Graded [Azuran City] Corruption and Riches Pt. I

[saxon]

Hello everyone, this RP is set in the world of Isekai Hell; you can find information about the world here.

This Rp follows Kasumi as she invites two new acquaintances to Azuran on a proposal to see if they will join forces with her on a heist. The Rp follows the events of [Isekai Hell] Intrigue Down Below and [Isekai Hell] May There Be Plenty of Fools!, [Isekai Hell] The Party of Greed, [Isekai Hell] Foul Enigma, and directly following the events of [Isekai Hell] A business Proposal.
***
Setting:
Locations: Azuran, Ryke
Time of Day: 12:00 PM
Weather: The Sun sits in the sky there is barely a cloud in the sky as the summer heat beats down upon the city of Azuran
Interactions/Mentions: gmimperfecti Qu-Ce

---

Kasumi Kagu​

The city of Azuran is nestled along the southwestern border of Ryke, becoming a major trade city in the southwest region. Many merchants come inside Ryke and outside this city due to the access to goods from the country across the border. The border had shifted from time to time over the centuries; however, currently, the city was in the Protectorate of Ryke's territory. The town started as a small village, but as the borders moved, money came to the town, and trading became its primary source of income. Many people set up their shops in the town as it slowly expanded, turning it into the thriving trade city it has become today.

However, in most cities, there is corruption among some of the people that hold the most power. Nobles and officials both crave money, and each has their allegiance, which does not always coincide with the rightful ruler. Even some citizens within Ryke hold grudges against the current rulers and upper class. A situation that some counties would take advantage of. Recently a weapons shipment was destroyed, sending news throughout the city as the city guard and the adventurer's guild became more involved.

Rumors have been circulating about the Lord Constable's corruption though every time someone goes to investigate, they either find nothing or they disappear entirely. But there was always one thing in common with the person of interest; the last time she had tried to get the information, she slipped the shipment accounts to the adventurer's guild. There has been new rumors of something big going down at the yearly Festival of Kunstrin though that is still months away. However, the rumors themselves haven't led to much light.

Kasumi continued to follow the pristine cobblestone bricks until she stopped in front of a mansion that was well guarded, with iron bars acting as a fence going around the property. "This is the place, the security as you can see, is heavy generally, the best time to get in is when there is a party but there isn't one at the moment," she explained, looking back over her shoulder at Bosco and Lucian as she started to move again walking further down the street. "The main courtyard is fairly open; inside the main part of the house is a smaller courtyard that leads to other areas, such as the dining room ballroom and to an entryway to the grand staircase," she paused for a moment as she brought her hand to her chin. The house in question looked similar to a noble's house in Venice with its large square building and roof tiles. Guards were patroling the courtyard inside on top of the windows on the first floor being shut for the time being.

"As you can see that is the problem, we will really only get a single chance at doing anything so we need to be prepared. We need more intel on the layouts and other security. The guards change every 12 hours last time I was in there it was during a party and I wasn't able to get away to check out the upstairs before it ended," she explained before turning right down another street and following it for about four blocks before stopping in front of a rather average townhouse.

The house was three stories with brick walls and a slate tile roof. The red-orange color of the bricks is in contrast to the gray streets. The door was painted green as Kasumi stepped up, "This is where we will be staying, I made arrangements that a noble and her attendants would be staying here for a little while. So if anyone asks, stick with that story, but we won't need to hold up appearances once we are inside," Kasumi explained as she pushed the door open, which lead to the entryway with dark oak floors that led to some stairs, the living space, and the kitchen. The house was lavishly decorated with items that seemed fit for a noble to be living here. She smirked as she then walked into the living space and sat down on a couch as she set her pack down next to her and pulled out the papers from earlier.

"Now that you both had some time to think, which route do you think we should go? The Arms deal, the help route or the infiltration route?" Kasumi inquired as she reached behind her and pulled out the hair tie letting her hair fall down as she glanced toward the two leaning back on the couch. In the room there were two couches with a table in the middle with several paintings on the wall and a fire place against the wall.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian followed Kasumi's lead, his eyes darting around, taking in the details of the mansion as she explained the intricacies of their challenge. The mansion itself was a spectacle of affluence and power, standing tall and proud in the heart of the city. The iron bars and vigilant guards were a clear sign of the wealth that lay within, but also of the paranoia that festered in the mind of its owner.

As he studied the mansion, Lucian couldn't help but be drawn to the city itself. Azuran was a city of contrasts, a bustling hub of trade and commerce, thriving and growing, yet plagued by whispers of corruption and shadows of deceit. The rumors about the Lord Constable and the recent incident with the weapons shipment only added to the intrigue, painting a picture of a city on the brink, teetering between order and chaos.

"And the documents are in a vault on the second floor?" Lucian grunted in thought. "Or the basement?" He scrunched his eyebrows in thought. "Or maybe just a diversion or five."

Lucian's mind was alive with possibilities, and his heart pounded with excitement. This was exactly the kind of adventure that he craved, a game of stakes and risks, a dance with danger and opportunity. The mansion, with its guarded secrets and hidden treasures, was like a tantalizing puzzle waiting to be solved.

When they finally reached the townhouse that was to be their safe house, Lucian studied it for a moment, appreciating its unassuming appearance. It was perfect, a place to lay low and prepare, to plan their moves and gather their resources.

Lucian's eyes gleamed as he followed Kasumi into the townhouse, taking in the elegant decorations and lavish furnishings. It was a setting fit for nobility, a clever ruse that provided the perfect cover for their clandestine activities.

With an air of nonchalance, he sauntered over to the couch, plucking a glass filled with fizzing, sparkling water from thin air. Plopping down right next to Kasumi, he took a casual sip, his eyes never leaving her as she began to pull out the papers. He frowned, plucking a lemon wedge, shook his head, flicked his hand and the lemon wedge was replaced with a slice of lime. This he squeezed twice into the water before affixing the slice on the edge of the glass. Lucian didn't have a bag or anything at all really other than his fancy clothes, the silver inlaid rapier belted to one hip and a silver inlaid pistol under his other arm.

"Pity we couldn't take the bards with us, although if things go towards the arms deal..." He trailed off with a sip of his drink.

"So, my dear Kasumi, this is quite the setting you've arranged for us," he said, his voice tinged with joy. "You've certainly spared no expense in making sure we feel at home."

He leaned back, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the taste of the bubbles, feeling it fizzle down his throat. The excitement of the adventure, the allure of the game, the promise of riches and glory, it all swirled in his mind.

He looked at Kasumi, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I don't think I'd ever pass as hired help, not for a paranoid corrupt lord. Maybe a mixture of the arms deal and sneaking." He looked up at her and then looked towards Bosco, "I don't know if I told you, but I can smuggle you both or even us three I guess. Depends on trust, but my pocket dimension is large enough for us three. Haven't figured out how to generate breathable air in there, but as long as I vent the atmosphere every two days or so it isn't a big deal."

He paused for a moment, letting his words hang in the air. "I have plenty of fancy weapons I picked up as well. We could buy more and sell them to him at a discount, recoup the lost money other ways." He pursed his lips and looked towards Bosco.

