Affirmative. Shall we begin?

>>14210
You've come to Rokkenjima with a wax-sealed envelope from your long-time friend Kinzo Ushiromiya, which you received just one week ago:

If you are reading this, then I am already dead, and Genji has sent this to you at my request. I am sure that Krauss will do anything to hide my death from the others, and so the family conferences will continue as usual. My children will still fight over my fortune, like vultures picking apart a corpse for a meal. In their minds, they must think they all have a chance at stealing my wealth. However, long ago I had decided the true successor should be my golden witch, Beatrice.

Genji was ordered to help my golden witch solve a ridiculously convoluted puzzle I placed beneath her portrait in the entrance hall. Then, she would finally remember her true form, and become the successor to the family. However, because you are reading this letter, something must have gone horribly wrong... Yes, this letter should be sent to you if my beloved witch has been found murdered!

While I fully trust all of my employed servants, I would not put it past my descendants to resort to murdering for the sake of greed. If you are reading this letter, then I anticipate the next family conference will also be the last. Even in death, I shall refuse to let the Ushiromiya name go extinct! You must warn the others and reveal the truth. But above all, do not let anyone die! Each death is a stab wound to my soul! For my sake, let the Ushiromiya name live on!

Now, because of the bad weather, your flight was delayed, and you arrived on the island on your personal yacht, safely docking just as the storm hit at 6:00. You brought your own umbrellla and know your way around the island no problem.

What shall you do?

Let's do some basic recollection first. See if I can recall from my memory some information.

Who all have I met in the Ushiromiya family? Just Kinzo? Or is it possible that, say, any of his children (or grandchildren) will recognize me? What about that Genji fellow mentioned in the letter? And have I met this Beatrice?

Is my arrival announced? Does anyone know of my arrival?

>>14212
You and Kinzo are business partners, and he has refused to tell you anything about his family whenever you two had time for chit-chat.

You've come to the island in the past, but each time Kinzo's family had been sent away. So you only know his personal servants: Genji, Shannon, Kanon, and Kumasawa.

Kinzo has told you that he amassed his fortune thanks to a golden witch named Beatrice, but that's really all you know. Again, he didn't like to disclose much of his personal life.

As far as you know, the family is unaware of your arrival. But you're Kinzo's friend, so you've followed his orders anyway!

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)20:24:18

I'll head to the mansion. See if I can find the family

>>14214
On your way to the mansion you pass through the rose garden. You see a little girl who seems lost and confused. She notices your presence and asks:

"Uuu, excuse me mister! Have you seen Maria's rose anywhere?"

"Little girl, why are you out here in the rain all alone? You don't even have an umbrella. come inside, lest you catch a cold."

>>14216
"Uuu! But Maria's rose! Maria has to find her rose!!! In this weather, it'll, it'll...!"

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)20:33:45

>>14217
"What do you plan to do with the rose once you find it? Pluck it out of the ground? That'll most likely kill it. It'll have a higher chance of survival if we leave it be."

If she shows no signs of giving up on the rose, I'll give her my umbrella and then head inside.

>>14218
You give the autistic girl your umbrella and step inside the mansion.

The entrance hall is empty, unless you include the woman in that portrait.

I'll check the portrait and the writing that should be located nearby (probably below, as the letter indicated)

>>14220
Behold the sweetfish river running through my beloved hometown.
You who seek the Golden Land, follow its path downstream in search of the key

As you travel down it, you will see a village.
In that village, look for the shore the two will tell you of.
There sleeps the key to the Golden Land.

The one who obtains the key must then travel to the Golden Land in accordance with these rules
On the first twilight, offer the six chosen by the key as sacrifices.
On the second twilight, those who remain shall tear apart the two who are close.
On the third twilight, those who remain shall praise my noble name.
On the fourth twilight, gouge the head and kill.
On the fifth twilight, gouge the chest and kill.
On the sixth twilight, gouge the stomach and kill.
On the seventh twilight, gouge the knee and kill.
On the eighth twilight, gouge the leg and kill.
On the ninth twilight, the witch shall revive, and none shall be left alive.
On the tenth twilight, the journey shall end, and you shall reach the capital where the gold dwells

The witch will praise the wise, and should bestow four treasures.
One shall be, all the gold from the Golden Land.
One shall be, the resurrection of the souls of all the dead.
One shall be, even the resurrection of the lost love.
One shall be, to put the witch to sleep for all time.

Sleep peacefully, my most beloved witch, Beatrice.

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)20:49:42

>>14221
"My, my, 'tis rather gruesome. Preventing thirteen deaths? Seems I have my work cut out for me."

I'll look to see if I can locate some more members of the family, or perhaps a servant or two.

>>14222
Just as fate would have it, the moment you turn around you see a man dressed like a servant looking your way.

"Uwwaaahh!!!"

The man seems a bit flustered, but tries to keep his cool.

"Madam didn't tell me we had more guests coming! ...Oh no, it's pouring outside, isn't it? I'm very sorry!"

The man hands you an umbrella engraved with the Ushiromiya crest. Fancy!

>>14223
"Ah, thank you. You must be a new servant then? I am a friend of Mister Kinzo Ushiromiya. I'm afraid that the madam may not have been entirely aware of my arrival either, though I do not doubt that Genji, Kanon, Shannon, and Kumasawa may recognize me. In either case, there is a girl outside who refused all hails to return here from the rain. She is in the courtyard outside, the one filled with roses. Perhaps you should go retrieve her lest she get a cold."

