So You've Become a Villainess: an (Otome) Isekai Raising Project

[megrisvernin]

Your earlier high from the fun rollercoaster ride evaporates almost immediately and your eyes narrow.

<Sporty> We should deck them! Best way to deal with bullies.

You feel the urge to punch the two rise in you. You've always had short tolerance for bullies, and it was exactly this sort of elite bullying that turned him into that mean, sadistic Casanova he became in the main game.

You also have a fair bit of guilt that the old Grace also did a fair bit of teasing of him already, and was the main one to shape his cruel persona. Naturally it fell to you to prevent it-

<Sensible> That would cause more problems than it solved. We'd be causing a scene, and at our own party to boot!

Though you were mindful of the effort you'd put into winning over the assembled nobles just months earlier. Your mother had been looking at you with pride recently and you wanted to avoid disappointing her.

<Flashy> It would be a most inelegant way to deal with them too dahhling.

<Sensible> Exactly, Flashy has the right idea here-

<Flashy> We should slap them and challenge them to a duel.

Then again you were a noble right? And a Duchess to boot, plus it being your birthday and they were making a scene. That was plenty to act like they offended your honor and positively ruin them.

<Sensible> I retract that. Look they haven't even bullied him yet maybe we can just dial things back a little. We can just lean on them a little!

But that would be giving them too much credit, you should instead act like they're beneath you. Which should be easy since you view bullies as scum of the earth.

You don't quite hurry over to the developing scene and you see Camille has trotted along after you, his features tense as if witnessing something unpleasant.

As you get closer you can hear the two make unpleasant insinuations asking what a 'child' was doing there. And what kind of man would want a large stuffed animal.

You feel a rising tide of anger, and use it to draw on your past experience playacting ojou-samas about to lay down the law.

"Just what, do you think you're doing?" you declare imperiously addressing your disdain at the slim one with platinum hair. The somewhat chubby one turns your way and her eyes widened in shock and she tries to tug on her friend's shoulder.

"Letting garbage know it should stay out of sight," the red eyed menace sneers. "But you shouldn't involve yourself in a squabble that doesn't concern you..." Her voice trails off as she finally looks at you.

"Lady Claudius, what an unexpected delight to have you 'grace' us with your presence!" Her demeanor changes completely and she even does a little curtsy.

"Rather rude to address someone without introducing yourself?" You pointedly examine your nails in a bored tone.

 

[megrisvernin]

You can see her expression tense a bit, but she conceals it well. "My greatest apologies. I am-"

"No matter", you say haughtily, not-so-subtly implying that whoever she might be is realms beneath your notice. Camille stands beside you, arms crossed, happy to let you play the scene out.

"What does matter is someone making a scene at my birthday celebration." You don't raise your voice, but speak with such conviction her two friends take a step back. The one with braids looks suddenly guilty; at least she has a bit of shame. Not enough to stop her friends, but enough to have not engaged in the bullying.

The platinum-haired beauty's red eyes lock with yours. "My apologies, I just wanted to make sure that your presence wouldn't be sullied by any undesirables..." She said, as if she was trying to do you a favor. Maybe the bitch even thought she was. Your sudden desire to punch her rises again, but the flames of your anger are doused with cold water that the old Grace probably never had.

You unclench your fists. "All are welcome to have fun here. My mother opened the festivities to commoners and nobles alike; are you implying you know better than her?"

The red-eyed bully's expression pales, making her look albino. "N-no, not at all! I wouldn't indulge in such pretenses."

"Yet you already have," you say, unimpressed. "Is a thoughtless slight supposed to be less egregious than an intentional one?"

The young, red-eyed woman is shaking now, seemingly on the verge of tears. The Claudius house have casually destroyed the reputations of nobles who they feel have insulted them. Grace was known to take particular pleasure in it.

The plump girl in braids steps forward and bows to you. "P-please overlook my friend's mistake! S-she's sorry and won't do it again."

You raise a manicured eyebrow. Internally you raise your opinion of her. She was brave enough to get in the way of Grace on the warpath. Were you the original Grace, she risked courting ruin.

You make a pleased noise and nod towards the one with the braids. "I suppose someone able to earn the loyalty of such a friend can't be without her virtues," you say to the red-eyed head bully, while pointedly not looking at her. "I'll forgive your transgression this once. Ensure it doesn't reoccur."

She hangs her head, her hair a curtain for her shame. "It won't, Lady Claudius."

You deign to look at her. "And for someone talking about the faults of others, give some thought to your own looks first."

The platinum blonde looks up, a little bewildered at the accusation. You suppose a pretty girl like her is not used to beauty-related browbeating.

"While your hair is appealing, you must do something about your clothes. They're so unfashionable." You sniff disdainfully and smooth out an imaginary wrinkle in your gown to emphasize your own very poofy skirts.

"I-I will Lady Claudius," the bully says through gritted teeth. She hangs her head once more, her tears staining the ground.

"See that you do." You turn to go, then pause for effect. "For someone who admitted to being thoughtless, perhaps you should follow rather than lead." You look over your shoulder at the glasses girl. "Your bespectacled friend at least has some sense. Sensible enough to ditch any so-called friend whose thoughtlessness would drag them down by association."

You watch the platinum blond and her friends scurry away, tails between their legs. The platinum blond hugs the one with the braids tightly and begs her not to get any funny ideas.

With your good deed done for the day, you turn your attention to Lucciano.

 

[FourthWall]

The conflict got covered in the omakes, so this one's a little shorter. On with the show.

***
Bullies Wrangled! Sensible +2, Brainy +2, Stress -1.
***​

Lucciano's trying manfully not to cry (and failing) when you return. On his knees, he looks like a kicked puppy whose owner dressed him like a dork. Seriously, the dress shirt, red bow-tie, and black slacks with suspenders makes him look like Detective Conan with seaweed hair. It's hard to believe that this geeky cinnamon bun grows up to break hearts and drain corpses.

There's no trace of the heartless handsome devil in this crying cherub, just the overwhelming urge to protect.

You brush his limp, curly locks from his dirtied-up face, lick your thumb, and wipe off the smugdes, surreptitiously wiping his tears as you do so.

Through his sniffles, he manages an "I'm fine," but if he's fine right now then you're ten meters tall.

