PC CATCHALL FOR RIKA

[greatdeduction]

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[syndromed]

[ she perks up a bit. ]

That depends on how thirsty I am, and whether or not there's a pitcher to pour more water from!

[greatdeduction]

Ah, what an ingenious perspective! Almost as genius as me!

[Oh, he's waking up a bit, some of the oddball is creeping in.]

[syndromed]

It's too early to make assumptions. We don't even know the rules of the game, yet!

[greatdeduction]

Very true. There is much to find out. But a great detective's intuition is never wrong, you know.

[syndromed]

... Does your intuition tell you anything more specific?

It doesn't sound very fun to just be paranoid and not know why or what of.

[greatdeduction]

I'm not paranoid. Believe me, I make my living peering down into the dark depths of London's metropolis, sifting through the tangles and mires of crime and sin.

[He's drinking some more coffee, looking thoughtful.]

We've been entered into a "conflict" between two teams, and secrets are being held behind closed doors. In my experience, conflicts are not handled peacefully by bringing in more men to boost the ranks. Quite the contrary. We are bystanders entered into a grand game of chess, and I am afraid that what is coming will be most happy to make of use of us as such.

[syndromed]

[ you know what, rika is just... quiet for a long moment. ]

[greatdeduction]

...

[He notices that, lifting his head to look her in the eyes.]

But have heart, my dear girl. I'm not the man to idly stand by and watch as people are forced to play roles against their will. I will put all my efforts into letting us escape this senseless game.

[syndromed]

[ she takes a deep breath to regain her composure, even if she's still obviously pretty down now. ]

Mii... That's good... [ she sounds entirely unconvinced, but like she's at least trying to believe him. ] ... Do you really think we can fight against the gameboard we're placed on?

[greatdeduction]

...

[It's hard.]

[It's hard, having some answers, but not all, because...what can he say to this?]

I have no concrete answer for you, my dear girl. But if we give up now, what's the point? Watching as everything collapses around us? I'd rather die knowing I gave my all than simply lay down and accept it.

[syndromed]

[ rika forces a smile, and doesn't say a lot of things. it's fine. ]

... You're right. We have to just do our best either way.

[greatdeduction]

[He stares at her for a moment.]

I have the feeling that my words do fall on deaf ears. But if they can give you a bit of positivity, my dear, than that's all that matters to me.

[syndromed]

As long as you believe in them, that's enough for me. Fighting half-heartedly won't get you anywhere.

[greatdeduction]

But of course! I would not be the inimitable Herlock Sholmes if I did not put my all into every word I say! I am not a man of half-means and flimsy words, no, no, no!

[syndromed]

Then I will put my faith in you, for the time being.

[greatdeduction]

[A little twirl of the hand, and a bow.]

There would be nothing that would please me more.

[syndromed]

[ ............... anyway! ]

Mii... If Susato ever needs a break, I can make you breakfast, you know! I always do half the cooking back home.

[greatdeduction]

Oh, you can? My dear girl, how kind of you. Who did the other half of cooking, may I ask?

[syndromed]

My best friend, Satoko. We live together, just the two of us.

[greatdeduction]

Oh? And what is Satoko like?

[syndromed]

She's really clever and sneaky, and always does her best!

But she can also be stubborn.

[greatdeduction]

Ah, a most interesting combination of traits. I'm sure you're the type to keep her on the straight and narrow, hm?

[syndromed]

Is that my responsibility?

[greatdeduction]

Is it not?

[syndromed]

... Well, I try to!