[ these korean men really do the formal full name bs. Jin is of course here as well, the white nine-tailed fox daemon sniffing a little curiously in Harrow's direction but seems docile otherwise. ]
Doing alright? [ trial and execution sure was Something. ]
[ Jin keeps a respectable distance, despite her neediness. just wags her few tails. ]
I can't exactly complain. [ suspicion on him, could've been the one executed today instead. injuries aside he's fine enough. ] Things could always be worse.
True. You could be the one executed. [...] I don't suppose you did kill Alphinaud and recently became unpossessed and are now capable of confessing you were the culprit, are you? It seems unlikely, but I thought I'd ask.
And well, I personally would have no reason to lie about it- I would have gotten what I needed to secure my hostage. There would be no reason to hide it with the deed done. [ he shakes his head. seeming unbothered that she asks- almost expected her to, really. ] I was not the one that killed him.
However, if this shadow possession mechanic works the same way as the angels in my previous game, I imagine whoever did kill him would be more than capable of admitting it if we were to find them.
[she nods, listening, so obvious malice or anything.]
Oh? They were able to admit to it, then? [hmm.] I've heard differing tales, but either way...I hope it was not you. Or I hope that if it was, you are free of the shadow now. I believe that you would have no reason to lie, unless your hand was forced.
It was a bit complicated but, the moment they were accused they were able to freely admit to what they had done. There's no guarantee that both these possessions work the same way but past experiences is all I can rely on.
[ he speaks calmly, like he's theorizing. ] I can only say it wasn't me but my word is all you have on it. Which I'm not asking you to believe me, you're free to think as you like.
I do believe Dimitri Blaiddyd was on the right track though. That whoever had done it was someone we weren't suspecting. Rin Okumura was another being sussed out and I know for a fact that the moment someone had accused him he would have given away immediately. [ and given Bucky was the other suspect, well we know what happened there. ]
[susato would beg to differ with this but harrow doesn't know so she's nodding.]
Well. I wouldn't call Rin Okumura's behavior restrained and unsuspicious, but your point is taken. Ultimately it doesn't matter unless whoever did it is compelled again. If they aren't compelled again, and they've gotten away with it, then I can only congratulate them.
[ our sweet susato, she had a permit it was fine ]
"Ahnkeen" holds some unpleasant memories for him, so for anyone outside our game it's understandable they would see his behavior throughout the week as suspicious. I cannot fault them for that. [ arms come to a careful cross, contemplating. ]
A few of those possessed that got away never resorted to killing again in my past experience but. [ a shake of his head. ] That doesn't speak for the people here and what the shadow chooses. We would have to see in the coming week. ...Though, with our Watchers, we were capable of asking if a past killer had killed again. If it gets late into a trial, it's something I can see about asking from the staff members.
[ a pause. ] Assuming it doesn't go against their contract.
When all else fails, it really doesn't hurt to ask. It should be something more manageable to answer than simply asking who had done it. [ mods smacking our hands ]
In the meantime, you being thorough in trial really does provide a lot of information so. I hope you'll continue to provide your aid in the coming trials as well. [ the moment you die we're probably f*cked ]
I don't intend to stop. [she sighs.] I do still harbor some suspicions, but don't mistake that for malice on my part. There's no reason just yet to think the culprit - whoever they are - is any more dangerous than anyone else.
I won't, after all you're free to harbor your suspicions- whatever they are. I don't intend to try and change your mind. I do hope for all our sake we're able to get more answers and information, especially regarding this shadow.
The first piece of information - your suspicions were correct. There was no reason that I'm aware of for him to have used that locket this week. I lied to protect him, and I'm aware you weren't fooled, but it's better to clear the air that I don't plan to maintain the pretense.
The second piece of information - if there is someone among the people you speak to who is looking for revenge or simply seeking a convenient target whose hostage is secure, I would like you to also be aware that I am the one who killed Aikawa, and I was not possessed by a shadow. Clearly this is a greater level of culpability and will be more palatable for a potential killer as well.
