001 {Accidental Video -> Video}

[never_go_back]

[Kodachi's device turns on after it's struck by a hardcover book. There's barely enough light to reveal it's title, 'Nightfall: Forbidden Love'.]

This is.. Unacceptable! How is it fair that such a boorish, unworthy girl is blessed with the honor of being the target of affection of not one but two handsome men? Unforgivable!

[There's the sound of fingers drumming along wood for about fifteen seconds while the lady mumbles to herself, but once it stops it's followed by a gasp of realization. And it isn't the realization a certain Tendo is in that very position] Now where did I put that thing... [The book is raised, revealing a teenage girl with black hair, adorn in a lovely black kimono with red petal-print staring down at the screen. She looks confused that it's on, but it's quickly replaced with a pleasant smile. Instead of agitate, her tone is relaxed, with a 'proper' air.]

Good day to you, male denizens of Mallow Hollow. I am Kodachi Kuno, seventeen years old, from Nerima, Japan. Forgive my intrusion, but  I have most wonderful news! As of today positions have opened for tw- no, three additional potential suitors to compete with my first, my darling Ranma Saotome, for my eventual hand in marriage and honor of father to our inevitable, many, many children.

Allow me to share a bit about myself: I have no current occupation, but I do aspire to become a knight of Highcrest. My interests include gymnastics, care taking of adorable animals, cooking, and roses.

[At this point Kodachi raises a white paper fan with a large, red circle in the center, and opposite hand now possesses a microphone for no real reason.]

I am looking for a single male between the ages of sixteen and twenty five. They must possess great courage and strength. They must be handsome, slender, and neat. And, most importantly, they must possess ambitions of grandeur!

Also, while it is true I come from a more.. 'traditional' Japanese background, I am not completely against a non-Japanese suitor.

For those interested in this rare chance, please note that I will be holding the contest in two days at Highcrest's Main Square from noon until three. There will be no dress code, but roses and adequate amounts of presence are mandatory.

[And with that, Kodachi tosses both items carelessly to the side, then presses her fingertips together as she flutters her eyelashes.]

Now then, are there any questions, my dears? <3

Comments

video

[yang_fang_leiden]

[Despite being both a) happily married and b) too old, Yang still feels the need to respond to the message.]

Forgive me, Miss Kuno, but this seems rather short-sighted. Should you find a suitable suitor, you have no guarantee they will be able to return with you, should we be released from this place.

video

[never_go_back]

[Kodachi stares quietly for a moment, then apparently decides she isn't put off- so have an amused smile!]

Wise words indeed, kind sir, but it is much too late. I have already come to accept that I am a vulnerable girl whom makes foolish decisions when it comes to matters of romance thanks to the foolishness of youth.

I'm afraid.. I am afraid there is no stopping me!

Re: video

[yang_fang_leiden]

[A small smile.]

I do suppose affairs of the heart compel us to do all kinds of things. I certainly did more than my share when I was a young man.

video

[never_go_back]

I knew you would see things my way~.

[Kodachi titters behind her hand.]

But what is this 'when I was a young man' you speak of? You do not look a day over 25!

video

[negative]

[ Here's a candidate who meets almost all of Kodachi's criteria. Kumagawa Misogi is -- as you can tell by the name -- a young man of Japanese descent and of seventeen years, who is slender, neat, and while not outright "handsome", still possesses heaps of ambition.

He is, however, a coward and a weakling. But that doesn't stop him from expressing his interest, which comes in the form of a (horrendously inappropriate) question: ]

『What are your three measurements, cutie?』

video

[never_go_back]

[Ah, yes, so that is a downside of video calls; she comes from a world where violence is easily enabled, and Kodachi cannot perform any! She keeps a patient smile and titters behind her hand.]

Now now, it would be no fun to divulge that information so soon, wouldn't you agree?

And whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with this day, bold sir~?

1/3 video

[negative]

[ Color him intrigued; Kumagawa was totally expecting her to hang up on him for being a shameless perv, but it is now clear that Kodachi is not only pretty and refined, but also patient and kind.

'『Or maybe she's a pervert, too!』' considers Kumagawa. Either way, he's intrigued -- to the point that he's willing to continue this charade and even introduce himself. ]

『Ah?』 [ He points to himself. ] 『So, you want to know my name?』

2/3 video

[negative]

[ In one smooth, fluid motion, Kumagawa reaches into his jacket's breast pocket, fishes out his comb, combs his hair back with all the suavity and cool indifference of a greaser from late 50's America, and then once again addresses Kodachi, this time speaking in a deeper, confident tone. ]

『I'm Kumagawa Misogi, your future husband.』

[ For a humongous loser, he's somehow oozing with charisma, and there are even sparkles glimmering around him. ]

3/3 video

[negative]

『... How was that?』

[ And just like that, all his charisma and bishounen sparkles are gone, and he's back to smiling that signature smile of his. A smile which is 100% fake. ]

『I can be pretty cool, huh? Have I piqued your interest yet? Do I have what it takes to be your suitor? And if so, may I know the color of your panties?』

video

[never_go_back]

[While it's difficult to know for certain over the device, Kodachi can tell that something isn't quite.. Right. Is this young man just pretending to be a fool? Kodachi thoughtfully cups her chin with a slight tilt of her head.]

