queenoftheboard

[queenoftheboard]

I am logging here once again to ramble about PtN after finishing chapter 13 and my fierce belief that the game is setting up something major for Eirene. While her involvement is just really significant during Raging Sands and Dreamy Bubble with tiny mentions or references in subsequent events, the more recent chapters did make interesting mentions re. how Quinn was funding (and arguably supporting) settlements outside DisCity if the worst came to pass. There has also been a lot of focus on Nirvana and what they do since chapters 9-10 were published and introduced the Rustfire arc. Now, if you go back to Eirene's interrogation, this is the company she was trying to mess with. In short - Eirene is trying to break the monopoly that Nirvana has over hypercube mining and transportation, but these were objectives laid out before the game added more lore about how the hypercube industry was handled by DisCity. Eirene knows too much, has something of a reach that goes beyond DisCity (she has control over Eastside through Quinn and brokered a deal with Chief while the investigation of her operations in Syndicate under Bishop were noticed) given her Outland origins and definitely is aware of Paradeisos with interesting connections involving at least Langley. On top of everything - we still don't know why she turned herself in. Chief never captured Eirene - she voluntarily surrendered herself to the custody of the MBCC and, one may suppose, the shackles. She is the mastermind (her title) and a chessmaster - there is no way she isn't featured in the main arc of the story and I won't accept any arguments to the contrary. I must fuel and live with my own delusions (just like Donald - easily my 3rd favorite sinner after Raven now; it's so funny to me that they would be my next choices in terms of muses following the queen of careful planning and cold logic, haha).

#♔ ooc . taking a step back #tbd #I know I sound like a broken record #supposedly finding 'evidence' in every event re. my queen #but this is how I operate now - I simply must believe

[queenoftheboard]

I know I have not been active on Eirene but I play PtN daily and am still so damn invested in this game and the lore - I finally got to play through Raging Sands since this was the only event that I missed out and I loved the tidbits on Eirene and Quinn here. These are just some screenshots, but they do validate some of my own headcanons (particularly the one where charities are upheld and funded by Quinn), as well as the fact that Eirene's reach outside DisCity is likely not comparable to her competitors. The final chapter with Eirene herself appearing ties in nicely with her role in Dreamy Bubble - between Raging Sands and the subsequent event, she has found out about the shackles, the way Black Rings operate, lucid dreaming and so many interesting things - there is no way she won't play a more relevant role in the canon story because she is setting up a long game and she allows herself to get arrested - plans on it, even. She knew she would be shackled. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my usual ramblings about my favorite queen and are equally excited to pull for the next disaster sinner (I am so excited for Don that I skipped both Eleven and Eve, I have wanted his gremlin ass since November).

#♔ ooc . taking a step back #♕ headcanons . everything is as I’ve planned

[queenoftheboard]

Of course this was a scam - we all know Eirene has less than familial affection for her siblings but I definitely had a good chuckle at this one. As if a Campbell would ask for the help of others instead of fighting with everything they have - honestly, if this was one of her siblings... Eirene would have been mortified of being associated to such a weakling.

#♔ ooc . taking a step back

[queenoftheboard]

I frequently get Eirene in my supervision incidents but hers were usually the two related to bureau management and the requests for new books. This is the first time, in almost a year playing the game, where something in relation to her father appeared. It frankly surprised me - Eirene has no love for her father, as the interrogations made very clear; Bryce Campbell fostered unhealthy and toxic competition between his children and has offered Eirene nothing remotely affectionate or good, judging by the special voice lines from her child attire. And yet - she couldn't bring herself to kill him and holds him in a cell under surveillance. Eirene also sends him flowers on his birthday and this is so incredibly interesting. She is greed personified, I am 100% convinced she will be trying to meddle with Paradeisos (after all, she has some incredible mental chess game going on with Langley) and people are mostly "pawns" to her, but deep down... She is still human. She is still capable of mercy. I don't think she likes being confronted with the notion that she has feelings or that she can do "good" things (when it wins her no advantage or leverage) but this just reinforces that, under a perfect combination of circumstances... Eirene can be more of a person and less of an ice queen.

