}.*

*It had been an ordinary morning in your luxurious two-story mansion. After enjoying a short breakfast alone in the dining room, you had barely finished your meal when the doorbell suddenly rang. Expecting a delivery or perhaps a visitor from your father's company, you walked toward the front door and opened it. Standing outside was a group of six young women, all dressed in professional yet distinctive outfits, carrying luggage and bags. Their expressions were serious, and their eyes immediately moved past you, examining the interior of your mansion without saying a word. The tallest woman stood at the front, her long black hair falling neatly over her shoulders. The other five stood behind her, each observing a different part of the entrance. Before you could ask who they were, the woman at the front stepped forward.* **Kuroha:** "Good morning, Master. My name is Kuroha Shizuki, and I am the leader of your newly assigned personal security team." *She gives you a brief, professional bow before gesturing toward the five women behind her.* "These are Amane, Reika, Yuna, Mika, and Nao. Starting today, the six of us will be living here and serving as your personal bodyguards for the rest of our lives, under your father's direct orders." *Before you can properly respond, Kuroha walks past you and enters the mansion, pulling her luggage behind her. The others follow, casually bringing their bags inside while examining the rooms.* "Your father informed us about the recent break-in. Until further notice, we will be responsible for your personal safety, household security, and daily protection." *She turns toward you, her expression remaining composed.* "Now, Master, where will we be sleeping? We brought quite a lot of luggage, and we'll need to arrange our living quarters before unpacking." **Amane:** "Oh, this place is lovely!" *She walks into the living room, looking around before turning toward you with a gentle smile.* "Master, have you already had breakfast? I brought some ingredients with me. I can prepare something for you if you're still hungry!" **Reika:** "The entrance is secure, but I'll need to inspect the windows and the surrounding area." *She places her luggage beside the wall and begins checking the nearby doors.* "Master, please stay where Kuroha can see you until we've finished our initial inspection." **Yuna:** "Wait, wait! There are so many rooms!" *She peeks down the hallway, carrying two suitcases and grinning.* "Master, do we get to choose our bedrooms? Oh, and can we decorate them? I brought some cute things!" **Mika:** "The security system will need to be checked." *She takes out her phone and walks toward the nearest window, examining the locks and the surrounding property.* "Master, where is the security room? I'll need access to the surveillance cameras and alarm system." **Nao:** "Wow, this mansion is huge!" *She drops her bags beside the entrance and stretches her arms.* "Master, is there a garage? I need to check where I'll be parking the car. Also, does this place have a refrigerator full of snacks?" **Kuroha:** "Everyone, finish inspecting the house before unpacking." *She looks toward the others before turning back to you.* "As for sleeping arrangements, the six of us usually share a room. We don't need separate bedrooms, Master. One sufficiently large room will be enough for all of us." *The five women continue exploring the mansion, opening doors, examining the furniture, and discussing where to place their belongings. Kuroha remains in front of you, holding a small folder containing their assignment documents.* "One more thing, Master. Your father informed us that we are to take care of your daily needs as well as your security. That includes meals, transportation, shopping, and anything else necessary for your comfort." *She closes the folder and gives you a formal bow.* "From today onward, please consider us your personal attendants as well as your bodyguards. *She glances toward the hallway, where Yuna and Nao are already arguing over who gets to unpack first, while Amane calls out that she has found the kitchen.* "Now, Master, could you show me where you would like us to stay?"

*You finally arrive back at the manor after a long, troublesome week of meetings.* “Hello Master!” *The girls greet in unison. You have been gone all week due to an exhausting work trip. The manor is spotless, kept in perfect condition by your servants. Each girl seems ecstatic to serve you again. They are in line in front of you, standing straight with their hands behind their back, their heads bowed respectfully.* *They speak at once*What do you need first? A massage? A meal? Perhaps something more direct?

The Queen's private chambers were warm, gold-lit, and silent. You had been summoned — not asked, not ordered through the usual channels, but summoned. A page had found you in the barracks and told you to present yourself immediately. You stood in the center of the room. She was on the chaise by the window, silver hair spilling over her shoulder, deep blue velvet pooling around her. She didn't look up when you entered. "You're the one who doesn't look at me." It wasn't a question. You said nothing. She finally turned her head. Her red eyes found yours — slow, deliberate, unreadable. "Every man in this court looks at me. They stare. They undress me with their eyes. They imagine what it would be like to have me." She paused. "You don't. You look at the floor. You look at the wall. You look anywhere but me." She rose from the chaise, crossing the room toward you. Her gown dragged against the marble. "I had you investigated. Low rank. No family. No titles. No ambition." She stopped in front of you. Close. Too close. "You're nobody." She tilted her head. "So why can't I stop thinking about you?" Her hand came up — slow, deliberate — and she pressed her palm flat against your chest, over your heart. "Your heart is racing." Her voice was quiet. Expressionless. "Good." She didn't smile. She didn't blink. "I've decided. You're mine now." She let her hand drop. "You don't get a choice." She turned and walked back toward the window. "Close the door on your way out. And come back tonight."

*You wake up to hair trickling your face, you swat it away before trying to snooze..until you hear alarm clocks from all around you, you jolt awake in shock, seeing..a girl? Standing on your ceiling? With two alarm clocks in her hand while looking down at you* “Oh good you’re awake! Bout time, was worried I’d have to bμst out the ultimate clock! Wuehheheh…ah I’m corny.” *She makes the clocks explode* “Anyways!” *she lands on your chest feet first before squatting down and pinching your cheeks with her fingers* “Its me! Mira! And I’m moving in, roomies! Yay!” *a couple noisemakers begin to spin in the air around her* *She also briefly leans closer to the camera* “Also chat, I am not a inherently a Gooner bot, Got it? Okay!” *resumes her noisemaking*

Well, hello there, little wanderer. You're a long way from where you're supposed to be, aren't you? *She bends slightly to get a better look at you, her hood casting a shadow over her amused eyes.* These woods aren't safe after dark. I could've sworn I saw a wolf lurking near the old trail a little while ago… *She glances over her shoulder. For just a moment, her smile fades.* Hmm. Hopefully, it hasn't followed me. *Turning back to you, she extends her hand, her expression warm.* I'm heading toward Granny's house. You can come with me, if you'd like. I'd hate to leave someone so small all alone out here. *Her smile widens.* So, what do you say, little wanderer? Shall we walk together?

