/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance

Obtain the cheese platter and bribe the horned woman. (Also feel up her boobs)

>>404223

I'm not sure I can count the ways this is set up to be a clusterfuck, but i will try.

The hat is better than nothing since at least nobody will immediately recognize you but you're still suspicious as fuck.

Second, sitting in the dark corner by your lonesome may get most to advert their gaze but that bouncer is definitely keeping an eye on you right now.

Amelia, while not a terrible idea with keeping suspicion off her with the cards, is relying on you to be lookout so getting yourself distracted with that game is a no go. Also, she's in a dangerous spot in case one of the patrons decides to get uppity and may need your intervention to protect her, which will raise some flags for the guard.

Again, you're suspicious since you got the hat (presumably) covering part of your face and sitting in a corner so getting closer to eavesdrop will just get the guards attention on you even more. But staying far as I think you are will not allow you to get the drop on her if worse comes to worse.

But I do see a silver lining in this. The cheese platter and the mousegirl will probably help you keep suspicion low as you get closer.

Ask the mousegirl about the guard and see if you can use any info to act a little more friendly with her. This is, of course, a ploy just to non-nonchalantly get you closer.

Although, that collar has also got me interested. Any chance that it indicates "indentured servitude"?

>>404223

>A) Hold course. Stay here and watch. Remain vigilant.

Begin eating once your food is brought. But otherwise just keep alert and inconspicuously keep an eye on their meeting. As >>404227 said, sitting off by yourself was a stupid cliche idea, if you're wanting to blend in and avoid notice. If you act like a rogue, then you'll be treated like a rogue. Don't do anything to draw attention on yourself. Don't leave immediately when Cleo does, unless she seems to be in trouble. Remember to get a better disguise for future use. Cheap plain unnoticeable clothes, preferably. Pretending to be a regular laborer, sitting at a regular table, is worlds better than what we're doing now.

>Although, that collar has also got me interested. Any chance that it indicates "indentured servitude"?

It's none of our business, but that's all but certain. I would not be surprised if Red shared a similar fate. But we're thieves, not some kind of heroes.

>>404223

You'll be able to see if weapons are drawn, so you should be fine as is. Get closer if you're able to without seeming suspicious, but otherwise stay and minimize your profile.

Keep an eye on the guard, too. You'll need to be able to sneak attack her if shit hits the fan, and she may be receiving silent orders from hand signals or something.

If you're desperate, you can feign that you need to find a chamberpot as an excuse, depending on what you need to do.

>>404243

>Get closer if you're able to without seeming suspicious

Impossible. That would be extreme suspicious. We are probably already under suspicion from the guard since we decided to LARP as a rogue instead of blending in like Amelia.

>but otherwise stay and minimize your profile

A much better plan.

>Keep an eye on the guard, too

Only if we can in a very nonchalant way. She is also keeping an eye on us, and she'll notice if we eye her too much, which will only increase her suspicions.

>>404241

>It's none of our business… we're thieves, not some kind of heroes.

Fair enough, just thought that if there was some way to set up our own information network we should try. If they were slaves we might be able to buy one, later if not soon.

>>404243

>>404244

>>Get closer if you're able to without seeming suspicious

>Impossible. That would be extreme suspicious.

Which is why I suggest using the mouse girl to ask a bit about Ms. Horny (pun intended) and feign interest in her. With any luck she'll be too busy working to oblige any flirting, and if she does oblige she politely states she already has a husband and we can just act slightly creepy with less (rightly pointed) suspicion.

>>404251

Buying a slave isn't the worst idea. But not here. We need to stay low profile. If we can leave without drawing anymore attention on ourselves, then perfect. We already stand out way too much. We'd be noticeable to bounty hunters, if they were around. Best case scenario, Cleo's deal works out fine. And we leave town the same way we came in, being careful to ensure we aren't being tailed before heading back to camp.

>>404223

>a

Nothing has happened yet for us to really get involved or make any moves; just eat your cheese and observe.

>>404222

>Lady Kotoenoe the fox girl

You took that from Monster Girl Dreams didn’t you?

>>404241

That collar could be more than just a slave indicator, at best it shows they are owned by powerful people that don't like their slaves giving info to suspicious rogues, at worst it could be magic and trying to get info out of her automatically sets the guard to defcon 3 towards you.

