Who Holds The Whip/Dialogues

**You are experiencing the story in third-person view.**
The night of the last case, at the Imperial office...

* + Livius (calming down): Ok, let me take a deep breathe...
	+ Livius (hopeful): Being an emperor may be challenging, but I know I’ll pull through! My uncle chose me for a reason and I won’t let him down!
	+ Livius (holding his hand): I need to clear my mind and think about something else, but what?
	+ Livius (nervous): Nebet! I wonder... Did Audenzia tell her to come to my office?

Livius feels something tickling his toga...

* + Livius (embarassed): No no no! Not now! This isn’t the right place!
	+ Livius (resisting): I need to control myself... What if someone comes in and sees me!

Livius begins feeling himself...

* + Livius (moaning): Uhhhhhhhh...

Suddenly the door starts opening...

* + Livius (startled): Ahhhh!
	+ Nebet (shy): I-it’s me... Your Majesty...
	+ Livius (happy): Nebet!
	+ Nebet (curious): I was told you wanted to see me?
	+ Livius (sweating): Yes, I’ll get to the details... But first, can you please lock the doors?
	+ Nebet (nervous): If that’s what you like, Your Majesty...

As she turns to lock the door, Livius approaches her from behind and begins kissing her neck...

* + Nebet and Livius (Livius; sucking on Nebet’s neck): ...
	+ Nebet and Livius (Nebet; blushing): Your Majesty!
	+ Nebet and Livius (Livius; grinning): Stop calling me “Your Majesty”, you know you can say my name...
	+ Nebet and Livius (Nebet; shy): Livius...

Livius continues kissing Nebet’s neck and she turns her face to him, allowing him to kiss her lips...

* + Nebet and Livius (kissing): ...

Nebet then becomes in charge, pushes him into a chair and gets on top of him....

* + Nebet and Livius (making out): ...

Livius gets too excited and pulls up his toga, showing Nebet his privates...

* + Nebet and Livius (Nebet; uncomfortable): Liv... I think maybe we should stop...

But Livius reaches to pull up her dress...

* + Nebet (startled): AHHH!

Nebet backs away...

* + Livius (shocked): Nebet, are you okay?!
	+ Nebet (holding her head): I can’t do this...

Livius down down at his crotch...

* + Livius (sad): It’s small, isn’t it?
	+ Nebet (covering her face): Livius, what I meant is, this relationship of ours, it has to end!
	+ Livius (shocked): End?! Why?! Don’t you love men?!
	+ Nebet (serious): You need to be realistic here! I am a slave and you’ll become the emperor in a few days! You can profess your love to me as much as you want, but you need to know that this isn’t going to work out any longer!
	+ Nebet (eye rolling): One day, you will make another woman your empress and you’ll either forget me or toss me in the side as one of your concubines!
	+ Livius (offended): My concubine?! You know you mean way more to me than that?!
	+ Nebet (crossing her arms): Isn’t that why you asked me to come here? To ask me to join your harem?
	+ Livius (serious): No! I wanted to ask your hand for marriage!
	+ Nebet (shocked): What?! Y-you’re joking, right?!
	+ Livius (puppy eyes): I couldn’t be more serious! I love you Nebet, and I can’t think of any woman I want to be with other than you!
	+ Nebet (speechless): ...
	+ Livius (begging): I know this may seem unbelievable to you, but I promise to treat you like a queen! I’ll buy you anything you want and I promise to be faithful to and dismiss all the concubines from the palace!
	+ Nebet (sweating): But what if-
	+ Livius (scratching his head; blushing): And if you happen to fall out of love with me, or I fail to please you sexually... You are free to pursue any lover you want and I promise I’ll give them a blind eye-
	+ Nebet (blushing): Livius, this is a really generous offer but...
	+ Nebet (worried): What what about your family? What about Rome? What would they think of us?
	+ Livius (pissed): If anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll make sure they’ll pay! I won’t let any harm come to you!
	+ Nebet (concerned): It’s not me who I’m worried about, it’s you... What would their opinion be on you?
	+ Livius (shy smirk): I’m already a joke in people’s eyes, and I don’t care about what they think of me as long as I have you by my side...
	+ Livius (holding his head): Look, I don’t want to force you into doing something you don’t want, so take as much time as you need to consider my proposal...
	+ Livius (warm smile): All I want is for you to be happy and no matter what choice you make, just know that from now on you are a free woman and you get to choose how to shape your life...
	+ Nebet (blushing): Thank you, Livius... I’ll think about your offer. Goodnight...
	+ Livius (hopeful): Goodnight...

Nebet leave the room...

* + Nebet (holding her head): I feel really bad for reacting that way to his member. I thought he was acting nice just to sleep with me, I had no idea he was actually in love with me...
	+ Nebet (shocked): And he even asked me to marry him!
	+ Nebet (blushing): He’s sweet... He does have a nice-looking face and I would gain A LOT by marrying him! But...
	+ Nebet (sad): But I can’t help feel selfish if I agreed to take his hand. He is too naive and doesn’t seem to know the impact this’ll do to his image...
	+ Nebet (sweating): He doesn’t know who I am, I’ve yet to tell him or anyone about my secret...

Fast forward to the next day. Kaleb, Norah and Marionette are walking in the market place...

* + Kaleb (eye rolling): Norah, are you sure you even know where we are going?
	+ Norah (eating a fruit): Uh... Do you?
	+ Kaleb (thinking): No-
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Then quit questioning my leadership and shut up! You’re supposed to be playing a slave not my master!
	+ Marionette (covering her face): Here we go again...
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): I didn’t mean to doubt you, but don’t you think we should at least ask for directions?
	+ Norah (shrugging her shoulders): And you think people are going to take their time to help us?
	+ Kaleb (serious): Of course they would! Roman are noble people, just wait and look!
	+ Kaleb (curious): Excuse me sir, would you min-
	+ Citizen (impatient): Outta my way, bitch!

The Roman ignores Kaleb...

* + Norah (chuckling): See?! I told ya!
	+ Kaleb (eye rolling): ...

Norah continues leading the way and Marionette catches up with Kaleb...

* + Marionette (blushing): Hi Kaleb...
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): What do you want? I thought you didn’t want to speak with me on matters outside of work...
	+ Marionette (covering her face): I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry, about impersonating my sister...
	+ Kaleb (confused): You impersonated my sister?
	+ Marionette (confused): You didn’t know? Then what made you mad yesterday evening? When Audenzia was showing us the room?
	+ Kaleb (holding his head): Marionette, the way you and Norah acted there was inappropriate, but not for the reasons you think!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): Knowing that you were mocking one of my sisters is messed up, but what actually pissed me off was that Audenzia had the courtesy to tidy and prepare a room for us to stay at and instead of showing gratitude, you two whined about it!
	+ Kaleb (covering his face): If you had seen the look on her face, you’d understand how hurt she was by your comments and this is what made me disappointed in you, what were you thinking Marionette?
	+ Marionette (guilty): I... I wasn’t thinking at all but now that you told me... I feel really bad about it..
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): Aside from the “joke” you made, you didn’t say anything impolite, at least compared to Norah. But once we get back to the palace, I expect you to apologize to Audenzia...
	+ Marionette (amazed): ...
	+ Kaleb (curious): Marionette, are you listening to me?

But Marionette completely removed herself from the conversation and went to a jewelry stand that got her attention...

* + Marionette (talking to herself): Ok Marionette, we need to money to free Shirley so you’re only going to take a brief look and then you leave. Try not to steal anything...

Her eyes lie on a golden necklace encrusted with rubies...

* + Marionette (shocked): This necklace... it’s so beautiful...
	+ Marionette (covering her face): But no! I cannot have it! It’s a waste of money!
	+ Marionette (grinning): But what if I steal it? The merchant won’t notice....
	+ Marionette (frustrated): Control yourself Marie! You don’t want to get your friends in trouble!
	+ Merchant (grinning): I see your eyes are on this necklace...
	+ Marionette (startled): Ah!
	+ Marionette (nervous grin): I mean... Yes, it looks very valuable...
	+ Merchant (smiling): And I bet it would look pretty on you! Would you like me to sell it to you?
	+ Marionette (pouting): I’d like to, but... Unfortunately I can’t, I don’t...
	+ Kaleb (serious): I would like to buy it for her. How much does it cost?
	+ Marionette (shocked): Ka- Callicrates!
	+ Merchant (winking): That would be 20 golden coins, but for this fair lady I’ll sell for only 15!
	+ Kaleb (annoyed; handing a sack of coins): We’ll buy it in full price.
	+ Merchant (grinning): That is strange, but if you insist, here the necklace is all yours!
	+ Kaleb (holding the necklace): Marina... May I?
	+ Marionette (blushing): S-sure...

Marionette takes off the necklace she was wearing and allows Kaleb to put the new one instead...

* + Marionette (smiling): How do I look?
	+ Kaleb (warm smile): I think you look beautiful. The necklace goes very well with your dress. How do you feel in it?
	+ Marionette (blushing): I feel pretty but... You didn’t have to buy it for me...
	+ Kaleb (eye rolling): It’s alright! We have plenty of money, and besides I’m glad to finally see you ditch that cheap necklace you kept on wearing!
	+ Marionette (nervous): I hope Madelina feels the same way...

Kaleb turns to the merchant...

