee. <<else>>Strolling back towards the window, you sit again on the window stool and gaze outside. Very little has changed since you last looked. Servants are still busy working in the garden. The gate is still shining far in the back of the lawn. A climb down is all you would need to reach it. //Now, if I could manage it safely…// <</if>>''What do you do?'' * [[Investigate another area of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Attempt to leave through the window. The gate is not that far. You could reach it in no time. |A1SR-16wEnd]]

<<if ndef $text>><<set $text to 1>><</if>><<switch $text>><<case 1>>//I can’t pretend to be someone I am not…// You grab the window handle, since you’ve decided to flee this place by reaching the gate. //I can’t keep up with appearances in fear of being found out…// You know you cannot stay longer in this place. Though you could have simply left through the door, you are worried someone would try to stop you along the way. //If I just managed to climb down this façade…// you would only have to deal with the workers in the garden. Even then, it is unlikely they would try to stop you. You haven’t thought much about what you’d do after you escape this place. You don’t recognise this world, these people, or even yourself. //If I could just reach that gate…// Having no one to turn to doesn’t worry as much as it probably should. You know you can’t stay here any longer. //I can figure the rest out later.// * <<link "Open the window." `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 2>>You open the window and sit in the opening as if you were on a saddle. You glance around you, hoping nobody would pay attention to you. Thankfully, none of the servants are looking your way. You take a deep breath, praying you will land on your feet. You try to bring your other leg over to the other side, but it feels stuck. //Oh no…// You pull on your leg trying to free it. Your body shifts in and out of the window frame as you keep pulling. However, no amount of force or movement helps. Still, you persevere. You are not the kind of person to give up easily. Yet, nothing changes. That is… Until your leg seems to free itself without your aid. Surprised by the sudden change, you lose your balance. You try your best to hold on to the window frame, but your hands miss the mark. //Please let a bush break my fall,// you pray as you fall out of the window. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<case 3>>What you’ve failed to do before climbing down was to look under the window. There were not only patches of ground or flowers there. The flower beds were surrounded by garden spike fences, hidden in part by the flower bushes. It is on that fence you make your landing. As one spike pierces through your lung, your shriek from the pain. Looking down, a bloody iron arrow is coming out of your chest. Your eyes roll into the darkness. In-between black flashes blinding you, you see people gathering all around. Some of their faces look familiar. //Isn’t that those workers…// You can’t even finish your thought, interrupted by shouting voices. You faintly hear someone yelling for help while another calls for a doctor to be brought over. Another tries to keep you awake. You cough again. A warm ferrous liquid leaks out of your mouth. Each new cough intensifies the pain in your chest. Becoming increasingly unbearable, you soon lose consciousness. * <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $text +=1>><</link>> <<default>><<unset $text>><<dream>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 200ms>>Some time must have passed before you open your eyes again. The pain in your chest is gone. And so are the workers you saw around you. And so is the ground below your body. And the spike piercing your chest. And your clothes on your body. And the blood dripping down your mouth. <</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 6s>>Seeing only darkness around you, you panic. //I can’t be back there again…// You look down at your naked chest. //I don’t deserve that fate…// Your finger brushes the spot where the iron arrow pierced through your body. //It had to be a dream…// No sensation registers under your touch. //No… No, no, no!//<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 9s>>You could not escape the darkness…<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 10s>><<link "Try Again?">><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</link>><</fadein>> <<else>>Some time must have passed before you open your eyes again. The pain in your chest is gone. And so are the workers you saw around you. And so is the ground below your body. And the spike piercing your chest. And your clothes on your body. And the blood dripping down your mouth. Seeing only darkness around you, you panic. //I can’t be back there again…// You look down at your naked chest. //I don’t deserve that fate…// Your finger brushes the spot where the iron arrow pierced through your body. //It had to be a dream…// No sensation registers under your touch. //No… No, no, no!// You could not escape the darkness… <<link "Try Again?">><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</link>> <</if>><</switch>>

<<if $search.desk isnot true>>You walk towards the desk. Looking like an antique cylinder desk, you have a feeling the concave top would roll up inside to reveal a writing space and hidden drawers. The cylinder seems lockable with a key. <<if $key is true>>//Would the key I found in the nightstand fit?//<</if>> You brush your hand over the wooden desk, giddy to uncover its treasure. Between the desk legs and the main cylinder structure, you see two drawers, separated from one another by some empty space large enough for someone to sit comfortably. ''What do you want to open?'' <<else>><<if lastVisited("A1SR-16") is 1>>You walk back to the desk.<<else>>You take a step back from the desk.<</if>> ''What do you do?''<</if>> * <<if $lock is false>>[[Investigate further the top part of the desk. |A1SR-16TD][$searchroom += 1]]<<else>>[[Open the top lid. |A1SR-16TD][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16LD")>>There is nothing of interest in the leftmost drawer.<<else>>[[Open the left most drawer. |A1SR-16LD][$searchroom += 1]]<</if>> * [[Open the right most drawer. |A1SR-16RD][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Search another area of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if $lock is false>><<set $key to true>><</if>><<if setup.clue.cypher is true && $key is true>><<unset $key>>Your feet take you once more to the nightstand you’ve rummaged through, and you wonder why. The furniture still looks the same as you left it, with its clock ticking on top. You mindlessly open the drawer to find the same items you saw before. You know you will find nothing new here. //Waste of time…// * [[Search another area.|A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<else>><<if $search.night isnot true>>Moving towards the bed, you see two nightstands, one on each side. One looks barren and untouched for some time, while the other has a few items, including a candlestick, atop of it. You safely assume you would find something of value in that second nightstand rather than the first. You walk toward the nightstand, noticing it had been built from a single piece of wood, save for its single drawer. The legs were sculpted to resemble rose stems with leaves. Further wooden sculpted pieces, such as bulbs and full-bloomed roses, were added around as well. On the bedside table, your eyes almost ignore the candlestick you noticed earlier. With its almost burnt-out candle stuck on top, you wonder if this body even sleeps at night. Welded in the same flowery pattern you’ve seen around the room, a small golden clock ticks away the seconds. You open the drawer and find a couple of items inside, items you would usually see in a nightstand:<<else>>You walk again towards the nightstand, feeling as if you had missed something the first time. Though it still looks the same as the last time you checked it, with its clock still ticking, you try to think of steps not taken during your last search. You open the drawer to find the same items:<</if>> * some cloth tissues; * a pair of glasses; * a small green <<if setup.clue.cypher is true>>book titled //The Fall of the Marked//;<<else>><<linkappend "book;">>As you pick up the book, you notice a bookmark at the third mark of its pages. //Do I read a lot?// Its title reading //The Fall of the Marked//, you take the book for a light night read. You mindlessly flip through the pages, still making sure to leave its bookmark in place. It seems you’ve also left a few handwritten notes on some pages. From the title and the few passages you glanced through, it looks to be a regular fiction book. You put the book back in the drawer.<<set setup.clue.cypher to true>><</linkappend>><</if>> * some ear wax buds; * <<if $key is true or $lock is false>>a small secret container; <<else>>a simple ordinary wooden <<linkappend "box;">>You pick up the box and try to open it. It does not budge. You turn it around, making sure to investigate its sides. You notice a section of wood where the grain does not match the rest of the box. //How peculiar…// The section curiously resembles a <<linkappend "rose.">> You push the small rose-like section and hear a faint tick. A panel loosens and you carefully open it. Inside the small case, you find a similarly small key. <<set $key to true>><<if hasVisited("A1SR-16TD")>>You wonder if this is the key you’ve been looking for.<<else>>You wonder what this key is supposed to open.<</if>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</if>> * a night eye mask. * [[Search another area.|A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <</if>>

You move towards the wardrobe. With its impressive height and largeness, you imagine you would find something hidden inside. //Hell, I could hide myself in there, no problem.// You stop before grabbing the handle. //What… what if there is a // You shake your head. //Come on, $Name, focus a little…// You open the doors only to find an overwhelming amount of clothes. Talk about being rich… <<if hasVisited("A1S1-11b")>>Somehow, seeing the interior of the closet for the second time did not shock you as much as you thought it would. Its repetitive rainbow content still feels singular but has lost its charms.<<else>>You notice the interior of the closet has been arranged in a repeating rainbow. The hung clothes have been ordered by type of outfits and by colour. Still, you feel shocked by the sheer amount you find inside. You are almost afraid adding another garment would make the closet burst.<</if>> You slide the outfits aside one by one, hoping to find something hidden in between or between behind them. However, the only thing you seem to find is more clothes hanging on the back of the closet, and how much of a physical strain it is to push the clothes aside with a closet to full. //Disappointing…// Squatting, you look under the hanged outfits, wishing for a better outcome. Unfortunately, this search only uncovers many, many, pairs of shoes. You push them aside but fail to lay your hands on anything else but shoes. Feeling increasingly frustrated, you look above the rack, at the many boxes arranged neatly. You bring a few of them down, opening them in passing. You are not sure why you were not expecting them to be filled with wigs, hats, or other accessories. Following this unsuccessful search, you sit down. You are annoyed at having wasted so much of your time to find… //nothing.// * [[Search another area.|A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if setup.clue.acc is true>>You make your way once more towards the bookcase beside the desk. You know you’ve already looked through it, and found some strange coded books. You grab another one, hoping to find some clarity, but that one is as confusing as the others. No matter how many books you pull out, you find nothing new. I should not have come back here… <<else>><<if $search.acc isnot true>>You make your way towards the bookcase beside the desk. <<if hasVisited ("A1SR-16bw")>>Unlike the other bookcase, this one <<else>>It <</if>>seems to hold a substantial collection of tomes on politics, geography, economics, trading, etc.… These look like the type of books an heir would own, and probably study, to prepare for taking over the mantle of their estate. //Will I need to study them myself?// About you wallow in despair over going through these boring books, you notice some of them are not titled, but numbered instead. From one to twenty-five, they mainly take the space on the bottom part of the shelf. Your hand hovers over the last one.<<else>>Making your way back to the bookcase beside the desk, you can’t shake the feeling that you missed something important from the corner of this room. Your eyes are magnetically pulled towards those strange numbered books at the bottom of the shelf. Your hand hovers over the last one.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Open the book.">><<set setup.clue.acc to true>>You open the tome. Flipping through its pages, you quickly realise you cannot make much sense of its content. Though it looks like some sort of accounting book —there is clearly a column of positive number for entries and one with negative amounts for credits—, something doesn’t feel quite… //right.// You glance at the description for each line, but your mind reads it as gibberish. //It’s just some weird code…// <<Accounting>> Confused by the information in front of you, you try to figure out what all of this could mean. <<if setup.clue.booklet is true>>You end up noticing some of the descriptions looking eerily familiar to the ones in the small booklet you found in the desk. <</if>>Still, your mind draws blanks and is left uneasy instead. You can’t understand why someone like you would keep coded accounting books in their room. //Why the secrets? This is so sketchy…// <<notifAISRacc>><</linkreplace>> <</if>> * [[Search another area. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if setup.clue.fire is true>>Going back to the woodstove, you still find the ashes on the ground. //I wonder if it will be gone later…// There is nothing else of substance inside the stove. Only ash, dust, and burnt paper. Someone has been burning something here at some point. You still don’t know what or why, though. * [[Search another area. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<else>><<if $search.fire isnot true>>Deciding to inspect the fireplace, you take the few steps needed to reach the large white metal cylinder against the wall opposite your bed. The cylinder has been decorated with melded metal flowers and leaves, each painted similarly to the embellishments on the wall. In the middle, you see a small glass opening, darkened by soot. Next to the cylinder, you find some fireplace tools, like a pick, a shovel, and a broom. By its look, this cylinder seems to be a wood-burning stove. Mindlessly, your hand grazes the stove, finding it cold to the touch. In hindsight, you should have expected this, as the warmth of this summer morning is slithering into the room. One would probably not use a stove in this weather. Something catches your eye, as you notice some ashes on the ground in front of the opening. //Weird…// You squat closer and touch the ashy pile, uncovering a half-brunt match. //Why would someone use the stove? It’s too hot for it…// <<else>>Coming back to the woodstove, you can’t shake the feeling of having missed something. <</if>><<linkreplace "Open the stove.">><<notifAISRfire>><<set setup.clue.fire to true>> You grab the stove handle to open it. From the smell coming from within, something has been burnt here recently. Taking the pick, you move the ashes around. You uncover some large pieces saved from the flames. You delicately pluck one of the charred pieces. //It feels like coarse paper.// One side has some remnant of ink. //Was this a letter?// You try to read the incomplete scribbles but can’t make anything out of them. As you move the paper around, you feel it disintegrating between your fingers. Disappointed by losing this small clue, you poke at the ashes, hoping to find another piece of substance. You slowly realise there is but a pile of ash in front of you. //Did I —or the heir— burn something here?// The only reason you could think of burning something in this hot weather would be… //to make something disappear! But, what?// As you wonder what burned in the stove and what it contained, you understand it would probably be something no one but you should know of its content. <</linkreplace>> * [[Search another area. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <</if>>

Though you remember sitting in front of it not too long ago, you decide to take a closer look at the vanity. With a few drawers and an oval mirror set above the desk, the vanity looks very… boring. Still, as with most of the furniture in the room, the mirror is adorned with wooden sculpted roses, painted in their natural colours. //Why didn’t I notice that earlier?// On the table, you spot pots with small brushes and other products Anne used on your face. It strikes you as strange to see these items still scattered around. The chambermaid made it a point to put back the outfits she had taken from the closet. //Yet, she seems to have forgotten this.// Miffed by the inconsistent behaviour of your maid, you open the drawers. In one of them, you find more face products, cream, rouges, and powders; in the other, hairbrushes, combs, and pins. Starring at the grimacing reflection in the mirror, you wish you had found something —//anything//— in there. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. //It’s just a stupid vanity table.// * [[Search another area.|A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

Walking towards the bookcase by the window, you look forward to perusing its titles. As you get closer, you fancy the bookshelf to be part of the wall, spanning from the window to the adjacent wall on the right. The shelf if filled with thick-covered books, some even jammed atop the others. Glancing through the rows, you read some of their titles: //Queen of Arcadia, The Oracle of the Stars, Considered for Revenge, Abyss of Crows, Midnight Sunflower…// Each title seems to be more fantastical than the previous one. It becomes clear that this shelf is reserved for fiction books. Always on the lookout for odd things, you notice some books seem out of place because of their size or their colour. //Could it be…// You wonder what would happen if you pulled or pushed one of them. //…revealing a secret compartment? Or a secret passage?// Putting your hand on a book, you remember this bookcase leaning against an outer wall. If a hole were to be discovered, it would only lead you to the outside and not a secret passage. Disappointed, you instead pull the book, still hopeful. You get ecstatic when the book does not budge, only to realise it is just blocked by other tomes. Considering how packed this shelf is, it would be impracticable to hide a secret box behind. You pout, as you found nothing interesting in this corner of the room. * [[Search another area. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

Grabbing the handle of the small door, the one facing the footboard of your bed, you hesitate to push the door open. Your mind runs wild, imagining the type of items stored behind the door. You are still hopeful of finding some sort of quiet escape. You slowly turn the handle. The door opens to a blue-tiled room, smelling of flower, perfume and soap. Glancing around, you find yourself disappointed in discovering a simple bathroom. You are about to turn your heels, when a thought crosses your mind. //Don’t you hide things in bathrooms, anyway?// You step inside and look around. You spot a sink, a toilet, and a bath; all the normal items one would find in this place. There is a small closet on the side, with many drawers. //Suspicious…// Pulling them open, you find some fluffy towels, bathing products, and other toiletries. //Where are the poisons, then?// You cross your arm, realising nothing is out of the ordinary in this room. * [[Search another area. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<notifAISRbath>>

<<if ndef $lock>><<set $lock to true>><</if>>\ <<if $lock is false>>Going back to the desk, you see the top part is still unlocked, open for you to inspect again. Inside, you still distinguish three main parts: the tagged drawers, the small bookcase, and the long middle drawer. * [[Inspect the tagged drawers. |A1SR-16DD][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Look inside the middle drawer. |A1SR-16DM][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Look at the small bookcase. |A1SR-16AD][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another part of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<else>><<if visited("A1SR-16TD") is 1>>You try to roll up the concave top of the desk. You hear a //thunk// and the top stays still. The desk is locked. It should not have been surprising to you, considering you noticed its keyhole earlier. The heir does not seem to be someone who would leave their desk unsecured. //Something important has to be hidden inside!//<<else>>The concave top is still locked shut.<</if>><<if $key is true>><<set $lock to false>><<unset $key>> You remember having found a key in the nightstand. You insert it in the keyhole and turn it. Hearing a clicking sound as you rotate it, you register the desk is unlocked. You push the top element up, which rolls to the back of the desk and reveals its contents. Inside, the desk is separated into three parts. On each outer side, sit three drawers, each with their own nametag. In the middle, you find a small bookcase atop of another wider drawer. The small shelf holds pots of ink and what you assume are diaries. * [[Inspect the tagged drawers. |A1SR-16DD][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Look inside the middle drawer. |A1SR-16DM][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Look at the small bookcase. |A1SR-16AD][$searchroom += 1]] * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another part of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<elseif $inventory.has('letter opener')>> You try to picklock it with the letter opener you found. But nothing budges. What was I thinking? //I don’t even know how to picklock anything!// You better try to find the key somewhere. * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another part of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <<else>>You better try to find the key somewhere. * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another part of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]] <</if>><</if>>