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

On their way to the townhouse, Bosco was taking note of his surroundings. Part of the reason was due diligence; if things went poorly, and they had to run, even a passing familiarity of the area would be better than none, but that only made for a small part of why this part of the city was of interest to him. The place seemed clean and orderly, much more so than the part of town the three of them had traveled from. Whatever befoulment the Lord Constable has inflicted upon the city clearly hasn’t reached his own estate.

As the trio settled themselves into the townhouse, Bosco’s eyes wandered, his expression impassive. He reclines onto the couch, listening dutifully to the words of his associate before chiming in with his own assessment. “On its own, I think a weapons deal is a disadvantageous pretext for us to use to enter the Lord Constable’s mansion. I see it going thusly: we are accepted into the mansion and escorted to a guest room, where we will be given accommodations befitting a noble’s guest until the time comes he chooses to meet with us. I doubt our movement will be unrestricted, and his accommodations will also serve to monitor us. We won’t be given the chance to learn the information we need in order to execute this plan, and we’ll have no pretext as to why we might be found in the more private areas of the estate if we are seen.

The only way to reliably obtain that information and pretext is by finding ourselves under the employ of the Lord Constable. We can observe firsthand the guards’ positions and schedules, inform ourselves of the mansion’s layout much more thoroughly, and maybe learn other useful information from the other workers. The benefits are unmatched in comparison to the other options, to the point it seems to almost be a necessity to me.” Bosco turns his head to look at Lucian, then Kasumi, assessing them in turn. “Well, it’s certainly true that one of us would be a worse fit than the others. What kind of help is he looking for? If it’s something like cleaning or assisting in the kitchen, I can manage. Since you brought it up as an option, he’s probably not looking for the most skilled workers.”

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu​

"The vault is in the basement, the study is on the second floor, he could be keeping the documents in the vault but my money is on the study being where the documents are kept," Kasumi explained as she shifted her gaze to Lucian who sat down next to her with the water and lemon. Letting her head rest against the back of the couch she moved her eyes to look at Lucian as he mentioned the bards. "That would complicate things, if he was having a party we could have used them probably. The Lord Constable has a taste for the finer things in life," she explained in a level tone before sighing.

When Lucian spoke again there was a long pause, "Dear?" She repeated not even bothering to look his direction staring straight up at the ceiling. "As for the location, well I can be persuasive and know a few people, if I told you this house stood empty for the last several years would you believe me?" She inquired as a smirk appeared on her face it was true the house was unoccupied for several years but that was because the place was rumored to be haunted. But that was a story for another time. As Lucian spoke his thoughts on the matter Kasumi finally sat up and crossed her legs.

"Paranoid isn't the right word, the level of security has increased since the Brothers of Arkinine appeared, normally you wouldn't have seen the guards patrolling the outside courtyard like that. Which leads me to wonder why they were there in the first place," She paused for a moment cracking her knuckles. "But no one said you had to be good help but I do agree with Bosco, if we pose as arm dealers we will be put in a specific room with little to no access to anything else," she sighed now turning to face Bosco.

"As for getting us higher on the priority list, well I can forge a few documents that will make us look more attractive, luckily I got my cover set up for just this occasion Claire Greshlan, the daughter of a newly appointed baron. I've used the cover before but I never interacted with the Lord Contable so I can write up a letter and should be able to get us all hired," Kasumi explained as she looked at the group as Bosco explained his strengths.

"Well I don't know what he is looking for exactly in terms of help though servants don't tend to last very long under his service before they are fired," she explained as she glanced back and forth between the two. "Needless to say we need to find out more information from the staff or we got to make some friends on the inside," Kasumi suggested as she reached for the pitcher of water on the table as it shifted by itself and slid onto the floor. "Ignore the random things sliding about its nothing important," Kasumi chuckled trying to play it off.

Qu-Ce gmimperfecti

 

[gmimperfecti]

"So, my dear Kasumi, this is quite the setting you've arranged for us," Lucian had said, his voice tinged with joy, his eyes taking in the grandeur of the surroundings. Hedonistic pleasures delighted him, and he could appreciate the fine touches that adorned the place. "You've certainly spared no expense in making sure we feel at home."

Lucian's remark earned a reaction from Kasumi that made him pause, her repetition of the word "dear" and her casual dismissal. He looked at her, intrigued by her behavior. Had he overstepped a boundary? Was she playing a game with him?

"As for the location, well, I can be persuasive and know a few people," Kasumi had inquired, smirking in a way that piqued Lucian's curiosity further. "If I told you this house stood empty for the last several years, would you believe me?"

Her mention of the house being unoccupied for years and the cryptic way she said it made Lucian's mind race. Haunted, perhaps? That thought intrigued him more than it frightened him.

"Believe you?" Lucian replied, his voice playful, enjoying the dance of words between them. "I believe you have many secrets, Kasumi, and this house being unoccupied is the least of them." He offered her another sandwich with his other hand, an act of whimsical generosity. Even as his left hand offered it to her, he continued, "A haunted house? How thrilling! I do hope the ghosts enjoy our company."

His thoughts had drifted briefly, considering the dynamics between him and Kasumi. He admired her resourcefulness and cunning. There was a shared understanding, a rapport that he found both challenging and exhilarating. Her ability to surprise him was a rare quality, which he reveled in.

But Lucian knew that this was more than a mere game. They were on a mission, and their interaction was part of a larger plan. Every word, every gesture, every smile held meaning. They were dancing on the edge of a knife, and Lucian found the thrill intoxicating.

As she sat up and crossed her legs, Lucian's eyes had followed her movement, a small smile playing on his lips. They were in this together, partners in a high-stakes gamble. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Lucian's eyes flickered with a cunning glint as he listened intently to Bosco's assessment, his mind already calculating the various outcomes and possibilities. Leaning back, he allowed himself a small smile, appreciating the strategic thinking that went into Bosco's words.

"You make a strong point, Bosco," Lucian began, his voice smooth and thoughtful. "Infiltration under the guise of employment does present a more secure path to gather information. Being within the Lord Constable's employ allows us not only to observe the mansion's inner workings but also to blend in without raising suspicion."

He paused, eyeing Bosco with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Speaking of blending in," Lucian said, a nonsequitur in the midst of their serious conversation, "would you care for a sandwich? I happen to have a fine selection right here."

With a casual flick of his wrist, Lucian activated his [Dimensional Fingers] ability, making a sumptuous sandwich appear seemingly out of thin air. He held it out to Bosco, his expression betraying nothing of the unusual maneuver.

"As for the type of help the Lord Constable might need," Lucian continued, seamlessly returning to the matter at hand, "we may need to do some investigation. Positions within a noble's household can vary greatly. Kitchen staff, cleaning, garden maintenance, or even specialized roles like a sommelier or a personal attendant. I'm sure we can find something fitting."

His eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of determination igniting within them. "Whatever it takes, we'll find a way in. We'll adapt, observe, and seize the opportunity when it presents itself. After all, the best victories are those that require both skill and wit."

Lucian listened attentively as Kasumi turned to Bosco, laying out her thoughts on their plan. He couldn't help but admire the way she thought, her mind always a step ahead, weaving possibilities and strategies together. When she mentioned her cover as Claire Greshlan and her idea to forge documents, a spark of agreement lit in his eyes.

"You're absolutely right, Kasumi," Lucian responded, his tone agreeable and infused with confidence. "Posing as arms dealers would be too restrictive. But posing as hired help, that's where we can find the flexibility we need." He leaned back, his mind already working on the details.

