#curse of love arc

[artificial-infatuation]

[aishangotome]

Nokto Klein: Chapter 0

––I learned from meeting you. True love is "pure, unadulterated sincerity."

This is the prequel, spun by you and him, before he left for another country---

-

Nokto: ...What kind of person will we fall in love with, I wonder?

Licht: What kind of person do you think you'll fall in love with, Nokto?

Nokto: Eh, me? Hmm...

(Someone I love... not Mother or Licht...)

Nokto: I...

(Even if we're hated, it's okay to dream, right?)

Even as a child, I understood that we were beings to be detested.

But I wasn't afraid, and I wasn't sad.

Back then, as long as I had Mother and Licht, nothing else mattered.

-

Nokto: If she knows you'll eat it, Emma will be happy.

Licht: ...

Nokto: By the way, I'll be happy too.

Licht: ...I'll take it if there's any left.

(I'm sorry for the sly way I said it.)

I'll continue to connect and tie our promises together, forcing them on you, to keep you away from death.

Because I met Emma, the me who kept deceiving and faking everything has disappeared.

Like a story, every day is happy.

It should be without lies or falsehoods---

-

Emma: Nokto, ah...

Nokto: This is it, right? Your favorite spot.

Emma: W-Wait... too intense... aahh!

(Emma, I love you so much.)

(No matter what happens, I'll protect you. Your body and your heart, everything.)

(...Hey.)

(I'm making you happy, right?)

.

.

.

Chapter 1

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[mxrmaid-poet]

licht about to get us executed core

[notyournanny]

Yves and Emma are such a cute married-couple-who-aren't-married-yet

[theimaginativelyreticent]

I'm Just excited that I got the top rank for the first time. hihi, gonna savor the moment while it lasts...

[amelia-yap]

not pictured: oscar drawing a hot bath

inspired by this

[welcometogrouchland]

Disgustingly messy and crusty sketch dump but I couldn't get my own terrible theory out of my head and ended up making a bunch of sketches about it. Also at the end a bonus dickbats and Damian doodle bc I was reading an issue of their Batman and Robin run (IDs in Alt)

[royalarchivist]

Pac: Oh– [Stammers] Why– I have an Ender Flu? I'm shaking! Oh my god.

Tubbo: No, Pac! You've been impregnated! 😫

Pac: IMPREGNATED?!?! Wait, what? 😨

Fit: Oh god. [Laughs] That's a new one.

Tubbo: You're pregnant!

Pac: How?!

Tubbo: I can't believe preggers Pac is on the QSMP!

Pac: Oh my god, I'm so happy! [Laughs]

[ Full Transcript ↓ ]

—

Tubbo: This is not what I want! I don't want this!!!

Fit: [Chuckles]

Pac: Oh– [Stammers] Why– I have an Ender Flu? I'm shaking! Oh my god.

Tubbo: No, Pac! You've been impregnated!

Pac: IMPREGNATED?!?! Wait, what?

Fit: Oh god. [Laughs]

Tubbo: You're pregnant!

Pac: How?!

Fit: That's a new one.

Tubbo: Uh oh, I'm about to– I'm about to not be alive much longer.

Pac: How– ahhh!!!! Wait, this is good? [Tubbo gets killed by a mob] Oh my god, Tubbo!

Tubbo: Guys? Preggers Pac, and Fit, help!

Pac: [Reading chat] "Congratulations"? Thanks guys, I didn't know, man! As always.

Fit: [Revives Tubbo] Alright, run! Ok, you're good.

Tubbo: We got his ass!

Pac: Wait, wait– What does it mean like, I'm pregnant? I'm gonna have babies?

Tubbo: It means you're gonna give birth to a beautiful– a beautiful plethora of children!

Pac: Oh my god, not– [unintelligible]

Tubbo: [Still ranting] Merciful, wonderful babies! Babies! Innocent babies will-

Fit: [Laughs] Yeah, what he said.

Tubbo: –will splurt out of you!

