Date: 09/10/23
Weather: Warm and sunny.
Dear Diary.
I got to say, it feels mentally pretty good to wake up in the morning and not need to worry about if I'm going to have a roof over my head. Physically though? Could be tad better; my left wrist is heavily bruised and it sort of hurts to move. I really really REALLY need to ask Big Boss if she can just bite down on the right or anywhere else that isn't my left wrist, or just bite enough to draw blood. That and I added even more superficial cuts to my face while shaving, if I keep shaving with a blade of a multi-tool my face is going to have more scars than faces. Also, figuratively speaking of the Big Boss, I wonder what she meant by royally screwing up... Is causing an incident down the road royally screwing up? That sounds sort of hypocritical since Remilia herself caused an incident... I guess having power gives her the ability to be hypocritical and get away with it.
The morning routine was pretty good too The sparring match between me and Meiling is sort of about the same, where the Gatekeeper would dodge, block throw out light jabs and kicks til she feels like ending the match with a decisive blow. Even though the ending is about the same, now that I'm incorporating basically everything that I've learned in the match, I can physically feel myself improving to a point where I think I've seen the Gatekeeper actually break a sweat, well it's either me getting better enough the fact that the morning was a little warmer than usual.
...
Flandre had a fairly big breakthrough during the shift today. With the day being warm but not hot, the little Vampire and I was out of the mansion and exploring the surrounding areas. While exploring the two of us were visited by Ice kid, and she brought friends. One looked like a fairy, with almost generic fairy wings, green hair tied in a side ponytail with a little yellow ribbon. The other one though... Gave me shivers. It was that one blonde Youkai girl that tried to eat me a while back. The Youkai girl was already drooling as if she was starving, and the moment she recognized me and asked again if she could eat me; it was a bit embarrassing when I instinctively moved behind Flandre... Well at unlike the other Youkai that attacked me at least this one had the courtesy to ask me if she could eat me. I know that I should always count my wins and improvements, but I won't lie... It feels like all my efforts still amount to nothing when faced with another a Youkai with an instinctive or malicious intent...
While things were less than preferable for me, Flandre had an absolute blast. The Ice Kid sort of acted as a bridge for Flandre to make friends introducing her Youkai and Fairy friends as Rumia, and Daiyousei respectively. Trying to keep up with essentially three kids flying about, keeping Flandre covered from the sun and reminding Flandre to sort of pull her punches if there was any Danmaku Duel was difficult, but a rewarding experience. It was fairly interesting to see the dynamics between the two fairies, the one Youkai, and now Flandre. I don't want to downplay Rumia or anything since she can probably eat me if she really wanted to, but the Youkai looked... Simple minded? Following Cirno around having fun, which reminds me. I wonder if Rumia can distinguish between Humans and Fairies.
I'd like to think so since the Youkai looked like she had no intentions on eating the two fairies. Figuratively speaking of which, the Ice kid's friend Daiyousei looked much more... Timid? She was like a head taller than Cirno but she was always behind the Ice Kid. The Fairy seemed pretty hesitant around Flandre as well. And once again figuratively speaking of the little Vampire, Flandre had a ton of question for her new friends but at the same; looked like she knew when to hold back. I think the little Vampire knows that there's a massive power gap between her and Ice kid and friends. On another note, I know that I'm still slightly uncomfortable flying at higher speeds.
There wasn't a duel, but even so the little Vampire's excitement didn't waver a little bit even when I was finished my shift and I was helping Flandre to the room. Before I left I got a surprise hug from the little Vampire and a thanks. I had to ask why Flandre thanked me and the little vampire elaborated that if it wasn't for me she would have never been able to go out let alone meet friends. I never even thought of that, I guess she's a lot more perceptive than I thought.
...
The positive vibes from the start of the day even carried to my casual job in the Netherworld. The Gardener and I got tons of work done and I think my happy mood even carried over to Konpaku which further contributed to the amount of work that got done for the day; though the two of us were still ways off from sweeping up the leaves and tending to other gardening duties. After hours of sweeping and working up a sweat the Gardener asked if I wanted to relax and have a little tea. I haven't mentioned this in my previous entries, but on top of being a next level gardener, Konpaku knows how to brew up some real good tea. Tea shop back in my home world needs to take notes.
Relaxing with the gardener is a bit of a different experience compared to relaxing in the mansion. Everything feels serene, and I feel at peace, sipping tea with the Gardener, making small talks here and there and watching the leaves slowly flutter to the ground. I think the closest thing I can compare with this would be drinking with Koakuma, but the fact that drinking booze with the little Devil is done indoors gives a different vibe, and I usually get drunk in the end, and the atmosphere changes completely if Meiling gets involved. There was one more thing that happened in the Hakugyokurou. While sipping tea I asked Konpaku regarding her swords without much thought put into it.
Not sure if that was a mistake or not, but that really perked the Gardener up, giving me a rundown on her swords. The Longer of the two swords named "Watch Tower Sword" that can cut down ten phantoms in one slice, and the shorter of the two sword named "Blank Tower Sword" that can cut through people's confusions... people's confusions? Wish I asked for more details... All that talk about swords from the Gardener transitioned into me trying my hands a duel with swords, I did tell the Gardener that I had pretty much no experience with handling swords but that was met with "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."... I have done martial arts that also had bamboo swords as part of the martial arts program, but that's when I was kid which was a couple decades back.
