>>35979007
>> ONE WEEK LATER <<

Steady…

Steady…

You drive the nail with the heel of your shoe. At least, you think you did. You pull your shoe back only to realize you just bent the head, rendering the nail as useless as a one-legged horse. Damn it. The City Guards Band rehearsing in the Market Square for the imminent arrival of a noble isn’t helping you any.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU3wTF4Ib04

The past week has been spent improving upon the stall, seeing as how housing options were getting scarcer and scarcer as more Adventurers and more people came into the High City of Imperial City, whether for the Joust or for the winter, you didn’t care. That meant you had to room with Miss Eckhardt for the time being and that meant sharing a space barely two or three meters in size. You curse the dwarves for ruining it for everyone by exploiting the “no-taller-than-one-story” loophole. You could’ve dug yourself a fine hole.

Still, it’s quite cold anyway, a small stall that’s barely insulated against the cold is better than nothing. Your foot in particular is paying the price considering that you bought the lumber to strengthen the place and yet you neglected to buy a decent hammer.

Why? Because it was twenty silver. You’re not going to pay twenty silver for something you have right there on your foot. That’s more dirtier scat than an Elf trying to be honest and kind.

[1/2]

File: Emily Eckhardt.png (402 KB, 424x742)

402 KB PNG

>>35979023
[2/2]

Snow is falling down on the morning in the Market Square. The weather predictors indicated that the High City may receive anywhere between one to three inches of snow by tonight. That’s not bad by any means, but you’d prefer if it didn’t snow at all.

But you’re digressing. You grab the bent up nail and with great difficulty force it out of the wood. At least they sell nails in bulks. Maybe you can melt them all down and make a weird sword or something to sell. You grab another nail and aim it right in.

“Mister Kanenas.” Oh King’s sake, you nearly dropped the nail. Miss Eckhardt walks up to you, blanket over her shoulders and hood over her head. She holds up a mug to you with a strange, steaming hot liquid. “Would you like some hot chocolate? A dwarf down the way is selling them for five silver a cup. It’s a strange beverage from ”

> “Wouldn’t hurt.”
> “I’m good. Thank you.”
> Write in

>>35979039
> “I’m good. Thank you.”

>>35979039
>> “I’m good. Thank you.”
You know what we could buy with 5 silver?
A quarter of a hammer, we aren't spending that much on glorified water

>>35979039
> “I’m good. Thank you.”

>>35979039
> noticed I forgot to finish a sentence.

“Would you like some hot chocolate? A dwarf down the way is selling them for five silver a cup. It’s a strange beverage from the dwarf lands, they sell it's melted chocolate. Certainly tastes like it!”

>>35979039
> “I’m good. Thank you.”

>>35979039
>“I’m good. Thank you.”

Kasimir has gotta start eating well, but five silver per cup seems a bit much for a beverage.

> “I’m good. Thank you.”

You shake your head. “I’m good, thanks.” You carefully set your heel on the nail of the head.

Miss Eckhardt takes a sip of the hot chocolate as she looks at you, skeptically. She sighs deeply once she finishes, then says, “Mister Kanenas. I know you’re too cheap to buy a hammer. But couldn’t you use a rock or something to drive those nails in?”

You shrug, beating the nail down. “I could. But this is an easier solution. Rocks, you gotta spend time finding, then you gotta find the right angle, and make sure the rock doesn’t break apart. You keen?” She quirks her brow, not keen at all. “Basically, it’s easier to use my shoe.”

She rolls her eyes. “Typical.”

“Speaking of which, I could’ve used your help with putting the roof on,” you say. That was quite the difficult task, and you seriously hoping Miss Eckhardt or even Stiina would stop by to help get that in. Instead, you had to hoist Rusky up for him to help you bring the new wood roof over the stall. That wasn’t fun at all.

Miss Eckhardt nods. “I know. But I also know you would’ve used that as an excuse to look up my skirt.” She lifts up the edge of her skirt warily and slight, very knowing look on her face.

Okay, she has a point there.

[1/2]

>>35979311
[2/2]

“Anyway, you almost done?” she asks.

You nod. “Just this last nail.” You drive it in with a loud thump. Good. “And we’re done! This stall is now an improvised shelter against the cold of the winter season.” You happily place your shoe back on, and groan in bliss as you feel your foot warm back up in the cool softness inside of it. “Though, Miss Eckhardt, I do have to note a slight problem, in case you’re uncomfortable with it.”

Miss Eckhardt nods again. “I’m fully aware. It’s the fact that you were only able to afford one mattress and one blanket and there’s three of us.”

Rusky barks, sitting in between you two, happy to be included.

“Just want to know if you’re uncomfortable with sharing the mattress.” You smirk. “I certainly am not.”

She huffs. “Pervert.” She snaps her finger, getting back on top.

> “If you feel that way, I’ll sleep on the floor.”
> “No mattress for you then.”
> “We’ll share and you will like it.”
> Write in

>>35979331

> “We’ll share and you will like it.”

>>35979331
> “We’ll share or one of us will freeze to death."

>>35979331
> “If you feel that way, I’ll sleep on the floor.”

>>35979331
>> “We’ll share and you will like it.”
For warmth of course

>>35979311
> “If you feel that way, I’ll sleep on the floor.”

>>35979331
>Write in

That's not a "no", then?

>>35979331
>> “We’ll share and you will like it.”

>>35979331
"If it makes you more comfortable we can keep Rusky betwixt us."

> “We’ll share and you will like it.”

You cross your arms. “We’ll share and you’ll like it. You know why?” Miss Eckhardt pouts a bit, crossing her arms in anticipation for your lovely explanation of why you two should be sharing the same mattress despite not having any form of sexual relationship. “Because one of us is going to freeze to death without the blanket. And you do not want to wake up with a frozen corpse at your feet, that really wrecks your day.”

“I suppose.” She takes another sip of hot chocolate, apparently not bothering to argue the point. It’s a good point honestly. “Anyway, we’re done right?” You nod, pulling out some hardtack then popping it into your mouth. “Excellent. Miss Strafniki said she’d be a bit busy today because of the arrival of the noble.”

You nod, heading around to the front of the stall with her. You lift up the front cover, putting up the stakes as well to keep it and turn it into a nice little awning. “You know which one it is?” you ask.

Satchel walks over. Oh great. “Well I hear word it’s Princess Patricia Parisia Perrinius Prometheus the Promiscuous!” he says, happily. “She’s one of the more shopping types too, so I look forward to selling a sword or two to her.” He leans on your counter, bouncing his eyebrows up. “If you know what-“

“Oh her?” you say.

Miss Eckhardt nods. “It should be her. Why do you say that?”

> “I shagged her once.”
> “Eh, nothing.”
> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”
> Write in

>>35979628
> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”

>>35979628
>> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”

alright so we improved it. Look better and more insulated.
How much did we spend?

>>35979628
>“Eh, nothing.”
While trying and failing very hard to look innocent.

>>35979685
i think we just rummaged around for shit..
cause we didn't vote to pay for any of that..or what kind of upgrade we would want.

Also
>>35979628
> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”

how much stuff did we sell that week?

>>35979628
>> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”
What do we have

>>35979628
I shagged her once.

> “I bet you I could sell something to her, Satchel.”

You cross your arms, deciding to reconsider the story of how you once frustratedly rutted with the Princess so eagerly that it probably would’ve birthed an heir to the throne and started a whole new bloodline. “Well, Satchel. I tell you what, I could probably sell something to her. Consider me something of an exotic and charismatic salesman, yeah?”

He laughs, slapping your counter in disbelief. “Haha, bully! That’s nothing but a load of Elven hogwash. Look at what you got here!” He points over to the stack of books on Miss Eckhardt’s side. “You got a bunch of books that only eggheads and hardcore historics would want.” He points to all of your knick-knacks, fresh from the garbage. “And you’ve got all this useless junk! What’s she gonna want?”