"I'm fine with taking on the role of a servant, especially since I've been working on an alternate identity myself." Lucian's eyes twinkled with excitement as he continued, "Bill the Buggy Driver, at your service." He adopted a slight drawl, his voice transforming into the character he'd crafted.

Lucian knew that this identity would allow him to move freely among the peasants and lower ranks of the household. It would grant him access to places and conversations that might otherwise be closed to him. His skills as a buggy driver, his relationships with the common folk, and his ability to read intentions would all be tools he could wield in their mission.

"But don't let the humble appearance fool you," he added, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Bill has his ways of acquiring information and blending in."

He paused, glancing at the papers Kasumi had pulled out, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "With your cover as the baron's daughter and my role as Bill, we can infiltrate different levels of the household. We'll be in a prime position to observe and gather what we need. And with Bosco's strengths..." Lucian's voice trailed off, looking at Bosco, a knowing smile on his lips.
to place. Lucian felt a thrill of anticipation, a challenge that he was more than ready to meet. He knew that they were well-matched, each of them bringing unique skills to the table.

He looked back at Kasumi, his eyes filled with determination and trust. "Together, we can pull this off. Let's make sure we leave no stone..."

Kasumi reached for the pitcher of water on the table as it shifted by itself and slid onto the floor. "Ignore the random things sliding about its nothing important," Kasumi chuckled trying to play it off.

Lucian watched the pitcher of water run headlong onto the floor of its own violation, "Yes, I'm sure we don't need to look under the beds before sleeping in them tonight."

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

Bosco’s leg bounces up and down rapidly as he listens to the responses he had evoked. It seems that Lucian and Kasumi were in agreement; the hired help approach would be used. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from watching a plan be formulated and decided upon, one that surprises Bosco. But he can’t get ahead of himself - the real test lies in the execution. But for now, at least, the stage seems to be setting up perfectly. With each of the three sharing an association with a minor noble house - Lucian and Bosco as servants, and Kasumi as a member - their fraternization within the mansion, while possibly not encouraged, would not be a likely cause for suspicion. And their varied roles in the household will maximize the knowledge and opportunities available to the group. It seems to Bosco the ideal scenario.

As he indulges himself in these thoughts, his rhythm is promptly interrupted by Lucian, shoving an - admittedly appetizing - sandwich in his face. He turns his nose up at it. “My diet for the week is already decided on. I don’t intend to throw it off and recalculate everything. And frankly, I quite literally don’t know where that sandwich has been.”

Bosco goes quiet again and closes his eyes, waiting for his partners to finish saying their piece. A hunched, leaned forward posture with his hands clasped in front of him, a ceaselessly tapping leg, and closed eyes - perhaps this is how he looks when he’s deep in thought. His eyes shot open when the pitcher crashed into the floor, but his expression quickly returns to neutral once he’s assessed what just happened. “...Well, if this place has a reputation for this kind of thing, it may afford us some privacy, at least. I’d rather not put too much thought into that right now.” He leans back into the couch, looking in turn at Kasumi and Lucian. “It sounds like our approach is pretty much decided on. If you intend to be a lady-in-waiting and a chauffeur, I can be a room cleaner. Those roles will let you learn some of the Lord Constable’s movements in and outside the estate, but I imagine their positions will be fairly static, so I should have a job that gives me freedom of movement.” He pauses, and then adds noncommittally, “I guess I should get a haircut soon. I’d like to look the part, when the time comes.”

Bosco’s gaze focuses on Kasumi, its sharpness in contrast with his relaxed posture. “At any rate, I’m curious. What are the Brothers of Arkanine, anyway? What is their goal, their methods, their ideology? It’s not of critical importance, since our target is specifically the Lord Constable, but I can’t help but wonder about them.”

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu​

Kasumi turned to look at Lucian as he replied to her with a question as her eyebrows raised and she nodded her head. "Well then, I suppose I will have to find more interesting secrets." She replied as she was offered a sandwich thinking along the same lines as Bosco she waved her hand to signal she didn't want one. "Though I suppose we will have to see what secrets this house holds, though I'm sure the neighbors will be curious to see who moved into the house, so do be mindful when you answer the door, Lucian," She pointed out as there was a pause before she said his name.

Out of the group she was concerned with Lucian entering the door the wrong way, she really didn't want anything getting out if she could help it. Nobles like to talk in their circles and their descriptions would be the talk of the town. "Oh don't worry about that, we will be watching the mansion for the next couple of days, there are a few things I need to confirm and we need to talk to some of the servants as they walk out on their errands," Kasumi stated as she glanced between the two of them running her hand through her silver hair.

Kasumi saw the spark that ignited in Lucian's eyes, though she wasn't sure to what end that would go to. Though he seemed to agree with her and Bosco on the arms deal option. As Lucian introduced his cover identity, Kasumi tilted her head to the right a little bit as she stroked her chin. "Okay what about a cover story what do you have for that? Bosco, if its fine with you I will write you up as an aspiring and potentially gifted chief having someone working with the food staff is valuable. Everyone like to talk over food and you would be able to hear just about everything," she stated as she paused for a moment to see what he thought about the matter.

"That is the hope, if we are in multiple areas we might be able to find out more, plus if we need to drug people food is the best way to do it quietly," Kasumi stated as she stood up from the couch and started to stretch shaking her head as her loose hair moved from side to side. There was still plenty of matters to discuss but that could happen over the next couple of days as she sat backdown and closed her eyes.

Kasumi opened her eyes as she shifted her eyes toward Bosco as the Brothers Arkanine were brought up. She met his gaze for a few moments before letting out a small sigh. "Well not much is known about them, which is the problem, I have only run into them once but even that left an impression," she paused for a moment before leaning back on the couch. "They are some form of a terrorist group that is looking to change the power in the city from the current leadership to their own and replace the current ones," she explained as she move some papers aside and revealed several shipping manifests.

"Me and two other people uncovered where the missing weapon shipments were being brought into the city and hidden at. We followed some thugs that were hired to a meeting, where several people in red cloaks were waiting. They uttered a single word and the thugs all dropped to the ground. They have some magic ability that allows them to control others," Kasumi stated as she looked at the manifest on the table.

"Afterwards, we trailed the thugs back to a tavern and then followed them to the docks in the city. Which then led us to a warehouse which the group was using a crane to move the weapons into the sewer, though that's really all I know. Oh and they threatened an attack but, nothing has happened yet," Kasumi concluded with a simple shrug of her shoulders as they were not her priority at the moment she needed to know what the Lord Constable knew.

Qu-Ce gmimperfecti

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

“If that’s what you think is best, I’ll defer to your judgment. Though I think we should have someone who’s expected to be moving around all across the mansion as part of their job.” Bosco takes out a pocket notebook and quickly writes out a short list of pharmaceutical supplies, then gets up to present the list to Kasumi. The drugs on the list aren’t particularly rare, but they are specialized, and you’d have to know where to look to get them. The list is separated into two parts, the first consisting of drugs that induce sleep, and the second of drugs with a laxative effect. “If you know where we could purchase these, I can likely work them into the food and drink without issue.”