With that, I will continue my search for the family.

>>14224
"Oh, a friend of Kinzo? He's been shut away in his study for so long, I almost forgot about him! In any case, I am Toshiro Gohda. Pleased to meet you!"

Gohda smiles.

"So Maria was in the rose garden? I'll go get her, and when I come back I can start serving dinner. Everyone is in the dining room, except for Kinzo, who asked it to be brought to his study."

Gohda goes outside, taking another umbrella with him.

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)21:10:21

>>14225
Head to the dining room

>>14226
You open the door to the dining room. There, you see fifteen seats, twelve of them filled.

The people sitting there all turn to face you upon entering, and their faces all show surprise.

"Wh, who are you?! You're not Father!"

"Don't tell me this another one of your pranks, Natsuhi. You said he'd come down here any minute. Is this Father's stand-in? Don't make me laugh!"

It seems the family was already in a heated discussion...

>>14227
"Oh boy, seems my arrival was unannounced.... Hello to you all, I am Tertullian Archer, a business partner of Mister Kinzo Ushiromiya. I was brought here today by this letter, that you will all note has the wax stamp of the Ushiromiya family on it. I hope to discuss with you all at length my reasons for coming here, but first it may be necessary for me to be better identified so that I can at least earn a bit of your trust. If Genji, Kanon, Shannon, or Kumasawa are here, they should be able to identify me."

>>14228
Nanjo: "That's, that's really Kinzo's seal...!!!"

Kyrie: "Oh my. You've gone quite far this time, Krauss. To bring a stranger onto the island just for this...? How much did you pay him?"

Krauss: "Hold it. I've no idea who this man is. And Genji, Shannon, Kanon, Kumasawa... unfortunately, they no longer work on this island. Gohda is our only servant. Now please tell us why you're here."

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)21:29:42

>>14229
"Oh shoot, looks like I'm really entirely unidentifiable......"

I grab a seat at the table, probably near the end to show that I admit to having the lowest rank of everyone at the table.

"Ok, well the letter's contents include the following:

'Genji was ordered to help my golden witch solve a ridiculously convoluted puzzle I placed beneath her portrait in the entrance hall. Then, she would finally remember her true form, and become the successor to the family. However, because you are reading this letter, something must have gone horribly wrong... '

Now if my hypothesis is correct, it seems that this paragraph may be hinting at events that have occurred on this island directly influencing a member.... This drastic change in servants. I've known and met many of them multiple times over the years. What would cause their dismissal from work?"

>>14230
Krauss: "Indeed, that is the question. Recently, those four decided to start disappearing one by one. First it was Kanon, then Shannon, then Kumasawa and Genji. I haven't the slightest clue where they are, and Father isn't telling me anything. So Gohda is our only servant. Did you come here just to tell us that?"

>>14231
"Judging by your seating position, you must be the firstborn. The letter mentioned you as Krauss Ushiromiya, right? Mister Krauss Ushiromiya, might I speak to you in private this evening? There is a matter of rather dire importance that I believe you will need to disseminate upon your choosing. By the way, I am Tertullian Archer, you may call me Archer for short."

"Anyway, the letter states that I am to make sure that this family conference ends peacefully. The letter states that there may be a resort to force, which I am supposed to prevent. Please do all remain agreeable this weekend, everyone."

>>14232
Krauss: "A resort to force...? What kind of force do you...?"

Suddenly, the door flies open, and Gohda enters with the little girl by his side.

Rosa: "Oh my god, I knew I forgot something! Maria, I'm so sorry!"

Maria: "Uuu, Mama, Mama! We found the rose!"

Gohda: "That's why they call me Magical Gohda Chef! I'm good at knife tricks too! Wanna see?"

>>14233
"Knife tricks? Perhaps later, it may be best that you serve dinner first.

Krauss, the sooner we can speak in private the better. I can explain everything then, perhaps we could step out for a moment?"

>>14234
Krauss: "Yes, of course. Gohda, go ahead and serve dinner. The two of us will step outside and be back shortly."

Gohda follows Krauss's orders, and the two of you go out into the hallway.

>>14235
Hand the letter to Krauss. After letting him finish reading, I will say the following:

"Mister Krauss, I have no proof that anything written here is true, and if it is true that Kinzo is dead, I have no reason to tell anybody at all. That is your prerogative when to reveal such things. I simply wish to prevent the loss of life which is likely to occur. Can we work together here?"

>>14236
"His beloved witch...? Found murdered? I have no idea what he's talking about... But it may be related to the disappearances of the servants. In that case, it really may be best to take precautions.

...And yes, we must work together. Please don't tell anyone. But Father really is, uh... you know."

Krauss looks around the hall just to make sure no one is spying.

>>14237
"Thank you for trusting me. There's nothing more we can do for now. Let's just go back into the dining room. I am rather scared that something may happen when we least expect."

>>14238
Both of you return to the dining room. It seems everyone finally started eating dinner.

"Everyone, please welcome Archer to Rokkenjima. He will be staying with us tonight. Now, in order, please introduce yourselves."

