Christmas & New Year's Day/2022/Story

## Introduction

**???** | It seems like the puzzle maker wants us to find the outermost letter in the crossword puzzle in a clockwise manner. The answer will then have to be revealed through a certain decoding method.
We have obtained a set of coordinates: 51.88°N, 0.89°E, and a hint — "The mirror image at the Royal Observatory Greenwich."
Greenwich's prime meridian must be the key to solving the mystery. And "mirror image" seems to be hinting at... symmetry.
It's time to reveal the answer. The symmetrical point of the coordinates 51.88°N, 0.89°E about 0° longitude is —
 **51.88°N, 0.89°W**
(Correct Answer)
51.88°S, 0.89°E

 Visitors who have decided to venture to the destination all have their reasons: occupational intuition, lifestyle, coincidence, inspiration, or curiosity.
Upon arrival at the destination, there is a long wooden table filled with all types of "puzzles" for entertainment and discussion. Visitors greet each other and talk amongst themselves, yet the host is nowhere to be seen.
A locked door, an empty picture frame, and a "task list" ignite a new round of discussion amongst the visitors.
A Christmas tree decorated with colorful ornaments is placed in a conspicuous position. It seems like the ornaments are Christmas presents prepared by the host for the visitors.

## Mystery Puzzle

**Clerk** | Many pieces are missing from that puzzle. We'll get a new clue if we can find all the missing pieces.

**Photographer** | I guess we must complete these tasks to locate the hidden puzzle pieces. Let's get to it!

## Decoration Quest

### Day 1

 **Adjust the Grandfather Clock**

**Photographer** | Shh... listen carefully. This is a very sophisticated mechanism. It's as if the world's best Christmas choir is contained in this clock.
Melodies and images have the same effect; they can capture the things that are remembered most fondly and then become a timeless, profound vehicle for those things.

### Day 2

 **Paint the Christmas Wooden Horse**

**"Prisoner"** | Maybe. Put your weight into it, and this rocking horse can rock back and forth for quite a while.
This may be interesting. It's something my mother would like. Yet, unfortunately, my interests are more aligned with those of my horrible father.
Despite unhappy memories, we ended up on the same path anyway. But it matters not. We're achieving something great — it's him who's insignificant.

### Day 3

 **Decorate the Christmas Fireplace**

**Entomologist** | I'm not sure. Perhaps the answer relates to the puzzle maker's identity or occupation.

### Day 4

 **Decorate the Wall**

**Clerk** | No, it's not always like that. Sometimes a present comes with an overload of expectations, certain deliberate "kindness" which goes against the recipient's will.

**Clerk** | Yes, I think that's exactly right. This wall is warming the place up a little. It's almost dusk. Let's make something hot to drink and continue with our game of puzzles before we add more firewood to the fireplace.

### Day 5

 **Place the Pillow**

**Novelist** | With this pillow, the quiet evening gets even more comfortable. More importantly, I found something inconspicuous in the gap of the armchair.
 (The fireplace crackles now and then, putting everyone in the living room at ease.)

### Day 6

 **Light the Christmas Wall Lamp**

**Photographer** | Perhaps you can try to branch out from mystery fiction. I see your talents.

### Day 7

 **Organize the Christmas Cabinet**

 **The Puzzle Maker's Letter**
Dear Guests,
As you might have guessed, I've done some research, and I'm alone most of the time.
Perhaps some of you have stopped believing that Christmas is a time for miracles and that it's more than a "noisy" occasion.
But I still hope you consider it a good time of the year. After all it is the only time of the year when people can get together to share kindness, trust, and generosity.
This experiment of mine and a small challenge. If your time here has brought you comfort, then consider this a mystery Christmas present.
On this starry Christmas night, we have this cozy Christmas cottage to ourselves and, of course, some interesting puzzles. I hope what I've prepared does not disappoint you.
Happy Holidays!
*Elaine*

## Christmas Day

**Evil Reptilian** | We meet at last, my brilliant visitors. Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed the games and toys I prepared this Christmas Eve.