* + Kaleb (serious): Before we leave your stall, would you mind if we asked you one question?
	+ Merchant (smiling): Not at all! I’m very happy to help you!
	+ Kaleb (curious): Well... We’re actually new here, obviously, and we are looking to buy a slave to help do our household chores. Do you know where the auctions are held?
	+ Merchant (thinking): I never attended any as I didn’t find myself needing one. But as far as I know, the slave auctions are held at the Forum Romanum...
	+ Merchant (confident): Just keep on walking straight and you’ll find it!
	+ Kaleb (serious): Thank you. Marina, lets go!

At the forum...

* + Kaleb (thinking): According to the merchant, this is where the auctions are held...
	+ Norah (confused): Why are the traders packing the slaves in a carriage?!
	+ Marionette (worried): It looks like the auctions are closed! Do you... Do you think Shirley was sold?!
	+ Kaleb (appeasing): Now lets not jump to conclusions, there is still hope we could get her...
	+ Kaleb (serious): I will go negotiate with the traders. You two, don’t do anything!

Kaleb goes to the traders...

* + Norah (eye rolling): Typical Kaleb! Always telling others what to do!
	+ Marionette (shivering): It’s getting cold out here! Should we get in one of the buildings?
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Fine, lets wait for Kaleb inside one of the atria...

The girls enter an atrium...

* + Norah (curious): Better?
	+ Marionette (happy): Finally some warmth....
	+ Marionette (shocked): Is that a pillory? And I think I see a man tied up to it!
	+ Norah (sympathetic): Must be a slave, Poor man must’ve been punished for some slight inconvenience...
	+ Marionette (sympathetic): Should we free him?
	+ Norah (sweating): I’m not sure if his masters are going to like that...
	+ Marionette (pissed): If they get mad then they’ll have to put up with us. I’m not going to stand here and watch a man getting treated like this!

**You are now playing as Marionette Patrick.**

## Chapter 1

* Investigate the atrium (Victim identified: Eusebius Abelardus)
	+ Norah (shocked): The slave isn’t responding! I think he may be dead!
	+ Norah (pissed): Whoever punished him must have hit him way too hard and left his body there to rot!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): As much as I want to bring justice to his killer, investigating his murder would be a waste of time! Romans do not view slaves as people and the only charges the killer might face is property destruction...
	+ Norah (covering her face): This is, of course, assuming that he wasn’t killed by his own master. Otherwise, they’ll just get away with murder...
	+ Kyran (crossing his arms): Hello there, have either of you seen my partner? I wanted to tell him that I’ve escorted the slaves back to our estat-
	+ Kyran (shocked): EUSEBIUS?! What the hell have happened to him?!
	+ Norah (curious): Is that man your slave?
	+ Kyran (confused): A slave?! Quite the opposite, he’s my business partner, we’re both slave traders!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): Oh... Well isn’t that ironic...
	+ Norah (blushing): And now that I think of it Marionette, the name Eusebius is familiar... Isn’t he the man who sold Shirley to the Imperial family?
	+ Norah (thinking): The man we just spoke to says he stores the slaves at his estate, maybe if we spoke with him, we could get him to take us to Shirley...
	+ Norah (serious): Sir, if you don’t mind, we’d like to have a little chat with you!
* Ask Kyran to take you to the victim’s estate (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the atrium)
	+ Norah (curious): Would you mind telling us who you are?
	+ Kyran (crossing his arms): My name is Kyran, and I’m pretty sure I told already, I’m a slave trader...
	+ Norah (eye rolling): Yeah, yeah, we know that. You said that the victim is your partner?
	+ Kyran (covering his face): I did, and I don’t know how I can manage the business without him! He was the one entrusted with the sales and I don’t know how to get people to buy from me!
	+ Kyran (pissed): If I find out who killed him, I’ll give a piece of my mind! With my fist!
	+ Norah (winking): You’re in luck! Me and my sister here are both excellent detectives and we can help find out who’s his murderer!
	+ Norah (innocent smirk): Problem is, we need to know more about him and since you were familiar with him, we were wondering if you could tell us where he lived?
	+ Kyran (thinking): I have to go back to the estate anyway to check if the slaves are misbehaving, so I suppose I could give you a ride there...
	+ Norah (whispering): Perfect! While we are there, we can take this chance to look for Shirley! Hopefully, those two haven’t sold her already...
* Investigate the domus (Pre-request: Ask Kyran to take you to the victim’s estate)
	+ Norah (shocked): So this is the victim’s house? Wow, it’s really huge!
	+ Norah (crossing his arms): But I suppose he does need a large area to use as a slave-training ground...
	+ Norah (covering her face): Unfortunately, I don’t see Shirley around. Maybe we should talk to that Kyran guy about her, but for now, I think we should focus on finding out who killed Eusebius...
	+ Norah (shocked): And look! Someone left a barrel of gunpowder at the domus’ doorstep!
	+ Norah (thinking): There’s a symbol on the barrel, it would be from the establishment who produced the gunpowder. If we identified it, maybe we could find out who sent this to the estate!
	+ Norah (curious): Have you found anything else worthwhile?
	+ Norah (thinking): A straw hat? Definitely doesn’t look Roman to me...
	+ Norah (serious): Do you think one of the slaves tried to make an escape? Lets see if they left their fingerprints on the hat!
* Recover fingerprints on the straw hat (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the domus)
	+ Norah (glad): Great job, Marie! Now lets see who these fingerprints belong to!
* Identify fingerprints (Pre-request: Recover fingerprints on the straw hat)
	+ Norah (thinking): The fingerprints belong to a Chinese slave by the name of Wu Ming...
	+ Norah (shocked): And according to the reports they have on him, Eusebius and Kyran found him laying unconscious in the domus and decided to make a slave out of him...
	+ Norah (confused): Wait! So he wasn’t born into slavery, nor did he commit a crime that forced him into it. Dude just came out of nowhere?!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): That is odd. But lets not put too much thought into it. All what we care about is that this guy is a suspect and it would be interesting to see what the slaves think of our victim...
* Ask Ming about how Eusebius treated him (1 star; Pre-request: Identify fingerprints)
	+ Ming (begging): I swear I wasn’t slacking off! I just stopped to have a few second rest! Please don’t tell Master Eusebius!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): Woah! Chill out! We’re not going to snitch!
	+ Ming (relieved): Thank you so much! Last time I was caught giving myself a break, he made Lord Kyran give me 80 lashes to the back!
	+ Ming (pissed): I applied Jianghuang every day to heal my wounds, but I still have scars all over my back!
	+ Norah (shocked): 80 lashes for that?! This is horrible! I can’t imagine how hard life is being slave!
	+ Norah (sympathetic): I don’t mean to be nosy, but we read your report and we want to know how you ended up here? All what it says is that Kyran and the victim found you in the domus and it didn’t mention what crimes you did that warrant losing your freedom?
	+ Ming (covering his face): If I told you the full truth, you’ll think that I’m crazy! But I did something which angered a powerful woman who decided to drop me here...
	+ Ming (pissed): Lord Eusebius and Kyran found me and immediately accused me of being a thief! So they took me to the authorities, who decided I was guilty and here I am working as a slave for them!
	+ Ming (panicking): It is terrible here! They’ve been working me and the others every day with barely any food or rest, and nothing to drown our pain with, but this horrible vinegar drink Lord Kyran keeps serving to us!
	+ Ming (frustrated): I’ve been dragged to auctions almost daily but no one wants to buy me! I doubt I would be treated well by any other master and it’s naive to think I will, but I just wish I could get out of here! I don’t think I can handle Lord Eusebius any longer!
	+ Norah (serious): I think you’ll be very happy to know that Eusebius is no more! He’s been murdered!
	+ Ming (shocked): Lord Eusebius is dead?! Are you serious?!
	+ Ming (panicking): What if Kyran thinks that I did it?! I’m going to be in huge trouble!
	+ Norah (thinking): If you haven’t killed Eusebius then you should be safe! We are the ones investigating the murder and we’ll make sure the real culprit is caught!
* Identify symbol on barrel (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the domis)
	+ Norah (thinking): The symbol we found is a family crest belonging to House Severi...
	+ Norah (shocked): The lineage of this family has apparently come to an end and the only member of the household who is still alive is Simona Severa, a woman who married into the family!
	+ Norah (smiling): Her estate neighbors our victim’s, so they must have known each other well! Lets go give this noblewoman a visit!
* Inform Simona about her neighbor’s murder (1 star; Pre-request: Identify symbol on barrel)
	+ Norah (impressed): Lady Severa, I have to say you’ve got a really nice home...
	+ Simona (innocent smirk): Thank you, but the credit should go to my late husband’s ancestor, the estate dates back to centuries!
	+ Simona (concerned): You mentioned you’ve got something to tell, I hope you’re not bearing grave news!
	+ Norah (blushing): Grave is one way to describe it, but how you would feel about these news depends on how you feel about your neighbors...
	+ Norah (serious): Eusebius Abelardus was murdered!
	+ Simona (shocked): Oh my! Oh my! That certainly is something I never saw coming!
	+ Simona (blushing): I’m used to hearing the name “Eusebius” and “murder” in the same sentence, but it’s usually about him disposing of his slaves!
	+ Norah (horrified): Dispose of?!
	+ Norah (sweating): I will pretend we haven’t heard this. We came to visit you as we want to know about how much you got along with the victim...
	+ Norah (curious): We found out that you sent him a barrel of gunpowder, so we believed you may be close?
	+ Simona (shrugging her shoulders): If I’m being honest, I wasn’t very fond of the man. Not saying that I hated him, but I didn’t really like him either...
	+ Simona (looking at her nails): However my late husband and was a close friend of his, so I continued doing business with him.
	+ Norah (smiling): That’s all what we needed to know. Thank you for making time for us, we’ll excuse ourself now...
	+ Simona (innocent smirk): Well, it was nice meeting you. If you happen to fancy a cup of posca, you are welcome to my estate any time, as Catallus once said, “What is there given by the gods more desirable than a happy hour.”
* Autopsy victim’s body (Killer attribute: The killer drinks posca; Killer attribute: The killer uses Chinese medicine)
	+ Kaleb (shocked): Whoever killed your victim was clearly not going easy! I tried to count the number of lashes he received and they were over a hundred!
	+ Norah (horrified): A HUNDRED?! Holy shit! How did they get the victim to submit to this?!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): Probably because he wasn’t in the state to fight back. I looked at his body and it was basically intoxicated with alcohol...
	+ Kaleb (serious): The killer must’ve gotten him drunk before the whipping started, and the only way they’d manage to do that is if they drank with him. I looked into his stomach to see what type of beverage they could have consumed and I found that the alcohol was mixed with water and vinegar...
	+ Kaleb (glad): These are all ingredients needed for brewing posca, a very cheap drink which is common for peasants and is even offered to slaves!
	+ Norah (curious): So you think the killer drinks posca?
	+ Kaleb (serious): Yeah, but there’s more!
	+ Kaleb (thinking): I also think they may have dosed the victim’s drink to make him more vulnerable, as I also found camphor in his digestive system!
	+ Kaleb (confident): In large doses camphor can cause lethargy and disorientation and for the killer to know that they must have knowledge in traditional Chinese medicine!
	+ Norah (grinning): The killer clearly has wits, I’ll give them that. But their mistake is that they didn’t see us coming to them!

