The man lying on that bed was your retainer, Seido Kentaro. Two weeks ago, he had entered into your service. Although at first he had been extremely formal with you at first, he had grown to treat you with great warmth, something you had precious little to begin with. He had been fond of you as his Young Master. And you … had been fond of him as well.

Greetings Kaguya-sama The Medical Drone greets you in a synthesized cheerful voice.

“The seizures … have they stopped?”
They have. A paralytic program downloaded into the Patient’s motor cortex.

You stare at the prone body on the bed. You had caught Kentaro dozing off during your long lessons several times in the past, although you had never reprimanded him for it. You doubt he even realized he dozed off. But those times, he had looked relaxed and at ease. Right now, the comatose Kentaro just looked lifeless.

>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)

>It does no good sitting around. You have no idea if or when he’ll wake up. (Cynical)

>Ask about the circumstances of his coma

Cyberpunk Princess Quest is the continuation of Corporate Cyber-Samurai Quest

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Corporate%20Cyber-Samurai%20Quest

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>>4266097
>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)
>Ask about the circumstances of his coma
KENTARO NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>4266097
>>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)
>Ask about the circumstances of his coma
WAKE UP KENTARO YOU GOT TO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

>>4266087
>>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)

Our little girlie is a positive, hopeful lady.

I sleep.

>>4266097
>>It does no good sitting around. You have no idea if or when he’ll wake up. (Cynical)

>>4266097
>>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)

>>4266097
>>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)
>Ask about the circumstances of his coma

>>4266097
>Even if he’s unconscious, he’d still appreciate it if you kept him company. (Hopeful)
>Ask about the circumstances of his coma
The idiots will put Kaguya into a coma as well, wait and see.

I wonder what happened to Akira after she was found drugged up to her eyeballs next to Kentaro's comatose body.

[+1 Optimism]

“Please give me the patient status report.”

The Drone seemingly perks up in response to the pre-programmed request. Vitals ... Stable. Body ... Intact. Cyberbrain ... Inactive, total data wipe. Organic Brain ... Comatose. Prognosis … Unknown, Insufficient Data.

“But do we know when he will wake up?”

[Negative. The Drone replies in a discordantly cheerful voice to it’s message, With a stable body and inert cyberbrain, recovery is completely reliant on the organic brain.

“I see.” You bite your lip. Neurology remained the least understood medical field. No specialist would be able to help Kentaro out of his coma. It would be up to luck and fate. “That bed though … can’t you make Kentaro-kun comfortable at least? His bed is hardly more than thin cushions over metal.”

His peripheral sensory motors have had their sensitivity reduced. The Medical Drone replies matter-of-factly.

“But still …” You protest, “Is it okay to stay in such an uncomfortable bed for so long?”

Synthflesh has the capacity to withstand long periods of reduced activity without atrophy.

Well, you suppose that’s true. You lay your small, delicate hand on Kentaro’s arm in a gesture of support. “C-can he feel me?”

Unlikely. The monitors are measuring no deviation from a comatose state. But there have been reports of comatose patients feeling sensations …

That was enough for you. You grip a single one of the fingers on Kentaro’s flesh hand. That’s all you small hands could manage. You’d just have to trust that he could feel you. You remain there at Kentaro’s bedside. You had classes today, but you quickly decide your classes could wait. Keeping Kentaro company took priority.

“Oh, sorry!” A voice interrupts you in the beginning of your vigil. A young woman stood in the doorway. Her dark brown hair was in the practical cut of one of the maids, but she was dressed in an oversized suit that resembled one of Kentaro’s. But before all of that, the first thing that struck you about her was a slightly disagreeable smell that hung around her like a heavy cloak. It reminded you of something from your childhood, but you can’t exactly remember what.

“I-I’ll leave. Don’t let me disturb you, Kaguya-sama.” The Maid bows deeply before quickly leaving.

>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>”How are you acquainted with my retainer?” (Cynical)

>Try to recognize that scent. (Roll)

>>4267259
>>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>>4267259
At least Kentaro won't have bedsores.
Also wow, either Kaguya is really small or Kentaro is really huge.

>>4267259
>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)
I really hope having 0 in Cynicism won't bite us in the ass in some way.
Maybe we should be cynical time to time.

>>4267259
>>”How are you acquainted with my retainer?” (Cynical)

>>4267259
>”How are you acquainted with my retainer?” (Cynical)

>>4267343
>>4267352
We should be cunical time to time, but not right now, I think.

>>4267392
Now's a good time to be cynical without much consequence I believe. We can chalk it up to mental exhaustion.

>>4267394
I believe Kaguya needs a dose of hopefulness right now.

>>4267259
>>>”How are you acquainted with my retainer?” (Cynical)

>>4267259
>Try to recognize that scent. (Roll)
>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>>4267259
>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>>4267259
>>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>>4267259
>>”How are you acquainted with my retainer?” (Cynical)

>>4267259
>>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

>>4267259
>>4267259
>”Wait! You’re a friend of Kentaro’s, right?” (Hopeful)

[+1 Optimism]

“E-excuse me!” You cry after her, stopping her before she leaves the hallway, “You’re a friend of Seido-san, right?”

The Maid slowly turns around.

“Y-yes I am, Kaguya-sama.” She responds cautiously while bowing deeply, but nervously. She was respectful, but her proper etiquette was a bit rusty. She must not have been used to interacting with family members themselves.

“I haven’t met many of Kentaro-kun’s friends. Will you tell me your name?” You ask.

“Hosoda Akira. I’m a Maid here in the Manor.”

“Hosoda-san, you are Seido-san’s friend and I am only his employer. You needn't leave his room on account of me.” You bow respectfully, much more respectfully than you were required to give someone so far under your own station.

“O-okay.” Hosoda-san stutters, before remembering her manners. “Thank you for your generosity, Kaguya-sama.”

You give up your position at Kentaro-kun’s side to Hosoda-san and sit by the wall. Hosoda-san questions the medical drone much like you did, although she wastes many more questions to get the same information, sometimes even disputing the medical drone on it’s assurances. You know you shouldn’t, but you found the thinking of working-class people so messy and disorganized. And you can’t help but feel annoyed that such a sloppy individual was related to your retainer. But you knew that kind of thinking was wrong. Had things gone differently, you would have ended up no different than her. And she obviously cared greatly for Kentaro, she certainly had more right than you to pray for his recovery, if such a right even existed.

Perhaps her smell was influencing your opinion of her negatively. It was barely noticeable, but you hated how it tainted the sterile cleanliness of the room. You can’t help but irrationally fear the smell was fouling the atmosphere and impeding Kentaro’s recovery. But it was only an irrational fear so you swallow it easily.

Still. For some reason, you hated that smell.

>You should get to your lessons. Or should you say, retreat to them? (Cynical)

>Strike up conversation. This is one of Kentaro-kun’s friends, after all (Hopeful)

>Doesn’t Hosoda-san have work today?

>Remain quiet in her company

>>4268118
>Strike up conversation. This is one of Kentaro-kun’s friends, after all (Hopeful)

>>4268118
>Try to recognize that scent. (Roll)
She still has her Neuro-frag addiction, so nows a good time to get to the bottom of this before shhe finds the stash Kentaro left in his room and binge on all of it.

>>4268118
Hey Noir. Did Arisu at least honor her part of the deal and wire the 40k to Kentaro's account?

>>4268142
Agreed

>>4268152
If only Kentaro was awake and could check.

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>>4268169
REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

>>4268142
+1, else >>4268127

>>4268118
>Try to recognize that scent. (Roll)

>>4268142
+1

>>4268711
Support

>>4268118
>You should get to your lessons. Or should you say, retreat to them? (Cynical)

>>4268142
+1

>>4267270
Kentaro's a big guy.
>>4268142
This.

>>4269168
I remember we were supposed to have a medium build.

>>4269179
For you.
For Kaguya he's probably pretty big.

>>4269186
That just means Kaguya is pretty small, which was the second option.

That smell … for some reason, it was reminiscent of your childhood. And your childhood was not one you wished to remember. But it’s too late now. Once your subconsciousness perceived a task, it wasn’t easily stopped until it was finished, even if you weren’t thinking about it. Sometimes you hated this brain of yours, which worked so smoothly and effortlessly you didn’t notice it working in the back of your subconsciouness until it delivered an unpleasant realization without warning that you hadn’t even asked for.

>Roll 3 1d20’s for Kaguya’s memory. You will need 1 success.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4269254

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4269254

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4269254

>>4269187
It was a bane meme anon.
>>4269255
>>4269265
>>4269283
Is this a portent? Maybe Kaguya's won't suffer from the curse of the dice gods.

>>4269558
Well now you just jinxed it

That’s right. You remember now. The smell coming from Hosoda-san … was very similar to the one that had constantly cloaked your mother when you had still lived with her. It was not a smell you wanted to remember. It wasn’t a smell you wanted to be near.

So all you can do is run away. Wordlessly, not even taking the time to bow in parting, you leave the room.