You shrug. “Maybe my penis.” Miss Eckhardt coughs, wheezing and grinning. You must have caught her mid-drink. “You liked that, didn’t ya?” She waves her hand, turning away and snickering quietly.

Satchel crosses his arms, gently stroking his beard. “You’re quite confident, ain’t you?” You cross your arms, staring down at him. “Very well. How about a bet then?” He quickly runs over to his stall, then pulls out a simple looking sword. “This sword is the worst sword I have ever made, feel it!”

You take the sword, and immediately you notice something wrong. It feels off-balance and… is the hilt too short? And the blade isn’t a blade at all, more like a table top. This isn’t a sword at all! “Let me guess, you want me to sell this.”

“Not just sell it, sell it to herfor five-hundred silver!” he says. “Do that, and I’ll see to it you get a free Stall at the Jousting grounds.” Oh, that would be lovely, those permits go for over seven hundred silver!

And you yourself, after subtracting the silver from your expenses on the lumber and the mattress and everything else… You have about fifty silver left.

[1/2]

>>35979956
[2/2]

“And if I don’t sell it?” you ask.

Satchel looks over at Miss Eckhardt, grinning. “Old Herringbone has got a lovely little outfit for her to help me advertise my stall at the Joust.” Herringbone appears, quickly sliding in next to Satchel, reluctantly. “Show her.”

The big Orc pulls out a notebook, then flips through a few pages. He shows you the outfit.

… Oh sweet King’s mercy.

“I am not wearing that,” she says simply. “No. No!” She shakes her head, recoiling in disgust. “It’s so… revealing and… who would wear that!? I’d look like a whore!”

Oh by the King, whoever loses, you win.

> Fine, I’ll take your bet.
> No thanks, we’re good.
> Write in

>>35979978
> Fine, I’ll take your bet.

>>35979978
>No thanks, we’re good.

>>35979978
>> Fine, I’ll take your bet./write in
But you have to give me three swords for me to sell. Because like you said all I have is books,If I make this sale. Considering how bad this sword is.

>>35979978
We sell it as the most difficult training sword Ever. If you master this blade, your expertise with real weapons will be phenomenal.

>>35979978
>Fine, I’ll take your bet.

>>35979978
> No thanks, we’re good.

I don't like the idea of conning a person we know, or pimping out our assistant.

>>35979956
>And you yourself, after subtracting the silver from your expenses on the lumber and the mattress and everything else… You have about fifty silver left.
why didn't we get a vote on these things?

>>35980064
this sounds good. may as well bargain

>>35979978
>> Fine, I’ll take your bet.
We just gotta win is all

>>35980064
Backing

>>35979978
Its up to miss eckhardt.
>try to convince her we can make this sell.

>>35979956
>And the blade isn’t a blade at all, more like a table top.

Do you mean like a table leg?

>>35980079
>I don't like the idea of conning a person we know
honestly with the way we left each other,I am sure she'd be willing to pay that much if we hint we can throw her a bone, if she buys it.

>>35980064
Kinda defeats the point of the bet, don't you think?

>>35980113

Kind of risky. If she's carried on with her promiscuous ways after visiting Kanenas, then her father/other misc. advisers may have assigned some guardians to her to ensure that she doesn't father an illegitimate child for an heir or ruin her prospects for marriage.

On the other hand, getting a tourney stall would be a huge shot in the arm for our cash flow. There's bound to be at least a few nobles with deep pockets and a taste for good literature.

>>35979978
> Fine, I’ll take your bet.
We can sell fucking anything. This be easy!

>>35980064
yup.

>>35980128
asking for more shit because he gave us a shit weapon to sell.
And an outrageous price. Gives us every right to ask for more than just the stall.
We're merchant's if we don't get the better end of the deal why bother doing it?

> Fine, I’ll take your bet.

You hold out your hand to him. “Very well.” Miss Eckhardt leans in, looking at you both as you seal the deal with a hand shake. “I can sell you that sword and I guarantee you that I will sell you the clothes on her back too.”

“You wish!” He lets go and turns around, waddling back to his stall.

Herringbone smiles, placing his notebook back into his pack. “Good luck to you, Kasimir. And to you Miss Eckhardt, do not worry if you lose. The outfit is deceptively warm, I’ve made sure of it.” Miss Eckhardt glares at him, prompting him to make a very hasty retreat.

You hop over the counter, sitting down in the relatively warmth of the stall. Miss Eckhardt glares at you. “Seriously?” She holds up the sword by the blade, indicating just how completely blunt it is. “How are you going to sell this crud? Not even a Halfling will take this!” She drops it down on the counter, sitting down next to you angrily.

“Relax,” you say. “I’ll sell it, we get a free permit to sell at the Joust, things will be Kingly.”

“You better hope so, or else you’re sleeping on the floor.” She opens up a book very angrily then goes on to read angrily as well. You don’t know how she does it, but it’s adorable anyway. Rusky happily sets his head down on her lap, whining happily as she angrily pets him.

The morning bell rings. The gates should be opening at this point. Then you hear a few merchants leave their stalls, happily moving onto the gatehouse itself. “She’s here!” yells one of them. “The Princess has arrived!”

Oh, that sounds important.

> Not important enough for you to leave.
> Important enough for you to see what’s going on.
> Write in

>>35980403
>> Important enough for you to see what’s going on.
We got to take a look at our future customer

>>35980403
>Important enough for you to see what’s going on.

We must observe the princess and see if/how she's changed since the last we saw her.

>>35980403
>Important enough for you to see what’s going on.

Let's see how much she's changed, if any.

>>35980403
>> Important enough for you to see what’s going on.

>>35980403
> Important enough for you to see what’s going on.

Gather intel for the Great Selling!

>>35980403
since we've already upgraded our stall..(with no vote) Will you give us the option to increase it/upgrade it some more. once we get say 1000s

> Important enough for you to see what’s going on.

You and Miss Eckhardt jump out of the stall and start walking with the other merchants. “So…” Miss Eckhardt twiddles her fingers a bit, looking down. “Do you know the Princess very well?”

You shake your head. “It was one of those situations, she saw, decided she needed some time, and then left. I’m sure she doesn’t even remember my name.” You look down at her, obviously seeing how nervous she is. Oh, you see where this is going. “No, we’re not in some kind of secretive relationship. Not like the Elf and the Hunter.”

She looks up at, you surprised. “You know that story?”

“What scholar doesn’t?” you say. “Classic tale of star-crossed lovers whose love ultimately cannot be. Of course, we all know that having relations with Elves is a tricky business, they’ve never been seen beyond the forests.”

Miss Eckhardt nods. “I don’t think they even exist anymore.”

-

-

You’re barely able to get far into the crowd as people start mobbing the streets, eager to get a glimpse of the Princess herself. Most people here in the High City of Imperial City rarely see foreigners beyond the adventurers, and they sure don’t see other nobles from other parts of Therindel that much often either. You’d be one of them anyway if this were any different.

You cross your arms, Miss Eckhardt getting pushed against your side by the rowdy crowd. She huffs. “This better be worth it.” You hear the trumpets. Before the gate there to meet her is the City Guard, and there, by the Guard Captain’s horse is Stiina. She wears her armor proudly, and on her spear waves a little banner, indicating her a Staff Sergeant. Who knew?

You hear the rumbling of horses, and galloping in comes the Princess’ Companion Cavalry, wearing wings upon their helmet and wearing black tabards over their armor. They settle to the side and start forcing the crowd back, you can barely get a view of anything now.

[1/2]

File: Princess Prometheus.jpg (489 KB, 721x1000)

489 KB JPG

>>35980847
But finally, you catch a view of her, right past two horsemen. You had hoped that in the two years you haven’t seen her, maybe she had changed her ways a bit. Perhaps even wore more clothing even.

And boy you were disappointed.