Pac: Oh my god. I think I saw like, Foolish having birth the other day, so I–

Fit: [Fighting a mob] Not this thing again!

Pac: Oh my god.

Tubbo: I can't believe preggers Pac is on the QSMP!

Pac: Oh my god, I'm so happy! [Laughs]

Fit: [Laughs]

Tubbo: It's gonna be such a magical time for you!

Pac: Yeah, oh my god, I have been like, dreaming for–

Tubbo: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. What do you– have you got any names? What are you gonna name it?

Pac: I'm probably gonna name it "Elton" and "John" if I have like, two.

Tubbo: Ohhh! What a beautiful name!

[bull-shit-suji]

actually no i need to talk about the green witch arc. ciel and his band of merry fools go to germany and learn that this forest is haunted by WEREWOLVES and in it is a village full of WITCHES with cursed amulets and potions and whatever

and the immediate vibe is "lol what a bunch of bogus" which is really just batshit coming from the kid with a demon butler

and then woah big reveal! it wasn't werewolves or witches it was a covert military operation REPLETE with radar tracking (not a thing until wwii) and electronic displays (most likely crt screens, which again weren't fully developed until the 1930s) and TANKS. for reference the first "tank" was put together by a guy in 1899 who mounted a machine gun to THIS

absolute paragon of engineering. the panzer (the exact model of tank in the arc) was not a thing until wwi.

and. and ciel and ESPECIALLY the Demon Butler in question are like. ohhhh yeah that makes more sense. the amulets were just transmitting our exact locations through technology that won't exist for another three decades. whew glad we sorted that one out. man wouldn't it have been CRAZY if it really was werewolves.

[erwinsarmrest]

alittle confused about the jjk fandom saying the kfc break up from hidden inventory was getos pov (shown in bright and vibrant colors) while the jjk0 kfc breakup was gojos pov (shown in shadows and darkness) because like. i thought we established that hidden inventory was all gojos dream. it was him dreaming about his youth, that’s why the flashbacks were colored bright and happy and then the rest of the season in the current timeline goes back to the original more muted color scheme. because he’s remembering his time in highschool fondly. so both versions of the kfc breakup are in gojos pov. if we need a reason for them being colored differently we could say that his dreams of geto and their youth have more color and happiness because in a dream you’re not conscious and thus can’t remember how the “dreams” pan out in the end while memories are tainted with the knowledge of what happens after. but they were both his point of view.

[dragon-curse-au]

Oh elder custard is dead

yipee

im sure this won't have any effect on a certain consul's mental health

[artificial-infatuation]

[aishangotome]

Nokto Klein: Chapter 2

Chapter 1

A loud noise shattered the silence of the private room where we were alone. I hurriedly moved away from Nokto and looked towards the door--

Silvio: Yo, fox bastard. Ya in there?

The one who appeared, adorned with so many jewels that they made a loud jangling sound, was Benitoite's First Prince, Silvio.

Nokto: That's something you say while knocking on the door, not after kicking it down.

Silvio: Huh? Don't sweat the small stuff.

(As expected of the richest man on the continent...)

(I thought so the first time I met him, but he's a man of loud noises and flashy appearances.)

*flashback*

Emma: Would you like to take a look?

???: Huh? Are you talkin' to me, woman?

Emma: Yes. It seems you've been staring for quite a while.

???: Ha, if you're goin' to take up my time, ya better have somethin' that satisfies me.

*flashback over*

A memory from when we went on vacation to Benitoite to let the busy Nokto rest surfaced in my mind.

(I was just touching Nokto, so I feel kind of awkward...)

Seeing me like this and Nokto acting as if nothing had happened, Silvio seemed to understand everything and his expression clearly darkened.

Silvio: Don't get frisky the moment you arrive.

Nokto: Silvio, do you know the word "delicacy"?

Silvio: Doesn't matter. This is my territory. Behave yourselves a little.

Nokto: Yes, yes, this time I'm visiting as the King of Rhodolite. I'll be in your care.

(I want to disappear...)

