Saiorse 2024/05/01(Wed)20:55 No. 1090129 ID: fc100b
File 171462210662.png - (68.34KB , 500x458 , CR_56.png )

“Clover has two siblings living near Busalla,” Samantha says. “Lily and Alecksi. If you want their help, it’s available… but Alecksi, is a tad dramatic. Prepare yourself appropriately.”

“I’ll keep it in mind,” I nod. “Thank you for all your help. It’s wonderful to have someone as knowledgeable as you to help point me in the right direction. I feel so lucky you and Naomi are here right when I got A Stitch In Time started.”

The weary-eyed wizard lets out a long, deep sigh. “I’m not used to hearing that. It feels odd. Most of the time…” Her head droops. “I just keep us moving from place to place before we wear out our welcome.”

It’s obvious that tiredness runs bone-deep. I really, really want to help her relax and know she’s always welcome in my shop, even if Naomi can be a handful. There’s no frown a good wardrobe upgrade can’t turn upside down!

Should I try my sales pitch on Samantha? Maybe she would like a new outfit!

1. Yes, she needs relaxing nightwear! She’ll be so cozy!
2. Yes, she needs something sexy and glamorous to feel like a million bucks! She’ll positively glow!
3. Yes, she needs something else!
4. No, I’ve gone this far without trying to sell her on anything, she’ll appreciate me not trying.

4, Out of respect for all she's done for you, you'll spare her from the upsell. Doing it now might make your previous kind words seem disingenuous anyways. Feel free to politely let her know that your doors are always welcome to her in the future.

>>1090133
Agreed.
4. Is the right choice.

If youre feeling brave and especially sympathetic you could volunteer to watch over her charge for an hour or so while she sneaks in an hour of much needed sleep or rest.

>>1090129
Also agree that 4 is the moral choice. Heck, you can just say exactly what you want. "You're always welcome in my shop, even if Naomi can be a handful."

>>1090133

Double agreed. Possibly offer for her to look around and see if she likes something, but DO NOT push for a sale or recommend anything! Whether or not said offer is made, 4 for sure!

>>1090135
>volunteer to watch over her charge for an hour or so

This IS Naomi we’re talking about. Make sure to consider how much of a handful she was being in your shop for just a few minutes. She’s fine when she’s happy, but the second she’s bored or upset, she’ll be putting on the pressure pretty hard. You’d have to be feeling *extra* brave, imo

Nah, she deserves something for herself too. Cozy nightwear to match her friend's comfort!

yet more agreeing with 4, no one wants to be sold to, especially not by a friend.

4. Only 4. Dont offer to watch over naomi. Karma and Helping others is good, but you cant neglect self health.

1.

And don't offer to help assist where you have no experience.

On the topic of Naomi: Not now. You get more acquainted with what that entails before you make an offer that dangerous.

Saiorse 2024/05/02(Thu)21:55 No. 1090179 ID: fc100b
File 171471211347.png - (60.62KB , 900x700 , CR_57.png )

Maybe it’s best not to push Samantha into a sale. I’ve already drained her month’s “stipend” according to her, and I don’t want her to think all of this friendliness wasn’t genuine. It was! But I can still sell stuff while being genuinely friendly.

I get the feeling she really, really wants time away from Naomi. I handled the hyperactive half-fox well enough the last time she was here. Maybe I could get some brownie points with Samantha if I take the technicolor terror off her hands for a bit longer?

Buuuuuuuuuuut then again, do I feel like keeping that girl around so much valuable merchandise for longer than I absolutely have to?

“You’re always welcome here,” I say with a bob of my head. “Even if Naomi can be a bit of a handful. Please, drop by any time.”

“I’ll be back in two days,” Samantha says. “I’m praying Naomi will be entertained by her noontime escapades. The longer she’s distracted by whatever it is she’s doing with her illusory swimwear, the more time I’ll have to focus on this lens.”

I wave Samantha goodbye, and my magical lens with her, at least for the next two days. I sincerely hope she doesn’t figure out there’s an x-ray spell buried in it…

Oh! I think I see a green glowing fairy down Busalla’s main street! They’re ducking into the Enoteca! I quickly lock up my shop and hurry to find Zinnia. I mean, Clover. I need a maid so my shop can be presentable for customers! Soon enough I catch up with Clover and her bard companion in the wine bar. It’s just me and them in the wine bar, and they’re heading toward a small secluded table with a curtain that can slide shut. Isn’t it little early in the afternoon to be drinking?

“This is a pleasant surprise,” says the bard. Clover ducks behind his head, suddenly nervous for some reason.

“Hello!” I give a quick curtsy. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“No worries. My fairy companion is a tad shy. Clover, this is the new seamstress in town. We met her a few days ago at the tavern.”

“Who?”

Oh yeah he was the bard performing that night. Which means… did they see it?

“The girl with the garishly neon garter belt, next to Tineola?”

“Oh! Yes, I remember.”

OH NOOOOOO

“That was made from leftover scraps!” I hurriedly say. “I have much better taste than that when it comes to-“

“Easy, easy,” the bard laughs. “I believe you.”

GOOD

“So, other than my roguish good looks, what brings you here?” he asks. “The name’s Duran, by the way. He reaches out and gives the back of my hand a kiss.

“Oh! I’m, um, I’m Shirley! I mean, Saiorse!” I blush furiously, even more off-kilter than I was a second ago. “Actually, I’m here to, um, ask Clover for some assistance with cleaning my shop, if that’s okay.”

Clover peeks out from behind her friend’s slicked-back hair. “You want my help? Me?”