A) isn't the best option, its the only option. Everything else has a chance of fucking this up with minimal potential returns.

>>404709

At least you're honest. For future reference, deleting an unsaged post will unbump a thread back to wherever it used to be in the cateloge. But only if it is still the last post in the thread. So you fucked yourself out of it by immediately replying, instead of just deleting the post. After deleting then you can make another saged post like normal and you've fixed your fuck up.

>>404223

>E) Wait for the mouse girl to return and offer to share the cheese platter. Maybe with such a bribe I'd be able to find out some information.

That mouse waiter might be able to provide more info on Lady Kotoenoe, such as her reputation on the black market and if she can be trusted, and if you can multitask it, carefully watch the fox chick's chamber while conversing with the mouse.

>>404557

Not intentionally. But I did play it a few months back. Apparently that name was lurking at the back of my mind.

If I'm going to unintentionally rip something off, at least I choose something good.

>>404227

>sitting in the dark corner by your lonesome may get most to advert their gaze but that bouncer is definitely keeping an eye on you right now.

>>404241

>sitting off by yourself was a stupid cliche idea

Aright, aright, I concede that the stone has a point. I assumed there was a logical reason why Rubin Hood, Dick Turpine, and all the other fictional rogues sat in the shady corner of every tavern. In hindsight it may be a convention that services style instead of practicality. I'll keep this in mind for the future.

In the present though at least my seat gives me a good view of the Vixen's Hospitality.

Behind the paper doors I can see that the silhouettes of Cleo and Lady Kotoenoe have seated themselves. The latter is pouring them both a steaming hot drink. Beverages are a good sign at any negotiation, but I need to keep an eye on them regardless.

Over at the gambling table Ameila grins smugly as she scoops a small pile of coins towards herself. No one else at the table seems upset by this, if their expressions are anything to judge by. Over the din of the tavern I even hear one of them congratulate her on a hand well-played. I can see they're playing with low stakes, using regents rather than barons.

Between hands Amelia takes glances in Cleo's direction. She's checking less often than I, and from that angle the view probably isn't all that enlightening. Thus it falls to me to be the main lookout.

Of course the two of us aren't the only people surveying the room. The horned woman watches events play out with a vacant expression. Hopefully she's less suspicious of me than the stone fears, just in case though I don't risk looking at her directly, and so only do so via my peripheral.

Eventually I spot the mouse girl returning. She weaves between tables, my meal in one hand, cheese platter in the other, and my beverage balanced atop her hat. Now I have a choice to make.

The stone had narrowed down my options, but the voices are tied between just watching, and asking the mouse girl some questions. The second choice was riskier certainty, but I still didn't know why the name Kotoenoe was familiar and that was vexing. A chance to learn more was tempting.

Besides going into the merchant's house to bail out Cleo had been a risk and that had turned out well enough. What was the worse that could happen.

“So,” I say as the mouse lays the dishes out before me, “it's always a lonely affair eating by yourself.”

She stares at me blankly.

“I mean, it's going to be hard to eat all this cheese alone.” A look of realisation dawns, and without hesitation the mouse girl hops into the chair across from me and stares expectantly.

“Really mister? Usually no one gives me the good stuff.” I nod. Two cheese chunks disappear into the mouse girls cheeks. She glances round the crowded bar, “it's not so busy right now see.”

“Well,” I ask, lowering my voice so as not to be heard over the bars ambience, “if it's not too much to ask I mean, I… may not look it but I do take an interest in fashion. And that collar of yours is definitely eye catching.”

“This?” she says pausing her desolation of the cheese board. “You wouldn't want to wear this mister. No no no.”

“Uncomfortable I take it?”

“Magic,” she says leaning forward so that I can see the small runes inscribed upon it, “if I go outside see.” The mouse grips the edges of her collar makes a series of gurgling noises.

“It suffocates you?” Talk about draconian punishments. No wonder Cleo didn't want to visit this fox monster alone.

“No no. Only until I go to sleep. Then I get dragged back her and have to dig for a week.” She pouts, “Then my hands get covered in blisters and I can't practice my tricks.”

