Second Game: Werewolves in the Haunted House

I now ask those of you invited to the second game:

Are you werewolves?

...Erice isn't here.

Not even a trace. It doesn't look like she's in this building.

It's very unfortunate, but right now, we need to get a handle on this, um...werewolf situation?

As I'd think would be plain to see, I'm a lion, not a wolf.

I could be a wolf if you want. I erased the word "impossible" from my dictionary long ago, after all.

Werewolves? What's this all about? I'm afraid I just don't understand.

No need to overthink it, Maria. This is a festival, right? It's no different from wearing a costume, I'm sure.

Oh, I see! Now that you mention it, you look just like a werewolf yourself, Amadeus!

Right? Not bad, huh?

Oh yes, it suits you wonderfully!

I must say, Your Highness, that colorful outfit suits you wonderfully as well.

Thank you, d'Eon. Since we're playing a game today, I thought I would try a more mischievous look.

And I'm letting my danger flag fly high and proud!

So now you're not even bothering to hide your bestial nature beneath your usual vulgarity? Ugh, you disgust me. If I was a hunter, I'd be taking aim at your head as we speak.

I understand how you feel, but please try to control yourself. Executions should only be handled by trained professionals.

Indeed. Everyone has a role to play. Commoners are mere extras; the spotlight should be reserved for those with God-given talent.

Yes, the time for discussion has ended. Now sing, my little lost lambs. Sing.

I love to sing. What would you like to hear? A Song of Sixpence? Lizzie Borden?

That's enough! All of you, be quiet! We'll never get anywhere if you all keep speaking out of turn!

Um, I'm sorry if this is silly of me, but I'm afraid I still don't understand how this game works...

As far as I can tell, it appears to be a philosophical game designed to represent the dual nature of humanity.

Um... Hehe, I still don't get it. Do you think you could dumb that down a little for me?

He means that some of us have to play werewolves.

Isn't that right?

Yes, it is.

This is a survival game, where every player invited to the mansion tries to be among the last ones standing.

Most of the players are assigned the role of good-hearted villagers...

...but a small handful have to play as dangerous killerswerewolves, in this game's case.

Nobody can know which role other players have except for fellow werewolves.

Every night, the werewolves choose one person to kill...

...while all the villagers can do is meet during the day to choose someone suspicious for execution.

Oh my!

What a terrifying game!

Goodness. Seems this particular form of entertainment is a little much for fair maidens to handle.

For my part, I just think it is in incredibly poor taste.

...May I ask what manner of execution we use?

In this game, chosen suspects have to be hanged. No guillotines.

Oh, thank goodness. I would hate to be reminded of that ghastly instrument of death.

... ...I have to disagree.

Hanging is an incredibly painful and inhumane method of execution. Just because one is being executed, doesn't mean they deserve undue suffering.

Absolutely. Rope is such an ugly way. It's an affront to beauty itself. It strangles the soon-to-be deceased's singing voice before it robs them of their life.

If you think that's bad, gentlemen, you should see the awful electric chairs they use nowadays. They're the hot new thing in the execution world, and of course they make use of detestable alternating current!

？！

Getting back on topic... As I said, the goal of this game is to survive.

If you're a villager, that means you need to kill all the werewolves.

And if you're a werewolf, you need to deceive the villagers into thinking you're not.

If the last werewolf falls, the villagers win.

If enough villagers die that the survivors number the same as the werewolves, the werewolves win.

As the Ruler, overseer, I promise to watch over the proceedings fairly and impartially.

Any questions?

Um, Senpai, Voyager, and I have all been on the same team so far, so

Not a problem. I'll make an exception for the three of you.

Just like that, without seeking consent from the other players? Game or not, how can that be fair?

Face it, Salieri, some people are just born luckier than others.

And just what is that supposed to mean, Amadeus!?

Stop that! There will be no fighting!

We are here to enjoy the game, nothing more. Do not ruin our fun by bringing in personal vendettas.

In that case, Fujimaru, I will warn you now: be very afraid. As exceptions to the rules, you will be shunned by villagers and werewolves alike.

Though fortunately for you, I'll be sending you to the gallows well before that becomes a problem.

？！

Wow, Fujimaru, this is downright miraculous! You should be honored!

I didn't think it was even possible for Salieri to hate somebody more than me!

