Cosmos 2015/03/14(Sat)04:10 No. 629055 ID: dfe0d5
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Your parents are not pleased with the results.

Cosmos 2015/03/14(Sat)04:11 No. 629056 ID: dfe0d5
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"Minty, your mother and I have been talking... We're worried about whether you'll be fit to inherit the throne."

Sounds like it's time to start planning to get rid of a couple old people who don't know what they're talking about.

Or maybe finding out why and trying to honestly solve the problem. Either works.

A quest! Go on a bold and daring and venturesome quest to prove your fitness to inherit the throne. Are there any lost treasures, beasts terrorising the countryside or missing princes you might be able to do something about?

So I guess you could ask whatever could they mean?

Ask to have a smaller throne made that'll fit you instead?

Time to overthrow the kingdom and become the dictator you meant to be, with a iron fist made out of mint.

Are they upset over how childish we are or how flat we are?

Question: How weird are your parents?

Build a power base. Either prove that you can rule, or that you can hold together the people who can rule.

mint has a similar effect to catnip, maybe grow an army of cats

Ask them why they think that!

>>629056
Look up, and simply ask "why?". Don't bother getting up from the floor as you do so.

>>629120
Do this.

Cosmos 2015/03/14(Sat)15:44 No. 629128 ID: dfe0d5
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>Question: How weird are your parents?

You suppose your parents are a little weird since your father likes to bathe in chocolate and had a sculpture of a winged, tap-dancing pig carved out of hard candy while your mother has never questioned these things. Outside of that though, you think your parents are pretty normal for the king and queen of the Candy Kingdom.

>So I guess you could ask whatever could they mean?
>Look up, and simply ask "why?". Don't bother getting up from the floor as you do so.

"Why?" you ask, still sprawled on the floor where you fell. Your father sighs.

"Minty, you trip on that carpet every time you come in here. And Abigail tells me you've been daydreaming during her lessons again."

Your mother cuts in with a quiet but firm voice. "If things don't improve, we're considering passing the throne to Pepper."

Your sister?! But she's still only twelve! Although she is a lot more elegant than you... And she actually studies... And she's ... Okay, she's a much better candidate for the throne than you in every possible way, but you had somehow always assumed you'd be queen while she did all the real work for you behind the scenes.

"We don't want to have to give away your birthright," your father continues. "So we're giving you a year to prove yourself. You remember our summer castle on Honeycomb Island, don't you? That's going to be your new home. If you can manage affairs on that little rock, then maybe there's hope for you."

Honeycomb Island? You're family has gone on vacation there a few times when you were young. It's a nice place, but... How do you feel about this?

do you have any brothers, or sisters, or any other relatives who may inherit the throne? because who cares about being queen? it is too much pressure and stress.

Excited, determined and eager to prove yourself, yet at the same time kind of hurt that you have to. I mean sure governing is hard but it's not like you really do much! Tripping on carpets shouldn't be a problem when you spend 90% of your time on your ass.

>You suppose your parents are a little weird since your father likes to bathe in chocolate
That seems perfectly normal to me!

>you trip on that carpet every time you come in here. And Abigail tells me you've been daydreaming during her lessons again
Well, get rid of the of the carpet and lessons then! That fixes the problem.

>Okay, she's a much better candidate for the throne than you in every possible way
Note to self: be nice to Pepper, and stay close to her. So when she grows up she's never tempted to depose you and take over, because she totally could.

...and so if she does end up becoming queen over you if you screw up this honeycomb island thing, she'll still be nice to you.

>How do you feel about this?
Conflicted. You're kind of excited to get to do something growup like being in charge of a whole island, but sad you're going to be away from everybody for a whole year. They'll come and visit at some point, right?

>had a sculpture of a winged, tap-dancing pig carved out of hard candy

Baller. Straight up baller. Your dad is tite.

You know what? Just give your sister the title, she deserves it.

Deserves to make everything run, that is.

You? You should be out there, doing what a real leader does: analyze, plan, execute. Even if your kingdom is 75% the sugar bowl it advertises itself to be, there are likely dissidents here and there. The downtrodden, the bandits, anyone whose voice isn't heard.

You want to be a good ruler and still act like a spoiled brat and get away with it? Then survey your ENTIRE kingdom - figure out all groups and opinions, and come up with a strategy that can solve most of the kingdom's problems WITHOUT PUSHING THEM ONTO A FACTION OR DENYING THEIR EXISTENCE. That's the main reason empires fall, according to history.

It starts at your island resort. Get to know everyone, and find a way to resolve whatever problems each faction has. If you can resolve problems and make powerful connections, they'll do most of the work for you in exchange.

You don't have to satisfy everyone's needs. Just be ready to deal with the consequences of your actions.

So, here's a good metric to how good you're doing:

1. If you are forcing any faction to do things they don't want to do or forcing any faction to take suffering that they can't handle, you're doing a bad job.
2. If you deny a significant percentage of your kingdom's problems (let's set the bar at 33% for now) or worse, are oblivious to them, you're not doing a good job.
3. If any faction hates your guts so much that they send an assassin to kill you, you're not doing a good job.
4. If you have no overall plan, you're not doing a good job.
5. If you have few friends (or none), you will likely go insane.

Well, good luck! And remember, you have the option of letting your prissy little sister take everything that you were born into!

But seriously, you may want to consider discarding a heritage you haven't taken seriously and just get a job or become a merc. Your choice.

Burn honeycomb to the ground!

