>>41464384
Combat Notes:

-Relius Clover
-HP: 80/80
-Drive: 0/20
-Combat: High (DCs will range from 9-12)
-Special: Can spend Drive to boost his attacking power for mundane attacks, outside of a Distortion Drive.

-Noel Vermillion
-HP: 30/30
-Drive: 0/15
-Combat: 3d4
-Special: Gains 2 Drive regularly, rather than one, and 3 on a successful attack, rather than 2.

-Ben Herald
-HP: 40/40
-Drive: 0/10
-Combat: 2d6
-Special: Uses full combat dice rather than half when countering.

Now, it's the two of you up against Relius, so which of you is going to be the first to oppose him?
>Of course Ben's gonna take point!
>Noel will be the first to enter the fray.

>>41464438
>>Noel will be the first to enter the fray.
Ben needs to catch his breath.

File: TAKE MY BREATH AWAY.png (49 KB, 375x360)

49 KB PNG

>>41464479

Ben's kinda winded from his and Noel's last, uh, spat, so you're going to be stepping into the shoes of Noel Vermillion at the moment.

You have Bolverk in your hands, but they don't seem to be making you any less nervous, like they normally do.
You're not sure whether that's a good sign or not.
However, that doesn't matter right now.
Right now, Relius Clover seems to be assaulting you both.

"Ben, stay back for a moment! I'll handle this!" You step in front of your male partner, interposing yourself between him and the creep in purple.
He hesitates before backing out of the fight. "Just ask if you need help."
Relius laughs as he sees this. "And to think that just a few moments ago, you were at his throat. How ironic."
"Shut up!" You're quickly losing your patience with all this. Why can't people just talk things out nicely?

Roll 2d6
>Lay down a wave of constant fire to keep him back while you figure out where to go from here. (DC 9, medium damage, medium chance of retribution)
>Full assault! If he's constantly being attacked, he can't fight back and hurt you two. (DC 11, high damage, high chance of retribution)
>Back up without letting him close on you: He needs to get up close- you don't, and if you an keep him off you, this'll be a lot easier. (DC 8, low damage, low damage of retribution)
>Write-In

Rolled 2, 2, 4 = 8 (3d4)

>>41464799
>>Lay down a wave of constant fire to keep him back while you figure out where to go from here. (DC 9, medium damage, medium chance of retribution)
Come on dice don't fail us!

>>41464823

You fire both revolvers quickly, in a pattern designed to prevent people from getting past it without getting hurt.
However, after a few seconds of quick thinking, Clover bolts under your attack and draws his left arm back. one of his 'toys' sweeps your feet out from under you like the very large arm it's designed after.
You roll out of the way fast enough not to be caught in any of his other attacks, but the fall still hurts (4 damage taken).

There's almost a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
"Not fast enough, Lieutenant. Ignis."
He waves his arm, and the purple-pink machine rushes you, claws raised to reave.

>Get out of the way! Risking a clever move won't help you here! (DC 8, no damage, very small chance of retribution, leaves you with good footing in success)
>Roll out of the way and hit him back hard! (DC 10, medium damage, low chance of retribution, leaves you in bad position)
>Focus fire on Ignis. If you can take her out, Relius loses most of his combat versatility. (DC 11, medium damage, high chance of retribution, leaves you with good footing in success)
>Write-In

Rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6 (3d4)

>>41465132

>Get out of the way! Risking a clever move won't help you here! (DC 8, no damage, very small chance of retribution, leaves you with good footing in success)

Relius is probably the most competent opponent you've ever faced.
Skittering out of the way and away from the assault gets you off scot-free in terms of damage (Low retribution failed), but you're now trapped between Relius and Ignis- not where you want to be, one might think.
However, this may also be the opportunity you were looking for.

"Mister Herald- I've taken the liberty of stripping your rank- are you just going to stand by and let this poor woman fight in your place?"
Ben snarls in response to the taunt, and waves away the implication. "Shut up, seriously. All you and Hazama do is talk. You don't know the first damn thing about friendship and trust- too busy writing schemes over schemes. Of course I'm letting her fight- I trust her."
His words fill you with a bit of hope, and you smile, a bit embarrassed. But you can't keep going on like this.

