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Let's Rock Some Manly Eye Shadow in Animamundi: Dark Alchemist

Discussion in 'Visualizing Novels' started by Anabanana, Jul 9, 2012.

  1. Well. This was a major oversight on my part. This particular combination of answers unlocks one more question, so yay, it's voting time again! Even if you've voted before, you can still vote on this.

    4(ii). Let us say that, as expected, thy side were defeated, and thy reputation as a warrior were ruined. And say once again thou wert put into a situation in which battle was inevitable... Which wouldst thou choose?
    (A) To lead the army to restore your reputation.
    (B) To let a new leader arise and support him.
    Randissimo, Kie, Lady Octopus and 2 others like this.
  2. JohnStargazer Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    I really hate the way they ask these questions, you know. "Would you a: Do the job yourself because you're a selfish vainglorious prick? or b: Make someone else do the work because you're self-sacrificing and noble?"

    I guess I'll go with B because of the bias they're giving it.
    Randissimo, Kie, Lady Octopus and 3 others like this.
  3. Eh, supporting a leader is a pretty demanding job as well, you know, just not necessarily in the same way. It's not like the leader of the army does all the work. But I can see where you're coming from.
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  4. Butterfly's Dream Despondent Fancybear

    That would seriously depend on how I'd lost the previous battle. If I'd lost the previous one just because I couldn't make a miracle happen, then A.
    I will show them they shouldn't underestimate me!

    Muwahaha~
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  5. Well, according to the choices decided by the previous readers' votes, you lost because you fought honourably instead of cheating to win.

    Hope that helps. :D
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  6. Joie de Combat Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Dirge
    I'll go with A.
    Sarasha likes this.
  7. Madar Foxfire Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Let's go with A we shall be a vainglorious prick and proud of it.
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  8. Sarasha Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Going to go with B. Dance puppet, dance! :D
    Lady Octopus likes this.
  9. Ryz009 Magister Mundi Elyscape

    lol I love this game.

    Though it really punched me in the feels at times D:
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  10. M Sheep Hard Cider Gal

    A for that other one, to hopefullly break the tie

    And uh....*flips coin, but not really* B
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  11. Sorry, I'm confused. You mean B for the following question?

    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and M Sheep like this.
  12. M Sheep Hard Cider Gal

    Verily. That is to say, in a word, yes.
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  13. Kaneda Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Santiago
    SHOWER OF LIKES

    I say B, because we are so lazy noble.
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  14. Chapter 1: Part 3 Addendum

    Let's (finally) have our little chat with Mephisto-kun, shall we?

    Are you of a mind to talk with me for a while?
    (A) I am

    Of course we are! It's not every night a demon pops up to visit, you know!

    A day will come when God will appear to thee in a dream, and speak unto thee the appointed day. As I appear, whispering to thee in thy dreams. At that time, when thou art told to give thy life... Wilt thou be able?
    (B) I won't

    [IMG] Thou sayest thou canst not.
    [IMG] Even if thou art incapable now, thou wilt accept thy fate naturally when the time cometh.
    [IMG] Thou had best begin preparing to welcome that moment with a humble mind.

    Who are you, Mephisto, our mom?

    Say a war were to start and thou wert required to join one of the warring sides. On one side, defeat and death are likely, but thou wouldst fight for pride and honor. On the other, victory and glory are likely, but thou must abandon honor in battle to attain glory. Which wouldst thou choose?
    (A) Defeat

    [IMG] Defeat, thou sayest? Fair enough.
    [IMG] Fighting for honor. Yes, that is only natural.

    I don't like how you phrased that, Phisto-kun.

    Let us say that, as expected, thy side were defeated, and thy reputation as a warrior were ruined. And say once again thou wert put into a situation in which battle was inevitable... Which wouldst thou choose?
    (B) To let a new leader arise and support him.

    [IMG] Thou sayest thou wouldst let another lead? Fair enough.
    [IMG] I imagine thy farsighted decision would be met with approval...

    But not YOUR approval, is that what you're saying, hmm?

    Thou hast sacrificed the lives of many soldiers, but managed to protect thy home village. However, the village is ravaged by starvation and suffering, and all place the blame on thy shoulders. Driven by hunger, murder and crime become rampant, and thou art responsible for restoring peace. Which path wouldst thou choose?
    (A) To achieve this through generosity, tolerance and love.