“Kaguya-sama?” The Enforcer waiting outside says in surprise to your, sudden, graceless, escape.

“I’m going to my lessons now.” Those are all the words you can muster. But the Enforcer doesn’t question you, obediently following your hurried pace with effortless, long strides. Fortunately, the journey back to your room was a long one, giving you time to compose yourself again. But you still wanted to return to your room as quickly as possible, the only place in this Manor where you felt safe.

You wanted nothing else than to bury yourself in your soft bed and skip classes for today. But waiting outside your room was the impeccably proper figure of Winslet-san, the governess of your two half-siblings Seru and Teru.. Technically she was your governess as well, but functionally, she didn’t do anything for you except arrange for your tutors. You had only ever spoken with her a handful of times.

“Lady Kaguya.” She greets you cordially. She doesn’t bow.

“Winslet-san. It’s quite rare for me to find you outside my room. How may I help you?”

“Lady Kaguya, did you not recieve any of the messages I’ve sent you?”

“My apologies, Winslet-san. I … had not.” Shortly after you had been woken up, you had received multiple notifications of new messages recieved, but you had dismissed all of them. You had been preoccupied.

Winslet-san harrumphs ever-so-slightly in disapproval. “Well, it’s no concern since I’ve caught up to you now. The matter I wished to discuss with you is the choosing of your replacement bodyguard … retainer is their title, isn’t it? I’ve cancelled your lessons for the morning so we can discuss the matter.”

“Ah. I assumed my Father would choose another one for me like the last two times.”

“Well he hasn’t made any wishes regarding that known, so I took the initiative to take this opportunity. You’re old enough to learn how to choose your own staff … now, I’ve taken the time to research several options for you to consider, but if you have better suggestions, then we shall consider those as well …”

>Very well. Invite her into your suite so you can pick out another bodyguard together. (Initiate social combat, costs 1 Optimism)

>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>It doesn’t matter. She can choose which one she thinks is best like how she chooses your tutors.

>>4270228
>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>>4270228

>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

We need to keep all our Optimism

>>4270261
Keep in mind that optimism is a resource, not an accumulated trait

>>4270228
>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>>4270307
>optimism is a resource
This truly is cyberpunk

>>4270228
>>It doesn’t matter. She can choose which one she thinks is best like how she chooses your tutors.

>>4270228
>>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>>4270261
Supporting

>>4270228
>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>>4270228
>>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

>>4270228
>Forward you the files and you can choose by yourself later. You don’t feel like dealing with Winslet-san right now.

“Please forward the profiles to me, Winslet-san. I will select a retainer myself.” You say politely.

“As you wish.” Winslet says. You notice the corners of Winslet-san’s mouth curl up in a small, barely perceptible smile of approval. A small notification appears in the periphery of your vision, notifying you of a new message in your inbox. “Lady Kaguya, if you require any further advice, please remember to call on me.”

“I will.” You promise. before retreating back into your room. You sit down on your couch and look up at the ceiling. So, morning classes were cancelled for today? You weren’t used to so much free time. You pull up the dossiers Winslet-san sent you. You might as well take a quick look over them.

Masakumo Isao
Division 32 Melee Specialist
12 Years of service
Mission Success Rate: 78%
…

Boryshko Taiho
Division 102-C Heavy Weapons Specialist
3 Years of service
Mission Success Rate: 92%
…

Nagamasa Chaka
Division 101-B Tactical Enforcer
2 Years of service
Mission Success Rate: 100%

Reading the different dossiers, it seemed the enforcers Winslet-san had selected for you were divided into two categories. They were either mid-level veterans from experienced city divisions, or talented rookies with near-perfect mission records. To be offered two such obviously divided categories to choose from. That clearly meant two things, that you were being encouraged to pick one or the other, and that both options were equally desirable outcomes. But you knew better than to think those were your two options. You could pick a household guard you knew. You could try to pick a guard from your Uncle Lord Muramoto’s personal guard. You suppose you could simply go with a guard-drone too …

Still, you sensed an agenda behind the choices you had been provided with. But there was an agenda behind the actions of almost everyone here … Well, at any rate, it wasn’t possible to decide on one with just a quick scan of the dossiers. Winslet-san had given you several dozen dossiers.

Which left you with an entire morning’s worth of free time …

>It’ll just be like half a day off. Study.

>You usually don’t eat breakfast, but you haven’t tried cooking in years

>Practise your flower-arranging or biwa-playing. You’ll definitely impress Kyune next time.

>The Archery Hall is still open. You might as well practise.

>>4271987
>Practise your flower-arranging or biwa-playing. You’ll definitely impress Kyune next time.

Nagamasa Chaka is the asshole that slipped Akira the Neurofrag an tried gifting off other drugs off to her. Plus that 100% success rate problem makes him a cocky little bugger. Out of all the household guards we know, which do we have the best rapport with?

Masakumo Isao and Boryshko Taiho are interesting picks. Whatever can we learn about them?

>>4271987
>>>The Archery Hall is still open. You might as well practise.

>>4271987
>You usually don’t eat breakfast, but you haven’t tried cooking in years
I heard cooking can calm the mind.

>>4271987

>Practise your flower-arranging or biwa-playing. You’ll definitely impress Kyune next time.


Leaning towards Isao right now

>>4271987
>>You usually don’t eat breakfast, but you haven’t tried cooking in years

>>4271987
>Practise your flower-arranging or biwa-playing. You’ll definitely impress Kyune next time.

>>4271987
>The Archery Hall is still open. You might as well practise.
I'm thinking we should pick a guard we know.

>>4271987
>Practise your flower-arranging or biwa-playing. You’ll definitely impress Kyune next time.
We could pick Yoji again, iirc he was the one filling in between Toshi and Kentaro anyway

You decide to practise your extracurriculars. You had been learning how to dance, play the Biwa, write calligraphy, and arrange flowers ever since you began living in the manor as a nominal daughter of the Muramoto family. It had been five years at this point. These refined skills were necessary to cultivate to remain a proper daughter of a plutocratic family, especially one with such a deep reverence for tradition as the Muramoto Family.

Kyune had helped you develop all three of those skills. She had taught you more for each one of them than even your tutors. Except for archery. You had had to learn that one yourself. But playing with Kyune had been half your reason for spending so much time learning how to play the biwa. And it had been Kyune who had shown you the proper perspective you needed to understand how to arrange flowers.

Let’s see … which one would you practise today? Dancing, music, and flower arrangement were Kyune’s favorites, and you always liked surprising her with how much you’ve improved. But you also hated dancing otherwise so you wouldn’t be wasting your rare free morning on that. Which left the biwa and flower arranging.

You stare at the shelf where you kept your room’s ornaments. Most of them weren’t yours or even personally connected to you. They were just old antiques that had come with the room. But your gaze falls on the two flower arrangements placed side-by-side in one corner of the shelf. Both held very fond memories for you. One was the unorthodox flower arrangement that had been a gift from Kyune. Years ago when you had visited her room for the first time, she had noticed how your gaze had been attracted by it just like it was now and simply … let you have it. Truth be told, something about that particular flower arrangement resonated with you, the lone centipede lily surrounded and aloof from the dozens of other flowers both common and exotic. The other flower arrangement was the first one Kyune had assisted you with within the same week. It had been the one where you had come to truly understand the art. But somehow, despite all the progress you had made, it was still one of your best.

That settled it. You’d spend the morning trying to arrange the perfect bouquet of flowers. In the corner of your dining room were several vases containing a fresh selection from the garden. They filled your suite with a pleasing fragrance. You select a few appropriate-looking ones and set to work …

>Roll 3 1d20’s. You will need 2 successes.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4274054

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4274054

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4274054

The Kaguya family is blessed by the dice gods, I see.
But they are fickle...

You suppose part of the reason you enjoyed flower arranging was that most of the flowers from the garden were genetically engineered to have a pleasing smell for plutocrats. Regular flowers just made you sneeze. It was quite poetic really. Flowers gene-edited for the benefit of the human gene-edited. The Muramoto Household spent millions on acquiring these exotic flowers and millions more on cultivating them, all so that they could decorate their garden, appreciate their smell at their leisure, and arrange in whatever pleasing way they saw fit. In that way, you suppose you were little different than the flowers you were arranging. Flowers … were a frivolity that nearly no one could afford. But they did smell really nice.

But the other reason you enjoyed flower arranging was that you were very good at it. Even your tutor thought so. Nevermind your fingers were naturally deft enough to knit together the various stems without too much difficulty, you were very good at the perspective shift required to view the flowers not as flowers but as mountains and forests and flowing water. Your style was in line with the buddhist floral offerings of ancient times. With just a few strips of plant matter, you could weave together the impression of an entire landscape. But given an entire garden to work with, your work became truly evocative.

You’re quite satisfied with your finished product. It incorporated not only flowers, but the stem of plants, reeds, and pine sprigs so that it really did look like a lush mountain. You hope you’ll have the time to show it to Kyune before it withers, although you could always spray it in a resin to preserve it. That would destroy the smell of the arrangement though, which you had also taken into account. Hopefully, you would get an opportunity to show it to her before long.