Desperately trying to endure the urge to faint from embarrassment, I lift the hem of my dress to greet him.

Emma: Prince Silvio, it's been a while. Thank you for having us during our stay.

(This time, unlike back then, I'm meeting him as the future queen, so I have to be firm.)

I somehow tried to switch my mindset, but for some reason, Silvio gave me a blunt look---

Silvio: You really chose this common-lookin' woman, huh?

Emma: ...!

(W-well, it's true that I'm from a commoner's background, and I'm trying not to let my true self show...!)

I thought he was high-handed from the time we met in town, but because I'm trying to be a woman worthy of Nokto, Silvio's words subtly pierce my heart.

As I try to act unconcerned and evade the situation harmlessly, Nokto pulls me close by the waist.

Nokto: Don't be mean just because I have such a cute fiancée, okay?

Emma: Nokto...

Even in his casual tone, I can sense his concern for me, and my heart starts to race.

Silvio frowns with a truly disgusted look on his face.

Silvio: I just said what I thought.

Nokto: Hmm? I thought you were jealous.

Nokto, with a foxy smile on his face, suddenly brings his face close to mine as if he's about to kiss me.

Emma: Whoa, Nokto, that's a bit much...

(I know you're trying to throw Silvio off, but it's embarrassing!)

Silvio: If you show me any more of that weird stuff, I'll kick ya outta the castle!

Silvio: And you, don't blush so easily just 'cause he got close to yer face. Get a grip in three seconds!

Emma: D-don't be unreasonable!

Emma: Besides, it's Nokto, so it's not "just anything" to me.

Nokto: You're saying some pretty tempting things. You're good at making me happy.

Nokto: See, wasn't that lovey-dovey talk cute?

Silvio: I don't have time to listen to your nonsense.

Silvio: I can't stand watchin' your charade any longer. Let's get down to business.

Nokto: Oh, you mean tomorrow's Founding Festival party?

Silvio: If ya know, then stop showin' me that crap and listen!

Nokto: Sorry, sorry, but it's okay, right? Silvio was the one who slipped up first.

Silvio: Tch... By the way, will this woman also be attendin' the party?

Nokto: Of course, you're going too, right?

Emma: Yes. I would very much like to attend.

(Because our visit to Benitoite this time,)

(Officially, it's for attending this anniversary party--)

*flashback*

One day, with our departure for Benitoite imminent--

I was facing King Nokto in his office for a final meeting.

Nokto: Benitoite is an allied nation, so there's no need to be so wary,

Nokto: But since we're going on a diplomatic mission, we need a proper reason.

Nokto: Now that the three countries of Tanzanite, Achroite, and Ruby have formed an alliance,

Nokto: Visiting under the pretense of a vacation might make us seem frivolous.

Nokto: Benitoite has a flourishing trade and many people from other countries stay there...

Nokto: If we're seen as a king and queen gallivanting around while the continent is unstable,

Nokto: There's a possibility that groundless rumors will spread to Obsidian and Jade.

Emma: In that case, what would be the best course of action?

???: How about using this invitation?

Emma: Certainly, attending some kind of party would be the most natural--

Emma: Wait... Prince Clavis!?

Clavis suddenly appeared between Nokto and me, holding an envelope in his hand.

Nokto: ...Why are you casually joining the conversation?

Clavis: Good question. The answer is because you started talking where I am.

Nokto: You mean we were talking in the wrong place. Well, fine, but don't get in the way.

Clavis: Is that a royal order?

Nokto: You mean you're going to get in the way that much?

Clavis: Haha, that depends on my mood.

Nokto: ...Whatever.

Nokto swiftly took the envelope from Clavis's hand. It bore the national emblem of Benitoite and an unfamiliar crest.

Emma: What invitation is that?

Nokto: Do you remember the story about how I went to Benitoite for a short-term study abroad program?

Emma: Yes, of course.

(During his study abroad, he lived with a distant relative, a married couple of Rhodolite royal lineage, right?)

We also greeted the elderly couple during our previous vacation and stayed at their mansion.