You open the leftmost drawer, in which you find unsurprising item. As one would expect to see in a desk, this drawer is filled with pencils, erasers, a couple of quills, and inked blotting paper. Hoping to find something of interest, you still shuffle the items around. However, you are only left disappointed. * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another area of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if visited("A1SR-16RD") is 1>>You open the rightmost drawer and find some stationery items, items one would need to handle correspondence: a couple of metal scissors, a sword-like letter opener, some rolls of twine rope, and some thin ribbons. You imagine a noble using these items as they receive or send a letter. You also find <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16n")>> another<<else>>a<</if>> pair of glasses with golden rims.<<else>>You open the rightmost drawer again.<</if>> <<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>><<linkreplace "Put down the letter opener.">><<drop '$inventory' 'letter opener'>>You put back the letter opener in the drawer.<</linkreplace>><<else>><<linkreplace "Pick up the letter opener.">><<pickup '$inventory' 'letter opener'>>You pick up the letter opener. It is always useful to have something to defend yourself with. Who knows what you will encounter outside.<</linkreplace>><</if>> * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] * [[Search another area of the room. |A1SR-16][$searchroom += 1]]

You lean on the desk to take <<if visited("A1SR-16DD") is 1>>a<<else>>another<</if>> closer look at the tagged drawers. <<if visited("A1SR-16DD") is 1>>Something used to be written on the tags at some point, but they have either been erased or scratched out. //Was it always like this?// Since you cannot decipher its names, you resign yourself in opening the drawers directly to uncover their contents.<</if>> <div class="leftcolumn"><div style="text-align: center;">''Left side:''</div> <<message "''Top drawer''">> You find letters and other correspondence between yourself and other nobles, though you do not have copies of your missives. The paper feels soft and expensive to the touch. Some notes mention petty gossips, others seem to be invitations to parties and dinners. Nothing looks too out of the ordinary for a noble. Still, you note your correspondents mock your longing for excitement and adventure.<</message>> <<message "''Middle drawer''">><<set $lovebroach to true>> You find a small round painted broach of a brown-green eye on a dark bronze background. //Is that a lover’s eye brooch?// You wonder to whom this eye belongs, and why you have something so intimate in your possession. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>><<SetGender "Vic">>//Is it that the Prince ?Vic Anne mentioned?//<</if>><</message>> <<message "''Bottom drawer''">> You find some scented, light pastel $colour.fav coloured paper. You are fairly certain this is the paper you would use to correspond with other genteel and noble houses.<</message>> </div><div class="rightcolumn"><div style="text-align: center;">''Right side:''</div> <<message "''Top drawer''">><<notifAISRmatch>><<set setup.clue.match to true>>You find some random knick-knacks and multiple matchboxes. Some seem rather fancy and handmade, while others look very cheap and have strange names written on them like //Le Negresco//, //La Mamounia//, //Columbi//, or even //Paradisio//. These would be the kind to be handed out to customers. You wonder how you got hold of them in the first place. <</message>> <<message "''Middle drawer''">><<notifAISRwax>>You find some hard wax sticks of multiple colours and a couple of seals stamps. Save for their divergent sizes, most seals adorn a similar rose pattern you have seen repeated throughout the room. However, a couple of seals catch your eyes with their differences: a few have flowers you do not recognise, one has some sort of dragon engraved, another has a bee, and a last one has a crescent moon.<<set setup.clue.stamp to true>><</message>> <<message "''Bottom drawer''">> You find some basic coarse paper. You do not remember finding any letters or document written on this type of paper anywhere. You assume you would not use it when corresponding with other nobles. But then… //when else would I use it?//<</message>></div> * [[Look into something else in the desk. |A1SR-16TD][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if setup.clue.booklet is true>>You pull open the middle drawer once more. Using the letter opener found earlier, you take the bottom panel out to reveal the hidden compartment. <<if $inventory.has('black booklet')>>The fake bottom is empty, since you took out the booklet. You know you can always put it back. * <<link [[Put the booklet back in the drawer.|A1SR-16DB]]>><<drop '$inventory' 'black booklet'>><</link>> <<else>>You find the booklet still in this secret space. You know you can always take it with you if you feel you might need it. * <<link [[Take the booklet from the drawer.|A1SR-16DB]]>><<pickup '$inventory' 'black booklet'>><</link>><</if>> There is nothing else of interest in this section. * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] <<else>><<if visited("A1SR-16DM") is 1>>You open that middle drawer and find it completely bare. //Weird//, you think, //why is this one empty when the other drawers were so full of things?// Feeling a bit frustrated by not having found any clue, you slam the drawer shut. As it closes, you think you hear two distinct sounds: the drawer being shut and something moving inside of it. You open the drawer again, expecting to see an item magically appear, but you still find it empty. You close it again. The strange moving noise rings in your ears. You shake the drawer in and out, and that sound closely follows your movements. //Ha! I knew it! There is something hidden inside.// The only explanation, you can think of for this noise to happen when you move the drawer but the latter still looking empty, would be if there was some sort of fake bottom. You open the drawer fully and knock on the different panels. The sides produce a deep solid sound, but when you knock on the bottom, you hear a hollow one. //There is a secret space in there!// You must find a way to open it. You push your fingers around the bottom panel, hoping to move it one way or another. But the panel stays still. You try again with more force, by pushing it with your palm and then with your fist. Nothing changes. If pushing does not seem to help one bit, maybe pulling it will grant you more success. You inspect the inside of the drawer further and notice a small space between the side and bottom panels. You look at your finders before going back to the small opening. Your nails don’t seem long or sturdy enough to pray it open. //Now… If I could just find something to help…//<<else>>You open the drawer again, with the strange noise still following your movements. You’ve tried to push the bottom panel before with no success. You are certain you need something to help you pry it open. //There must be a way to open this secret compartment…//<<if not $inventory.has('letter opener')>> You still have found nothing to help you. //If I could just find something…// An object that is flat and sturdy enough to help you pull the panel up would be very useful right now.<</if>><</if>><<if $inventory.has('letter opener')>> <<set setup.clue.booklet to true>><<notifAISRbooklet>><<pickup '$inventory' 'black booklet'>>You remember having picked up a letter opener in another drawer. You jam it in the opening, praying this would be enough to do the trick. You angle it in a way that the bottom panel could lift itself on the small knife. It still takes you a few good tries before you see the panel move. With the force applied to the letter opener, seeing it bend and curve, you start to worry it will break. That is, until the letter opener regains its shape, holding the bottom panel open. You grab the wooden plank and put it aside, uncovering the secret space. Inside, you find a small leather-bound booklet. You take it out and open it. The paper-thin pages are covered in some weird language you do not understand. <<Booklet>> As you delicately turn the thin pages, you start to recognise some of the written words, but when combined with the codes and abbreviations, the whole thing turns into gibberish. <<if setup.clue.acc is true>>Still, some codes in this booklet strangely resemble some of the ones you found in the accounting book on the shelf on your left you opened earlier. Just to be sure, you grab the book to compare. As thought, some of the codes match. //There has to be a connection there… But what is it?//<</if>> For a moment, you debate on whether you should put the booklet back where you found it or keep it with you. You feel there must be a reason it was hidden in such a secret spot. Still, you never know when you would encounter those codes again. It could be handy to have that booklet on you to be able to check. * <<link [[Put the booklet back in the drawer. It would be more secure that way.|A1SR-16DB]]>><<drop '$inventory' 'black booklet'>><</link>> * [[Keep the booklet. You never know when you could need it.|A1SR-16DB]] * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] <<else>> * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]] <</if>><</if>>

You turn to the small bookcase inside the desk. First, you pick up the ink pots, hoping to find some dangerous mystery liquid to help you destroy your enemies or a small hidden spot to conceal some items. As you turn them around, you realise they are just plain boring ink pots. You still open one and drip some of its liquid onto a sheet of paper. //Just to be sure…// But it is only ink. Dejected, you close the pots and put them back where you found them. You move your attention towards the books. You tank and open them one by one, flipping through the pages to get an idea of their contents. As you previously imagined, these are some sort of diaries. Most entries are few and far between, spaced out by many blank pages as well as long periods of days or weeks with no entry. //I guess I am not the kind of person who keeps a diary.// Through the passages you end up reading, you find mentions of boring official March meetings and dull study sessions, of parties the heir attended, of hunting trips and sailing cruises… With every sentence, you can’t help but feel uncomfortable. The writing seems rather devoid of emotion and recalls many times the dullness of life. //This is so wrong…// * [[Look into something else in the desk. |A1SR-16TD][$searchroom += 1]]

<<if $inventory.has('black booklet')>>You pick up the leather booklet from the concealed compartment, having decided to take it with you. You never know if and when you might need its secrets in your adventures. You could even use it as a notebook yourself to keep track of your progress. <<else>>You put the booklet back into the secret compartment. You want to ensure it stays safely hidden until you are ready to understand its secrets. You feel better knowing it cannot fall into the wrong hands in this space. <</if>> * [[Return to the desk. |A1SR-16d][$searchroom += 1, $search.desk to true]]

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<= $Name.toUpperCase()>>\ </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Name'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditName>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Favourite Colour'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditColour>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Gender'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditGender>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Pronouns'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditPronouns>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Sexuality'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditSex>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ PHYSICAL APPEARANCE </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ BODY\ </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Skin Colour'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditSkin>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Body Look'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditBody>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Size'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditSize>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Build'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditBuild>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Limb Size'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditLimb>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Chest Size'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditChest>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ FACE\ </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Eye Colour'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditEyes>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Facial Particularity'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditFacial>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ HAIR\ </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Hair Density'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditHair>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Hair Type'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditHairT>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Hair Colour'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditHairC>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Hair Length'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditHairL>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Wig and Headwraps'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<EditWig>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'>\ <<EditMenu>>\ </div>\ </div>\ * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>> * <<link "Return to Player Info" "Player Character">><</link>>

<<statpage>><h1>Stats [WIP]</h1> <h6>Please note: this functionality is still a work in progress and being tested (only the % are reflective of your choices currently). The starting values and % may be completely different or be invisible for part of the story by the next update.</h6> ''Status at the Court'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">$relcourtstat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relcourt-stat"></div> </div></div> <hr> ''Status at Home'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left"> $relhousestat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relhouse-stat"></div> </div></div> <hr> ''Relationship with The Stranger'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left"> $relyaelstat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relyael-stat"></div> </div></div> <hr> ''Relationship with The Advisor'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left"> $relraystat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relray-stat"></div> </div></div> <hr> ''Relationship with The Prince'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left"> $relvicstat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relvic-stat"></div> </div></div> <hr> ''Relationship with The Rival'' <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left"> $relemiliastat%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="relemilia-stat"></div> </div></div>

