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

Chapter 4: Part 3 [Video]

Looks like y'all are a confrontational bunch. We're having Georik question the creepy little piece of shit right out in the open. Also, I highly recommend that you watch this video for Bruno's incredibly disturbing voice acting.

...Pardon me, but... We have met before, have we not?
...Whatever are you saying? I have been here at the palace, working the whole time. Are you sure you are not mistaken?

Bruno spoke to Georik with a nonchalant expression.

Huh. Well, the whole thing with the demon was obviously a dream, so I must have dreamed about meeting you too, right? No, that was NOT a pick-up line, Bruno.



Aww, so we're his first love? How sweet.

Since you two will be working together, I do hope that you’ll get along.

As long as Bruno refrains from siccing Mephisto on me again, we'll get along fine. Maybe.

The King’s vague words gave no indication of whether he had though much about this new development.

Broken Forum AGONIZED about that decision point, KING HARDASS, and that's all you have to say about it? Seriously?

Is everything quite all right? The color of your face looks a bit off.



I WONDER WHY THAT IS

I’m sure we’ll get along marvelously.
...



(Weasel... How long is he going to keep this act up? I don’t like this...)
It may come as a surprise to you, but lately quite a few of us visitors from abroad have been entrusted with positions of authority.
...Indeed. I am glad of it...
It is certainly good to hear you say that. I sincerely hope to welcome you.
Bruno, Georik is a man who lives for his work.
Yes... I sincerely hope to welcome you as... a member of my staff.
...Huh...
Me... on YOUR staff?
Um, do excuse me. I mean, I had not heard that I was to be your subordinate...

Uh. Did you honestly believe that the Royal Physician was summoning you to the palace just so he could hand over his job in person? I believe that Georik is succumbing to Otome Protagonist Syndrome...

...I am sorry, but the current Royal Physician is none other than me.
The only reason I called you here was to work for me. Please do not misunderstand.

Your duties may or may not include stripping, crying delicious tears, and/or fraternizing with demons for (my) entertainment purposes.

I’ll leave the rest up to you, Bruno.
Thank you, Your Majesty.

The King’s butlers were trying to get his attention.

It appeared that they were adjusting the King’s busy schedule, and preparation for the next guest was already underway.

Oh, by the way, Georik. Since you're here, why not say hello to my daughter?
Me pay my respects to Princess Sylvie? I could hardly presume to do such.
She still gets in much trouble as always. Now that I think of it, you were the only one she ever did listen to.
And she won’t even allow Mr. Glening to examine her. I am at my wit’s end.

I couldn’t possibly imagine why.

I am sure I can understand why. Um, I mean, in addition to being beautiful, she is at a difficult age...

Yes, Georik, I'm sure it has everything to do with her age and absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it's Bruno fucking Glening we're talking about here.

In a case like this, she might be less reluctant if she were to be examined by a more elderly doctor.

Or a less satanic one. Just saying.

Well, I suppose you are right.
I do apologize, but I have urgent matters to attend to.

Seeming suddenly pressed for time, the King spoke to Georik in a lowered voice.

If you are in need of funds... I shall see to your salary myself.

But in return, you know what you need to do right? *wink wink*

I look forward to your reply.
Yes...

Dad, I really hate you right now.

Georik saw off the King, a complex mixture of emotions rolling inside of him.

Heh, heh... It seems the King has taken quite a fancy to you...

Yeah, no kidding. Being beautiful is such a pain in the ass. Literally.



That is fine with me. It looks as though you've taken a liking to me, too.

Oh, Bruno. He just wants so desperately for Georik to love him.

...Right...

...



Oh, Georik! This is so sudden, I couldn't possibly...!

All right... Just what the hell are you doing here?

Haha, "hell".

Now tell me: Why are you here?

...
Don’t worry, I’m sure you are the second best.

Excuse me? I can cure death itself, bitch. Just take a look at my sister.