Just then, you notice the time. It was past 12. You had become absorbed in your work and lost track of time. Shouldn’t a maid be bringing your lunch by now? Most young ladies were assigned a personal one, right? The previous inhabitant of this room had had one. There was a bedroom under your stairs for a live-in personal servant. But personal servants that had all the security clearances to be around a member of the family like yourself were expensive. Too expensive to waste on an illegitimate daughter of the family perhaps. Besides, you weren’t sure you’d want to share your suite with someone else. It was the only place you could be alone after all.

There were already servants to tend to your needs after all, why did you need one specifically for yourself? After all, it wasn’t long until you got a knock on your door from a maid bringing your lunch, a luxurious bento with separated compartments portioned in consideration of both complimentary taste and nutrition. The latter was especially important. The bodies of adolescent Plutocrats required very careful and precise maintenance and nutrition to stay healthy. Gene-editing could only go so far uncultivated. According to your doctor, the way you had spent your early childhood had stunted you of your full potential. Lack of in vitro editing, lack of environmental tailoring in your infancy. You guess this had resulted in you being a flawed creation. You know that Seru-chan, despite being years younger than you, was already much more advanced than you in his education.

You push all of these thoughts away. The meal was delicious like it always was. You should savour it. Still, the same food day after day got a little boring. Usually, you didn’t notice for lunch since you ate quickly between classes. But that was one advantage of living in the city. There was an endless variety of flavoring.

But you still shouldn’t take too long. You still had classes after lunch. You would have to savour your lunch quickly.

Your next class is on …

>Corporate neo-feudalism

>Proletariat birth-control

>Plutocratic biology

>Worldwide ideologies

>>4275527
>>Plutocratic biology

>>4275527
>Worldwide ideologies

>>4275527
>in vitro editing
Maybe in utero?

>Plutocratic biology

>>4275527
>>>Corporate neo-feudalism

>>4275527
>>Plutocratic biology

>>4275527
>Plutocratic biology

>>4275527
>Worldwide ideologies
>>4275593
Would you really be surprised if plutocrats were made in test tubes?

>>4276715
...no.

Today, your class was in the lounge right outside your suite so at least there was no rush to get there. As soon as you leave your suite, a guard steps out from around the corner to accompany you. You knew they monitored you.

Your biology tutor is already waiting for you. Always punctual that one. You bow briefly in greeting, sit down across from him, and spread out your notes. Then the class begins.

***

The genetically-enhanced bodies of the plutocrats are the culmination of all the knowledge accumulated since the Genetic Revolution begun by the CRISPR technology developed at the beginning of the 21st Century. Although not all of the so-called members of the Plutocrat class possess such gene-enhanced bodies, some instead opting for cybernetic enhancements instead, the vast majority do. These gene-enhanced bodies are central to making corporate power hereditary. It costs millions of sincreds to properly tailor a single plutocratic embro. On average, plutocratic families spend 10 percent of their generational income on prenatal care. Not only is the proper raising of a plutocrat child to it’s full birth-potential too expensive for any but the hyperrich to afford, the enhancements are all but set in stone by birth, making it impossible for the rare human-normal that attains plutocratic status to gain the same capabilities the gene-enhanced naturally possess.

Almost without exception, plutocrats surpass human-normals in all areas. They are stronger, faster, smarter, and more cunning. They are immune to almost all diseases and their bodies naturally isolate and expel excess toxins. Their muscles are denser and more efficient, naturally matching the performance of high-grade synthflesh used in state-of-the-art cybernetic bodies. Their nervous system resembles a biological superconductor, drastically increasing reflexes. Their bones harden over adolescence to resemble industrial-grade ceramics and their circulatory systems make use of both a more high-powered pumping mechanism and more efficient medium than mere blood. Their blood analogue can be flash-saturated with learned breathing techniques, super-oxygenating their bodies and granting spikes in capability for short bursts.

However, above all, the gene-enhanced biologies of the plutocrats are designed for three things: charisma, exceptionally wide general knowledge, and hedonism. The facial structure, vocal micro melodies, body language, and even the natural odor of a plutocrat is specialized to exploit subconscious human instincts. This charisma is lost slowly with age, but adults easily inspire loyalty or at least respect even in their enemies. But it is a well-known idiom that it is biologically impossible to not grow fond of a plutocratic child. But more than that, plutocratic children have a proclivity for subtle manipulation which matures into an artistic expertise with adulthood. Certain lineages even opt for innate psychopathy, although that varies depending on the family and customer in question.

Gene-enhanced plutocrats are also by far neurologically superior to human-normals. Plutocrats are universally mentally stable, immune to everything from stress to mental illnesses. They can naturally distinguish hallucinations from reality. In psychometric terms, their processing speed is increased by roughly 60%. They have average IQ’s of 200, although psychometric measures are of questionable utility due to a different neural architecture. While the information processing centers and short-term memory are greatly enhanced, the longterm memory centers are reduced. Multitasking is a natural skill, but a plutocrat’s memories tend away from photographic, relying instead on increased efficiency to quickly manage information-storing mediums which they pair with rapid deduction and inference to rely on instead. Additionally with their increased information processing, plutocrats have a reduced ability to focus on a single subject. Oftentimes, instead of attaining a deep understanding of a subject or field of expertise, plutocrats will stay just long enough to understand how to make use of it. Rather than becoming experts, Plutocrats will simply learn enough to be able to make use of experts.

But some would argue the greatest specialization for Plutocrats is for hedonism. Gene-enhanced bodies are specialized for experiencing pleasure. Their senses are increased in sensitivity and subtlety. A greater number of their nerves reroute to the pleasure centers than pain centers. However, this greater capacity for pleasure is also paired with a greater capacity for self-control. The neurotransmitter reward system can be consciously controlled to a degree, which makes Plutocrats almost immune to substance addiction. Plutocrats can consume massive amounts of the most addictive and highly regulated narcotics on the market and be none the worse for wear. Such practises are not uncommon. Some even jokingly say that the Plutocratic physiology which immediately expels excess amounts of toxicity in their body in the form of sweat was designed by it’s original developers specifically to cope with massive amounts of drugs and alcohol. That isn’t to say Plutocrats are preoccupied with sensuality. Their increased cognitive ability makes both intellectual pursuits and high art much more appreciable. Plutocratic society is rightly known for it’s high culture.

This isn’t to say that a gene-enhanced body isn’t without disadvantages. Chief among them are increased caloric intake requirements. On average, developing Plutocratic children require 8000 calories per day, although that amount decreases to 4000 once adolescence ends. A Plutocrat living on the average person’s diet would be dangerously close to starvation. But Plutocrats have other needs as well. Plutocrats require constant stimulation to stay healthy. Usually this takes the form of mastery of an art form, martial activity, or strategic game. Very often, this need is satisfied merely by their positions as the managers of vast megacorporations. But without a source of stimulation, Plutocrats invariably grow agitated and restless before growing depressed.

But perhaps the largest disadvantage of the Plutocratic gene-enhanced biology is the fact that it isn’t inheritable. Much of the capabilities of their biology is only manifested due to continued care and gene-splicing from the foetal stage all the way through infancy. While the untampered offspring of a Plutocrat and a Human-Normal inherits some of the gifts of a Plutocratic biology, they are on average two standard variations in ability away from a typical Plutocratic child. The measured differences increase with sequential generations, quickly reaching the point where any advantages a plutocrat-descended child would be easily bridged with commercial cybernetic augments.

The issue of a small upper class monopolizing the advantages of genetic augmentation is a contentious issue of debate. Many experts, especially in the European Union, argue that the benefits genetic augmentation provides being utterly unaccessible to the public should be considered unethical in the extreme …

“You can stop there.” You tutor interrupts you.

“B-but the lesson isn’t finished yet.” You point out confusedly.

“That part of the chapter is unnecessary. Turn to Chapter 5 …”

***

Once your last tutor leaves and is out of sight, you sigh before stretching your stiff limbs. At long last, class is finished. You return to your room and draw out a pitcher of refreshingly cold barley tea. But just as you’ve poured yourself a glass, a notification informs you of a new message. It’s from Winslet-san

Lady Kaguya, I trust that your afternoon classes were pleasant?

In any case, I would like to remind you that I await your decision regarding your replacement bodyguard. Please inform me as soon as you’ve made a decision, or if you require assistance deciding. Do not dally ...

>You’ve made your choice for your replacement bodyguard

>Not yet, there’s someone you want to consult for advice (Who?)

>>4278116
>Not yet, there’s someone you want to consult for advice (Who?)
KYUNE!

>>4278136
+1

>>4278116
>You’ve made your choice for your replacement bodyguard

Isao

>>4278136
This, for now.
I'm still leaning towards the guy Kentaro sparred with (Yoji, I think). He's done it before and we could get some dialogue about Kentaro.

>>4278116
>Ask Kyune, she knows better.

