An Announcement [Backdated to March 13th]

[makainoou]

[Later in the day, once everyone has had time to determine they aren't in Kansas anymore and can't get back there, they might find themselves approached by prinnies. The little plush creatures will simply say that 'The Prince wants you in the throne room, dood' before wandering off again.

If they follow these instructions, they'll find Laharl standing before his throne with his arms folded. Once enough people appear to have gathered, he speaks.]

For those of you who haven't already barged into my throne room today, I am Overlord Laharl. This is my castle, and you're all intruders here.

But considering it was unintentional, I'm willing to allow you to stay here until the Dimensional Gate is fixed, under certain conditions. Either you can make yourselves useful as my vassals, or you can pay rent. Those are your options.

Anyone who doesn't agree to them will be made to see reason.

Comments

[nerveball]

[No popcorn here, sorry Soma.]

What a way to end my school-day... [That's mostly mumbled to herself, but anyone close enough will probably overhear.]

[ainodatenshi]

Can't you be reasonable, Laharl?

[Come on, Laharl, don't make her have to start makin' faces at you.]

[makainoou]

I thought I was being reasonable.

[He folds his arms and frowns, but appears to think about it a moment. Well, it's true that if a lot of them are humans or, evidently, students, then attacking and looting from other demons might not really be an option for them...]

What would you charge, then? Half of that? [...he's trying?]

[notquitedracula]

[Hmm, no popcorn... Ah, hell with it. Want some curry, Stella? Soma seems to have acquired two plates of it from nowhere. Extra spicy.]

[nerveball]

[Oh no. Nonono. Please no spicy stuff. She still hasn't fully recovered from the time that one of the club members had replaced all of her soda with habanero sauce.]

[ainodatenshi]

No, that's still far too much! More like [insert a number that's like... a 5th of what he originally said.]

[She has her hands on her hips now. Not backing down, NOPE.]

[makainoou]

Hnnn...

[He's clearly not pleased with this number, but he doesn't immediately reject it. He looks out at the people gathered in his throne room. Well... There are pretty many of them, so it'll add up, he supposes. Plus some of them should still become new vassals, so he can go loot from someone to test their fighting ability.]

Fine. But no less than that! And there won't be any exceptions for anyone who can't come up with the money.

[Yep, he's looking at you two spectators now.]

That includes you two. Can you pay or not?

[notquitedracula]

[Your loss, Stella. He'll just take a random seat and start lunch.]

[Omnomnom, wait, being addressed, let him put away the curry for a sec...]

Um, yeah, I can pay. Turns out there's a decent conversion between thousand-year-old Romanian gold and Hell. But I'm curious - what does this 'vassal' thing entail?

[nerveball]

[Stella had asked that same question earlier, more or less, before Soma got involved in this exchange. So, at the very least, she can spare their unwilling host the trouble of answering again.]

U-um, he'd said that depends on what we're able to do to help out around here. [She's not sure how she feels about the idea of being put on security as Laharl had been about to suggest when Flonne intervened, when normally she actively avoids setting people on fire unless it's specifically to defend herself.

Still, that might be what it comes down to for her.]

[ainodatenshi]

[...Wow. She actually low-balled that. She's a little surprised he took it, but quickly looks pleased. She still doesn't particularly LIKE doing this to these poor people, but... well least it's better.]

There are a lot of things that can be done around the castle!

[makainoou]

[Luckily for everyone, Laharl does not have the best grasp of how much things besides swords are supposed to cost. And (fallen) angels don't lie, right?]

Being my vassal means you work to earn your keep. If you can't fight, I've got plenty of other things that need doing.

[Not that... he's exactly sure what Flonne does most of the time. But more importantly...] Can either of you cook?

[notquitedracula]

Not unless you like extra-spicy beef curry. [He produces a fresh plate and just as quickly makes it disappear - literally. Waiter Skeleton is getting some unaccustomed mileage today...]

I can fight, though, as long as it's not against humans. Do you want a demonstration? [...Yes, he did just ask that question. Does no one in this castle realize that Laharl is perfectly willing and able to beat the crap out of almost anyone who gives him an opening like that?]

[nerveball]

[Do you really want to ask that question, Soma? In this or any other Netherworld?]

U-um.

Cooking is one of the few things I actually paid attention to at the academy, so I could try? [If nothing else, it would be a learning experience. And, depending on how it went, an opportunity to practice her elemental spells without hurting people.]

skippin' Flonne this time around

[makainoou]

Hm. Well, as long as you never killed anyone with your cooking-- [a glance at Flonne] --I'll give you a chance.

[Laharl's attention shifts back to Soma, and he smirks.]

A demonstration, huh? Are you challenging me?

[notquitedracula]

Hmm. I guess I am. [He looks around the throne room for a sec.] This should be big enough, unless you wanna take it outside.

[...Yep, just what he needs, another boss battle in another throne room. It's getting downright monotonous.]

[nerveball]

[Urge to NOPE on out of here: rising.]

W-w-wait, can the rest of us get out of the way first?

[ainodatenshi]

[Why is he looking at her--Wait. Flonne goes from questioning to a HEYWHAT face, but before she can protest... wait. Challenge? Fighting now?]

Wait, but... do you really need to fight?

[makainoou]

Why not? If he wants to prove his abilities... we can see how long he lasts against an Overlord.

[As boss fights go, this is probably one of those scripted ones that you aren't meant to win.]

If you two-- [meaning Flonne and Stella] --don't wanna get involved, then just back off.

[notquitedracula]

[Yeah, there's little doubt he's gonna lose. Winning isn't really the point he's going for anyway. He offered a demonstration of his abilities - and that's what he's going to give.

...Okay, maybe not *all* of them. But enough to show he's got a wide repertoire.]

I try not to cause collateral damage when I fight - you two should be safe from anything I throw out.

[And out comes the sword. Not the big one this time - he saves that one for special occasions. No, he'll be using Kaladbolg for now - a longsword that radiates darkness.]

[nerveball]

[Even with that slight reassurance, the Galaxy Mage is backing up with the intent of staying out of the way.]

[ainodatenshi]

B-but... [Here he goes again... there come a point though where Flonne knows all she can do is back off. >.<;;;;;]

[makainoou]

Don't worry, Flonne. This won't take long.

[Laharl draws his own big-ass sword and grins at Soma.]

Well, come on, then.

[Soma gets to make the first move because Laharl needs to see at least one of them, you know.]

[notquitedracula]

Let's do this.

[Hmm. Well, least he's not the only one around with a greatsword, that's good to know. He'll present his blade in a crusader's salute before backsliding for distance.

And then throwing a rather large ball of dark magic at Laharl. It doesn't track, but it is reasonably fast. Also equipped for the moment are Final Guard and Headhunter, and he's using the Chaos Ring for insane MP regen.]