Chaldean Chronicles: Cadence of the Lostgrail

"Master?" @sumanai

@sumanai (Dont die yet ;-;)

After the events of her first summoning, Tao Dian sat cross-legged in the prison to find a quiet place to paint. Chaldea was a fairly large institution, housing many Masters and Servants. As such, most of the rooms were occupied, so the Master decided to stop by a place very few people would visit: the prison. With her art supplies ready, she would begin her activity, humming a silly tune as she did so.

9:19 AM

@SaberLily | Ayanami

After the events of her first summoning, Tao Dian sat cross-legged in the prison to find a quiet place to paint. Chaldea was a fairly large institution, housing many Masters and Servants. As such, most of the rooms were occupied, so the Master decided to stop by a place very few people would visit: the prison. With her art supplies ready, she would begin her activity, humming a silly tune as she did so.

@Tao Dian (@sumanai) - jump "Oh there you are master!" Smiles softly and skips over to Hu Tao, Peering over their shoulder to see what they were doing

”Good evening- or… afternoon? I can’t seem to recall the time,” Tao Dian murmured the end of her statement in slight confusion, tapping the end of the paintbrush in her hand to her chin. “Anyway, it’s good to see you, Artoria! Come sit next to me, I’d like to hear how that previous mission went along.” Tao Dian smiled back, patting the ground next to her as an invitation for her to join the Master. It was a shame she wasn’t able to join her two Servants during the finale, but what happened was out of her hands. “And what are you doing in a place like this? I didn’t think you’d be the type to spend time in the prison, of all places.” Tao Dian’s smile then turned into a playful smirk. “Could it be that you are secretly a delinquent?”

12:30 PM

@SaberLily | Ayanami

”Good evening- or… afternoon? I can’t seem to recall the time,” Tao Dian murmured the end of her statement in slight confusion, tapping the end of the paintbrush in her hand to her chin. “Anyway, it’s good to see you, Artoria! Come sit next to me, I’d like to hear how that previous mission went along.” Tao Dian smiled back, patting the ground next to her as an invitation for her to join the Master. It was a shame she wasn’t able to join her two Servants during the finale, but what happened was out of her hands. “And what are you doing in a place like this? I didn’t think you’d be the type to spend time in the prison, of all places.” Tao Dian’s smile then turned into a playful smirk. “Could it be that you are secretly a delinquent?”

@Tao Dian (@sumanai) - jump "Eh!? N-no master I heard you got in trouble earlier so I came here to look for you" She pouted softly and crossed her arms before sitting down next to her master Tao, staring at the paking they were making. "The mission went well master, thanks to hermes' help I was able to crush my uncle in battle, even when he turned into a a giant dragon"

Tao Dian giggled at her Servant’s pouting and patted the blonde Saber’s head gently before continuing her painting. While it wasn’t so clear at first, the piece became much clearer as time went by. It looked like a portrait of a person. “Thank you for your concern, but there is no need to look so glum. I didn’t get into any trouble… well, at least I don’t think so! It’s good that the mission went well in the end, especially knowing that you and Hermes are getting along. I think the two of you make a good team.”

1:20 PM

@SaberLily | Ayanami

Tao Dian giggled at her Servant’s pouting and patted the blonde Saber’s head gently before continuing her painting. While it wasn’t so clear at first, the piece became much clearer as time went by. It looked like a portrait of a person. “Thank you for your concern, but there is no need to look so glum. I didn’t get into any trouble… well, at least I don’t think so! It’s good that the mission went well in the end, especially knowing that you and Hermes are getting along. I think the two of you make a good team.”

@Tao Dian (@sumanai) - jump Nuzzles the head pats and smiles, leaning on her master's shoulder as she watched them paint "Do you really thing me and hermes make that good of a team master?"

think*

Victor brushed himself off, subtly trying to find the knife he had stored in his jacket only to find that he wasn’t wearing really anything above his waist. Dammit what the hell just happened? He had been in worse situations before but this time he didn’t have the tricks he wanted up his sleeve. If this situation continued to escalate all he would have was his tongue to defend himself. Well and another factor, but he’d prefer to keep her hidden unless he had no other choice. “Well,” he kept a calm and steady voice, projecting confidence. Even a minuscule tremble would have the effect of a drop of blood in a tank of sharks. “That was rather dramatic, Goddess, care to explain your theatrics?”

@Pot | Lilith @SaberLily | Ayanami @sumanai (Not sure about if Lily is still here)

(Eh?)

(Don’t know was dragged here by pot)

Ishtar pulled a dumb and ended up here, and your Rp has just been there)

@Pot | Lilith Pot is awake by the way, get over here)

10:29 PM

I was about to...

10:29 PM

TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

(Don’t know was dragged here by pot)

~~dunno, felice wants to draw nude diluc~~

10:29 PM

@sumanai is this true? )

Thicc|Fie/Ali/Ayu/Miyu/Nag/Mel

@sumanai is this true? )

Yes)

Pot | Lilith

~~dunno, felice wants to draw nude diluc~~

So how does this go with deluxe wanting to draw Diluc naked?)

~~I didn't know what channel to teleport to so-~~

”Of course, you are both my Servants, aren’t you? I have full faith in the two of you. Plus, you’re both good people, I doubt you would try to sabotage each other. A-“ Before Tao Dian could finish her explanation, she was interrupted by a loud crash. She let out a short whistle in response to the sight in front of her. “Oh my my, now that’s a sight you don’t see everyday.” Unfazed by the sudden turn of events, Tao Dian simply ripped out the painting she was working on, crumpling the thick watercolor paper before tossing it unceremoniously to the floor. She then picked up her pencil— the sound of the lead end scratching lightly onto a fresh sheet of paper reverberated in the room as the beginnings of a new sketch began to form. “Not bad, not bad,” The Master mused, her eyes were glued onto the red-haired specimen before her with a calculating gaze. “Symmetrical face, straight nose bridge, thick hair… Those eyes are exceptionally bright… Must’ve had some work done, hehe~” And so, the red-eyed girl started her work anew now that she had a much more interesting subject in mind to draw. Still, there was not an ounce of surprise on her face— instead, she whistled a silly tune. While mostly quiet, she then opened her mouth to greet the newcomer with a single statement. “Try not to move to much, kay?”

11:26 PM

@Pot | Lilith @TheInsanityThatLiesOutside Get your ass here you two

Instinctively Oliver brought his hand up to obscure his face, he'd been used to doing it in a casual manner to avoid recordings by photos or sercurity cameras. Then he brought it down. It'd look too unnatural, like he was hiding something. Which he was but they didn't need to know the full extent. Or that there was a full extent. And besides if she decided to make the drawings public he could always destroy them before hand. Worse come to worse he'd have to kill her and have his Masters replace her with a homunculi dopleganger when the Human Order returned to normalcy. He'd one or two favours still left with the Threat Elimination and Disposal Department. But not for the forseeable future at least. He wondered for a moment why she was bothering then he realized he was rather breezy above the waist. Oliver didn't consider himself top-of-the-line but he kept himself fit and lean if any of his jobs required it. "Must have had some work done?" he asked simply. An opener to disarm the situation. "What do you mean by that, ma'am?"