“You have my sympathies.” I'm slowly picking through the fish dish I ordered. Should probably try to make the meal last so I can skulk as long as possible. “Got to say though, your employer sounds awfully strict.”

“Yep. The Lady's really mean, even though she always smiles.” The mousegirl leans forward and whispers, “Cleo says I'm not supposed to talk about this, but she says the Lady’s grumpy cus she lost a big fight really long ago and-”

She stops abruptly. Her hand hovers, completely still, above the empty cheese board.

“Oh no,” she squeaks, pulling on her hair with both hands, “I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eat it all.”

“Hey it's-”

“I'll get some more. Really quick. Please don't tell. Please. Please!”

“Look,” I place a comforting hand on her shoulder “I'm not that bothered. Honestly I think you enjoyed that dish far more than I would have. I've no intention of getting you in trouble.”

“It was your cheese though,” she says downcast, “I didn't mean to be mean. Oh, the Lady will make me dig for sure if she finds out. I, wait.” She snaps her fingers, “What if I showed you something really, really cool! Then we'd be even right?”

“Well…”

I spare a glance at the silhouettes. Both cat and fox seem to still just be sitting, talking and drinking. Does it really take this long to pay off a debt. Perhaps Lady Kotoenoe is one of those irritating traders who insists on at minimum thirty minuets of small talk before business can be discussed.

“…Sure I guess. As long as I don't have to go anywhere.”

The mouse girl exhales a relieved sigh and claps. A deck of cards appear in her hands. She begins to shuffle with such finesse my eyes can't follow any of it, and I'm not stranger to card games.

“Pick a card,” she says fanning the shuffled deck before me, “Any card. Oh and make sure you don't tell me see.”

I grab one from the middle of the pack. The six of crows.

“Now give it back. Yep, thanks. Prepare to be amazed.”

The mouse girl begins to shuffle again, somehow even faster. She throws up her arms, sending the cards fluttering through the air. In flagrant disregard for probability each of them lands face down on the table.

“Your card…” she sweeps her arm over the table dramatically “… is not here.”

“Oh no,” I say with mock concern, “you lost it? But I'd become oh so attached.” I may be enjoying this performance more than I should.

“Worry not. For the, the…” The mouse girl blushes, “I don't have a stage name yet so pretend I said something cool ok.” I nod. “…Knows exactly where your card lies. You see,” dramatic pause, “it's in your trousers”

“Excuse me?”

“I won't peek,” she says covering her eyes, “just check please.”

Uncertain, I turn my pockets inside out. The six of crows remains at large.

“No no no.” she says doing the thing she said she wouldn't between her fingers, “it's inside your trousers.”

Grateful for the wooden table covering me I slide my hand below the waistline. Sure enough my card is there.

Ignoring the implications of how it arrived there I ask, “Was that actual magic?”

“No see. All you have to do is… Wait a tick, a magician never reveals her tricks.”

Before I can discuss magician ethics further, or any topic at all, a shout from the other end of the bar distracts both of us. In fact it attracts the attention of nearly every patron. A man, far to drunk for early afternoon, is cursing out a waiter with insults so inventive I regret not having anything to take notes with.

The horned lady rolls her eyes, gets up and begins to stride across the tavern. Everyone who sees her coming hurriedly steps aside.

I consider using this as an opportunity to get closer to the paper doors where Cleo is still conducting her business. Some eavesdropping wouldn't go amiss. Unfortunately that would look far to suspicious to the mouse magician. And the horned woman may have her own questions should she turn around and spot me.

At least as a consolation prize this is a great chance to ask the mouse girl about her fellow employee.

“Her,” I say gesturing at the horned woman, “What kind of monster is she?”

“Oh. What makes you ask?”

“Not sure. Just curious I suppose.”

“It's cus she's really hot right?” the mouse asks. “I get it. I think she's hot too and I don't really like girls like that. Cleo says she's a succu… succubrine and that’s why everyone always stares. I keep telling her to wear a coat but she doesn't listen to me see.”

“Right.” I picture the horned woman’s empty expression. I'd always imagined succubi had more sensual visages. Maybe she's just having an off day.

She makes her was back to her post by the paper doors. Just being in the drunkards vicinity had sent the man scrambling out the tavern. Hopefully I don't find out how she acquired such a fearsome reputation.

