#otome game script

[hannah-deactivated20220725]

The Kissing Booth, Intro: All Character Starts

This is a rewrite of an old WIP of mine, called The Kissing Booth. It is kind of an otome game-esque dating simulator game thingy I'm making the "script" for, only instead of being in the format of a script, it's in story format.

Anyway, here is the beginning/intro of the game.

--

To start, there are 5 characters you can play for. There's Chef Geoff, who anyone can play to try to win over. There's Belinda, who only females can play to win over. There's Clarissa, who anyone can play to win over. There's Luka, who anyone can play to win over and there's Glorie, who only men can play to try to win over.

Pick the top 3 characters you'd like to try to go for. Now, you start with 3 points. Points are what make or break your relationship with the character. Put 1 point toward your top 3 characters you'd like to win over.

Have you picked them? You have your points down? Alright, click Read More and let's get to playing!

You sigh as you better organize the stock at your flower shop and tilt your head to the side a bit.

"It looks perfect," a voice announces from behind you, making you start. You hadn't even heard the door open or the bell ring. "Sorry, did I scare you?"

"Just startled me," you correct, shaking your head as you finish what you were doing before turning to face the person speaking to you. "What are you doing here so early? You don't work for another hour."

"Oh... I fucked up big with the missus. I need flowers." You roll your eyes.

"What did you do now?" You ask, expertly arranging the bouquet that he always gets when he gets makeup flowers for his woman. He puts a hand up to stop you and shakes his head.

"No, those aren't enough." Your eyes widen slightly. Not enough? He must have done something serious.

"What do you want then?" You ask. He glances over at a bouquet next to the register. Your eyes widen further. "You sure? That bouquet is-"

"I know how much it is... I also know she knows how much it is and knows that it isn't just some cheap bouquet." You nod your understanding and move to grab the bouquet and get it ready for purchase. He slams down a wad of bills on the counter between the bouquet you're handling and the register.

"You must have done something really stupid," you say simply. He doesn't offer a reply this time, only looks away, clearly upset with himself. You hesitate. "I'm sure it'll be fine," you try to reassure him. "You've done some stupid shit and she always understands. Eventually. It just might take a bit of extra time."

His lip quivers slightly and you shift uncomfortably.

"It's not fine," he simply says, voice heavy with emotion. "Now please get the flowers ready and I'll be on my way."

You want to say something more but when he turns to walk out of the room and into the bathroom, you sigh, finishing the wrapping and placing the flowers in your most expensive vase. You hope everything will be okay.

Partly because it's weird to see him so emotional, but also you love them as a couple.

What did he do?

You heave another sigh and glance up just as your first customer of the day arrives.

It's...

Select Your Crush:

Belinda (females only; difficulty: hard): a woman with a mysterious aura. Long brown hair that almost seems black and a dark personality to boot. She's almost always drunk when she comes in, but my god is she striking to look at.

Clarissa: Beautiful young woman with long pink hair and pink eyes, oddly enough. You're pretty sure she uses colored contacts though she insists it's her real eye color. She's really outgoing and flirty and comes in frequently, always asking about you.

Glorie (males only): a young woman with deep green eyes and greenish-bluish hair. She has a love of water and a beautiful sing-song voice. There is something that pulls her to you, but you can't quite explain it. Whatever it is, you really like her.

Luka: a young man with a heart of gold. He has actually come into the store and bought large bouquets and you watched as he's given out flowers from them to random passersby on the street, confirming they were random when the people came into the store asking about him. He was clearly an athlete in school, but he's just such a sweet man, it's hard to imagine he was the kind of popular guy that was a bully too. Everyone loves him. And much to your dismay, you're not exception.

Chef Geoff (difficulty: hard): a beautiful chef with a passion for his craft. He loves to cook and is always talking about experiments he wants to make. He's actually fairly friendly, inviting people to his restaurant to try his food, though he seems not to really ever want to talk about anything else. His smile draws you in, with his eyes smiling along with his mouth... you want to feel what that mouth would feel like pressed against yours. You find yourself feeling quite dreamy any time he walks into the room.

Who would you like to try to woo? Links will be added as each character's start is written.

Belinda // Clarissa // Glorie // Luka // Chef Geoff

[anqelbean]

What was even up with the system during the Water Prison Scene. Why the otome game options. From what I remember that feature never makes a reappearance. Why is System like that. What compelled it to do that. Did it want to trigger a papapa scene. I mean of course it did with the clothes ripping and all, but like. Why did it turn from a book to an otome game. Did svsss in the real world get made into a game. Is that why....Questions

[vynegar]

"Albie" (main story 11-21)

At the end of Episode 11 (Part 1), we find out that "Albie" is simply a name that Vyn made up on the spot when Rosa asked. He may have been inspired by his own birth name, Vilhelm Richard Albert de Haspran.

In Chinese, Vyn choose the name "阿明". "阿" is a prefix used to form nicknames, "明" can be a name but also means "bright, clear". In Vyn's Romantic Rail Getaway card "Food for Thought", he tells us the meaning of his name:

You can see the character 明 appear in the word 明亮 ("bright"), although 明 is such a common character that I wouldn't say that this Chinese text alone is enough is sufficient evidence to show the connection between the two names. It's the way that the "Albie" and "阿明" happen to coincide in the name "Albert", which made me take note of Vyn's "careless" choice in name.

If the Chinese name was intended to subtly reference "Albert", I can certainly imagine imagine this as one way to preserve that reference through translation, even if it becomes more obvious. We do have an example of the translation preserving plot-relevant wordplay in a name: Lowe Leare ("Lowly"), originally 萧仁 ("小人", both pronounced "xiao ren" but with different tones). However, there's also an incident of a plot-relevant name being missed through translation, though it was in an event (not the main story) that probably foreshadowed a distant plot point and had infamously bad translation issues.

Anyway, it remains possible that "Albie" is a coincidence. However, after Vyn and Rosa wrap up their conversation about Albie's name, the narration makes a comment on the importance of that moment:

It isn't until the whole case is settled that you are surprised to realize something... You had briefly touched on the key to cracking the case at this very moment.

...which at least gives me enough confidence to not feel silly writing up a whole post about it. We've only seen part of this case, and there's a lot of mystery still surrounding Vyn's behavior so I don't have any definitive hypotheses on why Vyn might have chosen his own name for Albie. Is there something that made Vyn seen himself in Albie? Did the delinquent's attitude remind Vyn of the cruel, stratified world that he was born in? Is he reminded of how people who have imperfections will be tossed aside and abandoned? I guess we'll see when part 2 of this episode is released.

[shiawase-rina]

The Sleepless King script

I transcribed the entire script of the Newcomers Performance “The Sleepless King” so that everyone can have easier access to it!

(1) Castle of the Sleepless King

Distant fanfare can be heard.

A single light shines down upon a maiden.

The maiden dashes toward the front of the stage, as if led by the fanfare.

She discovers the castle and looks up at it. 

Maiden: "...It is there." 

Maiden: “The castle of the Sleepless King!"

The sound of the fanfare suddenly becomes louder.

The maiden exits the stage, rushing toward the castle.

Hall

Lights come on and the stage is set at the castle hall. 

All of the castle's servants are lined up.

Minister: “The king has arrived!"

King: “...”

The castle's servants bow their heads down.

The king takes his seat on the throne.

The servants lift their heads up in uncomfortable silence.

Minister: “...”

Minister: "Head maid, go and greet the king this morning."

Head Maid: "I am much too frightened. The knight should do it."

Knight: "I greet him not through words, but through my actions. Though the head cook is different, I'm sure."

Cook: "I chop, boil, and garnish as my morning greeting. Though I see the chambermaid is gazing upon the king with great interest."

Chambermaid: "N-No. Um, Right! I was only thinking that the king's throne must be polished! The fortune teller's gaze upon the king is so fierce that even his crystals are sparkling!"

Fortune teller: "I seek only to divine the future from within a hazy swirl. Mm-hmm, today's fortune is, 'No harm shall come to those who keep away from the king.' The good crystals say the minister should greet him."

Minister: "Fortunes cannot be trusted. The head maid should do it."

Head Maid: “The knight should."

Knight: "No, the cook would be better."

Cook: “'Then, the chambermaid should."

Chambermaid: "The fortune teller should."

Fortune Teller: "The crystals say the minister should..." 

King: "Silence!" 

The king stands up.

King: "Enough with your incessant squawking so early this morning! Do you think I have

awoken from a full night's rest as you have?!"

Minister: "Your Majesty, so you were not…”

King: "Not last night, nor the night before, nor the one before that. Not one, two, even three years before! Not four or five years, not six, seven, or eight. Not nine years or ten years ago... Yes, for ten years now, I have not slept a wink!"

King: "Even still, you all are... Urk!"

Minister: "What is the matter, Your Majesty?"

King: "My usual dizziness. From all your shouting."

The king sits down on his throne.

The king's head droops down. The servants gulp nervously. 

Silence.

The king quickly raises his head.

King: "...You laughed at me just now, didn't you?!"

Minister:  "Of course not. No one here would laugh at you, Your Majesty."

King: "No, you did, you most certainly did. I heard a laugh he a child's..."

King: "...Urk!"

The king is startled. His expression changes to fear.

King: "What was that? Dark, writhing, eerie shadows... No, not shadows, but insects! Wasps! A swarm of wasps!"

The king swings his sword around him.

Minister: “Your Majesty, please be calm. There is not a single wasp here!"

King: 'What are you saying?! I see them here, there, everywhere!"

King: "...What do you mean by this look? Do you fear, not the wasps, but me?" 

