guestservices | AUDIENCE FOR: Harrowhark

[ugh.]

Well, we achieved the correct result, which is what I have decided I want to pursue for now. Having decided to seek that outcome, I can hardly regret it simply because I feel sentimental.

[hm...]

But do you regret it somehow anyway?

I suppose. To a degree.

[...]

It isn't as though a different outcome would suit me more. But I understand her feelings to some degree, I think.

To a degree. [their arms then fold over their chest.]

A different outcome, of course, would have lead to a wrong one. But feelings will happen regardless. [. . .] Elaborate?

I relate to... [hmm.] The desire to survive, yet that desire inherently means that others will be hurt, that trust is not fully possible.

I would find it a bit more disturbing if you did not wish to survive, Miss Nonagesimus. [...] Even knowing that a different outcome would not be desirable for you, do you still blame her? Or do you simply understand her perspective, a bit?

Hah.

[a little laugh at that, but she shakes her head.]

How would I blame her for something she did not even intend to do? Of course I understand her perspective. I would not blame her even if she had done it on purpose.

[their shoulders relax slightly at that.]

I suppose tomorrow and going forward we will see if you're in the majority or minority. Not meaning it does not change that it happened...we cannot let that stop us in the coming weeks.

I highly doubt I have a softer heart than most here.

Perhaps not, but I believe you may have a softer heart, sometimes, than you think you do regardless.

[this just makes her embarrassed, ears going red.]

Well. If you say so. [...] Honestly, I don't know how I feel about...working hard to condemn people to death who are possessed.

It is an observation. [they consider that.] Do you believe there is still a part of them that chose to act? Or is this all the work of a potential possession?

Based on Sieghart and Clementine's descriptions, they were still themselves, only elevated. I reject this, however. I don't believe that counts as intention. We are all being forced, to a degree, due to our hostages.

...neither do I, but that is within the terms of the contract, unfortunately. As such, even those who are possessed and are not entirely themselves have consented to the terms and would qualify as guilty.

Oh, but who gives a damn what qualifies.

Oh, I don't know. Perhaps the Host whom you signed a contract with?

Well, yes. There's that obviously. But as far as I can tell there's no requirement to catch the guilty party, per se. Am I mistaken? And that is why I am not speaking of what "counts."

I don't intend to break the contract, believe me. But there is playing one's part too well, too.

There is that. You could vote for an innocent party and still fulfill the terms of the trial itself. However, I believe you're all a bit better than that in terms of finding the truth. Even if it isn't a kind one.

So you do believe that is what we ought to be doing, even now?

Yes. I do. Of course, I cannot stop you if you choose to vote for someone who may not be guilty at all. But I will always advise you to do your best to find the correct path.