“Of course she does,” Duran says, smiling widely. “Word must have gotten around about how reliable you and your siblings are.”

Zinnia’s glow brightens.

“I’d like to help you businessgirls out,” Duran says. “Saiorse, right? What do you say I offer to pay on your behalf for Clover’s first cleaning? To get everything off on the right foot here in Busalla.”

“You’d do that for me?” I smile. How generous!

“Well, it’s not just for you. It’s in all our adventurers’ best interest to have a clean clothier in town. And…” he gives a devilish grin. “If you like, I’ll pay for another of Clover’s cleanings. As many as you like, even.”

WOW

Wait…

“What’s the catch?” I ask, suddenly suspicious.

Duran pulls out a pair of dice and shakes them in his palm. “Fancy a roll of the dice? Every time you win, I’ll pay for one of Zinnia’s cleaning sessions. Of course, things won’t truly be fun unless you decide to stake something of your own against that.”

“…How do I know those dice aren’t loaded?”

“Good question. I know a certain feline who plays with loaded dice,” Duran smirks, “But mine are fair. If I knew for certain I was going to win at craps, there’d be no thrill in it, would there? You can even ask Clover. Fairies don’t lie.”

Somehow, this bard seems trustworthy, at least compared to the cat he mentioned.

Should I gamble? The odds will be fair in this game of street craps, and I can be the shooter if I want.

1. Yes, go for more free cleaning!
2. No, one is enough.

If I do gamble, what should I put up as stakes?
A. Money. I have very little now that I’ve spent most Naomi’s outfit profit on my lens and groceries.
B. Merchandise. I have plenty of that, but I’ll lose out on the material cost and profit.
C. Other

1B, merch over money, because you can't buy dinner with a dress.

I'd also support 1C, betting the clothes right off your back. Be daring, take risks, live to regret them.

>>1090179
1B, but don't play too much.

1B, bet a combat model that's out of season.

>>1090180
this seems like a good choice

1B wager something distinctive, something that people will see, admire, and know came from your shop.

2

Actually, no. We've been playing it safe for awhile.

1. If only to gain his friendship in this fun game. But be sure to only gamble with what your willing to lose.

B. How about if we lose, he gets one outfit made for him free of charge

I am gambling, and don't call me Shirley!
1A. It's only a small amount anyways. Consider it your payment for the cleaning if you lose.

>>1090179
1b

But only once.
Win or lose.
Its just for fun.

If you win,
gracious in victory.
Give him the horrible clothing item he mentioned as recompense.

If he wins
Depending on his reaction

If good natured view this as a chance to advertise with him as your charming far travelled model and do your best work ever.

If hes a dick, make something from offcuts for a cheeky payback. Maybe a hat that makes his head look like a big floppy dong.

1C! I wouldn’t try to game him for like a bajillion cleanings, but just one or two more couldn’t hurt. Play till you lose, and wager either those garters he mentioned, or if you’re feeling particularly bold, your panties? Possibly both!

Would be fun if she offered him the choice of either her panties or her garter, and he’s just like “Hmmm… let’s do both~” and is hard set on it. Those extra cleanings up till we lose once would be so worth!

1C, strip poker time!

rolled 3, 3 = 6

---

Come out roll for Saiorse: 7 wins, 11 wins; 2 loses, 3 loses, 12 loses. Any other number sets the point, which Saiorse must hit to win. A 7 beyond the come out roll loses; this can take a while, so no rolls beyond the come out roll will be done via the dice function here, but will still be rolled off-site.

Saiorse 2024/05/04(Sat)17:31 No. 1090326 ID: fc100b
File 171486911015.png - (19.50KB , 537x600 , CR_58.png )

Should I risk it?

I feel like I shouldn’t be gambling when my business is just starting up. What if I go broke because I bet too much? I couldn’t bear the shame of closing up just because I threw it away on a roll of the dice. If I do take Durand up on this deal, I can’t risk more than I can afford to lose. That means no money, not with the little I have left over.

But no matter what I do, I’ll need to pay Clover for her cleaning services… and she probably won’t accept payment in merchandise. The way I see it, this is an opportunity to, worst case, convert some of my materials into cleaning services. Since the odds are fair, and I can put equal value merchandise/seamstress services on the line against the free cleanings, I should end up giving Duran some clothes, and he’ll pay for the same amount in cleaning.

As weird as it sounds, it actually makes sense to gamble with him.

“I’ll do it!” I lean forward and hold out my hand for the dice. “I’ll stake my merchandise equal to the value of one of Clover’s cleanings. How does this game work, exactly?”

“How exciting! I love to see you have the spirit of an adventurer, too.” Duran smiles warmly and hands the dice over. “You’ll go first. If you roll a seven or eleven on the first roll of your turn, then you win that round instantly. If you roll a two, three or twelve, you lose that round instantly. If you roll any other number, you keep rolling until you hit that number again and win, or roll a seven and lose.”

Simple enough. I roll the dice, and… it’s a six. “That’s good, right?”

“Sure is. Six is the point, so you win if you roll it again. Careful not to roll the big bad seven!” Duran says.

I gulp. Is my heart pounding?

I roll a nine. Nothing happens- no win, no lose. Five. I gulp. Another nine. My heart is beating harder. And then…

“Six!” I jolt in my seat. “Whoo! I win!” Duran claps for me, his smile still as broad as when he started.

“Let’s go again!”

It’s Duran’s turn. He rolls an eight, which isn’t a win or a lose. He shakes the dice for good luck, and… immediately rolls a seven. He loses. That means I win another round of free cleaning! “Yes!”

