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>>5260378

“…” Annette shuts down, baffled by your response, you can’t articulate what else her expression is trying to convey. She hides her eyes behind the beer can she’s holding. “…That’s exactly what I wanted you to say, I thought I’d be happy to hear thaaat, but ‘am not.”

“I don’t follow.” You didn’t expect this kind of response.

“I’m just pullin’ your leg!” Annette bursts into laughter but the underlying unhappiness is still there. “It’s laaate, even if Iris is ashleep I need to go home! I’ll talk to youuu tomorrooow about the money and those things…! Keep bein’ cute!” Annette starts wobbling towards her bike. You’re surprised nobody took it away. Or maybe not. The only petty thief who would do that is working in your establishment.

What do you do?

>Stay vigilant from afar to make sure Annette leaves safely.
>Stop Annette from going anywhere like this. You’ll call a cab and pay the fare for her.
>You need to go back to the kitchen (?) and make more food!
>Face Dustin and the rude girl! Your team is managing it fine, but you can be the knockout blow!
>Write In.

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>>5260379

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: http://lws.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest
(Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Incomplete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing

Votes:

Votes are counted until 25 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 15 minutes have passed, so we can speed up the process. Rolls are counted until 10 minutes have passed, so be prepared!

(NEW) Dice Mechanic:

We always roll 1d100s!
Since most people weren’t happy with the system of averaging top four rolls, we’re using best of 2/3/4 depending on the attribute a prompt requires. If Johnny is a genius and it’s a Knowledge based roll, he gets more rolls (Max. 7)! If he sucks, he gets less dice (Min. 2)!

When asked for rolls, I will specify how many you’re going to get. Rolling begins after it’s asked.

Rolling 100 is a critical! There are no Critical Failures anymore!

The difficulty of the roll is tied with the effectiveness of the action. In other words, the harder the option the better the result!

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, this is a story-driven quest! What the prompts are describing is more important than the difficulty of the rolls, for results in a fight.

Again, rolls are only counted when they are posted within ten minutes of being asked, so watch out!

>>5260379
>>Stop Annette from going anywhere like this. You’ll call a cab and pay the fare for her.

>>5260379
>Stop Annette from going anywhere like this. You’ll call a cab and pay the fare for her.

>>5260379
>>Stop Annette from going anywhere like this. You’ll call a cab and pay the fare for her.

>>5260379
>Call a cab for her
>Then face Dustin and the rude girl!

>>5260379
>You need to go back to the kitchen (?) and make more food!

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Meanwhile at the Lokyo Metropolitan Eastern Concert Hall…

During the rehearsal of the world-renowned “Lokyo Eastern Orchestra” inside the most prestigious musical venue in the country, not only do the beautiful melodies echo through the empty theatre, but to a couple of outsiders as well. The two of them walk through the empty lanes approaching the main scenario, one of them walks nonchalantly, while the other ponders if they’re chiming in uninvited. Their names are Gerard Luther and Iamar Lakhdar, both flame users.

“Oooh, the gala! Oh, the aroma! Oh, the melody! I looove to be back, Pokyo Lokyo, the city where reality meets dreams~!” Gerard Luther, the most incompetent of the Judges, dances around as he goes down the aisle. Yes. He’s more incompetent than a comatose girl, a 113 old fossil of a man, a burned alive little girl, and Giorsal.

“Shouldn’t we keep our voices down?” Iamar Lakhdar, a recently recruited flame user from the forgotten region of Topakasa by Gerard, whispers to not interrupt the rehearsal. She’s a recently divorced middle-age woman who has few hobbies aside from traditional dancing. Her entity is a snake-shaped monster.

“I healed you with the greatest medicine that would make Asclepius jealous! I let you board one of the most expensive private jets on the planet! And you’re listening to the only melody that would make the Gods dance in a tutu! Have I not brought you upon the greatest luxuries, mademoiselle? If the answer is yes, you should give me a little leeway! I know what I’m doing!” Mentally, Gerard’s entity is arguing otherwise even if the Judge is trying to assert his authority.

In short, Gerard found Iamar in the hospital of a shitty little town in the middle of nowhere, noticing she had a flame, he healed her with his equivalent of Constance’s Marshmallows, dragged her into one of Ka-Shing’s planes, and arrived here… for some reason. Gerard wants to recruit her, but Iamar isn’t sold on the idea of joining his mysterious plans. Surprisingly, shutting down her questions during a multi-hour ride by saying ‘Soon you will know’ did NOT convince her of anything. But the fleeting sense of adventure was alluring enough for her to go along thus far.

The man conducting the orchestra abruptly shuts the act and asks for every member of the band to take a 15-minute break. As they walk off, he turns to Gerard and Iamar.

“Willkommen!” The conductor turns around, the hints of annoyance leaving his face a little too late before turning into a heavy smile. “Gentleman Luther.” The conductor raises his hand and drops it just as quickly. “And mademoiselle…?” The conductor walks down the stage and grabs the woman’s hand.

“Iamar. Iamar Lakhdar. Nice to meet you.” Despite feeling flattered, Iamar wonders if it is a Pokyo Lokyo colloquialism to call women ‘mademoiselle’.

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>>5260471

“Wonderful smile.” The conductor winks as he gently lets her hand go. “What do I owe the surprise, gentleman Luther?”

“How wonderful! You have mastered our tongue already!” Gerard acts like a proud father, he indeed spent a lot of time helping the Composer drop his heavy accent. “You know why I’m here. The Rules.” Gerard puts both hands in his pockets.

“The rules?” The conductor gives the Judge a confused look.

“Yeah, the rules.” Gerard’s hands leave his pockets to shrug in a comical way.

“You said I wouldn’t be bothered. You said you were my fan.” The Composer shakes his hand next to his face as his ire manifests. “You promised me I could continue my work after I told you what I did to protect Earth from the heinous hellish invasion from 23 years ago!”

“Don’t blame me, everyone argued against it. There was nothing I could do.” Gerard lies. He forgot the Composer even existed during the Judge meeting where the rules were proposed. He’s always too sleepy to add anything to them.

“I don’t understand what’s going on in the slightest. Could you please explain for once?” Iamar is tired of being a passive watcher.

“Very well.” Gerard finally agrees to inform her of… anything for the first time. “Iamar, let me introduce you to the greatest Yuropean composer that ever lived, maybe the greatest the world has ever seen: The great Molfgang Amadeus Wozart!”

“…” Iamar takes a moment to look at the composer to make sure Gerard isn’t duping her like she’s used to.

“Apologies, I couldn’t introduce myself properly unless Gentleman Luther allowed me to.” Wozart (?) reveals a cheeky smirk on his face. “Call me… Amadeus!” Pigeons come out of the composer’s garments. Gerard stares utterly confused at these wonderful creatures.

“AAAAH?!” Iamar takes it very well by almost fainting. Wozart is the most well-known foreign composer in the country and to the majority of citizens, despite the average Prancijanian not caring about overseas’ cultures.

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>>5260473

And yes, this is the Wozart, or at least, his spiritual equivalent. And yes, he was present during Angra Mainyu’s invasion to destroy the world that randomly and spontaneously happened 23 years ago for no good reason. He aided the forces blocking the gate (The Heroes of the North, Saraswati, The Four Heavenly Kings, El Macho, and other legendary humans.) to repel the Antithesis of life’s reinforcements (Beelzebub, Chernobog, Dahaka, The Solomon Demons, Icioba, and more foul creatures.) from crossing the interdimensional portal. One of the Egyptian Deities ‘Bastet’ was said to be present, but only watched. During the grand battle, Wozart squabbled with Chernobog for the most part.

Currently, Wozart’s issue is that he took over an ‘empty vessel’ Gerard forwarded him a couple of months ago, and the new rules forbid him from taking over a body in such a manner. The famous composer isn’t interested in the war, but only continuing to compose music. With this explained, Iamar is up to date.

“But do not fear, my musically gifted friend! I have an idea!” Gerard’s idea is to ask Charlie Ironheart. His entity quickly shuts that down. “Come with me!”

Gerard will bring Iamar and Wozart to some other place… for some reason.

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>>5260379

“Annette, stop.” You go after her without hesitation! Except for the hesitation when you watched her walk away! That doesn’t count, you didn’t understand what was going on!

“Yooou don’ need to worrrrry about me…” Annette went full Mirjam there. “I’m fiiiine. I was playin’ with you. I-I just waaanted to look bad to make you pay some attention to me… uhm… it’s nooot like I planned it, it just happened and… but maybe I thought that you… and you did when… huh, and…” Annette is making little sense! She’s too wasted! “I’m actin’ like…” Annette shakes her head, which makes her tumble around. You grab her shoulders to prevent an accident.

“I’ll handle this, don’t worry. I’ll call a cab, you just trust me.” You reassure with a wink. Need to look confident if you want to sway her from eating the cement with a catastrophic bike ride. Catastrophic, huh. You wonder how Kata is doing…

“Pleeease, you don’t need to worryyy… You don’t need worry about someone like me…” Annette doesn’t know what to do with herself but beg to be left alone.

“I’m not worried, see? That’s why I’m going to trust you’ll stay here while I call the cab, okay?” You change strategies to calm her nerves.

“Suuure…” Annette is not buying it. Her guilt is consuming her as much as she wants to consume more alcohol.

“I’ll be back in a sec.” You still have some change from Crossbill if you want to use the phone, but you don’t know what number to call for a taxi. Errr, you’ll have to do it old school!

You flail your hands around unsure how to get the attention of any of the cabs. Huh, this reminds you of your family dance. Is this where your mom got it from? From calling taxis? You doubt it, but it’s a funny coincidence.

One of the known brown and yellow machines stops next to you. It’s a woman with a square face. After putting Annette in the cab, you and the taxi driver struggle to put her bicycle in the trunk. A rope did the trick, but you feel like it could come undone any moment now. As you say goodbye one last time to your investor, she asks you for a hug. Right. It’s a town tradition to hug people to say goodbye! And you never turn away hugs! So, you oblige and comfort Annette for a little bit. Poor girl just fell asleep in your arms. The driver told you not to worry, she knows Annette and where she lives. And there they go…

You sigh. A bittersweet feeling embodies your being for reasons you can’t explain.