At the domus...

* + Norah (serious): Marie, so far we know that our killer drinks posca and they practice Chinese healing methods...
	+ Norah (thinking): Ming is Chinese and he mentioned treating his own wounds, so it’s safe to say he’s an expert in the field. And he said that Kyran brewed a “vinegar drink” for the slaves which I assume must be posca...
	+ Norah (grinning): And that busty Severa woman offered us some of that drink, and I was thinking maybe after we find Shirley we could pay her another visit...
	+ Norah (worried): And speaking of Shirley! She is nowhere in the domus! What if she was sold? Where could we find he-
	+ Norah (startled): Who’s here?!
	+ Ming (startled): I-it’s just me! I swear, I’m not here to cause harm!
	+ Norah (confused): Ming? What are you doing away from your post? Are you trying to make your escape?!
	+ Ming (sweating): N-no! I promise I’m not! Where would I even go? I don’t know how to swim!
	+ Ming (smiling): I came to talk to you because I think I have something that could help you find Lord Eusebius’ killer!

## Chapter 2

* + Norah (serious): Marie, so far we know that our killer drinks posca and they practice Chinese healing methods...
	+ Norah (thinking): Ming is Chinese and he mentioned treating his own wounds, so it’s safe to say he’s an expert in the field. And he said that Kyran brewed a “vinegar drink” for the slaves which I assume must be posca...
	+ Norah (grinning): And that busty Severa woman offered us some of that drink, and I was thinking maybe after we find Shirley we could pay her another visit...
	+ Norah (worried): And speaking of Shirley! She is nowhere in the domus! What if she was sold? Where could we find he-
	+ Norah (startled): Who’s here?!
	+ Ming (startled): I-it’s just me! I swear, I’m not here to cause harm!
	+ Norah (confused): Ming? What are you doing away from your post? Are you trying to make your escape?!
	+ Ming (sweating): N-no! I promise I’m not! Where would I even go? I don’t know how to swim!
	+ Ming (smiling): I came to talk to you because I think I have something that could help you find Lord Eusebius’ killer!
	+ Ming (awkward grin): Lore Eusebius was a cruel and ill-tempered man, but like everyone he had his guilty pleasures...
	+ Ming (blushing): Often at nights, he would invite trollops into the estate and he would have them perform sexual acts with him...
	+ Norah (shocked): Courtesans! Marie, I heard that these types of woman are a very common source of entertainment at Rome and there are even scholae training them to use their wiles!
	+ Ming (serious): And there’s a schola just across the street which Lord Eusebius frequented! Sometimes, he even trades his female slaves there to practice for sexual encounters with him!
	+ Norah (grinning): Thank you this information. Marie, I think it’s time we take a trip to the schola!
* Investigate schola.
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 1; interested): I’ve never seen that man before, do any of you know who he is? Or what family he belongs to?
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 2; giggling): No, but... Rumors says that the Imperial family let an outsider stay at the palace and they must be from a very noble family to get this privilege!
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 1; excited): He must be very rich!
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 3; finger on lip): Be quiet! Remember Honoria’s teachings, we must not show we are interested!
	+ Norah (grinning): What are you staring at me for?
	+ Courtesans (startled): Ah!
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 1; nervous grin): We didn’t mean to pry! It’s just... We never saw you in the scholas before so we got a little curious...
	+ Norah (smirking): I understand, my looks can be a little distracting. But anyway, I’m a bit curious, who is that Honoria you were talking about?
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 2; smiling): Honoria Davinia is the woman who runs the schola! She’s the one who teaches us how read, write, sing and practice using our wiles!
	+ Norah (curious): Would you mind telling her to see us? There are some news we would like to break to her.
	+ Courtesans (Courtesan 2; excited): Of course not! We’ll get her to you right now!
	+ Norah (chuckling): Sweet girls. If only we didn’t have lots on our plates, I’d have taken one of them out for a date!
	+ Norah (curious): While we wait for them to bring their mistress, did you find anything related to our murder?
	+ Norah (thinking): What are these pieces of leather? Hmmm... I think we should try piecing them together, who knows? Maybe they’ll help us find the killer...
	+ Discordia (eye rolling): Finally those stupid girls are gone?
	+ Discordia (seductive smirk): Which means I have you all for myself...
	+ Norah (grinning): Well, hello there! Aren’t you a stunner, what’s your name?
	+ Discordia (offering a cup of posca): I’ll give to you only when you have a sip of posca with me...
	+ Norah (awkward grin): We’re a little busy, but hey! What idiot will say no to a woman like you!
* Drink with the courtesan (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the schola)
	+ Discordia (drinking): I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before, what family do you come from?
	+ Norah (nervous grin): My name is Marinus and that’s my sister Marina. We’re from the Patricii family and... we’re not exactly from around here. I mean, we are Romans by blood but we’ve only moved to the empire a day ago.
	+ Norah (innocent smirk): Since you know who we are, NOW can you tell us your name?
	+ Discordia (smirking): You can call me Discordia.
	+ Norah (grinning): Discordia as in discord? Cool name!
	+ Discordia (grinning): Thank you, it was my nomen but I chose to adopt it as my nickname.
	+ Norah (curious): What is your actual name?
	+ Discordia (smirking): This is a secret, but I may give it to you if you manage to please me...
	+ Norah (awkward grin): You seem like a fun gal and I would love to spend more time with you. But... we’re really busy at the moment, we’re investigating a murder...
	+ Norah (curious): We heard that Eusebius Abelardus was here quite a lot?
	+ Discordia (bored): That old man is gone? How depressing...
	+ Norah (curious): Was he a client of yours?
	+ Discordia (eye rolling): Unfortunately I didn’t get the pleasure of courting him, I suppose he’s not into women of my kind...
	+ Norah (confused): Woman of your kind? As in?
	+ Discordia (smirking): Women who had d-

The scene switches to Eva El Reina.....

* + Eva (twirling her hair): You got me spinnin’ like a ballerina...
	+ Eva (affectionate): You're the bad boy that I always dreamed of!
	+ Eva (seductive smirk): You're the king and, baby, I'm the queen of....
	+ Eva (singing): Disaster! Disaster! Oh Oh Oh! Oh Oh Oh-

Back to Discordia...

* + Discordia (smirking): -ks.
	+ Norah (shocked): You’re a transexual? I couldn’t tell!
	+ Discordia (grinning): The power of wigs and makeup. Usually men get really worked up when they learn what I am.
	+ Norah (grinning): Those men are idiots, because you were born female or not, no one can deny: You look gorgeous!

Suddenly the courtesans approach them...