[she is sort of standing awkwardly, a bit defiant but also putting on a bit too much haughtiness.]
Now, here is my question. You see, I was not aware before you pointed it out his locket was missing or any reason why that would be. And, interestingly enough, I also did not bring my locket to trial this week, when I did last week, a fact that seems to have slipped your attention.
You focused on the locket because you knew it was him. How, precisely, did you manage that?
[ he listens, calmly, and nods to the first information provided. ]
I do not blame you for lying to cover it up for him. Unfortunately, when it comes to covering for those we are close with, we are more likely to be ignored than trusted. It attracts attention. [ he only pauses for a moment ] However, I understand. If someone I cared about were in the same predicament I would have done the same.
[ and that isn't a lie. ] Rather, I did do the same. There were hints relating to a case back in my previous game that week Alphinaud Levelliuer died, and instead of pointing out such clues, I kept them to myself. Which you are already aware of the culprit being Diluc Ragnvindr.
[ that second piece of information though? surprises him. it is certainly news to him, but he pushes back that surprise aside and replies without judgement. ] If there was anyone that I'm familiar with that would seek revenge, it would be directed at Kaeya Alberich's killer. But even then I do not think you need to worry about that. I cannot speak of those possessed, but I for one would not play to the host's rules. I've always been the kind of man that fights against than obey willingly. Even at the risk of my hostage... I would prefer to find another way.
[ he listens to the question and glances to his own locket, still around his neck. gripping it a bit protectively. ] A room's key light does not go out once used, unlike the locket's. It's a powerful kind of evidence. It's the first thing I looked for regarding my companions on the chance I needed to try and cover it up. To be honest, I can only say I was lucky to have started with him. It could have been you instead.
[ MORE LIKE IM, ME ZETSU PERSONALLY, AM STUPID and completely missed the fact harrow didn't have hers as i tried to juggle notes between who had it last week and didn't have it this week and who even has one to Begin with. i'm an idiot ]
Between you and him, I figured he would be the one more likely to kill. Assuming him likely unpossessed and if it was you, perhaps by the shadow. [ he genuinely did not know she killed, he was caught off guard by that info ] I underestimated you.
[ but he holds his hand out to her, palm up. like a handshake. ]
I meant what I said earlier, regarding myself and my companions- we do not seek any sort of revenge kill. We won't come after him, nor you for that matter. You have my promise on that. I've been protecting my own so it isn't as if I don't understand. [ finally, he does look bothered despite his calm demeanor until now ] I cannot speak regarding shadow possession, but I'd rather attack at the heart of this situation than one another.
I haven't asked to be trusted. I feel I've been almost inadvisably open about the fact that I will lie and kill to protect those I care for. But I am young, and a woman, and there are those who seem to find it easy to dismiss ruthlessness as mere posturing, or outbursts of emotion. You are a bit of a fool if you thought that between Mollymauk and I, he was the cold one.
[she says this without much malice.]
Rather, I agree with your perspective. I have never begrudged you for protecting your own. I'm sure others have said ridiculous things implying otherwise. I believe Rin misunderstood me on this point, badly, and I regret that it has led to conflict. It is natural that we will protect those dearest to us. Unfortunate, but natural. And once the trial is over, what's done is done.
Incidentally, it was confirmed today that Sylvain was the one who killed Diluc. I'm sure this did not escape your notice, and perhaps you already knew, but in case other matters had captured your attention. I don't know who killed Sylvain and I'm not intent on finding out.
I'm not sure I believe you about the locket, but it is not worth pressing further. There is no reason we cannot be cooperative when it comes to, as you say, the heart of this situation. These trials are nothing more than a brutal diversion.
Given the number of times my companion has called me a fool, you are not wrong.
[ which he doesn't take personally. it's said light-heartedly. he knows, in some cases, he truly is a fool and it is deserved. ]
When someone is pushed to kill without their say, it is only natural we try and protect them. [ but the talk of rin has him sigh a little. that child ] He forgives easily, and even if there was a brief conflict there, he's always had a good heart and though hot-headed he tends to act his age. He would rather we work together than against.