>>629177
>>629180
that is completely irrelevant to the question.


>>629128
scared, but... excited!

>Honeycomb Island? You're family has gone on vacation there a few times when you were young. It's a nice place, but... How do you feel about this?

An isle to rule! Muah ha ha... hah hah hah hah... HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!

Outstanding (rubs hands and smiles evily). Truly outstanding. An island, isolated from the mainland and away from prying eyes is the perfect place to launch...

... er... yes, Honeycomb Island is a wonderful place to prove ourselves, thank-you.

Well, you're a little hurt they'd say something like that but you're going to get your own castle and run a province and this is going to be amazing EEEEEEEEEE.

these spineless worms will rue the day they questioned your right to the throne. you'll play the good little princess to their inane demands, and when they've decided they can trust you, you'll hoist their heads on pocky sticks along with anyone else who proposes to stand in your way. their blood will blend with the chocolate on the day of your coronation.

>these spineless worms will rue the day they questioned your right to the throne. you'll play the good little princess to their inane demands, and when they've decided they can trust you, you'll hoist their heads on pocky sticks along with anyone else who proposes to stand in your way. their blood will blend with the chocolate on the day of your coronation.

Unless the blood is strawberry flavoured syrup in which case it's candy cannibalism time!

Ask your parents about the island. Why does the royal family own an island? What do the citizens there harvest and/or produce? Are there any potential sources of income or technology that can be discovered with the right investments and risks? And finally, if you fail to be a good ruler, they'll pick you up from the island, right?

Right?

Cosmos 2015/03/15(Sun)18:38 No. 629322 ID: dfe0d5
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>Excited, determined and eager to prove yourself, yet at the same time kind of hurt that you have to.
You can't help but get a little excited by the idea. It hurts a bit knowing you're only going because your parents doubt you, but it still makes you feel more grown up to be given such a responsibility. You can act like an adult if you want to! You'll show them! And you get your own castle too!

>Ask your parents about the island. Why does the royal family own an island? What do the citizens there harvest and/or produce? Are there any potential sources of income or technology that can be discovered with the right investments and risks? And finally, if you fail to be a good ruler, they'll pick you up from the island, right?

You spend the next few minutes discussing more of the details and learn that:

-Your departure has already been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
-Some of the castle staff that can be spared will be going with you.
-Honeycomb Island is part of the duchy of Sweeton, where your maternal uncle is duke.
-Your older cousin, Rocky, will be accompanying you as an adviser.
-The island's main produce is honey.

This is all they are able to tell you for now. Your parents are a little disappointed that you don't know some of these things already. This is why you need to pay more attention when Abigail is teaching you!

And of course they'll come back for you if things don't work out, don't be silly! If Pepper becomes queen, you'll just have to settle for a marriage into a decent family. Maybe a foreign duke or something. With that, your parents excuse you, and you wander down the hallway.

It's evening now, and you have a lot to consider. How will you spend your last night at home?

Pack up supplies. YOUR supplies.

Any noble family worth their festering salt has caches and plans - war/political assets that can never be debriefed to the public. Since you're a slacker, you've probably discovered one or five of your relatives' secret stashes throughout the castle. Get what you want - weapons, comic books, maps of Honeycomb Island, blackmail, etc.

Let's go talk to Pepper if she is still up, if she isn't we should pack.

>>629326
>Talk with Pepper
This is a good idea. If she's better at this than you, she might have advice!

And even if she doesn't, you should take the chance to say goodbye to your sister since you won't see her much this coming year. (Maybe you can trade letters while you're away?).

Don't forget to pack a weapon! Though you might not know the best way to do it a little dagger is better than nothing.

Oh, and first lesson, good rulers always expect the worst.

get the books your teacher wanted you to study. they may be useful.

Let's pack Pepper into one of our suitcases and take her with us.

Cosmos 2015/03/16(Mon)03:24 No. 629386 ID: dfe0d5
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>Let's go talk to Pepper if she is still up
>This is a good idea. If she's better at this than you, she might have advice!

You decide to visit Pepper since your rooms are at the end of the hall. Though you do have frequent sibling squabbles, you would say you're pretty close, and she'll definitely want to write to you. She may be a better princess than you, but she's actually a pretty sentimental kid.

>Pack up supplies. YOUR supplies.
>get the books your teacher wanted you to study. they may be useful.

As you walk, it occurs to you that you should start packing later tonight. What would help you? You don't actually know. Even you have to admit that your parents are right. You'd make a pretty useless queen. You're clumsy and lack any form of grace, your knowledge of politics is nearly non-existent, and you have almost no skills to speak of except... Well, you're really good at math. It's the only subject you ever actually made an effort to study. That might help you in managing your funds, but outside of that, will it really do you much good?

As boring as you find them, you decide it would be a good idea to bring some of the books your governess, Abigail, has always tried to make you read. You need all the help you can get.

Cosmos 2015/03/16(Mon)03:25 No. 629387 ID: dfe0d5
File 142650152351.png - (23.97KB , 500x400 , minty7.png )

You finally reach Pepper's room and knock on the door. There is a sniffling sound. You open the door and peer in.

Cosmos 2015/03/16(Mon)03:25 No. 629388 ID: dfe0d5
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Oh.

Oh noooo! Crying bad. Run and hug her.

>Will math help?
Well, economics and logistics are important aspects of running a country, and those are math based.

Although you need to understand the concepts and resources you're managing to do so well.

