[Alan's eyes narrow and he watches Zhongli's hand on his spear and the way he reaches for his back.]
Paper lanterns... that's not a bad idea.
[Zhongli will feel a bit of blood on his back. Yikes! It doesn't feel like anything actually in there though... Where'd the arrow go?]
Is something wrong?
[A little menu pops up for Zhongli's eyes only!
1. Tell the TRUTH. 2. Tell a LIE.
And... oh, no. Poor Shen Qingqiu. Jeord's eyes narrow, and he makes a noise that almost sounds like a scoff. Next to his face, a heart appears, but this time... there's a downward-pointing arrow.]
Board games? That's not too interesting...
[He reaches over to put a hand on Shen Qingqiu's shoulder.
To Zhongli and Ryan, he'll appear to vanish for a few moments - and for Shen Qingqiu, the room around him glitches out. It's not darkness he sees, though - it's the hallway of this same academy. There's a stabbing pain in his gut, and when he looks down, he's been stabbed through with a sword. Or - is it him? It looks like Katarina's dress - but then he blinks, and it's his own clothing.
He blinks again, and he's back in the student council room. There's a dull ache in his gut, but he won't feel like he's bleeding. Maria is standing closer to him, her hand around Jeord's wrist to pull it away from his shoulder.]
What board games did you have in mind? [From the look on Maria's face, it looks like she's trying to warn him.] You're from the far east, so it's probably something we've never seen before, right...?
[Meanwhile, Ryan is still having a good time. Keith chuckles.]
That amount seems just right. My sister isn't too picky - she'll eat anything if it's in front of her. But she does like chocolate.
[ y’all his knees are too knobby to rock katarina’s dress :(
BUT WHAT. WHAT IS THIS HORROR OTOME?! HE ALREADY WENT THROUGH THIS SHIT ONCE WHAT THE FUCK- so much for his lowkey suggestion?? it might be an acknowledgment to Maria, it might just be a simple gesture but he tilts his head in her direction ]
Mahjong is one- a game of chance and strategy. Though, I have a feeling you might be more amendable to my other suggestions. Perhaps a small tournament of some sort. With prizes for those who participate.
[ PLEASE DON’T LET HIM REGRET THIS. BINGHE’S NOT HERE TO BE HIS MEAT SHIELD ]
[zhongli your blood? SQQ YOU'RE VANISHING TEMPORARILY TOO?? what is going On here, is the vr glitching out, oh god what if this is one of those concepts where like, the power dies and they somehow get stuck.
he steals a glance or three their way, but if hot sir keith isn't concerned about zhongli or about sqq's temporary disappearance, then ryan decides it's best not to derail.]
You really can't go wrong with chocolate-! I do like a lot of different things, I cook and bake all the time, but if I have to pick a favorite, um... oh, probably tea flavors? They work really well with desserts.
[When his finger makes contact, there's that glitching again - he vanishes from Shen Qingqiu's and Ryan's view for several seconds. He finds himself in complete darkness, unable to see a thing - the stabbing pain on his back returns, and he'll feel more blood seeping through his clothing. There's silence, and then the sound of gravelly laughter and a flash of red, glowing eyes -
And then he's back in the student council room. Maria is standing next to him, having left Shen Qingqiu and Alan; she's brushed Alan's hand aside and is checking his temperature on his forehead with her hand. Her expression is concerned, but she shoots him a look like she's trying to give him a warning.]
I'm sure it's nothing you need to worry about, Prince Alan. We're here to plan the party, right? ...you mentioned lanterns, but are there any other decorations you want? Once we've all made a decision, we can move on.
[Meanwhile, Jeord, who does not seem to have noticed anything strange about Maria suddenly disappearing from his side and appearing near Zhongli, looks intrigued.]
I've never played mahjong before. I guess that would be fine.
[He starts to write that down.]
And what type of tournament did you have in mind?
