With both of them gone, Kyou remains seated while you make sure the doorway out into the corridor is closed and for the night. There's no locks, of course- there's very few, you've noticed, aboard ship, other than in sensitive areas, and most of those also have an armed guard posted. Kyou's told you that the guard in front of the cabins here is only because she's in residence- while they're empty, they're also unguarded.

Kyou frowns as you sit back down and Wendy stands up to get water for the three of you- Kyou having informed her, in no uncertain terms, she was to remain present afterwards to join in the conversation, and that her opinion was both necessary and welcome. "It's abundantly clear that both their families have had some measure of influence on their selection." Kyou states, getting a nod out of both you and Wendy. "But I am having trouble if that matters enough to speak about it to the commanders of the program."

"It does seem as if it would be rather rude." Wendy offers, and Kyou nods.

"Incredibly so, yes." She confirms. "A statement that we believe one or both of them is here merely for political reasons is an incredibly harsh accusation to make."

"And pointless anyway." You say. "We know they're both capable enough."

Kyou frowns. "At least Yuki is." She says. "We've seen very little of Hoshiko's ability, thus far."

"She flew well enough." Wendy says. "But, as we've agreed, ground attack is hardly a good way to show off the skills necessary for the program."

"I am beginning to feel this is foolishness anyway." Kyou says, shaking her head. "And am ready to suggest that the ministry formally announce a trials system not involving us. Preferably one held in a training area well away from the front, or even in America."

You frown. "That does make a lot of sense." You say, looking over at Wendy, who nods, agreeing with Kyou. "It doesn't follow that they're asking us to make this selection."

"Unless they intend for the witch we select to stay with us." Kyou says. "Which is not going to happen, regardless."

"There are quite a few skills it's rather hard to display, though I must admit I hardly use the system to it's fullest." Wendy says. "I've rarely had the need or chance to shift modes, for example."

"This may be more something to discuss with Merlin, once she's awake again." Kyou says.

[] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.
[] We could just hand off selection to her, she knows what the system needs better than anyone else.
[] I think we should just do like they want us to anyway.

>>4238431
>[X] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.

>>4238431
>[x] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.

>>4238431
>[] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.

>>4238431
>[X] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I think so, yeah. We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway.

You nod, checking your watch- it's been a couple hours, but she's probably going to be asleep till sometime tomorrow morning, if you know her at all. If she's not watched closely, she'll usually revert to this sort of binge and crash pattern- one which she's getting into now. "I think so," You say, setting those thoughts aside for the time being- you have enough to worry about right now. "We can ask her how she made her selections, anyway."

Kyou nods. "The simple fact is if we're looking for another witch to perform as Wendy does, we'll never find a suitable candidate." She says.

"I could always assist directly." Wendy offers. "Perhaps if I offered to work with the military in setting up their selection and training programs, this would be less of an issue?"

Kyou shakes her head immediately. "Not an option." she says. "I've stated that I don't intend to allow you to leave, and that would be an unacceptable loss of capability in the air. Additionally, it wouldn't work. If anything, the ministry would see it as a much better opening to insert whoever they wished into the unit."

"And Merlin's already said it's not an option per the navy." You add. "You're part of the Wyvern-Muninn team, remember?"

Wendy nods. "I did, but I thought perhaps that would still allow for detached duty." She says, then shrugs. "I'm just as happy to not. If I'm being honest, I find I'd much rather stay here, of course."

Kyou nods, probably just as happy her outright dismissal of the idea has legitimate military reasoning behind it. "Though that does raise the unsettling possibility they'll ask us to return as a whole to assist in the training program." Kyou says. "Especially as I'm sure they intend to do so with the wyvern training program, once it's established."

1/2

"That's got to be a ways off." You say, doing the rough math in your head- assuming they started on the initial IJN airframes as soon as the congressional release was given, they're not going to be ready for at least another few months. Most of the components are built to order- and while you know they do tend to keep a couple of stripped airframes, complete but for weapons, engines, AI core and avionics around, those are supposed to be USN or USMC reserves, in case of accidental or hostile action hull losses. It's possible one of those was released as an immediate sale item- in which case, the first Japanese Wyvern could be mostly done with it's factory tests already.