As Kasumi’s eyes scan the list, Bosco diverts his attention from the conversation at hand and picks up the pitcher of water that had fallen earlier, returning it to its place on the table. He excuses himself and returns after finding the bathroom and securing a towel, which he places over the spill. “At any rate, as for these Brothers Arkanine, hopefully we won’t run into them directly. If they want to change the power structure of the city, they either aren’t concerned with Ryke’s reprisal, or they have something in place to keep it in check. I’m not sure which idea is more disconcerting to me.”

 

[gmimperfecti]

Kasumi turned to look at Lucian as he replied to her with a question as her eyebrows raised and she nodded her head. "Well then, I suppose I will have to find more interesting secrets."

Lucian grinned. With a struggle keeping his eyes on hers as opposed to exploring other secrets that Kasumi might have. "I don't doubt there are more interesting secrets to find."

She replied as she was offered a sandwich thinking along the same lines as Bosco she waved her hand to signal she didn't want one.

Lucian shrugged, lifting the sandwich up and behind him for some reason.

"Though I suppose we will have to see what secrets this house holds, though I'm sure the neighbors will be curious to see who moved into the house, so do be mindful when you answer the door, Lucian," She pointed out as there was a pause before she said his name.

"Answer the door? That's what I pay Cedric the big bucks for." Lucian said, saying, "Cedric that's your cue buddy." Through some clever sleight of hand, Lucian had opened a vague and transparent doorway behind them to his personal dimension [Dimensional Reappearance].

Cedric was the newest member of his staff, hired during the journey over here and staying within his [Pocket Dimension]. Unlike Bill, Cedric was a real butler and Asset E complements of his wealth. Cedric was also trained well enough to take the sandwich from his master's outstretched hands once the portal opened. It had taken some work thinking three-dimensionally not unlike playing three dimensional chess to open places throughout the dimensional sphere he'd attuned to, but once he did it had just been a matter of finding people who didn't mind occasionally living in his pocket dimension. At this point the pocket dimension was the size of half a city block with plenty of air for several days. Almost like breathing, it had become habit opening and closing the space so that gasses might be exchanged, using [Dimensional Disappearance] and [Dimensional Reappearance] many times over his journey here.

"Very good, sir," Cedric said, stepping out and taking Lucian's sandwich and walking towards the kitchen area, placing the sandwich there before walking back to stand behind Lucian, "Do you require anything else?"

Lucian tapped his lip, "The usual, but make sure to answer the door if anyone knocks and be very vague about who lives here. We are trying to be aloof, mysterious, and secretive."

"Very good, sir." Cedric's boots snapped together and he bowed, before going off a doing butler activities around the haunted house.

---

Kasumi saw the spark that ignited in Lucian's eyes, though she wasn't sure to what end that would go to. Though he seemed to agree with her and Bosco on the arms deal option. As Lucian introduced his cover identity, Kasumi tilted her head to the right a little bit as she stroked her chin. "Okay what about a cover story what do you have for that?"


"Well, Bill did drive us here, so although my [Alternate Identity] doesn't perfectly match him, most people don't pay attention to their carriage driver that much. So my cover story is this annoying lordling named Lucian, who is insufferable and does crazy things like trying to hire minstrels to walk around playing his theme music has gambled all his wealth away and can no longer afford his staff."

Somewhere during the conversation and with the doorway to his [Pocket Dimension] still open, Bill emerged, wandered over. "Oh that's where my sandwich went."

"See what I mean?" Lucian said, pausing to turn towards Bill. "What do you think? That's plausible right?"

"Mhmm," Bill said, munching on the sandwich as he wandered back towards the [Pocket Dimension] doorway and disappeared back inside it.

 

[saxon]

​

Kasumi Kagu
Character Grade - C

Mentions: gmimperfecti Qu-Ce

Kasumi took the piece of paper and examined the items on the list, "hmmm, some of these are fairly common but some of them are not though I'm sure we could find them in the market district, plenty of apothecaries are set up there." She set the list back on the table before leaning back on the couch and crossing her legs again. "Well, we will make sure we get them closer to the actual day that we are going to start everything. Most servants are housed in the mansion, but with our cover, it will allow us to come back here at the end of each day," Kasumi explained looking at the two of them. "We are just going to need to plan out the day of the actual heist though we will want to be integrated before we set up the actual date for that," She pointed out standing up from the couch and moving toward the all with her chin resting in the palm of her hand.

"Well the Brothers were moving enough arms to supply a small army, so it would be safe to assume that most of the mercenaries in the city are under their payroll or waiting for their contract to start anyway," Kasumi theorized before letting out a small sigh it was irritating not knowing much about the group and how they fit into everything else. "But for the time being we hopefully wont have to worry about them, unless they are visiting the Lord Constable or something like that," she concluded turning back to face the two and leaning against the wall.

When Lucian spoke, Kasumi cocked her head to the right and arched an eyebrow before moving past what he said. "What will you pull out next, a whole mansion Lucian?" She inquired as the butler appeared out of nowhere and she had a theory he had a pocket dimension. However, the fact that they had more people that could at least make the place look more reasonable would help them later on. As the Butler walked off, she watched him for a moment before returning her attention to the matters at hand.

Kasumi listened to the backstory, it was short, but it could pass so long as no one truly dug in deep for more specific details. Keeping things simple was sometimes the best course of action. "Just be sure to explain how you came into your new employment with my alternate identities family, as I will acting as a lady in waiting and you two will be part of the staff but still there because of my father wanting me to bring some of our family's servants along," Kasumi explained as there wasn't much else that came to mind at this point they just needed to get intelligence and see how that all goes.

"With that being said, tomorrow we will begin to start getting the materials we need once we have those done we will begin gathering basic intel from the outside and see what exactly we can get from the staff as they come and go from the mansion," Kasumi stated as the sun was starting to set as evening was fast approaching.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian's eyes sharpened as Kasumi delved into the details of their plan, speaking of the items they would need, the housing arrangements, and the necessity of timing the heist. As she mentioned the Brothers and the mercenaries, Lucian's mind began to work at a furious pace, piecing together the players, rules, and dynamics of the game they were about to embark on.

His Game Master ability kicked in, allowing him to analyze the situation with the precision of a chess player studying the board. Each detail, each variable, was a move to be considered, a strategy to be weighed. The Brothers, the Lord Constable, the mercenaries—all were pieces in this complex puzzle, and Lucian's shrewd and cunning mind was determined to solve it.

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his fingers steepled together as he listened to Kasumi's theories. His expression was one of deep concentration, his eyes fixed on her as he absorbed every word.

"You're right, Kasumi," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "The presence of the Brothers and their influence over the mercenaries adds another layer of complexity to our mission. It's a variable we must keep in mind as we plan our approach."

He paused, his mind racing with possibilities, his manipulative side considering how best to exploit the situation to their advantage. "But it's also a potential advantage," he continued, his eyes narrowing with calculation. "If we can understand their connection to the Lord Constable, if we can discern their motives and their plans, we might be able to use that knowledge to our benefit."

Lucian's gaze shifted to the list of items on the table, a glint of intrigue in his eyes. "As for the items, we'll need to be careful in acquiring them. Some of them may draw unwanted attention if we're not discreet."

He looked back at Kasumi and Bosco, his expression resolute. "We've got our work cut out for us, but I believe we're more than up to the task. We'll need to be smart, careful, and always one step ahead. But with the three of us working together, I have no doubt we'll succeed."