That is not what I am asking! If this weren’t the palace, I’d beat you senseless!

That's our protagonist for you. Solving everything with brute force.

Oooh, how frightening.



Finally! He acknowledges that it wasn't all a dream! Hallelujah!

How can you be the Royal Physician? Just what are you planning...?
Nothing, really. But there is one thing I would like you to remember...
I was the one who recommended you to the King as my assistant.
Stop with this nonsense already!



You dog...!
If I am to be working for the likes of you, I’ll refuse the King myself.
Is that so? Fine, do as you wish.
But if you change your mind, the only way I’ll take you back is if you grovel.
Oh, before I forget, you’d better not try anything.
You may have already noticed, but I am under protection at all times.
Well, I must take my leave, Count Zaberisk.



Among them was...

Shit, we're gonna get attacked by ninjas. Will Georik make it out alive? Find out in the next instalment of Naruto: Dark Alchemist!

I like how there are portraits for Georik in and out of hat mode. This game has its priorities straight. (Heh, straight.) And in the hat mode he outright clips out of the top of the screen. There should be more freakishly tall otome/BL protagonists.

Bruno's voice is top class creepy. He's practically purring.

*De-lurks*
I fail to see how working for Bruno fucking Glenning could be, you know, bad.

Also, Bruno's happy face reminds me of sooooo many foxfaced men right now. Particularly Gin from Bleach.

He is a pretty well-respected doctor, so I'd imagine he knows the human body very well indeed. Maybe working under him will teach Georik a few new tricks. It will be a stimulating experience to say the least.

Hatesex is the best kind of sex.

Well, my past experience with partridge creepy doctors teached me that romancing one will lead you to a painful death staring a vivisection with you in the guinea pig's role.

Pro-tip : If your head might end in a jar, say NOPE and start the car !

LONG LOST TWINS?

Well, he seems very interested in Mephisto...Who is, at the same time, interested in Georik..

.I demand a 3p ending, with Georik alive, if possible.
Is that even possible.

In any case, I'm sure they'll engage in stimulating conversation, and laugh about silly things, like the bloody Hippocratic oath.

Bruno/Georik OTP 5evar.

Can I assume that you're changing your vote from Dashwood to Bruno? :D You can do that at any time, you know! Just remember to bold your votes!

I don't know if I want to change my vote yet. I'm so torn. They're both just so creepy in the best way.

I vote for Dashwood 's thigh-high boots, I mean chaps

Chapter 4: Part 4 [Video]



Wait why is the ninja in pink this is worse than Naruto's orange-

She was Sylvie Hardland, the only daughter of King Hardland the 13th.

Oh. Not ninja. Princess. Gotcha.

Georik...

Her eyes look like they're bugging out slightly. It's a little creepy.

Sylvie smiled openly at Georik.

...Erm, I mean Count Zaberisk. It has been quite a while.

Oh, FFS. Just call him Georik if you want to. You're the princess! You can do whatever you want!

Princess. It is a pleasure to see you again.



She's giggling classily (yes, classily is now officially a word) here instead of the awkward laughter that "Ha, ha..." implies. I really don't like the way Hirameki tries to convey laughter.

You still have the same intense face as ever, I see.

This is funny because I have one of Georik's portraits labelled intense, but it's not the face he currently has on.

Four years earlier, she had been suffering for over ten days from the terrible fever of the Black Death...

When no other doctor had dared to treat her, Georik had worked to save her by himself.



Is it just me, or does Georik look like he's about to smother her with his giant yaoi hands?

Sylvie looks pretty when she's sick though. Not that I have an ill girl fetish or anything, it's just that I like her natural look much better then the oodles of make-up and hairspray she currently has on.

Also, apparently everybody in the Animamundi-verse is an elf. I don't know how I didn't realize this before now.

He had been only twenty-two at the time, but he had visited Sylvie every day, nursing her tirelessly back to health.