D-do you think so? (Salieri doesn't seem to hate Senpai as mu)

Since Servants are all leaving their Masters' sides to participate as lone Heroic Spirits for this game...

...I think just letting Fujimaru take part as a Master means it is more than fair to make an exception for him.

Then I take it that means he and his team can be considered a single target for the purposes of execution?

Of course.

...!?

...

？！

We are. But here in this mansion, the game's rules make up the entire world.

So I urge you to do everything you can to survive until the end.

？！

Sounds pretty serious for a game.

I don't know if these people always had a screw loose, or if coming here made that happen.

But, I guess it doesn't matter. Things are still going to be chaotic as hell around here either way.

Um, I would just as soon avoid the chaos if we can...

Don't worry, Mash. This is all just a game, right? So let's just enjoy it! Don't overthink things.

Does that mean you'll let us join the game, too?

Of course! The more the merrier, after all. Especially when it comes to fun occasions like this!

I'll be taking part too, of course. Every game can use a symbol of coolheaded intelligence, after all.

Let's have some fun, mon frère!

Oh gosh, I'm starting to get really nervous...

All right, now that we have all our players for the second game, let's get started.

This second game is called "Werewolves in the Haunted House."

First, I'll tell all twelve players, and our special group of three, their respective roles.

Check the cards you've been dealt, but make sure no one else sees them!

...

...

...

...

...

Ahh... My beloved angel...

Shh. Quiet.

...

...Oh my.

Well now.

What!? You've got to be joking!

Quiet, please.

But

Don't worry about it. It's just a game. No point getting worked up about it.

What card did you draw, Senpai?

？！

Huh?

...?

Oh yes, I almost forgot. This game also has a number of specialized roles.

The Seer belongs to the villagers' side. Every night, they can divine the identity of one other player.

...(Gulp)

？！

The Knight, who also belongs to the villagers' side, can protect one other player from a werewolf attack, but only once per night.

The Fanatic is a traitor to the villagers. They work in secret to aid the werewolves and bring about the villagers' ruin.

The Fanatic knows who the werewolves are, but the werewolves do not know who the Fanatic is.

The Lovers are a special role that two players hold in addition to their other roles.

They may or may not be on opposing sides, but they can always tell who their partner is.

The Lovers win if both survive to the end. However, if one should happen to die, the other must follow suit.

What about my angel?

Huh?

If there are Lovers in this game, then my angel ought to be here as well!

Get it together, Phantom! Jeanne's only talking about the game roles.

...Are you my angel?

Huh!?

Sing... Sing, my angel, sing!

You wanna hear a song? Then get a load of this!

Myyy naaame iiis Napoleooon♪ III maaake theee impossible happeeen♪

Gaaah!

Impressed?

More like impaled!

What a fortissimo! And one that epitomizes self-love and delusions of grandeur, no less!

What're you talking about? This is a sonata of my own composition! The great Paganini wrote and performed it for me himself.

Granted, I did just come up with the lyrics on the spur of the moment.

Ahem! If you're all finished, I'd like to tell you how the game is actually played now.

All of you! The Maiden of Orleans is about to grace us with a proclamation, so settle down and listen up!

Gaaah!

Ooh, good one! That hit him right where it hurts!

Every good commander needs a booming voice. Especially when amassing a large number of troops all at once.

Ugh, I'm surrounded by barbarians! Maybe I should hang you all on the gallows while I'm at it!

Not without following the hanging rules, you won't!

Based on what you told us earlier, I'm assuming we all decide who to hang through a vote?

Right you are.

So...does that mean we all have to discuss who to vote on? Can we really arrive at a decision that way?

We have to, whether we like it or not. It's the only way to eliminate risks.

'Cause if we just stand around twiddling our thumbs, the werewolves will have their pick of the villagers.

Hmm! So it's essentially a private courthouse. Only a half step removed from a lynch mob, really!

Oh, let's not spoil our fun by overthinking. Let's just enjoy the game with all the thrills it has to offer.

...Good point, Marie. As you say, this is a game one we all have the right to enjoy.

I still don't like the hanging part, though. Not after all the hangings I botched back when I was sixteen or seventeen...

So hey, the game's already begun, right?

Yes, it has.

Then...does that mean we have to hang someone?

Not on the first day. For now, I suggest you all talk to one another and gather as much information as you can.

The more players' identities you can figure out, the better your odds of survival will be.

