Gankutsuō | AP

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀To be able to maintain such abundant plant growth isn't an easy feat. It deserves to be admired, wouldn't you agree ? … Having said that, I see no reason to take home a plant if it isn't the one I'm looking for.⠀❜ ⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀"So, are you looking for something in particular? Something that you do not want handed to you, something obtained by your own efforts... even if those efforts simply amount to wading through the ashes of the past?"

@volontedacier – A FOAM-IDABLE FOE

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Shall we go again? You are showing some improvements, Master. Hmhm— at this rate, perhaps you can properly challenge a Saber Servant before summer's end?"

   ⠀❛ ⠀You're making a lot of assumptions, you know. I won't deny that money's a good reward— I had a store for this sort of thing back in the Ark... but it's also a hobby.⠀❜ ⠀As predicted, she doesn't seem particularly dissuaded— but if it's an attempt at a sale, setting the price to 'free' is... certainly a choice.    ❛ ⠀Hobbies are fun, but shouldn't be taken seriously. Tarot is the same way. I don't really see it as predicting something set in stone... But it is a good way to talk to yourself about the things you're avoiding, or have some blinders on about— if it's right in front of your face, you kinda have to listen.⠀❜  

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Well, at least you aren't the type of reader to claim certainty with your readings. It's a common method to pull at the fear of the insecure and weak-willed." So, at the very least, this fortune woman has some degree of standard for her craft... Even so, Avenger doesn't seem convinced to reveal his path for her. "All the same, I doubt there is anything worthwhile for your talents to discover for my fate."

❝ That is precisely why I have posed the query indeed. Not to mention if it is for the people, those who may attend should have their own means to name the place of their education. Thus, I thought to voice it aloud. Besides, it would be pointless to name a school after the mundane as myself, whereas many who found such things are hoisted upon their pedestals by the masses to be immortalized. ❞

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hmhm— How admirable of you to remove your own ego for a decision such as this. A humble gesture, indeed. If that is the case..." There's a short silence to ponder the matter, eyes glancing around— looking at the island as whole in his mind. "How familiar are you with the history and beliefs of the native inhabitants? If there is some historical or deified figure related to knowledge and growth, perhaps that is where you can find a fitting name."

❝ The school for all I'm building is near complete. Now that's left is to figure a suitable name for it before it is to open. Any suggestions? ❞

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I believe it's common for schools to be named after the one responsible for its creation or funding... A bit narcissistic in some cases, but the logic typically makes sense. I suppose you may be trying to avoid that line of logic, yes?"

this guy......why I oughta– "Don't be surprised if all your lighters go missing later." she'll stash them at Mashu's house, certainly the shielder won't go letting him know that! " I know that and I am, don't worry! I haven't overdone anything in a good long while."

⠀⠀⠀⠀"You may try, Master." The light threat is met with a light rebuttal, light streams of smoke still wafting from his lips as he speaks. "Your metric of 'overdoing it' isn't exactly comparable to the average person. But for now, that will do just fine."

⠀⠀⠀It was a lame excuse, she knew it the moment before she said it. But something about this Frenchie really irks her — she gets the distinct feeling he's getting his kicks at her expense. Naturally, the best course of action is to redirect. ⠀⠀❛ ⠀I could ask you the same thing, you know. Every time I see you here, you order some coffee and linger around like a lost puppy. I bet I know which person you're waiting for.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Is it not natural for a Servant to keep an eye on the Master? There are plenty of matters I keep my eyes on, but they're all sorted as is. Keeping watch over my Master is simply a main priority for me. I am certain a former Master could understand the principle of the idea."

" Did you just sniff around me?! "

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I have no idea what you mean." Since the smell of alcohol was minimal-to-nonexistent, he presses on with Ritsuka caught up in her imagination. Another cigarette, already lit, meets his lips for momentary inhale. "At any rate, continue to pace yourself. You'll do just fine if you keep up moderation in all things."

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀That's true, I do.⠀ ❜ ⠀Rin cranes her neck slightly, making it seem as if it were a lot more difficult to see the young man-in-question from her vantage point than it actually was— as if his employment here were an afterthought.⠀❛ ⠀We were sharing a flat while studying in London, too, so there wasn't much sense in forgoing the familiar in an unfamiliar place. But as it so happens, I have plenty of reasons for coming here— the food, and the fact that Shirou makes it, is just a fortunate coincidence.⠀ ❜

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Very well, if you insist." A pause, a final inhale of smoke before he firmly presses the depleted cigarette into his ash tray. "And— the other reasons for you being here? You do have your food now, after all. Your side objectives are finished, by your own words."

" No, I am not drunk, thank you very much!"

⠀⠀... Did he just sniff the air to make sure there was no smell of alcohol on her breath? Hard to say.

@volontedacier

⠀⠀⠀⠀"At the very least, one of us spent many years blending into the 'stuffy noble' lifestyle, as you put it." A light chuckle stays in his throat after he glances towards his mistress, the Count feeling content to bask in the brightest light of the evening. "You adapt rather well, at least. You're certainly not a stranger to blending in when a situation calls for it— though your acting isn't quite perfect yet. At the very least, I can keep the facade going for the both of us."

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Both of them ? You continue to impress— both in experience and deduction.⠀ ❜ ⠀SHE ⠀must admit, there's a mild swelling of excitement and pride— it feels as though it's been ages since she could converse with someone closer to her lexicon, her context.  ⠀❛ ⠀You are correct. In fact, I was still in Japan when I found myself in this place... It was my first time traveling that far, admittedly. It seems we kept ourselves busy on opposite ends of the earth, Monsieur. I'd be curious to know what manner of vessel you preferred— a galleon was ideal for my needs at the time, but it certainly had its drawbacks.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀Such a peculiar sense of nostalgia, almost foreign to the Avenger at this point. He can't recall the last time he spoke at length of those bygone days with someone that knew the trade— and he can't say it's been unpleasant so far.

" What about at the gate, then? It's not on the chateau but people can still see it and it'd look neat, as if the skeletons are trying to break in!" she even goes so far as to take out her phone to look up a picture, presenting it to the Avenger. "Like this!"

⠀⠀⠀⠀"That's... acceptable. The visual of the undead being kept out of this place should be satisfactory. And I suppose it isn't too obvious that they're mere plastic and screws..."

@volontedacier

⠀⠀⠀⠀"... Tacky decorations."