week 6; thursday ( akechi )

[axilium]

[yo. it's probably a little before noon when belph approaches akechi, smiling genially.]

You wanted the identity of the letter writer, right? Though I have a question for you first.

Comments

[doublecrows]

[and Akechi returns that smile, just as pleasant]

Of course. What is it?

[axilium]

When did you learn that there are two Viziers?

[he knows it's been public since monday, but if akechi learned before then...]

[doublecrows]

[quirks a brow]

Last Friday, from Varian-san. He, too, had a list of all of the roles in this game. As well as their numbers.

[axilium]

[there's a hint of... victory? in belph's smile? weird. but that's not important to akechi.]

... I thought so. Anyway, that's your answer.

[doublecrows]

[. . . . . . . . . . .]

Excuse me?

[axilium]

Varian wrote the letter.

[doublecrows]

[LOOKS]

[PUT OUT]

[T B H]

Did you ask him this?

[axilium]

He's the only person who would know both the exact numbers of all roles and the conditions for Dragon's ending. I confronted him after the last trial and revealed my identity to him, and he claimed that you told him there were two Viziers.

... Given my chats with you up until that point, I suspected he was lying. Thanks for confirming it!

[doublecrows]

. . . incidentally, when I revealed my role as Historian to him, he also told me the requirements for Dragon-san's ending. With a small part you left out-- the necessity for there to be three and only three survivors in each faction.

[he composes himself, smoothing out his tie]

Based on what you're saying, I can assume he isn't the other Vizier.

[axilium]

I wasn't really eager to tell people exactly how many they needed to kill? If it helps soothe things over, I haven't mentioned the numbers to anyone.

[he lets out a scoff.]

I think the guy hates me, so no.

[doublecrows]

I've mentioned it to the Historians, and only the Historians.

[because of course he did, their network is strong]

And why would he hate you?

[axilium]

Because he finds me annoying? And because I don't like sharing info without getting something useful in return.

[which is why he likes his relationship with akechi. they know it's based on it being mutually beneficial.]

That reminds me—I already gave the list of every villain in this war to one of your teammates, so you should be getting that soon... but knowing you, since we're already here, you'd like to hear it firsthand as well, wouldn't you?

[doublecrows]

He should know the value of working in equivalent exchanges. It's how our relationship works.

[fuck yeah business relationships only!!]

I'm aware Veronica-san is a Villain. She's completed three objectives, by the way. That brings Villains up to five.

And the other two are. . .?

[axilium]

Varian again! Also, Kyouka and Zelos. Of course, if you plan on confronting them, I'd rather you not mention me as your source.

[doublecrows]

[a nod]

Very well. My source shall remain entirely anonymous.

[axilium]

Good.

... I'm sure you'd like to know that I've found the rest of your group, by the way—if they haven't already told you. Rebecca also asked me about the letter writer's identity, so be sure to pass it onto her, at least.

[doublecrows]

[. . . . . . . BITCH. THERE GOES HIS LEVERAGE??]

I suppose you won't be giving me the name of the other Vizier in exchange for figuring us all out, hm?

[axilium]

Uh, no? Not like you contributed to my efforts there.

Nice try, though.

[doublecrows]

Why? There's no harm in it. I just don't like being in the dark.

[he hates the fact that he's been one step behind everyone, honestly???]

[axilium]

You'll just have to live with it, detective.

[doublecrows]

[ARGH]

You're obnoxious.

[axilium]

Thank you.

[doublecrows]

[UUUGH]

I don't suppose you've checked Varian-san yet, have you?

[axilium]

Why do you ask?

[doublecrows]

Curiosity. He never confirmed for me where he got his information, that's all. I can't tell if he has his own contact, or if he's been asking the Crafters questions similarly to how you and I have been.

[axilium]

[he shrugs.]

Haven't checked him, so I couldn't say.

[doublecrows]

Hm.

[shrugs!]

At any rate, I appreciate you keeping your end of the bargain.

[axilium]

A promise is a promise.

[doublecrows]

So it is. Is there anything else we should speak about while we're here?

[axilium]

Well, that's it on my end, unless you have anything to say.