[ and of course he does agree on that front. though as he listens some more, he goes briefly quiet ] ..No, you'd be right on that regard. I had assumed Sylvain to be guilty of it- there aren't many that can get so close to him as to kill Kaeya Alberich with poison.
[ however, he is in agreement, his temper throughout this conversation calm, but there's some confidence regarding cooperation ]
I've escaped playing as entertainment for outer gods and godly beings back in my own world, so I will keep focusing my attention on ridding of this predicament. We've all played at another's hands with this kind of story before as well and I find it would be more helpful to focus on ending it than tear one another down week by week.
I know that about Rin. He irritates me, but I know his intentions are kind ones. He wants to try to trust one another, but I would rather we trust one another to behave according to our own interests at trial, and to cooperate outside of it.
[she nods.]
There is little time left, and we must find the way out of this cycle.
It's the best approach, it'll take a lot to get through his head [ thick skull ] but he'll get around to it. Hua Cheng and I can help him understand that more.
[ he crosses his arms, contemplating. ]
It might be time to gather our information together in one place. There's a lot of information spreading as is, regarding the staff and this hotel, so I'm hoping we'll be able to put together a meeting of some sorts and get it figured out.
[ chasma with weekly town halls: where is... town hall... but mods gave us heads up for so... Soon... ]
...A word of warning. There are some who believe Sylvain's murderer must have come from among your number, and that it was an act of revenge.
I should hope this isn't true. I believe last week, Hua Cheng assured me that mid-trial revenge killings would be stopped. I understand if it was the action of a person who needed to secure their hostage and was aware Sylvain's hostage was already secure. Or perhaps there were three shadows, not two. Revenge as a motive is a bit more difficult to tolerate in these circumstances. But I personally am not convinced it came from your group. I only advise that it might be wise to clear this up if there is a more generous explanation.
If some have made the connection of Sylvain Jose Gautier being responsible of Kaeya Alberich's murder, then it doesn't surprise me some would think it might have come from our group. I'm at least confident it wasn't Diluc Ragnvindr. Hostage secured or not, he wouldn't risk killing again after having been possessed once already. Especially when I know Kaeya would not want him to seek revenge and he very well knows that as well.
I do intend to check with them shortly, I'll see if I can learn anything from it. [ he sighs a little. ] I'd understand for someone to target Sylvain for sake of an easy target to secure their hostage as you said. But I suppose we'll see if anything comes from it tomorrow by town meeting.
Good. I understand well why it isn't advisable to advertise these things. If you can confirm that it either didn't come from your group or that it only came from someone under the influence of a shadow, I'll convey that message to the concerned parties.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
w2, sunday.
[ these korean men really do the formal full name bs. Jin is of course here as well, the white nine-tailed fox daemon sniffing a little curiously in Harrow's direction but seems docile otherwise. ]
Doing alright? [ trial and execution sure was Something. ]
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Good afternoon. [...] I ought to ask you that.
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I can't exactly complain. [ suspicion on him, could've been the one executed today instead. injuries aside he's fine enough. ] Things could always be worse.
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And well, I personally would have no reason to lie about it- I would have gotten what I needed to secure my hostage. There would be no reason to hide it with the deed done. [ he shakes his head. seeming unbothered that she asks- almost expected her to, really. ] I was not the one that killed him.
However, if this shadow possession mechanic works the same way as the angels in my previous game, I imagine whoever did kill him would be more than capable of admitting it if we were to find them.
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Oh? They were able to admit to it, then? [hmm.] I've heard differing tales, but either way...I hope it was not you. Or I hope that if it was, you are free of the shadow now. I believe that you would have no reason to lie, unless your hand was forced.
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[ he speaks calmly, like he's theorizing. ] I can only say it wasn't me but my word is all you have on it. Which I'm not asking you to believe me, you're free to think as you like.