Minister: "I meant no such discourtesy!"

King: "Silence! Enough! Begone!" 

The king sits upon the throne with his head down.

Minister: “The king's mind is besieged again by this suffering. What are we to do to help him find sleep?"

Knight: "Hmph. Find sleep? Wherever will it be found? It has been ten years since the king last slept, ten years! He has been attended to by renowned doctors. We have consulted the knowledge of esteemed scholars. We have done everything possible!"

Head Maid: "Such as having him take long rides on his horse for the hunt, so he can sleep well at night."

Cook: "Herb soups to warm him up from the inside, and pickled and fermented herring to knock him out."

Chambermaid: "Comfortable beds, soothing perfumes, and card games for three days and three nights straight."

Knight: "But the king will not sleep. In the end, even a proclamation was issued. One promising a reward for the one who can put the king to sleep."

Fortune Teller: "Many have come to us from within the kingdom, and even lands beyond. Famous minstrels and street performers. Even ordinary folk coming as though on a picnic. It became a noisy festival, far from a restful environment in which the king could sleep."

Knight: "And the blood drained from all their faces when the angered, sleepless king stood before them. It put a stop to the visitors at once, and all that remained was the king's suffering and the name of 'Sleepless King'."

Knight: “We have run out of options. If that is the case, we simply must embrace his new existence as the Sleepless King!"

Head Maid: "It is as the knight proclaims. We must not force our opinions upon His Majesty."

Cook: "Precisely. I do not wish to be scolded if I can avoid it."

Chambermaid: "B-But then, what of the king...?"

Knight: “What?"

Chambermaid "Ah, no, its nothing..."

Fortune Teller: "My crystals claim it would be a most excellent idea to await the occurrence of a fortuitous event."

Knight: "Meaning we mustn't act unnecessarily. Only sit still and endure, for the king's sake. THAT is true loyalty to the king."

Minister: "But then, at this rate..."

The maiden enters the hall.

Maiden: "Excuse me..."

Maiden: "Oh, my word... So this is the main hall of the castle..."

The castle's servants do not notice the maiden.

The king looks up through half-closed eyes.

King: "Hm...?"

Maiden: “The rug is woven with maple leaves of red, the marble carvings are as smooth as mountain goats' milk, and the chandelier glimmers as do fireflies in a cave!"

King: “...Hey. Hey! An intruder to the castle has snuck in!”

Minister: "Ah, another illusion." 

Head Maid: “The king must be exhausted." 

Only the chambermaid notices her and is surprised.

King: "There! See there! All of you, open your eyes and look where I'm pointing!"

Knight: "Everyone, be calm. In times like these, we must go along with our king, even if it means lying. If he claims someone is there, then so it must be. Now, let us look where the king is directing us.”

Everyone looks in the direction the king is pointing.

The maiden gives a start. 

Maiden: "Ah... G-Good morning!"

Knight: "...Strange. I, too, see the illusion."

Head Maid: “As do I.”

Cook: "I, as well. Perhaps from stirring the stew all night without rest?"

Maiden: "Oh, dear... My arrival has surely confused them, for I have not yet been properly introduced."

Minister: “This is more than a matter of introductions. We cannot even discern whether or not you are real."

Maiden: "Everyone in the castle has been educated so! I cannot begin to understand such philosophical musings."

Fortune Teller: "Here, allow me to inquire with my crystals... There."

The fortune teller presses a crystal against the maiden.

Maiden: “Ow.”

Fortune Teller: "I felt resistance... The spirits beyond the veil have spoken! The maiden is real!"

Knight: "How is THAT fortune telling?! Anyone can see she is real at first glance..."

Maiden: "Th-The king! It's the king. The king is really here...!"

King: "Hmm? This is my castle. Of course I would be here."

Maiden: "Oh, what misery is etched upon your face... I see now the truth behind the name 'Sleepless King...."

Knight: "You, maiden! You are not an illusion, but a trespasser! How did you get in?! There should have been guards at the entrance!"

Maiden: “They let me in when I told them my reason for being here."

Knight: "Reason? What reason can a maiden like you have for standing before me?"

Maiden: "I came in response to the proclamation! The one conferring a reward to whoever can put the king to sleep."

King: “...!”

Knight: “What foolishness is this? That edict was given years ago. It resulted in nothing more than riffraff littering the castle, further disturbing the king's rest. Now, begone with you!"

Maiden: "Please wait! My village lies at the furthest reaches of the kingdom, and it has taken time for word to arrive. Longer still for me to prepare the funds for my journey. I set off as soon as I could. To me, your edict is not merely a thing of the past!"

Maiden: "I have practiced singing lullabies in order to put the king to sleep. Please, allow me to sing a song for him!"

Knight: "You have wasted enough of the king's time. Now, off with you."

King: "...Wait."

King: "I see you are desperate. Tell me, what reward has motivated your journey thus far? A hundred gold coins? A plot of land as far as the eye can see?" 

Maiden: "No. The reward I desire is something far more brilliant and everlasting."

King: "Get to the point already. What is it?"

Maiden: "I… wish to become queen!" 

Subordinates: "Queen?!"

Restless murmuring echoes through the castle hall.

The king is taken aback.

King: "You mean, to become MY queen?" 

Maiden: "Yes!"

Knight: "Truly outrageous...! You wish to become queen and seize power over the kingdom?! Are you a spy sent from another land?!"

Maiden: "No! That is not my intention whatsoever!"

Minister: "So what ARE your intentions, then?"

Maiden: 'W-Well..."

King: “No need to be reserved. Speak."

Maiden: “...”

King: "Quickly."

Maiden: "It is because I am in love with you!"

King: "...What? You are in love with me?"

Maiden: "Should I have another reason to want to become your queen?"

King: "Well, hm..."

Maiden: “When I was a child, I came to the castle to watch the centennial procession celebrating the kingdom's founding. It was the first time I had seen a world so bright and colorful, so filled with people and life... As I looked around, one thing in particular shone more brilliantly than the rest. It was you, when you were but a prince."

Maiden: “You looked so gallant and wise, with such kind eyes... As I gazed at you, struck with awe, you waved to me."

Cook: "See here. Of course a prince would be waving at a procession."

Maiden: "I understand that, of course! But, but... I was so happy. On that day, I had fallen for the king. That is why..."

Knight: "How ridiculous. We mustn't force the king to listen to the ramblings of some commoner. Off with you, I say!"

Maiden: "Ah. W-Wait, please... Allow me just... just one song!"

King: “...”

King: "All right. Then sing."

Knight: "Your Majesty?!"

Maiden: "...Thank you so very much!"

Minister: "Are you sure about this?"

King: "It may alleviate some boredom. Let her sing her song and be gone from here."

Maiden: “Then, I shall sing a lullaby passed down within my village. I pray you will sleep soundly, Your Majesty..." 

Maiden: "La-la-la..."

King: “...”

Minister: "This is..."

Fortune Teller: "How very unexpected. She has a voice as clear as a stream of spring water."

Knight: "Hm? Hmm..."

Cook: "The king is listening with his eyes closed."

Chambermaid: “What a simple, gentle lullaby..."

The maiden finishes her lullaby.

Maiden: "...Hahh."

King: “...” 

Maiden: “...”

King: "..I see."

Maiden: "Ah. Are you sleepy...?"

King: "It is as you can see. That was impressive for a common maiden, but I have heard many others who have sung just as well."

King: "It was a pleasant performance. I will at least provide expenses for your journey back. However, that is all. Put an end to your ridiculous dream and live the rest of your peaceful days in your village."

The king tosses a single silver coin to her.

It drops to the floor clinking sound.

Maiden: “Ah…”

Maiden: “...”

Maiden: "...Your Majesty!"

King: "...What is it? Is that not enough?"

Maiden: "I do not desire money! Please, allow me to try once more tomorrow!"

King: “What...?"

Maiden: "Please, I beg you..."

King: “...”

King: “Was I not clear that this is the end?"

Maiden: "...Urk. I understand. But still...!"

King: “...”

King: "...Hahh. Do as you please."

The king leaves the room.

Cook: “Wait, wait! What are you doing, talking back to the king?! I was terrified just watching you!"

Head Maid: 'What impudence..."

Knight: “That is why I said she must be sent back at once! We cannot let her set off the king's anger again. Come now, you are leaving the castle!"

Maiden: "N-No!"

Knight: "Hey, get back here!"

Fortune Teller: "What do we do, Minister? Shall I consult the crystals?"

Minister: "...No need for that. Knight, let the maiden do as she wishes."

Knight: "Are you mad, Minister?!"

Minister: "We can only oblige since the king has told her she can do what she likes. Head maid, please prepare a room for her."

Head Maid: "But... Understood."

Cook: "Huh? Surely you jest."

Chambermaid: “..”

Maiden: “Thank you so much, Minister! I shall do my best!"

Head Maid: "Get over here."

Maiden: "Ah! Yes!"

Their footsteps echo as they leave.

Knight: "I oppose! What can such a maiden do?!"

Minister: "She was able to talk back to the king."

Knight: ”These country maidens are so ill-mannered."

Minister: “That may be so. However… She is the first I have seen to

look straight into the king's eyes as she defied him.”

(2) Living in the Castle

Characters: Maiden, Head Maid, Cook, Chambermaid

■The Maiden's Room

The head maid, cook, chambermaid, and the maiden appear in that order. 

The chambermaid continuously looks back, watching the maiden.

Cook: "Say, are we really allowing this maiden to remain in the castle? Are you not afraid?”

Head Maid: “The likes of us are in no position to protest. Now, here it is."

