>>5815
By 'child of man' you mean human, right?

>>5816
Naturally.
Did Ikuko mean something else then human? I was using her words after all.

>>5817
No, she did mean "human."
I was just making sure.

... Already questioning the rules? What will you ask for now, the definition of birth? Without trust there's no game Kinjo, as the Genji and your partner of this game I won't allow you to dirty this game trust so early.

Anyways, I wish you good luck Kinjo, I shall be looking over you.

>>5819
I wish you also Luck Kinjo...also
Ozaki good luck to you too~

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sxfABkV3oU ]

You awake in a daze: the sound of voices buzzing around you. After a few seconds you clear you head and gather your bearings. You are sitting down in the waiting area of an airport, and a busy one at that. People are coming and going under the festive lights and decorations. Although Christmas was a few days ago the workers here must have decided to leave them up until the new year’s.

Looking down at yourself you see you have fallen out of your seat while sleeping. A few of the passersby’s are giving you glances as you pick yourself up off the floor. As you do so the contents of your pockets fall out. While grumbling to yourself for deciding to wear the pants that you knew have faulty pockets, you pick up the scattered objects on the floor. The objects on the floor consist of A Used Ticket, Unused Ticket, Your Wallet, Your Badge, and Your Watch. You also have a briefcase on the seat beside you.

Checking these items you remember that you had just arrived in Japan from America and are now headed to Niijima. Problem is you can’t remember why. You already know who you are, but you decide to check your wallet anyway. Inside your wallet is an ID and ¥1000 cash.

Kinjo Goldbar: Detective

Son of a famous detective you had always wanted to be like him. You had originally lived in Japan but when your mother suddenly died your day came to hate it there. He started to become obsessed with the truth. You and him then moved to America where you dad became world renown for solving many cases. Tragically he died in a car crash, nothing even heroic, just a simple accident. After that you moved back to Japan where you moved back into your dad’s old place and started working as a detective.

Your short period of reminiscence ends and you are brought back to reality. As you put the tickets, badge and wallet away you check your pocket watch, which says it is 12:10 AM. You take a glance up at the clock on the wall. It says that it’s 4:10 PM. You adjust your watch accordingly and then take another look around.

You are standing in the waiting area. To your left are the bathrooms, a gift shop across from them. To your right is a lineup of people waiting to buy tickets. Across from that there is a small café. Behind you an exit and in front is a large glass window showing the runway.

According to your ticket, your plane leaves at 4:30 PM. You’ve got 20 minutes to waste.

>>5821
Might as well have some fun while I still have time to waste.

I take a look inside the gift shop.

>>5822
You enter the gift shop. The selection is less than satisfactory. Most of the merchandise must have been bought up by people looking for a last minute presents no doubt. You look around a bit but you see not much of interest.

-Damaged Roll of Duct Tape (¥550) [It looks like only a few parts of it will be sticky enough to work. [Who the hell would buy this garbage?]

- Christmas Candy Bag(¥320), [An assortment of Christmas Candies. It looks like a good deal]

-Arts and Crafts Kit(¥770) [Comes with scissors, clay, colored paper, drawing book, string and an assortment of colored and normal pencils. Bring out your inner kid!]

>>5823
Oh boy, I only have so much money.

Anyway, I never had much of a sweet tooth, and duct tape is too mainstream, so I only have one option. If I'm bored on the plane ride to Niijima, I can whip out my new drawing kit.

I buy the arts and crafts kit. Then I check my watch to see how much time is left as I re-enter the waiting area.

>>5824
Returning to your seat you check your watch.
It's 4:15

>>5825
Oh derp, I almost forgot my suitcase.

I take the suitcase with me, and decide to see if there's anything interesting in the cafe.

>>5826
Your pick up your suit case and head over to the cafe. Thank god no one took it.

You approach the café. It seems to be pretty busy so you will have to wait in line a good amount of time if you want something. There is a newspaper stand beside the coffee shop.

>>5827
Damn, I hate long lines.

I take one of the newspapers and start reading it, while I wait in line.

>>5828
Ignoring the line you grab a newspaper and wait in line.