<h1>Persons of Interest</h1> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td>[[Companions]]</td> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S1-04")>>[[Vasmosia Household]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-03")>>[[The Court]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> </tr> <tr> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>>[[Business]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> <td>???</td> <td>/*Other Characters*/???</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Locations</h1> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S1-04")>>[[Maps]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c") or hasVisited("A1S2-03")>>[[Oswaria]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> <td>/*Mobressau*/???</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Lore</h1> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td>/*Titles and whatev*/???</td> <td><<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral2")>>[[Religion]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> <td><<if hasVisited("A1S2-03")>>[[Culture]]<<else>>???<</if>></td> </tr> </table> <h1>Clues and Quests</h1> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td>[[Clues]]</td> <td>[[Quests]]</td> </tr> </table> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ THE VASMOSIA MANOR </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Your Bedroom'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16b")>><img src="img/maps/maproom.jpg"/><<else>><img src="img/maps/maproom2.jpg"/><</if>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-17")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'First Floor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <img src="img/maps/firstfloor.png"/>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-01")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Ground Floor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <img src="img/maps/groundfloor.png"/>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ OTHER MAPS </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-07")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Oswaria'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <img src="img/maps/oswaria.png"/>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Calendar'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<Calendar>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Duelling Chartre'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<DuelChartre>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ THE ROYAL FAMILY </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The King'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexKing>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Royal Consort'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexConsort>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Dauphin'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexDauphin>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ /*<div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Princes'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexPrince>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>*/\ <div class='codex-item'>\ THE COURT </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Count of Razac'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexRazac>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Duke Cardaidras'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexSofia>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ /* <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Baron Rimbaut'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<Courlon>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>*/\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ COMPANIONS </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Prince'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexVic>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Stranger'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexYael>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Advisor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexRaymond>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S3-02")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Rival'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexEmilia>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ FAMILY </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f") or hasVisited("A1S1-14")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Parriach'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexTheo>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f") or hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Consort'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexAlex>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Drocili'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexCharlie>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("C3")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Lady Bridgid'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexBridgid>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Siblings'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexSiblings>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ HELP </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Maid'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexAnne>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13s") or hasVisited("A1S1-17")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Housekeeper'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexVinea>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13s")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Butler'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexCourlon>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-07")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Driver'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexJonah>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03b")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Help'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexTheHelp>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Oswaria District'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexOswaria>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ ESMINGTON CASTLE </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceA") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Palace'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ Esmington Castle, colloquially referred as the Palace, is a somewhat recently built structure. Behind golden gates and high ramparts, and heavily guarded night and day, the palace is both an estate housing the Royal Family, a political sphere for the King to welcome foreign ambassadors and debate with his Ministry, as well as a venue for the Court to engage with each other. Esmington Castle is often closed to outsiders of the Royal Household and the Ministry during mornings, saved for the summoned individuals. The Court is free to roam its halls during afternoons or official events. \ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ BELMORAL PLAZA </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral2")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Cathedral'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ Standing in the Belmoral Plazza, the Cathedral of Oceonova is the holiest site in Oswaria, and Mombressau as a whole. The cathedral is tended by the nuns of the Church of Our Lady Nynera and houses most of its organisational congregation, like the Hierophant —the head of the Church—, among its wall. Holding service multiple times a week, the building is only open fully to the Royal Household, the Noble and a few selected individuals of the Court. The Church is highly favoured by the Royal Family. \ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ MONTVELROSE </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Vasmosia Manor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ The Vamosia Manor is located in the middle of the Montvelrose district. The Manor is among one of the largest building in the neighbourhood, a peculiarity as only a Marquis owns it. Now accommodating the large Vasmosia Family, it has only done so for a few generations, with Lady Bridgid being the first to open its doors. The building aesthetic is reminiscent to the Vasmosia crest and colours of choice: deep reds and dark greens. It seems to be of a classical style, with very straight lines and few adornments. With four floors, it not only can house the whole Vamosia Family on its first floor and the army of servants under its roof, but also a multitude of guests in its many rooms on the second floor. With a large ballroom and garden —for a town house—, its grounds are often filled with visitors during parties. \ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM") or hasVisited("A1SO-DukeA")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Cardaidras Manor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ Of a much smaller size than the Vasmosia Manor, the Cardaidras Manor is a quaint villa situated in the Montvelrose district.\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ HIGHYARD </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S4-Title")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Judy’s Scissors'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ Situated in the Highyard district, Judy’s Scissors is named after its owner, Madam Judy. The shop offers a wide choice of garments and accessories, priding itself on handmade costumes. The heir has taken an interest in the modiste shop.\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'><<CodexOswaria>> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<><div class="main-wrapper"> /*Booklet*/<<if setup.clue.booklet is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Coded Booklet'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ You found a strange booklet in a hidden drawer of your desk. Its pages were filled with codes and abbreviations. None of the entries made any sense to you. <<if setup.clue.acc is true>>You did notice some entries could also be found in the odd accounting books.<</if>> <<Booklet>>\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Accounting*/<<if setup.clue.acc is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Accounting Book'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ You found strange accounting books in the bookcase by your desk. Numbered rather than titled, their pages were filled with confusing entries, each labelled with a specific code. You would need to find a legend to understand what each code refers to. <<if setup.clue.booklet is true>>You did notice some entries could also be found in the odd coded booklet, though these labels were still unclear to you.<</if>> <<Accounting>>\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Coded letter*/<<if setup.clue.letter is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Coded Letter'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ Given to you by a small ruffian at Razac’s luncheon, this letter made no sense to you. You guessed its content was coded in some way. You will not understand it unless you find its cypher and decode it. Its envelope has the words //The Fall of the Marked// written on it. You felt like you had seen these words before. <<codedlettercodex>>\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Matchbox*/<<if setup.clue.match is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Matchbox'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ <<SetGender "Yael">>In a small drawer of your desk, you found cheap matchboxes among the knick-knacks. On each of them, you could read peculiar names: //Le Negresco//, //La Mamounia//, //Columbi// and //Paradisio//. <<if not hasVisited("A1S2-07c")>>You don’t imagine finding yourself in those places.<<else>>Thought, you didn’t imagine spending time in these clubs, Jonah mentioned you frequented one of them with that strange ?person: the //Paradisio//.<</if>> <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Cypher*/<<if hasVisited("1")>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Cypher'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ Testign\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Wax*/<<if setup.clue.stamp is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Wax Sealers'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ You found multiple wax sealers in your drawers. Some felt expected, with their rose designs. However, a couple had strange designs: some flowers you did not recognise, a dragon, a bee, and a crescent moon.\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> /*Burnt*/<<if setup.clue.fire is true>><div class="badge"> <div class="circle"><div class="fas"></div></div> <div class="ribbon"><div class="clue"><<link 'Burnt Letters'>><<replace '#clue-display'>>\ You found remnants of letters in the wood stove in your room. They seemed to have been burnt in there recently. While you could not make out any word written there, the paper felt coarse under your fingers, before it disintegrated.\ <</replace>>\<</link>></div></div> </div><</if>> </div><> @@#clue-display;@@ * [[Return to the Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<= $Name.toUpperCase()>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Lost Memories'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<lostmemories>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Strange world'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<strangeworld>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-04") && setup.quest.fstinv isnot true>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'First Investigation'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<fstinv>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\<</if>> <div class='codex-item'>\ HEIR VASMOSIA </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Holding down the fort'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<SetGender "Theo">>The Parriach has tasked you with handling the Manor’s affairs while ?they is gone to resolve some issues back at the Estate. Hopefully, it won’t be too hard to handle<<if not hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>, with Raymond helping along<</if>>. <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Vasmosia Summer Ball'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<set _case to 1>>In a few days, the Vasmosia Manor will be full of guests for its annual Summer Ball. Though you have little to do with its organisation, unlike the Consort, you still need to ensure your costume is ready. <<if hasVisited("A1S4-04b") or hasVisited("A1S4-04c2") or hasVisited("A1S4-04M")>><<set _case to 2>>Unfortunately, your costume<<if hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>>s<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still not ready. You will have to wait for the day before the Ball to have <<if not hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>>it<<else>>them<</if>> delivered to the Manor. In the meantime, you rejoice in your choice of receiving a $outfit attire<<if hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>>, though you made a deal with Nicolette for all three <<if $outfitb is "suit">>suits<<else>>dresses<</if>><</if>>.<</if>> * <<switch _case>><<case 1>>Head over to Judy’s Scissors for your final fitting.<<default>>Wait for your costume<<if hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>>s<</if>> to be delivered.<</switch>> \ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if setup.ro.vic isnot false>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Not-So-Secret Engagement'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questEng>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-17")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Strange Business'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<queststrbusn>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>>\ </div><</if>>\ <<if setup.clue.letter is true>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'A Coded Letter'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questletter>> <</replace>>\ <</link>>\ </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ COMPANION </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Stranger'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questYael>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05b")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Advisor'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questRay>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if setup.ro.vic isnot false>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Prince'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questVic>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S3-02") or setup.quest.emilia isnot true>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Rival'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questEmilia>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ OTHER </div>\ <<if setup.quest.nicolette isnot true>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba") or hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a") or hasVisited("A1S4-04aM")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Nicolette'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questNicolette>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Anne'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questAnne>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral2")>><div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Enter the Cathedral'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<questcath>> <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div><</if>>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ COMPLETED QUESTS </div>\ <div class='codex-item'><<link 'Completed'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<include "Completed">> <</replace>>\ <</link>></div>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'><<QuestMenu>> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<<widget "lostmemories">> Aside from the lingering darkness ready to grab you back to its nightmarish land, you noticed you could not remember much from before you woke up. You are not sure how to go about recovering them, but you feel uncomfortable not remembering anything. <ul><li> <<message "Under the Water">> During your time in the black abyss, you dreamt —or remembered— of trying and failing to stay afloat. You felt losing consciousness as you drowned.<</message>></li> <<if visited("A1S1-17") gt 1>><li> <<message "Blurry Headache">> Feeling a headache piercing your brain as you exited your room, you think you remembered feeling pain in another place —though you couldn’t describe where—. A beeping noise covering speaking voices, feeling very cold and the overwhelming metallic smell is all that stuck<</message>></li><</if>> <<if visited("A1S3-01") gt 2>><li> <<message "An Uninviting Park">> Walking through Sunwin Garden, your mind felt uneasy as it remembered a similar place —you could not say where—, an uninviting place with an unpleasant feeling lingering.<</message>></li><</if>></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "strangeworld">> You woke up in a stranger world in the body of a noble, namely the heir to the Vasmosia March. Feeling certain you do not belong in this place, you believe there must be a way to return to your own world, wherever it may be. In the meantime, to protect your secret, you may want to learn as much as you could to help you navigate this world. Any clue found will be added to the Codex in the [[Clues]] page. Memories including certain characters may be read again in the corresponding character page. <</widget>> <<widget "fstinv">> <<CodexClueQuestAone>><<if not hasVisited("A1SR-16")>>If you want to learn more about this world and your place in it, it would be wise to search around your room for clues. You may find some answers.<<else>><<if not hasVisited("A1S4-08")>>After giving Anne her leave, you<</if>> decided to search around the room for answers to your many questions.<<if hasVisited("A1SR-16d") && $lock is true>>You’ve tried to open the desk, but found it locked. <<elseif hasVisited("A1SR-16d") && setup.clue.booklet isnot true>>You’ve unlocked the desk, but nothing stood out to you. Still, you are sure something is hidden in there. <<elseif setup.clue.booklet is true>>You’ve unlocked the desk and found a coded notebook. <</if>><<if setup.clue.stamp is true>>Looking back, it seemed strange you owned many different wax sealers. <</if>><<if setup.clue.acc is true>>You’ve found a suspicious accounting book in one of the bookcase.<</if>><<if setup.clue.fire>>A pile of ash by the stove ticked you, as it seemed unusual to light a fire in this heat. A burnt letter disintegrated as soon as you found it. <</if>><<if setup.clue.cypher is true>>In the nightstand, you found a simple fiction book with handwritten notes. <<if setup.clue.letter is true>>Though it seemed like quite a simple fiction book, The Fall of the Marked turned out to be a cypher after all! <</if>><</if>><<if setup.clue.match is true>>You found a pile of matchboxes in one of the desk’s drawer. <<if not hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>>You wonder where they came from.<<else>>According to Jonah, they would be handed out in clubs.<</if>><</if>><</if>> <ul><<if _count isnot 6>><li> Search the room<<if setup.clue.booklet is true and setup.clue.acc is true>>again for the last clues<<elseif _count gte 1>>for other clues<</if>>.</li><</if>> <<if setup.clue.booklet isnot true>><<if hasVisited("A1SR-16d") && $lock is true>>Find the key to unlock the desk<<else>>Search the desk further<</if>><</if>> </ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questletter">> You were handed a strange letter at Sunwin Garden during Razac’s luncheon by a child. You are almost certain it was written with a cipher. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-08b") or hasVisited("A1S3-08c")>>On the envelope, five words gave you a clue: //The Fall of the Marked.//<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S3-08c")>>You asked the child for information about the letter. Though they did not know much, they gave you a brief description of the mysterious sender: a tall gentleman with a blue cape, a feathered hat, and a sword by his hip.<</if>> <<codedletter>> <ul><li><<if setup.clue.cypher isnot true>>Find the cipher to crack the code in this letter.<<else>>Go back to the Manor and decode the letter with the cipher in your bedroom.<</if>></li> <li> Find its mysterious sender.</ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questcath">> Though you planned to visit the Cathedral, you did not manage to pass its doors. The welcoming nun mentioned you were barred entry by order of the Hierophant. <ul> <li>Find the reason for this ban</li> <li>Find a way to enter the Cathedral</li> </ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questAnne">> Your chambermaid, Anne, expressed her wish to visit a few sports around town. Though she has little free time to do so, she hopes for to get permission for leave, find a guide, and cross a few items off her list. She wants to visit: <ul> <li>The Royal Palace</li> <li>The Highyard View</li> <li>The Cathedral</li> </ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questNicolette">><<set _case to 1>> While you were forced to choose a $suitb for the ball, the mousey seamstress gestured to you her wish to talk to you. <<if hasVisited("A1S4-05a")>><<set _case to 2>>You decided to meet with her, where she revealed that, unlike Madam Judy’s words, she could finish all three costumes before the party. She also mentioned someone paid the modiste to force you into this choice. Having made a deal with her to find the identity of the conspirator and to deliver the costume, you promised her payment. She will reveal what she wants in return when the costumes are delivered.<<else>>Though you are intrigued by her request, you are not sure what she wants from you or how she will communicate with you.<</if>> <ul><li><<switch _case>><<case 1>>Find a way to meet with Nicolette. <<case 2>>Talk shop with Nicolette then. <</switch>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questEmilia">> <<set _case to 1>>Freshly back in town, your former friend Lady Emilia has taken upon herself to find any way to butt heads with you —and potentially humiliate you—. Having set her eyes on catching <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic’s attention for herself, she seems to stop at nothing to reach her goals. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11a") or hasVisited("A1S3-11b")>>While the words she exchanged with her companions, at Razac’s luncheon, the ones you overheard, you decided to take the high road and not interact with her. At least, not there. Still, you feel bothered by her sudden change of attitude towards you. <<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-11d") or hasVisited("A1S3-11e")>><<set _case to 2>>While the words she exchanged with her companions, at Razac’s luncheon, the ones you overheard, hurt you, you decided to take a <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11e")>>kinder<<else>>more cunning<</if>> approach to deal with the matter. Through your conversation with Lady Emilia about your fallen friendship, she revealed some interesting details over the period the both of you had to spend apart: namely, <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11e")>>the missing letters she sent you as a child<<else>>her growing jealousy towards you<</if>>. You have a feeling this friendship could be repaired, if you wished it to. <<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>><<set _case to 3>>Enraged by the words she exchanged with her companions, at Razac’s luncheon, the ones you overheard, you challenged Lady Emilia to a duel. <<if setup.duelEm is true>>The Count of Razac, having set himself on organising the whole affair for you, will send you the details of this ultimate confrontation.<<else>><<set _case to 4>>While the Count of Razac proposed to organise the whole affair for you, you declined his offer.<</if>><</if>> <ul><li><<switch _case>><<case 1>> Try to find out the reason for your fall out. <<case 2>> You could meet with Emilia again and bury the hatchet once and for all. <<case 3>> Wait for Razac’s words to duel with Lady Emilia <<case 4>> Contact Lady Emilia to duel with her. <</switch>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questVic">> <<SetGender "Vic">><<set _clue to 1>>You were told you were engaged with Prince ?Vic, though you are not sure why. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-05pe")>>After years of refusing any proposal coming ?their way, Prince ?Vic set ?their eyes on you, announcing that none other than you would do.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05peend")>>While you are unsure about your feelings towards the Prince, leaving in <<SetGender "Theo">>your ?Parent’s desk a letter requesting the engagement, you are open to see where this affair could bring you.<<SetGender "Vic">> Still,you<<else>>You<</if>> are intrigued to learn the reason Prince ?Vic requested your hand in marriage. <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE")>><<set _case to 2>>You have visited the Palace, but were refused access to Prince ?Vic’s quarters.<</if>> <ul><li><<switch _clue>><<case 1>>Meet with Prince ?Vic <<case 2>>Find a way to meet with Prince ?Vic. <</switch>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questRay">> <<SetGender "Theo">><<if hasVisited("A1S2-06a")>><<set _case to 1>>Having approached you as you left your ?parent’s office, Raymond requested to discuss something with you. You refused his request, as your engagements of the day were calling for your attention. <<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>><<set _case to "end">>Having approached you as you left your ?parent’s office, Raymond requested to discuss something with you. Though you were, at first, open to his request, your fear of being found out took a hold over you and you fired him as your Advisor. Raymond will leave the Manor when the Marquis is set to depart for the Vasmosia Estates. <<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-06s")>><<set _case to 2>>Having approached you as you left your ?parent’s office, Raymond requested to discuss something with you. Instead of discussing the matter at hand, you tried to make a pass. This was not received positively by the bookish man, who scurried away as soon as he could. <<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-06n")>><<set _case to 3>>Having approached you as you left your ?parent’s office, Raymond requested to discuss something with you. Though you were, at first, open to his request to start again on a better footing, you were not sure what to ask of him to trust him. You pinned this conversation to continue at a later time. <<else>><<set _case to 4>>Having approached you as you left your ?parent’s office, Raymond requested to discuss something with you. Agreeing to his request to start this relationship on a better footing, you learned of his unusual background. Though you had little time to discuss things in details, something struck you: <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06re")>>he was taught by Ser Rizzuto, the former Royal Treasurer banished for having too full coffers. Raymond thought his former master was wrongly convicted.<<else>>he seems to be hiding something from you.<</if>><</if>> <ul><li><<switch _case>><<case 1>>Find out what Raymond wanted to talk to you about. <<case 2>> Find Raymond and clears things out. <<case 3>> Find a good time to tontinue this conversation with Raymond. <<case 4>> Discuss the matter further with Raymond. <<default>> ??? <</switch>> </li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questYael">> <<SetGender "Yael">><<set _case to 1>>You woke up next to this stranger, who hinted at having spent a wild night with you —a night you do not remember—. The unfamiliar ?person expressed ?their displeasure in having learned of your engagement from another source than your lips, hoping, in the same breath, of meeting you before this marriage is consummated. According to ?them, you have a special way of contacting ?them. <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>><<set _case to 2>>According to Jonah, that evening had started at the //Paradisio//, a club in the Twilight Quarters. This could be a start for you to find ?them.<</if>> <ul><li><<switch _case>><<case 1>>Find the way to contact this Stranger. <<case 2>>Go to the //Paradisio// to find some clues. <</switch>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "queststrbusn">> <<if setup.clue.booklet is true or setup.clue.acc is true or setup.clue.fire is true>>After searching your room, you found some out-of-place elements. Having found <<if setup.clue.booklet is true>> a coded booklet<<if setup.clue.acc is true and setup.clue.fire is true>>, <<elseif setup.clue.acc is true or setup.clue.fire is true>>and <</if>><</if>><<if setup.clue.acc is true>>a bare accounting book <<if setup.clue.fire is true>>and <</if>><</if>><<if setup.clue.fire is true>>burnt letters<</if>>, you have a feeling you have woken up in the bed of a very secretive person. <<else>>You are not quite sure what or why, but something seems out of place here.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-07")>>This suspicious feeling has followed you since you left the Manor. You are afraid of being embroiled in a dangerous business.<</if>> ''Suspicious Events:'' <ul><<if setup.clue.letter is true>><li> Received a strange letter at Sunwin Garden.</li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S4-06") or hasVisited("A1S4-06M")>><li> Received an envelope filled with banknotes at Judy’s Scissors<<if hasVisited("A1S4-06")>>, as well as Escuyer Baumé’s ring<</if>>.</li><</if>> </ul> <</widget>> <<widget "questEng">><<SetGender "Vic">> <<set _case to 1>>You are set to marry Prince ?Vic, though your engagement has yet to be announced. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05pp")>><<SetGender "Theo">>Your ?Parent believes the Royal attendance at the Vasmosia ball would see this official proclamation to happen then.<<SetGender "Vic">><<elseif hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>>Anne believes the Prince will attend the Vasmosia Ball.<</if>><<if hasVisited("A1S2-05peend")>> Having voiced your concerns about this engagement to the Parriach, the latter has written a letter requesting to end this affair. <<SetGender "Theo">>?They has left it in a drawer of ?their desk, if and when you are ready to send it.<</if>> In the meantime, you are tasked with refraining from confirming your involvement. <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM") or hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE")>><<set _case to 2>>You tried to meet the Prince at the Royal Palace but were refused entry by an <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>>aggressive<<else>>non-confrontational<</if>> attendant. <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceE")>>Though, you were able to send ?them a message at the end.<</if>><</if>> <ul><li><<switch _case>><<case 1>>You could try to meet the Prince<<if hasVisited("A1S2-05pp") or hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>> before the party<</if>>.<<case 2>>Find a way to get an audience with Prince ?Vic.<</switch>></li></ul> <</widget>>

You will find below all completed quest. Click on the Quest title to reveal its content. <h1><<= $Name.toUpperCase()>></h1> <ul> <<if setup.quest.fstinv is true>><li><<message "First Investigation">> You found a few interesting items in your room: a coded notebook, a suspicious accounting book, a couple of wax sealers with different designs, an annotated book<<if setup.clue.letter is true>> that turned to be a cypher<</if>>, some matchboxes<<if hasVisited("A1SO-Club")>> you find handed out at a club<</if>>, and a burnt letter.<</message>></li> <</if>> </ul> <h1>THE HEIR</h1> <ul> <<if setup.ro.vic is false>><li><<message "The Not-So-Secret Engagement">> <<SetGender "Vic">>You were set to marry Prince ?Vic. Having voiced your reluctance towards this engagement to the Parriach, the latter has sent a note to the Royal House requesting to end this affair. Though you will be soon free of these chains, you are expected to receive some backlash for this sudden change of heart.<</message>></li> <</if>> </ul> <h1>COMPATIONS</h1> <ul> <<if setup.ro.vic is false>><li><<message "The Prince">> You were told you were engaged with Prince ?Vic, though you are not sure why. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13e") or hasVisited("A1S2-05pe")>>After years of refusing any proposal coming ?their way, Prince ?Vic set ?their eyes on you, announcing that none other than you would do.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05peend")>>You decided to end this engagement through a letter sent by <<SetGender "Theo">>your ?Parent, before speaking to Prince<<SetGender "Vic">> ?Vic. While you may expect some backlash from the Royal House, you do not regret your decision. You will never know what ?they wanted from you.<</if>><</message>></li> <</if>> <<if setup.quest.emilia is true>><li><<message "The Rival">> Freshly back in town, your former friend Lady Emilia has taken upon herself to find any way to butt heads with you —and potentially humiliate you—. Having set her eyes on catching <<SetGender "Vic">>Prince ?Vic’s attention for herself, she seems to stop at nothing to reach her goals. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>>Enraged by her words, the ones she exchanged with her companions at Razac’s luncheon, the ones you overheard, you assaulted the woman in front of the Count’s guests. Though your goal was to teach her a lesson about the consequences of her actions, you were the one who lost face. Lady Emilia will never forget this nor let you recover from this affront. [This relationship has ended.]<</if>><</message>></li> <</if>> </ul> <h1>SIDE-QUESTS</h1> <ul> <<if setup.quest.nicolette is true>><li><<message "Nicolette">> <<if hasVisited("A1S4-05b") or hasVisited("A1S4-05bM")>>Though Nicolette, Madam Judy’s mousey seamstress, seemed to want to talk to you, you decided to leave the shop without meeting with her. You won’t find out what she wanted from you.<</if>><</message>></li> <</if>> </ul>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ HIGHYARD </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Judy’s Scissors'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<JudyCodex>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