The people name themselves as Krauss, Natsuhi, Jessica, Eva, Hideyoshi, George, Rudolf, Kyrie, Battler, Ange, Rosa, Maria, Gohda, and Nanjo.

(You may either start up conversation during dinner or skip ahead.)

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)22:34:14

>>14239
I recall the date in my head, if not I'll ask Krauss what today's date is

"So Krauss, Eva, Rudolf, and Rosa are Mister Kinzo's kids? He certainly enjoys western names. I take it, then, that Natsuhi is Krauss's wife; Hideyoshi is Eva's husband; and Kyrie is Rudolf's wife? A pleasure to meet you all. And to the my dear friend's grandchildren, nice to meet you all as well.

Krauss, when did these other servants disappear?"

>>14240
It's October 4th, 1986.

Krauss: "It was over the past three months. I'm not really sure of the exact days, but they just stopped coming into work. I've tried calling them, but they don't answer."

Rudolf: "I guess they got tired of working for that old bastard and just stopped showing up, huh?"

Natsuhi: "P, please refrain from calling Father that! It's dishonorable!"

It seems the family can't avoid the subject of Kinzo...

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)22:53:14

"I do believe Mister Kinzo mentioned a 'ridiculously convoluted puzzle in this letter.' I assume this is referring to the rather unpleasant epitaph written below the portrait in the foyer? What do you all know or think about that epitaph?"

>>14243

Krauss: "That epitaph has been there for years. No one has figured out what it means. So Father must be talking about it in that letter."

Rudolf: "So what does he mean by that 'golden witch'? Any ideas?"


Maria: "Uuu, the golden witch is Beatrice!"

Rosa: "Maybe... Maybe she was his secret lover? Like a mistress?"

Eva: "I wouldn't put it past Father. He wants some random woman to steal his fortune from us."

Hideyoshi: "Now now, let's not jump to conclusions! This golden witch... What does he mean by that?"

George: "Well, it's clear that by solving the epitaph, the witch gained something. So should we all try and solve the epitaph as well?"

Battler: "I'd like to try, but I'm sure I'd be useless! Maybe Maria or Ange can help?"

Ange: "Maria's good at puzzles! She's so good at them!"

Nanjo: "Hmmm..."

Everyone begins to discuss the epitaph with each other. Soon, everyone's plates are empty, and it's 8:00. But nobody notices, because they're so obsessed with that riddle......

Kyrie: "I've solved it."

>>14244
"Hold it there, Ms. Kyrie. While I really wish to know your answer, I do feel that we should first discuss a few things.

First, this golden witch? Does this refer to Kinzo's supposed gold fortune, or is it perhaps linked to the golden haired person in the portrait?

Second, assuming this epitaph is solved, which is supposed to lead to finding the hidden fortune of Kinzo, should we perhaps first determine how you four intend to split up the money, lest we have issues after seeing the gold which may lead to disagreements?"

>>14245
Kyrie: "The person in the portrait is Beatrice. Of course, Father always tells those stories about how she gave him the ten tons of gold. However, I don't think he's referring to an actual witch when he uses that term. Rather, I think he's referring to... an illegitimate child.

It's not too much of a stretch to think that one of the kids he 'adopted' from the Fukuin House was actually an illegitimate child between himself and a mistress. After all, no one would ever know, and if he hates this family so much, he would rather give the fortune away to this child.

...Genji was probably asked to give away the answer to ensure that the fortune was passed on, but something happened, and now that person has gone missing."

Kyrie goes on to explain that they must go to the chapel to find the gold, according to her theory.

Kyrie: "But you do have a good point. First, we should come up with a plan to distribute the gold. And this matter does not concern any outsiders or innocent children, so please..."

She motions for you to leave the room, along with Nanjo and the cousins.

Last edited at 14/03/22(Sat)23:33:45

>>14246
"Madame, my only purpose here is to ensure a peaceful solution. I believe I am the most objective here, being an outside party. It may be for the best that I be involved, so that I may prevent anything bad from happening, as this letter indicates. It may also be to in the best interest that we at least bring the children along later to the location of the puzzle's answer such that we keep level heads if only for the sake of the presence of the children."

>>14247

Rudolf: "Hey, he has a point. Keeping it objective will make sure nothing gets out of hand."

Kyrie: "......Alright, but at least don't have the kids here. Nanjo, please take them with you to the guesthouse. We'll meet up with you after we've decided how to split the money."

Nanjo and the cousins leave the dining room. Now the family conference may begin.

>>14248
You remain in the room with the adults, talking about money. The discussion goes on for another two hours before anyone can come to an agreement. It had caused a lot of debate, and at times the adults got thirsty. So Gohda went to and from the kitchen to get the family some drinks. Luckily for you, nobody decided to resort to murder.

Krauss: "I'm glad we were able to come to an agreement. Splitting the 20 billion among the four families evenly, for 5 billion each."

Hideyoshi: "You've got that right! I was surprised we were all able to keep calm!"

Rosa: "And to think that we were worried about anything getting out of control!"

Krauss: "Well then, it's time we get the children and head to the chapel. What do you think, Archer?"

>>14249
"'tis certainly for the best, then.... Let us be off"

>>14250
Everyone in the dining room moves as a group to the guesthouse. It's raining hard, but fortunately Gohda has provided enough umbrellas, thank god!