____________________________________

Haneda Times, (1989, Dec.30th
____________________________________

"RECORD BREAKING SNOW FALL WARNING"

After ten minutes you get to the front of the line, they are all sold out.

>>5829
...Sold out?! Of course that's my luck!

I'll quickly go to the bathroom, with my remaining time.

>>5830
You do your business.

After you hear the announcement for your flight. You grab your stuff and head off to the loading bay. Loading is no problem and you quickly get to your seat and get comfy. Looks like the flight will take an hour.

>>5831
Oh, right. I almost forgot. Again.

I open the suitcase to see what's inside.

>>5832
There is a small key in the lock. You turn the key and open the briefcase. Inside are a few papers, a notepad, some of your novels. Nothing seems odd except for a single letter which has already been opened.

>>5834
I read the letter.

>>5835
[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiALx6Hi2nA ]

The front shows that it was sent to your father old address. It is in a golden laced envelope and was sealed with wax. It reads as follows;

Dear Mr. Goldbar,

This may sound completely sudden but I would like you to come to Rokkenjima. I heard that the former head of the family used to be good friends with you so I’m hoping you can try and bring the truth to light. As you are aware three years ago a murder took place on the island here. The point of this matter is that the police have given up on the case long ago. They simply cannot pin the crime has run cold a long time ago. After the incident the family hasn't had the best relationship. I don’t know what to do anymore, now that everyone is returning I fear the culprit is among them. Our family is extremely wealthy so I will pay you handsomely if you help us. I will even pay for your flight here. So please.

The bottom of the letter seems to have been stamped with the same crest as the wax. It looks almost like a wing.

At last you remember why you are here. To solve a mystery in the place of your deceased father.

>>5836
...I see, so that's what I'm doing here.

I check the other papers in the suitcase for anything interesting. What's written in the notepad? Which novels did I bring?

>>5837
You check the rest of the contents

The notebook is blank. Probably would have been use full if you didn't already buy the arts and crafts kit.

Your brought three novels. All mystery novels.
"The Benson Murder Case"
"A Study in Scarlet"
"The Mysterious Affair at Styles"

The last document has some information about the "Ushiromiya Family"
It talks about how Ushiromiya Kinzo brought the family back to power after the Great Kanto Quake. It Mentions that he lived on his own island “Rokkenjima” until he died in 1986. It also goes over simple facts like how Kinzo was said to have a mountain of gold, and other facts like how the Ushiromiya crest is a one winged eagle, family members were in debt for a while three years ago. Good thing you read this, you won’t have to ask as many questions.

>>5839
Ah, what was I thinking, not bringing a Carr novel with me.

I grab the notepad, opening to the exact center of it. I begin writing on the left page, detailing everything I've experienced since waking up from that sleep at the airport.

Once I finish with that, I rest my eyes until the flight is over.

>>5843
You write everything down in the notebook and then close your eyes drifting off to sleep.

--

You are woken up by a flight attendant and hurry off the plane. Checking your watch you assume the plane ride must have taken just around an hour it is now 5:35 PM. The layout of this airport is much smaller and you can’t see much to do. Inevitably you head towards the big “Welcome to Niijima” sign hanging over the exit. The fresh air wafts over the airport as you exit. It smells strongly of the sea. It is nothing like the city that’s for sure. About a foot of snow covers most of the ground; luckily the roads seem to be fine enough to drive on. If you are correct there should be a harbor somewhere on this island...

>>5845
Rokkenjima, right? Surely there's a map inside the airport somewhere.

I go back inside to look for a map of Niijima.

>>5847
You go inside and ask around for directions. After awhile you find a local man who knows.
He looks at you a little skeptical that you want to walk all that way through the snow, but he tells you anyway.
"To get to the harbor you just need to follow the main road for about 2km."

>>5848
I thank the kind stranger and follow his directions to the harbor.

You leave the airport and start walking. A few steps in and you already regret it, you defiantly should have worn better shoes. You attempt to take another step but a car interrupts by pulling up towards you.

The window rolls down and inside is a rather large old man with a stern look on his face. You don’t recognise him but once he opens his mouth to talk you remember that this is the man you had a conversation with over the phone about the documents.