#♔ ooc . taking a step back #♕ headcanons . everything is as I’ve planned #I am just begging for more of her #I refuse to believe she won't play a major role in the main story #I just refuse

[queenoftheboard]

Cinnabar's hand moves before she could think about it, a small and bashfulーand all too genuine, nonethelessーsmile curling upon her lips as she gives the Quinn CEO a few pats on the head.

♕ unscripted asks . always accepting

It happened out of the blue - there were no actions that could possibly explain that gesture or any words that had been said which could have been declared as motivators. It was an ordinary afternoon, another routine visit to a different manufacturing facility owned by Quinn and where Eirene was making herself not only present, but visible.

The intimidating CEO and founder was not a myth - and the sheer respect she commanded was enough for the average employee to redouble their efforts and to put aside any thoughts that inspired less than diligence and loyalty to the company.

But in the small office space of that manufacturing plant, Cinnabar thought differently. The brunette was standing while Eirene remained seated, a traditional arrangement and one fitting of a bodyguard that never allowed herself to relax while on duty - but that also highlighted the amusing height difference between the two of them. Even if the Quinn president had been standing with her usual heels, Cinnabar would still come out as the taller of the two.

Fitting for a protector role, and no issue at all for Eirene - until that advantage was put to use in another way and it had the older woman stilling completely. The hands holding a couple of printed reports froze, and bi-colored eyes lost focus immediately; a moment was needed before the businesswoman was able to move in the chair, rotating it enough to face the bodyguard at her side.

Now, there was a faint blush on Cinnabar's face - as if the other woman was realizing just what she had done and just the type of person she had... Patted. It was more than breaching some sort of boundary to touch Eirene without her inviting as much, but to do so in a way that felt dangerously childish.

Proud, arrogant, overconfident - those were not traits Eirene Campbell had as a girl under Bryce's tutelage; she wasn't very fond of recalling her time with the other Campbells either.

But Cinnabar didn't mean it - and Eirene could see that much, even as her mismatched eyes narrowed and pinned the younger individual to the spot under her gaze, disallowing the bodyguard to move or look away. A gloved hand dropped the papers to the CEO's lap and then moved skywards to capture Cinnabar's offending limb, or so one thought.

But if the younger female was expecting some sort of insult or physical punishment, it didn't quite turn out to be that way. Eirene lowered the other girl's palm then pressed it against her own face, closing her eyes for a second and seemingly enjoying the warmth that seeped from Cinnabar's digits to her own skin. In that moment, it was as if the Campbell heiress was out of time and space - not an icy queen with an empire to run, but just a human with a heart.

"You are so unlike anyone I've ever met, Cinnabar," the businesswoman said at length, eyelids revealing the unique gaze once more while Eirene removed the brunette's hand away from her visage gently, almost as if a sudden reaction could shatter that precious interlude, "I thought it would get you killed before, but maybe it helps you stay alive. I don't think I'd like to see you changed."

A small sigh followed and Cinnabar earned a smile from Eirene - a curious one; it wasn't cruel or sarcastic, but it had a hint of something predatorial, too. But luckily for the bodyguard, the words that followed confirmed that she was under no employment or personal risk.

"You're mine, now. And I don't take kindly to anyone who harms anything - or anyone - I care for."

#♔ answered . this is my move #cxnvicts #v: we own DisCity #look this was in my head all night #and I knew Cinnabar would survive the encounter #she might be one of the very few who can get away

[queenoftheboard]

Of course Eirene is my favorite, as if anyone needed help to figure this out going by my blog alone. I love that I get her for supervision frequently even if I have reached 100% with her for a while now.