-Noel Vermillion
-HP: 26/30
-Drive: 6/15

>Focus fire on Ignis (DC 9, medium damage, medium chance of retribution)
>Focus fire on Relius (DC 10, high damage, high chance of retribution)
>Escape this two-sided assault (DC 8, no damage, very small chance of retribution, leaves you with good footing in success)
>Attempt to focus and increase your combat ability temporarily (Overdrive)
>Attempt to use a Distortion Drive (DC 6, 5 Drive)
(During Overdrive, you gain two turns of increased power in exchange for not being able to do so again, or panic/Burst, for four.)
>Write-In

Rolled 4, 3, 4 = 11 (3d4)

>>41465425
>Escape this two-sided assault (DC 8, no damage, very small chance of retribution, leaves you with good footing in success)
need more rolling anons!

>>41465467

You're not risking a pincer attack, especially not against someone like this.
You handily dance out of the way and gain a temporary positional upper hand (+2 to next roll).

Ignis is still caught in 'her' momentum as she misses you, and her huge, mechanical frame places a barrier between you and Clover, preventing most of his possible attack manoeuvres but nearly none of yours.
As you reset your feet, they're in your sights, the shots perfectly lined up. All that's left to do is pull the triggers.
Many, many times.

>Attack Ignis (DC 8, medium damage, low chance of retribution)
>Attack Relius (DC 9, high damage, high chance of retribution)
>Attack them both! (DC 11, high damage, low damage on failure, certain retribution)
>Distortion Drive (DC 6, 5 Drive)
>Overdrive
>Write-In

Thank you, faithful anon.

Rolled 3, 4, 2 + 2 = 11 (3d4 + 2)

>>41465653
>>Distortion Drive (DC 6, 5 Drive)

Correct post here:

You consider using Bolverk, but renege on the idea. You have something better than a pair of handguns (Even if they are a Nox Nyctores) for something like this.
Zero-Gun: Fenrir.
The hammerspace-style dismissal of Bolverk, followed by the similar but opposite appearance of a very large, heavy, machine gun alarms Relius.
It is heavy, but you manage to aim it- if the hailstorm of bullets can even be considered 'aiming'.

Ignis attempts to interpose herself between you and your main target, but some shots hit Relius either way.
He curses in pain as searing pain at lightning speed cuts through his cloak and into his skin.
"Fenrir... Drive!" Dragging the gun's point upward, you manage to slightly lift Ignis off of the ground.

As Fenrir runs out of ammunition, you put it away and return to using Bolverk, pointing it towards the doll.
"And... Nemesis Stabilizer!" A huge surge of power bolts from the ends of the guns and strikes Ignis. It falls about two feet onto its side, and is only getting up very slowly (25 damage dealt, DCs permanently reduced by 1).
Your feeling of victory is quick to fade, however.

"Ignorant... Brat."
Relius is standing up, and he is absolutely livd. "We already have a backup plan- I suppose I can afford to lose you two."
-Relius Clover
-HP: 55/80
-Drive: 7/20
Relius reciprocates this attack with one of his own.

>Dodge! That'll hurt, hard! (No damage, DC 6)
>Set up for another assault! (No damage, DC 8, High chance for reciprocation if failure, will give you good footing)
>Counterattack! He's off his nut, this is a good chance to push the tide back! (Medium damage, DC 10, definite reciprocation if failure, will give you good footing)
>Write-In

Rolled 1, 4, 3 = 8 (3d4)

>>41466098
>>Set up for another assault! (No damage, DC 8, High chance for reciprocation if failure, will give you good footing)

>>41466229

Your opponent is definitely not thinking straight, and it shows.
His aim is all off, his teeth are clenched, his breath is in huffs. You're pretty sure he's never had this sort of thing happen to him before.
"Damn... Doll- just die!"

The next gear-powered strike he sets up for is an obviously-telegraphed uppercut and misses as you roll around him, getting his exposed back in range.
He's not able to turn around fast enough, still incredulous that you've been able to push him as hard as this.
Ignis is still getting up, its clawed arms slowly pushing it to standing, but it wouldn't take very long to take her out at this point.
It's up to you whether you want to focus on getting rid of Ignis permanently or attacking Relius's weak points for massive damage.