[A menu pops up for Shen Qingqiu:
1. Suggest a DANCING CONTEST. 2. Suggest a COMBAT CONTEST. 3. Suggest an EATING CONTEST.
As for Ryan - he and Sir Hot Keith are getting along swimmingly. In fact, Keith seems impressed by the suggestion.]
Right. So, chocolate and tea flavors for the desserts, and... pick some kind of sandwiches, and we'll commit to that. Will you be making them yourself?
[He's writing down what they've decided on so far...]
[everything goes black again, a flash of red crossing his vision, and Zhongli lets out another pained cry as he pitches forward. but. . . when everything returns, it's Maria standing in front of him, hand against her forehead. and while he immediately opens his mouth to ask what the fuck is happening, it's the warning on Maria's features that shuts him up]
[. . .]
[there is some. . . unspoken rule he is missing, here. that hardly makes the contract fair, but-- he can think about that later]
. . . I apologize, Prince Alan. I must be feeling a bit under the weather.
[he straightens, backside still aching, the feel of blood still coating his jacket. it is, however, nothing foreign]
Paper lanterns and thematic kites, perhaps. [a very Liyue-esque suggestion!!] And of course, greenery is a must. I have quite the eye for festive floral arrangements myself.
I'll be certain to take it easy on you and the others then.
[ he says, while smacking at B without even questioning it, Maria teleporting, and how he got into this situation in the first place. it's all autopilot until he's done screaming internally. ]
But I would think combat would suit you the best, hmmm? I'm certainly interested in seeing the difference between our cultures.
[look he'd help but he really just thinks this is vr. zhongli will be fine with his blood, sqq will also do fine now that they both appear to not be dead or anything. he has sandwiches to worry about!]
I don't mind making them myself! I like doing it, you know? As for flavors, um-- definitely something that keeps well without needing to worry over storage too much, and something as many people as possible can eat... I'm thinking we do some that are cucumber mint and some that are egg salad? I'm used to them being called tea sandwiches, actually, they'll tie in with the desserts thematically and the touch of mint in the cucumber will match up well with the flavor...
[Alan's nose wrinkles, but he accepts Zhongli's answer, then grabs a piece of paper to scribble something down.]
Lanterns... kites... greenery. Got it. Okay, we'll go with that.
[Meanwhile, Jeord raises a brow.]
A combat tournament at a party... I guess that's not the most boring thing in the world.
[He writes that down on his paper.
As for Keith...
He's having a good time with Ryan, honestly. There's an almost nostalgic expression on his face as he listens to him wax poetic about types of sandwiches, and he writes down the varieties and adds a note - prepared by Ryan.
As each of them writes, Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan will see sparkles over the paper - and then their surroundings fade to black.
In front of them, a dialogue box pops up.]
With a plan in place, preparations began for the Magic Academy's -̵͉͐̀-̵̦̱̥̿-̸̣̀-̶̗̏-̸̲̎̽̔-̷̛͜͝-̸̬̱̱̀-̸̨̨̾͋-̵̼͈̰̑͛̿ party.
Through hard work and determination, the student council and their volunteers put everything together. However, there was one last matter to be decided... escorts. After all, nobles don't attend parties alone, usually.
Who will our volunteers invite?
[A menu appears in front of them:
1. Invite PRINCE JEORD STUART 2. Invite PRINCE ALAN STUART 3. Invite SIR KEITH CLAES 4. Invite LADY KATARINA CLAES 5. Invite MARIA CAMPBELL 6. Invite NO ONE
For options 1-5, they will vanish once one person taps them; however, option 6 can be selected more than once.]
They’re quite entertaining after all. Not to mention a chance to show off strength and skill with food and prizes at the end. Most students would covet for it.
[ meanwhile he’s slamming the INVITE MARIA option because ABSOLUTELY IN NO WAY IS HE INVITING THIS PRINCE AS HIS PLUS ONE HE’LL REALLY GET SHANKED THIS TIME- ]
What suggestions do you have, however? Certainly there are fun activities you all would enjoy that I am unaware of...?