<div class='codex'>\ <div class='codex-menu'>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ CULT OF OUR LADY NYNERA </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'Church of Our Lady Nynera'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexChurch>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ <div class='codex-item'>\ <<link 'The Hierophant'>>\ <<replace '#codex-display'>>\ <<CodexHierophant>>\ <</replace>>\ <</link>> </div>\ </div>\ <div id='codex-display'> </div> </div> * [[Return to Codex |Codex]] * <<link "Return to the Story" $return>><</link>>

/*NPC*/ /*MC*/ <<widget "CodexMC">>\ Vasmosia, $Name ||| ''Age:'' 20s ||| ''Gender:'' $gender.mc ||| ''Attracted to:'' $mc.sex ||| ''Favourite Colour:'' $colour.fav <<if hasVisited("A1S1-10")>>||| ''Appearance:'' You are a <<size>> ?person, with a $mc.build and $mc.chest $mc.saab body. You have $mc.limb limbs and <<if $mc.skin is "ivory">>an<<else>>a<</if>> $mc.skin complexion. <<if $wig.on is 1>>You are currently wearing a $wig.colour wig, hidding <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>a $mc.hair<<else>>strands of $mc.hairt $mc.hairc $mc.hair, $mc.hairl<</if>>.<<elseif $wig.on is 2>>You are wearing a headwrap that <<CodexHeadwrap>>, hiding <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>a $mc.hair<<else>>strands of $mc.hairt $mc.hairc $mc.hair, $mc.hairl<</if>>.<<else>><<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>You have a $mc.hair.<<else>>Your $mc.hair, $mc.hairl, is $mc.hairt and of the colour of $mc.hairc.<</if>><</if>> You have $mc.eyes eyes<<if $mc.facial isnot "its smooth skin">> and $mc.facial<</if>>. <</if>>||| ''Inventory:'' <<inventory '$inventory' ', '>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-10")>>Click //Edit Appearance// on the side menu to change some of your characterisitics.<<else>>You will be able to change some of your characteristics at a later moment.<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexYael">><<SetGender "Yael">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the [REDACTED] Records.</div> \ <<if $gender.yael is "woman">><img src="img/npc/YaelF.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><<else>><img src="img/npc/YaelM.jpeg" style="float: right;margin-left: 10px;max-width: 50%;"><</if>> [Unknown]<<if $this is true>>, Yael (?Mix)<</if>> ҂ [Unknown] Ѻ B/U-09: 25ish? Little is known about this individual. Reports about ?them is muddled, as the different accounts gathered give contradictory retelling. Further research is required. While reports about their background are not clear, this is not the case about their appearance and personality. This ?person is of a pale complexion, with sculpted muscle, akin to a white marble statue. While of average height, ?they can easily be seen in crowds with ?their white shoulder-length hair. Some reports have commented heavily on ?their blue eyes. <<if $this is true>>Yael<<else>>This ?person<</if>> seems to be free spirited, disliking to be tied down. ||| Last Appearance: <ul><li> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-03")>> ?They left you by jumping out of the window.<<else>> You woke up next to this naked stranger.<</if>></li></ul> |||Notes: You seem to have a special way to contact ?them. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexVic">><<SetGender "Vic">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, the Barassac Dynasty Records</div> \ <<if hasVisited("C3")>><<if $gender.vic is "woman">><img src="img/npc/VicF.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><<else>><img src="img/npc/VicM.jpeg" style="float: right;margin-left: 10px;max-width: 50%;"><</if>><</if>> Barassac, ?Vic (HRH, ?Liege) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09: 26 Prince ?Vic is third in line for the Throne behind Dauphin Antoine and Prince [REDACTED]. ?Child of King Gaston and Late Royal Consort [REDACTED]. While ?they is set to be engaged with the Vasmosia heir, Prince ?Vic has refused many proposal in the past. [REDACTED] Prince ?Vic is known to be kind, as ?they follows in ?their mother’s footsteps. |||Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not met ?them yet.</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexRaymond">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the [REDACTED] Records</div> \ <img src="img/npc/Raymond.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;">Macherdieu, Raymond (M.) ҂ [Unknown] Ѻ B/U-09: 25ish Muddled background for this individual. Little information is known about him. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06rb")>>Born in the Burrow —date of birth irrecoverable—, with no set address. <</if>><<if hasVisited("A1S2-06re")>>Pushed around from a young age to train under many individual. Notable teacher: Ser Rizzuto. <</if>> Beige skin, with pink-ish undertone. Reddened cheeks not uncommon to see as Raymond blushes quite often. Short height. Running on the skinny side. Often seen with round golden glasses on his nose. Jet black short-ish hair. Black eyes. Bookish personality. Will avoid going outside if possible. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06ru")>>Cannot lie or forge documents.<</if>> |||Last Appearance: <<SetGender "Theo">> <ul><li> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06s")>>Scurrying back to your ?parents office after your failed attempt at flirting.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-06f")>>Entering your ?parent’s office after you fired him.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-06l")>>Returning to your ?parent’s after he answered some questions.<<elseif("A1S2-05b")>>Leaving your ?parent’s office, Raymond wanted to talk to you.<<else>>In your parent’s office<</if>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexEmilia">> <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, <<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>>Épivin de Sarrazac<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> Records.</div> \ <img src="img/npc/Emilia.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><<if hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>>Épivin de Sarrazac<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>>, Emilia (Lady) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09: 25ish First born of Lady [REDACTED] and Lord [REDACTED]. Sent to the [REDACTED] Estate following [REDACTED]. Reentered Court on [REDACTED]. During infancy and childhood, Lady Emilia and her family had friendly interaction with the Vasmosia Family, as both she and the Vasmosia heir were almost always seen arms interlocked. Since her return, this friendliness has disappeared. Lady Emilia is known for her pleasant face, with a pale pink complexion and light-brown eyes with a green hint, framed by long, copper hair. She is said to be the perfect dancing partner, with her slightly smaller than average height. Still, some have noted her lean to thin frame makes her look frail. Recent reports have indicated her contempt for the Vasmosia heir, transforming her pleasantness into shallowness bordering on rudeness. Still, some continue to praise her wittiness. |||Last Appearance: <ul><li><<if hasVisited("A1S3-11d") or hasVisited("A1S3-11e")>>You’ve last seen her crying alone at her table at Razac’s luncheon.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-11cab")>>You’ve last seen her leaving Razac’s luncheon after accepting to duel.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>>You’ve last seen her running away after you assaulted her.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S3-10")>>You’ve last seen her making fun of you at Sunwin Garden.<<else>>You’ve last seen her berating Razac at Sunwin Garden.<</if>></li></ul> <</widget>> /*Theo*/ <<widget "CodexTheo">><<SetGender "Theo">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Vasmosia Family.</div> \ Vasmosia, ?Theo. (?Liege) ҂ B/P-08, Zania, 14 - Ѻ B/U-09: 51 Marquis of Vasmosia since the 3rd year of the Somnien decade of the Bremdena Era. Parriah of the Vamosia Family, ?Liege ?Theo is the ?child of <<if hasVisited("C3")>>Lady Bridgid<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>>, former Marquis of Vasmosia. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f") or hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>Parriah ?Theo is married to Consort ?Alex (B-S03, Laima 17, see edict NCMCBS03L17).<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>>Parriah ?Theo has parented ==8== 7 children: $Name (heir), ==Isabel,== Arturo, Áurea, Olier, Noa, Inès, Rosie.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03b")>>?Liege ?Theo is often seen towering over people, with ?their impressive height. While ?they used to fill ?their garments, these days, ?Liege ?Theo looks to be more on the thinner side (for unknown reason, though many have speculated). While ?they does not look scrawny (yet), ?they is known for ?their flat chest and unusually long limbs. Some have commented on ?their long feet. If ?their size was not striking enough, ?Liege ?Theo’s ghostly complexion is often worded as eye catching (most likely due to ?their preference of indoor locations). ?Their face is framed by long locks of $mc.hairc, usually gathered in a messy low pony tail or braid, coupled with bushy eye brows. The two beauty marks under ?their left $mc.eyes eye have appeared on ?their face in their early adulthood (speculation: not a beauty mark but a tattoo). In the back of ?their neck sits a sun-like scar.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>>?Liege ?Theo is known for ?their cold and distant nature, rarely appearing in public (save for official occasion). ?Their absenteeism has increased since the passing of their second child. Still, reports have mentioned how caring ?they can be towards ?their family members (reports may be bias).<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> ||| Last Appearance: <ul><li> <<if hasVisited("C3")>>You’ve last seen your ?parent in your bedroom, that morning.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>You’ve last seen your ?parent in ?their office, that morning.<<else>>You have not met ?them yet.<</if>></li></ul> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>||| Note:<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S2-05")>>Theo is planning to leave for the Estate to resolve some business.<<elseif hasVisited("C3")>>Theo has left the Manor to attend some urgent business at the March.<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexAlex">><<SetGender "Theo">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Vasmosia Family.</div> \ Vasmosia, ?Alex. (?Liege) ҂ B/P-07, Urq 3 Ѻ B/U-09: 52 Previously known as [REDACTED], ?Alex, ?Child of [REDACTED]. Current and only Consort of ?Liege ?Theo Vasmosia. Head of the Vasmosia Household. Consort ?Alex joined the Vasmosia Family on the 17th of Laima of the 3rd year of the Somnien decade of the Bremdena Era (see edict NCMCBS03L17). <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>>Consort ?Alex has parented ==8== 7 children: $Name (heir), ==Isabel,== Arturo, Áurea, Olier, Noa, Inès, Rosie.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("C3")>>Unlike ?their spouse, ?Liege ?Alex is of a very average complexion. ?They was never considered a great beauty or an ugly duckling during ?their seasons before ?their engagement to ?Liege ?Theo. ?They is of an average stature (though on the smaller size), with an average chest (looking slightly larger than reality due to ?their frame) and average limbs (as well on the smaller size). ?Their face does not have any interesting feature either. Still, their presence caught the eye of many.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>>?Liege ?Alex is often referred as the Magician, as ?they used to appear in the many —if not all— outings and parties organised during any day, even if those events happened simultaneously. As with most parents, ?Liege Alex has been seen favouring some of ?their children over the others. While most early reports seemed unfounded, recent events have seen the Consort being often combative towards the Vasmosia heir.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> |||Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not met ?them yet.</li></ul> <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13f")>>|||Note: You have heard ?they have rarely left ?their room for the past few months. /*Your sibling mentioned she was leaving for Judy’s Scissors to pick up your costume for the ball.*/<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexCharlie">><<SetGender "Charlie">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Vasmosia Family. [Annex]</div> \ [REDACTED], ?Charlie (?Mix) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09: 45ish? Previously known as [REDACTED], ?Charlie, ?Child of [REDACTED]. Current and only Drocili appointed to the Vasmosia Family. Joined the Household on the 8th of Môt of the 3rd year of the Somnien decade of the Bremdena Era. ?Mix ?Charlie has <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>seeded<<else>>birthed<</if>> ==8== 7 children for the Vasmosia Family: $Name (heir), ==Isabel,== Arturo, Áurea, Olier, Noa, Inès, Rosie. <<if hasVisited("C3")>>In ?their file in the Drocili Register, it has been noted ?Mix ?Charlie was of a great specimen. While average of size and chubbier in nature, ?they has provided the Vasmosia Line with needed healthy genes (e.g. ?their $mc.skin glistening skin has been passed down to the Vasmosia heir). With ?their demure and simple appearance, ?they has shown with each new birth of ?their impressive nature. Though few talk about a family’s Drocili, some have praised ?their cute button nose and luscious $mc.hairt hair. ?Their file has mentioned a faint scar on ?their left cheek, though none has seen it.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> As seen on ?their Drocili file, ?Mix ?Charlie is known to be caring towards others, irrelevant to title or status. ?They seems to have a particular care for the destitute. It has been reported ?they has a special fondness for the first child ?they <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>seeded<<else>>birthed<</if>>, the Vasmosia heir. |||Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not met ?them yet.</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexBridgid">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Vasmosia Family.</div> \ Vasmosia, Bridgid (Lady) ҂ B/N-04, Tei 4 Ѻ B/U-09: 75 Marquis of Vamosia from [REDACTED] until the 3rd year of the Somnien decade of the Bemdena Era. Former Parriah of the aforementioned Family, Lady Bridgid relingquished her positions and titles following the marriage of her first-surviving born, ?Liege ?Theo. Lady Bridgid has birthed [REDACTED] children for the Vasmosia Family: [REDACTED], Theo, [REDACTED]. |||Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not met her yet.</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexSiblings">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Vasmosia Family.</div> \ Vasmosia, Isabel (Lady) ҂ B/S-08, Ota 6 † B/U-09, Ota 5 Ѻ: 21 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. Passed away due to [REDACTED]. <hr> Vasmosia, Arturo (Lord) ҂ B/S-10, Erthel 29 Ѻ B/U-09: 19 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. <hr> Vasmoisa, Áurea (Miss) ҂ B/T-03, Aelia 15 Ѻ B/U-09: 16 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. <hr> Vasmosia, Olivier. ҂ B/T-08, Soh 19 Ѻ B/U-09: 11 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. Born as a twin. <hr> Vasmoisa, Noa. ҂ B/T-08, Soh 19 Ѻ B/U-09: 11 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. Born as a twin. <hr> Vasmosia, Inès. ҂ B/U-03, Freqa 8 Ѻ B/U-09: 6 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. <hr> Vasmosia, Rosie. ҂ B/U-07, Laima 11 Ѻ B/U-09: 2 <<SetGender "Theo">>Child of Marquis of Vamosia, Parriah ?Theo, and Consort ?Alex. <<if $gender.charlie is "man">>Seeded<<else>>Birthed<</if>><<SetGender "Charlie">> by Drocili ?Charlie. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexAnne">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Vasmosia Personnel Records</div> \ <img src="img/npc/Anne.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><<if hasVisited("A1S1-06")>>Moschia, Anne (Ms)<</if>> ҂ Unknown Ѻ B/U-09: 18ish Chambermaid, currently assigned to the Vasmosia heir, ?Liege $Name. Left the Courrault Region to enter service on B/U-09, Zania 25. Anne is of a small frame and height. Light on her feet. Pale complexion with pronounced freckles. Ginger hair barely fitting in her bonnet. Light blue eyes. Anne has shown signs of anxiousness (expected in her post). ||| Last Appearance: <ul><li> <<if hasVisited("C3")>>Anne brought you lunch and kept you company.<<else>> Anne ‘woke you up’ as she brought you breakfast before dressing you <<if visited("A1S1-13l") gt 2>>and answered your many questions<</if>>.<</if>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexVinea">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Vasmosia Personnel Records</div> \ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-17")>><img src="img/npc/MrsV.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><</if>>Vinea, Joseline (Mrs) ҂ Unknown Ѻ B/U-09: 70ish? Housekeeper of the Vasmosia Household, assigned to the Vamosia Manor in Oswaria and the [REDACTED] castle in the Vasmosia Estate (when the family is present). Mrs Vinea rose through the ranks of service since she joined the Vasmosia Household on [REDACTED] as the Chambermaid of Lady Bridgid. <<if hasVisited("A1S1-17")>>Mrs Vinea is now an older, petite woman with wrinkled beige skin. Often seen with small glasses in front of her dark eyes. She will always put her greying hair in a high bun. Mrs Vinea is known to be a busybody, though she is well-meaning and caring.<<else>>[REDACTED]<</if>> ||| Last Appearance:<<SetGender "Theo">> <ul><li> <<if hasVisited("C3")>>You last saw Mrs Vinea in your ?parent’s office, as she left to find a doctor.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-03b")>>You last saw Mrs Vinea in your ?parent’s office, warning them of your fainting spell.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S2-01")>>You last saw Mrs Vinea following you and berating you about your health.<<elseif hasVisited("A1S1-17")>>You met Mrs Vinea when you left your bedroom.<<else>>You have not met her yet.<</if>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexCourlon">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Vasmosia Personnel Records</div> \ <<if hasVisited("C3")>><img src="img/npc/MrC.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><</if>>Courlon, Pierre (Mr) ҂ Unknown Ѻ B/U-09: 70ish? Butler of the Vasmosia Household, currently at the Vasmosia Manor in Oswaria and the [REDACTED] castle in the Vasmosia Estate (when the family is present). Mr Courlon rose through the ranks of service since he joined the Vasmosia Household on [REDACTED]. [Unknown] ||| Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not yet met him.</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexJonah">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Vasmosia Personnel Records</div> [Unknown], Jonah (M.) ҂ Unknown Ѻ B/U-09: 20ish? Driver, currently assigned to the Vasmosia heir, ?Liege $Name. Entered service on [REDACTED]. Jonah knows how to make himself invisible, probably due to his slender figure. There is not much to look at… |||Last Appearance: <ul><li> Jonah has been driving you around.</li></ul> |||Notes: Jonah is suspiciously aware of your schedule details. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexTheHelp">><<SetGender "Theo">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Vasmosia Personnel Records</div> \ <ul><li>Mr Laroche, Advisor of Marquis Vasmosia, ?Liege ?Theo</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexKing">><<SetGender "Vic">>\ <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, the Barassac Dynasty Records</div> \ Barassac, Gaston (HRM) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09 : 58 King of Mobressau since the [REDACTED] of the Bremdena Era. Son of Late Prince [REDACTED], former King of Mobressau, and Former Royal Consort, Late [REDACTED]. While King Gaston was married [REDACTED] time (with the Late Royal Consort [REDACTED] from [REDACTED] until her passing on [REDACTED]; [REDACTED]), His Royal Majesty does not currently have an official Royal Consort, but has been enjoying the company many concubines. King Gaston has fathered [REDACTED] children: Dauphin Antoine, Prince ?Vic, Prince [REDACTED], [REDACTED]. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexConsort">> <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, the Barassac Dynasty Records</div> \ Note: There are currently no official Royal Consort. Below is the list of the Former and Late Royal Consorts of King Gaston. <ul><li>Late Royal Consort [REDACTED] : ҂ [REDACTED] † [REDACTED] Ѻ: 32, reason: death.</li> <li>Former Royal Consort [REDACTED]: ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ: 31, reason: [REDACTED]</li> <li>[REDACTED]</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexDauphin">> <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, the Barassac Dynasty Records</div> \ Barassac, Antoine (HRH, Lord) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09 : 28 Dauphin, heir to the throne. Son of King Gaston and Late Royal Consort [REDACTED]. Married to Madame [REDACTED]. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexPrince">>[REDACTED]<</widget>> <<widget "CodexRazac">> <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Razac Family</div> \ <<if hasVisited("A1S3-02")>><img src="img/npc/Razac.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 50%;"><</if>>Razac, Guillem (Lord) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09: 34 Count of Razac since [REDACTED] Son of Lord [REDACTED], former Count of Razac. Unmarried. Lord Razac has no children<<if hasVisited("C3")>>, though there have been rumours he may have parented some but has not recognised them as such<</if>>. <<if hasVisited("A1S3-02")>>Lord Razac is known to be a sort of dandy. Though his average height is considered to be on the short side, his muscular and well-kept frame seems to compensate this less than desirable trait. With bronzed skin is complemented by his green-grey eyes. Lord Razac is known for being a “party animal”, throwing lavish outings and parties since he turned of age. His dry wittiness has landed him into troubles a few times.<</if>> |||Last Appearance: <ul><li><<if hasVisited("A1S3-02")>>You last saw him at Sunwin Part.<<else>>You have not met him.<</if>></li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexSofia">> <div style="text-align: right">From the Royal Archive, Records Razac Family</div> \ Cardairas, Sofìa (Lady) ҂ [REDACTED] Ѻ B/U-09: 62 Duke of Cardaidras since [REDACTED] Daughter of [REDACTED], former Duke of Cardaidras. Married to Consort [REDACTED] Lady Sofìa has parented [REDACTED] children: [REDACTED]. |||Last Appearance: <ul><li>You have not met her yet.</li></ul> <</widget>> <<widget "JudyCodex">>\ Judy’s Scissors <div style="text-align: right">A letter from [REDACTED] to [REDACTED].</div> / […] Judy’s Scissors is a quaint modiste shop at the corner of Voie de la Mer and Impasse de la Chaise, found in the Highyard district. While the location of the space, its current state and the state of affairs are not ideal, there is enough potential to make a profit. We recommend you visit the shop before making up your mind. Madam Judy may prove to be a nuisance, but, with the right words and incentive, she will most likely fall in line. If she does not comply, we have prepared a few alternatives to force her. Even if she accepts your proposal, it may be best to keep our eyes on her. […] <div style="text-align: right">A letter from [REDACTED] to [REDACTED].</div> \ […] We are writing to confirm the transaction has been completed. A copy of the contract has been sent to the agreed upon location. While the ruffian may have made a greater deal of damage than we had requested, please be assured the repairs will restore the shop to its former glory. […] <div style="text-align: right">A letter from [REDACTED] to [REDACTED].</div> \ […] It seems the story about an unknown patron funding the shop has gained further traction than planned and brought more business than expected. Taking this influx of customers into account, we estimate the shop could make a profit of [REDACTED] ƒƒ¢ this month and [REDACTED] ƒ¢ on average. […] <div style="text-align: right">From [REDACTED] Records.</div> \ Owner: Madam Judy, an alias for [REDACTED] Patron: [REDACTED] Employees: Juliette, [REDACTED], [REDACTED], Nicolette <</widget>> <<widget "CodexChurch">>\ Church of Our Lady Nynera <div style="text-align: right">From //Religion in Mobressau — a Comprehensive Annal//</div> \ […] While the Church of Our Lady Nynera only became recognised as an official religious organisation under the rule of King Bremdena of Bassarac, we have recovered accounts stating that the cult of Lady Nynera had existed for much longer as an underground religions in the region. Suppressed by the Old Regime as a heretic sect, it managed to survive nonetheless and was championed by King Bremdena —then Lady Bremdena— during the [REDACTED] War. […] […] Lady Nynera, from which the cult and the Church took their name from, was a known unwilling martyr in the Old Regime. Recorded as Lady Nynera of Vylene in recovered accounts, she used to be the wife of Viscount of Vylene, a low titled but rich land owner. From the little sources we’ve gathered, Lady Nynera lived a relatively peaceful life for most of her short life. As she reached her 34th birthday —26 in our current calendar—, a conflict broke between the Old Regime leader and a group of rebelling title holder, including her husband. Throughout the conflict, Lady Nynera had been more than vocal about the safety of classes affected by said conflict. While she organised help for those groups, she became revered as a saviour for the people. She disliked this status as well as the image of martyrdom other seemed to put on her. Lady Nynera met her demise by bartering her life against the safety of children, which she and other mothers had been protecting in a fortified church. It is unknown whether her action truly saved the lives of those children, as some accounts claim the church she had been hiding with these families were barricaded from the outside before being set on fire. The cult, and subsequently the Church, proclaimed her martyr, protector of families and children. She is represented as a kneeling, praying woman, as she is said to be looking to barter for her life before meeting her end. […] <</widget>> <<widget "CodexHierophant">>\ Hierophant, The. <div style="text-align: right">From //Religion in Mobressau — a Comprehensive Annal//</div> […] Though the Church’s survivability depends on the whims of the Royal House —note: the Royal view of the Church has never been unfavourable—, it is still governed by one individual: the Hierophant. As Head of the Church and its congregation, they represent its values and uphold its teachings. Their power encompasses any parish affiliated to the Church in Mobressau and beyond —note: there are only a handful of known parishes outside of the country—. While their quarters are set in the Cathedral of Oceanova in the centre of Oswaria, they will twice a year tour the country to meet with deacons to hear their complaints. The Hierophant had two official advisors: the Right Hand, appointed by the Church, and the Left Hand, appointed by the Royal House. The Right Hand is often seen as the bridge between the Hierophant and the Church congregation, while the Left Hand would bridge the Church to the Royal House. The Hierophant is selected before the previous one has reached the late age of 65, proclaimed they would relinquish their title prior to said age, or met their early demise. As the Hierophant cannot be older than 65, the selected individual will often be of age —note: the youngest accounted Hierophant was 16—. Before a selection is needed, parishes can send a representative to learn at the Cathedral for five years —note: the Church has not disclosed the full content of those teaching—. If a selection does not happen during this time, they will be sent home to become the head of their respective parish. If a selection must happen, those individuals will go through extensive examination, with only 5 of them making the final list. The final selection is done by the King and the previous Hierophant, or the Right and/or Left Hand if either is not available. <</widget>> <<widget "CodexOswaria">> ''I - Esmington Castle'' Location of the Royal Palace. ''II - Belmoral Plaza'' Location of the Cathedral and the Market. ''III- Montvelrose'' Accommodates of most High Noble Houses (Duke, Marquis, Count), with some Lower Noble Houses. ''IV - Havemshire'' Accommodates most Low Nobles Houses (other titles), with a few Higher Noble Houses. ''V - Willow Court'' Houses Genteel People and Rich Bourgeois. ''VI - Highyard'' Known for its Merchant Quarters, the Harbour for the Royal fleet and the Highyard view. ''VII - Niewnoore'' Houses Most Bourgeois and other people ''VIII - Boissand Port'' Location of the main Harbour ''IX - Twilight Quarter'' Red Light District ''X - Raven Orchard'' Farm land ''XI - Barracks'' Houses the Royal Guards and trains part of the army. ''XII - The Burrow'' Slums<</widget>> <<widget "Calendar">> ''The Mobressau Calendar'' <div style="text-align: right">From //Calendars and Clocks: A comprehensive study on differences in the Ederon continent//</div> The Era The start of the Bremdena Era [i.e. corresponding year: 3927 A.O.R] is marked by the creation of Mobressau as an independent state, let by its then-eponymous ruler. The previous Era is referred as the Old Regime. The Decades Thought the years are counted numerically, with 1 referring to the start of the Bremdena Era, few refer to a year outside of its corresponding decade. Instead of indicating Year 209, records will print T-09, with the letter designating the name of the decade (in this case Tardieu). The decades were named in alphabetical order at the creation of the calendar. It is currently unknown what these names refers to, as the relevant documents are neither available nor still existing. [REDACTED] * (141-150) N: Novjan [REDACTED] * (161-170) P: Pohge [REDACTED] * (191-200) S: Somnien * (201-210) T: Tardieu * (211-220) U: Utley * (221-230) V: Veyrat The Year Each year is composed of 300 days (as most other calendars), 50 weeks (each of 6 days) or 10 months (each of 5 weeks or 30 days). Neither the days nor weeks are referred by names, unlike the months. Still, the days will be numbered in relations to the months. For example, Freqa 28 will refer to the 28th day of Freqa, one of the summery months. * Zania * Ora * Laima * Tei * Aelia * Urq * Freqa * Soh * Erther * Môt Within each year, one may experience the 4 usual seasons: winter, spring, summer, autumn. Each season will span 2 months and a half and will start with the corresponding solstice or equinox. * Zamia, 1: Winter Solstice * Lamia, 16: Spring Equinox * Urq, 1: Summer Solstice * Soh, 16: Autumn Equinox <</widget>> <<widget "DuelChartre">> The Chartre [Mobressau] <div style="text-align: right">From the //Code Duello: A collection of rules and practices in the Ederon continent.// Out of all regions covered in this volume, Mobressau’s Chartre is the most extensive one. It is the only followed most to the letter among the noble classes. Put to paper at the turn of the Bremdena Era, it has been argued that this document was written as a way to control the last Noble families and their limited numbers [i.e.: the Old Regime had little rules in this regard, with many instances ending in bloodshed]. […] Due to its little recurrence, as duels are few and far between in Mobressau, these events are often treated as spectacles. Large crowds will often gather to witness the fight for honour. Still many duels will be organised with few in attendance, if the duellists wish it to. […] An incomplete list of rules, annotated by the author: * Any instances of duelling must be reported to the relevant Ministry office, which will provide a neutral third-party to referee over the affair. [i.e.: unreported duels among nobles are outlawed in Mobressau and punishable] * Any instances of duelling must be witnessed and refereed by a neutral third-party, upholding the rules of this Chartre. * Thought the offended party may choose the conclusion of the duel [e.g.: first blood, severely wounded, etc…; i.e.: the severity of the conclusion may be restricted by the neutral-party], the challenged party must be allowed to set the terms of the duel. These terms may only regard the location, part of the witnesses, and choice of armament. * While the offended party is permitted to refuse the challenged party’s terms, they must provide reasoning and alternatives. In instances of lack of agreement, the appointed third-party will settle the case and may set those terms instead. * It is preferred that armament would be provided by a neutral party, through both the offended and challenged parties may bring their own. In the latter case, the weapons must be inspected by the appointed third-party. <</widget>> <<widget "QuestMenu">><</widget>>