>>4278116
>You’ve made your choice for your replacement bodyguard
Isao. I don't want to be the first failure for a hotshot.
(Also, if we lacked the upbringing of a Plutocrat, shouldn't we seek augs?)

>>4279603
It's too early in her life to look towards augmentations. Once she's an adult it might be more viable.

You decide that you should ask Kyune for advice. She knew more than you about these kinds of things. That was just part of being raised to be the heir of the family. Also, she had a very good relationship with the guards here. She knew them all by name after all. That was probably part of the ‘inspiring loyalty’ her mother had talked about. The only problem was that you weren’t sure whether she was home or not. Well, the best you’d be able to do is check her room and go from there.

You walk out of your room and wait. A few seconds later, a bodyguard appears. “Kaguya-sama, are you heading somewhere?”

“I’m heading to my cousin’s room.”

“Allow me to escort you there then.” The Bodyguard bows. You knew he would have escorted you regardless of what you said, but enforcers had to be polite to be selected to work here.

To get to Kyune’s room, you would have to pass through the central manor. It was a tiringly long walk with a circuitous route. Along the way, you notice your bodyguard glance around the hallways, as if slightly unsure of where you were going. The Central Manor’s architecture had been built to exploit human psychology to be nearly unnavigable. Main hallways that abruptly led to dead ends, small passageways that were the only connection between major branches and the rest of the manor, staircases that led nowhere, looping passageways. But it had never been a problem for you to know where you were going. Actually, you had had to be told that the narrow, mazelike passageways were built with such purpose in mind.

Kyune’s room was actually quite close to her Mother’s suite. Just a couple flights of stairs down on the other side of a subwing, at the end of a veranda overlooking the mountainside. You knew the path well. You had visited many times before.

But on your way, you bump into Kyune just outside of the corridor leading to her room. “Kaguya? You’re heading to my room?”

Kyune was dressed in a biker’s outfit, a red leather jacket and tough looking jeans. Her helmet is tucked under her arm. You had caught her just as she was leaving.

“Kyune onee-chan. Are you busy?”

Kyune tilts her head. “Well, depends. Do you have something you wanna talk to me about?”

You nod. Kyune frowns. “Damn, I was just about to head down the mountain. But I can see what’s on your mind is pretty important … tell you what, why don’t you come down with me and we’ll talk on the way?”

>You’re not supposed to leave the manor

>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay

>>4279752
>>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay

>>4279752
>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay
Even more worldbuilding <3

>>4279752
>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay
Should I get a disguise too? Should we get a househould guard?

>>4279752
>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay

Make sure we won't get her in trouble though, don't want to sabotage her

>>4279752
>>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay

>>4279752
>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay
>Ride our bodyguard instead of a bike!

>>4279752
>If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, it’s okay
>>4280652
Anon, Kaguya is a kid. She doesn't have impure thoughts like this.

“Okay.” You nod. You’ll come down the mountain with Kyune. If it’s with Kyune onee-chan, you’re sure it will be fine.

“Kaguya-sama, are you sure that’s a wise idea?” The Bodyguard at your side speaks up.

“Relax, Hashira. She’ll be with me.” Kyune says.

“If … if Kyune-sama says it is fine, then …” your Bodyguard relents.

“I’m leaving right now, so keep up, okay?” Kyune sys, leaving without waiting for your response. However, her pace is slower than usual, letting you quickly catch up.

“You have to forgive Hashira for being cautious. He’s that type of guy.” Kyune says as soon as the two of you are out of earshot.

“I was surprised he wasn’t more cautious.”

“Yeah, well, you’re lucky I have a good relationship with the guards here.”

You follow Kyune down into the private garage reserved for members of the Muramoto family. It was massive, the size of a small airplane hanger, carved into the side of the mountain and buttressed by thick steel beams. Spaced tastefully throughout the garage was a collection of rare vehicles worth a fortune with just enough space between them to walk around and fully appreciate them. They ranged from unique models of sports cars to customized armored personnel carriers. A fair number of them showed telltale bulges of hidden armor plating and concealed weapons.

In the corner closest to the door was a sleek-looking blue motorcycle that looked meticulously cared for. It seemed out of place among all the expensive vehicles, high-quality, but not unique from any standardized high-quality line of cycle dozens of corporations produced. But Kaguya knew better. She knew that the cycle was Kyune’s pride and joy, her Hornet Custom. Was this what they were going to be riding down the mountain?

“Hop on back.” Kyune says, tossing you a helmet, “This one’s from when I was fourteen, but you have a big head so …”

You obediently slip on the helmet, then stare at Kyune’s Hornet. “Wait … there’s no back seat.”

Kyune laughs. “You’ll have to hang on tight.”

You stare at Kyune incredulously in disbelief. But the meaning of your stare is lost behind the helmet’s visor.

“Seriously, you better.” Kyune warns, “This thing goes 330 kilometers an hour. If you fall off, you’ll be a smear on the road.”

>Nod and promise you will (Costs 1 Optimism)

>Back away with extreme apprehension

File: 1588873189486.gif (1.25 MB, 640x438)

1.25 MB GIF

>>4281948
>Nod and promise you will (Costs 1 Optimism)
>Get pumped
>You'll probably get to see something neat out of the household
>This is a literal call to adventure

>>4281948
>>Nod and promise you will (Costs 1 Optimism)

>>4281948
>Nod and promise you will (Costs 1 Optimism)
What even spend Optimism for if not hanging out with best nee-chan?

>>4281948
>Nod and promise you will (Costs 1 Optimism)

You nod bravely.

“I will.” You promise. If anything happens, you believe Kyune will save you.

“Alright then.” Kyune says, slipping her katana into a holster on the side of her cycle before climbing on. “Hop on.”

You try to climb on in front of Kyune.

“Hey, not there. You’ll fry my control of the bike. Hop on back.”

“The back?” But if you started to fall, Kyune wouldn’t be able to catch you. But you still bravely get on.. You hold on to Kyune’s waist as tightly as you can.

“Ready?” Kyune asks.

“Ready.” You nod.

Kyune revs her cycle’s engine. As soon as it starts, it shoots out towards the garage door. Kyune deftly weaves through the cars between the door, even as the cycle accelerates. You don’t think you could avoid hitting a car even if you were running through them on foot. The cycle sails onto the driveway, then the mountain road. The low whine of the engine fills your ears. Without your helmet, the noise would be deafening. Faster than you can believe, the garage door is growing smaller and smaller. Then, you realize something. This … was the first time you had left the manor since you had arrived. The realization of that is liberating. Rocketing down the mountain, you were leaving your suffocating life of endless courtesy, classes, and ritual behind. For the first time, you felt free. You can’t help but let out a small whoop.

You snuggle against Kyune’s back, watching the landscape speed by. Kyune’s back feels hard and firm. The cold wind felt like a razor through your thin yukata, but you can feel the warmth of Kyune’s body heat through her leather jacket. You felt secure here. Even though you were going more than 300 kilometers an hour and only staying on because you were hanging on for dear life, you felt safe.

Testing … You hear Kyune’s voice right next to your ear. Were the helmets on a comms system? You weren’t used to retro audio communications. Hearing someone’s voice so close to your ears when they weren’t next to you was kinda strange. Kaguya, can you hear me?

I can.

Great! You hanging on?

I am. You were having the time time of your life!

>Where are we headed?

>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)

>Teach me how to bike

>So why are you bringing your sword (+1 Cynical)

>>4283105
>>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)

>>4283105

>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)

>>4283105
>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)
Adventure!

>>4283105
>>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)

>Teach me how to bike

>>4283105
>So why are you bringing your sword (+1 Cynical)
Possibly not the mechanically superior choice, but I'm worried.

>>4283105
>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)
Can we alsy ask about the sword in a non-cynical way? I'n genuinely curious.

>>4283105
>You don’t care where you’re headed, you’re sure it will be fine. (+1 Hope)
Gentlemen, we hit paydirt. We have converted 1 meager Optimism to Hope, which should be the rarest, most valuable resource in a dystopic setting.

Also: We'd likely be in serious trouble (even if we were a normal girl in RL Earth, not to mention a walking investment portfolio of billions of syncreds in a cyberpunk dystopia), as well as Kyune and any bodyguards who were on duty on us that night. We might regret the consequences, but let's just focus on having a great time, and racking up Optimism.

Also: do we have any augmentations (genetic, mechanic or otherwise) like a lung filter to protect us against pollution? Or just a gas mask?

[+1 Optimism]

You and Kyune ride farther and farther down the mountain. Soon, you’re cruising through the streets of slopetown, the affluent suburban neighbourhoods ringing the terraced lower reaches of the mountains just high up enough to find lower pollution levels. The odor of the pollutant-laden air began to find its way through your helmet. It’s been a long time since you’ve been in air this bad. A single breath and your nostrils already feel coated in tar. You immediately start to sweat slightly as your body works to purge itself of any toxins. You can’t believe you used to live in a part of the city with air five times worse than this.

