Dlanor A. Knox (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deathsentencer) wrote2013-11-14 04:06 pm
deathsentencer) wrote2013-11-14 04:06 pm
quotes + refs
EPISODE 5
Pleased to meet you, Miss Beatrice. My name is Dlanor A. Knox.
D: Eiserne Jungfrau have gathered 600 pages of data for your case. I've glanced through them so I can consider myself somewhat acquainted with you too.
B: The secretary of hell should summarize those 600 pages with just twelve letters.
D: What might it be?
B: "Mortal danger."
D: Nice to hear. Then I'll take four letters and return the courtesy with only eight.
E: Executed.
B: "Cute?" Ha ha. You're flattering me.
D: Let's resume, Miss Beatrice. The Head Inquisitor of Heresy, Dlanor. Let me be your modest opponent.
B: I can hide Kinzo's ghost wherever I want.
D: It's useless.
B: Huh?
D: You were doomed at the moment you met me. I won't let you flee. Nobody... can run away.
D: Miss Beatrice, I've sealed your path of retreat. You can't escape through the door, nor can you use the window. You have nowhere to run.
B: Oh my, oh my. You even brought Siesta Sisters. I'm surprised by this courtesy call. But why do you think you've captured me with this?
D, Red: I won't allow hidden doors to exist in this room.
D: There is only one god in this world, and he doesn't allow hidden doors to exist! They mustn't exist, and they don't exist! It's a blasphemy against our god!
B: You're so haughty that it shocks even a witch like me. And besides being shocking, it's so exciting!
D: You're no different from other witches. What a pity.
D: Such potion doesn't exist. It can't exist. Such device doesn't exist. I won't allow it to exist.
D: In the name of god, such potions and devices don't exist. And won't exist for all eternity!
E: It's Knox's 4th. It is forbidden for unknown drugs or hard to understand scientific devices to be used.
D: The progress of humanity, its knowledge and technology are decided by our god. And he has denied them for all eternity. Therefore, I won't allow such technology. It's prohibited forever.
D: Is this all? I shouldn't have bothered coming.
B: Not yet. This was just testing. I was trying to estimate your powers.
D: Of course. Gertrude, Cornelia, guard. Please check if the seals on the room are perfect.
D: Thank you for explaining the structure of the study. But there's nowhere to hide in it. This possibility was annihilated by the previous search.
D: Excellent, Ushiromiya Battler! I'm the Chief Inquisitor of Heresy, Dlanor A. Knox. I can't allow you to escape easily. Please give me the honor of crossing swords with you!
D: Was it shown that there were blind spots in the study? If i wasn't, your logic won't be allowed.
D: I have lost. For the sake of those people in the study... deliver the finishing blow.
D: How did Kinzo escape from the closed room? Say the final blue truth.
D: Wonderful labyrinth garden. Watching the roses is really enjoyable.
B: You... why did you come here?
V: Have some tea.
D: Thank you. Could you add sugar and milk too?
V: Still can't drink tea without it?
D: I'm a kid. I need to make it sweet.
D: It's been a while, Miss Beatrice. Or are you called Missis Virgilia now?
V: Greetings, Dlanor. Come this way please.
B: Have you met before?
V: We are very old friends. I haven't seen her for ages.
D: Indeed. I have had countless arguments with Missis Virgilia during my work in the council.
V: Well. I should prepare tea for you too. I assume you didn't just come here to greet us?
D: Yes. I came here because I have a thing to tell you. But before that... greetings, Mister Battler, Miss Beatrice. My name is Dlanor A. Knox.
B: Ushiromiya Battler, pleased to meet you. Mind that we aren't the same people who are on the game board. Those are controlled by Lambadadelta.
D: I am aware of that. However, pieces can't do things impossible for them. They can only act according to their real personality.
D: Therefore, if you had been on that scene yourself, you would have done the same thing doubtlessly. You would have jumped out of the window, took Miss Beatrice with you and crossed the swords with me. THat's why I"m greeting you now.
B: Strange. We're drinking tea together. I'd expect you to try to deny that the tea was made by magic.
D: Don't worry. I'm not so rude to complain about the way my tea is served.
B: Even if magic is used right in front of you?
D: The teapot is just hidden from us somewhere. Missis Virgilia is using it to prepare tea. We agreed that it's 'made by magic' and this is written in the story. This interpretation doesn't contradict Knox's 9th. And regardless of my interpretation... the tea will still remain superb. So I don't mind that it was prepared this way. Magic that hides the outcome in the darkness is evil. I won't allow it. However, magic that hides the process is not always evil. My enemy is the evil, not the magic itself.
B: Do I guess you could say that for you... magic is a delicate lie?
D: If you examine everyone's alibi and define who is the 'culprit' behind the incident with the candy, I'll consider it rude. The result that the girl was happy is very important. It is important that this embellishment occurred to make her happy.
B: Surprising enough, when you appeared you looked like you'd always deny any kind of magic.
D: That's my job as an inquisitor of heresy. My mission. But when I'm not doing my job, I'm not that cold-hearted.
B: So you don't allow personal feelings to interfere with your job. That's admirable.
D: Personally, I pity witches. However, it doesn't change the fact that I execute them.
D: It's different from giving a candy to a girl. If I feel pity, my hand will become dull and it'll cause me unneccessary pain. My pity is nothing more than a useless embellishment. It changes nothing. Then... I don't need it.
V: That's not true. The result may be the same, but what happens with your heart makes a great difference.
D: Is that so? Is it really important whether I have a heart or not?
V: Of...
B: Course.
B: After this conversation, I've become your ally to a small extent. So your heart isn't meaningless. That's for sure.
D: I want... to apologize.
B: For what? The fight is already over, we both fought with all we had.
V: Could it be that... you want to apologize for letting him win?
D: Yes. Mister Battler.
B: 'Mister' sounds weird, just call me Battler.
D: Battler, accept my apologies. We weren't fighting with all our strength. Do you understand? We were discussing how Kinzo could escape from the study, but... Beato already said it in red.
D: Knox's 2nd. It is forbidden for supernatural agencies to be employed as a detective technique. We are not allowed to use this red truth directly. However, I gave the red truth 'the window hasn't been opened' to Cornelia who was guarding the window.
D: However, we were forbidden to use our trump card. That was when your victory was decided. Lady Lambdadelta, the game master can interfere with the red truth on the board.
B: So everything is going according to her scenario?
D: It should already be proclaimed that 'Kinzo doesn't exist.' But both Lady Lambadadela and Lady Bernkastel are continuing the game under the assumption that Kinzo still exists. It's like they're conspiring together in order to not allow denying Kinzo's existence.
B: So they let the grandfather escape on purpose?
D: Yes. The two players are conspiring together in this affair. I have a premonition that they have some evil plans. That's why I came here to warn you.
B: You came all the way here only for this?
D: Yes. With this, my business here is over. Please excuse me. We'll meet again on the second twilight. On the game board, I'm Lady Bernkastel's piece and Furudo Erika's subordinate. In the future, we'll fight each other many times. But deep in the heart I'm neutral.
D: No... forget that. It's not important for the relationship between us.
B: It is. You might be a terribly strong opponent, but you don't irritate me anymore. And Erika does irritate me. A lot.
D: I'm glad. She irritates me as well.
B: Heh. Ha ha ha ha.
D: Furudo Erika is a very evil being. She's burning with the urge of revenge for the previous defeat. I can't predict what she is planning. But I'm sure it's nothing good. Be careful.
B: I can figure out just from the fact that she's Bernkastel's piece. I'm sure you won't go easy on me either, right?
D: That's true. Next time we cross our swords, I won't back off.
B: I'm okay with it. I'll fight you with all I have.
D, smiling: Remember this promise.
D: Miss Erika. I shall accept punishment for the failure of my subordinates. Please forgive them.
E: No thank you. The goal of punishment is inflicting pain. Doing it with a frigid insensitive doll is no fun.
D: I may be insensitive but you can still hurt me.
E: You have no heart that can be hurt! You're just a witch hunting killer doll! I was scolded by Lady Bernkastel because of your failures! Please don't show such pathetic performance ever again. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?
D, bowing: I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
E: Waste. Well, let's stop here. My anger has finally calmed down a bit and my little gray cells are tingling again. Make those useless servants reconstruct the crime scene.
D: Got it. Gertrude, Cornelia.
D: I'm Dlanor A. Knox. I'm Lady Erika's assistant. Battler. I have my hopes up for you. Don't disappoint me.
-While Beatrice is about to be consumed by goats, Dlanor cuts in and kills the goats attempting to devour her.
D: I apologize for interrupting you. There is a person who has objections to the verdict. His name is Ushiromiya Battler.
Dlanor turns to Battler.
D: What are you displeased with in the decision of the court? Do you want to review some of the evidence? Do you have the truth?
D: All wounds can be healed over time. And every truth can be uncovered if you invest enough time. However, all courts impose limits on the search for the truth. The truth that can't be found before that deadline can never become the real truth.
Bern: Excellent scenario, Dlanor! It's not interesting if a knight doesn't show up on the execution of the princess. And nothing is better than watching her executed right before his eyes! The old piece and the useless player will leave the stage together.
D: As you please, Glorious Lady Bernakstel! I'm Dlanor A. Knox, the Head Inquisitor of Heresy. Come, Ushiromiya Battler!
B: Goddamn. You stuck that duct tape everywhere to leave your traces!
D: Is this your only objection? You promised to fight me with all you have.
D: Is this all? If you still have power remaining, please at least show it in the very end. Ushiromiya Battler!