Nokto: At that time, I had a tutor who taught me about Benitoite.

Nokto: I received an invitation to a founding anniversary party from the school where he works as a teacher.

Emma: A school's... founding anniversary party?

Clavis: Sounds fun, doesn't it? Just the word "school" makes it an exciting invitation. I wouldn't hesitate to attend.

Nokto: You be quiet for a bit.

Emma: Even though you had a connection with the teacher, why did you receive an invitation if you didn't attend the school, Nokto?

Nokto: Recently, I had a chance to talk with a nobleman who funds the school in Benitoite at a meeting I attended.

Nokto: I mentioned my tutor's name, and said I wanted to use their educational institutions as a reference for our country...

Nokto: I showed my interest in the school and steered the conversation towards getting invited to the party.

Emma: Wow... That worked out well.

Nokto: It's partly thanks to the fact that he's the type who likes to show off.

Nokto: Even if it's a small country, it's something to boast about that he has a connection with the king, right?

Emma: I see. But to have met such a nobleman by chance--

(—Wait, knowing Nokto, maybe...)

Emma: Was meeting that nobleman really a coincidence?

Nokto: You saw through me?

Nokto: Actually, I knew that nobleman would be attending the meeting from the beginning, and getting the invitation was also as planned.

Nokto: I thought I might need an excuse to go to Benitoite.

(Amazing... He was working with everything in sight.)

(With his negotiation skills to make things go his way, as expected of my fiancé--)

Clavis: "My fiancé is so wonderful and reliable... I love him, I adore him, I want to kiss him right now."

Emma: You're not mocking me right now, are you!?

Clavis: Haha, was it similar?

Emma: Not at all!

Nokto: Emma.

Emma: Nokto, say something too--

Nokto: You can kiss me anytime you want.

Emma: ...Could you tell me more about that founding anniversary party?

Nokto & Clavis: Are you embarrassed? / You're blushing?

Emma: Don't tease me, both of you!

*flashback over*

(--I remembered some extra things...)

Pulling myself together, I listen to Silvio's voice.

Silvio: I'll also be attendin' the anniversary party 'cause I personally fund the school. We'll head there together tomorrow.

Nokto: Okay, thanks.

Silvio: The real reason you came to my country at this time is probably 'bout the three-country alliance, right? Is there anythin' else?

(Oh... he knew... But Nokto doesn't seem surprised at all, as if he expected to be asked.)

Perhaps not all the nobles of Benitoite are aware of our purpose. Judging from Nokto's interactions so far, it might be that Silvio is particularly perceptive.

Nokto shrugged his shoulders in resignation.

Nokto: Ah, as expected, you saw through me.

Nokto: If I remember correctly, isn't that facility about to open?

(Huh...?)

Unfamiliar information came out of Nokto's mouth, and my heart began to race with unease.

Silvio: As always, you're quick to hear the news.

Nokto: A small country can't survive without being sensitive to information.

Silvio: You understand well.

Silvio: Whether it's money or anythin' else, fresh information is essential to gettin' your hands on it.

(What does that mean...? I haven't heard anything other than the founding anniversary party...)

Nokto: I have some good information about the facility. That's why I came to the castle to offer it to you, Silvio.

Silvio: Ha, I see. If you have a gift, I won't pry into unnecessary matters.

From the exchange with Silvio, I can see that Nokto really isn't fazed at all.

(And yet, I'm getting flustered just because something unexpected happened...)

I think I've become quite a bit more resilient compared to when I first met Nokto, but as I spend more time by his side as the future queen and become more involved in official duties, I've come to feel that I'm still immature.

(That's why I want to be careful not to become a burden to Nokto.)

As I'm renewing my resolve, Silvio turns around.

Silvio: We're done talkin'. I have other business to attend to, so I'll be goin'.

Silvio: --Oh, that's right. I'll throw a little welcome party for ya tonight, so come.

Nokto: My, how generous of you. Emma and I will attend.

Emma: Thank you, Prince Silvio.