If you're good at math, you could run the country's treasury. Just be ready to be the first one they accuse when it's stolen.

huuuuuugs

Pack some luxieries. You might need to give gifts to gain people's trust. And make a suggestion box outside your palace! Also, GIVE IMMEDIATE HUGS.

Hugs are in order, wonder if she is upset that we are going away for a bit? We must make her feel better, best idea that comes to mind after we know and address her problems is that we tell her a bedtime story.

Stuff her in our suitcase.
Also she looks vaguely edible. Is she?

I'll have to agree with the above's suitcase plan. Just be sure to pack some foodstuffs in there as well.

Cosmos 2015/03/17(Tue)03:49 No. 629602 ID: dfe0d5
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>Oh noooo! Crying bad. Run and hug her.

Pepper's crying again! She's good at keeping her composure and acting like royalty in front of other people, but she's actually kind of a crybaby behind closed doors. She only ever cries in her room.

You rush over to hug her.

Cosmos 2015/03/17(Tue)03:50 No. 629603 ID: dfe0d5
File 142658942288.png - (26.26KB , 500x400 , minty10.png )

Oops.

Cosmos 2015/03/17(Tue)03:53 No. 629605 ID: dfe0d5
File 142658960670.png - (34.69KB , 500x400 , minty11.png )

"Um. That was to make you laugh."

"You trip on that carpet every time you come in here."

"Well... Anyway... Would a bedtime story cheer you up?"

"I'm twelve."

"But you still cry like a five-year-old."

"Sh-shut up."

okay you really need to lift your legs more when you run. or just.. avoid rugs alltogether

Hey, queens can't cry. Tell her queens can't cry. Queens also can't trip on rugs every time that's why you can't be queen and she has to.

>>629605
I warned you about carpets, girl!
I told ya', bra!

We could talk about what is upsetting you instead, see if we can help a little.

get up and finish that hug.

Cosmos 2015/03/17(Tue)13:05 No. 629647 ID: dfe0d5
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>okay you really need to lift your legs more when you run.
>get up and finish that hug

You get off the floor and take high, exaggerated steps toward Pepper to prevent yourself from tripping again. She giggles at you, and walks over to accept your hug.

Cosmos 2015/03/17(Tue)13:05 No. 629648 ID: dfe0d5
File 142662273191.png - (30.66KB , 500x400 , minty13.png )

>We could talk about what is upsetting you instead, see if we can help a little.

You're about to ask Pepper why she was crying, but her laughter fades and she speaks first.

"You're leaving! Mom and dad told me earlier and you're not going to be across the hall from me anymore and I'll have no one to talk to and... and..." Her voice is getting wobbly, and she sounds like she might cry again. You're a little surprised. Does she look up to you that much? It occurs to you that she has never been so far away from you, nor has she ever had many friends her own age aside from a few relatives who occasionally visit. You've been each other's main companions.

"... and then you'll elope with someone from Honeycomb and never come back and..."

She's rambling now. When she gets like this, it's easy to forget that she's normally so composed. This is the side she holds back until she can go to her room. You conclude that she'd probably be a great queen but would live with an incredible amount of hidden stress.

"Hey, calm down!" you say, cutting her off. "You can write to me, okay? And it'll only be for a year. I promise I won't elope."

"Okay..."

Pepper is still sniffling but has quieted down a little. Is there anything else you'd like to say to her?

>>629648
hey don't promise not to elope

what if you meet someone really nice

think about your promises!!

>Rugs
...our first edict when we reach Honeycomb isle: have the servants discreetly remove the throw rugs from any room you're going to meet company in.

>She'd be a good Queen, but really stressed
So... it's really in everyone's best interest if you become Queen, and she advises / helps you.

>Elope
Hey, you're a princess! Even if you get married, there has to be a big special elaborate royal wedding. She won't miss it!

>Is there anything else you'd like to say to her?
Look, um, all you have to do is show you can do a good job at honeycomb, and then after that you'll be home forever because you'll be the next Queen, and she'll be there until she grows up, and maybe you can find a way to keep your smart little sister as an advisor instead of marrying her off to a foreign duke or something. Um, if she wants. And then you'll be together forever. And until you get back, you can write, and maybe she can visit in the summer.

...so long as you don't screw up and lose your place in succession and get married off, leaving her stuck as the Queen.

I don't suppose you have any advice as to what I should do when I'm there?

>>629653
what? man we can just not elope with them. just bring them home and introduce them properly.

anyway. tell her you are doing this so you can be queen and she can help. rather then the other way around, you know if she was the queen she would go crazy with all the meetings. you are a people person, she's the smart one.

"Watch after yourself until we get back, write to us at LEAST twice a month and don't fall victim to the numerous rugs in the castle."

Let's pack her into a suitcase and take her with us. It'll be fun!

"Pepper, if I don't come back, then you have to take the throne. It's a bigger responsibility than anything I've ever been able to handle, but I know you can take it. I want you to know that if you become the ruler of the entire candy kingdom, I'll support you to the bitter end.

Make them KNOW who's the real ruler, here."

Cosmos 2015/03/18(Wed)05:26 No. 629769 ID: dfe0d5
File 142668160536.png - (45.08KB , 500x400 , map.png )

You spend the next few minutes reassuring Pepper. All you need to do is prove you can be a good ruler, then you'll be back for good! She has nothing to worry about! Assuming you succeed, anyway. You promise to write often and invite her to visit when she gets the chance.