She smiles, her outfit revealing nothing to the imagination as she rides up to the Guard Captain, apparently not feeling the cold at all. “Hello there, Captain Rosellius.” She looks to the crowd and waves, giving a kiss to them. “And hello people of the High City!” Everyone cheers, throwing their hats in the air to salute her.

>> PRINCESS PATRICIA PARISIA PERRINIUS PROMETHEUS THE PROMISCUOUS <<
>> Daughter of Patrick Pamphilos Pemberton Prometheus the Progressive, Princess of the Principality of Pamphilosopolis and of the fiefdoms of Joss’s Landing, Redwater, Moorston, Ivy’s Island, Stonefort, Teufort, Castle Spider, Castle Impenetrable, Fort Defensible, and Fort Last Stand. Extinctor of the Wild Direbear, Subjugator of the Succubus Nations of the Frozen North, Crusher of the Kobold Mountain and Enslaver of the Kobold Nation. Master of the Siege and of the Artillery. TWENTY-FIFTH IN THE LINE OF SUCCESSION <<

Captain Rosellius nods. “My lady. Lord Lamarr can’t attend to you at the moment, he’s indisposed due to a revolt down in the north, he’ll be gone for a couple of days. I’m here to take you to your room in the palace.”

[2/3]

File: Stiina Stelera Strafniki.jpg (461 KB, 751x1100)

461 KB JPG

>>35980878
[3/3]

“Oh, can we do that later?” she asks, quickly pulling out a pocket mirror and admiring herself. “I wanted to see if the Merchant Lord of Therindel had any good wares at his so called City of Riches.”

Captain Rosellius sighs, while his much younger and much cuter Standard Bearer stands besides him, also a bit frustrated.

>> CAPTAIN ROARKE ROSARIUS ROSELLIUS <<
>> Guard Captain of the High City of Imperial City <<

“Fine, but allow us to at least get you settled, my lady.” The Princess shrugs, motioning for a couple of her Companions to follow her and the Guard Captain as they start on the trail to the palace. Stiina quickly breaks formation, with the Captain’s permission, then walks over to you.

She looks a bit frightened. “I’m intimidated. Have you seen what she wears?” she asks you.

> “Yes.”
> “Oh yes.”
> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”
> Write in

>>35980898
> “Yes.”

>>35980898
> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”
Literally fucked every wench in this realm

>>35980898
>“I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

>>35980898
>“I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

Being a down-on-his-luck scruffy yet rugged failed archaeologist turned merchant has its perks.

>>35980898
> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

>>35980898
>> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

>>35980898
>> “Yes.”

>>35980898
I've seen what she wars under it

>>35980898
>> “Yes.”
>> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

Kind of a casual both.

Tell her we've definitely seen it.

And what's under it a few seconds later.

>>35980898
Geez, people in this world sure like having tons of names all starting with the same letter.

>>35981128
I think it makes it easier for Schteel to name em. He just picks a letter and gets ridiculous.

>>35981128
>>35981158

Alliterative airs assume an awesome and adventurous aspect.

> “I’ve seen what she wears under it.”

You shrug. “Eh, I’ve seen what she wears under it.” Stiina and Miss Eckhardt are floored by this revelation. You look at them both, seeing how utterly shocked they are. “Just saying. That’s conservative compared to her underwear.” You look at them both again, they’re still shocked.

Then Stiina begins laughing. She screeches with laughter, leaning on you and hugging you. What’s her deal? “Ahahaha! I don’t believe you! You’re making that up.”

Eh, you won’t try to fight it.

-

-

You’re back at the stall with Stiina and Miss Eckhardt. Stiina carefully holds the sword Satchel gave for you for the bed. “And you have to sell this trashy thing for five-hundred silver? I wouldn’t buy it if you paid me five-hundred,” she says. She takes a swipe, and nearly doubles herself over with how unbalanced it is.

You nod. “That’s right. It’s five-hundred in the bag along with a free permit to the Jousting market if I can sell that to her.”

Miss Eckhardt glares at you, puffing her cheeks. “There’s certainly a fair bit you can sell to her.”

“Oh please, Miss Eckhardt…” You grab your Reso, and start tuning it gently. “I’m sure she doesn’t even remember my name.”

Stiina giggles. “That’s still funny. I honestly don’t think you did it. You’re a horny mutt in a field full of bitches, Kasimir, that’s honestly how I’d describe you.” You wouldn’t describe yourself like that, but here we are. “How do you do it?”

> “Very carefully.”
> “I don’t, they come to me.”
> “I’d rather not say.”
> Write in

>>35981285
>> “I don’t, they come to me.”

>>35981285
>> “Very carefully.”

>>35981285
Aura of enfeeblemind

>>35981285
>“Very carefully.”

>>35981285
>> “I’d rather not say.”
lets try and be humble..

>>35981285
I have no clue, guess i'm just part bard.

>>35981285
>> “I don’t, they come to me.”

>>35981285
> “I don’t, they come to me.”

I mean really, if I tried I'd get smacked.

>>35981285
> “I don’t, they come to me.”

File: Sam.jpg (108 KB, 425x334)

108 KB JPG

I am now officially picturing Kasimir as Bruce Campbell.

>>35981285
> “I don’t, they come to me.”

I am assaulted daily by beautiful women.

>>35981584
There are worse people to be compared to.

>>35981584
Good comparison all things told.

> “I don’t, they come to me.”

You shrug. “I don’t. They usually come to me.” Stiina snickers at that, turning away. You roll your eyes, it’s somewhat true. “Anyway, Stiina, you not busy today?”

She sighs. “Actually, Captain Rosellius is having me take care of the Princess for today, you know, womanly stuff.” Oh, you’re quite aware. “But I get off later tonight. If you need something, I’m at my place.” She takes up her spear and steps off from the counter. “Kasimir, I’ll try and visit when I can, but expect much, alright?” You and Miss Eckhardt nod. “Good, good. Eckhardt, you take good care of our little mutt here, you understand?”

Miss Eckhardt sighs, crossing her arms in a huff. “I suppose.”

“Good enough.” She taps the bottom of the shaft on the ground. “King’s tidings.” She waves goodbye and leave you with Miss Eckhardt and Rusky.

You look around, adventurers have come out to buy and to sell, but every day there are fewer and fewer. You’re going to have to work if you’re going to pay for more meals coming up.

> Eh, to heck with work, let them come to you.
> Talk with Miss Eckhardt for a bit.
> Start heralding and shouting
> Write in

>>35981663
> Start heralding and shouting
unless we think Miss Eckhardt has seen us do it enough then we have her do it.

>>35981663
>> Start heralding and shouting

>>35981663
>> Start heralding and shouting

>>35981663
>Start heralding and shouting

Gotta have at least enough for some hardtack.

>>35981663
>> Start heralding and shouting

> Start heralding and shouting

You stand up. “Adventurers, come one, come all! Seek the past of the Kingdom of Therindel, in these tomes and ancient books of yore! From the thrilling works of Quinton Quill, to the ancient biography of Josephine Josiah, everything you could ask for is right here! Come around, buy a book! Who needs a sword when you have smarts!?”

Miss Eckhardt asks you, “You think one day I could do that?”

“You could try it now,” you say quickly. She rolls her eyes, continuing to sit and read her book. You suppose she won’t try it now. “Come on, see what you want, see if there is something that catches your fancy!”

And as soon as you say that, a short looking adventurer walks up to your counter. He picks up a book from Eckhard’s stack then asks, “How much?”

Miss Eckhardt grins. “Two-hundred silver!”

He whistles a bit. “Eh… think I could get it cheaper? One-seventy five?”

> Let her make the sell
> “No haggling.”
> Time to sell a book
> Write in

>>35981967
> Let her make the sell

Girl's gotta learn sometime

>>35981967
> Let her make the sell
She needs to learn one way or another, plus we need to keep or pitch supply maxed out for the blade.

>>35981967
> Let Miss Eckhardt handle this one. She needs some practice.