D: Battler, give proofs to the red truth you used. If you can't, this is the farewell.
D: With this. The court is finished. FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED. DIE THE DEATH! SENTENCE TO DEATH!
D: Sleep peacefully, Ushiromiya Battler. Such a pity. I expected more of you.
D: Execution is not a show. Usually it's not done in public.
E: Lady Bernkastel, the member of the senate, is just inspecting how the great court is performing its duties. Do you, a mere inquisitor of heresy, wish to impede this?
B: Sorry for my rudeness, it was your father who created it after all.
D: It's fine. Some people say that it's nothing more than a game.
B: I've heard that not all detective stories in the world follow the decalogue, am I right? Won't the reader feel deceived after reading such a novel?
D: Even the decalogue does not apply to all stories, as it is nothing more than one way of reasoning. Though there are fierce supporters of Father's decalogue who would call anything that violates it heresy.
B: That's pretty arrogant.
D: Indeed it is. It makes me sad when people use the decalogue as a weapon of arrogance.
B: But you used the decalogue when you fought Beato... does it prove that Beato's game follows the rules of the decalogue?
D: I'm not sure that you can reach the answer using my father's decalogue. But the decalogue was created to assist the detective's power of rasoning. Battler, when you are in trouble, when you need something to guide your logic, you may try using the decalogue as well.
D: So, it happens when both begin to trust each other. Then you and Lady Beatrice are in a love relationship, too?
B: Wait, aren't we just fighting each other to death? Isn't it a relationship of ultimate rivalry?
D: Why can you be sure that Miss Beato is fighting you at full force?
B: I can tell just by looking.
D: She never said anything like that in red. Still, you don't even doubt that? Didn't you say that you don't trust anything except the red truth?
Dlanor grins a little.
E: Dlanor, please help me to put Battler in his place!
D: Battler... I've been waiting for you.
B: Sorry for coming late.
D: No problem. In fact, you returned earlier than I had thought.
D: No, it's fine.
(As long as a person like you exists in the world... you will always protect the fragile truth from my arrogance.)
Dlanor smiles.
D: I'm happy I could fight with you.
D: I resign. I won't deny your truth any more.
B: Thank you. Without your help, I wouldn't have reached this outcome. I've paid my debt. Honor to your father. The decalogue was neither arrogant nor judgemental.
D: Honor... to my father...
Dlanor kneels before Erika.
D: Yes, your truth exists along with mine in this world. Nobody can arbitarily deny it. That's right. I won't allow anyone to deny Lady Erika's truth.
D: I, Dlanor, will protect this truth. I won't mock this truth even when someone calls it pathetic.
EPISODE 6
L: Eheheheh! It's rare to see Bern in such high spirits. Beato's game board really is something else.
D: ... How sad it is that the master of the game board is no longer with us.
L: A tiger dies and leaves behind its hide. Looks like Beato has died and left behind her game.
E: Ah, look, it's Beatrice-san. And I thought you'd died and disappeared last time.
B: ... Beatrice the player is the one who died last time. This is probably just a piece... Battler's piece.
D: Even if she is a piece, it does not change the fact that it is her.
E: Who... are you?
D: ... You appear to be Lady Beatrice... but is that true?
Even Dlanor was forced to ask despite the rudeness of the question. That was how much... this woman... who appeared to be Beato... was not.
Ba: Pardon me. ... Please forget what you saw just now.
E: Hmph, so, are you trying to trick us with this? You're scheming to give us the wrong impression, like another North Wind and Sun strategy, aren't you?
D: ... Is there something wrong?
Ba: Don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with you people.
D: Lady Erika, this opponent is not worth your time. This battle is not worth fighting...
E: Shut up, murder doll!! Alright!! How do you claim that the overturned cup was filled with candies?!
E: Good!! Is this what you call Beatrice's magic?! Dlanoooooooor!! BEAT HER TO DEATH!!!
D: .............. as you wish.
E: Magic is impossible. You might be telling a lie about something that never happened!!
D: Repitition demanded. Failure to respond will be a violation of Knox's 7th.
M: Ahahaha, I'll respond! This is the truth!! This story really happened!!
E: This wouldn't have anything to do with a trick in the actual cup or table, making this just a sleight of hand, right? That would be againts the rules, wouldn't it?!?!
D: Hidden devices and tricks are in violation of Knox's 3rd. However, if and only if foreshadowing has been presented, these are permitted by Knox's 8th.
M: They had no such tricks in them!! It was just an ordinary table and an ordinary cup!! That's why it's magic, not sleight of hand!!
D: .... understood. ... By Knox's 9th, we acknowledge that Lady Maria witnessed magic.
E: Ahahahahahaha!! That's right, with the 9th at least!! Observers are always allowed to speak their personal opinions! Otherwise, mysteries where the culprit is seen dressed up as a woman and it's written 'I saw a woman' would all be disqualified!! Sure, that's fine, claim that you saw magic all you want!! All truths are nothing more than claims! So, I'll make a claim separate from yours and smash right through yours!! That is the detective's duty, and the time we shine the mooost!!
E: You damn scraps of paper!! Why'd you have to butt in at the good part...?!!
D: That is enough. Lady Maria has been shown that the magic which makes candy appear in a cup could possibly be a trick that she misunderstood to be magic. Therefore, her claim that it was magic is dismissed.
S: However, it might really have been magic when Maria saw it...! Just because it can be done by a sleight of hand doesn't disprove magic.
D: ..... well done, Lady Erika. Congratulations on crushing Lady Maria's Illusion of the Witch.
E: ....... sheesh!! Just one more step and I'd have been able to take a heart as innocent as the smooth sand just after a wave has pulled back... and tear it to bits. ... What a shame. This isn't any fun anymore. ... Are you satisfied now?! Ouch, ... owowowow...
Erika grumpily punched Dlanor's arm that had been restraining her. However, that cold, hard marble-like arm just made Erika's hand hurt.
S: .... d, diplomatic immunity...! This battle is over...!"
G: Allow me to speak. Diplomatic immunity accepted.
C: ... know that this fight is childish.
E: Did you say something?!
D: She did not. ... Let us withdraw. Lady Maria is no enemy of yours, Lady Erika. There is no need to pay any attention to small fry such as this.
E: .... hmph. ... You're right. How childish of me, tearing a kid's dreams apart. I'm really sorry, okay? I apologize for my momentary lack of elegance. *giggle*giggle*. Let's go.
E: ... Please don't tell me that feelings of true love have sprouted from your murderous rivalry or anything like that, okay?
D: ... Lady Erika. Let us have him continue the game's progression. Boring love scenes such as this are best finished quickly.
E: Ah, you've got a point there. Sorry for butting in. Come on, let's move on.
Erika had returned to the room on the second floor of the guesthouse that had been given to her. The next room was empty. It was very quiet there...
Even pressing her ear against the wall wouldn't enable her to listen in on the voices in the cousins' room. Even with hearing power boosted by the detective's authority, it would probably be impossible to make out anything. This room was the farthest down the hall, a long ways away from the cousins' room...
E: And last time, my room was right next to theirs. ... I see... so he's placed my room farther away this time.
D: It is a modification of the initial arrangement well covered by the powers of authority given to the Game Master. It is, perhaps, a quite resonable first move.
E: Well, it's better for me that way too. Like I'd want to hear those brats' squeaky voices as they play cards.
D: .....
This whole time, Erika had been facing the desk and toying with something. ... She was preparing some of those duct tape seals from before. She had asked Kumasawa for the stickiest tape in the place. She drew a complicated signature that could not be counterfeited across it with a permanent market, then began making notches across it. This way, she could stick this over a place that she wanted to prove had been closed, creating a powerful seal equal in strength to the red truth. Those menacing seals had cornered Natsuhi so thoroughly in the previous game...
E: .... nn... great.
D: Is something wrong?
E: ... he got me. ... That Battler doesn't let anything get by him, does he?
Erika shrugged and showed the piece of duct tape she had torn off to Dlanor. At a glance, Dlanor couldn't tell what had annoyed Erika. However, as soon as she held it, she realized the difference right away.
D: ... this won't be any good.
E: Yep. It's barely sticky at all. This won't reach even close to the red truth.
Even duct tape can be of low quality, and it sometimes gets weaker with age. The tape Kumasawa had found was a bit too weak even for normal use. It wasn't nearly sticky enough to be used as a detective's seal.
D: It is possible to tear it off cleanly. This cannot count as proof of a seal.
E: ... I guess Battler isn't as totally incompetent as I thought. He probably tampered with all the duct tape on the island using the authority of the Game Master.
Letting Erika get her hands on duct tape gave her a fatal weapon to use against witches. The previous game had proven this fact. And so, Battler had removed that weapon from the entire mansion....
D: Most likely, all possible substitutes for duct tape have also been tampered with.
E: ... probably. Well, it isn't really so bad. At least this way, I won't have to look like a fool crawling all over the outer wall in the cold rain.
Erika tossed the duct tape aside carelessly and flopped spread-eagled onto the bed...
E: Anyway, waiting calmly for the crime and smoking a pipe is also part of a detective's role. ... I doubt you'll have any role until the first twilight begins, so why not vanish off somewhere and take a break. ... I imagine that just the sight of my face is tiresome for you.
D: .... I do not smoke. I am just a kid.
E: Oh, really? ... I wish I could. ... Well, only if it is really is as refreshing as smokers claim.
D: ... It seems... that you are not in high spirits.
E: ... Does it look that way?
Erika answered lazily, still looking up at the ceiling. That in itself was half an answer...