"That may be something as well." Kyou says. "It would be a relatively simple matter to direct one of them into the wyvern program, and allow the other to take the valkyrie." "

"You think they'd work well together, mum?" Wendy asks. You know what she means- the MIU net- but Kyou shakes her head.

"I doubt it." She says. "They're very different personalities, but that doesn't preclude the possibility. If we suggested one go into the wyvern program and the other remain with valkyrie, it would terminate our involvement."

"But the problem is that Yuki would have to go to the wyverns." Wendy points out. "She's still single, and Dai-i Kurita's boyfriend is a civilian, and ineligible for flight status according to her."

Kyou frowns. "That is true, and assuming one of them were to be forced on us, I'd prefer her." She says. "Perhaps it would be simply better to wait."

[] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.
[] Maybe, but if we make the suggestion it may mean they're better prepared for flight training.

>>4238642
>[X] Maybe, but if we make the suggestion it may mean they're better prepared for flight training.

>>4238642
>[x] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

Politics getting involved in something as technical and permanent as the Wyverns is a nightmare DESU

>>4238642
>[x] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

>>4238642
>[] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

"This sounds like a 'Higher pay-grade problem' to me. Netflix, anyone?"

>>4238642
>[X] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

>>4238642
>[] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.
I agree, this is definitely a higher pay-grade issue.

>>4238642
>[X] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Probably. Maybe Merlin will have a solution.

You nod. "Probably." You say, agreeing. "Maybe Merlin will have a solution."

"A solution-" Merlin's sleepy voice asks, being cut by a yawn. "For what?"

Kyou looks over at her as your 'aunt' stumbles out of her room, still rubbing her eyes. "Did we wake you?"

Merlin shakes her head. "Hungry." She responds, then frowns. "I don't want to have to put on pants..."

Kyou laughs, and Wendy stands with a smile. "We made sure there were leftovers." Wendy says. "Though I don't think they'll be quite as good reheated. I can take them down to the galley to be warmed up, if you'd like?"

Merlin shakes her head. "I'd rather have it cold." She says, taking the tray from Wendy and pulling off the plastic wrap over it, crossing the room to plop herself down next to you.

"We were discussing the imperial witches." Kyou says. "And the difficulties we're encountering in selection. We're unsure of the exact criteria we should be judging for, and as we have Wendy, it is impossible to judge against our own partner, as her talent and experience makes for an impossible standard. We were considering suggesting one of them for Wyverns, however their personal circumstances mean we only have one option, leaving the other as the Valkyrie selection."

Merlin nods. "It's a tough decision." She says, taking a bite of the food.

"Really, our problem is we're not sure what to be looking for." Wendy offers. "I feel like I'm a poor judge because both of them seem better than I, but I appear to be alone in that."

"You are." Kyou says, bluntly. "Humility is admirable, self-depreciation is unacceptable."

Wendy nods.

"We wished to know what criteria you used to select your operators." Kyou says, addressing it to Merlin- who's about halfway through her plate.

"My criteria?" Merlin asks, swallowing a mouthful of food.

Kyou nods. "Yes. We feel if we knew how you selected your valkyrie operators, we'll better know what to look for ourselves."

Merlin frowns. "I didn't really have set criteria." She says. "I just picked witches I thought made sense. Wendy was the one I really wanted, her experience with the initial system during the war, plus all her time as a race pilot meant she was really ideal."

"I-I'm rather flattered." Wendy says. "I had no idea."

"Spears made sense because she was a cross class." Merlin continues. "I wanted someone who could push both aspects of the system, not just flight witches. The only other option there would have been someone from the special warfare community, and I didn't want to go to them and have a prototype disappear on me."

1/2

You nod. "Oui, dat be a possibility wid dem." You say.

Merlin smiles at the accent.

"And the last?" Kyou prompts. "Danielle?"

"I thought her talent and her personality were great fits." Merlin says. "Originally, Valkyrie was supposed to be a striker replacement fleet wide, and I was still thinking like that when I asked her to come fly for me. It's worked out really well since then, but the idea was that, as a SEAD witch, she could go in before a wyvern strike and create a hole in an air defense net."

