Silent Splendor/Story

The story unfolds at Demori Academy, an institution with a century-long history. The newly appointed president of the Detective Club, nicknamed the "Wild Child," faces his greatest challenge yet: solving the "Clock Tower Fire Case." However, as with any hero's journey, the path to challenge often proves more arduous than the challenge itself.

The pivotal moment arrives during the annual inter-school cricket match final, marking tense rivalry between Demori Academy and Roche Academy.

Chapter 1: Terrible Morning[]

In the opinion of the new president of the Detective Club, known as the "Wild Child," the pivotal moment occurs during the final match of the annual Inter-school Cricket Tournament between Demori Academy and Roche Academy when they start competing against each other for the tenth time.

Speak to "Answer"

"Answer"

The cricket match starts in two hours. President, please think hard—where are the tickets?

The harmless accident hasn't affected the detectives' good mood. After all, they have embarked on the journey to witness "Demori's honor."
Speak to "Answer"
There were four carriages from the cricket team parked at the Central Court where the fountain statue stood. The first three carriages had four team members, while the last had three. The court was packed with students sending the cricket team off. In the crowd, "Answer" seemed to have run into someone she knew and walked over with the other two.
"Answer"	"Pistil!" Where are you going?
"Pistil"	"Answer?" Are you going to watch the cricket match as well?
"Wild Child"	Even though she looks familiar, I don't know this student named "Pistil." However, this isn't a problem for a seasoned detective, especially one who is well-trained.
Hat A gardening hat adorned with a purple bow tie, maintaining a professional appearance while subtly reflecting the owner's personal interests. Uniform The familiar school badge is sewn on the brand-new uniform. Judging from the style, she should also be a freshman. Gloves A pair of fingerless gloves—perhaps from the gardening club, the riding club, or the rock climbing club. Or maybe she simply likes wearing them.
"Wild Child"	(A heavy tool bag with cricket bats sticking out like miniature oars rests by her feet. It's too heavy to carry, so she left it there.)
"Answer"	This is my dorm mate, "Pistil," the daughter of the cricket team consultant. She is a member of the gardening club and also assists with the cricket team.
"Pistil"	When you caught the limerick writer "Lentini" last time, "Answer" told me all about it multiple times in the dormitory. It was so interesting! Ever since I heard that the Detective Club reopened, I've been eager to hear new detective stories. It's a shame there are always so many hiccups before a match.
"Answer"	What's wrong?
"Pistil"	The tool bag containing bats and team uniforms from the Honor Carriage has gone missing. While we were searching for it, the coachman of the Honor Carriage suddenly vanished.
"Wild Child"	The Honor Carriage?
"Pistil"	Yes, because we have so many different tools, we try to avoid grabbing the wrong ones and transporting the wrong ones and transporting them frequently. Additionally, due to the team captain's superstitious beliefs, the cricket team uses designated carriages with fixed locations: Victory, Persistence, Courage, and Honor. The Honor Carriage is reserved for our team captain, our top batter, and their friends. A reserve player rides with them to carry or organize things.
"Answer"	This isn't good. Do you need help? We have an empty seat in our carriage.
"Pistil"	Thank you for the offer! But we can't trouble the audience. I've just retrieved some backup bats from the cricket team, and the reserve player from the Honor Carriage will step in as the coachman for now. Please enjoy the match!
"Wild Child"	("Pistil" quickly but kindly bid farewell to the members of the Detective Club and then made her way through the crowd toward the carriage. What an adorable woman.)
"Touchstone"	The cricket team is getting ready to go. We should hurry up as well.