I do believe Dimitri Blaiddyd was on the right track though. That whoever had done it was someone we weren't suspecting. Rin Okumura was another being sussed out and I know for a fact that the moment someone had accused him he would have given away immediately. [ and given Bucky was the other suspect, well we know what happened there. ]
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Well. I wouldn't call Rin Okumura's behavior restrained and unsuspicious, but your point is taken. Ultimately it doesn't matter unless whoever did it is compelled again. If they aren't compelled again, and they've gotten away with it, then I can only congratulate them.
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"Ahnkeen" holds some unpleasant memories for him, so for anyone outside our game it's understandable they would see his behavior throughout the week as suspicious. I cannot fault them for that. [ arms come to a careful cross, contemplating. ]
A few of those possessed that got away never resorted to killing again in my past experience but. [ a shake of his head. ] That doesn't speak for the people here and what the shadow chooses. We would have to see in the coming week. ...Though, with our Watchers, we were capable of asking if a past killer had killed again. If it gets late into a trial, it's something I can see about asking from the staff members.
[ a pause. ] Assuming it doesn't go against their contract.
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In the meantime, you being thorough in trial really does provide a lot of information so. I hope you'll continue to provide your aid in the coming trials as well. [ the moment you die we're probably f*cked ]
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week 5; saturday
...I will provide you with two pieces of information, and one question.
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Sounds fine by me. [ there's no malice or aggression in his tone. ]
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[she chews idly at one of her fingernails.]
The first piece of information - your suspicions were correct. There was no reason that I'm aware of for him to have used that locket this week. I lied to protect him, and I'm aware you weren't fooled, but it's better to clear the air that I don't plan to maintain the pretense.
The second piece of information - if there is someone among the people you speak to who is looking for revenge or simply seeking a convenient target whose hostage is secure, I would like you to also be aware that I am the one who killed Aikawa, and I was not possessed by a shadow. Clearly this is a greater level of culpability and will be more palatable for a potential killer as well.
[she is sort of standing awkwardly, a bit defiant but also putting on a bit too much haughtiness.]
Now, here is my question. You see, I was not aware before you pointed it out his locket was missing or any reason why that would be. And, interestingly enough, I also did not bring my locket to trial this week, when I did last week, a fact that seems to have slipped your attention.
You focused on the locket because you knew it was him. How, precisely, did you manage that?
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I do not blame you for lying to cover it up for him. Unfortunately, when it comes to covering for those we are close with, we are more likely to be ignored than trusted. It attracts attention. [ he only pauses for a moment ] However, I understand. If someone I cared about were in the same predicament I would have done the same.
[ and that isn't a lie. ] Rather, I did do the same. There were hints relating to a case back in my previous game that week Alphinaud Levelliuer died, and instead of pointing out such clues, I kept them to myself. Which you are already aware of the culprit being Diluc Ragnvindr.
[ that second piece of information though? surprises him. it is certainly news to him, but he pushes back that surprise aside and replies without judgement. ] If there was anyone that I'm familiar with that would seek revenge, it would be directed at Kaeya Alberich's killer. But even then I do not think you need to worry about that. I cannot speak of those possessed, but I for one would not play to the host's rules. I've always been the kind of man that fights against than obey willingly. Even at the risk of my hostage... I would prefer to find another way.
[ he listens to the question and glances to his own locket, still around his neck. gripping it a bit protectively. ] A room's key light does not go out once used, unlike the locket's. It's a powerful kind of evidence. It's the first thing I looked for regarding my companions on the chance I needed to try and cover it up. To be honest, I can only say I was lucky to have started with him. It could have been you instead.
[ MORE LIKE IM, ME ZETSU PERSONALLY, AM STUPID and completely missed the fact harrow didn't have hers as i tried to juggle notes between who had it last week and didn't have it this week and who even has one to Begin with. i'm an idiot ]
Between you and him, I figured he would be the one more likely to kill. Assuming him likely unpossessed and if it was you, perhaps by the shadow. [ he genuinely did not know she killed, he was caught off guard by that info ] I underestimated you.