How intriguing! You started as a D, then for a moment you became a B, and now you are a D again. I have never seen anything quite like it~.

[Kodachi lightly claps her hands and beams.]

There is certainly potential, Mister Kumagawa; you remind me of a beautiful house I once saw littered with filthy rugs and possessed horrifying wallpaper!

That said.. I may be willing to induldge your curiosity should we meet in person~.

{ video }

[the_ninja]

You're not asking for much, are you, Miss Kuno?

[The Ninja's teasing her but, in spite of that grin, he looks a little wary too. Two days time... if he's lucky, he might be able to get out of assisting her at her little matchmaking event but he doubts she'll be quite so merciful and, as much as he hates to admit it, he is technically in her service now; his word is golden.]

{ video }

[never_go_back]

Now now, I just have slightly higher standards than the average girl is all.

[Kodachi withdraws a black rose, which she gives a gentle sniff.]

I trust your schedule is open? I believe I will be needing your assistance, Nin-Nin~.

[the_ninja]

[He was planning to accept his inevitable workload without too much of a fuss but that nickname makes him visibly flinch, like she just tossed one of her gymnastic batons at his head. The Ninja scowls, looking a touch sulky.]

[flatly] I'm washing my hair.

[So, he can't really turn her down but he can definitely be awkward about it.]

1/2

[never_go_back]

[Kodachi was actually stunned for a moment, and stares. That response... That was brilliant. She suddenly breaks out into laughter; laughter akin to a banshee being strangled half to death.]

2/2

[never_go_back]

[Then she cuts herself off. And immediately looks serious.]

But seriously, clear your schedule there is much that needs to be prepared.

Also, I have been notified by The Doctor that my snake sword is near completion; so I will need you as a sparring partner as well.

[Video]

[doctor_insano]

You want the weapon to become a knight?

[Video]

[never_go_back]

[Oops, she wasn't expecting him to respond or she would have withheld the knighthood comment. Kodachi actually looks a little flustered for a moment, then clears her throat.]

W- Well.. It isn't exactly that simple, but I suppose you could say it is.. Somewhat related?

[Video]

[doctor_insano]

A gymnastic knight... I suppose that does have some kind of niche.

[Video]

[never_go_back]

[Kodachi blinks a couple of times.]

Hmn? You mean that.. Doesn't bother you at all, Doctor?

[video]

[lieutenant_lineface]

[Hubert would probably meet most of Kodachi's requirements, but he has no interest whatsoever in marrying her. Mostly he's just here to scold her for filling the airwaves with such nonsense when more important things could be discussed.]

You mean to say that you are holding an...actual, literal competition...for your hand in marriage?

[He sounds incredulous. He knew mostly from hearsay that Strahtan noblewomen could be prone to playing coy games with their potential suitors, but he's fairly certain none of them ever stooped to being this obvious.]

[video]

[never_go_back]

[Kodachi raises a hand to her cheek and attempts to look as innocent as possible. He seems the type that 'knows better', but really that has just as much potential for fun.]

Goodness, dear sir, that is a rather crude spin on what the actual event is don't you think? Are you a reporter?

[video]

[lieutenant_lineface]

[He...doesn't actually know what a reporter is, since they don't have anything like that in Ephinea. But he makes a safe guess that he isn't one.]

Nothing of the sort. I'm merely wondering what could have spurred you to worry about something like marriage when there are more pressing issues at hand here.

[ex_protegere334]

....Marriage. So you mean like the girls writing to Hubert and Asbel back home? Their mother is apparently worried about them. Especially Asbel. But I'm not sure he wants to get married yet.

[never_go_back]

[Goodness gracious, a brat! Kodachi seems to be at a loss for a moment, but then perhaps she just stumbled upon a treasure! Clearly Sophie speaks of popular boys; but some information is missing..]

Something similar to that, dearie. Who are Asbel and Hubert; are they your friends? Here?

[She then shakes her head.]

Forgive me, but your hairstyle is simply adorable! Who does your hair, sweetheart?

[ex_protegere334]

They are! And they are here too, I'm living with Asbel in Mallowhallow.

[Which, of course, Sophie looks rather pleased about. She's not sure what she would do without Asbel.]

Cheria did it back home. But she isn't here so I try to do it myself.

[Or perhaps occasionally ask Asbel to help, but she more or less gets the idea. There is just a lot of it at this length.]