“Someone’s having fun,” Duran chuckles.

“Again!” I grab the dice and roll. “Eleven. Um… what does that mean?”

“It means you won three times in a row,” Clover says.

“I won again?” I look over to Duran, and he’s shaking his head and chuckling. “You’re not upset?”

“Why would I be?” Duran asks. “If I win, I get some lovely clothes from a lovely seamstress. If I lose, Clover and her siblings get honest work, and I get to see your shop sparkle. It’s a win-win.”

“And a win-win-win for me!” I think of reaching for the dice again, but it isn’t my turn. Are my hands shaking? Oh, this is fun.

No! Bad Saiorse! Quit while you’re ahead! Four free cleanings is plenty!

But how many more could I get? I still haven’t given anything up...

“You don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to,” Duran says. “I’m always up for a friendly wager. Challenge me whenever you like.”

“Thank you,” I say, leaning back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. I feel like I’ve just run a race. “For being such a good sport, I mean.”

“This is nothing,” Duran says. “I’ve played against some real tough customers. I’ve been lucky to walk out with the shirt off my back, betting against Casey.”

“Who’s Casey?”

“You might have seen her around town. She’s the tabby cat in the studded leather vest.”

“Oh, I didn’t know her name.” I didn’t catch it through my lens…

“Well, it’s definitely not her real name. I think she goes through an alias for every town she’s in. She’s like a fairy.”

“Casey is not like a fairy,” Clover mutters. “She’s an evil liar.”

“She’s catfolk,” Duran says, as if that explains everything. “Well, that was fun, Saiorse. It’s good to know who’s lucky around here. If you want to come along to the tavern and play cards tonight, I’d do well to have you on my team. What do you say?”

My date with Celyn is tomorrow, so I’m free tonight. Should I take Duran up on his offer to go out and enjoy some evening entertainment with the seedier side of Busalla?

1. Yes, let’s meet some shady characters!
2. No, let’s ask Clover to clean my shop tonight so I’m ready for my date tomorrow and can show it off when Celyn stops by!
3. Other

No thank you, I need to let this winning streak percolate for a bit. I'll spot you another time, though! Once I've sewn up more of a safety net...

1, to raise our friendship with him. As long as you don't drink or gamble money and it is just a fun game of cards, I don't see why not. You're broke after all, until your next sale.

We just have to have our date with Celyn somewhere that isn't our place so he doesn't see our mess!

>>1090326
1 if you're not playing for real money.
Otherwise 2, tell him you can't gamble too much when you've only just started your business. Gotta save up some emergency funds!

>>1090326
Backing >>1090327

1, Have fun! There'll be plenty of sensible business decisions to make later, tonight you should just go and enjoy yourself.

2) Bad Saorise! That way lies Decadence, not Legacy!
You'll end up screwing your mind so badly that no amount of wealth will heal the madness festering in your mind! That madness is what powers everything wrong with all of civilization!
Well, that and starvation.
You were really lucky just now! Don't push it.

>>1090329

Seconding this! Maybe jokingly ask if it’s he’s still trying to get clothes from you, via strip poker~ NOTE: This action could be a Flirt, and therefore suggting said action is retracted if you are not wanting to do a Flirt with Duran

1) if its not your own money at risk, or just to hang out.

>>1090326
3. Other.

Offer to turn the dice game into a drinking game.
If you win on your rolls, the other players have to take a shot.
If you lose, you have to take two.

Keep the fun going and the excitement of the dice rolling but turn the stakes into something everyone enjoys.

Until the hangover.
Or the inevitable drunken switch to strip craps.

Saiorse 2024/06/01(Sat)20:12 No. 1092282 ID: 9f8647
File 171729792236.png - (28.93KB , 617x785 , CR_59.png )

I know I shouldn’t push my luck further than I have already, especially not with money, but I’m on fire tonight! I have a whole day before my date, why not relax with Duran and Clover? They’ll keep me safe if anything goes sour, I’m sure of it. They’re nice people, and if anything bad happens to me, he won’t be able to play dice with me anymore, and he’d be sad about that.

“I don’t feel comfortable betting money, not when I’m just starting my business,” I say to Duran, “But I’d enjoy playing cards with you. Is there any way I can just join for a bit?”

“The party is on!” Duran smiles and claps his hands. “I’ll stake you, don’t worry.”

“What if you lose?” Clover asks. “Do we have the money to pay Casey for more than two buy-ins?”

“With Saiorse’s luck, we won’t need to worry about that at all,” Duran says confidently. I hope he’s right…

Duran, Clover and I head to La Taverna, spirits high. We enter and see a certain tabby sitting in the back of the tavern, shuffling

“Oh, Duran, you brought me a present,” the tabby cat purrs, giving me a wicked smirk. “Look at this sweet thing. I could just eat her up.”

My heart skips a beat.

“Be nice, Casey. This is Saiorse,” Duran says, pulling me up a chair and placing some silver coins on the table. “I’m staking her tonight.”

“Boring!” Casey tosses her head to one side. “It’s not a real game if she’s not risking anything.”

“The money’s the same,” Duran says. “What’s the difference to you?”

“Because it’s your money,” she says, as if that makes any sense. “No, I’m not playing for money tonight. I want something better from you, little miss wandering eye.”

“W-what?!” I squirm in my seat.

“If I win a hand of cards against you,” Casey says, “Then I get to ask you a question, and you have to answer it… and if I think you’re lying, or aren’t telling me everything, then I get to punish you.”

