Loading User Commands:
[X] Go outside and see what happened. Youmu might be hurt.
[X] Take the skull with you. It is still wrapped in cloth.
[X] Take Youmu's swords. She might want them back.

---

Vincent sighs as he gets up. Looks like this is starting to get complicated. He picks up the skull and Youmu's swords as he leaves the room after her. He only takes a few steps outside before he finds Youmu sitting on the ground.

"Mou~," she says. "That really hurt..."

"Are you alright?" he asks.

"Y-yeah. I forgot about the barrier. Don't mind it."

He rushes over and kneels beside her. He starts checking her head and neck for injuries.

"W-wha-"

"Don't move." he says sternly.

Youmu stays unexpectedly still as he continues examining her. She doesn't seem to have any cuts or internal injuries, but she is shaking. She is a bit pale, but her cheeks are flush. Vincent tries to check her temperature, but she immediately pushes him away. Perhaps she just needs some rest?

"G-get away!" she says.

"I don't see any serious injuries." Vincent says.

"I-I-I'm just fine!" she says.

Vincent looks at her thoughtfully for a moment. Is she angry for some reason?

"Here. You forgot these," he says as he passes Youmu her weapons.

"T-Thanks," she mumbles.

She seems to calm down a bit with the swords at hand.

"Your swordsmanship is amazing," he says. "I have never seen anything like it."

"Thanks, but I'm no master," she says. "My teacher always reminded me that I need more training."

"I can only dream of matching that kind of speed," he says. "I guess that losing that match was a given."

Youmu stays silent as she examines her blades. She seems to be in deep thought.

"A-anyway, I think I need more practice before I challenge you again," Vincent manages.

".. you..." she mutters.

"Excuse me?"

She looks at him with a serious expression.

"You can read and react to my movements and technique, yet you insist on telling me that you've never studied Konpaku swordsmanship."

"..."

"Who are you, really?"

Vincent sighs.

"I told you, I don't remember that much. And I definitely don't remember seeing anything like your sword techniques before."

She draws her longer blade slightly out of its scabbard.

"Don't lie to me," she says as she narrows her eyes. "You found an opening in my defense. Why did you hold back?"

"W-what?" he says.

"Are you looking down on me because I'm a girl?"

Her eyes are cold and commanding. He reflexively reaches for his sword, but he is unarmed.

"You should explain yourself and - Kyaaa!"

Youmu jumps in surprise. Vincent can see a familiar figure behind her.

"I hate to interrupt a lover's quarrel," Yuyuko says. "But I believe that one of my favorite times of the day is approaching."

"L-Lady Yuyuko!"

"If you continue acting like that, you might scare him away, you know," she says.

"W-what are you talking about?"

Yuyuko ignores her and starts walking toward Vincent. Her sparkling reddish-purple eyes are full of kindness and concern. Her wavy pink hair carelessly flutters as she approaches. Her blue and white kimono sways in the wind as she gracefully takes each step. She puts a hand on his shoulder and gives him a gentle smile. He senses a familiar floral aroma as she draws herself closer. It reminds him of some bitter-sweet memory, though none in particular comes to mind.

"Don't worry," she whispers. "I'll have you instead, if you like."

Vincent pauses.
[ ] Offer to accompany Yuyuko in the dining room.
[ ] Offer to help Youmu in the kitchen.
[ ] Excuse yourself and return to your room.
[ ] Excuse yourself and wander aimlessly around the grounds.
[ ] Custom

The skull?
[ ] Bring it with you.
[ ] Discretely pass it to Youmu.