The group moves into the guesthouse and goes upstairs, to the cousins' room...

>>14251
...Inside lay five corpses, covered in blood. It's hard to tell, because their faces are all smashed up... but from their clothing, they're all recognizable as the cousins!

The parents all go crazy at this horrible sight, screaming and sobbing uncontrollably at the same time. Kyrie checks the nearby room and finds the corpse of Nanjo in the same fashion.

DEATHS: 6

I'll inspect the all corpses thoroughly. I want to determine the cause of death for each of the six.

>>14253
Their heads have all been horribly disfigured, laced with a foul odor. It's difficult to tell what caused this, although you suspect you could obtain the same result by sticking their heads inside a blender.

The rest of their bodies are covered in that same red ink. Upon closer inspection, it seems there is damage all over, not just the heads. It's clear that whoever killed them must have been enjoying it. Even six-year-old Ange was completely unrecognizable, apart from her clothes. Nanjo is the same.

Eva: "George!!! What happened?! Who killed you?! Noooooo!!!"

Rudolf: "Battler, Ange...!!! Why tonight?! You were both so young!!! Dammit all!"

Natsuhi: "Jessica, I, I...!!! I'm sorry...!!!"

Last edited at 14/03/23(Sun)11:37:11

I will check the pulses of each of the six. I will then check them all for rigor mortis to determine the approximate time of death.

>>14255
None of them have a pulse. Rigor mortis hasn't started yet.

Examine the room. It is likely that there are clues strewn about, I simply need to locate them. Check the doors, windows, any other methods of entry, check the furniture, the floor, the ceiling, the walls, the bathrooms, the locks, check everything thoroughly

>>14257
The door was unlocked when you arrived, and it looks like it's in normal condition. One of the windows is actually open, which accounts for that cool draft you felt coming in. The locks on both the door and the window function normally.

The floor, ceiling, and walls have various splatters of blood which accurately follow the blood of the victims. The furniture also has blood all over it, but aside from that it doesn't look like anything was turned over or otherwise disturbed. The bathroom looks like no one even went inside.

While you are investigating, Eva storms out into the hall, grabbing Gohda by the collar.

Eva: "It was you!!! You and your goddamned knife tricks!"

Gohda: "W-what?! Miss Eva, there's no way a knife could do something like that!"

Eva: "So?! You were the only one who left the dining room!!! You were out getting drinks for us, but who knows what else!! Maybe you entered their room pretending to bring them something, and then...!!!"

Hideyoshi tries to interfere, but Eva pushes him away. She's angry!

Last edited at 14/03/23(Sun)12:25:29

>>14258
"Ms. Eva, calm down. Was Gohda ever away from us long enough to run across to this building, murder them all, change clothes because blood stains, compose himself, and then return to bring us drinks? It's possible there is someone else moving about the island. Heck, for all we know it could be a whole group of people. I propose we lock ourselves up for the sake of safety. It is best that we all move as a unit. Even if Gohda is a culprit, and I have no evidence that that can even be the case, it is best we keep an eye on him.

I propose we find the safest place on the island. Oh, perhaps some of you may know where they are located. Y'see, my dear friend Kinzo always used to talk about his favorite western actor.... er what was his name.... John Wayne I believe? Kinzo was quite a fan of American Western films, and had even told me he went out and bought several Winchester repeater rifles after watching the film True Grit. Perhaps those rifles can still be found in his gun cabinet? Would any of you happen to know where we may locate those? Even if you don't want to have to resort to shooting the enemy, it is likely that our arming may act as a deterrent against whoever else is on the island."

Eva goes silent after listening to your reasoning. Her tears shrivel up, and she regains her composure.

Krauss: "Right. We must all remain calm, and stick together. Father does have a gun collection, so it may be best to arm ourselves if we wish to survive."

The others agree, and Krauss starts to lead the group down the stairs and to the mansion.

>>14260
"So where are we headed? Back to the mansion? As you had mentioned, Kinzo had locked himself away in his study. Is it likely he'll let us into the room?"

Krauss: "Yes, we will go to Father's study. ...Although Genji left, his key to the study remained here. I've kept it with me in case of emergencies, so we will enter without any trouble."

>>14262
"Then let us be off. Not that haste is of most importance, but that dilly dallying does us no good at this point."

>>14263
Krauss leads the group out into the night. The rain pours down without hesitation, and the walk back to the mansion is a cold and lonely one.

The group enters and goes upstairs, to the third floor. Krauss takes out a key from his pocket and inserts it into the lock...

>>14264
The group enters Kinzo's study. It's quiet, and Kinzo is nowhere to be seen.

Krauss leads the group to the gun collection, tucked away in a corner of the room. He distributes the guns to his siblings, four guns total.

Krauss: "Now we should be on even footing with the murderer who stole our children."

Rudolf: "We'll just have to stay here the whole night. And when the typhoon passes, we can go home."

Rosa: "That's right. We need to survive. ...When the seagulls cry, we'll leave this island alive...!"

Last edited at 14/03/23(Sun)13:04:55

>>14265
Eva and Kyrie had been talking to each other.

Eva: "Gohda, I'm sorry I accused you back there. Maybe it was too hasty of me to think that a servant like yourself could kill six people so easily. But I know of someone who could."

Kyrie: "Eva's told me her theory. I think it makes the most sense."