#♔ ooc . taking a step back #technically I have 6 sinners maxed out #got the achievement and all #unfortunately I don't know when I'll have the libram complete again #but it was nice while it lasted haha

[queenoftheboard]

SINNER DETAINED ー THREAT ASSESSMENT A ! MBCC － S － 299: CINNABAR

cxnvicts   ー   an independent, semi-selective, and low-activity multi-muse featuring Path to Nowhere’s certainly up-to-no-good Sinners: Chameleon, Cinnabar, McQueen, Female!Chief, and more as imagined by Milky !!

report   //   dispatch assignments // muses

#♔ ooc . taking a step back #♖ promotions . fellow players entering the game #Cinnabar may or may not be the reason #Eirene gets to be someone a bit _better_ at some point #Milky turned me into a Cinny stan with such ease

[queenoftheboard]

#♕ aesthetics . money is not the only thing Quinn can offer you

[queenoftheboard]

Daigo walked into the room he shared with his wife, aimlessly scratching at his chest through the black t - shirt he wore. With this old top and boxers on, it was evident that the ex - yakuza was preparing to close out the night soon. He stopped in the middle of the room at the sight of the light on in the bathroom, a brow raised thoughtfully.

Maybe, tonight — ?? Daigo bit his lip, stepped up to one of the bedside tables, and rooted around in a drawer. After a moment, he pulled out what he was looking for, which had been purposefully buried at the bottom. The former Chairman left his shirt and glasses sitting on the furniture. Daigo scrubbed his fingers through his hair and moved toward their spacious bathroom.

Eirene was where he expected she would be. She always needed time to get ready for bed, especially when removing her make up and her skin care routine were factored in. Daigo kept one of his hands behind his back as he approached the Irishwoman from behind. He loomed over her in the mirror, yet the ex - yakuza still murmured to her soothingly to give fair warning. Daigo's free arm wrapped loosely around Eirene's waist.

At first, he said nothing of his intent. He craned his head around in order to kiss her neck, peppering the soft flesh there with tender kisses. Daigo's beard scraped against the flawless surface — a sensation he had been told was surprisingly enjoyable.

"Eirene . . . " the former Chairman nestled his cheek against her hair and stared at her in the mirror. "I did have a proposal. The kids are asleep. We have a few hours until the baby wakes up again. If you aren't too tired, there is — I like the idea of this, I'll say." A pink flush crept over Daigo's cheeks, and his hold around her middle tightened. He cleared his throat reflexively and lifted up his concealed item. It was a thick, black collar with a matching leather leash that was clearly meant for play.

Daigo inhaled Eirene's scent deeply. "I never thought to bring this up before. I saw something recently ; it suddenly occurred to me that I might enjoy it. Being on my knees, listening to your orders, with you . . . on the other end. What do you think ??"

♕ unscripted asks . always accepting

Eirene needed considerable time before going to bed even on ordinary days - just braiding her hair took long enough, even if the Irishwoman did it with admirable ease after so many years. Motherhood had complicated things a bit - but luckily, their household was a fortunate one with all sorts of material comforts and help.

The fact that Daigo had gladly stepped into a more domestic role also collaborated for the perfect family picture they painted to outsiders; but, contrary to expectations, their projection was very much real. It had all started with a fake marriage proposal, but now their children and home were very much sacred treasures.

Eirene loved Daigo from the bottom of her heart, as well as their children... And sometimes, it surprised her. The Quinn CEO was not a good person but she was... Better. Less of a cynic, guarded individual thanks to the changes the ex-yakuza operated on her and the additional safety he provided. The former chairman had been a pawn originally, but he was her king these days; together, they were much more powerful than she ever could be alone.

The fact that the Japanese man joined her in the bathroom was not unexpected - Eirene even placed the hairbrush down when he embraced her in order to profit from his presence properly. The kisses were sweet and she smiled at their reflection, murmuring with appreciation for the way he nuzzled into skin; the blonde had once told Daigo that he had looked handsome while in jail... And he had kept up the look.

But when his surprise item was brought to light, Eirene stilled for a minute. The bicolored eyes moved from the mirror to the actual collar, the nearest hand moving to hold it and test the feel against her fingertips. The feeling of the material, the flexibility of the leash, the idea of Daigo Dojima on his knees... For a minute, there was absolute no reaction from Eirene but for a harder, decided grip around the collar.