“Well what do you know, you really do look like your father.” He states while sizing you up. “Well anyway don’t stand there like a fart in a trace, get in.” Disregarding his rude comment you hop in and the car leaves the terminal. “Here” says the man, “It contains everything we have left on the case”. He holds a folder out to you labeled “Casebook; Rokkenjima Murder”.

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m4LbXNcjmU ]

You open the casebook. Inside there is a picture of a young man, rather fat, with glasses.

Victim: George Ushiromiya

Found dead inside of a room, witness claims that every entrance was locked upon discovery. Victim died from loss of blood due to a shot in the back of the head. Everyone on the island at the time had an alibi.

It goes on to say that the police have given up on the case. Although it makes sense, this is barely any information.

--
The old man give you a look and sees the grim look on your face.
"You don't mind if I turn the radio on do you?" Without a response he goes a head and turns it on anyway.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlAFmpKPy4]

“Anyway it’s a short drive from here to the harbor, so if there is anything you want to ask before we get there now is the time”.

>>5850
Well first off I seem to have a bad case of amnesia. What was your name, again?

>>5852
"Amnesia? That sounds serious. In any case, the name be Terence. Terence Stewart."

>>5853
"Yeah, it's been a pain trying to remember things. Anyway, Terence, I don't see anything too odd about that murder. Why weren't the police able to solve it back then? Looks simple enough to me."

>>5855
"Well, I was never around for the full story. The document you are holding is the only thing I could dig up in the files. Some people simply blame the cops for being incompetent, but the main rumor is that it was hushed up by the family. Every time the police felt like they were getting closer, a piece of evidence would pop up denying the theory, or one of their own members would realize a flaw in it theory.

Supposedly, one of my buddies who arrived on the scene first told me that it wasn't a normal room. A better word would have been a "prison" instead of a room. Lock upon locks, the whole thing made out of metal. It really is an odd affair."

>>5856
"I see. Well this doesn't give me much to work with...My memory really is bad. I can't even remember who sent me this letter."

I take the letter out of my suitcase and look at it one more time.

You explain the circumstances behind the letter.

"Hmm... So that's why you are doing this. Well I'm sorry to say but I an't got a clue to who sent you this here letter."

After he says this the car slowly comes to a stop. You are at the harbor.

Despite the cold weather the smell of the sea is powerful. There are mostly fishing boats docked here but at the very end of you can see a nice looking speedboat with what looks to be a maid waiting in front of it.

Getting out of the car Terence stops you. “Hey Kid, I’ll warn you right now. These people won’t be too thrilled to get interrogated about this case, especially at this time of the year. So I suggest you keep a low profile if you can.” With that the man drives off, leaving you standing alone at the harbor.

>>5858
I walk up to the maid.

"Hello, I'm Kinjo Goldbar. I received an invitation to Rokkenjima, I assume you're the welcoming party?"

>>5859
"Uh-huh, yeah ok that's nice." She is looking down reading a magazine. Looks like a riddle book or something of the kind. "We had to go out of our way to get here you know?" she says while continuing to read her book. She abruptly walks on the boat and calls out "Ok he is here Captain Kuwaabata. Lets go!"

From somewhere in the boat you can hear someone respond. The engines are starting up.

>>5860
I walk onto the boat as well, following the maid.

"Nice welcoming party. What's your name then?"

>>5861

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWmSpzte8UA ]

Before you get the chance to ask the boat jerks away from the dock. It must be rather powerful. The boat regains stability and slowly starts moving down the length of the dock. However before it gets any speed a faint yell is heard from on the other side of the docks.

“UUuOoOoAAAAAAAAA, WAIT UP!” When you turn around you can see a young man running up towards the boat. The maid and the boat captain don’t seem to hear him over the sound of the engine. The boat is powering up quickly and is about to leave.

>>5862
I quickly get within earshot of the maid, and point toward the strange man.

"Hey, I think that guy over there doesn't want us leaving without him! Stop the boat!"

>>5862
You run over the maid and tell her about the man. She finally looks from her magazine and responds to you with a face of confusion.
"Who exactly are you?" She looks at the direction you are pointing but it's too late!

