video;

[regretel]

[The young woman who appears in the feed looks unimpressed, almost bored, as she faces the camera. The garden spreads out behind her, but her eyes are trained on a spot down and to one side, disinterested in the scenery.]

I didn't know I could still be used as a piece after that sacrifice gambit.

[She's quiet for a moment before her gaze flickers up to the camera and her brows draw together in an irritated frown. Her hair slides back over her shoulder and the cheap, pink hair ties that hold her half-pigtails in place click together.]

What does this mean? Did Oniichan win or did Beatrice? Why did another game start?

[A beat during which she is very likely tapping her foot. After a few seconds pass and she doesn't get an immediate answer from out of thin air, her expression smooths back into bored disinterest.]

I'll find my own way out, then. Sankyuu. Shi yuu ah-gen. [Her last words ("Thank you. See you again.") are spoken in heavily accented Engrish before she cuts the feed.]

Comments

[Text]

[kunsel]

Huh? Wait, hold on a second, I'm not trying
to be patronizing, I promise. If I offended
you, consider me as sorry as they come. It's
just... this really isn't a game.

[Text]

[regretel]

I think what you mean by game and what I mean by game are very different. The game I'm referring to isn't fun or safe.

[Text]

[kunsel]

Really?
Just what kind of place did you come from, then?

[Text]

[regretel]

The kind that isn't worth anything. I still need to go back, though. Any helpful advice on how to do that?

[Text]

[kunsel]

Not worth anything? I... see.
I wish I knew how to get back, I really do,
but I don't know anything more than most
people do with regards to that. You could
try asking some people I've been told
have helpful information about most things,
though. There's a lady named Kirigiri, for
starters, and a man named Zacharie you
can speak with. I would imagine any other
longer term residents of this place could
also be helpful, but those two are the only
ones I can personally vouch for so far.
I'm Kunsel, by the way.

[Text]

[regretel]

It's a start.
My name is Ange Ushiromiya.
I'll remember you. You seem eager to help people.

[Text]

[kunsel]

Gotta start someplace.
It's nice to meet you, Ange! Again, I'm sorry
for how I might have come across earlier. And
I'm not really eager so much as sympathetic? I
wouldn't want to be stranded somewhere without
any answers, and so I can't expect others to
want to be, either. I figure... the best thing
we can do is help each other out. Maybe some
of us will stay here, maybe some will go home,
but the important thing is we look out for one
another, right?
Ah... jeez. And now I sound like a sap. Sorry.

[Text]

[regretel]

I don't get to hear that kind of sentiment often. I don't mind it.

[Text]

[kunsel]

I hope that changes. It's the kind of sentiment
that should be spread. Let me know how things
work out, okay? And if you need anything, feel
free to contact me or come looking. I'll likely
be in the library more often than not.

[Text]

[regretel]

Thank you. It's just as likely that you'll need something from me, so you can do so if you need to.

[She's teasing him. Probably.]

[Text]

[kunsel]

You'd be willing to swap information when you
came across it, then? I'd be really grateful!

[Text]

[regretel]

If I find anything interesting out, I will.

[Text]

[kunsel]

Great! I'll do the same, and since I've often got
one ear to the ground, you'll likely hear back
from me pretty soon. I look forward to working with
you!

[Text]

[regretel]

Likewise.
See you around.