Both the Gardener and I used wooden swords for safety reasons and the match lasted about a milliseconds. The second I raised the sword over my head the tip of Konpaku's wooden sword was just millimeters away from my throat, an instant defeat. I think the Gardener was not expecting for me to lose so quick, asking if I had some sort of combat experience. Well technically I did I guess, but that's with Meiling, and it was just hand to hand. Before I left for the mansion Konpaku did ask one more thing, if I was interested in learning the ways of the sword from her. I told her that I'll think about it before leaving.
...
The real busy day ended with a relaxing dip in the bath. Soaking in the warm soothing waters I got some time to do a little introspection and try my hands at combating some... negative thoughts. Mostly about what it means for me to belong in the Mansion, and in Gensokyo. I know that the Remilia told me that as far as she was concerned, I was a part of the mansion. As much as I appreciate and trust her words. There's still a part of me that well... have some doubts. It's not that I was doubting Remilia's words per se, but in more in the lines of doubting my ability to believe her... I guess those are the same thing, and this applies to my place in Gensokyo as well. When I'm completely alone with my thoughts whether in bed before I go to sleep, or in a bath, there's always that thought that keeps creeping back.
The negative thoughts did improve from 'You don't belong here.' to a 'Do I belong here?' Honestly though, these sort of thoughts were with me as long as I can remember regardless of where I was, and being in a land filled with magic and wonder, the recent events of the Youkai attack, and the thoughts of the possibility of getting kicked out of the mansion probably didn't help. I know that eventually there will come a day where I learn to come to terms with the whole idea of 'Belonging.' I just wish I wish that day comes a bit faster... I guess the best I can do is to keep moving forward.
-R.F.
Date: 09/11/23
Weather: Warm and sunny.
Dear Diary.
A bit of a slower day today but not a bad one by any means. I almost got to taste legitimate victory during the sparring match with Meiling. Compared to other days where I would land one, maybe four grazing hits at most today, I was probably just a few solid hits away from actually beating the Gatekeeper. Not sure why today was like this, it felt like the match was about as ordinary as every other sparring match I had with Meiling. Pushing my body to its current limits, pulling every trick that I had, and the Gatekeeper wasn't hungover or tired. I wonder what was so different... Well getting close to beating Meiling in a sparring match ended with me getting my wind knocked out of me, followed by a panicking Gatekeeper asking if I was alright. I wish I could have recorded the match or something so I can go over what I did that got me so close. Oh well.
...
No Ice kid and friends during the shift today did get Flandre a bit sad, but the little Vampire did get a chance to talk to the local Lake Mermaid. For the entire encounter Flandre more or less took the lead, asking the Mermaid question after question. Stuff like "Do you live underwater?", "How do you breath underwater?", "How come your clothes don't get wet?", "Can you talk to the fishes in the lake?", "You have a fish tail? Can you even walk on land?" and a hundred more. I could easily see Wakasagihime trying to keep up, but was getting overwhelmed by the nonstop questioning from the little Vampire. I guess the Mermaid isn't used to getting bombarded with questions. I had to tell the little Vampire to sort of slow down on asking questions. Eventually the Mermaid sort of made an excuse to make her leave. That did get Flandre a tad upset, asking if she did anything wrong. Which I in turn had to reassure the little Vampire that she didn't do anything bad. I suppose Flandre still has a bit of a ways to go when conversing with different folks.
...
It feels like my emotions sort of dictating how well I do things is a bit of a double edge sword, because today's Danmaku dodging session after the library clean up went so much better than two days ago. Feeling that rush where I just barely dodge the magic bullets of many shapes and sizes Making last second barrier creations and arcane dashes, there's no feeling that can compare. Also for this session I tried my hands at dodging while flying. It's so much harder than just dodging on the ground, but just as exciting if not more. Controlling my body in three dimension of space is absolutely indescribable. Even with all that self hype I didn't make it to the three minute mark, I did get pretty close though. The little Devil was impressed enough to let me know that the next time, she was going to try harder. I can't wait... Man if me a year ago saw me getting hyped over the possibility of getting hurt, he'd call me a lunatic.
...
Post Library clean up and the one sided duel, I had enough time to visit the Human Village and specifically, Mister Tailor. I've been meaning to pay him a visit to get my clothes for the colder seasons. I swear, Mister Tailor is an absolute master of his craft. The clothes for late autumn and winter was a perfect fit, the material is super soft and comfortable, a very slightly loose fit which I'm okay with. He wouldn't answer my questions on where he gets his material but at this point, I'm okay with him not telling me. What I AM a little worried about is once again the payment. Mister Tailor has mentioned that he would talk to the Mansion crew, so probably Izayoi to handle the payment, but the head maid hasn't mentioned it since I've been getting my clothes custom made from Mister Tailor. The more I appreciate the craftsmanship of Mister Tailor's work the more I'm starting to worry about this... It wouldn't be fair for him to use up his resources for my sake, especially if he's doing it for free. I need to ask Izayoi tomorrow about this.
-R.F.
Date: 09/12/23
Weather: Warm with a bit of shower.
Dear Diary.
Today was a bit more packed than yesterday, so lets start from the top. I think the Foresight ability that I've been training improving on sort of changed a bit. I was sparring as per usual, mixing both Physical and arcane arts for offensive and defensive purposes. Things didn't seem out of the ordinary for the first half, but then; much like the very first time, Foresight decided to mess me up again. The memories still surprisingly vivid, I saw Meiling wind up for a kick from the right, I would activate foresight to see if the Gatekeeper would make changes to her kick, three possible kicks from three different heights.