Your hair reflexively wraps around him in a hug, hiding his shame from the partygoers. Not like they're looking at you two, a Someone Else's Problem field went up around you the moment you stepped up to those bullies and their plain-jane friend.

"Don't worry," you say to him, "the bullies are gone. They won't bother you again."

He looks up at you, incredulous. "Y-you're not going to berate me for my weakness?"

You scoff. "Why would I do that? Anyone who has to gang up on a smol bean like you is the weak one."

Lucciano scrunches up his face, possibly in confusion at the term "smol bean", before crying snotty on your dress. The anti-muck enchantments hold up wonderfully.

You pat his back gently. He tenses up, then relaxes when he's sure you're not going to hit him. Between the bullies and OG Grace, you understand why his older self became a PUA.

You let him get the tears out of his system before asking, "Do those girls do that often?"

"All the time," he says with a hiccup. "The red-eyed one is Reines Weissritter. She's the only child of House Weissritter, youngest bearer of the relic halberd Oxtongue, and heir to the Royal Guard. Once she becomes of age, she'll command the royal family's most elite warriors."

You blink, letting the exposition wash over you.

<Sensible> "More things to keep track of...Brainy, stop scheming about sodomizing space-time and help me make a reference table for these things."

<Brainy> "We agreed that you would handle the mundane and I would handle the truly intellectual pursuits!"

<Sensible> "I'm not drunk enough to believe that."

<Brainy> "Blast!"

"A-are you okay?" Lucciano asks. "You're staring into space..."

"Huwah?" You snap back to reality. "Sorry, just thinking of how huge her ego must be. And how to kick her butt."

"Are you really going to fight her?" He asks.

"Those types of people always come looking for one, especially if you punk them out first," you reply.

"She's second to only the royal family in power and influence," he mumbles, clearly panicked.

You give him a cheeky monkey grin and flex a little bicep. "Hey, if I could punch the Crown Princess into liking me, I think I can get away with punching some tongue-wielding bootlicker."

There's a fey expression on his face now. For a moment, the hellfire of his older self flickers behind his eyes. "I wouldn't mind seeing that..."

***​

[Dialog point! How do you respond?]
[ ] Don't get too excited now, this is a hypothetical punching. [Sensible+]
[ ] These fists aren't for show, they're for justice! [Sporty+]
[ ] Yeah, but wouldn't it be cooler if I dressed her down instead of beat her up? [Flashy+]
[ ] Heh, your imagination is running wild, isn't it? [Artsy+]
[ ] It's the nature of the ignorant to deride the gifted; don't dignify her with your hatred. [Brainy+]

***​

Spoiler: TenCo Avatar Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 45 FLA 62 SPO 96 SEN 55
STRESS 38

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Normal

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

Getting the voices right on this one took some doing.

***​

You wiggle your eyebrows at Lucciano. "Heh, your imagination is running wild, isn't it?"

He flails his arms, making exasperated noises that may or may not be infernal speech. Once he settles into awawas, you poke his cheek, shutting his mouth and turning his face red.

"Easy there, Lucci," you say. "Can I call you Lucci?"

He mumbles and twiddles his thumbs. "Given the difference in our stations and the fact this is your birthday, you could call me Mud if you wanted to."

You tilt your head, the action half-draping Lucciano in your hair. "But I don't want to call you Mud. I want to call you Lucci."

He briefly meets you eyes. "Lucci is fine, your grace."

You poke his nose and smile cheekily. "I'm just Grace, unless you're trying to get flirty already."

"I-I-I wouldn't dream of it!" He says, a flicker of hellfire behind shock-widened eyes. "Even if it wouldn't make a cuckold of the Crown Prince and Princess, someone like you would be sullied by me doing s-something like that."

<Sensible>: "NTR is no good."

<Artsy>: "Being the beloved of two siblings is powerful material for those kinds of delusions."

<Sporty>: "Wha-? Aren't those two just fans of us?"

<Flashy>: "Mere fans don't make blood pacts, dahling~"

You wonder how news spread enough, and got twisted enough, for people to think you were in a romantic relationship with both of the Alteisen siblings. Yeah, the Prince wants to learn how to mix power and beauty like you do, and Buri made a blood pact with you, but only Lily saw that last one. You've hung out with both over the past couple of months, but not to get all kissy.

Unless kissing with fists in sparring sessions counted.

Maybe this was the noble equivalent of celebrity gossip? Maybe it was wishful thinking from the sight of you and Prince Alteisen dancing, or Buri taking after your style but more edgy.

Maybe there were just a bunch of weirdos in this world.

In any case, you have a mighty need to nip this in the bud. "It was a joke," you say, putting a hand on Lucciano's shoulder. "But please, just call me Grace. No need to be so formal, you know?"

"But you're the guest of honor and the talk of the nation," Lucciano says. "I'm just a kid with a paintbrush. Please be a little more aware of your station." He bows deeply to you.

You ruffle his fluffy hair. "I'm totally aware of my station; I'm using it to tell you to not care about my station. So by the power invested in me as Birthday Princess, I decree that you call me Grace and let me call you Lucci!"

He looks up at you, bewildered. His eyes are alight with glee, his mouth quirks up into a Chesire Cat grin. "If it's by your decree, then I have no choice but to give in to your charming domination." He kneels and kisses the back of your hand.

<Sporty>: "Whoa, so this is what it's like on the other side..."

<Artsy>: "Someone's inspired~"

<Sensible>: "I fear we've inspired him to act like his game self..."

<Ghost!Emo>: "You're beginning to sound like me, fufu..."

You hold your breath. CGs from Our Bloody Valentine play out in your mind's eye; you don't let them overwhelm you. You make sure there aren't any gaps in your hair palisade until you calm down, then give Lucciano a cheeky monkey grin.

"Hehe, bet your imagination's definitely running wild now!"

That snaps him back to reality. He looks up, nods furiously, and runs away.

Camille watches him go, then turns to you. "I know you wouldn't bully him, so what happened?"

You rub the kissed glove against your cheek and point at the fleeing Lucciano. "Lucci kissed and dashed! Let's get him!"

Camille does a double-take. "Kissed and dashed? Lucci?!"

"He looks like a Lucci," you say, shrugging. "And the more questions you ask, the further he gets." You take a sprinter's stance and feel the heat of the cobblestones on your gloved fingers.

Camille shudders, then bounces on his toes. "I've had enough questions for one day. That alchemist girl is scary."