* + Courtesans (Courtesan 2; smiling): We spoke with Honoria! She says you can meet her at her office!
	+ Norah (winking): I guess that’s our call! But it was nice to meet you Discordia, I sure would like to see more of you!
* Question Honoria about the victim as a client (1 star; Pre-request: Drink with the courtesan)
	+ Honoria (grinning): You look new here and I assume that you came to the schola for some of my services...
	+ Honoria (innocent smirking): And I assure you that you came to the right place! All my girls are well-educated and can recite a whole verse from Cattalus! I gave them the best training Rome could provide!
	+ Norah (blushing): We’ll consider trying your service, but... We actually came because we have some news for you...
	+ Norah (serious): It’s about Eusebius Abelardus...
	+ Honoria (sad): I’ve heard about what happened to him. It’s such a shame! He was a very generous client...
	+ Norah (shocked): You know about his death?
	+ Honoria (waving her fan): I’ve heard about it. News travel fast in this empire.
	+ Norah (curious): Since the victim frequented your establishment a lot, we wondering if any of your girls had a problem with him?
	+ Honoria (thinking): I’ve heard some of the girls make bad remarks about his... performance in the bedroom. But aside from that, I haven’t gotten complaints regarding the way he treated them...
* Restore pieces of leather (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the schola)
	+ Norah (thinking): There something written on the leather skin and it’s addressed to our victim! I can recognize the name “Eusebius”!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): Kaleb did give me a brief Latin lesson this morning, but unfortunately I don’t know how to translate this...
	+ Norah (shrugging her shoulders): He’ll probably scold me but, eh... Lets just send it to him...
* Send leather skin to Kaleb (Killer attribute: The killer reads Cattalus)
	+ Kaleb (serious): After reading the text on the piece of letter you gave me, I am confident it was written by the killer!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): It reads, “I commend the gods curse Eusebius. Let a lash flog his back until he can move no more!”
	+ Norah (confused): This sounds oddly... poetic?
	+ Kaleb (serious): It does, and the writing style is very similar to that of a famous poet named Cattalus!
	+ Kaleb (smiling): For the killer to capture his style so effortlessly, it’s very clear they must read a lot of his poems!
	+ Norah (serious): They may have captured the poet’s style so well, but right now they’re the ones who are about to be captured!

At the victim’s domus...

* + Norah (thinking): Marie, didn’t Honoria say something about her girls’ ability to “recite a whole verse of Cattalus”? She could be exaggerating, but just in case maybe we should add this on Discordia’s profile, and hers too as she seems to be a fan of his...
	+ Norah (smiling): And good memory! Simons quoted Cattalus too while offering to have a drink with us!
	+ Norah (smirking): Since we are outside the victim’s domus, why don’t we give the place another look?
* Investigate peristyle.
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Still no signs of Shirley, Eh? What did you find?
	+ Norah (sweating): A broken vase? Oh shit! If Kyran saw this then the slaves could get in trouble!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): I know this is none of our business, but I don’t like imagining what could happen to them, It think it would a good idea we fix it before it gets his attention...
	+ Norah (shocked): And speaking of slaves... While I don’t know what the text on that collar says, I’ve seen some of the Imperial family slaves wear it around their necks!
	+ Norah (thinking): I asked Kaleb about them and he told me whenever a slave is caught after running away, they are forced to wear these around their neck as a form of humiliation...
	+ Norah (sweating): So one of the victim’s slaves tried running away? Whoever they are must have gotten in real trouble afterwards...
	+ Norah (grinning): There’s something engraved behind the color, could it be the name of the slave who tried to make their escape? Maybe we should try recovering the text...
* Recover the name on the collar (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the peristyle)
	+ Norah (shocked): The collar belongs to SIMONA?!
	+ Norah (confused): This can’t possibly be referring to Simona Severa, could it?! I mean, she’s a noblewoman! That is a huge difference from being a slave!
	+ Norah (serious): But if this really is hers, then we must go talk to her! She’s got a lot to explain for!
* Ask Simona why her name is on a slave collar (1 star; Pre-request: Recover the name of the collar)
	+ Norah (sweating): Lady Severa, I know this must be very rude of us to ask but... Were you born from nobility?
	+ Simona (crossing her arms): Your question is indeed way too personal, what are you asking that for?
	+ Norah (blushing): Because we were looking through the victim’s house and we found a collar that had your name...
	+ Norah (awkward grin): But we understand that there are many women with your name, so if we are making a mistake we are really sorry-
	+ Simona (covering her face): No, it’s alright, that is my collar...
	+ Norah (shocked): But that’s a-
	+ Simona (eye rolling): A slave collar, I know. I used to be one before my husband bought me and welcomed me into his family. Eusebius was my master...
	+ Norah (sympathetic): And judging by the fact you tried to run away, I assume he treated you really badly...
	+ Simona (furious): “Bad” doesn’t come close to how he was, he was AWFUL! The 18 years I spent as a slave were the worst I had in my life!
	+ Simona (sad): I was happy to finally leave that life behind, but even after I became free, I still suffer from trauma of the way Eusebius used to beat me and those frankincense oil massages I get do nothing to calm me down!
	+ Simona (pissed): After my husband died, I tried getting close to Eusebius and tried to convince him into treating his slaves more kindly, but he laughed at my face and reminded me of my past! He said that I can dress as fancy as I want, but he’ll never see me as anything but a slave!
	+ Norah (covering her face): Eusebius sounds like an awful person, but I hope for your sake that you haven’t decided to take revenge on him...
* Restore broken vase (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the peristyle)
	+ Norah (relieved): Looks as good as new! Hopefully Kyran won’t realize it was broken in the first place!
	+ Norah (laughing): Speaking of him, don’t you think that man on the vase looks a lot like him? Haha!
	+ Norah (shocked): And he’s flogging a man that looks like our victim!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): This can’t be coincidental, he must’ve custom-made it himself! And it seems very foreshadowing considering the way our victim was killed!
	+ Norah (serious): We must confront him about this!
* Confront Kyran about the vase (1 star; Pre-request: Restore broken vase)
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Lord Kyran, you told us earlier that you and the victim were trading, but it seems that you two didn’t always get along from what we see from that vase...
	+ Kyran (laughing): Ha! You found that?! You should’ve seen Eusebius’ face when he received it, his face went super red with anger!
	+ Norah (serious): I don’t see what’s funny about that, especially when you consider the way he died!
	+ Kyran (appeasing): I know this looks suspicious, but I only made this to scare him off!
	+ Kyran (pissed): I was getting tired of him belittling me and thinking he’s better than me since he’s a full Roman, while my family were descended from the Parthians!
	+ Kyran (crossing his arms): He would make fun of me for the way I talk, dress and even look, and while I tried putting up with for so long, I got tired and I decided to make that vase to give him a warning!
	+ Kyran (shocked): But I swear that I didn’t kill him! He may have gotten rude at times, but we were still friends and I wouldn’t dream of actually killing him!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): We hope that you’re being sincere, because if we found out you actually killed Eusebius, you’re the one who’s getting whipped next!

At a Roman street....

* + Norah (thinking): Thus far, we know that our killer drinks posca, reads Cattalus and practices Chinese medicine...
	+ Norah (covering her face): And the only person we know who fits these attributes is Simona, and after learning of her past I seriously hope it is not her, as the murder may cost her, her freedom...
	+ Norah (serious): But obviously, it’s too early to decides who is the killer! I suggest we look for more evidence before we make a conclusio-
	+ Norah (confused): Wait? Why is there a crowd gathering around the schola?
	+ Norah (blushing): You think something bad happened? I think we should go see what’s going on...

Outside the schola...

* + Noblewoman (pissed): I know that you have the bracelet! GIVE IT BACK TO ME!
	+ Discordia (pissed): In your dreams! My jewelry are rewards I get for my services! If you want a bracelet, go get one yourself!
	+ Noblewoman (furious): LIAR! You stole my bracelet! I want it back!

## Chapter 3

* + Noblewoman (pissed): I know that you have the bracelet! GIVE IT BACK TO ME!
	+ Discordia (pissed): In your dreams! My jewelry are rewards I get for my services! If you want a bracelet, go get one yourself!
	+ Noblewoman (furious): LIAR! You stole my bracelet! I want it back!
	+ Norah (shouting): Everyone! Stay away! There’s nothing to be seen here!
	+ Norah (confused): Discordia, can you tell us what exactly is going on?
	+ Noblewoman (pissed): I’ll tell you what happened! That MAN stole a bracelet that my husband had bought for me!
	+ Discordia (angry): And I’m trying to tell her that I did NOT steal anything, it was a gift!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): I can’t tell which one of you is telling the truth, but this place is currently grounds for a murder...
	+ Norah (serious): We promise to look into this matter once we’re done with the investigation. For now, please leave the area!
	+ Noblewoman (furious): I’m not done with you yet! Once I have proof of your theft I’ll make you don’t see the light of freedom again!
	+ Discordia (eye rolling): FINALLY! Thank you for driving that madwoman out of here!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Don’t mention it. But I do hope the allegations she’s making of you are not true...
	+ Norah (smiling): And since we are outside the schola, why don’t we give the place another sweep?
* Investigate the brothel.
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): I’m glad that nutcase didn’t cause a mess in the schola! Did you find anything?
	+ Norah (thinking): This spreadsheet seems to be showing clothing measurements, and they were provided by our victim...
	+ Norah (curious): It must be for a female slave he’s selling to the schola, but who could she be? Maybe Kaleb could help us figure that out. Anything else?
	+ Norah (thinking): This looks like a list of all the people forbidden from entering the schola...
	+ Norah (shocked): And look at the latest name addition- Eusebius Discordius Abelardus!
	+ Norah (confused): I thought he and Honoria were acquaintances, why would she blacklist him from the schola?!
	+ Norah (serious): There’s clearly something she hasn’t told us! We must go speak with her!
* Ask Honoria why she blacklisted the victim from the schola (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the brothel)
	+ Norah (confused): Honoria, when we interrogated you earlier, you spoke of Eusebius as if he was a respectful client, so why he is he blacklisted from your schola?
	+ Honoria (covering her face): I forgot I had this clipped to the walls, but the truth is...
	+ Honoria (furious): I lied when I said my girls had no problems with him! In fact, he was terrible to them!
	+ Honoria (serious): My pupils are not slaves! They have boundaries and the right to refuses favors for their customers!
	+ Honoria (pissed): But Eusebius didn’t understands that! And often girls would run crying to me, telling me about the acts he forces them to do!
	+ Honoria (shocked): This week, two of mu pupils came back from his home all battered up, and me and Discordia spent all night tending their wounds with Chinese meditation!
	+ Honoria (holding her head): It was such a stressful job and I had to get myself drunk with posca just to calm myself down...
	+ Honoria (angry): After that night, I decided that my deals with Eusebius must come to an end and I banned him from stepping foot to my schola! I wasn’t going to put my girls’ safety on the line just because he’s a top consumer!
	+ Norah (covering her face): It’s sweet that you care so much for your pupils. I do hope though that you didn’t do more than banning him to avenge the hurt he brought to your girls...