“Today we’re supposed to be playing team games,” Duran insists. “Casey, don’t be a child. It’s not sporting to pick on the new girl.”

“Come on, seamstress,” Casey grins, ignoring Duran. “Play with me. If you win, you’ll have more money than you know what to do with.”

My heart is pounding. Do I have a choice? Do I turn this cat down and hide behind Duran?

1. Yes, turn her down. This is crazy!
2. No, don’t piss her off. She’s scary!

Accept her offer, your customer service answers all of your clients' concerns.

1, Too many bad vibes there. Her request is too specific, so there's no shot it isn't something you'd wanna avoid. Add in the fact that she probably cheats (I am judging this book explicitly by its cover, she looks like she cheats at cards), and that's just a whole situation you'd be better of staying away from.

>>1092282
1: It's not a matter of 'hiding', it's having the confidence to choose not to do something. Sincerely. You're here to play cards, not whatever this game she wants to play is. If she can't deal with that, that's a HER problem.

Her games are too malicious-fairy-like in nature for my taste. She wants to steal your name or something!

Buuuuut I also really really wanna know what question this kitty has in mind that will let her steal your name or something. You could always refuse the question once it comes up and hide behind Duran. Promise you’ll answer any question within reason so she can’t hold any malicious fairy contract against you! Then her unreasonable question will be null and void~

hmmm, called you a wandering eye, she probably knows you've been checking her out the other day

and she seems to already know you are the town's seamstress. Interesting. Was she spying on you?

It's probably a bad idea, but to add some spice to the story, I'll go with 2. Can't appear weak in front of her, especially if you are going to be attending future game nights with this group and seeing her often. Gotta appear confident to gain her respect.

1) This smells like a con. Casey, claiming she just wants to waste money and doesn't care if she wins. Duran, who's pretending to be the voice of reason after repeatedly losing against you to undermine his own role. They're enticing you into thinking they don't take life seriously. But if they take life seriously, accepting their offer means you're screwed.
Turn it down. Show some business sense, you'll find reasonable gambles later.

>>1092289
Agreed.
Nothing proprietary, nothing detrimental to your fledgling business.
Any punishment comparative to information requested. Same parameters of refusal as above.

But, be honourable.
Question for a question.
Dont take cash, however much you want it.

Plus, if she is a cheat, lower financial stakes may lead her to decide to play clean.
Anything else is fine.

2.

2 as long as it isn't about a client, you're a professional and would never betray that trust.

She seems like she knows you were looking at her but maybe not about your lens. If she asks admit you were imagining her naked to protect your real secret.

Saiorse 2025/04/19(Sat)14:32 No. 1106523 ID: 802951
File 174509837695.png - (29.16KB , 620x800 , CR_60.png )

I am getting ALL the bad vibes from this cat. And maybe even from Duran… was this all a setup? Is he pretending to be on my side, just to bring me here and take all my cash later, splitting it with this cat? Casey says she’s not playing for money, but is that a ruse to lure me in? Am I about to lose my shirt on my first day hanging out with seedy characters?

No! I’m smarter than that. I’m a businessgirl and I will not be taken in by these streetwise hucksters. If I’m going to have some fun (and it will be just fun), then there have to be honorable limits.

“I’ll play, but with rules!” I declare. “I am a pro fe shun al and I won’t break client confidences, no matter how much shiny gold you put on the table. I won’t answer any questions that will ruin my business, either. So there. I won’t fall for some tricksy fairy-cat contract.”

“Rude,” Zinnia mutters from behind Duran’s shoulder.

“That’s fair,” Casey smiles, fangs glinting. “What do you say to a game of Trash? It’s very simple: we each take turns trying to make a set of ten cards, counting from one to ten. I’ll lay out two rows of five cards in front of both of us, and set the rest of the cards into a draw pile. We’ll take turns taking a card from the draw pile and place it into the position in the sequence, like placing an ace in the first position in the top left. Flip over the card you’re swapping out to see if you can use it in another position, or else discard it. The first to complete the sequence wins!”

“That seems okay,” I say, but Duran is deflating as I do. Think, Saiorse, think! “Oh! But you have to let me shuffle the deck first, and then I deal the cards to BOTH of us, not just me. Okay?”

“Okay,” Casey says. Now there’s no way for her to cheat!

Five minutes later, I’m no closer to completing my sequence from one to ten, and she’s all done!

“How?!” I groan. My card is useless! “How, how, how?!”

“Guess you’re just unlucky,” Casey giggles. “Now, for my question… I saw you checking me out the other day. A seamstress with a wandering eye… you probably know a lot about people’s bodies.”

OH NO

“Tell me…” Casey purrs. “What’s the fur pattern on my butt? Surely a seamstress like you can deduce the answer from what you’ve… seen.”

This is a trap. Totally a trap!

If I lie, she’ll know! If I make up an excuse for why I know about her heart-butt, she’ll turn that around on me too! She’s just the kind of shady character I don’t want to know about that super-valuable lens, but if I lie about why I know, she’ll totally expect me to know what other people’s under-fur patterns are too and I just don’t know that! Or is she flirting with me? Or all of the above? I’m not into girls, I can’t flirt with this cat! I’m NOT into girls, I have a date with a cute guy!!!

Oh no and she can totally see I’m nervous, too! This is HORRIBLE

What do I do?!

She'll know if you lie, so answer the question honestly, admitting that you know it's a heart.