An accident drives the prominent match in an unexpected direction.
However, no one realized at the time that the minor incident before the trip was an omen of greater trouble. On their way to Roche Academy, the Honor Carriage, driven by the reserve player, overturned. The team members inside were injured to varying degrees, with the top batter suffering the most serious injuries.
Just when everyone thought this unfortunate event would end Demori Academy's winning streak, the No. 2 batter, a reserve batter, turned the game around in the final innings and became the hero of the entire school.
Speak to "Touchstone"
"Wild Child"	At the time, I thought there was no way we could win. We had six chances left, two of which needed to be top-scoring hits, and we had a reserve player who had never played before.
"Touchstone"	A hero always makes their debut at the more opportune moment.
"Wild Child"	Indeed, Demori's new hero is known as "Plank." Wait a minute, that name sounds familiar.
"Answer"	He's one of the three witnesses to the clock tower fire. Before the fire, he and two others walked by the clock tower and reportedly saw someone other than "Nightingale" ascending it. However, afterward, they all denied seeing anyone else. It's very likely they're hiding something.
"Wild Child"	I must find a chance to ask him about it.
"Touchstone"	It may be quite difficult now. If you walk over to "Plank" now, you will very likely be considered a manic fan asking for an autograph.
"Wild Child"	Ah... once I uncover the truth about the clock tower fire, I'll have my own headline in the school paper and fans.
"Touchstone" shrugged nonchalantly and didn't continue with the topic. His attention shifted to the formation outside the window.
The cricket team returned to school. They should have been heading to the stadium join the celebration for their win, yet the hero "Plank" trailed behind the formation, walking by himself. Those at the front occasionally turned to look at him, but their gazes weren't exactly friendly. They seemed more like... jealousy or anger?
The curious atmosphere alerted the three members of the Detective Club to a potential conspiracy. However, before they could investigate further, the often-overlooked fourth member began to protest.
Mr. Boar	Hmph!
"Touchstone"	What is he fussing about?
"Wild Child"	He's complaining because we didn't take him to the match.
"Answer"	I nearly forgot, Mr. Boar. You're still awaiting punishment for what you did to the tickets.
"Touchstone"	Calm down, Mr. Boar. Your trial will begin now!
Yet before Mr. Boar's trial commenced, it was interrupted by a series of knocks at the door. The visitor seemed surprised by the first knock, as the subsequent knocks gradually became softer.
"Answer"	"Pistil! What brings you here? That turnaround at the end made me so nervous. What's going on? You won, but you look miserable.
"Wild Child"	Is it about the crash?
"Pistil"	No wonder you're the president of the Detective Club. The cricket team is currently arguing about this. Some members suspect that the crash was no accident.
"Answer"	Are you trying to say—
"Pistil"	This might have been a staged "accident." The final match of the cricket tournament took place at 10:00 AM at Roche Stadium, which an hour away from the academy. To ensure they arrived on time, the cricket team decided to gather for departure at 8:00 AM. Once we had gather, we encountered trouble with the Honor Carriage. The tool bag in the luggage had disappeared, and the coachman was missing. "Touchdown," who had initially planned to stay behind because he wasn't feeling well, volunteered to be the coachman for the Honor Carriage. After I retrieved backup bats from the cricket team and placed them in the Honor Carriage, the team set off in order at 8:30. Twenty minutes later, as the carriage sped past an alley, it struck a skipping stone. The impact tore the harness, causing the carriage to roll over. Apart from "Touchdown," who was unharmed, the other three team members inside the carriage sustained injuries ranging from scratches and sprains to bone fractures. The accident caused a delay, and they arrived at the venue at 9:40. The consultant believed it was an accident, but some team members suspected that "Touchdown" had deliberately caused it. They have two reasons for their suspicion. First, "Touchdown" was expelled from the American football team due to repeated fouls. He then joined the cricket team as a reserve player, which limited his playing time. His hot temper frequently led to conflicts with other team members. Second, the skipping stone in question is similar to a raised sidewalk, placed to address water accumulation at the end of the alley. There are gaps between the skipping stone that typically allow carriages to pass through without any issues, so they wouldn't interfere with traffic. That's the gist of it. The consultant didn't want the cricket team to be influenced by rumors. He believed that without knowing the full truth, no conclusion could be drawn about whether the incident was a deliberate act or an accident.
"Wild Child"	How much do you know about "Touchdown?"
"Pistil"	From a certain perspective, their suspicions seemed reasonable. "Touchdown" does have a hot temper, but previous conflicts were always initiated by the other team members taunting him. However, my gut tells me that "Touchdown" wouldn't do something like this.
"Touchstone"	Harboring hard feelings from being snubbed and taunted, he saw an opportunity to send the driver away and cause an accident, ultimately leading the to cricket team's defeat in the final. This motive seems plausible.
"Pistil"	What else do you want to know?
Gathering time
"Wild Child"	Do you gather this early every time?
"Pistil"	Yes, before a match begins, team members typically need an hour to change into the uniforms and warm up.
Strange disappearance
"Wild Child"	How did you find out that the tool bag was missing?
"Pistil"	The tool bag, which usually sits on the luggage rack, contains the bats, knee guards, helmets, and uniforms for three team members. It is large and heavy, but on that day, we couldn't find it on the luggage rack.
"Touchdown" as the substitute coachman
"Wild Child"	Who exactly is this student named "Touchdown"?
"Pistil"	"Touchdown," a reserve player responsible for tasks requiring physical strength, claimed he wasn't feeling well that day and therefore wasn't supposed to join the team. The team captain even complained to the consultant about his absence.
Location of the incident
"Wild Child"	Do you have any additional details about the incident?
"Pistil"	The front half of the alley was downhill, making it difficult to control the speed of the carriage. The skipping stones were located in the latter half. Since it was the last carriage, no one witnessed the entire incident. Therefore, it's impossible to determine whether the accident was caused by the carriage wheel hitting a skipping stone.
"Touchdown's" injury
"Wild Child"	"Touchdown" wasn't injured at all?
"Pistil"	I wouldn't say he emerged completely unscathed. Since he was sitting outside the carriage, he managed to jump off before it rolled over.
"Wild Child"	If we can't find a strong motive, at least from what we've seen, there isn't much to suggest that it wasn't an accident. Also, even if he deliberately ran into the skipping, he could easily claim he wasn't paying attention or that the horse was frightened. Unless we can link him to other factors that caused the incident, such as the coachman's disappearance, proving his involvement will be difficult.
"Answer"	On the other hand, was it the same carriage model as before? Could the wheels have been too wide?
"Pistil"	I'm not sure about the specifics. "Plank" has always been responsible for renting the carriages.
"Answer"	"Plank" again.
"Touchstone"	President, the decision is yours. Do you want to take on this case? This is no child's play, like catching a limerick writer or helping the library find misplaced books.
Mr. Boar	Hmph!
"Wild Child"	This will give me a chance to speak with "Plank" and possibly gather information about the clock tower fire from a year ago. As a seasoned detective, I won't overlook any detail, no matter no small. Let's begin our investigation immediately. Our first stop: the Cricket Team!

