Loading User Commands:
[X] "If you'll have me."

---

"I am returning to the library," says Patchouli softly. "Some of the other references are there."

The magician closes her book with finality, as if she has made some sort of decision. Slowly, she looks up to meet his gaze in full. Her eyes, though wavering, seem to be full of resolve.

"Would you like to join me?" she asks.

"If you'll have me," replies Grey automatically.

"Alright," says Patchouli. She stands up and gives him a tiny nod, urging him to follow, before walking out of the room.

On the way back to her reading area, neither of them speaks. Patchouli walks between the bookshelves in silence, her every move careful and deliberate, as if deathly afraid of tripping on her feet and embarrassing herself. Staring at the back of her head, Grey follows the magician, making sure to slow his pace to match hers. During the walk, he observes that a number of colorful ribbons are intricately tied and arranged in her long lavender hair. Wouldn't it be a bother to maintain them every day?

After walking for some time, they reached Patchouli's reading desk. Without a word, the magician takes her seat and props her book open before her. Grey takes one last glance at her before turning toward the nearby shelves. He grabs the first book that he finds written in English, then he takes his own seat nearby.

After a few minutes, the awkward atmosphere that formed earlier vanishes like a bad memory. Patchouli regains her usual demeanor as she reads, calm and collected. Grey smiles at himself before turning to his own book.

"Fenrir and Odin," he reads. The cover of the book shows a surprisingly realistic picture of a warrior wielding a great spear against a montrously large wolf-beast creature. The tale is surprisingly vivid in its description, and soon, Grey finds himself engrossed in it.

Only after the afternoon sun begins flowing through one of the few windows does he finally put the book down. The rest of the story will have to wait. There are some things he needs to deal with. Grey leaves the book on the table after taking note of the last chapter he finished.

"I'll be heading off now," he tells the magician. "That was a good read."

Patchouli doesn't raise her head from her book. But as Grey stands up to leave, something surprising happens.

"Wait," says the magician. Holding the book in one hand, she pulls out something small from her dress. Without taking her eyes of her book, she speaks again.

"If it's fine with you," she whispers, holding out her hand to him.

"Eh?" he mutters dumbly as he accepts the item.

"Take this."

Grey blinks as he recognizes the tiny gift. It looks like a ribbon.

He has about an hour to kill before dinner.
[ ] Walk around the library a little bit. Maybe you can find Koakuma.
[ ] Check the kitchen and dining room. Sakuya might be there.
[ ] Go to Flandre's room in the basement. She might be awake now.
[ ] Visit the front gate. Meiling should be at her duty.
[ ] Explore the second floor. Perhaps you can find Remilia's room.
[ ] Return to your room and rest. A break is fine too.
[ ] Custom

"..."

He doesn't know how long he stayed there, trying to figure things out. In the end, he sighed to himself. There are simply too many pieces missing in this puzzle.

"I don't get any of it," whispers Grey to himself. He takes a glance at Patchouli, who seems to be ignoring him as was her custom.

He blinks dumbly. It must be his imagination, but it seems like she is stuck on the same page without progress. However, as evidence that she hasn't fallen asleep, her cheeks are slightly pink as she takes notice of his gaze. Deliberately, he fixes his eyes on her to observe further.

Patchouli continues to stare at her book, though she clearly isn't reading a single word. She gasps silently with her lips slightly apart as he watches. Slowly, her chest's subtle heaving rhythm becomes visible. The faint blush upon her cheeks grows delicate red.

Suddenly, her eyes turn to his, and they widen slightly before looking back into the book. Grey turns away, as if seeing something he shouldn't stare at. An awkward silence falls between them for several minutes, each engrossed in their own thoughts.

"I am returning to the library," says Patchouli finally. "Some of the other references are there."

She closes her book and looks straight at Grey.

"Would you like to join me?"

[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Stay with Patchouli a little bit longer. There is no hurry to leave.

---

"You should be completely recovered," says Patchouli. "You can leave, if you like."

Grey pauses before answering.

"Mind if I stay a little bit longer?" asks Grey. "I'd like to collect my thoughts for a bit."

"Go ahead," she replies. The magician doesn't make any other visible reaction. She turns her full attention to her book, with her eyes moving from side to side. She flips a page in an almost mechanical manner as he watches.

Grey shakes his head from the oddly hypnotic movements and shifts his gaze to the walls. Slowly, he starts to recall the different things he did today. Somehow, he feels that there may be something he missed.

He woke up with a start after that nightmare involving Patchouli and Koakuma. After calming down, he immediately headed to the Voile Library to check on the little devil. Thankfully, she was alright. He felt so relieved that, before he realized it, he had embraced the girl tightly in his arms. However, Koakuma pushed him away in fear. Perhaps he creeped her out, grabbing her without warning like that.

After waiting for her to calm down, they managed to meet up with Patchouli. At his invitation, she decided to join for breakfast. While Koakuma went off to fetch off the maids to bring some books, the magician handed him a few blank spell cards. They turned out to be pretty useful, Grey notes.

During breakfast, he decided to talk about the youkai attacks and the mansion defenses. A brief argument broke out between Sakuya and Patchouli, and Remilia unexpectedly asked him to investigate the incidents. After the meal, he spoke privately to the pink and purple wizard, who suspected that there may be a traitor in the mansion.

Upon hearing her words, Grey told her that he must be the prime suspect, considering the circumstances and the odd dreams that he had. To his surprise, the magician, rather than punishing him, cast a spell to protect him before passing out. He managed to carry the girl back to the library, where he met and spoke with Koakuma. She told him that Patchouli would recover after some rest. Before he left the library, something odd happened. Koakuma gave him a tight hug, and whispered that things will be alright.

Grey decided to investigate the clock tower, since he felt that something important was there. Inside, he found several interesting and unusual things, but before he could examine things closely, he found himself attacked by a giant clockwork spider. After barely escaping, he met up with Sakuya. He told her everything, explaining that he knew of this place through his dreams.

Somehow, he convinced Sakuya that there was something in the tower that they need to find. Despite her powers not working in this place, the chief maid agreed to accompany him. Soon enough, they found a place that looked suspicious, but it was guarded by a huge clockwork spider guardian.

With Sakuya keeping the creature busy, Grey managed to sneak past it to enter the chamber it was protecting. Inside, he discovered a set of modern light-emitting devices forming an intricate sealing circle. After rearranging the devices, the light changed color, and somehow, he felt that some heavy burden was lifted. However, the chief maid was fighting a losing battle outside.

He managed to save Sakuya from being crushed by doing something completely stupid, and thinking back, he would be dead by now if it weren't for Patchouli's barrier. Barely alive, he felt some strange power awaken within him, which he used to masterfully defeat the clockwork guardian and rescue the chief maid. He passed out afterward, of course.

Grey managed to have a short conversation with Sakuya before focusing on his own recovery. By the time he woke up, he found himself alone in her room. Waking up hungry, he made himself a disaster of a meal before heading to the Voile Library. There, he managed to talk to both Patchouli and Koakuma about a few more things. Afterward, the little devil decided to accompany him during the investigation.

Somehow, his mind grows foggy at this point, as if there was something that changed. In any case, they decided to head outside. At the garden, they had a nice conversation with one of the maids, though they didn't learn much. But when they got to the front gate, something started messing with his head.