11:58 PM

@sumanai

”Do I have to be more clear? You’ve clearly had cosmetic surgery done. Your face looks way too perfect, is all. It’s really the nose that gives it away, and your facial expressions look more stiff than someone who hasn’t had anything done to their face,” Tao Dian replied, mildly annoyed— more at the fact that he moved than at his question. And yet, her hand continued to glide along the paper dutifully. “You look as though you are planning a murder or something, which is… not a good look for a handsome man. Try smiling for a change.” “And didn’t I tell you not to move? Geez, at this rate, I’ll have to have Saber restrain you— which I’d rather not do.” Still not looking him in the eye, Tao Dian continued sketching away. “Oh, and finally-” Her own crimson eyes finally looked up to meet his. “Don’t call me ma’am, it’s too highbrow for me. My name should suffice— call me Tao Dian.”

12:37 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

Oliver smiled and softened his face staying still like he was asked to do so, "Very well" As requested Oliver entered a more casual position that wouldn't mess up her painting. He didn't really have shame about his body. Having shame copromised his ability to carry out missions and that was unacceptable. So it quite literally been removed from him. He could fake his emotions well enough anyhow, no need for real ones to cloud his judgement. She was very preceptive, too perceptive, he decided with his still beaming face, he'd have to move her to the top of the list and note her down as a future threat. But termination wasn't needed now. If anything it might damage his reputation among Chaldea if he botched the job. Not worth taking the risk at the moment. "Nice to meet you Tao Dian." though he was still ready to mark her as an immediate threat at any moment, he did keep still though, "Did you have the Goddess bring me for the purpose of a caricature. Though from the way you work I can tell it won't be half bad."

1:00 AM

@sumanai

”You didn’t even tell me your name. Well, I expected this muchfrom one of you high ranking magus types,” she sighed. “What a shame. Just as I expected, your smile is so pretty, too… Hmph, it’s whatever. A subject is a subject, I am glad to be able to paint someone so good looking.” Once the sketch was done, she changed the utensils she used— opting for a paintbrush and a palette of watercolors instead. Though the translucent colors didn’t do justice to depict the red headed stranger’s hair, they gave a type of… ethereal look. A pleased smile appeared on Tao Dian’s face. “I don’t know who this Goddess you’re referring to is— by pure chance, a reference appeared in front of me. As an artist, what else am I to do other than to paint him? And you are right, this piece didn’t turn out half bad at all!”

2:23 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

"I'll have her dealt with when I see her again," Oliver often didn't hold grudges, it was against his ethos. Enemies turned to friends and friends turned to enemies like a coin toss in his line of work. But he was willing to make an exception for her. "Name's Oliver if you must know. That's about all I have." He cocked his head in interest as she looked like she was done. "I do have an artistic eye, after all, I know a good work when I see one." Oliver leaned over and examined the painting. He'd done courses on Impressionism and Rembrandt works before to facilitate a meeting with a Clock Tower Lord. The hair looked to Oliver like that of a ghost. Constantly appearing that he may fade from existence at any moment, never to be seen again. Not inaccurate. "You'd be surprised where inspiration comes from. Sometimes it drops in half-nude in front of you." He made a fake pleased smile to compliment hers as well. "Tell me," he asked "how long have you been doing this?"

3:21 AM

@sumanai

"Oliver? That name suits you." Tao Dian said with a nod. "Shame you don't have a last name. Your family threw you out or something?" *Then, because she had finished her piece, Tao Dian placed her pencils and paints back in a small bag she had carried to store her utensils, all while humming another childish tune. And once that was done, she fiddled lightly with the finished painting, glancing over to Oliver occassionally to respond. "Oh? I'd reckon anyone can recognize the beauty that is my work. Artistic eye, or not," the necromancer remarked in mock pride, before letting out a friendly laugh "Of course, it's almost as if the gods themselves decided to throw you into the room in front of me. Perhaps this, too, is fate." She shook her head. "I jest, I jest. As for how long I've done this, I guess you can say... my entire life. There's not much I could do to entertain myself back home, so I decided to paint." Suddenly, an irritated look crossed over her face, and a small flicker of a flame appeared at the Master's fingertips. In no time, it transferred to the painting-- leaving it a charred pile of ashes in no time.

4:09 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

Oliver pondered for a moment at her words. By all means the Pliskins had been utterly annihilated by the incineration of humanity. For the first time ever he truly was alone. Not even the disavowings, the cut-offs, and the double-crosses had come close to this. They had always been a shadow over him and like an good little agent he had went along and obeyed every single word. For a moment he betrayed a face of uncertainty and slow realization on his face before it quickly was swept away and replaced with his typical charmed expression. He made an act of tapping his chin as if he was in thought. "Well, I don't really have a family," that much was true "I didn't really care for really having one. I just went from contract to contract. Didn't need one." But in his heart he was still loyal to the Pliskins even if they didn't exist anymore. It was the only thing he had left and he had no intention of letting them go. He remembered his final orders regarding Chaldea and it was his duty that he restore humanity and bring them back. And with Chaldea and its hidden resources... at a higher position of power then ever. He'd finally be regarded with proper respect by them. "Seems like fate plays a major part now, huh," he huffed his chest out as he sighed. Given his lack of apparel it was rather chilly here. "An entire life honing a certain skill? There's nothing quite like it. The thrill of utter mastery is rather exhilarating. When you perfect it is when you know you're complete." Clearly something wasn't as he raised an eyebrow at the burning painting. "A bit of a waste of effort don't you think? Even mistakes have their uses. Uses that can be exploited for even more gain." he said, "Even the slightest advantage might mean everything." But internally he was glad the painting was destroyed. One less loose end.

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9:42 AM

@sumanai

Tao Dian related to his words, even if it was just a slight resemblance to her own story. His broken facade, although brief, was caught by her as well. Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought as she nodded at his words. As a human who held fae blood, she did not understand emotions very well— especially those of grief or sympathy… Despite that fact, she felt compelled to offer a singular act of solace. Tiptoeing slightly, the Tao Dian reached her hand over Oliver’s head, before plopping it down onto his scalp. Her gaze on him showed no emotion, contrasting with the gentle movement of her hand against his blood red strands of hair. Being comforted in this way— it was the only memory she had of her childhood. And perhaps out of instinct, seeing the man’s uncertain expression led her to do the very action her father had done to her during her times of frustration and agitation. “I didn’t have much of a family either. My father, the only one I remember from my childhood was my first client. I was very young, so I didn’t understand why everyone looked at me so strangely… I was merely doing my job,” she said, a sort of faraway look in her eyes, along with something akin to… anger? But then she shook her head, and in turn, put her hand away from his head after a final pat. “You did get one thing wrong, though, Ollie. Painting is not the skill I decided to spend my life honing. That’s just a hobby to me.” “And, as for that painting, I don’t think it’s a waste. I won’t settle with anything less that perfection— while the portrait stayed true to your looks, the style I used did not suit the subject of the painting. Besides,” she paused, looking to him with a playful wink, “I can always paint another one, no?”