>>35981967
>Let her make the sell

We must busy ourselves with some other important work while she attempts to haggle. See how she performs on her own.

>>35981967
>> Let her make the sell
was offal

>>35981967
>> Let her make the sell
C'mon you nerd

> Let her make the sell

“Um…” Miss Eckhardt scratches her chin, nervous. “I don’t normally haggle. It’s two-hundred.”

The adventurer looks down at the book. “It’s just a book, how about one-fifty?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say it’s just a book, that’s been written by one of the cholars of the old ages,” says Miss Eckhardt. “It’s incredibly valuable, and it’s in the standard Old English!” She stands up and opens up the book for the adventurer. “Look, it’s in the literary past tense too, so you know it’s genuine.”

“Oh.” The adventurer quirks his brow, looking less interested by the second. Oh jeez. “I was hoping for something I could actually read. Well uh…” He places the book down and starts walking away.

“Hey!” Miss Eckhardt yells after him. “Come on, books are great! I love books!” She clutches her own book like a security blanket, frowning. “Come on…” Too late.

Ugh. That was painful.

> Cheer her up
> Might as well go for lunch
> Keep shouting
> Write in

>>35982284
>> Cheer her up

>>35982284
>> Cheer her up
Maybe one day you won't be a huge fuck up

>>35982284
>> Cheer her up

>>35982284
>> Cheer her up
>> Keep shouting

>>35982284
> Cheer her up
Good things come to those with patience, I mean look at me......................... nevermind.

>>35982284
> Cheer her up
> Might as well go for lunch

>>35982325
Actually all things considered we aren't doing to bad for ourselves.

I mean yeah things suck, but that's because our dad left a huge debt. We've apparently paid off most of it and are sleeping decently, if not well.

And there are a few people who like us enough to care.

There are worse places to be.

>>35982284
> Cheer her up
"That was pretty good for your first attempt to sell a piece of quality literature to a barely literate meathead."

>>35982284
>Cheer her up
>Keep shouting
>Write in

Let her observe us closely when we're making a sale, then let her explain to us what she saw. Then we break it down for her how we assess people and make a sale based on that.

>>35982284

> Cheer her up
> Keep shouting

> Cheer her up

You scoot up next to her as she sulks. “Hey, come on. You did pretty well, you were just serving to the wrong type of customer.” She looks at you, skeptically. Rusky whines, rubbing his head against her leg. “See, even Rusky thinks you did good!” You pat Rusky on the head. “Good boy, Rusky.”

Miss Eckhardt sighs. “Look, I know you’re trying to cheer me up, but forget it. I never was good at this mercantile stuff.” She kicks back and opens up her book. “My brother was the one who knew how to work the customer, not me.”

“Maybe so,” you say. “But hard times tend to make people desperate. I tell you what, you observe me when I make a sale, look closely at what you see. See if you can replicate that for the next time, okay?”

“Okay.” She goes back to reading, apparently uninterested in further conversation.

Another adventurer walks up to the stall, apparently bored. Then he sees that weird dreamcatcher thingy that you’ve had up there for past few weeks. “Oi, stranger. The heck is that?” You look at it. Is someone actually interested in that thing!? “How much for that weirdo circular star thingy?”

You shrug. “Fifty silver, stranger.”

He scratches the fuzz on his chin, his jaw hanging open and revealing his mismatched set of teeth. “Eh… got it for cheap?”

> “Fifty or go home.”
> “No haggling.”
> “Fifty is cheap.”
> Write in

>>35982597
>It is of ELVEN MAKE

>>35982597
>> “Fifty is cheap.”
This here is authentic ancient elven design

>>35982597
> “Fifty is cheap.”
He's getting the not so full set of teeth discount and the not so full beard discount.

>>35982597
>Fifty is cheap
Like this guy knows any better.

>>35982597
> “Fifty is cheap.”

>>35982597
>> “Fifty is cheap.”

>>35982597
> “Fifty is cheap.”
It's of elven make!

> “Fifty is cheap.”

You nod. “Yeah, fifty silver.” He narrows his eyes. “That is cheap, stranger. Ye gonna buy it or ye gonna admire it all day cuz I got customers waiting on ya.”

He scratches his chin, groaning and humming a bit. Miss Eckhardt looks at him disgustedly, and you yourself can’t really handle any of this. Just go away already!” “Alrighty, I’ll buy it.” He pulls up his inventory rift, then drops a sack of fifty silver. Excellent. First sale of the day! You take it and tip your hat to him as he leaves with that weird circle wood string thing. You honestly can’t remember where you got it from but hopefully it gives him purpose.

“So, what did we learn?” you say.

Miss Eckhardt sighs. “That we have to something people want to buy?”

“Well…” You sit down, counting up the silver. “That’s a good start. But what else?”

“Stick to your guns, be confident?” she asks.

You shrug. “Sure. A good mark of a salesman is someone who doesn’t haggle. If you’re good, you won’t need to haggle. You could sell the clothes he was wearing back to him if you’re as good as me.”

“If you’re so good, why are you still poor?” she asks.

“Reasons.” You pull out a bit of hardtack. “Anyway, I do have to admit, I’m nervous. The Princess hasn’t shown her tits around here and we still have to sell that sword.” She glares at you, folding her arms angrily. Oh, right. Bet. “Look, sorry for not consulting you. But five-hundred silver and a free stall at the Joust, that’s a steal!”

“Hmph. You’re not going to catch me in that outfit,” she says. You lean forward, then see the Princess, walking with Captain Rosellius, his Standard Bearer, and a group of Companion Infantry.

> “I’d love to.”
> “Act casual, here they come.”
> Shout at them
> Write in

>>35982864
>> “Act casual, here they come.”
Any bet if she still remember us?

>>35982864
> “Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982864
>“Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982884
Well if the description fits, then the princess probably remembers how good a time she had comparatively. Finding us again is sure to lead to interesting shenanigans.

>>35982864
>“I’d love to.”
>“Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982864
>> “Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982864
>> “Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982864
> “I’d love to.”
> “Act casual, here they come.”

>>35982864
>> “Act casual, here they come.”
And by act casual, I mean act like we're continuing to sell stuff, the usual spiel

> “Act casual, here they come.”

The group walks up to your stall, briefly going over your wares. The Princess herself is deep in conversation with Captain Rosellius, who, like his standard bearer, doesn’t look very interested. “And that is how the Siege works, you have to be patient. You got to ease things in, like how you cook food. You do it gently. You don’t brute force your way in, it all gets everywhere.” She looks down at Miss Eckhardt’s books. She picks up one, much to Miss Eckhardt’s surprise. “Hm… this second or first edition?”

Miss Eckhardt recovers quickly. “Second.”

“Hm…” The Princess purses her lips, quickly flipping through the pages. She is deep in thought, you can tell by how concentrated she looks. She places the book down. “I have no idea what any of this says.” Miss Eckhardt plants her head in her book with a soft thump noise. The Princess herself looks over to your sword. “Merchant, how much for this sword?”

“Five-hundred,” you say. The Princess looks over it, then immediately recoils. “It’s a bit tricky, isn’t it.”

“Feels like it wants to kill me,” says the Princess. She looks closer at you, then her brow rises up a bit. She leans, looking even more closely at you. Oh jeez. “Hm… have I seen you before? You look familiar…” She snaps her finger. “Maybe I rutted with you once or twice.”

> “I got a familiar face.”
> “You did.”
> “You going to buy the sword or not?”
> Write in

>>35983220
> “You going to buy the sword or not?”

>>35983220
>> “You did.”
"Do you still have that sensitive spot on the back of your knees?"

>>35983220
"It was quite a night. Still interested in the sword?"

>>35983220
>> “You did.”

>>35983220
>> “You did.”
>> “You going to buy the sword or not?”

>>35983220
> “You did.”

>>35983220
> “You did.”
> “You going to buy the sword or not?”

>>35983220
Could probably play it off as a joke item or as a training sword meant to be utterly terrible.