What do you do?

>Go cook, your business needs you!
>Deal with Dustin and Rude non-customer smoker!
>Ponder on this bittersweet feeling you’re having.
>Write In.

>>5260477
>>Go cook, your business needs you!

>>5260477

Forgot to say this is the last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!

>>5260477
>Deal with Dustin and Rude non-customer smoker!

>>5260477
>Deal with Dustin and Rude non-customer smoker!

>>5260477
>Ponder the bittersweet feeling you're having
No really, our crew has Dustin and Smoker on lock. We should be winding down for the night on food. Let's get inside Johnny's head for a bit, and give Chio the chance to walk in on us in thought.

>>5260477
>>Go cook, your business needs you!
DONT LET NARIKO TO COOK! SHE WOULD SCREW UP EVERYTHING!!!

>>5261096
Nariko's a fine cook, she's just not Ando-tier

>>5260477
>Deal with Dustin and Rude non-customer smoker!

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You’ll have to find answers later because you need to deal with that petty fat man and that petty smoker woman! Crossbill and Big Ben need your help!

“…You’re makin’ everyone lose green, you thumb of a man! Out!” Crossbill has used all her textbook insults on Dustin.

“And let this worthless establishment continue operating? No. I won’t leave. That’d be easy, and I don’t roll like that.” The man of ample proportions is immune to fat jokes. If only Yu Yan was here, she'd know how to get on his nerves. “I don’t know how you did it, but I know you did it.”

“Lemme get this straight: You sabotaged his place when you worked there, stole from your fellow coworkers, shamelessly took away his customers by offering the same menu now that your butt was fired, messed up with his place’s orders AFTER you got fired, and you’re complaining?” Smoker paints Crossbill as the villain! And to be fair, this recap doesn’t do her any favors... “Gimme a break, Parrot face! You leeches have no shaaaame!” The rude woman cackles.

“Our community deserves better than this caravan of diseases, you lazybones call a food cart.” Dustin’s temper is running. He feels justified to insult people now that someone backs him up.

“It’s cleaner than the dumpster fire you call an oven, dumpy!” Crossbill doesn’t hesitate to chirp back.

“That’s true.” Big Ben worked there; he knows about it!

“B-Boss…” The waitress wearing the fake health inspector grabs the manager’s sleeve. She’s making it obvious she asked for the place to be cleaned up.

“I bet it was yer job to clean it up!” Dustin shouts at Crossbill. “You leeches never do proper. If it was up to me, you lot will be on the streets where you belong.”

“…” The waitress’s morale drops. She might be a CotF too.

“Then why did you fire me, you dumbass?!” Crossbill has a point. “Besides, how is it my job?! I don’t work in the kitchen!”

“It’s the cook’s responsibility to have his working station clean by any means necessary. If he wants the place clean, he can mop the floor with you.” Dustin poorly justifies himself.

“…Are you blaming me for stuff again?” The cook is here! He has an easily recognizable voice after all the shouting you endured.

“You got it wrong, kid. It’s not all about ya.” Dustin isn’t here to cause more conflict, at least, not purposefully. “It’s this stupid girl’s fault.”

“Right, right, right. She thinks her actions don’t deserve consequences ‘cause her mom and pops died doing who knows what and all that trash. Newsflash, Birdbrain, someone is going to stop your entitled ass from scamming good workers out of their due. Grow up.”

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>>5261582

“Spare me the sanctimonious speech, Chimney. Did you forget what this elephant tried to do with his health inspector?” Crossbill is right! Nobody is really a good guy here.

“And the problem is? Your kitchen is repulsive. It’s better if you close before you kill someone. He’s doin’ what the authorities won’t.” Smoker girl is deep in Dustin’s side. How annoying.

“Everyone breathe in, breathe out. These levels of animosity are not healthy.” Sieb is trying to ease relationships here! You didn’t notice him until now.

“They’re ruining my establishment; I’m not leaving until I break that stupid cart.” Dustin is taking this way too personally.

“Huh? I’d like to see you try to pass through Big Ben here! Right, man?” Crossbill is using a middle schooler as a meat shield, maybe you’re the baddies!

“R-Right.” Benjamin adjusts his glasses and straightens his back, he’s ready to die for the Nautical Nariko! It makes you a tiny bit emotional.

“N-No, this isn’t it.” Sieb doesn’t understand why giving everyone a moment to relax made them more violent.

“You stupid kids. I make one phone call and this place shuts down. Don’t make me do it.” Dustin threatens. He must’ve come up with something while he was gone. “Gimme half of your earnings, close the place down, and leave. And I’ll spare ya.”

You stand next to Crossbill! You’ve arrived!

“Bestie! You’re here!” Crossbill is a happy bird! “Tell him to eat dirt!”

How do you respond?

>“No.” It’s better if you don’t make everyone angrier.
>“No, tell him that yourself.” You’re not going to her dirty work.
>“Eat dirt, fat man.” You’re doing this whole thing out of pettiness, so why not?
>Write In.

What do you do?

>Try to reason with the Smoker girl to make her change sides. She’s the only active voice supporting Dustin.
>It seems Dustin’s employees are not happy with him at the wheel. Convert them to your side!
>Escalate further and tell Dustin to do whatever he’s planning.
>Threaten them to leave or else you’ll use force.
>Accept Dustin’s awful deal.
>Write In.

>>5261584
>>“No.” It’s better if you don’t make everyone angrier.
>It seems Dustin’s employees are not happy with him at the wheel. Convert them to your side!

>>5261584
>It seems Dustin’s employees are not happy with him at the wheel. Convert them to your side!
>“No.” It’s better if you don’t make everyone angrier.

>>5261584
>“No, tell him that yourself.” You’re not going to her dirty work.
It seems Dustin’s employees are not happy with him at the wheel. Convert them to your side!
>"The bourgeois does not understand the suffering of the worker!"

>>5261584
>“No.” It’s better if you don’t make everyone angrier.
>It seems Dustin’s employees are not happy with him at the wheel. Convert them to your side!

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“No.” You shake your head, you’re here not to be petty but to solve this problem. Crossbill feels betrayed! Betrayed! You should check your pockets once this is done.

“B-Bestie…?!” Crossbill looks dejected. Sad bird noises and all that.

“Even whats-his-face here knows the cold hard truth.” Smoker lady cackles upon your negative answer. “Oh hey, you’re the annoying kid from before. Great.” She realizes it’s you and she doesn’t look thrilled. She doesn’t look that annoyed either, probably because she knows she’s wasting her time here instead of being in a hurry.

“The smartass knows this entire stunt is illegal.” Dustin nods to himself somehow. Where’s his neck?

“It’s not that. Don’t make me call my lawyer.” You frown. Just because your lawyer is a drunk mess doesn’t mean she can't build a good case. “I’m here to solve this issue once and for all.”

“Good.” Sieb sounds relieved. He doesn’t know what you’re scheming!

“You’re giving up this place, aren’t ya? Good. I won’t rat you kids out to the police if you apologize.” Dustin feels like he has won.

“No, quite the opposite, I think you’ll end up without your most important assets.” You adjust your glasses. Yeah, you’ll take his workers away! You turn to them. “Guys, aren’t you tired of Dustin’s mismanagement and abusive practices? Join us at the Nautical Nariko! We’ll treat you with the respect you deserve!”

“Ah?” Sieb didn’t expect that in the slightest.

“That’s right! Y’all think we built this place just to bring down the Modern Flavor out of spite? Think again!” Crossbill lies through her teeth as she puts her arm around your shoulder, and one hand on your chest. “This place is worth defending, right, Ben?”

“Absolutely.” Big Ben adjusts his glasses as he moves to your other side. You can’t detect any lies from his voice unlike with your bestie.

“You’re trying to poach my staff? Don’t you have any shame?!” Dustin is enraged! “This is criminal!”

“That’s for sure illegal. Children of the dump don’t know anythin’ about real life.” The smoker sneers at your offer. Her not knowing what's legal or not won’t stop you!

“We have better food, better wages, and a better working environment!” You continue with your sales pitch.

“That’s a lie. Who’d overpay those leeches? Nobody. This dump? A better work environment? Open your eyes, kids. It’s a tent. And better food? They copied our menu.” Dustin is being smug. Logically speaking, he might have a point, but…

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>>5261670

“I’m out. Children of the Future or not. I’m tired of being bossed around.” The Cook is the first one to betray Dustin without a hitch.

“W-What are you doing, kid? I-I promoted you!” Dustin can’t believe his eyes.

“Only ‘cause you fired the old chef. That raise was a pittance, it wasn’t even close to what the other dude earned.” The irritated cook turns to you. “I’ll help out in the kitchen.” The cook walks right next to Chio and starts working as a line cook. That was easy!

“Children are so stupid these days.” The smoker rolls her eyes. “That’s what being entitled does to someone.”

“Offer still stands for you as well.” You turn to the panic dancer waitress who tried to pass as a health inspector.

“M-Me?” She begins panic dancing immediately. “B-But I…” Her eyes shift towards Crossbill.

“It’s in the past. Workers look out for each other.” Crossbill pretends she never stole from her fellow coworkers… “And more so if we’re CotF.” She smiles.

“B-But what good can I do…?” The waitress feels so scummy that she doesn’t think she deserves better.

“Not much, honestly.” Dustin couldn’t help himself. The annoyance he’s feeling thanks to this entire situation is making him say stuff he shouldn’t.

“Don’t listen to him. We need you!” You smile and extend your hand towards her!

“That’s right. I couldn’t imagine this place without you.” Big Ben is fairly friendly towards the Panic dancer.

“Indeed.” You nod.

“Aaah!” The waitress got into a tizzy and hugged you two. Huh. You didn’t expect that. “I’ll join!”

“Excellent. You two go take some orders. Me and Phil will deal with the rest.” Crossbill gives them the go ahead. Big Ben and the Panic Waitress energetically walk away.

“You smartasses, you think you’ve done it, don’t ya?” Dustin crosses his arm, a confident chuckle escapes his fat lips. “This ain’t over…” An empty threat. He’s planning on returning to his restaurant.