10:12 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside :TaroumaruPat:

Oliver blanched slightly at the first pat then slowly accepted it grudgingly. He looked like he was suspicious of the whole thing. That it might be some sort of trap where she was applying poison in his hair or letting his guard down for some sort of stab or magecraft. But part of him eventually gave way and he accepted it. Something real. Something genuine. Something that wasn't a lie or a play at more power or information. Something human. "You're lucky you remember at least something." he appeared to be badly hiding a slight flush of his cheeks, "I can't believe it. Just a hobby? I'd say you're lying. But I know how to sniff you lies and you... aren't. The way you won't accept anything but perfection." He sighed and shook his head. "Sometimes I wish it could just be as effortless for me honestly." "You said that the style didn't fit me. What would?"

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10:31 PM

@sumanai

”Oh my, you don’t seem to understand,” Tao Dian almost exclaimed. “It’s definitely not effortless. I may not show it, but I work hard! …Well, at least at the things I enjoy doing, hehe! Painting, poetry… The things I hold dear to me, it would be a waste not to hone them to perfection. I still have many years to my life; I should spend them on what I love, and I am a woman who loves beauty~” “Speaking of which,” she continued, narrowing her eyes to what looked like a half-hearted frown, “That expression does not suit you at all. An old geezer like you shouldn’t be blushing like a schoolgirl in love. This makes me want to vomit. As for what style would suit you, I’ll think of that at another time. Your expression is making me lose inspiration.”

1:51 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

Time to switch tactics then to something more appealing. Almost instantly he stoped the blushing and returned to his more casual resting face. "Very well then. If such an expression causes you nausea I shall cease it. I will admit and say I did not expect it to go such a way though. Still, do hold you passions close. When all is naught but ashes and dust sometimes they're all you have left to cling onto." "And I'm not an old geezer I'm barely in my mid-twenties for God's sake! Do I really look that old?" he said in an exasperated manner.

9:42 AM

@sumanai

Tao Dian laughed at Oliver’s instant change of expression, and smiled smugly as she made her reply. “My, my, quite the actor, are you? I didn’t think you would stop blushing so quickly. I was merely teasing, you know? That look was not half-bad on you. I almost expected you to puff your cheeks out, turn even more red, then say something along the lines of, ‘Hmph! It’s not like your opinions hold any meaning or relevance to me, idiot!’” her smile disappeared once her impression was done, opting for a more neutral expression, similar to Oliver’s own. “But yes, I did expect you to be much older than that. You talk like an old person, and by your expression… you look like you’ve seen some… distressing things. Aiya, how do I say this… Ah, a hardened look.”

10:12 AM

”But that is just my impression. I could always be wrong!” The necromancer added with a lighthearted laugh.

10:12 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

”Do I have to be more clear? You’ve clearly had cosmetic surgery done. Your face looks way too perfect, is all. It’s really the nose that gives it away, and your facial expressions look more stiff than someone who hasn’t had anything done to their face,” Tao Dian replied, mildly annoyed— more at the fact that he moved than at his question. And yet, her hand continued to glide along the paper dutifully. “You look as though you are planning a murder or something, which is… not a good look for a handsome man. Try smiling for a change.” “And didn’t I tell you not to move? Geez, at this rate, I’ll have to have Saber restrain you— which I’d rather not do.” Still not looking him in the eye, Tao Dian continued sketching away. “Oh, and finally-” Her own crimson eyes finally looked up to meet his. “Don’t call me ma’am, it’s too highbrow for me. My name should suffice— call me Tao Dian.”

@Tao Dian (@sumanai) - jump "Master is really passionate about painting huh..." Saber Lily sweatdrops slightly at her master's casual use, or theat to anyways, of using her as a restraining device, She always heard the Artists types were a bit crazy or eccentric or thought in ways most people didn't understand, now she sees those rumors had a bit of truth to them afterall.

"I betray that much, huh?" Oliver raised an eyebrow. He added another fact about her to his threat calculations. A noted weakness as well. She seemed to be very vocal about what she thought about people. Playful and friendly. Easily exploited if he knew what buttons to press. "You don't need to worry about me pouting. I am not a high school child. I can't speak for how accurate your impression was but you got one or two things right." "Your eyes see the truth it seems. You've seen through acts like this before?"

4:47 AM

@sumanai

”You do. Such fake appearances, in character and in looks disgust me. People who cannot stay true to themselves end up with no purpose— wandering the world with no rhyme or reason. For once one has abandoned themself, that is when they have truly lost everything. After all, where else may we find value, other than ourselves? Perhaps, you are one of those people who have crossed that line, for whatever reason. If that is the case, then I will not lie and say I am surprised.” Tao Dian looked into Oliver’s eyes. He would be able to tell that her gaze did not betray her current emotions, for this was a woman who freely displays her heart for all to see. Passion for expressing her beliefs, disgust for all she deems ugly, and finally a twisted sort of pity for the man in front of her— her entire being summed up in a single look. “Accursed as my bloodline may be, I have been blessed with but one gift: my eyes. I see certain things that escape the gaze of others. And from these eyes, I have gained much knowledge. But that is all I will say on this subject. After all, we’ve just met, haven’t we~? You didn’t even tell me anything about yourself, either. That’s just not fair!” And once again, her serious demeanor changed. The lighthearted Tao Dian, who threw all her worries into the wind returned— and as such, a goofy smile appeared on her face. She reached out, pinching the red head’s cheek harshly with a faux evil laugh. “This serious talk has gotten me bored. Come on, Mr. Oscar-Winning Actor, show me another expression! Preferably something cute!”