>Finish off Ignis (DC 8 {6 after adjustment}, definite reciprocation, drops DCs by one again permanently)
>Attack Relius while his back is exposed ( DC 7 {5 after adjustment} high damage, medium damage on failure, medium chance of reciprocation)
>Write-In

Rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6 (3d4)

>>41466500
>Attack Relius while his back is exposed ( DC 7 {5 after adjustment} high damage, medium damage on failure, medium chance of reciprocation)

Rolled 5, 6, 3 = 14 (3d6)

>>41466500
>Attack Relius while his back is exposed ( DC 7 {5 after adjustment} high damage, medium damage on failure, medium chance of reciprocation)

>>41466528
It's d4 bro, But thank god you showed up!

>>41466528
>>41466578

Noel rolls 3d4, yes.
And thank you for attending.
(SUCCESS)
Writing...

Rolled 4, 4, 1 = 9 (3d4)

>>41466528
woops

I swear I always catch this quest late when it's already started.

It's always the health. Why is it always the health?

You rain a hail of gunfire on his back, and it knocks him to the ground (23 damage).
He's clasping at his mask, and sweating profusely. His clothing shows visible damage at this point.

-Relius Clover
-HP: 33/80
-Drive: 8/20

He gasps as if for air, probably due to his wounds.
"This... This can't be happening. Ignis..."
The doll you had the opportunity to remove from the equation but did not makes a serious set of cuts in your back from behind (7 damage).
He growls at you and brushes himself off, attempting to regain his composure. "Do you think this is over... Hardly. I have just to prepare my masterpiece."
Ignis swings around to stand beside him, as she did before.

-Noel Vermillion
-HP: 19/30
-Drive: 8/15 (needs 15 to Astral Finish)

You whimper a bit at the surprise attack, but keep your guns level and stay on your feet.
Ben seems to be concerned at your wounds, whether he needs to be or not. "Noel, you want me to sub in?"

>"No, I've got this."
>"Yes, I'm not feeling so great."
If No:
>Keep your distance (DC 7, no damage, low chance of retribution, gets better footing if successful)
>Go on the offense (DC 8, medium damage, medium chance of retribution)
>Make a risky rush (DC 10, high damage, low damage on failure, high chance of retribution, leaves you in bad positioning if you fail)
>Attempt a different Distortion Drive (DC 8, high damage, definite retribution, leaves you in bad positioning if you fail)
>Write-In

Rolled 1, 2, 4 = 7 (3d4)

>>41466903
>"No, I've got this."
>Keep your distance (DC 7, no damage, low chance of retribution, gets better footing if successful)

>>41466903
>"Yes, I'm not feeling so great."

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Last digit, unless another anon or someone changes sides.

Oh shit, nearly missed this

>>41466941
>>41466942

You consider backing down, but, for better or worse, you choose not to.
"No, I think I've got this." You grit your teeth and bolt back and forth out of Ignis' grasp, each time moving further and further out of her range.
Her claws may be powerful and sharp, but they're also slow, and you're naturally both a small target and swift.
Simple.
Despite the relatively small size of the room, you put about five meters between yourself and the pink machine, forming the third point in a triangle between you, her, and Relius.

This is your environment now- if you can get them outside arm's reach, you can control the battlefield.
They both have to come to you, while your shots have a greater area they can affect.
Now that they've been separated, even slightly, and they can't immediately punish you, it's time to go to work.

>Put the damaged Ignis out of commission (DC 10 {8 after adjustment}, medium chance of reciprocation, drops DCs by one again permanently)
>Focus again on Relius (DC 8 {6 after adjustment) Medium damage, low chance of reciprocation)
>Write In (Distortion Drive, Overdrive, substitute, etc.)

Rolled 2, 1, 3 = 6 (3d4)

>>41467230
>Focus again on Relius (DC 8 {6 after adjustment) Medium damage, low chance of reciprocation)

Rolled 3, 4, 3 = 10 (3d4)

>>41467230
>Focus again on Relius (DC 8 {6 after adjustment) Medium damage, low chance of reciprocation)

Rolled 3, 2, 3 = 8 (3d4)

>>41467230
>Write In ( Overdrive)
Then let them both have it hard!

>>41467259
>>41467321
>>41467324

With Ignis not defending Relius, he's once again a fair target. You let off several shots, once again causing him to attempt to deflect or dodge them, with midding avail (13 damage).
Ignis attempts to interrupt you, but the slice swings wide and you move to a spot where you cna strike both of them from.

Relius is huffing and puffing at this point.
"I see... Perhaps I underestimated you... Noel Vermillion. But this will not be the end, I assure you both. We will settle this another time. Right now, there is too much at risk."
Ignis once again returns to his side, and then, as if called, someone floating above the ground in a hood and witch's hat appears.