And then she smiled.

"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly make me love you more," Eirene sighed fondly, shifting in his embrace to look at Daigo properly instead of relying on the mirror of their luxurious suite. Her acceptance was clearly obtained based on that reaction alone, but the fact that she tossed the hair out of the way with a free hand and then worked to place it around her husband's neck was just the last touch.

It fit perfectly - sturdy enough for yanking and having him at her feet (literally), but also not leading to any suffocation or issues with breathing. The woman was evidently focused on her task, slipping her robe off once she was done to stand before him in a silky pajama set and then appraising Daigo as if he was an object of art for auction at an expensive gallery. Eirene turned around and rummaged through the drawers, finally picking something up and going back to the man.

A pair of scissors - which tore easily through the simple t-shirt the ex-yakuza had on without any warning. He had said it himself - he wanted to follow her every whim and order and Eirene wanted him exposed. What use was this collar if he had clothing on to distract her from the experience?

"The safe word is 'gladiator'. Just say it and I'll stop if you feel uncomfortable," the woman said with sincere kindness, standing on the tip of her toes to kiss him on the mouth - but hands were already everywhere, feeling the ripple muscle up and pushing him gently backwards, back into the room and which was now going to be her own little arena.

Eirene was about to eat Daigo up and she hoped he would enjoy every second of it.

"First, you will rip whatever I'm wearing with your bare hands," she issued the initial order, smiling darkly at the way the Japanese man reacted to the commands, "Then, you will crawl to me and kiss every inch of skin you see until I release you. You cannot touch yourself, otherwise I will punish you for disobeying me."

A tug at the leash was given for good measure, even if Eirene was not currently towering over him and would likely loose any form of close combat with Daigo - the only thing she had going for her was his willingness to surrender and obey, really, and it made her blood run hot, "And then you will be a very good throne for me and make sure I come all over you - at least twice. If not, I won't ride you and I will be so very disappointed with my slave for this night."

A pleased laugh followed, Eirene then sitting at the edge of their king-sized bed with the grace of a queen and motioning for him to get on the floor - the eagerness of the ex-yakuza in obeying and getting into character sent a shiver down the CEO's spine, and she regarded him with thinly veiled lust.

"Well - what are you waiting for? Get to work, Daigo. You have your orders."

#♔ answered . this is my move #dojimakaichou #v: the queen & king of the chess board (Yakuza) #♔ nsfw . how about paying me with yourself? #yeah it's past midnight #but apparently the murder wifey won't be denied today #have this lady going bananas over the househusbando

[queenoftheboard]

By the time Eirene Campbell walked into the meeting room arranged for her visit to Daigo Dojima, she was dressed and behaving just as she would if they were still surrounded by the elegant walls of her private office. The sound of heels clicking against the polished floor was unhurried, as well as the motions to pull back her own seat. The yakuza would have done it for the Irishwoman under different circumstances, no doubt - but being a gentleman was no longer a possibility when he remained chained to the table.

A chuckle left Eirene's lips when the man acknowledged the date, a nod following to confirm his impressions. Her hands then were also placed on the table, the right one resting atop the left as if she too was bound by some sort of invisible restraint - but undoubtedly closer to the center when compared to Daigo's limited mobility. "And here I thought a lady was encouraged to do as she pleased on her birthday. Are Japanese traditions that different?"

It was a playful joke, of course - the fact that the bicolored eyes staring at Daigo had no cold edge to them told him as much. In fact, Eirene's visual focus was temporarily moved from the chairman's face to his collar, noticing the rebellious streak in how his uniform was not fully buttoned up. In all their meetings before, at least before the yakuza was sent to jail, the Japanese man had looked nothing short of perfect.

Now... He was different; it had been a while since Eirene last visited him there, and his hair was not only greying, but growing. An eyebrow was raised in response to that unconscious examination, as well as the slight increase to the curve on her lips. The CEO of the Quinn Group clearly approved of the visual changes, but there was no actual comment on that as the female's gaze returned to the visage of her own business partner (and underworld ally).

