GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[divus]

Comments

[divus]

...not precisely, no. I asked because it's a valuable question to ask, and a valuable question to think on.

Are you upset that I asked?

[selfimmolates]

No. I was just wondering.

Does "not precisely" mean it was a factor, though?

[divus]

One, yes. But I had hoped he would tell you on his own. I've known his alignment since the day we met.

[selfimmolates]

[...]

I'm not surprised he didn't. No reason to, after all.

[other than guilt or kindness, he supposes, but he's not one to assume people operate on those things. doing so already, even for a moment, was his mistake.

looks like he really can't be like emma.]

[divus]

...why don't you tell me what this is about, Ray-kun. It'll be easier on both of us.

[selfimmolates]

[no]

It's not about anything. I'm just stating the truth.

[divus]

...Lady Love and I spoke. She told me you're asking each of us our specific skills. Is that right?

[selfimmolates]

Hmm? Oh, yeah. Senri was going to be the one to ask you, but if you want to say it now, I don't mind... especially since I don't know if it'll be on Senri's mind anymore.

[especially since he. seems rather conflicted on beauty now?]

[divus]

...keeping secrets. That is my specialty. It simply means there are things that can be said or done and I have the ability to ensure those actions are never spoken of or heard by unwanted parties.

However. That's only when I wish to enact it, and I myself try not to keep many secrets of my own.

[selfimmolates]

Have you used that specialty yet?

[divus]

I haven't needed to yet.

[selfimmolates]

[...]

Was one of your powers used on Senri?

[divus]

Why do you ask? [Cautiously.]

[selfimmolates]

I don't think it's a big deal, for the record. He seems to take it personally that you let it happen, assuming that was the case, but my understanding was that if you did, it was nothing personal.

[though a part of him hates himself for asking. there's no reason to—it's the sort of thing you'd ask if it happened to a friend.

he doesn't resent senri for the lies. but now, he's realized, perhaps he should've taken better care to keep his relationships with others more distant, instead of trying to live up to an ideal he was never suited for.]

[divus]

...since it was said in the trial, I can confirm that's true, yes. However, it wasn't intended to go this way, and I plan to speak with Senri-kun myself when he feels he can forgive me.

[Hm...] It was my understanding you had a power placed upon you as well? [What does that have to do with anything.]

[selfimmolates]

Yeah, but that's been sorted out now.

[well, except for the part where it's still in effect, damn it. at least it's more private than takaomi's was.]

[divus]

Do you blame yourself for this? Or do you blame other people who've been cursed and forced to show their hands early?

[selfimmolates]

... Why do you ask?

[divus]

Your answer first, please.

[selfimmolates]

[ugh.]

Context-dependent. I know that Yu chose me because I prefer logic above all else, and I don't regret that. Likewise if he'd just drawn a name out of a hat.

But if I'd made some kind of a stupid mistake that made him decide to target me, it might be a different story.

[divus]

[There's a nod.] I find it interesting that you first asked if I knew that Senri was keeping secrets from you before asking if he had been affected by a power of my own. It begs to question...do my answers change your mind and opinion of him?

[selfimmolates]

No. He was playing smart by lying. Unfortunately for him, he possibly slipped up enough that someone decided to force him to tell the truth—though I can only guess at why he was targeted.

That's all.

[he means it too. in the end, ray was the one who had been careless.]

[divus]

I know precisely why he was targeted and it's not a method I approve of. [But that aside...]

In a game like this, information is the most precious resource. In order to earn a bit, you have to give a bit, and Senri-kun is still learning how to balance in moderation. You're more sensible that way from what I've noticed. But...I do think there's something you can learn from one another.

[selfimmolates]

Is that so.

[because ray deeply regrets giving anything now.]

[divus]

Yes. [A pause.] Are you going to listen if I explain, or are you going to continue thinking otherwise? [Doesn't sound like they mind either way.]