The silence between the two was filled by the sound of the wind and rain. It was so quiet that the sound of the ticking clock rang out clearly.
D: ...... Lady Erika. May I ask a question?
E: Depends on what it is. Answer's probably no though.
D: .........
E: ..... well, we're just killin time anyway. What is it?
Erika was probably bored as well. ... Or maybe the sound of the rain was making her sentimental. She assented, which was very unlike her.
D: Why? ... Why do you hate magic, Lady Erika?
E: .... Ah. .... YOu mean that thing downstairs with Maria?
D: That was nothing more than a foolish trick to deceive children. Everyone knew that. ... Was it really neccessary to go so far to destroy that illusion? ... I cannot understand.
Erika didn't need Dlanor to tell her that it had been a childish fight.
E: .... Well, I am a self-proclaimed intellectual rapist. I can't stand having magic confuse the truth.
D: And so, you feel pleasure from exposing that? ... I sense a different emotion.
E: A different emotion? ... What's that?
D: To me, it feels less like pleasure, ... and more like a different, negative emotion.
E: Hah.... you really are a murder doll, aren't you? Even your eyes are like knotholes.
D, looking visibly downcast: .... my apologies. Please forgive me.
Erika rolled over grumpily, turning her back to Dlanor. So, Dlanor couldn't see her expression. ... Even so. For some reason, she could guess that this completely unobserved expression was one of pain... Interpreting this to mean that Erika wanted her to go away, Dlanor gave a bow and made to leave.
Then, Erika suddenly spoke.
The words had come so far out of the blue that Dlanor doubted her ears, and she had to ask Erika to say it again.
D: ... what did you say?
E: I love you.
It really had been out of the blue. Dlanor wanted to see what Erika really meant, but the latter still had her back turned, and her face was out of sight...
D: ........... thank you very much.
E: I was going out with another girl a while back, but we've completely broken up. The others might talk about us out of envy, but please ignore them.
D: ........
E: I'm gonna devote my whole life to you, so I want you to do the same for me. Let's find happiness together.
Dlanor avoided asking what she was talking about and stood there in silence. For a while, Erika kept on dully and emotionlessly repeating soppy phrases that might have popped up in some shoujo manga...
Then, unexpectedly, she once again followed up with a complete non sequitur.
E: .... a new wallet.
D: ....?
Of course, she had no idea what Erika was saying. However, with her back still to Dlanor.... Erika kept on saying disconnected words.
E: A strange cat keychain. A different style of cologne. A music tape that's not his style... which he said he borrowed from a senior at theater. ... His senior was going so he couldn't refuse. He suddenly had this part-time job to go to. Talked with a friend on the phone for a really long time.
E: ... right now, I am happy. ... Though it may be temporary, I have become the Witch of Truth. ... As I am now... I no longer need to worry about being tormented by non-red words.
D: ....
E: ... What about you? How would you have countered my endgame?
D: How would... I?
E: That useless man wouldn't play the part of my opponent in that game. ... I was wondering how you would have countered it?
D: ........
Dlanor was suddenly thrust into the position of Erika's opponent in the witch's game she had once challenged that man with. Dlanor shared in the Fragments of Erika's past and was made to grasp the full situation. The board was reproduced in full inside their heads...
The situation... was one-sided. Erika's side had constructed a blue truth based on countless bits of circumstantial evidence, had turned all of those into pieces, and was already cornering the opponent. For some time, Dlanor thought in silence... and announced her by-the-book response.
D: First move. ... I demand that you provide evidence that I have been cheating.
E: Counter with the blue truth. I present 84 points of circumstantial and physical evidence.
D: Counter with the blue truth. I present 6 points of circumstantial and physical evidence that I still love you.
E: Good. Blue and blue cancel each other out, but the number of pieces used to construct each is overwhelmingly unbalanced.
E: First point to me. Your next move?
D: ..... I will attempt to switch offense and defense. I ask that you, Lady Erika, provide proof that you are not cheating.
E: Perpetual check. That's a forbidden move, since it'd result in an endless repetition of the same question going both ways.
D: Then I frankly declare that, despite a lack of proof, I still love Lady Erika even now.
E: Not the red truth, so that's ineffective. Even if it was red, that'd be a stalemate. After all, I'd have no move to counter with.
D: ......
Dlanor remained silent for a while. Then, she quietly responded to Erika's moves until they reached checkmate.
E: ... any other moves? O witch-hunting archbishop, protector of the truth?
D: ... no. I resign.
E: See? There you go. ... hmph...
Erika had succeeded in crushing her opponent with the truth she espoused... that her former boyfriend no longer loved her and was cheating on her. Her opponent had no way to argue back. ... After all, humans are not allowed to use -------. A splendid game, a splendid finish from a superior position. Regardless of the truth of her opponent, Erika could win. A splendid... victory.
Dlanor could only respond with silence. And with that, Erika spoke no more. ... she was probably done talking and wanted Dlanor to leave. Dlanor understood this, but even so...
... Before leaving, she wanted to tell Erika one thing.
D: A splendid game, Lady Erika.
E: It's only natural that the detective wins.
D: Even before you became Lady Bernkastel's piece, you truly were a splendid wielder of the blue truth. ... However, Lady Erika. Humans are only allowed to use the blue truth. And the only thing that can counter blue truth is red truth. And humans are not allowed to use the red truth. ... In that case, how should your opponent have shown his truth?
E: ... who knows. ... Maybe he should have used that gold truth or whatever, which is supposed to be stronger than the red truth at times.
D: ....... You certainly were the victor in that game. However, allow me to say this as a protector of the truth.
E: What? ... I imagine it's something unpleasant, so say it and go away.
D: ... yes. ... This game is your victory. However... you still have not denied the six points of blue truth evidence that I showed to claim that I still loved you. ... Even you are human. You cannot use red truth to deny those points.
E: Later on, I used the detective's authority to have all 84 points transformed into red truth. By the power of my master...! I am human, yet superior to humans. A detective and a witch. I am the Witch of Truth, Furudo Erika. Any other questions? Parting remarks?
D: ... I have none. ... In that case, please excuse me.
Dlanor bowed and disappeared.
D: Lady Erika... I believe you know, but allow me to warn you just in case.
E: Yes? What is it?
D: It is true that you have an incredible photographic memory, Lady Erika... by combining with the detective's proclamation, it is impossible for you to be fooled by anything.
E: Yeah, I get it. ... Since no detective proclamation has been made about me, even my photographic memory doesn't count as foolproof evidence. Of course, I understand that. ... Still, that doesn't mean I can afford to miss viewing the crime scenes directly. ... After all, in the last game, my pride in that regard led me to a truly miserable failure.
D: For example, by this argument, no matter how well you examine a person's corpse, you could not even guarantee that they were not faking their death with absolute certainty. Most probably, features of this situation must be individually confirmed by telling Battler to repeat them in red.
E: And I'll need to use the blue truth liberally in order to make him. ... I understand. Let's start with the basics. ... The lack of the detective's authority is no handicap. It simply means that I'm fighting under the same conditions Battler once was.
B: What happened to Dlanor this time? Are you by yourself?
D: .... no. ... I have been waiting here.
Dlanor had been just standing around in reserve, hiding her presence in the dark shadows...
E: Well, when she can't use her red longsword, Dlanor is just useless scum. There's no point having her around, so she's hanging back.
D: ... All I can do now is record Lady Erika's reasoning.
B: Why won't you fight with her? Why can't you use that red longsword? ... Erika's reasoning... and your longsword. Those were strong because they worked together.
D: ......
Dlanor didn't answer. She just glanced slightly at Bernkastel's expression.
... However, that glance was the same as a clear answer for Battler now.
D: The 'red key' is extremely close to the red truth. ... If and only if I am given a 'truth,' I am permitted to draw my sword for items that pertain to it.
D: Yes... though her only goal was to irresponsibly solve riddles... it was a matter of pride for her.
B: Then, she must be really suffering now that she can't make that proclamation.
D: ... Only she could tell you that.
E: Alright! Let's use these seals at our leisure...! You did great too, Dlanor. It seems that Battler trusts you, so he believed every word you said.
D: ....
E: Don't tell me you've hurt your conscience. You little murder doll.
D: ... no.
Dlanor looked at Erika in a slightly lonely way.
... Then, after shaking her head slightly, her gaze turned hard, and she looked at the darkness Battler had disappeared into.
D: ... He should have known that this was a no-holds-barred fight... How foolish, Lord Battler. This is, without a doubt, the result of your pride.
... Mister Battler... this will be fatal...
... When the fight concerned these two sealed rooms from now on, Dlanor would be able to use that merciless blade, the 'red key'... This overwhelming power could slice even the Game Master in half. For a while, Erika and Dlanor grinned at each other, entranced by the ruthless red light that was burned into their eyes...
E: Haah. Now I can finally stretch my wings. First off, let's take a midnight stroll to the mansion.
D: You would take a stroll in the middle of the night to an eerie mansion where a killer might be hiding? ... You must be very insane.
E: I am not. It took so long to get this time to myself, didn't it? I feel like it's free time after a swimming lesson.
Dlanor knew that she was risking her own destruction in this game. ... And she was not in a favorable position by any means. Dlanor could do nothing but assist Erika so that she could fight to the best of her abilities...
After Erika was sprayed by hot water:
D: ... What a calamity.
E: Would you like a bath? I can wash your face with this brush.
D: Allow me to pass.
E, mimicking Dlanor: Oh. ... That's a shame.
E: A coffin ... Ushiromiya Battler's coffin, that is.