Now normally I would just react to the incoming attack that was the clearest, but this time around there was another element that I never saw. I could see my body move in and block the correct kick almost like an after image... Before image? My actual body though, didn't respond and my right arm got kicked pretty hard by the Gatekeeper, enough to force me to the ground, I could hear Meiling ask if I was alright trying to help me up, but I was a bit too busy trying to recall what happened. I think its still to early to say for sure but my foresight ability may have 'Levelled up'. If that's the case I wish it didn't freeze my body up like that.
...
The shift compared to the morning routine was a tad slower, Flandre originally wanted to spend the day outside, and we did hang out for maybe ten minutes? Keeping Flandre covered with the Sunbrella even in the drizzly overcast. Naturally the little Vampire asked why I was so insistive on covering her even when the sun wasn't out. I had to explain that the sun had a special ray that pierced through clouds and rain that could hurt her. Ultra Violet Rays. Pretty surprised that Flandre didn't ask the first tie around. Any way as soon as I finished explaining that little Vampire gave me a bit of a scare, immediately sticking her arm out and seeing it start to smoke. While I was freaking out trying to put Flandre's arm down, the little Vampire was amazed at the fact that I was right. I sort of wish Flandre would just take my word for it...
Thankfully the little Vampire didn't have to stay out for too long when she saw the pilfering Witch and her non-pilfering puppeteer. According to them they were here to have a little tea party with Patchouli. I never thought the Librarian would be chummy with Marisa enough to have little tea parties when the Witch pretty much only drops by to take books. Regardless, Flandre wanted a part of this little tea party so spending the day outside was promptly changed to an indoor tea party. I originally thought the little tea party was going to be a bit more... active? Especially with Marisa also participating. I mean it sort of was, mostly Patchouli grilling on the witch and Marisa brushing it off.
There was one benefit to attending the tea party, other than having tea I got to talk to Izayoi regarding the whole 'Mansion paying Mister Tailor for my clothes' thing... Thank Gog the Mansion's been covering for the extra expenses... Annd... Now I feel bad... I know I shouldn't since this is just a benefit of my job... But still... That aside The tea party went pretty well. Flandre and the Puppeteer got along pretty well, she even gave little Vampire a doll to play with as well which made Flandre visibly happy. That was real sweet of her.
...
The Casual job at the Nether was busy... real busy. No time for tea after hours of sweeping, instead I got roped into practice swinging swords under the teachings of Konpaku. Looking back at my previous entries, I can confirm that my answer was an "I'll think about it." but I think the physical fatigue got me to just go along with it instead of politely declining. Well at least the Gardener was happy to teach someone... On top of doubly working up a sweat, Konpaku asked if she could spar with me. Not with swords but hand to hand saying something like "You've been learning martial arts from Miss Meiling right? Could I try sparring with you?" I have no idea what prompted the Gardener to throw hands, and I sort of wanted to decline, but she was insistent, maybe she just really wanted to see how well I fought hand to hand? Wait, wouldn't it be better if she sparred with me when I wasn't so tired?
Anyway the sparring match ended with Konpaku being the victor, but the match was surprisingly close. At the start of the match I sort of expected it to the one sided since the Gardener was physically stronger, faster, with a higher pool of stamina and endurance and have more experience in fighting. But I could almost see the wind up before every kicks and punches that the gardener threw at me even without the Foresight. I guess the Gardener is a bit out of her element without her swords. I don't want to figuratively sound cocky or anything but I think I have a feasible chance in actually beating Konpaku in a hand to hand sparring match if I wasn't so tired. I think Konpaku knows this too, just based on the surprised look that she had when I was keeping up with her even when I was tired. Oh and one more thing, I should probably tell her next time to not go for high kicks. A lady wearing a skirt shouldn't be kicking like that, I mean sure she wears bloomers but still.
...
Ending the day with learning a spell might have been a bad idea. Not because I failed on recreating the spell in question, but more in the lines of I got a bit of carpet burn from succeeding in casting the spell. The spell in question is called Expedite. It's essentially an enchant spell that greatly accelerates the movement of the thing that's enchanted. I tried the spell on myself, took a step and my legs gave in from the speed and I dragged myself across the library's carpeted floor. Great... this is going to be extra sore tomorrow... On top of all the physical work that I did today... At least I learned a new spell real quick.
-R.F.
Date: 09/13/23
Weather: Slightly cooler with a bit of shower
Dear Diary.
Sweet mother of Gog I was sore all day... Still sore writing this entry. Right... From the top. After what happened yesterday, I'm glad that the day was on the slower side. The sparring match was a bit slower than yesterday, but even with the bruised wrist, aching body and that carpet burn from last night, I still got a bit of a beating from Meiling to a point I had to stop the exercise early. One thing that I would like to write down is that my foresight ability is definitely starting to change, the 'before image' that appeared from yesterday's sparring match did pop up again when I used foresight. Though I still had a bit of an issue trying to move my body to match the image. Maybe its a mix of my body being still tired and my body not being used to this new change in the ability. With the sparring match ending a bit earlier, Meiling and I had some spare time to talk about what I had to deal with yesterday. I honestly thought she'd get a laugh out my struggles, but the Gatekeeper was more sympathetic than anything. Telling me that it must be rough juggling so many different things to keep everyone happy. Meiling even gave me that big sister type pat on the back. I'm grateful that the Mansion has such a supportive person like Meiling.