…You think it’s pretty much done. He has no one else. Whatever staff he still has, it’s not their shift.

What do you do?

>“Have a good night, sir.” Smile like a cheeky bastard.
>“And what are you going to do?” Raise an eyebrow. You’re curious if he actually has a plan. You doubt it tho.
>Tell Crossbill to steal the guy’s key so he can’t open the Modern Flavor.
>Write In.

>>5261672
>>FINISH HIM!
>>”Sir, would you kindly please leave the premise of this establishment? You are not making an order, and disturbing the guests. I’m afraid I have to ban you from this place. Have a nice day”
>>Ban him from even coming close to this place! You’re the owner, you can do it!

>>5261679
>“And what are you going to do?” Raise an eyebrow. You’re curious if he actually has a plan. You doubt it tho.

>>5261672
>Tell Crossbill to steal the guy’s key so he can’t open the Modern Flavor.
We'll take EVERYTHING from him.

>>5261672
>“And what are you going to do?” Raise an eyebrow. You’re curious if he actually has a plan. You doubt it tho.

>>5261672
>"And what are you going to do?"
We finally should have enough time to talk to Sieb

>>5261672
>“Have a good night, sir.” Smile like a cheeky bastard.

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“And what are you going to do?” You cross your arms too and bring that eyebrow up! You’re curious if Dustin actually has a plan or not. You doubt it tho.

“Y-You’ll see…! You people will all see. I’m gonna bring reinforcements!.” Dustin runs towards his restaurant, tail between his legs! He won’t admit defeat, but he is gone for all intents and purposes.

“Eat dirt! And I hope you trip!” Crossbill is one of the pettiest birds you’ve ever met. She acts like she’s cleaning her hands.

“Tsk…” Upon realizing she was left alone, the smoker scatters away…

“I think we’ve won.” Crossbill smirks.

“Yeah, but we still have a business to run.” You pump your fist!

“Well said, Bestie.” Charlotte smiles so brightly from ear to ear, she’s joyful in a different way than with Houda Lan’s autograph. Makes you feel warm.

You spent the rest of the evening making the Nautical Nariko as successful as you could. Eventually, it came the time to close down the cart for the night. You’re surprised with how much a place like this can earn in a night, you have enough funds to keep the Cart going, give everyone their fair share, and not break a sweat.

But this is the Nautical Nariko’s grand opening! So instead of leaving at the clock, you and Charlotte asked everyone to stay to enjoy a modest celebration for its grand opening. Unlike what someone like Dustin would do, you actually finished 45 minutes earlier than planned to get this going. You hand everyone a drink fitting for their age and taste, and make a toast! Hooray! The Modern Flavor had the worst day of its business! The whole gang enjoyed a pleasant moment together.

“So, I take it that this isn’t just it, right?” Melcior, the line cook and solid reinforcement, asks. He’s very serious about his job and doesn’t want to be disturbed unnecessarily. He wasn’t as ill-tempered as he was inside the Modern Flavor. You and Chio spent a lot of time teaching him the ropes so he can take over as the main cook. But he might not feel like it’s enough. “It was in the spur of the moment, but I don’t want to regret quitting my old job.”

“Oh! Can we hire everyone else who is missing, Mr. Noon, Ms. Edamura? There are about 2 more waiters who are so jolly good to be around.” Pearl, the panic dancing waitress and all-around thoughtful girl is excited to begin a new chapter in her life.

“I’m not sure the old chef would be happy to work in a food cart, but a job is a job. I can talk to him.” Melcior believes he can recruit him too.

“I… have another job, everyone. I’m a teacher. A food cart isn’t in my future plans.” Chio brings the bad news. Suddenly, everyone’s drinks taste bitter... “And I’m not sure if Phil can continue working here either.”

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>>5261822

“He’s a student in my school. He can’t work all day.” Benjamin lets everyone know you’re just a high school student. Your staff is surprised by this reveal.

“I thought you were my age!” Crossbill is pretty perplexed. You thought you told her who you are and all that filler information too. Guess it slipped her mind. Or yours. Maybe you didn’t. Who knows?

“I’m 18... And I don’t have to go to school necessarily.” You scratch the back of your head. A dirty lie. You’re 17. But soon you’ll be 18, legally, in your timeline at least. “Anyway, we have enough cash to invest it in personnel and more. The Nautical Nariko doesn’t have to close!”

“We can work out the details during the day. We’ll do the evening shift, so I want you all here by then!” Crossbill gets serious about this. “I’ll talk to the lawyer from before and sort this out. I know where she lives.” Oh right, Crossbill stole from everyone in town, so she must know a lot about the quirky characters around.

“What have I gotten myself into…?” Chio sounds stressed. The anger and pettiness of this idea is all gone. You put your hand on her shoulder to reassure everything will be fine.

Well, like you said, you don’t have to actually go to school in this world. So, huh, maybe you can join forces with Crossbill. The logistics of this are far greater than you thought they’d be… You shouldn’t have stolen the personnel if you weren’t expecting to provide for them long term. But you have to keep doing your best!

…

You feel like you’re forgetting something.

“Ready for our talk?” AH! It’s Sieb! He waited this whole time!? You almost forgot he was a thing!

“Yes, just give me a moment.” You act apologetically.

“…” Chio stares daggers at Wilma’s former caretaker.

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>>5261824

But wait! Someone else prevents this conversation from happening! It’s Dustin, the fat failure who tanked an entire business venture by himself…

“A-ha! Nobody move!” Dustin arrives with both hands on his hip. You think. His gut hides where his waist is, so you aren’t sure where his hands are. Nobody is happy to see him. “You smartasses have smarted your last ass.”

“…What?” You raise an eyebrow.

A middle-age well-built bodyguard stands before you two, cold as ice. He doesn’t look that imposing since he’s shorter than you, but there’s a vaguely familiar feeling about him.

“The mafia…” Melcior mutters as he keeps his distance. Uh-oh…

When did everyone decide to hide behind you…? The only people by your side are Chio and Sieb. You indicate to them to stand back, only Chio does.

“You kids don’t know who you’ve messed with. The new owners are one of the most powerful families in the entire country, and they don’t take kindly to unlawful competition.” Dustin gives you a half-assed explanation. “And the man in front of you? He’s a killer. He’ll give you a dose of what the real world is all about.”

“Please think it over, sir. The use of violence is wholly unnecessary.” Sieb advocates for peace once again.

“Peace? Why does the weak get to decide when enough is enough?” Dustin is turning into a cartoon villain. Whatever the Nautical Nariko did to him, it made him lose a screw or two. “Sieb, step back, this is out of my control now.”

“You’re going to beat a kid over this?” Sieb argues this is stupid escalation.

“Me? He’s a company hire. My hands are clean.” Dustin chuckles.

“Partner, the man in front of us won’t hesitate to hurt you. Be careful.” Philonune always talks up when he feels danger.

Another interruption arises when conflict feels imminent…

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>>5261825

“Rodenhall! Please! Do not heed the hideous man’s words!” The sharp yet soft voice of a woman stops the bodyguard from taking action. The woman that shows up is indescribable, everything about her is uncanny. The way she looks, moves and the sound of her voice… It feels synthetic for lack of a better word. She’s being followed by a young man with the appearance of a Walrus in a tuxedo.

“Boss?” Dustin tries to hide how perplexed he is about this.

“I wanted to see the tiny pretty place that caused so much glamorous commotion!” The woman clasps her hands. “I need a break from so many meetings! Uff! Uff! U77!”

“Madam Utami. Only my presence is needed here.” The bodyguard speaks. Utami… You heard that name before.

“HA#4#4#4#4! Nonsense! How can I feel safe without you around?” Utami is enjoying watching the cart. She probably wouldn’t have been that interested with the tents up like before. “…I’ll buy it. How much does it cost? 50,000$? I’ll buy it! Who owns it? I’ll buy it! I’ll buy i7!”

“50,000!?” Crossbill can’t believe the amount the eerie woman uttered.

“Too little? How about your entire pulchritudinous business for 950.000$?” Utami raises the price to an absurd amount. “I want it! I want the cart that beat my water food!”

…

…

What do you do?!

>“All yours, lady.” Share the winnings among everyone. Who cares about working now?!
>“Sorry, miss. The Nautical Nariko is not for sale.” You won’t let the bourgeoisie take the means of production or something.
>“You threaten me with violence, now you want to make a deal? What’s up with you?” Act confused and disrespected.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5261826
>“You threaten me with violence, now you want to make a deal? What’s up with you?” Act confused and disrespected.
>”Your manager mistreated his employees, mismanaged your business, AND alienated regulars. You had a lot of time fix it, yet you didn’t. Why intervene now?” Just think aloud. Disrespectfully as you can.

>>5261826
Counter offer, appoint Crossbill as the new manager and kick out Dustin for being a smartass. Throw in Nautical Nariko for free only if it keeps the name.

>>5261839
And to add more.
Bow respectfully first and compliment her. Emphasize you only have beef with Dustin for ruining your date and firing Crossbill.

>>5261826
I don't think it's proper for us to decide this. We created this foodcart out of pettiness, but as soon as we started poaching employees it became something else.

Also Crossbill is the one who actually owns the cart.
>Write-In
"I'm not against selling the cart, but you see we made such a splash because our employees are such great people and we allowed them to shine. Employees that had formerly just been chafing under Dustin there.

Since our employees are our pride and joy, I'm only willing to sell if they're okay with it, and will be treated well in the future. Please give me a moment to talk it over with them, you're quite generous but I still need to confirm it."

Then ask to make sure everyone's okay with it, we'll obviously be giving them shares of the sale price but they'll still have to come to work so it'll be like a 1-time bonus. I can't imagine they won't be okay with it but we still gotta ask. Crossbill actually has the final say, since she owns the cart.

Once we're done, we'll give our share to Chio and tell her its our thanks for taking us on a wonderful date.