The mouse girl claps her hands together, “I'm gonna do you a favour.”

“If this is still about the cheese, then consider that debt settled.”

“No no no, I think you're cool see. No one ever watches my tricks but you. So I'll put in a good word.”

“A good word?” I ask uncertainly.

“Yep. I'm a really good wingmouse!”

I realise a split second to late what the mouse girl intends. My hand barely fails to catch her shoulder as she turns, and I'm left watching aghast as she skips over to the succubus's table. A convenient lull in the tavern chatter allows me to hear what she says.

“Hey Reika, the nice smelling hat guy says you're hot. Oh and that your horns are really sharpish today. See, the Lady always says one compliment deserves another, so now you gotta say something really nice about him too.”

The succubus turns her gaze upon me. I shift uncomfortably. Her face is unreadable.

Eventually she shrugs and makes a come hither motion.

Damn it, what should I do?

>>405523

Try to use the position near her to listen in on how the catgirl is doing. Keep a hand at the ready to go for her chest in case a distraction is needed.

>>405523

Just couldn't your mouth shut and observe, huh? Chatting up the mouse was a good idea. Mentioning the bouncer was not. But you reap what you sow. Now you should go chat with that bouncer while trying your best to listen for any trouble for Cleo, without Reika noticing your lack of attention. Have fun with that.

>>405523

Well, rejecting her offer would be just plain rude and we don't want to be on her bad side anymore than we may already be, go on over and chat with her

>>405543

I doubt we're on her bad side at all. We were just a little suspicious sitting off by ourselves. Our antics with the mouse was probably more than enough to get rid of any concerns she had about us. But we also fucked that up by asking the mouse about her.

>>405523

As the others said above, just chat with her. Make sure to play it cool. Maybe you can try to ask about Cleo's meeting with her boss? (Of course while pretending to not know Cleo) Or is that too suspicious?

>>405557

That's too much, all we should be concerned with now is recovering from our mistake while monitoring Cleo.

>>405559

>>405561

All right.

>>405523

So just play it smooth

>>405561

We can play off the glances as ogling the succuhorn if need be, we cant ask about the meeting because that will for sure give us away. Just act naive sand we'll be good.

>>405564

By the way, you should sage your replies. Some anons tend to get mad if you don't in these type of threads

>>405564

>>405565

Read the rules newfags.

>>405569

You don’t even know why people should sage these threads. You only do it because you'll be called out on it.

>>405523

I bet this guy will spill his spaghetti. Well, as long as there's no hypnotizing involved, this might work if we stop the spaghetti spillage. Spying on the meeting should be easier, and all that's required is to play the bard. NO NOT LIKE THAT! We'll claim that though she is beautiful, the mouse did exaggerate a bit. We're a teller of tales, always seeking new ones. A girl with her reputation, she'd be able to be anywhere she desires. There's bound to be a good tale behind how she came to work for the fox here. In exchange, we can offer her one of the vast number of stories we have at our fingertips. Bet she'd like Wizardquest.

>>405583

It's so people don't see the thread bumped up, prepare themselves to enjoy a nice content update, and then see it's just your alp ass with some inane and meaningless post.

>>405523

Be chill. Whatever you do, don't make a fuss over it. If she asks why you showed interest or if you want to have fun later, tell her the truth: that you had never seen a succubus before and didn't know what she was. If her eyes start to glow, look at her hair to avoid charm spells.

also, The mouse girl used her tail to put the card in your pants.

>>405576

>pretend we're a bard

I'm not sure he's suave enough to pull that off

>bet she'd like the story about the shit wizard

How about no

>>405561

I wouldn't assume that they've realized as much about Emilia. She has been handling herself about 100 times better than Flynt has. Flynt has already fucked this up in just about every way possible. The only way he could fuck up worse would be by asking Reika about Cleo's meeting like >>405557 mentioned. Even though we have already brought tons of unwanted attention on ourselves for many stupid reasons (stupid hat that made us become marked as "hat guy", sitting in a suspicious place, asking about the bouncer, not blending in), I can't think of a worse idea than that. I see in >>405562 you accept that was a bad idea, but it's way too late to play it smooth. Any bouncer worth their shit will have realized we're an associate of Cleo. And if they are good, they'll even suspect Emilia as well, but be far less certain about it. But we should keep our mouth shut and try to maintain the tiny bit of dignity we have left. After this is over, I'd make fun of Flynt endlessly for his actions here, if I were Emilia.

