gocirclegogo | (no subject)

Me too. If not, maybe you could use your womanly charms on him and seduce him into being smart and safe.

Seduction would have an unfortunate effect on his intelligence from my observations.

That's true, that's true. Maybe it's only initially though. Once he finally lets himself be seduced he might have a complete turn around.

That would only work if you helped me. I think you have a better shot than I do. Besides, all my womanly charm is reserved at the moment.

Oh yeah? Where are you spending all that womanly charm of yours that you can't contribute it to Mikado's development?

On a certain hopeless Chosen. You can laugh at me if you want.

[scoffs] That guy? Really?

Yes. I have a lot of fun with him. He isn't as terrible as I am but he likes me anyway. Of course, nothing will probably come of it because of his commitment issues but that is fine for now. [She waves a hand.] I doubt you're very interested in my love life or lack therefore. But he does worry about me if you ever want to use it against him.

He has enough shortcomings that I wouldn't have to use you. Thanks anyway though.

He really does, doesn't he? Try not to worry him too much.

[looking at her even more skeptically] That's not really something anyone needs to worry about, 'I promise.'

You really believe that horrible act of his? No way! I know you're more observant than that.

Hey, hey, I'm not saying the guy is completely cold. Maybe if I had boobs like yours he might worry about me.

Half a point! Not full credit. If you had a nice chest, he could openly worry about you.

Sadly not everyone can have a chest as nice as yours, Erika-chan. Have you met Mairu-chan yet? I'm sure she would gladly fondle you the second she saw you.

As nice as that sounds, there is a very limited guest list for invitations like that.

Do I get to be on that list?

Only if you can solve Furudo Erika's mystery trivia contest!

I am an expert at all contests, especially those involving sexy girls. 'Bring it on.'

'Good!' I could win this easy but it isn't any fun without the risk of loss. Answer three questions and you can claim your prize!

Number one! What are the three questions all mystery stories must answer? Even if you don't word them exactly right, I'll give you the point if you can get the general idea.

That's easy!

They have to tell you who did it, why they did it, and how they did it!

'Good!' Trivia Bonus fact! [Chopsticks twirling out of nowhere.] The whodunit is the oldest question and often considered at odds with the howdunit, with novels often being classified based on which one they focus on. Most detective fiction doesn't focus on the whydunit but you can't neglect the heart! Motive matters!

Number two! [Holding up both chopsticks for the number.] Two classic elements of the mystery genre both involved 'closed' scenarios. Can you name them or do you give up? I'll keep the previous condition of getting the gist of it!

I would give up to try to make you let me fondle you out of pity, but I can't let myself lose this competition.

From my experience with manga, anime, and action dramas, I'd say you need a closed setting or room or whatever and a closed group of people.

[swinging his arms around her neck to hold onto her]

Is that it? Did I get it?

[Erika giggles.] Correct! A closed ring of suspects and a closed setting or closed room murder are included in most mysteries. I would have accepted either but you named both. Trivia Bonus Fact! There's even a sub-genre just for English country home closed settings. In pop culture, that image of a grand manor house cut off from the world with a group of shady people is probably the most immediate thought summoned by a murder mystery.

That leaves the final challenge! How difficult should I make it?

I don't know. Do you think I can handle a really difficult challenge from someone like you?