A return

[grassnorcrystal]

[Franz and Ruby lands outside the gates of the Budehuc, and Franz dismounts. He’s not dressed in his uniform, instead wearing civilian clothes that wouldn’t be out of place in the HSFDF] What in the world happened? Looks like a golem came through here.

Anyways, I’m Franz, from Le Buque reporting here as… a member of the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force as extra security for his Grace, the Bishop Sasarai.

This is Ruby, he’s my mantor. Don’t be afraid of him, he’s harmless so long as you’re not baiting him.

Comments

[grassnorcrystal]

[Is used to people being frightened or disgusted by Ruby] Yes, Ruby here is the finest mantor Le Buque ever produced.

[Pats Ruby's carapace] Aren't you boy?

[miss_matchmaker]

[ Also patting Ruby's carapace from the other side, totally invading the pair's space. ] Yes, yes, I hear they're a real delicacy in LeBuque! [ Something must have been lost in communication there... ]

[grassnorcrystal]

What? [Stops patting Ruby to circle around to other side to make sure this woman's not doing anything like rubbing butter or salting Ruby]

No! Mantors are not for eating!

[miss_matchmaker]

H-Hey, don't look at me! I'd never eat something once I know it's name and face! You gotta believe me!

[grassnorcrystal]

Where'd you get the idea that one would eat mantors? And why would anyone want to?

[miss_matchmaker]

Because they're delicious~~!! ...Orrrr so I hear. [ Staring at Ruby. ] Some folks say there's a truth behind every lie.

[grassnorcrystal]

Mantors are not delicious! They are noble mounts!

[miss_matchmaker]

That's what I mean! What if people are lead to believe that so they won't feel inclined to eat them! Like if I told you griffons are sacred creatures of the forest... suddenly nobody would be eating them!

[grassnorcrystal]

But... my clan has been riding mantors for generations.

Where did you such a story?

[miss_matchmaker]

Hehe, it's a big world, Mr. Franz, one that extends far beyond your clan. In fact, what if I told you there are many worlds out there? Some of which have developed a taste for otherworldly creatures. You won't believe some of the weird requests that I've gotten!

[grassnorcrystal]

Many worlds?

Wait... you mean there's a world where people eat mantors?

[miss_matchmaker]

Does that surprise you? There's a world where even you and I would be considered delicious! Although I like to think I'm more sweet, like dessert rather than some expensive cuisine. ♥ I'm Moana.

[grassnorcrystal]

...[Pats Ruby to comfort him if Moana's scarring him]

Well then, Moana, What's your profession? You mentioned you do requests.

[miss_matchmaker]

Oh, did I pique your interest? Hehe, the Budehuc Quest Guild offers all kinds of work! Whether you're interested in making quick cash or need help with a particular problem, we got you covered! And now we even come with a no-setting-anything-on-fire warranty*! Isn't that great?




*conditions apply.

[grassnorcrystal]

Ah. I see. I will probably pick up jobs from you then.

[miss_matchmaker]

You will?! Oh, that's great! You'll also be glad that we haven't had any requests for mantor dishes yet! In fact, a lot of the requests are from this world mainly. But maybe someday we'll be big enough!

[grassnorcrystal]

There will no requests for mantor dishes. Ever.

[miss_matchmaker]

Hmm, you're probably right. Anyway, business has been a bit slow ever since a certain fire incident at Brass Castle, but all our legal troubles should be behind us very soon! In the meantime, let me know if you're interested in doing some strictly off-the-record work, hehe.

[grassnorcrystal]

Off the record work?

[miss_matchmaker]

Legally, we're not allowed to hand out work until this matter is resolved, but why should the people suffer while these bureaucrats figure out what to do, right? So, I'm having some guys do some small-time work in the meantime, you know, like picking apples from a high tree or delivering babies. Y'know, stuff not worth recording.

[grassnorcrystal]

D-Delivering babies?

[miss_matchmaker]

Yup, the whole miracle of life and all! ♥ Wanna do it?

[grassnorcrystal]

No!

[Coughs into his fist] I can barely cut my hair, delivering an infant would be a disaster.

[miss_matchmaker]

A wise person once said that you'll never know anything until you try! But it's probably a good general rule to learn how to cut your hair before delivering someone's baby into the world. So keep on practicing!