Loading User Commands:
[X] Land beside the gateguard. Try to learn more about what happened here.
[X] Request an audience with Remilia.

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"A-Ah! Miss Alice?" cries the gate guard in surprise. "And that other one is..."

"A friend of mine," says Alice. "What happened here?"

"Oh, it was terrible!" says the gate guard. "Even with everyone helping, it took a really long time!"

"Did the little sister escape again?" asks Alice.

"No! It wasn't like that! In fact -"

Suddenly, she stops and covers her mouth with her hands. The gate guard shakes her head nervously and quickly glances around, as if looking out for someone. After a moment, she sighs in relief. Then, she gives them a forced smile as she recovers her composure.

"What's wrong?" asks Alice. "What caused this?"

"A-Ah, this?" mumbles the gate guard. "No, there is nothing to see here! This is just general cleaning! Sakuya left me in charge of watching over it!"

"But you just said that it was something terrible."

"N-No! I mean that it's terrible that we chose to do renovation and repairs today. It looks like it might rain, after all. Ha ha ha..."

"The front gate was ripped from its hinges..."

"It was? I-It must have rusted off in the rain. Yeah, I think that it was overdue for replacement anyway."

"..."

The gate guard seems to be trying to hide something, but she is doing a pretty lousy job of it. Alice frowns at her and taps her foot impatiently.

"E-er," says the gate guard, suddenly turning her attention to Grimnír. "Now who is this with you? I don't believe we have met."

"E-Eh?" mumbles Grimnír in surprise. "Well my name is Grimnír, and I'm sort of staying with Alice right now."

"Staying with Alice?" repeats the gate guard.

"He is my apprentice," says Alice firmly, though her cheeks a light pink. "Anyway, you still haven't -"

"Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grimnír!" cries the gate guard. "My name is Hong Meiling. I am the gate guard of the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

"You still haven't answered my question," whispers Alice, almost threateningly. "What happened here?"

"Here? The Mansion?" says Meiling nervously. "Ah, you must have come to visit Miss Patchouli! She is in the library as usual. Why don't I escort you two inside and -"

Without warning, Meiling grabs them both by the arm. Partly leading, partly dragging, she quickly brings them toward the front door of the Mansion. The gate guard is surprisingly strong, and neither Alice nor Grimnír manages to pull themselves away.

"W-wait! We need to speak with Remilia!" cries Alice.

"The Mistress?" says Meiling. "No, you shouldn't disturb her right now. She is far too bus- sleep. I mean she is far too asleep to speak with guests. Now come this way please~"

Before they can argue, they find themselves within the entrance hall of the Mansion.

"I believe you know the way to the library, Miss Alice," says Meiling. "Forgive me, but I have much work to do outside, so I'll have to leave you. Good day to you and your friend!"

With a quick bow, the gate guard quickly leaves, closing the front door behind her.

"W-wait!" cries Alice. "Gah!"

"Was that normal?" asks Grimnír. "Her letting us in like that so easily?"

"No, it wasn't," says the dollmaker, clearly still irritated. "She must be hiding something."

"Well, at least she let us inside," he says. "Now what?"

"I know the basic layout of the Mansion," says Alice. "But we should be careful not to get lost. I'd hate to bump into the chief maid like this..."

[ ] Head back outside.
[ ] Head to the library.
[ ] Head to the second floor.
[ ] Head to the dining room.
[ ] Head to the basement.
[ ] Wander around aimlessly.
[ ] Custom