/*Coded Booklet*/ <<widget "Booklet">> //''RN 536'' - Med. Test Cps. Quiet. ''BA-D13'' - Smgl. 5th. Barracuda/George. ''GB 26'' - Fake. Gamble. ''MW 84'' - Hit. Chef. Quick ƒƒƒ¢ ''RP 12'' - Count. Paradisio. 3x. Fae ''CS-B9'' - Roots. Powder. Bulbs. Parts.// <</widget>> /*Accounting Book*/ <<widget "Accounting">> <table class="border-table"> <tr> <td>B-U9/Urq/25</td> <th>BL119-B</th> <td>+ ƒƒ¢68</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Urq/28</td> <th>WM-JS</th> <td>+ ƒ¢ 792</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Urq/29</td> <th>GB26 (F)</th> <td>+ ƒƒ¢150</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Freqa/3</td> <th>MW84</th> <td></td> <td>- ƒƒ¢74</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Freqa/3</td> <th>GP5-A</th> <td></td> <td>- ƒ¢5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Freqa/5</td> <th>CS-B9</th> <td></td> <td>- ƒ¢12</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Freqa/12</td> <th>GP5-A</th> <td>+ ƒ¢39</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>B-U9/Freqa/15</td> <th>GC26 (L)</th> <td>+ ƒƒ¢241</td> <td></td> </tr> </table> <</widget>> /*Coded letter*/ <<widget "codedlettercodex">> <<if setup.cryptokeys3 is "lion">>Lxcyzowrd nce eps gsqb pzzfrdxcaombpp. Aspcmhf fvqbgmfro ifr hmwtsbwrc bvny bvbfovg. Cqgx ewc oto hb wmoip bvrx ih gsm iffiz cwiqr. Azcbqa hb mm vnylsq zdse ocfvyo chc vske usreqbt. Mizy lbhryloanm qbynwexmr (ozbv zp ibq eps glzure). Cbgtt hupv, hnvm qncm. Hncosg pvxbja hup kczaibl zn dbtacad. <<elseif setup.cryptokeys3 is "cub">>Cjpnihkyt his vbf vbjp wptlfujppxfpwf. Uydtyuu ooeiwglff usg qfkaivcft nich ujivibu. Tctm npq vji np nybxy ujyn cn ujy vuobn jmcwf. Rlpqzt vi cg bbpxff iwgl ewljpa pwl ogru oyfvcoi. Vbnf bvnfpxbpwf eiohcsoye (diuj gf che vbf vusiyu). Whukf ujyo, vulg wbty. Uclhgn fpdpam ujy dqgqchz qz qqctqht. <<else>>Lxcybkawd nce glw lsqb pbvjwdxcaqifup. Aspeilk fvqbiijwo ifr jiaysbwre xzsy bvbhkzl. Cqgx gsg tto hb yisnp bvrz el lsm ifhed hwiqr. Cvggqa hb oi zsylsq bzwj ocfvak gmc vskg qwweqbt. Oedd lbhrahsfnm qbajajxmr (obxz ep ibq glw llzurg). Yfltt hurr, lsvm qnei. Lscosg rrbgja hur ggeaibl bj hgtacaf. <</if>> <</widget>>