"She means well," you say, before exploding off the line. Camille's fast enough and trained with you enough that he can almost keep up with you.

But you weren't the Golden-Eyed Orion of 573 High for nothing.

Your feet move so fast it feels like your Mary Janes will catch fire. Your dress's lightness enchantments and extended range of movement give your stride the freedom it needs. You're a blur of frilly crimson and gold with a femboy three strides behind.

Like the lion on your new family's crest, you chase Lucciano down the main drag. He might as well be a lame gazelle with the ease you catch him.

You run up beside him, casually match his pace, and smile. "You know you never called me Grace, right?"

"Huh?!" he wheezes, "Is that it?!

You giggle. "That, and I've gotta pay you back for that stunt from earlier."

He blushes. "If I call you Grace, can I stop running?"

You nod. "Of course!"

"People are starting to gawk," Camille says, now on Lucciano's other flank. He looks embarrassed for the both of you.

"Gah!" Lucciano screams, then stumbles at the sight of Camille.

You cut in front of Lucciano and catch him in your luxurious hair. "So?"

Lucciano pouts cutely at you. "This c-could be considered bullying..."

"I'm sorry if it did," you say, honestly. "I just wanted to give you a fun story for later."

He sulks, mumbling "Nobody would believe me," before looking back to you with a fey smile. "I'd have to tell people I was graced by an angel...or a little devil."

Getting called a little devil by the child of an Incubus is pretty funny, but maybe you've been coming on too strong.

You give him a hug and place him on his feet. "Close enough. Wanna hang out with me for awhile?"

Lucciano gives you a sly, wry look. "Will you chase me down again if I don't?"

"I think you've done enough running for one day," you say with a giggle.

***
You've given Lucciano one hell of a story! +3 Artsy!
***​

[Where do you go next?]
[ ] To the shooting gallery, with Bridgette Alteisen.
[ ] To the haunted house, with Lily Valentine.
[ ] To give your current companions a tour, with Chi...Autumn.
[ ] To get some food, with just your current companions.

Spoiler: TenCo Avatar Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 62 SPO 96 SEN 55
STRESS 38

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Normal

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

Remember all that shit Chiaki bought in an omake? I did!

***​

You head to the haunted house with your not traditionally masculine guy posse. Tanya and Chiaki meet up with you on the way; quietly, yet animatedly talking about the best ways to keep up with your unbridled energy.

Tanya's suggested tranquilizer darts by the time you get to the house of horrors in question. It's a ghoulish, imperious building; a reproduction of the Royal Villa with just enough differences to not cause an incident. But you can tell from the forbidding iron gates, spikes tipped with blood-dark rust, what the designer was aiming for.

Chiaki clicks her tongue and mutters something about tempting fate. Tanya is unimpressed. Lucciano shivers in fear. Camille puffs out his chest and stands beside you.

"Bravery in the face of fear is a hallmark of the Asuka family," he says, a little extra bass in his voice.

You hear Tanya snerk at that one.

The iron gates wail as they swing open. Camille, to his credit, does not flinch.

<Flashy> "Trying to show off his cool side? How precious, dahling~"

<Sporty> "If he don't scare, we don't."

You stride alongside him, chin up and eyes forward. "Ready to get the pants scared off of you?"

Camille blushes. "A man without pants being around a lady is obscene."

Your brain takes a while to parse that.

You wave your hand in front of your face. "Whoa, not like that! No hanky-panky with the Birthday Princess."

Chiaki slides beside you from your blind spot. "I understand Young Master Asuka's position here, but I shan't let any would-be suitors have you assume the position, Young Mistress."

It's your turn to blush. "Geez, can't a girl banter with her guy pal without it being all lovey-dovey?"

Camille cringes as if shot. You see Chiaki measure his reaction.

"...Pal, huh?" Camille says, all his zest gone. He trudges his way to the attraction's line ahead of you.

You pout. This relationship stuff was hard enough when you were actually a kid. Now, you're mentally older and playing an otomege IRL where the road is paved in Bad Ends. Camille's cool, too; you don't wanna make things awkward between you.

"The road of the heroine is hard indeed," Chiaki says, pulling you into a hug. "Especially for one such as you."

You look up at her. "Is this a monkey joke?"

Chiaki giggles. "I would never~ You always were a charismatic one, but all that product seems to have had an exponential effect."

"Bwuh?"

"I wasn't sure of it until today, but watching your interactions has given me enough information to make that hypothesis," Chiaki says, before whispering to you. "Sure, there were whispers of the God-Imperatrix shining through you, that you were an angel incarnate and such, but that was background lore in OBV."

You whisper back. "Who would consider me, uh, Grace an angel?"

"Those who value strength and ambition over grace and kindness," Chiaki whispers. "In any case, Camille seems to be considering you in romantic terms; doing so this quickly is unprecedented. As is earning yourself a blood sister and words from the Prince's secret heart."

You ask, "Is this because of me or in spite of me?"

"Because of you and enhanced by the product," she replies. "With everything, you'll likely be the most desired girl in the land by the time the actual story starts."

"Whoa..." You're used to being the coolest or the most athletic girl in school, or the most desirable dance partner/cosplayer among girls at nerd events, but this is on a whole new level.

<Flashy> "Now that's what I want to hear, dahling~! Raise my profile in your mind and I shall make us a superstar~!"

<Sensible> "More desirability means more suitors. More suitors mean more headaches."

<Sporty> "Look on the bright side, Sense. That means more challenges to overcome!"

<Brainy> "All I desire is the power to tear this world asunder."

<Ghost!Emo> "Let's go, struggle... *clap clap clapclapclap* Let's go, hardship... *clap clap clapclapclap*"

You chew on that information in a daze. Now that you think about it, you have noticed your natural charm has gone above and beyond the call of duty lately...

***
<DLC Power Unlock! Choose how all that product has manifested itself>​

[ ] When you sing, animals come up to you like you're a D*sney princess and do what you want. (Artsy++, gain {Woodland Boogie} Skill)
[ ] People always assume the best of you unless they have a reason to hate you, even if you're doing something wrong. (Flashy++, gain {Teflon Cherub} Skill)
[ ] You're so healthy, people are blinded by your radiant smile and shiny teeth. Sometimes literally. (Sporty++, gain {Natural Body} Skill)

***​

Before you can think too much harder, you hear a high-pitched yell from up ahead. It's Camille's voice.