The door opens with a creak.

Head Maid: “This is the smallest room in the castle. It should be more than enough for you."

Maiden: "Incredible! It is greater than the entire width of my home!"

Head Maid: “...”

Cook: "Just to let you know, you will not be taking meals with the rest. Supplies are in the kitchen, so cook your meals yourself."

Maiden: "I am even granted use of the kitchen? I cannot believe my good fortune!"

Cook: "Oh, uh..."

Chambermaid: "U-U-U-Um, about the cleaning..."

The maiden picks up a broom nearby.

Maiden: "Am I allowed use of this broom as well?! The tip is pointed and the bristles stand firm. I can surely clean any corner with ease!"

Chambermaid: "R-Right..."

Maiden: "What extraordinary kindness you have shown me! I am forever grateful! I shall do my very best to get the king to sleep!"

Cook: "Get the king to sleep, huh?"

Head Maid: “These ten sleepless years have changed the king. She should face reality instead of her silly dreams. Well, I am sure she will give up eventually. Let us be going."

Cook: "Yes."

The head maid, cook, and chambermaid leave the room.

Their footsteps disappear down the corridor.

Maiden: "I understand that I am not entirely welcome, but I do hope the king can sleep..."

Maiden: "I will practice my singing so that the king can finally have a proper rest tomorrow."

(3) Morning Greeting

Characters: All 

■ Hall

The castle's servants are gathered in the main hall.

Minister: “The king has arrived!”

The king appears, looking listless.

King: "Hahh, I could not sleep last night, either! My head feels like the swirl of a snail's shell."

Knight: “The king's mood is low today as well."

Chambermaid: "We must take great care not to anger him..."

Maiden: "Good morning, Your Majesty!"

The castle's servants are startled.

King: "You... You are still here?"

Maiden: "Yes! I have practiced all through the night."

King: "Through the night? How diligent. Fine then, let us hear it."

Maiden: "Thank you very much! In that case..."

Maiden: "La-la-la-laaa..."

Minister: "...Not bad."

Knight: "Even a fool can excel in one skill. But a single talent cannot compensate for their foolishness."

Cook: "...Hmm, but today, compared to yesterday..."

    The cook tilts her head.

King: “...”

King: "Stop!"

Maiden: "...Urk!"

King: "And here I thought you had practiced all through the night to improve upon yesterday's attempt. What happened to the vibrant voice you had when you first arrived? My ears are so irritated, I cannot stand it a moment longer."

Maiden: "Ah..."

King: "How can anyone fall asleep to such a song? I have had enough."

The king stands up and is about to leave the room.

Only his departure is heard in the silence.

Maiden: "Your Majesty!"

The king turns around.

Maiden: "I humbly apologize. I will sing a much better song tomorrow! Please give me another chance!"

King: "Are you still here?"

Maiden: "I will not give up until you are asleep, Your Majesty."

King: “...!”

King: “...”

King: "I will not spend the rest of my life listening to your useless songs."

The king leaves.

The sound of his footsteps disappear.

Knight: "Surely we can cast her off now!"

Minister: "Don't be so hasty. Her fate  will depend on whether she sings another dull song to the king."

Knight: "Why do you help her?! Hey, Fortune Teller! Are you sure she is not a siren of disaster to come?!"

Fortune Teller: “Today's auspicious food is the apricot. If you wish to win against the rabbit, you must become the tortoise."

Minister: "It means to not jump to any conclusions."

Knight: “The fortune teller's scrying has no basis!"

Maiden: "Apricots... That's it! Apricots!"

Chambermaid: "What about apricots?"

Maiden: "I have not eaten much healthful food since leaving my village. Furthermore, I pushed myself to practice singing through the night, injuring my throat. Fortune Teller, you say that apricots will bring good fortune?"

Fortune Teller: "Look into my crystals and behold the sight for yourself."

Maiden: "I cannot see them there, but if it is as you say, I will find them! Thank you so much, Fortune Teller!"

The maiden dashes away.

Knight: "Why must we allow such a strange fool to stay in the castle?"

Minister: "It is the king's wish."

(4) Determined Maiden

Characters: Maiden, Minister, Head Maid, Cook, Fortune Teller

The stage is dark. A spotlight shines upon the maiden.

Maiden: "Good morning, Your Majesty!"

Maiden: "As you have told me you do not desire to hear my songs if they have not improved, I will sing you an even better song than yesterday, good enough to put you to sleep!"

The light turns off.

The light is back on the maiden.

Maiden: "Good morning, Your Majesty!"

Maiden: "I have prepared a song that will not disappoint you! Today, you will finally fall asleep once and for all."

Fade out.

■Hall

The head maid and cook appear.

Cook: “That maiden is really trying, day after day. She does not run, no matter how the king scolds her, nor from being tired herself."

Head Maid: "No matter what she is told, she looks at the king with a serious gaze and listens to him."

Cook: "I suppose she is truly willing to do anything to put the king to sleep."

Head Maid: "...I wonder if any of us have faced our sleepless king with the same strength of will."

Cook: "Huh? Ahh..."

The minister and fortune teller appear.

The head maid and cook exit the stage.

Fortune Teller: “There is much more talk amongst the servants as of recent. The knight is as furious as ever."

Minister: "We have been mistaken all this time. Everyone has been so scared of the king that no one dared to step out and speak."

Minister: "...It has been ten years now that the king has not slept.

The castle servants gave up long ago, both in trying as well as in thinking. I am no exception. Every day, in the same voice, in the same tone, just repeating to myself that I did not know what we could do to put him to sleep."

Minister: "But that maiden is different. She may just be able to succeed... I am certain I am not the only one who believes so."

(5) We’re Friends

Characters: Maiden, Chambermaid

■The Maiden’s Room

The Maiden sings as she reads a book.

Maiden: “According to this book… La, la, laaa, la-la-la-laaa…”

The chambermaid watches her from the doorway.

Chambermaid: “...”

Maiden_ “Oh, Chambermaid.”

Chambermaid:  "Ah."

Maiden: "Have I missed a spot in cleaning today? I am afraid I am no match for your skill, so do share with me how I can better attend to the room."

Chambermaid: “There is no issue of the sort. You have done well. Perfectly, in fact... Oh, but there is just a bit of dirt here.

Maiden: "You're right! Well found!"

The maiden cleans. The chambermaid stands around awkwardly. The chambermaid notices the book the maiden was reading.

Chambermaid: "S-Say, what are you reading?"

Maiden: "A book about singing. It tells how to produce a beautiful singing voice. Remember? The king told me today that my voice reeked of the countryside."

Chambermaid: “...”

Chambermaid:  “Tell me, how do you keep yourself from feeling defeated? If the king said something like that to me, I would never speak another word again." 

Maiden: "But I always feel defeated."

Chambermaid: "Really?! But if so, how do you stand before the king each morning? Do you desire to become queen so badly?"

Maiden: “That is only the reward. There is actually something more important to me than that."

Chambermaid: "What do you mean? You fell in love with the king when you saw him at the procession, then came all this way to become his queen. What is more important than that? Oh, could it be that you desire the king's love in return?"

Maiden: "No. What is most important to me is... for the king to be able to live a peaceful life. For the king's happiness."

Chambermaid: “...”

Maiden: "He must be so wretchedly miserable, being unable to sleep. And lonely. A sleepless night is such a long one, after all. When I think of how the king must feel in that state, I feel an ache in my heart. I cannot give up so easily."

Chambermaid: "But, the king you fell in love with is different from the king as he is now, right? Have your feelings not changed after seeing the king like this?"

Maiden: "Beholding the king's anguish in person has exceeded all rumors, and has in fact made my feelings stronger. I desire his restful sleep above all else... And I also feel that the king is such a kind person."

Chambermaid: “Wha..."

Maiden: "Even though he bears such suffering, each morning he is willing to listen to the lullabies of a country maiden like myself. And he does not just sit there, pretending to listen. He does so intently and gives me a different opinion of it each day."

Maiden: “What defeats me is only how pathetic lam in being unable to ease the king to sleep after all this time."

Maiden: "How can ever return the king's kindness?"

Chambermaid: "The king's... kindness..." 

Chambermaid: "Yes, indeed. I know it very well. How kind he is."

Chambermaid: “When the king was still able to sleep... When he was a prince... There was a time that I used a file to try and remove stains from the royal throne."

Maiden: “Wouldn't a file scrape away at it?"

Chambermaid: "Yes. Though I did not know that, being so young. I scraped assay with all my strength, at the royal throne plated with gold. I believed that the stain would be removed and the throne would shine brightly again. I was a fool. I saw the scratched results and began crying at the terrible deed I had committed."

Chambermaid: "Just then, the prince came along. He noticed my mistake at once. The throne had been transformed into such a sorry state, anyone would have seen it. I thought I would be thrown out of the castle. But, the prince... The king... took the file from me and continued filing the throne just as I had done."

Chambermaid: "He said, 'This is just perfect. Before, it shone so brightly that it was blinding."

Maiden: “...”

Chambermaid: "Everyone says there is no need to force ourselves to get the king to sleep. But I... wish for the king's happiness! I want him to shed all his pain and sadness so that he can sleep soundly."

Maiden: "...Then I am your ally in that."

Chambermaid: "Ally?"

Maiden: "An ally to get the king to sleep." 

Chambermaid: “Ah…”

Maiden: "I am glad. To be honest, I felt a little helpless on my own. Knowing I could not get the king to sleep..."

Maiden: "But with someone supporting me, who also wishes the same for the king as I do, I am certain that things will go well now."