"Or we could even sneak you in one of my suitcases!"

Pepper laughs at this, not seeming to realize you were being completely serious. Oh well. Maybe now that she's feeling better you can ask her for some last minute advice.

"What do you think I should do when I get there?" you ask, trying not to sound too worried. "I mean, what do you know about Honeycomb Island?"

Pepper looks thoughtful for a moment. "Um... They're the only ones who make lolly blossom honey. You know, the stuff the cooks use in our honey cakes?"

You do know. They taste glorious.

She hurries off to grab a book from her shelf then brings it back to you, flipping through a series of maps. Your sister is back to her usual self, competent and knowledgeable.

"Honeycomb is right here. The economy's been good because they've been getting a lot of visitors from Vaperra ever since they reopened their borders." She pauses for a moment to consider then continues. "So honey production and tourism! Those are important, okey dokey?"

Okay. Honey production and tourism.

That means keeping lines of travel open are important. Ships (and/or airplanes and/or swimming / flying fantasy creatures and/or travel magic) need to be able to carry away exports and carry in tourists. If travel falters, the island does.

Then of course you need to be able to maintain honey production, keep or expand your buyers, advertise to keep the tourists coming, and make sure they have a good time when they get there.

And of course, make a profit or break even doing so.

That's the general areas of concern, hard to plan more until we know more specifics or see what problems crop up.

>The economy's been good because they've been getting a lot of visitors from Vaperra ever since they reopened their borders

I'm going to take a break from suggesting evil and cannibalism to ask why the borders to Vaperra were closed before, and to read up on that country right now. Take the book with us.

OK, done being sensible. Pack her into the suitcase.

Also: do they export / sell the honey to the rest of candyland capitalistically, or is this more of a state run production model?

>>629775
Asking what was up with Vaperra seems a smart move, too.

Does Vaperra have it's own... elemental theme? Is it also a hereditary monarchy, or some other sort of government? Have we been at war with them recently, or was the border closed because of disease or something? Is there a Vaperran embassy on the island, or should diplomatic issues be shunted back to the mainland? What sort of trouble do rowdy tourists tend to cause?

How large a garrison does the island have, and what contingency worries them the most? Do the soldiers get along well with the tourists? Is there a separate civilian police force?

Who's in charge of the island currently, and how are they likely to feel about having Princess Minty as their new boss? What are the key inputs for the lolly blossom honey industry, where do they come from, and how could supplies potentially be disrupted? Are production and consumption relatively constant, or seasonally variable? Assuming the industry involves some sort of skilled labor, do the workers have a guild or union or something with it's own political agenda?

>Asking what was up with Vaperra seems a smart move, too.

Don't ignore packing her into the suitcase. Playing on big sibling instincts might keep me from suggesting we cannibalize her but I still want to pack her up and take her with us.

Cosmos 2015/03/19(Thu)03:37 No. 629898 ID: dfe0d5
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Everyone knows about Vaperra, even a slacker like you. Their kingdom has always been two steps ahead as far as technology goes, and you've heard stories about all sorts of whimsical gadgets. Since the borders opened, some new technology has trickled out to other countries, but they're still far ahead of the game.

You'd have to look into the details, but you know that the borders were closed for several years because the previous king was some kind of paranoid weirdo. His son overthrew him and spent years cleaning up the political mess before reopening the borders seven years ago. Vaperra has maintained good relations with the Candy Kingdom since, and you've met the king's family twice. It's the only reason you actually know much about it. You wonder how--

"You can take this book," Pepper says, plopping it into your lap and interrupting your thoughts. "I already read it."

There's so much more you want to ask Pepper, but you don't know how to formulate the questions. Your knowledge and understanding of POLITICS is far too limited. Not knowing what else to say, you thank her, and after chatting for a few more minutes (No, she says, she does not want to suffocate in your suitcase), you wish her goodnight and head back to your room to pack.

You've already decided to bring your textbooks, but what else should you take?

Clothes obviously, and the stuffed cat. Something to remind you of your family, and jewellery of course!

Well, what do you WANT? I mean, there's the obvious stuff like clothes and maybe like a toothbrush and comb or jewelry or whatever, but is there anything you particularly want to bring? Like, if you like chess or something, bring a chessboard. If you have a collection of carved wooden fictional animals, bring some of those, I guess.

Well, the significant question might be: what do you have that they won't have there?

Objects of personal importance (anything lucky, a sentimental object, notes or a diary, favorite game, doll you sleep with, etc) jump out. Maybe your math stuff, if you have any (calculator / slide rule / abacus, compass, mechanical / magical pencil, etc). Possibly royal jewelry if you have hold a formal audience with anyone.

Bring some clothes (weather / climate appropriate), some what you'd normaly wear, and something fancy for formal occasions. Plan on getting more while you're there, though. It's easier than transporting your whole wardrobe, and adopting local products slash dress is an easy way to curry favor. Bring a swimsuit, since it's an island.

Do you have anything that might make an appropriate gift for taking you in?

CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM, not only will it make it more presentable, but it will show your parents that you are starting to show more responsibility

Any self defense tool you have. Maybe any pets that would be simple and easy to keep assuming you haven't like, stepped on and/or tripped over your old ones. Objects of sentimental value, clothes, personal defects you made need later ala toothbrush, comb, favorite pen.

Bring a necklace to remind us of home later and the best animal we can find. Other people will take care of packing a lot of important things, so the objective is to pack a few personal things. Don't pack too much, we are coming back after all.