You run past Chiaki to him, protective mode running on automatic. When you get to him, he's chalk-white with fear, staring mute at a Darkling girl hung by the neck. Her glossy raven hair hangs as limply as she does.

Wait, you recognize that hair.

You gasp. "Lily?"

The corpse snaps to attention, one eager red eye on you. "Young Lady Claudius?"

"You're alive?" You heave a sigh of relief. "You're alive!"

"As much as a Darkling can be," she says, before waving at you. "How's it hangin'?"

You groan at the pun.

The other ride patrons share conspiratorial whispers among themselves.

You turn to them with your hands on your hips. "This girl is part of my entourage and you will treat her with respect."

A nameless male noble chimes in. "We know, Milady. We saw that Darkling girl-"

"You can call me Lily if you want," Lily mumbles.

"-That Darkling girl during your audience with the Crown Prince," the noble says. "What concerns is you three contuing to hold up the line."

"Oh. Whoops." You laugh it off and nudge Camille back to reality. He tries to laugh it off, but is clearly a little shaken.

"Young Lady Claudius," Lily asks, "would you be so kind as to grace me with a private audience? We wouldn't hold up the line."

You ask, "Was that a name pun?"

She gives you a gentle smile. "If it pleases you."

***​

[What do you do?]
[ ] Give Lily the private audience
[ ] Turn the request into showing off how cool you are (Challenging Flashy check - DC 12, Flashy++ on success)
[ ] Press-gang her into hanging out with the whole crew first
[ ] Deny Lily the private audience

Spoiler: TenCo Avatar Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 62 SPO 96 SEN 55
STRESS 38

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Normal

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

Isekai protags gotta stick together

***

Flashy +4!

{Teflon Cherub} unlocked!

When dodging accusations and foul rumors, or convincing people of your moral character, you may roll twice on a Flashy or Sensible check and keep the higher result. People generally trust and like you more unless they already hate you, you're actively harming them, or you're pissing them off.

***​

You graciously accept Lily's request. The crowd looks upon you with kind eyes and rosy smiles, except for the hardcore haunted house enthusiasts annoyed you're holding up the line. It kinda feels like a track meet after you win an event; a warm bath of admiration from everyone you didn't embarrass with your ungodly athletic talent.

<Flashy> "You should let me take the wheel, dahling. We could wrap this world around our little finger."

<Sensible> "No world domination plans until we're legal."

<Brainy> "Blast!"

You and Lily walk over to a secluded area among some prop ghosts and goblins, freeing up the line logjam.

Lily leans in and whispers conspiratorially to you, "You're an Etranger too, aren't you?"

"A what now?" You reply.

"You know, an offworlder. An Isaac case. A ronin."

You stare blankly at her.

She sighs. "You got reincarnated, isekai-style"

Your ahoge curls into a lightbulb. "Oh. Ohhhhh! Yeah, I'm one of those." You playfully nudge her with an elbow. "I bet you are too, you shipper you."

"Guilty," she says with a chuckle. "So how'd you go, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Hit by a truck," you say without a lick of remorse. Getting Minky Momo'd didn't hurt nearly as badly as your phantom pains of Grace's demise.

"The classic," Lily says, nodding sagely. "A bunch of bullies pushed me down a flight of stairs and I broke my neck."

You blanch. Your hair cradles Lily in a hug, unbidden.

<Sporty> "Those jerks need the foot of JUSTICE up their collective asses!"

"That's hecked up," you say. "Do you need a moment?"

"Nah," she says, "I didn't really like living. Guess that's why I'm undead now." She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes.

You pull her into a regular hug. She tenses up, only to relax when she senses you're safe.

"Is it weird if I said you smell nice?" Lily asks, nuzzling against your neck. "Cuz I can smell how pure hearted you are through your blood. It's like sniffing fresh baked bread and also cocaine."

[How do you respond?]
[ ] If that's a compliment, I'll take it!
[ ] Nothing wrong with girls sniffing girls.
[ ] That's nice, but don't get all bitey; I'm trying to dodge that Bad End.

"Anywho," Lily says, breaking the hug. "I got the most ironic Hell of a wish-fulfillment reincarnation, but you're absolutely nothing like Canon Grace outside of being unfairly cute, sooooo let's make a deal: I stick with your entourage, you protect me from bullies, and we can both graduate without me triggering the standard Fall From Grace Bad Ending!"

You boggle at this. Avoiding the thing that haunts your nightmares, even with this body being thoroughly yours now? This early? It almost feels like cheating.

"What's the catch?"

"If your revival's contingent on wooing me with the secret route..." Lily looks down, "I don't know if it'll still work if we sequence break here. Also, things could get weird."

"How weird?

"Glitchy weird. At best, another character ends up taking your role as Shoujo Villainess Mean Girl. At worst, reality starts falling apart."

You put a hand on her shoulder. "Before all that, are you into girls? I'm not gonna try and make you play for the other team just so I can go home."

Lily blushes. "There's a reason I reincarnated into a girl named Lily...b-but I can go for the guys in this series too! Especially Camille, heh heh."

You notice she's got the dirty eyes of a fujoshi at a BL circle booth and immediately peg the kind of girl she used to be.

It's your turn to nod sagely. "He's pretty cute in a dress. Don't tell him I said this, but he makes a really good girl."

Lily wraps an arm around your shoulders. "I see you are a woman of culture."

You laugh. "We're both kids now, but yeah."

Lily smiles with little fangs, clearly enjoying talking to a fellow Earth nerd. You don't remember Lily ever smiling in Fall From Grace.

"So are you okay with the deal?" Lily asks, getting off of you. She looks away from you, gives herself a one-armed hug. "It's totally cool if you're not, but I'd rather not have to go Redux of Healer on everybody for my own safety..."

***​

[Do you take Lily's offer?]
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Phone a Maid

***​

Spoiler: TenCo Avatar Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 66 SPO 96 SEN 55
STRESS 38

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Normal

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.
<Teflon Cherub>: When dodging accusations and foul rumors, or convincing people of your moral character, you may roll twice on a Flashy or Sensible check and keep the higher result. People generally trust and like you more unless they already hate you, you're actively harming them, or you're pissing them off.