>>5261826
>Write-in
>Utami of the Ugolino family. I humbly apologize but I cannot sell the Nautical Nariko."
>"As an apology I can give you my best dish I've been told it's worth millions" (Make her the dish given to us by Kobashi)

>>5261826
>>“Sorry, miss. The Nautical Nariko is not for sale.” You won’t let the bourgeoisie take the means of production or something.
We can't let the workers we just saved go back to working in shitty conditions again. Plus, they'll just ruin the spirit of the Nautical Nariko!

>>5262210
We can do this too, might soften the blow

>>5262210
>>5262286
Why wouldn't we sell it and give Chio enough money to start in on her art business dream (and enough to care for the rest of the crew as well)?

>>5262410
When I see a character that shady the last thing that comes to my mind is to actually make a deal with them

>>5262417
That's pretty rude, not gonna lie.

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Wait, you’ve realized something! Something really important…! That bodyguard man has the same last name as one of your teachers: Mr. Rodenhall! What a funny coincidence. Anyway, it’s better if you deal with this Heavenly Pillar.

“Sorry, Utami of the Ugolino family. I humbly apologize, but the Nautical Nariko is not for sale.” You reject the offer in this first instance.

“He knows Madam Utami?” Rodenhall the Bodyguard is a little tilted by you knowing the Heavenly Pillar. By what your Knowledge recalls, the Pillars as you know them aren’t a thing yet.

“Yeah, we all poured our hearts and souls into making this cart into something we can be proud of. It’s the first workplace I didn’t loathe to be in! It’s awesome! We can’t sell it off to some random schmuck like it meant nothing. Money can’t destroy what we built!” Crossbill agrees with you, albeit a tiny more rudely than necessary. Ben seems to agree with Charlotte on this one.

“Are you two out of your mind? This place literally just opened.” Chio rolls her eyes. “Do you three understand how much money she’s talking about? We’d be crazy not to sell.” Chio won’t let this chance slip away. Melcior seems to agree with her despite having doubts that he’ll see any of the profits.

“Still a lapdog, huh, Edamura? Someone waves some cash in front of you, and you bark like you’re ordered!” Crossbill takes the issue personally.

“Excuse me? Weren’t you the one scheming about getting more green before?” Chio raises an eyebrow in a cheeky way. “You’ve always been selfish, Charlotte. Unlike you, I have other people to care for, and this amount is life-altering, to say the least.”

“P-Please don’t fight...” Pearl is panic dancing… She doesn’t know which side to pick.

“B-Boss, ignore ‘em, *they* didn’t beat *us* yet. We only had a bad day. This is a marathon, not a sprint.” Dustin talks about concepts he doesn’t truly grasp. He’s trying to get Utami to rescind the offer.

“Be quiet, you’re not involved.” The Walrus demands silence from the failure of a manager. Dustin looks annoyed again.

“Either way, as an apology, I can give you my best dish! I’ve been told it’s worth millions!” You wiggle your eyebrows to Utami.

“If I consume this bewitching plate you speak so eloquently of, will you be open to renegotiating? Yes? Y3$?” Utami is obsessed with getting her hands on the Nautical Nariko.

>>5262673


How do you respond?

>“My answer is final, Ms. Utami.” You guess your board of directors would agree as it’s 2 against 1. Sorry, Chio…
>“This is a collaborative effort, Ms. Utami. I’ll speak to the others while you eat to see if they change their minds. Is that good enough for you?” You’ll get into an agreement with everyone involved, so there are no hard feelings!
>“Sure.” Shrug. Chio is right, that amount is stupid large and you don’t want to run a Food Cart for the long run. You’ll distribute it equally among all of you though.
>Write In.

>>5262675
>>“This is a collaborative effort, Ms. Utami. I’ll speak to the others while you eat to see if they change their minds. Is that good enough for you?” You’ll get into an agreement with everyone involved, so there are no hard feelings!

>>5262675
>“This is a collaborative effort, Ms. Utami. I’ll speak to the others while you eat to see if they change their minds. Is that good enough for you?” You’ll get into an agreement with everyone involved, so there are no hard feelings!

>>5262675
>>“This is a collaborative effort, Ms. Utami. I’ll speak to the others while you eat to see if they change their minds. Is that good enough for you?” You’ll get into an agreement with everyone involved, so there are no hard feelings!

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“This is a collaborative effort, Ms. Utami. I’ll speak to the others while you eat. Is that good enough for you?” You’ll get into an agreement with everyone involved, so there are no hard feelings!

“What’s a collaborative effort but your winsome will triumphing over the collective’s unsightliness? They heed your voice. They follow your rule. You’re in control. Don’t let their unpleasantness deter you from choosing what’s most beautiful for you.” Utami is hard to read, but her words are clear: She wants you to ignore them and sell the Nautical Nariko. “Renegotiate with me now. G00d? Good.”

“I must insist otherwise, Ms. Utami. This doesn’t depend solely on me.” You continue being respectful. “Besides, you’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy the dessert I’m gonna make if I talk to the others.”

“A million-dollar d3$$3rt? I was led to believe you made water food.” Ms. Utami jitters for unknown reasons. “But if you insist this much, your dish shall be gorgeous? Right? R16#7. Please, go ahead. G0. You must deliver.”

“It’ll be done in a minute.” You’re going to prepare a great dessert! (Down below to choose which!)

“Kid. Look at me” The Walrus gets closer and moves his sunglasses down so you can look him in the eyes. “Don’t mess with the food, ya hear me? It’s a normal procedure that I eat first.”

“S-Sure.” You’re not planning on poisoning Utami.

With the dessert being prepared, you walk toward your fellow workers. The battle lines have been drawn: Crossbill and Big Ben want to keep the Nautical Nariko, Chio and Mel want to sell the swimming bovine, and Pearl and Sieb are not choosing any sides.

…

Why do you care about Sieb’s opinion on this matter? Anyway, you heard them scream before, you know what they think. You were inclined to not sell it, but maybe you can find a compromise or a better solution altogether. Or you could not and stick to the plan.

What do you do?

>Sell the Nautical Nariko and split the profits evenly. You all worked together for this, you all win together!
>Ask for a working relationship with Utami to merge both places! Turn the Modern Flavor into the Nautical Nariko. This includes revamping the place, changing management, raising the wages, giving the workers better hours and a bonus!
>Keep the Nautical Nariko! You created a good working environment because of its mystique and nothing will change that!
>Write In.


Which dessert you cooked?

>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!
>Pudding. Everyone likes pudding! Utami won’t be different! Too bad Pudding head is not here to enjoy it…
>Write In.

>>5262801
>>Keep the Nautical Nariko! You created a good working environment because of its mystique and nothing will change that!
>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!
Don't fall for the greed, Chio. This is so shady

>>5262801
>Ask for a working relationship with Utami to merge both places! Turn the Modern Flavor into the Nautical Nariko. This includes revamping the place, changing management, raising the wages, giving the workers better hours and a bonus!
It’s the best of both worlds, really. She wants to CRUSH US BADLY, our workers need HOPE and BETTER WAGES (plus fuck over Dustin as hard as possible) so it’s a good alternative.

>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!
We betraying Kobashi’s trust on this one, but she isn’t a lady that you want to mess with.

>>5262801
>Ask for a working relationship with Utami to merge both places! Turn the Modern Flavor into the Nautical Nariko. This includes revamping the place, changing management, raising the wages, giving the workers better hours and a bonus!
>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!

>>5262801
>Sell the Nautical Nariko and split the profits evenly. You all worked together for this, you all win together!
I don't want to be in anything this women sets her sights on. I think the farther we get away from her the better.
>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!

>>5262801
>Keep the Nautical Nariko! You created a good working environment because of its mystique and nothing will change that!

>Write In.
Hibariyaki : The national dessert of Lokyo. A bird-shape bun filled with jelly.

>>5262801
>>Keep the Nautical Nariko! You created a good working environment because of its mystique and nothing will change that!
>The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. Kobashi’s super recipe that made Yareli smile. You need to go all out not to make Utami angry!

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You hash it out with everyone so there are no hard feelings, explaining that even if you’d like to take the money to share it among you all, or hash another deal, you cannot simply trust Utami Ugolino. To say she gives you bad vibes is the understatement of the year, and there are a couple of girls you know that like to downplay how big their butts are, you’re not going to name any names, but those who know, know.

Anyway, this healthy dose of skepticism manages to convince Chio and Mel. Both were willfully ignoring the red flags for the amount of money at play, which is a red flag in of itself. Crossbill was overjoyed with your decision, even if the last part of the argument isn’t aligned with how she felt. Pearl and Ben are happy that everything is working out smoothly, and were hoping for everyone to keep working together. And Sieb is still here. For some reason. Of course, you keep the role of spokesman, nobody wants to talk to the creepy lady.

At one point during the discussion, you gave Utami her million-dollar dessert: The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter. This is Kobashi’s gift to all ladies who have a sad evening. Of course, her walrus bodyguard took a bite, and he had a strange reaction, like the meal wasn’t meant for him and never will be. He’s having an existential crisis. Utami found his despair ‘exquisite’. Despite all that, you didn’t see Utami grab a bite, you felt like it was on purpose, but now that you’re back, you see her eating it… You’d say she’s enjoying it if you were more intellectually daring, but she’s just not showing any signs of anything. Nor approval or disapproval. Like she’s some trash dispenser.

“Ms. Utami, I had a chat with my team, and we have come to an agreement.” You try to act formal. “But before that, I’d like to know if you enjoyed the dessert.”

“Please, pl34$3! Engaging in conversation about something so repugnantly meaningless is a… mi$r3ck0n1ng! Personally speaking, that is. Time is finite. Will you sell me your water food cart? I’ll hire your entire personal and you as well. Will you sell it? Yes? Please? Y3$? Pl34$3?” Utami is jittering again, rubbing her hands, her sight eyeing the prize.

“Once again, I must reiterate, the answer is No. Apologies.” You sound serene and in control.

“Did my initial offer offend you? I didn’t intend to buy it below market value. I’m sorry. Please reconsider.” Utami can’t take a No for an answer.

“We made this decision with a lot of consideration already, sorry.” You know the answer won’t change.

“We? You let your mind be poisoned by the unlovely. R3c0n$1d3r.” Utami will insist until you say the magic words.

“The answer is final.” You shake your head.

