If it is done with the intention of another assisting in your survival, there would be no punishment.
However the confessions of the others... were primarily when the group was already certain that they were the culprit, once certain evidence arrived. Should you have that many fingers pointed at you, perhaps a confession would be permissible...
But they must come to that conclusion fairly on their own.
[She seems to pause, uncertain if it's fair to say the next part and yet - ]
Anyway, next question: could I cash in my reward for confirming Sanji as Editor now? Ah, I don't need the second half of my original question, though—I've already got that.
Besides the eradication of one faction, three survivors and seven plus objectives from each faction, and killing you or Tiger, what are the other possible endings?
In one alternative ending, the dead may be revived - however there will not be enough ink to return you all home. Instead, the castle will be your place to dwell.
In another alternative ending...
[Her hand rises to fall over her heart as she seems to breath a sigh.]
Should it have been fulfilled... those who have passed away would have not been revived, and it would not have been possible to send you home, and this castle would have become similar to the Other Side.
However, that ending is not possible anymore, thankfully.
[ . . . her expression softens for a fraction of a second - before she schools it back into something more neutral. It is an expression that was more common in the initial weeks of the game.]
I cannot answer that right now.
Should you succeed in leaving this trial without being convicted, ask me again.
[Her expression softens to see him - she's not in high spirits, but there is a soft smile that she offers him.]
... I am glad that you are in good health.
You asked if it's possible to return to a world that is not your own, once your time here has concluded.
My answer is thus:
... The ink is obtained by vicious means. However with enough of it, miracles can be written. Should there be enough ink for all of you to use, you may write any story that you wish. Or should you simply want to write a small space for yourself in the story of another, you may do that too. The choices will truly be yours.
[She offers a smile, genuine even if it does not overpower the rest of her mourning.]
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When the doors open for Belph - they're still in the throne room. Well!
The Dragon will sit on her throne, her lips set into a small frown. Also - her hair sure is pink now.]
... Not particularly.
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Then, mind answering some questions for me?
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I do not.
... would you like a seat? Something to drink?
[ . . . ]
Fridays are difficult days.
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[...]
First: is the "no confessing" rule still in effect?
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[Even if she doesn't look happy about it.]
Do you wish to claim ownership?
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[especially when, you know, sanji goes and CONFESSES.]
So, at what point would I not be punished for it?
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Is there something you wish to say?
Can you not proceed as you have been?
[She furrows her brow.]
I wish to help, but you may need to be more specific on what you're asking me.
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[not that he's planning to, but it's an example.]
Or, Ann and Sandalphon confessed in their trials. At what point was it "okay" for them do so?
[he promised reyna he'd survive, but... there are certain people he will not let be scapegoated, so there's that.]
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If it is done with the intention of another assisting in your survival, there would be no punishment.
However the confessions of the others... were primarily when the group was already certain that they were the culprit, once certain evidence arrived. Should you have that many fingers pointed at you, perhaps a confession would be permissible...
But they must come to that conclusion fairly on their own.
[She seems to pause, uncertain if it's fair to say the next part and yet - ]
... it would be difficult to lose you.
Not just for me, but for everyone.
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[he hates this. he hates this, he hates this, he hates this he hates this—]
What if Steph is under fire? Hikage? They have roles. Would it be a fair trade—my life for theirs?
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But it is important to meet Belph's gaze, and so she does.]
Do you think that will come to pass? Did you leave anything that would tie them to what has been done?
... I want your happiness, but I cannot overrule the choices that others make as they cast their votes.
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You know what? Fine.
[it's fine. he can come up with a backup plan.]
Anyway, next question: could I cash in my reward for confirming Sanji as Editor now? Ah, I don't need the second half of my original question, though—I've already got that.
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You wish to proceed without Stephanie?
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[ . . . she nods.]
I hope you will survive... If you do not, I will give her the half answer you earn during our next meeting. You have my word.
What is your question? I will provide half an answer, the same as you earned before.
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In one alternative ending, the dead may be revived - however there will not be enough ink to return you all home. Instead, the castle will be your place to dwell.
In another alternative ending...
[Her hand rises to fall over her heart as she seems to breath a sigh.]
Should it have been fulfilled... those who have passed away would have not been revived, and it would not have been possible to send you home, and this castle would have become similar to the Other Side.
However, that ending is not possible anymore, thankfully.
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... And those are the only other two?
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Four in total, three of which remain.
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... My last question is: if we survive this... is it possible to return to a world not our own?
[he shouldn't be asking this. he shouldn't give himself hope. and yet...]
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I cannot answer that right now.
Should you succeed in leaving this trial without being convicted, ask me again.
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I cannot confirm or deny.
But if you thought it worth asking me, I know it is important.
I am sorry that I cannot provide everything you seek all at once.
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[well, it's better to assume it's impossible.
and with that, he switches over to his usual flippant self.]
Actually, one more question: what's with the hair?
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Her eyes look relieved.]
Does it not suit me?
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[Anyway:]
All matters have a reason behind them. Yet this is a fairly benign change. I cannot say I mind it.
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Do you think he would have chosen pink?
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Besides, it could be like the time where he didn't know what sulfur was and gave us all a gas leak scare?
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That was...
[Her nose wrinkles subtly.]
Unfortunate.
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... like everyone here, he does his best, presumably.
I cannot ask for more than that.
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Our best isn't much, but we'll see.
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... have a bit more faith.
If I can find it somehow, I believe you can too.
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[ . . . ]
Perhaps it is.
But mushy is a better alternative to despair, I think, as long as there is reason behind the faith.
post-trial
So, it looks like I'm not going to die this week after all! Can I have the answer to my question?
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... I am glad that you are in good health.
You asked if it's possible to return to a world that is not your own, once your time here has concluded.
My answer is thus:
... The ink is obtained by vicious means. However with enough of it, miracles can be written. Should there be enough ink for all of you to use, you may write any story that you wish. Or should you simply want to write a small space for yourself in the story of another, you may do that too. The choices will truly be yours.
[She offers a smile, genuine even if it does not overpower the rest of her mourning.]
It is a truly happy ending.
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[well, whatever. he knew not to get his hopes up.]
Thanks. [a beat.] Oh, and try to make sure Melloi doesn't fall apart.
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And she finds herself stopped again. She bites her lip before nodding once.]
... I will do what I can.
... the ink matter...
Do not give up so easily.
[And it appears that's all she can say.]