[ but he holds his hand out to her, palm up. like a handshake. ]
I meant what I said earlier, regarding myself and my companions- we do not seek any sort of revenge kill. We won't come after him, nor you for that matter. You have my promise on that. I've been protecting my own so it isn't as if I don't understand. [ finally, he does look bothered despite his calm demeanor until now ] I cannot speak regarding shadow possession, but I'd rather attack at the heart of this situation than one another.
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I haven't asked to be trusted. I feel I've been almost inadvisably open about the fact that I will lie and kill to protect those I care for. But I am young, and a woman, and there are those who seem to find it easy to dismiss ruthlessness as mere posturing, or outbursts of emotion. You are a bit of a fool if you thought that between Mollymauk and I, he was the cold one.
[she says this without much malice.]
Rather, I agree with your perspective. I have never begrudged you for protecting your own. I'm sure others have said ridiculous things implying otherwise. I believe Rin misunderstood me on this point, badly, and I regret that it has led to conflict. It is natural that we will protect those dearest to us. Unfortunate, but natural. And once the trial is over, what's done is done.
Incidentally, it was confirmed today that Sylvain was the one who killed Diluc. I'm sure this did not escape your notice, and perhaps you already knew, but in case other matters had captured your attention. I don't know who killed Sylvain and I'm not intent on finding out.
I'm not sure I believe you about the locket, but it is not worth pressing further. There is no reason we cannot be cooperative when it comes to, as you say, the heart of this situation. These trials are nothing more than a brutal diversion.
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[ which he doesn't take personally. it's said light-heartedly. he knows, in some cases, he truly is a fool and it is deserved. ]
When someone is pushed to kill without their say, it is only natural we try and protect them. [ but the talk of rin has him sigh a little. that child ] He forgives easily, and even if there was a brief conflict there, he's always had a good heart and though hot-headed he tends to act his age. He would rather we work together than against.
[ and of course he does agree on that front. though as he listens some more, he goes briefly quiet ] ..No, you'd be right on that regard. I had assumed Sylvain to be guilty of it- there aren't many that can get so close to him as to kill Kaeya Alberich with poison.
[ however, he is in agreement, his temper throughout this conversation calm, but there's some confidence regarding cooperation ]
I've escaped playing as entertainment for outer gods and godly beings back in my own world, so I will keep focusing my attention on ridding of this predicament. We've all played at another's hands with this kind of story before as well and I find it would be more helpful to focus on ending it than tear one another down week by week.
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[she nods.]
There is little time left, and we must find the way out of this cycle.
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[ he crosses his arms, contemplating. ]
It might be time to gather our information together in one place. There's a lot of information spreading as is, regarding the staff and this hotel, so I'm hoping we'll be able to put together a meeting of some sorts and get it figured out.
[ chasma with weekly town halls: where is... town hall... but mods gave us heads up for so... Soon... ]
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I agree. There is much we don't want to discuss out in the open, but we must overcome our trepidation.
There is no sensitive time, so I would propose tomorrow.
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Tomorrow is a better time than any. I'll work on prepping what I know with Hua Cheng.
Let's work on sorting this situation out with everyone else.
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I should hope this isn't true. I believe last week, Hua Cheng assured me that mid-trial revenge killings would be stopped. I understand if it was the action of a person who needed to secure their hostage and was aware Sylvain's hostage was already secure. Or perhaps there were three shadows, not two. Revenge as a motive is a bit more difficult to tolerate in these circumstances. But I personally am not convinced it came from your group. I only advise that it might be wise to clear this up if there is a more generous explanation.
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I do intend to check with them shortly, I'll see if I can learn anything from it. [ he sighs a little. ] I'd understand for someone to target Sylvain for sake of an easy target to secure their hostage as you said. But I suppose we'll see if anything comes from it tomorrow by town meeting.
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