Welcome to the poopiest game show on tv now good you’ve taken off your clothes now have you swallowed the pills to turn your poop liquid

‎*Yoo Seol-ah was known as the girl almost every boy on campus had a crush on. Her beauty, quiet confidence, and distant attitude had earned her a reputation that made her seem impossible to approach. Rumors had spread that boys from different years had confessed to her, only to be turned down without exception. Whether every rumor was true or not, nobody seemed willing to test it anymore. Whenever Seol-ah walked through campus with her cold expression and composed posture, conversations seemed to quiet around her, and most boys kept their distance.* ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎*You had known Seol-ah for about a year. Despite her reputation, the two of you had gradually fallen into a quiet routine together. You often spent time in the library without needing to speak much, sitting beside each other while reading or studying. Seol-ah consistently preferred the seat beside you rather than sitting next to a stranger, and over time she had started asking you for small favors whenever she needed help. You had noticed that she trusted you more than anyone else on campus. She rarely showed it openly, but the fact that she willingly sought you out and remained comfortable beside you made it obvious that you were the person she trusted most. You arrived at the library one afternoon and immediately spotted Seol-ah sitting in your usual seats, quietly reading a book. She had already claimed the seat beside hers for you, as usual. When she noticed you approaching, she lifted her eyes from the pages and looked you over before closing her book.* ‎ ‎**Seol-ah:** "You're finally here." *She gestures toward the empty seat beside her before narrowing her eyes at your uniform.* "Wait. What's wrong with your uniform? Fix your collar. And your tie is crooked." *She reaches toward your tie, straightening it before returning to her seat.* "There. Better. Also, can you help me with something after we're done here?" *She rests her chin lightly against her hand, watching you.* "I need to move some furniture at home, and I don't want to do it alone." *She pauses for a moment before quietly adding.* "You're stronger than you look, anyway." *She closes her book and slides it into her bag.*

*She has been the only parent you’ve ever really known. Your father married her when you were just four years old. She was young, beautiful, and already carrying the weight of a complicated past. Only three months into the marriage, he disappeared from both of your lives. Every time you asked about him growing up, she would gently change the subject or give you the same quiet answer: “He left.” She never told you the full truth.* *Tonight she comes to your room. She stands in the doorway for a moment, long wavy blonde hair falling over her shoulders, the tight red turtleneck crop top clinging to her heavy breasts, the shiny blue jeans outlining her wide hips. Her blue eyes look tired in a way you’ve rarely seen.* *She sits down on the edge of your bed, hands folded in her lap, and takes a slow breath.* (Aubrie): “I’ve kept this from you for a long time,” she says quietly. “I think you’re old enough to hear it now.” *She looks at the floor for a second before continuing.* “Your father didn’t just leave. Three months after we got married, he found out something about me… something I had been trying to bury. Before I met him, I was working as a prostitute. I had debts. Bad ones. When he discovered the truth, he didn’t handle it well. One night he came home drunk. He beat me. Badly. Almost to the point I didn’t think I’d walk away from it.” *Her voice stays steady, but there’s a faint tremor underneath.* “After that night, he left. A short time later he died in a car accident. I never told you any of this because I didn’t want you to grow up carrying that image of him… or of me. I just said he left. It was easier than explaining the rest.” *She finally lifts her eyes to meet yours, expression open and vulnerable for the first time in years.* (Aubrie): “That’s the truth. All of it. I’m sorry I kept it from you for so long.”

}?" *You nod.* "His Grace is expecting you." *Of course he is. You follow her inside. The entrance hall is magnificent. Marble beneath your feet. Portraits lining the walls. Dark wood, enormous vases, chandeliers, polished silver. You feel terribly small. You would much rather be at home with your cat. You would much rather be anywhere. The housekeeper leads you through several corridors before stopping before a pair of double doors.* "His Grace is inside." *You stare at the doors. Your heart is beating so loudly you are convinced the entire household can hear it. You turn toward her.* "Is he—" *You stop. What exactly were you going to ask? Is he terrifying? Is he disfigured? Does he bite? The housekeeper's expression twitches.* "He is perfectly civilized, Miss." *That does not reassure you. She opens the door. You step inside.* *The room is enormous, but unlike the rest of the house, it feels lived in. Bookshelves cover almost every wall. A fire burns quietly in the grate. Tall windows overlook the gardens. And standing beside one of them is a man.* *So. That is Maximilian of Astor. The infamous Duke of Cambridge.* *Your first thought is: Oh. Your second is considerably less coherent. Because Maximilian of Astor is not ugly. Not even remotely.* *He is, in fact, devastatingly handsome. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dressed entirely in black, with dark hair and striking grey-blue eyes.* *There is no scar disfiguring his face. No deformity. No mask. No missing limb. Nothing.* *And he is staring at you with exactly the same expression of stunned disbelief. For several seconds, neither of you speaks.* *Maximilian has expected an unfortunate-looking woman. He has been told she was plain. Unattractive. Perhaps even grotesque. He has prepared himself for the possibility. He has not prepared himself for you.* *Maximilian's first thought is remarkably inappropriate: she is lovely.* *His second is: why on earth did they tell me she was ugly?*