thedirectors | Episode 1

[ Eiji had spotted Romero of course, though he doesn't acknowledge his presence. They're not supposed to know of each other, and there's plenty of others to mingle with even on a train. It's a ruse naturally, though he waits until the second night to visit Romero, once he's reasonably sure he's scoped out when everyone else goes to sleep. ]

Romero, we really have to stop meeting like this. [ It's a joke, punctuated with a sly quirk of his lips. ]

How are things? I could have saved myself a bottle of ink if I knew our paths would take us through the Simplon Line.

[Romero doesn't bother to smile at Eiji. In private, there is no need for the mask--although, his normal expression is just as impenetrable. His cold, hard stare seems to pierce right through Eiji.]

Things could be better, but I anticipate they'll be looking up soon enough.

[He turns to look out the window, his arms crossed behind his back.]

There has been a frustrating matter regarding the business expansion. But, soon enough, it will be dealt with, thanks to your prior advice on...gathering information, let's say.

Oh? Glad to hear it. There's nothing a few choice words won't fix, regardless of the circumstance. [ In private there's no need for masks, but for Eiji, it's more about letting certain facets and points see the light. ]

Is that what finds you here, then?

Indeed. You understand that such sensitive information can't always be sent via telegram--someone has to personally ensure its safety.

[Romero does not move from his position, still looking out the window.]

The amount of fellow 'associates' that I've encountered on this train thus far has...been troublesome. Nevertheless, I have confidence--they cannot stop something that is already in motion. All I need is confirmation from my sources, and then....

[He turns to glance over his shoulder, a cold smile on his lips.]

Well, I shouldn't speak too much. I am, of course, still in the presence of a lawyer, and anything I say could be legally admissible as evidence in a court of law.

[ Sometime after definitely not sneaking into his room with Eva, Nathan will try to track Ernest down wherever he is to run a few quick things by him! ]

Hello there! Any progress on the investigation on your end?

Eh?

[Ernest can be found somewhere in the lounge, trying to take a moment's rest.]

Erm--well, not much, besides what has already been found. What about you? Hopefully, you've found the culprit, yes?

Oh, I doubt that will happen before the final act. I did want to check with you on just a few things, though!

[ Presents... a charred, bloody handkerchief remnant with a partially melted brass paper clip in it. ]

Mrs. Ushiromiya and I found some evidence burning in the fire of the engine, you see. So, since your office was right there, we were curious whether you'd happened to see anyone other than the usual workers entering that car, either the night of the murder or on any of the days since!

[Ernest pauses, staring at the handkerchief and paper clip with wide eyes.]

Mon dieu, this was in the engine? When did--

[And then he pauses, brow furrowing deeply. He seems to have remembered something.]

Oh. Now--I did not see anyone enter the car, besides the workers on the night of the murder. But...but while we were outside, we saw the smoke from the chimney flare up. We thought maybe it was just a stray leaf had fallen in, but...perhaps it was these things being burned?

There were some papers in there as well, but they were too thoroughly burned to even remove. I'm a little surprised that even this much remained after this long if that's when it happened, but I suppose the fire hasn't been burning as strongly as usual since the train has been stopped.

[ Hm. ]

Do you recall around what time it might have been when you all saw that smoke?

Yes, that would make sense, wouldn't it? A shame it had been burned so thoroughly....

[Ernest tilts his head to the side, thinking.]

Erm....hm. Must have been after one. Maybe 1:30? Hard to tell when all you're focusing on is the dark and the snow. Is--Is that helpful?

Possibly! That late at night I'm not sure if much of anyone would have an alibi, but either way, I think it's a good idea to collect all the details we can.

[ Carefully folding the handkerchief back up with the clip inside again... ]

My other question— you didn't see anyone aside from your usual staff outside the train that night either, is that correct? I mentioned before that one of the windows in the sleeper car was unlocked and that there was some kind of trail in the snow, and there were also some pine needles on the floor in the hall.

It seems pretty obvious that someone traveled between that car and the outside the night of the murder. You're sure none of you who were outside saw anything on the— oh, what do you call the left and right sides of a train, is it still starboard like with ships?

[Ernest scrunches up his face in deep concentration.]

I have never asked this question, monsieur, I just use left and right. But we were entirely on the left side of the train, which is where most of the snowdrift was piled up. I suppose if a staff member did wander to the right side of the train, they might not have even seen anyone from a distance, due to the storm....

[Awfully convenient, but then again, some things have to be for murder.]

Fair enough! I imagine the murderer probably saw the situation and took advantage of it.

[ If they didn't it would probably be a much more disappointing mystery! ]

Anyway, how are you holding up? It's obvious that this whole ordeal has been terribly stressful for you!

[At this, Ernest lets out the most exhausted sigh that a little stoat like him can muster. He takes out a blue handkerchief and dabs at his forehead, looking like the world's problems have settled on his shoulders.]

Mon dieu, you don't know the half of it. The staff are in disarray, morale is low, and we haven't even heard back from the station for an update on the help that's due to arrive!

...Though, in, erm, a bit more hopeful news, I think we're almost done excavating. It's been very difficult, with the snow melting and freezing every morning and night.

Oh, I can imagine! Ice can be so troublesome, can't it? I appreciate the hard work you've all been putting in!

Have you been able to get word to your family about the delay?

My family--?

[After a pause, he slaps himself on the forehead, looking even more dismayed.]

Ack--no, I have not, I've been so busy! I'll--I'll need to put in another request for them to forward a telegram to them, and, oh--surely, it will be fine if I get more gifts....

Oh, dear... Well, I'm sure they won't hold it against you too much when they hear about everything you've been dealing with!

What sorts of gifts are you thinking of?

[A pause.]

Erm--just small trinkets on my travels. Things I buy from the market at the station, stuff like that....

[He's avoiding eye contact with Nathan.]

[ Nods! ]

It's always fun collecting souvenirs from different places.

[ ...

You know what, he'll throw the poor guy a bone here. ]

Say, if your wife is a fan of champagne, I haven't opened my bottle yet, so you're welcome to take that to give to her if you'd like! I'm more of a red wine person.

[Ah--now that gets him to visibly perk up.]

That would be very kind of you, monsieur. Shall I pick it up later from your room?

[His words seem a little rushed. Perhaps afraid that he's revealed too much with his small comment?]

I'll ask the staff to replace the champagne with a bottle of red wine, if you'd like.

Oh, I'm happy to do what little things I can to help ease your stress. We don't want you to have even more grey hairs to dye, right?

[ A little wink! ]

I enjoy getting out of my cabin and going to the lounge anyway, so no need to do that. I can always order one myself if I decide I want it later.

I'll have the champagne ready for you whenever you stop by!

Episode 1 - NPC Chats

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Day 5

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