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It was still light outside when everyone went out to have dinner. The blue sky was dimming into an orange shade with some clouds overcast, almost resembling an oil painting. The same could very well be said for the set up tables and chairs just outside the chapel, with the wedding party each assigned to their respective tables. The cloth upon each table was white with cherry blossom patterns knitted onto each end. It was this pattern that Ange traced her fingers along with, beginning to feel bored.
"Eat up your dinner, Ange," encouraged Kyrie, "Then you'll get to have a slice of cake after."
"I guess," muttered Ange, blinking her eyes and yawning.
"Tired, Ange?" said Battler. It was getting close to Ange's bedtime, and he supposed he couldn't really blame her for getting tired. He was surprised, though, to see Beato this energetic; it was a stark contrast to how she would wear down easily in the past few months.
Ange nodded and yawned once more.
"Now Ange, remember to cover your mouth when you yawn," said Kyrie gently, "Still, you did get up early, and it is just about time for you to go to bed. How about I take you back to the guest house and lay you down for a nap, and I'll come back to get you when it's time for cake if you still wish?"
"That would be nice," yawned Ange.
Kyrie smiled at Rudolf before scooping Ange up in her arms and beginning to walk to the guest house. "You know, it's still kind of weird that Ange will be an aunt while she is still young enough to get tired at this point in the evening," remarked Battler, "But she seems to be doing okay with getting ready for the baby."
"Yes, she does seem to be looking forward to it," muttered Rudolf as he cut up his chicken, "When she's a bit older, you could think of having her around as a baby-sitter, if she wants."
Battler noticed Beato was rubbing her back with both hands, a habit she had developed recently. Whenever he saw her do that, it would set off an alarm in his head. He remembered that an aching back was one of the signs of labour he had read about. He asked, "Are you feeling all right, Beato?"
"My back," winced Beato, "It hurts."
Battler jumped out of his seat. "Are you in labour? Stay right here; I'll find someone who can—"
"Battler," said Beato sharply, using one arm to grab Battler and place him back in his chair, "I am not in labour. If I were, I would let you know."
Battler, feeling foolish, said, "Oh. Then, ah...let me know." He laughed, "How silly of me; what are the chances of this baby being born on the island anyway, ihihi!"
Elsewhere at another table, there was a significant amount of tension between the four sitting at said table—Krauss, Natsuhi, Jessica, and Sento. They were all eating in a rather uncomfortable silence. It felt strange to have a family member whom was long believed to be dead be sitting with them. And only one of these people at the table knew what said family member's real agenda was.
Natsuhi was feeling especially uncomfortable, almost on the verge of a headache. She wanted to go back inside and take an aspirin—hopefully, stay inside for the rest of the night. Yet the thought of leaving Sento as he was now left her with a feeling of guilt; even if she was only going to leave him for a short while...
"Sento," Natsuhi finally said, "do you find the dinner satisfying?"
Sento looked up at Natsuhi. "Yes, this is just fine," he said, "I find the potatoes especially delicious."
"And do you have enough?" asked Natsuhi.
Sento nodded; nonetheless, Natsuhi said, "Are you sure? If there's ever more of anything you need, just...just let me know, all right?"
Sento just continued to eat his dinner. He looked over at Jessica, who did not seem to be thinking much about food, either; he could see her observing Yoshiya, who was standing just outside the chapel in observation.
What does she see in him, anyway? thought Sento bitterly. What makes him so special? Pity I can't choose him to be one of the first few victims right away...
Deciding to raise this to Krauss and Natsuhi's attention, Sento said, "Looking at anyone in particular, sister?"
Jessica realized Sento had just seen her looking over at Joshua and snapped her focus back to her dinner. "Oh, um," she said, "I was just thinking about what to do when we finally get to dance."
"Seeing how we're all family here," said Natsuhi, "I suppose it would be all right for the cousins to go dancing with one another. Perhaps you could give Maria a little spin?"