Utami is crying from the upper eyelids… She takes a napkin from behind her ear, and sneezes. You think you emotionally affected her somehow. The tears stopped as quickly as they came out.

>>5262943


“How unpleasant of me…” Did Utami try to garner sympathy with fake tears? Or did she actually cry…? “The acquisition won’t happen. Pity. The negotiations are over.” Utami has both eyes on you now. “Let’s talk about something repugnantly meaningless. Yes, unimportant. The mere Million-dollar dessert, y3$. It awoke something in me, a burning passion, joy… But now that you turned my offer down, turned me down, every bit of passion became dust. And from the particles of dust my hatred for you is born. I h473 y0u.”

Everyone including the people on her side are dumbfounded by what she just said.

“Ah?” You think Utami is exaggerating.

“Guards, take me away. I shall not make a decision I might regret…” Utami stands up in her own unique fashion.

What do you do?!

>Let Utami go and hope nothing bad comes out of this.
>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.
>“Aside from buying the food cart, what can I do to make you leave content? I don’t want you to hate me!” You know if you get on her bad side, this potentially means bad things for your business, and more importantly, your fellow coworkers.
>Write In.

(Last reply of the day, we return on Saturday!)

>>5262945
>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.

>>5262945
We need to salvage this quickly.

"Miss Utami, your will and mine didn't align on this point...but me and my crew pursued our own beauty here, and you shouldn't resent me for this.

If any of this was ever beautiful for you, the opportunity to let it grow further should intrigue you. Would you have eaten my desert when it was half baked? Then why are you trying to pluck this flower of a restaurant when it has barely bloomed?

Well, regardless. You may hate me, but you are welcome to come here and enjoy the beauty we will all continue to make any time."

>>5262945
>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.

>>5262945
>Let Utami go and hope nothing bad comes out of this.

>>5262945
>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.
>“Aside from buying the food cart, what can I do to make you leave content? I don’t want you to hate me!” You know if you get on her bad side, this potentially means bad things for your business, and more importantly, your fellow coworkers.

>>5262945
>>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.

>>5262945
>>“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know? You don’t have to buy it.” You don’t need to hate each other.

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“Huh, you can always be a customer here, y’know?” You scratch the back of your head, trying to move on from this awkward situation. “You don’t have to buy this.”

Utami halts. Her head does a 180 like an owl would, then the rest of her body follows the turn. She steps forward, each step heavier than the last with her heels leaving holes on the ground. She walks past both of her bodyguards, but none of them stops her. You wonder what’s the point of them being her guards when the lady herself is terrifying.

“Gentleman, I admit my outburst was less than unwelcoming… Improper… unpretty. Words I’d like to take back. 34ck.” Did Utami change her mind? Is she happy? It’s impossible to tell. “As I stepped away, the flurry of the moment went away, the dust settled, and all I was left with was anguish. I never regret my decisions as rushed as they may look to the unsavory. I make business with my heart, and my heart feels very little. Yet, remorse blossomed.” Utami nails her eyes onto you. “Now you bring this proposition forward, and everything just… C!1CK$$$$$$...!”

“Clicks?” You’re not sure she’s happy anymore.

Utami Ugolino gets agitated, her eyes are moving all over the place, all her bones rattle like an infernal cacophony – her fidgeting gets faster and faster, and then… it ends. She stands there like a puppet with her strings cut… then regains her composure, both eyes dart over your confused face.

“HAHAH#4#4#4#4… Feeding me false hopes of a deal, the million-dollar dessert that flared up these emotions, the condescending politeness, and now this lowballing offer just like the one I started with. You used your leverage to paint me as a fool, to m0ck m33333. You denied everything and gave me crumbs, to what end? Bring me down to your knees? To the same level as all the other undesirables like I’m nothing special? To teach me this lesson? No, your desire was far simpler, you wanted me to h473 you, to revel in my suffering for my insultingly hideous opening offer. My mistake didn’t go unnoticed, not that I believe you see it as an error now. I underestimated you and all commoners. You’re a stunningly wretched man.”

“…What?” You raise an eyebrow. The fuck is she talking about?

“…Whether I’m right or wrong about your intentions, my desire stays the same when it comes to you. Y0u.” It seems your confusion gave Utami some doubts about her conclusions. “And let me inform you, I’ve bought acres and acres of this land. The town of Xumenlo will belong to yours truly in no time. This squabble won’t be the last, l4$t. Farewell…” Utami makes her leave once again.

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>>5268087

“Wait.” You haven’t stopped talking here!

“Quit it. 17. I have no desire to continue our conversation. I need to sort out my feelings… Farewell, everyone, I hope your stay at my restaurant was a positive experience.” For the first time, Utami refers to her former employees, perhaps to concentrate on someone else who isn’t you. Both bodyguards stand in your way, giving you the last hint that her words are final.

Utami and her bodyguards leave. Worth noting, that the creepy lady has an equally hypnotic strut as Kata’s but for all the wrong reasons.

Well, there’s an unaddressed elephant in the room and his name is Dustin.

“Anything you have to say now, fatso?” Crossbill is the one who acknowledges him first.

“Don’t test your luck, kid.” Dustin has changed his demeanor completely. “But yeah, I’d like to say sorry for trying to ruin your stupid cart. So, sorry.”

“Huh…?” Crossbill didn’t think Dustin had a change of heart.

“Not for firing your ass, and kicking you two out. It’s just…” Dustin will stick to his earlier decisions. “I don’t think that woman is any good. Our town doesn’t need dolls like ‘er around.”

“Mr. Dustin…!” Pearl is so glad her boss had a change of heart.

“Don’t stare at me with those peepers, you backstabbing pig.” Dustin is still salty about what happened earlier. Pearl starts panic dancing out of guilt. “Just ‘cause I feel bad ‘bout helpin’ that psycho’s business, doesn’t mean I don’t hate ya people’s guts. I’m just leavin’ you be to sort out stuff for the place, a job is a job.”

“Look at you, having complicated feelings.” Chio raises an eyebrow.

“Ya didn’t want me to take it personally after the stuff ya pulled? Gimme a break, will ya?” Dustin is acting as reasonably as he can.

“You threaten me with physical violence.” You point out.

“Fair enough. Sorry ‘bout that too.” Dustin tries to be the bigger man in ways that aren’t weight-wise. “Now, I don’t wanna make a sorry parade, so I’m leavin’.”

“I hope you trip.” Crossbill has nothing good to say about the manager of the Modern Flavor.

“Whatever…” Dustin goes to the Modern Flavor to stop bothering everyone.

“He didn’t apologize for calling me a Barrel man.” Benjamin expected to be acknowledged in some way.

“Don’t listen to that idiot, you’re cool, Ben.” You reassure the big middle schooler.

“Thanks, Mr. Phil.” Benjamin appreciates it.

“So, ready to talk?” Sieb is STILL here. Gosh darn it…

Well, he had to have the patience of a saint if he was willing to deal with Ophelia every day…

>>5268088

What do you do?

>Call a taxi to take everyone home. You’ll talk to Sieb on your own.
>Call a taxi to take everyone home but Chio. You’ll keep her around to talk to Sieb just in case.
>Call a taxi to take everyone home but Chio and Crossbill. You’ll keep them around to talk to Sieb just in case.
>Apologize, but tell him it’s too late to talk. You’ll do it tomorrow. Then call a taxi to take everyone home.
>Write In.

>>5268092
>>Call a taxi to take everyone home but Chio and Crossbill. You’ll keep them around to talk to Sieb just in case.

>>5268092
>Call a taxi to take everyone home. You’ll talk to Sieb on your own.
Some things are not for everyone. And now we need to protect Chio and other even harder. FUCK.

I'll change to
>>5268092
>>Call a taxi to take everyone home. You’ll talk to Sieb on your own.

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“Yeah, just give me a bit. I need to make sure everyone leaves safely.” You respond.

You went to the Food Cart’s ‘cash register’ to distribute the money earned, you had expectations of continuing tomorrow, paying for an extra couple of people and the ones here, and pay back Annette the rest of the debt. With Chio’s help, you divided the cash to cover for everything you mentioned, pay everyone a good two months’ worth of pay (a normal wage, not a CotF one (at least, that’s what Chio said)) including a bonus, and kept some spare cash just in case, maybe lawyering fees? Yeah, the cart did great today! Mainly on booze sales (even if Annette drank a lot), but that’s not important here. It’s a lucrative business when it goes well.

You gave everyone the extra cash to buy time to find a new job in case things don’t go as planned. You let them know that’s a possibility as you handed over the amounts. Everyone was beyond satisfied and frankly surprised with this absurd amount they earned today. Chio has some qualms about how the money was distributed, feeling like the original trio deserved more for building the business. You remind Chio that she earned 2 months of pay in one day, which changed her perspective. Crossbill believed everyone deserved a good share of the spoils, so she didn’t complain and backed you up. In all honesty, you don’t care. You just don’t want to feel responsible for everyone losing their livelihood in case something bad happens.

And so, you called a Taxi for everyone to board and paid the fare for the taxi to get everyone home. It’s the same girl that helped you with Annette, she came back because she knew there was going to be more work here. What a bright mind she has. She informed you that Annette arrived at her apartment well, and not to worry. What a relief!

Before they left, Chio felt cheated about this whole thing, she expected you to take her home. You reminded her of the circumstances, you can’t avoid it, and apologized. It’s the only time tonight that your words didn’t do much for Chio. Crossbill is doing what she can to cheer her up, but it won’t be easy. This was a date, and even if things went off rails, Chio expected for a good normal ending. You think you screwed up, morale is dropping, and dealing with Sieb is not going to make matters better. Off they go.

“…So what is it?” You grumble as your morale drops after seeing Chio sad.

“Here.” Sieb hands you a piece of paper. It’s an awful boat drawing that looks vaguely familiar. “Give it to Wilma, please. I believe it’s the only thing she would’ve wanted salvaged.”

“Okay…?” You raise an eyebrow and play dumb. Sieb doesn’t have to know you’re taking care of Wilma. Even if your acting is impeccable, it doesn’t trick the man with no eyebrows.