[For Zhongli, the scene opens in the Academy's courtyard - and Katarina looks pretty surprised.]
Huh...? You want to go to the party with me? Hmm... Well, I guess that should be okay...
[And then, mumbling to herself:]
There's no better way to avoid a Catastrophic Bad End than by taking myself out of the protagonist's way, after all...! If I'm attending with someone else, none of the capture targets can think I'm trying to get in the way of their love!
[For Shen Qingqiu, the scene opens in the student council room, though some time seems to have passed. There are some teacups and pastries on the table.
Maria looks determined.]
I'll go with you... but you have to promise me something! You have to help me make sure your friend doesn't make a move on Lady Katarina!
[For Ryan, the scene opens in what appears to be a classroom.
In stark contrast to how he'd acted during the planning, Keith's expression is dark, and he's muttering to himself and doesn't seem to catch Ryan's invitation at first.]
I didn't think there would be yet another threat to keep an eye on... Shouldn't that useless fiancé of hers have stepped in to stop this...? How could my sister just agree to attend with a stranger...?
[...but then he realizes he's been asked something, and clears his throat!]
Ah. Hm, yes. Let's go together. [Muttering to himself again:] At least this way I can make sure nothing happens between the two of them...
[Their individual cutscenes fade to black again, and once more, a dialogue box appears in front of them.
The day of the party arrives, and the students of the Academy gather for some fun-filled festivities. However, there's an undeniable tension in the air when Zhongli arrives with Katarina...
Prince Jeord, Prince Alan, Sir Keith, and even Maria can be caught glaring at him every so often.
But it's a party! Maybe things will lighten up...
[The setting changes to what looks like a ballroom. It's decorated according to the theme Zhongli helped with, and the food that Ryan helped prepare is set out. People seem to be enjoying both things! A few nobles are playing mahjong, and there's a sign-up sheet for the combat tournament.
Katarina keeps looking longingly at the food. Keith and Maria are attempting to be good escorts while glaring at Zhongli. Zhongli will feel Alan and Jeord staring daggers at him.
A menu pops up in front of each one of them:
1. Go and EAT SOME FOOD 2. Play MAHJONG 3. Sign up for COMBAT 4. Ask your partner to DANCE 5. Be a WALLFLOWER
None of these options will disappear when selected!]
goodbye soul it’s been a nice run! just watch as it leaves his mouth from sheer exhaustion. at least he doesn’t have to deal with being glared to death from all angles! ]
Perhaps we should keep a more open position...? I’m certain Lady Katarina will be coming to us as the party continues.
[ that sure is a EAT FOOD (and drink tea) while watching this mess unfold option. come and join him for cakes, Maria ]
[ZHONGLI PICKS KATERINA SIMPLY BECAUSE HE RECOGNIZES HER NAME?? FROM THE LODGE?? AND HE WANTS OT ASK HER, UH WHAT THE FUCK?? so he's a little bit surprised when she doesn't go ??!?!?!? with him in the cut scene, but everything fades away so quickly that he doesn't get the chance to ask. and then they're at the party, and his back still]
[kind of aches]
[it's not pleasant, but. . . he's had worse. so he grits his teeth through the dull pain and addresses Katerina, completely ignoring (or oblivious of??) the death glares he's getting]
Katerina.
[thank god things aren't jumping anymore]
Do you know what's going on here?
[. . . anyway, so. this means Zhongli isn't actually picking ANY option, sorry]
[you know, this is just his luck? he gets to go to a party with a hot guy and he's being sidelined because someone brought the hot guy's sister. and that person is one of the people he got dragged here with.
it's enough to make him kind of want to just go join shen qingqiu or wallflower this instead, but-- no, he can do this, he can manage this. it's just a game of some kind, right, and so there is still SOME level of hope. maybe.
so he still lingers near keith, glancing over to zhongli.]
Um, I think he's behaving with her, at least... do you, uh, maybe want to try dancing? For a little bit? I mean, I haven't done this often but if you don't mind showing me, I can help keep an eye on him for you too, if you want...