Grey doesn't remember clearly, but he thinks that he almost shot Koakuma and Meiling. Thankfully, he passed out before anything happened. The next thing he remembers is waking up with the pink and purple wizard watching over him. After a little more rest, he found himself still here with her, collecting his own thoughts in silence.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Observe her a little bit longer. Wait until she notices that you are awake.
[X] Greet her normally. Thank her for watching over you.

---

Carefully, Grey opens his eyes. He feels well rested, if not a little bit disoriented. Slowly, he surveys the room. He blinks in surprise when he notices that Patchouli is still holding his hand. She hasn't left his side.

"..."

How long was he asleep?

Grey turns his head slightly to get a better look at the pink and purple wizard. She looks relaxed, and her face is calm as usual. Holding her book with one hand, she continues reading. Her eyes move steadily from left to right as she reads each line. This movement is strangely hypnotic, and before he realizes it, he starts following her beautiful violet eyes move from side to side. It takes him several minutes to finally turn his attention to something else.

Checking his left hand, he can feel the magician's tender grip. Her soft hand doesn't move much, but every few seconds, he can feel her stroke him slightly with her tiny index finger. Occasionally, her hand would shift its position, as if trying to find a way to hold him a little bit tighter. Her grip would loosen slightly each time she clumsily flips a page of her book.

He watches Patchouli as she flips the page of her book using only her other hand. It takes his brain almost a full minute to realize something strange. She doesn't let him go even if she has to turn to the next page. What an odd thing to do.

Suddenly, Patchouli turns to him. Her eyes meet his instantly. For a moment, Grey feels like he saw them widen slightly upon noticing him, but it must have been his imagination. She considers him thoughtfully with a calm, calculating gaze.

"Are you feeling better?" she asks.

Grey nods as he sits himself up. Reluctantly, he lets go of the girl's hand. While there is still an odd ringing in his ears, he feels much better now.

"I feel much better now," he says. "Thanks a lot for the help. I can probably walk around in a few minutes."

"That is good to hear," Patchouli replies. She holds her book with both hands and returns to her reading.

Grey takes a few moments to reorient himself to his surroundings.

"Patchouli, how long was I unconscious?" he asks. "And where exactly is this place?"

"Two hours and thirty-two minutes," she says succintly. "This is a spare bedroom in the Voile Library."

There are bedrooms in the Voile Library? Patchouli and Koakuma probably sleep somewhere nearby, then. And speaking of the devil...

"How's Koakuma?" he asks.

Patchouli pauses before answering.

"She is finishing a few errands in the library," she says. "I told her that you were alright, but that didn't stop her from taking a peek to check on you. I think she came in three or four times."

"I-I see," he mutters. Koakuma must have been worried about him.

For a moment, he stays silent, distracted by his own thoughts.

"You should be completely recovered," says Patchouli. "You can leave, if you like."

Somehow, Grey feels that she said that last part a little bit sadly.

[ ] Stay with Patchouli a little bit longer. There is no hurry to leave.
[ ] See if you can find Koakuma. She might be worried.
[ ] Hang around the library. Perhaps you can find a good book.
[ ] Explore the library alone. The investigation must continue.
[ ] Excuse yourself and leave the library. You need to clear your head.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Tell her what you remember from the incident at the gate.
[X] Ask if you can hold her hand.

---

The magician looks up from her book. Her deep violet eyes are clear and focused.

"I would like to monitor your condition until you are able to walk around on your own," she says. "If there is anything I should know, don't hesitate to tell me."

Grey raises his head as he tries to clear his head.

"Earlier, Koakuma and I went to the gate to talk to Meiling. I..." says Grey. He cringes in pain as his head starts pounding. Patchouli turns back to her book, but her eyes aren't moving. She seems to be listening intently.

"I-I think we were trying to decide on something when my head began to hurt. I started to lose my balance, and my vision was blurring. I think I started to hear strange things," he continues. The pain is intensifying, but somehow he is able to fight it.

"I got really confused. It's difficult to describe, but I think I felt like I was in danger. I think I drew my gun at Koakuma and Meiling," he says. "My head felt like it was splitting. I think I managed to drop the weapon before passing out."

Patchouli doesn't say anything. Her eyes are still on her book, but she is clearly not reading a single sentence. She seems to be in deep thought.

"Are you sure that no one was hurt?" Grey asks. "I don't.. remember much. I'll never forgive myself if something -"

"Everyone is alright," interrupts Patchouli. "Just calm down and rest."

She looks at Grey thoughtfully. Somehow, her eyes feel different. It is as if some renewed determination has been sparked within this pink and purple book lover. Such an expression doesn't really fit the anemic wizard, but somehow, he can feel some unexplainable strength emanating from this girl.

"I think I am starting to understand," says Patchouli. "I suppose that I will have to act soon."

"Huh? What did you understand?" replies Grey. "None of this makes sense to me."

The wizard turns back to her book and begins to read again.

"Don't worry about it. Just focus on resting. You will be safe here." she says.

Grey sighs as he lies his head back on the bed. His head is spinning wildly. If he tries to hard, he will probably just injure himself. He should just focus on resting.

"..."

But he can't sleep, for some reason. Too many thoughts are passing through his mind. He takes a glance at Patchouli for a moment.

"Can I hold your hand for a bit?" he asks. He blinks stupidly as he realizes what he just said. Did he just think aloud? Patchouli doesn't reply, but her eyes have froze.

"I just want to make sure that you are real to me," he continues. Somehow, this seems to be the best way he can describe how he feels.

Patchouli doesn't say a word. After a few minutes, Grey simply lies back on his head and tries to get some rest. It was a foolish request anyway. This is inappropriate, to say the least. What was he -

Without warning, he feels something warm grab on to his left hand. He takes a glance at Patchouli. She simply continues reading, holding the book with one hand. Her face is calm and neutral. However, he can feel her gently placing her small soft hand over his own. She strokes the back of his hand with her tiny fingers, as if to reassure him. For some reason, his mind becomes focused only on the sensation of her fingers rubbing upon him.

Slowly, he finds himself calming down. Grey closes his eyes. He starts falling into a deep, dreamless sleep. The last thing he remembers is Patchouli flipping the page of her book.

...

Carefully, he opens his eyes. He feels well rested, if not a little bit disoriented.

He surveys the room slowly, barely turning his head. The first thing he notices is that Patchouli is still holding his hand. She hasn't left his side.

"..."

How long was he asleep?

[ ] Greet her normally. Thank her for watching over you.
[ ] Wake up with a start. Let go of her hand immediately.
[ ] Observe her a little bit longer. Wait until she notices that you are awake.
[ ] Pretend to roll around in your sleep. Pull her over you "accidentally".
[ ] Custom

Grey opens his eyes. He stares blankly at the ceiling for several minutes as he tries to clear his mind. Slowly, he turns his head from side to side. He seems to be in a bedroom. But this isn't his room. The place is sparsely decorated, and it has no windows. He hasn't been in this place before.

"Can you hear me?" asks a voice.

He turns toward the voice. It takes a few moments for him to recognize the pink and purple wizard.

"Patchouli?" he asks uneasily.

"Good. It must be taking effect now. You should be fine in a couple more hours." she says.

"Huh?" he says.

"Koakuma and the gate guard brought you in here a few minutes ago. They said that you passed out by the front gate." she replies. "This is very odd, though. Aside from a little exhaustion, there is no sign that your body has been damaged or tampered with. Very strange."

