You say the worst punishment you can think of is being trapped into a marriage with a sulky princess.

"Is that so? Well, if that's really what you want." The Princess says, walking away from the balcony. Just as you start to feel a little awkward just standing on stage the gothic woman reappears, dropping something over the side of the banister and commenting, "Put this on."

You dash over, cupping your hands and letting the object fall into them. It's a rather gaudy looking gold ring with a large blue gem set into it. You can't really say it's your style.

"It's either that or the dungeon, contestant." The Princess remarks.


You slip the ring on and... Despite the rather pleasant spring warmth and sun, a horrid chill goes slowly down your back, and you think you hear a raspy giggle from somewhere. You instinctively try to take the ring off, but it seem glued on.

"I picked that up after a... Ritual. Wear that for three days, and we'll say your punishment is served."

You ask what's going to happen.

"You'll see~!" She says, for the first time sounding like she is having fun. You almost swear you can see her smile, even through the veil. "Now, off with you/ I've already had to been here for hours and we still have some contestants to go."

You and Tamako are shepherded out another door across from the one you entered. Unsure of what to do now, you walk back around to the entrance and wait for Kamiko. Your larger co-worker appears a short time later, now holding what appears to be a crossbow.

"It's a long story, and not as exciting as it sounds..." She says at you and Tamako's curious looks. She then notices your daughter's face and asks, "W-what happened?"

"We got punished!" Tamako says, laughing.

You say it's a long story and not as exciting as it sounds.