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

Like Diego Sanchez or Daniel Bryan Danielson, it's yes yes yes

***​

This one takes a while for you to work through. You've never had someone say you smell like fresh baked bread or cocaine, and you're not sure if that's a come-on, a compliment, or a statement of fact. It could be all three, for all you know.

Now there's nothing wrong with girls sniffing girls (you personally appreciate the parchment and autumn leaves smell of Chiaki), so you want to pay the possible compliment the proper respect.

"If the blood thing was a compliment, I'll take it," you say, your hair giving Lily a thumbs-up for emphasis.

Lily smiles with little fangs again. "Just stating facts. But yeah, it's a compliment. You seem like a real cinnamon bun." She rocks on her heels, half nervous, half eager. "So what about the deal?"

You pause as the inner yous hijack your higher brain patterns.

<Sensible> "We should consult Chiaki on this one; we don't know the mechanics of this world or what would happen if we fundamentally alter our way of going home."

<Brainy> "You would turn down the chance to warp fate itself and observe the results? Have you turned into a coward as well as a drunk?"

<Artsy> "Don't be so gauche, Brainy. Chiaki's our collaborator, handler, and muse. A decision made without any of those things is très peu esthétique~"

<Flashy> "Dahling, don't start using French because Lily did. An artist should be avant-garde, not a trendhopper."

<Artsy> "Hehe, got you doing it now too. That makes me the avant-garde among us~

<Sensible> "Can we please focus on the possibly life-defining question ahead of us? If we take the deal and things go bad, we'll never see our family again. We'll never have ramen with Gabby and Sayoko, or finish college like Chiaki wanted us to. We'll never sleep in our own bed, in our own body."

<Flashy> "Who needs that humdrum life? We have wealth, we have beauty, we have our youth, and we have Chiaki right here, dahling. What more could we ask for?"

<Sensible> "Not dying to some seething rich kid or turning into a vampire, for one."

<Artsy> "We'd leave a beautiful corpse, probably."

<Sensible> "That's not reassuring. We're the guiding forces in our head, not a Van Gogh painting!"

<Ghost!Emo> "We got turned into a Pollock on pavement, fufu..."

Sensible beans Emo with a beer can; impressive given Emo's current incorporeality.

<Sensible> "Sporty, please back me up here. You trust Chiaki, right?"

<Sporty> "Heck yeah I do, she's like our life coach."

<Sensible> "So you'd agree we should consult her on stuff like this, right?"

<Sporty> "Normally yeah, but I got a good feeling about saying yes."

<Sensible> "Bwuh?"

<Sporty> "Look. When we get an opportunity to help somebody out, we gotta take it; full effort and full throttle."

<Flashy> "And with our already prodigious taste-making powers, we'll be able to turn Lily from doormat to debutant!"

<Artsy> "More French~"

<Brainy> "We could study Lily's biology, see how a vampiric humanoid functions...my brain trembles with experiment ideas!"

<Sensible> "Word choice, Brainy."

<Brainy> "You always nitpick when you're losing consensus, I spoke no vulgarity."

Sensible pulls out another beer can from Grace's mindscape, rests her forehead on it. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply.

<Sensible> "...You're right. I'm sorry. Majority goes to saying yes, so let's say yes."

You're drawn from the mental drama by Lily waving her face in front of you.

"Are you okay?" she asks. "You're drooling, and you have this glazed look in your eye."

"Huh? Oh, sorry. Spaced out." You wipe the drool from your mouth. "I'm cool with your deal."

Lily throws her hands up, eyes sparkling like a Stephanie Meyer wet dream. "Yayifications!"

You throw your hands up, caught up in her energy. "Yeah, that!"

After a happy dance that makes her look like Sadako off a bean, Lily calms down. She tosses her hair from her face and tries to look cool. "This could be the start of a beautiful relationship."

***​

Eventually, Chiaki finds you and the rest of your entourage. You end your first birthday with them and enough sweets to give an elephant diabetes. Tanya chides the decadence with playful derision, unable to hide the joy of good company on her normally-dour face. Camille talks a mile a minute about the fun he had and the fun he wants to keep having, smoothly but unsubtly implying he wants to have it with you. Lily, clearly not used to being around so many people, eats pastries like a pet hamster, alternating between frightened and ecstatic. Lucci sketches the scene between bites of sweet and spicy Pixie Poppers, promising to give you his finished results as a birthday present.

So caught up in merriment are you, you miss the blinking cascade of unhandled exception errors in your brain-HUD.

***​

[It is week four in the sixth month of Anno Sophia 92. You are thirteen years old.]

***​

[Weekly Activity: What do you plan to do this week?]
[ ] Study (Brainy++, Sporty-)
[ ] Paint (Artsy++, Sensible-)
[ ] Exercise (Sporty++, Flashy-)
[ ] Play Dress-up (Flashy++, Brainy-)
[ ] Socialize (Sensible++, Artsy-)

***​

Spoiler: TenCo Avat@r Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 66 SPO 96 SEN 55
STRESS 38

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Normal

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.
<Teflon Cherub>: When dodging accusations and foul rumors, or convincing people of your moral character, you may roll twice on a Flashy or Sensible check and keep the higher result. People generally trust and like you more unless they already hate you, you're actively harming them, or you're pissing them off.

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

The unthinkable has happened...

***
Exerecise - Medium Sporty Check: 3, 1+ 4 = 8
Sporty Check Failed?! +1 Sporty, -1 Flashy, +2 Stress
***
WARNING! Destrudo Level: Elevated
***​

You had a sneaking feeling something was off ever since your birthday. At first, you thought it was just too much sugar; you always had a weakness for sweet stuff and are pretty sure you ate an entire confectionary store's worth of sweets back then.

That would explain why you felt a little heavy on your morning runs this week. Why you felt your growing body rebelling against you in ways big and small. You know from your old body that a growth spurt's coming. If it was anything like your old body, you were about to shoot up like a weed.

And that subtle sense of wrongness sure as shoot explains why you're flat on your face now, the damp grass soothing your aching muscles.

"You okay, Grace?" Camille says from above you, voice heavy with worry. "Did I overdo it with the secret techniques?"

You roll around in the grass before lifting yourself onto your knees. "Pfaaaaaah! This week's been super weird!"

Camille shyly offers you a hand. "Even for you?"

You take it and stand up. "Even for me. You know I added Lily to my entourage, right?"

