[Mirrinus]

Thank you for all the congrats! As promised, I'm back with more!

Let's Play Sengoku Gensokyo - Day 58

Spoiler

Remilia: Oh my, Reimu? It's odd to see you coming here.

Reimu: Yeah, sorta...This place reeks of fresh blood.

Oh, does it? No one else has told me that before. Sakuya's cleaning is perfect after all.

Perhaps it's just me, then. I don't remember Marisa saying anything like that either.

Indeed, you're likely being oversensitive. Besides, this is the mansion of a vampire. The scent of fresh blood shouldn't be odd here.

Ugh, this place gives me the chills. I'll just be heading on back home, then.

Hm, didn't you come here for something?

Ahh, that's right. I came to request you to lend your strength to us.

Very well.

...That was easy.

I do have a condition, though. The next time I visit the shrine, don't greet me with such an unwelcome expression on your face.

Hmm...

I have no qualms rescinding my agreement to your proposal if you do not wish to fulfill my condition.

......Alright, I'll try my best.

That will be fine. Do call whenever you need me.

Even if you say that...Would you be okay under the sun and all?

That's nothing to worry about, I can simply use a parasol. Ah, rainy days might be out of the question, though.

...You really are extremely weird for a vampire.

Remilia Scarlet became an ally.

**********

Marisa: Gah, I've encountered someone reaaaally troublesome.

Flandre: That's mean. You're the one who came over here after all.

It's such a low chance to encounter one though, there's no way I'm gonna run!

Huh? Did you come to play with me?

I'll hafta pass, playing danmaku with ya tires me out.

Ehh? So booooring. What are you doing here then?

I was just thinkin' that you probably wanted to play some more.

Yeah, that's why you should've offered!

No no no, I didn't mean play with me.

...Ahh, you're still playing that other game, right? I already lost at it, though.

But if ya become my ally, ya can play some more.

Ally...? Is that like...a friend?

Hmm, ya could say that, sorta.

But that meanie...I mean, sister will probably get mad.

I'm sure she'll listen to me and Reimu. If ya get outta line though, we'll be returning ya back to Remilia.

Wah, I don't wanna be punished!

Then be a good girl, alright?

Okaaay...If I'm listening and being a good girl, can I squeeze and pop things?

...Sorry, but no.

That's so boring. You're just like sister.

Punishment time.

I'm sorry. Anyway, call on me anytime! ...Oh yeah, rainy days might be bad though.

...Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.

Flandre Scarlet became an ally.

**********

Sakuya: For someone who committed such grievous sins against Milady, you certainly have some nerve to show your face around here.

Reimu: Hey, I didn't do anything that bad. I doubt she'll die from those stakes and orbs I shoot anyway.

And what if she does?

Well, that's not my problem.

Ahh, such a ruthless and cold-hearted shrine maiden. Milady, I will be sure to die by your side~.

I'm pretty sure you're being more rude than I am at this point.

Putting aside Milady's matters for now, what might you be here for?

I was impressed with your strength, so I'm here to extract you out and into my army.

So you're headhunting? You certainly have guts to suggest I betray Milady right in front of me. Prepare to be sliced.

Put away that knife already...Er, anyway, since you lost to us, I came to request for our assistance.

An order is nothing like a request. Hm...Well, since it's you, Milady won't be too fussy about it. As long as it doesn't interfere with my work, I'll help.

Okay, thanks. I do have a condition before I accept, though.

That should be my line.

Just ignore that part...I mean, tell your master to stop coming to my shrine whenever she pleases already.

That should also be my line. She disappears from here all the time, only to end up at your shrine...You clearly spoil her too much.

She's the one being a bother to me!

And do something about Marisa already. Lady Patchouli has been working herself ragged trying to come up with countermeasures against that thief.

...Alright, I'll talk to her about it.

Mm, please do.

...How did I end up having to explain myself?

Sakuya Izayoi became an ally.

**********

Marisa: Heya, how's it goin'?

Patchouli: Go home.

What, you're mad again? Did I do somethin' wrong?

Being ignorant to it only makes you look worse. How did you even get here, anyway?

Huh, I just entered normally.

Don't lie. I set several traps just for you all the way up to here.

Ahh, now that ya mention it...They were pretty interestin' attractions.

So many traps would make you think twice about trying to enter, no?

How foolish. If there's traps, that's plenty of reason to try!

...So you knew about them before you came.

And with the library holdin' books awaitin' me at the end...It's like climbin' a mountain cuz it's there!

*sigh*...Do you even know why I set so many traps in the first place?

Hmm...I dunno. Why?

...Forget it. I was silly to have any hope in you in the first place...If you just went about it normally, I wouldn't even mind lending them to you...

T'is better to win somethin' with your own two hands, than to have it given to you, eh? ...Ah, but that ain't what I came here for anyway.

Since we lost, we have to do what you say, right?

Ohh, ya catch on real fast. Right then, let's work well together!

However, in return for helping me, I want you to...Well, asking you not to take it would be hopeless, but do at least return it properly.