Your not always going to have the perfect weapon in combat, training with something this ungainly would be useful in a scrabble for your life since it would teach the wielder how to balance off weight.

>>35983322
Or as a prototype katana.

>>35983220
Shovel bullshit like anon >>35983322
suggests.

So did anyone actually read the Princesses title?

Because apparently she's a Succubus Subjugator.

>>35983333
They wouldn't buy that for a second.

Plus: we know its dwarf made, we can use that as an indicator of quality for what it is as a training/punishment weapon.

>>35983359
hot

>>35983365
>>35983322

Pushing the training idea might work. Perhaps even the punishment aspect? To sell something like this, we're going to have to get creative and sell it on novelty more than practicality.

>>35983220
>“You did.”

>>35983359
Whole nations of succubi subjugation at that

> “You did.”

You smile, chuckling. “You still sensitive behind the knees, my lady?” And to that, the Princess’ eyes light up like the beacons of lore.

“Oh yeah, you’re Kasimir!” She points at you, grinning. “You’re that sly merchant from Solarno, oh-…” She covers her mouth, shocked. She looks over at Captain Rosellius. “Captain, I had sex with him once!”

Captain Rosellius nods, a neutral expression on his face. “You’ve had sex with half the people here and more.”

The Standard Bearer nods, frowning. “Including the Orc cook down the ways just earlier.”

She waves them off dismissively. “Yeah…” She looks back to you, happily. “How are things, Kasimir? I trust you’re doing okay?”

You nod. “I am, definitely prepared for the winter.” You motion over to Miss Eckhardt. “My newest business partner, Emily Eckhardt. She owns those books, most of them are pretty old and were recovered by herself during her adventuring days.”

“Oh, neat!” She holds up the sword. “What are you doing selling this? I’d give this to my own assassin, that’s how bad it is.” She snaps her finger quickly. “And don’t pull that ancient artifact crap on me, I brought my appraising Kobold with me this time!” She whistles, and out from the crowd comes a very sorry looking, short half-ling sized Kobold in a tattered cloak. He adjusts his glasses, groaning tiredly.

> “It’s five-hundred silver, what do you say?”
> “It’s a training item.”
> “It’s an ancient artifact of the old world.”
> Write in

>>35983492
> “It’s a training item.”

It is defiantly dwarf make, even if terrible the way it was forged should shine through as genuine, we just have to beat it in that it was intended to be this bad.

>>35983492
> “It’s a training item.”

>>35983492
>> “It’s five-hundred silver, what do you say?”
>> “It’s a training item.”

>>35983492
>> “It’s five-hundred silver, what do you say?”
>> “It’s a training item.”

It's dwarf make.

Say the sword has a subtle magic to it, say it's gnome magic (they're rare and slightly magical right). State that the magic makes the wielder develop a unique and deadly(most probably for the user but we don't need to mention that) fighting style.

>>35983492
>> “It’s a training item.”
Genuine dwarven make, new type of sword.

>>35983492
> “It’s a training item.”

>>35983492
> “It’s a training item.”

>>35983492
>“It’s a training item.”

But it also can be employed in less reputable practices. Or so I've been told.

>>35983492
> “It’s an ancient artifact of the old world.”
COME ONE YOU PUSSIES! BELIEVE FFS

>>35983492
We could also tell her about the bet with Satchel. Might tickle her enough to get her to buy it. S'not like she'll miss the money, she is a princess.

>>35983585
Then we slip our last fifty silver in the kobold's pocket the princess isn't looking as a bribe.

>>35983492
>> Write in
Its an exceptionally unbalanced exotic weapon.

note how it throws you off when you swing it. Thats obviously due to much its weight being off the center and closer to the tip of the weapon. Imagine its destructive power as it crushes your foes. Only someone exceptionally skilled could master such a one hit one kill weapon, where a missed strike would spell certain doom.

>>35983626
We could offer to play for her, with our instrument.

>>35983492
>> “It’s a training item.”

If you can survive five rounds with it you're supposedly a master.

>>35983492
> “It’s a training item.”

Look at this sword. Just look at it. It's horrible. Atrocious. It offends all other swords simply by existing. The balance is off. The weight varies. And the blade is hardly a blade at all. It is perhaps, the most terrible sword for fighting in the world. Hardly worth the fine dwarven steel it's made of. Which makes it perfect as a training weapon! If you could master using this then you could master anything!

>>35983492
Tell her about the bet?

>>35983734
No
>>35983673
this.

>>35983734
She'd want to see that happen. She's kind of a whore.

>>35983734
no.
>>35983359
i did and the implication it has should be true as she is looking more promiscuous than kasimir.

>>35983769 Why not?

>>35983673
I like the cut of this man's jibberish.

> “It’s a training item.”

You stand up, placing your hand on the blade. “It’s a training sword. Just feel the weight of it.” You push down on it somewhat, noting how she has to push really hard to keep it back up. “Balance is off, weight is all over the place. It’s Dwarven Steel is the only good thing about it honestly.”

The Princess shrugs. “I’m not a fan of Dwarven weapons, too heavy for me.” Satchel looks over from his stall, glaring at her.

“Anyway,” you say. “This sword is basically training in off-center, when you have to work with what you get. You’re not always going to have the perfect weapon for the perfect situation. This could be a table leg or an Elf’s arm for all you care. It’s all in how you use it. You certainly can’t use it for real fights, but train with it, see how it works with you. You’ll better appreciate the fine masterwork crafting of a real sword by Therindel men and Therindel blacksmithing.”

The Princess smiles at you, eyes half-lidded. “Oooh, you really know how to paint scat gold, Kasimir.” She scratches her chin. “Tell you what, do you have any books on mathematics, siege tactics with Miss Eckhardt?”

Miss Eckhardt holds up a textbook as thick as the Princess’ tits. “Here’s one! On the Siege of Xalfacia by Quinton Quill!” She places it down on the counter, and you all hear the loud wooden creaking of the counter buckling under the weight. “It’s in Old Standard though and in the literary tense.”

The Princess giggles. “No problem!” She snaps her finger. The Companions escort up an even more sorry-looking succubus, with a tied up bifurcated tail and faded red hair, she wears nothing but a heavy metal collar around her neck and a scratchy looking brown dress. The Princess looks at her. “You know Old Standard, right?” The succubus nods. “Good, good, have it translated by the end of the week.” The Princess gives the succubus a quick kiss on the cheek, then turns to you. “Alright, how much do I owe you?”

[1/2]

>>35983779
She'd want to see herself but a terrible sword that even the creator admits is the worst thing he has ever created?
>>35983783
Because of what I said in the post above.
why should she care if we profit if she will clearely lose money.

>>35983780
I think she's about as promiscuous as a Queen Succubus.

Or more.

Kind of a mobile sex factory.

>>35983874
[2/2]

“Well, with the book, about six-hundred fifty silver.” The Princess happily pulls that amount of silver from her inventory rift, dropping it down on your counter. “Thanks for your patronage.”

“My pleasure!” She crosses her arms over her ample assets. “I must say Kasimir, if you’re ever available…” One of her Companion Infantry coughs, obviously not intending on making her available. “Oh come on!” she whines.

“We let you have the Orc,” he says. “No more for today.”

She sighs, huffing. “Fiiiine.” She looks back at you, smiling. “Whenever you’re available!” She takes the sword and the book, and with her retinue walks down the ways.

Except for Captain Rosellius and his Standard Bearer. The Captain looks down at you. “If you know what’s good for you, you probably shouldn’t try anything.”

> “Wasn’t intending to.”
> “Let me guess, she caught something?”
> “No promises.”
> Write in

>>35983899
> “No promises.”

>>35983899
"I don't think I'd have to"

>>35983899
> “Let me guess, she caught something?”

>>35983899
> “No promises.”
I am a salesman, i always have to try something.

>>35983899
>Write in
"Wasn't intending to... but what the Princess wants, the Princess gets, y'know?"

