[ Her conceit is breezy enough not to hit too hard. But anyway, is his complexion from the emotional trauma of the execution today, or the stab wound? The mysteries never cease.
She takes this as an invitation to stay, though she does so while avoiding as much contact with the dirt as possible. Maybe a little bluntly: ]
anyway soo-won is just going to laugh at that - though it's a far more gentle noise, as if he doesn't want to aggravate his injury, and maybe because he wants to save his breath]
Oh, I can imagine. But you'll keep a secret, won't you?
[ . . . . there's just a little bit of a smile at that, gentle and amused]
... I'll keep it in mind - but you really needn't worry. Despite what everyone seems to think, I am capable of looking after my own injuries. Washed, wrapped, bandages regularly changed.
I'm sorry that you feel like you have to worry after me.
[ Her lips quirk up into a smile too, even if her mood is low. ]
It's not that I don't think you're capable. People offer to do things because it can make them feel good about themselves, too.
[ A fact she is very aware of, and abuses frequently. People can be both giving and selfish. ]
Maybe people just want to tend to your woes because it makes them happy to be of help to you. [ To take care of someone they like and soothe their own worries about them. ]
If this is your minimal amount of scolding, I worry after the extent of it in greater quantities, Hilda...
You know that it's not a good idea to broadcast how hurt I am, you know? It can put me in difficult situations - if anything, keeping it a secret is the only thing that cleared my name yesterday.
[ she taps the bandages, thoughtful, too light to really feel. ]
Well, we talked about it being one of those weird 'effects' right? The rest of them faded before trial, so I just wanted to make sure these were still around. They must've been something else, maybe the killer was trying to hide their own wounds by giving them to a bunch of people...
[ someone even mentioned as much during trial, but they hadn't done much to follow up on it. she stops herself, frowning, more hesitant than usual. ]
Won, don't get mad at me for asking, but... do you know anything about Sharon's death?
[ She looks a little surprised at that—are they at the point where they should be sharing teams? At least he had the foresight to ask somebody about a limit. ]
Well... [ she hesitates. stop asking her favors. she doesn't want to help with anything. reluctantly: ] Okay, but I expect a fair exchange.
That's cheating, Won. [ But fine, she's generous, and very nosy. She'll wait until tomorrow to get recompense, even if she has a guess. ] I'm on Team Rabbit. Is that enough to get an answer for my question?
All leaders are aware of the conversations that their followers have, which means that Rabbit will now know what I'm about to tell you. I can't say I particularly mind... but I consider it important to mention.
Sharon came after my life on Thursday evening, and I acted in self-defense. We came to an understanding, and while I acknowledge that I took a life, I also believe that at this point, it would be more important to gather the information gained from my living and what it can tell us about this place. My goals remain the same: to stabilize the Realm with as little bloodshed as possible, and send everyone back home.
I trust that you will not mention this to any other - but I do have a request.
Beginning in the coming week, if anyone asks, it would be nice if you could mention that someone confirmed to you that Sharon was killed in self-defense. I believe that you are just far enough away from me that it won't be immediately obvious, but also that you have no reason to cover for me if it was done out of malice.
Then, we can focus on the true mystery of Cater's murderer, and the person who took action of their own will, rather than just to save their own life.
[ wow, this is a lot more than she expected. what did she say about having a chill and fun relationship where they just drink tea and chill and have fun?
why did she have to be right about this? why didn't she just close her eyes during trial? for what it's worth, she looks... just surprised. not disgusted or afraid. ]
I... yeah. Wow.
[ just wow? this is a lot. ]
Okay, I have—I have a lot to ask, but let's start with this. Why was she trying to kill you?
and he's just going to let his back rest against the trunk of the tree as he explains:]
She lost a memory of someone very important to her, and she wanted it so badly that she was willing to kill me to get it back. Based on our conversation on Monday, I believe she thought that I would be the most willing to understand. And...
[there's - a flash of sadness.]
... I did. I do. I don't blame her for trying to kill me.
Though it's why there was tea and why I was surprised to hear she had pretended to lose her ability to cook - it was a ruse, and likely done to cover up her true motivation.
But I informed her that I am a king and while that position matters little here, I need to return to my country - and so I cannot die.
Given that, she challenged me to a duel of honor instead.
[ She listens, unusually quiet, letting it all soak in. Kano is dead, but is that really Soo-Won's fault? She's seen death—been on battlefields. This doesn't stoke that sense of righteous vengeance in her that it might with some people.