[please let him have this ONE THING, game, he is silently pleading. please please just this one thing.]
[Shen Qingqiu selects EAT FOOD, and Maria, who is watching Zhongli and Katarina like a hawk, nods.]
That's a good idea! She does like food...
[Over there they go, then! There's an absolutely delightful spread of food here. SQQ can popcorn all of this to his heart's content.
...and Keith... is also kind of glaring, but. Ryan's suggestion (and ASK TO DANCE choice) pulls his attention momentarily away, and he softens his expression. Dancing, huh... well, he can do that well enough.]
That works. [He holds his hand out to him to lead him out to the dance floor. He'll be keeping an eye on them while they dance, but it could be worse.] I appreciate your assistance with this. My sister doesn't have the best instincts when it comes to danger...
[Unfortunately for Zhongli
Katarina is frozen. The choice menu remains in front of him. She appears like she's just paused, waiting for his choice.]
[ sqq, now armed with a very fancy box of popcorn (POPCORN!!! IT'S BEEN SO LONG) and a pot of tea, seems to have found peace in the midst of shenanigans because he sure looks for all sense of the word, Incredibly Content. whatever fire is about to occur can wait until after ryan lives his best life and he's finished with all these munchies ]
Now then.... it seems we may have quite the short wait.
Well, if it helps, um-- I think Zhongli probably isn't very dangerous? I haven't known him that long, but he's seemed like an upstanding sort of guy.
[he sounds slightly distracted, though. sorry, zhongli, he's trying to help but he's also out here living his best life! a lot of his focus is going into this, thanks, he doesn't want to mess it up.]
We can still make sure nothing happens, though. And, um, I do appreciate you coming with me, for the record, this is-- I've never been to a party like this before? It's pretty nice.
[but this is a britt cyoa so i, personally, feel fear even if ryan is just happy to be here.]
[As soon as Zhongli makes his choice, Katarina's entire face lights up, and she grabs his hand to drag him over to the spread of food. Hi, Shen Qingqiu! Hi, Maria!]
Ooh, this all looks delicious! [She's now shoveling little desserts into her mouth.] Sorry, wait, did you ask a question earlier? The party's going on, right? Is there something else? I didn't notice anything else...
[Maria is now relaxing and can't help but smile at the fact that Katarina is 1. enjoying herself and 2. not getting hit on by Zhongli. Whew. She seems to be easy to pacify, at least... Though the two princes (and Keith) are still looking over here.
Keith, at least, is only glancing over occasionally. The rest of the time, he's dancing with Ryan, who seems to be saying just the right things to calm him down, too. It helps that Ryan made a good impression on him earlier.]
...really? I guess I don't need to be too concerned, then. [Whew... he'll give Ryan a little twirl. Graceful.] I wouldn't have guessed that this was your first party. You're doing well.
[He gets a small smile! With their activities chosen, their surroundings take on a dull, almost dreamlike quality, and a dialogue box appears in front of Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan.]
The party continues peacefully enough, with the concerns over Lady Katarina's escort being laid to rest. The princes participate in the combat tournament and win first and second place, respectively; mahjong is a smashing hit, and is sure to become quite popular among nobles.
Halfway through the evening, however, there is the sound of screaming from outside... although no one but the three volunteers seems to hear it.
[A menu appears again:
1. IGNORE the screams. 2. INVESTIGATE the screams.]
[well. . . so much for hoping Katerina knew what was going on :/ Zhongli shakes his head and declines to answer her question as she helps herself to the food, and he'll even pick a little bit at the snacks himself! SQQ, being nearby, gets a nod and a very confused--]
Have you any idea what's going on? I'm finding it rather difficult to understand. . .