Maiden "Let us think of a plan to put the king to sleep! l am finding ways to improve my singing through books. The problem is that no melodies play from them."

Chambermaid: "In that case, how about learning from the cook? She excels at singing."

Maiden: "A great idea!"

Chambermaid: "However, she is difficult to work with, so she may not agree to teach you..."

Maiden: “We will not know unless we ask! Thank you, Chambermaid. I feel as though you have shone a ray of light upon me!"

The maiden leaves the room.

Her footsteps fade away.

Chambermaid:: “It is she who had shone a light upon me. I cannot allow her to bear the entire burden herself. I will work for the king as well...!"

(6) Singing Instructor

Characters: Maiden, Cook 

■Kitchen 

The cook is humming. 

Chambermaid: "Hm-hm-hm, hmm, hm..." 

Cook: "Hrn-hm-hmmm..." 

Cook: "Phew... Hahh." 

Maiden: "Cook!"

Cook: "Eek! What is it? Do not frighten me so!"

Maiden: "I have a request of you."

Cook: "Some bread, perhaps? I will not give you a crumb."

Maiden: “What I wish is for you to share a song."

Cook: "Huh?"

Maiden: "I have heard of your talents at singing, Cook. Please teach me how to sing as well as you!"

Cook: “Who told you that? Impossible. It is too much of a bother. I am far too busy for you. I must clean up this mess at once."

Maiden: "Did something happen?"

Cook: “The apricots."

Maiden: "Apricots?"

Cook: "Yes, the apricots! I decided to make chicken stewed with apricots, but there are no apricots whatsoever!"

Cook: “The food supplier has made an unforgivable blunder. They told me I could just use other ingredients, but that is simply impossible. I must have the sweet and tart aroma of apricots soaked into the chicken for tonight's dinner! Cooking is just like a castle made of children's building blocks, if even a single piece is missing, the whole thing collapses!"

Maiden: "Apricots... Om, if apricot jam will suffice, I have some here."

Cook: "...What did you say?"

Maiden: “The fortune teller said they were an auspicious food, so I went into the forest and picked some ripe apricots to make them into a jam. They make my throat better when I eat them..."

Cook: “Then hand it over! Hand over the apricot jam at once!"

Maiden: "Y-Yes!"

Fade out.

Fade in to the cook and the maiden after cooking. 

Cook: "Now, how does it taste..."

Cook: "Delicious! The apricot jam's acidity and invigorating sweetness pairs well with the chicken. Most of all, its aroma is divine! The king may very well be delighted to have this! Though it has been so long since I have seen him truly enjoy any meal."

Maiden: "I am sure he will be very pleased."

Cook: “Where does your endless positivity come from? To the irritable king, meals are nothing more than tasteless medicine to fill his stomach. The pleasure of food has become utterly superfluous to him."

Maiden: "But you have poured your heart and soul into every meal you create. It is clear the adoration you feel for the king."

Cook: "Adoration? I am merely doing what is necessary as his cook... It is not that I desire for the king to tell my cooking is delicious..."

Cook: “...”

Cook: "You had more to say, didn't you?"

Maiden: "You mean about your adoration for the king?"

Cook: "No, enough of that already. It was before, near the beginning. Agh, you are too slow! You were talking about wanting to learn to sing." 

Maiden: "You will teach me, then?!"

Cook: "No!" 

Maiden: "Wha...?"

Cook: "I have not the patience to teach others. That is why I refuse."

Maiden: "I see... I thought I should ask all the same..."

The maiden turns to leave.

Cook: "...But I cannot help but sing as I cook."

The maiden turns back.

Maiden: "Huh?"

Cook: "Food becomes more delicious if it is sung to. I wonder what song would be good today? Yes... Perhaps a lullaby. A beautiful lullaby I heard here in the castle in the past. A lullaby the king might like."

Maiden: "...May I stay here?"

Cook: "Only if you will help with the cooking."

Maiden: "I will!"

(7) Awakening the Castle

Characters: All 

■Hall 

Minister: “The king has arrived!"

King: “That damned sun, eager to rise so obediently like a fool. It should rest for once."

Maiden: "Good morning, Your Majesty." 

King: "You appear before me in the same manner, day after day." 

The king throws himself down onto the throne.

King: “You intend to sing me another useless song this morning?"

Maiden: "I have learned a beautiful lullaby. I shall sing it for you today."

King: "...Hmph. Hurry and sing already."

Maiden: “Then I shall begin."

Maiden: "Quartz in the night sky, the swaying bells of the plane tree. Within your eyes is a tomorrow unknown..."

King: "...!"

The castle servants look at one another.

Minister: “That song..."

Fortune Teller: "Oh, oh, it takes me back.. The queen's lullaby..."

Head Maid: "How does this country maiden know the queen's lullaby…”

Cook: “...”

Chambermaid: "Cook." 

Cook: "Shh."

Knight: “The king is listening to the maiden's song with his eyes closed..."

Maiden: "La-la-la..."

King: “...”

The maiden finishes her song.

Maiden: “...”

King: "........."

The king opens his eyes.

King: "...I am awake."

Maiden: "What...?"

King: "I am awake."

Maiden: “N-No…”

King: “..”

King: "I will retire to my quarters..."

The king stands up. 

He leaves the hall.

Knight: "What is the meaning of this, rousing the king instead of putting him to sleep?!"

Maiden: "I-I apologize..."

Knight: "Your apology means nothing! Because of you, he may not be able to sleep another ten, even a hundred years! Your existence has brought disaster upon the king!"

Maiden: "...Urk."

Knight: "Minister. Allowing this maiden to do as she pleases was a grave offense."

Minister: “...”

Knight: “The maiden must leave now. I trust there are no objections?!"

Chambermaid: “...”

Chambermaid: “Please wait!”

Maiden: "Chambermaid..."

Chambermaid: “The king was roused, but he did not awaken. He has been half-asleep for ten long years.”

Knight: "That is the same thing!”

Chambermaid: "No, no it isn't. People yearn for sleep after being awake so long, and are joyous to awaken after being asleep. If the king is awake now, sleep will soon follow."

Knight: "Lies."

Cook: "...Lies or not, throwing her out will not put the king to sleep, will it?"

Knight: “What? Do you support her as well? Hah, I see. That lullaby... It was you who taught her..."

Cook: "Yes. What of it?"

Knight: “That song was the lullaby sung by the late queen. It is a Pandora's Box, not to be so carelessly handled. Your impulsive actions may have reawoken grief in the king's heart. Will you take responsibility for this?!"

Head Maid: “...”

Knight: "Head maid! Say something to her!"

Head Maid: "...Take responsibility? Then how do we take responsibility for the ten years we were all unable to put the king to sleep?"

Knight: “What?"

Head Maid: "Knight. Are you afraid to face reality? To realize how you yourself have given up on the king?"

Knight: 'Wh-What are you saying..."

Head Maid: "Do you remember the reason the king became sleepless? You remember, don't you?"

Maiden: ”The reason the king has been awake all these years...?"

Head Maid: “The king became unable to sleep after the deaths of his parents."

Maiden: “...!”

Head Maid: "His despair was so profound that we knew not how to comfort him. It was our mistake to abandon him to be healed by time alone. When we saw that he could no longer sleep, we panicked and left him in the hands of doctors and scholars, then eventually sought out help from complete strangers residing in the kingdom."

Head Maid: “The ones who should have aided him were those of us in his retinue. Instead, we left him to heal from his grief alone while shouldering the burden of ruling the kingdom."

Head Maid: "However, this maiden continues to reach out to the lonesome king. Today, her desperate feelings have finally reached him."

Head Maid: "Do you condemn her out of envy?" 

Knight: “Th-That is not..."

Head Maid: "I am envious. When I think that I myself could have helped the king, I feel so utterly jealous and unbearably pathetic."

Knight: “...”

Knight: "...Yes, that may be so. I have deferred to the king out of loyalty, but also to protect myself. I made it up in my mind that there was nothing to be done, afraid that our failure would be brought to light. I no longer have any right to speak to His Majesty."

Maiden: "Why is that? Simply speak to him now."

Knight: "For ten years... For ten years, I have left him in his solitude."

Maiden: "So then, in order to give value to those ten years lost, will you continue to leave him in solitude for the next ten or twenty, even a hundred years?"

Maiden: "If today, my voice did indeed reach the lonely king, it was not because of my strength alone. It was because I had allies who also cared for the king and lent me their strength."

Maiden: "But I shall need even more support in order to put the king to sleep. All of you, please, lend me your aid!"

Chambermaid: "I will help you! I wish for the king to sleep soundly and peacefully... I want him to be released from his suffering!"

Maiden: "Chambermaid..."

Cook: "I will do anything to hear the king say, 'The food today is delicious.'"

Maiden: "Cook..."

Minister: "...The king is not the only one who has awoken. We have as well."

Head Maid: “We are no longer at a loss regarding what we must do."

Fortune Teller: "Oh... The muddy haze that has clouded my crystals all these years is beginning to clear up again..."

Maiden: "Everyone..."

Knight: “...”

Knight: "I have decided now what it means to protect the king. I am a failure as a knight. That is why I wish to cast off my armor and speak how I truly feel... There would be no greater honor for me than to help the king sleep soundly."

Maiden: "Let us soothe the king to sleep, all of us working together!"

(8) Near the King

Characters: All

■Hall

Chambermaid:  "I will clean with all my heart. I will keep the castle so tidy that the king can rest easy."

Cook: "I wonder what other foods might satiate the king's hunger and make him sleepy. Our continued endeavors are important, so we must carry on and not give up."