---

When Lucian spoke, Kasumi cocked her head to the right and arched an eyebrow before moving past what he said. "What will you pull out next, a whole mansion Lucian?" She inquired as the butler appeared out of nowhere and she had a theory he had a pocket dimension. However, the fact that they had more people that could at least make the place look more reasonable would help them later on. As the Butler walked off, she watched him for a moment before returning her attention to the matters at hand.

Lucian turned and watched Cedric at work. "Not yet. I almost bought a four-poster bed when I was getting acquainted with the city." He sighed wistfully, "If I'd know we were going to stay on the house from a Christmas Carol, I might have gone through with the purchase." He grinned and winked.

"With that being said, tomorrow we will begin to start getting the materials we need once we have those done we will begin gathering basic intel from the outside and see what exactly we can get from the staff as they come and go from the mansion," Kasumi stated as the sun was starting to set as evening was fast approaching.

"Sure," Lucian said, looking from Kasumi to Bosco, "So what are the sleeping arrangements?"

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

Bosco watches Kasumi as her eyes scan the list, then nods at her plan to visit the market. “The more discreet the better, of course. I’ll leave it to your discretion.” With that matter settled for now, he quietly watches as Lucian continues his antics, evidently no longer satisfied with pulling mere objects out of thin air. This place is starting to feel more and more like a cartoon… “I’m curious about Bill’s opinion on how you’re planning to frame him by using his name and job as your cover. You’re one cruel employer, aren’t you?” Even while he felt it shouldn't be any concern of his, there was something disconcerting about how he could so casually bring these uninvolved people into a matter as grave as this. One mistake that gets them all caught, and these people's livelihoods are jeopardized as well.

Bosco returns to his seat, reclining passively into the back of the chair as he looks out towards the others. “It sounds like the plan is pretty much set, but I have a question. Why are we talking to the currently employed servants instead of formerly employed ones? It sounds like you’ve been keeping an eye on his estate for a while, so you should know some of their old haunts, right? I think they'd be more willing to tell us things the Lord Constable might not want us to know.”

 

[gmimperfecti]

Bosco quietly watches as Lucian continues his antics. “I’m curious about Bill’s opinion on how you’re planning to frame him by using his name and job as your cover. You’re one cruel employer, aren’t you?” Even while he felt it shouldn't be any concern of his, there was something disconcerting about how he could so casually bring these uninvolved people into a matter as grave as this. One mistake that gets them all caught, and these people's livelihoods are jeopardized as well.

Lucian looked up from his sandwich, munching on it thoughtful as Bosco accused him of being a cruel employer. "I offer employee matched 401k benefits and health insurance." He shrugged. "Bill." Lucian called to the translucent doorway into his [Pocket Dimension]. "Ugh," Lucian groaned as he realized Bill had moved away from where the portal was opened to within the [Pocket Dimension] and took a moment to recalibrate it to Bill's current location within. Visibly there was no change other than a flicker as the old doorway was dispelled and the new one established. "Bill!" Lucian screamed.

From the flickering doorway of the [Pocket Dimension], a robust, mustached figure emerged, wiping his hands on a rag and looking somewhat perplexed. Dressed in a modest but well-kept buggy driver's uniform, his eyes sparkled with a blend of curiosity and bemusement. This was Bill, a man who knew the ins and outs of his trade, and whose disposition was as sunny as a spring morning.

"Oi, Mr. Lucian, sir!" Bill called out, his voice carrying the twang of a commoner. "You hollerin' for me? Thought I heard me name."

Lucian gestured toward Bosco with a slight smile, his eyes betraying a hint of mischief. "Bill, our friend here was concerned about how I'm treating you. He thinks I'm a cruel employer. What do you say to that?"

Bill's eyebrows shot up, and he scratched his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "Cruel, sir? Nah, I wouldn't say that. You've always been fair with me, and them benefits ain't nothin' to scoff at, I'll tell ya that much." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Why, with the health insurance and the 401k, I'm feelin' quite the lucky chap, I am. Though I don't quite understand what the 401k is, it's money for the future as far as I can figure which is more than the boot most us old coots get."

He glanced toward Bosco, his expression open and friendly. "Nothin' to worry about, mate. I know what I signed up for, and I ain't got no complaints. 'Sides, life's a bit more interestin' with Mr. Lucian around, ain't it?"

Lucian grinned as he finished up the last of his sandwich and wiggled his eyebrows at Bosco, "If you're interested I might be able to fast track the interview process."

Bill's face brightened further, nodding as he said it, and he leaned in a little closer to Bosco, as though sharing a secret. "And let me tell ya something else, mate," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Compared to working for some of these high-and-mighty lords 'round here, Mr. Lucian's like a breath of fresh air. He offers free sandwiches too! Most of 'em lords treat us common folk like we're no better'n dirt on their boots when we are no longer useful to 'em."

He shook his head, his expression a mixture of relief and gratitude. "No, sir, I know where I've got it good. I'd choose workin' for Mr. Lucian over any of them other positions any day of the week. It's a jolly fine arrangement, it is!" His laughter rang out, warm and hearty, as he clapped Lucian on the shoulder.

Lucian peered over at Bosco, "I'd like to think I'd pass an OSHA Audit, but I have been thinking of hiring a chief compliance officer if your interested?"

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

Bosco turns to Lucian as he addresses the offhand remark, and then to Bill as he reassures Bosco of his treatment. He looks unimpressed. I guess I need to make myself clearer. “It’s good that he’s putting care into your future, Bill. You ever plan to retire? What will that look like if you’re a wanted criminal because “Bill the buggy driver, who used to work for a gambler named Lucian” stole sensitive documents and riches from a prominent Ryke official?” Without waiting for a response, his eyes shift to Lucian’s. “Do you understand what the problem is? If we bring anyone else’s names or faces into this, they may be treated as criminal conspirators, the same as us. No money or insurance will matter if the Lord Constable manages to put their head on a spike. Even if we do expose him for corruption, and he’s ousted from his position, it won’t absolve us in the eyes of the law. And even all that isn’t even considering the enigmatic cult that might decide to follow up on all the clues you so generously leave for them.”

Bosco exhales deeply from his nose. He had said more than he intended to, considering his nonexistent connection to Lucian’s staff. Perhaps his impatience stemmed from a dissatisfaction with the degree of seriousness Lucian seemed willing to extend to their plan. Maybe it’s from a sense of goodwill towards Lucian and his staff. There’s no way for Bosco to know, but the most practical course is to detach himself from the issue now. “But do what you want, it won’t affect me,” he says coolly, as he leans forward, reaching into his satchel to retrieve his notebook, which he idly thumbs through, quickly glancing at one page before moving on to the next, and repeating the motion. The information inside was amateurish and woefully inadequate, a testament to the writer’s lack of experience, resources, and knowledge. “I think I’ll pass on that job, but I do need money. Or connections. If we’re still acquainted with each other after this, I’d appreciate any opportunities you tell me about to that end.”

 

[gmimperfecti]

"I imagine there's lots of Bills in Ryke, maybe less so for Lucian the gamblers. Point taken there, maybe Bucian the gambler could work." Lucian rubbed his chin in thought. "But yeah, we are all criminals until the criminal is brought to justice, and maybe even after that. However, good thing for the real Bill is he shouldn't have any criminal titles. That might mess with the assessors heads, I'm thinking. Well Kasumi, what do you say?"