"Where.. where is Koakuma?" he asks. Is she alright?

"I told her to take care of some other duties for the time being," says the magician. "She was very... emotional when you were brought in. I think she needs some time to calm down."

"I-I see," he says. No one was hurt. He sighs in relief.

"..."

Grey blinks. Patchouli is sitting at the end of the bed, complete with a book in her hands. There aren't any chairs in the room, it seems. She doesn't seem to be leaving soon. Is she going to stay here with him?

As if to answer his query, the magician looks up from her book.

"I would like to monitor your condition until you are able to walk around on your own," she says. "Tell me if you feel anything strange. If there is anything I should know, please tell me."

Grey's head is too muddled up to explain anything.
[ ] Lie down and get some rest.
[ ] Cough violently.
[ ] Look for your weapons.
[ ] Ask if you can hold her hand.
[ ] Tell her that she doesn't need to stay here.
[ ] Try to force yourself up.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Drop the gun.

---

Grey raises the gun toward them. They aren't human, and they are planning to kill him. Even if it is futile, he won't go down without a fight. This weapon can harm youkai. The past few days proved that. At the very least, he can wound them before he dies.

"Is he going to fight back? How convenient," says Koakuma. She sneers at him as she licks her lips.

"I'm not very hungry right now. He's all yours," comments the gate guard. How is she talking in her sleep?

Grey tightens his grip on the pistol. He moves his other hand slowly towards his coat, feeling for his spell cards.

"I'm not going to die here!" he cries out loudly. "Not without a fight!"

Koakuma slowly sidesteps toward Meiling, not turning her back on him. She gently shakes the gate guard awake. Meiling wakes up with a start, muttering something he can't understand. The little devil whispers something to her, then points to him. The gate guard gasps audibly when she notices that his weapon is drawn.

What? Why can't he hear their words? He can see their mouths moving, but he can't hear their voices. Something.. something is wrong.

".. elp me.. ill him" says Koakuma. Her voice sounds so distant.

"..lright.. fight back.. hurt him badly," replies Meiling.

The two nod at each other before turning back to Grey. Slowly, they start stepping towards him.

"G-get away from me!" he cries out. He fires the pistol a couple of times in the air as a warning.

".. wrong? ..hurt you! ..me" cries Koakuma. He can see her face clearly now. She looks really worried, and her eyes are damp.

"..give me.. gun.. hurt anyone," says Meiling. She speaks in a calm, soothing manner as she approaches.

They are coming to kill him. But he won't go down alone. He quickly aims the pistol at Koakuma's head, since she is a bit closer. From this distance, even she will have difficulty avoiding the shot. His finger shudders as it strokes the trigger of his weapon.

Koakuma shouts something at him, but he can't hear her voice. Slowly, tears start gushing out of her eyes. Why would she do that? This isn't right. This isn't how someone with murder in their heart would act.

"I'm really glad that you let me come with you," she said. He recalls those words clearly, as if she was repeating them to him.

No, Koakuma isn't going to hurt him. She and the other inhabitants of this mansion may be strange, but they are not bloodthirsty murderers. On the other hand, he just drew his weapon and pointed it at them. He was going to kill them.

For what?

Grey immediately drops the gun. He watches it hit the ground silently. His senses are starting to dull. He can't hear anything now, though he can see Koakuma and Meiling crying out to him. But why can't he recognize their faces? His vision is blurring too. What is happening?

He opens his mouth to speak, but he can't hear his own words. Finally, he collapses on the ground. He doesn't get up.

The last thing he sees are two blurs rushing towards his fallen form.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Walk toward the front gate. Where is the gate guard anyway?

---

"... what?" says Grey.

Meiling is leaning against the wall, napping peacefully. He knows that the gatekeeper takes naps, but he can't help but feel surprised. The mansion has been under attack for two days straight now. How can this girl fall asleep at a time like this?

"She's asleep," says Koakuma. "Should we wake her up?"

Grey pauses to think.
[ ] Wake her up. She should be guarding the gate.
[ ] Leave her be. She looks peaceful like this.
[ ] Wait patiently. Maybe you can -

"Argh!" he cries aloud. Grey crumples down on his knees.

"W-what happened?" Koakuma says as she tries to help him up. "A-are you feeling alright?"

Grey looks up at the bat-winged girl. His head is pounding, and his vision is beginning to blur. He can barely keep balanced.

"We should head back inside," she says. Her voice sounds distant, for some reason.

That sounds like a great idea. He needs to sit down. This can't be an ordinary headache. Something is wrong, and for some reason, this feels familiar.

"..kill you." she whispers.

Huh? That can't be right. Grey looks up at the little devil. She looks worried as she helps support him. He must be imagining things. But before he can think about it further, another voice interrupts him. He turns to the sleeping gate guard. Is she talking in her sleep?

"..Sakuya's orders," she whispers. "Kill Grey and make it look like an accident."

What?

"No! There isn't enough time!" cries Koakuma.

She tightens her grip on his arm, a malevolent smile upon her face.

"We should kill him now," she says.

Grey immediately pushes Koakuma away and draws his pistol. He doesn't understand what is happening, but he isn't going to die here. He isn't going to die like this.

"Not like this," he says. "Not like this!"

He raises the gun toward the two. Meiling seems completely oblivious as she continues to nap. Koakuma gasps and takes a couple of steps back. She opens her mouth, perhaps to talk some sense into him, but her words only provoke him further.

"It'll be better if he fights back. We can just claim self-defense." the little devil says.

"You can have him. I'm not hungry," comments the gate guard. How is she talking in her sleep?

Not enough time to think.

[ ] Shoot Meiling.
[ ] Shoot Koakuma.
[ ] Shoot them both.
[ ] Shoot your foot.
[ ] Drop the gun.
[ ] Run back inside.
[ ] Run away from the Mansion.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Head to the garden. The maids are working outside.

---

Grey peeks out one of the few windows in the hallway. The azure sky is dotted with wispy clouds, and the early afternoon sun feels pleasantly warm. No wonder the maids are working outside. The weather is quite nice.

"Why don't we step outside for a bit?" says Grey. "The garden looks lovely today."

"E-eh? But shouldn't we be investigating?" inquires Koakuma.

"Exactly. Most of the fairy maids are working at the garden. Maybe we can ask them a few questions." he replies.

"Ah! That sounds good," the bat-winged girl says. "One of them may have noticed something important."

"Shall we go?" he asks. Koakuma nods in approval.

After making their way through a few more hallways (they didn't encounter anything unusual), they found themselves outside at the garden. To the left, he can see the front gate at a distance. The gatekeeper should be around the area, but he doesn't see her. Perhaps she is taking a break of some sort (but wouldn't that be slacking off...)? Far to the right, he can see a well maintained hedge maze. He isn't really surprised, since this sort of thing fits the already extravagant mansion pretty well. It does look like a good place to have a walk, though.

In front of him, he can see several fairy maids hanging the laundry and dusting some mattresses. Grey motions for the little devil to follow her toward the staff. Upon seeing them approaching, several of the maids smile and wave. A few even give a bow and a curtsy. One of the fairy maids walks toward them.

"Good afternoon," she says. "How may we help you?"

"Sorry to bother your work," says Grey. "After seeing how nice the weather was, we couldn't help but step outside for a bit."