And that's the end of her questioning. Full-stop. She asked a question, and you gave a perfectly clear answer, exactly as promised. If she wanted to know how or why you know, then she should have used her question on that. She may try to say that you aren't telling everything, but you gave a firm answer that leaves no room for doubt about what you know. She doesn't get to complain because she didn't ask the right question.

If you continue playing, make it clear that you will not accept further questions on that topic.

>>1106523
You already established rules to protect yourself, silly.
First, tell her you're not into girls, if that's what she's implying. Second, tell her it's probably a heart fur pattern, based on the many butts you have seen in your line of work. And refuse to give any further info as it would break one of your rules, but do not specify which one and also refuse to specify which one it is. Imply that you would be breaking customer confidentiality- as in, you can't speak further about those butts you've seen.

Say she has a heart butt, and if asked how you know you can admit it was just a guess. As a tailor, you're totally professional about nudity.

Calm down and think back, she doesn't know that you have magic lens, only that she heard you laughing, and you quickly looked away as soon as she started turning... unless she saw your reflection in the window, but with her focused on the knife, maybe not. Plus, she only turned around after she heard you giggle and her ear twitched, so she could not have seen the lens through the reflection.

Also, she didn't ask how you knew, only asked what the pattern of her butt fur is. go ahead and answer honestly. If she asks how you knew, you can say that she was only allowed one question. But if she wants more durable thicker clothing, that is also easy to move around in, she can come to your shop and discuss business and clothing options. (this could imply her clothes were thin enought to be see-through in the sunlight to a pro fe shun al like you. PLUS ADVERTISEMEN!)

If she somehow brings up the lens, you can show her, it's run out of magic, so it's just a regular monocle now. Let her know it just helps you focus a bit more, that's it.

bluff "Are you sure you want to ask that? No matter what I answer you'll have to show us your butt to prove I'm not lying."

>>1106529
Huh. Y'know what, backing this. I don't think she minds, perse, but it still puts the onus on her, so whatever.

Fun is fun, but we're trying to not be humiliated for someone else's amusement.

Give us the booty truth, the whole booty truth and nothing butt the booty truth!

Scratch beneath the jaw.

Ask for intel.

Saiorse 2025/04/19(Sat)18:11 No. 1106538 ID: 802951
File 174511146312.png - (41.79KB , 528x524 , CR_61.png )

This crazy cat! What am I supposed to say in response to a question like that? “Yes, ma’am, you have a heart on your butt, and I know about it because I have a magical x-ray lens?” Or perhaps even better, “Based on the butts I’ve seen, in my professional opinion, your butt’s fur pattern is a heart!” Yeah, that’s real professional, and then she’s gonna ask me for details on other butts. I have to protect my customers.

“There’s no good answer to that!” I huff. “Who’s to say I’m even telling the truth, huh? Is that really a question you want to ask me? A question about your butt?”

“My butt is amazing,” Casey says, matter-of-factly. “Of course I’m comfortable asking you about it.”

“Are you sure?” I press. “What if I know the answer, but I give it and I’m lying? You’ve got to show your butt to prove I’m telling the truth.”

“I know the answer, duh,” Casey says with a roll of her eyes. “And I’ll know if you’re lying, too. No need to show it. So go on, answer it!”

“No, wait! Saiorse has a point,” Duran says, a smile working its way across his face. “If she’s lying, and you know it, you’ll want to punish her. But if she’s telling the truth, and you’re lying about her lying, then I won’t know if you’re just saying she’s lying so you can punish her. You’d need to show me your butt to prove you’re telling the truth about her lying.”

“Well, I just won’t lie about her telling the truth, then.”

“Even if I were to believe you, in that case, Casey,” Duran continues, “How would I know you’re not lying right now about telling the truth if Saiorse is lying? You’re a very, very good liar.”

“But I’m not lying!” Casey hisses. “Why would I lie about that?”

“Oh!” I realize. “Because if you are lying about telling the truth if I’m lying, then you can get away with not showing your butt. But in any other situation, you’d have to show us your butt. We’d have to trust that you’re telling the truth when you say if I’m lying, otherwise we don’t know what your real fur pattern is.”

“Exactly!” Duran claps his hands.

“I’m fine showing my butt!” Casey says. “I’m not embarrassed by it.”

“That’s what someone who’s embarrassed by her butt’s fur pattern would say. No matter how nice a butt it is.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

“That’s why you asked Saiorse,” Zinna says softly. “To know if your secret was out, right?”

“No, that’s not why I asked!”

“Then you’ll have no problem showing us your butt,” Duran concludes. “Any situation where Saiorse answers the question, you’ll have to show it to us… unless you refuse to punish her if she’s lying, and only you know the truth about that. In which case, by not showing your butt, you’ve just proven that you’re embarrassed by your fur pattern, and you lose out on punishing her.”

“Shut up!” Casey hisses. “I’m proud of my butt! It’s a great butt! But you don’t get to decide if I show my butt. Only I do! I’m not embarrassed about my fur pattern!”

“Is she lying?” I ask Duran.

“I dunno,” Duran shrugs. “Only one way to find out.”

“And that is?”

“You lie about her fur pattern,” Duran says. “Then see if she shows her butt to prove it.”

“You assholes! It’s my butt! MINE!” Casey yowls. “Fine! I’ll ask you a different question, Saiorse. It’s-“

“No take-backs,” Duran laughs. “You agreed to the rules. Saiorse, go on, answer Casey’s question.”

“DON’T answer the question!” Casey shouts.