>>35983899
>> Write in
I won't proposition but I can't do anything if she tries to come onto me.

>>35983899
> “Wasn’t intending to.”

>>35983899
>> “Wasn’t intending to."

I didn't even try the first time man.

>>35983899
>>35983948
seconded

>>35983899
>Implying we have to try

>>35983899
>> “Let me guess, she caught something?”

>>35983899
> “Let me guess, she caught something?”

>>35983899
>> “Wasn’t intending to.”

>>35983899
>> “Wasn’t intending to.”
"also i'm healthier than i look."

>>35983899
wait, so we did sell the sword, right?

>>35984132
Yeah.

500 for the sword, 150 for the book.

Probably because we gave her a decent line of shit and because she actually remembered having sex with us.

>>35983899
> Write in
If she wants me, she knows where to find me

>>35984153
She probably has a pornographic memory

> “Wasn’t intending to.”

You shrug. “I wasn’t intending to. Much as I’d love to.” You cross your arms at that. Oh yes, the memories were flooding back on that faithful day. The way you cowtailed that little Princess to your will, the way you pressed against her while she sat on your counter, and the way her amazing breasts bounced and jiggled and how she moaned, oh yes. That is the stuff. “Why do you say that?”

The Captain says, “The succubus mostly, she might try to get you into a threesome with her and it I reckon. Try to stay out of trouble.” He turns, but then immediately stops and looks back at you. “Oh yes, Staff Sergeant Strafniki told me about you.”

“Did she?” you ask. “What’d she say?”

He shrugs. “Eh, she tells me you might be suited for Guard duty.” He sizes you up and down. “Hm, I don’t see what she sees.”

“Well, sir. Neither do I,” you say. “I’m not really Guard material.”

He shrugs. “Not everyone is, but take Ensign Eagleton here.” He motions to his very cute young Standard Bearer, holding the flag of Lord Lamarr the Fiftieth. She stands at attention, waving the flag on high. “Youngest Ensign we have at eighteen and very dedicated.”

“Well,” you say. “I’m not eighteen, or a very cute young girl like she is.” She blushes a bit, looking away.

The Captain nods. “Right then, safe travels.” He and the Ensign leave you to catch up to the Princess. Miss Eckhardt looks at you, smiling, at least happy that she won’t have to wear that outfit. You’re actually quite disappointed that you sold it. You would’ve loved to have seen her in it.

Satchel waddles up to you, glaring at you.

> Time to be smug
> “Just get the permit.”
> “So what’s up?”
> Write in

>>35984193
Nah, I'm betting she's more like the person who considers sex like food.

Good, but you don't remember every meal you've ever had right?

Just the good ones.


>>35984199
> “Just get the permit.”

Don't be smug.

>>35984199
> “Just get the permit.”

And have the outfit sent to the princess.

>>35984199
> “So what’s up?”

>>35984227
Just the Great ones, scuse me.

>>35983899
"I don't have to try anything, they come to me."

>>35984199
>> Write in
"So how much would it cost for you to wear that uniform?"

>>35984199
"You didn't think I'd actually do it did you?"

>>35984258
Seconded

>>35984199
>> “Just get the permit.”

"before you ask yes, she is VERY good at it, and yes the rumors about how soft her twins are true."

>>35984199
> “Just get the permit.”

Regarding the princess, with that many demesne under her i kinda get why she parties that hard.

kinda surprised she is only 25th in line despite all her responsibilities though.

>>35984414

She probably likes calling feasts.

That Butterprincess.

>>35984414
It kinda sounds like those Empires where everyone is supposed to sound even more important than they are, though she can apparently kick a bunch of ass too if she's in charge of the artillery and sieges.

>>35984414
the emperor probably pushed all the jobs to his offsprings and just living life as, well.. an emperor.

>>35984414
She's twenty-fifth in line mostly because all of her domains are relatively small. She governs them however, she lacks one thing.

An overseas territory (the frozen north doesn't count as it's otherwise the spiritual home of many humans). Many nobles in Therindel long for the day they can take an army across the ocean to subjugate a rebellion in the name of claiming a new domain and potentially bump up the line of succession.

>>35984448
She calls so many feasts that her peasantry have unofficially nicknamed her "the Cougar of Therindel".

>>35984471
The King himself administrated Therindel until his death. Due to his lack of biological heirs, the mantle had to pass onto someone, and that left the fifty nobles who had served him well during his reign. Therindel nearly ripped itself apart in the Civil Wars that followed, but things have mostly calmed down for now.

Just got home. Here's a pastebin I wrote related to this quest in case anyone is interested.

http://pastebin.com/KkjaSkvx

I wanted the people being scammed to actually end up really happy with the stuff they buy, because this quest is so comfy.

>>35984500
>the mantle had to pass onto someone, and that left the fifty nobles who had served him well during his reign

i bet he regretted not having enough wise owls to see what could go wrong.

>>35984500
schteel, you play mount & blade?

> “Just get the permit.”

You smirk. “Just go get the permit, Satchel. I won’t rub nothing in your face.” As much as you’d love to describe how great the Princess was, you’re not that much of an asshole. Honest! But oh by the King how you would love to rub it in his face, that little midget doubting you can sell that sword.

He huffs, turning around and waddling off towards Mister Bureaugard’s office. Miss Eckhardt laughs quietly. “Hehe… looks like I won’t be wearing that Kingawful outfit!” And how disappointed you are at that. “I know you’re disappointed, Mister Kaneneas, but I’m sure that the Joust will more than make up for it, I can promise you that!”

You cross your arms. “I suppose so. Let’s get selling, see if we can get anything done before he comes back!”

-

-

As the sun start setting on the day, you’ve found no customers, at all. The few that did come by, none of them were particularly interested and were just browsing. Ugh, the nerve of it. But you can understanding considering the closing winter and the Joust. Most people are probably saving their cash and their coins for the souvenirs and the food at the Joust.

You remember last year’s joust. Fifty silver for a sandwich! Outrageous and yet genius.

You and Satchel mull over your permit. “And I will take Stall A-21.” You smile. “And look at that, it’s right by the Jousting grounds too.”

Satchel laughs mockingly. “Haha, yes, how fortunate for you, Kanenas.” You quickly sign off your permit, laughing more genuinely as Miss Eckhardt curls up in her blanket. “Alright, there’s your stall. You better get things prepared otherwise! There’ll be a lot of people and I’m sure none of them will be going to the Joust to read or…” He looks at the mugs and glasses you pilfered, “or drink out of nasty cups!”

[1/2]

Haven't been around in awhile.
So guard waifu right?

>>35984625
[2/2]

You laugh harder. “Ah, Satchel, calm yourself! Anyway, away with you. I’ll see you at the Joust next week, alright?” He yells indescribably, leaving you for his stall to pack up. You look over at Miss Eckhardt, who sips on another fresh cup of hot chocolate from that Orc vendor. “So, Miss Eckhardt, we are now six-hundred and fifty silver richer.”

She smiles, looking up at you. Rusky barks also, happily wagging his tail. Even he realizes the worth of it. “So, what now?” You open your mouth. “We’re not going to the brothel.”

Damn it, but-

“No.”

But Winona-

“No.”

> “Fine, how about a few drinks and a dance at the Tavern?”
> “I guess we stay here then, maybe we’ll get a straggler.”
> “What do you want to do?”
> Write in

>>35984637
Indeed, with a side of assistant bookkeeper waifu

>>35984637
Book clerk a Best.

>>35984638
> “What do you want to do?”

>>35984638
>> “Fine, how about a few drinks and a dance at the Tavern?”
>>Write in
Find Stiina

Stiina should probably be there too

>>35984638
Seconding >>35984655

>>35984642
As friends right?
Polygamy a shit

>>35984638
>>35984655
Sure, let's do this.

>>35984683
If you're gonna be like that I'm gonna go hard core on book keeper and attempt everything in my power to stone wall the guard.