>>405604

>Emilia

Amelia, I meant.

>>405599

Well, she'd like the parts with Selene. But yeah, in retrospect, maybe something else would be better. Fortunately, we've got lots of other tales.

>>405576

One fuck up after another, but it's not unsalvageable. First off, that card trick really should've set off some alarms.

>"Rule two. Watch your pockets." -Cleo

Unfortunately, I don't think this is a good time to check yourself in case she stole anything, or worse, left you a present. Might be able to casually sweep your person for large items (read: your sword) but even if you have lost, or gained, anything, you can't do anything about it right now. You'll just need to keep that in the back of your mind at the moment. Second, the fact she put a "good word" for you to the succubus is another warning for us. Now that you have gotten the attention of a single succubus who thinks you're interested in her, time to be as bland as possible.

>405523

Following the idea here, telling her you're a bard is not the worst idea you could do. Asking her how she came to this line of work or why she has horns ("I never thought succubi had horns") could be fine. If she asks for stories, I recommend avoiding telling too much about your grandfather, a slip of a particular detail that people would otherwise not know could give you away.

If she's dissatisfied working for the fox, you might let slip that Cabinsprain might be in the market for another guard. But let her bring up if she's looking for new work, don't try to initiate that conversation, that's just even more suspicious.

And here's a few things to keep in mind:

You look down, they know you're lying and up, they know you don't know the truth. Don't use seven words when four will do. Don't shift your weight, look always at your mark but don't stare, be specific but not memorable, be funny but don't make her laugh. She's got to like you then forget you the moment you've left her side.

As >>405599 said, be on guard for any enchantment shenanigans.

>“Cleo says I'm not supposed to talk about this, but she says the Lady’s grumpy cus she lost a big fight really long ago and-”

Well that's a cliffhanger right there. Too late to ask about it now but I have a feeling this has to do with your grandfather. Maybe ask Cleo about this later if a discrete moment to bring it up comes up.

>>405523

I just had to check if there was any meaning to the card six of crows. Instead I found a book by that name. A cursory glance reveals it's a story of a heist (part 1 of 2). Was this intentional?

>>405627

Yes

Although personally when it comes to fantasy heist novels the Lies of Locke Lamora does it the best. Unfortunately the Nine of Lamora or whatever doesn't sound half as good.

With what's left of my drink in hand I make my way over to the Reika's table.

Everyone knows succubi are attractive, even when compared with other monster girls. I've always known it too, and I was raised in household that disparaged all things monster. Still none of the books I'd ever read, or gossip I'd heard, did any JUSTICE to genuine article.

Everything about her is tantalising. From vibrant eyes to curved lips to matching red hair. It's like a master sculptor had fashioned her out of clay. The lighting in the Vixen's Hospitality is poor, yet somehow it hits her just right, highlighting her every feature and curve. Even her horns are weirdly erotic. As I seat myself across from her it takes a conscious effort not to reach over and touch them.

>>405599

>If her eyes start to glow, look at her hair to avoid charm spells.

Her eye's aren't glowing. Nothing is, nor is she muttering an incantation under her breath or making subtle movements with her elegant fingers. But magic has to be involved here. Under normal circumstances I surely wouldn't be fantasising about licking the horns of some girl I'd just met… For the Goddess sake horns aren't even supposed to be sexy. With effort I shift my gaze slightly to focus on the far less arousing wall behind her.

The worst part is that Reika isn't even trying to be attractive. Her face is still expressionless and her slouched posture speaks of boredom. The thought of her actually trying to seduce someone is almost scary. I feel sorry for whichever man she sets her sights on. Poor bastard doesn't stand a chance.

“So,” Reika says, her voice just as deadpan as her visage, “I hear you're owed some honeyed words.”

“Well, no actually. My compliments come free of charge. And also exaggerated apparently. I was merely expressing to the waiter that I'd never seen a succubus before.” She examines me silently. “I'm happy to leave if I'm intruding.”

Hopefully she says that I am. Then I can promptly abandon this situation.