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7:29 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

On the number it seemed. But she was wrong. He hadn't lost everything. He still had the Pliskins and his loyalty to them, even if they were gone only for the foreseeable future. He would do anything for them. As long as the hope that they might return remained, so did his reason for living. "Maybe. Maybe those that lose themselves become nothing in the end. But who said that becoming nothing was something bad? Being a 'nothing' has its own uses. Nothings will do anything they have to in order to get what they want, they will adapt and change for their own benefit, they have nothing holding them back. Those who decide to stay true themselves and are tied to their rigid ways don't adapt because they have self-esteem that holds them back from doing what needs to be done." he smirked. "And I don't need to tell you what happens to them in the end. At the very least, nothings are the ones who eventually survive to become something in my field of expertise." He stared her back intently, his eyes betraying nothing at all. No emotion. No spirit. No heart. No desire. Nothing but a black hole that swallowed everything it gazed upon and never revealed what may stir within the deepest depths. Nothing at all. "A blessing. Fae eyes if I had to hazard a guess," he leaned in slightly as if to examine her eyes with his own. "Well, if I had to reveal something that I can afford to about myself I can say that the family I owe allegiance is... well, one can say that acting is in our blood. We've done nothing but use magecraft to hone our own art. Almost all our members are required to take courses in theater. There, I hope that's enough to return what you've told me. I can't tell you anymore." His face darkened for a moment. "I could tell you more about them. But then I'd have to kill you." Before suddenly becoming a smile as he laughed and waved his hand dismissively. "A joke. A joke. How's that for a cute face? I can try again if this one doesn't work."

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8:30 AM

@sumanai

”As I expected, you speak as if you have experienced being such a person yourself. I suppose we have a difference in beliefs, is all.” She didn’t comment further on Oliver’s view of such topics. After all, it would lead to nothing. A simple conversation between strangers is never enough to change one’s core beliefs. “I see, so your family chose this path for you… How sad. But again, there is not much one can do to intervene with fate.” Tao Dian raised an eyebrow at him, signaling a sort of challenge. “Kill me? Death is inevitable. If I die at your hands, then I will simply accept it as my destiny.” And at his smile, Tao Dian laughed. “That’s a good expression. I’ll try to remember it for the next time I decide to paint a portrait,” she hummed. “But let’s save that for another time. I doubt there is much left for either of us to do here. And you must be cold, seeing as you’re half naked in a place like this. I advise you to return to your room and get a change of clothes.“ “I can help pick something out for you, if you need,” she added with a playful smile and a shrug. “I wouldn’t say no to playing dress up with a cute guy.”

9:17 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

"Quite opposite of being sad. I've never been more honoured to have been given my path. I could have stepped off the path at any time, I had the freedom to, but I chose to stay on it of my own violation. Fate had nothing to do that." He laughed again for a moment. "Well if I put my mind on a task it becomes inevitable that it will be done. Of course I wouldn't do it here. Not with your servant here. Maybe in your room when you sleep or a cyanide pill on your steak. Not the first time I'd have to do such a thing." he said, "You like destiny and fate a lot it seems." "What type of dress up are you thinking of?" Oliver cocked his head, actually interested for once, "I'll take you up on your invite. It is getting a tad chilly here. I'm more used to heated gilded halls then this."

9:37 PM

@sumanai

”You underestimate my Servants. They keep a very close eye on their master, no matter the situation. So, as a word of advice, try not to piss them off too much. They can be brutal if that is what I wish them to be.” Tao Dian smiled knowingly, choosing not to criticize him even more. This man, had chosen this path of his own volition, similar to herself. For one to work so closely with death, it is no wonder that she would adopt certain aspects of the very thing she spends so much time around— especially during her formative years. Her body has been so saturated with death that she no longer needed to breathe, drink, or eat. Her body temperature has fallen below that of a typical human’s. Slowly but surely, her body would be akin to that of a corpse, and yet, despite that, she continued on her path of decay. “I suppose I do. It is just the way I was raised. Growing up around a bunch of eccentrics has that effect on people,” she brushed off Oliver’s comment about her interest in fate, but raised her eyebrows in surprise at his interest. “Oho, I didn’t think you’d actually accept! Well, show me what clothing you own, and I’ll think of something. I have a pretty good sense of fashion, you see~”

11:22 PM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

"I like having stakes in the games I play, makes them all the more fun." Oliver smirked but decided not the push it any further. She had her uses to him and it would be a waste to have to kill her now. As long as she didn't stand in his way and he was free to exploit her however he wished. "But all fun and games with no work makes a dull man." "Hmph, let me tell you I've met with many world leaders and been to many galas populated by high-ranking mages." he winked, "So I have high expectations. Let's see if you meet them."

12:21 AM

@sumanai wanna end it here?

"Umm...." The poor saber lily had become quite lost throughout the conversation, feeling very out of place with her simple mind, despite Hu tao being her master she couldn't help but feel like a 3rd wheel now.

“It won’t be so fun once I have you strung up, upside down with your organs spilling out now, would it?” Tao Dian laughed before patting Oliver’s shoulder. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding~ I’m sure your expectations are high, you are supposed to be some big shot magus, after all. But I’ll have you know,” she said, returning the wink. “I will impress you with my skills.” ”Ah, Saber, would you like to come join us? You seem like you know a thing or two about fashion,” she said, moving closer to her so she could pat her head.

”If you would like to rest, I could call Hermes over to make sure Oliver doesn’t try anything. We need to keep our guard up around him.”

1:26 AM

@SaberLily | Ayanami @TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

“It won’t be so fun once I have you strung up, upside down with your organs spilling out now, would it?” Tao Dian laughed before patting Oliver’s shoulder. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding~ I’m sure your expectations are high, you are supposed to be some big shot magus, after all. But I’ll have you know,” she said, returning the wink. “I will impress you with my skills.” ”Ah, Saber, would you like to come join us? You seem like you know a thing or two about fashion,” she said, moving closer to her so she could pat her head.

”If you would like to rest, I could call Hermes over to make sure Oliver doesn’t try anything. We need to keep our guard up around him.”

@Tao Dian (@sumanai) - jump Smiles softly and hugs her master happily after receiving their pats. [Ok master, I trust your judgement]

”You heard the girl! Come on, let’s get out of here already!”

”Very well show me the way,” he brushed her hand off his shoulder. He didn’t like physical contact. A good way for someone to get close in unarmed combat or a contact based poison. “And let’s see how well you indeed impress me.”

Throws Oliver in the prison and waits for punishment

"Well," Oliver came back. To say his neck felt stiff was an understatement. In fact after the throw it was facing about 90 degrees the wrong direction and preventing the feeling in his legs. So he reached to his neck and snapped it with a loud cracking out the bones. "Much better," he said, not particularly caring about the crippling pain that should be all rights be... crippling.

Welcome back. The prison door clicked open. Apologies, I was occupied, I didn't see what happened.

"Well it seems regardless it occured." he said, "And if this isn't seriously harmed, then I'm worried what you do consider seriously harmed." He got off and brushed his coat off, "Is that Berserker of a Servant still attempting to murder me?"

@RJ|Sir L/Lytus/Dude/Wolf/-/-

It seems to me as though your entire body is still functioning as normal.

10:55 AM

Nevertheless, the servants and their masters will be spoken to. To my knowledge, they've calmed down slightly.

10:57 AM

Haven't you, Saber?

"Broken jaw, concussion, ruptured earlobe and so on," he counted with his fingers, knowing that Olga could see him, "Then again I have to admit I've faced much worse."