You don't recognize this strange, ghostly person, but Ben freezes up when he sees them, as if in fear.
"Phantom, teleport me." Clover coughs, clutching at his chest.
On command, the three people disappear into a mystical black portal, which closes as fast as it appears.
It's as if they were indeed teleported by magic.
After two seconds, Ben regains his motion and runs over to you, to overlook your injuries.

>...Switching perspective...

"Noel!" you cry out, nearly dropping your gun in your hurry to aid her. "Are you okay?"
She smiles at you, a bit tired and slightly bloodied. "I'm fine. It's the least I could do to make it up to you."
Attempting to stand, she winces and shudders. "Ow."

You can't help but feel a twinge of guilt at this situation, even though it was her decision.
Call it chivalry if you want, but the fact of the matter is you don't like seeing Noel hurt-
It makes you furious just to contemplate, to be honest.

>"Come on, let's go back, get you bandaged. I'm just glad you're not that hurt."
>"What do you think he was up to with all that?"
>"I think I know a healing Ars?" (2d6 DC 9)
>"Don't worry me like that again, okay?"
>Look over your wounds yourself.
>Write-In

Rolled 6, 2 = 8 (2d6)

>>41467704
>"What do you think he was up to with all that?"
>"I think I know a healing Ars?" (2d6 DC 9)
then
>Look over your wounds yourself.

Rolled 6, 5 = 11 (2d6)

>>41467704
>"I think I know a healing Ars?" (2d6 DC 9)

>>41467704
>"Come on, let's go back, get you bandaged. I'm just glad you're not that hurt."
>"What do you think he was up to with all that?"

>>41467745
>>41467753
>>41468025

"I...Think I know a healing Ars." You state.
"Really?" Noel seems surprised.
"Hold on." You try to go through your memory, and suddenly, images from the back of your mind start flowing in.
Images, techniques, applications- all recorded.
It seems the Ghost has a virtual library of information at hand.

One of the sigils comes to the front of your mind- the name of it escapes you, but it should work.
You cough as you put one hand on Noel's shoulder and another in the middle of her back. "Um, stand still, will you? This might hurt."
She squeaks and squirms for a second, before the effects begin to take.
Attempting to diffuse the awkwardness of the situation, you ask, "What do you think he was up to with all that?"
Noel is quiet. "Probably trying to use us and the Cauldron for something terrible."
After a few seconds of healing, the wounds close, But Noel still sort of lingers under your touch before you let go.

Coughing, you look over your own wounds. Mostly bruises- and a lot of them.
Almsot all of them are on your back, but your neck still hurts.
"Are you okay, yourself?" Noel is hesitant to let you yourself pass without healing.
"I'll be fine. I'm just glad you're not hurt too badly. We just likely need some bandages or something and we'll be good for it."
Vermillion hangs around, a bit awkwardly, before motioning to you. "We should go back, right?"


>"Yeah."
>"No, we need to check something else out."
>"I think I need to hide these bruises. Got anything for it?"
>"We need to change when we get back- so it doesn't look suspicious."
>"Yeah, but let's split up. If they catch us together, we're goners for conspiracy."
>"We need to retreat to a friendly holdout. I know one."
>Write-In

>>41468123
>>"I think I need to hide these bruises. Got anything for it?"
>"We need to change when we get back- so it doesn't look suspicious."
>Tell her about her being a Murakumo unit. Emphasize she' still as real as we are. Relius is just jealous he can't make anything that looks half as good as her.

>>41468123
>>"I think I need to hide these bruises. Got anything for it?"
>"We need to change when we get back- so it doesn't look suspicious."

Sorry for the interruption, but i keep seeing this quest around, so give me ten words why i should read it.

>>41468326
Our existence trolls Yuuki Terumi to the point of rage.

>>41468326
We're American Future Magic James Bond. With a kickass waifu.

>>41468170
>>41468203

You rub your neck to try and work the bloodflow back to normal. "I think I need to hide these bruises. Got anything for it?"
She shakes her head. "No, I don't think so. Sorry- no, wait- my uniform jacket should work."
She throws what basically equates to a sleeveless blue poncho going down to your chest over your shoulders and smiles.
It has the light smell of women's perfume on it, distracting you slightly.
You nod your head in appreciation. "Thank you. Also, we need to change when we get back- so it doesn't look suspicious."
Noel's eyes nearly bug out. "Aren't we supposed to be going to lunch soon?"
Shit, goddamn, that's right. But before you confront your dress clothing, there's something else you have to say.

