[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]

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.

[dormancy]

My, then who could have done it~.

[genderbinary]

Well, as I said, it's too early to remove suspicion upon anyone.

You are the last individual I've yet to question.

[dormancy]

Haha, even me? But I was with you the whole time.

[genderbinary]

Yes, but that does not excuse you from suspicion. Your card itself said you were questionable, so I shall question you.

[dormancy]

If you have your heart set upon it, then I can't stop you. What questions did you have?

[genderbinary]

You were able to tell me details about the poison when we examined the drink. Was that due to your role as game master or player?

[dormancy]

Mm, as a player.

[producing a card, Vincent has had an unsavory link with poison in the past.]

[genderbinary]

[!]

I see... then, do you have any connections to the others gathered here?

[dormancy]

Well, I know them. We're all members of society, attending some of the same parties and so on.

[genderbinary]

Is that all?

[dormancy]

Haha, in the interest of clearing my name, I will say that I know some purveyors of less than savory substances . . . And someone here has made use of that fact before.

[once more, casually waving his cuestick in Chastity's general direction]

[genderbinary]

[glances at Chastity, gears turning]

... you said she's a widow.

[dormancy]

So, she is. She's gained quite a lot of wealth from the passing away of her late husband and has become highly eligible should she be willing to take anyone's hand in marriage. Few manage to do so well for themselves . . . And at her age, no less.

[genderbinary]

So she has capability... but no visible motive.

[dormancy]

That you're aware of. Ah, well~ Would care to join me for a game?

[genderbinary]

... are you deliberately trying to distract me from the investigation, Vincent-san?

[dormancy]

Haha, only entertaining myself.

[genderbinary]

You do not find such mysteries entertaining?