Outside Honoria’s office...

* + Norah (thinking): Marie, the list that we found said that our victim’s full name is “Eusebius Discordius Abelardus”...
	+ Norah (blushing): If I remember correctly, didn’t Discordia say that she went by her nomen?
	+ Norah (shocked): Discordius is the male equivalent of “Discordia” which is also our victim’s nomen, so does that mean he is relates to her?
	+ Norah (serious): She failed to say any of that when we were having a drink with her! We have to go interrogate her again!
* Ask Discordia if she is related to the victim (1 star; Pre-request: Ask Honoria why she blacklisted the victim from the schola)
	+ Discordia (twirling her hair): I’m a little roughed up so I’m heading to the bathhouse. Would you like to join me?
	+ Norah (blushing): I’d like to, but as I said we’re a bit busy...
	+ Norah (curious): And we also want to know why you and the victim have the same nomen?
	+ Discordia (crossing her arms): ...
	+ Discordia (covering her face): It looks like I can’t hide this anymore, so I’ll tell you the truth...
	+ Discordia (crossing her arms): Eusebius is my father...
	+ Norah (shocked): Your father?! Why did you say nothing about this when we told you about his murder?!
	+ Discordia (pissed): Because it’s not like he considers me his daughter anyway!
	+ Discordia (eye rolling): I never had a close relationship with him! He always expected too much of me, wanted me to be his version of what a man should be and would get physical with me if I ever show weakness or interest toward feminine activities!
	+ Discordia (crossing her arms): When he found out I was into men, he threw me out of his home and at first, I was heartbroken and couldn’t get up from my feet...
	+ Discordia (serious): But Honoria took me under her wings and I finally got freedom to express who I am! I realized that I was better of without him and that him cutting ties with me was a blessing in disguise!
	+ Norah (sympathetic): Did your father recognize you during one of his visits to the schola?
	+ Discordia (crossing her arms): I don’t know, nor do I care. I haven’t spoken to that man for 8 years and I feel absolutely nothing about his death!
* Send measurements to Kaleb (Pre-request: Investigate the brothel)
	+ Kaleb (blushing): Norah, you and Marionette found these measurements at a brothel, right?
	+ Norah (curious) We did... Is there a problem?
	+ Kaleb (confused): No... It’s just that... The measurements you gave me belong to a man?!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): A small man, very skinny and no more than 5 feet 3 inches tall, but it is still a full grown man!
	+ Norah (confused): What? Why would Eusebius sell the schola, a male slave?
	+ Kaleb (sweating): I have a theory, but... It’s a really disturbing one...
	+ Kaleb (thinking): You see... Male prostitutes were a thing at Ancient Rome, except... They didn’t have their reproductive organs. They were castrates male slaves who were put in dresses and were passed off as girls...
	+ Kaleb (serious): I think that’s what your victim planned to do! Castrate some male slave he failed to auction, dress him as a girl and deceive the schola into purchasing him!
	+ Norah (shocked): Marie, Wu Ming mentioned that the victim failed to sell him and he does match the body measurements he wrote to the schola, was the victim planning to do that to him?!
	+ Norah (serious): I doubt he is pleased about the victim’s plans, we must go talk to him about them!
* Ask Ming if he knew the victim was going to castrate him (1 star; Pre-request: Send measurements to Kaleb)
	+ Norah (blushing): Ming, we went to the schola as you suggested and we found some clothing measurements your master gave them which match up to you...
	+ Norah (sweating): Do you know what that means?
	+ Ming (pissed): I do! And I’m glad that someone killed Eusebius before he could go with it!
	+ Ming (biting his nails): Eusebius was growing impatient with me being passed by the auctioneers. No one wanted to buy me and Eusebius had no desire of keeping me...
	+ Ming (shocked): So one day he came to me and told me about what he planned to do with me!
	+ Ming (panicking): I didn’t want to get castrated! I have dreams of starting a family with wife and children, so I begged Eusebius to give me one more chance!
	+ Ming (biting his nails): I even told him about my past, how I was once a soldier for the Song Dynasty and I could make a perfect gladiator instead!
	+ Norah (shocked): The Song Dynasty-
	+ Ming (covering his face): He laughed at my face, but nevertheless, I convinced him to keep me intact for one more auction and I’m so glad I did! I just hope he hasn’t told Lord Kyran of his plans...
	+ Norah (serious): We are happy to know the victim haven’t unmanned you yet, but we’re hoping you haven’t killed him to save your manhood, have you?
	+ Ming (panicking): And risk myself getting killed too? Of course not, are you crazy?!

Later...

* + Norah (pissed): Hearing what all our suspects had to say about the victim, I’m glad that he got killed! He sounds like the absolute worst human-being!
	+ Norah (covering her face): I really hope that he didn’t do anything to Shirley while he was still alive...
	+ Norah (shocked): But changing the topic, have you heard what Ming said about being from the Song Dynasty?!
	+ Norah (blushing): Do you think that he may not be from our time? Ever since the second Titanomachy happened many entities including humans from different time periods managed to get out of the underworld and he could be one of them!
	+ Norah (serious): Anyway, whoever he is, he brings no harm to us, so we should focus on finding Eusebius’ killer. I think it’s time we got to the forum again!
* Investigate the forum.
	+ Norah (shocked): Wow! That chest has a lot of coins!
	+ Norah (curious): One of the traders must have forgot it there after they were done auctioning. Stupid in their part, but you think we should dig through it?
	+ Norah (confused): What is a pile of clothes doing laying around here?!
	+ Norah (shocked): Wait! The victim was naked when we found his body, you think these clothes are his?!
	+ Norah (serious): We have to take them to Kaleb ASAP!
* Send clothes to Kaleb (Killer attribute: The killer is 35-years-old)
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): The killer was obviously very careless at handling the murder, they literally ripped out the victim’s clothes!
	+ Norah (eye rolling): I’m not sure about you, but I doubt the victim is at the state of caring to what happened to his clothes.
	+ Norah (curious): Was there anything you found on the clothes that could lead us to our killer?
	+ Kaleb (thinking): I found some skin cells on the clothes, but they weren’t enough to help me determine who they belong to...
	+ Kaleb (smiling): But what I do know is that they came from a 35-year-old, and since your victim is clearly way older than that, then it must’ve been from his killer!
	+ Norah (glad): I hope they lived their life to the fullest, because once we find them they can kiss their freedom goodbye!
* Search chest of coins (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the forum)
	+ Norah (shocked): Look at that bloody whip! This’ got to be our murder weapon!
	+ Norah (smiling): I feel like we’re getting close at finding our killer, lets have Kaleb examine this whip!
* Send whip to Kaleb (Killer attribute: The killer has a bruise)
	+ Kaleb (confident): I looked at the blood on the whip and it was a match to your victims, so I can confidently say it’s your murder weapon!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): We know that, doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. What we want to know is if you found something against his killer?
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): I’m getting to it... Anyway, as I was saying MOST OF the blood was your victims but I also found an unfamiliar blood sample on the whip as well...
	+ Kaleb (smirking): Unfortunately since it was mixed with the victim’s, I couldn’t figure out what blood group it was, but assuming the blood came from your killers, I bet you their sporting a big bruise right now!
	+ Norah (grinning): So our killer’s got a bruise? They better wish the Roman guards won’t give them a beating...

Later...

