Chapter 1

[faentasy]

CHAPTER 1

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

And so, the confusion and turmoil of yesterday's events end as the sun sinks beneath the horizon, leaving the world silent as brilliant stars glimmer and twinkle in the night sky.

However, this only signals the beginning of a new chapter as the game starts in earnest. As the day begins anew, there are a couple of noticeable changes in the area for those who care to venture beyond their bedrooms. First off is the new additions to the second-floor lounge—what was once bare wall is now adorned with large, grandiose paintings of... well, all of you. Much like an art museum, underneath each portrait is a small plate that features some information about the subject, although some of it may or may not include some not-so-innocuous tidbits about your fellow guests.

The second change, thankfully, is far less invasive. Butterfly-winged fairies now flit around out in the open, and while there aren't that many flying around, there's enough of them that they're not too hard to catch sight of as they go about their business. The storekeeper fairy has also made their appearance in the General Store, so guests are free to make all the special orders they want, provided they can afford it.

The weather is pleasant as the sun shines down on them from the blue skies, with only the occasional puffy cumulus cloud drifting about lazily. It's calm, but you know what they say about that and storms. So, how will you start this story?

[[Welcome to Week 1! Feel free to make top levels at your discretion, and remember to note it in your header if you plan on investigating any locations. The shop is now open for business, so you can start submitting threads for either items or regains. You can also privately contact Hamelin at your leisure!

In addition, a reminder that any Murder Proposals for each week are due by Tuesday 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST! However, you may also submit murder proposals for later weeks!]]

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palace;

[biyishuangfei]

[ Invitations! Huaisang loved those, moreso for parties than something like this, but here he was.

It's a familiar place by now to probably everyone for its current impenetrable state. Though he's going to be just mostly watching her investigate because she seemed to have gotten it handled. Think of him as a decoration that spoke in the background or something. ]

So, are you hoping to get through the barrier or...?

Re: palace;

[crimson_flamel]

[She seems a little annoyed at being interrupted, but after a few moments she does give him a nod.]

It is the only part of this area we have been specifically barred from accessing. So, yes.

If there's anything we aren't meant to find, at least so early, it would be behind here.

[biyishuangfei]

Would it? I mean, I wouldn't know either way, but...what do you think is to be found in an area like this?

[ Beaides the path to the area behind it, of course. ]

[crimson_flamel]

Ideally, a way through. Iron bars are hardly inpenetrable, and I suspect this area would be entirely walled off if there wasn't a way inside. Same with the clock tower.

[She turns away from the walled off room and toward her escort.]

Why? Do you disagree?

[biyishuangfei]

[ He'll shake his head. ]

Well, no...I just don't know if we can find a way inside right in front of the blockade just by searching it up front? But you could be right.

...Unless there's a switch somewhere else or something?

[crimson_flamel]

It's a start, at least. It's possible that the clocktower, or the arcive, or anywhere else in the villa has some sort of mechanism, but I think investigating the most obvious choice to begin with tends to be a good idea.

[She places a hand beneath her chin.]

There is, of course, the simpler answer of simply finding a way to break through the bars. Acid can dissolve iron, for one.

[biyishuangfei]

That's true. Maybe there will be something else to find too.

[ And, well. It looked like he learned something new. But... ]

...Where are we going to get something like that in a place like this, though?

[crimson_flamel]

I'm not sure, frankly. Alchemy and poisons were my retainer's area of expertise, not mine, and a lot of advances in the science were stamped out by the church in my homeland.

Regardless, in this world where we are competing to murder one another, it only stands to reason that there would be a way to acquire a resource like that, or at least the means to make it.

[Fuck the church. She would have already turned these bars into soup by now if it weren't for them.]

[biyishuangfei]

[ Talk about super serious business over here...

Granted, they had been more or less brought here to kill each other for Hamelin's entertainment! ]

I wouldn't know for sure, but...that makes sense to me. I'm not sure how to make anything like that, though, and I think it'll be best left up to someone who can.