“Please take good care of her. That’s all.” Sieb smiles like a creep.

>>5268196

“Everything?!” You feel cheated!

“Everything. Did you expect something else?” Sieb is a cheeky little cunt. He knew he wasn’t going to say much, yet he still didn’t say a thing before!

What do you do?

>“Screw it, now that you’re here. You’ll have to spill the beans.” Ask what happened to Ophelia, and what will happen to him…
>“Oh shoot! Taxi! TAXI!” Ask for someone to take you to Chio’s apartment before she arrives, wherever it might be!
>“You know you caused me a bunch of problems. I resent this.” Say that before you go back to the Camper. Tomorrow you’ll have much to do and things to amend… Maybe call Chio’s apartment to set up a meeting to apologize properly.
>“You think I’m stupid? What are you really scheming?” You won’t be tricked by his stupid topic of conversation.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5268198
>>“Oh shoot! Taxi! TAXI!” Ask for someone to take you to Chio’s apartment before she arrives, wherever it might be!

>>5268198
>“You know you caused me a bunch of problems. I resent this.” Say that before you go back to the Camper. Tomorrow you’ll have much to do and things to amend… Maybe call Chio’s apartment to set up a meeting to apologize properly.

>>5268198
>“You know you caused me a bunch of problems. I resent this.” Say that before you go back to the Camper. Tomorrow you’ll have much to do and things to amend… Maybe call Chio’s apartment to set up a meeting to apologize properly.

>>5268198
>“Screw it, now that you’re here. You’ll have to spill the beans.” Ask what happened to Ophelia, and what will happen to him…

>>5268198
>“Oh shoot! Taxi! TAXI!” Ask for someone to take you to Chio’s apartment before she arrives, wherever it might be!

>>5268198
>“You think I’m stupid? What are you really scheming?” You won’t be tricked by his stupid topic of conversation.

>>5268198
>>“Oh shoot! Taxi! TAXI!” Ask for someone to take you to Chio’s apartment before she arrives, wherever it might be!

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“You sure you’re not pulling my leg?” You stress about it.

“We both know I can’t pull a ghost by his legs.” Sieb continues being all cheeky.

“…OH SHOOT!” You’re not in a panic, you’re just letting stress out. “Taxi! TAXI!” You flail your arms like a desperate monkey towards the streets! You need a ride, quick!

“This’ll be the last we see each other, Phil.” Sieb adjusts his glasses.

“I don’t care! I’M BUSY!” You frown as you continue with your failed circus act.

“R-Right. Good luck with that, haha.” Sieb makes his leave as awkwardly as he talks. Useless nerd, made you waste your time for something he could’ve done HOURS ago! Or maybe the guy is too awkward to bother you… Wait, who cares?

A beautiful Brown and Yellow vehicle stops right in front of you! It’s like Naiad heard your wish! But, to be fair, if it was Naiad, you would’ve ended up with something better! There’s nothing pretty about this vehicle, it’s quite old and poorly maintained, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“Thanks, pal.” You get inside.

“Where to?” The taxi driver asks. You think you know this guy. Isn’t this guy from that Shiva school…? Like one of your classmates…?

Huh… You don’t know where Chio lives. You have her number, but there’s not enough time for that if you want to arrive before her!

What do you do?!

>Guess Chio’s direction. [Destiny Breaker Roll][Knowledge Based]
>Ask the Driver if he knows where Chio lives. He might have a clue. You’re classmates after all!
>Ask the Driver to wait while you go to the phone booth to ask. You’ll pay for the dead time.
>“Drive me to the place girls with broken hearts visit.” Chio is sad, right? Maybe you’ll find her somewhere else you weren’t expecting!
>Write In.

In case of using the phone booth, where would you like to call?

>Chio’s apartment.
>The Camper.
>The Police Station.
>Write In.

>>5269190
>>“Drive me to the place girls with broken hearts visit.” Chio is sad, right? Maybe you’ll find her somewhere else you weren’t expecting!

>>5269190
>>“Drive me to the place girls with broken hearts visit.” Chio is sad, right? Maybe you’ll find her somewhere else you weren’t expecting!

>>5269190
>“Drive me to the place girls with broken hearts visit.” Chio is sad, right? Maybe you’ll find her somewhere else you weren’t expecting!

>>5269190
>Guess Chio’s direction. [Destiny Breaker Roll][Knowledge Based]

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“Drive me to the place girls with broken hearts visit.” As stupid it may sound, you think this option will actually get you there before Chio.

“What a sleazy thing to say, man.” This taxi driver is very judgmental. “If you wanted to go to the bar, just say it.”

“The bar? If that’s where you think I should go, I’ll go. But I meant another way.” You don’t want him to get the wrong idea.

“What other way?” Your new classmate is puzzled.

“A place of comfort, where they’d feel whole again after a while. A place to heal.” You nod like you have some idea of what you’re talking about.

“You’re a romantic type? That’s tremendous. We need to spread the love, man.” The guy has a complete mood swing, he starts tapping his wheel. “Everyone has their heads down these days, but we need to keep our heads up. If I have to take a guess, the Big Pond is the place you’re looking for. It’s the hotspot for all people who are feeling mellow, and with the moonshine? It’s beautiful. No idea why people call it a pond when it’s a lake, but it’s none of my business.”

Sounds like a good place to start, but is it worth the trip? One bad decision and it’s over…

What do you do?!

>On second thought, you’ll call Chio’s apartment instead for the address.
>To the Bar! You don’t think Chio is in a pond mood.
>To the Big Pond! This guy said it, it’s a place for broken melancholic hearts!
>Ask him to take you to the Camper instead. You’ll get nothing from this.
>Write In.

>>5269264
>To the Big Pond! This guy said it, it’s a place for broken melancholic hearts!

>>5269264
>>Ask the Driver if he knows where Chio lives. He might have a clue. You’re classmates after all!
This probably isn't going anywhere so might as well try to see if this will work

>>5269264
>To the Big Pond! This guy said it, it’s a place for broken melancholic hearts!
Let’s follow this man’s advice

>>5269264
>To the Bar! You don’t think Chio is in a pond mood.

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“Well, to the Big Pond it is!” You’re going to trust this man’s judgment! He says it’s a place for broken melancholic hearts and you’ll believe him!

“Right on.” The taxi driver puts his machine on the way!

Just as a thought exercise: Your date started early evening, the Food Cart (Crossbill took it away with the taxi by the way using the same rope as Annette’s bike) things lasted a few good hours, the aftermath with Utami didn’t take that long… All that plus judging by the Moon’s position, you think you’re past midnight.

It took a fair number of minutes to arrive, nothing really considerable outside of the circumstance you’re in, but this is the Big Pond Lake. Yes, that’s the full name: The Big Pond Lake. There’s a sign that says so, hence the driver’s confusion. You imagine he doesn’t come around these parts often to know that. Oh, and his name is Whesker. Not that it matters much now that he left, but it’ll be useful in case you see him again. Anyway, to what you came here for! Where’s Chio?

…

…

You explore around, unable to find the boss tomato. This isn’t good. All you found was a bunch of drunk fishermen and fisherwomen, some sleeping on the grass, some in tents – you recognize one from the Food Cart, he helped you by lending his tent. Anglers aside, there’s a familiar face wailing about being abandoned, it’s Ronda, your former minion from the Flower Shop, there are bottles of wine dispersed around her… Yeah, she’s drunk... Maybe this is due to a bad breakup? You know the feeling.

This is a total waste of your time just like Sieb was.

What do you do?

>There are no Taxis around, so run back until you find one!
>Ask the Nice Fisherman from earlier for help! You need to find Chio!
>Go and talk to Ronda. You feel responsible for her being in this state for some reason…
>You screwed up. Better to return to the Camper and give Chio a call to amend things slightly.
>Write In.

>>5269322
>>Ask the Nice Fisherman from earlier for help! You need to find Chio!

>>5269322
>>There are no Taxis around, so run back until you find one!

>>5269322
>Ask the Nice Fisherman from earlier for help! You need to find Chio!

>>5269322
>Ask the Nice Fisherman from earlier for help! You need to find Chio!

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Okay, not everything is lost! You just need to find the help you need! You approach the nice fisherman from before!

“Hey there!” You try to sound friendly, but still hint that you’re in a hurry.

“What’s the gist, friend? Be careful, these guys are heavy sleepers but nobody wants a boot stamp on their backs.” Despite his flared-up face, he doesn’t sound drunk. “Need something?”

“I’m the guy from the food cart, and I need some help.” You better reintroduce yourself instead of outright asking.

“I remember you, man. We just met, hehe.” The man chuckles as he stands up. “What do you need me for on this lovely starry night? I don’t think you’re plannin’ on waitin’ for morning’ to help us out with the demon fishes.”

You explain to him your dilemma...

“Love’s rough, my man. But the world needs it.” He coughs to clear his throat. “Like I told ya before, in this town we try to look out for one another. You need a ride? I have the solution…” He points behind you, near the road, there’s a truck. “You see that metal lovely doo? You can take it if you wanna. Just bring it back by tomorrow mornin’, before lunch if possible. As long as you don’t disappear with it, it’ll be fine. I think.”

“Can you drive me instead, please? It’s too much responsibility.”

“It’s leech-backed company property, kid! Who cares? If it breaks, the government has to fix it. It won’t be the first time this baby gets some nursery, I assure ya. The thing had dents the size of my head.” Oh no, this Fisherman is anti-CotF! “That’s where my leech pay goes, anyway. So, it’s within my rights, I guess.” No, wait, he’s a CotF too…

“Still, I don’t want to make anyone’s day more difficult. Please.” You retort.

“My man, I’m drunk as a swordfish. I can hold my alcohol just fine, but I won’t risk it, less with you inside.” The Fisherman waves his hand in refusal. Are swordfishes known for their drinking? “If getting the truck is too much for ya, there’s a bike over there. Same deal, we’ll be here until tomorrow’s mornin’ is gone.”

Well, you’re not out of options now…

What do you do?

>Be a Filthy Bike Thief like Crossbill and pedal to Chio’s apartment!
>Drive to Chio’s apartment. You don’t know how to drive, but have played racing games! How different can it be? [Extremely Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
>Find someone who isn’t drunk that can drive you to Chio’s apartment!
>Write In.