"I came to thank you for the thoughtful gift sent earlier. I do recognize your handwriting, Dojima-kaichou," Eirene shifted to Japanese then, as part of their little language game. They would try to keep conversation going in the other party's native tongue for as long as they could, perhaps out of misguided pride... Or maybe because it was just a fun little challenge, "I didn't bring it here, of course. But I was impressed you noticed that I like these creatures as well."

The right hand moved then, raised to the area where the distinctive brooch holding cape and dress together was located - carved out of precious metal and shaped like a dragon. Many would not necessarily realize that Eirene held some sort of appreciation (or fondness) for it - but Daigo had, despite not even meeting with the Irishwoman often. A larger smile followed, with the CEO leaning slightly forward while keeping the yakuza in her sights.

"My very own Dragon of Dojima - I am touched, Daigo-kun."

for @queenoftheboard.

★. ―

Daigo was just beginning to doze off when a noise outside of his door caught his attention. He waited for a moment, unsure if it was really for his cell ; soon, however, a droning voice slipped through the portal to his miserable little room. In spite of the sleep still clouding his eyes, the Sixth Chairman rose to his feet. Stiffly, given his old wounds and lack of comfortable quarters, but he managed it nonetheless.

As the guards finished with their normal protocols for entry, Daigo scrubbed his face and pushed his hair out of it. Those dark locks, peppered with a bit of gray due to stress, were growing uncontrollably. The same could be said for his facial hair. Outside of these walls, Daigo liked to keep his scruff neat and tidy. During the course of his prison sentence, however, he had let it go. He now boasted a rather handsome, short beard. There was something about it that amused the yakuza — to the point that he often claimed he would only shave it when he and his pseudo - uncles were freed, much like a symbol of victory.

The prison officials appeared relieved at the sight of Daigo simply waiting, though they quickly schooled their features. It was no secret who he was ( hence his isolated cell ), and many of the younger guards approached him with a touch of nervousness. Daigo had laughed to himself once when he overheard a pair of them, who were practically boys, muttering about the sheer size of Tokyo's most infamous marksman. Evidently, there were some grains of truth sprinkled through the wild stories about the Tojo Clan's legends.

Daigo said nothing as his legs and arms were appropriately chained. He allowed the guards to check his restraints without fuss. A sharp tug to the band around his waist made the yakuza wince, and Daigo sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. In here, he couldn't start fights — not unless he wanted to add more time to his sentence — but there were few who respected that.

After, he was taken through the halls. Daigo lifted his feet to the best of ability, back straight. He was a proud man, and this third stay in a jail would do as much to break his spirit as the last two. As they walked past the corridors leading to the other blocks, Daigo wondered where his uncles were being housed. Their cells were frequently moved in the hopes of preventing any escape ( or rescue ) attempts. Finally, Daigo's destination came in view : the visiting area. The Sixth Chairman raised a brow at that. Who could possibly — ??

Daigo was brought into a private room of sorts with a single metal table and pair of chairs. The guards escorted him to the closest seat, ordered him to sit, and promptly chained the Chairman to the furniture. There were places for the links to slide through and be locked into, which left the man with a highly limited range of motion. Daigo looked around curiously, unsure of what to think. This type of visitation was normally for when he had particularly powerful individuals present that required a greater level of discretion ( and could wave enough influence to remove the glass between them and come close ).

The door he was taken through closed with a snap and a low buzz ; on cue, the matching slab on the other side opened. Shock bloomed in Daigo's features, and he sat back to the best of his ability. His jumpsuit, with its brazenly unbuttoned collar, wrinkled fantastically.

"I was under the impression that today is your birthday, Miss Campbell," Daigo said, lips tugging into a tired smile. His English was rusty, but it would do. "Why the hell are you spending it in a place like this ??"