Georik. I’m thirsty...
Princess. Are you awake?
Drink a little water.

The pitcher – always kept full and at the ready – glittered brightly as the water flowed into the glass.

Georik, if I... If I die...
I want to die... right here by your side...

Wait, what was that? *checks game cover* Nope, this is a BL game. Are you a cross-dresser by any chance, Sylvie?

You must stop talking like that...

I'm gay, Sylvie. Sorry.

He wiped a cool, wet towel across her cheek.

Hey... Georik... How did your parents die...?
...How did you know about that?
I’m sorry... If I’ve made you angry...
But... I’ve heard it said that the royalty of this nation all meet with suspicious ends.
Even my mother, who passed away when I was just a child, just collapsed in the garden one day.
She didn’t have an illness, or an injury... Nothing... It doesn’t make sense, does it?
I supposedly had three brothers born before me, and they all died suddenly. Before I knew it, I was all alone.

Georik felt as though Sylvie’s feelings of unease were so much his own.

And the penalty for so much as speaking rumors of poisoning is death.

I have absolutely no idea what could've happened to your mother, Sylvie. No clue whatsoever.

Princess... You must not talk like this.
To tell you the truth, I do not know why my parents died, even to this day.
My mother disappeared, and a few days later her body was found near a river.
A month later it was my father who disappeared... and his body turned up in a slum.
When they found him, they’d taken his wallet and his clothes, of course, and anything that might have been worth any money...
All of it, from his hair to his eyeballs, all of it had been stolen. It was truly a terrible sight to see.

No wonder Georik was so pissed off when Dashwood asked him for corpses. I mean, apart from the fact that he was asking him for corpses, of course.

Oh...

Why did I think this was a good conversation topic again?

I apologize. This conversation has taken an unpleasant turn, no?
Oh... Georik... It is I who am sorry. I apologize for making you talk of such things...
No. It is usually something that people try to avoid. Having it out in the open like this is actually a relief.
Right now, I have clean sheets, and plenty of food and medicine. I can stay here and take care of you.
Do not worry. Everything will be okay.
Besides, a better environment than this for taking care of a patient is hard to come by. You even have the luxury to be this weak-spirited.
...You are right. I’m sorry, I...

Georik smiled warmly, and adjusted Sylvie’s sheets.

I will do everything that I can... Princess. Please try not think of death, and focus on getting better.
...All right...



The Black Death was a highly contagious disease, and other doctors, fearing this, did everything in their power to avoid treating her.

It quickly became news both in and out of the castle that a young doctor, only twenty-two years old, had succeeded in healing her.

Although credit for the feat was taken by a senior doctor who served in those days...

Georik won the trust of both the King and Sylvie.

Oh, I think it's a lot more than just "trust", narrator.

An important looking envelope was presented to Georik. Inside was a copy of a contract.

Eurgh. Contracts. I've had enough of the vile things.

[ Servant ]
These are from Master Bruno, sir.

Thank you.

[ Servant ]
Yes, sir.
If you will excuse me...

The staff member was busy, it seemed, and soon hurried off to take care of some urgent business.



...So you know of this as well, Princess?
Of course. That you have responded to Bruno’s recommendation and might come back to the castle.

A carefree smile spread a cross Sylvie’s face as she laughed.

If you come back to the castle, Georik... I truly would be pleased.

She is totally in love with him, isn't she? Poor girl.





You can probably tell, can’t you?

A beautiful stone sparkled on Sylvie’s ring finger.

Princess... Is that...?

Sylie bravely answered Georik’s worried question.

It hasn’t been made public yet... But yes, I am engaged.
Truly...? Congratulations.
... Thank you.

A smile did not grace her face when she replied.

Yes, we can tell from the side-portrait, thanks for nothing, narrator.

(I hadn’t heard that the Princess was engaged... One would think news this important would be more widely known...)
(But it doesn’t seem as though the princess is very happy about it... I would say she even appears anxious.)
Stop it, Georik... You’re just standing there and not saying anything.

