[It's not... super shocking. The numbers would suggest that some of them have to be Bounties, and it's clear enough after all of this time that it's someone with a pretty strong moral scale. Noctis had said, after all, that their hands were clean.
It makes him think, really. It's a difficult position to be in, he imagines, to have to handle a role in this game that is designed to only lead to death. But if the Bounties had been anyone other than Noctis, than Milla...
It could have ended up a lot worse for them.
A slow breath, and he nods.]
Thank you for confiding in me. These words shall not leave this room. [A slow breath, and he adds:]
I still wish to be your ally, and I still have faith in the person you have been all of these weeks. I do not believe that was an act. You have been in a difficult position... but if it had to be anyone, I am glad it was you. That...after all of these weeks, is how I feel.
[Noctis's faith in Milla isn't misplaced, and she nods, glad for her decision to share]
It is a difficult position, but so far, none of us have been called on to carry out our other duties.
[the "Bandit disposal" duties. she still isn't sure whether Shinnosuke carried out his on Xion or not, but she supposes that is a mystery for another day]
Our leader-- and I'm afraid I can't tell you their name-- would never have been able to kill the Deputy. To kill Dr. Lecter.
We've been researching other ways to end this game this entire time. It's how I knew that there were more avenues for victory, beyond the last one standing method.
[It's a relief to hear that from Milla as well. None of them have killed then, huh...
But they would have. Stuck in that position... they wouldn't have had a choice, he suspects. Still, it didn't come to that and that's what matters.
Slowly, he breathes out, and nods.]
Yes... of course. [He...needs another drink of his alcohol to talk about this topic.] Though it seems hopeless...continuing to look for another way to win is our only option at this point.
[there's no point in thinking about that duty since no Bounty was ever called on for it, right? right!!]
The Sheriff apparently said one way to win is to ensure that the group of final survivors have no motive for killing each other. I don't think we're quite there yet, but I do believe we're getting close.
Myself and the other Bounties have forged a small alliance group with a few people without roles. We were discussing bringing you to one of our meetings. I believe every member of that group thinks your contributions would be extremely valuable.
... I see. Should that be decided upon, you know I shall gladly join you--but even if not, I shall do my best to attempt to find another solution as well.
Together, we shall find a way to end this game.
[At the very least, he feels more hopeful than he felt after that trial.]
[that's some sincere gratitude right there, although there are hints of tiredness in it. even the Lord of Spirits gets exhausted by murder after a while. but she's happy that even after all this time, even after her honesty, Barnham is still willing to be her ally]
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And to your strong dedication to the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to swallow.
[you can't just leave yourself out there, buddy. she clinks their glasses together, and then tilts hers back for a drink]
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He tips his own glass back, before setting it down on the bar surface and nodding to her.]
How are your injuries, Miss Maxwell?
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Sore. Jason agitated the wounds pretty badly, honestly. But I've had worse. They'll. . . heal, in time.
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[Milla can handle herself after all...but, well, it's only natural to be worried for her these days.]
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[at any rate, she falls silent as she once again traces her glass with her fingers. she's gone back o looking a little distracted]
Barnham. . .
There are a few things I'd like to tell you, in this last stretch of the game.
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After the drama bombs at the trial, he's not sure anything she can tell him will really shock him at this point. Still... he's listening.]
I shall listen to what you have to say.
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I'm doing this because I trust that we're still allies, after all this time. And because Noctis has already come clean to you himself.
[if that isn't a hint as to what she's about to say next, well. . .]
I'm one of the three remaining Bounties in this game.
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[It's not... super shocking. The numbers would suggest that some of them have to be Bounties, and it's clear enough after all of this time that it's someone with a pretty strong moral scale. Noctis had said, after all, that their hands were clean.
It makes him think, really. It's a difficult position to be in, he imagines, to have to handle a role in this game that is designed to only lead to death. But if the Bounties had been anyone other than Noctis, than Milla...
It could have ended up a lot worse for them.
A slow breath, and he nods.]
Thank you for confiding in me. These words shall not leave this room. [A slow breath, and he adds:]
I still wish to be your ally, and I still have faith in the person you have been all of these weeks. I do not believe that was an act. You have been in a difficult position... but if it had to be anyone, I am glad it was you. That...after all of these weeks, is how I feel.
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It is a difficult position, but so far, none of us have been called on to carry out our other duties.
[the "Bandit disposal" duties. she still isn't sure whether Shinnosuke carried out his on Xion or not, but she supposes that is a mystery for another day]
Our leader-- and I'm afraid I can't tell you their name-- would never have been able to kill the Deputy. To kill Dr. Lecter.
We've been researching other ways to end this game this entire time. It's how I knew that there were more avenues for victory, beyond the last one standing method.
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But they would have. Stuck in that position... they wouldn't have had a choice, he suspects. Still, it didn't come to that and that's what matters.
Slowly, he breathes out, and nods.]
Yes... of course. [He...needs another drink of his alcohol to talk about this topic.] Though it seems hopeless...continuing to look for another way to win is our only option at this point.
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The Sheriff apparently said one way to win is to ensure that the group of final survivors have no motive for killing each other. I don't think we're quite there yet, but I do believe we're getting close.
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But either way, he nods.]
Regardless, that means there are other ways. That is what truly matters.
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Indeed.
Myself and the other Bounties have forged a small alliance group with a few people without roles. We were discussing bringing you to one of our meetings. I believe every member of that group thinks your contributions would be extremely valuable.
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Together, we shall find a way to end this game.
[At the very least, he feels more hopeful than he felt after that trial.]
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. . . thank you, Zacharias.
[that's some sincere gratitude right there, although there are hints of tiredness in it. even the Lord of Spirits gets exhausted by murder after a while. but she's happy that even after all this time, even after her honesty, Barnham is still willing to be her ally]