"Right," muttered Jessica. She snuck a quick glare over at Sento before stabbing at the chicken with her fork. He had noticed her looking over at Yoshiya, and was trying to draw her parents' attention to it. What gave him that right? Why was he so set on doing it in the first place? To annoy her?
Well...if he was, she was not going to give him that pleasure. She would show him a thing or two.
All the plates were cleared away within twenty minutes, all toasts had been made, and it was just about time for the cake to be cut, and a dance to be had. Unfortunately, Natsuhi's headache was not better within that time. Now, she felt as though her head were slowly being crushed by a giant hand.
"Natsuhi," said Krauss, holding his wife's hand, "do you wish to go inside for a little bit?"
Natsuhi nodded. She looked over at Jessica and said weakly, "Jessica...look after your brother for me."
She slowly stood up and, with Krauss' help, walked together to the mansion, leaving brother and sister to sit beside one another. Sento turned to Jessica and said, "So tell me, dear sister...has our mother always suffered from such headaches?"
"Yeah, from what I've heard," she said slowly, "But if you're so set on hating everyone in the family, why would you be concerned?"
Sento did not answer and only looked forward to the newlywed couple each using one hand to hold the knife together. "I hear the flavour is French Vanilla," he said, "Not my favourite, but it'll do."
The knife slid through the surface and the first slice was cut.
"Are you enjoying your slice, Ange?" said Kyrie gently. Ange seemed to be slightly more awake after her nap, but still looked as though she needed to get to bed soon.
"Mmm-hmm," nodded Ange with her mouth full, "Thish ish good!"
Battler was about to gently remind Ange not to talk with her mouth full when he felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned in his seat and stood up to see Jessica. "Battler," she said almost urgently, "may I speak to you for a minute? In private?"
Battled turned to his parents, who gave a shrug to indicate he could do whatever he pleased. He looked over at Beato, who smiled with a moustache made out of icing. He turned back to Jessica and nodded. Jessica took him by the wrist and led him through the chapel doors. She took him halfway down the aisle before stopping.
"Jessica?" said Battler. "Is something wrong?"
Jessica's brow furrowed. "Battler," she said, "I don't know how else to tell you, but...something went on in the meta-world."
"Right, Sento told me," nodded Battler.
"What exactly did he tell you?" said Jessica, not noticing one of the chapel doors slowly creaking open.
"He said the baby was never in any danger, and that the whole purpose of it was to confirm his existence," said Battler. He paused and stroked his chin. "Although, I had the feeling he wasn't telling me everything."
"And with good reason," said Jessica, "You see—"
"Wait, does this have anything to do with you being missing in bed this morning?" asked Battler suddenly. He wasn't sure if there was a connection between the two, but it was worth a shot.
"Eh, sort of," said Jessica slowly, "Last night, I slept with Sento."
Jessica realized from Battler's gaping mouth that her words had come out the wrong way. And she realized it even more when Sento strutted up the two of them and laughed, "Spreading rumours about us, dear sister?"
"No, that didn't come out right!" cried out Jessica, her entire face burning. "What I meant was—we slept together in the same bed—but it was totally innocent! We were handcuffed! But...er..."
I should probably shut up now, she thought, her face growing even hotter, Not only am I making it sound like...like something else...but Sento is here now; I can't tell Battler about Sento's real plan with him standing right there!
Battler stammered, "So—you two—you—and he—are—"
"Rest assured brother," laughed Sento, deciding to help his sister save face, "It was totally innocent. Jessica found a pair of handcuffs, decided to show them to me, and we accidentally wound up locked up together for the rest of the night. The deal was that she was to start treating me with more respect as her brother. Do you see anything wrong with that?"
Battler was still reluctant to buy any of Sento's words, but he supposed it would have to do for now; at the very least, he hoped Sento's explanation about what had happened last night was true. "Sounds fine to me," he said slowly, "So...there's nothing between...?"