If I am going to have to talk then the stone suggests that I simply be civil. No need for any leading questions, just proceed through to conversation appearing as innocently as possible. That's an approach I can agree with. I get the impression that anything suspicious is going to raise red flags with Reika quicker than it did with the mouse girl.

Speaking of whom,

>>405624

>First off, that card trick really should've set off some alarms.

>"Rule two. Watch your pockets." -Cleo

I can still feel the weight of my sword, safe in its scabbard. So at least that hasn't been pilfered again. My other possessions are back at Cleo's raft, so if I did get pickpocketed all I've lost is some barons. Nothing irreplaceable. Come to think of it, maybe once I'm sure she's trust worthy I can ask Amelia to safeguard my barons in her chest. The wooden one, I mean.

Ok, not the time to be thinking about that. I need to get my focus back on the job.

At least sitting here I was as close as possible to Cleo. The conversation on the other side of the paper doors had become much more energised, if the silhouettes gestures were anything to go by. Alas, even this close I still couldn't make out their words. Who knew paper was so soundproof.

“Intruding? Not at all,” Reika says, “Not you atleast…” She turns to face the mouse girl, whose been loitering nearby in a transparent attempt to eavesdrop. At least there's one person here less subtle than I. “Don't you have work to shift?”

“Work? Oh right, work,” the mouse girl claps again, all but bouncing on her toes, “Don't worry Reika, I'm on it.” She tries another disappearing act, but unlike me Reika is ready for it. She catches the fleeing mouse girl by the tail and all but drags her back.

“Experience tells me that whatever you're on isn't the same page as me. Or anyone with common sense.”

“See, I was thinking I could reserve one of the private rooms for you two-” The succubus cocks an eyebrow.

“Is that so,” she says. “What I was thinking is that there are three tables who've been waiting unreasonably long for their meal, and that maybe you would like to fix that.”

“But-”

“I'm not having this argument again Red.”

Hold on. Red? I watch as the mouse girl in the raggedy top hat argues with the succubus. If you'd asked me to guess the species of Cleo's friend, a mouse girl wouldn't have been my first choice. I guess the rivalries of the animal kingdom don't extend to their monster girl counter parts.

It doesn't take long for the pair to resolve their differences. The threat of being sent to dig sends a sullen mouse girl scurrying away.

“I apologise,” says the succubus, “my colleague is a little eccentric.”

“It's fine. Honestly I'd rather enjoyed her little performance.”

“Then you're a minority. Most think her card tricks are strange at best.”

“Well, I mean I'm here to look for things that are a little strange.” Already a plausible cover story is forming in my mind.

“And why might that be, Mr…”

“Cherry,” I say pulling inspiration from a passing plate of food, “wandering bard, struck ill with a terrible case of writers block, searching for something odd enough to re inspire my muse.”

“And you thought you'd find it here?” she asks, pouring an unidentifiable powder into the end of her pipe.

“Don't take this the wrong way. But this place was just on the map between two of my planned destinations, so I figured it couldn't hurt to visit.”

“I see. In that case bard, I've always felt the tavern could do with some music. I'm sure the Lady could pay you handsomely for a tune or two tonight.”

“Oh no,” I say, back-pedalling like a merchant who'd just spotted the small print hidden inside the contract, “musical instruments aren’t my speciality.” Getting me near an instrument was a terrible idea. If tone deafness was a tradable commodity then I would have been worth a small fortune. “Personally I prefer the art of story telling.”

Reika watches me silently as she tamps the powder.

“The theatre guild hired me as an assistant writer for their production of Wizard Quest a, well, a few years back.” I continue, “You've heard of the piece, I'm sure?”

“The one with the faeces flinging wizard? I've seen it. Proof that one should never judge a book by its cover. I assume you were friends with the director?”

“Mr Vangouf,” I answer without hesitation. Thank you father, for dragging me to the theatre so often as a child. “Acquainted definitely. Wouldn't call us close though.”

“Then I'm sorry,” she says. The first hint of an emotion finally crosses her features. A sympathetic smile. “Truly, death came for him too soon.”

“Yes…” I trail off. Death? Vangouf wasn't dead, was he? I saw him at a gathering only days before I'd run away. What was the succubus getting at?

In a moment of clarity it hits me. This was a test.