Lucian nodded and watched Bosco absolve himself of the line of thought. "You do like your journal. I thought about journaling a couple of time. Seems important to make a good autobiography of yourself, and then I thought maybe I should just hire someone to journal for me." He pursed his lips. "I do have money," He flicked a coin in the air, "More is better as far as I'm concerned and don't plan to retire soon. Teamwork makes the dream work."

 

[saxon]

​

Kasumi Kagu
Character Grade - C

Title(s): Human, Rogue, Kunoichi, Inquisitive, Adventurer F

Mentions: gmimperfecti Qu-Ce

Kasumi shifted her gaze back and forth as the two men went back and forth on the matter of the cover identity. While Kasumi did have to agree with Bosco on the matter on identity and using it to a real person could create problems later on. But for the time being at least that wasn't all that important. "If we are lucky the Lord Constable won't know the things are missing until we turn in the evidence to the guild, they will be able to get it to the right hands from there. But if he does catch us well you can be sure that criminal titles will be sure to follow," she concluded with a nod of her head.

Reaching around her neck, she started to scratch it before Lucian started to make remarks that made it obvious that he was from Earth, which she figured many people in the world were or at least had some blood from the other world in them. I am not pushing much on the issue for the time being as there was a plan at least in the works, and they would have plenty of time to iron out any other details that they would need to work on. As Bosco asked why questioning the current help was the move, she smirked before walking back over to the couch and sat back down.

"Well, I intend to talk to both, but, in my world, information grows stale rather quickly; if they were fired within a week, maybe but a month or really even two weeks after that, changes could be made that they don't know about. It would be foolish to assume that security isn't constantly changing or trying to improve," Kasumi replied with a smirk on her head as the two started to talk once again about choices and potential working relationships after this was completed.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire for the night, there are several bedrooms upstairs pick whatever one you want," Kasumi smiled as she stood up and then started to walk toward the stairs as she went to retire to her bedroom. She knew that tomorrow was going to be the start of an operation. She was also going to start improving her cover starting tomorrow as well. As the hours went by soon the next morning was on the group.

Kasumi had changed into a school uniform she had acquired that she was going to use as her cover. No one would question a noble looking to acquire some rare items from the market. Moving down the steps she let out a yawn as she scratched the back of her neck as she reached the bottom stairs she turned and walked toward the kitchen area and sat down at the dining table that had been set up there. Rather groggily she rested her elbows on the table and her chin in the palms of her hands as she closed her eyes taking in the sound around her.

She had two things she wanted to accomplish today get the ingredients and then complete the letters they were going to need to accomplish getting brought into the mansion. If they couldn't get in then it was going to make everything all that much harder. After a moment she opened her eyes as she leaned back in the chair and crossed her legs stretching them out under the table.

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

Bosco snaps his notebook shut and returns it to its place in his satchel, his expression fouler than usual. “Better safe than sorry; I haven’t been so lucky in the past. But yeah, what you’re saying makes sense. I thought it might be better to focus on the ex-workers for now since we’ll have contact with the current ones in the mansion, but it makes sense if an outline of the current conditions is necessary.” As he shifts his focus back onto the matter at hand, Bosco’s expression starts to shift back to its typical state, stern but impassive. He nods as Kasumi takes her leave, and then stands up himself. “I’ll sleep as well. There are a lot of things we’ll need to think about tomorrow.”

Offering a stiff, businesslike nod to Lucian, Bosco promptly grabs his satchel from the floor and stows himself away in one of the bedrooms. With no one around to see, he collapses onto the bed and lets out a heavy sigh. The fatigue this endeavor has wreaked on his mind was substantial, and he knew he’d have to reassess everything tomorrow. But for now, at least, those thoughts could be pushed aside. Bosco’s arm reaches out, lazily, for the parcel tucked away in his satchel. Under the dim illumination of the moonlight streaming through his window, he unwraps the gift Lucian had given him, a masterfully crafted chess set. It was modest in its lavishness, both the board and pieces were traditional and subtle in their elegance, their quality showing itself in details absent in more common goods. To be blunt, it was more tasteful than Bosco would have expected.

Come to think of it, Lucian said something strange, didn’t he? OSHA shouldn’t exist here. The fact that he noticed so late surprised Bosco. Am I getting tunnel vision? It wouldn't be the first time... A strange, uncomfortable feeling quickly rose up in Bosco’s chest, demanding him to think of anything else, or not at all. With an artificial stagnance in his mind, Bosco was eventually overtaken by sleep.

He awoke early the next day, before the first rays of dawn touched Azuran. Considering himself fortunate that nothing disturbed his rest, Bosco left the townhouse, heading for the market. By the time he arrived, the sun had just started to peek above the horizon, and the stores and stalls lining the streets were just starting to open. He spent some time assessing the goods at the various grocers nearby, purchasing the ingredients he needed.

On his return to the townhouse, Bosco passes by Kasumi on his way to the kitchen, his arms laden with groceries, then promptly gets to work. Various sounds make their way out of the kitchen. Rhythmic chopping, a soft scraping sound, three cracks, and then a sizzle. It doesn’t take long before the sound stops, and Bosco leaves the kitchen shortly after. He places a plate and glass of water in front of Kasumi. On the plate is a well-made omelet, topped with chives and a thin layer of cheese. “Eat,” he says curtly. “If you have any complaints, keep them to yourself.” With that, he returns to the kitchen, and three more cracks can be heard, followed by more sizzling.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian watched his companions retire, his expression thoughtful. For a moment, he lingered in the common room, savoring the remnants of their conversation. The warm glow of friendship still flickered through his mind. "A fire would have been nice, Cedric."

"As you say, Sir, although madam wanted to keep a low profile."

"Mhmm," Lucian nodded, lifting a night cap to his lips, peering at the empty fire place. "I suppose so." He looked up at the glass trinkets adorning the mantel. "Ah, tomorrow," he murmured, stretching languidly. "Another turn of the game begins. Cedric is my room prepared?"

Cedric snapped his heels together and nodded, "Indeed sir, there was quite a bit of dust. Perhaps we should consider hiring a house keeper?"

Lucian shrugged, "Not until after."

Without much fanfare, Lucian followed Cedric to his bedroom. The one adjacent to the one Bosco had taken. Once inside, he swiftly removed his shoes and Cedric took his jacket, allowing the weight of the day to dissipate. He then slid under the soft duvet, the plush bed welcoming him with a gentle embrace. Lucian's thoughts drifted between their plans and the slice of life moments they'd shared that evening. He chuckled softly to himself, thinking of Bill's spirited defense earlier. With a contented sigh, he drifted into a dreamless sleep.

With a casual flick of his head, he opened the translucent doorway to the [Pocket Dimension]. "Good night Cedric."

"Thank you, sir." Cedric departed through the portal to a room much more plushly adorned than the one Lucian was in.

Morning broke, bringing with it the chorus of chirping birds and the gentle play of sunlight streaming through the gaps in the curtains. He did miss the sunlight when he slept in his [Pocket Dimension]. He rolled over and gestured towards the corner of the room, establishing a connection with his [Pocket Dimension].