* + Norah (winking): Marie, I think the evidence we’ve got is enough now! Lets go give our killer a friendly visit.
* Arrest the killer (Guilty: Honoria Davinia)
	+ Norah (serious): Honoria Davinia! So you were the one who killed Eusebius!
	+ Honoria (confused): Me? A killer? Don’t be ridiculous! My job is to a good role model for my pupils, what message do you think I’m giving them if I resorted to killing him?
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Why don’t you tell us? We found the Cattalus-inspired threat you have written to him and you told us that you teach his poems to your pupils!
	+ Honoria (waving her fan): Cattalus is one of the most famous poets to date, almost everyone in Rome reads his work, that threat could’ve been written by anyone!
	+ Norah (serious): Maybe, but we know that you spilled posca on the victim after killing him, we found traces of it while autopsying his body!
	+ Honoria (eye rolling): Besides, posca is the cheapest drink you could find here! Even slaves get to drink it! You’re being absolutely unreasonable!
	+ Norah (eye rolling): Accusing you of murder for drinking posca may seem unreasonable, but we also have other proof that you killed Eusebius like the Chinese herbs you left on his body and the fact that your blood is on the whip that was used to murder him!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): We know you killed him, alright? We just want to know your motive, was it because he hurt your pupils?
	+ Honoria (furious): Leave my girls out of this! I killed Eusebius to protect my own reputation!
	+ Norah (shocked): Your reputation?! What did he hold against you?
	+ Honoria (waving her fan): Seeing that my reputation is already damaged by the murder, I may as well tell you the truth...
	+ Honoria (covering her face): I am not a pure Roman. My mother was born from an aristocratic family, but my father was a Chinese slave..
	+ Honoria (serious): My mother’s family knew about that and they were ashamed, so they made sure no one knew about my mother’s affair...
	+ Honoria (crossing her arms): Even though my father’s identity remained a secret, I was still considered illegitimate and I had to work hard to keep a high social status with the nobles as none of my family members wanted to help me...
	+ Honoria (smirking): Eventually, even with my family’s prejudice, I managed to maintain a good reputation and I founded the schola which made me enough money to be accepted among the Roman nobles...
	+ Honoria (crossing her arms): However, I still kept my ethnic background a secret because I knew if word came out about it, everything I built will fall to the ground!
	+ Honoria (shocked): And somehow, Eusebius came in contact with my father and he discovered that I was half-Chinese!
	+ Honoria (furious): Eusebius have always tried to make moves on me and I had to refuse him several times, but when he found out about my secret he used it to blackmail me! He threaten to tell the whole of Rome that I was Chinese if I do not go to bed with him!
	+ Honoria (pissed): Now you have to understand, even though I care a lot about my reputation and I don’t want anyone to know about my father, there was NO WAY I was going to sleep with Eusebius and I knew I had to do something about him!
	+ Honoria (innocent smirk): So I visited him at the forum and I agreed to fuck him, but there was a catch! I wanted us to get drunk first!
	+ Honoria (grinning): So we drank posca until he got wasted and I took off his clothes before tying him to the pillory. He thought I was doing some kinky act to him, so he didn’t resist...
	+ Honoria (angry): I then pulled out a whip and I flogged him until he stopped moving!
	+ Norah (covering her face): Honoria, Eusebius was wrong for trying to force you into having sex with him, but you went way too far!
	+ Norah (serious): I’m afraid that we have to take you to the guards, you better hope that the Imperial family will be lenient with you!

At the forum...

* + Norah (crossing her arms): Although Honoria shouldn’t have resorted to murder, I honestly don’t blame her for killing Eusebius at all!
	+ Norah (covering her face): But I do wish she had owned up to her Chinese nationality instead. It’s sad that she felt like murdering someone just to hide it...
	+ Norah (serious): But on the bright side! Now that we found out who killed Eusebius, it’s time to focus on what’s more important: Finding Shirley.

## The Roman Empire (2/6)

* + Norah (serious): Since Honoria’s behind bars now, it’s time we shift our focus to what’s important- Freeing Shirley!
	+ Norah (thinking): Eusebius may be dead, but that just means Kyran has full control of their trade now...
	+ Norah (hopeful): Hopefully, we could talk him into selling Shirley to us!
	+ Kaleb (scratching his neck): Before you two go, a courtesan have asked to see you. She says she needs help kicking someone out of her schola...
	+ Norah (covering her face): That must be Discordia. I’ve forgotten about the fight she had...
	+ Norah (serious): She clearly needs our help, so I say we go to the schola first. Hopefully Shirley isn’t going anywhere...
* Help Discordia turn the madwoman away (1 star)
	+ Discordia (relieved): Finally! I was afraid my message haven’t reached you!
	+ Noblewoman (pissed): Yeah, now you can finally put that man behind bars!
	+ Norah (sweating): Woah! Easy here! No one’s getting arrested until we figure out what exactly happened here!
	+ Noblewoman (angry): I’ve already said it all! That freak stole my bracelet!
	+ Discordia (confused): And I told you already, I didn’t steal it! I don’t even know what bracelet you’re talking about, I have plenty and they were all payment for my services!
	+ Discordia (grinning): So have you ever thought that MAYBE your husband gave it to me? You have no idea how many noblemen are on the down low...
	+ Noblewoman (furious): THAT IS A LIE! My husband is a man of honor, he would never let a another man confuse his mind, how dare you make such accusations about him!
	+ Norah (serious): Ladies, stop fighting! I know you’re both mad at each other, but can we handle this civilly?
	+ Discordia (eye rolling): You know what? I’m getting sick of this! If I give you the bracelet, will you fuck off?!
	+ Noblewoman (crossing her arms): I would prefer that you get locked up for robbing me. But I guess I am fine with this...
	+ Norah (shrugging her shoulders): So I guess that’s settled. How does your bracelet look?
	+ Noblewoman (eye rolling): It is a golden bracelet encrusted with emerald stones...
	+ Norah (curious): Does that bracelet seem familiar to you, Discordia?
	+ Discordia (crossing her arms): I think? I would have to check my safe to make sure...
	+ Norah (serious): No need to trouble yourself. My sister and I will search the schola for it!
* Investigate the schola (Pre-request: Help Discordia turn the madwoman away)
	+ Norah (sweating): Holy fuck! That woman was absolutely cray-cray! Did you find the bracelet?
	+ Norah (curious): Didn’t Discordia say she kept her jewelry in a safe? Do you think that might be it?
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Looks like there’s a lock, we would have to figure out how to unlock it. I’ll let you handle this...
* Unlock the safe (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the schola)
	+ Norah (shocked): Did you open the saf- My gods! That’s a lot of jewelry!
	+ Norah (shrugging her shoulders): What are we waiting for? Lets start digging in!
* Search the safe (1 star; Pre-request: Unlock the safe)
	+ Norah (eye rolling): This must be the bracelet the woman told us about... I really don’t want to give it to her, but I guess that’s the only way we can drive her out...
	+ Norah (shocked): Wait- There’s a note next to the bracelet!
	+ Norah (smirking): If the note is from the woman’s husband, then we could prove to her that Discordia is innocent and she gets to keep both the bracelet and throw her out of the schola!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Unfortunately, the writing on the note is faded, so yeah... We’ll have to uncover it first...
* Uncover faded note (1 star; Pre-request: Search the safe)
	+ Norah (smirking): And as we were hoping for, the note is from a man, his name is written at the end of the message!
	+ Norah (grinning): Can’t wait to see the lady’s reaction when she reads it...
* Prove that Discordia didn’t steal the bracelet (1 star; Pre-request: Uncover faded note)
	+ Norah (smiling): Good news! We found the bracelet!
	+ Noblewoman (pouting): About time! Now put it in my bag!
	+ Norah (smirking; handing a note): Before you take it, there’s a note we think you should read first...
	+ Noblewoman (eye rolling): How long is this going to take...
	+ Noblewoman (reading note): ...
	+ Noblewoman (shocked): IMPOSSIBLE!
	+ Norah (innocent smirk): What? Got a problem?
	+ Noblewoman (sweating): The note... It’s from my husband, but what does that mean-
	+ Discordia (furious): It means your husband is a raging homosexual, now get the fuck of my schola you fat ugly bitch before I have the guards throw you out!
	+ Noblewoman (holding her anger): You-
	+ Noblewoman (angry): My husband has a lot to explain for!

The woman leaves the schola...

* + Norah (grinning): Sheesh! Finally she’s out!
	+ Discordia (relieved): Yeah, finally....
	+ Discordia (sweet smile): Anyway, thank you so much for helping me! I honestly don’t know how I would’ve handled this situation without you! I can’t express my gratitude enough!
	+ Norah (innocent smirk): No problem! And believe me, it was a pleasure kicking that bitch out of here!
	+ Discordia (twirling her hair): Before you leave- there’s something I have to give you-

Discordia kisses *Marinus*’s cheek...

* + Discordia and Norah (Discordia; giving Norah a peck on the cheek): ...
	+ Discordia (awkward grin): Thank you again...
	+ Norah (blushing; winking): You’re welcome. And if you need any more help, you know who to talk to!
* Ask Kyran if Shirley is with him (1 star)
	+ Kyran (crossing his arms): You’re looking to purchase a hand, eh? You realize the auction was closed?
	+ Norah (serious): We know but we’re not here to buy just any slave, we’re here for a friend and we’re willing to pay any price you have to offer just to buy her freedom!
	+ Norah (curious): Her name is Sherise, is she with you?
	+ Kyran (eye rolling): Oh! That girl whom the palace returned? She’s out of the question- We’ve already sold her.
	+ Norah (shocked): To whom?!
	+ Kyran (pissed): Alright, this conversation must end. I’m willing to negotiate if you’re here to make a purchase, but I’m not revealing personal information regarding a client. Have a good day.
	+ Norah (pissed): Fuck! This is exactly what I feared! And now we must know who Shirley was sold to!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Kyran may refuse to tell us anything about her buyer, but surely he and Eusebius keep a report on their sales?
	+ Norah (serious): I doubt Kyran will let us snoop around the domus, so hopefully they left their files at the forum. Lets go there!
* Investigate the forum (Pre-request: Ask Kyran if Shirley is with him)
	+ Norah (curious): Marie, did you find anything that could mention where Shirley was escorted to?
	+ Norah (thinking): A broken wax tablet? I wonder what’s written on it...
	+ Norah (serious): I think we should to restore it. Maybe it may tell us who Shirley was sold to?
* Restore wax tablet (1 star; Pre-request: Investigate the forum)
	+ Norah (thinking): The tablet appears to show a list of all the slaves and who they were sold to...
	+ Norah (glad): And look! There’s Shirley’s real name, Sherise, and she was bought by a man named Flavian Lucretius!
	+ Norah (curious): All what we need to know now is who is that man and where do we find him?
	+ Norah (blushing): Do you someone from the streets I know? I’m not sure if we will get an answer, but I guess we can try?