"Noel..., remember- even if you are a Murakumo Unit, you're as real as I am."
She looks at you, sharing your gaze a bit. "...Right. Ben, I want to find out exactly who I am after all this-" She holds out her hand, "-and I want you to help."
You wink at her. "Just making sure you know that Relius is just jealous he can't make anything half as beautiful as you."
She flushes red at this. "Ben!"
"It's true! Honest!"
"You're just the worst sometimes, you know?" She seems to be genuinely taking the compliment, however.
"You mean 'the best'? Only the best for you."
She rolls her eyes at that. "Now you're just being sappy."
"Part of my job."

....

Surprisingly unaccosted as you return, you find yourself back in your room.
You haven't got much time before lunch- pick three.
>A shower.
>Healing yourself.
>Making sure your clothes are well-presented.
>Checking your room for intrusion or bugs.
>Making sure you have a holdout in case of emergencies.
>Returning Noel her jacket.
>Write-In

>>41468507
>>Healing yourself.
>>Making sure your clothes are well-presented.
>Making sure you have a holdout in case of emergencies.

>>41468507
>Returning Noel her jacket.
>Making sure your clothes are well-presented.
>A shower

Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d4)

>>41468524
>>41468529
Currently locked:
>Making sure your clothes are well-presented.
Unless another anon speaks up,
1) Healing yourself
2) Making sure you have a holdout
3) Returning the jacket
4) A shower
Repeats will be rerolled.

>>41468599
Currently going with:
> Making sure your clothes are well-presented.
> Returning the jacket
> A shower
Writing...

>>41468529
The hold out and being at full power is going to be more important than showering or a jacket we can return at lunch.

>>41468839
Hm...
Would replacing
>Return the jacket
With one or the other be a good enough compromise for you all?

>>41468872
I'm for that.

>>41468839
>>41468888
Pick
>Hold out
or
>Healing
to replace
>Return the jacket

>>41468913
Healing.

>>41468913
Healing.

>>41468962
>>41468975
Revising...

>>41469063
First things first. You're covered with sweat and have recently basically had your ass kicked.
You begin to go over the parts that hurt with Ars Magus. You're slightly drained, but power rushes back to you in short time.
A shower will do your muscles good and clean you up for 'proper' society (even though the government is basically puppeteered at this point).
It would basically be the worst thing ever for BO to claim a possible alliance, so you make sure you're clean before getting out.
After taking a shower, you change into your formal-wear, making sure everything looks good and getting what you can off of your beret.
After that, you snatch up the jacket Noel lent you, folding it up for carrying, and lock the door behind you.
You don't think you'll be allowed to bring your guns with you, and you're not carrying a holdout.

You walk alone to the lunch hall, out the elvator and through a series of winding halls, and this seems to attract attention from bystanders.
Maybe they thought you were going to escort Noel, or they're surprised they clean up so well.

When you get to the hall, the place seems adorned with blue and gold fine tablecloth and white china plates, even very nice silverware and napkins.
As expected, you have a resident VIP seat, right to center- and, without fail, Relius Clover is sitting besides you, to your right, or at least that's what the label says.
Motherfucker. Of course he would.

As your eyes turn the other way, it gets worse.
Your eyes dilate in contained horror as the center figure's label reads 'Imperator of the Novus Orbis Librarium'.
There's no telling how she'll treat you, either- this could end badly.

>Survey the other 'VIP' guests' names.
>Determine where the different Duodecim are seated.
>Field entry and exit points.
>Determine collateral damage from a conflict here.
>Attempt to move your position.
>Find out what's being served.
>Attempt to find
>>Relius
>>Noel
>>Kagura
>>The Imperator
>>Someone else (Write-In)

>>41469139
>Survey the other 'VIP' guests' names.
>Determine where the different Duodecim are seated.

>>41469139
>Survey the other 'VIP' guests' names.
>Field entry and exit points
>Determine collateral damage from a conflict here.
>Attempt to find
>>Noel

File: 1235876846878.jpg (17 KB, 266x200)

17 KB JPG

>>41469139
>Your eyes dilate in contained horror as the center figure's label reads 'Imperator of the Novus Orbis Librarium'.
Shit.

>>41469177
Second this.