"The Darkling girl who kept looking at me like a new dress?" he asks.

"Yeppers," you say, stretching. "Everything's been a little wiggy since then."

Camille gulps, trying manfully not to show his concern. "You think she hexed you or something?"

"Doesn't seem the type," you say. "I think it's nerves, maybe?"

Camille laughs. "You, nervous? Is that physically possible?"

You playfully slug his arm. "Duh."

He takes it like a champ. "Well, I'm technically your swordsmanship teacher, so listening to a student's worries is something I'd do."

You run your hand through your golden locks, lustrous enough now to blind people if you catch the light just right. "Thanks. It's like, I love being under pressure in the moment, but when the moment's gone and I start thinking about stuff it just gets," you gesture with your hands, "You know?"

"Like reverse stage fright?" Camille says, finger on his chin.

"Yeah! Just wondering if something's gonna come back and bite me on on the butt later."

Camille salutes you, hand in palm. "If anything happens, I've got your butt...I mean back!" He blushes and kicks himself in the calf.

You laugh and pat his shoulder. "I'd trust you with my butt when my maid's not around."

That just makes him blush harder.

<Sensible> "Our HUD's been glitchy all week, are you sure he's not on the capture route?"

<Flashy> "Dahling, at this point we can make half the kingdom swoon with our charms."

<Emo> "And the other half want to kill us, fufufu..."

<Sensible> "Oh god, you're corporeal again. Is that why Sporty's in the Shame Corner?"

You freak out a little, waving your hands to clear any misconceptions. "Not like that! Mom'd kill me if we did that kinda butt stuff! And then my maid would resurrect me so she could kill me again!"

Camille laughs his hurt away. "Yeah, we're in totally different classes for that, anyway. You have the Prince, Young Lady Alteisen, or any other high ranking noble for that kinda stuff when you're older."

"I'm not thinking of that kinda stuff anyway," you say, pouting. "And don't put yourself down like that. You're super cool and a part of my crew, so that nobility ranking stuff doesn't mean spit."

You remember from FFG that Camille's status as a lesser noble caused him no end of discrimination, usually at your (Grace's) hands. It was the fuel for the fires of his resentment, those fires tempered the blade that killed the maid, and you'd rather die than let that happen.

Besides, nobody who teaches you how to do crazy Wuxia stuff with a scissor-sword deserves to be bullied. That's just common sense.

Camille smiles shyly towards you. "Sblood, you're swell..."

You give him a cheeky monkey smile. "You're pretty neat too, mister. I'd trust you with my back any day."

His smile gets broader and gooey from your approval.

You rock on your toes. "And maaaaaaybe, once we're older, I'll trust you with my butt. Y'know, after we see how the whole bethrotal thing goes."

It's his turn to flail. "Now you're just doing it on purpose!" He grabs his wooden training sword and points it at you. "As your instructor, it's my job to correct that cheekiness of yours!"

You limber up and pick your own sword off the ground. "Right, right~ A good workout'll make things make sense again, so let's go 'til you're satisfied."

"That's the spirit," he says, grinning.

The two of you touch swords, then spar until the sweet sting of fatigue draws you both down into the grass.

***​

It's Gildsday, Friday in non-isekai, and you're in your room trying to do your hair up like Sailor Moon. Your hair, unused to such contortions, fights you every step of the way.

Why isn't Chiaki doing this, you ask (to yourself)? One, you wanted to be more self sufficient and two, Justine's been pulling her aside a lot this week.

Chiaki hasn't told you anything's wrong, and you believe her. Also, she hasn't been showing any of her "bad stuff's happening but I don't wanna say it" tells. If anything, it's probably something super cool.

Sure enough, once you've gotten your hair properly dango-fied and have told your mirror you're gonna punish it in the name of the Moon, Chiaki slides into your room and up behind you.

She hides a giggle with a white gloved hand. "Having fun, Young Mistress?"

You look up and back at her. "Totes! I was just thinking I needed an Ami to my Usagi."

"Well I can't provide the bubbles or the bloodlust, but I can handle analysis," she says, handing you a sword in a tastefully opulent crimson and gold sheath. "It'll help in the future."

The heft of it tells you it's a real blade. The balance tells you it's impeccably made.

"I know I've got death flags, but aren't I a little young for a preemptive strike?" you tease.

"Your charming monkey self has screwed up the initial parameters so much that might not be necessary," she says. "So instead, we're going to focus on making the best you possible before things get heavy."

You hoist up the sword. "So time to grind?"

Chiaki nods. "Time to grind. That's Lady Justine's old sword, by the way. Managed to talk her into naming you as its formal master, too, so it'll grow with you."

Your eyes go wide. Not only was this a huge sentimental gift and a magic blade, Our Bloody Valentine taught you that being named a blade's master is the first step towards true badassery.

The game's Grace was badass enough to force her blade, Razortongue, to acknowledge her as master. But since she stole it from Justine's armory, it never truly accepted her and happily transferred itself over to Prince Alteisen once Grace became a vampire.

With a formal transfer, you wouldn't have to worry about that. You're not sure how much of the old plot you have to worry about now, but every little bit helps, you know?

Chiaki clears her throat, drawing your attention back to her. "Lady Justine wants you to get a taste of the adventurer's life now that you're thirteen. She was slaying Slimes as a ten-year-old, but decided to give you a bit more time to grow, given everything."

"Hardcore," you say. "Do I get to bring friends?"

"Of course," Chiaki says. "We'll make it a playdate."

***
New Weekend Activity Unlocked! Adventuring: Kill things and take their stuff, like a proper fantasy protagonist. Potential for high stat gains, but also potential for high Stress or injury.

Bringing more party members friends raises their affection towards you and lowers your chances of Stress or injury. Going it alone increases your stat gains, but raises your chance of getting Stress or injury.​

Chiaki will automatically come with you until you've come of age or you explicitly tell her not to. Since this is your first adventure, you can't tell her not to this time.

***
​

[Adventure time, c'mon pick your friends!] {Choose up to 2, or choose None if you're feeling yourself}

[ ] Prince Alteisen
[ ] Bridgette Alteisen
[ ] Camille Asuka
[ ] Tanya Schwartzwald
[ ] Lucciano Morningstar
[ ] Lily Valentine
[ ] None

Spoiler: TenCo Avat@r Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 67 SPO 97 SEN 55
STRESS 40

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Elevated

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.
<Teflon Cherub>: When dodging accusations and foul rumors, or convincing people of your moral character, you may roll twice on a Flashy or Sensible check and keep the higher result. People generally trust and like you more unless they already hate you, you're actively harming them, or you're pissing them off.