"No," said Jessica firmly.
A soft melody could be heard from outside. It sounded like a tune on a violin...Kumasawa's violin...
"That's right," said Battler, "The dancing is about to start. George-aniki and Shannon should be having their dance right now. I'm going to go outside and wait. You two want to come?"
"No, I think we will wait here for a while yet," spoke Sento in Jessica's place, "This chapel is rather...peaceful."
Battler looked at Sento and Jessica oddly before turning to leave. Are they...could they be...?
He took one last look at them before silently stepping just outside the chapel: Nah, of course not.
As soon as Battler stepped out, Sento turned to Jessica. "Dear sister," he spoke in a voice that chilled Jessica, "you weren't about to tell Battler about our little deal, now were you?"
"He—he had every right to know!" said Jessica defensively, wishing she had remembered to bring her brass knuckles with her now. "If it concerns the life of our family—"
Sento placed a finger on Jessica's lips. "Hush, dear sister," he whispered, "There is someone dancing outside. You wouldn't want to ruin such a moment with accusations you have no proof of, now would you?" Gently, he removed that finger. "And I do so look forward to dancing."
"Hopefully, you'll have a nice time," said Jessica stiffly. Then, "So when is...'it'...being done? Right after everyone else has gone to bed?"
"Ah, am I getting to be that predictable already?" sighed Sento, though it was easy to tell he was pleased at his sister's accuracy. "What a pity. Perhaps I should provide more of an element of surprise?"
"And how exactly would you provide this...'surprise'?" asked Jessica. She could hear the melody gradually slowing down. She hoped it would eventually stop all together...
"If I told you," said Sento with a grin, "it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, now would it?" Then, "You seem to like that Yoshiya a lot. Why, I wonder? Why is he so important to you?"
Jessica looked Sento in the eye and said, "Because I love him."
Sento stuffed his hands into his pockets, feeling something odd...a sensation where he wondered what Yoshiya had that he lacked, not that he knew why he cared. "You love him now, hmm? That's right—don't all girls go for the quiet boys nowadays?"
"If you're thinking of going after Yoshiya," Jessica began, but Sento cut her off: "Who said anything about going after him? Although...there is something I would like to know...if I offered to spare Yoshiya's life in exchange for you sleeping with me, would you take me up on that offer?"
Jessica held up her guard and said, "Of course not; I would have no way of knowing you would follow up on your word. You could just be lying, for all I know; you could kill him after having your way with me, and be glad you just got your worth out of me. In fact, if you gave me such an offer, I would reply by punching you in the nose with my brass knuckles."
Sento raised his eyebrows. "Good for you; that was a test. Seems you're still sharp as ever."
The melody on the violin began to pick up. It seemed George and Shannon's dance was still not over.
Jessica was beginning to get tired of this talk, so she said, "Sento...is it possible that the reason you hate nearly everyone is because you're jealous?"
"Jealous?" scoffed Sento. "The green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on, as the bard would say? What would I have to be jealous of?"
"That doctor," said Jessica, struggling to remember, "You said he wasn't too affectionate with children, right? And you also said that orphanage you grew up in didn't give the children much affection, either. But for the most part, the cousins and I give and receive affection from each other, if not our parents. We listen to each other about our lives, and care. We're almost like a group of friends...we would be, if we didn't live so far apart. You've never had that, have you?"
Sento turned away. Jessica went on, hoping her words would somehow reach him: "I don't think you have. I think you wish you had that. I think you somehow just want to be a part of us, but don't know how. Sometimes, I wonder...I wonder if you really are as evil as you let on in the meta-world, or if you are just a showman. I don't think you're a monster, Sento; I think you are capable of feeling lo—"
"Shut up," said Sento icily.
Jessica spoke no more, realizing she had said enough. Now, the violin tune had ceased, and there was only clapping. Wordlessly, she and Sento left the chapel together.