10:58 AM

"Much, much worse," for a moment Oliver's facade dropped and there seemed to even be an aspect of fear in his voice.

"I ended the argument before it got worse."

"That you did, Saber," Oliver said, "And I'll be thankful for that, though I do have to ask," He rubbed his chin. "Broken jaw really necessary? I know I had my orders to be a bit of a bastard but still."

"It seemed like the best way to stop you from digging a deeper hole then you already had, I merely stopped you from digging it." Lucius spoke with clear distain for the Magus, he disliked Magi to begin with let alone one who would attempt to desecrate a fallen heroes corpse "If it still hurts go and see a caster."

"Hmmm maybe."

“Only two submissions today… ugh, and it’s that crazed knight again.” Standing up from her desk, Savina ran her gaze over the familiar application – yes, well, she had filled in all the necessary details this time around, but she still wasn’t going to touch that Saber with a ten-foot long stick. There were red flags throughout her records already! So, with a certain pleasure, she gently guided the form into her paper shredder… it was nice that most Servants were more comfortable with pen and paper than tablets, because it meant she got to do this sort of thing. But anyway. She had work to do. The homunculus sat back down at her desk, and shifted her attention away from her ‘IN’ stack and over to her priority section… right, a far more promising candidate, but forms were just forms; they didn’t tell the full story. A proper supervisor had to judge based on more than that! Even if that proper supervisor had only ever ran one interview before this…! Still. She just had to follow the motions, and everything would go fine. That was what rules were for. The soft click of her headset turned on its microphone, as well as switching her mind back to work mode. “Paging… Captain Nameless; applicant… seven. You can come in for your interview now, at your earliest convenience. Single file, please…” Savina’s work station was as sterile and white as the rest of Chaldea; yet perhaps even more sterile with her sheer level of diligence and hygiene. There wasn’t even an errant paperclip on her desk, and it seemed like the chair opposite it hadn’t been used in – maybe years. Even compared to her similar clerk colleagues, it was like something out of a satire. But, suffice to say, Savina had no such self-awareness. She was just following company policy, down to the letter.

8:38 AM

Yes, office space was just a prison by any other name; but that was all the more reason it needed a proper supervisor such as herself. …she even had the required motivational poster behind her. ‘DREAMS DON’T WORK UNLESS YOU DO.’

8:38 AM

@Nommyuks

How did his life end up like this…? The Nautilus was like a whale washing up on a beach—huge, dormant, and useless—in this ‘Chaldea’. If the Nautilus is useless, then its Captain may as well be too as there is no sea for him to journey across now. The Marines were restless and dying of the banality stemming from being stuck at sea. Professor already scoured through the library and archive on the Nautilus several times over. The pantry was starting to run dry and as if their life was attached to it so was Bakery’s energy as they gradually became stir crazy and had now entered a hollow trance. Nurse was pushing herself into overwork from all this mental anguish the crew was suffering, running herself thin. As for Engine, well… ”’Ya time’s finally come, eh, Captain? I’ma throw ‘ya overboard!”… is what he would say, but with everyone too drained to even engage in mutiny, the Engine of the Nautilus was asleep. Now sitting in a waiting room with his resume in hand, Nemo felt too engrained in society again for his tastes. Unemployed and seeking work? In a foreign land? With a family in need back home? What was he… a migrant single-father desperately trying to provide for his starving family of… twenty?! Ugh, the life of a poor, fresh Servant with no Master was a cruel and harsh one, forcing the man of the sea to disregard his dignity by becoming a cog in the machine again. The rumbling in his tummy reminded him of his fatherly duties, however, as much as he hates to admit it. Not to mention that he has yet to complain even when forced to go against some of his ideals—all for the sake of his family! Nemo was doing his best…!

“Paging… Captain Nameless; applicant… seven. You can come in for your interview now, at your earliest convenience. Single file, please…”

Hearing the announcement over the PA system, Nemo perked up in the seat that was much too big for a puny boy like himself, kicking his feet in the air as he scooted off. Knocking on the wooden door befo

6:43 AM

re entering, Nemo cleared his throat and verbally announced his presence before twisting the doorknob and pushing his weight forward. The door creaked open as he first poked his head in to check the room, a military habit, before throwing wide the gates and walking in. Closing the door behind him, the homunculus was greeted not by a towering warrior, hooded rogue, or robed scholar but by a young boy beating her in height only by a few inches. Even though his presence did not exude any royal or mystical pressure, he still had a self-possessed air to him despite how much he would stand out from the typical heroes or even monsters that make up Servants. Yet, unlike what most Servants could claim, the Rider already had his resume prepared in hand and settled it atop Savina’s desk in front of her before he took his seat. “Ahem… Captain Nameless, yes, that is I.” Clearing his throat and confirming his identity tersely, the single father calmly sat in place in wait for the homunculus to take the reins on this interview. It may have been decades since he last had to attend an interview for something, but how could such a standard societal practice change so much over time? All he had to do was sell himself, no? Honestly, being able to print out all the qualities he would speak about on a piece of paper was much more convenient than having to remember it all. So believes the grizzled Captain unaware of what “soft skills” are.

@Tulf

Savina was merely ticking boxes when the unlikely ‘applicant’ came in – his peek earned a quick glare from the homunculus; as if he were some poor high schooler coming into his first ever job interview. How had it come to this, anyway? No other Servant would put up with this sort of thing… but, Savina simply could not comprehend it any other way. Certainly, Rider had no sense of raw power or mighty weapon, but Savina lacked such expectations. In truth – he already lost points for not showing up in a suit. Blue tights were not part of the dress code! “Please take a seat…” remarked Savina half-heartedly after the Captain’s introduction – she hadn’t even looked up and realised he was already sitting. As per tradition, he’d have to endure a good few minutes of waiting while his interviewer checked her papers and got things in order… and, frankly, had far too many papers in front of her by the time she looked up. “Nameless,” began the girl, immediately dropping any hint that she’d use the Servant’s honorific, “I will state outright, your application showed – competency. You answered all the questions regarding your background in this field of expertise, and showed initiative in addressing what you might bring to your Master. You are certainly being considered for this position.”

4:01 AM

A pause. Not a hint of a smile. But, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. ”However, about your… personal tangents.” It was a flamethrower. “While I did say your initiative is welcome in Chaldea’s employ, I did not see the necessity for many of your… longer answers. Your expressed refusal to work with British staff was – almost infringing on Chaldea’s internal regulations again discrimination. Your ambitions are admirable, and show potential for moving up in the organisation, but Chaldea is already bound to the United Nations, and you’ll be expected to represent that as part of your duty here. Furthermore, I really must comment, my research shows that the South Pole is currently considered a shared province under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty System, rather than being owned by any NGO…”

4:01 AM

Showing some hint of mercy, Savina stopped there. “For that reason, I scheduled this interview, to gain some… clearer answers. I aim for it to be short, though, as it would be best to shore up this position – several similar roles have already been claimed, and there are a few more hopeful interviewees lined up for this afternoon…” Glancing down at the papers in front of her, Savina’s tact changed slightly. “So, tell me, Nameless. What do you think you can bring to Chaldea? Relating to its mission statement and corporate identity, preferably.”