The fairy maid nods slowly. At first glance, her uniform seems to be the same as the others, but after a few moments, he notices that there is a unique insignia on her dress. Perhaps she has a higher rank than the others.

"When the weather is good, we prioritize hanging the laundry and other similar tasks," she says. "Lady Sakuya is very practical when she gives instructions."

"Speaking of Sakuya, have any of you seen her around recently?" he asks.

The fairy maid blinks at him curiously.

"We haven't seen her since this morning," says the maid. "But she always appears at the appropriate times to give new instructions. Perhaps she will arrive after we are finished here."

"I see," says Grey as he thinks. "In any case, have any of you noticed anything unusual happening this morning? Anything at all?"

She pauses to think.

"Sorry, nothing comes to mind," she says. "You can ask the others, if you like."

"Alright, thanks." he replies.

The fairy maid gives him a bow before turning around to return to her work.

"Wait," says Grey. This one seems a lot more reliable than the other fairy maids. "May I ask for your name?"

"E-excuse me?" replies the maid in surprise.

"That is, if you would care to give it," he says.

"O-of course, Master Grey," she returns. She strokes the strands of her short blonde hair nervously. The way she wears her hair is familiar somehow, especially how one side is longer than the other. Even without a hair ornament, it looks quite attractive, if not a bit boyish.

"My name is Elena," she says with a bow. "It is my pleasure to serve you."

Grey watches as Elena returns to the others. A few of the fairy maids run up to her and chatter excitedly, but she seems to be answering them calmly. Perhaps she is the type to take her work more seriously than most.

A slight tug at his sleeve grabs his attention. Koakuma looks at him thoughtfully, as if asking him where they should go next.

[ ] Head toward the hedge maze. Take a walk with Koakuma.
[ ] Take some time to question the other maids. Perhaps one of them noticed something unusual.
[ ] Walk toward the front gate. Where is the gate guard anyway?
[ ] Go back inside and wander around. Are any of the vampires awake?
[ ] Check the opposite side of the mansion. There may be a few places of interest at the back.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] The Investigation Continues

---

"Are you feeling alright?" asks Koakuma.

Grey turns his head toward the little devil. His mind is filled with confusion. Somehow, he feels that something is off. Did something change?

"Ah! Don't mind it. I'm just fine," says Grey.

Koakuma cocks her head to one side.

"Are you sure you are alright? You look a bit pale." she says.

"Just a headache, I think. Er.. what were we doing again?" he asks.

"Eh? You just told me a moment ago," says Koakuma. "You said that you need to pick up a few things from your room."

"Hmm.. is that so?" mumbles Grey. He is beginning to remember the details now. Koakuma is accompanying him as he continues to investigate the incidents. Just a while ago, he told her that he needs to return to his room for a few minutes.

"Anyway, we should get going," says Koakuma.

She grabs hold of his hand and squeezes it a little bit.

"I'm really glad that you let me come with you," she says. Her smiles kindly at him as they start walking along the hallways.

...

There were several different things in his room, but most of the items seemed like junk. He only took a few things. He decided to take the Stradivarius violin and its case. For some reason, he feels that this will be useful somehow. He also takes some fresh ammo for his pistol, making sure that he has two spare clips. This should be more than enough for any unexpected encounters.

"Are you ready now?" Koakuma asks.

"Yes, I think this will do," he replies.

This time, he won't be caught offguard.

"Huh?" says Grey aloud.

Koakuma looks back at him curiously.

"Is something wrong?" she asks. He really feels that something is weird about this, but he doesn't need to worry her any further.

"Forget it," he says. "Must be my imagination."

"Is that so?" says Koakuma. "Anyway, you still haven't told me where we are going next?"

"I haven't? Hmm.."

Grey pauses to think.

[ ] Check out the front gate. The gatekeeper shouldn't be too busy.
[ ] Go to Flandre's room. She should be asleep at this time, but..
[ ] Explore the second floor. Maybe you can find Remilia's room (she's probably asleep though..).
[ ] Return to the Voile Library. Patchouli should still be there.
[ ] Head to the garden. The maids are working outside.
[ ] Wander around aimlessly. The mansion is huge.
[ ] Search for the lower library chamber. There may be something there.
[ ] Search for another way down the basement. There may be something there.
[ ] Custom

Optional:
[ ] Tell Koakuma that she should stay with Patchouli.
[ ] Tell Koakuma that you don't need her help.

A bright light. He was chasing a bright light. It was so beautiful and pleasant. It reminded him of home. A home that he can't remember. A home that he never had. A home that he will never see. But it was there, right in front of him. He raised his arms to take it into his hands.

Then it vanished. Suddenly, his surroundings changed.

At first, he could see only movement and color. A thousand blurs swirling continuously in a miasma of color. He could feel his head pound as his brain tries to process the images. A few of them seem familiar, while most are completely foreign. Names. Places. Dates. It all hurts his head. He tries to close his eyes, but he can't, for some reason. He struggles until his mind and soul almost breaks in the confusion.

Then something frees him from the pain. Something pulls him from the chaos. And everything begins to grow clearer.

"Can you hear me?" asks a distant voice.

He nods slightly as he waits for his vision to recover. He seems to be standing in some kind of garden. The green bushes and trees calm his eyes. However, when he looks up, he sees, in the place of the sky, a swirling sea of blood and darkness. He shudders slightly as he recognizes humanoid shapes reaching out at him before being swallowed up by the torrent of crimson.

"Can you hear me?" repeats the voice. "I know that your existence should be stable by now."

He turns to the voice. He stares blankly at the person, dressed in a red and pink dress full of frills. He recognizes her immediately, of course. Even without those bat-like wings attached to her back, her deep red eyes and her light blue hair are unmistakeable.

"Remilia?" he asks uncertainly.

The vampire smiles mysteriously at his response.

"Remilia? I suppose that you can call me by that name for now," she says. "Though it doesn't really matter."

"I don't understand," he says.

"You don't need to understand," she says bluntly. "It's already over. You failed."

"I guess I screwed up then," he returns. "So is this hell?"

The vampire raises an eyebrow.

"It can be, if you like," she says. "But what you like doesn't matter either way. You are going back."

"What?" he asks. This is really getting confusing.

"I don't know how many more times I can do this, so get it right this time," she says sternly.

"Get what right?" he asks.

"It doesn't matter," she says, pouting. "You won't remember any of this when you return, so answering your question is completely pointless."

"Huh?" he says.

"Anyway, this is the best chance we all have," she says. "The other one opened the way for this possibility."

Something glimmers in her eyes as she says the word "other".

"Don't waste it," she continues.

A moment passes in silence as she waits for his answer. He doesn't understand, but..

"I will do my best," he says.

The vampire nods at him approvingly.

"Be sure to say 'hi' to the other me when you get back," she adds.

"But how am I supposed to do that if I don't remember any part of this?" he argues.

The vampire stamps her foot on the ground and puts her hands on her waist.

"Just do it anyway!" she pouts. "I won't forgive you if you act mean to me!"

"What?" he says blankly.

"Forget it," she says, sighing. "It's pointless to explain. Anyway, I'm sending you back now, so get ready."

He gives her one final shrug. He still doesn't know what's going on.

[ ] The Investigation Continues
[ ] Entering the Lower Library Chamber
[ ] An Unscheduled Concert

Loading User Commands:
[X] Refuse to accept this madness. "Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」"

---

"G-Grey?" cries Koakuma uneasily. "W-what's going on?"