STUFF
Enchanted Dress xN
Justine's Old Sword x1

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[FourthWall]

I already made the Adventure Time joke, sue me.

[O] Bridgette and Lily

***​

It's high noon at the Claudius estate and you are ready for adventure.

You're dressed to the nines in a light blue and white Alice dress, slathered with defensive enchantments. Justine's old sword dangles at your hip, the gems gleaming in the sunlight. Your belly is full, your spirits are high, and your galpals are at your side.

You feel like you could cut down a truck. Or a god.

Bridgette shadowboxes beside you, full of nervous energy. She's in half plate with an open-fronted skirt underneath, the matte grey iron of her armor embossed with crimson roses. She told you that the roses were in your honor; to capture your beauty and gallantry, and to show how much you've grown on her.

Her admiration of you hasn't gone unnoticed since the event with the Prince. Chiaki told you of the gossip surrounding her abrupt exit after you danced with her brother. How some think that she would make a more fitting companion for you, how the Claudius house was planting its seed not just in the Prince's heart.

What you learned from it, outside of a few Loyalists thinking you're the devil, is that this world is surprisingly okay with yuri.

"You ready for this, Big Sis?" Bridgette says, bouncing on her toes.

"Heck yeah I am," you say. "Especially since I have you beside me."

Bridgette beams. "Nothing's getting past me! I'm gonna be your shield!"

Lily peeks her head out from the shadow of a particularly majestic tree. "I'm a squishy mage, so could I get some of that shield action, too?"

Bridgette nods. "Protecting Big Sis means I protect her crew."

"Is it too bright for you, Lily?" You ask.

"Nah, I just have to commune with darkness to recharge my specials, I mean spells." She hums a tune from an old game show, makes a quick spell circle in the dirt, and nods. "And done."

You swear you hear a ding when she's done.

She heads over to you, the shadows cling to her like seaweed. They flow over her body, turning her peasant dress into a jet black witch outfit, complete with floppy hat.

Chiaki looks over to her while checking on healing potions greener than Midori cocktails. "What happened to the dress we gave you?"

"I snuggle with it every night," Lily says, "but It's far too fine for a lowly girl like me to actually wear."

"Anyone cool enough to hang out with me is cool enough to wear my stuff," you say to her. "But if it's too much, we can hook you up with something less floofy."

"Oh, I like floofy. It's just, you know..." Lily pulls at the side of her mouth, showing her cute little fangs. "Darklings don't get to have nice things."

"She has a point," Bridgette says. "We aren't on a crusade against them anymore, but it's not like the populace is accepting them with open arms."

You stomp your ruby flat-clad foot, causing your sword to rattle. "That's stupid. I accept Lily and I say she gets to have nice things."

Lily blushes towards your adamant kindness.

"As you should, Young Mistress," Chiaki says. "But we can discuss the inequality of this world later. For now, let's focus on this first adventure."

"Kaaaaay," you say.

Chiaki hands you her potion, then hands one to Bridgette and Lily. "We aren't doing anything too fancy since it's the Young Mistress's first time; just a simple Slime hunt. Stick close to each other, don't travel too deep into the forest, and don't be afraid to use your potions."

Bridgette blows a strand of hair from her face and pouts. "How bad can a couple of Slimes be?"

"Depends on if they've fed recently," Lily says. "If they're starving, they can eat gear."

Bridgette double-takes. "Really?"

"Yep," Lily says. "Corpses, too. One time, I fell asleep in a forest like this and woke up to a Slime eating my arm."

"Hardcore," Bridgette says with something like awe.

Chiaki steps in. "There won't be any corpses on my watch. We're going to be safe and have fun."

You chuckle at Chiaki. "You sound like my mom."

Chiaki gives you a serious look. "The safety of you and your entourage is paramount, Young Mistress. That is why Lady Claudius has entrusted me with it."

You give her a quick hug. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

She pats your head, then ties your hair into a slipknot ponytail. Your hair graciously accepts her touch.

She whispers to you. "Ready, Aachan?"

You grin. "I was born ready!"

She smiles back. "Let's go."

You unsheathe your sword and point into the forest, channeling as much DQ Yuusha as possible. "Onward, my trusty companions! Adventure awaits!"

With an enthusiastic holler from Bridgette and a snorting giggle from Lily, you head boldly into the forest. Warm sunlight filters through the canopy, cutting the cool, damp air. The ground crunches deliciously underfoot. The sweet smell of grass and mud almost makes you want to have a picnic instead of an adventure.

Chiaki silently slides up to you. "We can have a picnic after we're done."

"Get out of my head," you say playfully.

"A proper maid must be able to read their master's desires to the point of prescience," she says back, eyes smiling.

You laugh and run forward, catching up to Bridgette and Lily behind her. Bridgette's got her dukes up, itching for something to punch. Lily has her eyes wide, you can tell she's scanning for danger.

Sure enough, she's the first person to spot something; a trio of slimes in primary colors, looking like they escaped a copyright claim from the Toriyama estate.

"They haven't noticed us," Lily says. "How do you want to do this?"

***​

[Go For It Girl! Triumph or Die Look Really Silly!]
[ ] Go Loud. Charge in like a proper baka heroine!
[ ] Go Quiet. Have Lily do her magic stuff and clean up afterward.
[ ] Go Tanky. Have Bridgette be the vanguard and attack from behind your willing shield.
[ ] Go Phone a Maid. Have Chiaki assess the situation, then go in.

Spoiler: TenCo Avat@r Cheatsheet

NAME
Kid A Grace Claudius, Age 13

AVATAR GRADES
Brainy: Average (+3)
Artsy: Average (+3)
Flashy: Good (+4)
Sporty: Good (+4)
Sensible: Good (+4)

ACTUALIZATION SCORES
BRN 48 ART 48 FLA 67 SPO 97 SEN 55
STRESS 40

DESTRUDO LEVEL
Elevated

LORES
<Heavenly Magic Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Heavenly Magic, spells that call upon the power of Sophia, the Sevenfold Goddess of this world.
<Bloodpact Lore L1>: Can learn and cast Bloodpacts, Heavenly Magic in its most primal form.