"Is such a thing necessary?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "If you want to carry external weapons or fuel tanks, it helps." She says. "Things didn't quite work like I'd planned, but she's with one of the few Wyverns that specializes in that sort of thing, so it's worked out anyway."

"So there was no criteria for selection." Kyou says, and Merlin shakes her head.

"Nothing hard and fast, no." She responds. "I was going to use your and Muninn's suggestions for the fourth, but I guess the imperial military wants one of these two?"

"We have reason to believe internal politics are involved." Kyou says. "Both of them are from families that would benefit greatly from having a daughter in the imperial household, and both families are valuable enough that having a direct line to them would be an advantage." Kyou says, then frowns. "However, I'm not eager to have either of them as part of our team, for the simple fact that it would necessitate either another aircraft and bring our total to four, or it would mean forcing Wendy to stop flying. Neither of these is acceptable."

Merlin nods. "I see." She says. "Well, I'm willing to help work something out, but I'm not sure what I can really do. Will the military even allow you to suggest one right now?"

Kyou nods. "I feel as if I do, however, they'll request we assist in establishing the training program." She says. "Either that or we retain the services of the witch here, while they do so."

"And if they drag their feet you end up with MIU entanglements." Merlin states.

Kyou nods. "Precisely. They may be willing to pretend that's not their plan, but I suspect it is."

Merlin smiles. "You sound like Morgan." She says.

"Morgan, however had, simple solutions he ignored for some time, to his own disservice." Kyou says- you blink at that, as does Merlin- and then the older witch blushes very, very lightly.

[] It sounds like it'd be best if we just kept going like we are now.
[] Any suggestions, auntie?

Gents, I'm going to call it for the night here, I'm completely wiped out. I'd wanted to push to midnight, but I've been sleeping like garbage here- and that takes a lot to have that happen. Not even really sure what's up, to be honest- not like I have a stressful life right now. Just can't sleep well, I guess.

I probably won't get any questions or comments tonight, but I'll get them when I wake up (Whenever that's going to be). Otherwise, till tomorrow gents, Cheers!

>>4238869
[] Any suggestions, auntie?

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>>4238869
>[X] Any suggestions, auntie?

>>4238877
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4238869
>[x] Any suggestions, auntie?

I know that last line is supposed to be lewd teasing but I can't actually figure out what it's referring to.

>>4238869
>[x] It sounds like it'd be best if we just kept going like we are now.

>>4238877
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4238869
>[] Any suggestions, auntie?

>>4238869
>[X] Any suggestions, auntie?

>>4238869
>[] Any suggestions, auntie?

ok gents, votes called! Sorry about that, overslept my nap a bit.

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[x] Any suggestions, auntie?

"Any suggestions, auntie?" You ask, running over Kyou's statement before any more can be said- you'll tolerate it from her, at least more than you do from your sisters, but you'd rather not deal with that subject at all. Especially, you think, considering there's a non-zero chance Kyou will start chasing Merlin next anyway.

She shakes her head. "This is why I just asked you to forward me suggestions." She says. "Maybe I should talk to the ministry and see if I can lend a hand. Of course, then they get to pin everything on me if things don't go perfectly."

Kyou frowns. "That would be a poor plan on their part, were it to happen. Was that what they did in the nineties, forgive my asking?"

Merlin hesitates- that subject has never been good with her, to the point that not even you know the entire story. You doubt anyone really does, other than her- Maman knows all the details, of course, but knowing what happened through second and third hand accounts and getting the full story, direct from the source, are two different things. Of course, Maman also maintains that something else was going on there- up to that point, Merlin's relationship had seemed idyllic. It's a popular conspiracy theory among those in the 'know', too, that that relationship was torpedoed by some branch of the intelligence community because letting Merlin go to work for another nation was considered unacceptable.

She sighs, and nods- Kyou shoots you a glance and you wrap a protective arm around Merlin's shoulders. "That is all I wished to know." Kyou says- and her frown is one of anger. "Was the ship's matron involved?"

1/2

Merlin shakes her head. "Not directly. I've just been avoiding her because the coven took the whole situation badly. They didn't expect the reaction they got."

