Afterparty I: Once Upon a Hotpot Dreary...

[heroicact]

[It's very likely that many want to be alone after all of that (and it was a lot, all of that altogether), but there's also merit in gathering together and rebuilding connections after everything that was upended in something as contentious as a trial in a tree. They even had to all slide down from the heights afterward, unfortunately for those with a fear of heights.

So what Jack sets about doing is simply passing on a message by word of mouth at the bottom of the absurd tree slide, tapping shoulders and nodding at those moving away as well, there will be food and drink and company later on in the lounge should it be needed. No one needs ballroom memories on top of everything else, yes?

And so anyone who comes out of their room will be hit by the wonderful smells of fresh bread and pastries, fragrant whiffs of hotpot (it's unfortunately left over from the other day, but it's hotpot so surely it's fine), the inescapable spices of curry and who knows what else has been thrown together in the moment. Jack certainly isn't the cook here, but he can heat things up in a pinch.

There are no signs or fanfare or decorations, unlike the other day; this is just a gathering place, for those who wish to shake off the weight of the days and lives on their shoulders.]

Comments

[biyishuangfei]

I can see why people did; she put on a good act, after all. It didn't help that she was rather experienced at fooling people.

[ Huaisang did not count himself as one of those who did underestimate her. He knew it'd be best to always consider both the best and worst people could do.

But he definitely agreed with her conclusions regarding Zola's person. There was nothing inaccurate about the one she had given. ]

That's true. You didn't really seem the type to give up easy either, but I felt I had to ask. After that, you can tell some of the others were in low spirits. Anyway, it is like what you said, I think, we investigate, and...continue those meetings too, right? You had set up one before, and I believe they could prove to be useful while we're gathering information.

[crimson_flamel]

Well, the meeting itself had fairly mixed results, but I think meeting to share information is probably a good idea. It seems to be just about the only thing we can cooperate on.

[She lets out a small sigh of exhaustion at that.]

Maybe keeping us focused on investigating will provide enough of a distraction to delay any murders. But Hamelin gifted that murder to Zola, so it seems he's taking just as much of a role in prompting the murders as the killers themselves.

[biyishuangfei]

Mhm. I'll be looking forward to you doing that again, Edelgard. Despite what happened last time, I think you did well in setting one up at all.

[ He meant that.

Either way, he's nodding at the rest she had to say. ]

...I think you're right. He can't try to absolve himself of things. He didn't seem the type to do that, because he's so over enthusiastic about his role in this, but it's hard to know a person like him.

[crimson_flamel]

My evaluation of his personality is that he sees himself as... a higher being, when compared to us. He seems to believe that everything he's doing is akin to you or I tormenting ants for our own sadistic amusement.

[She lets out a huff of anger before deflating. She smiles a slightly pained smile, in response to his encouragement.]

But I appreciate your support. It's easy to feel as if what I say falls on deaf ears sometimes, even when everyone is watching and listening. Especially in an environment as isolating as this. Still, I think my accusation against Yor proves that I'm hardly infallible.

[biyishuangfei]

I think that sounds like an accurate description of him. Mostly.

[ But, he'll just end up giving a small smile to her in return.

Huaisang wasn't sure how their conversation would go, but he decided that it was better she had a chance to relieve tension. ]

...Well, yes. Though I also don't think everyone can claim you were the only one wrong. A good number of people had ended up thinking the wrong thing, even not just where Yor was concerned. So, if anyone acts like you were the only one, then I'm sure you know they're being delusional.

Luckily, I don't think we have to worry too much about that for now. Later? I don't know.

[crimson_flamel]

[She almost smiles when he brings up that everyone was wrong about one thing but instead she just sighs.]

...We really did get a lot wrong in the end. All that talk of a pulley, of hanging and elaborate murders planned by a sadistic mastermind, and the answer is that Zola simply attacked on a roof and slipped off.

[Didn't make her passing any less painful, in the end.]

Were the situation not so bleak, it'd almost be amusing.

[biyishuangfei]

Someone might say you could still find some amusement in it? Like dark humor or something like that.

[ Huaisang was sure they'd have a few among their group who'd go for that. Not both of then at the moment, though. ]

But for now we can just consider what happened a good lesson for later.

[crimson_flamel]

Well, I suppose there's nothing saying that it can't be both.

[A fairly humorless smile ghosts her face.]

Do you think anyone will volunteer to execute Zola?

[biyishuangfei]

...I don't know, but maybe?

A lot of people were pretty mad at her...

[ Even besides Edelgard. He wouldn't be surprised. ]

But maybe no one will want to, because it might give Hamelin some kind of satisfaction?

[crimson_flamel]

I imagine it'll also give him satisfaction if someone like... Rika, or Nageki, or any of the...

[It feels rude to call them children. And not entirely accurate, considering she feels as if Suga or Huaising or Tenn or Riku would also not do well with having to kill a person in front of everyone.]

...any of the more bloodless players in this game are made to kill against their will.

It doesn't feel like there's a right answer.

[biyishuangfei]

...I guess not.

[ The world was never really completely and totally black and white. He knew that, even when he decided to do what he did in order to right a wrong back home. ]

But none of us ever asked for this and we need to find a way out of this place. I think...that's about as right an answer we will need for now.