The cricket team is the pride of Demori Academy, but that distinction doesn't extend to every member.
On the cricket field ajacent to the stadium, "Wild Child" and three others encountered the Cricket Team. The team members were shouting and seemed extremely angry. The team members were shouting and seemed extremely angry. The team's consultant was struggling to maintain order.
Speak to "Anvil"
"Touchdown"	How many times have I told you? I didn't drink any alcohol, and I didn't hit that stone on purpose—real men settle their scores on the field. I'm not interested in anything like that!
"Anvil"	I promise I will get to the bottom of this. If it wasn't an accident, the culprit will be punished. Instead of yelling here, why don't you go look for that coachman?
"Wild Child"	The consultant seemed to have significant authority within the team. Given his statue, no member would likely challenge him. Reluctantly the team dispersed. At "Pistil's" request, the consultant asked "Plank" and "Touchdown" to stay behind. "Pistil" then introduced us to the consultant.
"Anvil"	What happened was due to my negligence. As a teacher, I hope it was just an accident. But if it wasn't, I won't let it go. Ask me anything you need; I'm here to help.
"Answer"	You're standing firm as usual.
"Touchstone"	Yes, just like during your P.E. exam.
Seeing the look on "Answer's" face, "Touchstone" quickly changed the subject.
"Wild Child"	Let's start with some questions about the crash. If possible, I'd also like to discuss the clock tower fire, though it's become a taboo topic at the academy. I shouldn't get my hopes up.
Eyes The angular features and piercing eyes of the man always sent a chill down your spine, especially as you remembered the unfinished handicrafts homework you needed to submit. Hands He wore protective gloves on both hands, making it clear that consulting was just a side job for him.
"Touchdown"
"Wild Child"	How well do you know "Touchdown?"
"Anvil"	He joined the team about two months ago. His stamina was remarkable and he showed great potential as a player. However, he lacked formal cricket training. Before joining the cricket team, he played American football.
"Wild Child"	I heard he was expelled from the American football team for repeated rule violations.
"Anvil"	This was more due to his reckless and impatient nature than his character. He disliked lengthy competition procedures and often resorted to intense physical confrontations to score.
"Wild Child"	Since joining the cricket team, he hasn't gotten along with the other team members, has he?
"Anvil"	Indeed, he made most of the team members angry. Partly because of his history of rule violations and partly because new players with significant potential often make others uneasy. I did my best to mediate, but some veteran team members couldn't resist teasing him, and "Touchdown" never stayed clam under insults. Their relationship deteriorated further.
"Wild Child"	So the team members thought "Touchdown" staged the accident?
"Anvil"	It wasn't just that. We were running late and didn't pay attention at the time. It turned out "Touchdown's" so-called "not feeling well" was because he was drunk. When we returned and they found out, it changed the nature of the incident—it became an accident caused by drunk driving. At Demori, drinking is strictly forbidden for lower grades, with severe penalties or even expulsion for violators. I can't understand why "Touchdown" would do such a thing.
"Plank"
"Wild Child"	"Plank" is likely the best player in the morning match.
"Anvil"	I'm not surprised. He was admitted to the academy for his exceptional cricket skills. From what I know, this was his first time on the field. In his two years at Demori, despite my efforts, "Plank" hardly ever attended proper training sessions, let along played in a match. He came from another country, and local team members, especially the team captain from a prestigious family, were biased against foreigners. Additionally, our country lost to "Plank's" home country in an international tournament. Some aristocrats and sponsors supporting the Cricket Team frequently reminded me that having a foreign player might attract criticism. I hope his brilliant performance in the match will earn him more chances to play.
Clock tower fire
"Wild Child"	Do you remember the clock tower fire a year ago?
"Anvil"	Why are you asking about that? It has nothing to do with this incident, my child. Some things are better left unspoken.
"Answer"	As expected, we hit a dead end...
"Touchstone"	The more something is kept secret, the more curiosity it attracts. If we help solve the current case perhaps the consultant will reveal something to us.
Nothing right now
"Anvil"	If you need help with anything else, please let me know.
Speak to "Plank"
"Plank"	So, are you the one who reopened the Detective Club?"
"Wild Child"	Yeah. My partner solved the riddle from that building. According to the school's rules, he earned the right to use it. But for certain reasons, he had to transfer the right to me. ("Plank" doesn't seem particularly interested in the Detective Club and quickly changes the topic.)
Face His dark skin stands out, clearly indicating he's a foreigner. Despite the victory, there's no trace of joy on his lean face, suggesting he's unperturbed by the outcome. Pocket An envelope peeks out from his pants pocket. Has an obsessed fan already written to him? Noticing my gaze, "Plank" glares at me and shoves the envelope back inside. Arm A slight discoloration mars his exposed skin, resembling a scar from a healed burn. Knee pad His brand-new competition knee pads, likely barely used, are disproportionately covered in random patches of grassy mud.
"Plank"	What do you want from me?
The crash
"Wild Child"	We have some questions about the crash today. Where were you when it happened?
"Plank"	I was on the Victory Carriage. I only realized there was an accident when I heard the horses neigh and the crash behind me.
"Wild Child"	Were you responsible for renting the carriages?
"Plank"	Yes. Every reserve player has to find something to do. Compared to cleaning the stadium, tidying equipment, or pulling weeds, this is relatively easy.
"Wild Child"	Do you know where the coachman was?
"Plank"	That old man is infamous for his drinking. When he's drunk, he even says rude things to us, the team members running errands. I suppose he got drunk and fell asleep somewhere in the shrubs. I always made a point of requesting trustworthy coachmen when hiring a carriage, but they sent him again today. Given the large crowd expected for the final, they might have been short-staffed.
"Wild Child"	The other three carriages went through just fine, but only the last one crashed. Is it because the last carriage was a different model?
"Plank"	This carriage company leases the carriages to coachmen. While some might be older, their model is the same.
"Touchdown"
"Wild Child"	Both you and 'Touchdown' are reserve players. Do you spend much time together?
