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[X] Ask if you can borrow the book.

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This book feels really important . But Grimnír can't just take it. Even if no one is sees him, that would be stealing. The last thing he needs are more enemies. He has enough to worry about already.

"Why don't I offer you something in return?" says Alice to the other magician. "Perhaps we can find something that you want."

"There is no need for my involvement," repeats Patchouli, not looking up. She flips another page of her book.

"Then maybe we can -"

"Excuse me," interrupts Grimnír, his voice faltering a little.

He holds the book up in front of him so that Patchouli can see it.

"May I borrow this?" he says.

"W-what? This is no time for -"

Without warning, the pink and purple magician looks up from her book. Alice jumps a bit, startled by the sudden change. Patchouli ignores her, staring first at the book, then at Grimnír.

"Do you think you can finish that?" asks the purple-haired magician.

"I think so," says Grimnír. "I can try, I think."

"Curious," says Patchouli.

She continues staring at him, as if looking right through his eyes and mind. After a couple of minutes, she turns to the dollmaker.

"If he dies, please make sure to return that to me, Alice."

"E-eh? Are you really lending something to a complete stranger?"

"Thank you very much!" says Grimnír. "I really appreciate it."

"Good luck..." whispers Patchouli as she turns back to her reading.

Wait, what?

"Anyway, there is no need for my involvement," says the pink and purple magician.

"How do you know that?" cries Alice.

Patchouli slowly raises an arm to point at someone standing behind the two visitors. Dressed in a simple traveller's coat and pants ensemble in the style of early 18th century Europe, the newcomer gives them a polite smile. Grimnír eyes are immediately drawn to the gun and holster that he wears. He knows this person.

"Good to see you again," says the man. "Grimnír, wasn't it? An unusual name for an Outsider. Did you choose it yourself?"

"..."

"And Miss Margatroid," he says, turning to Alice. "It is a pleasure to have you with us."

"Ah!" squeaks the dollmaker. "H-have we met?"

"Don't worry about it," says the man. "I was sent to fetch our guests. Lady Remilia is already waiting for you."

"But who are you?" says Alice. "I haven't seen you around here before."

"My name is Grey. I am the butler of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. A pleasure to be in your service."

[ ] Go meet Remilia. Maybe you can get her help.
[ ] Stay in the library a little longer. Let Alice deal with the vampire.
[ ] Have Grey escort you elsewhere. (Specify)
[ ] Custom