[crimson_flamel]

[Edelgard hasn't relaxed or chilled out since she was an extremely un-chill and serious eleven year old. It just multiplied. And she's not even derailing the conversation to rant about politics.]

Regardless, between the two of us, we lack the knowledge to make such a solution workable, so it would have to be something we'd bring up to others.

It's probably worth investigating elsewhere in the palace for the moment, I don't believe there's all that much to be gained here. Any preference for where we start?

[biyishuangfei]

[ Sounds like she needs someone to help her find her inner chill (???)

Jokes aside, Huaisang considered her question. He supposed since she did go through the trouble of inviting him he could consider her question seriously. ]

I don't know...

[ Then, like he had a bright idea he replied: ]

Oh, actually, what about the kitchen? I'd hate to go scope around those dungeons so we could check the kitchen out and maybe grab a bite to eat?

[crimson_flamel]

[She side-eyes him for a second before cracking a small smile.]

Yes, your thinking is entirely based off practicality, I'm sure.

I suppose I'm hungry too, and I don't particularly look forward to looking through the dungeons either. The kitchens are as good a place as any for now.

[In a very regal fashion, she begins to walk in the direction of the kitchen.]

[biyishuangfei]

Exactly.

[ He looked a little too proud of himself even if that was clearly sarcasm she just used before.

Anyway, he'll follow along in a leisurely stride in stark contrast to Edelgard's graceful steps. ]

So, it says you like to paint on your profile...is that something you do often? And what do you like to paint?

[crimson_flamel]

[She makes an outraged huff and she looks as if she's going to say something, then she deflates a little, looking somewhat embarassed.]

It's just a hobby. Portraits, mostly.

[There's a beat before she feels like she should explain herself.]

It's normally something I prefer to keep private. But... well. Regardless, yours said the same, correct?

[biyishuangfei]

[ Aw. He's kind of amused at that, really. ]

There's no shame in having a hobby like that, you know. [ A teasing tone but also genuine, before he added: ] I love painting and I do it all the time back home. It's an enjoyable way to spend time.

Also, I prefer to do mostly landscapes.

[crimson_flamel]

[This is the most humiliating moment in her entire life. She'll never recover from this.]

I... am aware of that. It's simply... personal. I don't like to share it with others.

But I do agree with you, it's quite relaxing. At least to me, though I don't think I'm very good.

[Why this. Why can't they talk shit about feudalism. That's a topic she's comfortable with.]

[biyishuangfei]

[ Sounded to him like she was shy about it. ]

While I haven't seen your skill to put my own opinion, I know that we are our own biggest critic.

[ Though now he seemed to be considering something. ]

Hmm...well, I know you said it's personal but if you're interested, we could do something fun like paint together. Or if you want, you can just watch me paint. I'm open to taking requests at this time.

[crimson_flamel]

[Darkness. Imprisoning her.]

Maybe. I don't even have the supplies necessary.

[She mulls it over, before relenting.]

I can watch you paint first. And then... we'll see. It's not really something I've done with anyone else present before.

[biyishuangfei]

Then it's agreed; we'll play it by ear and just start with me for now. Once I get the materials I'll invite you for a session. Even though you'll be just watching for now, I hope you'll enjoy it.

[ The contract has been made. Not that he thought this portion will be too much trouble, anyway. ]

Oh, by the way, do you have any requests?

[crimson_flamel]

Well, I suppose since you prefer landscapes, it only stands to reason that you'd paint our surroundings, right? Perhaps the palace, or the villa as a whole.

[The most basic option.]

I enjoy watching others paint. It's... relaxing.

[biyishuangfei]

Hmm...I guess I'll have to pick one. I won't say which to make it kind of a surprise.

[ If there were enough materials maybe he could paint some fans...though he'd have to craft those first. There were the props, but - well, he'll think more on that later. ]

You do? Well, I don't think I can just watch if our positions were reversed because I'd get stir crazy, but I'm glad you're going to be looking forward to it.