"Plank"	There's a hierarchy among reserve players. Since he's the most junior, he gets stuck with dirty and tiring tasks like cleaning the stadium. Outside of training, I don't hang out with him much.
The win
"Wild Child"	Those last few bats were awesome. (I barely caught a glimpse of a proud smile in the corner of "Plank's" mouth.)
"Plank"	Over the past two years, I've been looking forward to playing against Roche Academy.
"Wild Child"	You finally got the chance to prove yourself. You must have been excited. I understand what it's like to be in the spotlight, with every eye on you and the crowd cheering at your every move. It's similar to performing on stage.
"Plank"	Don't compare the two. Every batter dreams of playing, but sometimes, no matter how hard you train, it's futile. And when I played today, it felt underwhelming... The bowlers at Roche Academy were predictable, not even half as good as the cricket team from the next town over. If I had played last year, we wouldn't have struggled for the win.
"Wild Child"	(I can relate to this feeling. Every time I returned to my dimly lit room with Mr. Boar after a performance, my heart was engulfed by a bleak sense of emptiness.) (The spotlights, the flowers, the applause—they all felt unreal, like a dream. Yet, I secretly despise myself for longing to dream again.)
The arson case
"Wild Child"	On the night of the arson a year ago, I heard you saw someone going up the clock tower. ("Plank" looks away, his lips pressed in frustration. From this, I sense his resolve not to say a word more.)
"Touchstone"	As expected, even our previous president "Orpheus" couldn't get him to talk. We'll need to work harder to get any information out of him.
Nothing right now
"Plank"	Alright, we've taken up enough of your time.
Speak to "Touchdown"
"Touchdown"	What would you like to learn more about?
Face He leaned helplessly against the corner, forcing himself to keep his eyelids from drooping. Sluggish movements, unsteady center of gravity, mild symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Body He's stout, and at least twenty pounds heavier than the other members of the cricket team. For some reason, he's still wearing the American football training jersey.
The drinking
"Wild Child"	I heard that you were drinking before driving the carriage.
"Touchdown"	That was completely an accident! Even if I'm not the brightest, I would never be foolish enough to drink before a match and then volunteer to drive the carriage!
"Touchstone"	Perhaps you were nervous about the great crime you were about to commit, so you had a drink for courage and ended up drinking too much.
"Touchdown"	That sounds much more reasonable... burps but it's far from the truth! Are you confident you can stand by your conclusions? If so, I'll challenge you to defend my honor.
"Wild Child"	You're not even sober right now! A great detective wouldn't exploit a situation like this. If you didn't drink willingly, could someone have forced it on you?
"Touchstone"	That's not out of the question. What exactly did you drink yesterday?
"Touchdown"	I had a glass of warm milk when I woke up, a glass of my usual lightly salted water after morning practice, then I had a glass of lemon water, and before I left, I had a pot of elderflower syrup.
"Answer"	Could you really have consumed that much? The way you drank, even if you had a lot of alcohol, it would have been diluted.
"Touchdown"	You have to believe how much an exhausted, strong man needs to be hydrated. After one lap, even if it's mud, I can still be happy to gorge it down.
"Touchstone"	That is unnecessary.
The crash
"Wild Child"	Can you describe in detail what happened when the crash took place?
"Touchdown"	I'm also quite puzzled by what actually happened. The carriage was speeding downhill, and the horses continued to move forward when the carriage hit a loose stone. As a result the harness on the right side tore, causing the carriage to overturn. I don't believe the crash was caused by the carriage hitting the loose stone. Carriages have been passing through that area for years, creating deep grooves in the stones where the wheels would naturally align without any need for manual adjustment.
"Answer"	I do recall that the road being filled with wheel grooves. Where is the carriage now? Examining the wheels might help us pinpoint the impact.
"Touchdown"	The carriage is with Mr. "Universal Shaft." It's an old dilapidated vehicle, so infested with insects that it nearly fell apart after the crash. The consultant asked him to investigate the cause of the accident.
The cricket team
"Wild Child"	How's your relationship with the other cricket team members?
"Touchdown"	They're a bunch of arrogant, rude, and overbearing snobs! All they care about is ingratiating themselves with the senior players, regardless of how outdated their techniques are. During the tryout on the first day, I outperformed them easily. I also pointed out their weaknesses in strength training after the match. You'd think they'd appreciate the feedback, but they've been nothing but hostile since and keep bothering me.
"Touchstone"	Ah, brother, that's something you'll have to learn to deal with.
The fire
"Touchdown"	I only joined the academy this year, so I don't know much more than you do. But I heard that the girl who died in the fire recently appeared in the library... Just thinking about it gives me chills.
Nothing right now
"Touchdown"	I swear the crash was an accident!
"Wild Child"	I'm beginning to understand why "Pistil" thinks "Touchdown" is innocent...
"Touchstone"	I'm starting to see why 'Pistil' believes 'Touchdown' is innocent. If he didn't drink any alcohol as he claimed, then either he unknowingly consumed something with alcohol, or someone spiked his drink.
"Pistil"	But 'Touchdown' is just a reserve player—no one would expect him to be driving a carriage. Spiking his drink wouldn't affect the match's outcome, and it should be easy to detect if a drink was tampered with.
"Touchstone"	Not necessarily. While alcohol is banned inside the school, there are always meddlesome students hoping to have a drink. The illicit alcohol market here is flourishing. The school believes learning how to drink responsibility should be part of campus life, so senior students are allowed to drink at Coronation Street pubs. Some seniors, strapped for cash, smuggle beer, brandy and whiskey onto campus, selling them to middlemen at high prices. The middlemen then mix the liquor with spices, lemon, and jam to create cocktails that barely taste like alcohol, evading the teachers' scrutiny.
"Answer"	How come you know so much about this?
"Touchstone"	In case you've forgotten, I'm a rising senior this year. I happen to know the middleman through whom most of the campus liquor passes. We should ask her if she has any leads.
"Answer"	So, are you a "meddlesome" student" or "strapped for cash?"
"Touchstone"	Both and neither, but that's not important. Besides the middleman, we also need to find "Universal Shaft" to learn more about the crash.
"Pistil"	Perhaps we should search for the missing coachman. According to "Plank," he shouldn't be far from Central Court.