D: ... Ashes to ashes, the dead to their coffins.
B: ... That's right. ... I... gave her permission to do that.
D: This is what you get for your pride. ... Sympathy is the evil liquor that the proud are most fond of.
D: Well... done. To think... that you escaped the room... without removing the chain... simply splendid...
With her small hands, Dlanor slowly started to applaud quietly.
D: ... You do have the right to speak ill of Lady Erika. ... However... now, you also have the obligation of showing a new logic that doesn't lead to any contradictions.
D: Good. ... Battler, it is as you see. ... There no longer exists anyone who can save you.
D: ... Most unfortunately, we of Eiserne Jungfrau have been placed in charge of the two rooms in the guesthouse.
G: Tch. And you guys specialize in seals and barriers...
D: However, that was quite impressive, Miss Gaap. You realized that the closed room you should destroy to save Battler is in the guesthouse... The ceremony will begin soon, but why not reconstruct the scene as a way to kill time until then?
V: ... A, are you sure? Doesn't this violate the obligation of confidentiality you have as Lady Erika's pieces...?
D: That is no problem. ... Surely, if you first have the seals around the scene confirmed and fall into despair... you will be able to celebrate this ceremony more sincerely.
R: ... I see. This is the sort of falsification that the Great Court of Heaven likes to practice.
D: I cannot let that remark pass. ... What is your complaint?
R: Incorrect. ... At that time, Lady Erika only proved the status of 'the seals on the doors.'
Dlanor doesn't answer, but she perks up w/ a catlike expression and smile.
D: ... It seems the bride and groom have arrived. This ends our chat. ... We will meet again later.
With a happy-looking grin on her face, Dlanor turned around. ... But this must have hit her where it hurts.
Gaap wouldn't let her get away. She grabbed the other's shoulder.
G: ... Wait there. Confirm whether or not the seals on the windows were preserved at the time of the logic error. If you don't, it's possible for anyone in that room to save Battler!!
D: And who... do you think such a rescue would be possible for?
Gaap names Kanon.
D: Kanon...? Heheheheheheheheheh....... impossible.
G: Impossible? Come now, we can't trust what you say with normal words. ... Use the red truth. Swear upon that red longsword of yours.
D: .... Miss Gaap. A sacred wedding is about to begin here. You ask me to draw my sword in a sacred place such as this? ... How inelegant and rude. Let's do this some other time. ... Goodbye.
G: ... Okay... so you can counter that... why didn't you just say so in the first place?
D: ... We thought that Beatrice might eventually reach that thought... then barge in on the wedding with that as the key to Battler's escape. I did not think that you would press us first... and force us to show our hand.
G: Y... you do fight dirty, don't you... you were trying to trap Beato by making her suspect the windows, then turning the tables on her...
D: What else should a human who guards the bridge be expected to do? ... Are you satisfied now? A hellish wedding truly is vulgar and barbaric. ... If you would excuse us.
G: Wait there, Dlanor!! Respond to my blue truth!!
D: If you want the opinion of the Great Court of Heaven, please fill out an application in accordance with court procedures.
D: Let us provisionally accept that blue truth verbally. ... It will be put on hold until the proper forms are received, and multiple submissions are not allowed.
G: I don't understand!! Can you respond to my blue truth?! Or can't you?!
D: ... If you fill out the application on Monday, we should be able to have an answer for you by the end of next month. Multiple submissions are forbidden, so the blue truth you just spoke will be unusuable during this wedding ceremony. ... This is in accordance with the laws of evidence, official Great Court regulations 214 line 15, regarding the prevention of multiple submissions!
D: ... you're late. ... Time is already up, Lady Beatrice!!
B: Back off, Dlanor A. Knox. This isn't your fight.
D: ... I have received a red truth denying you from Lady Bernkastel. ... I"m afraid that this will become your grave...!
B: I'll play with you all want later. But for now, back off!
D: You will be the one to retreat...!! You are the pitiable actor who has chosen the wrong time to fight!!
C: Wh, why aren't they shooting?! Let the ceremony guards immediately...!
D: W, Wait! L... look at that...
Dlanor's expression grew grim. Then, she quietly... put her red longsword away. After all... Erika would have to make a decision. If she decided to ignore it, they could shoot to kill. However, if Erika picked that up, they must not do so.
D: .... Did you call me?
E: Thanks.
D: ...?
E: For once... it feels as though our chances for winning are 50/50. So I'd like to thank you beforehand.
D: It is simply my job. There is no need to thank me.
E: ...... In the last game... when you protected me after I lost pathetically... I was happy. That was the first time in my life that anyone has ever protected me. ... Even my master has never done so. All she has given me is a way to negate my pain by exposing the truth to others, and causing them just as much pain.
D: ....... Please, forgive my arrogance. ... I felt that I needed to protect you. ... As soon as I realized what a frail truth you live by... and how much you have been tortured by the violence of a more plausible mixture of truth and lies... I wanted to protect you.
E: Thank you. ... It wasn't for long, but you were a wonderful partner.
D: And I will remain so.
E: ... you're right. Once we've defeated her, let's make tons of mysteries on this island together. I'll have you solve them, and tease you as we play. ... How does that sound?
D: ... sounds interesting. I am looking forward to your challenge.
E: Ah, sorry, that's a lie. I take it back. ... That'd be one of those loser flags, wouldn't it?
D: Pfft--
D & E: *giggle*giggle*giggle*, ahahahahaha.
D: Lady Erika, Lady Erika!! Someone, help her, quickly!!
... The rose of blood in Erika's chest wouldn't stop opening its petals...
G: .... Third degree conceptual denial syndrome. ... Use of continuous neutralizer impossible... neutralization only possible by an emergency approval for resurrection. ... The piece's master must provide approval for resurrection...
D: L, Lady Bernkastel, give your approval for her resurrection!! ... Lady Bernkastel...?! Wh, Where did she go...?!
G: Search request to ceremony guards. Find Lady Bernkastel...!!
Erika, who was being held by Dlanor, had already realized that her master was nowhere to be seen, and she didn't feel lonely. On the contrary... she was relieved that she wouldn't need to brutally scolded in the last moments of her life...
Z & F: Gods and demons. Please pass on the story of her noble passing.
E: ... Noble...? .... Hah... the bad guy is supposed to die pathetically and play the main part at the climax... ggh... *cackle*... ha... haha...
D: L, Lady Erika...!! Y,You musn't move...!!
E: ... stand back... stay baaaaaaaaaack!!
When Erika yelled with all her soul... those who surrounded her were forced back and fell on their butts...
E: I am... the Witch of Truth, Furudo Erika... The Witch of Truth... is the witch... who can withstand the truth. ... Now... I can finally... accept the real truth about myself...
D: Lady Erika...!! The duel is already over...!!
Z & F: It isn't. Not until the pair is separated by death. We won't let anyone disgrace her final moments.
The two demons grabbed Dlanor's shoulders and held her back...
D: Why is it... that when it has come to this... I can be of no... assistance...?
L: ... Watch until the end. That's your job as her friend, isn't it...?
EPISODE 8
Episode 8
D: Lord Battler. It was an honor to receive your invitation.
B: Hey! Glad you came. It's been a long time. How've you been?
D: Very well, thank you. Fighting with you all is always the most fun. I have had enough of stamping documents.
C: Commander Dlanor. Know that your to-do box is piling up as we speak.
G: Please make haste with the approval of our vacation papers. We want those.
D: ... Lord Battler. I fear I must bring you some unfortunate news.
B: Hm, what is it?
Dlanor held out an envelope. It was one of the invitation cards that Battler had handed out for this night's party. The name on the card was... Furudo Erika.
D: ...... We did all we could.
The invitation was filled with stamps bearing the unreadable words of various foreign countries. Even without reading them, it was easy to guess that it had been returned to sender, destination unknown.
B: I see... thanks for trying so hard.
D: The depths of oblivion are like an empty endless desert, or perhaps the bottom of the sea. ... No one besides Lady Bernkastel herself could find her location...
D: ... if it isn't Willard!
W: Hey. I see you're as short as ever.
W: Willard's the name. I'm just a passing stranger who got caught up in a game you know nothing about.
D: He is an Inquisitor of Heresy of the Great Court, like myself. A truly great one, though he is now retired.
D: What a bizarre scene.
S: *giggle* Yeah, I guess so. Dlanor-sama, would you like some more to drink?
D: Something non-alcoholic. I am a kid, after all.
D: ... There have been a great many closed room murders on this game board. Choose whichever you please, and we will parry all your attacks.
W: No. ... We don't have to defend anything.
D: ... Indeed. ... A mystery is always the source of the challenge. ... Why should we be forced to play defense?
W: Do you guys get it yet? You are the ones in the hot seat right now.
W: Tch. They're getting rebellious.
D: Perhaps we are behind the times.
W: In that case, let's see if you have any theories that can satisfy us.
D: ... Come!!
However, Beato had left many blades behind. All of them were exceedingly sharp. So, the pair of inquisitors didn't think this would be a desperate battle. So they laughed. Both Will and Dlanor laughed. With smiles of admiration at the theories the goats had put everything they had into, they countered with blades from all the closed rooms.
W: Looks like even the great Knox never forbade fake murders.
D: There are many splendid mysteries besides murder.
D: Why can't humans live without killing, I wonder. ... Throughout their long history, so many have prayed for miracles... but in the end, they eat up their own chances at receiving a miracle, eating up the very ground they stand on and falling into the abyss...