At the streets...

* + Norah (shouting): Excuse me! Hey! Can we talk with you?
	+ Sussus (confused): Who are you, and what do you want from me?
	+ Norah (nervous grin): My name is Marinus and that’s my sister, Marina. We’re sorry for stopping you, but.... We have something we wanted to ask you...
	+ Norah (curious): We’re looking for a man called Flavian Lucretius and we were wondering if you know who he is?
	+ Sussus (shrugging his shoulders): Flavian Lucretius, the lacista?
	+ Norah (confused): Lacista?
	+ Sussus (smirking): Ah, I assume you must be the newcomers the city is talking about. So to explain it in your language, Flavian is one of our top gladiator trainers and he is the man responsible for organizing shows at the Novus Colosseum.
	+ Sussus (thinking): If you are looking for him, he sends must of his time there. But if you fail to find him, you could just visit his domus...
	+ Norah (blushing): And... Where do we find his domus?
	+ Sussus (grinning): I’m supposed to meet someone at the Temple of Vesta, but seeing that you’ve got a fine lady with you, I suppose I can make time to take you there? It would be rude if I did otherwise...
	+ Norah (whispering): That went better than I expected...
* Convince Flavian to sell Shirley to you (1 star; Restore wax tablet)
	+ Sussus (smirking): Here’s his house, if he’s not there, The Colosseum is that large bowl-like building over there, you can’t miss it!
	+ Norah (curious): Thank you for guiding us and we’re sorry if we made you any trouble, how would you like us to repay you!
	+ Sussus (scratching his head; blushing): Nah! There’s no need for that, gazing at your sister’s beauty is enough of a prize!
	+ Norah (winking): It seems like Roman men are going crazy for you! That’s the second time you’ve received privileges for your looks today!
	+ Norah (curious): So that’s Flavian’s home? Should we knock?

Norah knocks the door and a familiar slave opens it for her...

* + Shirley (shocked): Norah?! Marionette?! What are you doing here?!
	+ Norah (whispering): Don’t yell our names out! Remember we are in disguise!
	+ Shirley (sweating): Sorry...
	+ Norah (serious): And to answer your question, we’re here to break you free!
	+ Shirley (nervous): But- how?! If I run away, we’re all going to get in trouble-
	+ Flavian (frowning): Sherise! Who are you talking to?
	+ Shirley (blushing): MASTER! Y-you have guests!
	+ Flavian (pissed): Then welcome them in! Don’t make them stand outside!
	+ Shirley (courtesy): Yessir...

Shirley welcomes Norah and Marionette inside...

* + Flavian (crossing his arms): Do I know you?
	+ Norah (blushing): No, but-
	+ Flavian (pissed): Then what the hell are you doing inside my house?!
	+ Norah (serious): We actually came here for Sherise!
	+ Flavian (grinning): Sherise? You haven’t mentioned you’ve invited friends over, you naught girl!
	+ Shirley (nervous laugh): Hehe...
	+ Norah (curious): We understand that you bought her fresh from the auction. But we were wondering if you are okay with us buying her at a certain pric-
	+ Flavian (pissed): Buy her?! Absolutely not! Do you know how hard I had to bid for her? If you want a house slave, go get one for yourself!
	+ Norah (serious): We don’t want a slave, we want to free our friend and we are willing to spend as much money as you ask for!
	+ Flavian (laughing): And why would I need your money? I got plenty of it already!
	+ Flavian (smirking): But hey! If you really want her, then here’s another deal: I need new gladiators to fight in an upcoming match at the Colosseum...
	+ Flavian (grinning): So if you have a strong-built male slave with you, who you are willing to trade in. Then we’ve got ourselves a bargain...
	+ Flavian (furious): Otherwise, I want you out of my lot!

Outside House Lucretius...

* + Norah (frustrated): This is terrible! Where can we get ourselves a slave like that to make this deal?!
	+ Norah (thinking): I suppose we could trade in Kaleb. He is a great sword-fighter and he is playing our slave in this whole undercover-think, but...
	+ Norah (covering her face): No! Leonora is going to be PISSED. So what are we going to do?
	+ Norah (shocked): Good memory! Ming mentioned he was a soldier before he was dropped in Rome! He would make a perfect gladiator!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): I know Kyran said he won’t sell slaves until the next auction, but maybe this time we can convince him? It’s worth a try!
* Purchase Ming from Kyran (1 star; Pre-request: Convince Flavian to sell Shirley to you)
	+ Kyran (annoyed): You again? What do you want this time?
	+ Norah (serious): We came to buy Ming from you!
	+ Kyran (eye rolling): Ming? You have to be specific, I’ve got a lot of Chinese men and women with that name!
	+ Norah (eye rolling): Wu Ming.
	+ Kyran (confused): That skinny lad?! Are you sure about that?!
	+ Norah (crossing her arms): Certain.
	+ Kyran (thinking): Eusebius told me he planned to sell him to the nearby schola. But seeing that Lady Davinia’s behind bars, then I supposed I can trade him to your for five golden coins...
	+ Norah (disgusted): Five coins?! For a human life?! You can’t be serious?!
	+ Kyran (crossing his arms): What? You want me to raise the price?
	+ Norah (sweating): No...
	+ Kyran (eye rolling): Then going once, going twice and SOLD. I’ll go tell that useless lad that someone finally came to buy him!
* Tell Ming why you bought him (1 star; Pre-request: Purchase Ming from Kyran)
	+ Ming (shocked): I don’t understand... You... Bought me?!
	+ Ming (grateful): I have no idea how good it feels to finally leave that place! Thank you so much for buying me! I don’t know how much you paid, but I promise you that I won’t disappoint yo-
	+ Norah (sweating): Ming, there is something we need to tell you... We didn’t buy you to work for us...
	+ Ming (excited): Do you mean... You’re going to set me free?!
	+ Norah (covering her face): Oh god, I wish... But... Lets tell you from the beginning...
	+ Norah (blushing): We have a friend. Her name is Sherise and the moment we stepped foot into Rome, we found out she was a runaway slave from the palace and the guards ended up taking her there...
	+ Norah (covering her face): The Imperial family originally bought her from Eusebius and they decided they didn’t want her anymore so they returned. We rushed to the auction hoping to buy back her freedom, but she was already sold...
	+ Norah (awkward grin): We found out that she was bought by a gladiator trainer who runs the Colosseum, and he agreed to sell her to us IF we offered him a slave to fight in the arena-
	+ Ming (shocked): You’re going to make me into a gladiator?!
	+ Norah (sweating): I know this sounds scary, but you’ll be fine, right? You told us you used to be a soldier before you came here and if you survived enough battles, there’s a chance you’ll win your freedom back!
	+ Norah (awkward grin): You’ll make a great gladiator! You said it yourself!
	+ Ming (sweating): But... I’ve only said that stuff to stop Eusebius from unmanning me...
	+ Norah (shocked): You mean, you’re not actually a soldier?!
	+ Ming (blushing): I am! But- I was an archer not a swordsman!
	+ Norah (covering her face): Shit... So you’ve never held a sword in your life?
	+ Ming (sweating): I did. My father taught me how to handle one, but what I meant is I rarely used one in battle. And the one time I did, I was riding a horse and that still got me captured by the mongols!
	+ Norah (scratching her head): Oh! So you’ll be fine then! Come on then, we’ve got to go!
* Trade Ming to Flavian and buy Shirley (1 star; Pre-request: Tell Ming why you bought him)
	+ Flavian (grinning): You’re back so soon? Did you bring anyone to trade?
	+ Norah (confident): Yeah, and we think he’ll make the perfect gladiator! Ming, why don’t you show yourself?
	+ Ming (sweating): Hi?
	+ Flavian (laughing): Hahaha hahahahaha! You’re joking, right?
	+ Flavian (frowning): RIGHT?
	+ Norah (blushing): Ok, we know that he may not look much, but...
	+ Norah (smiling): Listen, that man was a soldier back at the Chinese Empire! He has experience in the battle and while, yes, he’s short, that just makes him a quick fighter!
	+ Norah (confident): He’s malnutritioned so he looks weak at the moment, but if you feed him properly you’ll get to see him at his full strength!
	+ Flavian (crossing his arms): Hmmm... I’m not sure if I buy this, but.... I guess if he doesn’t do well in training, I could still use him for entertainment so...
	+ Flavian (serious): It’s a deal then! Come into my office and we’ll sign some contracts!
	+ Norah (relieved): Phew...

**You are now experiencing the story in third-person view**
Marionette is seen waiting outside Flavian’s office with Shirley, when suddenly Kaleb enters the domus...