Sylvie flashed a bright, if forced smile.

Er, I am sorry that I did not know. When did you become engaged, and to whom?
It hasn’t been made public yet.
Georik, I would be happy if you didn’t tell anyone about this.
There may be a time soon when I’ll need your help once again.

[ Georik ]
Yes...
It would be an honor to serve you.

Georik brushed his lips against Sylvie's hand, and left the palace.

All the while worrying about Sylvie’s anxiety, which she could not entirely conceal.

He wondered what exactly had happened since he had left the palace...

At the moment, there was no way Georik could have known the truth...

And on that ominous note, we've reached the end of Chapter 4! I don't know about you, but the thing that surprised me the most was that we actually have a FEMALE love interest. Who would've thought?

To be fair, she doesn't have the usual super-feminine-uguu am I kawaii anime bone structure.

Also. Can we romance the king?

True, but she also has the OTHER super-feminine-I am a classy princess and by god I am going to giggle and breathe and talk like one anime bone structure.

Hey, for the people that have both, can we specify if we want the crown or cross ending?

Hmm. Originally, I was thinking that I'd just do all the crown endings, but that's a good point. I'll do both crown and cross endings for all characters who have them.

For people who know about crowns and crosses, you can specify which one you want to see first.

For people who don't know what we're talking about, DO NOT LOOK IT UP. Suffice to say that characters have multiple endings and I've decided that I'll show all of them for the relevant characters when it's time for their route. All you need to do is vote for the character you like the best. That's all.

I still like Mephistopheles... He is a route, right? Or am I just being hopeful?

Yes, he has a route. :>

Haha, you really don't need to worry about it. I'll be nice and tell you if you're voting for a character that doesn't have a route.

Like King Hardland the 13th, for example. I know, it's sad, but Georik just isn't an oyajicon. :>

Well, then, it would probably be best to get Lillith's 1st cross out of the way, since it's probably the ending someone playing this game for the first time is most likely to get. You know the one.

Oh. Uh. About that. I deliberately went through this game once collecting all the items so that we wouldn't have to get that one.

See, I want this first playthrough to reflect Broken Forum's choices, and I thought it would be unfair to inflict that ending on you just because you'll probably get it the first time around no matter what you choose because of lack of items. I'll do it at some point though, depending on how many people vote for it.

Don't you need to not have a bunch of items that you can't unget for that? It might be fun to put up the relevant CG and description as an aside at the point where you'd normally get it, though.

Fair enough. Speaking of items, I hate that you can never unlock the last ending because two of them are bugged and never show up in inventory. Someone made a fan-patch to put in the un-censored CGs, but no-one can be bothered to fix a game-breaking bug.

Endings, endings... Well, the other person I'd vote for hasn't been introduced yet, so I'll hold off for now.

You know what?

I think there's another way to get that ending, even if you have all the items. Testing it right now. If it all works out, I'll do that ending as kind of a bonus update when you would normally encounter it during a first playthrough.

And huh. I knew that there are certain items that you can't get because of the bug, but I've never heard that they unlock a last ending. You should tell me about it in PM if you want to.

Well, looks like I can't get that bad ending by regular means, so let's do this instead:

There's a "Gallery" function in this game, which I can use to replay scenes I've seen before. Like I said, I've seen that bad ending over nine thousand times so it's most definitely solidly stuck in my gallery, so I'll just show it off in a bonus update if when we get to the appropriate point in the narrative. It'll have... a slightly different interface than normal, but that works out because that'll differentiate it from our regular updates. There'll be some slight differences in the chapter before the bad end, but I can't get at them anyway without uninstalling and reinstalling the game, and that's way too much work for just some minor differences so you'll just get the bad end chapter.

Question! Does every character have a cross ending? There are a few I can't remember...But, then again, it's been a long while since I played this game.