Cedric quietly exited shortly thereafter. While Lucian rolled back over and dozed in bed, Cedric set out new clothes, a fine walking sword cane, and several pieces of jewelry to accentuate today's outfit. When he was done, Cedric cleaned up the room, including a patch where blood had apparently dribbled from the wall last night. Cedric's face grew pale, but he was professional enough to carry on.

Various sounds made their way out of the kitchen. Rhythmic chopping, a soft scraping sound, three cracks, and then a sizzle. It doesn’t take long before the sound stopped. The clink of a plate and cup. “Eat,” Bosco's voice curt as always comes up from the stairs and down the hallway. “If you have any complaints, keep them to yourself.” With that, he returns to the kitchen, and three more cracks can be heard, followed by more sizzling.

Lucian, roused by the delightful scents and noises, changed with Cedric's help into his morning attire and made his way to the kitchen. To his surprise, Kasumi was already served with Bosco busily preparing more breakfast.

"Good morning," Lucian greeted, a sly grin forming on his face. "All hail the Chef! Is that one for me?"

 

[Qu-Ce]

Bosco raises his eyes from the skillet as his hands move steadily, tending to the food. “What are you wearing…” His voice is heavy with weariness; it’s clear he would rather Lucian be dressed differently. He looks back down at the skillet, then slides the finished dish onto a plate. “Take it. And make sure Cedric and Bill get theirs.” He immediately starts on another serving, cooking the eggs up to a point, sprinkling the chives and cheese (which had been set aside in small glass bowls after preparation) atop it, then letting it cook some more. A simple dish, taking little time to finish. There was only so much time to waste, after all.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Bosco raised his eyes from the skillet as his hands move steadily, tending to the food. “What are you wearing…” His voice was heavy with weariness; it was clear he would rather Lucian be dressed differently.

Lucian frowned, looking down at his [Equipment E: Fancy Walking Outfit]. It was a purple velvet walking jacket, the sparkly silver and purple vest, golden bow tie, and smart top hat setting off the whole outfit was a silver inlaid walnut walking sword cane -- not that he knew how to use it. "My walking outfit?" Looking back u pat Bosco's usual white button down cotton shirt and hoodie combo and said, "I didn't know you wanted to coordinate. But we could probably swing that." Looking around, Lucian realized Cedric was right behind them, "Today when we go shopping, let's make sure to get a matching walking outfit for Bosco. I think perhaps white velvet? Maybe grey?"

Cedric, a lithe man with a penchant for mischief that had gotten him in trouble in his last butler job, let out a chuckle, breaking from the dour butler persona. "White velvet? In this weather? You're just trying to get a rise out of Master Bosco." Cedric walked towards the counter, looking over at Bosco, "And I should like some eggs before you tire Master Bosco of his patience."

Bill, having emerged from the [Pocket Dimension] for breakfast, raised an eyebrow, his face deadpan. "For the record, I won't be caught dead in velvet, white or otherwise."

Lucian grinned, taking the plate Bosco handed him. "Thanks," he said, his tone shifting to one of genuine gratitude. He glanced at the simple yet delicious dish before him, then back up to Bosco. "You know, Bosco, your culinary skills never cease to amaze. If you ever get tired of your current job, I'd be happy to front you for a tavern. I've been thinking it might be nice to open up a gambling den in this city after we finish."

 

[saxon]

​

Kasumi Kagu
Character Grade - C

Title(s): Human, Rogue, Kunoichi, Inquisitive, Adventurer F

Mentions: gmimperfecti Qu-Ce

Kasumi looked down the hall as she heard the front door open, as she leaned to the right to peer down the hall fully she saw it was Bosco. She straightened herself up as she saw him carrying bags into the kitchen. She continued to watch him as he walked over to the stove and started to crack open some eggs. "You seem to be up early, I figured I would be the first one up," she greeted her conspirator who was already making food for the morning. As he placed the food and water in front of her she stretched for a moment before starting to dig into the food.

When she heard another set of footsteps, she looked up and saw Lucian had finally joined them. "Morning," Kasumi responded as she saw the suit that the man was wearing. She cocked her head to the right as she set her silverware down on the table, trying to comprehend what she was seeing. When Bosco inquired about the attire, Kasumi let out a small sigh though Lucian had responded with typical Lucian fashion, it seemed.

"That Cedric I think we can all agree upon, so long as he doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, it shouldn't really matter," Kasumi acknowledged with a nod of her head before standing up as she finished the last of her food and went to wash off the plate before setting it off to the side. When the tavern and the gambling den were mentioned, she turned back around and folded her arms across her chest. "You might find that enterprise very competitive here," Kasumi suggested as she returned to the table. "Once you are both ready, we can head to the market, I want to get the supplies we need today, then we can focus on gathering information," she stated before finishing the water setting it on the counter, and then walking back to the main room.

Once the group was ready, the trio left the house and eventually ended up in the market district; the cobblestone roads led to a large square with stalls for almost everything. People crowded the streets as they were looking to buy items and haggle with the merchants. Guards could be seen patrolling the streets to ensure order was kept; around the outside of the square and the surrounding streets there were also shops, as it seemed like you could find just about anything here.

Flattening her uniform, Kasumi turned back to the others, "I can go get the rarer items that we are looking for if you two want to take care of the rest of the list. Watch out for the Merchant named Wylack he will rob you blind if you are not careful, and be mindful of any children you see sitting on the sides of the streets," Kasumi warned the group as she met their eyes for a second. "Most of the apothecaries are on the street down this road but, if you need other things you might as well go grab them while we are here," she advised as the sound of people talking and haggling filled the air.

 

[Qu-Ce]

Adrian Bosco​

“At least your staff isn’t completely deficient in sense,” Bosco remarks, smoothly cracking an extra egg into the skillet for Cedric. “Do you plan to wear clothes like that, working for the Lord Constable?” He mulls this over a little bit, shaking his hand back and forth over the wood burning stove. “It could work, if you’re supposed to be a classier sort of chauffeur…” He finishes the dish and spares a second glance at Lucian’s outfit before immediately shaking his head. “Well, never mind. I agree with Kasumi, we should try to stay inconspicuous.”

Crack. Crack. Crack. Hisssss. Bosco’s eyes remain on the stove as he speaks over the sizzle, his voice as serious as always. “A tavern? I’ll accept the compliment, but if I was satisfied doing something like that, I wouldn’t have involved myself in this. I assumed it’s the same for all of us.” As the eggs quickly start to solidify in the pan, he looks towards Bill and adds, “This won’t take long, by the way.”

It wasn’t long before all the meals were finished, with Bosco’s coming last. He scarfs down the food with a businesslike haste and drains his glass of water all at once, then deposits the dishes in the sink. “Alright, Kasumi’s waiting. Let’s go.” He grabs his satchel and accompanies Kasumi and Lucian to the market, absentmindedly thinking about how much the streets have changed in the short time since he left the market in the morning. It was wise of him to get the shopping out of the way before the crowds became an obstacle. A look of puzzlement passes over his features in response to Kasumi's words. "Any children?" The look vanishes quickly, replaced with one of understanding. “Pickpockets?” He pauses, and then nods, unslinging his satchel and holding it out to Lucian. “I probably won’t be their target if we’re moving together, but you should hold onto this anyway. Especially after we get the supplies we need. Keep my stuff safe.”