I have the advantage over a very dangerous cat! I can do lots of things right now… I could probably get some juicy favors or secrets or cash or… or ANYTHING, if I agree to let her change the rules, or to drop the question. Or I could answer Casey’s question and make Duran very, very happy, and probably willing to defend me from Casey’s wrath, and Zinnia looks pretty happy to see Casey put in her place. I’d be riding high with Zinnia and her fairy friends too!

Should I answer the question, leading to Casey having to show her butt? It will be a very, very nice butt, and I bet I’ll get to see it up close, to confirm her fur pattern, professionally, of course! With Duran and Zinnia loving me for it, too. It’s only fair!

Or should I use my leverage over Casey to get something out of her? I don’t know what to do with this… she’s scary!

If we’re extorting her, it’s gotta be something juicy, so we can impress Duran with how cool we are~ Otherwise I say we go through with this. The court accepts Casey’s cute booty into evidence!

>>1106538
The fact that you've backed her into a corner AT ALL means you've won. She's a scary cat, but you've got that nice heart-patterned ass over a barrel. I think the question here is 'what would risk the least reprisal'? If you hold onto it, she strikes me as the type to try to even the score by her own machinations- set up something embarrassing, and then 'save' you from it later, calling it even without you getting much out of it. If you make it happen now, she's almost CERTAIN to seek vengeance on you in some manner later on down the line, but you'll have your friendships with the others deepened more.

...I vote CASH OUT NOW, and say it with a card to be...cheeky. Vengeance you know is coming is easier to plan for.

Butt really, it's just a card game between friends. SHE might try to be sneaky about it, but you're fine with keeping secrets between friends. She just needs to keep in mind that sometimes betting big bites you on the ass.

>>1106540

Yeah, let's not get greedy. If we try to leverage this situation to our advantage, it may end up blowing up in our face later, since her curiosity on whether or not we know won't be sated. Make her show her can.

>>1106538
I say...
Let her change the question.
BUTT(hah!)
You add this.
If the next question she asks is one youre really uncomfortable with or really dislike, you reserve the right to answer the original question instead.

The purpose of this is not entirely magnanimous.
It wins her favor but also protects you.
Reserving the original question means she is incentivised to throw a soft question as follow up rather than shift to something else awkward otherwise you'll just answer the original.
Just letting her ask a new one opens the door for her to ask something sneaky. This way the consequences still cast a shadow over her thoughts.

Assuming we’re not extorting her for anything, I thought of a funny trap~ We use our leverage for one question from CASEY! Same rules apply. Either she’s a coward, and doesn’t accept, so we answer the question. OR, she accepts our terms, and right when she thinks she has an out, we just ask her what the fur pattern on her butt is! Now she has to show her booty to prove she’s telling the TRUTH, and we don’t actually get outed for knowing when we shouldn’t.

>>1106545
Oooh this is also good! If we want the cat to be our friend, this might be the route to go. Gives her an opportunity to admit she was outsmarted and back down. On the other hand… Cat girl booty…

Have her show us the booty, but go a bit easier on her, request that you, Duran Duran, Clover, and Casey go somewhere a bit more private to moon us. Say It'll be a secret kept between friends.

Also, I realize something, if you talk to Clover, don't call her Zinnia, Zinnia is probably her real fairy name, but fairies tend to go by fake names for some reason (Landi's true name being Moonshine for example in lazy fairy) She'll get suspicious if you call her Zinnia. Thankfully it hasn't happened, but best to keep that in mind, only call her Clover.

Yall are forgetting that if we lie about the butt, we'll be punished.
Use leverage. Ask for a favor, to be disclosed in private. She seems to know what the lens does, but you don't know all its functions do you? Maybe she can help with that. And also keep it a secret obviously.

>>1106552

Honestly, that's probably fot the best. An immediate punishment is better than the lingering threat of consequences she might provide. And with the other players around, it's unlikely to get too awful, and it may appease Casey so that she doesn't look deeper into any of her suspicions for a while.

Saiorse 2025/04/21(Mon)23:24 No. 1106677 ID: 802951
File 174530306278.png - (78.54KB , 1200x1500 , CR_62.png )

Casey is a scary cat, and I can tell I’m very, very lucky to have her over a barrel even just this once. I might never, ever, ever get another chance to show her what I’m made of, and I definitely don’t get another crack at making a first impression as someone who can turn her games around on her. This is the seedy side of Busalla, after all- and cashing in now shows I’m not afraid to push my advantage.

I could, of course, tell her the truth: that she has a heart-patterned butt… but then she could just agree with me, and that would be that. I wouldn’t get to prove that I’m willing to push back, and that I’m not afraid of punishment. Criminals respect that, right? Right! I’m a gambler now thanks to Duran, so that means I have super insight into how seedy people think.

I take a deep breath and look the nasty cat in the eye. “Casey, your butt has… an inverted triangle pattern.”

Silence.

“Well?” Duran asks. “Is she lying?”

“She’s lying,” Casey hisses. “Lying! You’re going to regret messing with me, little miss seamstress, and this punishment will be the worst you’ve ever-”

“Oh, really?” I fire back, interrupting her mid-rant. “Go on. Prove it I’m lying. You knew I’d make you. Or are you embarrassed of something? I’ll let you show us in private, not in the bar, so no one walks in on us…”

“I am not embarrassed to show off!” Casey shoves her chair back angrily, rising to her feet and stomping the wood floor. She turns around, huffs, undoes the tail-buckle of her pants and shoves them down to her digitigrade ankles. Duran gives a wolf whistle, and even Zinnia gives a clap of appreciation.

“There it is! The best ass you’ve ever seen, and proof that you’re a liar. Are you fucking happy now, skank?!”