And as a quick reminder, on top of the villages, your numbers include a Seer, a Knight, and two Lovers.

And don't forget, there is also a Fanatic and two werewolves among you.

Two werewolves...

I know who one of them is. It's me.

Huh!?

Ooh là là! This is quite the twist right out of the gate! Do you mean it, little mademoiselle?

Yes, I do. I don't want to be a big bad wolf. They're the enemy of children in stories everywhere!

So please, hurry up and hang me so I can leave this game as soon as possible.

What a noble child!

I know... She almost seems divine. I guess it just goes to show that even werewolves can be honorable!

No... This cannot be the truth! I refuse to accept it!

Please, my little fairy-tale angel, don't go. I just can't let an angel go!

Hold on. How do we know Ms. Nursery Rhyme here is even telling the truth?

I would never tell a lie! I hate lies!

？！

Of course, Fujimaru. Anything.

？！

Of course.

But I won't tell you who it is. It would spoil the game.

Well said! I, for one, don't have any problem trusting you, little mademoiselle.

Teehee, why thank you.

Still, I can say there's one other player besides me who knows the second werewolf's identity. Someone who would be very put out if their identity came to light...

That's a riddle if ever I've heard one!

Are you talking about the Fanatic?

I can't tell you. That's a secret.

Well, I'm not worried! I'm sure this person will find your actions just as inspiring as I have!

Do you really think so?

I do! Personally, I'm willing to follow you to the ends of the earth!

Absolutely. You are both honorable and beautiful, and I too will follow you to the ends of the earth.

Now sing, my angel! Sing for me!

They're not very good listeners, are they...

Sure, I'd be glad to sing for you. How about "The Man with the Twisted Lip"?

The man with the twisted lip♪ Cuts across the twisted path♪

He spends all his twisted days♪ Coming up with twisted ways♪

Oh my... That was wonderful! I just got chills down my spine!

Talk...going nowhere, huh?

Yeah...

I must say, genius though I am, even I am getting confused...

Hmm, in that case, why don't I take up the conductor's baton for a bit? "The Queen of the Night Aria" seems like it would match the mood perfectly.

Oh, I know that one!

Of course you do. My compositions are some of the greatest masterpieces humanity has ever produced.

But never mind that now. Everyone, your attention please. I have a proposal.

Forget it! I'll never consider any idea that comes from you!

Well, speaking for myself, I'd love to hear your idea.

As would I. It's not every day one gets to see THE Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conduct in person.

Why thank you, Gilles. Maria, have I ever told you how much I love you?

As for you, Antonio, perhaps we could just try and calm down? Maybe a few deep breaths will help.

Don't call me by my first name! It makes me sick! And stop wasting our time!

You're right! That's a great point, Antonio!

As I'm sure you've all noticed by now, it's impossible to have a serious discussion with all of us here.

We keep wasting time on chitchat, digressions, gossip, bragging, and songs! Not to mention that some people I could name are terrible listeners!

If we don't do something about this mess, the remaining werewolf will pick off all the villagers before we can even settle on a single suspect!

So we need a rule. A rule that will help us advance the game and use our time well rather than wasting it.

Okay, what'd you have in mind?

It's simple. We limit how much we can speak to ten minutes per day per player.

Each player can also only ask one question per day, and that question counts as part of their speaking time. This alone ought to make a big difference.

...Hmm. The logic is sound.

Huh, that shut you up.

Guess you're not just automatically against anything Amadeus has to say after all.

True, we do need some rules on speech. Amadeus's proposal makes a lot of sense.

But don't you think this is a little too strict?

I have to agree. Restricting our ability to converse will only make it easier for the werewolf's identity to remain hidden.

You think? If anything, it seems like it would give them fewer opportunities to pull the woolum, fur, over our eyes.

How could you say that, Maria!? You make it sound like I'm some kind of con artist!

(...Make it...sound like?)

Teehee. I know he's frequently misunderstood, but Amadeus never says anything that isn't helpful.

It just sounds like he's always joking around because he loves to tease people.

If you say so, my queen.

What about you, Jeanne? What do you think?

Don't ask me. My only role in this game is as its fair and impartial Ruler.

Ah, of course. Please, forgive

Don't back down. We're talking about the rules of this game.

In the first place, do this world's systems even let players make their own decisions about them?

That's up to all of you.

So we CAN change the rules as long as we want to? Is that what you're saying?