But a sort of sadness settles in her face, too. Because... it is sad—this is all just so needlessly tragic.
Her shoulders just sag a little as she sighs. ]
I see. What an awful position to be put in...
[ She closes her eyes a moment, though it doesn't take her long to settle on a decision. ]
Don't worry, I'm not making you face justice or whatever. I'll tell people it wasn't planned out if I get the chance. But... why did you trust me with this?
and there is a sort of sadness that he carries with him, now that there's on this topic. he knows that he failed yesterday, for all that he tried to get people back on track. ultimately, he wasn't able to locate the person who harmed cater. that was his mistake, and he can take credit for kano's death along with everyone else.
but he tried to find the right person - the one who set out with malicious intent.
he is alive, but he knows that there is a cost for that too. eventually, he will pay for it.
nothing in his gaze seems to shy away from this, or his answer to hilda:]
You already thought I did it - after all, you approached me with theory in mind. You're correct, and I do feel bad for harming everyone else in the plaza... but I will apologize when I can.
But from our conversations...
I think you are a person who can prioritize on what is best - and I intend on making it up to you for placing this burden on your shoulders as well. I know that I am asking you to keep a heavy secret, even if it is only my identity and confirmation.
Even still... I admire your courage, and your compassion. I truly don't intend to take advantage of your heart - but I thought that you might understand not only my circumstances but... everyone's.
I want to help and while this isn't the way that I wanted to do it - I cannot deny the information that it's helped me glean about our situation.
[ goddess, why does she get caught up with these types... as if claude weren't trouble enough. hilda drops any form of her usual flippant sweetness, just looking exasperated. ]
Oh no. Please don't go on with that courage and compassion spiel—you don't need to win me over, okay? You're not taking advantage of any kindness, I just don't believe we should kill more people for any idiotic reason like getting even.
[ she believes him, he doesn't need to get all embarrassing about it. besides, what a silly thing to lose her trust over—defending his own life? how could she blame him? it wouldn't have been better to just let her kill him; someone would be dead either way. there was no avoiding a tragic ending.
then, a little more softly: ]
You've said it before, right? Not everyone gets the luxury of easy choices. Your options were kill or be killed—I'm not going to sit and pretend things could've turned out nicely.
[ . . . . . there's a brief moment at that where he seems surprised - before he eases himself into a smile. there's still a hint of sadness in his eyes but:]
... I'm not trying to win you over. You asked why I trusted you - and I explained why. I don't mean it as flattery... only what I see when I look at you.
[and it's someone who can both prioritize and express empathy.]
But I appreciate your pragmatism. I do think that you're kind, and I'm afraid I have no intention of taking my words back.
[ She rolls her eyes, pushing his good(?) shoulder a little. ]
Okay, sure, sweet-talker.
[ She looks faintly amused, a small smile breaking through the murk of sadness that's followed everyone around today. They'll bounce back. Because he's not wrong—they need to root out what's really going on here and sort out the larger truth. ]
Honestly, I don't think it's me being nice. I wanted to know the truth behind Sharon because... there's just something more to these killings than there is on the surface, you know? [ So she's not going into this with a whole lot of prejudice. ] Even what Virid did isn't as simple as it seems, I think.
[he matches her smile to the best that he can - going with the push easily enough so that it doesn't actually aggravate his injury. but he nods at that]
Mm, you're right.
There's currently the belief that Virid might've guided to kill by a Leader - but we don't know which Leader that is, I'm afraid. The accusation was first leveled by Swan, and when I checked with Wolf, who was in the highest place, they'd said that they can't confirm who was on their team even after death. So we're unfortunately left without a lead.
However -
Based on what I learned today, if you choose to kill, then that means that your leader will gain more information whether it's based on their own memories or the Realm.
I'd tell you what it is... but there's an experiment I'd like to try. Could you ask Rabbit if they know what happens to the removed? There's a chance that by the time you ask, they might've already overheard from another conversation -
But I'd like to see what they can tell you freely on their own, and then confirm if we two receive the same information.
Currently, what I'm looking to see is if someone needs to kill in order for their Leader to get the information that they seek - or if all Leaders suddenly remember so long as a death happens sometime during the week.
Furthermore, if the animal icon on your PHS starts blinking on a Sunday, please let me know.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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but.
he nonetheless manages a smile for her]
Oh, that's alright. Your company is more than enough.
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[ Her conceit is breezy enough not to hit too hard. But anyway, is his complexion from the emotional trauma of the execution today, or the stab wound? The mysteries never cease.