[though the jury's out on whether SQQ gets to answer before TIME SKIPS FORWARD and a new dialogue box pops up. Zhongli kind of DEAD EYES THE DIALOGUE BOX, before the screams suddenly shove him back into high alert, shoulders squared]
[he moves to place a hand on his spear, ready to jump into action and investigate the screams, but-- then he remembers]
[AND CHOOSES THE "INVESTIGATE THE SCREAMS" OPTION]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Paper lanterns... that's not a bad idea.
[Zhongli will feel a bit of blood on his back. Yikes! It doesn't feel like anything actually in there though... Where'd the arrow go?]
Is something wrong?
[A little menu pops up for Zhongli's eyes only!
1. Tell the TRUTH.
2. Tell a LIE.
And... oh, no. Poor Shen Qingqiu. Jeord's eyes narrow, and he makes a noise that almost sounds like a scoff. Next to his face, a heart appears, but this time... there's a downward-pointing arrow.]
Board games? That's not too interesting...
[He reaches over to put a hand on Shen Qingqiu's shoulder.
To Zhongli and Ryan, he'll appear to vanish for a few moments - and for Shen Qingqiu, the room around him glitches out. It's not darkness he sees, though - it's the hallway of this same academy. There's a stabbing pain in his gut, and when he looks down, he's been stabbed through with a sword. Or - is it him? It looks like Katarina's dress - but then he blinks, and it's his own clothing.
He blinks again, and he's back in the student council room. There's a dull ache in his gut, but he won't feel like he's bleeding. Maria is standing closer to him, her hand around Jeord's wrist to pull it away from his shoulder.]
What board games did you have in mind? [From the look on Maria's face, it looks like she's trying to warn him.] You're from the far east, so it's probably something we've never seen before, right...?
[Meanwhile, Ryan is still having a good time. Keith chuckles.]
That amount seems just right. My sister isn't too picky - she'll eat anything if it's in front of her. But she does like chocolate.
[He crosses his arms.]
What do you like?
no subject
. . . yes. It felt as though something was stabbing me from behind. Do you see or experience anything painful, too?
no subject
BUT WHAT. WHAT IS THIS HORROR OTOME?! HE ALREADY WENT THROUGH THIS SHIT ONCE WHAT THE FUCK- so much for his lowkey suggestion?? it might be an acknowledgment to Maria, it might just be a simple gesture but he tilts his head in her direction ]
Mahjong is one- a game of chance and strategy. Though, I have a feeling you might be more amendable to my other suggestions. Perhaps a small tournament of some sort. With prizes for those who participate.
[ PLEASE DON’T LET HIM REGRET THIS. BINGHE’S NOT HERE TO BE HIS MEAT SHIELD ]
no subject
he steals a glance or three their way, but if hot sir keith isn't concerned about zhongli or about sqq's temporary disappearance, then ryan decides it's best not to derail.]
You really can't go wrong with chocolate-! I do like a lot of different things, I cook and bake all the time, but if I have to pick a favorite, um... oh, probably tea flavors? They work really well with desserts.
no subject
What are you talking about? Is something wrong with you?
[He reaches over to flick Zhongli in the forehead.]