>>35984638
I second >>35984655
Stiina is my favorite.

>>35984638
>>35984655
This

And hopefully this time we won't take advantage of drunk Stiina and yet still end up in bed with her.

>>35984651
They are both a best, I'm still aiming for us to become a caravan merchant with Stiina protecting the caravan and Eckhardt managing the wares and assisting us.

>>35984683
Well Kasamir thinks otherwise evidently

>>35984638
>> “What do you want to do?”
pout all the way through wherever she wants to go.

>>35984708
Don't be like that anon, we can have both of them and occasionally our debt collector ex sometimes too

>>35984711
Caravan full of merchant and guard women sounds amazing. You have my vote.

>>35984727
Hey! >>35984683 started it!

>>35984655
>>35984638
Most definitely

>>35984638
>“What do you want to do?”

While we've been teaching her for a while, we haven't really delved too deeply into her interests. Let's try and see what she would like to do in her off time.

>>35984638
> “What do you want to do?”

>>35984638
> “What do you want to do?”

>>35984638
> “What do you want to do?”

> “Fine, how about a few drinks and a dance at the Tavern?”
> Write in

“Let’s go find Stiina, see if she wants to hit up the tavern with us.”

Miss Eckhardt narrows her eyes. “We’re going to hit up a tavern?”

“Sure!” you say. “It’ll be fun. It’s been a while since I’ve had a drink anyway and you know, Miss Eckhardt, you look like you could loosen up some. Just saying.” She continues to narrow her eyes at you. “Look, I’ll pay for it, don’t you worry.”

“Good, good.” She slaps her book then stands up to follow you. You point down at Rusky, who sits down obediently as your guard dog for the stall.

-

-

Stiina is out in the cold by the palace, her things packed up in her satchel. She yawns heavily, then she warms up considerably once she sees you two. “Oh, Kasimir, Eckhardt. Good to see you two!” She folds her arms, smiling. “What’s up?”

“Just wanted to see if you had the time to hit up a tavern or something,” you say. “Maybe we could have a few drinks or something, on me of course.”

Stiina looks over at Miss Eckhardt, who doesn’t look wholly satisfied. “Tell you what, how about we go where Miss Eckhardt wants to go. I’m sure she knows a good bar or two, right?”

Miss Eckhardt blinks, catching your attention. “Well…” She brushes a lock from her eyes, adjusting her glasses quickly. “There is one place by the docks.”

[1/2]

>>35985015
[2/2]

-

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxCejZOGNSo

The sailors play out in the cold, fishing for cash from passing strangers as you all step into a very calm, yet warm bookstore. The old man smiles at Miss Eckhardt. “Emily!” Miss Eckhardt skips up to him, hugging him over the counter. “It’s good to see you again! I thought you were out on the adventuring path!”

“I decided to retire back to the City,” she says. “I’m here to stay for quite a while, Mister Booker.”

The old man smiles happily, jolly even. “Very good, very good!” He motions to rows upon rows of books. “Feel free to take whatever you’d like!”

Stiina smirks as you stand there, confused. “So this is her idea of fun,” you say. You can see Miss Eckhardt happily start picking out books from the shelves, as if she were a child on King’s Day.

Stiina chuckles. “Well, I’ll be outside.” She pats your shoulder and heads out.

> Wait outside with Stiina
> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt
> Wait around
> Write in

>>35985035
>> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985035
I feel this is final destination. and i like both girls so I'll abstain.

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985035
>> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt
maybe we'll get something we can sold back.

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985035
> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

File: aurgh.jpg (59 KB, 640x480)

59 KB JPG

>>35985035

Schteel! Don't make me choose, Schteel!

>>35985035
>> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985035
> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt
And bring Stiina with find a book for both of them.

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

Goddamn. I always like the least popular waifu.

>>35985035
>> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985140
First girl always wins.

>>35985140
It's all right anon, we'll waifu both of them

>>35985035
>> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt

kasimir should rewrite a kamasutra one of these days.

>>35985035
> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985140
I just see Ms. Eckhardt as more of an imouto.

>>35985157
Galena won last time and she wasn't first girl.

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985247
who?

>>35985247
She was best girl

Like Stiina

>>35985246
I do see that angle with her and I kind of agree, but I also want to give her some tender gentle loving one time

>>35985035
> Browse books with Miss Eckhardt
Indulge your inner scholar.
>>35984561
I like it.

>>35985282
Thanks.

>>35985035
> Wait outside with Stiina

>>35985269
This is the same universe as potion shop cashier or whatever it was.

Galena was a Guardswoman and winning waifu.

>>35985311
never heard of it. but if it is like this, I would probably check it out.

>>35984561
That was pretty good, I like to think all the people we scam are indeed happy with their purchase because we are that good of a merchant that we give them the product they need, not what they want.

And yes, so comfy.

>>35985331
It is indeed similar, different characters but set in the same city and setting.

You should check it out, its called Magic Shop Quest.

>>35985349
Cool, thanks mang!

> Wait outside with Stiina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLtbtIKhRkM

You shiver a bit, standing next to Stiina at the window of the bookstore. You kind of wish she had chosen to wait inside. You’ll catch your death out here. The Sailors don’t seem to mind the weather at all, happily playing their instruments. You wish you had brought your Reso along with you, you might have entertained yourself by playing with them. Stiina smiles at you. “Not a fan of books?”

You shrug. “Books are fine, in moderation.” You look down on her. “So, anything exciting happen, Stiina?”

She drops her smile, turning her expression into more of concentration. “Um… well, the Princess tried to lay bones with one of the chefs, but we had to put a stop to that. Other than that, Captain Rosellius and Ensign Eagleton had me dismissed pretty early today.” Hm, not bad. “Kasimir, there is one thing though.”

You nod. “What is it?”

“Princess Prometheus was talking shop with some of us guards, and she was really wanting to expand across the ocean, dig herself a paying territory, you know?” Of course, all the big nobles have some kind of stake in lands across the ocean. Even the Black Baron himself governs over Solarno to a small extent. “To do that, she’s starting up a Free Company, hiring volunteer adventurers and the like.”

You nod again. “Yeah? That sounds nice.”

“I was thinking of joining her, once the Joust is over,” she says. Oh. Well.

> “You probably shouldn’t go.”
> “You should do it.”
> Write in

Poor Eckhardt is going to have a complex against guardswomen

>>35985366
>> “You should do it.”
>> Write in
Follow your heart. Do what you really want.

>>35985366
> “You should do it.”
Its the best chance shes gonna get to fulfill her dream. The princess herself does seem to be competent and trusted at least.

>>35985366
> “You should do it. But I hope you write.

>>35985366
I guess a trip across the ocean wouldn't hurt too much.

We promised to take care of her.

>>35985366
> “You should do it.”
I kinda figured you weren't going to stay around here forever. If you wanna go, then go.

>>35985366
> “You should do it.”
> Write in
"I was actually thinking of maybe becoming a travelling merchant soon if I can raise the cash for it too, maybe we could go together, you could fight and guard and I could scam the locals of wherever exotic places we end up and provides goods for you and the others. What do you think?"

>>35985366
>>35985417
This

Caravan Merchant with Friends Quest is a go

>>35985417
"When do we leave?"

>>35985366
I'll second >>35985417

But if we can't go with her, she has to promise to write often and visit us when she can, and we should give her the best night of her life as a going away party.

>>35985447
heh, this could work.

>>35985366
ah, dammit didn't expect to be of across the ocean.

hmm, maybe the trade caravan idea could still be salvage if we find kasimir's ex who is a ship captain and make a trading route with everyone?

>>35985366
>"Well, I'd rather you stay. But, if you want to go out and see the world it'd be a bit hypocritical of me to stop you."

>>35985366
>>35985417
This but bring book girl too. (I like both)

Their starting to catch on to my schemes.

>>35985417
What about our favorite book worm?