>>41469139
So wait are we sitting at the same table as Izanami?

>>41469342
Yeah.
Shit just got real(er).

>>41469175
>>41469177

...Okay.
You can handle this.
To the left of the Imperator sits Kagura Mutsuki. Not a big surprise.
Your name is written both as Ben Herald and Hiruko Yayoi.
After some clearing of your mind, from right to left (Imperator's perspective) are 'Shrianui Gokuzuki' (one of the Duodecim Heads), Relius Clover, you, the Imperator, Kagura, Tien Satsuki (another Head), and Jin Kisaragi.

But this doesn't make any sense... Only Duodecim heads can speak to the Imperator, normally.
This is some groundbreaking shit happening, even if it's only high-level officials here.
Or this could just be the beginning of a really bad set of events.

For entry and exit points, there is the main entrance, the balcony (second-story), the kitchen, and a side exit to a ballroom, which connects to several other rooms itself.
Collateral damage in here wouldn't be too bad- the tables are placed several feet apart, so if, say, there was a fire, there would be very little in the way of people running into/trapping one another.

The Duodecim themselves seem to be sitting in the twelve closest tables to the main table.
High-ranking soldiers that are not VIP sit slightly beyond that.
In total, there are about twenty very large circular tables, an appetizer and drinks table, and the VIP table.

You look around to find Noel.
She's in a very pretty white dress, her hair is in abun, and she even has pearl earrings on.
As you admire her, you realize that she's talking to Tsubaki. Then you notice that her father stands nearby, a grizzled, stocky old man with mustache and beard, both greyed, though originally blonde.
You meet eyes.
He is not happy to recognize you.

>Smile at him.
>Look at Noel.
>Stare back at him, unemotionally.
>Try to break off his gaze.
>Walk over to him.
>Walk over to Noel.
>Write-In

>>41469491
>Walk over to Noel.

>>41469491
>Smile at him.
>Walk over to Noel.
>Write-In
"So your Dad seems nice"

File: Good Old Edgar.png (51 KB, 1864x216)

51 KB PNG

Pic is relevant.

>>41469521
>>41469544
You smile at him.
He looks back at you with an expression that implies that he would flip you off if you weren't in the middle of a noble meeting.
Instead of engaging his anger, you simply walk over to Noel.
She turns to you and smiles. "Oh, you're here already?"
"Already?" you raise an eyebrow.
"Well, I just thought... Never mind." Shaking her head, she lets you enter the conversation.

"Your dad seems nice, by the way." You turn back to him and wave with a smile.
Tsubaki's face pales like she's going to have a heart attack when she sees Edgar's reaction to this.
"What did you do to him? His mind looks set on murder."
"Other than date his only daughter and heir? Not much." You turn back to the women and twiddle your thumbs innocently.
The alleged half-sister glares at you. "Ben."
"It's fine... He'll come around, I'm sure." Noel sighs. "Just don't antagonize him."
"I'd never dream of it."

Yayoi grits her teeth at what she believes your 'antics' to be. "I... Will be sitting with our parents."
You're about to correct this, but choose not to, closing your mouth quicker than you opened it.
"What? Something else to say?" She raises an eyebrow at this, having taken notice.
Noel seems curious as well.

>"No, other than that I'd like to give Mother my regards."
>"Are they here at the moment? I'd like to talk to them myself, if I could."
>"No, I'd just like to warn you that I think there's something not quite right about this setup."
>"The Imperator is making an appearance, if you didn't know."
>"Nothing at all."
>"I'd just like to chat with Mr. Vermillion. Nothing questionable."
>Write-In

>>41469767
>"No, other than that I'd like to give Mother my regards."
>"The Imperator is making an appearance, if you didn't know."
>Write-In
"Mind introducing me to you mother and father after this Noel, since this is a rare opportunity to meet your family"

>>41469767
>"No, I'd just like to warn you that I think there's something not quite right about this setup."
>"The Imperator is making an appearance, if you didn't know."

>>41469820
>>41469825

"No, other than that I'd like to give Mother my regards."
Tsubaki seems to be a bit surprised at something so trivial.
"Oh, all right. They're not here yet, so I'll be sure to do so if you can't."
HAH.
The concept of her realising that she handed off a 'burden' only for him to become, well, you- is a sort of justice in itself.
But that's not quite as important as your next message.