There is too much ambition and discontentment behind the glory.
It's almost dusk and the sun is setting. Twilight hangs over the treetops as the Cricket Team members father in front of the stadium, their hollers echoing like a flock of ravens.
Cricket Team Member	"I knew you had bad intentions coming to the Cricket Team..."
Cricket Team Member	"You were expelled from the American Football Club. I really don't understand why the consultant always watches out for you."
Cricket Team Member	"Who cares if you play well? How dare you act arrogant when you're just a reserve player?"
Standing in the middle of the Cricket Team players, "Touchdown" took the accusations helplessly.
The consultant did his best to mediate, but being a bit clumsy with words, he struggled to suppress the team members' anger.
Speak to "Plank"
"Wild Child"	Are you angry at their accusations?
"Plank"	It's part of the training. At least that's what they always said. Maybe they're right. After all, I went through the same thing before I figured out how to survive here.
"Wild Child"	Is that why you plotted that crash?
"Plank"	...
"Wild Child"	We should have suspected you from the start. It's just that the team won because of you, and everyone was so focused on "Touchdown" that we neglected looking into you. You and "Touchdown" had the same motive. In search of a greater "stage," you left home and came here. Yet, you were ostracized for being a foreigner and could only be a reserve player, running errands like renting carriages. While renting carriages, you discovered the hole in the luggage and how the springs changes shape, which made you realize how to use the skipping stones.
"Touchstone"	Therefore, you plotted an incident that looked like a series of coincidences, not for revenge but for a chance to play. To do this, you secretly switched "Touchdown's" elderflower syrup with a "special," as he was the only one who could take your place when choosing a reserve player.
"Wild Child"	"Plank furrows his brows, gives "Touchstone" a disdainful look, and then fixed his eyes on me.
"Plank"	You bunch "revived" "Orpheus's" Detective Club, right? And this is your deduction?
"Wild Child"	Yes... well, I mean, not entirely.
"Touchstone" and "Answer" look confusedly at "Wild Child" but don't interrupt him.
The testimony that proves "Plank" indeed has talent and potential is... The consultant noted that while "Touchdown" possesses remarkable physical abilities, he has never undergone systematic training. You, on the other hand, are the best batter.
Testimony: "Plank" - Skillful I'm not surprised. He was admitted to the academy for his exceptional cricket skills.
"Wild Child"	The consultant noted that while "Touchdown" possesses remarkable physical abilities, he has never undergone systematic training. You, on the other hand, are the best batter. "Pistil" also mentioned that the locations of the cricket team carriages are fixed. The Honor Carriage players consist solely of batters, ensuring that "Touchdown" would never stand in your way as a reserve player. The reason you got "Touchdown" drunk... ...was because you didn't want him to board the carriage that was destined to crash.
A heavy silence fell among them, making the earlier accusations seem distant.
"Plank"	Sometimes, to step onto the "stage," you must make preparations behind the scenes. You understand what I mean, "Wild Child." I've heard your story—you were rescued from the circus by a charitable organization and whimsically sent to Demori by an educator.
"Wild Child"	Losing your stage as an actor is akin to a batter losing their playing field.
"Plank"	Moreover, you transitioned from the wilderness to civilization, just like I did. Back home, my friends and I played cricket in the wild, without any rules or points. We bowled and batted until we collapsed on the grass from exhaustion. Yet even though there are rules here, I no longer get to play.
"Wild Child"	Now that your wish has come true, how do you feel?
"Plank"	... Bored as hell.
"Wild Child"	Perhaps it's because that's not what you truly wanted. Watching someone else be blamed for your actions doesn't sit well with you, does it? Are you really going to remain silent?
"Plank"	Remain silent?" I see. In that case, you should take this.
"Plank" sighs in relief and hands "Wild Child" a letter—a latter he has kept hidden. The familiar touch of the envelope instantly reveals its origin.
As expected, the opening line is one "Wild Child" knew by heart: If you are reading this, it means I have met an unfortunate demise, and the murderer is hiding in Demori Academy.
As he reads on, a different message is written: "The silent are also accomplices."
"Wild Child"	This letter is from "Orpheus."
"Plank"	That day, I did see someone in the clock tower with "Nightingale."
"Answer"	What did you just say?!
"Plank"	"Warning Letter" and "Swan" entered before "Nightingale."
"Touchstone"	You mean Duke Kriess's son, "Warning Letter," and the president of the Dance Club, "Swan?"
"Plank"	Yes. Since I didn't get to play back then, I joined the Boy Scouts. We often camped in the forest to the west. That day, as we walked through the tower's archway and past the lake, we say them entering the clock tower with "Nightingale," within half an hour, a fire had broken out. When "Orpheus" first came to investigate, we were still in shock and told him everything. However, the school president visited us afterwards and strictly forbade us from discussing the incident to protect the academy's reputation. So, when "Orpheus" returned for more evidence, we chose to stay silent.
"Wild Child"	This wasn't entirely your fault.
"Plank"	Don't get me wrong, but I don't need your sympathy. I've done what I was supposed to do. It's time to end this.
"Wild Child"	An end?
"Plank"	Everyone should face the consequences of their actions. My foolish teammate has paid his price, and now it's my turn.
"Plank" hands me the letter and heads toward the noisy crowd.