No, not all of them do.

Sheesh, I haven't seen anyone I'd want to vote for romance with yet. Except, I dunno, maybe Lilith's fiance? So long as Lilith doesn't mind. (I mean, she's thirteen. Maybe it'd be best all around if her fiance was busy with someone he couldn't get pregnant for a while until little sister grew up some more. Assuming she doesn't die horribly before her fourteenth birthday, which still seems likely.)

Chapter 5: Part 1 [Video]





Georik and St. Germant had been friends for fifteen years now...

But even when he had visited St. Germant’s mansion, Georik had rarely been allowed to see his room.

St. Germant’s room was buried beneath an endless mountain of research materials. There was literally no space to stand or walk.

What does St. Germant do when he needs to look up his references, then? Crawl?





An aristocrat, doing his own cleaning? Guess he blew all his money on funding his own research projects.

It really is quite refreshing to have the room tidied up like this.
Tidy? I would think it generous to call this cluttered.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, that background looks pretty clean to me!



No matter how many times Georik expressed exasperation at the mess, St. Germant showed no sign of changing his ways.

This is a mess? Remind me never to show you my room, Georik.

Well, I need a certain degree of clutter to do my work.
A likely story. I knew I should never have agreed that you were a suitable fiancé for Lilith.

That lines seems to imply that Georik didn't arrange this engagement.



I would only be married to my research and work!
Relax. I jest. You are probably the only person who can handle Lilith and her active imagination.
Er... Shall I take that as a compliment?
Well... what do you think?

But you seem in good spirits, my friend.
...No, actually I am not. However, your presence is a bit of relief.
Because you do not change, it seems... Always moving at your own pace.
I am pleased you are here. I can prepare a room for you. Will you not stay on a while?

Ooh, St. Germant, how surprisingly forward of you. I had you pegged for the innocent uke type. Seriously, though, do you even need to ask? This is a BL game, of COURSE we'll-

No, I'm afraid I shall have to pass.

Oh for fuck's sake, stop cockblocking yourself, Georik.

I left Lilith alone in Geutrink, and besides...
I am busy preparing to live in Kamazene again.
Truthfully?

The pronouncement seemed to floor St. Germant. And beneath his surprise, he was also sincerely happy.



If I do recall, she originally moved to Geutrink for health reasons.
...Aye, Lilith’s health has improved greatly. You’ll probably be surprised when you meet her.
Is that right? That is good to hear! But...



Huh. From what we've seen of Lilith, she has hardly been what I'd call "reserved"... but that might've been because she was around Georik. And she seemed pretty pumped to see St. Germant as well. Maybe she just used to be shyer around him? If she used to be reserved around him, then that seems to imply that this engagement wasn't due to romance between the two.

Well, everyone says that we Zaberisks are difficult people – even other Zaberisks.
Prepare yourself for a life with ball and chain.
Ha, ha, ha... I’m looking forward to seeing her again.

That face is way too happy, St. Germant. You're a total M, aren't you.

St. Germant shot a glance beyond the window.

...In any case, it appears that the weather may be taking a turn for the worse.
I hope it does not get too stormy...

Outside the window, as night fell, it was clear that thick, billowing clouds were building in the sky.

That night.



It was a simple place, crowded by shop owners and workers gathering for a pint after a day of labor.

As if rewarding themselves for a day’s worth of sweat, the regulars were out in force and enjoying themselves.



Because Mikhail is a pretty princess and princesses only sip wine at fancy parties~

Do you two come here often?
Aye. But I only come with Mikhail. I’m not much of a drinker myself.
Come to think of it, Mikhail also frequently stops by my house on his days off.

Mikhail is clingy. Very clingy. Note the warning signs, Georik.

With all of the time he spends at the headquarters of the Royal Guard, he needs this sort of informal atmosphere to unwind.

Huh, really? Last update, Georik seemed to think that Mikhail was thriving in that kind of formal atmosphere.