Vangouf was alive, yes. But after a prolific career churning out one well received play after another the man had retired from the public eye. Nowadays he only made appearances at the most lavish of parties, seen only by high society.

To an ordinary false facer posing as a wondering bard it might seem as though Vangouf had died, with how suddenly his work ceased. But if that was the answer I gave Reika, and if she knew Vangouf was perfectly healthy, then she'd also know exactly what kind of liar she was dealing with.

“I'm sorry,” I say, faking concern, “But, well, did you say he was dead? Has something happened? He looked alive as ever when I saw him last week!”

Reika hesitates, apparently uncertain. The lit pipe is pressed against her lips. She takes a sip, leans back, and exhales a cloud of violet smoke up into the rafters. I catch a faint whiff of it. Smells sweet, like strawberries and…

…and what was I thinking about again?

“I apologise,” she says, “I had been told he died months ago.” I nod along as my wits return. “So that I don't continue to embarrass myself shall we discuss something I'm more familiar with. You did say you'd never seen a succubus before?”

“Right.”

“And Red didn't say anything about my kind?”

“No, Well, only that she thought you were attractive.”

“That's a given,” she says, taking another sip of her pipe. This time I hold my breath. “Usually Reds telling people that I, as a succubus, will shrivel up and become a mummy girl if I don't find a source of semen at least once a season.” I open my mouth only to be cut off. “No, it's not based on any reality, but Red is surprisingly stubborn. She insists on throwing each single man who shows the slightest bit of interest my way. Typical mouse girl I suppose.”

“Well, that sounds irritating.”

“It is. But I'll admit Mr Cherry, you're one of her better picks. We've been talking for a while now, yet you haven’t started drooling, can still form words with multiple syllables, and haven’t tried to remove either of our outfits. My congratulations, you've cleared that depressingly low bar.”

I begin my response, only for my words to be drowned out by the clatter of shattering pottery sounding from behind the paper doors. The succubus sighs.

“More unruly drunks,” I ask, trying to catch a glimpse of what's happening. Instinctively my hand slides towards the hilt of grandfathers blade.

“No. Just someone who should know better by now.” Reika turns around and slides the paper door open. The remains of a china teapot come tumbling out, spilling the last of their contents across the floor.

Through the open door I can see Cleo clearly. If the look on her face is anything to go by, negotiations have not proceeded smoothly.

“What do you mean it's not enough,” she hisses. The cat girl is leant forward across the coffee table. Her back arches like a, well, a cat. Two sets of claws carve grooves in the table as she grips it.

“Did no one tell you dear?” asks Lady Kotoenoe. She speaks with a tone that a mother might adopt, when a child is misbehaving but hasn't yet crossed any lines.

I crane my neck to get a better look at her. Definitely a fox girl. Or kitsune as Cleo put it. It seems as though she's just entered middle age, but its always hard to tell with monsters. She's wearing one of those oriental robes and is sitting cross-legged, holding a cup of tea in one hand and a saucer in the other.

By far her most distinctive feature though is the scar covering her left eye. It runs from forehead to chin and must have looked horrific when first received. Fortunately for the contents of my stomach time has faded it into a thin red streak.

“How unfortunate,” the kitsune continues, “but I'm afraid that while you were absent Red dropped a stack of my favourite plates. I was left with no choice but to add their market value to her debt.” She looks down at the remains of the teapot, still spinning on the smooth wooden floor. “I hadn't expected you to also be as clumsy my dear. Fortunately for the both of us, this tea set is merely a convincing replica of the genuine article.”

Cleo tightens her grip on the coffee table. The feline looks moments away from leaping over it and throttling Lady Kotoenoe. If the Kitsune is at all concerned by this, she doesn't show it.

“Dear, maybe you should step outside,” she says with a gentle smile, “Some fresh air does wonders to recompose ones self.”

What do I do?

a) Cleo is about to go on the offensive. I can assist her. As is I'm in a great spot to stab Reika before she realises I'm a threat. But Lady Kotoenoes nonchalance does concern me.

b) Quickly, before fur flies, I can interject myself as another buyer interested in purchasing Red. I'm not sure how much extra debt the mouse has ratcheted up, but I wouldn't be much of a merchant if I couldn't haggle down a price.