Just about everyone had stood up to dance. Along with George and Shannon, many of the parents were dancing together to the tune of the violin (sans Krauss and Natsuhi, who had yet to return). Beato and Battler, the parents-to-be, were also dancing, albeit somewhat awkwardly. Even Rosa took the time to dance with Maria. The only ones not dancing were Ange (who had fallen asleep at her table), Sento, Jessica, and Yoshiya.
Here, Jessica was vaguely reminded of a middle-school dance from a coming-of-age western film: A young couple that was attracted to one another, yet too shy to make the first move. Of course, most students in these films were of the same economic and social class, and did not have to worry about one being an heiress and another being a servant.
Then again...the students in said films weren't in danger of being killed, either. And wasn't that why she had finally consummated her love with Yoshiya—because she had vowed to live every day as if it could be her last? And that was why she should dance with him now—because this night could be their last.
This in mind, Jessica stood up and marched right over to Yoshiya. "Yoshiya," she said, "would you like to dance?"
Yoshiya looked at Jessica's hand, then looked over her shoulder at some of the adults dancing. "Jessica," he said, "are you certain...?"
Jessica slipped her hand into his. "Absolutely."
The two young lovers stepped out together into the grass and began to dance hand-in-hand. They danced to the soft, sweet melody, ignoring the stares from the adults. At this moment, they did not matter—none of them mattered. When they looked into each other's eyes, there would be no one else but them. They had their love, and no one could take that away from them.
They stopped dancing. Feeling as though it were just them, they closed their eyes, leaned in, and shared a deep, sweet kiss. This was so perfect, as it was. Nothing could go wrong...
"Jessica?"
Absolutely nothing...
"JESSICA!"
The two young lovers were abruptly pulled apart by a pair of hands, each nearly being thrown to the ground. To their horror, they realized they had been pulled apart by a furious-looking Krauss, with an equally furious-looking Natsuhi.
"So," said Rudolf, "Jessica has none of these forbidden love stories, you said?"
"And she never will," said Krauss coldly.
No. This couldn't be happening now. This might be their last chance together, and she wasn't going to let her parents ruin it for the world...
Hah. If this was their last chance...why not let them know?
"Of course I do!" said Jessica defiantly. She took a step back towards Yoshiya and linked her arm in his. "We're in love."
There were some gasps among the adults. Eva couldn't even use her fan to hide her smile.
"Ushiromiya Jessica," Natsuhi began, but Jessica cut her off: "We have been in love for months now. In fact...we slept together. Yes, you heard me right—I, Ushiromiya Jessica, daughter of the current head of the family, gave her virginity to—"
"ENOUGH!" boomed a red-faced Krauss. Jessica did not let this faze her, and she said firmly, "And you know what? I have absolutely no regret over it."
Fuming, Krauss said coldly, "Enough. And you," he pointed to Yoshiya, "get into the mansion now and wait for Natsuhi and I in the room you and your sister once shared. We are going to have a little chat with our daughter."
Yoshiya took one look over at Jessica and linked his arm even tighter, shooting Krauss a defiant look. Clearly, he was not the same boy to be called 'furniture' anymore.
"Kanon," spoke Kumasawa, laying her violin aside, "Come with me. We will wait together."
Yoshiya began to speak, but Jessica said, "It's okay, Yoshiya. I can handle them on my own."
She smiled at Yoshiya. She unlinked her arm from his and gave him one, last, quick defiant kiss before separating. They exchanged a smile as he began to walk away.
Then, she looked over to her parents, both of whom wore the same, furious look upon their faces. "In the chapel," ordered Krauss, "Now."
Jessica knew better than to further test their limits out here. She silently walked into the chapel and a further ways down the aisle before stopping at the sound of her parents closing the door behind them. She turned to face them, ready for whatever they were about to throw her way.
"You told us there was nothing going on," said Krauss angrily, "You said it was just an infatuation."
"I lied," said Jessica boldly, "I said what I had to say to protect the one I love."