    [IMG] Through tolerance, generosity and love, thou sayest? Fair enough.
    [IMG] Though I recommend ruling with terror in times of chaos.

    Of course you would, Mephy. Of course you would.

    If thou heard a voice within thy dreams... Would that be the shining voice of God from Heaven? Or the voice of a devil from the depths of Hell? To which wouldst thou listen?
    (A) The voice of God from Heaven

    [IMG] The voice of God from Heaven, thou sayest? Fair enough.
    [IMG] Most people would answer the same, I imagine...
    [IMG] But it may be the answer thou seekest is not to be found there.

    Yegads, Mephisto! You have to be the worst salesman ever to come out of the far side of the Acheron. You're gonna have to try waaay harder than that to get us to come over to the dark side.

    If thou wert granted immortality, and could choose one long companion for eternity... Which wouldst thou choose?
    (A) A man

    I'm surprised at how close this vote was, actually. This is quite explicitly a BL game, after all, but seems like about half of you wanted to leave the incestuous imouto little sister route open, eh?

    [IMG] A man, thou sayest? Fair enough.

    I like how Mephistopheles has absolutely nothing to say about our sexual preferences.

    And finally, answer me this. Have my questions made thee uneasy?
    (B) Not in the least.

    Yeah, easy to say that when it's our protagonist who's having this DEMON from the UNDERWORLD invade his BED while he sleeps.
    And yeah, our protagonist is a guy. It'd be quite difficult to put the BL in this BL game otherwise.

    [IMG] Yes, thy answers have satisfied me.

    And with those last words from Fist-chan that are absolutely not ominous at all in any way, shape, or form, the personality quiz section of this game is now officially concluded! A real update will be coming in, oh, let's say a little under a year from now.
    Kie, Lady Octopus, Sarasha and 9 others like this.
  15. Kaneda Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Santiago
    I'm disappointed surprised so many people chose the "good" options. Seriously guys, we are talking to an archduke of hell here. Why not show some spunk? [/hypocrite]

    Yay, so we'll have another update around Christmas! So excited.
    BlueKitty, Kie, Lady Octopus and 6 others like this.
  16. Sugar-Junkie Magister Mundi Elyscape

    Location:
    France
    Hiiiiiiiiiiiii \o/ Can't wait for more :D
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  17. Ryz009 Magister Mundi Elyscape

    Mesphit :3 I forgot how WTF I was in the first 10 minutes of this game. And BF have fearless Georik huh? :P
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  18. For a second there I thought you'd accidentally posted in the wrong thread. xD

    And yeah, looks like our Georik is the goody-goody two shoes type and Mephisto does not approve.
  19. PARAdoxial Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    California
    Yay, more creepy demons~
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  20. Chapter 2: Part 1 [Video]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    The Kingdom of Hardland – a land that had, ahead of other nations, abandoned magic and alchemy in favor of industrial revolution.

    Hardland’s 315th anniversary fell during the reign of Hardland XIII. His vision had fueled the kingdom’s drive to embrace science.

    Traditional arts such as magic and alchemy were banned, and those who practiced them harshly punished...
    Meanwhile, the kingdom encouraged modern medicine and research into military technology.

    During the Renaissance, alchemy was never actually banned. Many alchemists were persecuted for fraud (guess where pretending you can turn metal into gold gets you), but not for the practice of alchemy itself.

    There were those who rode the wave of modernization... And those who fought to preserve their traditions.

    The way the narrative frames of the decline of alchemy as conflict between tradition and modernization seems to echo the decline of samurai traditions during the Meiji Restoration. In medieval Europe, the decline of alchemy was less an issue of tradition and more an issue of separating chemistry as a hard science from the old art of alchemy which was tied up in mysticism and supernatural elements.

    And then there were those who took the middle path...

    Aristocrats and bureaucrats had to choose sides, for the sake of their power, honor, and loved ones. This was a difficult choice, and one that threatened to divide society...

    Fade to black.
  21. Chapter 2: Part 2 [Video]

    Before we start, I recommend that you play this video as well as the video that's coming up next on Chapter 2: Part 3. ESPECIALLY the next video.

    [IMG]

    As one might expect, this village was generally a peaceful place... or, put in less generous terms, a boring place.

    I like peaceful places. Not getting killed or mugged is far more important to me than exci- wait what?

    An altercation, however, was brewing in front of a farm in the corner of the village.

    You just said that this was a peaceful place! Goddamnit.

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Do you mean to take all our food?

