what am i doing

[manforflowers]

How could I have not known about a city which so many gorgeous women? I suppose fighting the Risen didn't leave much room for matters of the academic... To think, so many beauties deprived of my charms! How could I, the daring and loveable Inigo, allow such a thing to pass?

These cafes aren't... quite what I'm used to, but it looks like they serve tea and cakes just as well.

[Or perhaps you'll just come across this wandering mercenary in the city. He's for hire - and if you happen to be a pretty girl, he'll work for free.]

Comments

[silversky]

[Ciel's not sure whether she should completely trust this guy. What did he exactly do to get kicked out of somewhere?

The last part Inigo says completely goes over her head; her mission-oriented mind is focused a little too much on trying to understand how she ended up in a different world.]

I agree with surveying the area for more information. I was in a middle of a mission with a... friend... before I found myself here, and must return as soon as possible.

[manforflowers]

[Hmm... well, she did some pretty serious about this mission. It must've been something of great import.

This was the very reason he became a mercenary - to help people (specifically pretty girls) in need. So even if he had no idea how, he was going to do his best to make sure she got where she needed to go.]

Then I will accompany you until you safely find your way, fair lady. Tell me, where do you need to be? And who is this, um, friend. [Please don't let it be a boyfriend.]

[silversky]

[Sorry to crush your dreams, it may be a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend. Let's leave it ambiguous for now.]

"Fair lady?" My name is Ciel Alencon. As for my... friend, they were the Captain of the unit I am a member of. A very reliable and kind leader I have the fortunate time of working under.

[She gives the tiniest of a smile for a moment, but catches herself as she clears her voice to return to her normal stoic face.]

I was heading to the City of Mercy before I ended up in this strange place. This place looks similar, but the area we were headed towards was more rundown.

[manforflowers]

[City of Mercy... he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was a rather ominous name. Well, that would have to be enough to go on.]

I suppose we should start by asking around! Don't stray too far from me, sweet Ciel - a beautiful name, by the way.

[silversky]

I...

[Ciel goes quiet for a moment, thinking. Asking around doesn't seem too bad of an idea, but Ciel was already having trouble striking up a conversation with just one person.]

...Thank you. It means much for a friendly person to help out.

[manforflowers]

That's what I'm here for! Now, how about a smile, hmm? A pretty girl like you shouldn't look so down.

[silversky]

[Ciel blinks in surprise. She keeps forgetting to be more expressive.]

Ah, I'm sorry. I rarely consider how I should express myself...

[Being expressive was what Nana and Romeo did in the team.]

[manforflowers]

But it's so important! A smile from you could brighten anyone's day.

Well, thank goodness I'm an expert. It's easy - and it'll help you feel happier too! Here, try it!

[Inigo beamed for her, by way of example.]

[silversky]

I see... [Well Captain always did look happier when she smiled. She gives a nod in response.]

I will do my best.

[Of course, easier said than done.]

[manforflowers]

[Hmm. That still... wasn't quite a smile though.]

You can do it! Just pull the corners of your mouth up, like this.

[He pinched his own cheeks in a giant, fake smile.]

[silversky]

[And that giant smile looks silly. Ciel gives the tiniest of a laugh before covering her mouth.]

I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh...

[manforflowers]

But the sound of your laughter is such sweet music! I'd gladly play the fool just to hear its sound!

[TIME TO MAKE EVEN STUPIDER FACES.]

[silversky]

[Oh no. She keeps her mouth covered as she chuckles quietly.]

You're a... really fun person.