"Stop saying you love him right now," said Natsuhi sharply.
"You can tell me to stop saying it, but there is no way you can stop me from feeling it," retorted Jessica.
"Don't you dare talk back to us!" said Natsuhi shrilly, feeling another headache coming on. "How could you sleep with him? How could you disregard the family name? What if you had gotten pregnant and had something to show for your disgrace? In fact, are you pregnant right now?"
"No," said Jessica steadily, "No, I am not. If I were, I'd be out to here." She stretched her hand out a few inches ahead of her stomach. "Yoshiya and I only slept together once—months ago. But if we had the time, I would gladly take that risk, even if it meant ruining everything!"
This was a lie—she could clearly see Beato's situation was not a fun one to be in at all. But at this moment, she felt determined to show as much defiance as possible.
"And if I were," she went on, "you wouldn't be concerned about it affecting my future—you'd only worry about what it would do to the family name. At least Uncle Rudolf cared more about—"
Krauss slammed his fists down onto the pews to silence his defiant daughter. "Young lady," he said harshly, "you have left your mother and I no choice. First thing tomorrow, he is going to be transferred elsewhere, far away from Rokkenjima."
Jessica opened her mouth to protest, but Natsuhi said, "This is for your own good, Jessica. Having a romantic relationship with a servant isn't proper for the daughter of the head of the family."
"Yoshiya is not just some servant!" shrieked Jessica, part of her guiltily hoping for Sento to come in and murder her parents on the spot. "And I don't give a damn about being the daughter of the head of the family! Battler is going to be the next head, and I don't want any part of that—he can take it. And hopefully, he'll let his own child be happy with whomever it wants to be with, and not stifle them for the sake of looking proper."
She felt her chest tighten. She was on the verge of an asthma attack; nonetheless, she said, "And if you're going to transfer Yoshiya out...then you'll just have to transfer me with him. Revoke my status, and I'll be furniture along with him wherever he goes. Disown me, change my name, do whatever you want, but don't...don't keep Yoshiya and me apart."
Natsuhi folded her arms across her chest. "If that is how feel, then your father and I will send you to an all-girls university out of Japan, where you will learn to be a proper lady."
"I...I..." Jessica coughed and just about felt herself drown on dry land before pulling out her inhaler and taking a few puffs into it. She heard her father telling her to go to her room and think about what she had done.
Once Jessica could breathe, she looked steadily at both of her parents and said coldly, "I hate you." Feeling tears sting her eyes, she marched right past them, out of the chapel, and straight to the mansion. For now, she would obey. She would go to her room, and think of her two dilemmas.
First, how to prevent the murders in the present.
Second, how to convince her parents to let her have a future with Yoshiya.
The dancing was over. The tables and chairs had been folded and packed up. And Sento was sitting in the parlour, thinking about what had happened nearly half an hour ago. What had been exchanged between Jessica and her parents was no secret; all three had been shouting so loud they could be heard by all guests even with the door closed.
So Yoshiya was getting transferred out...if he or the people intending to transfer him out lived to tomorrow...that one person whom he had felt a burning hatred towards for no particular reason would be out of the way.
And yet...he was bothered. Not by Yoshiya leaving, but by the tears streaming down Jessica's face as she had marched past him on her way out of the chapel. She must really love him, he reasoned, or else she wouldn't be getting so upset over the idea of him leaving, nor would she be so passionate in declaring her love for him.
But to hear her willing to give up all of this to be with him...
He turned his head at the sound of footsteps. In came Natsuhi and Krauss, both of whom looked as though they had just managed to calm themselves down. They took a seat down on a nearby couch, not appearing to notice the son whom they were coming around to acknowledging.
Sento wondered if he had time to try to make things right for Jessica's sake before...
Sento stood up and walked over to where Natsuhi and Krauss were sitting. "You know," he said, "just about everyone heard what went on in the chapel."
Krauss focused his gaze straight ahead. "Did they now," he said flatly.
