[ic]

[dormancy]

[In the interest of time and mystery, Vincent and Naoto have met at the overgrown flowers an hour after sunset as promised in a not at all suspicious manner. Luckily, or not, Vincent has found a few becoming flowers for his lady of the evening, and without further ado, they are off to a wonderful evening soiree . . .

The entrance hall is tasteful and elegant with carved wood panels, marble-topped tables, vases with white orchids spilling over. There are four doors in each direction. The door to the right is an open double door with music spilling softly out from it.]

Comments

[genderbinary]

[... turns to Vincent]

Are these cards our only source of communication?

[dormancy]

Well, a doll can't talk, I'm afraid. And you wouldn't want anyone to be hurt, would you? I promise that you can find all that you could care for and more within those cards.

[genderbinary]

[picks up the card]

Since Grace-san is indisposed, I'd like to ask if you noticed anything out of the ordinary prior to her fainting spell.

[dormancy]

[Pleasant didn't notice anything. She drank from the glass then suddenly fainted away. It seems he is deeply worried about Grace's father.]

[genderbinary]

Her father? What for?

[dormancy]

[He is going to be upset that something like this happened to his beloved daughter, of course. The father has been complaining of many troubles in the house. Pleasant doesn't know how he is going to explain all of this.]

[genderbinary]

What sort of troubles has he been complaining about?

[dormancy]

[There's been trouble with the family business, but Pleasant has been doing his best. It seems like he'd rather be left alone now. He's too upset.]

[genderbinary]

[nods, and places the card back in Pleasant's pocket, then turns to Vincent]

Is Grace-san too indisposed to speak with us?

[dormancy]

[going to her and withdrawing a card]

It seems so. It's been a rather difficult night.

[genderbinary]

Then, in that case we should speak with Owen-san and Chastity-san next.

[dormancy]

We're all done with dancing, aren't we? Well, if you'd like . . .

[genderbinary]

If the case is solved satisfactorily, perhaps we'll have one more before the night is over.

[dormancy]

Oh, that'd be wonderful.

[offering his arm to leave the ballroom]

[genderbinary]

[takes it]

They were headed to the entrance hall, I believe.

[dormancy]

Let's go see if they're still here, then.

[When they arrive at the entrance hall, it is empty. However, the door across the hall from the ballroom is cracked open.]

[genderbinary]

[heads in that direction]

[dormancy]

[They head into a parlor with a billiards table, fireplace, and a liquor cabinet—Aha, the pair has been spotted. Chastity is seated in an armchair in the corner and Owen is standing nearby her, engaged in what looks like conversation.]

[genderbinary]

[approaches them]

Pardon me, I'd like to ask you both a few questions.

[... reaches for their cards]

[dormancy]

[Vincent is wandering over to play with billiards balls, spinning a few.

Owen seems worried for Grace, but is also trying to charm Chastity. It's rather embarrassing how hard he's trying . . .

Chastity doesn't seem too bothered aside from slightly put-out at the turn of affairs. She is enjoying Owen's attention.]

[genderbinary]

How do the both of you know Grace-san and her husband?

[dormancy]

[Owen is the son of a family friend. Apparently, he's known Grace since they were both children.

Chastity doesn't know them well. They knew each other in society, but this is the first time that she's been at their home.]

[genderbinary]

Was there a particular occasion that called you two to tonight's gathering?

[dormancy]

[Owen nervously laughs.

Chastity laughs in turn, glancing at Owen. She came at his invitation.]

[genderbinary]

[raises her eyebrow]

Did either of you notice anything strange prior to Grace-san's fainting spell?