D: Humans are pitiable beings, who are unable to simply avoid those things which should not be learned. ... Lord Battler can hardly be blamed for failing to teach this to Ange.
Pleased to meet you, Miss Beatrice. My name is Dlanor A. Knox.
D: Eiserne Jungfrau have gathered 600 pages of data for your case. I've glanced through them so I can consider myself somewhat acquainted with you too.
B: The secretary of hell should summarize those 600 pages with just twelve letters.
D: What might it be?
B: "Mortal danger."
D: Nice to hear. Then I'll take four letters and return the courtesy with only eight.
E: Executed.
B: "Cute?" Ha ha. You're flattering me.
D: Let's resume, Miss Beatrice. The Head Inquisitor of Heresy, Dlanor. Let me be your modest opponent.
B: I can hide Kinzo's ghost wherever I want.
D: It's useless.
B: Huh?
D: You were doomed at the moment you met me. I won't let you flee. Nobody... can run away.
D: Miss Beatrice, I've sealed your path of retreat. You can't escape through the door, nor can you use the window. You have nowhere to run.
B: Oh my, oh my. You even brought Siesta Sisters. I'm surprised by this courtesy call. But why do you think you've captured me with this?
D, Red: I won't allow hidden doors to exist in this room.
D: There is only one god in this world, and he doesn't allow hidden doors to exist! They mustn't exist, and they don't exist! It's a blasphemy against our god!
B: You're so haughty that it shocks even a witch like me. And besides being shocking, it's so exciting!
D: You're no different from other witches. What a pity.
D: Such potion doesn't exist. It can't exist. Such device doesn't exist. I won't allow it to exist.
D: In the name of god, such potions and devices don't exist. And won't exist for all eternity!
E: It's Knox's 4th. It is forbidden for unknown drugs or hard to understand scientific devices to be used.
D: The progress of humanity, its knowledge and technology are decided by our god. And he has denied them for all eternity. Therefore, I won't allow such technology. It's prohibited forever.
D: Is this all? I shouldn't have bothered coming.
B: Not yet. This was just testing. I was trying to estimate your powers.
D: Of course. Gertrude, Cornelia, guard. Please check if the seals on the room are perfect.
D: Thank you for explaining the structure of the study. But there's nowhere to hide in it. This possibility was annihilated by the previous search.
D: Excellent, Ushiromiya Battler! I'm the Chief Inquisitor of Heresy, Dlanor A. Knox. I can't allow you to escape easily. Please give me the honor of crossing swords with you!
D: Was it shown that there were blind spots in the study? If i wasn't, your logic won't be allowed.
D: I have lost. For the sake of those people in the study... deliver the finishing blow.
D: How did Kinzo escape from the closed room? Say the final blue truth.
D: Wonderful labyrinth garden. Watching the roses is really enjoyable.
B: You... why did you come here?
V: Have some tea.
D: Thank you. Could you add sugar and milk too?
V: Still can't drink tea without it?
D: I'm a kid. I need to make it sweet.
D: It's been a while, Miss Beatrice. Or are you called Missis Virgilia now?
V: Greetings, Dlanor. Come this way please.
B: Have you met before?
V: We are very old friends. I haven't seen her for ages.
D: Indeed. I have had countless arguments with Missis Virgilia during my work in the council.
V: Well. I should prepare tea for you too. I assume you didn't just come here to greet us?
D: Yes. I came here because I have a thing to tell you. But before that... greetings, Mister Battler, Miss Beatrice. My name is Dlanor A. Knox.
B: Ushiromiya Battler, pleased to meet you. Mind that we aren't the same people who are on the game board. Those are controlled by Lambadadelta.
D: I am aware of that. However, pieces can't do things impossible for them. They can only act according to their real personality.
D: Therefore, if you had been on that scene yourself, you would have done the same thing doubtlessly. You would have jumped out of the window, took Miss Beatrice with you and crossed the swords with me. THat's why I"m greeting you now.
B: Strange. We're drinking tea together. I'd expect you to try to deny that the tea was made by magic.
D: Don't worry. I'm not so rude to complain about the way my tea is served.
B: Even if magic is used right in front of you?
D: The teapot is just hidden from us somewhere. Missis Virgilia is using it to prepare tea. We agreed that it's 'made by magic' and this is written in the story. This interpretation doesn't contradict Knox's 9th. And regardless of my interpretation... the tea will still remain superb. So I don't mind that it was prepared this way. Magic that hides the outcome in the darkness is evil. I won't allow it. However, magic that hides the process is not always evil. My enemy is the evil, not the magic itself.
B: Do I guess you could say that for you... magic is a delicate lie?
D: If you examine everyone's alibi and define who is the 'culprit' behind the incident with the candy, I'll consider it rude. The result that the girl was happy is very important. It is important that this embellishment occurred to make her happy.
B: Surprising enough, when you appeared you looked like you'd always deny any kind of magic.
D: That's my job as an inquisitor of heresy. My mission. But when I'm not doing my job, I'm not that cold-hearted.
B: So you don't allow personal feelings to interfere with your job. That's admirable.
D: Personally, I pity witches. However, it doesn't change the fact that I execute them.
D: It's different from giving a candy to a girl. If I feel pity, my hand will become dull and it'll cause me unneccessary pain. My pity is nothing more than a useless embellishment. It changes nothing. Then... I don't need it.
V: That's not true. The result may be the same, but what happens with your heart makes a great difference.
D: Is that so? Is it really important whether I have a heart or not?
V: Of...
B: Course.
B: After this conversation, I've become your ally to a small extent. So your heart isn't meaningless. That's for sure.
D: I want... to apologize.
B: For what? The fight is already over, we both fought with all we had.
V: Could it be that... you want to apologize for letting him win?
D: Yes. Mister Battler.
B: 'Mister' sounds weird, just call me Battler.
D: Battler, accept my apologies. We weren't fighting with all our strength. Do you understand? We were discussing how Kinzo could escape from the study, but... Beato already said it in red.
D: Knox's 2nd. It is forbidden for supernatural agencies to be employed as a detective technique. We are not allowed to use this red truth directly. However, I gave the red truth 'the window hasn't been opened' to Cornelia who was guarding the window.
D: However, we were forbidden to use our trump card. That was when your victory was decided. Lady Lambdadelta, the game master can interfere with the red truth on the board.
B: So everything is going according to her scenario?
D: It should already be proclaimed that 'Kinzo doesn't exist.' But both Lady Lambadadela and Lady Bernkastel are continuing the game under the assumption that Kinzo still exists. It's like they're conspiring together in order to not allow denying Kinzo's existence.
B: So they let the grandfather escape on purpose?
D: Yes. The two players are conspiring together in this affair. I have a premonition that they have some evil plans. That's why I came here to warn you.
B: You came all the way here only for this?
D: Yes. With this, my business here is over. Please excuse me. We'll meet again on the second twilight. On the game board, I'm Lady Bernkastel's piece and Furudo Erika's subordinate. In the future, we'll fight each other many times. But deep in the heart I'm neutral.
D: No... forget that. It's not important for the relationship between us.
B: It is. You might be a terribly strong opponent, but you don't irritate me anymore. And Erika does irritate me. A lot.
D: I'm glad. She irritates me as well.
B: Heh. Ha ha ha ha.
D: Furudo Erika is a very evil being. She's burning with the urge of revenge for the previous defeat. I can't predict what she is planning. But I'm sure it's nothing good. Be careful.
B: I can figure out just from the fact that she's Bernkastel's piece. I'm sure you won't go easy on me either, right?
D: That's true. Next time we cross our swords, I won't back off.
B: I'm okay with it. I'll fight you with all I have.
D, smiling: Remember this promise.
D: Miss Erika. I shall accept punishment for the failure of my subordinates. Please forgive them.
E: No thank you. The goal of punishment is inflicting pain. Doing it with a frigid insensitive doll is no fun.
D: I may be insensitive but you can still hurt me.
E: You have no heart that can be hurt! You're just a witch hunting killer doll! I was scolded by Lady Bernkastel because of your failures! Please don't show such pathetic performance ever again. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?
D, bowing: I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
E: Waste. Well, let's stop here. My anger has finally calmed down a bit and my little gray cells are tingling again. Make those useless servants reconstruct the crime scene.
D: Got it. Gertrude, Cornelia.
D: I'm Dlanor A. Knox. I'm Lady Erika's assistant. Battler. I have my hopes up for you. Don't disappoint me.
-While Beatrice is about to be consumed by goats, Dlanor cuts in and kills the goats attempting to devour her.
D: I apologize for interrupting you. There is a person who has objections to the verdict. His name is Ushiromiya Battler.
Dlanor turns to Battler.
D: What are you displeased with in the decision of the court? Do you want to review some of the evidence? Do you have the truth?
D: All wounds can be healed over time. And every truth can be uncovered if you invest enough time. However, all courts impose limits on the search for the truth. The truth that can't be found before that deadline can never become the real truth.
Bern: Excellent scenario, Dlanor! It's not interesting if a knight doesn't show up on the execution of the princess. And nothing is better than watching her executed right before his eyes! The old piece and the useless player will leave the stage together.
D: As you please, Glorious Lady Bernakstel! I'm Dlanor A. Knox, the Head Inquisitor of Heresy. Come, Ushiromiya Battler!
B: Goddamn. You stuck that duct tape everywhere to leave your traces!
D: Is this your only objection? You promised to fight me with all you have.
D: Is this all? If you still have power remaining, please at least show it in the very end. Ushiromiya Battler!
D: Battler, give proofs to the red truth you used. If you can't, this is the farewell.