Sento nodded. "Yes, and...well, I couldn't help but think you were sounding a tad harsh..."
"You stay out of this," said Krauss sharply, standing up along with his wife, "This doesn't concern you."
"If this is about my sister's happiness," said Sento, "Then I would have to say yes, it does concern me."
"Sento," said Natsuhi, trying to keep herself from getting angry again, "We do not tolerate backtalk from anyone, and that includes you. I am sorry, but you will have to leave this matter as it is."
A light bulb went off in Sento's head as to how he could go about luring these people into his trap. Why not take advantage of the situation now as it was?
"I apologize," said Sento, "I will try not to make that same mistake again." He paused. "I have a few things I would like to talk to you about, though. Do you think, perhaps, the two of you could meet me in the kitchen for a little talk? I have an important matter I need to discuss. I may also need to bring a few other people with me, if that is all right."
"What is it you need to talk about exactly?" said Krauss. "Can't it wait until morning?"
"Actually," said Sento, "no; it is...quite urgent. It will only take a few minutes to settle."
Natsuhi looked over at Krauss. "Krauss," she said, "don't you think we owe Sento at least a few minutes of our time? If it's not going to take that long..."
This woman...she was so trusting...so eager to atone for her mistakes...
"On second thought," said Sento, "if Krauss does not wish to come, he does not have to. In fact, would it be all right if Jessica came along instead?"
"Jessica?" said Natsuhi sharply. "Why would this concern her, too?"
"It's...a personal matter," said Sento slowly, "But please, try not to let what happened tonight get in the way of our discussion. I will personally make sure Jessica is on her best behaviour tonight. If she dares say anything disrespectful, I will keep her in-line. But before we go for her, though, there are a few more people I would like to have be there with us..."
Crying into her pillow helped Jessica calm down somewhat. She had changed out of her dress and was now wearing her more casual outfit—her purple cardigan, blouse, tie, and skirt. As she rolled on her socks and slipped on her shoes, she realized with a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach that if her parents were to die tonight, her last words to them would be "I hate you."
At the time, her anger had told her she was justified in saying such harsh words. Now, she felt like a spoiled brat. What if they died tonight? Would Sento choose them as his first victims? Would he at least allow her to say goodbye?
She had just put her hair up in a ponytail when she heard the door slowly open. She looked up and in came Sento. She sprang up and said sharply, "What are you doing here?"
"I just want to talk," said Sento calmly, walking over to her, "Mother is standing just outside the room."
Jessica felt grateful to have her brass knuckles up her sleeve. He was here to round up his victims; she just knew it. How could she have been so naive and stupid to think anything she said would change his mind?
"We're just going to the kitchen for a little chat," said Sento casually, "And it isn't just mother standing outside, of course—Battler, Beato, and...Rudolf...are all waiting with her. I just need you to come along with us to the kitchen."
Mom, Battler, Beato, Uncle Rudolf, and me, thought Jessica, That makes five of us, so he can't be using the witch's epitaph to—oh wait. Maybe he counts the baby as number six? But he wouldn't actually...
She was caught off-guard by Sento leaning in and whispering, "You want to save the family, don't you? Now's your chance."
Wait...why would he say this? Was this another trap? Another mind game? Why would he tell her he was giving her a chance to save her family? Had she been right all along...?
Sento leaned back and said, "Well? Are you coming?"
If he really was giving her a chance, then...
"I'm coming," said Jessica. She followed Sento out of her room, feeling ready to fight.
Sento felt a slight hint of nausea as he approached the kitchen. This was it...this was what he came here for...it was his job to carry it out...
Perhaps Jessica is right. Perhaps, if I gave them the chance, they might accept me...
No.
He couldn't think like that anymore.
He had come too far to turn back now.
Sento opened the door to the kitchen and allowed the others to go in ahead of him. Then, he took a key he had managed to swipe earlier that day, turned it in the lock, and closed the door behind him.