Eva: "...There is one other person on this island. You know who he is, right? ...It's Father. He's not here, right? Then where is he?"

Kyrie: "By this logic, Kinzo must be outside, waiting for the next opportunity to pick us off. Unless, of course... he's already dead."

Natsuhi becomes visibly upset, but can't find the words to say anything...

"By process of elimination, it certainly seems that that is the case, but 'tis faulty logic... This hypothesis excludes the potential of an outside force, a person on the island whom none of us are aware of.

It is within our victory condition to simply wait it out. Being on the third floor, the only possible method of entry is the door, seeing as how the window is too high up (though perhaps it would not be a bad idea to keep an eye on the courtyard lest ladders become usable)."

>>14267
Natsuhi: "Th, that's right! I'm sure Father just went out somewhere... It's unfortunate that he's not with us at the moment, but I believe he knows how to protect himself from whoever else is out there."

Krauss: "And Archer is right. We should just wait here. There's no reason to start getting into arguments over nothing...!"

Eva: "But we can at least make conversation, right? Or should we just sit here in silence? What's your plan, Archer?"

>>14272
"Actually, I was hoping we could discuss the answer to the epitaph... Kyrie? Could you please share with us your thoughts? I know it seems rather cold to discuss such things at this time, but it is rather important. Besides, guessing that money may be related to these murders, it can become rather dangerous to have a single soul know the whereabouts of the family fortune. That person would become a prime target for abduction and interrogation..... Putting us all on equal footing also aligns all of our incentives so as to disincentivise any betrayals."

>>14274
Kyrie: "Above the chapel door is the word 'QUADRILLION'. Each twilight refers to playing around with those letters until the passage to the gold opens. ...I'm fairly certain this is the answer, but we won't know unless we try."

Rudolf: "We won't try. Going outside with a murderer on the loose would be suicide."

Kyrie: "...That is, if we can be sure there really is a murderer outside at all. How exactly could someone arrive on this island without anyone knowing? ...Maybe Archer has an answer? How exactly did you arrive on this island? Did you happen to bring anyone with you that we don't know about...?"

>>14275
"I arrived via my private yacht. I was the only one on the yacht to my knowledge, though a person stowing away on my boat is certainly within the realm of possibilities.... Either way, it would seem more probable that they entered the island via their own vessel, what with the size of the island I bet anybody could find an inlet to anchor their ship at. Heck, maybe there was another dock entirely on the other side of the island. Kinzo had once mentioned to me that there was a military base here during the Second World War.

Seems like there are plenty of possibilities, does anyone else have any ideas?"

>>14277
Rosa: "...A hidden mansion. There's another mansion on the backside of this island. It might even be connected to that military base, if Archer's words are true.

And, um, this whole situation... It's a wolf and sheep puzzle, right? Maria liked to play with those. Who are the wolves? Who are the sheep? Can I trust Archer? Can I trust Gohda? ...Are we sure that everyone here can be trusted? Is there a way to know we're all sheep?

For Maria's sake... I'm not sure who I can trust...!!! What would Maria do...?"

Rosa's arms shake and her grip tightens, but she tries to keep her cool.

Last edited at 14/03/23(Sun)19:10:48

>>14278
"Wolf and sheep puzzle, eh? I'm afraid it's not such a useful analysis. It'd be much stronger of proof if we had motive and opportunity. However it looks like none of us nine have opportunity. I watched everyone over the course of the two hours we spent discussing splitting the money.

The only person who even ever left that room during the two hour period was Gohda to get drinks. Gohda did not have enough time to perform the murders and therefore is innocent."

>>14287
Rosa: "......I see. Then we're still not sure who could be the culprit. Is Father really...?"

Krauss: "Please forgive me, Natsuhi. But considering this is a life or death situation... I think it's best I come forward with the truth. ...Father had already passed away before today's conference. Therefore, the culprit can't be him."

Natsuhi at first frowns, but then takes a deep breath and sinks into a nearby chair. She seems a little relieved, considering the circumstances.

Hideyoshi: "So it really is some stow-away? One of those servants? Archer, did that letter say anything else that might be of help to us?"

>>14288
"Ah, now that I am no longer vowed to secrecy at the behest of Krauss, I can share the entirety of this letter's contents to you all."

If you are reading this, then I am already dead, and Genji has sent this to you at my request. I am sure that Krauss will do anything to hide my death from the others, and so the family conferences will continue as usual. My children will still fight over my fortune, like vultures picking apart a corpse for a meal. In their minds, they must think they all have a chance at stealing my wealth. However, long ago I had decided the true successor should be my golden witch, Beatrice.

Genji was ordered to help my golden witch solve a ridiculously convoluted puzzle I placed beneath her portrait in the entrance hall. Then, she would finally remember her true form, and become the successor to the family. However, because you are reading this letter, something must have gone horribly wrong... Yes, this letter should be sent to you if my beloved witch has been found murdered!

While I fully trust all of my employed servants, I would not put it past my descendants to resort to murdering for the sake of greed. If you are reading this letter, then I anticipate the next family conference will also be the last. Even in death, I shall refuse to let the Ushiromiya name go extinct! You must warn the others and reveal the truth. But above all, do not let anyone die! Each death is a stab wound to my soul! For my sake, let the Ushiromiya name live on!