D: With this. The court is finished. FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED FINISHED. DIE THE DEATH! SENTENCE TO DEATH!
D: Sleep peacefully, Ushiromiya Battler. Such a pity. I expected more of you.
D: Execution is not a show. Usually it's not done in public.
E: Lady Bernkastel, the member of the senate, is just inspecting how the great court is performing its duties. Do you, a mere inquisitor of heresy, wish to impede this?
B: Sorry for my rudeness, it was your father who created it after all.
D: It's fine. Some people say that it's nothing more than a game.
B: I've heard that not all detective stories in the world follow the decalogue, am I right? Won't the reader feel deceived after reading such a novel?
D: Even the decalogue does not apply to all stories, as it is nothing more than one way of reasoning. Though there are fierce supporters of Father's decalogue who would call anything that violates it heresy.
B: That's pretty arrogant.
D: Indeed it is. It makes me sad when people use the decalogue as a weapon of arrogance.
B: But you used the decalogue when you fought Beato... does it prove that Beato's game follows the rules of the decalogue?
D: I'm not sure that you can reach the answer using my father's decalogue. But the decalogue was created to assist the detective's power of rasoning. Battler, when you are in trouble, when you need something to guide your logic, you may try using the decalogue as well.
D: So, it happens when both begin to trust each other. Then you and Lady Beatrice are in a love relationship, too?
B: Wait, aren't we just fighting each other to death? Isn't it a relationship of ultimate rivalry?
D: Why can you be sure that Miss Beato is fighting you at full force?
B: I can tell just by looking.
D: She never said anything like that in red. Still, you don't even doubt that? Didn't you say that you don't trust anything except the red truth?
Dlanor grins a little.
E: Dlanor, please help me to put Battler in his place!
D: Battler... I've been waiting for you.
B: Sorry for coming late.
D: No problem. In fact, you returned earlier than I had thought.
D: No, it's fine.
(As long as a person like you exists in the world... you will always protect the fragile truth from my arrogance.)
Dlanor smiles.
D: I'm happy I could fight with you.
D: I resign. I won't deny your truth any more.
B: Thank you. Without your help, I wouldn't have reached this outcome. I've paid my debt. Honor to your father. The decalogue was neither arrogant nor judgemental.
D: Honor... to my father...
Dlanor kneels before Erika.
D: Yes, your truth exists along with mine in this world. Nobody can arbitarily deny it. That's right. I won't allow anyone to deny Lady Erika's truth.
D: I, Dlanor, will protect this truth. I won't mock this truth even when someone calls it pathetic.
EPISODE 6
L: Eheheheh! It's rare to see Bern in such high spirits. Beato's game board really is something else.
D: ... How sad it is that the master of the game board is no longer with us.
L: A tiger dies and leaves behind its hide. Looks like Beato has died and left behind her game.
E: Ah, look, it's Beatrice-san. And I thought you'd died and disappeared last time.
B: ... Beatrice the player is the one who died last time. This is probably just a piece... Battler's piece.
D: Even if she is a piece, it does not change the fact that it is her.
E: Who... are you?
D: ... You appear to be Lady Beatrice... but is that true?
Even Dlanor was forced to ask despite the rudeness of the question. That was how much... this woman... who appeared to be Beato... was not.
Ba: Pardon me. ... Please forget what you saw just now.
E: Hmph, so, are you trying to trick us with this? You're scheming to give us the wrong impression, like another North Wind and Sun strategy, aren't you?
D: ... Is there something wrong?
Ba: Don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with you people.
D: Lady Erika, this opponent is not worth your time. This battle is not worth fighting...
E: Shut up, murder doll!! Alright!! How do you claim that the overturned cup was filled with candies?!
E: Good!! Is this what you call Beatrice's magic?! Dlanoooooooor!! BEAT HER TO DEATH!!!
D: .............. as you wish.
E: Magic is impossible. You might be telling a lie about something that never happened!!
D: Repitition demanded. Failure to respond will be a violation of Knox's 7th.
M: Ahahaha, I'll respond! This is the truth!! This story really happened!!
E: This wouldn't have anything to do with a trick in the actual cup or table, making this just a sleight of hand, right? That would be againts the rules, wouldn't it?!?!
D: Hidden devices and tricks are in violation of Knox's 3rd. However, if and only if foreshadowing has been presented, these are permitted by Knox's 8th.
M: They had no such tricks in them!! It was just an ordinary table and an ordinary cup!! That's why it's magic, not sleight of hand!!
D: .... understood. ... By Knox's 9th, we acknowledge that Lady Maria witnessed magic.
E: Ahahahahahaha!! That's right, with the 9th at least!! Observers are always allowed to speak their personal opinions! Otherwise, mysteries where the culprit is seen dressed up as a woman and it's written 'I saw a woman' would all be disqualified!! Sure, that's fine, claim that you saw magic all you want!! All truths are nothing more than claims! So, I'll make a claim separate from yours and smash right through yours!! That is the detective's duty, and the time we shine the mooost!!
E: You damn scraps of paper!! Why'd you have to butt in at the good part...?!!
D: That is enough. Lady Maria has been shown that the magic which makes candy appear in a cup could possibly be a trick that she misunderstood to be magic. Therefore, her claim that it was magic is dismissed.
S: However, it might really have been magic when Maria saw it...! Just because it can be done by a sleight of hand doesn't disprove magic.
D: ..... well done, Lady Erika. Congratulations on crushing Lady Maria's Illusion of the Witch.
E: ....... sheesh!! Just one more step and I'd have been able to take a heart as innocent as the smooth sand just after a wave has pulled back... and tear it to bits. ... What a shame. This isn't any fun anymore. ... Are you satisfied now?! Ouch, ... owowowow...
Erika grumpily punched Dlanor's arm that had been restraining her. However, that cold, hard marble-like arm just made Erika's hand hurt.
S: .... d, diplomatic immunity...! This battle is over...!"
G: Allow me to speak. Diplomatic immunity accepted.
C: ... know that this fight is childish.
E: Did you say something?!
D: She did not. ... Let us withdraw. Lady Maria is no enemy of yours, Lady Erika. There is no need to pay any attention to small fry such as this.
E: .... hmph. ... You're right. How childish of me, tearing a kid's dreams apart. I'm really sorry, okay? I apologize for my momentary lack of elegance. *giggle*giggle*. Let's go.
E: ... Please don't tell me that feelings of true love have sprouted from your murderous rivalry or anything like that, okay?
D: ... Lady Erika. Let us have him continue the game's progression. Boring love scenes such as this are best finished quickly.
E: Ah, you've got a point there. Sorry for butting in. Come on, let's move on.
Erika had returned to the room on the second floor of the guesthouse that had been given to her. The next room was empty. It was very quiet there...
Even pressing her ear against the wall wouldn't enable her to listen in on the voices in the cousins' room. Even with hearing power boosted by the detective's authority, it would probably be impossible to make out anything. This room was the farthest down the hall, a long ways away from the cousins' room...
E: And last time, my room was right next to theirs. ... I see... so he's placed my room farther away this time.
D: It is a modification of the initial arrangement well covered by the powers of authority given to the Game Master. It is, perhaps, a quite resonable first move.
E: Well, it's better for me that way too. Like I'd want to hear those brats' squeaky voices as they play cards.
D: .....
This whole time, Erika had been facing the desk and toying with something. ... She was preparing some of those duct tape seals from before. She had asked Kumasawa for the stickiest tape in the place. She drew a complicated signature that could not be counterfeited across it with a permanent market, then began making notches across it. This way, she could stick this over a place that she wanted to prove had been closed, creating a powerful seal equal in strength to the red truth. Those menacing seals had cornered Natsuhi so thoroughly in the previous game...
E: .... nn... great.
D: Is something wrong?
E: ... he got me. ... That Battler doesn't let anything get by him, does he?
Erika shrugged and showed the piece of duct tape she had torn off to Dlanor. At a glance, Dlanor couldn't tell what had annoyed Erika. However, as soon as she held it, she realized the difference right away.
D: ... this won't be any good.
E: Yep. It's barely sticky at all. This won't reach even close to the red truth.
Even duct tape can be of low quality, and it sometimes gets weaker with age. The tape Kumasawa had found was a bit too weak even for normal use. It wasn't nearly sticky enough to be used as a detective's seal.
D: It is possible to tear it off cleanly. This cannot count as proof of a seal.
E: ... I guess Battler isn't as totally incompetent as I thought. He probably tampered with all the duct tape on the island using the authority of the Game Master.
Letting Erika get her hands on duct tape gave her a fatal weapon to use against witches. The previous game had proven this fact. And so, Battler had removed that weapon from the entire mansion....
D: Most likely, all possible substitutes for duct tape have also been tampered with.
E: ... probably. Well, it isn't really so bad. At least this way, I won't have to look like a fool crawling all over the outer wall in the cold rain.
Erika tossed the duct tape aside carelessly and flopped spread-eagled onto the bed...
E: Anyway, waiting calmly for the crime and smoking a pipe is also part of a detective's role. ... I doubt you'll have any role until the first twilight begins, so why not vanish off somewhere and take a break. ... I imagine that just the sight of my face is tiresome for you.
D: .... I do not smoke. I am just a kid.
E: Oh, really? ... I wish I could. ... Well, only if it is really is as refreshing as smokers claim.
D: ... It seems... that you are not in high spirits.
E: ... Does it look that way?
Erika answered lazily, still looking up at the ceiling. That in itself was half an answer...
The silence between the two was filled by the sound of the wind and rain. It was so quiet that the sound of the ticking clock rang out clearly.