Don't waste space on stuff they're likely to have adequate supplies of already there. Remember you're a ruler, not a tourist.

The real question is: how much crap can we make our servants carry with us? If a lot, I say take the bed. It's a banana split bed, it needs to come with us.

1/4 Cosmos 2015/03/21(Sat)18:03 No. 630287 ID: dfe0d5
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Opening your wardrobe, you see that some of your clothes are missing. The servants must have packed them already. They don't seem to have touched your jewelry though, so you sort through your things and procure your favorite necklace, a brooch from Vaperra, and a few other items for special occasions.

You consider bringing some form of weapon, but decide against it. You don't know anything about COMBAT anyway, so it would be useless in your hands, and you don't personally own anything like that. Besides, there will surely be guards coming with you, and times have been peaceful lately.

The boat ride will be long though, and it might be good to bring somehing to do. You decide on some cards and a small chess set. You're terrible at it, but chess has been your most recent phase. You tend to go through a lot of useless phases that never go anywhere.

You also decide to bring the stuffed cat Pepper gave to you for your 18th birthday yesterday. She's been learning how to sew, and like everything else, she's picked it up pretty quickly. It'll be a nice thing to remember her by.

Then, of course, there's your math book and other tools, like your calculator. It was... a gift. You like it because it reminds you that there's at least one thing you're good at, and if you try, you can get better at other things too. Yes, that's right! Maybe you're a useless queen now, but in a year, you'll knock everyone's socks off!

Feeling a little more motivated, you decide to clean your room before going to sleep. That'll show your parents you're becoming a responsible adult!

2/4 Cosmos 2015/03/21(Sat)18:03 No. 630288 ID: dfe0d5
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You go to bed feeling anxious but proud.

3/4 Cosmos 2015/03/21(Sat)18:04 No. 630289 ID: dfe0d5
File 142698629095.png - (41.81KB , 500x400 , minty17.png )

..........

"Whatcha doing?"

"Math."

"Oh... I'm not really good at math..."

"It just takes practice."

"But I'm not smart like you... You're from Vaperra, so it's not fair."

"It's not because I'm from Vaperra, It's because I practice. You could probably do this too."

"But you're older than me! That looks so hard!"

"Try it. It's just a formula."

"Um...."

4/4 Cosmos 2015/03/21(Sat)18:05 No. 630290 ID: dfe0d5
File 142698633683.png - (24.07KB , 500x400 , minty18.png )

"....... I just have to practice."

It's almost time to leave for the port. Your ship departs at noon.

>you decide to clean your room before going to sleep. That'll show your parents you're becoming a responsible adult!
Good idea, since you're leaving the room alone for a year. The mess would just collect dust!

>>630289
Was he an exchange student? Or noble visiting? Or some diplomat's kid?

>>630290
Get your stuff together, get dressed, say goodbye to Pepper and your parents. (Hugs!). Grab something light and portable for breakfast, since you're traveling.

>>630289
Do you liiiiiike him?

Also, friendly reminder that a discussion thread now exists~

http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/89668.html

Wake up sleepy head, time to get out of bed and being your new adventure. We should reminisce later on the trip over, right now there is work to be done. For starters we still need to say goodbye to the family before we have to go.

No matter what happens DO NOT BE LATE FOR THAT SHIP. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Slacking stops here.

>>630353
>Slacking stops here
Maaaan, do ya gotta be such a downer about it? How about... "Full steam ahead!" or "Time to be amazing!" or "Awesome get-stuff-done times forever!"

Cosmos 2015/03/26(Thu)02:48 No. 631034 ID: dfe0d5
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It's time to get going. Awesome get-stuff-done times forever! You quickly get dressed and grab the most light, portable, and definitely-not-cliche breakfast you can find before rushing to meet your carriage at the castle gates.

Cosmos 2015/03/26(Thu)02:48 No. 631035 ID: dfe0d5
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Everyone is waiting to say their goodbyes, and your cousin, Rocky, has arrived to take you to the port. You throw your arms around each of your family members, and Pepper smiles and wishes you luck as you hug her, but you know that she'll probably be sniffling in her room again later. Rocky reassures your parents that you'll be fine then helps you into the carriage.
You wave out the window until your family is out of sight then find yourself sitting in awkward silence with Rocky, who smiles at you pleasantly.
Rocky is five years older than you, and you don't see or talk to him much other than at events or when he visits for political matters. Now he's going to be your adviser for the next year. All you really know of him recently is that he's been helping his father manage affairs in Sweeton. That, and that one rumor you heard when you were a kid about him having a birthmark shaped like a unicorn. You think the maid made that up.

>one rumor you heard when you were a kid about him having a birthmark shaped like a unicorn. You think the maid made that up
Well, we're going to an island. Maybe you'll go swimming at some point and see for yourself?

>what do
Say your hellos, thank him for agreeing to help you in spite of what I'm sure were better things to do, shake hands, etc.

Ask if there's anything prepared or planned when we get there. Or if there's any situation going on you should be brought up to speed on, now.

>>631037
This plus maybe try to get to know him a little better. Ask him how he's been, what he's been up to. Try not to be weird about it if possible.

>>631037
>>631053
These, because they nail everything I'd want to do.

Is the hat edible? It looks edible. Is it rude to eat someone's hat?

>>631035
also ask if he know anything about birthmarks :3

If we run out of things to talk about try playing chess, and ask what Rocky knows about what we're doing when we arrive.