Kyune rolls up in front of a small restaurant on the shoulder of a foothill overlooking the lower city. It’s parking lot was filled with cheap-looking cars, but even a cheap, mass-produce car was a status symbol and a sign of a comfortably middle-class income.

“O-Rin’s Bar and Grill ...“ Hanging above the restaurant’s door was the glowing caricature of a cheerful-looking red haired cat-eared girl pushing a wheelbarrow full of various grilled meats. This where Kyune had been heading? You don’t know what you were expecting … but you hadn’t expected Kyune to be interested in common family diner food.

“O-Rin’s has the best barbecued meat this side of the valley.” Kyune explains as she slips her sword into her belt, somehow catching onto your confusion even through your helmet. “But more than that, it’s my staging ground.”

Staging ground? What did she mean?

Kyune leads you into the restaurant to an isolated booth. The inside of the restaurant is sparsely populated, but it’s still early in the evening, so that’s to be expected even of a popular restaurant. It mostly consists of well-dressed salarymen. There are students in prestigious-looking school uniforms as well, but never anywhere near the bar on the far side of the restaurant. You notice a gaggle of girls your age at another booth. They were dressed frilly, cute casual clothes and laughing among themselves. They seemed so carefree! Your heart fills with envy, forcing you to turn away before it showed up on your face.

A Waiter Drone rolls up to your booth.

Greetings customer. May I take your order? it asks politely. It’s synthesized voice is tinny and slightly annoying despite it’s polite tone. It must be an older model.

“We’ll take two Good Cheer specials and the usual fizzy.”

“Two Good Cheer specials and the usual fizzy.” The drone repeats before rolling away.

You lean back into the indulgently soft seat as you wait for Kyune’s order to arrive. The atmosphere in this restaurant was really agreeable! Even though you’re in public, you can feel yourself relaxing. Kyune’s presence across the table is no small help.

“Nice place, huh Kaguya?” Kyune sighs, stretching her arms and making herself comfortable. She was always so relaxed like that. You don’t think you could ever pull off that casual grace. “Anyways, I’m going to be busy in about an hour, so now’s your chance to talk.”

>You have a few questions for Kyune

>Cut straight to the issue of selecting a bodyguard

>>4285660
>>Cut straight to the issue of selecting a bodyguard

>>4285660
>Cut straight to the issue of selecting a bodyguard

>>4285660
I wonder what reference you work in next. A nuclear-powered gunship?

>You have a few questions for Kyune
What does she mean by "staging ground", what is she going to be busy with, why does she need a sword?

>>4285660
>Cut straight to the issue of selecting a bodyguard

>>4285660
>You have a few questions for Kyune

What's a staging ground?
What will she be busy with?
Shall we come and help?

Assuming that she'll fight - so we could get involved and learn to fight, and once we could defend ourselves.

>>4285660
>You have a few questions for Kyune

Staging ground?

>>4285660
>You have a few questions for Kyune
Has she heard what happened to Kentaro-san? They say he's in a coma and who knows if he'll ever recover.

>>4286423
This too, actually.

Kyune’s staring at you attentively, waiting for you to talk. The late afternoon sunlight illuminates her face beautifully. Staring at it, you can’t help but be filled with an adoration for your older cousin. To have the opportunity to sit here across from her and chat really did make you happy.

“Kyune Onee-chan, you called this your staging ground. What did you mean by this?” Usually a staging ground was a place where an army gathered right?

“Oh. Well, I have a few Biker friends and this is the place we meet and plan our trips into the city.” Kyune explains.

You nod. You didn’t really know what Kyune did outside the manor. It was pretty interesting learning about it.

“So that’s why you came here? Are you meeting with your biking friends today?”

Kyune snorts. “With you here? Nah, they’re a rough crowd. Not the sort of people I’d let see my younger cousin.”

“I see.” You nod. You still didn’t know why Kyune was carrying around her sword. But then again, she carried that everywhere she went, in the manor at least.

Your order ma’am. The Waiter-Drone reappears, depositing two massive burgers with a hearty side of fries as well as a mug of some very fizzy amber-colored drink for Kyune … wait, was that beer?

“Kyune onee-chan, aren’t you underage?” You frantically point out.

“Yes.” Kyune takes a sip from her mug.

You try to think of something to say, some way to remind Kyune that drinking underage was immoral that she wouldn’t brush off like she did any other accusations of immorality, but Kyune interrupts your train of thought before you can form words. “Hey Kaguya. Try the burger. Best ones I’ve ever had. It’s nothing gourmet, but hey, what’s a break from that every now and then.”

Following Kyune’s advice, you lift the burger to your mouth and take a small bite. Immediately, you’re overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of flavours all at once. Everything clashed. The wheaty taste of the sesame seeds coating the bun, the starchy, spongelike texture of the bread, the sourness of the pickles, the cloying spiciness of the barbeque sauce. And the meat, the patty itself, bled it’s juicy, meaty flavor into every other ingredient as you bit into it. It was pure chaos. You didn’t have any idea what flavour to focus on and appreciate. But it was somehow unified together, somehow a unified experience. But most of all … it was way too rich for you! You manically chew it before forcefully swallow it. It sticks going down and you almost choke.

“Whoa Kaguya, are you okay?” Kyune asks.

“I think …” You shakily nod. It feels like a bomb went off in your small stomach. It simply didn’t know how to handle so many calories at the same time. You 100% preferred the food at the manor, where the food was light and delicate and separated into chopstick-sized portions you could handle. Still, the aftertaste of the burger was quite enjoyable. You could tell all the ingredients would compliment each other when not experienced all at the same time by someone with a sense of taste as delicate as yours. You stare at the rest of the burger in front of you. It seemed to stare imposingly back at you from where it sat on the plate.

>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

>Try to eat until you’re full and give the rest to Kyune.

>If you take another bite, you’re going to be too bloated to ride back on the motorcycle.

>Why does Kyune even like this kind of food?

>>4287536
>>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

>>4287536
>Try to eat until you’re full and give the rest to Kyune.

>>4287536
>Try to eat until you’re full and give the rest to Kyune.

>>4287536
>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

>>4287536
>Try to eat until you’re full and give the rest to Kyune.

>>4287536
>>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

>>4287536
>>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

>>4287536
>This is your dinner for tonight. You shouldn’t let food go to waste.

Cousin? Since we're a Plutocrat, we're practically half a species away from everyone else. If she was related by blood, that would mean that she's at least half Plutocrat, probably an illegitimate child. If she wasn't, wouldn't Kaguya be scolded for calling an inferior being - even affectionately - as sister? She should be old enough to know better.

>>4287536
>Try to eat until you’re full and give the rest to Kyune.

kyune-sama this borgar is too powerful please help

Vote called, writing

>>4287878
Breed, not species. The difference between a plutocrat and regular man is like the difference between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane.

Well this was your dinner tonight. It was perfectly good food. If you didn’t like it, you’d just go hungry instead. And you weren’t about to just waste an entire meal.

You begin attacking the burger as fast as you can. If you ignored the flavour, then it wasn’t any different than finishing another large meal! But the burger was still massive for you. Every mouthful seems to fill your mouth with a starchy mush that gums your jaws open, taking more and more effort to chew. Kyune stares concernedly as you chew manically.

“Kaguya … you really don’t look like you’re enjoying that.”

As soon as you finish, you begin to choke. Laughing, Kaguya orders a milkshake for you to wash things down with. After the burger, the sweet, creamy strawberry taste of the milkshake is a relief, cleansing your palate of the rich greasiness of the burger.

“So. Any more questions?” Kyune asks.

You shake your head. You were going to move on to the topic of who to pick as your new bodyguard, but now. You were enjoying your time with Kyune too much. But Kyune ends it herself.

“So, how’s Kentaro doing?”

He’s … not doing too good.” Kyune’s question stirs back up the bad feeling you had suppressed.

“How bad?” Kyune sounds concerned for Kentaro-kun. You’re surprised by that. You didn’t think they knew each other so well. Was she just concerned for your sake?

“He’s in a coma. They don’t know when he’ll wake up … he’s stable at least.”

“I see. Well, as long as he’s stable, there’s still hope.” Kyune says. You take what comfort you can from her words.

“Kyune onee-chan, the original reason I wanted to talk to you was because I need advice regarding that.” You confess, finally getting to the original reason you had tagged along in the first place.

Kyune waits patiently for you to elaborate, neither encouraging you to hurry up or trying to predict what you are going to say.

“Kyune onee-chan, I need advice on how I should select my temporary bodyguard.”

Kyune sucks in her breath. She seems to be deep in thought.

“Kaguya … it’s pretty brave of you to ask your big sister this question.” Kyune says slowly, “What you’re offering is a free promotion for any guard of my choice, you know?To take advantage of you right now is tempting … really tempting …”

You wait patiently for Kyune to finish thinking.