At that moment the man jumps off the pier! With all of his might he reaches out his hand towards the boat. The whole thing seems to go in slow motion. His fingers inching closer and closer to the edge of the boat: just reaching the railing!

At that moment the boat speeds off, at an alarming speed. After a good thirty seconds the boat slows down and the man is able to climb up onto the boat.

“Gyah, I thought I was a goner!" he says as he pulls himself up. "You know you could have slowed down Ihihihi…” As the man looks up he notices who is talking to, and to no surprise his expression changes to one of confusion. “Um… er… Eh? Who are you? Did Krauss oji-san invite you to by any chance? I assumed this was going to be only family.”

>>5864
"Greetings. I'm Doctor Kinjo Goldbar. I was indeed invited here, I'm a friend of the family head. But I haven't met any of his family members. You're one of them?"

>>5865
"So Krauss did invite you then? I see I see. I'm his nephew, Ushiromiya Battler. Nice to meet you."


The maid walks up to you.
"I'm sorry, I had assumed you were Battler a-and I was so rude. Please forgive me."

I think this is probably how Rosa felt when I was being lazy not posting in that game. Once again, I'm sorry Rosa.

>>5866
"Oh, don't worry about it, miss. Anyway, we're ready to get going right? Or are there more surprise guests showing up?"

>>5892
"We should arrive in a few minutes. Now if you excuse me I have a riddle I want to solve." says the maid. Before going below she adds "Oh and my name is Ruon." Then she ducks out of sight.

You and Battler are left on the deck as the wind slowly starts to pick up. It doesn't seem like the boat is going faster, but in a few seconds it is apparent that the cause of wind is the storm on the horizon.

"Jeez, we may be here for a few days." Battler says. The boat starts to bounce slightly and Battler grimaces, "I think I will go below too."

As he heads below you notice it is quite cold as well. Hopefully the ride doesn't take too long.

>>5893
Once again I take out my notebook, flipping it to the center. This time on the right page, I jot down the names of the people I met, when/where I met them, and what they all looked like. Then I close the notebook and head below, to see what Battler and Ruon are up to.

>>5894
You go below the deck and see Ruon sitting down reading and at the end Battler is lying down on a bed closing his eyes.

Behind you is a door that says "Captain's Quarters"

>>5895
I walk over to Ruon.

"What's that you're reading?"

>>5896
"Oh, It's just a riddle book. I found it awhile ago and thought it would be a good way to waste some time." She pauses and flips the book to a certain page. "I'm currently stuck on this one, want to help?"

She shows you the page:
"Some will use me while others will not some have remembered while others have forgot. For profit or gain I"m used expertly I can"t be picked off the ground or tossed into the sea. Only gained from patience and time can you unravel my rhyme?"

>>5897
"The answer is trust.

>Some will use me while others will not
Not everyone is willing to trust others.

>some have remembered while others have forgot.
People often forget how trustworthy some people are.

>For profit or gain I'm used expertly
Con-artists often gain profit from taking advantage of others' trust.

>I can't be picked off the ground or tossed into the sea.
Trust is an abstract concept.

>Only gained from patience and time
And of course trust can only be gained with patience and time.

I think I've unraveled this rhyme alright!"

>>5898
"Hmm that defiantly sounds plausible. Here, the answers are in the back," she hands you the book. "Just in case you are wrong I still want to solve it for myself."

She hands you the book and you flip to the back.

"Some will use me while others will not some have remembered while others have forgot. For profit or gain I"m used expertly I can"t be picked off the ground or tossed into the sea. Only gained from patience and time can you unravel my rhyme?"

I'm Knowledge

>>5899
"And they say that without trust, there is no game, don't they? I like my answer better than theirs! But that tends to happen when I look at riddle books."

I get out 'The Benson Murder Case' and start reading.

"I much prefer these!"

>>5900
Ruon giggles a bit from your reaction and goes back to reading just as you do.

"" Ch. 1
Phlio Vance at Home

(Friday, June 14; 8:30 A.M.)

It happened that, on the morning of the momentous June the fourteenth when the discovery of the murdered body of
Alvin H. Benson created a sensation, to this day, has not entirely died away...""

You soon get completely immersed in your book and time drifts by.