S̵̩̖͍̹̰̺̻̦̝̾̒̿̈́̈̇͊̈́͆̅̽͂ͅͅt̷̨̢͎̣̤̹̱̩̣̹́̈́̚͝o̵̱̠̪̪͇̳͈͚͓̝̩͇͗̈́̀̀̃́̐͝p̴̺͇̻͕̱̭͖̜͍̰̊̅́ ̷̡̬̖̙̈̒͐͋͆́̃̓͋̃̈̈͋͊m̴͇̙̯̹̪̪̋͝ȅ̵̛̜͈̙̝̯̮̰̱̿̋͗̋̾̐͝s̶̪̳̽̒̀̿̈́͆̍̄͝s̵̪̟͕̗͍̱̙̐͊̽̒́̈́̾̈́̂͘̕͝i̵̠̖̤͍̔̇̑̃̀̃͘n̷̞̙̏͋̎̕͠ͅg̵̡̡̧͔͇̫͍̠̣̒̾͂̾̓̃̈́̉̽͋̋̚͘͝ ̶̫̮̠̻̹̦̳̱̮̞̞̟͈͚͈͗̔̂͌͊̀̾̈́̇̀̀͝͝͠ͅͅà̶̢̨̡͎̦̰̳̍r̴͈̜̪̗̮͙̼̹̂̌͛̒̒̑̔̋͘͝ȍ̵̺͙͚͙̼͙̇u̷̞̽̅́̎̀̒̔̓͂́̑̅́̚̕͝n̶̰̭̈́͝͝ḑ̶̨̢͓̮̮͈͉̭͇̀̄̂̐͝.̵̨̢̠̻̾́͂
[When his finger makes contact, there's that glitching again - he vanishes from Shen Qingqiu's and Ryan's view for several seconds. He finds himself in complete darkness, unable to see a thing - the stabbing pain on his back returns, and he'll feel more blood seeping through his clothing. There's silence, and then the sound of gravelly laughter and a flash of red, glowing eyes -
And then he's back in the student council room. Maria is standing next to him, having left Shen Qingqiu and Alan; she's brushed Alan's hand aside and is checking his temperature on his forehead with her hand. Her expression is concerned, but she shoots him a look like she's trying to give him a warning.]
I'm sure it's nothing you need to worry about, Prince Alan. We're here to plan the party, right? ...you mentioned lanterns, but are there any other decorations you want? Once we've all made a decision, we can move on.
[Meanwhile, Jeord, who does not seem to have noticed anything strange about Maria suddenly disappearing from his side and appearing near Zhongli, looks intrigued.]
I've never played mahjong before. I guess that would be fine.
[He starts to write that down.]
And what type of tournament did you have in mind?
[A menu pops up for Shen Qingqiu:
1. Suggest a DANCING CONTEST.
2. Suggest a COMBAT CONTEST.
3. Suggest an EATING CONTEST.
As for Ryan - he and Sir Hot Keith are getting along swimmingly. In fact, Keith seems impressed by the suggestion.]
Right. So, chocolate and tea flavors for the desserts, and... pick some kind of sandwiches, and we'll commit to that. Will you be making them yourself?
[He's writing down what they've decided on so far...]
no subject
[everything goes black again, a flash of red crossing his vision, and Zhongli lets out another pained cry as he pitches forward. but. . . when everything returns, it's Maria standing in front of him, hand against her forehead. and while he immediately opens his mouth to ask what the fuck is happening, it's the warning on Maria's features that shuts him up]
[. . .]
[there is some. . . unspoken rule he is missing, here. that hardly makes the contract fair, but-- he can think about that later]
. . . I apologize, Prince Alan. I must be feeling a bit under the weather.
[he straightens, backside still aching, the feel of blood still coating his jacket. it is, however, nothing foreign]
Paper lanterns and thematic kites, perhaps. [a very Liyue-esque suggestion!!] And of course, greenery is a must. I have quite the eye for festive floral arrangements myself.
no subject
[ he says, while smacking at B without even questioning it, Maria teleporting, and how he got into this situation in the first place. it's all autopilot until he's done screaming internally. ]
But I would think combat would suit you the best, hmmm? I'm certainly interested in seeing the difference between our cultures.
no subject
I don't mind making them myself! I like doing it, you know? As for flavors, um-- definitely something that keeps well without needing to worry over storage too much, and something as many people as possible can eat... I'm thinking we do some that are cucumber mint and some that are egg salad? I'm used to them being called tea sandwiches, actually, they'll tie in with the desserts thematically and the touch of mint in the cucumber will match up well with the flavor...
[he's so invested in this fucking food planning]
no subject
Lanterns... kites... greenery. Got it. Okay, we'll go with that.
[Meanwhile, Jeord raises a brow.]
A combat tournament at a party... I guess that's not the most boring thing in the world.
[He writes that down on his paper.
As for Keith...
He's having a good time with Ryan, honestly. There's an almost nostalgic expression on his face as he listens to him wax poetic about types of sandwiches, and he writes down the varieties and adds a note - prepared by Ryan.