She takes this as an invitation to stay, though she does so while avoiding as much contact with the dirt as possible. Maybe a little bluntly: ]
You've looked better.
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anyway soo-won is just going to laugh at that - though it's a far more gentle noise, as if he doesn't want to aggravate his injury, and maybe because he wants to save his breath]
Oh, I can imagine. But you'll keep a secret, won't you?
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[ It's a little dismissive, her typically sweet demeanor drooping a bit with the day's events. She really doesn't like to offer these things, but... ]
...I'm pretty good at tending wounds, if you need someone to look after you next time. I'll even do it with a minimal amount of scolding.
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... I'll keep it in mind - but you really needn't worry. Despite what everyone seems to think, I am capable of looking after my own injuries. Washed, wrapped, bandages regularly changed.
I'm sorry that you feel like you have to worry after me.
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It's not that I don't think you're capable. People offer to do things because it can make them feel good about themselves, too.
[ A fact she is very aware of, and abuses frequently. People can be both giving and selfish. ]
Maybe people just want to tend to your woes because it makes them happy to be of help to you. [ To take care of someone they like and soothe their own worries about them. ]
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[there's a
softly tired look that makes it clear that he's definitely gotten in trouble ever since his stab wound was revealed]
But I do think that care can be directed in other places more effectively...
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[ It's not finite, either. Though in Hilda's case, she does not look very sympathetic, rolling her eyes a little. ]
Plus, you brought it on your own head by hiding it. Now everyone's going to be doubly fussy.
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You know that it's not a good idea to broadcast how hurt I am, you know? It can put me in difficult situations - if anything, keeping it a secret is the only thing that cleared my name yesterday.
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Hey—I could make this a lot worse for you.
[ don't call her out. ]
Anyway, I really didn't come here to scold you. [ on the subject of trial... ] I wanted to ask if you still had that other thing—that spiral injury.
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he's just going to laugh a little bit and pull away so that she can't pinch him too hard - ]
But ah, yes, I do.
[and he'll hold out his right arm. still bandaged!]
Why?
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Well, we talked about it being one of those weird 'effects' right? The rest of them faded before trial, so I just wanted to make sure these were still around. They must've been something else, maybe the killer was trying to hide their own wounds by giving them to a bunch of people...
[ someone even mentioned as much during trial, but they hadn't done much to follow up on it. she stops herself, frowning, more hesitant than usual. ]
Won, don't get mad at me for asking, but... do you know anything about Sharon's death?
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[he hesitates, followed by a question:]
Hilda, if I may, what team are you on? We're only allowed to tell three people each week without consequence.
But I think I can give you an answer if I can get one in exchange, and I'd like to ask for your help on something.
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Well... [ she hesitates. stop asking her favors. she doesn't want to help with anything. reluctantly: ] Okay, but I expect a fair exchange.
[ She cants her head, about to answer—but. ]
What team do you think I'm on?
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[and then he answers:]
Rabbit? Tiger?
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That's cheating, Won. [ But fine, she's generous, and very nosy. She'll wait until tomorrow to get recompense, even if she has a guess. ] I'm on Team Rabbit. Is that enough to get an answer for my question?
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and he nods.]
All leaders are aware of the conversations that their followers have, which means that Rabbit will now know what I'm about to tell you. I can't say I particularly mind... but I consider it important to mention.
Sharon came after my life on Thursday evening, and I acted in self-defense. We came to an understanding, and while I acknowledge that I took a life, I also believe that at this point, it would be more important to gather the information gained from my living and what it can tell us about this place. My goals remain the same: to stabilize the Realm with as little bloodshed as possible, and send everyone back home.
I trust that you will not mention this to any other - but I do have a request.
Beginning in the coming week, if anyone asks, it would be nice if you could mention that someone confirmed to you that Sharon was killed in self-defense. I believe that you are just far enough away from me that it won't be immediately obvious, but also that you have no reason to cover for me if it was done out of malice.
Then, we can focus on the true mystery of Cater's murderer, and the person who took action of their own will, rather than just to save their own life.
Is that answer satisfactory?
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why did she have to be right about this? why didn't she just close her eyes during trial? for what it's worth, she looks... just surprised. not disgusted or afraid. ]
I... yeah. Wow.
[ just wow? this is a lot. ]
Okay, I have—I have a lot to ask, but let's start with this. Why was she trying to kill you?