>>35985466
>>35985447
>>35985417
These could work well together.

>>35985458
>hmm, maybe the trade caravan idea could still be salvage if we find kasimir's ex who is a ship captain and make a trading route with everyone?
That's a neat idea

>>35985468
Oh yes, we ain't leaving Eckhardt behind, we must bring our cute apprentice in the ways of merchanthood and scamming along with us.

>>35985482
I want to bring her with us, imagine all the rare and unique books we could find, and she can help translate things we find or translate for the free company

>>35985458
>>35985447
>>35985417
yes.

>>35985468
>>35985483

I thought she said already that she wasn't cut out for the adventuring lifestyle.

>>35985417
Aw, but I don't want to leave the city.

>>35985509
Traveling merchant is a different type of adventure though

>>35985509
We ain't adventuring, we be caravaning.

>>35985458
>kasimir's ex who is a ship captain

at this point what class has kasimir hasn't banged yet?

>>35985520
Well look at it like this anon.

The Princess is looking to get overseas territory and she'll need a city for it, I don't imagine one will crop up overnight or be ready for her immediately, so we can get in early and setup shop and dominate the trade routes and make a killing working the trade of the new city and territories

>>35985509
Adventuring and traveling merchant are two different experiences. One involves significantly less dungeon delving.

We should offer to leave her the stall if she doesn't want to come, though. Which I doubt since she knows what a terrible merchant she is, but it's the thought that counts.

>>35985554
I do think we should do that if she doesn't come, but I want to bring her with us.

>>35985509
we are only risking gold, not our lives.

>>35985509

>>35985531

Wouldn't going with Stiina pretty much be like those explorers who went about searching for new trade routes for England and Spain? While they didn't have to deal with magic and undead, they did have to do a lot of what could be considered adventuring. Going on long expeditions and sometimes running out of supplies, cutting through wilderness, etc.

>>35985546
lawful good paladin woman who need no man.

although i expect some anons here would just see that as a challenge if one ever shows up.

>>35985572
>and sometimes running out of supplies
Who do you think would be in charge of getting said supplies?

We could help set up the trade routes to support the new territory the Princess wants.

>>35985600
>although i expect some anons here would just see that as a challenge if one ever shows up.
Nah, I'm happy with Stinna and Eckhardt and maybe a quick romp with debt collector girl everynow and then but no more then that.

>>35985569
I mean we offer to either take her with us or leave her the stall. She'll almost certainly come with us because she knows she can't make sales, but she'd appreciate us not making the decision for her.

>>35985572
i believe we will be the traders that came second to them as i expect the princess has dispatched explorers discretely already.

I'm really conflicted, I want to go with her, but I also want to stay here.

>>35985571
Our gold ARE our lives anon.

>>35985663
>I want Stalina but I want Eckhardt too

Fixed that for you

> “You should do it.”

You cross your arms, sighing. Another one gets away you suppose. “You should do it, Stiina.” She looks at you, surprised. “Just saying, I won’t hold you back none. I mean, it’d be hypocritical of me. I know the city can be pretty stifling, I’ve been three years and I’m already kind of sick of it but…” You shrug. “Honestly, I do kind of wish you could stay.”

She smiles. “That’s sweet, Kasimir.”

You chuckle, scratching the back of your head. “Hey, I don’t get all the girls for nothing.” She rolls her eyes, giggling. “Come on, tell you what, maybe I could start a caravan trade or something. Bring Eckhardt along with me, we do business across the seas.”

“Well…” Stiina scratches her chin. “Would you make the journey?” You quirk your brow. “Look at yourself, Kasimir. Besides, the territories aren’t exactly all fun and games.” You tilt your head curiously. “Kasimir, I know you don’t want to let go of me, but just think of yourself for a second. It’d be expensive to start a whole new business back home, hell where the debt collectors can get you by just needing to walk to find you.”

“I just don’t want to leave you alone,” you say. “I mean, honestly, if that idea doesn’t work, you’ll at least write back or visit?”

She pats your cheek. “Of course.” She stands up straight, then sighs. “And as for Eckhardt…” You and her look inside the bookstore, to see her still stacking up books to take with her. “I think you and her would make a good match.”

Something in you aches a bit. Feels like your heart.

“Something wrong, Kasimir?” she asks.

> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”
> “Nah, I’m good.”
> Write in

>>35985680
I do not want bookworm.

>>35985701
> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

>>35985701
> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

>>35985701
>> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

>>35985701
> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

"I think Eckhardt and I might make a good match, but I know you and me make a good match."
Cup her face with our hands, lean in and kiss her passionately, but quickly.

Then go inside and get Eckhardt and tell her of our plans to go travelling

>>35985701
>> “Nah, I’m good.”

good journeys Strafniki

>>35985701
>Something in you aches a bit. Feels like your heart.
I do not need these feels, GermanSchteel. Goddammit I need a tissue

>>35985701
>> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”
Sounds like flashback

>>35985754
derp, there should have been
> Write in
before
>"I think Eckhardt and I might make a good match, but I know you and me make a good match."
>Cup her face with our hands, lean in and kiss her passionately, but quickly.

>>35985701
>> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”
> Write in
"Well we can find out because I'm bringing her along, I'm not going to lose you Stiina, gods know I'm probably not worthy, but dammit I'm trying my damnedest."

Also >>35985754
>"I think Eckhardt and I might make a good match, but I know you and me make a good match."
Could work, but don't kiss her in front of Eckhardt, we can do that later when we explain our plans

>>35985701
> Write in
"And what do you think about me and you? I think we would make a damn good match. I know the territories aren't exactly all fun and games, neither is living in poverty here, but I want to try, I don't want to leave you alone and this could be a good opportunity, if it fails then I can just come back here and go back to my old ways of scamming adventurers, but I've got to try."

>>35985768
it's worse when the neighbors are loudly play sam smith's song.

>>35985721
Then you're a terrible person.

>>35985857
Yes, and?

>>35985701
> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

> “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

You shrug. “I feel like I’ve been here before.” Stiina frowns. Oh great, now you have to tell her. “I was younger, there was this adventurer like yourself named Dina. Lovely girl, had fair blonde hair and glimmering brown eyes. Wore her armor proudly with the crest of her family.” You lean against the window, reminiscing. Oh, you can smell Dina’s soft scent from the day you two first kissed, like apples in the trees. You can still hear her hearty laughter after she pushed you to the ground and into the mud.

You wish you all you had of her wasn’t memories.

Stiina looks down. “Well, Kasimir…”

“I just don’t want to lose someone like her again,” you say. “That would break my heart, Stiina.”

She steps up closer to you, then looks up at you with those pretty eyes of hers. “Kasimir, you should learn to let go of that. Don’t let it hold you down.” She steps up and gives you a quick kiss on the cheek. “Listen, I should head back to my place. You should head back to your stall, okay?”

You nod. “Alright, Stiina, but-“ She places her finger on your lip, shushing you.

“No buts, young man.” She smiles. She turns away, then waves goodbye to you. “See you around, Kasimir. Tell Eckhardt I needed to go, okay?”

You nod. “Alright.” Ugh… You place your hand over your heart, biting your lip.

Miss Eckhardt steps out of the shop, then looks around. “Where did Miss Strafniki go?” She looks up at you, then frowns in concern. “Are you okay, Mister Kanenas?”

> “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
> “I think there’s something I should tell you.”
> “Would you be fine with traveling a bit more?”
> Write in

>>35986061
> “Would you be fine with traveling a bit more?”
> “I think there’s something I should tell you.”

>>35986061
> “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

>>35986061
>> “Would you be fine with traveling a bit more?”

>>35986061
> “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

>>35986061
>> “Would you be fine with traveling a bit more?”

I want to say > “I think there’s something I should tell you.”
too but I don't know what exactly we would be saying

>>35986061
>> “I think there’s something I should tell you.”
>> “Would you be fine with traveling a bit more?”