EVENTS:

The maids step down into the pool, scrubbing the dirt off the two girls while gently massaging them. Eigla resists Rosa's attempts at starting a conversation, possibly too distracted by the water around her body.

An hour later, the girls lie on the king-sized bed's silk covers, relaxing as they dry up. Neither of them remembers ever being this clean and coddled. Rosa yawns as a small army of maids rubs her tail with towels, while sprinkling her body with rose-scented perfume.

This... This is the very lap of luxury. How can something like it exist in this dead world? Even before the end, it would have been outrageously expensive, not to mention rare. Désirée sure has resources to spare, to be treating them like this.

EVENTS:

The girls hug one another, and slowly drift off to sleep. Eigla's dreams are calm and merry, but Rosa has vague nightmares about looming, crawling presences on the horizon.


Emilia continues to hold Klimt's hand, looking straight in his eyes and murmuring softly.

Emilia: "Master... Love you... Love. Master Klimt. Master...""

After a while, both of them end up dozing off.


____________________________


Rosa and Eigla are woken by the chime of a small bell. Looking up, they see a dozen of maids standing by their bed. One kneels, displaying a small, carefully carved message on a letter-sized sheet of bronze.


~You Are~
Cordially Invited To An
Afternoon Picnic
With Overseeress
~~~Désirée~~~
The Magnificent
Signed,
Your Lovely Host
XOXOXO



Meanwhile, Klimt opens his eyes, still a bit groggy from his nap. Emilia stirs as well, and the two of them realise they're not alone. Désirée is also in the room, sitting on a large Ottoman while watching them with a smile.

Désirée: "Oh, please, don't mind me. I came to check on the two of you, but couldn't find it in me to awaken such a peacefully sleeping couple. I trust you've found our accomodations satisfactory?~

By the way, Klimt dear, it is almost time for our afternoon walk. Would you like to go? I'm sure your friends will all be there. That said, it's perfectly understandable if you'd rather stay and watch over... I'm sorry, ma cherie, I don't think I asked for your name before?"

Emilia: "E... E-Emilia."

Désirée: "Pleased to meet you. That is a lovely name, Emilia. I'm Désirée, ruler of this factory~"

EVENTS:

Eigla goes get dressed, finding her clothes and armor seem to already have been washed. They're still ragged, but should do for the moment. Strapping Rosa II to her waist, she prepares to reassume her bodyguard role.

Rosa lets the maids dress her in a robe, holstering her pistols under it. Carrying her Coffin like a large backpack, she's ready for anything.

The two of them follow the maids to Désirée's office. Their host seems to not be there, but a fancy coffee table is set, with tea, shortcakes and a small note.

"Went to fetch Klimt. Back in a jiffy! Feel free to try the cakes, I've used a different recipe this time!~
-Désirée




Meanwhile, Désirée bites her lip.

Désirée: "Hmmm. Even if it's not a particularly long way, she's just had a major surgery. I could make arrangements for her to be carried along, but I think she'd be more comfortable here."

Emilia: "Don't worry about me, Master Klimt! I, don't want to be a burden to you. I'll be okay! Go and have fun with the others!"

EVENTS:

Klimt and Désirée bid Emilia farewell, and leave the medical ward. As they walk, he can't help but notice just how tall she is, and ogles a bit every time she has to bend or walk sideways to get through a door.
They take a different route this time, ending at a large, luxurious lift.

Désirée: "My personal elevator, you see. It can reach almost every floor in the complex."

She presses her hand to a DNA scanner near the controls, and the two of them start ascending.




Meanwhile, Rosa and Eigla try on the cakes. They're light, fluffy and absolutely delicious, but have that same slight aftertaste of non-bovine milk. Rosa tries to make friends with her food, but it just ignores her.

Several minutes of keki later, a large door opens on the far end of the room, and Klimt and Désirée walk out of it. Curie also walks in through the main entrance, looking vaguely pleased with herself.

Désirée: "Ah! We meet again, mon amis! I hope you enjoyed the pastries. Ready for our little stroll?~"