Head Maid: "Clothing that feels soft against the skin, delicate furnishings in a pleasing color. Flowers, tranquil music, the natural cycle of light and darkness."

Knight: "Having him exert his strength in riding, hunting, and falconry during the day."

Minister: “Tiring his mind through chess and playing cards."

Fortune Teller: "And when night falls, an herbal concoction mixed with roots and leaves from sedative plants. So bitter that his body would rather sleep than drink it again."

Maiden: "And I shall sing him a lullaby!"

The king looks at the maiden.

King: “...”

King: "Hahh."

King: "I will retire to my quarters."

The king returns to his room, looking disappointed in himself for being unable to sleep.

Maiden: "...Still, the king will not sleep."

Maiden: “...”

Cook: “What hope will remain if you gave up now?"

Chambermaid: "Indeed. There is still tomorrow!" 

Maiden: "You're right. We will all do even better tomorrow!" 

Maiden: “...”

■Corridor (Evening)

Maiden: “...”

Maiden: "Everyone from the castle is helping me, and I still cannot put the king to sleep." 

Maiden: "Just what am I supposed to do?"

Maiden: "Hahh...'

Maiden: “The king may not be sleepy, but I certainly am."

Maiden: "For a moment, just for a moment... Zzz..."

She sits on the windowsill and falls asleep.

The king appears.

King: “The servants, who were once so preoccupied with not disturbing me, have begun to engage me without respite."

King: "Now, not only is that maiden so desperate to get me to sleep, but my servants as well."

King: "...I cannot even recall how it felt to sleep. I do not even remember how to do so anymore."

King "And, were I to fall asleep..."

King: "Hm...?"

Maiden: “...”

King: “...!”

He discovers the sleeping maiden.

He rushes over to her and aggressively shakes her awake.

King: "Hey, what is the matter?! Are you all right?!"

Maiden: "Hm...? Your Majesty? I apologize for appearing so unseemly..."

The king appears incredibly relieved.

King: "So you were only sleeping."

Maiden: “I was practicing my song so late that I must have dozed off…"

King: "What a fool you are, to deny sleep when it comes so easily to you! What will be done if you push yourself so far that you die?!"

Maiden: "...Urk! M-My apologies.”

King: "Er, no..."

Maiden: "How I wish you could sleep. It seems all I do only makes you even more awake."

King: “...”

King: "Why do you go to such lengths?”

Maiden: "Huh...?"

King: "Naive as you are, you have a simple, lovely charm. Surely one or two suitors have offered you their hands in marriage."

King: "I am not worthy of your tireless concern. I am but a foolish king, irritable from lack of sleep. Forget the image you had of me in my past."

Maiden: “...”

Maiden: "I really must get you to sleep, my king."

King: “What do you mean?" 

Maiden: "Your eyes are so tired from sleeplessness that they mistakenly see me chasing a vision from the past."

King: “What?"

Maiden: "It is not the young prince to whom I have devoted myself, but the magnificent king who stands before me today."

King: “...!”

King: “...”

Maiden: “...”

The two gaze at each other.

Maiden: "...I am wide awake again after seeing your face, my king. I will continue practicing my song."

King: "You are leaving already?" 

King: "Er, um..." 

Maiden: “Your Majesty..."

Maiden: "May I stay here a while longer?"

King: "As you wish."

Maiden: "May I speak with you about all sorts of things?"

King: "If that is your desire."

Maiden: "There are so many things I have wanted to ask you. What you enjoy eating, how we should clean..."

King: “...”

King: "For food, the apricot chicken we had recently was good. As for cleaning, keeping things moderately tidy is fine... Heh."

Maiden: "What is it?"

King: "In the past, there was a servant who took a file to the throne... That was amusing.”

Maiden: "Please, tell me more of this story!"

King: "As long as you keep it a secret from the chambermaid. It was back when I was still a prince..."

Fade out.

■Corridor (Midday)

The maiden and king have a pleasant conversation while walking together.

The maiden rushes toward a window. The king peeks out from behind her.

Maiden: “That's the tree, Your Majesty. A beehive has grown there."

King: "I cannot see it from here."

Maiden: "It's still small. The chambermaid wishes to have it removed because of the danger. However, the cook refused, saying to leave it until she could obtain some honey."

King: "How silly."

Maiden: "She said she wished to brew you an herbal tea with fresh honey. But the chambermaid wouldn't back down, saying it would be terrible if a bee were to sting you."

King: “What a pair they are. Hahaha."

The two of them continue to talk happily together. 

Fade out.

■Corridor (Evening)

The king and the maiden sit beside a window.

King: "...The sun is setting."

Maiden: ”The day is coming to an end."

King: “...”

King: "I cannot wait for morning. The night is dull and lonesome."

Maiden: "My king..."

Maiden: ”Then why don't we dance until morning?" 

King: "Huh...?"

Maiden: "If we do, morning will come in no time! Come on!”

The maiden tugs at the king’s arm, hurrying off.

King: "H-Hey!" 

■Hall 

*Dance "Fortune color is crystal!"

(9) Doorway to Memories

Characters: Maiden, King

■Corridor (Daybreak)

King: "Ah, we danced for so long. I have never danced so much in my life."

Maiden: "The night is nearly over."

King: "I see."

King: “"Why don't you have some rest? Surely you must be tired.”

Maiden: "I am so excited, I don't think I’ll be able to sleep.”

King: “But…”

King: “Then let us sit beside the window. I will sit with you, so rest yourself awhile.”

Maiden: “All right.”

They sit beside the window.

King: "Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves greatly."

Maiden: "They were so happy to see you having fun, Your Majesty.”

King: "I see, I see…”

King: “...”

King: “.......”

King "........." 

Maiden: "Your Majesty?!"

Maiden: "Could it be? Is the king really nodding off...?!"

Maiden: “Will he sleep...? I do hope he'll finally be able to..."

King: “...Urk!"

King: 'What was I about to..."

Maiden: "My king, you were about to fall asleep just now."

King: "Sleep...? Me? That's right, it is just like back then... I absolutely mustn't!"

Maiden "Your Majesty...?" 

King "I must force this blade through my hand..."

The blade pierces his hand.

Maiden: "My king! Why would you injure your own hand so?!"

King: "Release me! I absolutely must not go to sleep!"

Maiden: "You mustn't? But why..."

The king wearily stands up.

King: "My father died so suddenly one day. He was fine when I bade him good night... and when I awoke, he was dead."

King: "After my father died, my mother ruled over the kingdom alone and soon fell ill. I was so focused in trying to make her better, caring for her day after day, that I did not sleep."

King: "Unable to withstand the fatigue any longer, I fell asleep from exhaustion. Just for a moment. When I awoke, my mother had died. I had cared for her so meticulously...! It was all because I had fallen asleep!"

King: "I am afraid to fall asleep again! If I relent, I may once again find that I have lost someone dear to me!"

King: “I, I...!”

King: "I am afraid to lose you...!"

He clings onto the maiden.

King: "I could not bear it if you were to die while I slept!"

Maiden: "My king..." 

The king backs away.

Maiden: "...Return to your village. I will give you a hundred coins, or land that stretches as far as the eye can see. Just remove yourself from my side. Do not try to put me to sleep again."

The Maiden touches the king's hand.

The king turns around.

Maiden: "No, I do not wish to be apart from you."

Maiden: "You are very dear to me as well. That is why I cannot bear the thought of being apart. I refuse."

The maiden brushes her hand gently against the king's.

Maiden: “As you can see, I am full of life. I will not let go of it so easily. But if you do not sleep, and thus die from poor health, I myself will die of a broken heart. Please sleep, my king. It will be all right, I will be here when you awaken."

*Song "Beyond the Plane Tree"

The king falls asleep with his head on the maiden's lap. 

Fade out. 

■Bedroom 

A spotlight shines upon the king. 

King: "Goodnight, Father. Until tomorrow."

Fade out.

King: "Minister? What is the matter, so early in the morning? What? Father has died...?!"

Fade out.

King: "Mother, please eat this. You have not eaten anything since morning."

King: "Please be strong. I shall remain here by your side." 

King: "...Hahh." 

The king drowsily closes his eyes.

King: "........." 

King: "Zzz..." 

Fade out.

King: "Oh no, I fell asleep. It appears that Mother has too. Rest well..."

King: "...Mother?" 

King: "No... Mother! Mother!” 

The king is bent over his mother's body, crying. 

Fade out.

King: “Why did I fall asleep?! Whenever I sleep, someone important to me dies! I do not want to feel this way again. I do not want to sleep. I will never sleep ever again..."

King: "Never, until the day I die!"

The king falls to his knees. 

Faint singing from the maiden can be heard.

King: "Someone is singing...?"

The voice of the maiden becomes clearer.

King: "A lullaby..."

King: "How soothing..."

King: "...Urk! No! I swore never to sleep!"

King: "But if the morning does not come..."

King: "I will not be able to see her again."

King: “The maiden who always gazes at me with such loving eyes..."

King: "During the centennial procession celebrating the kingdom's founding. I was urged by Mother and Father to wave. So, you were in that massive crowd somewhere. Watching no with those same eyes as now."

King: “When the light shines through the darkness of night, if you will be there in the morning. If your eyes will still be there..."

King: "If so, then I... I..."

King: "I will sleep in order to see you again."

Fade out.

•Corridor (Midday) 

King: "...Morning?" 

He looks up at the maiden. 

Maiden: "Good morning, my king." 

King: "...Yes. Yes." 

King: "Good morning... my queen."

(10) End Roll

Characters: All 

■Hall 

Fanfare is heard.