    [IMG]

    [IMG] The kingdom officials do the same thing, only they go about their stealin’ more cunning-like.
    [IMG] All we be askin’ for is to fill our bellies, and compared to them we’re saints. Now bring over them drinks!

    Pretty sure you don't need beer to fill your bellies, Robin Hood.

    The ruffian kicked in the flimsy door to the warehouse.

    [IMG] Aaaaaagh! Stop!
    [IMG] ...Humph. Why, you’ve been hidin’ more stuff back here!
    [IMG] Damn you... Any moment now...
    [IMG] Any moment now, the great doctor will arrive!

    It was clear that a farm boy from this normally peaceful farm village stood no chance against the bandits.

    I don't know about you, but from the games I play it seems that farm boys get up to all sorts of stuff - fighting monsters, saving the world...

    [IMG] A, ha, ha, ha...! Did ya hear that?
    [IMG] This boy says a doctor is gonna come save the day? ...Of all people! “The great doctor,” he says.
    [IMG] I reckon a doctor’ll have coin on ‘im. And if he don’t know we’re ‘ere, he’ll be fool enough to be off his guard.
    [IMG] Looks like we’ll be pulling in double today. Luck is smilin’ on me, lads.
    [IMG] You swine...! Saying that about the great doctor...!

    Keep this up, my boy, and the readers will start thinking that you have a crush on him. And then I'll get in trouble because Lum wants no pedophilia mucking up his forum.

    [IMG] You’d best shut up and start tendin’ yer wound.

    ...It was then that it happened.

    DUM DUM DUM DUM
  22. A man dismounted from a horse and spoke to the bandits.

    Ooh.

    [IMG]

    Oooooooh.

    Luscious hair, fabulous hat, shoulders twice the size of Mephisto's... could this possibly be...?

    [IMG] ...What? You think all this here food belongs to the likes of you?
    [IMG] Pathetic.
    [IMG] I would rather you did not put me on the same level as vile beasts such as yourselves.

    You don't need to eat? What are you, a demon or something?

    [IMG]

    Hah. Thought so.

    And wow. Apart from being tall, dark, and dashing, he's even capable of *shockgasp* more than one expression, unlike poor Village Boy-kun and Bandit-chan over there. Forgive me for meta-gaming, but it almost seems as if we have a Very Important Character here.

    [IMG] Would you mind giving me a bit of bread?

    I mean, seriously, what kind of character asks for bread while running his hand through his hair like he's on the cover of Playgirl?

    The thieves he was facing merely laughed.

    [IMG] Must be something wrong with your head, to come pokin’ your nose in our business. You want us to fix it for you?

    [IMG] Uh, master, if this will do...

    With uncertain hands, the young villager extended bread and wine to the man in the black cape.

    As the handsome man reaches out for the food, his calloused yet feathery-soft fingertips brush against Village Boy-kun's hands, causing his heart to melt into a pool of boiling hot magmatic lust. Village Boy swoons to the ground, swearing to God to never wash his hands for the rest of his life.

    [IMG]

    See that purple eye shadow? Isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever seen on a man? Who can blame Village Boy for being so infatuated? /fans self

    The man devoured the bread and gulped down the wine. He wiped his mouth as if satisfied.

    [ Village Boy ] (from the ground)
    Don't wash that wine cup! The indirect kiss is mine! ALL MINEEEEE!

    [IMG] Delicious. It had just the right hint of rye... Where is this bread from?
    [IMG] (still on the ground) Why, Geutrink of course!

    The young man of the village exclaimed proudly.

    The gang of scoundrels laughed again.

    How dare you make fun of otome-chan's Village Boy's pure, maidenly love? Unforgivable!

    [IMG] It appears that there are certain unscrupulous individuals after the food stores of this village.
    [IMG] That would not happen to have anything to do with you men, would it now?

    Suddenly, total silence.

    The gang of thieves collectively reached for the hilts of their swords, grinning wickedly.

    [IMG] And what if it does?

    Uh oh.
    PARAdoxial, Skibblu, Sarasha and 7 others like this.
  23. Chapter 2: Part 3 [Video]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    Slash! His blade cut swiftly into the brigand’s upper arm.

    [ Bandit ]
    Uugh- aaaaaaaaggghhh!

    As soon as the bandit began to bleed, the man in the cape grabbed an empty burlap sack and clapped it over the man’s wound.

    Wait what?