“Okay, so you have four basic options to choose from.” Kyune finally speaks up, “The most standard choice would be to choose an experienced veteran from one of the city divisions. They won’t be tangled up in household politics and are very experienced. But the guys from the city are hard, hard men and I’m not sure you’ll be able to keep their loyalty. Other than that, you can choose from one of the household units. But they’re mostly aligned with either me or your Father so if you pick from the Household units, it’ll probably look like you’re picking a side yourself. But for personal reasons, I’d prefer if you didn’t do that. The third option is the most tricky and it’s to convince my father to lend you someone from his own personal guard. It’ll be hard to convince him to agree, but if you do, you’ll have one of the most experienced and loyal enforcers in the entire branch looking after you. They’re all completely neutral in terms of the struggle between me and my uncle and if you get one of them, so will you.”

“I see.” You think hard about Kyune’s advice. There were a lot of options that hadn’t been included in the selection Winslet-san had sent you. You can’t help but think there’s an underlying agenda behind her omissions.

“One thing though.” Kyune says before finishing, “How do you know I’m not taking advantage of you?”

>Because I trust you (+1 Hopeful)

>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

>I don’t mind being taken advantage of by you, Kyune onee-chan. (Initiate Social Combat)

>>4288495
>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)
Most honest answer, add on we do trust her though. I want to try to collect a few of the different resource types

>>4288495
>Because I trust you (+1 Hopeful)

>>4288495
>>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

>>4288495
>Because I trust you (+1 Hopeful)

>>4288495
>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

Why go with the Cynical route? I thought Kaguya trusts Kyune.

>Because our interests align
What are even Kaguya's interests?

>>4288495
>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

>>4288495
>Because I trust you (+1 Hopeful)
That's the only reason, really. In practical terms, Kaguya can offer Kyune nothing.

Also,
>What was the fourth option?

>>4288495
>Because I trust you (+1 Hopeful)
>>4289208
Also this. Might just be a mistake on noir's part, but may as well.

>>4288495
>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

We need cynism

>>4288495
>>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

>>4288495
>>I don’t mind being taken advantage of by you, Kyune onee-chan. (Initiate Social Combat)

>>4289321
>>I don’t mind being taken advantage of by you, Kyune onee-chan. (Initiate Social Combat)

Let's see how that planet-sized brain of ours holds up.

>>4288495
>Because our interests align (+1 Cynical)

[+1 Cynicism]

“You advised me to pick from a pool of people of your choosing. My guess is because you want someone loyal to you to be promoted to a higher rank as my retainer. But whoever you want picked will definitely be quite skilled. You get one of your men in a high place. I get a skilled bodyguard. Our interests align. Isn’t that right, Kyune Onee-chan?” You smile sweetly.

For a second, Kyune looks shocked by by the cynicism in your voice, but she soon smiles savagely in return. “That’s right Kaguya. Exactly right! You know, you might be better suited for the real plutocratic world than I thought. To be honest, I want you to pick someone from the veteran household units.

You nod appreciatively at Kyune’s compliment. “So, you mentioned four options Kyune Onee-chan. What’s the fourth?”

“Ah. The fourth option?” Kyune smiles, but her smile is more gentle this time. “Don’t pick a bodyguard. Just get a security drone. Or simply walk around unguarded.”

“No bodyguard?” You frown. You didn’t understand. Why would Kyune say that?

“Look Kaguya, “Kyune leans in over the table, “In the grand scheme of things, you’re not that important. The family only gives you a bodyguard out of formality. Really, there’s no reason why anyone who could get past the standard household security would want to target you. Kaguya, you’re free to just lean back and enjoy your life. You don’t need to get involved, but playing the personnel game will get you involved.”

“Thank you for your warning.” You smile in gratitude. In the end, Kyune did care for you. No matter how confusing and uncertain things were in the Manor, Kyune was the one you could trust to be who you thought she was.

“Now, how about more dinner? You barely ate!” Kyune teases you.

You smile nervously at the thought. “Maybe a salad …”

***
You and Kyune spend some more time making small talk. The negative feelings from the past day dissipate as you relax. But just then …

“Well well well … The Blue Bitch herself. Hey Kyune, I thought I told your lackleys this part of town was mine!”

Standing next to the table was a trio of tough-looking punks in biking outfits similar to Kyune’s.

“I like the view here Bruce.” Kyune nonchalantly comments, not even bothering to look at the person next to her. You, on the other hand, can’t help but glance nervously at the people looming over the table. They looked like they meant business!

“Always so high and mighty, riding alone wherever you please … Someone needs to teach you a lesson!” Bruce raises his voice higher and higher as Kyune ignores him. Half of the restaurant is staring at him in annoyance now. But Kyune remains completely nonplussed.

“Pipe down. I’m trying to enjoy my meal here.” Kyune causally pops a fry into her mouth.

Bruce fumes in frustration, glaring daggers at Kyune. Suddenly, his eyes narrow as he gets an idea.

“Putting your pricy-ass Hornet outside in the lot like you own this place … aren’t you worried someone’ll do something to it?” Bruce sneers. A dark look enters Kyune’s eyes, but she doesn’t say anything. Satisfied that he’s struck a chord, Bruce reaches down and grabs a fry off of Kyune’s plate.

Suddenly, Kyune’s hand shoots out and grabs Bruce by the wrist, twisting it painfully and pulling him close.

“You put so much as a scratch on my cycle, I’ll cut off your balls and make you eat them slowly.” Kyune snarls.

“W-why don’t you come outside and find out?” Bruce challenges. To his credit, he barely baulks at Kyune’s intense, threatening glare.

Kyune harrumphs, pushes Bruce away, and reaches for her sword.

>Stop her. She promised she wouldn’t involve you in her biking business, right? (-1 Optimism)

>Find somewhere more convenient to be (-1 Cynicism)

>Go outside and watch

>>4291258
>>Find somewhere more convenient to be (-1 Cynicism)

>>4291258
>Find somewhere more convenient to be

>>4291258
>>Go outside and watch

>>4291258
>Find somewhere more convenient to be (-1 Cynicism)

>>4291258
>>Find somewhere more convenient to be (-1 Cynicism)

[-1 Cynicism] 0 Cynicism Left

Shooting insults back and forth, Kyune and Bruce step outside. Several curious patrons follow them. You stay seated in the booth. You didn’t feel the slightest shame for leaving Kyune to deal with this herself. This wasn’t a situation you belonged in. The best thing you could do is not get in Kyune’s way.

You couldn’t do anything except wait for Kyune to finish. So you sit and think. There were a lot of things you didn’t know about Kyune, weren’t there? You had always been able to tell she was a fierce person. But it was hard to resolve both her relatively gentle face she showed you in the manor with the rough demeanor you had just seen her adopt. Kyune, your tomboyish but refined reliable onee-chan. And Kyune, the rough, aggressive biker who got into fights. It was almost like she was living a double-life. And that didn’t account for the third persona you knew she had but had barely gotten a glimpse of, Kyune, the heiress to the Muramoto Noir branch.

“Hey!” A girl’s voice attracts your attention. There’s someone standing outside your booth again. Except this time, it’s a girl you’re age dressed casually and comfortably. She was from the group of schoolgirls you had noticed earlier.

“Hello,” You greet politely, “May I help you?”

The girl smiled. “My name is Lei. Me and my friends were wondering if you could tell us about what’s happening outside.”

>Accept

>Decline

>>4292001
>>Accept

>>4292001
>Decline

We don't even know ourselves

>>4292001
>Admit we understand nothing.

>>4292001
>Decline

>>4292001
>Accept

>>4292251
This

>>4292251
+1

>>4292836
This

“I’m sorry, but I don’t really know myself?” You admit.

“Ah, I see. Sorry to bother you then.” The Girl apologizes, “I just thought maybe you’d know something about Kyune since you know her.”

“You know Kyune?” You tilt your head, “May I ask how?”

“I’m her underclassman.” The Girl laughs, “Kyune-Senpai is kind-of infamous at the school where we are … but how do you know her? Are you her sister?”

“I’m her cousin.” You correct her.

“Ah I see. You two do look alike … anyways, sorry for disturbing you.” The Girl bows, then leaves.

Not long after, Kyune walks back inside, looking none the worse for wear. Actually, she looks more cheerful than when she left.

“We’re leaving now, Kaguya.”

Following her out the door, you find Bruce, the punk from earlier, leaning against the wall next to a trio of heavily customized bikes. His face was a purple mess, both of his eyes were swollen shut. His two friends were in slightly lesser states of beat-up. They could at least see and walk. Had Kyune really done this?

“Y-you won’t be so lucky next time!” One of Bruce’s friends cursed, “Next time, it won’t just be the three of us!”

“You’re in no shape to be on your cycles. Shouldn’t you be calling your parents to get a ride home?” Kyune teases.

Even with swollen faces, the faces of the punks had been filled with defiance, but at the mention of their parents, an unmistakable flash of fear passed over their faces.

Kyune cackles wickedly, causing you to yelp in surprise. You feel some preconceptions you had about Kyune’s gentle character shatter. Kyune was a much more brutal and sadistic person than you had known. But what she says next confuses and surprises you even more.

“Go inside the restaurant.” Kyune encourages them, “Wait for your parents there. Order something. I’ll even let you put it on my tab … just don’t make it too fancy or I’ll come after you again.”