Cosmos 2015/07/02(Thu)04:42 No. 652552 ID: dfe0d5
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The silence only lasts a few seconds, but your nerves make it feel longer. You wouldn't say you're shy exactly, you just don't know how to react properly. As eager as you are, you've still been placed in a new situation overnight, and with a person you've grown up with yet never actually gotten to know. Another brief moment passes before you finally manage to offer a weak attempt to break the ice.

"It's been a long time, Rocky. Thanks for helping me with this... I'm sure you're very busy."

You glance up to assess his reaction and see that he's smiling gently at you.

"It's no problem at all," he replies, shaking his head. "I'm glad I can be of service. It'll certainly be easier to keep an eye on affairs in Honeycomb this way as well. It's always been difficult to manage from across the ocean. My father has enough help to manage the rest of Sweeton on his own for the time being."

"Oh, that... that's good." You fumble around for more to say but lack the social GRACE or POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE to comment further. Instead, you change the subject.

"So... what's going to happen when we arrive? Have any plans been made?"

Rocky pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful.

"I expect news of your coming has already reached the island, so although nothing official has been planned yet, there is likely to be an informal welcoming of some sort. At the very least, there will be many people waiting to see you. After all, it's not often Honeycomb gets to see royals. A good number of guards are ready in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong, but there shouldn't be too much trouble."

Now that Rocky mentions it, you have some fuzzy memories of your last visit to Honeycomb. You were eight, and you remember trying to stand on the seat and wave out the carriage window while curious onlookers strained to catch a glimpse. Your mother made you sit down.

"We'll still need to make plans for an official ceremony later, of course," Rocky continues. "You need to make a good impression and formally address the island."

You nod. Everything Rocky has said makes sense, and you're determined to do well! Your only concern is whether you can pull off a decent formal appearance. The most you've done is stand beside your family while your parents spoke, and you're not exactly known for your charisma or GRACE. You've got some work to do!

The ride to the harbor is at least an hour or two, and you think it would be a good opportunity to get to know Rocky better. Do you have any questions you'd like to ask or would you like to spend your time in some other way?

Do we have a speech ready to practice, or should we be making one?

yeah, have rocky help you prepare a speech for when you get there.

Cosmos 2015/07/03(Fri)02:33 No. 652772 ID: dfe0d5
File 143591602407.png - (50.81KB , 500x400 , minty22.png )

The more you think about the upcoming ceremony, the more you wonder how you'll pull this off. You need to practice your speech, but you can't do that without one to practice, and you've never prepared one yourself. Although... Your father does have advisers help him write speeches sometimes. Your mother has even written a few for him. It wouldn't be inappropriate at all to ask for assistance then, would it?

"Rocky... could I ask you for some help?" you start tentatively. He nods, his smile never faltering, and you relax. You like his calm demeanor. It's reassuring.

"Of course. That is what I'm here for, after all."

"I've never really written a speech like this before, so..."

"I see. Then this is the perfect opportunity to practice. I'll help you get started."

Your cousin opens the suitcase on his lap and pulls out a piece of parchment and a pen, which he hands to you from across the carriage. He spends the next few minutes advising you on speech structure. However, he only offers advice and guidance-- you must write the actual content. Still, you have gained some basic knowledge of SPEECH WRITING which should aid you in your new position. He's been with you for under half an hour, but Rocky has already been a great help.

"What would you like to tell the people?" he asks. "What is the message you'd like to convey to them?"

This year is THEIRS. You get it. You're an antisocial brat whose influence on the island is going to be minimal at best, and detrimental at worst. So, you plan to be the lesser woman; you will handle all the bureaucratic nonsense while the people govern themselves.

This year, all the annoying inspectors and sleazy marketers and executive hogs will answer to YOU. The workers, the researchers, and the farmers will have their day.

This year is THEIR year, not the year of a minty-fresh brat. If they want you to leave, they have to prove that they're better than YOU.

Simple.

(But in reality you're going to analyze and participate in a complex structure of harvesting, producing, and business, that has slowly formed under the conflicting actions of generations of citizens. Your basic mission is to be a part of this enterprise, neither its tyrant ruler nor a complete stranger.)

>>652774
no, calling anyone a bad thing is just asking for an assassin in the butt.



just talk about how you are glad to be here and with an authority nearby, permits and requisitions should be processed faster. you hope that your integration into the local government is smooth.

Well, you want to thank them for taking you into their home, of course! And for the trust they've but in you to run things smoothly- a trust you will do you very best to prove worthy of.

Light and idealistic- we can't go deep on details because we don't have any. Go for political goodwill.

>>652844
Yeah, trying to fake sincerity at this stage in our development as an orator is a bad idea. Let's try for some real sincerity and non-controversial flattery of the people we're being dropped on.

Cosmos 2015/07/04(Sat)06:56 No. 652984 ID: dfe0d5
File 143601820589.png - (79.53KB , 875x700 , minty23.png )

"Well... I guess I just want to thank them for taking me in and say that I'll do my best."

"A basic expression of good will," Rocky nods. "A fine first speech. It's probably best to keep things simple for the time being."

You spend the next hour or so writing and perfecting your speech under Rocky's guidance. The end result isn't incredible or revolutionary, but it's a solid effort, and you feel proud of your work. See? You're doing queenly things already! You can get the hang of this!

