Lucia watched Beatrice with some interest. All of her teasing scarcely seemed to phase the woman, which wasn't as fun as it could have been, but she had some interesting reactions nonetheless. At the very least, the woman was capable of biting back. There was [i]something[/i] beneath that prim and proper shell, and Lucia wanted to see it.

This was not some strategic mind-game to give Lucia an edge, however. It was genuine curiosity and interest in their new guest. Aside from Nero, Beatrice was the first magus Lucia had ever met. An Association magus, at that, if the woman was truthful. Lucia knew the basics of their organization, but the old men at the Vatican didn't exactly have glowing praise for the Mage's Association. She was eager to discover a few things on her own, but that would have to wait.

When Beatrice mentioned the Tohsakas, Lucia visibly tilted her head. She'd heard the name, of course, and knew that they were one of the three founding families of the Grail Wars, but she wasn't privy to any sort of arrangement. Did they work together in the past? That seemed odd, but given Lucia's own involvement, she didn't exactly doubt the Church's eagerness to guide things where able. She frowned slightly before Nero showed up.

And my, what an outfit she showed up in. Of course, Lucia was already used to Nero dressing up in all sorts of outrageous things. She probably would have told Nero to dress as a nun or something, but she already had the woman on a leash. If someone else were her Master, she'd probably be strutting proudly about the city. Lucia certainly didn't want to step on Nero's spirit more than was required.

No, even Lucia didn't entirely understand why she cared about Nero's feelings so much. Why it felt nice to hang around with her. Why it had been fun to explore Rome together. She was the Antichrist, after all. Maybe it was all a trick...

Is what someone decidedly less trusting than Lucia would think.

[color=a187be]"We're colleagues,"[/color] Lucia answered Beatrice as the woman headed off to speak with the overseer, [color=a187be]"hope you two have fun~"[/color]

Lucia regarded Nero with an odd fondness, gently taking the woman's hand in hers.

[color=a187be]"Oh, your Leah impression is really good! I'm impressed,"[/color] Lucia complimented with a short giggle, [color=a187be]"how are you feeling tonight? Any special requests as far as food? Anything you'd like to do?"[/color]

---

Ludwig regarded the food she was splitting with her Master intently, before stabbing at it with a single chopstick. Truly, it was an interesting utensil! Like fighting one's food with a fang-sharp rapier to claim victory. Arthur did not, to her dismay, offer to take her shopping for something nice. Maybe he needed a more straightforward shove! That was Ludwig's specialty, after all.

Ludwig gave Arthur the smile that captured the hearts of her people, and placed her hand on her chest as if about to deliver a grand speech.

[color=fff79a]"Arthur, is it? A suitably heroic name, as expected of my Mast- of... you! As I explained, I am Ludwig II of Bavaria. Though perhaps you mean to ask my class name... which would be Saber, of course! Only the most heroic class would be suitable for the most heroic Servant, wouldn't you agree? You may call me Saber or Ludwig or even Ludie, if you'd like! After all, we are already friends."[/color]

Ludwig gazed upon her Master brightly. Somehow, the young man didn't seem completely impressed, but Ludwig's positive spirit was unassailable.

[color=fff79a]"Would you, perhaps, like to get kimonos together? I understand that my current garb, while gorgeous and jaw-dropping, may not fit with the eastern setting. Presentation is an important part of any adventure, so we should wear clothing suitable for the tale! If money is a concern, I will surely make enough on the way to cover our expenses and then some."[/color]