D: ...... Lady Erika. May I ask a question?
E: Depends on what it is. Answer's probably no though.
D: .........
E: ..... well, we're just killin time anyway. What is it?
Erika was probably bored as well. ... Or maybe the sound of the rain was making her sentimental. She assented, which was very unlike her.
D: Why? ... Why do you hate magic, Lady Erika?
E: .... Ah. .... YOu mean that thing downstairs with Maria?
D: That was nothing more than a foolish trick to deceive children. Everyone knew that. ... Was it really neccessary to go so far to destroy that illusion? ... I cannot understand.
Erika didn't need Dlanor to tell her that it had been a childish fight.
E: .... Well, I am a self-proclaimed intellectual rapist. I can't stand having magic confuse the truth.
D: And so, you feel pleasure from exposing that? ... I sense a different emotion.
E: A different emotion? ... What's that?
D: To me, it feels less like pleasure, ... and more like a different, negative emotion.
E: Hah.... you really are a murder doll, aren't you? Even your eyes are like knotholes.
D, looking visibly downcast: .... my apologies. Please forgive me.
Erika rolled over grumpily, turning her back to Dlanor. So, Dlanor couldn't see her expression. ... Even so. For some reason, she could guess that this completely unobserved expression was one of pain... Interpreting this to mean that Erika wanted her to go away, Dlanor gave a bow and made to leave.
Then, Erika suddenly spoke.
The words had come so far out of the blue that Dlanor doubted her ears, and she had to ask Erika to say it again.
D: ... what did you say?
E: I love you.
It really had been out of the blue. Dlanor wanted to see what Erika really meant, but the latter still had her back turned, and her face was out of sight...
D: ........... thank you very much.
E: I was going out with another girl a while back, but we've completely broken up. The others might talk about us out of envy, but please ignore them.
D: ........
E: I'm gonna devote my whole life to you, so I want you to do the same for me. Let's find happiness together.
Dlanor avoided asking what she was talking about and stood there in silence. For a while, Erika kept on dully and emotionlessly repeating soppy phrases that might have popped up in some shoujo manga...
Then, unexpectedly, she once again followed up with a complete non sequitur.
E: .... a new wallet.
D: ....?
Of course, she had no idea what Erika was saying. However, with her back still to Dlanor.... Erika kept on saying disconnected words.
E: A strange cat keychain. A different style of cologne. A music tape that's not his style... which he said he borrowed from a senior at theater. ... His senior was going so he couldn't refuse. He suddenly had this part-time job to go to. Talked with a friend on the phone for a really long time.
E: ... right now, I am happy. ... Though it may be temporary, I have become the Witch of Truth. ... As I am now... I no longer need to worry about being tormented by non-red words.
D: ....
E: ... What about you? How would you have countered my endgame?
D: How would... I?
E: That useless man wouldn't play the part of my opponent in that game. ... I was wondering how you would have countered it?
D: ........
Dlanor was suddenly thrust into the position of Erika's opponent in the witch's game she had once challenged that man with. Dlanor shared in the Fragments of Erika's past and was made to grasp the full situation. The board was reproduced in full inside their heads...
The situation... was one-sided. Erika's side had constructed a blue truth based on countless bits of circumstantial evidence, had turned all of those into pieces, and was already cornering the opponent. For some time, Dlanor thought in silence... and announced her by-the-book response.
D: First move. ... I demand that you provide evidence that I have been cheating.
E: Counter with the blue truth. I present 84 points of circumstantial and physical evidence.
D: Counter with the blue truth. I present 6 points of circumstantial and physical evidence that I still love you.
E: Good. Blue and blue cancel each other out, but the number of pieces used to construct each is overwhelmingly unbalanced.
E: First point to me. Your next move?
D: ..... I will attempt to switch offense and defense. I ask that you, Lady Erika, provide proof that you are not cheating.
E: Perpetual check. That's a forbidden move, since it'd result in an endless repetition of the same question going both ways.
D: Then I frankly declare that, despite a lack of proof, I still love Lady Erika even now.
E: Not the red truth, so that's ineffective. Even if it was red, that'd be a stalemate. After all, I'd have no move to counter with.
D: ......
Dlanor remained silent for a while. Then, she quietly responded to Erika's moves until they reached checkmate.
E: ... any other moves? O witch-hunting archbishop, protector of the truth?
D: ... no. I resign.
E: See? There you go. ... hmph...
Erika had succeeded in crushing her opponent with the truth she espoused... that her former boyfriend no longer loved her and was cheating on her. Her opponent had no way to argue back. ... After all, humans are not allowed to use -------. A splendid game, a splendid finish from a superior position. Regardless of the truth of her opponent, Erika could win. A splendid... victory.
Dlanor could only respond with silence. And with that, Erika spoke no more. ... she was probably done talking and wanted Dlanor to leave. Dlanor understood this, but even so...
... Before leaving, she wanted to tell Erika one thing.
D: A splendid game, Lady Erika.
E: It's only natural that the detective wins.
D: Even before you became Lady Bernkastel's piece, you truly were a splendid wielder of the blue truth. ... However, Lady Erika. Humans are only allowed to use the blue truth. And the only thing that can counter blue truth is red truth. And humans are not allowed to use the red truth. ... In that case, how should your opponent have shown his truth?
E: ... who knows. ... Maybe he should have used that gold truth or whatever, which is supposed to be stronger than the red truth at times.
D: ....... You certainly were the victor in that game. However, allow me to say this as a protector of the truth.
E: What? ... I imagine it's something unpleasant, so say it and go away.
D: ... yes. ... This game is your victory. However... you still have not denied the six points of blue truth evidence that I showed to claim that I still loved you. ... Even you are human. You cannot use red truth to deny those points.
E: Later on, I used the detective's authority to have all 84 points transformed into red truth. By the power of my master...! I am human, yet superior to humans. A detective and a witch. I am the Witch of Truth, Furudo Erika. Any other questions? Parting remarks?
D: ... I have none. ... In that case, please excuse me.
Dlanor bowed and disappeared.
D: Lady Erika... I believe you know, but allow me to warn you just in case.
E: Yes? What is it?
D: It is true that you have an incredible photographic memory, Lady Erika... by combining with the detective's proclamation, it is impossible for you to be fooled by anything.
E: Yeah, I get it. ... Since no detective proclamation has been made about me, even my photographic memory doesn't count as foolproof evidence. Of course, I understand that. ... Still, that doesn't mean I can afford to miss viewing the crime scenes directly. ... After all, in the last game, my pride in that regard led me to a truly miserable failure.
D: For example, by this argument, no matter how well you examine a person's corpse, you could not even guarantee that they were not faking their death with absolute certainty. Most probably, features of this situation must be individually confirmed by telling Battler to repeat them in red.
E: And I'll need to use the blue truth liberally in order to make him. ... I understand. Let's start with the basics. ... The lack of the detective's authority is no handicap. It simply means that I'm fighting under the same conditions Battler once was.
B: What happened to Dlanor this time? Are you by yourself?
D: .... no. ... I have been waiting here.
Dlanor had been just standing around in reserve, hiding her presence in the dark shadows...
E: Well, when she can't use her red longsword, Dlanor is just useless scum. There's no point having her around, so she's hanging back.
D: ... All I can do now is record Lady Erika's reasoning.
B: Why won't you fight with her? Why can't you use that red longsword? ... Erika's reasoning... and your longsword. Those were strong because they worked together.
D: ......
Dlanor didn't answer. She just glanced slightly at Bernkastel's expression.
... However, that glance was the same as a clear answer for Battler now.
D: The 'red key' is extremely close to the red truth. ... If and only if I am given a 'truth,' I am permitted to draw my sword for items that pertain to it.
D: Yes... though her only goal was to irresponsibly solve riddles... it was a matter of pride for her.
B: Then, she must be really suffering now that she can't make that proclamation.
D: ... Only she could tell you that.
E: Alright! Let's use these seals at our leisure...! You did great too, Dlanor. It seems that Battler trusts you, so he believed every word you said.
D: ....
E: Don't tell me you've hurt your conscience. You little murder doll.
D: ... no.
Dlanor looked at Erika in a slightly lonely way.
... Then, after shaking her head slightly, her gaze turned hard, and she looked at the darkness Battler had disappeared into.
D: ... He should have known that this was a no-holds-barred fight... How foolish, Lord Battler. This is, without a doubt, the result of your pride.
... Mister Battler... this will be fatal...
... When the fight concerned these two sealed rooms from now on, Dlanor would be able to use that merciless blade, the 'red key'... This overwhelming power could slice even the Game Master in half. For a while, Erika and Dlanor grinned at each other, entranced by the ruthless red light that was burned into their eyes...
E: Haah. Now I can finally stretch my wings. First off, let's take a midnight stroll to the mansion.
D: You would take a stroll in the middle of the night to an eerie mansion where a killer might be hiding? ... You must be very insane.
E: I am not. It took so long to get this time to myself, didn't it? I feel like it's free time after a swimming lesson.
Dlanor knew that she was risking her own destruction in this game. ... And she was not in a favorable position by any means. Dlanor could do nothing but assist Erika so that she could fight to the best of her abilities...
After Erika was sprayed by hot water:
D: ... What a calamity.
E: Would you like a bath? I can wash your face with this brush.
D: Allow me to pass.
E, mimicking Dlanor: Oh. ... That's a shame.
E: A coffin ... Ushiromiya Battler's coffin, that is.
D: ... Ashes to ashes, the dead to their coffins.