Working on your speech together seems to have been the ice breaker you needed, and you feel more at ease now. You spend the remaining hour of the carriage ride engaging in small talk with Rocky-- what you've both been doing, how your families have been, and even some noble gossip (Unfortunately, the truth behind his rumored birthmark does not come up no matter how much you try to hint at it). He's easy to talk to, and you're glad you won't be doing this alone. By the time the carriage arrives at the harbor, he no longer feels like a stranger.

Waiting for you at the harbor is a fairly large steam boat-- one of many recent technologies to come from Vaperra in the last several years. You'll arrive at Honeycomb by late afternoon or early evening.

Now that you've arrived, the boat will be leaving shortly. You recognize some of your servants hurrying about, making last minute preparations alongside a few others whom you assume to be the ship's crew members.

As Rocky helps you out of the carriage, a petite but stern looking woman approaches with quick, sharp steps. Upon recognizing her, you panic and instinctively turn and attempt to leap back into the carriage, but she grabs your wrist and twirls you around to face her, fixing you with a cold glare.

"Princess Mint Chocolate Chip, do not think that leaving the palace excuses you from your studies."

Crap. Crap crap crap. No one said anything about Abigail coming. You haven't done homework for a week because you assumed coming of age meant you didn't need to take lessons anymore. She is going to murder you.

>Princess Mint Chocolate Chip, do not think that leaving the palace excuses you from your studies.
>Crap. Crap crap crap
No, um, of course not! I even brought some books! (The one your sister lent you, and your math book. Maybe you can mollify her?).

And um, I was hoping we could adjust the curriculum to focus on stuff more directly relevant to what I'm doing on Honeycomb island? (It sounds like taking initiative, might actually help you, and best of all, means the old homework you didn't do isn't important anymore).

I doubt you can convincingly pull off fake sincerity, so go for naive and clueless.

Remind her that you're in charge of the island for one year. That means you get to be her boss this time.

1/2 Cosmos 2015/07/04(Sat)17:42 No. 653065 ID: dfe0d5
File 143605697336.png - (87.74KB , 875x700 , minty24.png )

In a desperate attempt to save yourself, you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

"I-I'm in charge of the island so that means I'm your boss no-"

PAK

"I MEAN I BROUGHT BOOKS AND I'M GOING TO STUDY HARD NOW, AHAHA..."

Abigail raises an eyebrow at you, arms crossed, but lets you explain yourself. You fumble for a new excuse that will not get you backhanded.

"I, um, was just thinking that we should change my lessons to better suit my new, uh, responsibilities. I should learn about Honeycomb and... stuff..."

Your governess's critical gaze never falters, but you seem to have at least talked her down from administering more corporal punishment. She examines your expression for a moment (You try your best to exude naivity, though she's seen your guilty face too many times to not recognize it) then shakes her head.

"You never run short of excuses," she sighs. "But I'll accept this one only because it possesses an ounce of sense."

You hear Rocky quietly chuckle behind you.

2/2 Cosmos 2015/07/04(Sat)17:45 No. 653068 ID: dfe0d5
File 143605711762.png - (67.97KB , 500x400 , minty25.png )

The three of you soon board the ship, Abigail explaining along the way that, though normally you would have ended your required lessons by now, she requested that you continue due to your less than stellar performance and your parents agreed. Pepper, meanwhile, will be engaging in self-directed study back home. Stupid teacher's pet.

After a few more minutes of catching up and being chastised, Abigail walks off to "begin preparing your curiculum" and Rocky leaves soon after with some parting words of encouragement. It will take several hours to reach Honeycomb Island and you are free to spend your time at sea however you wish.

You have been provided a room though the boat ride won't be overnight, so you could go there to relax for a bit. If Abigail's here though, there might be others from the castle here as well. Your parents did say some of the servants would be coming with you. It's also been years since you've been on a boat, so it might be fun just to look around a bit.

What should you do?

Find out what 'they' expect us to do, and practice the speech. Apparently our parents think we're a spoiled child if they send our old tutor with us and let her slap us around: We have to make sure that stops or we won't be a queen at all.

Explore the ship, look for dolphins, and don't get sea sick.

>what do
Stow your luggage somewhere secure (in your quarters, preferably). Don't want it falling overboard, or hitting anyone if the boat shifts.

Then explore! Let's try to find a spot on the boat with a good view as the kingdom recedes. We can check back later to get a good view of the place you're arriving at too. Seeing firsthand is better than maps in a book.

Maybe somewhere in between you can see who you know is coming with you, and say some kind things. Being good to the help is to your benefit.

It would probably curry favor with Abigail if you did some of the work she'd assigned you on the boat. ... but don't spend too long on that.

Crouch behind cover and spy on everyone.

1/2 Cosmos 2015/07/06(Mon)16:08 No. 653520 ID: dfe0d5
File 143622413849.png - (50.45KB , 500x400 , minty26.png )

Your first priority is to put away your luggage. Some of your favorite things are in there and you'd hate for them to get misplaced or damaged!

On your way to your quarters, you reflect on your previous encounter with Abigail. She's always been strict and had a low tolerance for slackers, but you're still annoyed by her presence. You thought you were getting a chance to prove yourself, but your parents must still think you're a child to send her after you! You make a mental note to practice your speech later and maybe even do some studying. A few days ago you might have continued to goof around and pay no mind to any responsibilities, but you're more determined than ever now, if only for the sake of your pride! At the moment, though, you'd like to explore a little.