4:01 AM

@Nommyuks

Rather than turn away or shake from the fire Savina was spitting at him, however, a pleased smirk broke Nemo’s usual icy, self-possessed façade. The heat melted his coldness. Not from any kind of ‘warmth’, but from the spice in this homunculus. Professor had looked up this woman’s profile for him, and upon noticing that this Savina was neither magus nor human, Nemo, too, wanted to get a better impression of his potential “boss”. So, to back him into a corner like this and to even have the gall to pressure him with a reminder of other eligible candidates, he couldn’t help but respect the grit. After all, a Captain isn’t worth their salt if they can’t get out of a tough spot like this! “Frankly, I was summoned here to protect humanity and preserve its reign; it’s a call I answered myself.” Answering tersely as requested, in this case Nemo spoke even plainly as if to be a Chaldean Servant already required him to throw his lot with them and their mission statement. Captain Nemo was too honest of a man to use corporate speak. Likely to his detriment. “But I feel like there’s too many characters here using the opportunity for self-fulfillment and self-improvement first and foremost.” That earlier smirk fell yet his arms did not as the Captain was similarly unmerciful towards the present Chaldean Servants and Masters. “I answered Chaldea’s calls in order to, as per my duty as a Captain, guide them to the end of their journey once I found a Ma--…Boss worthy of it.” Now that he clarified the difference in his mindset as a potential property of the Chaldea organization, Nemo cleared his throat and answered her questions about how his talents and skills could apply to the corporation directly. “I am not a jack-of-all-trades, but a king. A specialist and an expert in many fields of interest. Be it a leader, a researcher, a chef, an engineer, a nurse; my roles are flexible, yet I can fill any and every at once as I can partition those talents as separate bodies.”

3:00 PM

Staring directly at the homunculus, he laid out his selling point even clearer and more concisely. “I am a one-man team, office, or corporation.” There was a plethora of heroes who had the martial talent to call themselves a one-man army, yet for Savina’s interests this Rider may as well be a one-man company or business. The amount of productivity he could provide was unmatched. On cue, the Nemo Series suddenly materialized and stepped out from behind him like they came out of his body or from his shadow. Of course, it was not all twenty of them, but just the roles he mentioned earlier: Professor, Bakery, Engine, Nurse, and a Marine. Nemo immediately backed up his words that were likely nonsensical bluffs to the woman uninterested in Servants.

@Tulf

To her credit, Savina did her utmost to let Nemo speak his piece without asking any questions… the irony of being expected to be a superior of some kind without much knowledge of the world was not lost on her, nor many of her coworkers; but she still had a job to do all the same. Thankfully, he kept his comments broad, rather than drawing endless anecdotes or metaphors, so she could mostly keep up with the conversation. She was expecting him to finish with such a grand claim, or maybe show off some grand weapon or something again – but, to see a tiny team of experts appear from seemingly nowhere did genuinely catch her off-guard. Unlike many Masters, the novelty of magic hadn’t been lost on her just yet; and Servants were beyond anything the modern world could offer in the first place. She stood up just a bit from her chair to lean over her desk and peer at them; glancing around to figure out what the trick was. Had they just walked in? Had they snuck by her? Was it a trick? Yet, she composed herself after a few seconds, and sat up straight again. “…I see. So, to summarise, you have ambitions of attaining a leadership position, a range of specialist experience, and you look down upon putting yourself before the company… that’s all very promising.” Savina was honest in her remark, as she crossed her legs – she was clearly not trying to look interested, but she was doing a pretty bad job at it. “Though… I don’t know if Chaldea is in dire need of a chef?” added the homunculus, whose idea of ‘a nice meal’ was the same pre-packaged sushi she’d had every day of her life.

4:02 AM

“Well, if you don’t mind, I think we can move onto the next section. While I know a lot of Masters prefer to skip this in preference for relying on first impressions, I looked into getting some references from your previous coworkers,” began Savina, pulling out another stack of papers. Oh no, there was some red pen lines on them! “In most cases, I had minimal success with this approach with Servants, but I actually got some replies regarding you… so, do you mind if we cover some of your – employee feedback, Mr. Nameless?”

4:02 AM

@Nommyuks

Relieved that the sudden arrival of his Nemo Series did not upset the recruiter, Nemo broke a soft smile at how well she digested his words and took what she needed to hear from them. Nameless worried over potentially upsetting the woman with the idea that their interview was not as confidential and private as she initially thought, but Triton encouraged him to give some pizazz rather than be a stick in the mud. In other words, the god nagged the awkward introvert to simply show all that he could offer to his potential Master. At Savina’s questioning, Bakery opened her mouth as if preparing to defend herself, but the Captain cut in after clearing his throat. “Ahem, if I may, madam, from my experience serving in a war, food has a tremendous effect on troop morale… or in this case, on worker motivation and productivity.” After all, food is what energizes someone to begin and continue their day! “Not to mention that a nutritious meal better energizes the body and mind than fast food or a quick snack, so to have catering options is invaluable.” All in agreement, the rest of the Nemo Series nodded as they all recall the times when Bakery’s food saved them or motivated them to work hard for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As for Bakery, this affirmation lucidly made them glow and so, staring directly at Savina, they nodded enthusiastically, puffed their chest out, and folded their arms with determination to enlighten the homunculus later! For now, however, it appears that Nemo was the one about to be enlightened instead. Previous co-workers? Who could she possibly mean? For most of his life, he lived detached from society with his crew, drifting along the seas in his Nautilus. As for his life before that, well, of course, none of those people were still alive to this day. When he narrowed his options, he turned to look at the rest of his Nemo Series, wondering if they had contacted her before. Yet, they shared senses so he would have known that at least, thus his pr

11:04 AM

ocess of elimination concluded: That one mission he participated in with Gawain, Leo, and the wrestling fanatic Rider? Oh, and miss Alochie as well… Needless to say, when he turned back to Savina, Nemo struggled to hide the bewilderment on his face. Not that anxiety crept up his back or anything. If anything, the tingles he was feeling came from curiosity. Whatever information the recruiter had would be news to him, so he was curious to hear her out! “Aye, I do not mind. Honestly, I am curious to hear my Chaldean co-workers' impressions of me. I cannot expect to lead my crew if I cannot handle criticism.” —Damn straight! A familiar husky voice cried out from behind him; one Nemo knew all too well belonging to Engine…