But where is Chio’s apartment?

>Ask the Fisherman where a teacher with an Art Scholarship would likely stay in town.
>Take a detour to call Chio’s apartment to ask where it is.
>Take a detour to call the Camper to ask where Chio’s apartment is.
>Just believe you’ll find it… [Will require a great roll, or to find a driver who knows where it is.]
>Write In.


(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5269376
>>Just believe you’ll find it… [Will require a great roll, or to find a driver who knows where it is.]
>Drive to Chio’s apartment. You don’t know how to drive, but have played racing games! How different can it be? [Extremely Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY CAN GO FUCKING WRONG?!

>>5269376
>>Be a Filthy Bike Thief like Crossbill and pedal to Chio’s apartment!
>Take a detour to call the Camper to ask where Chio’s apartment is.
Maybe we can surprise her

>>5269376
>Drive to Chio’s apartment. You don’t know how to drive, but have played racing games! How different can it be? [Extremely Hard Roll] [Courage Based]

>Just believe you’ll find it… [Will require a great roll, or to find a driver who knows where it is.]

I believe in the heart of the dice.

>>5269376
>Be a Filthy Bike Thief like Crossbill and pedal to Chio’s apartment! But leave saying you'll return it.
>Just believe you’ll find it… [Will require a great roll, or to find a driver who knows where it is.]

>>5269376
>Drive to Chio’s apartment. You don’t know how to drive, but have played racing games! How different can it be? [Extremely Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
>Just believe you’ll find it… [Will require a great roll, or to find a driver who knows where it is.]

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>>5269379
>>5269382
>>5269396
>>5269402
>>5270183

Okay, everyone, we're going to drive the truck (Extremely Hard Roll, Courage-Based) AND believe that you'll find Chio's apartment (Legendary Roll, Knowledge-Based). You're going to roll twice (dice+2d100), first roll is for driving, second to find the address. Best of 5. Good Luck!

Rolled 79, 18 = 97 (2d100)

>>5270274
That's one ugly cow

Rolled 31, 62 = 93 (2d100)

>>5270274
Nariko is getting a new big sibling

Rolled 66, 75 = 141 (2d100)

>>5270274

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>5270274
FOR THE SCARLET, THE REDHEAD QUEEN SUPREME!!!!

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>5270274
Whoops. And another one I guess.

Rolled 55, 76 = 131 (2d100)

>>5270274

Rolled 30, 36 = 66 (2d100)

>>5270274

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“Huh, I’ll take the truck.” There’s no other option, you’re in a dire situation.

“Here!” The supposedly drunk Fisherman throws the keys at you. You grab them out of the air with ease, maybe a good sign? “Nice catch. Good luck, Food Cartman.”

“Thanks, Drunk Fisherman!” You make haste. It’s kind of funny to think that none of you two know each other’s names.

The moonlight shines above as you get accustomed to the truck’s interior. It’s old and has been fairly neglected, bits and pieces seem to be from different eras, different shades of gray and rust that don’t fit together. Like the glove compartment, the handbrake and one of the breaks don’t fit aesthetically. The seat’s skin is peeling off, and the steering wheel is no better. The steel on the gearstick has hints of rust. You dangle your fingers over the dashboard to take off some of the dust. There’s a, uhm, crass figurine in a bikini hanging from the rearview mirror, the doll’s face is almost recognizable to you – but no luck.

You put the key in the ignition, the engine works fine which comes to you as a surprise. With both hands on the wheel, and with the experience of multiple racing games in the back of your head, you drive forward. It’s not as difficult as you were expecting, and with no impending danger on the road, it comes as easy. Well, knowing how to shift gears, even if not smoothly, does make a great difference.

You say goodbye to the outskirts of Xumenlo to be welcomed back to the hints of civilization that the proper town is! What a backhanded thing to say, you’re getting mean, this is what a stressful situation does to a man… Anyway, no matter how much you want to believe that your heart can guide you to the tomato, and even if the stars aligned to have the streets all but clear of vehicles, it simply isn’t going to happen. You feel like you’re close by thanks to Kobashi’s tour where he specified where everything is, including where some of the CotF are residing. But to know where Chio lives specifically is too tall of a task. Your luck ran out the moment you broke apart from Naiad…

There’s a stoplight! You put the truck at a standstill. Huh, it was easier than you thought, truck in mind and all. This machine isn’t made for beginners, that much you can tell. Suspiciously, 30 seconds after the pause, you see a bunch of bags flying up in the air. As you were distracted by this unusual sight, a loud noise comes from the front of your truck, like someone throwing themselves at its hood. There’s a person on the ground pretending to be unconscious. Not just any person, but the rude smoker lady…

…

Is she trying to scam you? What’s going on? Do you even care?

>>5270441

What do you do?

>Honk your horn. She’s in the way.
>“Hey, out of the way!” Shout from inside the truck.
>Ignore her by driving around her.
>“Hey, what do you want? You’re not fooling anyone!” Guess you’ll deal with this rude lady again.
>Write In.

If you decide to ignore the lady, what do you do?

>Find a Phonebooth and call Chio’s apartment for help.
>Find a Phonebooth and call the Camper.
>Drive around and try to find the Taxi that took everyone away.
>Drive back to the Camper.
>Write In.

>>5270443
>>Ignore her by driving around her.
Not falling for her shit
>Find a Phonebooth and call the Camper.

>>5270443
>Ignore her by driving around her.
>Find a Phonebooth and call Chio’s apartment for help.

>>5270443
>Ignore her by driving around her.
>Find a Phonebooth and call Chio’s apartment for help.

>>5270443
>“Hey, what do you want? You’re not fooling anyone!” Guess you’ll deal with this rude lady again.

>>5270443
>Ignore her by driving around her.
>Find a Phonebooth and call Chio’s apartment for help.

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Without much hesitation, you carefully drive around her! There isn’t much street to maneuver around, a poorer driver would’ve driven over her stuff, but not you. From your rear-view mirror, you witness the bad actress sitting up, annoyed by your cruelty. Goodbye, miss, you’re not going to miss her…

You continue meandering around to find a Phonebooth, it’s better to rely on hard cold facts after so much time wasted. Many say parking is the most difficult part of driving, but not you! It’s easy when you can pretty much park anywhere without any other vehicle in sight. You’re near a Convenience Store, you take out some coins you saved from the Food Cart, and dial Chio’s number…

“A-Are you a murrrrderrrerrr?” That’s Mirjam’s voice. She sounds beyond scared. You wonder if something happened.

“…Who starts a conversation like that?” You raise an eyebrow for no one to see.

“Phil!” Mirjam’s voice is full of glee. You listen to Grace getting all excited in the background. “C-Chio told us to... It’s a, uhm, defensive protocol.” Mirjam tries to recall what were the exact words Chio used.

“Is she not there yet?” You wonder.

“Nu-uh.” Mirjam is probably shaking her head. What’s this feeling you have? Hope?! “Uhm, did the date not go well? Why are you calling?”

“Uh, it’s fine. I just need to find the apartment; can you tell me your address?” You try not to sound in a panic.

“Grace says it’s prrrobably not going well… Huh? I shouldn’t have said that?” Mirjam lets you know what the judgmental Grace thinks. Terrible Tomato behavior. “No! Wait! Hang on!” You hear a dispute among the sisters for control of the phone.

“Hey, Phil, it’s me, Grace! What a lovely evening we’re having!” Grace tries to sound like a radio hostess. “I just want to let you know Mirjam came up with all that. I’m sure your date is going great! Typical Mirjam, am I right?”

“Right.” You don’t know if you have the time for this, but you’re very happy to hear Grace too. The engine is running! You hear them struggle once again for Tomato Supremacy.

“P-Phil!” It’s Mirjam again! She’s panting. “The addrrress is…!” Mirjam lets you know where they’re all staying! “And, uhm, Cookie is staying at the Camper with Wilma. I just wanted you to know!”

“Thanks! You’re the best, Mirjam! Say thanks to Grace too!”

“Take care!” Mirjam didn’t stutter, she was too cheerful for that!

You hang up… You feel the drums of hope beating inside your body, it’d be the perfect moment for an actiony song to play! Sadly, your life has no soundtrack.

“Don’t look at me, I don’t know how to play instruments.” Philonune says half-jokingly. If he knew, he'd probably indulge you.

Anyway, your hope has a time limit! You must do something!

>>5270521

What do you do?

>Maybe you can buy some flowers and chocolates for Chio! As an apology!
>Get in that damn truck and go to Chio’s apartment as fast as you can! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
>Drive safely to Chio’s apartment. The one thing you don’t wanna do is put yourself at risk for no reason.
>Write In.

>>5270525
>Get in that damn truck and go to Chio’s apartment as fast as you can! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based

>>5270525
>>Get in that damn truck and go to Chio’s apartment as fast as you can! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
FOR CHIO!

>>5270525
>Get in that damn truck and go to Chio’s apartment as fast as you can! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]

>>5270525
>Get in that damn truck and go to Chio’s apartment as fast as you can! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]

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>>5270530
>>5270537
>>5270542
>>5270548

We need them rolls, lads. 1d100, Best of 5!

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>5270549
Nat1

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>5270549

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>5270549

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>5270549

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>5270549

>>5270568
Phew

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Everything is settled, your objective is clear, there are no doubts in your head. It’s time to move forward and attempt the impossible. You’ll ride this Truck as fast (within the legal limit) as you can! Hopefully, this old machine doesn’t break down in the process! With your seatbelt on, you put your foot down and do your best!

You traverse the empty streets, no people, vehicles or animals in sight. All obstacles are missing like the world opened itself up to give you the perfect road…

Your grip on the steering wheel is passionate yet firm like you’re talking to the engine itself to lend you its strength to take you to your destination…

Everything seems to be moving in slow motion, all the details that go missing, all the beats that don’t match, all worries that make you doubt – they’re all absent…! If you wanted a second shot, there’s no way you can match your performance here! If this doesn’t do it then there was no chance to begin with…!