Is that right? Even a man as tough as he...

That's just his tsun side, Georik! This is the perfect chance for you to bring out his dere!

But he is late. He was supposed to be here an hour ago.

Well, apologies to Mikhail, but I'm going to get a head start on the drinking.
Yes. Here’s to your return to Kamazene. Welcome back! Cheers!

After clinking their glasses, St. Germant took a sip of their first wine.

You have such a lovely mansion in Kamazene, after all. It would be a shame not to use it.
Returning to Kamazene is not such a bad thing for me, personally.

Seems like the perfect outcome to me, personally, now that Lilith's all better. Georik can get rid of his debt, get a well-paid, prestigious job, be in close proximity to two gorgeous blondes and-

But I’m not sure about working under Bruno Glening...

Oh. Right.

It can’t be that bad. It sounds like a job with responsibility, and rewarding, too.

It's kinda cute how badly he's missing the point.

That part is just fine. The thing I’m worried about is Bruno Glening himself.
I have no idea what he is thinking... It seems to me there must be a side to this that I can’t yet see.



What? You know something about him, St. Germant?

No, it’s nothing like that...

Georik drained his glass in a gulp, but still spoke evasively. St. Germant, not wanting to pry, did not press him for an answer.

Well, then there should be no problem. I, too, have occasion to speak with him then and again. He seems an interesting fellow.

If by "interesting fellow" you mean "demon-worshipping creep", sure.

But having you back in town makes me so very happy!

St. Germant poured Georik his second glass of wine as he said this.

Now that wasn't an awkward change of topic at all.

By the way... I heard Mikhail sometimes rents this pub out for his men to reward them for their hard work.
And of course, he pays from his own pocket.
In that case, why don’t we inquire about getting a position in the Royal Guard, just for today?

Dude, Mikhail already said he was going to treat you!

I like that idea.



...And I’ll welcome you to the guard with open arms!



And here we have our first momentous group shot of the fabulous threesome!

Mikhail! Oops! I mean, Captain of the Royal Guard! Aren’t you early!
Is there a particular post you’re interested in?
Well, now that you ask - I want to be in charge of the horses!

Awww, St. Germant is just a sweetie-pie who wants to play with the pretty little ponies.



Sir!
And Georik? Which post for you?
How about allowing me to take over as Captain of the Royal Guard?

Pictured: BEST PROTAGONIST EVER.



Listen, to be a Captain of the Royal Guard, and protect the tradition and honor of this splendid kingdom...
You have to be intelligent and brave!

Awww, just look at him preen.



Is it just me, or does his head seem just the slightest bit too small for his body? Cool tattoos, though.

Welcome!
Enough banter for now, Mikhail. Order a drink so we can make a toast.

I can't deal with this buffoon unless I'm drunk out of my mind, goddamnit.

A thousand pardons. I suppose I’ll have a small mug of ale.

Not that I'm fluent in Japanese or anything, but a closer translation would be "My bad" or just plain "Sorry", since the word Mikhail uses is somewhat informal and coarse, but Hirameki decided to go the more elaborate route here, perhaps to fit with the more formal speech used throughout? I don't think it properly conveys the "toughness" of Mikhail's speech though.

...Quite a small drink for such a big mouth...

I see you're paying quite a bit of attention to Mikhail's mouth, aren't you, St. Germant? ;)

I see you are still as long-winded as ever.



What the hell are you talking about? You're the gauntest person in the room! I mean, just look at those delicious cheekbones.

Despanie! Business is thriving as usual at your establishment, I see.
Aye, no small thanks to ye. Thanks fer the chance ye gave me to show my skill at that palace party the other day.
Even the most uptight officials were thankful for the delicious banquet you arranged.
Hee, hee. Aye, they would be. They would be indeed...
And today I’ve arranged a little something for ye – a right pirate feast of recipes I travelled the seven seas to learn!