 Merry Christmas, everyone!

## Character Interactions

"Prisoner"

**"Prisoner"** | Why am I here...? I need a place to rest.
I have devoted myself to my research on many night like this. I don't mind dedicating the rest of my life to this great invention, even it means I must endure a lot.
Merry Christmas! Perhaps for me, sincere wishes like that can only exist between strangers.

"Little Girl"

**"Little Girl"** | My friend isn't good at talking... But I can hear his voice.
Merry Christmas! He says he isn't really fond of Christmas, but he likes making friends!

Novelist

**Novelist** | All my life, I've been writing and searching for the truth. I feel the drive from mysteries I still do not understand... My instinct is never wrong.
Merry Christmas! Just forget everything and get some rest before the new year.
A game of deduction? I have many scripts in my mind... They won't let you down.

Clerk

**Clerk** | Fine, Merry Christmas... I haven't said that to anyone for a very long time.
I knew I would be alone a long time ago. Pursuing my whims is far better than any sham of a family dinner.
I'm always dealing with paperwork. It's practically my life. Nothing is more important than law and order.

Photographer

**Photographer** | I'm very fond of snowy nights. It's the only time when the city is black and white, just like in my photos.
People always find answers in photos. My gut tells me that this is a good spot for my photos.
Merry Christmas! Perhaps only an eccentric or a brilliant person would be able to follow the clues here. I guess we're not so different.

Entomologist

**Entomologist** | I'm usually dealing with these tiny winged creatures. If you trust them enough, they will be your most loyal weapon.
I'm quite curious about the owner of the house. I'm sure I can find more clues here...
Merry Christmas! You can warm up by the fireplace if you're feeling cold.

Evil Reptilian

**Evil Reptilian** | Yes...Reindeer. It's a Christmas classic.
I think I'll be busy answering questions from the guests. A bright mind is often accompanied by an overflow of curiosity.
Merry Christmas! I hope you'll enjoy the puzzle I prepared.

## Item Interactions

Map

**Clerk** | I haven't celebrated Christmas in a long time, but spending time solving puzzles here or hanging mistletoe where it should be... I don't hate doing these things.

Artwork

**Entomologist** | Humans have always utilized the toxin of natural creatures, sometimes to cure diseases and save lives but perhaps it has more often become... untraceable weapon.

**Novelist** | Oh, of course. If one knows nature's laws and insight, it is not difficult to create an intricate crime scene.

Chemistry Set

**"Prisoner"** | I've always wanted to immerse myself in research for the thing I long for. I hope such lengthy research work won't take away one's humor.

**Entomologist** | Heh... Research does take away a person's sense of humor, huh?

Puzzle Box

**"Prisoner"** | A wooden structure... I hear that something is inside when I shake it. Interesting. Maybe I've been imprisoned for so long. This is the first time I've seen something like this.

**"Little Girl"** | This looks like a sliding piece... Let's have a look?

Invitation

**"Prisoner"** | This is the "invitation" prepared by the mysterious host. If I didn't randomly come across this on the street, I probably would have spent Christmas elsewhere.
It says, "This is not a game," yet we had to find the exact location of this place through games. What kind of guests did the puzzle maker think this would attract?

Magnifying Glass

**Novelist** | I guess the owner of the house used this magnifier to observe the map or search for clues.
Perhaps the owner's keen on printed materials. All the maps and atlas hanging around the house are carefully kept.

Stack of Books

**Entomologist** | This book discusses the difference in the emotional expressions between humans and chimpanzees. An interesting topic.

**Novelist** | Oh, this is right down my alley. It's filled with urban legends and peculiar stories.
I believe that all writers' inspirations for fiction come from actual experiences, as well as their souls shaped by previous experiences. I'm no exception.