Kyune doesn’t wait to see what they do. She revs her cycle’s engine. “Let’s go, Kaguya.”

Still parsing Kyune’s actions, you hop on. Soon after, the cycle is cruising down the road, steadily picking up speed as it climbs up the mountain again.

So, you just came down the mountain to play? You ask Kyune.

The comms in your helmet crackle as Kyune laughs. Yeah, that’s about it. I come down the mountain every now and then to play … first time with you tagging along though. Did you have fun?

I did. You admit. It’s just …

>You couldn’t really approve that Kyune’s kind of playing involved beating up others. (-1 Hopeful)

>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

>>4294491

>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

mystery box

>>4294491
>>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

>>4294491
>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

>>4294491
>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

>>4294491
>>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

>>4294491
>Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards? Weren’t they your enemies? (Unknown)

[+1 Punk]

Why did you end up treating those punks afterwards though? You ask Kyune, Weren’t they your enemies?

Well yeah … Kyune agrees, But you have to remember, at the end of the day, none of it is serious business.

It isn’t serious? But you beat those people up? Why would you do that unless you weren’t serious?

Well that’s just it, isn’t it? Kyune says, We Punks, we hop on our cycles and rocket off looking for adventure. We’ve all got hot blood, you know? Always competing, jockeying … it’s part of the fun, you know? You can’t gather more than ten of us in the same joint without us spoiling for a fight. The only way to stop that … is to find another group of ten poor souls to gang up on. But at the end of the day, you have to remember, it isn’t serious business. We ride to let loose steam after all. That’s why we have a code and camaraderie. To make sure there’s not any bad blood no matter what happens.

You kind of understand what Kyune is saying. Hearing Kyune’s explanation for both her violence and magnanimity as just par for the course of some sort of game reassured you that your gentle and reliable perception of Kyune was not mistaken. You also understood the spirit of escapism she was referring to. Just halfway down the mountain and it already seemed like a different world to you. But still, it wasn’t the kind of thing you’d want to get involved in. You’re still kind-of shocked by Kyune’s capacity for casual violence.

By the way Kaguya, Kyune speaks up, I saved saying this until we were on the road and could be sure no one was listening. About your new retainer, there’s someone I want you to choose in particular.

You immediately perk up when you hear Kyune has a request for you. [iSure. Who is it?

A guard by the name of Takahashi Yoji. His division got badly hit recently, enough to be dissolved. I want to try to salvage some of their members before they’re redistributed to less experienced squads in need of veterans … he was your temporary bodyguard before right? How did you two get on?

“It wasn’t for long … he’s a very reserved and formal man.” You say, “And he had an unsettling air to him.”

“Is that so?” Kyune sighs, “Well, it’d be really convenient if he became your bodyguard for a bit. But failing that, any member of Division 8 would be good.”

The sun is setting over Noir, turning the sky bloodred as it sank through the heavy clouds of the day’s atmospheric pollution into the sea. It was an eerie sight, like looking into a nuclear blast. Every single sunset in Noir was like.

“Whew, look at that sunset!” Kyune explains, “You’d be amazed the sights you see on a cycle …”

You don’t respond, hugging Kyune’s back tighter instead.

Before long, you’re back in the Manor’s garage. You feel your chest tightening as you tense up. Ah yes. This was the way you usually were. Until now, you hadn’t noticed how physically relaxed you had been outside the manor. Well, you were back now.

“Man, that was fun.” Kyune exclaims, stretching, “Wanna come up to my room, Kaguya?”

>Go up to Kyune’s room for a bit

>You want to take care of the guard business as soon as possible

>>4296322
>>Go up to Kyune’s room for a bit

>>4296322
>Go up to Kyune’s room for a bit

>>4296322
>>You want to take care of the guard business as soon as possible

>>4296322
>Go up to Kyune’s room for a bit

>>4296322
>>You want to take care of the guard business as soon as possible

>>4296322
>>You want to take care of the guard business as soon as possible
Get the guard drone, so we're outside Family politics, and wait for Kentaro to fully heal.

>>4296322
>Go up to Kyune’s room for a bit

“Sure!” You enthusiastically nod. Visiting Kyune’s room was always interesting.

“We should also get you a change of clothes.” Kyune comments, staring at your yukata. It’s filthy with dust and sooty pollutants from the road.

“That’s a good idea …”

***
“Well, make yourself at home.” Kyune says as soon as you enter her suite. Despite her much higher status in the family, it was about the same size as yours. It wasn’t like they designed these suites with illegitimate plutocrat children in mind. The inside of the suite was spartan and austere, but what furniture there was were intricately carved pieces of art. Other than that, the room was completely undecorated except for an ornamental shelf on the far wall in the same place as yours, as well as a half-finished flower arrangement. Next to it was a spraycan of preservative resin. The air still smelled slightly of the plastic smell of the resin.

“You’re already preserving it? But it isn’t finished yet.” You comment.

“I decided it looked good enough. Probably wasn’t going to make it look any better even if I did finish it.” Kyune explains. “Barley Tea?”

“Thank you.” You gracefully accept Kyune’s proffered glass and sip at the barley tea while admiring Kyune’s flower arrangement. It did have the characteristic elegance of an unfinished piece of art … huh, there was something next to the flower vase. It was a letter. You absentmindedly pick it up and scan it. It was an … invitation of some kind?

To The Young Lady Muramoto Kyune

It is again a pleasure to invite you for a third time to the annual Noir-Beauer Institute of Art Gala on the First of July both as a creative and a guest. We sincerely hope that you attend once again, whether to present traditional Ikebana or a display of Kenjutsu again or to present something completely new.

- The Noir-Beauer Institute of Art Gala Organizers

“The Noir-Beauer Gala?” You mutter. You’ve never heard of this.

“Plutocrat socializing event. Big art festival with costumes and fancy dinners.” Kyune explains, “Ostensibly, it’s a fundraising event for Noir’s cultural centers, but really, it’s an expensive way for us plutocrat folk to network.”

>This sounds interesting. You’ll research more about this later.

>Ask Kyune to tell you more. It sounds very interesting.

>Kyune’s presented in an art festival? You want to hear more!

>”How do I join?”

>>4297582
>>This sounds interesting. You’ll research more about this later.

>>4297582
>Ask Kyune to tell you more. It sounds very interesting.

>>4296485
Should've killed the guy. Instead of it's own quest now we have people that main focus will be sucking old protagonist's dick.
>>4297582
>Kyune’s presented in an art festival? You want to hear more!

>>4297744
Your opinion is wrong and you should feel wrong.

>>4297582
>This sounds interesting. You’ll research more about this later.
>>4297744
Shit take anon. Finding a way to restore Kentaro would be good plot.
I can't support the guard drone idea though. It's too boring.

>>4297582
>>>Ask Kyune to tell you more. It sounds very interesting.

“Tell me more.” You immediately ask Kyune. The concept of a social event where art is displayed fascinates you.

“Well, where should I start?” Kyune muses, “It’s the highest-profile event in Noir that happens annually. representatives of every plutocratic family show up. Tons of representatives from all the megacorps in the city too, since they are always sponsors. Some pet celebs are invited as well. Overly-elaborate costumes are a must … At the end of the day, it’s like any other plutocratic social event, an expensive veneer for a massive opportunity to network and scheme … well, I guess it’s not completely the same. It’s also unofficially the stage where plutocratic children who come of age are first presented …”

The more you hear about this gala, the more interested you become. It was like getting a glimpse into the world of high society, one where you were barely allowed. You would have to research more about it later.

“Anyways, let’s get you changed. Come up to my bedroom.” Kyune says. That’s right. She had said she would get you a new change of clothes. The delicate fabric of your yukata was pretty much ruined by the smog and dust from your ride with Kyune.

Kyune’s bedroom is a bit more cluttered than her living room. Several cheap-looking magazines were strewn across the floor. There was a pile of laundry in the corner, next to a fancy-looking minifridge. A knife lay on a table, next to a servicing kit.

Kyune throws open her closet and drags out a large chest. Inside it are a dozen child-sized clothes. “Take your pick. You can keep whichever one you choose.”

“Are you sure?” All the clothes inside looked very expensive.

“What am I going to use them for?” Kyune asks, “I’ve outgrown them all! Trust me, you can have ‘em.”

Well, in that case, you’ll choose …

>A light, pink-colored yukata threaded with golden patterns of sprouting bamboo.

>A formal red kimono embroidered with a bronze phoenix pattern … very fanciful.

>A frilly, doll-like western dress. It doesn’t seem like the kind of clothing Kyune would have.

>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out.

>You’ll just borrow an oversized yukata from Kyune’s wardrobe. You don’t intend to steal any clothes today.

>>4298836
>>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out.

>>4298836

>A formal red kimono embroidered with a bronze phoenix pattern … very fanciful.

>>4298836
>A frilly, doll-like western dress. It doesn’t seem like the kind of clothing Kyune would have.
Gothic Lolita is justice.