As each of them writes, Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan will see sparkles over the paper - and then their surroundings fade to black.
In front of them, a dialogue box pops up.]
Through hard work and determination, the student council and their volunteers put everything together. However, there was one last matter to be decided... escorts. After all, nobles don't attend parties alone, usually.
Who will our volunteers invite?
[A menu appears in front of them:
1. Invite PRINCE JEORD STUART
2. Invite PRINCE ALAN STUART
3. Invite SIR KEITH CLAES
4. Invite LADY KATARINA CLAES
5. Invite MARIA CAMPBELL
6. Invite NO ONE
For options 1-5, they will vanish once one person taps them; however, option 6 can be selected more than once.]
no subject
They’re quite entertaining after all. Not to mention a chance to show off strength and skill with food and prizes at the end. Most students would covet for it.
[ meanwhile he’s slamming the INVITE MARIA option because ABSOLUTELY IN NO WAY IS HE INVITING THIS PRINCE AS HIS PLUS ONE HE’LL REALLY GET SHANKED THIS TIME- ]
What suggestions do you have, however? Certainly there are fun activities you all would enjoy that I am unaware of...?
no subject
[he stares at the menu for a moment, but. listen. as if he wouldn't pick Hot Sir Keith, he is hitting the button right afterwards.]
1/5
with their choices made, the darkness solidifies into - something else.
a cutscene, perhaps...? each one of them will see a different scene.]
2/5 - INVITE: KATARINA
Huh...? You want to go to the party with me? Hmm... Well, I guess that should be okay...
[And then, mumbling to herself:]
There's no better way to avoid a Catastrophic Bad End than by taking myself out of the protagonist's way, after all...! If I'm attending with someone else, none of the capture targets can think I'm trying to get in the way of their love!
Okay! Let's do this!
3/5 - INVITE: MARIA
Maria looks determined.]
I'll go with you... but you have to promise me something! You have to help me make sure your friend doesn't make a move on Lady Katarina!
4/5 - INVITE: KEITH
In stark contrast to how he'd acted during the planning, Keith's expression is dark, and he's muttering to himself and doesn't seem to catch Ryan's invitation at first.]
I didn't think there would be yet another threat to keep an eye on... Shouldn't that useless fiancé of hers have stepped in to stop this...? How could my sister just agree to attend with a stranger...?
[...but then he realizes he's been asked something, and clears his throat!]
Ah. Hm, yes. Let's go together. [Muttering to himself again:] At least this way I can make sure nothing happens between the two of them...
5/5 - THE PARTY BEGINS
The day of the party arrives, and the students of the Academy gather for some fun-filled festivities. However, there's an undeniable tension in the air when Zhongli arrives with Katarina...
Prince Jeord, Prince Alan, Sir Keith, and even Maria can be caught glaring at him every so often.
But it's a party! Maybe things will lighten up...
[The setting changes to what looks like a ballroom. It's decorated according to the theme Zhongli helped with, and the food that Ryan helped prepare is set out. People seem to be enjoying both things! A few nobles are playing mahjong, and there's a sign-up sheet for the combat tournament.
Katarina keeps looking longingly at the food. Keith and Maria are attempting to be good escorts while glaring at Zhongli. Zhongli will feel Alan and Jeord staring daggers at him.
A menu pops up in front of each one of them:
1. Go and EAT SOME FOOD
2. Play MAHJONG
3. Sign up for COMBAT
4. Ask your partner to DANCE
5. Be a WALLFLOWER
None of these options will disappear when selected!]
no subject
goodbye soul it’s been a nice run! just watch as it leaves his mouth from sheer exhaustion. at least he doesn’t have to deal with being glared to death from all angles! ]
Perhaps we should keep a more open position...? I’m certain Lady Katarina will be coming to us as the party continues.