<<widget "EditMenu">>\ On this page, you can edit some of the characterisitcs of your character. By clicking on the links in the side-menu, you will be able to choose a new value for that characteristic. Be sure to click the //Confirm// button when you are done! ''Please note:'' when you click on these links, it will reset that specific characteristic. This can be cancelled by clicking the //Cancel// button. Your name is $Name and your favourite colour is $colour.fav. You are a $gender.mc attracted to $mc.sex. You are a <<size>> ?person, with a $mc.build and $mc.chest $mc.saab body. You have $mc.limb limbs and <<if $mc.skin is "ivory">>an<<else>>a<</if>> $mc.skin complexion. <<if $wig.on is 1>>You are currently wearing a $wig.colour wig, hidding <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>a $mc.hair<<else>>strands of $mc.hairt $mc.hairc $mc.hair, $mc.hairl<</if>>.<<elseif $wig.on is 2>>You are wearing a headwrap that <<CodexHeadwrap>>, hiding <<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>a $mc.hair<<else>>strands of $mc.hairt $mc.hairc $mc.hair, $mc.hairl<</if>>.<<else>><<if $mc.hair0 is "no">>You have a $mc.hair.<<else>>Your $mc.hairl, $mc.hair hair is $mc.hairt and of the colour of $mc.hairc.<</if>><</if>> You have $mc.eyes eyes<<if $mc.facial isnot "its smooth skin">> and $mc.facial<</if>>. <</widget>> <<widget "EditName">><<set $edit to $Name>><<RandoNames>>\ While you were previously known as $edit, you’ve decided to change it. ''What is your new name?'' <<textbox "$Name" `either(_example)`>> @@#not-right;@@ <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<set $Name to $Name.toLowerCase()>><<set $Name to $Name.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $Name is "" or $Name is " ">> <<replace '#not-right' t8n>>Please enter a name.<</replace>> <<elseif ['Yael', 'Raymond', 'Emilia', 'Victor', 'Victoria', 'Vic', 'Ray', 'Theo', 'Theodore', 'Theodora', 'Alex', 'Alexander', 'Alexandra', 'Charlie', 'Charles', 'Charlotte', 'Isabel', 'Arturo', 'Áurea', 'Olivier', 'Noa', 'Inès', 'Rosie', 'Guillem', 'Anne', 'Nicolette', 'Jonah'].contains($Name)>> <<replace '#not-right' t8n>>Please enter a different name.<</replace>> <<else>> <<unset $text>><<replace '#not-right' t8n>><</replace>> <<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>> <</if>><</button>>| <<button "Cancel">><<set $Name to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditColour">><<set $edit to $colour.fav>>\ Your favourite colour used to be $colour.fav. Now, it is that shade of: <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "yellow" autocheck>> yellow! <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "orange" autocheck>> orange! <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "red" autocheck>> red! <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "purple" autocheck>> purple! <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "blue" autocheck>> blue! <<radiobutton "$colour.fav" "green" autocheck>> green! <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<SetColours>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $colour.fav to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditGender">><<set $edit to $gender.mc>>\ ''Changing this characteristic will change the gender of other characters.'' You were a $gender.mc. You are now a: <<radiobutton "$gender.mc" "woman">> woman. <<radiobutton "$gender.mc" "man">> man. <<radiobutton "$gender.mc" "non-binary person">> non-binary person. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<NPCGenderF>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $gender.mc to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditPronouns">><<set $edit to $mc.pronouns>>\ Your pronouns were $mc.pronouns. They are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.pronouns" 1>> She/Her/Lady. <<radiobutton "$mc.pronouns" 0>> He/Him/Lord. <<radiobutton "$mc.pronouns" 3>> They/Them/Liege. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.pronouns to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditSex">><<set $edit to $mc.sex>>\ ''Changing this characteristic will change the gender of other characters.'' You were attracted to $mc.sex. You have now: <<radiobutton "$mc.sex" "women">> some attraction to women. <<radiobutton "$mc.sex" "men">> some attraction to men. <<radiobutton "$mc.sex" "men and women">> some attraction to men and women. <<radiobutton "$mc.sex" "neither men nor women">> no attraction to either men nor women. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<NPCGenderRO>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.sex to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditSkin">><<set $edit to $mc.skin>>\ The colour of your skin was $mc.skin. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "ivory">> ivory. <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "seashell">> seashell. <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "clay">> clay. <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "tan">> tan. <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "bronze">> bronze. <<radiobutton "$mc.skin" "mahogany">> mahogany. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<SetColours>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.skin to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditBody">><<set $edit to $mc.saab>>\ You had a $mc.saab body. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.saab" "feminine-looking">> feminine-looking. <<radiobutton "$mc.saab" "masculine-looking">> masculine-looking. <<radiobutton "$mc.saab" "androgynous-looking">> androgynous-looking. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.saab to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditSize">><<set $edit to $mc.size>>\ You were $mc.size. You are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.size" "0">> tiny. <<radiobutton "$mc.size" "1">> small. <<radiobutton "$mc.size" "2">> average. <<radiobutton "$mc.size" "3">> tall. <<radiobutton "$mc.size" "4">> very tall. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.size to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditBuild">><<set $edit to $mc.build>>\ You were $mc.build. You are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "bony">> bony. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "frail">> frail. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "lean">> lean. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "fit">> fit. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "muscular">> muscular. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "broad">> broad. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "plump">> plump. <<radiobutton "$mc.build" "chubby">> chubby. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.build to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditLimb">><<set $edit to $mc.limb>>\ You limbs were $mc.limb. They are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.limb" "long">> long. <<radiobutton "$mc.limb" "medium-sized">> medium-sized. <<radiobutton "$mc.limb" "short">> short. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.limb to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditChest">><<set $edit to $mc.chest>>\ You were $mc.chest. You are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.chest" "flat-chested">> flat-chested. <<radiobutton "$mc.chest" "round-chested">> round-chested. <<radiobutton "$mc.chest" "heavy-chested">> heavy-chested. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.chest to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditEyes">><<set $edit to $mc.eyes>>\ Your eyes colour was $mc.eyes. They are now: <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "steel blue">> steel blue. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "lagoon blue">> lagoon blue. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "grey">> grey. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "emerald green">> emerald green. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "jade">> jade. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "hazel">> hazel. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "yellow bronze">> yellow bronze. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "chocolate brown">> chocolate brown. <<radiobutton "$mc.eyes" "onyx">> onyx. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.eyes to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditFacial">><<set $edit to $mc.facial>>\ The particularity of your face was $mc.facial. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.facial" "its smooth skin">> its smooth skin. <<radiobutton "$mc.facial" "a beauty mark">> a beauty mark. <<radiobutton "$mc.facial" "a stubble growing">> a stubble growing. <<radiobutton "$mc.facial" "a full thick beard">> a full thick beard. <<radiobutton "$mc.facial" "a clean cut moustache">> a clean cut moustache. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.facial to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditHair">><<set $edit to $mc.hair>>\ You don't seem quite fond of your $mc.hair. You have now: <<radiobutton "$mc.hair" "bald head">> a bald head. <<radiobutton "$mc.hair" "thin hair">> thin hair. <<radiobutton "$mc.hair" "thick hair">> thick hair. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<NoSomeHair>><<if $mc.hair isnot "bald head">><<ShortLongHair>><</if>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.hair to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditHairT">><<set $edit to $mc.hairt>>\ Your hair was $mc.hairt. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.hairt" "straight">> straight. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairt" "wavy">> wavy. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairt" "curly">> curly. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairt" "coiled">> coiled. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.hairt to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditHairC">><<set $edit to $mc.hairc>>\ The colour of your hair resembled $mc.hairc. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "chamomile">> chamomile. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "ginger ale">> ginger ale. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "coral">> coral. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "pomegranate">> pomegranate. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "light aubrun">> light aubrun. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "chestnut">> chestnut. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "dark chocolate">> dark chocolate. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairc" "black licorice">> black licorice. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.hairc to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditHairL">><<set $edit to $mc.hairl>>\ Your hair was $mc.hairl. It is now: <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "cut very short">> cut very short. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "cut to your ears">> cut to your ears. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "grazing your chin">> grazing your chin. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "brushing your shoulders">> brushing your shoulders. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "brushing the middle of your back">> brushing the middle of your back. <<radiobutton "$mc.hairl" "reaching your hips">> reaching your hips. <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<set $mc.hairl to $edit>><<unset $edit>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>> <<widget "EditWig">><<if $wig.on is 1>><<set $edit to $wig.colour>><<set $editwig to $wig.on>><<elseif $wig.on is 2>><<set $edit to $wig.wrap>><<set $editwig to $wig.on>><<else>><<set $editwig to 0>><</if>>\ ''Please note:'' If your character does not have a wig on, changing the colour will not be taken into account. //Do you have a wig on your head?// <<radiobutton "$wig.on" "1">> Yes, I am wearing a wig. <<radiobutton "$wig.on" "2">> No, I am wearing a headwrap. <<radiobutton "$wig.on" "0">>No, I am not wearing anything. <<button "Update.">><<update>><</button>> <<liveblock>><<if $wig.on is 1>>//What is the colour of the wig?// <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "chamomile">> Chamomile. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "ginger ale">> Ginger ale. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "coral">> Coral. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "pomegranate">> Pomegranate. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "light aubrun">> Light aubrun. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "chestnut">> Chestnut. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "dark chocolate">> Dark chocolate. <<radiobutton "$wig.colour" "black licorice">> Black licorice. <<elseif $wig.on is 2>>//What type of headwrap is on your head?// <<radiobutton "$wig.wrap" "hijab">> The kind that covers most of your head, only leaving your face visible. <<radiobutton "$wig.wrap" "turban">> The kind that covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, wrapped neatly on your head. <<radiobutton "$wig.wrap" "coif">> The kind that only sits on your head, revealing still your ears inbetween the folded flaps. <<radiobutton "$wig.wrap" "veil">> The kind that covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, letting part of the cloth falling on your shoulders. <<radiobutton "$wig.wrap" "bandana">> The kind that is only tied on your head in a triangular fashion. <</if>><</liveblock>> <div style="text-align: center;"><<button "Confirm the change">><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>> | <<button "Cancel">><<if $editwig is 0>><<set $wig.on to 0>><<if def $wig.colour>><<unset $wig.colour>><</if>><<if def $wig.wrap>><<unset $wig.wrap>><</if>><<elseif $editwig is 1>><<set $wig.on to 1>><<set $wig.colour to $edit>><<if def $wig.wrap>><<unset $wig.wrap>><</if>><<else>><<set $wig.on to 2>><<set $wig.wrap to $edit>><<if def $wig.colour>><<unset $wig.colour>><</if>><</if>><<if def $edit>><<unset $edit>><</if>><<unset $editwig>><<run Engine.play("EditCharacter")>><</button>></div> <</widget>>

<<set $mc to {}>> <<set $gender to {}>> <<set $colour to {}>> <<set $wig to {}>> <<set setup.quest to {}>> <<set setup.outfit to {}>> <<set setup.clue to {}>> <<set setup.here to {}>> <<set setup.ro to {}>> <<newinventory '$inventory'>> <<set $question to {}>> <<set $Name to "Yves">> <<set $relcourt to 50>> <<set $relhouse to 50>> <<set $relyael to 40>> <<set $relray to 60>> <<set $relvic to 30>> <<set $relemilia to 5>>

by manonamora

Crimson Rose & White Lily

<<if hasVisited("A1S1-03")>><<link ' $Name' "Player Character">><</link>> <<link ' Codex' "Codex">><</link>><</if>> <<link ' Credits'>><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>> <<link ' Report Bug'>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Bug Report"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Bug Report").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

<<startpage>><h1>Crimson Rose & White Lily</h1> <<if Save.autosave.ok() and Save.autosave.has()>><<link "Resume Game">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>> | <</if>><<link "New Game" "Title Page">><</link>> | <<link "Load Game">><<run UI.saves()>><</link>> | <<link "Settings">><<run UI.settings()>><</link>>

<<startpage>><<titlepage>><h1>CRIMSON ROSE & WHITE LILY</h1> After waking up from the weirdest and most vivid dream you have ever had, you find yourself in a strange place, among strange people. Realising that you have no memory before this point, you must navigate through this new world and its inhabitants. While your first discoveries uncover your noble birth and future engagement to a local prince, it seems not everyone welcomes or celebrates these facts. As you get to explore the region and its court, trying to find more information about yourself and your past, you may end up uncovering intrigues and dangerous plots. Or you may instigate them yourself. Your choices and actions may influence the world around you and the relationships you have with its inhabitants. Will you discover this world’s secrets? [[Start|Warning]]

<<startpage>><<warning>> <<first>><<warl>><h1>WARNING:</h1> This game is currently rated 16+. Since the last update, it contains: Mature language Graphic violence Description of Death Sexually suggestive content Loss of self Animated text <<button "I understand." `passage()`>><</button>> <<link "View Full Content Warning List.">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Content Warnings"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("TWList").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<finally>>This project was made with Twine (Sugarcube). Any game running on this program is saved in your web browser. If you have used the save function in the menu and deletes your browser cookies, ''your save(s) will also be deleted!'' Instead, you can use the Export option in that menu, to get around this issue. Please note that this project is currently in development. You may find that some changes and updates have been implemented in between sessions, changes which may have broken your save(s). To ensure smooth gameplay of newer chapter, it is recommended to start the game over. Any game-breaking update will be announced in the [[Dev Logs|https://manonamora.itch.io/crimson-rose-and-white-lily/devlog]] on the store page or the [[Tumblr Blog|https://crimsonroseandwhitelily.tumblr.com/]]. <<link "Continue">><<dialog "Prologue">>Already played the Prologue? You can jump directly to the first Scene by clicking on the //Skip// button. [Not recommdended for new players] <center><<button "Play the Prologue">><<run Dialog.close()>><<goto "P1">><</button>> | <<button "Skip the Prologue">><<run Dialog.close()>><<goto "A1S1-Title">><</button>></center> <</dialog>><</link>> | <<link "Settings">><<run UI.settings()>><</link>> <</first>>

<<dream>><<link ''>><<script>>Engine.backward()<</script>><</link>> <<first>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>Darkness has set all around you. You seem to be floating in a void of complete emptiness. You aren’t able to see anything past your body, your only source of light. Even then, there is not much to see around you. Has it always been this dark?<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 6000ms>>You try to touch your body, hoping for a reaction, any kind of reaction. But, nothing. You do not feel anything. From the dim light radiating from your body, you can see, with your own eyes, your fingers touching your skin. The feeling is just nonexistent. You can see your body moving as you order it around. But the sensation is not wired back to your brain.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 10500ms>>Your brain! Maybe… if you managed to remember something… anything… you would be able to make sense of all of this. Where you came from. How you got here. Where ‘here’ is. At least one small thing… But, in your brain, there is only darkness. No sensations. No memories. Nothing.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 15000ms>>Until something catches your eyes. A flicker of light in the distance intermittently blinds you. Startled, you turn your head to get away from it. It is in front of you. You turn once more, and it follows you. Even though you close your eyes to shield yourself from its harsh colour, you can still see it. You cannot escape it.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 19500ms>>It’s not just the light disturbing you, but there is something else looming. A feeling, you think. Maybe a memory, you hope. The sensation of air brushing your skin, as some sort of force pulls you down. Like if you were falling. Plunging straight into oblivion.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 24000ms>>Falling… Or were you sinking?<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 25000ms>><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>><</fadein>> <<else>>Darkness has set all around you. You seem to be floating in a void of complete emptiness. You aren’t able to see anything past your body, your only source of light. Even then, there is not much to see around you. Has it always been this dark? You try to touch your body, hoping for a reaction, any kind of reaction. But, nothing. You do not feel anything. From the dim light radiating from your body, you can see, with your own eyes, your fingers touching your skin. The feeling is just nonexistent. You can see your body moving as you order it around. But the sensation is not wired back to your brain. Your brain! Maybe… if you managed to remember something… anything… you would be able to make sense of all of this. Where you came from. How you got here. Where ‘here’ is. At least one small thing… But, in your brain, there is only darkness. No sensations. No memories. Nothing. Until something catches your eyes. A flicker of light in the distance intermittently blinds you. Startled, you turn your head to get away from it. It is in front of you. You turn once more, and it follows you. Even though you close your eyes to shield yourself from its harsh colour, you can still see it. You cannot escape it. It’s not just the light disturbing you, but there is something else looming. A feeling, you think. Maybe a memory, you hope. The sensation of air brushing your skin, as some sort of force pulls you down. Like if you were falling. Plunging straight into oblivion. Falling… Or were you sinking? <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>> <</if>> <<finally>><<memory>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>A flash blinds you. Your head keeps getting in and out of the water. You try to inhale every last bit of air before you sink again. Each new breath is shorter and more painful than the previous one. You fight to keep yourself afloat, your arms trying to reach some invisible object to hold on to, but there is nothing there. Wasn't there a buoy just a moment ago? Were you hallucinating it? The feeling of hopelessness overwhelms you. There is no one to help you. There is no one coming to rescue you. You are completely and utterly alone, sinking down into the watery abyss.<</fadein>> <center><<fadein 5s 6000ms>>//There is no point fighting this.//<</fadein>></center> <<fadein 5s 7000ms>>[[Continue|P2]]<</fadein>> <<else>>A flash blinds you. Your head keeps getting in and out of the water. You try to inhale every last bit of air before you sink again. Each new breath is shorter and more painful than the previous one. You fight to keep yourself afloat, your arms trying to reach some invisible object to hold on to, but there is nothing there. Wasn't there a buoy just a moment ago? Were you hallucinating it? The feeling of hopelessness overwhelms you. There is no one to help you. There is no one coming to rescue you. You are completely and utterly alone, sinking down into the watery abyss. <center>//There is no point fighting this.//</center> [[Continue|P2]]<</if>><</first>>

<<dream>><<link ''>><<script>>Engine.backward()<</script>><</link>> <<first>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>You are in the darkness once again. You wonder if what you saw was just a dream or an actual memory. It felt so vivid. So much so, you think you may have experienced it yourself. If so, why would you feel this again? Trying to hold on for dear life, when everything seems hopeless. If this was you, did you survive? Or did you perish? You try to jog your memory once more, but the connection keeps breaking. Slowly, the feeling of what just happened escapes from your mental grasp.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 6000ms>>After experiencing something so intense, the embrace of the dark void makes you uneasy. You try to hold yourself for some comfort. But yet again, your touch gets no reaction from your body. You want to cry, but nothing rolls down your cheeks, no air fills your lungs. There is nothing. Only darkness.<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 10500ms>><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>><</fadein>> <<else>>You are in the darkness once again. You wonder if what you saw was just a dream or an actual memory. It felt so vivid. So much so, you think you may have experienced it yourself. If so, why would you feel this again? Trying to hold on for dear life, when everything seems hopeless. If this was you, did you survive? Or did you perish? You try to jog your memory once more, but the connection keeps breaking. Slowly, the feeling of what just happened escapes from your mental grasp. After experiencing something so intense, the embrace of the dark void makes you uneasy. You try to hold yourself for some comfort. But yet again, your touch gets no reaction from your body. You want to cry, but nothing rolls down your cheeks, no air fills your lungs. There is nothing. Only darkness. <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>><</if>> <<finally>><<memory>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>You open your eyes. It is cold and wet again. But it is not as dark anymore. There is some faint light. Is it from the surface? It feels so far away. You want to inhale, but only liquid enters your nostrils. Your hands around your throat, trying to keep the little oxygen you have left in your burning lungs. You want to cry out for help, but you don't know how to get to the surface anymore. How long have you been fighting against the water? You feel your blood pounding in your exhausted, aching body. Bubbles drifting around you. Is this the end?<</fadein>> <center><<fadein 5s 6000ms>>//Your battle is almost over now.//<</fadein>></center> <<fadein 5s 7000ms>>[[Continue|P3]]<</fadein>> <<else>>You open your eyes. It is cold and wet again. But it is not as dark anymore. There is some faint light. Is it from the surface? It feels so far away. You want to inhale, but only liquid enters your nostrils. Your hands around your throat, trying to keep the little oxygen you have left in your burning lungs. You want to cry out for help, but you don't know how to get to the surface anymore. How long have you been fighting against the water? You feel your blood pounding in your exhausted, aching body. Bubbles drifting around you. Is this the end? <center>//Your battle is almost over now.//</center> [[Continue|P3]] <</if>><</first>>

