So, what should we do first?

Your face is still fairly pale, Eli. Are you really all right? I should tell Nico to stop.

I don't think she'd listen even if you did, so we might as well let her have her fun. When she's done, I plan on giving her an earful. Don't you worry.

Then I'll also play along. That seems to be what everyone else is doing. Well, except for those three who are taking this seriously.

[Fade in/out.]

Why would someone want to hurt Honoka?

Because of…a grudge.

A grudge?! But she's not the sort of person anyone could hate. You guys know that better than anyone, don't you?

W-Well, that's true. Honoka is a sweet girl, but… I know! “If they're willing to commit murder, then the culprit must be far from normal!”

There's no else here but us, right? Where did they come from?

“We can find out when we catch them.”

Y-You're going after them?!

“We won't be safe if we don't. The boat isn't coming back until the day after tomorrow. There's no way off the island until it does.”

This isn't something high schoolers can handle. I think we should move Honoka to somewhere safe and then hide until help arrives!

“Don't be naive. Offense is the best defense, you know. We'll lose if we don't make the first move.”

[Fade in/out.]

What exactly are we losing?

They had a rocky start, but Nico-chi's acting is getting better. They just might be able to pull off this ruse until the end!

*Sigh* No way that's happening. Even those three will catch on eventually.

*Chuckle* I wonder, though. Ayumu and Emma are innocent, while Setsuna can be pretty delusional.

We should lecture the three of them later… If they're going to be fooled by such weak acting, I worry about their future.

Ahaha… You're so right.

I've made up my mind. It may be dangerous, but I can't forgive the person who did this to Honoka. We have to catch them, and make them pay for their crimes!

“Setsuna, that's the spirit!”

“First, let's split up into groups and search around the house. Don't let your guard down for even a second!”

[Fade in/out.]

I searched all over, but the criminal was nowhere to be found.

“I wonder where they could be hiding?”

They've completely fallen for the act. I feel bad for them.

I thought we might find something since she told us to search around the mansion, but nothing was out of place.

Though, if this was a drama it would be time for the next twist soon.

If that's the case, I'm looking forward to it.

I'm sure you're all tired, so let's take a short break. We have to keep calm at times like this.

Kotori, could you get us some hot chocolate?

Sure, I'll be back soon.

[Fade in/out.]

Here's your hot chocolate.

Thank you.

Hey, Rin, Hanayo, you have a part to play!

Oh, right.

“I-I can't drink this!”

“Y-Yeah! I can't…drink hot chocolate made by someone who might be the culprit!”

“You're suspicious of me?!”

“You were the first at the scene, weren't you? And you're staying in the same room!”

“That makes you the most suspicious!”

“Please don't kill me!”

Huh? Umm, everyone…

You need to play along, Shioko. Come on. Say that you don't want to die.

“I d-don't want to deh…”

I messed up my line.

It's fine! You tried!

“Kotori, there's still time to atone for your sins if you come clean!”

“I'm sure it's what Honoka would have wanted.”

Hmm, so that's where they're taking this.

Their acting is so flat.

“There is no way I'd ever want to kill Honoka. You're all being mean. *Sniff*”

“Are you completely sure about that, Kotori? Nothing is ever for certain in this world.”

“For example, at the barbecue earlier, didn't I see you give your own meat to Honoka? Along with the fish we caught, and even the sweet, sweet corn?”

Shizuku's acting is a cut above the rest.

“Has anything like this ever happened before, Umi?”

Huh?! M-Me?!

Well, yes, Kotori usually spoils Honoka.

“That's right. Resentment starts out small, like tiny snowflakes that gradually pile up and cover everything in sight, until it becomes an urge…to kill.”

Her talent as a budding actress is astounding.

“Well, Kotori? Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“Am I a suspect too, Shizuku?”

“You are not my only suspect. In fact, I have my suspicions about everyone here in this room!”

[Fade in/out.]

Her performance is giving me goosebumps, but next to everyone else she looks rather out of place.

Nico-chi needs to try a bit harder.

At least they seem to have improved since the beginning.

I'm about to fall asleep… Zzz…

[Fade in/out.]

“As long as I have my suspicions, I cannot trust a single person here.”

“In order to prove your innocence, I ask you all to testify by giving your alibi for the time of the incident!”