GUEST SERVICES - HUNTER

[cluedin]

Comments

[cluedin]

[ in her usual deadpan tone: ]

"Oh, no."

[counterclocked]

...Is that all he said, and did he say it exactly like that?

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The Master's tone is difficult to translate.

[ because she refuses to inflect ]

[counterclocked]

Can you describe it in a word?

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...

Irritating...

[ ruthless and unhelpful at once ]

[counterclocked]

As in, the way he said it irritated you, or he sounded irritated himself?

[cluedin]

The Master can be quite irritating.

[ so. the former ]

[counterclocked]

[His expression is some mix of sympathy and curiosity as he speaks.]

Then... If I can ask, why do you stay?

[cluedin]

I also find my sisters irritating sometimes, sir. If I left every time something that irritated me happened, I'm afraid I would have to live completely alone in the woods.

[ ...

...

she looks pensive for a second like the idea has a certain appeal ]

[counterclocked]

[There's a small half amused sound, before he continues on.]

No, I get that, but... You know, in general. It kind of seems like this place isn't so great, you know?

[cluedin]

So long as Master Blue stays, I will be here as well. It is my duty as a servant.

[counterclocked]

Uh, I don't think that's true. I mean, if you're not happy in a job, it's not your duty to not quit, is it?

[cluedin]

We owe the Master a great deal. I understand it might be difficult to understand. Even if that were not the case... I would never actually leave my sisters behind.

[counterclocked]

[He pauses, frowning.]

It might not be any of my business, but... What do you owe him for, exactly?

[cluedin]

[ ... she brushes her skirt ]

You are right, sir. It isn't any of your business. [ she shakes her head because that was maybe Too Dismissive, so: ] It is not something I like to share with guests.

[counterclocked]

[After a moment, sheepishly:]

...Right, sorry. Never mind.

[cluedin]

It's fine. It is understandable for you to be curious, sir.

[ but also come back when you are like rank 6 of this persona link or some shit ]

[counterclocked]

It's not just that. I mean, it's... kind of worrying, I guess. Peach told me that you guys can still get hurt here. It just must be a really good reason.

[cluedin]

It is, sir. For us, at the very least. [ she tilts her head ] Though I suppose we have been here so long, I do not quite fear injury, even knowing it can happen.

[counterclocked]

Well... Hopefully it’s been rare for you, at least.

[cluedin]

We are quite apt at defending ourselves. There is no need to worry.

[ that's probably More Worrying ]

[counterclocked]

...Really?

[He looks clearly surprised, but after a second he realizes that might be a little bit insulting.]

—Not that you don't seem like you could.

[cluedin]

[ it's fine, she sounds mildly amused when she responds. or, as amused as she gets ]

My sisters have defended themselves fine against a guest already, haven't they? [ she tilts her head ] Or are you surprised about myself only?

[counterclocked]

No, not just you! And I know they have. I guess it's just... I don't know, defending yourself against random people who want to punch you for some reason seems different then defending yourself against a horde of rats.

[Not that they need to worry about rats specifically anymore, but. That sure is the level that everyone is already on.]

[cluedin]

[ she hums in acknowledgement ]

True, it is not quite the same. Still, I don't believe there is any need for you to concern yourselves about us. We have lived this long.