...
The shift was as slow as the morning exercise. Flandre and I spent the part of the day outside, but spent the majority of the shift indoors. I think the little Vampire was waiting for her new friends but there weren't any today. No Marisa, no Ice kid and her crew. I want to write more about the shift but there honestly wasn't much other than Flandre and me quietly reading in the library. Personally though, I don't mind a slow day after a hectic one. Oh there are two things that I would like to write up. It might be due to the fact that Flandre didn't have anyone to play with, but when reading; the little Vampire was sort being sort of clingy towards me. Second Flandre still had the doll that the Puppeteer gave her yesterday with her and that's cute as heck.
...
The Fatigue definitely did effect my ability to help with Koakuma and the library clean up, on top of the one sided Danmaku duel. Not much regarding the duel itself but there was one thing that Koakuma mentioned after I got decked by one of her Danmaku bullet. First was the little Devil pointing out the fact that I have no offensive spells in my arcane arsenal which reinforced the fact that up to now I have no means of actually fighting back in a Danmaku duel. Well, closing the gap and trying to pummel my opponent is definitely an option but it has a very high risk with very little reward. Second was her question "What is magic to you?"... What IS magic to me? I remember getting all hyped when I realized that I can actually learn magic all those months ago. Sure I've learned a bunch of spells but literally none of them have any value in the offence department. For the little Devil I didn't have an answer, and honestly I still don't... What is Magic to me...
...
I thought cooling my head by walking in the village in the late evening would have helped me with answering that, but it didn't. What I got was getting spooked by that darn umbrella girl in the dark. Even getting physically and mentally stronger I still get easily spooked... Somethings never change I suppose. Other than getting my butt wet from falling in a shallow puddle thanks to Tatara's spooking, I got to have a drink with the Youkai Exterminator Gentlemen. It's been a while since I've seen the three and it was nice catching up. While drinking with the three I've learned that Youkai activity has been fairly quiet due to the Waning crescent moon so the three had to take odd jobs to make ends meet.
While they were complaining that they were itching to exterminate any mailicious Youkai it also looked like they were pretty happy with their lives. It must be pretty nice to be that care free. There was one more thing that happened to me while I was in the village. Another encounter with that Komeiji girl. Like every single time I've somehow compltetly forgotten about the encounter and the only evidence that I had was the recordings on my phone. Maybe I can ask someone in the mansion about this Komeiji girl.
-R.F.
Date: 09/14/23
Weather: Warm but not hot.
Dear Diary.
Today was a bit of a mix bag... Morning was fairly positive. I'm getting used to the Foresight's next step, where I can actually follow my before image(?) and successfully block the Gatekeeper's attacks without getting hurt too badly. And with that, I'm getting closer to beating Meiling whens she's holding back. I thought I'd ask the Gatekeeper regarding this Komeiji Koishi girl, but unfortunately Meiling didn't have any helpful answer.
...
The shift however... It could have gone better. With the days getting cooler, I wanted to forage some Japanese honeysuckles for natural soap, and some Dandelions for teas and coffee. Flandre was happy to help, wandering around the woods near the mansion, asking questions about plants. Then I came up on the site where I was attacked by that Youkai... I could gradually hear my heartbeat get louder, chest get tighter. I had a hard time control my breathing... If Flandre wasn't there to snap me out of it I would have probably passed out... I feel bad seeing Flandre look all worried about me... I did manage to grab a couple handful of Dandelions. I guess I can make me some Dandelion coffee for old time's sake. The rest of the shift was more or less the little Vampire keeping a close eye on me to make sure I didn't suffer from PTSD granted I don't think Flandre knows what a PTSD is, well points for trying... All in all, not a good shift for me...
...
On top of that, Konpaku asked something completely out of left field. The Casual job started with nothing to note in particular, just a lot of physical labour. I didn't even think too much into the Gardener offering some tea after the work for the day was complete. I probably should have known something was up when her boss, the Ghost Princess dropped by to have tea with both me and Konpaku. While drinking some real good tea, I could sort of feel a bit of a tension. The tension eventually broke though when Konpaku asked if I wanted to work in the Hakugyokurou with her instead of the Mansion... I had to ask the Gardener what prompted her to ask such a proposition and Konpaku sort of went off on a bit where she never got so much work done in the Hakugyokurou in her life in such a short period of time, how she enjoyed my company.
When I respectfully declined and let her know that I can't just go and abandon the Mansion and her crew Konpaku tried bribing, how great the Netherworld was compared to the mansion. Stuff like how great the scenery was, how she could train me in the art of the sword so I don't get hurt from future Youkai attacks, how she can teach me all about gardening... I mean sure those were great points but I could pretty much use similar points that the mansion had. When bribing didn't get through to me the Gardener dropped the "L" bomb. Life debt. What she didn't know was that the second she asked me to work for her I sort of half expected her to use that, and already had a bit of a counter argument. Explaining to the Gardener that technically I had a life debt to the Mansion months before I was hospitalized, and that the Mansion was like family to me. That may have gotten through her. I feel bad declining her offer... Hopefully she takes it well.
...
