Circe's Manor THE NEXT

[Ookalf]

...You want one of those for your room, or something?

[AmbushCat]

*The staffer---her name tag now visible, reading "Dulcinea Karate"---nods vigorously.*

Dulcinea: Er... if it's not too much trouble. I'll make room for it.

[Ookalf]

...Well, all right then... *Circe casts a spell, and a copy of the plushie appears in Dulcinea's hands.* Go wild with it.

[AmbushCat]

*The resulting "SQUEEEEE" breaks a mirror elsewhere in the Manor. Most of those within earshot flinch at the noise.*

Dulcinea: ...Oops. My bad!

Claire: *pokes her head into the room, her eyes black* What did I say before about your howling?

Dulcinea: *feigning cluelessness, hugging the plushie* Je ne parle pas anglais?

Claire: Grahhhh... *shakes her head angrily and storms off*

[Ookalf]

Ack... I know you're happy about this for... some reason... But seriously, try to keep the volume down, why don't you?

[AmbushCat]

Dulcinea: *nervous smile* Um... sorry?

[Ookalf]

...Hmph. Just be more careful from now on...

[AmbushCat]

Dulcinea: *salutes* H'okay, boss. *strolls out of the room, humming happily*

*A few moments pass before Claire steps into the room, slowly shaking her head before taking over Dulcinea's previous post.*

Claire: Stepping in until she finishes fangirling.

[Ookalf]

All right... You have any idea why she loves that thing so much?

[AmbushCat]

Claire: Not a clue. *eyes regain their normal hue* If I may suggest something, it could be that she just likes plushies in general. Be careful if you visit the maids' quarters before her employment comes to an end.

[Ookalf]

Uh-huh. Well, she's certainly entitled to her own interests...

[AmbushCat]

Claire: There's an unofficial rule making the rounds around the staff, my lady. "Do not slam the door to Dulcinea's room."

[Ookalf]

Isn't slamming other people's doors rude in general?

[AmbushCat]

Claire: Yes, my lady... and if you keep shelves of plushies and stuffed animals above the door, even more so.

[Ookalf]

Ah. I suppose she'd be fairly sensitive about that?