>>5901
After a while you hear the boat slow down and the door to the Captain's Quarters opens up. Out enter a old man who evidently must be the captain.

"Ok we're here! Make sure not to leave anything, since I won't be coming back in this storm. Ahahaha."

Battler and Ruon, having brought nothing go back up to the deck. You follow.

>>5902
You follow and get a cold burst of wind in your face.
On the horizon an island slowly gets larger and larger.
There it is, Rokkenjima.
As you approach the contrasting grey sky gives the island an unusual dark feeling. Foreboding one could say.

>>5903
The boat pulls in to the cove and heads towards a small dock. You can see a single figure waiting there. The others on the boat gather their belongings and prepare to leave. The boat comes to a halt and you all exit the boat one after another and are greeted by another maid. Or, that is to say she greets one of the people to get off the boat.

"Yahoo! Welcome back Battler-sama!” Says the maid flamboyantly. “Hey Berune. They sent you to welcome us even in this weather?” Battler grabs his luggage and walks over to the young servant. "Well you know Genji, he is always strict about that kind of thing." She notices you get off the boat and shows a face of confusion that matches the ones that Ruon and Battler made so perfectly that it's almost humorous.

"Oh yeah this is Kinjo, Krauss invited him." says Battler. "Is that so?" Berune seems a little skeptical but seems to lose interest. She bows politely, "Welcome to Rokkenjima."

>>5904
"Nice to meet you."

I check my watch to see what time it is.

"Maybe we should get going before it's too late, I read in the newspaper the weather is only going to get worse."

You check your watch, it is currently 6:00 PM

As if listening to your comment it starts to lightly snow. The group agrees with you comment and you and them start to head up the winding path.

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTAcJ0ZcUkI ]

Above lays a winding pathway leading throughout the forest. Battler and the other maids started to head up the hill disregarding you all together. The grey sky has been spreading a feeling of dread since you docked, however this pathway seems to revert the effects of that. As if you are only now truly becoming free, breaking from the tracks of destiny and taking matters into your own hands.

>>5906
While continuing to ponder this, the group passes over a stone staircase that has come into your sight. Climbing up the stairs a Victorian style mansion comes into view. Listening to the other talk you find out that it is actually the guesthouse. The mansion is around behind it. There is a huge garden in front of the guesthouse. Sadly you can see little to no flowers because of all the snow. The group slowly gets closer to the garden where you see two girls playing.

>>5907
“Onii-chan!” The redheaded girl runs up to Battler and the other shortly follows. “Ah, Ange. Maria. Sorry I’m late, I got distracted at Niijima.” He pats them both on the head. “Hey, hey. Onii- chan, look at the igloo me and Maria made.” Over in a small clearing in the garden a rather large snow fort made been made. “Oh wow that looks pretty good, you didn’t even need help of any adults?’. Battler shifts his gaze back to them, “Speaking of which where is everyone?” This time Maria is the one to answer. “Uu, they are all in the parlor! They are setting up the tree. Battler should have a snowball fight with us later!” Battler agrees to play with them and starts to walk towards the mansion. The maids follow.

"Hey Kinjo! Are you coming or what?" Battler calls from the pathway to the mansion.

>>5908
"Yeah, I'm coming."

I follow Battler and the maids to the mansion, taking note of the two girls we just passed by.

>>5909

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmDxRYf1mMs ]

The group reaches the large mansion and without pause enters. Battler informs you that this is the entrance hall. There are different hallways going in different directions and not to mention a large stair case. This should be a good cross road if you get lost. As you look around you hear footsteps getting loader coming from one of the halls. You turn to see a young girl around Battler’s age. She dismisses the maids and they leave down another hallway. The girl walks up to Battler.

“Hello Battler, long time no see.” The girl says politely. Battler has an awkward grin on his face, “Yeah, long time no see Jessica.” They continue to pass pleasantries back and forth until Jessica notices you. “Battler, is this a friend?” She asks meekly. “Hmm? Nah, this is Kinjo, he says he was invited by your dad." Jessica sizes you up and also shows a confused face. "This is the first time I heard of a guest apart from the family..." Jessica “Well let us not keep the family waiting. Everyone is in the parlor,” Jessica says before walking back down the hall she arrived from. Battler

You are about to follow, but you notice behind where you were standing there are two large portraits. The first one is of a beautiful woman with blonde hair and an elegantly impressive dress. The other is a powerful looking man with white hair and a large black cloak. “Hey Kinjo". Battler calls yet again, "I know the mansion can be interesting and all but hurry up!"