    [IMG] Tsk, tsk. We can’t have your foul blood dirtying this beautiful village scenery.

    Ahahahaha seriously that is probably the most stupid ahem I mean then maybe you shouldn't have cut that guy in the first place!

    [ Bandit ]
    You, you dog!

    Another thief unsheathed his short sword and lunged in at the man in the black cape from behind.
    With a crack, the man in the cape landed an elbow on the man’s chest.

    RIGHT IN THE FEELS

    [ Bandit ]
    Gahumph... cough...!

    You forgot the "HNNNGGGG"

    The man fell to the ground with a thud.

    [IMG] Pity, we seem to be out of bandages. Maybe you should stop causing trouble.
    [IMG] W-who... who the hell are you?
    [IMG] Me? I am a doctor.
    [IMG] ...Huuuh!? A doctor, you say?
    [IMG] Hadn’t you heard? Today is the day the doctor makes his rounds.
    [IMG] ...So...so you’re...
    [IMG] ...Yes, I would be the doctor!

    YES

    YOU'RE THE DOCTOR

    WE GET IT

    Though what kind of doctor immediately jumps to "slice them all up" to solve his problems is a mystery to me~

    [IMG] Now, use what little wits you have to remember this –
    [IMG] As long as I, Georik Zaberisk, am in Geutrink, you will not have the run of this place!

    DUM DUM DUM NAME DROP

    And here we have, ladies and gentlemen, our protag-kun, the splendiferous Georik Zaberisk! As you can see, he's somewhat of a violently murderous badass doctor who can bloody up random thugs in the street and look good while doing it too, I mean mmmMMM have you looked at that hair, those meticulously-pencilled eyebrows, that eyeliner, that eye shadow, that exquisite peach lipstick that goes so gorgeously with his red velvet top~

    Before he could finish speaking, the scoundrels fled.
  24. Chapter 2: Part 4 [Video]

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Well, well...
    [IMG] I swear, this doctor could use a bit more cooperation from his patients.

    And by "patients" you mean "victims" and by "cooperation" you mean "don't scream as I smile and stab you while making horrible doctor puns"... right?

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Georik...

    He refers to him as -sama here, for those of you who care.

    [IMG] With that horrible fever... I wasn’t sure my mother could last another hour. I don’t know how to thank you...

    [IMG] I have no need of thanks.

    Aww. For someone who seems to enjoy cutting people up as much as he does, Georik seems like a pretty nice guy so far.

    With his work done, the man in the black cape walked with the boy to the entrance of the house.

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Now... Where did you ever hear such a thing?
    [IMG] Uh...well...with those officials visiting your mansion, we got worried that maybe...
    [IMG] My wife is heavy with child, and I’m worried about raising wee ones in a village without a doctor, and...

    Wait, you have a wife? How old are you again? And does your wife know about your man-crush on the local doctor? Pfft, don't try to lie, you're obviously more worried that your beloved Georiku-sama is going to leave and never come back to consummate your passionate love for each other, aren't you?

    [IMG] Don’t worry. I will take care of you.
    [IMG] It’s good to hear you say that.

    "G-Georik-sama wants to take care of me...? D-does that mean... he wants to m-m-m-marry me? Oh, Georik-sama!"

    [IMG]

    "Thank goodness... I don't have to worry about my love being unrequited any more!"

    The village was home to a mere eight hundred people. Before Georik’s arrival, there had been no doctor.

    I'm surprised they're not all dead yet.

    [ Village Boy ]
    Mr. Georik, you make sure an’ be careful now...

    [ Georik ]
    Recently there’s been a lot of trouble in this area.
    You best finish your work outside before it gets dark.

    Georik mounted his horse and headed for his mansion.

    Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Our protagonist lives in a mansion. What a complete Gary Stu. Man, how much do they pay village doctors that Georik gets to live in his own friggin' mansion? Find out in the next instalment of Animamundi: Dark Alchemist the LP, coming out this Christmas 2013!
  25. Haniel Hatoful Pigeon

    that is a long wait
    Lady Octopus and Anabanana like this.
  26. Kaneda Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Santiago
    *whistle*

    Hey Ana, I think you linked Chapter 2 Part 2's video instead of Part 3's, unless my browser is playing pranks on me. Just sayin'
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  27. Holy shit thank you so much for telling me that! *fixes it* There. All better. orz
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Kaneda like this.
  28. Kaneda Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Santiago
    Okay, now I read it with the video. It's a whole world of difference with Ryutarou Okiayu's voice in it. <3