>>4298836
>>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out
bet we don't have something like this

>>4298836
>>>A formal red kimono embroidered with a bronze phoenix pattern … very fanciful.

>>4298836
>>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out.
As >>4299178 says Kaguya is way more likely to have everything else but this

>>4298836
>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out.

>>4298836
>>A frilly, doll-like western dress. It doesn’t seem like the kind of clothing Kyune would have.

>>4298836
>A leather jacket and jeans. Their level of wear disguises their expensive cut to something you could wear on the street without standing out.
Our handler will have some questions, since it seems that we are expected to wear traditional Japanese clothing, and become a Yamato Nadeshiko.

>>4298836
>A frilly, doll-like western dress. It doesn’t seem like the kind of clothing Kyune would have.

>>4299369
I would think we would never wear it around the house. It's for when we leave and want to look hardcore.

>>4298836
>A frilly, doll-like western dress. It doesn’t seem like the kind of clothing Kyune would have.

The outfit which catches your eyes are a worn leather jacket and a pair of jeans that were your size. They must have been Kyune’s when she was younger … so she’s been biking for at least that long, huh? While they had an identifiably high-quality cut and tailoring obviously not mass-produced in a factory, they were so worn-out that it would be hard to spot for someone who didn’t spend large amounts of time handling high-quality clothing.

“Eh? You’re picking that?” Kyune comments in surprise.

Before today, you wouldn’t have had any interests in clothes like this, but after your little excursion with Kyune … maybe you should have some clothes that are more suited to the outside world than expensive, delicate yukatas.

“Are you okay with me taking this?” You ask. Clothing like this must have held many dear memories for Kyune.

“Just don’t get caught wearing it inside the house too much.” Kyune warns, “That’ll get even me in trouble.”

“Thank you.”

Kyune gives a slight smile and ruffles your hair. “No problem, Kaguya.”
…

You and Kyune spend some more time chatting, but after chatting for so long at the restaurant, there isn’t much to chat about anymore so before long you return to your room.

Right. You should take care of that business concerning your replacement guard now that you had the time. Winslet-san has been waiting for long enough. After thinking about it, you’ll choose …

>A talented rookie a with near-perfect mission record

>A veteran street enforcer from a city divisions

>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>You’ll pick an enforcer from Division 8 like Kyune would prefer

>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>A guard-drone. You’re staying out of household politics.

>You don’t need a bodyguard to shadow you constantly

>>4300154
>>A guard-drone. You’re staying out of household politics.

>>4300154
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300154
>A talented rookie a with near-perfect mission record

>>4300154
>>You’ll pick an enforcer from Division 8 like Kyune would prefer

>>4300154
>A guard-drone. You’re staying out of household politics.

A robot is much more versatile. It has unquestionable loyalty, you can program it to do whatever you want, you can alert people if you go missing, and someone hacking it and it going rogue is just a plot waiting to happen.

>>4300154
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300154
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300154
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300154
>A guard-drone. You’re staying out of household politics.

It's been a tie for a while so please pick between

>A guard-drone. You’re staying out of household politics.
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300580
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300580
>>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300580
>>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300580
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300580
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300580
>>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300580
>You’ll choose Yoji, the enforcer Kyune requested you pick

>>4300580
>>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

At this rate you must as well roll for it QM

>>4300580
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

>>4300580
>You’ll try to get an elite enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard

After considering it, you’ve decided that an enforcer from Lord Muramoto’s personal guard would be the best choice. They were the safest option, and not only because of their skill. All the other options had the strings of household politics attached to them, except if you chose a guard-drone. And you didn’t trust drones. No one in the Muramoto Family did. They didn’t have an almost completely human staff just for the prestige of it.

You know Kyune wanted you to pick Yoji, but you didn’t plan to get involved in household politics. Not even for Kyune. Household politics was a world you weren’t equipped to handle. Kyune would understand. You were sure of it.

But your decision also complicated things. A member of Kyune’s Father’s personal guard hadn’t been in the options Winslet had offered you. You couldn’t just message Winslet-san of your choice and ask her to make the arrangements. You would have to take things into your own hands. Or at least you would put things in Kyune’s hands. Still, you wonder what Winslet-san would think of your decision. Well, it wasn’t like she would stop you or anything. Although you don’t think she would have a reason to do that.

What you would do then was simply notify her of your intentions. After that, her job would be done. You set to composing the message, making sure to word it as politely as possible.

There! You’re finished. You send the message. Then you send another one to Kyune informing her of your decision as well. You don’t know when Winslet will respond, but It won’t be at least until tomorrow that Kyune saw your message. Kyune didn’t have any neuroaugs and had to rely on checking a physical Terminal to receive messages over the network. But that meant the business for today was taken care of. You’ll just do your homework and your readings for tomorrow and then …

Wait, there was a message in your inbox that hadn’t been there before. It was from a sender you had never seen before. The sender’s name was Into. And the message was short.

Does your current situation displease you?

Do you feel constrained by gilded bars? Powerless in your birdcage?

Do you wish for power and agency and knowledge?

… Do you want to know what happened to Kentaro Seido?

>Yes

>No

>You don’t like this. Delete the message immediately! (Costs 1 Cynicism)

>>4301183
>>No

>>4301183
>No

>>4301183
>>Yes

>>4301183
>Yes

>>4301183
>Yes
No seems pretty out of character, since Kaguya obviously wants to know what happened. Yes or deleting the message our of suspicion both make sense.

>>4301183
> yes
It's a call to adventure we can't miss!

>>4301183
>>No

>>4301183
>Yes

Below the message were two hyperkeys, labelled [Yes] and [No].

Do you want to know what happened to Kentaro Seido?

The words swim in front you. Why now? Why were you seeing this now? And who was this Into person who had sent you this message? How did he know about Kentaro? Judging from how this Into knew about Kentaro, but you had never heard of this Into even after Kentaro’s coma, it was obvious at least that Kentaro must have been in contact with someone on an unofficial basis. And that contact somehow had something to do with this Into.

You wanted to know what had happened to Kentaro, your valued, reliable bodyguard. And more than that … you were drawn to something about the message’s words. They seemed written just for you. You knew not to fall for that. The psychology of marketing had long been perfected. But combined with the offer of information about Kentaro, information no scammer would possess, the offer was too enticing.

You select the hyperkey labelled [Yes]. Immediately, a chat window opens up. It hangs in front of you, filling up your vision.

Who are you? You try. Why do you know about Kentaro Seido?

There is a long pause. There is no answer. You wait for several minutes, but the screen remains still. But just as soon as you’re about to leave, a new message appears.

If you still desire to learn about Kentaro Seido …

If you truly desire enlightenment.

Seek out the Cybernet. Dive into the boundless sea of information.

Come to the Grima Masquerade Lobby. I will be waiting.

- Into.

End of Thread

Extra Scenes

>Winslet-San - Kaguya’s Request
>Akira’s Night

>>4302300
>>Winslet-San - Kaguya’s Request

>>4302300
>>Winslet-San - Kaguya’s Request

>>4302300
>Winslet-San - Kaguya’s Request

>>4302300
>Akira’s Night

>>4302300
>Akira’s Night

>>4302300
>Winslet-San - Kaguya’s Request

Extra Scene 004

“Well, what do you think, Honda-san?” Winslet asked.

Honda-san, Hideyori Muramoto’s corpulent chief of security, sat in front of Winslet in the small, richly appointed private lounge deep in the manor’s upper-west wing. Unlike many of the rooms in the manor, the lounge was furnished in a western style, with carved oakwood furniture padded luxuriously, hard black floorboards, and an antique Swiss Tower Clock by the wall. But such rooms weren’t rare in the Upper-West Wing.

Honda-san’s eyes flickered from side to side as he stared at a HUD visible only to him. He was staring at a message Winslet had forwarded him. She had received it only a few hours ago.

“Well this is … unexpected.” He huffed in that permanently out-of-breath voice of his, “For what purpose though? A member of the Branch Manager’s personal guard? And somehow eliciting the Young Master’s help? What do you think about this Winslet-san?”

The Young Master is obviously using Miss Suzuki as a hiding place for something. And she’s doing it right under your nose you dolt! Aren’t YOU supposed to be the head of security? Winslet curses inwardly. But she holds her tongue. Perhaps Honda-san already realized this and more, and was merely hiding that he did.

“I do not know.” Winslet says politely instead. “I just wondered if it is something that should be brought to the attention of The Master.”

“Well … thank you for your consideration.” Honda-san nods appreciatively, sending his fleshy jowls jiggling. He remains silent on whether he would be bringing the information to Lord Muramoto or not. It was just as well. At least the fool could understand to hold his tongue, no matter how dense he was.

She would just have to rely on his competence in his job. But Winslet was satisfied. She had played her part. And that was enough.

Well that's the end of the first thread of Corporate Cyber-Samurai Quest's sequel. I hope people are fine with the perspective change from Kentaro to Kaguya.

But anyways thanks for playing!

>>4303342
New thread when?

>>4303351
Within the week

>>4303339
Thanks for running!