…

Outside the building, the Fisherman Truck and the Taxi arrive at the same time, parking in front of one another…

…

OH SHIT, YOU WERE DRIVING THE WRONG WAY. I-It’s okay, nobody saw you, and you’re okay! Nobody got hurt! You still need to go to driving school, how come you didn’t notice? It’s not like it’s pure dirt like near the Big Pond, the Xumenlo streets are poorly maintained, but not indecipherable! The lack of cars made you feel like you could do anything. Again, everything is fine, you don’t need to panic.

The taxi door opens and Chio comes out, she struts over your way, pissed at whoever the driver is for his carelessness on the road. She hasn’t noticed it’s you. She knocks on the window, ready to scold as all teachers do.

What do you do?

>Make yourself invisible and lower the window for the funsies. Scare Chio for good fun.
>Lower the window, smile and apologize. That was dumb of you.
>“What’s up, pretty face? Looking for a date?” Wiggle them eyebrows.
>Write In.

>>5270659
>>Make yourself invisible and lower the window for the funsies. Scare Chio for good fun.

>>5270659
>Run up to her and kneel on one kneel. Hold her hands and apologize for the bad date ending.

>>5270664
Knee*
SHIT

>>5270659
>>“What’s up, pretty face? Looking for a date?” Wiggle them eyebrows.

>>5270664
Actually, sure, this

>>5270664
I’ll third

>>5270659
>“What’s up, pretty face? Looking for a date?” Wiggle them eyebrows.

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You heroically roll out of the truck from the door Chio isn’t knocking on, tactically speed walk around the front. Like expected, a confused Chio turns around, only to see you kneeling down on one knee.

“Phil? Is that you?” Chio’s brain is overloaded by what’s happening. “What in the world are you doing?! You were driving so recklessly!”

“Yes, it’s me!” You grab her hands, they’re soft... You set your mind to sound as sincere as possible. “I’m here to apologize for how badly our date ended.” You’ll ignore her rightful complaints for now.

“T-To apologize…?” Chio slowly starts turning tomato. The whole situation is far too unexpected for her.

“That’s what I said.” You stare her right in the eyes. “I never intended to upset you. When I saw how dejected you were, I couldn’t stay put doing nothing. So, here I am.”

“This is wholly unnecessary.” Chio turns her eyes away, flustered. “…But I’m glad you noticed. I didn’t try to make much of a fuss about it.” What a liar, she was mad as a bull or maybe a bovi—.

“Will you forgive me?” You raise an eyebrow, expecting an answer.

“Let me think it over… You’re on your knees, that’s the bare minimum. You look unkempt, and I see no gifts.” Chio is playing hard to get. She removes her hands from yours. “Plus, you almost gave me two heart attacks in the span of 10 minutes. I’m having doubts. Tell me, Phil, are future women this easy to please?”

“Maybe? From what I can tell, this seems to be working on this present beauty already.” You won’t say sweets usually do the trick with future women… Err… Maybe it’s just the girls you know?

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>>5270766

“Oh please, just answer my inquiry.” Chio finds your answer frustrating in a funny way.

“I can’t say. You’re the one assuming I date a lot.” In other words: The fuck do you know? Your dating record (as in going on dates) is pretty awful.

“I’d rather not hear about it in all honesty. You’re too rough around the edges to believe you’re very successful.” Chio belittles. “Anyhow… There’s nothing you need to apologize for.”

“Really?” Your eyes shine.

“Yes, yes, the date was ruined the moment we were kicked out.” Chio waves her hand, like the matter is unimportant. “I’m glad you manned up and took responsibility, it’s very charming, but it was outside of your control. The whole debacle started because I couldn’t stop Charlotte from snatching your glasses.” You wonder why you two aren’t blaming Crossbill instead, like it’s her nature to steal your glasses or something. “Truth to be told, when you asked me to leave with the others, I thought you didn’t care if I was upset or not, and that deeply saddened me. But I’m happy to be proven wrong, as you previously noticed, it’s my insecurities flaring up again.”

“It’s okay, Chio, I get it. But I was only worried about everyone’s safety. So sorry.” You apologize for the misunderstanding.

“Yes, yes. Too many apologies are nice, I suppose.” Chio coughs. “Well, Phil, a proper date ends when you leave your darling at the safety of her home. So, if you may?” Chio extends her hands towards you…

What do you do?

>Take her to the Entrance and hug her.
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!
>Ask Chio if you can stay the night, it’s late and you’re tired…
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5270770
>>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!
Leave her wanting more

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!
Let’s do to Chio what her daughter would never ever experience with Johnny.

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and hug her.

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio!
Johnny "Motherfucker" Phill Noon.

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and hug her.
I can't imagine how pissed off Nariko would be if we kissed her mom before her.

Not to mention Scarlet might be watching right now.

>>5271202
Exactly

>>5270770
>Take her to the Entrance and Kiss the Chio

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Sorry, everyone, we're delaying for tomorrow. I have a headache right now and I need some rest.

Thanks for your patience!

>>5271715
Feel better!

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Meanwhile outside of Giorsal’s house…

A Slender, tall woman in dark clothing takes one of the roses on Giorsal’s front garden right by the gate. She smells the lovely aroma from the flower she took away, then puts ition her front pocket. Before her delicate fingertips ring the bell, someone calls her to stop.

“Leave.” Dudley is guarding Giorsal’s home due to the protocol the Judges established. He’s working on his bike right outside the gate.

“Pardon me?” The slender woman gazes upon the rude man.

“Ya heard me loud and clear: leave.” Dudley leaves his tools inside the box and stands up.

“…I’m here to have a meeting with the homeowner. To negotiate someone’s release.” The woman makes her intentions clear. “For a man who goes by the surname: Brunn.”

“Don’t care. She’s busy with another meeting.” Dudley doesn’t hesitate to tell her off. “’Sides, the man you’re lookin’ for was already taken away by the police.”

“Oh please, lying doesn’t suit you, gentleman.” The woman adjusts the top of her hat. “I’m merely here to have a conversation.”

“Last warning, lady. I know a flame user when I see one.” Dudley starts stretching.

“Flame?” The woman softly giggles. “I’m curious. If Demon Holders are prohibited to be around the magistrate, what’s your excuse?”

“I’m her guard.” Dudley cracks his knuckles. “One more step and you’re done.”

“I will match your hostility, sir. It’s your call.” The shadowy lady rings the imaginary bell for the fight.

Dudley brings his entity out to face the unruly lady…

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>>5270770

You grab Chio’s hand. She walks towards the apartment building, dragging you along like when she took you to detention. For reasons only your mind’s chemicals can respond to, you decide to pass her and lead the way. Chio gets to your side, puts her arm around yours, then slows the pace to enjoy the moment. There’s no need to rush, she puts her head on your shoulder to emphasize it. No words are needed.

The countryside breeze hits your face, you wonder if the smell of fish that you’re drenched with is somehow making this moment worse as you stargaze, as you realize this is not something you want to screw up. A moment of clarity shows you it’s nearly impossible to do so since Chio is the one who took charge…

Meeting the doorstep makes you both stop. You two turn to each other, leaving each other’s arms free. You stare at each other for a moment, still silent, you put your hand on Chio’s face and caress her with your thumb… You feel like you’re going to ruin the magic of the moment if you say anything, even asking permission would be a bad idea, so you’re just going to do it… You approach your face towards Chio and kiss her!

…

…Chio reciprocates! She’s kissing you back! HOORAY!

…

…

It stops as naturally as it happened. Chio’s eyes are still on you, her bright smile comforts you! She’s so beautiful!

“It was wonderful. Call me tomorrow… And take care, darling.” Chio’s words come out as one would expect. She’s confident when in control. In her eyes, you did everything perfectly in this moment.

What do you do?

>“Wait, we should discuss the logistics of our relationship!” Ruin the moment with unnecessary questions you can leave for later! You’re from the future, you can’t have a long-lasting relationship!
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…
>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.
>Write In.

>>5273055
>>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.
End it on a nice note

>>5273055
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…

>>5273055
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…

>>5273055
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…

What the? Why did Johnny Tiger Mouth Chio's throat? Is this his secret friendship fatality? Did he hear a rumor sticking four fingers in a girl will make them like him more?

>>5273051
Could it be that Sieb was the real source of the evil all along?

>>5273055
>Wink and watch chio walk away

>>5273055
>>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.
I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you go.

>>5273055
>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.

>>5273055
>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.

Let's not get too greedy.

>>5273055
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…

>>5273055
>Wink and watch Chio walk away. One step at a time.
Johnny "not yet motherfucker" Phill Noon.

>>5273055
>“Can I come in?” Play a dangerous game. Or just act like a hobo instead, it’s late…

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You wink, Chio looks beyond satisfied, not the usual reaction you get with your winks, but it feels like you’re understanding each other perfectly, it’s great! You admire the gorgeous teacher’s beauty as she walks away deep into the building's reception area. Once she’s out of view, you close the door and take a deep breath. That was as perfect a finale as you could hope for.

Philonune is glad for you now that he’s fully back at his guard watching duties. He was zoning out to keep your privacy as a good friend would.

There are some strange thoughts nagging you, too bad you can’t focus on them with how tired you are, you did way too much today… You need to chill.

Only the truck is here. Well, you’ll try to pay more attention to not drive backwards or something.

You take some time, but you find the Camper and park close by. To think you inadvertently ended up with so many things to do tomorrow: Returning the Truck, returning Houda’s clothes, checking on Ophelia, meeting the lawyer with Crossbill to figure out the Food Cart details, running the Food Cart itself… Hell, you even wanna know Cookie’s deal and how to keep helping Wilma. So much to do. And it’s not even your timeline!

Anyway, you try to open the Camper. It’s closed. You don’t have the keys. You’ll have to find a way in to go to sleep…

Sadly, you’ll have to deal with the door next time! This is all for this thread, until next time, and thanks for playing!

(We’re taking a break this weekend.)

>>5273223
Thanks for running!

>>5273223
Thanks for running.

>>5273223
Thanks for running!

>>5273223
Thanks for running.

!Gninnur rof sknaht

>>5306955
lmao

>>5306955
Are you drunk?