The rest was somewhat uneventful... Mostly trying to practice some magic while distracted. Safe to say it didn't do well. Maybe tomorrow will be better?
-R.F.
Date: 09/15/23
Weather: Warm but not hot.
Dear Diary.
I... am in the biggest bind of my life... Also Konpaku didn't take it well... But lets start from the top. I wasn't off to a good start, well kind of. I think Meiling was either a bit uncomfortable with me getting closer to beating her, or she thought I was ready for her trying a little harder in the sparring match. Nothing I did worked. It felt like the Gatekeeper just a step a head of me throughout the entire match... Guess I still have a long way to go.
...
The shift was a lot more quiet, but it did last a bit longer. Flandre wanted to spend the day in the library, and I didn't think too much on it. There isn't much to report but the fact that the little Vampire was being a bit clingy during the shift. Maybe she was still worried about me? I didn't think to ask. Flandre also wanted to stay a little longer post shift. I was honestly okay with it since at the time I knew that I didn't have to go to the Hakugyokurou to help out the Gardener. Patchouli also didn't personally didn't have any objections as long as we kept things quiet so the little Vampire continued to read her little book while I helped Koakuma with the library clean up and inventory. After that was my one sided Danmaku with the little Devil, but unfortunately that was cut a bit short thanks to two separate interruptions. First was Flandre getting upset at Koakuma for 'being too hard' on me. The little Devil dialed down her bullet intensity to a point where I didn't have to dodge at all... I know that Flandre wants to keep her 'big brother' safe, but this is getting slightly out of hand... Second interruption was actually from the Big Boss herself. Along with the Big Boss was Izayoi and one other person... Konapku...
...
The Big Boss called me to follow her, and Patchouli had to bring Flandre back to her room... Okay so to the part where 'Konpaku didn't take it well'... Apparently while I was helping Koakuma with tidying up the library and helped me with dodging Danmaku the Gardener basically climbed the chain of command to just talk to Big Boss regarding her proposition that I declined. Konpaku, Big Boss, Izayoi, and I had to fly up to the Hakugyokurou to do a little... negotiating... I've honestly forgotten how terrifying flying into high altitudes, at speeds I wasn't comfortable was. Due to the mild weather I opted to not wear the clothes that Mister Tailor made for the upcoming colder weather, and even in the warmer weather it was real chilly flying high up into the sky. Not to mention my eyes getting watery from the amount of wind that my face got hit by. It's a miracle that my glasses didn't fall off my face. I wish I just teleported up there, but I didn't want to look like a real chump.
The Netherworld much like Gensokyo overall was almost done changing into Autumn. With the colour of the leaves mixed with yellow, orange, red and a splash of shades of light and dark green, it was truly amazing. It sure one up-ed the autumn scenery back home which was predominantly yellow and the dark green of the coniferous trees. There was one more thing that the Netherworld had over Gensokyo as well, it almost felt like there was a feeling of stillness in the Netherworld. I don't know if that's a feeling that I like or not, but it sure was a different feeling. Other than fearing for my life on my way to the Nether world and soaking in the absolutely breathtaking view of the Netherworld, I could feel the absolute tension between everyone some more than others. I think Big Boss was pretty relaxed compared to everyone that flew up to the Hakugyokurou. Saigyouji on the other hand looked completely relaxed as if she wasn't even aware of the... situation.
Okay, I know that this entire thing was extremely serious for me, but looking back sort of wish I recorded this entire thing since I found the way everyone interacted fascinating. I'll just write down the highlight of the entire negotiation between the Big Boss and Saigyouji. After everyone sat down around a big old tea table, the Ghost princess asked Konpaku to brew up some tea for everyone, and Big Boss ordering Izayoi to assist Konpaku. Once the tea arrived, the two bosses sort of compared how great their respective servant's ability to brew tea was. I think that was somewhat of a friendly banter before they got into business. Saigyouji opening up with how 'close' Konpaku and I got. Personally I did what I can to keep a friendly and professional courtesy with Konpaku. Did the Ghost princess not see it that way? Was it to sort of bring a point that I had a good reason to permanently work in the Netheworld?
Big Boss didn't take the possible bait and went straight into business, recalling that Konpaku basically arrived to request that I work for her instead of the mansion, and once that was rejected the Gardener proposed a wager between the Mansion and the Hakugyokurou a Duel. Apparently the Big Boss agreed to the idea and wanted to negotiate the terms... Saigyouji was also elated by the idea of a wager for a human's life... Since Konapku was the one that wanted the wager and was pretty much the only employee she was chosen to 'represent' the Hakugyokurou. Now, I'm almost certain that Big Boss was going to choose Patchouli or someone that was actually capable of fighting to represent the Mansion... But for whatever reason chose... Me. I think this was one of those rare occasion where I got to see Izayoi sort of break her elegant composure, asking Big Boss if this was a good idea.