Don't you think that if you're running a place called the Rocking Boat Tavern and insist on roleplaying a pirate captain whenever possible, you'd at least try to look the part a little more? That pseudo-Jack-Sparrow hair is just so half-assed.

Wow, really? That sounds fascinating!

St. Germant is such an adorable little kid. <3 Which makes him perfect for Lilith.

...Don’t take this lout seriously! He’s far better at bragging than he is at cooking.

Uh, what? I thought you recommended him for his cooking skills to the frickin' palace. Damn tsunderes, never saying what they mean...

Arr! We’ll be needin’ three large mugs!

Three large steins brimming with frothy ale instantly appeared in front of Georik and company as the pub master grinned.

These be on the house, lads. For today be a special day for the lot of ye!

You are surprisingly well-informed about Mikhail's personal relationships, Despanie.

Many thanks.
Well, then to our reunion and Georik’s return to Kamazene and to the palace.

*ships St. Germant with EVERYONE*

(And then when he gets into trouble because it is inevitably trouble when Bruno comes up on the roster, Georik can swoop in and save him, and he can marry Lilith but actually be snogging her brother and they will all live happily ever after in a nice mansion dispensing medicine and doing SCIENCE and oooooookay time to turn off the fanfic part of my brain right the heck now.)

This probably says more about my taste than the game, but this cut scene alone has made me with St. Germant was the protagonist instead of Georik. Georik is so serious and focused and all, it's not a very interesting contrast when he runs into grimdark stuff. It seems like it'd be a lot more fun to watch the adorable perky scientist have to cope with demons and creepy supervisors and so forth.

(Also, much hotter than Georik. Just saying.)

Even Bruno Glening? xD

I agree that it would be fun! It would also be a very different game. Animamundi takes itself and its story completely seriously, and as a result, it plays everything in the straightest way possible (oh the irony). It really buys into the whole "ooh look at me I'm so dark and edgy and gothic my men are exquisite and my women are all cute and innocent and pretty now here have a shot of a creepy demon ISN'T HE SO CREEPY ISN'T HE?!" It's a very overwrought, overblown epic tale, which is why I'm going to all the trouble of putting up the videos - the voice actors do a great job of making the characters seem like real, likeable human beings instead of archetypes.

I don't know if I would call him hotter (though I'm personally into guys with long, dark hair, so that might be MY personal preferences sneaking in, haha), but I agree that St. Germant is incredibly attractive. He exudes a kind of charm that the others just don't have? I'm not sure how to explain it, since I'm not an art person, but the lines of his sprites feel much more smoother, curvier, and elegant than the other two guys which are much more angular. His facial features also have better proportions than Georik, IMHO. Georik and Mikhail both have a more narrow-eyed look, since it's supposed to make them look more aggressive and intense, but if you look at St. Germant's neutral sprite... he has bigger, gentler eyes (they have that gorgeous almond shape to them), more apparent double eyelids (which make his eyes look bigger than they actually are), and his eyebrows have a higher, smoother curve to them. All of these details combine to result in an expression that feels way more warm, open, and empathetic than the other two, who kinda look slightly dead in the eyes in their neutral sprites.

Also, that choker. THAT. CHOKER. It really emphasizes his neck and the tiny hint of his collar bones, which is a total HNNNGGGGGG for me.

And then you look at their hand-through-hair sprites. Georik has the most ~FABULOUS~ one, of course, but St. Germant's hand-through-hair sprite actually feels natural, as in, this is a guy who's genuinely worried and is running his hand through his hair because he's nervous, instead of this is a guy who's a fashion model and is posing for the camera. It just feels so much more vulnerable and real and adorable, but the same time it still makes him look super pretty and elegant, you know? And I love the way his fingers are fanned out slightly in that pose.

And then you add his voice to all of this. It just makes me want to melt whenever I hear him speak, it's like chocolate for my ears <3