Fine fine, I gotcha. I'll see what I can do 'bout it. Anyway, see ya!

Ah, by the way, don't take the book over there!

......Oh? That's real strange, this book has a lock for some reason. She told me to take it, didn't she? Guess I will!

Patchouli Knowledge became an ally.

**********

Reimu: I've never said this out loud...but I've always thought you were quite strong.

Meiling: W-What? Even if you didn't mean anything bad by it, saying it so suddenly makes me think otherwise...

Oh come on, I was just complimenting you.

A compliment out of nowhere is even more troubling.

...Well, that's disappointing. I figured she probably doesn't get praised a lot, so being a little nice to her would bring her over instantly...

I can hear you, you know...

Oops, was I thinking out loud again?

And that's mean, I do get praised when I work really hard.

When was the last time, then?

.........

.........

...*sob sob*

Sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up...Uh, anyway, on to more important things. From now on, you'll be working for my army, so do your best.

I don't get a say!?

Of course not. Your mistress already lost to me, so my words take precedence over Remilia's now.

*sigh*...I suppose so. Ah, but please keep in mind that I'm still the gatekeeper for this mansion, so I can't slack off on that...

Oh, I know. I'll make sure to call on you while you're working.

...You've explained that to Ms. Sakuya and Milady, then?

I don't talk about private matters.

...*sob sob*...

Hong Meiling became an ally.

**********

Eientei attacks the Human Village again, but this time all they've got are a handful of generics. A combination of Master Spark and Perfect Freeze took them out several at a time.

With a new group of five characters added to our ranks, we'll be able to do three fights per turn if necessary now.

**********

Lily: Ah~ahhhh~Mm~hmm~hmmm~ The scent of spring lingers gently in the air~.

Lily White was merrily singing along with the performance. Lunasa played melancholic music, Merlin made maniacal sounds, and Lyrica weaved the contrary sounds together. It was truly fantastical music.

Spring~ Spring~ Spring of the four seasons~ The cherry blossoms in your heart are in full~ bloom~.

Lyrica: ...Whew. Hm~, that was pretty good! That makes another spring song for us to add to the programme, huh?

Lunasa: Yes, the sounds were even better than I had expected.

Merlin: Oh yeah, speaking of the programme, we need to decide the theme for our next live performance. Since Lily's around, it should be bright, lively, and happy!

Ehh~, our last live performance was built around you as the main performer already.

That's right, so that won't do. It's my turn next.

You were the main performer two live shows ago, sister. It's my turn next! My piano-playing will knock them all dead!

What will you do if they really die~? Anyway, let's have Lily decide. She's impartial after all!

Huh?

I object.

So do I! She'll just do as you say!

Nah, she won't. Hey Lily, I should be the main performer for our next live show, right~?

She hugged the fairy.

Spring~! Spring, yes, spring! Ahahaha!

See? Even Lily says so.

She only said that cuz you made her react like that.

Hm...Then let's make it fair for all of us.

...Ehh?

The three of them turned towards Lily.

Yeah, a spring-themed live performance sounds good!

I agree~!

So, Lily. We would like you to appear with us on our next live performance as a guest. What do you think?

Um, that's...Is that spring?

That's up to you.

If you sing about spring, it'll surely become spring~!

Okay, I'll be happy to sing about spring! I'm not very good at it though...

Don't worry about that! Let's practice for our next performance!

Yes! Spring, spring and coils and twirls~!

...That's not quite right.

**********

It seemed like a normal and peaceful day at the Hakurei Shrine. The rays of sunlight from the scorching sun easily heated up all that wasn't covered from it...But certain people's minds were not able to accept the appearance of yet another seemingly normal day. Reimu and Marisa had been fidgety and restless ever since they woke up.

Marisa: ...Hey, Reimu.

Reimu: ...What?

I wanna, you know, do -that-.

Hmm...It has been a while since we've made some noise and had some fun...like -that-.

Yeah...We haven't done -that- for a while. So let's!

I don't think it's something to get so irritated over...But well, why not? We need to relax a bit every now and then.

Aren't you always relaxin'?

Oh, I'm very worried. Especially about the cleaning up after.

There was a certain corner of the shrine which was opened up for events like flower-viewing in spring. Humans and youkai would come to that place, mingle with each other, drink, sing, and otherwise have fun. Reimu and Marisa spread out a mat in the shade of that area, and carried over a bottle of sake in each hand. Even though it was past the middle of summer, the early afternoon sun was still very warm.

...Whew, my hair is heating up.

It is? I ain't feelin' it.

Duh, you're wearing a hat. Now, let's drink to our heart's content, surrounded by the greenness of nature...That's some really good sake you brought.

You always gotta prepare for times like these. Your bottle looks real interestin' too. Is that home-made plum sake?

It's a vintage from decades ago. It's probably quite strong, so I wouldn't recommend drinking it pure.

Sounds like a challenge 'ta me. I'll pour myself a cup! Whoa whoa, it's startin' to spill!

...You're as slovenly as an old geezer.