Konpaku looked pretty shocked as well asking the Big Boss why she chose me of all people. Naturally I even sort of objected to the idea. Sure I was more or less involved in this little kerfuffle, but picking me? Big Boss dismissed both Izayoi and me and simply replied to the Gardener with "I have my reasons." Saigyouji on the other hand seemed pretty chill about the entire thing. Next was discussing terms and conditions. Picking when and where, I think thats when the Big Boss's 'big brain play' started to come out. First she more or less requested that I get some time to prepare for this duel since it would be more akin to an execution if I were to duel the Gardener say, tomorrow or something. I was given thirty days to prepare for this duel and the duel would be at noon. Since I needed time to get ready the Big Boss requested that I temporarily stop working at the Hakugyokurou. Both Konpaku and Saigyouji was okay with this on the condition that I just work tomorrow since there were a bunch of leaves on the ground to sweep up and Konpaku alone wasn't going to leave a dent. Second was location, this time the Big Boss asked to let me pick the location of the duel and once again, the Gardener and the Ghost Princess agreed to the terms. It was pretty rough to pick the location of the duel when everyone's eyes were on me.
I think I just sat there for like a full minute trying to think of a place. The Hakugyokurou was out of the question, since Konpaku would have a home field advantage. I was considering the mansion for a home field advantage of my own, but then I had a bit of an idea. The Human Village. The biggest reason was that maybe if I had the duel in the village Konpaku would be put in some sort of a handicap due to collateral damage or something, and my excuse was "To put on a show for the folks". I think it worked too since the Gardener objected to the idea but thankfully, Big Boss straight up backed me up asking Konpaku if she was afraid and that got the Gardener real quiet. Third was the win condition of the duel. Essentially it was until either one of us was unable to fight, or if either of us would give up. Pretty straight forward. Last was the 'prize' If the Konpaku won, I would have to leave the Mansion and work for Konpaku.
If I won, Konpaku would work for the mansion for only a week. This was when the Ghost Princess had a bit of an objection, saying who would feed her if Konpaku wasn't there. Konpaku wasn't happy with the idea as well. Pretty sure I wrote this in a previous entry but why does she need to eat? Isn't she a ghost? Anyway the Big Boss countered the little objection from Saigyouji that possibly losing Konpaku for a week was nothing compared to the Mansion losing me permanently. In the end Saigyouji and Konpaku agreed to the terms. Okay a little back track... If losing me was such a big deal for the Mansion, why did the Big Boss decide to pick the least capable person to duel a straight up killing machine like the Gardener?
And that was the end of the negotiations for the duel. Something that I'd like to also note is that during the entire thing it sort of felt like the Big Boss was taking the lead of the negotiations. Saigyouji sort of went along with the entire thing with maybe one disagreement. It was kind of strange seeing a person that looked pretty much like a kid taking charge of a meeting where the adult looking figure was taking the back seat almost enjoying the figurative ride... At the same time, the way Saigyouji so casually went along with it gives me some real bad vibes... Trusting Konpaku's skills to cut me to pieces aside, did she have some sort of other plan? I have a bad feeling about this...
-R.F.
Date: 09/16/23
Weather: Warm but not hot.
Dear Diary.
As of writing this entry I have less than thirty days to train to fight Konpaku... and that really effected my performance during sparring and the shift. I was distracted and was taking hits from Meiling that I would never take under normal circumstances. The Gatekeeper asked if I was doing alright and I just dodged her question the best I can.
...
Like I wrote above the shift didn't go so well either, but thankfully the ice kid brought her fairy friend to play with the little Vampire so Flandre got to have a little fun. I on the other hand was more or less lagging behind, and that caused Flandre to almost constantly look behind her to make sure that I was following her. Post shift the little Vampire asked if I was doing alright and I had to tell the little Vampire a little white lie. Pretty sure it didn't work but I'm glad that Flandre decided to play along.
...
Sweet mother of Gog the casual shift at the Hakugyokurou was awkward. Not only that Konpaku was being extra hard on me. Scolding me for every little mistake. If I wasn't so distracted and didn't have a life debt to the Gardener I would have been more upset with her... Well if I didn't have a life debt I wouldn't have been working for her in the first place. Was she taking the frustrations of the up coming duel on me? If that's the case, why? I mean there's like almost a hundred percent chance that she'd win in a second... Was it because I chose the Village as the place for the duel? I didn't have the chance to ask why she was so upset, and even if I did I would have still gotten lectured. Because of Konpaku focusing on nitpicking all my mistakes that sort of compounded with every little lecture we didn't get much work done in the end. If I manage to lose the duel, I sure hope Konpaku goes easy on me the day I start working for her full time...
...
So post shift at the Hakugyokurou, Izayoi was waiting for me in my room to leave a message that the Big Boss was waiting for me in her chambers. I thought she wanted to give me a pep talk or even just drink my blood in her room, so I thought I'd turn my phone on to record whatever conversation that might take place. What I didn't expect was the entire important figures of the Mansion also in her chambers. Glad that I got the recording started and I got it transcribed.
Start of recording
R.S.: "Ahh everyone's here. Good work Sakuya."
I.S.: "Thank you milady."
P.K.: "The last time you called all of us was when you created that incident over Gensokyo. Are you planning on another incident Remi?"
R.S.: "No. This is a lot more serious than that. Last evening, the gardener of Netherworld paid me a visit. She requested to take R.F. as a permanent employee of the Hakugyokurou."
*Silence*
F.S.: "No! No! NO! She can't take big brother away! I wont let her! You're not leaving me right big brother?!"
R.F.: "I'm not leaving Flandre."
H.M.: "Oh so that's why Miss Youmu visited the Mansion yesterday!"
R.S.: "Calm down Flan. Your 'big brother' isn't leaving us. At first I refused and tried to send the Gardener away but she made things a bit more interesting by offering a wager. A duel."
P.K.: "A Duel?"