The bat-winged girl looks up at him, her eyes overflowing with the beautiful color of Scarlet. He knows that she isn't perfect. Her body, mind and soul have not embraced the Scarlet completely. However, he can wait no longer. Her long, crimson hair. Her innocent, kind face. Her deep, clear eyes. Her perfect smooth skin. Her wonderful soft lips. Her everything.

He must. He must have her. He must have her now!

Grey stops playing his instrument. Koakuma pants wearily as she starts to recover. He looks at her thoughtfully for one fleeting moment. She looks up at him, perhaps hoping for an explanation. For a moment, he considers how cute the little devil looks right now, kneeling down before him. Then, he pulls out a familiar spell card from his coat.

"Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」" he says.

Upon declaring the card, his senses become focused and clear. There is only one target, and she is not resisting. He will have her.

"Stand up, Koakuma," he says sternly.

The little devil girl shudders for a few moments before standing herself up from the floor. Her eyes widen as she realizes that her body isn't listening to her. But that doesn't matter now. Koakuma belongs to him.

"W-what's happening?" cries Koakuma.

"Come to me," says Grey, ignoring her question.

Koakuma takes a few clumsy steps forward, as if hesitating. Is she trying to resist? She seems to be blushing furiously as she finds herself only inches away from his face. Perhaps she is feeling shy? But she doesn't seem completely against it. The girl looks so attractive when she is confused by her own feelings.

"Grey," she whispers. "What are you doing?"

He looks deeply into her eyes, giving her a kind smile.

"I know you want this," he says. "You want to be mine."

"W-what? N-no!" she cries. "I mean y-yes! I mean.."

"You don't hate me, do you?" he asks.

Koakuma looks away from him.

"I-I don't dislike you," she whispers.

Then he is simply making manifest their own destiny. They are meant to be together, he and her. Why hesitate? Why question? His power is enough to make both their dreams a reality.

"Then close your eyes," says Grey.

Koakuma closes them slowly. That wasn't a question, of course. He cannot wait for her answer. He does not need her answer. Her smell. Her taste. He must have everything, even if he is to plunder her.

Grey pushes himself onto the girl, his lips hungrily clasping against hers. The taste alone of her soft red lips fills him with excitement. So smooth and soft, nothing in his memory can compare to the sensation. He greedily grabs the little devil through her dress, feeling her delicate curves. Pushing his tongue hard against her, he forces her lips open, entering her cavity.

She does not resist. She does not struggle. She surrenders to his will completely.

He can't wait any more. He pushes her down on the ground and continues to grope her sensitive parts. Running his right hand up her hips, he feels her shiver slightly to his touch. He slowly begins massaging her chest, enjoying her warm softness. He pulls his head away from her lips and begins licking and sucking against her neck. She keeps her head turned away, but as he continues to stimulate her, soft moans begin to escape from her lips. A subtle dampness starts forming between her legs.

He raises his right hand away from her precious place and begins to fondle both her breasts. She moans audibly as her body continues to get stimulated. The sound of her voice excites him even more. He can't wait a second longer. He doesn't care about anything else. He must plunder and conquer her now.

Without warning, he rips the top of her dress open, exposing a dazzling sight before his eyes. The shape, the proportion, and the size - it is simply perfect. Her skin, and the delicate contour of her breasts excite him even more. Slowly, he moves one of his hands to rub against them. He almost loses control as his senses are bombarded with the sensation as he touches her without reserve. He squeezes her softly, as if carefully tasting her wonderful flavor.

Then he looks up at her face.

It is full of tears as Koakuma sobs silently. Transparent and clear, the droplets roll along her face as he watches. He gazes at her, confused and conflicted. He doesn't understand. Why is she crying?

"She doesn't want this," whispers some part of him.

He shakes his head. Why wouldn't she be pleased? She loves him, and he loves her. They are destined be together. Why does she weep?

"She wants you, but not like this," whispers himself. "She did not fall in love with a rapist."

Rapist? But he isn't. He only wanted-

"To plunder her," whispers himself. "Against her will."

...

"She trusted you. But you betrayed that trust. You have become a..."

Don't say it. Don't say it!

"Monster," whispers himself.

Grey pulls away from her. He feels confused. If this is what he did, if this is what he is, then that means..

"The spell card trance is almost up," whispers himself. "You will lose control after it is finished. Control of her, and control of yourself."

No. No! NO! This madness, he will not accept it! He will not betray his friends. He will not betray Koakuma.

He will not accept this fate.

Grey smiles. He understands. He understands what he needs to do. And he will not need to wait for the end of the trance.

He stands up and turns to Koakuma.

"Face your Master, Koakuma, and hear me," he says sternly.

The bat-winged girl stands herself up. Her eyes widen slightly. Her face filled with tears and confusion.

"This is my command," he says.

"G-Grey?" whispers Koakuma.

"Kill me," he whispers.

Koakuma's eyes widen in horror, but her body responds to the command immediately. Before he hears her response, something drives through his chest. He can hear his flesh and bone being ripped apart. A second cleave to his side opens up his intestines. He hears them fall to the ground with a sickening thud. His eyes darken as the pain grows too excruciating to bear.

Suddenly, the world becomes slow. Time almost stands still as he feels himself fall down on his back. His body vibrates as he hits the ground, but he doesn't notice the pain. He knows it must be there, but his brain has blocked it all off. His body must know that he is dying. He looks up at the chamber ceiling. Why is it so bright, all of a sudden?

Someone blocks the brightness. Someone is leaning over him and shaking him. He can feel her tears falling against his cheeks. He smiles as he realizes it. He doesn't deserve such pity.

"Grey!" cries Koakuma. "Open your eyes! You can't die like this! I still..."

He looks up at her and smiles. Such a kind girl, Koakuma. He uses the last of his strength to cry out to her, but it only comes out a whisper.

"Thank.. you..." says he.

And with that final word, the butler's part in this story ends.

BAD END

---

Please wait warmly. Scarlet is preparing.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Take the violin into your hands. She is your inspiration.

---

There is not enough Scarlet. But that doesn't matter now. He will rectify this flaw with his own hands. Koakuma doesn't deserve anything less.

Grey takes the Stradivarius violin from its case. He puts it in his hands and draws its bow. Soon, the chamber echoes with his eerie music. He has never heard this piece before, but he continues playing as if it was the most natural thing to do.

[~You are strong indeed, and you have learned quickly. But to call upon this kind of power...]

This music, too, is full of incredible power, but it isn't coming from the spirit of the instrument. The only spirit that leads his hands is his own. The voice that speaks in riddles is only a spectator to this performance. This is his music. This is his song. This is his everything.

[~However, I will not stop you, if you choose this path...]

Koakuma gasps audibly as he continues to play. The macabre melody fills the room. The ground trembles as his presence becomes more real. The walls resonate with his passion, as if surrendering to his very will.

[~I sense that you still wish to bring good into this world and I cannot betray that...]

He opens his eyes, and behold! The room has been bathed in Scarlet, though this is not just a color any longer. This place ripples with his very spirit! He can feel his influence spreading into every corner. With such power, even this vast magical world can be brought under his control.

[~No matter how twisted the method...]

There is still one thing left that hasn't embraced the Scarlet.