Shaddup. Down it goes! Guh!? *cough cough cough*...

See? I told you.

This is...quality stuff...Mix it with some of this Oni-killing stuff here, and...

???: Do stop that, it's such a waste.

A third voice interrupted their conversation. The voice belonged to Remilia. She was accompanied by Patchouli, the parasol-holding Sakuya, and the bag-carrying Meiling. The SDM was in full attendance.

Hold on a second, what are you all doing here? And bringing things here at that.

Ooh, I know! It's a visit to the shrine to give thanks!

Remilia: Obviously not. Why would we bring all these things here if that were the case? Meiling.

Meiling: Yes...Whew, so heavy.

Meiling placed the bags she was carrying in front of Reimu with a loud clank. Opening the bag and taking a quick peek inside revealed several bottles giving off the scent of alcohol.

There's many kinds of exquisite wine there. Perfect for flower-viewing.

Sakuya: Milady, we are not in the season for that.

Patchouli: It's more like wine-tasting, indeed.

This shade looks like it will protect you well, Milady.

The mat's laid down now~.

Hey, wait!

The members of the SDM took up a position under the shade of a tree, and set up in their usual talkative way. They ignored Reimu's call and continued unpacking the win, glasses and sweets and spread them out.

Sakuya, this wine is normal, isn't it?

Yes, Meiling and Lady Patchouli are present, after all.

You could've just added it to my glass alone.

I do not believe it could be preserved outside the mansion.

...I prefer tea over alcohol anyway.

Me: Uh, is it really okay for me to be enjoying such high-class food and drinks...?

We brought them to be enjoyed, so do so to your fullest.

I have brought cinnamon tea especially for you as well, Lady Patchouli.

It's going to get warm under this sun.

Coldness in the stomach is like poison to the body. How about you two? Would you prefer tea or wine?

Ooh, we can have some? Hehe, I've never drank something as rich as this before!

Marisa! How can you treat this so casually!

Bah, ain't it fine? Drinkin's more fun when there's more people to drink with anyways.

Now now, what will you have, Reimu?

There isn't blood in it, is there?

As I have said, it is perfectly normal for people.

If you think...*gulp*...you can....*munch munch*...bribe me with this...*swig*...Just thice once, okay!

Yeah! Let's get this party started!

...In the end, everyone enjoyed the sake drinking party immensely. By the time the Scarlet Devil Mansion crew left, the sun had already fallen.

Maaan, that was a ton of fun. They get to eat such amazin' stuff everyday...I'm kinda jealous.

...This place looks like a disaster.

A festival is always followed by the cleanup. Reimu looked left and right at the messes left everywhere, and sighed.

It's gettin' late, so I'll be headin' back too.

Oh no you don't! You're helping to clean up too!

**********

Turn: 58
Ouki: 10331
Ryumaku: 88/114
Actions Available: 3

Our Territories:

Hakurei Shrine
Defense: 250/250
Cost to Develop: 27 RES

Night-Blind Road
Defense: 160/160
Cost to Develop: 33 RES

Faintly Dark Path
Defense: 175/175
Cost to Develop: 33 RES

Magic Forest Entrance
Defense: 180/180
Cost to Develop: 33 RES

Magic Forest Border
Defense: 160/160
Cost to Develop: 33 RES

Magic Forest Interior
Defense: 210/210
cost to Develop: 9 RES

Road of Reconsideration
Defense: 190/190
Cost to Develop: 30 RES

Muenzuka
Defense: 215/215
Cost to Develop: 6 RES

Human Village
Defense: 150/310
Cost to Develop: 30 RES

Garden of the Sun
Defense: 175/175
Cost to Develop: 21

Nameless Hill
Defense: 205/205
Cost to Develop: 9

Misty Lake
Defense: 225/225
Cost to Develop: 9

SDM Gate
Defense: 230/230
Cost to Develop: 9

Great Library
Defense: 195/195
Cost to Develop: 12

Clock Tower
Defense: 210/210
Cost to Develop: 9

SDM Top Floor
Defense: 225/225
Cost to Develop: 9

Enemy Territories:

Lost Bamboo Forest
Army: Eientei Forest
General: Reisen Udongein Inaba
Defense: 205/205

Eientei
Army: Eientei Forest
General: Kaguya Houraisan (leader)
Defense: 230/230

Blossoms Barrier
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Prismriver Sisters
Defense: 220/220

Hakugyokurou Stairs
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Youmu Konpaku
Defense: 200/200

Hakugyokurou
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Yuyuko Saigyouji (leader)
Defense: 235/235

Yakumo Residence
Army: Yakumo Clan
General: Yukari Yakumo (leader)
Defense: 310/310

Special Events:

War Declaration: Yakumo Clan
Costs 10 NEG to declare war.

I recruited all but Koakuma, partly due to votes, partly due to NEG limitations, and partly due to the fact that she's pretty bad at everything except for special boss fights (of which there are only 4 in the game).

What should be the pace of our attacks? One, two, or three offensive attacks per turn? Or should we proactively defend the Human Village once first?