SKILLS
<Minor Bloodpact>: Can make minor oaths and pacts, backed up by blood and the power of Sophia Madim, the Forgemother.
<Blood Sisters> (Bridgette Alteisen): Gain minor stat boosts when you or Bridgette act to protect or assist each other.
<Teflon Cherub>: When dodging accusations and foul rumors, or convincing people of your moral character, you may roll twice on a Flashy or Sensible check and keep the higher result. People generally trust and like you more unless they already hate you, you're actively harming them, or you're pissing them off.

STUFF
Enchanted Dress xN
Justine's Old Sword x1

PRE-CAPTURE ROUTES
Camille Asuka
Lily Valentine
Prince Bryn Alteisen

CAPTURE ROUTES
Bridgette Alteisen {Blood Sister}

 

[megrisvernin]

A Revolutionary's New Loyalties

Tanya fussed over her latest gun design. For some reason the barrel was warping after just firing a few dozen times, when it should be able to hold up to far more. Sure, that was enough to last a few battles, but an armed insurgent was only as effective as their weapon. As she worked, her mind drifted to the golden blonde she was now in the orbit of.

Grace Claudius was ridiculous, trusting with little compunction or common sense - And yet because of it, rather than despite it, Tanya had to admit it made her a better woman than any other noblewoman she could name. Not that that was a very high bar, mind you.

Certainly no aristocrat should trust a revolutionary like herself, one motivated to overthrow the entire corrupt edifice of nobility. And yet… and yet Grace had. When they arrived at the carnival, she was so overwhelmed that she told the budding revolutionary to handle matters for her till she regained her composure. Well nothing so elegant.

"You're gonna have to do the thinky stuff until I calm down." She snorted at the recollection.

Trusting her to be her aide… it was a tremendous honor for anyone, let alone a commoner. Especially one she hardly knew, and from her perspective had every reason to expect to not have her interests at heart.

It confused Tanya then, it still did now. And yet that very offer of trust caused strange emotions to burble within her. A desire to live up to the trust Grace had given her, to protect the strange quixotic noble that was practically one of a kind. The one noble who seemed to live up to that motto of theirs, noblesse obligee.

"If every noble became sensible with a bit of head trauma, we should use more rocks," she mused. The sensible thing would be to assume that it wouldn't hold. That pre-head injury Grace's personality would reassert itself, and she'd revert back to the exploitive plutocrat template.

And yet, if anything it was the opposite… Grace's brand of crazy was seemingly contagious. She'd befriended Bridgette, despite the Royal daughter having gotten into a fight with her initially over her opposition to marrying her brother. Her ideas and fashions were even starting to circulate among other nobles that rode on her coattails.

Tanya paused at her work, running her hands down the black and gold poofy gown she wore, realizing she wasn't unaffected either. She'd initially worn the dress as a condition of her alignment with her liege lady, and because of the durability advantages she'd get. With the bullying she was getting she expected it to escalate to violence eventually.

And yet since putting it on, not only was the commoner unmolested, but some nobles were even making friendly with her. She could see the distaste in many of their eyes, but they still acted polite with her, even trying to curry her favor since for whatever reason she was now the aide-de-camp of a future Duchess, perhaps even queen if her engagement with the prince held strong. Something likely given the clear fondness between the two.

Tanya didn't just feel safe protected in Grace Claudius's gowns, but more powerful, commanding respect and influence she'd never felt before. "No, not just powerful." Elegant. Pretty.

The gowns were gorgeous, and sinfully comfortable. Wearing them, Tanya was miles more feminine, rather than a rail thin slip of a girl, the frills and fluff concealed her little developed figure. The attendant corset she wore helped lift her chest, while the full skirt gave the impression of some hips. Even the high heels Grace had included helped, shifting her posture to push her chest and rear out.

"How long has it been since I've worn something else?" She wondered. During classes, in her quarters. Even here in her own lab Tanya was wearing the gowns Grace had gifted her. "She's infected me too," Tanya groused. For she didn't just not mind wearing the gowns, she preferred them. The thought of going back to her itchy and scratchy clothes an unpleasant one.

Nor was that the only sign of changes she'd gone through. Her long luscious locks of hair for one, the hair conditioning formula Grace had negligently handed off to her, gave her silky luxurious hair that was the envy of her classmates. Sales of small samples proved a huge windfall of funds for her tinkering. It seemed what passed for allowances of young noblewoman still amounted to tremendous sums. Tanya had taken to using herself as a walking advertisement, letting her hair grow out.

Not perhaps to Grace's silly lengths, her hair wasn't sentient, but easily longer than she was tall, so she kept it in an eyecatching braid that fell to her ankles. Tanya took some pride in having hair nicer than other noblewomen, and was happy to charge them an arm and a leg to have what she did.

Tanya finally finished disassembling the gun barrel, finding out the issue was something in the casting process, some parts of it heating and cooling at different rates weakening the barrel.

The most incredible part of it was, Tanya thought Grace might actually carry through with changes. The idiot genius was so headstrong that she'd act without thinking of the consequences, like the way she confronted those three bullies at the Carnival. If she was Queen…if she was queen, the once diehard revolutionary had hope an aristocrat would change things for the better.

That even if she lost her way… she might listen to Tanya's advice and help right her. 'Look at me, believing in humanity's better nature. Hers at least.'

Well, if she was living out a fantasy, Tanya decided she might as well enjoy it. Certainly, with the opposition the Claudius had garnered, she'd get plenty of opportunities to plot the downfall of some nobles.

Speaking of fantasies, Tanya accepted she felt a surge of delight in wearing such poofy dresses, dressing up in outfits a younger her dreamed of wearing, fantasizing about being a secret princess. The way part of her squirmed seeing Grace's newest gown, frillier and foofier than ever. Wanting to wear it herself. Running her hands down the gown, Tanya felt the temptation overwhelm her and she shifted to the wardrobe she kept in her lab. She couldn't match the expert frills woven into it, yet, but fluffing out her gown with more petticoats was certainly doable. Likely rivaling Grace's gowns wouldn't be an issue, the musclehead shoved her maid into a gown, and would likely feel happy about Tanya's efforts. Unknowingly, that thought caused a small smile to cross her lips.