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and he's just going to let his back rest against the trunk of the tree as he explains:]
She lost a memory of someone very important to her, and she wanted it so badly that she was willing to kill me to get it back. Based on our conversation on Monday, I believe she thought that I would be the most willing to understand. And...
[there's - a flash of sadness.]
... I did. I do. I don't blame her for trying to kill me.
Though it's why there was tea and why I was surprised to hear she had pretended to lose her ability to cook - it was a ruse, and likely done to cover up her true motivation.
But I informed her that I am a king and while that position matters little here, I need to return to my country - and so I cannot die.
Given that, she challenged me to a duel of honor instead.
no subject
But a sort of sadness settles in her face, too. Because... it is sad—this is all just so needlessly tragic.
Her shoulders just sag a little as she sighs. ]
I see. What an awful position to be put in...
[ She closes her eyes a moment, though it doesn't take her long to settle on a decision. ]
Don't worry, I'm not making you face justice or whatever. I'll tell people it wasn't planned out if I get the chance. But... why did you trust me with this?
no subject
and there is a sort of sadness that he carries with him, now that there's on this topic. he knows that he failed yesterday, for all that he tried to get people back on track. ultimately, he wasn't able to locate the person who harmed cater. that was his mistake, and he can take credit for kano's death along with everyone else.
but he tried to find the right person - the one who set out with malicious intent.
he is alive, but he knows that there is a cost for that too. eventually, he will pay for it.
nothing in his gaze seems to shy away from this, or his answer to hilda:]
You already thought I did it - after all, you approached me with theory in mind. You're correct, and I do feel bad for harming everyone else in the plaza... but I will apologize when I can.
But from our conversations...
I think you are a person who can prioritize on what is best - and I intend on making it up to you for placing this burden on your shoulders as well. I know that I am asking you to keep a heavy secret, even if it is only my identity and confirmation.
Even still... I admire your courage, and your compassion. I truly don't intend to take advantage of your heart - but I thought that you might understand not only my circumstances but... everyone's.
I want to help and while this isn't the way that I wanted to do it - I cannot deny the information that it's helped me glean about our situation.
I hope you can believe me.
no subject
Oh no. Please don't go on with that courage and compassion spiel—you don't need to win me over, okay? You're not taking advantage of any kindness, I just don't believe we should kill more people for any idiotic reason like getting even.
[ she believes him, he doesn't need to get all embarrassing about it. besides, what a silly thing to lose her trust over—defending his own life? how could she blame him? it wouldn't have been better to just let her kill him; someone would be dead either way. there was no avoiding a tragic ending.
then, a little more softly: ]
You've said it before, right? Not everyone gets the luxury of easy choices. Your options were kill or be killed—I'm not going to sit and pretend things could've turned out nicely.
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... I'm not trying to win you over. You asked why I trusted you - and I explained why. I don't mean it as flattery... only what I see when I look at you.
[and it's someone who can both prioritize and express empathy.]
But I appreciate your pragmatism. I do think that you're kind, and I'm afraid I have no intention of taking my words back.
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Okay, sure, sweet-talker.
[ She looks faintly amused, a small smile breaking through the murk of sadness that's followed everyone around today. They'll bounce back. Because he's not wrong—they need to root out what's really going on here and sort out the larger truth. ]
Honestly, I don't think it's me being nice. I wanted to know the truth behind Sharon because... there's just something more to these killings than there is on the surface, you know? [ So she's not going into this with a whole lot of prejudice. ] Even what Virid did isn't as simple as it seems, I think.
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Mm, you're right.
There's currently the belief that Virid might've guided to kill by a Leader - but we don't know which Leader that is, I'm afraid. The accusation was first leveled by Swan, and when I checked with Wolf, who was in the highest place, they'd said that they can't confirm who was on their team even after death. So we're unfortunately left without a lead.
However -
Based on what I learned today, if you choose to kill, then that means that your leader will gain more information whether it's based on their own memories or the Realm.
I'd tell you what it is... but there's an experiment I'd like to try. Could you ask Rabbit if they know what happens to the removed? There's a chance that by the time you ask, they might've already overheard from another conversation -
But I'd like to see what they can tell you freely on their own, and then confirm if we two receive the same information.
Currently, what I'm looking to see is if someone needs to kill in order for their Leader to get the information that they seek - or if all Leaders suddenly remember so long as a death happens sometime during the week.
Furthermore, if the animal icon on your PHS starts blinking on a Sunday, please let me know.
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