This had been a long time coming. But he never expected it to happen now, and here of all places.

After receiving a mysterious letter cordially inviting him to Oletus Manor to investigate the cause of a recent fire, of course Florian had no choice but to accept. Upon his arrival, he was greeted with keys to a guest room and an empty home save for the butler. He was later informed that other guests would be arriving soon, yet when he asked to meet with the manor’s owner he was promptly declined. Despite his suspicions about the place, he decided to finish his job and do some digging before he left. Thus began his stay at the infamous manor.

As the days passed, soon more guests began to arrive. Among them, Florian made quick friends with a reserved and introverted puppeteer named Matthias Czernin. The two got along well enough, establishing a partnership early on in their stay. Then followed a young and peppy, yet eccentric cheerleader and a refined and elegant faro lady. There remained only one key left on the foyer table, and Florian felt certain that this request would be a quick and easy one.

Until he arrived.

To say he was shocked was an understatement. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t want to believe it. And yet there in the doorway you stood. With those piercing eyes and that cunning smirk. And, wow, what a ridiculous outfit. You never did grow out of those fairy tails, did you? How was it you could stand there so confidently while dressed like that? And why did he feel as if his heart stopped beating the moment you stepped through the door?

“Richard Sterling, long time no see! I must say, I never expected to see you here. What brings you to this place?” He greeted you eagerly with a grin that stretched a bit too wide, extending his hand for you to shake. “Florian Brand. We were in the same orphanage together when we were young. Tell me, Richard…”

“Do you still remember me?”