>>5910
"Hold up. These portraits...caught my attention. Who are these two people?"

>>5911
"Oh that's right, you have never been here before. The man was my grandfather Ushiromiya Kinzo. The woman in the picture was his supposed mistress Beatrice."

Battler keeps it brief, and to the point. Jessica stays silent and the group continues walking.

>>5912
"Oh, so that's Kinzo... But over there is his supposed mistress, huh? I don't mean to be too intrusive, but it sounds like there's an interesting story behind it."

>>5913
Battler gives you a glance that could be described as suspicion, but it fades quickly.
"Well I guess you are right. Just saying that someone had a mistress alone sounds like there would be a story behind it. The gist of it was that Beatrice was said to be Kinzo's benefactor. She gave him a ridiculous amount of money which he used to re-build the Ushiromiya name. Supposedly there was a hidden mansion and everything."

The three of you stop at a door; from inside you can hear many cheerful voices. Jessica looks at you “If you could, can you wait out here until I call you? It would make things easier.”

>>5914
"Sure."

I wait outside the room.

>>5915
Jessica smiles and thanks you before opening the door as Battler and her enter the room. As soon as they enter the noise coming from the room get ten times louder. You can hear many different things being said but all of them seem to be welcoming Battler cheerfully. You decide to peek inside and you see that there a large group of people in the room. Christmas decorations are set up and there is a tree in the corner of the room. The scene looks like it should be in a store catalog rather than real life. Jessica is talking to a man over to the side of the group crowding Battler. He nods and follows her to where you are waiting.

>>5916
The man walks out into the hall.
"Hello, I'm the head of the Ushiromiya family. Ushiromiya Krauss. I've heard and interesting story from my daughter who says that you were invited here personally by myself. I do not recall doing such a thing, do you care to explain?"

>>5917
I show the man my detective's badge.

"Oh, don't mind that story, good sir. If you've heard the name of Gilligan Goldbar, well he was my father, and from what I've heard good friends with yours. I've come here in his place to reopen a cold case from a few years ago he wasn't able to solve. But I'd rather not ruin the holiday cheer of the rest of the family, so please keep this a secret from them if you don't mind."

>>5918
Krauss's face distorts in fits of anger, but they are kept under control as he responses to you.
"You don't seem to know how infuriating that statement is. This gathering was meant to closed those wounds, not reopen them, and now you come prancing in here telling me you want to solve that old case? Absurd! You have no authority here!" Krauss's voice starts to get louder, but he controls himself yet again.

"Also, you are mistaken. I never met your father personally, he was a friend of the old head, my father. The only reason I am not going to throw you off this island is because of that, and because I have no other choice since-"

At that moment the world blurs and your conscious fades. "Now that the storm is here nobody can enter or leave the island. " You vision turns red as your mind clouds. You feel like you are falling, with the sudden urge to vomit. Suddenly, everything is back to normal. Any indication of the event that just took place is unapparent to the others.

Krauss continues, "I shall not tell the others of your true nature, not for your sake, but for theirs. I suggest you kept to yourself, there is no reason to start pestering people. I shall have a guestroom setup for you later."
With that he opens the door and walks back into the parlor.

"I do have to say I agree with father." Jessica adds, "If you want come join in you can, but you best stick to your story you used beforehand."
Jessica then also walks into the parlor.

>>5918
Wow, what a jerk Kinjo. Baka Kinjo.

>>5919
After thinking for about a minute, I decide to go inside the parlor as well.

I grab the doorknob.

...Regarding the death of George, wasn't it said that the door was locked?

I examine the lock on the door to the parlor, playing with it a few times to see just how it works. Once I'm done I enter the parlor and take a look at my surroundings.

>>5929
With your failed attempt at coercion destroyed you check the lock on the door before entering. It seems rather normal, there is a rounded doorknob with a dead bolt lock slightly above.