<<dream>><<link ''>><<script>>Engine.backward()<</script>><</link>> <<first>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>Everything seems clear now. If these are indeed your memories, it is obvious you did not kick the bucket. How could you even survive this? If you were this deep in the water, it would not be possible for someone to rescue you at all. So, if no one rescued you, that means you are dead, right? //Right?//<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 6s>>Does anyone know you are dead? Is anyone going to miss you? Are people going to be sad? Have you left your mark on any of them?<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 10500ms>>But what does all of this mean for you? Are you going to sink into oblivion forever, not being able to feel or touch, or eat? Is this darkness the afterlife —your afterlife—? Are you going to be sitting, floating in the dark, alone, forever?<</fadein>> <<fadein 5s 15s>><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>><</fadein>> <<else>>Everything seems clear now. If these are indeed your memories, it is obvious you did not kick the bucket. How could you even survive this? If you were this deep in the water, it would not be possible for someone to rescue you at all. So, if no one rescued you, that means you are dead, right? //Right?// Does anyone know you are dead? Is anyone going to miss you? Are people going to be sad? Have you left your mark on any of them? But what does all of this mean for you? Are you going to sink into oblivion forever, not being able to feel or touch, or eat? Is this darkness the afterlife —your afterlife—? Are you going to be sitting, floating in the dark, alone, forever? <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><</link>><</if>> <<finally>><<memory>><<if settings.textanim>><<fadein 5s 150ms>>Your brain cannot fight anymore. Your mind loses its last grip on your consciousness. Your body feels numb. You try to move, but your limbs are too heavy. Your lungs feel empty, and instinctively you open your mouth to draw one last breath. You feel a rush of water bursting down your throat, filling your lungs, as bubbles dance around your face. You feel your life slipping away. The battle is lost.<</fadein>> <div style="text-align: center;font-size: 125%;"><<fadein 5s 6s>>//It is time.//<</fadein>></div> <<fadein 5s 7s>>[[Continue|A1S1-Title]]<</fadein>> <<else>>Your brain cannot fight anymore. Your mind loses its last grip on your consciousness. Your body feels numb. You try to move, but your limbs are too heavy. Your lungs feel empty, and instinctively you open your mouth to draw one last breath. You feel a rush of water bursting down your throat, filling your lungs, as bubbles dance around your face. You feel your life slipping away. The battle is lost. <div style="text-align: center;font-size: 125%;">//It is time.//</div> [[Continue|A1S1-Title]] <</if>><</first>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You've reached the end of the Demo for Crimson Rose & White Lily. This project is currently in development and I am working on the next Scene. Stay tuned for the next update! Thank you for playing. <hr> <<link "Return to the last page." $return>><</link>>

/* <<SetGender>> widget : Pronouns for PC */ /* Default case is MC*/ <<widget "SetGender">> /* $pgen: 0 = male, 1 = female, 2 = gender neutral, 3 = it */ <<switch $args[0]>> <<case "Theo">> <<if $gender.theo is "man">> <<set $pgen = 0>> <<else>> <<set $pgen = 1>> <</if>> <<case "Charlie">> <<if $gender.charlie is "man">> <<set $pgen = 0>> <<else>> <<set $pgen = 1>> <</if>> <<case "Yael">> <<if $gender.yael is "man">> <<set $pgen = 0>> <<else>> <<set $pgen = 1>> <</if>> <<case "Vic">> <<if $gender.vic is "man">> <<set $pgen = 0>> <<else>> <<set $pgen = 1>> <</if>> <<default>> <<if $mc.pronouns is "He/Him">> <<set $pgen = 0>> <<elseif $mc.pronouns is "She/Her">> <<set $pgen = 1>> <<else>> <<set $pgen = 2>> <</if>> <</switch>> <</widget>> /* <<SexMC>> widget: show in MC page*/ <<widget "SexMC">> <<if $sex is "some attraction to women">> <<set $mc.sex to "women">> <<elseif $sex is "some attraction to men">> <<set $mc.sex to "men">> <<elseif $sex is "some attraction to men and women">> <<set $mc.sex to "men and women">> <<else>> <<set $mc.sex to "neither men nor women">> <</if>> <<unset $sex>> <</widget>> /* <<SetColours>> widget: for Random 1 and Random 2*/ <<widget "SetColours">> <<if $colour.fav is "yellow">> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "purple">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "green">> <<elseif $colour.fav is "orange">> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "blue">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "yellow">> <<elseif $colour.fav is "red">> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "green">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "orange">> <<elseif $colour.fav is "purple">> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "yellow">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "red">> <<elseif $colour.fav is "blue">> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "orange">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "purple">> <<else>> <<set $colour.rdm1 to "red">> <<set $colour.rdm2 to "blue">> <</if>> <</widget>> /* <<NoSomeHair>> */ <<widget "NoSomeHair">> <<if $mc.hair is "bald head">> <<set $mc.hair0 to "no">> <<else>> <<set $mc.hair0 to "some">> <</if>> <</widget>> /* <<ShortLongHair>> */ <<widget "ShortLongHair">> <<if $mc.hairl is "brushing your shoulders" or "brushing the middle of your back" or "reaching your hips">> <<set $mc.hair1 to "long">> <<else>> <<set $mc.hair1 to "short">> <</if>> <</widget>> /* <<NPCGender>> widget: Gender of NPC */ <<widget "NPCGenderF">> <<if $gender.mc is "man">> <<set $gender.theo to "woman">> <<set $gender.charlie to "man">> <<elseif $gender.mc is "woman">> <<set $gender.theo to "man">> <<set $gender.charlie to "woman">> <<else>> <<set _genp to random(1,2)>> <<if _genp is 1>> <<set $gender.theo to "woman">> <<set $gender.charlie to "man">> <<else>> <<set $gender.theo to "man">> <<set $gender.charlie to "woman">> <</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "NPCGenderRO">> <<if $mc.sex is "men">> <<set $gender.yael = "man">> <<set $gender.vic = "man">> <<elseif $mc.sex is "women">> <<set $gender.yael = "woman">> <<set $gender.vic = "woman">> <<else>> <<set $gender.yael to either("man", "woman")>> <<set $gender.vic to either("man", "woman")>> <</if>> <</widget>> /* Ouftit Colour*/ <<widget "OutfitColour">> <<if $outfit is 1>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to "black">> <<elseif $outfit is 2>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to "navy">> <<elseif $outfit is 3>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to "mauve">> <<elseif $outfit is 4>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to $colour.fav>> <<elseif $outfit is 5>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to $colour.rdm1>> <<else>> <<set setup.outfit.s1num to $outfit>> <<set setup.outfit.s1col to $colour.rdm2>> <</if>> <<unset $outfit>> <</widget>> /* Calculating time late */ <<widget "Time">> <<set $time to 0>> /*Outfit*/ <<if $outfitpick is 0>> <<set $time += 0>> <<elseif $outfitpick gt 5>> <<set $time += 2>> <<else>> <<set $time += 1>> <</if>> <<unset $outfitpick>> /*Question 1*/ <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13a", "A1S1-13b") + $question.a1s1 gte 6>> <<set $time += 3>> <<elseif hasVisited("A1S1-13a", "A1S1-13b") or $question.a1s1 gte 5>> <<set $time += 2>> <<elseif $question.a1s1 gte 2>> <<set $time += 1>> <<else>> <<set $time += 0>> <</if>> /*Search Room*/ <<if $searchroom gt 50>> <<set $time += 3>> <<elseif $searchroom is 0>> <<set $time += 0>> <<elseif $searchroom lt 25>> <<set $time += 1>> <<else>> <<set $time += 2>> <</if>> /*Meet Theo in Chapter 2*/ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03b")>> <<set $time +=1>> <</if>> <<if $question.a1s2T gte 19>> <<set $time += 4>> <<elseif $question.a1s2T gte 15>> <<set $time += 3>> <<elseif $question.a1s2T gte 9>> <<set $time += 2>> <<elseif $question.a1s2T gte 3>> <<set $time += 1>> <<else>> <<set $time += 0>> <</if>> /*Meet Raymond in Chapter 2*/ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-06b")>> <<set $time +=1>> <</if>> <<if $question.a1s2R gte 7>> <<set $time += 2>> <<elseif $question.a1s2R gte 2>> <<set $time += 1>> <<else>> <<set $time +=0>> <</if>> /*Change of Destination*/ <<if hasVisited("A1S2-07b")>> <<set $time +=1>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>> <<set $time +=3>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Cathedral")>> <<set $time += 4>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-PalaceM")>> <<set $time += 4>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-Harbour")>> <<set $time += 5>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM", "A1SO-Cathedral", "A1SO-PalaceM", "A1SO-Harbour") or $time gte 28>> <<set $time to "over">> <<elseif $time gt 18>> <<set $time to "late">> <<elseif $time lt 8>> <<set $time to "early">> <<else>> <<set $time to "time">> <</if>> <</widget>> /* Rando Names */ <<widget "RandoNames">> <<set _example to ["Marie", "Zoe", "Roy", "Jean", "Cleo", "Briar"]>> <</widget>> /*Drinks*/ <<widget "drinkp">> <<cycle "$drinkp" autoselect>> <<option "a cup of tea">> <<option "a glass of wine">> <<option "a cup of coffee">> <<option "a mug of ale">> <<option "a glass of water">> <<option "a glass of juice">> <<option "something much stronger">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /*Bet choices*/ <<widget "betwin">> <<listbox "$betwin" autoselect>> <<option "No bet" 0>> <<option "Baron Riley Échelles">> <<option "Ser Carla Caggiano">> <<option "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">> <<option "Count Guillem of Razac">> <</listbox>> <</widget>> <<widget "betlose">> <<listbox "$betlose" autoselect>> <<option "No bet" 0>> <<option "Baron Riley Échelles">> <<option "Ser Carla Caggiano">> <<option "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">> <<option "Count Guillem of Razac">> <</listbox>> <</widget>> <<widget "betshot">> <<listbox "$betshot" autoselect>> <<option "No bet" 0>> <<option 1>> <<option 2>> <<option 3>> <<option 4>> <<option 5>> <<option 6>> <<option 7>> <<option 8>> <<option 9>> <<option "Perfect Score" 10>> <</listbox>> <</widget>> /*Contest Result Participants*/ <<widget "setscore">> <<if hasVisited("A1S3-04ac")>> <<set _baron to {}>><<set _baron.name to "Riley">><<set _baron.value to random(0,10)>> <<set _ser to {}>><<set _ser.name to "Carla">><<set _ser.value to random(0,10)>> <<set _vicount to {}>><<set _vicount.name to "Colin">><<set _vicount.value to random(0,10)>> <<set _count to {}>><<set _count.name to "Guillem">><<set _count.value to random(0,10)>> <<else>> <<set _baron to {}>><<set _baron.name to "Riley">><<set _baron.value to random(0,9)>> <<set _ser to {}>><<set _ser.name to "Carla">><<set _ser.value to random(0,9)>> <<set _vicount to {}>><<set _vicount.name to "Colin">><<set _vicount.value to random(0,9)>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "resultcs">> <<set setup.resultcs to [_baron, _ser, _vicount, _count] .sort(function (a, b) { return b.value - a.value; }) >> <</widget>> <<widget "resultcp">> <<set setup.resultcp to [_baron, _ser, _vicount] .sort(function (a, b) { return b.value - a.value; }) >> <</widget>> /*Bet result*/ <<widget "betwinresult">> <<set _win to 0>> <<if $betwin isnot 0>><<if $betwin is "Baron Riley Échelles">> <<set _betwin to "Riley">> <<if setup.resultcs[0].name == _betwin>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<elseif $betwin is "Ser Carla Caggiano">> <<set _betwin to "Carla">> <<if setup.resultcs[0].name == _betwin>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<elseif $betwin is "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">> <<set _betwin to "Colin">> <<if setup.resultcs[0].name == _betwin>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _betwin to "Guillem">> <<if setup.resultcs[0].name == _betwin>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <</if>><</if>> <<if $betlose isnot 0>><<if $betlose is "Baron Riley Échelles">> <<set _betlose to "Riley">> <<if setup.resultcs[3].name == _betlose>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<elseif $betlose is "Ser Carla Caggiano">> <<set _betlose to "Carla">> <<if setup.resultcs[3].name == _betlose>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<elseif $betlose is "Viscount Colin Pouinzin">> <<set _betlose to "Colin">> <<if setup.resultcs[3].name == _betlose>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <<else>> <<set _betlose to "Guillem">> <<if setup.resultcs[3].name == _betlose>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>> <</if>><</if>> <<if $betshot isnot 0>><<if $betshot == setup.resultcs[0].value>> <<set _win += 1>> <</if>><</if>> <</widget>> /*Coded letter*/ <<widget "codedletter">> <<set _letter to random(1,3)>> <<if _letter is 1>><<set setup.cryptokeys3 to "lion">>Lxcyzowrd nce eps gsqb pzzfrdxcaombpp. Aspcmhf fvqbgmfro ifr hmwtsbwrc bvny bvbfovg. Cqgx ewc oto hb wmoip bvrx ih gsm iffiz cwiqr. Azcbqa hb mm vnylsq zdse ocfvyo chc vske usreqbt. Mizy lbhryloanm qbynwexmr (ozbv zp ibq eps glzure). Cbgtt hupv, hnvm qncm. Hncosg pvxbja hup kczaibl zn dbtacad. <<elseif _letter is 2>><<set setup.cryptokeys3 to "cub">>Cjpnihkyt his vbf vbjp wptlfujppxfpwf. Uydtyuu ooeiwglff usg qfkaivcft nich ujivibu. Tctm npq vji np nybxy ujyn cn ujy vuobn jmcwf. Rlpqzt vi cg bbpxff iwgl ewljpa pwl ogru oyfvcoi. Vbnf bvnfpxbpwf eiohcsoye (diuj gf che vbf vusiyu). Whukf ujyo, vulg wbty. Uclhgn fpdpam ujy dqgqchz qz qqctqht. <<else>><<set setup.cryptokeys3 to "lionness">>Lxcybkawd nce glw lsqb pbvjwdxcaqifup. Aspeilk fvqbiijwo ifr jiaysbwre xzsy bvbhkzl. Cqgx gsg tto hb yisnp bvrz el lsm ifhed hwiqr. Cvggqa hb oi zsylsq bzwj ocfvak gmc vskg qwweqbt. Oedd lbhrahsfnm qbajajxmr (obxz ep ibq glw llzurg). Yfltt hurr, lsvm qnei. Lscosg rrbgja hur ggeaibl bj hgtacaf. <</if>> <</widget>> /*CODEX: Size MC*/ <<widget "size">> <<if $mc.size is 0>> tiny <<elseif $mc.size is 1>> small <<elseif $mc.size is 2>> average-sized <<elseif $mc.size is 3>> tall <<else>> very tall <</if>> <</widget>> /*Checked all rooms*/ <<widget "Clean">> <<if hasVisited("A1SR-16w") && hasVisited("A1SR-16f") && hasVisited("A1SR-16bw") && hasVisited("A1SR-16c") && hasVisited("A1SR-16b") && hasVisited("A1SR-16v") && hasVisited("A1SR-16n") && hasVisited("A1SR-16bd") && hasVisited("A1SR-16d") && hasVisited("A1SR-16LD") && hasVisited("A1SR-16RD") && hasVisited("A1SR-16TD") && hasVisited("A1SR-16AD") && hasVisited("A1SR-16DM") && hasVisited("A1SR-16DD")>> <<set _visited to true>> <<else>> <<set _visited to false>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Ball dress*/ <<widget "costume">> <<cycle "$suitb" autoselect>> <<option "dress">> <<option "suit">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /*Safe*/ <<widget "Safeone">> <<cycle "_safeone" autoselect>> <<option "0">> <<option "1">> <<option "2">> <<option "3">> <<option "4">> <<option "5">> <<option "6">> <<option "7">> <<option "8" true>> <<option "9">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "Safetwo">> <<cycle "_safetwo" autoselect>> <<option "0">> <<option "1">> <<option "2">> <<option "3">> <<option "4">> <<option "5">> <<option "6">> <<option "7" true>> <<option "8">> <<option "9">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "Safethree">> <<cycle "_safethree" autoselect>> <<option "0">> <<option "1">> <<option "2" true>> <<option "3">> <<option "4">> <<option "5">> <<option "6">> <<option "7">> <<option "8">> <<option "9">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "CycleAnimal">> <<cycle "$mc.animal" autoselect>> <<option "an old dog is sleeping on a pillow" "dog">> <<option "a young pup rumbles around with a toy" "pup">> <<option "a lazy cat plays with the low hanging leaves of a plant." "cat">> <<option "a bird cooes on an intricate stand" "bird">> <<option "a turtle slowly makes its way around the room" "turtle">> <<option "a rabbit munches on some greens" "rabbit">> <<option "a small rodent jumps and runs in circles" "rodent">> <<option "a snake slithers behind a mouse" "snake">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "animalsound">> <<if $mc.animal is "dog">> the old dog whipering in its sleep <<elseif $mc.animal is "pup">> the squeacking noise of the pup’s toy <<elseif $mc.animal is "cat">> the leaves brushed by the cat’s paw <<elseif $mc.animal is "bird">> the chirping of the bird <<elseif $mc.animal is "turtle">> the tutrle’s stomps <<elseif $mc.animal is "rabbit">> the rabbit chewing its snack <<elseif $mc.animal is "rodent">> the pitty-patter of the rodent’s feet <<else>> the snake hissing at its prey <</if>> <</widget>>

<h1>credits</h1>Crimson Rose & White Lily was created and built by manonamora on Twine (Sugarcube). * [[@manonamora-if|https://manonamora-if.tumblr.com/]] * [[@crimsonroseandwhitelily|https://crimsonroseandwhitelily.tumblr.com]] * [[@manonamora|https://manonamora.itch.io/]] * [[@manonamora|https://ko-fi.com/manonamora]] <h5>[[Last patch notes|https://manonamora.itch.io/crimson-rose-and-white-lily/devlog]] Crimson Rose & White Lily is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.</h5> <hr> CRWL was made possible thanks to the resources below. <h1>Macros:</h1> * [[Chapel|https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/demo/]] * [[Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros/tree/master/live-update]] * [[HiEv|https://qjzhvmqlzvoo5lqnrvuhmg-on.drv.tw/UInv/Sample_Code.html]] <h1>Assets:</h1> * [[Artbreeder|https://www.artbreeder.com/manonamora]] * [[Canva|https://www.canva.com/]] - GDJ from Pixabay, Tan Type * [[FontAwesome|https://fontawesome.com/]] * [[Freepik|https://www.freepik.com]] - Lukasdedi, Pikisuperstar, rawpixel.com * [[GoogleFonts|https://fonts.google.com]] * [[Pexels|https://www.pexels.com]] - Pixabay * [[Unplash|https://unsplash.com]] - Felipe Santana * [[Watabou|https://watabou.itch.io/]] <h1>Other:</h1> * [[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/]] * [[Twinery.org|https://twinery.org/]] * [[Intfiction.org|https://intfiction.org/c/authoring/twine]] * [[Reddit r/twinegames|https://www.reddit.com/r/twinegames/]] * [[Twine Discord|https://discordapp.com/invite/n5dJvPp]] * [[IdrelleGames|https://idrellegames.tumblr.com]] <h1>Beta Testers</h1> Special thanks to [[Albie|https://gamesbyalbie.tumblr.com/]], [[groggydog|http://groggy.dog/]], Lore, MeiZi, Riviera, & [[SjoerdHekking|https://www.writtenhorror.com/]] for beta testing the game, their invaluable help with their advices and help!

