Chapter the fifth; Teh Drama!
In which we are given a bunch of background information that will be, at best, barely important through the game. Other than that we will only get the characters of Hatsuhime and Muneshige established, and then we will meet a character that is completely not the villain. Promise.
Princess! Young lady! I swear, if it isn't one thing, it's another!
If you yell too much, your blood pressure will go up.
My blood pressure has already gone up!
That's no good. Don't you know high blood pressure is a serious medical condition?
I know that! I watch ER!
Nurse! I need 50cc's of -- I mean, Princess! Please stop changing the topic!
Sir Hanawa. That was a surprisingly spirited performance.
You be quiet! Anyway, you were with her! Why did you do nothing to stop her?
My humblest apologies...
Thinking a female attendant would be insufficient, I named you protector of this unmanageable princess. But instead of stopping her, you go out carousing with her!
What a deplorable state of affairs. At this rate, I will be unable to face our lord. And on top of that, I'm getting an ulcer -
Muneshige, I think those guys we met yesterday were wonderful!
Listen here!
All right, I'm listening, be quiet. You always make such a big deal out of everything.
That is because I am thinking of you, Princess! But when I talk to you, you keep changing the subject and refuse to give me a serious response!
I, Yahei Hanawa, am a poor, pathetic man... pity me...
Those guys were really strong, though. What were their names again? Yo, Jin, Bo, and Mon...
And it's a real shame you will never get to meet Ittosai. He's so dreamy!
Princess!
Well, even when I try to listen, whatever you're saying is boring, and I want to change the topic.
I can't help if it's boring. Sometimes bitter medicine is necessary. If you get nothing but coddling, you'll never grow up.
Yes I will, I'm already and adult, you know.
If you are an adult, then try to be a little more aware of your station!
Because stages of physical development should mean anything but that.
You're a young lady, but you wander around instead of showing a proper interest in tea and flower. At this rate, nobody will have you as a wife!
Well, there's always Muneshige.
Muneshige is your vassal! He is not a suitable partner for you!
Your future husband must be somebody appropriate to your station.
Yahei-Kun, you better take another look at the crew and surrender to the inevitable.
Oooh... what is it?
It's a pendant I bought at the festival last night. It comes all the way from Europe, and it's supposed to bring whoever wears it unbelievably good luck!
I can win the jackpot in Vegas and become a millionaire in one night! I can bathe in a golden bathtub with blonde bimbos! I can meet the man of my destiny!
That's so my Bro, if we leave aside the part about men of destiny.
Oh, how magnificent! Please get one for me too... Is that what you want me to say?
The maiden who believes in it will be saved. Mr. Pendant, please guide me to that special someone... Ah! A green light!
It's showing us the way to Laputa!
I assume all of that was a reference to Laputa, but I don't really know as I haven't seen that movie.
My comic timing was off.
Drat. But anyway, I'm known in neighboring countries for my good looks, and now that I have this pendant, I'm romantically invincible. So don't worry.
Even if nothing else had come out of this game,
I'm romantically invincible would have been worth it.
What are you saying? To think a princess would rely on the powers of some dubious pendant...
Muneshige bought a necktie pin, too.
Muneshige!
I am unworthy to face you...
You...! At any rate, try not to forget that until our lord returns from the capital, the princess is the head of the Mochizuki clan!
Requiescat In Pace, Mochizuki Clan.
Please refrain from any rash behavior! Particularly now, when the supporters of young Lord Matsuchiyo are becoming increasingly active.
Matsuchiyo again? I've heard this already.
And you'll hear it again, until you understand how important this is.
Hmmph. First of all, why does anybody have a problem with me inheriting our clan, just because I'm a girl?
It has been the rule from ancient times that men are the only ones who can inherit...
There has actually been one or two female clan heads. Alright, I'll give you that maybe they were totally tomboyish female clan heads, but then the princess has that covered too. And I can't really believe I'm correcting a japanese game on japanese history.
* forever alone *
Muneshige, am I inferior to Matsuchiyo in any way?
If I may be so bold - no, absolutely not.
You hear that?
No matter what you say, what's impossible is impossible.
Nothing is true, everything is possible! And permissible, too. Nyarrr!
The shogunate watches the fiefs carefully to make sure that they do nothing out of the ordinary.
I'm sorry, but this game has six love interests.
Six. Not even the Shogunate would be able to stand against the power of that amount of Otome game guys.
Therefore, it would be impossible for you to inherit the fief. We would just be giving outside lord and the shogunate an excuse to taker over the Mochizuki clan.
Fine, then let Matsuchiyo be the heir. Since I'm not in the line of succession and all.
