[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]

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?

[dormancy]

[They didn't as they were both interested in the dance and company. Apologies follow along with the same comments of lament over poor Grace. A billiards ball cracks as it collides with another.]

Mmm, if I may help with the case . . . ?

[genderbinary]

By all means. I'm still in the information-gathering stage of the process.

[dormancy]

Within my time, a lady could not be alone with a gentleman unless they were married. Granted, we were trespassing upon that, but the situation is a bit difficult right now.

Still, it gives some context to the party tonight. If Owen wants to win dear Chastity's heart, he needs the time and place to do so. So, here we are, assembled at a party to give him the means to woo his lady in an, mm, acceptable situation.

[genderbinary]

The earlier commotion could give them the opportunity to abscond, as we saw. That they were in this room alone might be somewhat scandalous.

[dormancy]

It could be, but I wouldn't be caught too much on that point. I would never restrict you to such strict rules.

Still . . . [pointing his cue to Chastity] It's rather forgiven in her case, since she is a widow. Her reputation is already spoken for.

[genderbinary]

In the context of acceptable social etiquette, the commotion earlier could be considered detrimental to Owen-san's desires to court Chastity-san.

[dormancy]

How very unfortunate for Owen, especially since he likely called on the help of our hosts to put this together. Does that mean you're going to lift your suspicion from him?

[genderbinary]

It's too soon to clear anyone of suspicion, but it does mean he's less likely than some of the others. How does Chastity-san feel about being courted?

[dormancy]

I would imagine that she's not going to dissuade him. Aside from that, I wouldn't be the best person to ask about her feelings.

[genderbinary]

Hmm... and if Pleasant-san was being truthful, he doesn't have a motive for it, either.