    What do you mean our BL protag isn't a weak, desperate shota but a handsome (despite his deformity or because of it, if you dig dislocated shoulders) doctor that also knows how to fight well enough to dispatch a gang of bandits? What a barbarity!
  29. Madar Foxfire Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    The best kind of doctor is what
  30. I giggled uncontrollably for a full minute after reading that sentence. Seriously. Our poor handicapped ass-kicking doctor <3

    And yeah, the voice acting in this game is pretty amazing, as I noted in my opening post. The music and sound effects really help to sell the story as well. I highly encourage people to check out the videos if they haven't already. :3
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Kaneda like this.
  31. fadeaccompli Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    ...I go to dinner, and miss all the voting? Argh! Well, at least I can follow along now.

    (For my part, I'm inclined to vote for shinier and more noble characteristics the darker the rest of the game is. Playing a villain in a grimdark game just doesn't make for much contrast; there's much more interesting conflict when playing a relatively upstanding character in the midst of tragedy and doooooom.)
  32. FML

    I just realized I forgot to link the video for the last part of that update! GAAHHH. *fix fix fix* There. Final video is now up. More Ryoutarou Okiayu voice acting for everybody to enjoy~
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  33. Kaneda Already Beat BF's New Expansion

    Location:
    Santiago
    How am I supposed to enjoy the story if I'm swooning uncontrollably? And Midorikawa hasn't even popped up yet. Jaysussssss. ;_;

    Seriously though, that's a goddamned top-notch voice cast. Can't wait to see the rest; it will be an awesome Christmas present! <3
  34. Ryz009 Magister Mundi Elyscape

    lmao whoops. Shows where my brain is at :P And yay action guy Georik.
    Lady Octopus and Sarasha like this.
  35. MulMizu Broken Forum's Official Sassy Black Woman

    so like i am playing this game right now and
    the art style is confusing me, but i can dig it i guess.
    also WHY ARE THEY TIMING ME AND MY ANSWERS.
    Lady Octopus, Sarasha and Anabanana like this.
  36. My guess is so that it makes you answer based on instinct instead of overthinking the question.
    PARAdoxial, Sarasha and Nerys like this.
  37. Ryz009 Magister Mundi Elyscape

    Yep. That and to try to stop me from getting my favorite ending since I take too long looking up the answer in a guide ;_; evil game.
  38. Chapter 2: Part 5 [Video]

    I recommend that you listen to this video for Yui Horie's and Ryoutarou Okiayu's performances. There are quite a few nuances in their delivery that you won't get just from the text.

    [IMG]

    Many different kinds of flowers bloomed in the garden throughout the year, so that one could never tire of looking at them.

    Whenever Georik returned home, his much younger sister, Lilith, was always there to welcome him.

    What a lovely, innocent name, isn't it?

    To simplify the whole host of myths surrounding the Lilith persona, she's the most important female demon in Jewish mythology, personifying the threat of female sexuality that's irrepressible and uncontrollable by men. She was Adam's first wife, but they broke up because she had the GALL to think she was his EQUAL and wouldn't submit to him (lie beneath him) for sex, so Adam got boring old Eve and Lilith went off to marry Samael (also known as Satan) instead. Other legends say that she became Adam's succubus on the side, and started popping out a hundred demonic children a day with both his and Samael's sperm, thus populating the world with evil. Her female children are called lilim, and are responsible for men's nocturnal emissions. Bet they didn't teach you that in sex ed class, did you? Apparently, she also likes fucking with pregnant women (NOT in a nice way) and kidnapping their babies.

    So yes. A perfectly nice name to give your cute little baby daughter. Seriously, Papa and Mama Zaberisk, what the FUCK were you thinking.

    [IMG]

    Lilith always seemed to overflow with happiness when Georik returned.

    Uh oh, I can sense my bro-con radar tingling. How old are you again, Lilith? Lum's presumably fine with incest, but if you happen to be less than 18 years old...

    [IMG]

    Oh, of course, and not because maybe somebody's MOM was going to DIE of a high fever in an hour without your darling nii-sama's treatment.

    Yes, she calls him nii-sama.

    [IMG] Now, now, don’t say that. This village was in dire straits with no doctor around.
    [IMG] I suppose. Before you became their doctor, they did have it tough.