Koakuma has crumpled down on her knees as she struggles against the music. Her face is full of confusion. She doesn't understand this power. But that doesn't matter now. It is only a matter of time until -

Grey almost misses a stroke when he sees it. The little devil seems to be weeping tears. But something is strange. It is only after he finishes the next portion of his song that he realizes it. Her tears are the color of Scarlet. Is she crying blood?

For some strange reason, this doesn't disturb him at all. In fact, it only makes him thirst for more as he continues playing. With this Scarlet upon her face, she is becoming far more beautiful than he had ever imagined. This is better than anything he has ever dreamed. Grey must have her.

Grey? No, that is only a name given to him by the spoiled vampire brat. He has another name. One that even the Heavens dare not call upon.

This time, he won't be stopped.

This world is his birthright.

What?

Grey cannot stop until his thirst is satiated.
[ ] This world calls for your arrival. "Legacy, 「Seal of the Scarlet Lord」"
[ ] She is your faithful servant. "Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」"
[ ] Refuse to accept this madness. "Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」"
[ ] No need for spells. Force yourself upon her!
[ ] Steal a kiss from the girl. This is enough.
[ ] Custom

He looks back at Koakuma. She seems to be speaking, but he can't hear anything. Everything seems so surreal, like this is all a dream. He raises one of his hands, but he can only make out a blur. It feels strange and foreign. He seems to be holding something, but he can't make out what it is.

"..lright?"

What? He looks up at Koakuma. She looks a bit worried. Somehow, that expression doesn't fit her. A cheerful Koakuma is best. Maybe he can put a smile on that face, somehow.

"Koakuma?" he says uneasily. His own voice sounds so distant.

"Grey? Are you feeling alright?" says the little devil. Her voice seems even further away.

He nods at the bat-winged girl. He feels perfectly fine. In fact, he hasn't felt this good in ages. His mind and body are filled with unexplainable energy. He doesn't understand why, but he feels like he can take over the world, if he wants to.

Looking closer at Koakuma, she looks really beautiful right now. He can't explain it. Her long reddish hair perfectly frames her flawless, porcelain skin. He finds himself entranced by her deep, kind eyes. The wings on her head are more dazzling than any hair ornament, he barely stops himself from stroking them. This girl is wonderful. Why hasn't he noticed this before?

Koakuma opens her mouth again, but he can't hear a word. He can't help but smile and nod at her questions. He can't understand her words, but her every movement is simply hypnotizing.

But something is missing. The more he looks at her, the more he realizes it. She is almost perfect. But this isn't enough. The color is off. Her color off.

There is not enough Scarlet.

Grey pulls out a spell card.
[ ] Have her embrace perfection. Paint her completely Scarlet.
[ ] She is your servant. Bind her to your will.
[ ] Pull out your pistol. This calls for a celebration and a festival.
[ ] Take the violin into your hands. She is your inspiration.

"The lower library? Of course I know of it. Patchouli has all of the old books and other things stored there," says Koakuma.

"Can you lead me there?" asks Grey. "I have a feeling that we may find something of interest."

"I suppose so," the bat-winged girl says, clearly perplexed. "But I don't remember telling you about the lower library."

"Eh? Ah, don't mind it," Grey says. "I just heard about it earlier, and I thought that it might be a good idea to check it out."

"Alright then," Koakuma says, a cheerful smile upon her face. "Just follow me."

The little devil leads him deep into the library, taking exactly the same path that Patchouli did in his dream. They pass countless rows of shelves until they arrive at a large staircase leading deep underground. This place seems familiar, somehow. A glance over the side reveals several levels, each filled with shelves and books. How deep is the Voile Library anyway?

"Are you sure you want to go down?" she asks without looking back. Somehow, he feels like he has heard this before.

"There is something we need to find down there," he says.

"Alright then," she says. Koakuma twirls around to face him, the wings on her head fluttering excitedly.

"I trust you," whispers the little devil.

They continue down the staircase to the lowest floor underground. He loses count of the number of floors they passed. He feels like he just climbed down a steep mountain of some kind. Grey pauses to catch his breath.

"Are you alright?" Koakuma asks.

"J-just fine," he says between pants. "I guess I didn't expect this place to be so deep."

"The Voile Library extends deep underground," explains Koakuma. "Mistress Patchouli creates another floor every other year to accomodate her collection. Her magic ensures that all of the books remain in good condition."

"What? Does that girl even come down here?" says Grey.

"Every once in a while," replies Koakuma. "The expansion of the library is a regular task. When she originally arrived here, the old library was much smaller."

Old library? Somehow, that part feels important, but Grey doesn't really understand. He doesn't ask anything else as they continue down the stairs. Eventually, they reach the very bottom. He doesn't know how much time has passed.

Grey surveys the deepest floor. He immediately recognizes the chamber door. This is the exact same place where he...

"Come, I'd like to show you something," Koakuma says as he pulls him straight into the chamber.

Welcome back. I knew that you would come. You can't turn away from this.

"What?" says Grey. There must be something wrong with his head.

It is time to begin. I will let you lead the performance in this wonderful chamber.

"Let's go! Hurry!" says Koakuma.

"W-Wait!" cries Grey. His plea falls on deaf ears as the little devil girl continues to pull at him.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Take her with you. Exploring alone is dangerous.
[X] Return to your room. You can organize your inventory.
[X] Search for the lower library chamber. There may be something there.

---

"I'll be glad to have her company," says Grey. "Wandering around alone in this mansion doesn't seem to be a good idea."

"A wise decision," says Patchouli as she continues reading. "Perhaps you are not as reckless as I first thought."

"P-Please take care of me!" stammers Koakuma.

What?

After saying farewell to Patchouli, who dismisses them with a wave, Grey and Koakuma head out of the library. The little devil follows a small distance behind him. He can hardly hear her footsteps. While having a pretty girl follow you around is novel, he feels a bit unnerved by it all the same. Perhaps some conversation can break this awkward atmosphere.

"Hey Koakuma," he starts. "Aren't you curious about where we are going?"

"E-Eh?" says Koakuma. "Umm... so where are we going, then?"

When he turns around to face her, she seems completely out of it. Her face gradually turns red as he continues to stare. This seems strange. Why is she so distracted all of a sudden?

"Are you feeling alright?" asks Grey.

"Ah! Y-Yes, I'm just fine," says Koakuma. "Maybe I'm just a little bit.."

Grey doesn't catch the last word, as she says it only in a whisper. But if she says that she is fine, then he shouldn't pursue the issue unnecessarily.

"Alright then," says Grey. "Do you mind if we pass by my room for a bit?"

"W-What?" mumbles the little devil. Why is she so nervous? He isn't going to eat her or anything. Not if he can help it, anyway.

"I just need to pick up a few things," he says. "I hope you don't mind."

...

After a few minutes, Grey tells her that he is ready.

There were several different things in his room, but most of the items seemed like junk. He only took a few things. He decided to take the Stradivarius violin and its case. For some reason, he feels that this will be useful somehow. He also takes some fresh ammo clips for his pistol, making sure that he has two spare clips. This should be more than enough for any unexpected encounters.

"Are you ready now?" Koakuma asks.

Grey gives her a solemn nod. This time, he won't be caught offguard.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Wait patiently.

---

Surprisingly enough, Grey finds that he has nothing to say. He already greeted Koakuma, and Patchouli seems to be finished speaking. A glance at the pink and purple wizard tells him that she is focused on her reading (though he could be wrong). Koakuma seems especially agitated, for some reason. She fidgets nervously as she peeks at his face occasionally.