[ that sure is a EAT FOOD (and drink tea) while watching this mess unfold option. come and join him for cakes, Maria ]
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[kind of aches]
[it's not pleasant, but. . . he's had worse. so he grits his teeth through the dull pain and addresses Katerina, completely ignoring (or oblivious of??) the death glares he's getting]
Katerina.
[thank god things aren't jumping anymore]
Do you know what's going on here?
[. . . anyway, so. this means Zhongli isn't actually picking ANY option, sorry]
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it's enough to make him kind of want to just go join shen qingqiu or wallflower this instead, but-- no, he can do this, he can manage this. it's just a game of some kind, right, and so there is still SOME level of hope. maybe.
so he still lingers near keith, glancing over to zhongli.]
Um, I think he's behaving with her, at least... do you, uh, maybe want to try dancing? For a little bit? I mean, I haven't done this often but if you don't mind showing me, I can help keep an eye on him for you too, if you want...
[please let him have this ONE THING, game, he is silently pleading. please please just this one thing.]
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That's a good idea! She does like food...
[Over there they go, then! There's an absolutely delightful spread of food here. SQQ can popcorn all of this to his heart's content.
...and Keith... is also kind of glaring, but. Ryan's suggestion (and ASK TO DANCE choice) pulls his attention momentarily away, and he softens his expression. Dancing, huh... well, he can do that well enough.]
That works. [He holds his hand out to him to lead him out to the dance floor. He'll be keeping an eye on them while they dance, but it could be worse.] I appreciate your assistance with this. My sister doesn't have the best instincts when it comes to danger...
[Unfortunately for Zhongli
Katarina is frozen. The choice menu remains in front of him. She appears like she's just paused, waiting for his choice.]
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[HE HATES WHATEVER IS HAPPENING!!!]
[with a slightly curt sigh, Zhongli reaches out and chooses EAT FOOD, because he knows Katerina well enough to understand she likes food the best]
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Now then.... it seems we may have quite the short wait.
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[he sounds slightly distracted, though. sorry, zhongli, he's trying to help but he's also out here living his best life! a lot of his focus is going into this, thanks, he doesn't want to mess it up.]
We can still make sure nothing happens, though. And, um, I do appreciate you coming with me, for the record, this is-- I've never been to a party like this before? It's pretty nice.
[but this is a britt cyoa so i, personally, feel fear even if ryan is just happy to be here.]
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Ooh, this all looks delicious! [She's now shoveling little desserts into her mouth.] Sorry, wait, did you ask a question earlier? The party's going on, right? Is there something else? I didn't notice anything else...
[Maria is now relaxing and can't help but smile at the fact that Katarina is 1. enjoying herself and 2. not getting hit on by Zhongli. Whew. She seems to be easy to pacify, at least... Though the two princes (and Keith) are still looking over here.
Keith, at least, is only glancing over occasionally. The rest of the time, he's dancing with Ryan, who seems to be saying just the right things to calm him down, too. It helps that Ryan made a good impression on him earlier.]
...really? I guess I don't need to be too concerned, then. [Whew... he'll give Ryan a little twirl. Graceful.] I wouldn't have guessed that this was your first party. You're doing well.
[He gets a small smile! With their activities chosen, their surroundings take on a dull, almost dreamlike quality, and a dialogue box appears in front of Zhongli, Shen Qingqiu, and Ryan.]
Halfway through the evening, however, there is the sound of screaming from outside... although no one but the three volunteers seems to hear it.
[A menu appears again:
1. IGNORE the screams.
2. INVESTIGATE the screams.]
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Have you any idea what's going on? I'm finding it rather difficult to understand. . .
[though the jury's out on whether SQQ gets to answer before TIME SKIPS FORWARD and a new dialogue box pops up. Zhongli kind of DEAD EYES THE DIALOGUE BOX, before the screams suddenly shove him back into high alert, shoulders squared]
[he moves to place a hand on his spear, ready to jump into action and investigate the screams, but-- then he remembers]
[AND CHOOSES THE "INVESTIGATE THE SCREAMS" OPTION]
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