"They acted to preserve the honor of the family first." Kyou provides, and Merlin nods again. "I see." She says. "If it helps, the details of the incident were largely buried. I knew only that something happened that caused you to leave the nation and refuse to work directly with the Imperial coven again."

"Something I didn't even follow through with." Merlin says. "You're my apprentice."

Kyou smiles. "I am also outside the coven." She says, causing Merlin to look up. "Oh, I belong to it, as do my mother and my sister, but they exert no control over any of us, and can't hold any authority over us. The imperial family stands apart."

"You do?" Merlin asks- Wendy seems fairly interested too. You guess this isn't normal for them- you're used to the concept, as Maman and the bayou, while technically part of the American congress, keep themselves separate- and occasionally refuse to abide by agreements made there.

Kyou nods. "And we reserve the right to censure or rebuke them as well." She explains, then smiles. "It's one reason most imperial wives through the centuries have been witches. The ability to ignore the dictates of matrons is a powerful motivator for some."

Merlin nods. "If I may," Wendy asks. "How far does that extend? coven members serve in your household, correct?"

Kyou shrugs. "Somewhat." She says. "For example, grandfather's matron advisor is part of the coven, by necessity. When my father takes the throne, He'll have to select an advisor as well, since my mother cannot act as one officially, though I fully expect him to listen to her before any advisor. Cassiopeia will be in a similar situation with my brother, should their relationship progress further. Other members of the household may or may not be outside the coven, depending on the nature of their relationship with the family member. I intend to allow anyone to belong to the coven, but my decisions take priority over the coven's in all matters."

"Effectively removing them from coven control." You provide, and Kyou nods.

"Yes. The only commands I expect members of my household to follow are mine." She says. "Of course, considering that you too are royalty, I expect some level of disagreement occasionally."

[] I'm sure you do.
[] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

>>4240260
>[X] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

>>4240260
>[X] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

>>4240260
>Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

>>4240260
>[x] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

>>4240260
>[x] I'm sure you do.

>>4240260
>[x] I'm sure you do

>>4240260
>[] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

A cat? Exaggerating? *You don't say*

>>4240260
>[] I'm sure you do.

Actually, what title/lineage *does* Maman claim? Mervoginian? Bourbon?

What would that theoretically make Morgan, if it were true? Crown Prince of Louisiana?

>>4240317
IIRC, Ghost said Merovingian

Ok, votes called

>>4240317
Meownarch of the Bayou

>>4240357
Alright, that's pretty good

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[x] Don't listen to Maman too much. She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims.

You shake your head. "Don't listen to Maman too much." You say. "She's never had proof of any royal blood she claims."

"She has been rather consistent in those claims." Wendy points out. "At least, to the best of my understanding."

You shrug- according to your father, Maman only started claiming royal blood sometime in the early-mid 90s, not long after you were born. At the time, according to him, she'd buried herself in the Annapolis archives- outside of DC, the single most comprehensive archive of witch families in the US. Why she'd done that was anybody's guess- at the time, your parentage wasn't in debate anymore, as far as you're aware- and while the Laroux family line is somewhat hazy in places, it's established and recognized enough that there wasn't going to be any problem there for you in the future. The Bishop side, on the other hand...

"It would be a rather remarkable coincidence for your father to have had children with legitimate claims on the thrones of France and Imperial Russia." Kyou says. "Though your sisters have formally renounced those claims?"

You shrug. "Anastasia hasn't, but Tabitha and Chris both have."

"But she's not pressing her claim." Kyou says.

You shake your head. "No. She just uses it as a pick up line, I think." You're not actually sure as to how legitimate the claims are- so far as you're aware, the claim to the imperial Russian throne descended patrilineally, and that Ice's claim as last verifiable descendant of the last tzar is also invalidated by her father having been an American- and her grandfather having descended from Polish stock.

Kyou nods, then smiles. "It would be odd to have so many royal lines becoming so close via our interactions." She says. "And I expect some to begin voicing complaints that so many Bishops are entering the imperial family."