@Tulf

Alas, Nemo Bakery’s appeal to common sense couldn’t possibly work on a homunculus – or, at least, this homunculus. Savina was left tapping her lip with a pen, clearly having no idea what they were talking about… albeit, desperately trying to come with an answer that didn’t reveal that. “Hm… I think it’s more practical and expedient to just use an injection.” remarked the clerk, and ended the matter on that note. Still, it was clear the girl was satisfied with Mr Nameless’ bravado in the face of criticism, as she replied with a sharp nod before turning her head down to her documents. She even still had an ‘IN’ and ‘OUT’ drawer on her desk… they said magus tended to be old-school, but this seemed a bit much. “Very well… these are anonymous comments, but please do not be sceptical. 'The Captain lacks proper respect for his immaculate vessel and its intricate maintenance. In spite of all that university clout he talks about, I don’t think he knows the difference between a ballpeen and a baleen. I think he’s scared of getting his hands dirty. And, seriously, if I find another pudding wrapping hidden in some weird alcove of the engine, I’ll repaint the floor in red!' 'The Captain cancelled lunch once last month and hurried us into a mission! We demand an extra lunch in consolation.' 'It’s not fair. Why do some Servants have such absurd Noble Phantams?! Certainly, my sword is impressive, but having an entire giant boat to drop on people… I want to complain to management. Is this the right place for that?' …I believe that’s all the submissions I received. How do you react to this professional development opportunity, Mr Nameless?”

@Nommyuks

If Nemo had to be honest, most of these... complaints were expected. In fact, he has heard some of them before already. Multiple times. Therefore, he knew very well who these complaints came from despite the supposed anonymity. Resisting the urge to turn around and address the griefers directly, the Captain's stoic expression let out a sigh as he wiggled in his seat to adjust himself straight and firm. "'Tis true that the lack of an anchor, a Master, has put strain on my spirit core and thus forces me to adapt to the circumstances and situation." In fact, the cancellation of said lunch month was due to Bakery not having the energy to cook such a large portion. Not to mention that they needed to continue having the same amount of meals despite the circumstances. After all, the enervation they all, the Nemo Series, felt meant that hunger grew and so did demand, threatening the thinning of the supply to meet both. "When it comes to lunch, my decision at the time was to prioritize preventing a grander future issue of drying our supplies to satisfy an immediate, present issue. Indeed, it was already in my plans to compensate once our supply lines were firmly established so that production can safely keep up with demand." After all, Captain was the core of all the Nemos, so the strain on his body and mind was greatest, yet he still chose the harder decision for the sake of his crew. "As for the vessel..." Nemo resisted rolling his eyes at Engine's hypocrisy, making a mental note to remind the fool who built the Nautilus and whose hands has actually gotten dirty with blood. "Similarly, the strain has affected the temperament of the crew, making them more... restless. It was my intention to prioritize resources to the engine room during our time of difficulty given that this vessel is our literal lifeline, our home, our vehicle, our supplier, and our community. But I will make a note to personally surveil the crew stationed there to ensure a proper, sanitary

1:51 PM

workplace and working conditions." Given that these complainers were present right now, Nemo took it upon himself to officially address their concerns directly at the same time. Therefore, he had to pause when it came to the next one as it was the main surprise, though the reference to a Noble Phantasm sword narrowed their identity down. Not that he has actually seen Noble Phantasm in use, but... he was only personally acquainted with so many Sabers. In fact, he agreed with her! But, indeed, this is not the right place for complaints. "As for the last, following the correct protocols and procedures is important, especially to ensure the right person hears the concerns in mind. Besides that, well, if I may, that legendary sword is indeed impressive, and it is important to recognize and emphasize each other's qualities and strong suits for stable teamwork." Clearing his throat once he finished his addressing of the submissions, Captain returned his attention to the homunculus. "That is all I have to say to them on the spot for now..."

@Tulf

As expected, Savina listened patiently – how much was she listening? Most interviewers would probably have tuned out of the long explanation, but she was doing her best. How much was she understanding, though? Far less. She’d read encyclopaedias, biographies, atlases, dictionaries; but she was still but a child. Community? She just didn’t understand such a thing. A job was a job. Resources only dictated success, not morale. Homunculus don’t have morale. …Savina didn’t have morale. On the other hand, she was pretty happy to toss that last one under the bus; so the Captain’s response irked Savina ever so slightly. Too professional! She didn’t like that one bit, for some reason. “I see. So you rely on others out of a sense of personal inadequacy...” mused the girl, jotting down that damning comment (in red pen!); “It seems you have plenty to learn, Mr Nameless.” All that said… she couldn’t argue with the results, as much as she wanted to indulge her temper a little more. A part of her wanted to make the Captain squirm properly, but there were rules about these things. “Very well. Your answers are sufficient. This interview is adjourned.” …and with that, she just turned back down to her paperwork; ticking boxes and filling in signatures. One paper went into the OUT box. Then another, then another, then another… “…Your results are satisfactory, so you shall be put on notice. This is the last interview for today, so I can relay my decision in – approximately three minutes. I’m on the clock until then.” Savina steepled her fingers, and furrowed her brow; before finally looking up again. For just a moment, she looked a lot more like a lonely puppy than a golem; though perhaps that was just proof her impression of an office clerk was just too accurate. She tensed, hesitated, but finally spat it out – “…Do you have any questions for me, Mr Nameless?”

@Nommyuks

"But of course. I am afraid you'd have a more exhaustive list of complaints if I was not aware of my own shortcomings." Unperturbed by that stinging jab, Nemo finally had to let something slip. The interviewer's eagerness to find fault with him to the point of needing to nitpick like this and to do it so openly as if to intimidate him was too charming. He chuckled just as ostentatiously as her jotting. As indomitable as gourami, as steadfast as a moray eel, and as much heart as a hagfish--This homunculus was exactly who he was looking for! To even take interviews like this with such dogged earnestness, it surely reminded him of the past. When he was also young and had so much ahead of him, yet exhausting that ephemeral life as fuel instead for his burning passions. History, the sea, engineering, music, and even love. It also reminded him of... when he threw all that away for the sake of vengeance, possessed with a singular purpose. And in trapping him in such emotional recollection, the grizzled man turned sentimental enough for him to run his mouth, surely betraying the intel of being usually curt. Keeping in line with that chattiness, the Captain immediately humored the puppy before the rest of his crew tried taking her home. Indeed, they all were already in the middle of stepping forward to overwhelm her with their own questions! "Simple. I'd like to learn about your personal tangents." Not ignoring her earlier phrasing of his talkativeness, Nemo handed the mic back to her. It was only fair after he got to talk so much himself. "I did say recognizing my co-worker's qualities is necessary for teamwork, no?" Calling back also to the one response that irked her so slightly, the Captain greeted her furrowed brow with an almost catty smile. (edited)