Unfortunately, Matsuchiyo is descended from the illegitimate child of a woman who later married into the clan, and is not technically of Mochizuki blood.
Princess! It is the hope of all your vassals that you will find a fine son-in-law for your father, and bear a son who can become the lord of the Mochizuki clan!
I'm not some tool for making babies.
I don't think you're anything of the sort. I merely would like you, as the Mochizuki princess, to consider the future of your clan.
Bo-oring.
That's our princess, alright!
Have you forgotten? There was talk of you marrying the young lord of the neighboring Mayuzumi clan.
Absolutely not! I refuse to exchange vows with somebody I've never met and know nothing about! I've told you this before!
Besides, the successor of the Mayuzumi clan is still a child. I'm not some sort of baby-sitting service!
Princess...
Think about this, Muneshige.
Yes.
For instance, if you were asked to marry a girl who wasn't even ten years old, what would you do?
Princess, considering Muneshige's age, and how even then he is a, say,
capturable character...
I would have to refuse.
I can read your guilt in your face, Muneshige.
See!
Muneshige! Don't let her explain things away so easily! It is the duty of members of a warrior house to marry partners they do not know.
When our current lord married the princess' mother, she was only nine...
I've heard that too! ...Anyway, you say that this is what the entire clan wants me to do, but what about all the people who support Matsuchiyo?
Well, that - that is -
So why don't we just let Matsuchiyo become the heir?
No! That is why we must have you married as soon as possible, so we can prove that there is more than one possible line of succession.
I don't want to marry someone I don't love.
But in the current state of affairs, if something were to happen to our lord, it would surely bring about a struggle for succession. Please understand, Princess.
It isn't fair...
Princess!
I know already! I'm not saying I won't get married. But...
But?
But I have to find my husband myself! Are you happy now?
But Princess, that is...
This conversation is over. Muneshige! Bring my horse!
Please wait! We're not done talking yet.
Jesus, guy, you are unbearable. Go die somewhere.
Princess. Just this once, please listen to what Sir Hanawa has to say...
I thought I told you to bring my horse. If you're just going to stand there, I'll have to go to the stables and do it myself.
Please wait!
Princess! Princess Hatsuhime!
A messenger from the Mayuzumi clan is coming tomorrow. Please prepare yourself for the engagement meeting... Wait!
Hatsuhime rushed out of the room, away from Yahei, though he shouted after her. She stamped noisily down the corridor towards the stables.
Princess. Sir Hanawa is doing his utmost to do what is best for you.
Not me, the clan. He's trying to do what's best for the Mochizuki clan.
In his position, that is natural. But do you really think he is not thinking of you as well?
I know.
Then perhaps you should listen a little bit more to what he has to say?
No! That's one thing, and this is another.
That's our princess!
Princess... Perhaps, is there someone you already care for?
*facepaw*
There's nobody. When would I have the chance to meet somebody good, anyway? It's not like any of you people ever get close to me.
That's, that is - not entirely true.
... What was that?
Um, well... You are a very lovely woman, Princess, and...
*facepaw*
I can tell when you're trying to flatter me, you know. You always start speaking in a monotone.
My apologies.
I don't mind. Your inability to flatter people is one of the things I like about you.
Princess is weird.
Yes.
Is every other girl in the world fine with this? Can they all fall in love with somebody they've never met, no matter who?
...
Say, Muneshige. Am I just being incredibly selfish?
There's nothing like
incredibly selfish, Princess. There's only
not enough.
Princess...
...
If I may be so bold, I would say that given your position, there will be some people who will criticize you for being selfish.
However, it may be natural that you, as an individual, cannot make your heart agree to this.
I see. So that's what you think, Muneshige.
Yes.
Huh?
Look, that's what I was saying! That you should never lie to yourself!
But, well, Princess - that is -
Ahh, I feel much better. All right, Muneshige. Bring the horses!
Princess! You are indeed a little - no, very - selfish! Princess!
So, let's go for a walk.
Princess!
Clip-clop, clip-clop...
Those being the steps of horsies.
Ahh! This feels so good.
Princess! Please don't go too fast!
It's okay. Kiyokoma is used to this. How is it, Kiyokoma? Isn't it fun?
Neigh...
Besides, you're the one who taught me to ride, Muneshige. If I fell, it would be your fault.
She's such a bitch.
Uuhh...
I'm human, too. I need to get outside once in a while.
I'm assuming she just said KKKodexia counts among its inhabitants with several aliens...
...
That's not a straight line or anything.
I wasn't saying anything.
You were making a face like you wanted to say something.
My face is always like that.
So you always want to say something?
And that's why I don't get any marriage proposals.