1/2

"Good thing I'm a Laroux." You state. While you've never had any issue with your father's side, not really- Tabitha, of course, never really seemed sure of how to deal with your presence, and Katya was far less a mother figure and presented herself far more as a fun-loving aunt- you are and were your mother's son, first.

Kyou nods. "But regardless, we've strayed from the topic of our current duty." She says. "Do you think that offering your assistance would help?" She asks Merlin. "We're not eager to be rid of them, but it's our feeling we're ill suited for this, and were only really selected for our visibility."

"And for the possibility of one of them to get close enough to you to get into your inner circle." you say to Kyou. She nods.

"Yes, and that." She agrees.

Merlin shakes her head. "Well, if you want, I can help decide. Do you have their records available?"

"Muninn and Tessa both have them, yes." Kyou says. "I think we would appreciate the help, but can you make a decision so quickly? Have you met either of them?"

Merlin smiles. "I hadn't met Spears and barely knew Danielle when I brought them onboard." She says. "I can wait, if you'd prefer, but their records should be enough."

[] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.
[] That sounds fine, honestly. I'm uncomfortable with an element as large as ours is, especially without MIU.

>>4240431
>[x] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

Optics are important for this nobility shit

>>4240431
>[X] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

>>4240431
>[X] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

>>4240431
>[x] That sounds fine, honestly. I'm uncomfortable with an element as large as ours is, especially without MIU.

>>4240431
>[] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

>>4240431
>[x] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] Wait, I think. I'd like to get at least one more flight with them. I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here.

You shake your head. "Wait." You say. "I'd like to get at least one more flight with them, and I don't want people to think we're trying to sidestep our duty here."

Merlin nods, as does Kyou. "The appearance is important." Kyou agrees. "Especially currently. If Grandfather is really cracking down on the group of men that have influenced Akemi so badly, then it must be seen that the rest of the family is dutiful to the empire as well, to help discredit them."

"Not that you'll have a problem." Merlin says with a small smile. "From what I'm hearing, you're very popular with the military and a large part of the people. The Wolf Princess, they call you."

Kyou nods. "An old nickname." She confirms. "Though I'm surprised it's gotten out. It had been confined to the halls of the naval academy and the Imperial flight school, before now. I should have someone look into that, I'm sure Morgan and I are already the topics of some enterprising dōjinshi artists and authors."

"Is that a common thing?" Wendy asks, sounding a little surprised.

Kyou shrugs. "To some extent. I expect it would be characters with a great resemblance to us, but just different enough to evade any claims of legal likeness." She says. "Officially, these kinds of things are banned, and have been for some time. Unofficially the family policy is to ignore them unless they become disruptive or particularly egregious."

"I see." Wendy says- she doesn't sound reassured by that. You can only imagine her reaction to being popularized like that- moreso than she already has been. Most of the wartime members of spellcaster had a witch comix run of them, and Wendy was no exception, with a four book miniseries dedicated to her after the war. It sold fairly well, as far as you know- it wasn't nearly the same level as Tabitha or Katya's runs, but it sold well and remains a fairly popular collector's item.

Kyou smiles. "It is a fairly minor demand to make of us, considering our power otherwise." She says. "Really, they're similar to witch comics, except for the occasional lewd book."

"T-those are my concern, yes." Wendy admits, looking over at you. "Doesn't it bother you to think that people might be-" She stops, to embarrassed to finish her sentence.

[] I don't think about it.
[] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

>>4240578
>[X] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

>>4240578
>[X] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

>>4240578
>[x] I don't think about it.

>>4240578
>[] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

>>4240578
>[] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

Can't be as bad as your genderbent self being put into a Gacha Game.

>>4240578
>[] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

Ooooooh, tales of a teenage catboy!

>>4240596
>genderbent self
So how bad are the visual novels that star Francine Rook, and her Harem of Wizards?

Ok, votes called! This'll probably be our last update for the evening, but I may extend out another day to make up for cutting out early last night and starting late both days here.

So is there an entire section dedicated to witches in Comiket?

>>4240715
>inb4 ShindoL

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[x] Not much different than getting things in my locker in high school.