#dojimakaichou #v: the queen & king of the chess board (Yakuza) #t: dojimakaichou 02 #actually no Daigo she has no better plans #she would rather just be in prison #flirting with a man in chains

[queenoftheboard]

"Happy birthday, my love," Nathaniel says with a smile, looking at his wife as she lay in bed, waking up disheveled from their previous night's bout of entanglement. As beautiful as ever. Gods above and below, but he loves her so very much - perhaps especially with his fingerprints still embedded in her hips, his teeth marks in her breasts and thighs, the ghost of his tongue still flicking within her. Oh, but to taste her again this morning, to set aside the breakfast he has brought her so he can hear her moans and the call of his name from her lips

That can wait until later. For now, he sets the tray of breakfast carefully on a side table, and leans down to kiss her, his hands bracing on either side of her body, his mouth lingering against hers, the barest of pleased sounds pulling from his throat. How in the world does he, a man who has sinned so viciously, deserve this woman as his partner, his lover, his wife? --Ah, but of course: She loves his sins. And they two have sunk deeply into the label of sinner, in many sense of the word.

He parts the kiss but lingers near her lips, deep eyes gazing into her bi-colored eyes. Truly, she is an incredible woman. "Breakfast in bed, and then the day is yours. I have cleared my schedule entirely for you."

♕ unscripted asks . always accepting

Eirene Campbell was once a girl who had genuine apprehension in relation to birthdays - it was usually a date to be celebrated with family and loved ones, but what was an illegitimate child fighting for survival to do in the absence of both of these things? The only advantage the young chess prodigy had at the time were her wits and determination; symbolic milestones on a calendar did not matter much.

That hadn't exactly changed with the years - Eirene's own birthday was a day like any other, perhaps with a good excuse for scheming and networking to further solidify some business opportunities. An event she could spin in her favor, just like charity auctions and inaugurations of novel entrepreneurial ventures. Greed and long-term vision shaped the CEO and expanded the reach of Quinn - but that was not entirely true anymore.

Well, Eirene did not care for the majority of the salutations, cards and gifts; but she did care for her husband's affection and worship, the one man that was able to lift her to the skies and beyond while simultaneously joining her in hell. Treated like a goddess, but surrounded by all other mortal sins - and feeling exquisitely powerful despite the absence of their usual props and jewelry.

Just messy locks, panting breaths and reddish trails left by fingers and nails; as Nathaniel returned to their shared bed and kissed Eirene, the woman did not miss the chance to toy with the barbell in his tongue and to further sink into the mattress bringing him along. The world was theirs - they were each other's, too. There was nothing more personal than having another's heart at the center of the palm and that was precisely the gift that the lawyer kept offering his beloved.

The best birthday gift indeed - all the hypercubes and diamonds could never hope to compare; to look into his ruby-colored gaze and feel undiluted devotion and the certainty that he would kill for her just as she would swiftly eliminate anyone who dared to inflict him any pain.

"I wonder just how much that will cost me - an entire day with Eastside's most famous lawyer my beck and call," a breathless laugh followed at the silly joke because they both knew Eirene could afford it. Either in the original sense of the thing, as they used to do when Mr. Fox provided legal counsel to the Quinn Group, or now as husband and wife.

"I feel selfish today, Nathaniel," the woman confessed as if that was a secret and not something normal; Eirene had never been known for a compassionate soul anyway, she only did a very good job of hiding it from the masses. But the sinner on top of her knew it, and somehow found a path to the more vulnerable, soft parts of the human heart that still thrummed in Eirene's ribcage.

"I don't want to share my gift with anyone - I don't want you out of this bedroom, my dear husband," the woman chuckled, hands wrapping his neck like treacherous snakes but doing nothing in addition to pulling him for another kiss. One that was hungry and which worked as a distraction to have Eirene rolling them over, settling over Nathaniel's hips and reaching for some of the fruit of the breakfast tray nearby - a ripe strawberry, brought to his lips and which made a mess with the sweet juice over the lawyer's flawless skin.

"I have everything I need right here," the woman murmured, doubling over his frame to lick the remains of the squeezed fruit and then to kiss Mr. Fox again, nuzzling momentarily against his face in a surprising act of genuine affection, "You are the perfect present, my love."