That's the last you'll hear from me on the subject.

All right, let's put it to a vote! We'll settle this democratically!

All those in favor of Amadeus's proposal, line up on my right. All opposed, on my left.

Go!

Since we're a three-person group acting as a single player, we probably shouldn't try to vote separately.

We'll go along with whatever you decide, Senpai. What's your vote?

In favor, huh? Understood!

Those in favor have it. We'll officially adopt Amadeus's proposed rule.

Opposed, huh? Got it!

Looks like we're tied six to six.

Since Fujimaru's three-person group is a single player, they only get one vote between them, right?

Even so, we still have more people on our side.

I'm afraid you don't, little mademoiselle.

I'm siding with those in favor, too.

？！

This is ridiculous! I refuse to go along with it!

Is that your way of saying you wish to begin your remarks for the day?

...!

You can keep going if you want. Just keep it to under ten minutes.

(Accursed fools. I can't believe they all fell for Gottlieb's nonsense...)

...At first, I thought Fujimaru should be banished from these premises, given his hereticaThat is, exceptional circumstances.

But now I see it is you who pose the greatest threat to these proceedings, Mozart! Mark my words, I WILL see you hanged before you invite even greater disaster upon our heads!

Yikes, how frightening. You really mean business, don't you, Antonio? But try to remember, this is all just a game!

Anyway, as a matter of fact, I still have something else I'd like to say.

Remember the different roles Jeanne told us about?

Specifically, the Seer?

!?

Well, it's me. I'm the Seer. (Sigh) I swear, being blessed with such prodigious talent can be SUCH a burden.

That's not true! The real Seer is Master Fujimaru!

Ah... I just gave away our identity, didn't I? I-I'm so sorry, Senpai.

？！

Well, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting anyone to take issue with it so soon.

Why would you lie about this? Does this mean you're the other werewol

I know, I look so suspicious right now, right!? And this unfortunate outfit choice can't be helping!

But come on, think about it. Why would I try so hard to stand out when I already look so suspicious?

If I wanted to survive, the smart thing to do would be to NOT draw attention to myself, right?

Well, the reason I'm standing out is because I have an obligation to fulfill my Seer duties!

Especially with a certain little girl's werewolf reveal throwing a wrench into the works right from the get-go.

Are you talking about me?

But of course, my idealistic Märchen maiden! While I would love to take you at your innocent word...

...I still need to make sure your story checks out, since children are so prone to lying.

So I told you all I was the Seer, in the hopes of finding out the truth behind your confession.

But now that we have another supposed Seer trying to pin me as a liar, I don't know what I'm going to do!

...(Why is he saying all this? Could there be some greater meaning behind these remarks?)

All right then, Fujimaru, I have a challenge for you.

If you really are the Seer, then you won't mind divining Ms. Nursery Rhyme's identity, right?

I'll do the same, of course. And when we're done, we can compare the results.

If one of our answers turns out not to match, then we'll know for sure which one of us is lying.

？！

Ooh, you've got guts! This is going to be fun!

Oh, and one more thing, Mash. Can I assume your last statement marks the end of your remark time?

Oh. Um...I guess it does.

Oh, but don't worry. I'm willing to let you say one more thing if you want. I'm generous like that!

Stop smirking! You're acting as though you made all the rules yourself!

So...I can still say one more thing if I want to then? Okay, understood.

I'd never tell a lie! If you want to divine my identity, go right ahead!

...Although, I am curious as to how you actually conduct your divinations. If you're going to do them tonight, make sure you wake me up for them, okay?

I... I just have so many feelings, I'm not even sure where to begin...

Oh wow. This might be the most fulfilled I've ever felt...ever!

...That was a pretty good monologue. I haven't heard such moving poetic sentiment in some time...

Putting the game aside for the moment, allow me to offer my professional opinion on a different matter:

This mansion's lighting is atrocious! It needs to be outfitted with proper wiring! By which I of course mean direct current!

Just say the word, and I'll have this place wired up in no time flat, and it'll be very affordabl

At the risk of repeating myself yet again, I cannot endorse hanging. It's not too late to reconsider.

...I wonder if there's a place on this mansion's property where I could put together a guillotine.

Of course, it would only be a nonfunctional replica, but regardless, I need to do what I can to uphold my duties as an executioner.