B: ... That's right. ... I... gave her permission to do that.
D: This is what you get for your pride. ... Sympathy is the evil liquor that the proud are most fond of.
D: Well... done. To think... that you escaped the room... without removing the chain... simply splendid...
With her small hands, Dlanor slowly started to applaud quietly.
D: ... You do have the right to speak ill of Lady Erika. ... However... now, you also have the obligation of showing a new logic that doesn't lead to any contradictions.
D: Good. ... Battler, it is as you see. ... There no longer exists anyone who can save you.
D: ... Most unfortunately, we of Eiserne Jungfrau have been placed in charge of the two rooms in the guesthouse.
G: Tch. And you guys specialize in seals and barriers...
D: However, that was quite impressive, Miss Gaap. You realized that the closed room you should destroy to save Battler is in the guesthouse... The ceremony will begin soon, but why not reconstruct the scene as a way to kill time until then?
V: ... A, are you sure? Doesn't this violate the obligation of confidentiality you have as Lady Erika's pieces...?
D: That is no problem. ... Surely, if you first have the seals around the scene confirmed and fall into despair... you will be able to celebrate this ceremony more sincerely.
R: ... I see. This is the sort of falsification that the Great Court of Heaven likes to practice.
D: I cannot let that remark pass. ... What is your complaint?
R: Incorrect. ... At that time, Lady Erika only proved the status of 'the seals on the doors.'
Dlanor doesn't answer, but she perks up w/ a catlike expression and smile.
D: ... It seems the bride and groom have arrived. This ends our chat. ... We will meet again later.
With a happy-looking grin on her face, Dlanor turned around. ... But this must have hit her where it hurts.
Gaap wouldn't let her get away. She grabbed the other's shoulder.
G: ... Wait there. Confirm whether or not the seals on the windows were preserved at the time of the logic error. If you don't, it's possible for anyone in that room to save Battler!!
D: And who... do you think such a rescue would be possible for?
Gaap names Kanon.
D: Kanon...? Heheheheheheheheheh....... impossible.
G: Impossible? Come now, we can't trust what you say with normal words. ... Use the red truth. Swear upon that red longsword of yours.
D: .... Miss Gaap. A sacred wedding is about to begin here. You ask me to draw my sword in a sacred place such as this? ... How inelegant and rude. Let's do this some other time. ... Goodbye.
G: ... Okay... so you can counter that... why didn't you just say so in the first place?
D: ... We thought that Beatrice might eventually reach that thought... then barge in on the wedding with that as the key to Battler's escape. I did not think that you would press us first... and force us to show our hand.
G: Y... you do fight dirty, don't you... you were trying to trap Beato by making her suspect the windows, then turning the tables on her...
D: What else should a human who guards the bridge be expected to do? ... Are you satisfied now? A hellish wedding truly is vulgar and barbaric. ... If you would excuse us.
G: Wait there, Dlanor!! Respond to my blue truth!!
D: If you want the opinion of the Great Court of Heaven, please fill out an application in accordance with court procedures.
D: Let us provisionally accept that blue truth verbally. ... It will be put on hold until the proper forms are received, and multiple submissions are not allowed.
G: I don't understand!! Can you respond to my blue truth?! Or can't you?!
D: ... If you fill out the application on Monday, we should be able to have an answer for you by the end of next month. Multiple submissions are forbidden, so the blue truth you just spoke will be unusuable during this wedding ceremony. ... This is in accordance with the laws of evidence, official Great Court regulations 214 line 15, regarding the prevention of multiple submissions!
D: ... you're late. ... Time is already up, Lady Beatrice!!
B: Back off, Dlanor A. Knox. This isn't your fight.
D: ... I have received a red truth denying you from Lady Bernkastel. ... I"m afraid that this will become your grave...!
B: I'll play with you all want later. But for now, back off!
D: You will be the one to retreat...!! You are the pitiable actor who has chosen the wrong time to fight!!
C: Wh, why aren't they shooting?! Let the ceremony guards immediately...!
D: W, Wait! L... look at that...
Dlanor's expression grew grim. Then, she quietly... put her red longsword away. After all... Erika would have to make a decision. If she decided to ignore it, they could shoot to kill. However, if Erika picked that up, they must not do so.
D: .... Did you call me?
E: Thanks.
D: ...?
E: For once... it feels as though our chances for winning are 50/50. So I'd like to thank you beforehand.
D: It is simply my job. There is no need to thank me.
E: ...... In the last game... when you protected me after I lost pathetically... I was happy. That was the first time in my life that anyone has ever protected me. ... Even my master has never done so. All she has given me is a way to negate my pain by exposing the truth to others, and causing them just as much pain.
D: ....... Please, forgive my arrogance. ... I felt that I needed to protect you. ... As soon as I realized what a frail truth you live by... and how much you have been tortured by the violence of a more plausible mixture of truth and lies... I wanted to protect you.
E: Thank you. ... It wasn't for long, but you were a wonderful partner.
D: And I will remain so.
E: ... you're right. Once we've defeated her, let's make tons of mysteries on this island together. I'll have you solve them, and tease you as we play. ... How does that sound?
D: ... sounds interesting. I am looking forward to your challenge.
E: Ah, sorry, that's a lie. I take it back. ... That'd be one of those loser flags, wouldn't it?
D: Pfft--
D & E: *giggle*giggle*giggle*, ahahahahaha.
D: Lady Erika, Lady Erika!! Someone, help her, quickly!!
... The rose of blood in Erika's chest wouldn't stop opening its petals...
G: .... Third degree conceptual denial syndrome. ... Use of continuous neutralizer impossible... neutralization only possible by an emergency approval for resurrection. ... The piece's master must provide approval for resurrection...
D: L, Lady Bernkastel, give your approval for her resurrection!! ... Lady Bernkastel...?! Wh, Where did she go...?!
G: Search request to ceremony guards. Find Lady Bernkastel...!!
Erika, who was being held by Dlanor, had already realized that her master was nowhere to be seen, and she didn't feel lonely. On the contrary... she was relieved that she wouldn't need to brutally scolded in the last moments of her life...
Z & F: Gods and demons. Please pass on the story of her noble passing.
E: ... Noble...? .... Hah... the bad guy is supposed to die pathetically and play the main part at the climax... ggh... *cackle*... ha... haha...
D: L, Lady Erika...!! Y,You musn't move...!!
E: ... stand back... stay baaaaaaaaaack!!
When Erika yelled with all her soul... those who surrounded her were forced back and fell on their butts...
E: I am... the Witch of Truth, Furudo Erika... The Witch of Truth... is the witch... who can withstand the truth. ... Now... I can finally... accept the real truth about myself...
D: Lady Erika...!! The duel is already over...!!
Z & F: It isn't. Not until the pair is separated by death. We won't let anyone disgrace her final moments.
The two demons grabbed Dlanor's shoulders and held her back...
D: Why is it... that when it has come to this... I can be of no... assistance...?
L: ... Watch until the end. That's your job as her friend, isn't it...?
EPISODE 8
Episode 8
D: Lord Battler. It was an honor to receive your invitation.
B: Hey! Glad you came. It's been a long time. How've you been?
D: Very well, thank you. Fighting with you all is always the most fun. I have had enough of stamping documents.
C: Commander Dlanor. Know that your to-do box is piling up as we speak.
G: Please make haste with the approval of our vacation papers. We want those.
D: ... Lord Battler. I fear I must bring you some unfortunate news.
B: Hm, what is it?
Dlanor held out an envelope. It was one of the invitation cards that Battler had handed out for this night's party. The name on the card was... Furudo Erika.
D: ...... We did all we could.
The invitation was filled with stamps bearing the unreadable words of various foreign countries. Even without reading them, it was easy to guess that it had been returned to sender, destination unknown.
B: I see... thanks for trying so hard.
D: The depths of oblivion are like an empty endless desert, or perhaps the bottom of the sea. ... No one besides Lady Bernkastel herself could find her location...
D: ... if it isn't Willard!
W: Hey. I see you're as short as ever.
W: Willard's the name. I'm just a passing stranger who got caught up in a game you know nothing about.
D: He is an Inquisitor of Heresy of the Great Court, like myself. A truly great one, though he is now retired.
D: What a bizarre scene.
S: *giggle* Yeah, I guess so. Dlanor-sama, would you like some more to drink?
D: Something non-alcoholic. I am a kid, after all.
D: ... There have been a great many closed room murders on this game board. Choose whichever you please, and we will parry all your attacks.
W: No. ... We don't have to defend anything.
D: ... Indeed. ... A mystery is always the source of the challenge. ... Why should we be forced to play defense?
W: Do you guys get it yet? You are the ones in the hot seat right now.
W: Tch. They're getting rebellious.
D: Perhaps we are behind the times.
W: In that case, let's see if you have any theories that can satisfy us.
D: ... Come!!
However, Beato had left many blades behind. All of them were exceedingly sharp. So, the pair of inquisitors didn't think this would be a desperate battle. So they laughed. Both Will and Dlanor laughed. With smiles of admiration at the theories the goats had put everything they had into, they countered with blades from all the closed rooms.
W: Looks like even the great Knox never forbade fake murders.
D: There are many splendid mysteries besides murder.
D: Why can't humans live without killing, I wonder. ... Throughout their long history, so many have prayed for miracles... but in the end, they eat up their own chances at receiving a miracle, eating up the very ground they stand on and falling into the abyss...
D: Humans are pitiable beings, who are unable to simply avoid those things which should not be learned. ... Lord Battler can hardly be blamed for failing to teach this to Ange.