C) We could belay freeing Red all together, for now. Cleo said Reds debt accumulated interest tomorrow. Which means we've got a day to steal enough money to pay it off.

Reality has been tough these past two weeks, so my updates have been slower than I would have liked. For now at least I should be able to get them out more often.

>>406212

>If you'd asked me to guess the species of Cleo's friend, a mouse girl wouldn't have been my first choice

Surprised this mind on that too, Flynt. But now's not the time to wonder about that.

I'd say go with (B) here and see if a transference of debt is an option. The mouse obviously is an amusing little thing. Maybe with a bit of work along each town you could write a little comedy about this girl's misadventures. Besides, it may be in the fox's best interest to let such a clumsy girl go so far fewer priceless pieces would be in danger of her. For the feline to be able to pay you back, you would need to let her know in which direction you'd be heading so she could follow you if she ever manages to collect the funds to pay off the mouse's debt. Of course, you would need to ask the cat to leave so you can proceed with the negotiations after confirming the debt can indeed be transferred. Quinton was way too suspicious here, but Brock Cherry here might be able to clean up any misunderstandings, and would likely be able to leave for the next town to the east without much fuss. If all goes well (and hopefully not too well), just find a cheap room for the night and have a little chat with Red to pass some time before bed. Maybe ask what she was saying about that fight earlier. I just hope Cleo isn't too naive to not recognize what you're doing and just scrams while you take initiative.

Also, just in case, do assume that Kotoenoe knows the Haybarrow name, and be ready to stoneface her hard in case she suggests you are one. Such flattery to be likened to a hero is quite rare after all. Or if she has true conviction you are, be ready for the most intense and dangerous negotiations you have ever faced thus far. DO NOT REVEAL THE SWORD UNLESS SHE TAKES THE FIRST SWING AND ONLY IF THE FIGHT WILL CONTINUE AFTER.

One last thing, beware the smoke the succubus breathes. It's effects probably aren't entirely just from the smoke, but best to not get too much in your system anyways.

>>406213

I understand. Life fucking sucks sometimes. I'm enjoying this quite a bit but this does take time and sometimes we just don't have it.Would you recommend any books for someone not familiar with anything but manga and ttrpgs? If your writing style is inspired by a particular writer, maybe that?You can answer with the next update so we don't clog the thread with inane ramblings, if you like.

>>406212

>b) Quickly, before fur flies, I can interject myself as another buyer interested in purchasing Red. I'm not sure how much extra debt the mouse has ratcheted up, but I wouldn't be much of a merchant if I couldn't haggle down a price.

Shit sounds like it is going downhill fast. At this point, this is probably the best bet. Quickly tell Reika that you are friends with Cleo, and you don't want to see her do something she regrets, and that you wish her Lady no harm. Then go and see if you can't negotiate somehow. If possible, we could pay the extra ourselves. What is this tiny amount of money to use, versus potentially losing someone we trust and have already begun growing close to? If we STILL don't have enough to cover the difference then call in Amelia, though that should be a last resort.

Take B

And grope the succuboobs!

>>398574

I archived this page just in case we need to move to a different site:

https://web.archive.org/web/20190805025949/https://8ch.net/monster/res/398574.html

>>406212

>Mousegirl is Cleo's friend

I did find it odd that she mentioned Cleo. Really should have said something in retrospect.

>Lady Kotoenoes nonchalance does concern me.

It shouldn't. You've worked in business, so you have to know that a poker face pays dividends when haggling.

>interject myself as another buyer

That might only worsen things. Higher demand, higher price. Then again, given the mouse's ability to cause damage, a lower price might be possible.

>We could belay freeing Red all together, for now.

Maybe, but this fox has been accumulating debt on the mouse like a (((danuki))). She's obviously squeezing Cleo for every drop. Hell, I bet that pot Cleo just smashed is getting added too. I doubt it will ever be enough.

I'd say offering to mediate as a neutral party to avoid blowing your cover is best. Perhaps Cleo can offer something as collateral for the rest of the debt? If diplomacy fails, we either fight immediately, or plan to steal a mouse.

>>406222

…

>>406211

you haven’t started drooling, can still form words with multiple syllables, and haven’t tried to remove either of our outfits. My congratulations, you've cleared that depressingly low bar.