    [IMG]

    [IMG] I probably could have saved father and mother...
    [IMG] What...?

    She says "ara" here. Cute. In general she's using very posh and I assume archaic Japanese diction that you'd expect your typical princess archetype to speak.

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Brother, there’s blood on your sword again. Have you been causing trouble again today?

    Again?! Is cutting people up a HOBBY of yours, Georik?

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Liar! Let me see that!

    Lilith then unsheathed the sword and took it to the garden to wash off the blood.

    Oi oi oi! That is NOT how you treat a sword, you idiot! Use a rag instead of water and make sure you oil it down properly afterwards, Jesus! Georik, why aren't you saying anything?! It's your precious sword she's abusing here!

    [IMG] It was just... some good-for-nothing scoundrels who were threatening the village...
    [IMG] No excuses! You are not to unsheathe your sword in the village! What if one of the villagers were be hurt?

    [IMG]

    That nickname confuses me. It should be "Obstinacy", unless it's some kind of play on the word "Nancy".
  39. [IMG]

    Lilith was a bit naïve and stubborn. Him teasing her in this way had become a running joke between the two of them.

    Recently, Hardland’s government had become concentrated in Kamazene, triggering a general relocation of the aristocracy to the capital.

    In fact, hardly any of the nobility remained in the smaller villages. As a result, those who did remain were given special treatment.

    Yeah, Georik and Lilith belong to the aristocracy. If that whole living in a mansion thing hadn't clued you in already.

    There was a reason Georik and Lilith were living in this rural village.

    Three years had passed since the two of them had said farewell to their urban lives and moved to a mansion meant to be a country villa.

    The move away from court life had been necessary to ease Lilith’s asthma. Georik only made the rounds as a doctor to show good will toward the villagers.

    And here I was thinking that it was because you were a nice, kind, selfless man, Georik.

    For three years, Lilith and Georik had lived together, breathing the pristine air of Geutrink village.

    [IMG]

    He's using a playful, almost mocking tone here that's intended to be charming. If you're still not listening to the video, this would be a good time to start.

    [ Lilith ]
    Like, if I were attacked by a gang of bandits?

    [ Georik ]
    I would, of course, spring to your aid with my sword.

    [ Lilith]
    Well, it would be all right in that case.

    Lilith laughed freely.

    [ Lilith ]
    It must be nice...
    I want to learn how to use a sword too!

    [ Georik ]
    What say you, Princess?
    Too soon these weapons will be all but meaningless.

    A pacifist, Georik? I would've never expected it of you, seeing as how you swing that thing around at the slightest provocation.

    [ Lilith ]
    If I knew how to use a sword, I could avenge the murder of our parents...!

    Lilith’s face clouded over beneath her long lashes.

    [ Georik ]
    You shouldn’t say such things.
    We do not even know for sure that mother and father were murdered.

    [ Lilith ]
    Oh, Brother, that’s right!
    The roses have started their spring bloom.

    Deftly, Lilith shifted the conversation, as if to lighten the mood. She took Georik’s hand and walked merrily through the garden.

    Deftly? Missy, there are a lot of words we could use to describe that topic shift, but "deftly" is most definitely not one of them.

    [ Lilith ]
    You ate the jam that was on the table, didn’t you?

    [ Georik ]
    Aye. I was testing it. I feared it might be poisoned.

    Riiiiight.

    [ Georik ]
    But it was very fine jam.
    I wonder who could have made it.

    [ Lilith ]
    I don’t think that devouring half the jar qualifies as testing for poison.

    [ Lilith ]
    I do love the fragrant flavor of rose jam.
    It really is the best kind of jam, don’t you think?

    I've never had rose jam before. I've had rose syrup though, and it's amazingly delicious.

    [ Lilith ]
    By the way, when is St. Germant coming to visit?

    [ Georik ]
    Well... you know he is very busy.

    [ Lilith ]
    Oh... to leave one’s fiancée alone in such boredom.
    He has some nerve.

    You're... engaged...? To be married? Just how old are you again?! Bear in mind that she's "much younger" than Georik.

    [ Georik ]
    Don’t be like that.
    His work requires the complete confidence of the King.

    [ Lilith ]
    Well!
    Which is more important – the King or me?

    [ Georik ]
    Princess... unfortunately...
    Men must put national security over amorous pursuits.

    How sexist of you, Georik! I assume women in those positions must do the same thing too. >:(

    [ Lilith ]
    Well. If a man cannot make one woman happy, I hardly see how he can be expected to do so for an entire kingdom!