Casey is right there in front of me, tail plastered between her legs.

Am I happy with this?

Technically, there's still a chance that she has an inverted triangle on her butt hidden behind the undergarment. Who knows? Maybe you've stumbled into the right answer still and won't need to be punished. Really, there's only one way to really confirm...

Well if it's the best ass you'll ever see I suppose you could at least ask for an unobstructed view.

>>1106677
...Yeah, we'll take that.

>>1106678
That’s her tail, but otherwise I agree. The dip in the middle is what makes it a heart! Also, call her a coward for covering in the first place.

“Ooooh I’m so proud of my ass! Best ass you’ll ever see!”
>Covers when prompted to show

We need to draw up as much unfettered Kitty ire as we can right here and now, while Duran is here. That way she doesn’t take her frustration out later when Duran is not here. Being forced to uncover AND being (accurately) called out as a coward? She’ll make you pay, but once you’re square, she might actually see you had
- The guts to confront her
- The wits to outsmart her
- The charm to play everything unwaveringly cool and Pro Fe Shun Al!

Possible respect points? Sounds like a coolness!

Oh, wait no, she *is* wearing panties. Didn’t get a proper look at the image till now. Whatever, same logic applies. Apologies for the correction

(As in she still shouldn’t be covering with her tail. Also, sorry for short bursts instead of one suggestion, brain isn’t braining rn)

Be magnanimous in your victorious defeat. This is enough proof. Channel your prof fesh unalism to compliment her butt and suggest clothing to enhance it.

But hey, what's that purple tag attached to?

>>1106706
Ooooh! Good eye! Now I wanna know too!

The purple "tag" is her tail ribbon.

Oh yeah.
The ribbon.
So it is.

Well, time to make a big show of this.
That ass is beautiful.
Perfect.
Asstounding.
A work of callipygian art.
Glutius perfectus.
Any lucky enougn to see that natural glory is surely blessed!

One of the many tasks a tailor works towards is making a person happy about themselves and how they are seen. Function and form in unity.
Mostly that is through complimentary clothes, but on occasion also through words.
She feels self conscious about it. Fears being teased.
It is your duty to ease that feeling away.
Turn it into pride.
Help her see she it is a part of her unique beauty to be proud of and any who dont appreciate that delightful pattern are merely envious.
Making something complimentary to be worn can come later.
with, perhaps, a commission.

>>1106776
this

dont look a gift ass in the mouth.. is what a coward would think. play coy, you haven't been fully disproven with the underwear in the way

>>1106776
I do like this. Don't overdo it, though, just be like 'You know, completely honestly, you DO have a very nice butt,' and start going into stuff that you think would look cute on it.

>>1106789
Aye, that ass is at least 15% obscured, this isn't any form of definitive proof.

Do not let the cat trick you into showing you her butthole! This is the goal of all cats! Say you are.

>>1106798

What if we double uno reverse and decide we want to see that glorious cat butthole though?

>>1106796
This is better.
On reflection going over the top would make her think she was being mocked.

I'll be honest guys, any argument I could really make is secondary to the fact that I just wanna see her butt.

WE
NEED
TO
SEE
THE
BUTT
WHOLE

1/2 Saiorse 2025/06/29(Sun)16:41 No. 1110502 ID: 144b84
File 175124051383.png - (41.13KB , 800x754 , CR_63.png )

“Happy?” I ask. “Oh, certainly. Your butt is beautiful! A work of callipygian art! I’m lucky to see it.”

Casey huffs and goes to pull up her pants.

“However…”

Casey pauses at that, murder in her eyes.

“I’m not professionally satisfied,” I say. “How could I say I’ve definitively checked your heart pattern? Maybe it tapers out under the tail you’re so decidedly covering up with?”

“You can’t be… ugh!” Casey hisses. She unbuttons her tail strap and whips her panties down. “Here!”

“And the tail,” Duran reminds her. She grits her fangs and slowly, torturously, raises her tail.

It’s a very nice ass, and that heart pattern is, indeed, unblemished.

“Thank you,” I smile. “Mystery solved.”

2/2 Saiorse 2025/06/29(Sun)16:42 No. 1110503 ID: 144b84
File 175124053605.png - (12.86KB , 400x424 , CR_64.png )

“Fuck you,” Casey says, and pulls everything back into place. As she does, there’s a glint of steel, and-

I feel a sudden warmth all over my body. Casey grabs my hair and pulls on my bun, and-

“Ow!” I gasp in sudden pain, before it recedes. My head won’t move, and Casey’s behind me, and… what’s going on?

“What’s the matter, Clover?” Casey says, venom dripping from her words. “Don’t trust me?”

“Not even close,” Zinnia says. “L-let Saiorse go!”

“Good work, Clover,” Duran says. “Casey, you can’t get through that protective spell, and you know it.”

“Not unless Saiorse allows me to,” Casey hisses. I realize she’s holding my hair. All this happened in less than five seconds. Adventurers are so fast. They’re scary…

“And why would she do that?”

“Because,” Casey says, “I get to punish her. It’s the deal. My punishment, my choice. And I choose that she’s getting a nice, close haircut. Right now.”

“What?!” I whimper. “My hair?! I… I have a date! Please, no!”

“Don’t worry, Saiorse. You can just cast a spell and grow it back,” Duran says.

“No! No magical re-growing,” Casey says forcefully. “If I see you with anything but this super-short haircut I give you, I’m going to make you really regret it. That’s a promise, needle girl.”

My hair… I… if I say no, she’s really going to be mad, isn’t she?