Are you sure the problem isn't your own face?
You are a true gentleman, Muneshige.
What are you talking about? If I could only meet a man, I'm sure he'd be falling over himself to marry me.
Well, I have the same problem.
If only you could meet a man, etc?
I've been at your side serving you for ten years now, and I've missed all my chances to meet somebody.
Then when I get married, I'll make it up to. We'll find you a wife, so relax.
... I just hope all this happens before I'm an old man.
Well, let's think. If neither of us can find somebody... Then... I'll marry you.
Once I thought this was a really stupid thing to say but, ridiculous as it sounds, I once had a friend do exactly that to me, the if neither finds someone they like let's marry routine, and a girl said something similar to my ex once, so I'm not sure it's so weird or rare anymore. What still amazes me, though, is that Muneshige didn't sent her to screw herself and became a Ronin right there. I mean, like, really.
Please, Princess, do not joke...
I'm serious. What, I'm not good enough for you?
That's not it at all! What I mean is... The problem isn't that I don't like you...
I know. Don't make that upset face, Muneshige ... It was just a joke.
Right-o.
Please. Don't tease a grown man like that!
Hahahah. You're blushing.
Princess!
You're redder than a ladybug. I guess even master swordsmen have their tender side -
Huh?
What? You're making a scary face all of a sudden. Did something upset you?
Stop the horse. There's somebody up ahead.
Who is it?
Let's check the crystal ball.
You there! Show yourself! If you do not, I will drag you out!
Unknown: Hmm. You certainly have a dangerous way of saying things.
Ooh, it's you! Please forgive me. I was quite rude.
It's fine, it's fine. A bodyguard who did not do at least that much would be terribly lax. I should apologize myself.
Harumoto Ohno, right? What is the Chief Inspector doing in a place like this?
And you must be Princess Hatsuhime. I was on patrol to make sure there were no suspicious individuals in the area. And so, I happened to pause here for a bit.
The Chief Inspector goes on patrol himself?
With the lord absent, I would be unforgivably derelict in my duties if I did not do at least that.
It must be tough to be the Chief Inspector.
Haha. And where might you be going, Princess?
Oh, we were just riding our horses here and there.
For "here and there," you've come quite a long way from the castle.
Well, this and that happened. It was a pleasan diversion. Is there something wrong with that, Harumoto?
No, not at all. If you don't mind my saying, I've noticed you have escellent riding technique. Just what one would expect of the daughter of a warrior house.
I learned it all from Muneshige.
Ohh.
That is indeed so.
Incidentally, are you not tired? I am the chamberlain of Kitahama Castle, which lies just to the north.
Would you like to rest there for a while? I am sure all of the retainers would be delighted if you were to grace us with your presence.
Oh? Kitahama Castle? Isn't that the castle next to the lake that's supposed to be the most beautiful in all the realm?
Well, in certain seasons, young couples certainly descend upon it in great force.
I hear if you want to stay in an inn near there, you have to make reservations at least a year in advance.
This is true. Still, however many inns and teahouses there may be, the view of the lake that you get from the castle is unsurpassed.
It's like the difference between a cockroach and a giant Hercules beetle.
That reminds me... I still haven't beaten Mushi King yet. Muneshige, take a memo.
Clicky click this linkity link, nya!
Like the difference between a Venosaur and a Mew Two!
Still haven't become a Pokemon master yet, either. Memo, memo. Once you become a master, it's all over though.
Princess!
Like the difference between a TIE Fighter and the Death Star.
That's no moon!
Princess, perhaps you should just say yes.
If you visit, I will even have our chef - the pride of our castle - prepare his three star cuisine, especially those sweets that you young ladies are so fond of.
Ooh! Sweets!
You should work on that while you still have a shape to save, Princess.
Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test!
I... I just... I can't believe that.
Let's go! Let's go right now, Muneshige.
But, Princess...
He can't be a bad man if he's offering me candy!
Where exactly did you hear that?
Muneshige. What would you say to a nice, relaxing soak in the hot springs?
There are hot springs in Kitahama?
Yes. The water is piped directly from the source.
Aahh! Wonderbar!
If you come to Kitahama, you can enjoy the finest view in all of Japan, and the most lip-smackingly delicious cuisine in all the world!
Welcome to the Hotel Kitahama...
Plenty of room at the Hotel Kitahama...
Okay! We'll take you up on that, then!
Two guests, checked in!
Hahaha.
Princess. Are you sure this is wise?
What? You were all excited too just a second ago, and now you're making a frowny face.
... For some reason, I have a strange feeling...
That means you're falling in love.
Princess!
