Video Two// This threat produced by your local high school theater department

[royalguard_style]

[Dante's been the closest things to diligent and vigilant as he can be since the other foreigners were attacked. Since he saw the initial reason for the meeting as a petty political squabble, he was sound asleep until it was too late to go help with the attack. It's not the worst news that could have come out of that meeting, but it still sucks to find out that a war you were supposed to be fighting turned hot, a bunch of innocents got hurt, and the enemy was nowhere to be found.

So here he was, speaking in front of the console and sitting on a flimsy wooden chair. The video is harshly lit with a black background. Dante wanted answers, but apparently circumstances aren't dire enough to scrimp on the dramatic flair. Things only get worse once he actually starts talking.]

You. Yes, you jerks hiding out in the castle right now.

[He makes an exaggerated pointing motion towards the screen.]

A few of the folks here have been waiting a good long time for a piece of you. You know how much it sucks to sit around waiting for an enemy that doesn't feel like showing it's ugly mug?

[He stands up and starts pacing around the flimsy chair and starts pacing around it, never straying out of the light. All the while, he keeps talking with an increasingly theatrical timbre.]

And then you finally decided to show yourselves! But apparently the people who actually want to kick your ass aren't worth your time. No, you wanted that good-for-nothing emperor, didn't you? That's why a bunch of cowards like you decided to charge into a building full of foreigners.

[He swings back onto the chair and crosses his legs in one fluid motion. Afterwards, his voice drops down to it's normal, casual tone of voice.]

Let me give you a bit of friendly advice. That guy's not the guy you want to worry about. Haven't you heard the news? I'll tell you what: why don't you come on over so I can kick your ass personally. There's a nice little bar not far from here you can try and ambush me at, and you'll have me outnumbered. I'll be waiting.

[And he waves before turning the video feed off.]

Comments

[royalguard_style]

I guess that means nobody has any idea, then.

[It feels just like home to Dante. He was almost certain the government had no idea that demons even existed until minor government agencies started going to his friend with jobs. Honestly, he's impressed that the emperor is even acknowledging the current threat.]

Huh? I've managed to nab a few odd jobs here and there, why?

[gistful]

I would like to hire you for the Hotel on a more secure basis.

[royalguard_style]

[This... might actually be a good idea. The hotel might become an important base of operations and it's already a known meeting place for the types of folks who would have even more jobs for him. If he worked there, he'd probably be able to make connections to potential clients easily. And if those clients had a beef with the cultists or Malicant, then jackpot.

But on the other hand, normal work.]

Doing what, exactly?

[gistful]

Security work, primarily. My main concern is that the Hotel is properly watched while I am obliged to spend time at my apartment. I need someone who will be able to keep the residents in check if necessary, preferably by presenting an intimidating enough presence that conflicts are ceased before they begin.

That means I will require you at minimum every three days while I return to my suite to attend my lantern.

[royalguard_style]

So basically, babysitting duty.

Well, it sounds like as good of an idea as any. Where do I sign?

[gistful]

If you would like to return with me to the Hotel, I can give you a key and we can determine your roster.