<<widget "startpage">> <style> body { background-image:url("img/ui/barbg.jpg"); background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; background-size: cover; background-color: var(--crimson);} .sm body {background-image: none;} #ui-bar {display:none;} #story{ margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 2vh; margin-bottom: 2vh; width: 100vw; height: 96vh; background-image:var(--banner-top),var(--banner-bottom); background-repeat:no-repeat; background-size:50%; background-position:top center, bottom center; overflow: hidden; } #passages { position: relative; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); background: radial-gradient(rgb(0,0,0,0.4),300px,rgb(0,0,0,0)); } .passage { text-align: center; font-size: 3vh; color: var(--link3); font-weight: bold; } h1 { text-align: center; color: var(--link2); text-shadow: 1px 0 8px var(--text); } #ui-bar.stowed~#story { margin-left: 0;} #passages a {color: var(--body);} #passages a:hover {color: var(--link2);} #passages a:before {content: none;} @media screen and (max-width: 800px) { #story { background-size: 96vw;} } </style> <</widget>> <<widget "warning">> <style>#story {overflow: auto;}.passage {font-size: 2.5vh;color: var(--link2);font-weight: normal;}.passage a{font-size: 3vh;}h1{font-size: 4vh;} @media screen and (min-width: 800px){#passages {max-width: 50vw;}} </style> <</widget>> <<widget "warl">> <style>.passage a {font-size: 0.75em;} #passages button {border: none; background-image: none; background-color: transparent; color: var(--body); font-weight: bold; transition: .4s; font-size: 3vh} #passages button:hover{color: var(--link2); letter-spacing: .1rem; opacity: 1; border: none; background-image: none; background-color: transparent;} </style> <</widget>> <<widget "titlepage">> <style>#story {overflow: auto;}.passage {font-size: 2.2vh;color: var(--link2);font-weight: normal;}.passage a{font-size: 3vh;}h1{font-size: 4vh;} @media screen and (max-width: 400px) {.passage{font-size: 2vh;}} @media screen and (min-width: 800px) {#passages {max-width: 75vw;} .passage {font-size: 2.5vh;} } </style> <</widget>> <<widget "dream">> <style> body { background-image: none; background-color: var(--text);} #ui-bar {display:none;} #story{ margin-left: 4vw; margin-right: 4vw; margin-top: 2vh; margin-bottom: 2vh; height: 96vh; overflow: auto; } .passage { text-align: justify; color: var(--link2); } #ui-bar.stowed~#story { margin-left: 0;} #passages a {color: var(--body);} #passages a:hover {color: var(--link2);} #passages a:before {content: none;} @media screen and (min-width: 1680px) { #body { overflow: hidden; } #story { width: 100vw; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } #passages { position: relative; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); } } @media screen and (max-width: 500px) { #passages { padding: 2vh 2vw; } } </style> <</widget>> <<widget "memory">> <style> .passage { color: var(--memory); } </style> <</widget>> <<widget "reallife">> <style> body > * { filter: grayscale(100%); -webkit-filter: grayscale(100%); } body {background-image: url(img/ui/bggrey.jpg);} .sm body, .dm body {background-image: none;} .dm #passages a {color: white !important;} </style> <</widget>>

/*Act1-Scene1 */ <<widget "notifAISIthree">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> The Character Page is now available. The Companion Codex is now available. The Quest Page is now available. The Clue Page is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 7s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Stranger// Quest: //Lost Memories// Quest: //Strange world// Quest: //The Not-So-Secret Engagement// Quest: //The Stranger// Quest: //The Prince// <</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIfour">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> The Map Codex is now available. The Vasmosia Household Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Map: //Your Bedroom// Codex: //The Maid// Quest: //First Investigation// started<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIten">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> You can Edit your Appearance.<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIthirteene">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> The Court Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Prince// Codex: //The King// Codex: //The Royal Consort// Codex: //The Dauphin//<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIthirteenc">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Oswaria Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //Sightseeing with Anne//<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIthirteens">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Codex: //The Housekeeper// Codex: //The Butler//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIthirteenf">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Codex: //The Parriach// Codex: //The Consort// Codex: //The Drocili// Codex: //Siblings//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISIseventeen">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Housekeeper// <<if hasVisited("A1S1-13s")>>updated<</if>> Map: //Vasmosia Manor: First Floor// Quest: //Strange Business//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Act1-Scene2 */ <<widget "notifAISZone">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Map: //Vasmosia Manor: Ground Floor//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZthree">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>><<if not hasVisited("A1S1-13c")>> Oswaria Codex is now available. <</if>> <<if not hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>> The Court Codex is now available. <</if>> Culture Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //Duke Cardaidras// Codex: //Count of Razac// Quest: //The Vasmosia Summer Ball// Codex: //Calendar//<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZthreeb">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Help//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZfive">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update'' <<if visited("A1S2-05") is 1>> Quest: //Holding down the fort// <<elseif visited("A1S2-05") is 2>> Codex: //The Advisor// <<elseif visited("A1S2-05") is 4 && not hasVisited("A1S1-13e")>> Codex: //The Prince// Codex: //The King// Codex: //The Royal Consort// Codex: //The Dauphin//<</if>><</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZfiveb">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //The Advisor//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZfivepeend">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //The Prince// completed Quest: //The Not-So-Secret-Engagement// completed <</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZseven">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Driver//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Act1-Scene3 */ <<widget "notifAISEtwo">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Rival// Quest: //The Rival//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISZletter">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Coded letter// Quest: //A Coded Letter//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISEelevencab">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //Duelling Chartre//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISEelevencaa">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //The Rival// completed<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Act1-Scene4 */ <<widget "notifAISAone">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Business Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //Judy’s Scissors//<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISAnicole">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //Nicolette//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISAnicoleend">> <<if settings.notifications>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba") or hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a") or hasVisited("A1S4-04aM")>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //Nicolette// completed<</notify>><</if>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*Act1-Search Room */ <<widget "notifAISRbath">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Map: //Your Bedroom//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*<<widget "notifAISRcypher">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Cipher//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>>*/ <<widget "notifAISRacc">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Accounting Book//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISRfire">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Burnt Letter//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISRmatch">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Matchboxes//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISRwax">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Wax Sealers//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISRbooklet">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Clue: //Booklet//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISRmain">> <<if settings.notifications && setup.quest.fstinv is true>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Quest: //First Investigation// completed<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> clue /*Act1-Other directions */ <<widget "notifAISOcath">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Religion Codex is now available.<</notify>> <<timed 4500ms>><<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //Church of Our Lady Nynera// Codex: //The Hierophant// Quest: //Enter the Cathedral//<</notify>><</timed>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "notifAISOpalace">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //The Palace// Quest: //The Prince// updated<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>> /*<<widget "notifAISOharbour">> <<if settings.notifications>> <<notify 4s>> Religion Codex is now available.<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>>*/ <<widget "notifAISOduke">> <<if settings.notifications && not hasVisited("A1SO-DukeM")>> <<notify 4s>>''Log Update:'' Codex: //Cardaidras Manor//<</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>>

/* <<CycleGender>> widget: Gender MC */ <<widget "CycleGender">> <<cycle "$gender.mc" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <<option "non-binary person">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "CyclePronouns">> <<cycle "$mc.pronouns" autoselect>> <<option "She/Her" "She/Her">> <<option "He/Him" "He/Him">> <<option "They/Them" "They/Them">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleBGlook>> widget: MC body look (masc/fem/...)>>*/ <<widget "CycleBGlook">> <<cycle "$mc.saab" autoselect>> <<option "feminine-looking">> <<option "masculine-looking">> <<option "androgynous-looking">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleSex>> widget: Sexuality MC */ <<widget "CycleSex">> <<cycle "$sex" autoselect>> <<option "some attraction to women">> <<option "some attraction to men">> <<option "some attraction to men and women">> <<option "no attraction to either men nor women">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleColour>> widget: Fav Colour */ <<widget "CycleColour">> <<cycle "$colour.fav" autoselect>> <<option "yellow">> <<option "orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleHair>> widget: No/Thick/Thin Hair */ <<widget "CycleHair">> <<cycle "$mc.hair" autoselect>> <<option "bald head">> <<option "thin hair">> <<option "thick hair">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleHairC>> widget: Hair Colour */ <<widget "CycleHairC">> <<cycle "$mc.hairc" autoselect>> <<option "chamomile">> <<option "ginger ale">> <<option "coral">> <<option "pomegranate">> <<option "light auburn">> <<option "chestnut">> <<option "dark chocolate">> <<option "black licorice">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleHairL>> widget: Hair Length */ <<widget "CycleHairL">> <<cycle "$mc.hairl" autoselect>> <<option "cut very short">> <<option "cut to your ears">> <<option "grazing your chin">> <<option "brushing your shoulders">> <<option "brushing the middle of your back">> <<option "reaching your hips">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleHairT>> widget: Hair Type */ <<widget "CycleHairT">> <<cycle "$mc.hairt" autoselect>> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "coiled">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleSize>> widget: Body Size */ <<widget "CycleSize">> <<cycle "$mc.size" autoselect>> <<option "tiny" 0>> <<option "small" 1>> <<option "average" 2>> <<option "tall" 3>> <<option "very tall" 4>> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleBuild>> widget: Body Build */ <<widget "CycleBuild">> <<cycle "$mc.build" autoselect>> <<option "bony">> <<option "frail">> <<option "lean">> <<option "fit">> <<option "muscular">> <<option "broad">> <<option "plump">> <<option "chubby">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleLimb>> widget: Limb Size */ <<widget "CycleLimb">> <<cycle "$mc.limb" autoselect>> <<option "long">> <<option "medium-sized">> <<option "short">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleChest>> widget: Chest Size */ <<widget "CycleChest">> <<cycle "$mc.chest" autoselect>> <<option "flat-chested">> <<option "round-chested">> <<option "heavy-chested">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleEyes>> widget: Eye Colour */ <<widget "CycleEyes">> <<cycle "$mc.eyes" autoselect>> <<option "steel blue">> <<option "lagoon blue">> <<option "grey">> <<option "emerald green">> <<option "jade">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "yellow bronze">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "onyx">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleFacial>> widget: Facial Feature */ <<widget "CycleFacial">> <<cycle "$mc.facial" autoselect>> <<option "its smooth skin">> <<option "a beauty mark">> <<option "a stubble growing">> <<option "a full thick beard">> <<option "a clean cut moustache">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleSkin>> widget: Skin Colour */ <<widget "CycleSkin">> <<cycle "$mc.skin" autoselect>> <<option "ivory">> <<option "seashell">> <<option "clay">> <<option "tan">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "mahogany">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /* <<CycleWigC>> widget: Wig Colour */ <<widget "CycleWigC">> <<cycle "$wig.colour" autoselect>> <<option "chamomile">> <<option "ginger ale">> <<option "coral">> <<option "pomegranate">> <<option "light aubrun">> <<option "chestnut">> <<option "dark chocolate">> <<option "black licorice">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> /*Widget Headscraf*/ <<widget "CycleHeadwrap">> <<cycle "$wig.wrap">> <<option "covers most of your head, only leaving your face visible" "hijab">> <<option "covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, wrapped neatly on your head" "turban">> <<option "only sits on your head, revealing still your ears inbetween the folded flaps" "coif">> <<option "covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, letting part of the cloth falling on your shoulders" "veil">> <<option "is only tied on your head in a triangular fashion" "bandana">> <</cycle>> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexHeadwrap">> <<if $wig.wrap is "hijab">>covers most of your head, only leaving your face visible <<elseif $wig.wrap is "turban">>covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, wrapped neatly on your head <<elseif $wig.wrap is "coif">>only sits on your head, revealing still your ears inbetween the folded flaps <<elseif $wig.wrap is "veil">>covers everything from the crown of your head to your ears, letting part of the cloth falling on your shoulders <<else>>is only tied on your head in a triangular fashion<</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "CodexClueQuestAone">> <<set _count to 0>> <<if setup.clue.booklet is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.cypher is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.acc is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.fire is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.stamp is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <<if setup.clue.match is true>><<set _count +=1>><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "DoneQuests">> /*First Investigation*/ <<if ndef setup.quest.fstinv>><<if setup.clue.booklet is true && setup.clue.cypher is true && setup.clue.acc is true && setup.clue.fire is true && setup.clue.stamp is true && setup.clue.match is true>><<set setup.quest.fstinv to true>><</if>><</if>> /*Emilia*/<<if ndef setup.quest.emilia>><<if hasVisited("A1S3-11caa")>><<set setup.quest.emilia to true>><</if>><</if>> /*Nicolette */<<if ndef setup.quest.nicolette>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-04ba") or hasVisited("A1S4-04c2a") or hasVisited("A1S4-04aM")>><<if hasVisited("A1S4-05b") or hasVisited("A1S4-05bM")>><<set setup.quest.nicolette to true>><</if>><</if>><</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "statpage">><<silently>> <<set $relcourtstat to $relcourt>> <<if $relcourtstat gt 100>> <<set $relcourtstat to 100>> <<elseif $relcourtstat lt 0>> <<set $relcourtstat to 0>> <</if>> <<set $relhousestat to $relhouse>> <<if $relhousestat gt 100>> <<set $relhousestat to 100>> <<elseif $relhousestat lt 0>> <<set $relhousestat to 0>> <</if>> <<set $relyaelstat to $relyael>> <<if $relyaelstat gt 100>> <<set $relyaelstat to 100>> <<elseif $relyaelstat lt 0>> <<set $relyaelstat to 0>> <</if>> <<set $relraystat to $relray>> <<if $relraystat gt 100>> <<set $relraystat to 100>> <<elseif $relraystat lt 0>> <<set $relraystat to 0>> <</if>> <<set $relvicstat to $relvic>> <<if $relvicstat gt 100>> <<set $relvicstat to 100>> <<elseif $relvicstat lt 0>> <<set $relvicstat to 0>> <</if>> <<set $relemiliastat to $relemilia>> <<if $relemiliastat gt 100>> <<set $relemiliastat to 100>> <<elseif $relemiliastat lt 0>> <<set $relemiliastat to 0>> <</if>> <</silently>><</widget>> /*:: PassageHeader <<click "Check Vars">><<checkvars>><</click>>*/

* ''Game Version:'' A1-4.05 * ''Current Passage:'' <<print passage()>> * [[Bugs Status|https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xCWFSWyA7VxYoL-ohjIQFp4NMH0Jwi6RiVQn8lkze1w/edit?usp=sharing]] * [[Report a Bug|https://forms.gle/42QrUcstiDB4GzQe6]]

* <<message "Prologue">> * Depiction of drowning * Mention of death * Loss of sensation * Animated text <</message>> * <<message "Act 1 - Scene 1: Walink up">> * Sexually suggestive content * Loss of self * Verbal attack * Mention of death * Depiction of impalement * Animated text * Disassociation episode <</message>> * <<message "Act 1 - Scene 2: Vasmosia Manor">> * Implied nausea * Verbal attack <</message>> * <<message "Act 1 - Scene 3: Sunwin Garden">> * Graphic depiction of physical violence * Implied violence towards animals * Gambling * Bullying * Emotional manipulation <</message>> * <<message "Act 1 - Scene 4: Judy’s Scissors">> * Emotional manipulation * Blackmail * Verbal attack <</message>>

<<SetGender>><<DoneQuests>> <<if settings.notifications>><<if tags().includes('autosave')>><<notify 3000>> Saving… <</notify>><<timed 4s>><<notify 4000>> Game Saved! <</notify>><</timed>><</if>><</if>>

In your <<if $suit is "suit">>pocket<<else>>purse<</if>>, you have: <<inventory '$inventory' ', '>>. <<if hasVisited("A1S2-03")>>* Schedule <div style="line-height:1.25;"> ''Freqa 28, B-U9'' - ''//872//'' ''Morning'' – //Sunwin Garden// – Count of Razac (Guillem) Outing and Luncheon <h6>lioness expect return</h6> ''Afternoon'' – //Judy’s Scissors// Fitting <h6>ƒƒ¢</h6> ''Evening'' – //Duke of Cardaidras// (Sofía) Dinner</div> \<</if>>