#tiff answer

“Royal meetings”, as they were called, didn’t really feellike meetings to Tiff. She felt like they only consisted of the queen passing aroyal decree, and everyone present sort of nodded and agreed without secondthought. This was seemed about the same level of monotonous, and Tiff zoned outthrough most of it, but something caught her attention just when she felt likeshe was about to fall asleep.

“And with the recent disappearance of the duke, we must beat full attention.”

Disappearance? Miss Fortune gasped, and Tiff looked over toLord Taranza.  Her teacher just shruggedand motioned for her to turn her attention back to the queen.

“That is why Dedede and I have decided that it’s best toforge new allies as we go forward, and we’ve found one very exemplary one inthe Haltmann Works Company!” she declared. “Their inventions are nothing shortof a miracle, especially compared to our current state.” Escargoon cringed atthat last sentence, picking at a bandage on his face as he did. “Blade Cavalierwill be the one to discuss further tactics with them at their base ofoperations, and they will send us one of their top men.”

“But if Blade Cavalier is off to the north, then who’s goingto be the royal escort?” asked Miss Fortune.

“You won’t be needing him. Because as of now, nobody isleaving the castle until further notice. There will be automatons stationed atevery door, and a specific schedule placed upon each member of the palace. DarkMind detests order, and-”

“That’s not right!”

The cry sent a jolt through everyone, especially consideringit’d just come from the shyest girl in the place. Even Tiff herself lookedshocked at her sudden outburst, and she quickly tried to backtrack.

“I mean… I don’t think it’s right… it might be… I justthink…” Her voice froze and crawled to a whisper as she craned her head downand looked at the floor. She gulped and nodded, feeling the blush on her faceget hotter in embarrassment.

“Then we’re in accordance. Lord Taranza, my dearest mage.”Taranza, who had been fiddling with the pocket watch around his neck, looked upand nodded with a smile on his face.  MissFortune scoffed and rolled her eyes as the queen continued. “Allow me tointroduce you to this castle’s new guardian and your new protégé.”

The heavy doors behind them opened, and a young man steppedthrough. At first glance, Tiff didn’t think he looked all that tech-savvy. Withhis dirty blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, steely gaze behind circlerimmed shades, and 3-piece suit, he resembled a secretary more than anything. Tuff’seyes widened, and he whispered something under his breath.

“This is Jecra, the head engineer at Haltmann Works. I trustthat with his technological know-how and your skill in magic, you’ll havePeppermint Palace a veritable stronghold in a matter of days.” Miss Fortune gotout of her chair and marched towards the man. “You’d better do your job, MisterJecra.”

“Miss Fortune, please-!” Escargoon started. But she refusedto back down, staring the green-skinned man dead in the eyes as she spoke.

“Do whatever you must. I won’t have my children disappearingas well.” Jecra simply smiled and took her hand. “Don’t worry your pretty bluehead. Haltmann Works is top-shelf in both defensive and offensive automations.”He kissed it, and then shot a glance Escargoon’s way. “Maybe you’ll learn athing or two from us, huh?”

“Uh… yeah.” The snail cleared his throat, and Queen Sectoniamotioned that the meeting was adjourned. As Tiff got up and turned to leave,she heard her brother mumbling to himself again.

“What’s wrong, Tuff?”

He shrugged. “Shadow Boxer just ran away. I dunno what gotinto him.”

“See? You don’t need outside friends. You’re doing just finewith these imaginary ones.” Said Miss Fortune coldly. Her mother’s words onlyfueled Tiff to try and compromise with Sectonia again, so she quickly moved toreach the queen before she and the prince could leave.

“Queen Sectonia? Prince Dedede?” But seeing the queen in allof her splendor before her made her freeze once more, and she felt herself getchoked up.

“Thanks. It means a lot to me that you care so much about mydad… even if it means going a little overboard…”

Queen Sectonia gently smiled and cupped the young girl’scheek. “We’ll find them. I promise.”

Tiff nodded and sniffled back her tears, but she realized aslight change in her words. “Them?”