Calm down, it was a joke. Harumoto Ohno might not have any fashion sense, but he seems like a nice person, doesn't he?
Does he?
Mwahahaha.
Anyway, if anything did happen - which it won't - you'd be there.
Of course. However, I still say that we should not take the chance.
Just look at Harumoto's happy face! How can we say no to him now?
Mwahahaha.
I'm not sure that's a happy face.
You are such a worrywart. You're starting to remind me of Yahei.
W-what did you just say? Did you just compare me to Sir Hanawa?
And to think you were once named the third-hottest man in the Mochizuki clan. Ahh, the vicissitudes of fate! Les Miserables!
The sun will come out to-morr-ow...
That's "Annie".
Forgive me.
What are you doing, my lady? If you're having a karaoke contest, I would like to demonstrate my own skills!
No, we're done with that. Anyway, Harumoto, do you have mango pudding? I've only had it once before, but it was delicious!
I see you keep abreast of all the latest culinary trends. Never fear; I shall have some prepared for you.
Great, great! Okay, Muneshige. Let's go.
Yes.
What, are you still worried?
You're the best swordsman in our clan, Muneshige. As long as you're there, I have nothing to be afraid of.
Princess...
At the very least, I have to eat the mango pudding.
I must not have food. Food is the girl-killer. Food is the litte death that brings total obliteration.
So in the end, you can't say no to food? But if you gain an ounce, you turn around and blame me for not stopping you...
I've burned my calories for today with the riding. And a little bit more flesh in the right places might not hurt me either.
Yes...
Thus ends update five. Next one we will first have some more Hatsuhime and then go back to our heroine, Sayori. We will also start getting choices again, which is good. Also, Ninjas and Mickey Mouse impersonations. Stay tuned for more awesome and epic Samurai historical drama here in your favorite Playground series,
Kurokasha-tan plays girly games so you don't have to, nya!
@ The Wizard
And you haven't seen anything yet... Wait until you meet
Ittosai.
@ Oldmanpaco
Hate is such an horrible emotion, Paco. You should embrace them and try to become just like them instead, I say. Then girls will be drawing oldmanpaco fan art. :3
@ Erebus
It depends on the general style or, say, sub genre thingie the game belongs to. The basic Otome Games usually use the same archetypes and stock characters than light novels, anime, and manga, so in those the Shota is as common as, say, the childhood friend, the tsundere, the oujo, or the sociopath with glasses. The best ones usually play with the archetypes and the player's expectations of them, because in general the archetypes are kind of idiotic when outside of comedy games or self referencing games.
Otome games usually targeted at older women have a much smaller presence from the common archetypes, and the shota is almost completely absent. However, those are boring as fuck. If you look long enough you can actually find some pretty enjoyable stories in Otome games, usually in the urban fantasy genre, and even a couple of seriously good ones. This, however, does not include the otome games targeted at older woman, as those are usually about how the main character moves to a new city, a new job, a new university, or whatever and there she meets many new guys, all of whom are hot, and have pretty grounded personalities with pretty grounded traumas and subplots.
Darker Games like
Bloody Call,
Armen Noir, or
Edel Blume almost never use the shota archetypes, I guess because you can't really take seriously a twelve years old guy in that kind of setting and with that kind of atmosphere. Some, however, may have an older guy with a childish personality to have it covered in some way.
Fetish ones some times do, and some times don't. It depends in the kind of fetishes, I supose. For example, an Otome game mostly about rape and psychological torture usually do not have shotas, as those are mostly for fans of the sociopath with glasses or vampire guys, demon guys, incubi, and the like.
On the other comment, you are right on both accounts: A Yojinbo is a bodyguard, yes, and the movie has little, if anything, to do with the game. In the game, the name comes from both the nicknames of the three poster boys, being Yo and Jin and Bo, and from the six guy being, more or less, her bodyguards.
@ Miss Bee
By the way, do you know you can capture screenshots with Irfanview ("Options -> Capture -> Foreground window - Client area") without those application borders getting in the way?
Now I know, and thus I switched to Irfanview. Thank you for the advice. ^^
And it isn't weird hair, Sis. It is
cool hair.
) I treat the Dex more as a source of knowledge about more obscure 
oriented sorts of media (books, comics, films, games etc.). And though I swear to God that you won't see me playing "Threads of Fate" and suchlike, I still reckon you do outstanding job presenting those gems.
in its strongest each day I too find myself less and less passionate about the games I once loved. This still doesn't change the fact that it is sad news. BC's LP of "The Legacy" is arguably the best LP debut evar. I wish we could have more LPs in similar vein. Hopefully, the sudden change of tastes is nothing permanent.