Welcome the new "troublemakers."
Speak to "Answer"
"Wild Child"	From the previous case, we gathered numerous clues about the clock tower fire. We should summarize today. Since last year, "Orpheus" sent out a total of eight letters. The recipients were "Swan," "Warning Latter," "Signal," "Flint," "Black Sheep," "Lady," "Encyclopedia," and "Plank." We've finally obtained the first letter.
"Touchstone"	Up until now, we know that... "Nightingale" entered the clock tower with "Warning Letter" and "Swan," and a fire broke out afterward. "Nightingale" died in the fire, while "Warning Letter" and "Swan" made it out. For some reason, the academy accused "Sixpence" of starting the fire because he was smoking near the clock tower. He was subsequently expelled. "Orpheus" didn't believe the official account. He discovered from the Boy Scouts, who witnessed the event, that all three had entered the clock tower. However, the school warned the scouts to remain silent. As a result, "Orpheus" was detained. Upon his release, he vowed to reveal the truth on Open Day during Social Season.
"Answer"	Yet he mysteriously disappeared the day before Open Day. That's all the information we have.
"Wild Child"	Our next priority should be to locate the other letters, focusing on "Warning Letter" and "Swan."
"Touchstone"	Indeed. But "Warning Letter" comes from a distinguished family and suffers from a rare condition, making it hard to approach him. Extracting information from him won't be easy.
"Answer"	"Swan" has been popular since she enrolled and is now the president of the Dance Club, making her equally difficult to approach.
"Wild Child"	"Answer!" Why don't you go undercover at the Dance Club?
"Answer"	Why don't you go?!
Knock, knock, knock. A series of gentle, friendly knocks came at the door.
"Answer"	Who could it be at this hour?
The door next to "Touchstone" opens, revealing "Pistil," who carries a picnic basket draped with a green and white checkered cloth. The delightful aroma of cookies escapes through the fabric's seams.
Behind her, the big and burly "Touchdown" squeezed through the door, causing the boards to creak under his weight.
"Pistil"	Good afternoon, everyone. I baked some cookies to thank you for solving the case. Additionally, we have a favor to ask.
"Wild Child"	You shouldn't have, "Pistil!"
"Pistil"	Well... "Touchdown," you go ahead.
"Wild Child" had already sprung up from the lounge chair and started munching on the cookies. Meanwhile, "Answer" and "Touchstone" were more restrained, merely tasting the treats. After hearing their conversation, all three directed their attention to "Touchdown."
"Wild Child"	What's this mysterious favor?
"Touchdown"	Will you let us join the Detective Club?

