Part 48: Playthrough 2.1 - Part 6

Dancing with a real partner feels quite different from dancing with your father. You knew him, knew his steps like a part of you. Now every move is a mystery.



Unfortunately, you lose track of which steps you're supposed to do when, and trip over your own feet. Oops! Between the dances, there is time for the guests to mingle, chat, and sample tiny bites of exquisite food.



During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out through the room.

If I might have your attention? I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess. Her words of wisdom guide us through our difficulties.

Everyone applauds politely. As the gala continues, you take the opportunity to observe nobles that you rarely see. There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than you and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon. Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields. No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season. Her parents are here, but they dance at an awkward arm's length from each other. Something must be wrong there. Strange that there's no sign of your cousins, though. Shouldn't they be here? Your aunt and uncle are here, of course. It would be scandalous if they hadn't come, Merva being so close by.



It's nice to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, isn't it?









You have unlocked a new outfit!





You wander downstairs to visit your father and talk about the latest events in the domain. You're moving with such enthusiasm that you don't realise your father isn't alone until it's too late to avoid him and his... companion.

You are too kind, Joslyn.

Countess Sirin. Not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend. And yet, not at all old, as noblewomen go. She has two minor titles, no husband, and your father's arm in her grasp.



How dare she make a move on your father?



Good afternoon, Countess.





You can see Psychedelic Eyeball's hilarious reaction here.

Elodie!

Really, my dear, it's not polite to comment on a lady's attributes like that. But you are young. You will... grow.



Ooo!

Perhaps we'll be seeing more of each other in the future.

She gives a little wave and exits. Once she's gone, you raise an eyebrow at your father.

Don't give me that look, young lady. She's a nice woman, nothing more.

She wants something more!

And it's not going to happen any time soon.



You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners.

There haven't been any problems so far.

No one has been able to track the former Duchess of Ursul. There could be plots underway. As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you.



Isn't that what I have agents for?

Yes, but you must give them direction. What is your greatest concern?



Make sure to take note of the new Julianna of Ursul option.

Next week we adjust taxes, but Eco-Elodie should have more information for us then, so for now just vote on two classes and the choice above.

Edit: We also have the ability to choose between the coronet and the tuxedo now, so you may vote for the outfit as well.