You shrug. You were captain of your school's football team, were a popular, straight-A student, and, at least for the last year or so, drove a really cool car. In short- you factored into a lot of fantasies, some you learned of directly, a few more you learned of indirectly. At first it did kind of freak you out- eventually you learned that you weren't obligated to actually do anything about them- and it could be mutually beneficial to ignore them a lot of times.

"Not that much different than getting things in my locker in high school." You say- to you, it's really not. A bit strange, at best, but overall, something you can ignore. Even if it's something really out there or blatant- like underwear. Especially then, actually.

Kyou laughs. "You received love letters in your locker? I thought that was merely a fabrication of the media." She says

You shake your head. "Love letters, blatant invitations, hints, and.. " You shrug- you got a couple unwanted naked images sent to your phone more than once. From people other than Cass, that is- you've never kept any of the pictures she sent you, though some of them have persisted longer than others because you've forgotten to delete them.

"I see." Kyou says, shaking her head, still smiling. "I shouldn't be surprised, of course. This is somewhat different, of course- while you'll feature in people's fantasies, they know there's no chance of you ever fulfilling them, so ignoring them is somewhat easier."

"It's still rather embarrassing." Wendy says. "Though I suppose I should be used to it, I'm sure-" She pauses and blushes a furious crimson.

Kyou nods. "The only one here who I'm sure has avoided that sort of public attention is Admiral Wells."

Merlin shakes her head. "Maybe, but that little cult that followed Frank, commissioned a lot of art for their holy book." She says. "And that whole thing is on the internet now."

"There were images of you in it?" Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

"They considered me one of Frank's chief consorts." She says, blushing a little. "Even though that never happened."

"I see." Kyou says again. "That almost seems worse, somehow."

Merlin shrugs. "I've gotten used to it." She says. "It makes the rounds sometimes, but it's pretty rare anymore. Newer and better things. No one's ever really approached me about it though, so I think they know it's all fake."

1/2

You know the book she's talking about, of course- Maman has a copy of it, tucked away in her library. It makes about as much sense as you'd expect it to- really, you're pretty sure it was a scam by the leader to get money out of bored housewives and military nerds, but when it collapsed he and his 'merlin' ended up penniless- even though Frank later quietly bailed him out, with the understanding that the cult needed to stay gone. Last you'd heard, a couple years ago, the guy had started a plumbing business in Texas and was doing reasonably well. Still, more than a couple of the images in it are explicit and don't leave much to the imagination- and for all their other flaws, they had a very good artist.

Merlin yawns again. "I just got up to eat though, I think I'll head back to the rack. I want you up at oh four, though."

"Sortie for us?" Kyou asks, but Merlin shakes her head.

"No, but I want you available." She says- without moving to stand up.

Kyou nods. "Understood." She says, then smiles. "Will you be able to return to your room yourself, or should I have Morgan assist you?"

Merlin hesitates before standing up. "I think I'm fine." She says, blushing lightly. "Thank you for the offer."

"Of course." Kyou says. "Sleep well."

Merlin nods and heads back to her room, looking back at the three of you for a second before disappearing inside.

"I still find it somewhat disturbing to think people will be creating lewd likenesses of us." Wendy says. "It seems disrespectful."

Kyou shrugs. "This sort of thing has been going on many years." She says. "And people enjoy imagining popular figures in such ways. It's a rather small price to pay, I think, for everything we're being given."

Wendy hesitates before nodding. "Yes, I suppose." She says. "It still bothers me, though I appear to be alone in that feeling."

"If it disturbs you that greatly, we can see about something being done about it." Kyou says. "Though at this point I imagine most of them will focus solely on myself and Morgan. Once they learn about the nature of the MIU more closely, of course, that will change, and they'll recognize you for what you are, but for now to most of them you're merely a wingmate."

Wendy nods, then yawns. "Pardon me." She says. "I'm quite tired suddenly."

"Of course. go get some rest." Kyou orders, and Wendy stands up. "If you find it still bothers you, we can discuss it later."

Wendy frowns. "I think I'll be quite fine with it in time." She says. "Though I don't quite feel comfortable with them making things up, either."

Kyou smiles. "We'll see to it that no one is telling wholly untrue stories." She says.

