Turnabout Chessboard: Chapter 3

[ahaha_wav]

[[Previous: Chapter 2 | Next: Final Chapter]]

...The witch's side withdraws from the scene of the Second Twilight. That was a clever trick, but it won't work twice, you see?

I must now prepare for our next skirmish, so there will be another brief recess before the trial resumes.

Comments

[roofjumping]

[ And if you expected Gretel to say anything during the break, you're absolutely wrong. She's definitely not going to be social, but will pipe up from her corner of the room that she's been standing in if spoken to, eyeing everyone closely.

Because, you know. That's what she does. ]

[wright_idea]

[And there she is. Maybe she's got some answers Battler doesn't.]

Excuse me, uh... Gretel, was it? You really helped us out back there, thanks.

[roofjumping]

It wasn't that big of a deal. Besides, it's not as if I helped you for the sake of helping you.

[ She replies in a cold voice and a shrug as if it's no big deal. Whatever. ]

[wright_idea]

[Thank you so much for your gracious contribution to the cause.]

Er, well, it got us out of a pinch, at least. And Beatrice seemed pretty surprised to see you here.

[roofjumping]

Well, that's simply because I'm someone who's not meant to be on this chessboard.

[wright_idea]

[...Eh?]

Not meant to...? I'm not sure what you mean.

[roofjumping]

The reason why that witch was surprised was because I was uninvited.

[wright_idea]

I see. So then, how did you find out this game was going on?

[roofjumping]

I was told about it by Bernkastel. I may be in this chessboard as an uninvited guest, but I have a bone to pick with that witch.

[wright_idea]

[Bernkastel...? That tea-sipping witch from before?]

Oh? Not that I doubt you considering what I've seen of Beatrice, but what did she do to you?

[roofjumping]

[ She can feel her face twisting in anger and frustration -- but soon enough, she calms down, keeping up her monotone voice. ]

That's none of your business. Besides, I wouldn't tell you even if I could.

[wright_idea]

[Even if she could? Is something keeping her from speaking? Or someone?]

I... all right, I guess it's not that important. Either way, you're going to be a big help for the next round.

[happyhalloween]

[Eventually MARIA comes over to talk to her. It only happens after a lot of staring, though.]

You're so big.

1/2

[roofjumping]

[ .... Oh.

She's pretty sure that MARIA knows exactly who she is, but she still can't just outright admit to that. ]

[roofjumping]

I wouldn't call myself "big".

[ Older, maybe. But she's not that tall. She's pretty average for her height. ]

In contrast, though, I think you're rather small.

[happyhalloween]

You don't get any bigger when you're in the Golden Land.

[She says this matter-of-factly, as if it should be obvious.]

Do you think if Maria was big like you, Maria would look like Mama?

[roofjumping]

Dead people don't age, after all.

[ A shrug. ]

I don't know. Maybe.

[happyhalloween]

Mm. But they do get cookies!

[Maria holds a cookie out for you, Gretel. You might be on the other side, but you're not funny-haired man so cookies are okay for you.]

[roofjumping]

Sorry, but I'm not dead yet, so I'm not deserving of that cookie.

[ Smooth. ]

[happyhalloween]

I don't think the lawyer oneesan or Mr Detective are dead either, but they get cookies. Everyone gets cookies, except the funny-haired man.

[Because he's a mean jerk. Kihihihihi.]