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian gazed around the market square, taking in the vibrant scene. The aroma of freshly baked breads from a nearby stall mingled with the scent of exotic spices. Colorful fabrics caught his eye from another tent, and a merchant called out, advertising his wares of intricate jewelry and gemstones. "It's always so lively here," Lucian remarked, adjusting his top hat. "I love the energy."

Cedric approached, a look of concern evident on his face. "Lucian," he began, sounding very much like a fretful parent, "Remember to stick to the list. Don't get sidetracked. And definitely don't let any of those street vendors swindle you."

Lucian chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't worry so much, Cedric. I can handle myself."

Bill, on the other hand, looked positively delighted at the prospect of a brief respite. "You go on ahead, Lucian," he said, stretching his arms luxuriously. "I think Cedric and I will enjoy a little relaxation while you're out."

Cedric huffed, still looking worried, but he nodded. "Fine, but be careful. And don't buy anything too... extravagant."

Lucian winked, tipping his hat slightly. "No promises!" With that, he ventured deeper into the marketplace, leaving the two behind to enjoy their break.

Kasumi advised Lucian and the group to be wary of a merchant named Wylack and to watch out for street children. She pointed them to the apothecaries and suggested they pick up any other needed supplies while in the market.

Bosco asked "Any children?" The look vanished quickly, replaced with one of understanding. “Pickpockets?” He paused, and then nodded, unslinging his satchel and holding it out to Lucian.

Lucian gave a nod of understanding, though he couldn't help the spark of curiosity that ignited at the mention of Wylack. "Ah, the old 'watch your purse and your heart' trick, is it?" he mused, referring to the conniving merchants and street children. He grinned, "Sounds like good practice."

As he gazed around, the bustling market became a vibrant puzzle, with each stall, merchant, and passerby a potential piece. A game, and he was determined to play it masterfully. "I'll handle the general supplies," Lucian declared confidently, adjusting his top hat once more. "You said the apothecaries are down this road?"

Kasumi pointed to a sign displaying a mortar and pestle, signifying an apothecary lane. Lucian nodded in appreciation. "Got it. We'll meet back at the fountain in, say, two hours?"

Bosco expressed concern about pickpockets, offering his satchel to Lucian for safekeeping, especially after they collect their supplies.

Lucian's eyes twinkled with mischief and intrigue. "Sure, why not let me handle all our valuables?" he offered, displaying his fingers with a magician's flourish. Before Bosco could even respond, Lucian swiftly and seamlessly made a small coin disappear and then flicked it into the air, grabbing Bosco's satchel. "With my... unique talents," he said, wiggling his fingers, making the satchel disappear into his purple velvet suite and into his [Pocket Dimension], "our belongings will be safer than in any vault. And as for pickpockets, well... let's just say they won't even see me coming." Lucian reached out to snatch the flickering, glittering coin in the air.

As the group split, Lucian found himself strolling towards a tent with the most exquisite looking fruits. While they weren't technically on the list, he couldn't resist the allure of a game of negotiation. "How much for the golden apples?" he asked the merchant, and thus began a delightful dance of bartering.

Since he controlled what went into and out of his [Pocket Dimension] and "living creatures" couldn't enter unless willing, the pocket dimension was more sterile than a surgical theater. Food tended to last much longer than in the real world, still it didn't last forever and being able to pluck an apple out of nowhere was always a favorite trick of his.

 

[saxon]

​

Kasumi Kagu
Character Grade - C

Title(s): Human, Rogue, Kunoichi, Inquisitive, Adventurer E

Mentions: gmimperfecti Qu-Ce
Notes: While not in combat skill that do not deal damage have no cooldown.

Actions/Abilities:

• Veil - Undetected E (Sight, Smell), Stealth C,- The nature of her trade had taught her to hide in plain sight from those around her and to move. She becomes harder to notice by sight and blends into the shadows almost as if there was a veil. The skill is effective 1 post variable depending on combat and exploration. - Grade C - 3 Post Cooldown

Kasumi looked to Bosco as he gave her a confused look for a moment then asked about pickpockets, she simply shook her head. "That is a concern but many group use the street orphans as eyes and ears so we should be discrete when talking about things specifically," she informed the group as she saw Lucian had brought Cedric who seemed to be trying to reign in their companion so that he wouldn't get sidetracked from their purpose for being here. She felt sorry for the guy not entirely sure how the man wasn't going to die from the stress of keeping him under control long enough. "But do be careful, everyone has their part to play in what is to come," Kasumi smiled at the the two for a moment before spinning on her heel and walking into the market.

As Lucian brought up the merchant she mentioned earlier, "Well, he likes to overprice things, and he has a tendency to do deal with the black market though no one can seem to prove it. So I would avoid him entirely, Lucian," Kasumi replied as she glanced back at him over her shoulder. As the group split up with the predetermined time and location, Kasumi seemingly blended into the shadows as she moved through the crowd rather unimpeded for the time being. She was off to procure the rare supplies that she knew would be a hassle, leaving the more common ingredients and supplies to the other two. She had faith in them enough to get the supplies and items that were requested of them though she hoped Lucian wasn't going to attract too much attention.

As Lucian walked up to the produce stall, a Halfing merchant hopped up on his stool to look at Lucian. He eyes the man for a moment looking him up and down before bringing his hand to his chin. "Well I suppose that depends on how many you want, if you want just a bag for them 15 rykes but if you buy two bags, I can let them go for 25 Rykes. These are rather hard to come by and thus supply is rather fickle sometimes," The halfling spoke as he looked up at Lucian to see what the man was going to do. The Halfling could tell the man in front of him had a mind for money and would be harder to haggle with due to his experience.

For those going toward the apothecaries, the streets smelled of incense and other potions as the aroma all blended together. One could tell the atmosphere changed as soon as you walked on the street, there were many homeless sitting around and a few children sitting around talking. The whole place outside for the sounds of people talking was quiet, almost making the hairs on the back of a normal person's neck to stand up. While it didn't feel threatening by any means, one could hypothesize that anyone on this street was being watched and was expected to play nice.

But all the shops were open on the street as many of the owners were either standing at their counters or they were brewing some potion or another. One could see all the poisonous ingredients that were drying in the windows of the many shops. Boots hitting the cobblestone road seemed to echo here for some reason. It was as if the sound was amplified here or it was just due to the fact there were far less people here compared to the main market square.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian tilted his head slightly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He was no stranger to haggling, and he could sense the merchant was sizing him up, expecting a challenging negotiation.

"Supply may be fickle, but demand, especially for me, is consistent," Lucian began, leaning on his cane. "I could take two bags, but 25 rykes seems a bit steep. How about 20 rykes for both bags? That's a reasonable compromise, and you'll have made a good sale to start the day." His words were smooth, but there was an underlying shrewdness, showing he wasn't just going to be another easy mark for the merchant.

Cedric, being observant and always ready to assist Lucian, approached the stall with a friendly demeanor. His experience with negotiating deals during his numerous adventures had given him a keen understanding of various market dynamics. While Lucian engaged the merchant with negotiation, Cedric subtly pointed out a few other products from the stall that they might need, trying to convey to the merchant that they're willing to buy in bulk, which could tip the negotiation in their favor. At the same time, he kept an eye out for any potential distractions or pickpockets, ensuring that their shopping experience remained smooth and efficient.

Lucian nodded, "That's true, we could double the order. Is it 30 for four bags?"