Silvio: Yes, even if I say it's a small party, extravagance is the Benitoite way. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest.

Silvio shifts his gaze from me to Nokto and stares intently.

Silvio: But, be a little prepared.

Nokto: Hmm?

Silvio: You're not popular in my country, King Nokto.

Leaving behind an unsettling warning, Silvio left the guest room.

-

Around the time the setting sun sank below the windswept horizon and the curtain of night fell--

Benitoite, under the leadership of Prince Silvio, held a welcome party for the visiting King and future Queen of Rhodolite.

The finest alcohol, cuisine, music, hospitality, and the entire space were all extravagantly luxurious...

Nokto chuckled at me as I hurriedly covered my gaping mouth with my hand.

Nokto: You've been surprised by everything since you came to the castle.

Emma: Because everywhere I look, I see expensive things... I'm starting to get nervous in a different way.

Nokto: Shall I loosen you up?

Contrary to his seemingly considerate words, a mischievous smile played on Nokto's lips.

Emma: ...As long as it's within the bounds of common sense.

Nokto: What kind of things are outside the bounds?

Emma: That's...

Nokto: Your face is red.

Emma: Eh?

Nokto: Lewd.

Emma: I-it's different from what Nokto is thinking!?

Nokto: Yes, yes, indecent instead of lewd.

(It means the same thing even if you say it differently!?)

Nokto: So? Did that loosen you up?

Emma: Ah, now that you mention it... You could have loosened me up in a more normal way, though.

Nokto: But it was within the bounds of common sense, wasn't it?

Emma: Ugh... Thank you.

Nokto: You're welcome.

Pushing down the embarrassment that came in place of nervousness thanks to Nokto, I pick up my glass.

When I try the Benitoite liquor, a refreshing sweetness spreads in my mouth.

(Delicious...)

While sipping my drink, I casually look around and see the nobles cheerfully chatting and enjoying the food.

(I wonder what Silvio meant by those words. So far, there's nothing strange about the party itself...)

Emma: Hey, Nokto. Do you have any idea what Silvio meant by what he said earlier?

Nokto: All I can say is, there are a few things that come to mind.

It's true that Nokto was a womanizer before we met, and there were always rumors about his affairs.

But it shouldn't be to the extent that it would earn him a bad reputation even in other countries...

Besides, if it's Nokto, he should have already sensed that he's unpopular with some people in Benitoite.

And the reason for that is--.

(Is he not telling me on purpose because he doesn't want me to know...?)

(Or is he trying not to worry me about unnecessary things during the party?)

Benitoite Noble: King Nokto, Lady Emma, welcome to Benitoite.

Nokto: Thank you for the warm welcome. Thanks to you, we are having a pleasant evening.

Nokto: As expected, your country has a fine selection of alcohol.

(I'll think about it and ask him later. I have to focus on socializing now.)

I consciously switched my mindset and continued to interact with the important people of Benitoite.

The atmosphere of the party was no different from any other I had attended.

(But... what is it?)

Even though I thought it was the same, I suddenly felt a sense of discomfort that I couldn't quite put into words.

To find out what it was, I looked around just like I did before--

(Ah...)

-

Nokto: How long are you planning to stay dressed like that?

.

.

.

Chapter 2 Premium Story

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[mxrmaid-poet]

alright rating the curse of love arc routes out currently: (from least to most liked)

Chevalier, Licht/Leon (equal to me), Yves

what r y’all’s rankings?

[wisebeth]

why does the pjo series have to unnecessarily villainize goddesses (hera & athena) or show them as silly ladies (aphrodite & demeter) BUT posiedon and apollo are somehow shown as the coolest/most likeable gods, even though arguably, they're right after zeus on terms of corruption?

ares shown as the worst god after zeus and hera amuses me. last time i checked, he was the patron god of amazons and literally killed a man for attempting to rape his daughter but guess who cursed women for rejection? apollo. guess who raped women when they said no (aside from zeus)? posiedon.

[eternallyfrustratedwriter]

Just Leon being great comic relief.