"So it would seem that a person must have been found murdered here. Does anyone know who this person could be? It is of the utmost importance that all information, no matter how minuscule it may seem, be brought to light. It could mean the difference between life and death for us. Again, I've no reason to judge, and I have no intention of turning any of you in. I simply wish to survive, and we can make it through this together if we stay calm and function as a unit."

>>14289
Kyrie: "So that golden witch... She's the successor he wanted, but she died? And so Genji sent this letter to you, Archer..."

Rudolf: "You think Genji's hiding on the island somewhere? Is he the killer?"

Rosa: "But wait. Whoever they are, they also killed the golden witch. Right? Whoever killed the witch must also want to kill us."

Kyrie: "Ah, I see. Six people were killed just now. That's the first twilight. Just like in the witch's epitaph, the culprit must want to take us out one by one."

Hideyoshi: "Th, that's right! That's exactly what it said on the epitaph!"

Kyrie turns and points to a small portrait of Beatrice hanging in the study. Underneath is another plaque, with the same riddle inscribed.

Kyrie: "...At the second twilight, tear apart the two who are close. So two people die next."

Krauss: "No one else is dying! I'll see to it, as Kinzo's firstborn!"

Natsuhi: "We must protect the family. That's all we have..."

Gohda: "I will do my best to help, too! But what can we do other than wait?"

Kyrie: "It seems the culprit is the same person who killed the witch. In that case, we need to figure out who this witch is, and how and why they were killed. Does anyone know?"

Rosa: ".........I might, umm... I might know something. But I, I... No, nevermind. Forget it!"

Rosa looks left and right, seeming a bit nervous. The others continue speculating about the witch, but fail to gather any leads...

>>14290
"So two murders this time? Then let us simply cling together in a group. I doubt any of us should come to be in danger. As for the two murders due next, I am willing to bet one or more missing people may show up as corpses within the next day. Thought I doubt this is fair to the fulfillment of whatever magical ritual it is... you can't exactly kill a dead person.

As I stated, it is of the utmost importance that everything be examined thoroughly. Rosa, if you could please explain what you are thinking."

>>14291
Rosa: "Well, please, don't make any judgments, but... I wonder if what Father's talking about, I wonder if he's talking about me...

I think it was about 19 years ago. When I was a little girl, I ran away from the mansion, into the forest. There, I found that hidden mansion, but I also... I also found a witch.

She looked just like the witch in the portrait. And so I... I let her outside her cage, but she... she fell to her death...!!! And I didn't know what to do, so I never told anyone!

Do you think... this might be what Father is talking about? B, but please, realize I'm not the murderer! Just because I'm responsible for the death of that witch, it doesn't mean I killed anyone just now!"

>>14292
"The thing is, it seems like this event far predates the topic of the letter. Has anybody else ever been found dead who was related to this island? What about the servants? Did they really all just disappear without a trace?"

>>14293
Krauss: "Indeed, that incident seems too far in the past to hold any meaning. ...The servants who disappeared left nothing behind, and as far as I know, no one has been found dead before tonight. Natsuhi? Gohda?"

Natsuhi: "That's right. The three of us haven't found anything suspicious on the island."

Gohda: "...Is it possible that someone discovered the corpse without telling anyone? Jessica? Genji? Or someone else...?"

Everyone else remains silent. There are no leads...

>>14294
"Tch. If only I'd thought to bring this up sooner. Oh well, can't change the past. Best we focus on the here and now. And for now it seems like waiting is all we can do. Unless anybody else has any ideas?"

>>14311
It seems everyone else is, in fact, out of ideas...

Soon, the thunderous sound of a bell is heard throughout the study. It's midnight, as decided by the grandfather clock nearby.

Krauss: "...The weather won't be clear until the 6th. And even then, the boat won't come until 9:00 AM. We can't all stay awake."

Natsuhi: "Should we take turns? Husbands and wives...?"

Krauss: "That sounds reasonable. When those of us with rifles are tired, each spouses can take their position. ...In Rosa's case, I suppose Gohda would be willing to cover."

Gohda: "Absolutely, I will do my best for Miss Rosa!"

Eva: "I'm still hesitant to give him any sort of dangerous object."

Hideyoshi: "Remember Eva, the enemy's outside. If anybody ends up killin' in here, we'd all know who it is."

Rosa: "Wolf and sheep puzzle. Even if one person shoots their gun, we have three other guns to retaliate. No culprit would fire under those conditions."

Rudolf: "Yeah. There's no need to worry about that."

Kyrie: "Unless our culprit goes mad."

Krauss: "Then, as far as sleeping conditions... The floor is probably not very comfortable, but there is Father's bedroom..."

Eva: "So then we hole up inside of the bedroom?"

Kyrie: "If we do that, we can't keep watch over the courtyard's window. And of course, the main door."

Hideyoshi: "We'd be backin' ourselves right into a corner..."

Natsuhi: "But the floor is... so unclean..."

Rudolf: "Either we get a little dirty on the floor, or risk death in the bedroom. Personally, I always go with the former!"

Kyrie: "Rudolf, please......"

Krauss: "Archer, what do you think?"

You recall that the study is divided into four rooms: the main area, which contains the main door and window. Three other doors lead into a bathroom, a bedroom, and a library. All of the survivors are in the main area.