Minister: “The king has arrived!”

The king appears and sits down upon his throne.

Subordinates: "Good morning, Your Majesty!"

King: "I am ready for your report. Let us ensure calm and peaceful lives for the people of our kingdom."

Minister: "Yes."

The king calmly reads through documents while listening to the minister.

King: "I shall go out to survey the kingdom."

Knight: “I will accompany you!" 

Head Maid: “Take care on your trip."

The cook, chambermaid and fortune teller bow their heads behind them.

Fade out.

■Hall 

Maiden: "Welcome back, my king!" 

King: “Ah…”

The maiden approaches the king, squeezing his hand.

■Bedroom 

The maiden's singing can be heard.

Maiden: "Good night, my king."

King: "Good night, my queen. Until tomorrow."

The End.

[phoenixiancrystallist]

Month 3, day 23

Decided the background elements should have thinner outlines than what I was doing so I redid what I had yesterday. Plus probably a bit more? Maybe a bit less. Idk, I started a little further counter-clockwise than I did last time, it's hard to gauge bc there's SO. GOSH. DANG. MANY. LINES. 😵

[zhongrin]

— a short and casual genshin impact otome game.

⟣ 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕝𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 ⟢

┊ (Windows 🪟, Linux 🐧, or Mac 🍎 only!)

◇ 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬? ◇

Just a simple something I had in mind for a Genshin otome game... I have 0 attention span, 0 time, and 0 knowledge to write and build a full-fledged 3D game with intricate stories, plot, and mechanics. This is just a simple visual novel with a streamlined plot and partial voices. You should be able to complete everything in like... 30 minutes long in total. Might be less, even.

◇ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 ◇

The game will contain the following: established relationship, FLUFF, comfort, lots of pet names, suggestive themes, lots of kissy sounds on some routes, implications of violence (not towards player), a sprinkle of protective behavior

◇ 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 ◇

Zhongli, Xiao, Childe, Diluc, Kaeya, Itto, Kazuha (Zhongli is selected by default because who doesn’t love geo daddy???)

◇ 𝐰𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫? ◇

This is a very self-indulgent project, hence the dialogues were written with fem!player in mind. It will contain suggestive themes, so please be aware of that before downloading / playing!

◇ 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲? ◇

Yes, it's totally free - in fact, I do not accept payment.

◇ 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲? ◇

Click the link to download the appropriate file based on your OS. Only Windows, Linux, and Mac are supported. No, I won't release it on other platforms.

Open the game, and you’ll find that it’s pretty straightforward. Customize your profile, select your love interest, then start the game.

There are no wrong answers and the love interest can be changed anytime (just go back to main menu and select the character’s picture on the right side).

◇ 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬? ◇

You can personally send links to this post / the game’s itch.io page to your friends via DMs, but outside of that (reposting), NO. For example, posting about this on Reddit is prohibited.

◇ 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞? ◇

This is a super casual project.

Scripts are not proofread. Probably lots of grammar mistakes.

Novel format without narration (full dialogs).

There are no actual sprites, just official art and something akin to a speech bubble to cater to the characters’ changes in ‘expression’.

There are voices, but only partial - mostly just grunts, chuckles, kisses, and stuff. I’m using JP voices EXCEPT for Itto because Max Mittelman is a gem. No, I will not add other languages' voice versions.

Sound cues and voices are quite important for this game so I recommend using headphones.

Depending on when you open the game (morning, afternoon, nighttime, midnight), your currently selected love interest might greet you differently.

To reiterate, there are no wrong answers.

Selecting all talk/act options for a character will unlock a small event where they'll give you unique gifts.

I lowkey have so many ideas on how to expand on this in terms of gameplay and options but let’s be real here it probably won’t happen lol why can’t my brain be this creative when it comes to work

◇ 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬??? ◇

No... That said, anyone can literally say that. Please be responsible for your own actions.

I have also released other games on the same itch.io profile, so this isn't my first rodeo. Feel free to check the reviews on those before making your decision if you're wary about downloading!

◇ 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 ◇

hyv please don't sue me i gain 0 dollars for this and i just wanna simp in peace

⟐ 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚜 🄸 𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑.𝚒𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚎 🄸 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 ⟐

© zhongrin | 2022 ◆ do not repost or share without permission. reblogs much appreciated. feel free to reach out to submit suggestions, feedback, comments, or if you just want to talk!

[harfanfare]

Idia drabble, fluff, lots of couple banter

Your wishlist containing released games is empty.

In the next several minutes after saving a title to one, you can expect a notification that the game is getting downloaded, and a mere seconds after that—several messages from your boyfriend.

“thought u would never play it lol”

“weren't you supposed to be studying??”

He sends a meme degrading your hierarchy of values as if he were any better. It is followed by a request.

“stream it to me when you play it”

And you do, after thanking him yet chiding him for wasting too much money on you without a second thought. His reply was a string of emojis and guarantee that he is doing it all for himself, because “educating you on the topic of latest games is his duty” and he cares about “the boyfriend points”.

“I hope my love’o’meter for u was broken by all that pampering lmao”

“waiting for my cg to load up…”

[NAME]: “not enough affection points”

“damn”

“i need a walkthroughyt to this route”

Idia has you join a voice channel, with you sharing your screen. Playing a game in a separate dorm is a whole different experience than having him beside you, with his hands almost trembling to grab your controller if you couldn’t get past a certain level.

He would always wait for you to ask him for help, though. Then he could let the feeling of self-satisfaction sink in as he easily guided your character to another enemy to slash.

If he only has you on the voice chat, you might be able to finish the game almost fully by yourself.

You can hear the soft sound of his keyboard as he plays something as well. He divides his attention between you and his entertainment, and he throws in commentary to your playthrough, teasing you when you can’t find a secret key to the special gate, bullying you when you find the puzzles too hard, or when you pick the wrong dialogue option.

At some point, you might try to (playfully) mute his microphone, but you can only have eight seconds of silence before he hacks into the options.

“No need to be jealous of my gaming knowledge,” he exclaims, and you know he has that big stupid grin on his face. You huff, and he hums. “But if you want me to help, all you need to do is just ask.”

“I want to go through this game myself!”

“Okay, sure. But you know you have already missed the opportunity for the best ending, no?” He laughs. “That’s what you get for muting me, kitten.”

No need to spoil the ending just to get back at me, you’d love to say, but you learned that the shy boy who couldn’t hold your gaze several months ago is actually a big tease. You must’ve grown too much on him, as he would have continued the bickering even if you showed up in his room. No social anxiety towards you—that’s a bit of a shame, he was cute when you first started dating.

…Well, Idia you know now is a cutie as well, even if he can be very annoying sometimes.

“Enough. I’m going to play my otome games, bye.”

You log out, and shut the stream, chuckling all the time. A funny feeling tingled your heart, like always when you won (or have you?) in banter in Idia: your heart is warm enough to probably melt through the ribcage, but a subtle alarm rings in your head. Idia will probably take revenge for this.

He must already be in distress. He doesn’t like you playing otome games alone, as if you could have ever preferred a 2D boy over Idia. The thought makes you laugh.

You plop on your bed, unlocking your phone and tapping an icon of the name game you’ve installed. Although playing it with Idia would have been funnier, you are going to play him just out of spite.

…And after that, you will send him a wall of text about those handsome characters, because he needs to be updated on your current obsessions.

The title screen appears before everything crashes and the screen goes black. Several messages in neon-blue futuristic font colour appear one by one.

An error has occurred.

Caught exception:

Traceback (most recent call last):

File “characters”, line 46, in script

File “stats”, line 153, in script

File “story”, line 665, in script

File “achievements”, line 411, in log.1

File “backup_data”, line 139, in log

To continue:

“[Name]-san. Please come to our dorm. My brother is moping (so he won’t be finishing his project anytime soon, which is, really bad) and I would appreciate you having mercy on him.

Once you come, I will restore your data! It’s a promise :>

— ORTHO”

…Damn those Shrouds.

[yurimother]

Yuri Isekai 'I'm in Love with the Villainess' Anime Offical Announced

On Tuesday, a television anime adaptation of Inori's Yuri isekai series I'm in Love with the Villainess (Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou) was officially announced. According to the anime's official website and a PV for the series, the anime will premiere in 2023.

The I'm in Love with the Villainess anime is directed by Hideki Oba at Platinum Vision. The series will star Yuu Serizawa as Rae Taylor and Karin Nanami as Claire Francos.

Additional staff includes script and series composer Aumu Hisao, character designer Youko Satou, who will adapt the designs from the light novels and manga adaptation, illustrated by Hanagata and Aonoshimo, respectively, sound director Hajime Takakuwa, and music composition by Noriyuki Asakura and Usagi to Uma.

I’m in Love with the Villainess is a Yuri isekai series following Oohashi Rei, an ordinary office worker who awakens suddenly to find herself reincarnated as Rae Taylor, the protagonist from her favorite otome game. However, Rae has no interest in chasing any of the game’s original three romance options. She has eyes only for the main antagonist, the elite aristocrat Claire.

The series began as a webnovel by author Inori before being picked up for publication as a light novel series by GL Bunko. The series gained popularity, especially overseas, and has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.

The digital light novel’s popularity led to a special print release in Japan, subtitled Revolution, and multiple adaptations, including a manga illustrated by Aonoshimo, which began serialization in Comic Yuri Hime in 2020. Inori also began publishing a spin-off webnovel, She’s so Cheeky for a Commoner (Heimin no Kuse ni Namaiki an!), which was adapted into a light novel by GL Bunko.