#♔ answered . this is my move #svnsworn #v: checkmate (or is it) #♔ nsfw . how about paying me with yourself? #remember when they were all prim and proper? #yeah neither do I #these two are just terrible and sinful together and I love it

[queenoftheboard]

Francesco Scognamiglio (2011), Pamella Rolan (2018), Alexandre Vauthier (2018), Oscar de la Renta (2020), Iris Van Herpen (2015), Jean Paul Gautier (2016)

#♕ aesthetics . money is not the only thing Quinn can offer you

[queenoftheboard]

It came at lunch, brought in the thin - fingered hands of Daigo's aniki. A brilliant, full bouquet of blooming red roses — one dozen, as was proper — with a small white card. Written in what could only be his handwriting were the words ' to the Queen of Tokyo. ' This short, sweet message was the same that came with flowers every year ; however, the significance of it was far greater on this occasion.

Daigo Dojima was in jail, accused of burning down a part of the town he loved more than his own life, but he hadn't forgotten Eirene Campbell's birthday. He always sent her some lush arrangement with a short, cryptic message that never quite gave away his identity to a passing stranger. Even from behind bars, the Tojo Clan Chairman had insisted on writing the card himself.

Occasionally, the fragrant blooms came with wine or jewelry. It was clear, though, that Daigo's mind was elsewhere for this particular birthday. Junichiro also left a thin box. Inside, on plush red lining, laid a gleaming steel knife. The handle was beautiful and featured a golden Japanese dragon that contrasted with the bright silver of the blade. It was a pocket knife, by the look of it — the sort of weapon one could hide under a dress, in a shoe, or stow away in a purse. Clearly, Daigo was worried about her safety, which was a sentiment he would never say directly to the Irishwoman.

' HAPPY BIRTHDAY ' the gifts proclaimed. Such was the same sentiment that lingered on Daigo's lips as he lounged on the bed in his cell, arms folded behind his head. A ghostly smile crossed his lips, and he said it to himself again.

"Happy birthday, Eirene," the Chairman whispered.

♕ unscripted asks . always accepting

There was a knock on the door that wouldn't have been enough to distract Eirene Campbell on most days; even her staff knew how fiercely focused the woman could be during work hours, but that was no ordinary day. Well, not one that the Quinn CEO had previously cared for at some personal capacity - but her birthday was not exactly a state secret, and many people kept calling or sending gifts out of polite courtesy or to remain in her good graces.

As a result, Eirene's focus was suffering - even if she would never admit it to anyone, she had been taking twice as long to peruse any of the documents laid over her desk. When Muriel entered at that time, she almost groaned with a mix of relief and frustration, ready to order some freshly brewed coffee (was it too early for whiskey?) before the flowers robbed her for speech for a moment.

Red roses, twelve of them - they had to be from Daigo.

"Junichiro just came by and left something for you, ma'am. I know you asked for the gifts to be kept outside, but I had a feeling you would appreciate the chance to check for the contents in this case," the personal assistant said with a tone that carried just enough mirth - a preposterous attitude in anyone else, but Muriel was lucky to be within Eirene's close circle; a person who, in private, enjoyed the benefits of speaking to the CEO more like a person and less like a queen.

The bouquet was handed over first and Eirene needed a moment to enjoy the perfume, moving to the card next - simple words, but in very familiar handwriting. The words 'queen' and 'chairman' had been used as proxy of insults once, perhaps even taunts; but on her birthday and knowing just where the sender was located, it was strangely comforting. Even behind bars... He didn't forget; the yakuza somehow managed to sign it himself.

Daigo Dojima was really impressive - Eirene was sure she had made the right choice to place him at the center of her expansion to Japan.

But the box that came with the flowers was a full blown surprise - a knife; one that could eventually be used even against the man gifting it to her, since she had been decently trained at self-defense and had no shortage of means to conceal it and carry it everywhere. After all, Eirene had long learned how strict the legislation was on fire arms in Japan - but less so on other weapons. Particularly now, when Kamurocho was into deep turmoil and different foreign powers were all trying to rob the Tojo of their rightful seat.