Last edited at 14/03/24(Mon)20:59:01

>>14312
"Kinzo's bed can be moved out here in the main room. There's also the couch in the corner. I'll sleep on the floor, naturally. Let us go and quickly secure the other windows just to be safe, and close the doors to the other rooms unless one of us needs to go in there."

>>14314
Krauss: "That sounds reasonable. Gohda and I shall do the heavy lifting. Natsuhi, take my rifle."

Natsuhi: "Thank you, dear."

Krauss: "It's nothing. It's a husband's duty ensure his wife doesn't sleep on a dirty carpet."

Krauss and Gohda walk over to the bedroom, while Kyrie and Rudolf check the window. Eva and Hideyoshi shut the doors to the bathroom and library, while Rosa keeps her eyes on the main door. It seems like everything is going according to plan...

>>14315
Less than a minute after the two had disappeared into Kinzo's bedroom, their voices could be heard alongside the sounds of a razor-sharp wind. Natsuhi ran to the door in panic...

Gohda and Krauss lay face-down on top of the bed, which hadn't moved an inch. However, their heads had been separated from their bodies, and nearby lay several large and bloodstained razor disks. ...Naturally, the bed was also covered in red, and Natsuhi wanted to vomit at both the sight of her husband and the idea of sleeping on an unclean surface.

DEATHS: 8

>>14316
"What in the world just happened in here?!"

I search the room for what I suspect may be some sort of trap

>>14317
Upon close inspection you see that, just in front of the bed, a piece of the floorboard has been overturned. A wire stretches across to both walls, where there are thin slots just big enough for razor blades to appear from.

Kyrie: "Aaaaaahh!!! This place isn't safe either! We're all gonna die!"

Rosa: "The study is trapped! Is the whole mansion also...?!"

Natsuhi: "Krauss!!! Noo, nooo, nooo...!!!"

>>14318
"Everyone calm down! Panicking will get us nowhere! We need to calm down and think. That appears to be the extent of the traps. We can simply wait in the main room where there like are no traps, as I suspect we would have already triggered them. Assuming we don't do anything more than what we've already been able to do safely, we should be able to wait the storm out safely.

'tis a shame, but it seems we'll have to leave the bodies here. When the storm ends and the police come, then they can get a proper burial."

>>14388
"............"

After hearing Archer's words, everyone quiets down.

Rudolf: "...He's right. Let's not get distracted and forget what we discussed."

Hideyoshi: "I'll bet those traps were set to try and spread distrust among us! If we stop thinkin', the culprit wins!"

Rosa: "...I guess you are right. If we don't do anything, if we just go to sleep right here..."

Kyrie: "........."

Natsuhi is sobbing on the floor, holding her gun tight. She's clearly too scared to say anything, afraid of what might happen next.

Kyrie: "...Then, the people with guns will remain on watch. We'll take two hour naps and switch roles in between, until morning comes. Is that good?"

Everyone nods, waiting for Archer's input.

>>14389
"Rosa, shouldn't we contemplate the wolf and sheep puzzle here? It may be best to have two people with guns stay awake at a time. They'll have to sit and watch each other so as to prevent the possibility of one of us being guilty and killing everyone during their sleep because they were the only one on watch."

>>14390
Rosa: "I see... Two people? There's seven of us remaining, so... Let's think about this."

The survivors with guns are: Natsuhi, Eva, Rudolf, and Rosa.

The survivors without guns are: Hideyoshi, Kyrie, and Archer.

Rosa: "I suppose if we trade off guns, we could have at most 4 people awake at one time. That would leave 2 to sleep... No, those numbers don't add up, so we should have 3 and 3... Then, who...?"

Natsuhi: "Please... Someone else may take this rifle. I've failed as the wife of the head. Someone else deserves this weapon."

Both Rosa and Natsuhi await your response.

>>14391
"Even with 2 staying up at a time, it is still possible that both may be guilty. To reduce this as much as possible, we should have the couples not on at the same time. That means Hideyoshi and Eva as well as Rudolf and Kyrie must be on different shifts. If you are willing to trust me, I'll certainly take a shift as well.

First shift:
Eva and Natsuhi
Meanwhile Rudolf and I will sleep while holding guns

Second shift:
Myself and Kyrie
Kyrie will get Rudolf's gun, and I'll use the same one.
That leaves Eva and Natsuhi with guns to hold while sleeping.

Third shift:
Rudolf and Rosa
Rudolf will get the gun back from Kyrie, and Rosa will get Eva's gun.
This means that Natsuhi and myself will sleep holding guns.

I hope this is agreeable, everyone? If you're wondering why I want to hold onto one of the guns the entire time, it is because of two reasons:
1. I know I'm not guilty so this is a deterrent to any potential guilty parties.
2. I am still outnumbered by the amount of guns not in my hand, 3 to 1, so you guys should still feel safe.

>>14392
After discussing this idea in a little more depth to get clarifications, the group agrees that it is the best course of action.

The guns are passed over to Eva, Natsuhi, Archer, and Rudolf. And Archer, Rudolf, Rosa, and Kyrie go to sleep.

..................

..................

>>14393

..................

..................

..................

You're suddenly jolted awake by a deafening roar. You instinctively try to grab hold of your gun, but can only find useless air...