"Also..." You lower your voice. "I don't think this setup is... Quite right."
Looking around, no-one else seems to be listening to you, even though Edgar is following you.
"Why do you say that?" Noel seems confused. They listen to you, though you're hesitant to speak.
Clearing your throat, you state, "The Imperator is making an appearance, if you didn't know."
The women are shocked at this, especially alarming Tsubaki. "What? H-Here? Tonight?"
She thinks about this for a second. "That would make this a closed-doors event, then.

A fight breaking out could be bad if there are guards and the doors are bolted shut.
"You're right. There could be an assassin in here, if he's caught wind of the Imperator's presence."
This thought simmers in your collective thought pool.
"Well, let's just keep an eye out, then?" Noel suggests. "I mean, we can't exactly bring firearms in here, can we?"
Tsubaki acquiests to this. "You're right. Let's deal with it if something suspicious happens."

You quickly change the subject to change the mood.
"Mind introducing me to you mother and father after this, Noel, since this is a rare opportunity to meet your family?"
You try to ignore the burning disdain being bored into your skull by Edgar.
Noel seems a bit nervous at this, but nods. "I think it might be a... good opportunity, yes."
You nod to them as they break up from your little huddle, but you soon find Mr. Vermillion tapping on your shoulder.
"I need to talk to you in private."

>"Yes, sir."
>"Is now really a good time for this?"
>"Where?"
>"What about?"
>Write-In

>>41470075
>"Where?"
>"What about?"
>"Is now really a good time for this?"

>>41470075
>"Where?"
>"Is now really a good time for this?"

>>41470136
>>41470156

"Where?" you request the location of your discussion, as Noel stands nearby, very uncomfortable.
Teh longer the two of you stand together, the farther away Noel drifts.
"The ballroom." Edgar declares. "Just a little discussion. A chat, if you will."
You ask the inevitable question. "What abou-"
He grips your shoulder a little more than comfortable, causing your left arm to clench involuntarily. "You know what about."
You have to consiously prevent yourself from rolling your eyes, for what must be the hundredth time. "Is now really a good time for this?"

At this question, his demeanor suddenly changes, but so that the others present can't see it.
He seems a lot less angry and a lot more sincere. "It's the only time for this, so yes."
Then he changes back to his angry persona. "So- chat?"
You get the feeling that's it's not about 'You know what'.

>"Yeah, sure. Lead the way."
>"Can I take a rain check on this, please?"
>"I'm sorry, sir, I have to be somewhere else."
>"The only time? Why not sometime else?"
>Write-In

>>41470277

>"Yeah, sure. Lead the way."

>>41470277
>"Yeah, sure. Lead the way."
Lets go meet Dad.

>>41470308
>>41470488

You're led out by Edgar Vermillion for your 'chat'- he moves to the ballroom, which is slightly darkened and smells lightly of tobacco.
You follow him, and find that no-one else is there. As you step into one of the far corners, he waves you over.
"I'm not going to bullshit you, kid, I don't appreciate someone trying to woo my daughter, even if it's the best for her. Just a fatherly thing. But that's not what this is about."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQHi75aFlf4&index=57&list=PLF26E390EAC755A30
He turns to fully face you. "There will be four assassins tonight, at least."
You blood runs cold. "How-"
"I've got my ear to the ground on things like this, and, to be honest, I'm not exactly the most 'loyal' citizen."
He seems to be both ashamed and proud of this, somehow.

"One of them will be a bomb, attached to a large object for hiding. That one's courtesy of Sector Seven, and is meant to get whoever it can."
As you're about to speak, he holds up a finger.

"There will be a sniper. I've got a guy set to take care of him. The real problems are the two last guys, and whoever I didn't get."
He continues, pacing a bit. "One of the dissident soldiers will be holding a pistol. He'll come in, claiming to give a special, emergency message to one of you, and shoot his target instead."
"Finally, the last guy will be a waiter, holding a knife. He goes after whoever he can get as well, but most likely a VIP."

>"Anyone else?"
>"You know about Colonel Mutsuki's little club?"
>"Never pegged you as a conscientious objector."
>"So what do you need me to do? Sniff out the bomb?"
>"Anything else?"
>"Am I gonna get the 'respect my daughter' speech now?"
>"Who do we accuse as responsible?"
>Write-In

>>41470581
>"Anyone else?"
>"You know about Colonel Mutsuki's little club?"
>"Never pegged you as a conscientious objector."
>"So what do you need me to do? Sniff out the bomb?"
>"Who do we accuse as responsible?"
>"Anything else?"
All this happening

>>41470581
>"Anyone else?"
>"You know about Colonel Mutsuki's little club?"
>"Never pegged you as a conscientious objector."
>"So what do you need me to do? Sniff out the bomb?"
>"Anything else?"
>"Who do we accuse as responsible?"
>Write-In
"Anyone clues on what these last two guys look like, maybe birthmark or something?"

