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