Wendy blinks- then nods mutely and retreats to her bedroom.

"Pity." Kyou says, as the door closes. "I'd hoped to get her to blush again."

[] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.
[] She's too easy a target for that.

>>4240739
>[X] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

>>4240616
>her Harem of Wizards
Nah, it'd be a harem of witches to be blatant yuri fanboy bait.

>>4240739
>[x] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

>>4240739
>[x] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

[Heavy breathing and noises from Wendy's Room intensifies]

>>4240739
>[X] She's too easy a target for that.

And that's going to be it for the night!

I'm still kinda all screwed up, in terms of sleeping patterns, so I'll be up another hour or two, but after that if there's any questions or comments I'll have to answer them in the morning!

Anyway, gents, as usual, I'll see you guys tomorrow, but till then, cheers!

>>4240739
>[x] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

>>4240768
Thanks for the run Ghost!

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>>4240739
>[X] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

>>4240768
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4240739
>[X] She's too easy a target for that.

>>4240768
Thanks for the run!

>>4240739
So how accurate were these "explicit illustrations" anyway?

>>4240739
>[] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

"Are you gonna *take responsibility*, Your Highness~?"

>>4240739
>but when it collapsed he and his 'merlin' ended up penniless
>his 'merlin'

wat

>>4240805
There was more than a little artistic license applied, but otherwise fairly accurate, everything considered.

>>4240816
Their title for the woman who was second in command, more or less.

>>4240817
I can imagine Maman reading it and critiquing the shit out of the drawings.

"Yeah, nah, it wasn't that big, and it sure as hell didn't curve like that either. They gave Merlin some nice boob upgrades though."

>>4240885
Honestly, she's more miffed she doesn't appear in their pantheon at all. She figured she at least rated a demon-temptress position.

Ok, votes called!

>>4241086
Hahahah fuckn' lel

Probably missed the cut because they couldn't make a 'resist temptation' fable out of it.

"And lo, the Frank went into the Russia and for 40 days and 40 nights he resisted the temptation of delicious brown by T-posing the entire time"

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[x] One of these days, you're gonna tease her too much, you know.

"One of these days," You say, shaking your head, "You're gonna tease her too much."

"And then what will happen?" Kyou asks. "Will she be so overcome with emotion that she demands that one or both of us see to her? Will she attempt to force herself upon us? What a tragedy."

You frown- that's not exactly the outcome you foresee, but you're not going to argue it's not a possible one. That was very much one of Maman's warnings about her, you know- Wendy's an odd duck, with a lot of repressed- and pent-up- emotions.

Kyou smiles again. "Of course, if it worries you, I'll stop." She says.

"We did agree that it should wait till we're disembarked." You point out, and she nods.

"We did, yes." She says. "But I don't think she's that close to any potential break, do you?"

You hesitate before shrugging. "No idea."

"Regardless. I will moderate myself more than I am currently, if that's what you'd prefer." She offers, standing up.

You shrug. "I'm not going to say stop, just-"


She nods, stretching her arms above her head and arching her back. "Yes, I know." She says. "I'll stay aware of it. Will you be coming to bed now?"

You should, you know- with Merlin wanting your crew up at 04, now's better than later to sack out- you'll get pretty close to a full eight hours of sleep. At the same time, though, you're kind of restless for some reason- odd for you- and you'd thought you might go out and make some use of the deck afforded to the imperial cabins- maybe stargaze a bit. With the ship running wartime blackout, this far from land, you should have a great view.

[] Yeah, I'm right behind you.
[] I'm going to stay up a bit.

>>4242045
>[x] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

>>4242045
>[x] I'm going to stay up a bit.

>>4242045
>[X] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

>>4242045
>[x] I'm going to stay up a bit.

>>4242045
>[] I'm going to stay up a bit.

The cat prowls. Prowl, cat, prowl~

>>4242045
>[] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

>>4242045
>[×] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

>>4242045
>[] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

>>4242045
>[] I'm going to stay up a bit.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Yeah, I'm right behind you.

You nod. "Yeah, I'm right behind you." You say, standing up from your spot. "We have to be up too early for me to do any stargazing."