>>41470581
>"So what do you need me to do? Sniff out the bomb?"
>"Who do we accuse as responsible?"
>"Anything else?"

>>41470633
>>41470675
>>41470687

"Well, uh- Anyone else?" You're taken a little off-guard by all this.
"You know about Colonel Mutsuki's little club? I never pegged you as a conscientious objector."
He glares at you. "You didn't know me until three minutes ago, smartass. But yes, I'm with him. He said I should probably stay out of this, but I'm too damn mean to die here."
"I assume you're in on this as well? Kagura's little deal?"
"Yup." You nod. "So what do you need me to do? Sniff out the bomb?"
"No, I already have a guy looking into that. If you can, that's great, but I'd rather go with the guy whose job it is to sense out contraband." Edgar cringes a bit in apology. "Sorry."
"No offense taken- that's a good idea. Who do we accuse as responsible- or any clues on what these last two guys look like, maybe a birthmark or something?"
He snorts. "We accuse whoever shows up. There's a whole network of these guys- If you nab one of them, the rest suddenly know nothing or vaporise. All implications and rumors, you know. All I gathered is that it's one of the waiters and a soldier that suddenly shows up."

Indicating your understanding, you field your final question. "Anything else?"
Smiling, Mr. Vermillion finishes with, "Oh, right. Keep your hands to your goddamn self, at least in public." He sours halfway through his sentence before looking behind you.
"Damn it, of course."

A tall, elderly woman with black hair steps inside and glares at Edgar. "What are you doing to that poor boy, Edgar?"
"Just making a reasonable request, is all!"
The woman, easily assumed to be Claire Vermillion, steps further inside. "You... It's bad enough that she's as nervous as it is before you come along and start harassing gentlemen interested in her."
"This guy fought Ragna the Bloodedge! He's gotta have a spine strong enough to take a little needling..."

This seems to be degrading into a familial discussion you have little part in- as of yet.

...

That's it for tonight.
Any questions?

>>41470915
Noel's thoughts at the moment Ben and her dad left to talk.

>>41470973
>"My first boyfriend... please, no..."

>>41470981
Is Hazama the waiter or soldier?

>>41471000
...He wasn't going to be...
The funniest part about all this is that nobody asked me where Hazama was.

>>41471017
Oh where is he then at the moment?

>>41471017
So does Noel's mother expect grandchildren soon?

>>41471044
Having a barbeque.
Or he was trying to, until the ninja showed up.
NinjaBen再起不能/リタイア
>>41471061
In a few years, eventually, yes.

>>41471073
Wait what an actual barbeque or the other type.

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>>41471117
Pic related.

>>41471144
Don't tell me he was at the orphanage house

>>41471158
But then I'd be lying.

>>41471144
>>41471228
Or, a more appropriate way to phrase this would be:
Okay, I won't.

>>41471258
So, how much does Noel love us and how much do we love Noel?

>>41471343
...Do you want that on a scale, or what?
It's kinda a 'destined partners' thing.
Like, um, Celes and Locke?

>>41471343
>>41471408
It's 3 AM where I am, so I'm just gonna say 'very much' until I'm sleep-sane enough to think about it clearly.

>>41471408
On a scale From Romeo and Juliet to whatsherface loving Hitler.

How far is she willing to go for us?

>>41471441
Um... Uh...
She defied her Primary Directive to listen to you?
Let's say that if either of you dies, this is gonna end in blood, and lots of it.

>>41471465
So basically Nu-13 of love without the whole yandere

>>41471484
...You do know they share a soul, right?
Like, they are allegedly the literal same person.
This will just make the interaction with Izanami even better.

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Archived!

>>41471499
So they would all feel some sort of affection towards Ben if they meet him or just that Ben would get the feeling that they feel similar to Noel?

>>41471509
All of Saya's clones had affection toward Ragna in some way or other, but that was before they split, and some of it was more genuine than others.
She will recognize Ben, but probably not for the reason you're thinking.