"Wild Child"	Hey, "Answer," I heard from "Touchdown" that you joined the Dance Club?
"Answer"	The truth is, I was just there to introduce them to a very promising actor.
"Wild Child"	Who?
"Answer"	It's a secret, but I can give you a clue.
"Wild Child"	A great detective only needs one clue to uncover the truth.
"Answer"	They're about to rehearse A Midsummer's Night's Dream.

"Answer"	"Wild Child," don't you think we should recruit more people?
"Wild Child"	You have someone in mind?
"Answer"	The president of the Arts Club, your dorm mate, and Demori's greatest profiler!
"Wild Child"	What do you need him for?
"Answer"	I need him to paint a non-existent... I suppose you can call it a person.
"Wild Child"	How do you paint a non-existent person?
"Answer"	At midnight, Papa Legba will offer us guidance.

"Wild Child"	Hey! How's your day, "Touchdown?"
"Touchdown"	I was just looking for you, "Wild Child." Do you need me to walk Mr. Boar?
"Wild Child"	I'm not sure if he needs... a walk?
"Touchdown"	That's a shame. There's no better racing partner than him in the academy.

"Wild Child"	"Touchdown," have you heard from "Plank" recently?
"Touchdown"	He quit the Cricket Team and is now in lockdown as per the school president, but luckily, the consultant vouched for him.
"Wild Child"	Can he still play cricket?
"Touchdown"	Of course, if he gets out.

"Wild Child"	"Touchstone," can you help me with my Latin homework?
"Touchstone"	My friend, what makes you think I'm good at that kind of tedious writing?
"Wild Child"	Whenever you're in a daze, you're always saying "Ode... theus... fortuna... loire..." Which, as far as I know, is a Latin proverb. I thought you enjoyed the course.
"Touchstone"	Fire, you're right, but I didn't learn only Latin phrase I know from "Tyrant's" class.

"Wild Child"	Oh my... if this goes on, will I end up like "Touchstone" and get stuck as a freshman?
"Touchstone"	First, the reason I had to repeat the year wasn't because I couldn't hand in an experiment report or a poetry assignment with as many spelling errors as words. Tell me, how did you get such a good grade in Theology?
"Wild Child"	Probably because of a "calling?" So, you had to repeat the year because you failed Theology?
"Touchstone"	No, that's impossible. I didn't even take that class.
"Wild Child"	Then why?
"Touchstone"	The official reason is that I was out sick for most of the school year.
"Wild Child"	(Although "Touchstone" doesn't look like he'd been seriously ill, my instincts tell me I should let this topic slide.)

"Wild Child"	Bon... bo... ju... Mr. President (The school president frowned at me and nodded grudgingly.) ("Answer" said people are kind to those who greet them in their native language.) (But clearly, that doesn't apply to the school president.)

"Wild Child"	Maybe I can ask the school president for advice on improving my Latin. Fine, not just about Latin... Never mind, I won't bother him and risk ruining his mood.

"Cheers"	Life without creation is degeneration.
"Wild Child"	Uhh... is this a new secret code?
"Cheers"	No, we've always had two secret codes used randomly. So, you answer is?
"Wild Child"	I... I don't know. "Touchstone" didn't tell me the other one.
"Cheers"	That's because he doesn't know. Poor "Touchstone" went back to being a freshman before getting it.
"Wild Child"	Then...
"Cheers"	I'm sorry. Without the secret code, we don't do business with freshman.

"Cheers"	One can have no thoughts without books!
"Wild Child"	One can have no intuition without alcohol!
"Cheers"	Looks like I need to change the secret code. How can I assist you, friend of "Touchstone"?
"Wild Child"	I was wondering if the legendary ghost has appeared lately?
"Cheers"	Perhaps? I'm not sure. Besides the Psychic Club, I doubt anyone is keen on exploring the attic of the library in the middle of the night.

"Wild Child"	Hey, "Turpentine," have you thought about the invitation to join the Detective Club? "Answer" was right; if we had a... uh...
"Turpentine"	Profiler.
"Wild Child"	Yes, if we had a profiler, we'd be even better.
"Turpentine"	It's a nice idea, but I'm not joining right now. Come find me when you have more imaginative cases.

"Wild Child"	Good morning, "Turpentine."
"Turpentine"	It's getting late, my dear dorm mate. If I were you, I'd head to the Lecture Building instead of chatting here. I don't suppose you want to get caught by the school president, do you?

"Pistil"	Greetings, "Wild Child." What's your favorite flower?
"Wild Child"	Flower?
"Pistil"	Yes, I plan to plant some new flowers in the flower bed in front of the Detective Club. "Touchstone" likes alfalfa, but the soil conditions here aren't suitable. "Answer" likes hibiscuses, but the temperature isn't right. "Touchdown" likes kalmias, but the garden is too small.
"Wild Child"	Perhaps we can plant some carrots? I'm sure Mr... oh, I mean, I really like them.

"Wild Child"	Greetings, "Pistil." What are you doing?
"Pistil"	I'm catching the culprit who destroyed the flower seedlings. I just planted them yesterday.
"Wild Child"	Do you have any clues?
"Pistil"	It's a cunning offender who swiftly made his move as night and has... four legs?
"Wild Child"	(I have a bad feeling about this. Mr. Boar, please tell me my instincts are wrong.)

"Wild Child"	No, I'm not going here. Not before I finished the experiment report for "Universal Shaft." Fine, what I mean is... if the day comes.

"Universal Shaft"	Am I going to see an apple fly tomorrow? Oh my, "Wild Child," you're actually here. Are you finally going to save your terrible grade?
"Wild Child"	No, Professor, I mean, I will work hard on my physics grade, but I'm here to ask about "Nightingale" today.
"Universal Shaft"	Oh, such a shame, she was such an excellent student. Curious about everything. Every time she came here, she had a new question.
"Wild Child"	Then the last time you saw her, what did she ask about?
"Universal Shaft"	She asked me for the building plan for the entire school.
"Wild Child"	Building plan? I heard she's been studying at Demori since she was young. I thought she must know everything about this place.
"Universal Shaft"	This is a 400-year-old building complex, my child. What we see is only a part of it, maybe even a very small part.