Everyone deserves a peaceful death, regardless of what sort of person they are. Don't worry, Marie. I won't let the werewolves sink their filthy fangs into you!

Oh my, having everyone hanging on what I say like this is a little nerve-wracking.

Especially given the earlier misunderstanding I caused...

Then again, I guess I don't have to worry about that, since this is a private session today. I hope you'll all forgive me if I mess up somehow.

Oh, right. I need to talk about the werewolves, don't I?

I'm sorry! It still hasn't really sunk in yet. I can't tell if I'm feeling frightened or thrilled.

I still feel like this is all fun and games right now, but I guess I might feel differently tomorrow...

...since somebody here will be gone by then...

Ooh, I love you all so much!

As a knight who has sworn fealty to the French royal family, I will do whatever the Queen wishes.

...That is all.

...I mean it. I have nothing more to say! Stop laughing, Amadeus!

Though Her Majesty and I may come from different time periods, as a soldier of France, I am certainly willing to pay her the respect she deserves.

And of course, the Maiden of Orleans herself ordered me to enjoy this game.

So enjoy it I must, come hell or high water. And while I am making my best effort to do just that...

If I am being honest, I must also say that I still find this all very confusing.

If one of these werewolves were to attack me now, I would cut it down on the spot and that would be the end of

Oh, right. We need to hang them, don't we?

...Truth be told, I'm relieved we're using the gallows. I'm not sure I could control myself if we were to burn them at the stake.

Hm? Oh, right, this is only a game, isn't it? A bit of fancy for fun...

I'll give you one piece of advice.

The fact that we've got two people claiming to be Seers means that one of them's got to be a fake, which means they're also probably a werewolf.

So if we just hang them both, we're definitely reducing the werewolves' numbers.

Yes, that also means we'll be sacrificing an innocent villager, but in the big picture, we'll be reducing the total number of casualties and improving our odds of victory.

I don't do cowardly, and I'm not about to kill any innocent people, either.

Sure, I know this is all just a game. But even so, I don't want to rely on underhanded tactics.

I'm either gonna win boldly, or I'm gonna lose gracefully. That's all there is to it.

I'm sorry I inadvertently used up our speaking time earlier, Senpai...

But if you'd still like to say something, it looks like we have time for at least one more statement.

？！

Oh! Of course. I'm sorry I didn't realize.

Divination...tonight?

Ah!

？！

All right, it's time for the first day to come to an end.

Wow! The sun just set instantaneously!

Is that because this is a game?

Ahem! Indeed, it is.

Wow, that's helpful.

Okay players, now I want you all to go to your personal rooms and wait there until morning.

Don't worry. This is game time, so it won't take long.

For those of you with special roles, I'll be stopping by to visit you individually.

...And now we're in our room, just like that. I guess that's also because we're in a game world right now? What a strange feeling.

Speaking of our room, it looks like we'll all be sharing it.

Ah, I just realized. Since there's only one bed here, what are we going to do about sleeping arrangements?

I'm not sleepy.

？！

Right, good point. Since you're the Seer

Jeanne!? How did you

In-game shortcut. Don't worry about it.

I-I, uh, I see...

Okay, Seer Fujimaru, it's time for you to take your turn.

Whose identity will you divine?

？！

Very well then, come with me. We'll take the in-game shortcut to go see her.

Wouldn't it be simpler to just use the door?

Maybe, but even the act of audibly leaving and entering a room can betray crucial information to other players, which would put you at a significant disadvantage.

Oh! I see!

？！

Okay, here we go.

Oh, you should know that there'll be enemies waiting for us along the way, so watch out for that!

Is it just me, or are there a lot of aspects to this game that make no sense whatsoever!?

That's just the way it was designed. Get used to it.

Where are we?

Nursery Rhyme's room. But we're only observing it from the shortcut area.

She's certainly sleeping soundly, isn't she?

All right, Seer Fujimaru, go ahead.

See Nursery Rhyme's true identity for yourself.

？！

You did it, Senpai! Then, this means Nursery was

？！

So, is she going to attack someone now?

Huh?

The werewolves take their turn last, after all the other roles.

Are you going to go help them?

I have to, if they're going to take their turn.

You're going to take them to kill somebody?

That's the name of the game.

Weird.

Okay, that ends your turn for the night. Let's get you back to your room.

There'll be enemies on the way back too, but once you're done with them, it won't be long until morning.