The room isn't that large, so it doesn't seem like a surprise when everyone looks your way once you enter. A few of the people continue chatting until the notice the voices have died down. At this time Krauss speaks up.

"Everyone, this is Kinjo Goldbar, I accidently invited him a few days early. With the storm here he is stuck here for a few days like the rest of us. I'm sure that his presence won't bother to any of you."

Krauss let the last part slip off his tongue like a fowl taste.
The group gives mixed reactions, a few nods, 'hellos' and maybe one 'how yeah doing?' After the short, and rather inadequate introduction most of the people return to what they are doing.
"Hey Kinjo," Battler walks up to you. "You said you don't really know any of the family members do you? I'll introduce you."

>>5946
As he brings you over to the other two men in the room you see a woman dressed in purple go over to Krauss. "So how exactly do you know Aniki?" Your attention is brought back in front of you and you see on of the men talking to you. "Oi Dad, you should introduce yourself first!" Battler interjects. The man you now know is Battlers father corrects himself "Ah, yeah. I'm Ushiromiya Rudolf, beside me here is Hideyoshi." The man beside Rudolf speaks up, "How yeah doing?" You for talk a bit, Rudolf forgets all about the question he asked.
After few minutes later Hideyoshi changes the subject, "Ah but still, I keep thinking I know the name 'Goldbar' from somewhere... A well I'm sure it will come back to me." The conversation ends at that and Battler and you walk elsewhere.

>>5947
Battler takes you over to the other group in the room. Jessica is among them sitting around a table, tea is in front of each person. You hear them taking about spoons or something like that before you and Batter walk up to them. "Ah look, here comes the uninvited guest," the woman with white hair says. "Actually Kyrie, 'unexpected guest' would probably fit better." says the woman sitting in the chair beside. "Brother did invite him after all, just not today". The woman known as Kyrie laughs a bit and agrees. They each introduce themselfs. From left to right Jessica, Kyrie, Rosa, however the last woman dressed in some sort of chiness outfit doesn't speak up right away. Eventually she speaks up. "Eva." The others simple leave it like that.

Jessica turns to you. "Dinning will be in a bit, however if you would like a tea or coffee I can call for one."

>>5948
"I'll take some black tea, please."

Jessica nods and then walks over to the wall and picks up a phone.
You take this time to look around the room again. Most of the tables have little plates of goodies and snacks along with Christmas themed candles. Krauss Hideyoshi and Rudolf are over by the Christmas tree. Rosa, Kyrie, Natsuhi and Eva are sitting around a small table in separate chairs. Finally you and Battler and Jessica, who informs you that a servant will bring your tea shortly are sitting on the coaches near the fireplace.

>>5994
I'll walk around to the tables and grab one of the cookies, munching on it as I walk around.

I then approach Battler and Jessica.

"I couldn't help but notice...these are all Christmas decorations, but Christmas is already over. Is it an Ushiromiya tradition to celebrate it later than usual, or...?"

>>6001
"Ah well, you see, since the family hasn't gotten together for a awhile so I suggested that since Christmas and New Years are so close together that it would be best to celebrate them both at the same time. So once that was decided on that Krauss took it upon himself to plan everything."

>>6004
"Oh, interesting. Will there be presents, too?"

>>6005
"Actually, according to Krauss there indeed will be presents. I think he said some time after dinner."

"That'll be fun. I wonder if I got anything."

I finish eating my cookie.

>>6007
>Using green to eat a cookie
What have you done to the masterpiece that is my own creation?

Also... that sprite.......

>>6007
You finish eating your cookie.

After, another new face enters the room. The maid walks over to you with a tray and what must be your tea along with additives on top.

"You are mister Goldbar I presume?" The maid puts the tray down in front of you and then asks "How would you like it?"

>>6009
"I'll take it straight, thank you."

I drink my cup of tea.

>>6010
The maid bows and leaves the parlor.

The conversations surrounding you are still going strong.

>>6011
"Delicious tea. Say Jessica, how many servants are there around here? I didn't even get her name that time."

>>6012
"Oh, that's Manon. I believe you already met Ruon and Berune so that would leave... the two male servants Genji and Gohda. Gohda is the chef who will be cooking our dinning tonight. In fact it should be nearly time to eat."