R.S.: "Thats right. A duel between the Scarlet Devil Mansion and the Hakugyokurou."
H.M.: "Pardon me milady, but why did you accept Miss Youmu's wager? Surely with your status alone you could have sent Miss Youmu away."
R.S.: "That is true Meiling. But simply rejecting the Gardeners request and wager would dampen the relationship between the Mansion and the Hakugyokurou. And a duel sounded fun."
*silence*
P.K.: ""Sounded fun." Thats so like you Remi. So who did you pick as our representative? Let me guess. Sakuya?"
K.K.: "Thats right! Miss Sakuya could easily beat Miss Youmu!"
R.S.: "I picked R.F. as our representative."
*silence*
P.K.: "What? Why did you pick him? Sakuya could have easily handled this."
H.M.: "With all due respect milady, but I agree with Lady Patchouli."
R.S.: "Do you two not trust my judgment?"
P.K.: "..."
H.M.: "..."
F.S.: "I don't! Why did you pick big brother! He could get hurt! Or worse! That Gardener lady could take him away! Why don't you or Sakuya fight her! Wait! Let me fight her! I'll blow her away in a second!"
R.S.: "If you're done calming down Flan, I'll give my reason on why I chose R.F. over everyone else in the mansion. First, although business this was originally between R.F. and the Gardener, the moment that half-baked gardener offered the wager made it a mansion's business. Second, to my understanding at his current strength R.F. cannot even defeat Koakuma in a Danmaku duel. This is a prime opportunity to help R.F. grow to be a strong and proud member of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. And third, I think it would be fun. "
F.S.:"If big brother loses, it'll be your fault big sister, and I'll never forgive you."
R.S.:"He isn't going to lose."
P.K.: "Alright... So when and where is this duel taking place? Surely it's not tomorrow. Flan's babysitter won't stand a chance if that was the case."
F.S.: "Big brother isn't my babysitter! I'm older than him!"
P.K.: "Then why call him big brother? Shouldn't you call him little brother?"
F.S.: "Big brother is my big brother because hes bigger than me!"
P.K.: "... Sure whatever you say Flan. And please stop shouting."
R.S.: "Are you two finished? Sakuya, R.F. and I, along with the Gardener went to the Netherworld to discuss the details with the Ghost princess last night. Sakuya?"
I.S.: "Yes milady. The duel will be taking place Twenty nine Days from today. In the human village. At noon."
K.K.: "Human village? Why did you pick the Village lady Remilia?"
R.S.: "That wasn't my idea. It was R.F.'s care to give them an explanation?"
R.F.: "Yes milady. There are few reasons on why I chose the village specifically. First is to show the village that the strength of the mansion shouldn't be underestimated. Second I feel like if there are a large crowd, Miss Konpaku might not do anything rash, like cut me into ribbons, or do anything that might cause collateral damage. Lastly, might as well put on a show for the folks."
H.M.: "Ohh that's pretty clever of you little bro!"
R.F.: "L-little bro?"
H.M.: "Lady Flandre calls you big brother so I thought I'd call you little bro. You're okay with that right?"
R.F.: "I don't have any objections."
P.K.: "Well I think your idea was short sighted at best. You've made this choice based on an assumption that Konpaku might not cut you down in an instant. And lets say that she doesn't, there's still a near guaranteed chance that shes going to beat you."
R.F.: "Lady Patchouli, I do see your point, but I think I made the most optimal choice at that time. When I suggested the Village I saw Miss Konpaku ready to object to the idea. Surprisingly though it was Miss Saigyouji that agreed with my suggestions."
P.K.: "Well, do what you want, this doesn't have anything to do with me. I'm going back to the library. Koakuma."
K.K.: "Yes lady Patchouli. Good lu-"
R.S.: "Patche, did you forget what I said a minute ago? This is now a Scarlet Devil Mansion business. If Flan's ' big brother' loses it's going to effect everyone here."
P.K.: "Honestly... Bringing the entire mansion into someone else's personal squabble. This is a bit much Remi, even for you."
R.S.: "Would you rather train R.F. for a couple hours everyday for a not even a month or look after Flan for the rest of your life?"
P.K.: "I would have rather him not get us into this mess in the first place... Fine. What do you want me to do? Train him to beat Konpaku?"
R.S.: "Not just you. But everyone in the mansion. And I mean everyone."
K.K.: "Excuse me Lady Remilia, how exactly are we training R.F.?"
R.S.: "Im glad you asked Koakuma. The idea is simple really. Meiling will teach R.F. with dealing with threats that are close. You and Patche will train him with dealing with threats that are far away. Sakuya, Flan and I will mix both close and far threats."
F.S.: "E-even me? "
R.S.: "Yes Flan."
F.S.: "But I don't want to hurt big brother."
R.S.: "Flan if you don't help your big brother. You might never see him ever again"
F.S.: "... I'll help..."
R.S.: "Good. Meiling, I'm aware that you're exercising with R.F. every morning. Keep doing that, but make sure he's ready by the time of the duel."
H.M.: "Yes milady."
R.S.: "After noon, Flan and Sakuya will take turns training him, evening Patchouli, Koakuma and I'll take turns training him. Any other questions?"
H.M.: "Ah, I have a question milady. You told us that this was a wager. What happens if Little bro... R.F. wins?"
R.S.: "WHEN R.F. wins, we'll have the Gardener under our service for a week."