"And is that the only reason?" Kyou asks, teasingly. "Perhaps I can come up with some other encouragement for you to come to bed now?"

"Maybe." You say with a nod. "Should I give you time to think of something, or?"

"I think I can improvise quickly."

"Improvise?" You ask, and she nods. "I'm more surprised you didn't have a plan ready to go."

She shrugs. "I prefer to leave the planning to you." She says. "At least in this sort of matter."

"Uh huh." You respond. "I'll be in in a minute."

She doesn't respond to that, instead disappearing into your bedroom. You take a couple minutes to get ready for bed, shutting down the imperial cabins as much as you can. The IJN keeps low-level lighting on in all compartments at night, in case of needing to go to general quarters, which took some getting used to- it's true in all compartments, even your room. It makes a rough sort of sense, you know, but means that all exterior openings have to be double covered to maintain blackout.

You head to bed a few minutes later- by which time Kyou has come up with more than a few reasons for you. Overall, you rate them pretty well-reasoned and very well thought out, with top marks for execution in her persuasive argument.

And that's going to be it for the week! We got further than I'd thought yesterday, so that made up for a lot of the time I figured we'd be spending today- sorry about that! Also want to apologize for the slow pace today, I'm digging through boxes from storage, trying to find my text books.

Anyway, as usual, I'll be around through the weekend to answer any questions or comments, if anyone has any. If not, till next week, gents, cheers!

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>>4242214
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4242214
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4242214
Thanks for running.

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>>4242214
See you next time boss.

>>4242211
>>4242214

With the amount of fucking Kyou and Morgan are doing; I sure as hell hope she's on the pill or something.

Getting pregnant in wartime wouldn't be good for anyone.

>>4242400

Witches have ways, of course-

Which leads to the question, what were Ice and Maman doing, exactly?

>>4242493

Ahegao, I presume.

>>4242493
chotto a minute

You're telling me that Frank's sperm are actually powerful magic-protection/shield penetrators?

Has Morgan inherited this ability?

Is Merlin planning to try and weaponise his jizz?

Can he unironically call his penis Excalibur because of this?

>>4242553

Not quite- Rachel didn't have any kids till postwar, and Frank and Katya had to try for some time before Tatyana was a thing.

>>4242553
>Is Merlin planning to try and weaponise his jizz?
No, shooting his sperm at Chinese witches would make Kyou jealous

Sorry gents, late dinner here and it'll probably be a short thread. I haven't been able to sleep more than 3-4 hours a night for the past week or so and it's starting to really drag me down, so we'll probably be calling it no later than 2200 EST, and possibly before that. I'm gonna finish evening chow here and we'll get going!

Gents I'm sorry to do this to you two weeks running, but I'm going to have to postpone to tomorrow. I can barely keep upright in my chair and damn near fell asleep on the desk here. Wish I knew what was up, honestly it's starting to worry me a bit, haha. It's a weird and unwelcome thing, not being able to sleep on demand.

its okay Ghost, though you should really go get a check up with a doctor, sleep deprivation is fucking serious if you let it get bad, and the fact that you literally cant get sleep very well doesnt sound good for your health

>>4249536
>>4249657
Go see a doc Ghost.

>>4249536
>>4249657
Still alive up there buddy?

>>4251672

Yeah, I'm sorry guys. I'm going to scrub the run for the week.

As an explanation of what happened, I laid down for a nap after lunch- about 1400 EST or so. Set an alarm I knew would have me up and
moving for 1630, took off my glasses, and was out like a light.

Either I managed to shut off the alarm without waking up- which is possible- or I hallucinated setting it, but I just woke up.

I'm sorry again guys, we'll be back Monday to continue. This isn't a hiatus or anything, just, ya know. Me being crap, haha!

>>4251832
Go see a doctor or take some steroids. Preferably the former.

>>4251832
Once I had a dream in which a alarm went off and I couldnt find the source. Then woke up and found out the alarm was ringing all this time but I only registered it subconciously...

>>4259804
Reville still usually gets me up and moving before I'm actually awake, so it's odd I slept through that one. That said, I'm more or less back to normal-ish now, so we should be good for tomorrow!