8.28 Club Activities of the day
"Touchstone"	Victory to Demori! I can't imagine anyone not wanting to watch our cricket match against Roche Academy.
	Are pets allowed?	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	I'm really sorry for what Mr. Boar went through.
8.29 Club Activities of the day
	When will I make the headline in the school paper?	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	After you solved the clock tower case?
"Touchstone"	Or when you commit a bigger crime.
8.30 Club Activities of the day
"Answer"	Perhaps we should restrain Mr. Boar better. When I returned through the back of the Activities Building. I saw him at the crime scene again.
"Touchstone"	You arrested him?
"Answer"	No, he escaped with the theology teacher's protection.
	To be honest, I'm not sure if that's a good thing for him.	"Wild Child"
8.31 Club Activities of the day
"Answer"	I actually saw "Wild Child" in modern language class. For a moment, I wondered if I was dreaming or walked into the wrong classroom.
"Touchstone"	What gave him the courage to make such a bold descision?
	The name of the class made me think we'd be learning conversation skills.	"Wild Child"
9.1 Club Activities of the day
	If... and I mean if I submit the Latin homework a week late, what will happen?	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	You do realize that the lecturer for this class is the school president, right?
"Answer"	At Demori, you don't wat to see the school president's signature on anything other than your diploma.
9.2 Club Activities of the day
	Didn't "Answer" come today?	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	No, she said she had to prepare for the Psychic Club's activities.
	I've always been curious about why they do at the Psychic Club.	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	I heard that one night, the consultant accidentally stumbled into their venue during his patrol and ran out screaming. "Answer" claimed he was terrified by the rats. While the library does have a lot of rats, she should come up with a more believable excuse next time.
9.3 Club Activities of the day
	I have good news and bad news. The good news is that Mr. Boar discovered a novel manuscript in the "tree hole." I believe it was written by the former club president.	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	And the bad news?
	The bad news is that before I could finish reading it, he ate the last few pages. I don't even know how it ends.	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	That's not too bad. From what I know about him, he rarely finished writing a novel.
9.4 Club Activities of the day
"Answer"	I haven't seen "Wild Child" all day.
"Touchstone"	He went to go look for the "King of Demori" on Coronation Street.
"Answer"	How many times has His Majesty run away now?
"Touchstone"	I'm not sure, but I heard this is the last time. The "Roaring Council" is discussing deposing him and keeping him in captivity.
"Answer"	Ahh, perhaps I should apply to be the lifelong jailer of the dethroned king.
9.5 Club Activities of the day
"Pistil"	Besides the Detective Club, have you joined any other clubs? Maybe a sports team?
	Clubs with morning activities aren't for me.	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	What about the Psychic Club?
"Touchstone"	Clubs with night activities aren't for me either.
9.6 Club Activities of the day
"Answer"	Everyone, "Regal Maiden" has sent out the invitations for the mid-semester dance to all the clubs. I've put the one for the Detective Club on the table.
"Answer"	In case you didn't know, as the school's biggest dance, they have prepared delicious food, drinks, and generous game prizes—all for free.
	Thanks, "Answer!" But I'm surprised you're interested in this kind of dance.	"Wild Child"
"Pistil"	That's because "Regal Maiden" is a member of the Psychic Club.
	This is even more unbelievable than hearing "Wild Child" has joined "Chamfer's" research team.	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	Everyone has one or two surprising friends.
	Just like "Chamfer" and I are actually friends.	"Wild Child"
9.7 Club Activities of the day
	You're not going to believe this. When I stayed behind at the Detective Club today, I actually got a commission from "Black Sheep."	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	I thought he wouldn't have anything to do with anyone from school anymore.
"Pistil"	No, he just likes to be alone. So what did he want?
	He wanted a list of all the students attending Latin class. But why didn't he just ask the school president?	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	I thought you knew who "Tyrant" is...
9.8 Club Activities of the day
	I will never forgive anyone who gets in the way of me getting my craft homework done this week.	"Wild Child"
"Pistil"	Oh, what a shame. I just saw "Flint" recruiting fellow campers and though you'd be interested.
	Well, mother nature will forgive me.	"Wild Child"
9.9 Club Activities of the day
"Touchstone"	I saw a bunch of apples at the Detective Club yesterday.
	Those are practice props for my entrance exam to the Magic Club. The first class by Master "Rabbit's Foot" is on how to make an apple disappear.	"Wild Child"
"Touchstone"	Then, I believe another member of the Detective Club will master that before you do.
9.10 Club Activities of the day
	"Answer," are psychic powers omniscient? Like, if I ask the deity who the real culprit of the clock tower fire is, will they tell me?	"Wild Child"
"Answer"	In fact, we often find the right answer, but not the corresponding question.

Silent Splendor/Story

Chapter 1: Terrible Morning[]

Chapter 2: Expedition of "Honor"[]

Chapter 3: "Accident"[]

Chapter 4: Heroes and Suspects[]

Chapter 5: Missing "Cause"[]

Chapter 6: Library's Secret[]

Chapter 7: Pop Quiz[]

Chapter 8: Silent Honor[]

Chapter 9: New Members[]

Map Dialogue[]

Club Activities[]