P.K.: "Just a week? That doesn't seem very fair for us Remi."
R.S.: "I was considering on taking the Gardener for a month, but the fact that the Gardener is the only one that cares for her mistress and takes care of the Hakugyokuro I wanted to give her a little slack. And besides, if I were to take her for more than that, the Ghost princess would probably throw a fit."
P.K.: "I can see your point... Though I still think Konpaku should pay a steeper price."
R.S.: "Well its already done. Sakuya, let all the Fairy maids and Hobgoblins know that if they see R.F. attack him on sight. I want him to be ready for anything."
I.S."Yes milady."
R.S.: "Alright everyone make sure to train him well. You're all dismissed, and R.F. I'll see you in your room for my blood donation."
R.F.: "Yes milady..."
R.S.: "I told you to call me Big Boss."
R.F.: "Yes Big Boss..."
End of Transcript
So a couple things I learned during the 'meeting'. Not only is Izayoi an ultra elegant maid, she can also fight, second the mansion dynamic is surprisingly... dysfunctional? I mean I can sort of see that being a thing since barely anyone interacts with each other... Even with the notable dysfunction, the mansion crew seem pretty close. On top of the little 'team meeting' I got to record my conversation between the Big Boss and Me. And like the transcript above I also got it transcribed.
Start of recording
*Knock on the door, sound of door creaking open*
R.S.: "Ahh, you're here. Good."
R.F.: "Come on in Big Boss. Please, have a seat."
R.S.: "I will, thanks."
*Sound of chairs scraping*
R.F.: "Umm... Big Boss?"
R.S.: "Yes?"
R.F.: "I was just wondering, if you can draw blood from the right wrist this time. Or just anywhere else... If that's alright with you."
R.S.: "Is there something wrong with your left?"
R.F.: "It's, just that the bruise hasn't been really healing."
R.S.: "Very well."
R.F.: "Thank you."
R.S.: "I'll dig in now."
R.F.: "..."
*Sound of the Vamping biting down and drinking blood.*
R.S.: "Ahh~ I've missed this."
R.F.: "It's only been a week Big Boss."
R.S.: "I have to say, ever since I've drank your blood I've gotten a bit... hooked on to your blood. Waiting a week feels like an eternity."
R.F.: "I'm glad that my blood is enjoyable Big Boss..."
R.S.: "... What's wrong R.F.?"
R.F.: "Sorry... It's just... I was wondering... Do you really think I have a chance against Miss Konpaku? I mean, I've sparred with her before and I've lost both times."
R.S.: "You as an individual? You don't stand a chance."
R.F.: "..."
R.S.: "But you as a member of the Scarlet Devil Mansion? You can beat her."
R.F.: "If you don't mind me saying, that's an awful amount of confidence you have in me Big Boss..."
R.S.: "fufu~ you live as long as I do and you'll just know these things."
R.F.: "Well, since I won't live that long since I'm just a human I'll just trust your words Big Boss..."
R.S.: "Something else troubling you?"
R.F.: "Well... I've been thinking about it during the meeting... As much as I trust your words in regards of my ability to beat Miss Konpaku... I just think that I'll have a hard time beating her barehanded."
R.S.: "I see what you're saying. Perhaps you need to pick up a weapon."
R.F.: "I was thinking about that, but I just don't know what to use. I mean I wouldn't have enough time to learn to use a sword, and even if I did... that's sort of Miss Konpaku's specialty."
R.S.: "Hmm... What about a spear?"
R.F.: "A Spear?"
R.S.: "I can't say if it'll be easier to master compared to a sword, but it's reach might help you against the Gardener's attacks, and the fact that I too use a spear at times to fight, it'll be like representing the Scarlet Devil. And her Mansion."
R.F.: "That's a great idea. I guess that's why you're the Big Boss."
R.S.: "Fufu~ Naturally~"
R.F.: "Just one more question... Do you know where I could get a spear?"
R.S.: "I've already ordered the entire mansion to help you train, this one you'll have to do on your own. The fact that you've helped Flandre improve pretty much all by yourself, I'm sure getting yourself a weapon should be a breeze."
R.F.: "I... I sure hope so..."
*Sound of chair scraping*
R.S.: "I'm sure you'll be fine. I'll take my leave. Thank you for the blood. Have a good night Big Brother~"
R.F.: "No... No problem Big Boss... Have a g-wait what?"
*Sound of door opening and closing*
R.F.: "..."
End of recording
So... I have the entire might of the Mansion to help me with the new training regiment to prepare myself for the upcoming duel. The big problem is where I can get myself a spear... Hang on... IS THIS SOME SORT OF A TRAINING ARC OR SOMETHING?
-R.F.
Author's Note: Hello everyone! Sorry to keep you waiting. It's been a hectic three Weeks, and honestly, I think it's going to get busier on my end. So from this entry to the foreseeable future I'll be posting the entry whenever I finish writing the entries instead of the usual posts on the Saturdays to catch up. Also the entries might be a bit shorter since R.F. more or less entered his training arc. To the Reviewer sayori, I'm actually planning on posting Devil Mansion Part Timer: Redux to AO3 when it's finished, but it will be somewhat of a soft redux, as I'll be making additions, subtractions, and/or substitutions to the past entries, but it'll still follow a similar beat to the Redux. Time will tell. To the Guest review, sorry to keep you waiting! Alright everyone! Until next time, take care!