9:59 PM

In other words, the Captain boldly pressed Savina up against that three-minute timer she herself set to turn the tables on her. A test of her façade: either give in and become that lonely puppy, or remain committed to her office clerk bit until the very end when the clock dings! (edited)

@Tulf

Romanticism? Of all the reasons to seek history’s greatest genius, a date would be her first request. As a Chaldean staff, Da Vinci had access to the records of the employees enlisted. Naturally, in preparation for this apparent romantic getaway, she took a peek at the file of this inquisitive Master. Victoria Rodriguez … Completely normal! At first glance, the Caster couldn’t make anything that stood out from the profile. But that very same fact is what caught her interest. It reeked of suspicion. A normal person of the Holy Church coming to Chaldea of all places? A denizen of magi? That was as impossible as her genius! Then again, Da Vinci was still Da Vinci, so! No normal person came to Chaldea just like that. Rather than dissuade any questions, the sparse information only gave Da Vinci more. If this woman was truly from the same place he received his education, he’d expect a more personal motivation for wanting to meet him. If she truly was an agent of the Holy Church, he’d expect inquiries about his famous art pieces like The Last Supper, Annunciation, Virgin of the Rocks or any of his other Christian arts. This was not to mention the more general, banal reasons such as wanting to take advantage of his infinite wisdom by either becoming his next Melzi or Master. In fact, the experience of dealing with many aspiring to be his apprentice or investor to steal his research or works let him see the incompleteness of Victoria’s report. Needless to say, many have tried approaching him dishonestly in the past. Yet she wanted a wine date? Not even an autograph on her chest? Well, well, well! Instead of getting insulted by either her dishonesty or whimsy, Victoria’s queer request piqued the pervert’s interest. He had a passion for studying brambles and any scholar loved a good mystery, so why wouldn’t he have his curiosity prick himself on this rose’s thorns just to dissect it? In other words, he wished to see the model of the art he was goi

9:50 AM

ng to paint! Despite going along with the Master’s idea for an outing, of all the date spots Leonardo settled on, he chose Chaldea’s prisons. He purposefully outed his doubts about her background check for some extra spice to this date. Nevertheless, while Victoria would come upon an obscenely voluminous prison cell, what it housed inside looked nothing like one. Pass the steel bars was an exiguous building! Yes, it was none other than Da Vinci’s workshop! A portable one at least.

9:50 AM

Once Victoria approached the cell, the door to it and the workshop flew open. Rather than dressed in her usual flamboyance, Da Vinci instead donned a butler’s suit and had her hair tied up into a loose ponytail using a blue ribbon. Undeniably, the Renaissance Man could have used this date opportunity to explore the role of a maiden, but that’d been too shallow! Why not have fun playing masculinity in a woman’s body? Better yet, in making matters more outlandish, the inside of this building was not the usual workshop of an inventor, but renovated into a café! Confirming the repurposing of the workshop using the wonders of Territory Creation, Da Vinci beamed a frolicsome smile and winked at the client. “Welcome, welcome, La Signora, to the Chaldean Maid Café hosted by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci! The Master and Servant would not be the only ones present, either! “Our adorable and precious workers today are none other than the famous Leonardo’s Robo-chan and Artificial Bird!” Glimpsing inside the café, there indeed stood a robotic medieval knight wearing a maid dress in the kitchen in the back, and a mechanical avian equipping a dapper bowtie and suit at the cashier. Upon noticing the new customer, the Robo-chan’s helmet glowed scarlet as if blushing, but that was probably just from the heat of the oven. Bird-kun, on the other hand, proudly flashed its fancy monocle and fluttered its wings while sitting stoically atop its perch. “But that’s not all! With a generous donation of either 1,000 or 1,500GP, you get exclusive, VIP access to either Homunculus-hime or Cavallo-chan!” Da Vinci gestured with a gloved hand to a sign that listed the prices of those services, yet it also held further crossed-out information.

9:50 AM

Armored Car-sama, unfortunately, could not be accommodated and prepared in time, so the deluxe experience ~~DLC~~ of feeling his mesmerizing and ecstatic multi-cannon firepower while held in his strong, secure hull has to be reserved for another time!

Similarly, there are currently no skies ready for the immersive experience of building your own Flying Machine-chan and entering a tag-team race riding your shared dream together as peerless under heaven!

“And, of course, there is always the secret route with the hostess, yours truly, Da Vinci-chan!” After all, Vicotria requested a wine date with Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci’s inventions may as well be him, too. This current body is a creation of his none the same, no? So, when wanting a date with the Uomo Universale, Victoria got to choose from all of his creations! As long as she, of course, chooses to imprison herself to the genius’s eccentricities~

@Orphelia/Naomi/Artoria Here, have some extra effort for making you wait a day, Goshujin-sama!

Well, well, well. Look at this place. Being welcomed by perhaps one of the best inventors in human history. Victoria couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the place. This cafe certainly was quite something else. For a while, the young italian master has no words to speak of. Taking a glance towards Leonardo Da Vinci himself. She would smile softly towards what appears to be Leonardo himself, or rather herself. She wasn't sure how to describe her. Seeing as they were a man in life after all, and their female vessel doesn't resemble a female version of them either. More akin to the Mona Lisa in fact.. "Buongiorno Messer Leonardo. Look at this place, quite lively and very much innovative. Certainly stands out from any cafe I have visited... but for all of these inventions that are just breathtaking. I think... I very much prefer the secret route with the hostess themselves."

@Nommyuks

"The secret route for the secretive woman, heh?" Or in other words, coming for what she said she would. "So it is written! Then~ I'll see you to the table and show you the selection of our wines for you to choose from!" Of course, given that there was no one else in the cafe but the workers, Victoria got seated at the nearest table. Not that there is any pleasant vista to admire in a prison lest some sadists wants a window view of a poor inmate. Of course, since this was supposed to be a date, after pulling out Victoria's chair and assisting her in seating, Da Vinci took a seat across from her. The Artificial Bird came flying over to rest on its creator's shoulder before projecting the menu in front of the Master through its eyes. Naturally, the projection was already opened to the wine selection. While Victoria decided on their order, the genius continued to derail from asking the obvious question about this mysterious fan's motives for seeking out this date in the first place. "The services provided here are only limited by your imagination, Ms. Rodriguez. Of course, I have expectations for the woman who's bold enough to ask me out on a date as our first interaction!" Truthfully, Da Vinci merely wanted more and more excuses to flex her muscles and show off the extent of her imagination. As of yet, she still has yet to be roped in by the romance of this date, but merely just its potential fun. Perhaps because this Master in particular was such an enigma, Da Vinci was even more pumped up than usual. The unknown also means the infinity, so she wished to poke, prod, and fish to better understand the person in front of her, too! "Your wish is my command~" Da Vinci cooed out with an exuberant gleam in her eyes as if having looked forward to saying such a butler-like phrase!

@Orphelia/Naomi/Artoria