The ship begins to move, and you hurry out to the deck to survey your kingdom. You can't see all of it of course, just this one port town, but all the little graham cracker buildings and candy rooftops still make you the slightest bit homesick as they recede into the distance. To keep your mind off of it, you try to look for dolphins.

2/2 Cosmos 2015/07/06(Mon)16:09 No. 653521 ID: dfe0d5
File 143622417795.png - (45.34KB , 500x400 , minty27.png )

"Boo"

Punch her in the face out of sheer surprise.

Punch yourself in the face out of sheer surprise.

Kick this unknown foe in the knee and pin them to the ground. Get their name and reason for disturbing our wonderful thoughts. Tickle torture is approved if they remain uncooperative.

Push against the railing and tackle her to the ground.

Don't do anything violent. You have no reason to- you never trained your combat stat at all!

Turn around calmly and chipper. Hello!

Kiss your secret girlfriend, with tongue, and give her a feel too.

>>653526
this. bonus points if you lose a tooth

>>653552
I read this as following up to >>653551 and was RATHER CONFUSED AND SOMEWHAT INTRIGUED.

Cosmos 2015/07/07(Tue)03:26 No. 653673 ID: dfe0d5
File 143626479196.png - (41.79KB , 500x400 , minty28.png )

OH MY GOD WHAT IS THAT.

Out of sheer surprise, you instinctively attempt to assault the source of your alarm. However, you are so incompetent at COMBAT that you simply end up flailing around like an idiot. All you manage to do is accidentally hit yourself in the face. As your panic subsides, you hear laughter and look up to see Cocoa, one of your maids.

"Oh lady, you should have seen yourself," she barely manages between snorts of laughter.

Cocoa has always been playful with your family. Some nobles might find it disrespectful, but she's fun and does good work, so your family enjoys having her around. She's friendly and talkative with you, but she seems to like teasing you because you have the biggest reactions. You're surprised to see her here. You would have thought they'd want to keep her at the castle.

How do you respond?

Lick.
Her.
FACE.

>>653674
YES, DO IT. There's no way this can go wrong.

Kiss her, you fool

Be glad and suprised to have her along.

But geeze, be a little careful with the pranks, okay? You have to look good in front of people, here.

Yes, kiss her or lick her face: She is just too smug, and you have to shock her just once!
And if it doesn't work, maybe you'll at least have a girlfriend to cuddle with at night out of it.

Be surprised, But intrigued about what she's doing here... (Especially because Abigail is here... Sooner or later she could get lectured...)

Kiss the fool.

>>653681
This. Would not want even more embarrassment.

>>653673
Hi! What are you doing here?

>>653673
Give her a hug!
Then kiss her

>>653683
Do you have any clue how romance works at all?

I say we greet her civilly.

>>653775
This is the internet a place where logic isn't needed. As such we will attempt to have instant relations with this person. Hug the maid!

>>653800
Are we reading the same story?
This isn't the Internet, it's the Candy Kingdom. A place where things like "social cues" and "consequences" (if you've ever heard of those) are present.

One million years boat dungeon!

...Eh, your sentence is commuted to one boat hug. It's good to see a familiar face coming with us. (That isn't our governess... ;~;)

Cosmos 2015/07/09(Thu)20:56 No. 654528 ID: dfe0d5
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"What are you doing here, Cocoa?" you ask, happy to see a familiar face other than your abrasive governess. You give her a quick hug.

"I volunteered to come, of course!" she grins. "I'm not missing out on a year long island vacation."

"I'm glad you're here, but geeze, be a little careful with the pranks, okay? I'm trying to look good in front of people here!"

"But I barely did anything, lady, it was you who started waving your arms around and nearly knocked out your own teeth."

"Well. Um. Never mind. Do you know if anyone else is here too?" you hastily change the subject to avoid further embarrassment.

"Hmm... Probably the only ones you'd care about are Abigail, Tart, and Toffee."

Tart is one of the younger guards. You remember when he first joined the castle's forces a few years ago, barely 18. He was so enthusiastic, he nearly tackled you to the ground, mistaking you for an intruder when you tried to sneak into the kitchen for extra dessert. He's calmed down since then, but he can still be a little impulsive. You became friendly with each other after many a night of him agreeing to look the other way whenever you snuck by in exchange for a share of your pilferings.

Toffee is a newer face. She only recently joined the castle as a maid a couple months ago, but she's always been kind to you, frequently asking whether you need anything done and speaking gently to you and all the staff. You haven't talked to her enough to really consider her your friend, and she seems a little shy, but she's a fine acquaintance, and one of the only girls in the castle your age. It'll be nice to have her along.

Knowing you'll have at least three companions to talk to is a comfort. You wonder if you could find the others now if you looked. There's a large dining area on the ship that seems like a likely place to find some people, and the kitchen is next to it, though you don't think Tart or Toffee would be in there. They could also be in the servants' quarters or other rooms, but it might be a little weird to just barge in there. Alternatively, you could go back to your room and start practicing that speech, but it'll be hours until you reach Honeycomb, so you'll probably have time for that later.

"Hey, Cocoa! Feel like hanging out and helping me practice my speech? We could make it into a game."

Abigail? ...What a weird name.
Go to the dining area first to look for them, and then the kitchen to sneak some food.

Hang out with Cocoa, see if you can find the others. It's good to have friends!

Practice your speech after.

>>654581
Yeah, where's Abigail from? (That is a foreign name, right?)

>>654699
Oh yeah. We didn't get a summary for her like Tart and Toffee, either.