Taking a quick look around, you see the others are still asleep... Despite that noise, they're asleep--

No, not asleep. They're... just like the ones before. They too, are covered in that same red decoration...

Except for two people.

BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8j7w3sUB_M

Kyrie: "Did we wake you? Sorry about that. But I wanted to fire this thing at least once. ...It wasn't easy slitting everyone's throats, but I did it without Eva and Natsuhi noticing."

Rudolf: "She's one clever girl, my Kyrie. Even solved the epitaph. That's where we're headed next. You get it now, right, Archer...?"

The two of them start to cackle in unison, smiling at the thought of getting away with murder. Oh, how easy it had been this whole time! He had fallen for their every move! And to finish things off, he had even allowed them the chance to kill everyone as they slept...!!!

>>14394
"H-how in the world?! What the heck happened. How did everyone die without so much as a peep?!"

>>14395
Kyrie: "I'm just that good, you know? It's not like this is a mystery novel where I'll confess to you the truth. That'd be too nice, for a cold-hearted person like me."

She readies her gun.

Kyrie: "Good try, Archer. But I won."

*BANG*

>>14396

...You are again jolted awake, by another loud noise. ...This time, it's crashing thunder.

You see Kyrie standing in front of you, still with a gun. But there's no blood, and Natsuhi and Eva are right beside her, alive...

Eva: "We were about to wake you as well, but that thunder did the trick."

Natsuhi: "That noise is quite scary, isn't it?"

Kyrie: "Indeed. Good night, you two."

Natsuhi and Eva go to sleep. It seems that was just a horrible nightmare.

>>14397
I grab a seat in the chair opposite Kyrie.

"Kyrie, that is still not chambered right? That's probably for the best. Mine isn't either. These guns have been in the possession of our group since the get go, and I never saw any of them get chambered. The coolest part is that the Winchester repeated happens to make enough noise that you'd never be able to chamber the bullet without waking the people in the room who are already so on edge. I think it best we keep these guns the way they are unless there happens to be a known danger approach.

I know you think in cruel and calculating way like me, so let me be frank. I am afraid that if you are guilty, your husband may try to sneak up on me. The best way for me to guarantee this doesn't happen is for me to glance around the room from time to time to check everyone's positioning. As a result it is for the best that we keep the guns unable to be fired without chambering the gun.

But other than that, we should be as civil as possible. Care to talk to pass the time?"

>>14398
"I agree. Do you have anything in mind?"

>>14399
"Tell me about your suspicions. Is there anything you're thinking that you have not yet stated regarding any of these mysteries?"

>>14400
"I'm afraid not. I've thought about it every way I can. And there are only two possibilities. Either an outsider wants us dead, or someone among us does. And there's no easy way to find out which is true."

Kyrie pauses, closing her eyes.

"...To be honest, there is one thing that bothers me. ...Am I really right about that epitaph's riddle? It seems so convoluted, and although I believe my reasoning makes sense... I can't accept that six people had to die for it. I started this mess, didn't I, when I suggested they leave the dining hall...?"

Kyrie tilts her head down, opening her eyes. She looks at Rudolf, sleeping soundly on the floor, and she lets out a sigh.

>>14401
I'm still being super careful and stuff because I'm suspicious of body movements that could be signals.

"I don't think the deaths are necessary to the answer of the epitaph. It's just that the person is following the epitaph in murders for their own sick fun."

>>14402
"No, I mean... I feel responsible. If I hadn't said those words, and we had all stayed together... Maybe the children would still be alive. And Doctor Nanjo, too. If my answer to the epitaph is right, at least there's the ten tons of gold... But at what cost? Could we... Could Rudolf and I be happy with that kind of money, even though our children are dead...?"

>>14403
"That's something that can only be determined by the two of you. Being in danger now, we don't exactly have the luxury of philosophy. Survival is the primary instinct, and survive is what we need to do. How many hundreds of millions of years of evolution have led up to this scenario?"

>>14404
".........I don't know. After so many years of waiting, after finally getting what I wanted, ...That happiness is taken away from me."

Kyrie gives a bittersweet smile.

"Just now, I had a dream. I dreamt that I was in a beautiful rose garden, and both Battler and Ange were there, smiling. They looked so happy to see me... I went up to them, and although they looked happy to see me... By the time I had ran far enough to reach out my hand to them, the two of them quickly faded away... And I awoke to see Eva and Natsuhi in this dreary study."

Kyrie pauses, looking at the two sleeping women.

"...It really makes me wonder. What do you think that means, Archer? "

>>14405
"Dream's aren't meant to have some higher meaning. It's just proof that they both existed and that you loved them. Seeing Eva and Natsuhi is unsurprising as they were the ones that woke us up because they had the shift before us."

>>14406
"...I suppose you're right. Sorry, I've probably said too much."

Kyrie tries to regain her usual composure. She stays silent, only allowing the sound of the relentlessly pouring rain to be heard within the study.

>>14407
Casually glance around the room a bit more, see if anything is awry. Check to see all the doors are closed, back to Kyrie, the people sleeping, back to Kyrie, the window, back to Kyrie.

>>14408
Nothing is out of place. All the doors and windows are closed, and each person is sleeping exactly as planned out for the second shift, Eva and Natsuhi with their guns. Kyrie sits silently with her own.