[scentedpeachlandcreator]

DR ideas to shift to:

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗a fairy World dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Zombie Apocalypse dr (be safe, and you Can search for the remedie ehm who knows? Maybe we will experience a zombie Apocalypse in the future 😐).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗a better CR.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗a dr where you are an actress/actor. (If you want more ideas to add it to your script check this post )

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗A streamer dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to your favorite anime.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Attack on titan dr (please be safe).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Jujutsu kaisen dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to your own World (Basically it a made up reality by you and there’s your oc).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Love and deep space dr (it a realistic game actually, if you don’t know it you Can search for it).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗The walking dead dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Avengers dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗A famous youtuber dr (Basically you're a famous youtuber in that reality).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗a dr where you are in a relationship with your sp.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗wednesday dr.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Resident evil 4 remake dr (Be safe! And you Can be Leon's partner).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗obey me! Dr (It's an otome game yall and it's very chaotic).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a serie or a movie that you like.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a dr where you are the opposite of your gender.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Shifting to a dr where you are a mermaid and you Can discover the ocean.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗a dr where you are a princess or a Queen.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Shifting to your favorite manga/manhwa.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗A vampire dr (Basically you are a vampire there).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a dr to meet historical characters (for example:Albert Einstein, Nicola tesla,..ect).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Shifting to Cyber dr (Basically it a reality where technologies are really advanced for ex: flying cars,futuristic eyeglasses and many more).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a reality to meet Goddard Neville.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a dr where you became famous thanks to your desired hobbies or skills.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to your favorite video game.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Shifting to miraculous ladybug dr ( i wanna change the plot 🙂).

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to your past life.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗Shifting to the barbie movie.

𓍢🌷᭝۪﹗shifting to a reality where everyone is immortal.

[hannah-deactivated20220725]

The Kissing Booth, Luka (part I)

If you're just discovering this game, click here to view the beginning.

--

(drawing done by an artist on tumblr that used to go by hurricanesunny but idk what their name is now if they're still on here at all)

Laughter fills the room as the door swings open. A young, fit man walks in, holding his phone up to his ear.

"Hey, man, I'm in the shop. I'll call you back when I get out. Yeah... yeah, alright. Okay, talk later. Bye." He hangs up the phone and glances over at where you're standing behind the register.

"Hey, I would like the most beautiful bouquet that..." he fiddles with his pocket and pulls out some cash. It isn't much but he unfolds it and carefully counts it out before setting it on the counter. "... $20 can buy me."

You consider the request and walk around the shop, grabbing 4 different bouquets, setting them down on the counter before him. As he studies each one, you return to your spot behind the register.

"Hmm, I like these two." He glances up at you and adds, "if you were celebrating a huge moment in your career, which one would you want more?"

You study the two bouquets he's picked out, but pick one of the two he hadn't chosen.

"I'd want this one," you admit. "Those two are great, but they're cheaper flowers."

"But there's more flowers in them," he protests. You smile, a smile that says oh you poor, clueless man.

"Yes, there are," you agree after a moment, gesturing to both bouquets. "I can see that, but quantity isn't always better than quality." You hold up the bouquet you'd picked out of them. "While there are fewer flowers in this arrangement, they're more vivid and beautiful." You pause, holding up the arrangement to him. "And give them a good smell."

He pauses, but does as you say. His eyes instantly widen in surprise. A clearly pleasant surprise.

"They smell amazing," he breathes, clearly surprised.

"Yes. So as you can see-"

He cuts you off when he takes the bouquet from you.

"Yes. I love this one. Thank you! You clearly know you stuff." You beam at him and give a single nod. "Does the cost include this vase?"

"Not normally, but for you, I'll say yes. Go impress that girl." He gives a side eye, then rolls his eyes.

However, there's a small smile on his lips as he returns, "Who said they're for a girl?"

Before you can offer an apology for assuming, he waves and says goodbye, then dips out the door as quickly as he'd entered, phone once more in hand.

You blink once, then twice, then pick the money off the counter, ringing up the bouquet he'd purchased and then return to organizing and cleaning the shop.

[Click to Continue]

[bunmuffin]

Hades is one of my fave games. The script? Beautiful The music? Immaculate The surprise otome in my dungeon crawler? Welcomed I def went after Thanatos. Super excited for Hades 2

[paraliveimaginesblog]

Big Spoon/Little Spoon

[BAE and TCW here!]

COZMEZ

Kanata Yatonokami

He’d pick big spoon if he had to. He’s not a huge fan of cuddling overall, but he doesn’t mind skin-to-skin touch. He’s the type who takes time to get used to (romantic) physical affection, so cuddling might be a slow-moving thing in your relationship. Once he’s comfortable with you then it’s no question that he’s big spoon and that he WILL be holding you at night, it’s just something you have to be patient with.

Nayuta Yatonokami

Big spoon. He really does always feel like he’s being protected, and it frustrated him if you were the one who wanted to hold him. He could hold you too! It’s cute how insistent he is about being big spoon, the pout on his face showing he meant business; you hadn’t really intended to argue with him to begin with, but seeing how passionate he was about being the one to hold you…you’d be lying if you said it didn’t make you happy.

GOKULUCK

Yuto Inukai

Both. Depended on his mood, or who was in control at first. You rarely wake up to Hancho but if he’s the one who took control in bed the night before, you’re normally wrapped up in his arms and wake up to a sleepy Yuto asking what happened. Yuto preferred having his head rest on your chest, face fond as he listened to the beat of your heart and said it made the perfect lullaby even on his most stressful day.

Ryoga Tosa

Big Spoon. It just feels natural he’d be big spoon, and unless you’re much larger than him, he thinks it’s uncomfortable to be the little spoon. He doesn’t really care if you hold him for a few moments but he gets restless easy, quickly flipping the script and reminding you of just how strong he is when he moved you into a better position with ease. His spooning tends to happen without him noticing, mostly when he’s asleep beside you and feels like you’re too far, his mind subconsciously telling him to fix that situation. 

Shion Kaida

Both, but likes being held a little more with someone he really loves. It’s easy to tease when he’s got you wrapped up in his arms, nipping at your ear and asking if you’d be more comfortable with a lack of clothing. But he does like when you take the initiative, never one to complain if you pulled him into your arms and kept him wrapped up, warm. He can’t guarantee he’ll behave himself whenever you’re that close but he does bask in the moment of being loved without expectation. 

Kenta Mikoshiba

Big spoon, if he has to make a choice. He doesn’t need to be held and you should count yourself lucky he’s holding you! In the end, it turns into more of a mutual hold situation as he wants you to be facing him, just so he can ‘see if you’re plotting something’. You think it’s cute that he gets nervous over simple things, wondering if you could slip him a few otome games to play to up his charisma stat. 

[cupids-chamber]

— VOLUNTEERING FORMS FOR TWISTED LOVERS IS NOW OPEN, if you'd like to help Cupid and the rest of the staff out in the creation process of this Twisted wonderland otome game, this is the post for you. Check available roles below and rules, and form link is at absolute bottom!

☆ ARTISTS ; Provide art for certain storylines, cards, logo's, etc. Providing art for the game in general! There is usually no deadlines given, and if given a deadline the time can be anywhere from 2 weeks to a month unless it's for a time crunched event.

☆ WRITER ; Help out in the process of writing scripts, usually you can hand pick the scenario you'd like to work on and just work your way to meet the deadline, which is usually anywhere from 2 weeks to a month long, depending on size. You can request extensions to your liking!

☆ SCRIPT EDITOR ; In charge of the editing process of the scripts, proofreads and refines all the scripts done, you'll usually be assigned to a small group! With 1 or 2 writers. Though we do plan on settling a more organized system after we welcome new volunteers in!

☆ BETA TESTER ; Not many people will get this role, I'm mentioning this flat out, depending on your answer; you may or may not get this position. You'll rarely need to test anything, but when you do.. it'll be abrupt and random timings and it'll take a long time for that to happen, we recommend people who are planning to take more than one role, to become a beta tester.

☆ EDITOR ; Editors help edit backgrounds, sprites, banners, etc. Generally help with photo editing, changing colour schemes to match with the event/theme of the route. It depends on the activity, your job won't be needed right away, but one the writing process is done, we'll require you to be active.

☆ GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ; Help create logo's, banners, backgrounds, and etc for the game, similar to editors, your job won't be needed right away but once the writing process is over, and the developing process is starting, we'll need all hands on deck.

☆ GAME DEVELOPER ; Helps Cupid create the game, once again, you'll take on a major role, only after the writing process. The rest for this role can only be explained hands on, so if you're willing to test the waters, this one's for you.

RULES / HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE ACCEPTED ?

At least the age of 13, since we'll be working on Discord in a private server.

Have a discord account, and please be in the main server, Twisted Chambers!

If you're accepted, I'll be sending you a friend request! (' Cup!d#7509) and then you'll get a invitation the server for the dev team!

At the bottom here is the link to the forms, happy volunteering. Volunteering form | Twisted Lovers blog | Twisted Lovers server

Reblogs help and are appreciated ! / We'll be reviewing volunteering submissions throughout this week, but we recommend majority to be sent in, in the first two days. (Helps me who's navigating, with the process)

[daze4all]

Stelle/Reader x Honkai Star Rail + Witch! Kafka Otome Game Fairytale AU Idea. Inspired by this:

Why is it we wish on fallen stars?

 The answer quite simply is when stars fall wishes come true of course~

So how shall you make this star fall so your wish can be granted?

High Fantasy Honkai Star Rail Fic Idea: Starfall: Wish upon a Star .