“Casey, you can think of a better punishment than that,” Duran coaxes. “Something a bit more embarrassing. I’m sure she’d do it.”

“I would!” I say.

“No!” Casey shoots back. “I’m certain this is what I want from you. Nothing else! No clothes, no services, no haggling, no bargaining! Now give me permission to cut your hair, Saiorse, so the spell will let me get to work. Or else!”

Do I let her cut my hair? I can tell there will be dire consequences if I say no.

>>1110503
You are not above consequences. Receive your punishment.

No. Defy fate, I'm tired of all these stories where girls lose the long hairdo!

Stop being a baby and take it. You had it coming

As a PRO-FES-SHUN-AL, you can design an outfit that can fit with your new hairstyle, plus hair grows back.

You can make it a effective advertisement too: you make outfits so good, it makes even people with bad haircuts look fashionably attractive

>>1110506

A short hair cut isn't the end of the world, you can find an outfit to match with it.

Of the possible consequences, this is hardly the worst. It'll grow back on its own, and you'll have ling hair again soon enough. You knew she was going to do something, and this is the least awful option on the table.

getting short hair in the moment will suck, but you can make it work

>>1110503
Take the trim.
You know part of your subconcious is already working on the most splended of hats and accessories.

Casey has made herself incredibly clear. This is the only choice. We got our moment of control, and this is the price. This was always the plan. All things considered, if wonderboy really thinks you’re cute, the hairstyle change won’t affect anything. He might be surprised at first but that’s about it. We accept her terms, having successfully pulled one over on her. “Now we’re square, yeah?”

Saiorse 2025/06/29(Sun)21:48 No. 1110522 ID: 144b84
File 175125891591.png - (112.89KB , 732x628 , CR_65.png )

This is what Casey wants, and she's being clear, and... and...

And it'll ruin everything!

How can I be sexy for Celyn without long hair? Or sexy for ANYONE? Sure, I can wear a nice hat, but when I take it off... how can I pull off the super-seductive bedside look like THIS?

I've practiced in mirrors and grown my locks and tied my bun to be PRO FE SHUN AL on the clock, so I can let loose and be HOT when it all comes down!

If she cuts my hair, my fantasies will be RUINED! Celyn deserves me at my best!

Can I really go through with this? Was it really worth it to put one over on Casey?

Am I gonna cry now, or later? Or both?

Can I really go through with this?
no, but you have no choice. You did humiliate her here after all.

Was it really worth it to put one over on Casey?
yes, she needed to be taken down a peg.

Am I gonna cry now, or later? Or both?
It's okay to cry. crying releases endorphins. it's healthy. It'd also make Casey look like an extra rotten bitch to her friends' eyes at least.

Celyn deserves me at my best!
what's that phrase? if he can't handle you at your worst, then he doesn't deserve you at your best.

Whatever the case, a quote from another quest I read Rotten Apple:

No matter what you lose from the upcoming events, with that loss you will gain something new. Embrace the change and become a stronger person from all your wounds.

double down on the professionalism. Tell her to hand you the knife, you'll do it yourself. That way you can still have control, and look cool, even as you cry.

Listen, this is hard, but you're going to get through this. Letting Casey cut your hair NEEDS to happen, because if you reject this punishment, she'll have time to think up a better one that hurts you so much more than this.

This is a concession. The moment that Casey asked her question about knowing her fur pattern, it was clear that something bad was always going to happen. The worst case scenario would have been you having to reveal that you knew and explain about the priceless magical lens that you possess. Casey is shady, there's no way she'd just let you go on keeping that, especially if she felt like you got one over on her by seeing her bum.

You avoided that. You told a fib and negotiated the situation such that she showed her bum, thus giving you an alibi for knowing the pattern and shutting down further inquiries into that topic. Maybe playing nice and not making her drop her panties would have made her drop the punishment, but you don't know that. She could have still pushed for you to be penalized for lying. Or worse, she might have been suspicious about how willing you were to let the issue die out, leaving her with some suspicions still. Currently, she's only looking for a straightforward and surface-level punishment as retribution for her humiliation. The matter of you seeing her fur pattern is no longer part of the discussion.

And if you think playing this game with her and her friends was a blunder in the first place, don't forget that it ensured that the conversation happened with others present who could keep Casey in line. This is NOT a conversation that would have gone as well if she'd confronted you alone on her terms.

Even if it feels painful, this is a victory. Through wit and careful applications of social pressure, you have haggled your way down from losing your most valuable asset to temporary cosmetic sabotage.

Don't doubt yourself, and stand by your choices.

You can go through with this.

It was worth it.

Hold your head up and take the reduced sentence with pride. You can cry later for what you've lost, but don't show her your tears. She doesn't deserve them, not when you've bested her.

Did I fucking stutter?

No, obviously it wasn't worth it. Yet you did it anyway. Learn from your mistake.

Also, cry now.

possible loophole: learn/use illusion magic to make your hair appear longer OR grow your hair back with magic and use an illusion to make it look short. though the latter is more risky.

>>1110522
Almost cry now.
Your biggest, dampest, baby deer eyes.
See if you can get that bottom lip to wobble a bit.
But, still go through with it.
Tell her you're ready.
Dont plead.
Dont bargain.
Best case scenario is she has a heart to match her ass and earns your eternal friendship.
Worst case scenario you count coup against her by making her look mean.

>>1110522
short hair will let you pull off the adventurous sporty look, which will probably appeal more anyways to someone with as active a lifestyle. Do play up the blubbering, but you were being mean, so some meanness is fair in return.