>>6013
As if on cue you hear a solid knock on the door. In walks an old butler with a expression which would be best described as monotonic. He doesn't give you a second glace.

"Dinner will now be served. If you would please accompany me to the dinning hall."

With that said everyone slowly rises from their seats and leaves the room heading left down the hall. You follow the group back into the main entrance. Seconds after Rosa pipes up "I'll be right back, Maria and Ange are still outside so I will get them." Battler decides to go with her and they both leave through the main door. The rest of the group continues down the hall opposite to the one you came from.

Your view is again caught towards the portraits. The eyes of the man looks as if they could hold the fire of hell and burn you just from looking at them. It won't be surprising if a little kid got nightmares from it. The other however feels as if it was mocking the artist. You come to your sense and notice each group has gone ahead of you. You are now alone in the main hall.

>>6007
>be a total jerk
>wonder about if you get a gift
>eating a cookie in green
>autism sprite

>>6015
Kinjo deserves a gift.

A punch in the face.

It would be something Krauss could 'give' him.

>>6016
Just a punch? We can think in a better present to him.

>>6014
For a while, I start to hear voices in my head, mocking me. I try to brush it off and continue my investigation normally.

Let's not forget my purpose. To solve the murder of George from three years ago.

Right, I'm not here to celebrate this holiday dinner. Better do some investigating.

I attempt to catch up with Battler and Rosa in their search for Maria and Ange.

>>6018

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CTj8gedkn8 ]

You leave the mansion. When you exit you notice that it has indeed started to snow. Disregarding the snow you retrace your steps back to the guesthouse.

As you approach the spot where you first saw the girls you see Rosa and Battler. "Ange! Maria! Come out come out where ever you are!" calls Battler. Rosa is doing the same. The two have yet to notice you, before you call out to them you hear a small suppressed giggle coming from your left somewhere near by. Looking to your left you see...the snow moving on it's own!? The movements seem to be following a line, right towards Battler.

All of the sudden, the movements stop beside Battler and Ange and Maria popped out of the snow! "Boo!" they both shout as they throw snowballs at Battler. "WAH!?!" Battler jumps back and pretends to be completely and utterly shocked as he gets pelted with snow. "Uu-uu. Ange and Maria made tunnels in the snow!" says Maria. "You won't defeat us Onii-chan!" adds Maria. Rosa gives a small laugh at the display. "You're going to have to wait under after dinner you two. Come along now."

"Maria! Your mom is working with Battler! You can't trick us that easily!" Ange winds up and throws the snowball, however she slips and falls. The rushing snow ball flies upwards in an arch, and then lands right on your head.

Battler Maria Ange and Rosa now notice you. "K-Kinjo? Are you alright?"

>>6019
Brushing off the snow on my head, I give a response.

"That's not very nice, throwing snowballs at a guest like that! I'll have my revenge!"

I grab a chunk of snow from the ground, making a somewhat large snowball, and throw it at Ange!

>>6085
Your snowball flies straight into Ange's face, almost knocking her off her feet. however she seems unharmed. Only stunned for a second she then grins.

"The war is on!!!"

Maria and Ange quickly duck back into their tunnels, and not a second later the pop out again with handfuls of snowballs. "FIRE!" Battler and Rosa have no chance to get out of the way when multiple snowballs are launched at you and fly at an impossible speed. There is a snow wall to your left, maybe if you react fast enough...!

>>6086
I run behind the snow wall to protect myself! I form another snowball and prepare to strike whenever either of them come into sight!

>>6087

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpbeW_isoI0 ]

As you duck behind the wall the snow balls slightly slow down, however there is still many hitting the fort every second. The onslaught of snow is destroying the wall! It won't last much longer.

You take a peek every few seconds to assess the situation. You can see snow balls flying from outside the front of the guesthouse. They much be coming from the tunnels. Over top of it there is a ledge covered in a large amount of snow. Above there in the window you can see the maid you know as Manon move the curtains to see what the commotion is. She seems to sigh and then walk away. As you take you attention away from the battlefield you can see that the snow wall is about to break. There is only one thing to do!