Based on the game Witch Heart, the movie Stardust, and a kinda otome game style 

With many fairytale-themed routes Reader. such as Cinderella, Beauty & The Beast:

Witch Kafka! x Fallen Star! MC! Reader

Snow Queen! Kafka x Kai!Reader (Maybe Greta somone?)

Rapunzel! Reader x Prince! Gepard,

Little Mermaid! Reader x Prince! Dan Heng/Feng,

Little Red Red Riding hood Reader x Werewolf! Jing Yuan

Evil Queen! Kafka x Seven Dwarves (all Guys) x MC Huntsman Blade x Reader

More Detailed Ideas

Fallen Star! Stelle x Yandere!Witch!Kafka: Kafka saves fallen star! Stelle intends to take Stelle’s star heart to make a wish. Still, Stelle must fall in love for the wish to be granted so ​Witch!Kaf​ka resets ​Elio's Script in different fairytale iterations but Stelle keeps falling for other Honkai Star Rail characters who also have their wishes to be granted.... 

She is the one constant of this curse she cast, the one familiarity as over and over again she resets Elio's script until you love her back and give her your heart.

 “So, why not fall into my arms and into the spider's web and surrender yourself to me?” Witch! Kafka purrs enticingly

Or you could escape the spider web and find love yourself but are the options any better in this dark twisted fairytale version?

Rapunzel!Stelle X White Knight! Gepard- Classic guy saves girl with Tangled twist. Gepard falls in love and wishes to see her again and save Stelle who while sheltered & naive due to Yandere! Mommy! Kafka's misinformation is armed with a frying pan. Tangled! Stelle wants to find her family and Gepard takes her on this adventure...or gets caught by Witch! Kafka maybe white knight to dark Knight twist if it takes the traditional tale gone wrong Yandere route

Kafka resets the story takes Stelle and hides in the red riding hood cabin in the woods…

2. Yandere!Werewolf!Jing Yuan x Red Riding Hood! Reader: Werewolf jing yuan his pack was killed by hunters and Red Riding Hood Star Stelle may grant his wish to have his pack back... 

7. Little Mermaid: Reader x Dan Heng/ Dan Feng Double personality

Ursula! Kafka x Mermaid Reader

Next, she is sea witch who seeing the pattern of your heart falling to everyone nut here decides to give you a taste of your own medicines.

Yes, love the prince but Witch Kafka be there to seduce and steal him away so when little mermaid you falls into the sea in tears falling apart into bubbles she’ll be there to catch you and put you back together.

Prince in this version may be Blade as only one see him swayed by Kafka Or Prince! Dan Heng/feng since water dragon palace by the sea theme but he’d refuse her.

Dan Feng./ Heng may be dealing with double personalities.

March as the 'Sebastion who tries to match make and get MC!Reader and Dan Heng together by singing Just Kiss the girl during the secluded lake boat scene~

Prince Dan! Heng saves you classic Prince Eric style aka drives boat into the sea witch.

Do you think I’d really die when I remake this world time and time again?- Witch! Kafka

8. Beauty & the Beast: Beast!Blade

This time be the beast that drives her into my arms~ Kafka tells Blde as she resets the story to beauty and the beast.

8. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

“Hearts are fickle who shall you fall for next and give your wishing heart too?  Much better to have it boxed up and delivered to me permanently so you can never leave~"

"Hunstman Blade bring me her heart in box" Evil Queen! Kafka orders

Huntsman! Blade x Stelle

Who from past romantic encounters may show mercy despite memory muddled or altered by Witch! Kafka

“ Run hide in the forest” Blade says when he catches Reader returning instead with another heart to trick Evil Queen! Kafka.

Prince Gepard- from tangled come back to find you> maybe white knight turned dark knight twisted as beej long time and hurt watch you get with other men past drabbles idk.

Afterword

“Finally, I found you do you remember me? Don’t worry I’ll make you remember our love”

Say if a star were to fall what would you do for a wish?

Don’t you know love can make wishes come true but so too can sacrifice.

The secret to granting your wish is to steal the heart of a fallen star.

I’ll turn the pages of story and rewrite the script as any time until I have the stars heart.

I wish freedom from the madness in my mind.

I wish to end this immortal existence.

I wish for my family to be back.

I wish to see you again.

I wish for this story to go on and never end.

[velvet-cupcake-games]

Made Marion Mini-FAQ, Sept. 23

Just a few bits and bobs that I can talk about at this point in development!

Q: Players commit to their route ending at the end of Chapter 3 and then experience one of two different Chapter 4s. Does that make each chapter 4 choice-free?

There are still choices in the Chapter 4s! Many of the game's major love scenes are in the relevant character's Chapter 4, so you'll have the love scene choice if you have explicit text on. The rest of the choices are for the purpose of role-playing and making decisions about Marion's future. They won't make major changes to the ending, but they'll let you put a personal stamp on your endgame experience.

Except, of course for that choice. The one that leads either to victory or to a bad end. Which choice is it? You'll find out!

Some of your earlier choices can also cause minor changes in Chapter 4. For instance, in Sherwood Common Marion can write either an angry or a diplomatic letter to her father. This may affect whether he appears in the epilogue segment at the end of a Sherwood character's route.

Q: What kind of experience does the option to turn off explicit text provide? Does it allow for asexual relationships?

Because one of the main goals of the Made Marion project was to provide mature-rated love scenes for adult otome/amare fans who were interested in them, we don't have the option for asexual relationships in this game. Marion is allosexual by canon and it's obvious from the way she views the world from the very beginning of the game.

When explicit text is off, the player reads a shortened, non-explicit version of scenes that involve sexual activity. I try to get across the emotions that the characters are feeling without getting into the nitty-gritty of things, but it's still stated that the characters are having a sexual encounter.

Explicit text is ON by default in Made Marion, so players who do not wish to read such text should turn it off in the Options menu ASAP. Once a scene with explicit text has begun, turning the option off won't work until the next explicit scene (not that we're loaded with them, it's just how the script flow of the game works). I may be able to program a "break-out" button later on, but it won't be available as of the first Early Access release.

Q: Characters in Made Marion drink "tisane." Is that tea or something else?

A tisane is a hot drink with an herbal infusion. Many tisanes, also known as herbal teas, do not contain actual tea leaves. Tea is a very specific beverage, and its history in Europe is tied up in colonial-era violence. Instead of trying to work that into my alternate-magical-Europe history, I decided that it made the most sense for Avalons to simply drink non-tea-containing tisanes. Considering that plant druids are all about making magical hybrid plants, they probably have some delicious ones! They are caffeine-free but may contain other types of stimulants.

When Avalons aren't drinking alcohol, there's a good chance that they're drinking tisane. Thanks to druidic knowledge and the environmental protections inherent in the Pact, Avalon drinking water is way cleaner than the water was in Medieval England. But as Avalon science doesn't yet have a working knowledge of microorganisms, boiling your water is still the safest way to go.

[sea-owl]

I LOVE THE OTOME AU SO MUCH I swear, the sound of excitement that came out of me when I saw the new post 🙈🤭 Already love seeing Colin fall for Penelope, they’re my faves

Aw thank you!

For this au I was thinking that things really kick off for the Bridgertons during the first night the spouses play the game. Everything starts out as normal. The Bridgertons get the screen in front of them that the game is loading and oh it's multiplayer! They haven't had that in a while, and eight players? Even more of a rare occurrence for them.

As the eight friends go through their character quizzes and building their avatars for the game the Bridgertons take time to study them. Something felt different about this group and they didn't know why.

Then the prologue before routes are chosen starts up, and each Bridgerton gets into place. As the group of friends continue to play the Bridgertons find themselves genuinely laughing and having fun after who knows how long. The real reactions that the Bridgertons can see through their screens are joys to watch, as are watching them choose which dialogue options.

Anthony can't help the smile on his face when Kate once again chooses the option that supposed to take away his love points.

"Kate you know you're supposed to romance the characters?" One of her friends will ask her.

"Yeah but this one," Kate would point at Anthony on the tv, "is aggravating and I will take him down a peg!"

Benedict knows he should be conversing with all the avatars in the prologue, but he finds he can't tear himself away from Sophie. He even went off script a little bit, which earned him a glare from Anthony, but seeing the real Sophie pause with a small blush made it worth it.

Colin was so thankful that Penelope got childhood friend with his family because now he doesn't have to make up an excuse to hang around her more than the others like his siblings would. It helps that real Penelope doesn't seem to be moving her avatar away either.

Daphne is having so much fun with Simon. Most players find Daphne to be the boring one of the sisters so her route isn't played as often and she finds herself being a support more often than not.

Eloise likes listening to Phillip when he tries to pick the academic options and then she gets to hear the real him go off on how that wasn't the real science. It's nice to have a player with a brain.

Francesca also doesn't get her route played much. Second chance loves aren't usually a route players want but the options that Michael picks when he's playing, that flirty style like he's unafraid has her blushing. Especially with how sincere he seems about it to.

Hyacinth and Gregory both found themselves laughing watching the team up between Gareth and Lucy. Oh were they fun! Nothing like the other players from before!

By the time the group of friends finished the prologue it was late and they agreed to pick the game back up in the morning. But first they lock in their routes.

The Bridgertons were ecstatic about the choices. They were even more when the friends fell asleep with the TV on. These players feel different, they make the Bridgertons excited to be a part of the game again. Could this lead to love?

They were going to find out.

When the group of friends woke up they were surprised to find themselves separated and in completely different style of bedrooms. As they went looking for one another, they realized they were in the world of the game they were playing the night before.

Uh oh.