* + Kaleb (serious): I heard from the locals that you are in there! How’s the deal going?
	+ Marionette (glad): It’s going great! Norah is inside his office signing papers to trade Ming for Shirley’s freedom!
	+ Shirley (excited): I can’t believe this is happening! I’m finally going to become a free woman! A TRUE free woman!
	+ Kaleb (curious): Marionette, I heard the man you two are dealing with is a lacista?
	+ Marionette: He is.
	+ Kaleb (thinking): Doesn’t your prophecy say “Inside the arena, there’s a prince, wearing an armor made of gold. Every fortnight he faces a battle, between the lines of life and death.”? I don’t know about you but from the sounds of it, the guy you are looking for might be...
	+ Marionette (shocked): A GLADIATOR!

Suddenly, Norah and Flavian leave the latter’s office...

* + Flavian (yawning): It’s settled! Sherise, you may leave the estate!
	+ Shirley (relieved): Thank you so much! You are most generous!
	+ Norah (stretching): Welp, guys! I guess that’s our call to leave now! Good day, sir!
	+ Marionette (coughing): Ahem. *Marinus*, have you forgotten something?
	+ Norah (scratching her head): Ah! How could I forget!
	+ Norah (whispering): What the fuck are you talking about?
	+ Marionette (whispering): The prophecy?
	+ Norah (confused): The Prophe-
	+ Norah (getting it): Ohhhhhhhhhhhh! Yes!
	+ Norah (grinning): Lord Lucretius, is the rumors true?
	+ Flavian (crossing his arms): What rumors?
	+ Norah (innocent smirk): They say that one of your gladiators is a foreign prince? Is that true?!
	+ Flavian (confused): A prince?! Where the hell did you get that from?!
	+ Norah (blushing): So they’re false?
	+ Flavian (crossing his arms): Of course they are false! We Romans haven’t contacted anyone from outside for years! And if one of my gladiators was a prince I would have known about it!
	+ Flavian (pissed): Now will you leave my domus, or is there other deals you want to do with me?
	+ Norah (nervous grin): Not at all! We’ll leave the estate right now!

Outside House Lucretius...

* + Norah (frustrated): I don’t get this! If that stupid prince is not at the Colosseum, then where is he?!
	+ Kaleb (shrugging his shoulders): Just because Flavian claims the “rumors” are false, doesn’t mean they are. Maybe one of his gladiators is indeed a prince, he just doesn’t know it!
	+ Norah (eye rolling): You heard what he said, peabrain, “We Romans haven’t contacted anyone from outside for years”!
	+ Marionette (thinking): The prophecy told us where we could find the prince, but not WHEN. Maybe the prince isn’t in Rome yet? Maybe we need to wait until he gets captured and then we can free him!
	+ Kaleb (serious): I second this theory!
	+ Norah (pissed): The prophecy also says “Every fortnight he faces a battle”, does that mean I have to stay away from Atalanta for more than two weeks just to find a prince that may or may not save her life?!
	+ Marionette (innocent smirk): On the bright side, at least we freed Shirley!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): Shirley... I have a lot of questions for that girl...
* Ask Shirley why she hid her true identity (1 star)
	+ Shirley (in denial): So this is how being free feels like? To be able to walk the streets of Rome without guards returning me to my post... It feels so... weird..
	+ Shirley (overjoyed): But at the same time, so refreshing-
	+ Kaleb (serious): SHERISE!
	+ Shirley (startled): Ah! Stay away from me! I’m fre-
	+ Shirley (holding her head): Oh! It’s just you! Can you please not use that name again? I feel scared whenever someone yells it!
	+ Kaleb (crossing his arms): If that’s what makes you happy, sure. But I do have many questions for you!
	+ Shirley (blushing): What are they?
	+ Kaleb (curious): Well, first... Why did you not tell us you were a slave?
	+ Shirley (sweating): Uh...
	+ Kaleb (confused): And since we’re getting into this, why did you lie about your name and origins? Why have you hid all this from us?
	+ Shirley (panicking): BECAUSE I WAS SCARED!
	+ Shirley (tearful): I was afraid that once you learn about the Romans, you... You’ll try to befriend them and if you knew that I was a runaway slave, you’ll take me back to the Imperial family and I’ll lose my freedom again!
	+ Marionette (horrified): Shirley! Did you actually think we’d have given you up to the palace?
	+ Shirley (wiping her tears): ... You wouldn’t?
	+ Marionette (disgusted): Absolutely not! We would never do that to you, or even anyone in general!
	+ Marionette (serious): You may have been born in Rome, but that doesn’t change the fact you belong with Graecita and if the Romans wanted to enslave you, then you would have to go in battle with us!
	+ Shirley (shocked): Really?
	+ Kaleb (nervous): Okay, maybe not the battling part-
	+ Norah (excited): Fuck yeah! We’re going to slay every single one of the Romans and the bodies of the Imperial family will be paraded around our streets!
	+ Kaleb (pissed): Norah!
	+ Norah (eye rolling): Alright! We’ll spare that girlfriend of yours, and maybe Audenzia too since she seems cool.
	+ Shirley (wiping tears; smiling): Thank you so much. For everything...
	+ Marionette (warm smile): No problem.
	+ Norah (serious): Alright! Since you’re free now, I guess its time that we focus on our ques-
	+ Vestal boy (panicking): MURDER! There’s a murder at the Vestal temple! One of the virgins was killed!

Meanwhile at Graecita, Yoyo and Ophelia are seen walking to the theatre...

* + Ophelia (shocked): NO WAY! Did you tell Madelina that Mia has a crush on him?
	+ Yoyo (covering her face): I wanted to, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her...
	+ Ophelia (worried): This is a disaster! You know how rocky Mia’s relationship with Madelina is! If Mia finds out about that she went out with Zachary she’ll hate her even more!
	+ Ophelia (frustrated): What are we going to do?!
	+ Yoyo (holding her head): We’ll stay out of this, and let the girls settle their differences themselves. Getting involved in their drama only. shifted them apart even more.
	+ Yoyo (serious): However, I do think we should warn Mia about it. If she learns about their relationship at the day of the show, it’ll create a scene!
	+ Ophelia (calming down): Alright, so you’re going to be the one to tell her...
	+ Yoyo (confused): What?! Why me?!
	+ Ophelia (sweating): You are braver than I am and closer to Mia too...
	+ Yoyo (nervous): But I don’t want to get involved in this! Why don’t YOU tell her!
	+ Ophelia (panicking): Absolute not! You tell her-
	+ Hasuro (nosy; innocent smirk): Who’s telling who?
	+ Ophelia (startled): Ah!
	+ Hasuro (laughing): Hey! It’s just me! No need to be scared, haha!
	+ Ophelia (eye rolling): Fuck you! You know how easily I get scared!
	+ Hasuro (holding his laughter): I’m sorry, ok?
	+ Yoyo (shocked): I didn’t realize we’re at the theatre already! But- where’s Mia?!
	+ Hasuro (smirking): She’s going to sing in stage and then she’ll talk to you. Why don’t you take a seat...
* Listen to Mia sing (1 star)

The stage curtain opens showing Mia...

* + Mia (nervous): ....

The music starts playing....

* + Mia (singing): On my own... Pretending he's beside me... All alone...

Mia continues singing...

* + Mia (singing): I love him, I love him, I love him! But only on my own!

Mia stops singing...

* + Frances (clapping): Bravo! Bravo!
	+ Mia (holding her excitement): How was it?
	+ Frances (french kiss): You were exceptional, ma chérie! When the crowd watches you, they’ll know a star was born!
	+ Mia (relieved): Phew...

Suddenly Mia hears more clapping and turns around to see Yoyo and Ophelia...

* + Yoyo and Ophelia (Yoyo; smiling): Mia, you were amazing! I knew you could sing, but I never thought you had such range in you!
	+ Mia (excited): Thank you! I wonder what Zachary would think if he heard me!
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (both sweating; Ophelia): Yeah... him...
	+ Mia (curious): Anyway, Hasuro? Did anyone respond to your invites other than Yoyo and Ophelia?
	+ Hasuro (smiling): Yeah! I received replies from Natalie, Maverick and Madelina and they all confirmed they’re coming!
	+ Mia (pissed): Madelina?! You invited HER?!
	+ Hasuro (shrugging his shoulders): Hey! It’s my show as much as yours, I can invite whomever I want and I happen to like Madelina, so...
	+ Mia (crossing her arms): Ugh.... What about Zachary?
	+ Hasuro (blushing): He... Hasn’t responded yet...
	+ Mia (covering her face): *sigh* Thanks for notifying me...
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (Ophelia; whispering): Yoyo, I think you need to tell her!
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (Yoyo; whispering): No! You tell her?
	+ Mia (crossing her arms): You realize I’m standing right here?
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (both startled): Ah!
	+ Mia (hand on hip): So what did you want to tell me, ha?
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (Ophelia; sweating): Uh...
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (Yoyo; nervous grin): I wanted to tell you that I overheard Zachary speaking to Alex and Jennifer at her estate and he mentioned that he’ll be coming to see your show!
	+ Mia (smiling): Really?
	+ Yoyo and Ophelia (Ophelia; sweating): Y-yes, that’s what we wanted to tell you!
	+ Mia (excited): YES!

Ophelia glares at Yoyo...

* + Yoyo and Ophelia (Ophelia; whispering): Good job! Now you did nothing but get her hopes up!