Three more minutes pass in deafening silence. The only notable movements during this period were Patchouli taking a sip of her tea (she didn't pause in her reading) and Koakuma gasping slightly when he chose to stare at her for a while (he looked away immediately). Grey considers how to excuse himself from this meeting. But before he opens his mouth, the bat-winged finally speaks.

"E-excuse me," stammers Koakuma. "I-I was wondering if you need a-any help with your investigation. I s-suppose I can accompany you if you like."

She quickly looks away after saying that. Her cheeks are a bit pink, and both pairs of her bat-wings (on her head and her back) are shivering a bit, as if it is cold.

"Hmm, I guess," says Grey. He glances at Patchouli, who shows no visible reaction. "I suppose that it is alright as long as I'm not stopping you from any urgent work."

Koakuma's wings droops slightly at this. She turns hopefully at the pink and purple wizard, as if asking for permission.

"She doesn't have any urgent duties," states Patchouli. "If she can be of assistance, then feel free to take her."

Her wings perk up immediately, and Koakuma does a poor job of hiding her excitement.

"I-I will do my best!" she says.

"Only if he needs your help," the magician adds.

"O-of course," says Koakuma. She looks up at Grey longingly.

"E-er..." he mutters.

Koakuma looks quite happy.
[ ] Take her with you. Exploring alone is dangerous.
[ ] She should stay with Patchouli. The magician is anemic.
[ ] You don't need her help.

Where should he go next?
[ ] Return to your room. You can organize your inventory. (Koakuma can carry a few things, if she comes)
[ ] Head to the garden. The maids are working outside.
[ ] Head to the front gate. The gatekeeper shouldn't be too busy.
[ ] Head to Flandre's room. She should be asleep at this time, but...
[ ] Head to the kitchen. It is usually empty at this time.
[ ] Stay in the Voile Library. This place is huge.
[ ] Search for the lower library chamber. There may be something there.
[ ] Search for another way down the basement. There may be something there.
[ ] Custom

Optional (If Koakuma comes with you):
[ ] Ask Koakuma about the other areas of the mansion.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Offer to answer a few questions in return.

---

"I'd be happy to answer a few of your questions, if you'd like," offers Grey.

"Perhaps there is time to ask one question," mumbles Patchouli.

The pink and purple wizard pauses, as if in deep thought.

"This morning, did you visit the clock tower or the basement?" she asks.

"I visited the clock tower," he replies. Somehow, mentioning Sakuya here doesn't seem like a good idea.

"I see," says Patchouli. She seems strangely satisfied by the answer.

The magician returns to her reading. Without anything to say, Grey just sits quietly as he waits for the little devil girl arrives. After a few minutes, he hears the sound of footsteps approaching them from one of the rows. Koakuma steps from behind the shelf, holding only a single book in her hands.

"Mistress! I found the book you were looking for -" she says. "Ah!"

The little devil stares at Grey with mouth agape. Koakuma's eyes widen and she covers her chest shyly. He manages to give her a smile and a wave, which she returns hesitantly.

"Have a seat with us," says Patchouli.

"O-of course," replies Koakuma. She takes a seat across from Grey.

For a good two minutes, the three of them sit silently together. Patchouli seems preoccupied with her book (she is ignoring the one Koakuma brought). Koakuma nervously stares at the wooden table, as if trying to think of something to say.

Grey ponders the situation carefully.
[ ] Talk to Koakuma.
[ ] Talk to Patchouli.
[ ] Talk to both of them.
[ ] Wait patiently.
[ ] Stand up and leave.
[ ] Custom

Optional:
[ ] Specify the topic of discussion.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Ask about the curse.
[X] Ask about the Mansion's previous guest.
[X] Ask about Sakuya.

---

"There are many questions to ask," says Patchouli. "Why don't you start?"

Grey clears his throat before he speaks. While there are certainly a lot of questions to ask, he must first deal with those that seem urgent. Remilia did leave him with this task, so some questioning shouldn't be out of place.

"This might be a strange question," says Grey. "But may I ask, respectfully, if you have heard anything about a curse upon this place?"

Patchouli's eyes widen slightly at the question, but she shows no other reaction. She calmly takes a sip of her tea before answering. If anything else, she seems to be intentionally acting neutral.

"I suppose that it was only a matter of time till you heard about the curse," she says. "While many of the residents in the Mansion know of it, few dare discuss the topic openly. Remilia herself instructed that no one speak of the curse."

She turns to read her book before she continues.

"Remilia made it clear to all of us that it shouldn't be made known, especially to you," she adds.

"What is this curse?" Grey asks. "And why must it be hidden?"

"..."

Patchouli continues reading, showing no further intention to speak. After a few minutes, Grey calms himself down and decides to ask the next question.

"There was a guest in this place before I arrived," he says. "What happened to him?"

This time, Patchouli almost stumbles off her chair. It takes her a few moments to compose herself. She looks deep into his eyes, as if trying to scry his true motives. Her speech is slow and careful.

"He left," she says.

"What?" says Grey.

"I said that he isn't here anymore!" Patchouli cries out.

Grey backs off in reflex, shocked by her reaction. Suddenly, Patchouli starts coughing violently. She waves off Grey's offer to help, muttering that she just needs to rest for a bit. The next few minutes follow awkwardly in silence. This must be a really sensitive topic in the Mansion. But in spite of this fact, it is the pink and purple wizard that finally breaks the silence.

"That person was kind," she says. "But something went wrong. He started changing. Remilia got seriously injured."

"What happened?" asks Grey.

Patchouli turned to look at him, the saddest expression upon her face.

"He left," says Patchouli. "He vanished without a trace."

"I see," he manages. He better not push the topic any further. The magician turns back to her book as he thinks about something else. Perhaps he can talk about someone who is still living in the Mansion.

"May I ask if you noticed anything strange about Sakuya lately?" he asks.

Patchouli raises her eyes from her book, looking at him thoughtfully.

"She suspects me," says the magician. "But that is expected. Trust has become a rare commodity in this Mansion."

"Does she have good reason to suspect you?" asks Grey.

Patchouli pauses, looking straight into his eyes with determination.

"This place is my home," answers Patchouli.

She returns to her reading, occasionally taking a sip from her tea. Patchouli hasn't touched the biscuits.

"Koakuma is on the way here," she says.

[ ] Offer to answer a few questions in return.
[ ] Grab a book and start reading beside her.
[ ] Sit silently and wait for the little devil girl.
[ ] Excuse yourself and leave.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Head to the Voile Library. Patchouli should be feeling better by now.
[X] Bring it with you on a tray.

---

Grey takes his time as he prepares the teapot for transport. He adds a few biscuits before taking it out of the kitchen. Now equipped with tea and biscuits, he steps out with the confidence to take on the world (honestly, he would rather face something a bit smaller).

He makes his way toward the Voile Library without meeting anyone else. The maids must be busy outside in the garden. Meiling should be at the gate, and the vampires should be asleep. Sakuya could be anywhere at this time of the day. He easily makes it to the library entrance without incident.

Grey pauses as he surveys the place. The Voile Library, restored to its original condition, is now completely silent. The rows of shelves are deserted, and the only signs of life are a few loose piles of books, carelessly strewn about. For a place of learning, the Voile Library almost seems like a tomb with its silence and dust.

