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

[miss_matchmaker]

Wow, is that a real mantor?! Like, really?

[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?

[belfar_agent]

[ Raises an eyebrow at this suspicious-looking man with the supposedly harmless monster! ]

As long as we're not baiting him? What does that mean?

[grassnorcrystal]

Don't poke him between his joints, don't pretend you're going to feed him and then don't, and don't make threaten him.

[miss_matchmaker]

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

[belfar_agent]

Hmph. This creature...

Listen here, a short temper does not give one a free pass to maim! [ Like's she's the one to talk. ]

[grassnorcrystal]

Ruby doesn't have a short temper, and he's more likely to knock you down than maim. He's actually quite playful. Just treat him with respect, and you'll be fine.

[grassnorcrystal]

Mantors are not delicious! They are noble mounts!

[duke_of_hazard]

Well, well, if it isn't LeBuque's favourite bug boy. I've been expecting you.

[gladiatorfist]

[Looks at the giant bug in the middle of town]
W-W-W-What is that? That thing is AWESOME!

[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]

[Snaps to attention] Captain. I'm here to officially join the 14th unit of the HSFDF.

[belfar_agent]

Does everyone in this country have a monster that they treat like some kind of actual person?

[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]

Ruby is not a thing. He's a mantor.

[grassnorcrystal]

Many worlds?

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

[trueltning_fury]

[oh hey look who it is]

Franz.

[grassnorcrystal]

Treat like a...? Ah, Hugo or Futch is here as well.

Ruby's my partner. I've raised him since he was grub. So of course I'm close to him.

[grassnorcrystal]

Captain Geddoe, I didn't know you were also here.

[duke_of_hazard]

[ Not so shocked by this, he's been reading the letters from HQ and Dominic. He looks pleased, although he doesn't want to show it too much yet; not until the new guys passes the hazing period. ] So, you've decided you wanna be part of the greatest unit the SFDF has to offer, have you?