    [ Georik ]
    You are absolutely right...

    I'm afraid I have to disagree, Georik. Governing a country and doing the dishes are two completely discrete skill sets.

    [ Georik ]
    By the way, Princess, it looks like I will be returning to Kamazene in the near future to work at the court.

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [ Georik ]
    Aye.
    A letter has arrived, ordering me back to serve.

    [ Lilith ]
    That’s horrible! I mean, once you go to the city, well, who knows when you’ll come back!

    [ Georik ]
    There’s not much I can do about it.
    You are no longer a child.

    [ Lilith ]
    No, please!
    I don’t want to be left here...!

    [ Lilith ]
    I hate being alone!

    So clingy. You're old enough to sleep in your own room, Lilith.

    [ Georik ]
    Lilith...

    [IMG]

    Georik had been born the eldest son of the famed doctor and researcher, Count Wolfgang Zaberisk.

    Holy shit. No offense, Georik, but every single member of your family looks like a vampire. Except for baby!Lilith, who just looks like the kind of doll you expect to start bleeding from the eyes once your back is turned.

    He should have been living a life of ease with his skilled and charming father, his beautiful and intelligent mother, and his beloved little sister...

    However, nine years earlier...

    [IMG]

    Georik’s parents, Count Wolfgang Zaberisk and his wife Elaine, had suddenly and mysteriously died.

    Sepia a photograph and voila! Instant pathos.

    The tragedy left the two children alone so suddenly that they hardly had time to grieve...

    At the time, Lilith had been only four, and Georik seventeen. Since then the two of them had lived together.

    So, there's a thirteen-year difference between them.

    The young Georik found himself the head of the family and burdened with managing the family estate.

    Perhaps it was the fault of this bitter experience... Or perhaps it was merely the fate of these two siblings, who had received their inheritance before they knew anything of the world...

    In either case, Lilith became frail and suffered from a terrible, persistent cough, forcing the two to relocate to the family’s rural villa.

    However, Georik looked forward to the day he would be reunited with his friends in Kamazene.

    [IMG]

    [ Lilith ]
    I had been left alone to watch the house, remember?

    [ Georik ]
    Aye...

    [ Lilith ]
    I waited all alone that day.

    [ Lilith ]
    And even when mother collapsed from that mysterious illness after returning from that banquet.

    [ Lilith ]
    And when father’s body was found in that back alley in the slums...

    [ Lilith ]
    I was waiting at home like a good girl...
    Completely unaware.

    [ Lilith ]
    I didn’t know anything.

    Lilith then looked down, her eyes sad.

    That painful day had remained etched in their memories, as vividly as if it had been the day before.

    Awww. Poor girl. No wonder she's so clingy. :(

    [IMG]

    [ Lilith ]
    Hey, Georik...

    [ Lilith ]
    I know! I’ll go with you to Kamazene!

    [ Lilith ]
    I’ve had enough of being alone!

    [ Georik ]
    Well, well... aren’t you a handful?

    [ Lilith ]
    I can ride great distances just fine now!
    I’ve been taking riding lessons!

    [ Georik ]
    ...Is that so?

    [ Lilith ]
    Yes. While you were away!

    Fade to black.
    Ozzo, PARAdoxial, mousie30 and 8 others like this.
  40. Chapter 2: Part 6 [Video]

    Georik led Lilith inside the mansion.

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG] Milady, good master Georik seems rather tired. At times like this you really must let him rest.

    Sebastian had long been an employee of the Zaberisk household. The elderly servant had taken care of the two of them ever since they had lost their parents.

    Every single butler in Japanese fiction is called Sebastian. No exceptions.

    Lilith had a habit of appealing to Sebastian to support her each and every statement.

    He was the only servant in the Zaberisk household, and was like a member of the family.

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG] I’m to be a resident researcher at the palace. As a member of the nobility and man who values our national welfare, I can hardly refuse.

    [IMG]

    [IMG] How wonderful...! I wonder if I will be able to go to one of Princess Sylvie’s tea parties?
    [IMG]Oh, I imagine that is quite likely.
    [IMG] You’ll likely be seeing St. Germant quite regularly, as well.

    You mean the pedophile who's engaged to a 13-year-old? How exciting. (Yeah, I finally went and checked. She's thirteen, and Georik is twenty-six.)