He heads toward Patchouli's reading corner. Thankfully, he still remembers the directions from his earlier visit. The library is like a labyrinth for those who are unfamiliar, and it is still difficult to navigate even if you know the way. He wonders quietly about how Patchouli keeps the place organized, if indeed, it has some predetermined arrangement.

After a few minutes of wandering, he finds himself approaching Patchouli's chair and reading desk. Her cushy seat is empty, but it only takes Grey a few moments to spot the pink and purple wizard. He approaches Patchouli, who is busy examining a heavy tome just a few shelves to the right.

"Good afternoon," says Patchouli without looking up.

"Good afternoon," returns Grey. "I have brought you some tea and biscuits."

"Thank you," she replies. She turns around to face him, a neutral expression on her face. For a few moments, she stares at him closely in silence. Grey manages to stay calm, though her gaze is quite penetrating.

"What happened to the barrier?" asks Patchouli, a hint of worry in her voice.

"I sort of used it up," replies Grey. "I encountered a bit of trouble earlier."

"I see," she says. "I suppose that it is fine, as long as you return uninjured."

Patchouli returns to her reading. Grey waits for her to say something, but she stays silent for next few minutes. She seems completely engrossed in her studies.

"I'll leave this at the table," he says as he prepares to head back.

"Wait," says Patchouli. She pauses, as if in deep thought. Finally, she closes the tome and looks at him straight in the eyes.

"Would you care to have a short discussion?" she asks politely.

The pink and purple wizard doesn't wait for him to answer as she starts walking toward her reading area. Grey follows, the tray still in his hands. Patchouli takes her seat and props the book up in front of her. He sits on the chair opposite the magician, waiting patiently for her to speak.

"There are many questions to ask," says Patchouli. "Why don't you start?"

Grey pauses to think. He can probably start with two or three questions.
[ ] Ask about herself.
[ ] Ask about Koakuma.
[ ] Ask about Sakuya.
[ ] Ask about Remilia.
[ ] Ask about Flandre.
[ ] Ask about Meiling.
[ ] Ask about the fairy maids.
[ ] Ask about the Mansion's previous guest.
[ ] Ask about your dreams.
[ ] Ask about the "old mansion".
[ ] Ask about the Watchmaker.
[ ] Ask about the curse.
[ ] Ask about the youkai attacks.
[ ] Ask about spell cards.
[ ] Ask about the Human Village.
[ ] Ask about the clock tower.
[ ] Ask about the lower library.
[ ] Ask about the basement.
[ ] Ask about his room.
[ ] Ask about something else. (Specify.)

Grey should think carefully about what to ask.

Loading User Commands:
[X] classic and elegant
[X] two servings

---

"Classic and elegant," Grey says aloud. "But what should I make?"

To the left is a shelf full of cooking manuals. He quickly grabs the first one written in English and browses through the different dishes. Finding nothing of interest, he returns it to the shelf and begins going through the other manuals. Only after several minutes of searching does he find exactly what he wants.

"Paella," whispers Grey. His mouth is already beginning to water.

This internationally well known dish is made up of rice, meat, seafood, beans and vegetables. Originally from eastern Spain, the dish has gained popularity in many different countries all over the world. Such a cultured dish will certainly satisfy anyone else who might be hungry for lunch. In any case, he feels like making enough for at least two persons.

Grey pulls up his sleeves and puts on his imaginary chef's hat. Cooking time is now.

...

"Should have stuck to 'Easy Meals with Shirou' instead," mutters Grey. He sighs as he looks over his work.

Most of the rice is dark brown, due to it being burnt together with the vegetables. The shrimps are clearly overcooked, but the shellfish have somehow remained raw. Worst of all, the beans just smell awful. Forget about being classic and elegant; he isn't even sure if the dish is edible!

He takes a bite of the stuff, and immediately discovers that the dish tastes just as bad as it looks. However, he can't just throw the food away after all that work. Who knows what would happen if Sakuya caught him wasting perfectly good ingredients?

Grey quickly wolfs down the meal to destroy the evidence. After the first few bites, his tongue turns completely numb, so he manages to finish both servings. He most certainly can't let anyone else taste his failed culinary experiment.

After the meal, he takes a seat and leisurely drinks his tea. While this type of tea doesn't usually go with Paella, it is the only thing he made that came out decent. He manages to wash down the last of the stuff with it.

Suddenly, he hears it. Muffled laughter is coming from outside. The voice is clearly female, but he can't tell who it is. By the time he turns around, the person is no longer by the doorway, though he can hear a hurried patter of tiny footsteps heading along the hallways. From the sound of it, the person must be running toward the Voile Library or the basement, though he could be mistaken.

For some reason, the first person that comes to mind is Tewi. He barely stops himself from calling out loudly for the lucky rabbit girl. What is he thinking? Eientei is nowhere near here.

After cleaning up rest of the dishes, he notices that the other cup of tea is untouched and still warm. The little teapot beside it is also quite full of fresh tea. It would be a waste to simply leave it here.

Grey absent-mindedly reloads his gun as he considers what to do next.
[ ] Return to your room for a bit. You need time to think.
[ ] Head to the garden. The maids are hanging up the laundry there.
[ ] Head to the front gate. Maybe you can catch Meiling on her break.
[ ] Head to Flandre's room. The little sister might be lonely.
[ ] Head to the Voile Library. Patchouli should be feeling better by now.
[ ] Explore the second floor. Maybe you can find Remilia's room.
[ ] Search for the lower library chamber. (You have a bad feeling about going alone)
[ ] Search for another way down the basement. (You have a bad feeling about going alone)
[ ] Custom

The tea...
[ ] Bring it with you on a tray.
[ ] Clean it up along with the rest of the items.

[X] Inventory
A Mauser C96. Early semi-automatic pistol. You have one unused magazine for reloading.
(3) Blank spell cards. You can inscribe spells on them.
A pair of sturdy workgloves. They won't be replaced.
A spell card. "Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」"

[X] Effects
None.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Head to the kitchen. You should get something to eat.

---

Grey's stomach rumbles once more, finalizing his decision. Before anything else, he must eat something. Going on with an empty stomach is just asking for trouble - what if he collapses in some abandoned part of the Mansion? He would surely be eaten by some wandering hungry youkai.

He takes a moment to examine his things. Everything he brought in the tower seems to be here, including a spell card that is no longer blank.

The spell card has several strange symbols and designs. At the center is a picture of a king with a jeweled scepter in his hand. Before him is a heavily armored knight, who genuflects in reverence. Around the two figures lie a forest of spears sprouting from the ground. The caption at the bottom reads, "Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」".

He isn't sure how it happened, but it looks like he managed to inscribe the skill on one of the blank spell cards during the battle. This will surely come in handy.

On the way to the kitchen, he meets a pair of fairy maids carrying a basket full of laundry. He gives them a wave as he passes by. They greet him politely before heading outside. Curious, he takes a glance out the window. Seems like they are hanging up the clothes to take advantage of the hot noontime sun.

Like last time, both the dining room and kitchen are completely deserted. Since the vampires are usually asleep at this time, he isn't surprised that there isn't any one here. Lunch would be equivalent to a late night snack to them.

The kitchen is well stocked with just about any ingredient he might need. Too bad Grey isn't that great a cook.

He is cooking something...
[ ] quick and simple
[ ] classic and elegant
[ ] new and exciting

He is making...
[ ] one serving
[ ] two servings
[ ] as much as he can