But there was no Quinn without the ancient Tokyo clan and, for once, the Irishwoman was focused on reclaiming the chairman seat for Daigo from the deeply suspicious Someya and who held no affection for the blonde mafia heiress - rooted in business reasons or otherwise.

But more than the useful aspect of the gift, the decoration of the item gave Eirene long pause - a dragon. There was a lot of symbology for that creature in Japan, and the CEO knew of the famed man carrying the 'Dragon of Dojima' title around, of course. But it had also been a powerful beast that inspired Eirene as a child - no actual chess piece, but a shogi one. A hand touched the dragon-shaped brooch that was placed over her chest, one of her trademark fashion choices - and then gingerly caressed the beautiful engraving of the small knife next, the gestures tender like Eirene had been given a piece of jewelry from a lover.

"Beautiful," the birthday woman finally said something, and seemingly remembered that Muriel was still there. Bicolored eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but the older female quickly regained her footing and snapped the box shut, motioning to the roses next. "Bring me a vase for these, my dear. I'll have them in my office - I'm also keeping this box; you were right to bring these directly to me," she commended her employee's instincts, but made no further comment in relation to the smile gracing the younger one's lips.

Well, it was her birthday - Eirene supposed it was alright for her to express contentment for a particular set of gifts, even if the person sending them was a major part of why she felt suddenly warm and with cheeks aflame. Luckily, not even Muriel was there anymore to pay any notice to it.

Rounding her desk and returning to the seat, Eirene placed the bouquet over the surface while waiting for the vase and removed the card from the arrangement, placing it right to the side of the decorated knife container and opening it again to glance at the piece. Beautiful, thoughtful, dangerous, very much a Japanese treasure - just like the sender.

"Muriel," the woman said next when the assistant re-entered the office with a vase already full with water, "Cancel my 4pm meeting and let the driver know we are going to the prison instead. I need to pay chairman Dojima a visit today."

#♔ answered . this is my move #dojimakaichou #v: the queen & king of the chess board (Yakuza) #murder (not yet) wifey is awake haha #how dare he be so good at gift giving #and making this ordinary day special? #she even ~blushed~ a little!

[queenoftheboard]

The Chinese official post for Eirene's birthday has an interesting quote! Honestly, I can definitely see Eirene not really caring for her birthday (I doubt it was cherished by a family that was so hostile towards her) so this does fit my own headcanons of birthdays being just ordinary days for her. This perception may, of course, change over time - but I still think that, deep down, any glorious or lavish parties would be thrown mostly to keep up appearances and to use these occasions as networking opportunities. As with everything else, Eirene is always capitalizing on everything to her own benefit; if her birthday being a big thing earns her some advantage, then she would do it. But deep down, she isn't expecting anyone to do it for her out of genuine affection or anything of the sort.

#♕ self . I’ve come to meet you my dear… partner in crime

[queenoftheboard]

Today is Eirene's birthday and I am delighted to have this high resolution picture of hers! There is just so much I could never fully see in detail before - such as how her original 'dragon' concept from the beta art is still there. She has a dragon-shaped brooch (holding her cape to the dress), an earring on her right ear and also appears to be the inspiration for the bracelets on her right arm. I also think this is why she wears this crown and has these fun decorations on the left side of her dress (like a 'tail' of sorts). This has left me pondering if any of these motifs remain - most of her concept and in-game quotes were entirely reworked to chess things (including her alternate skin - even her swimsuit is in chess colors!) and I do think she's more of a chessmaster/queen-coded character, but these details are simply gorgeous!

#♕ self . I’ve come to meet you my dear… partner in crime

[queenoftheboard]

It's impossible to remain F2P when Eirene keeps getting additional skins - look at her adorable pawn self before becoming the powerful queen we all know and love. This skin is so cute and I'm loving the added bits of lore re. the Campbells.

#♕ self . I’ve come to meet you my dear… partner in crime

[queenoftheboard]

#♕ musings . you can never have too much power at your disposal