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Isabella IV: Three down, two to go
Music: Ambience Atmospheric 1
You voted to handle this professionally, so...
We'll check with our supervisor
Those few moments have given me enough time to clear my head of any nervousness or confusion clouding it.
It is, ma'am. But we weren't aware the mansion had already been sold.
What do you mean?
I almost flinch when she turns her gaze on me, but I stand my ground. Besides, it isn't like I haven't dealt with awkward situations like this before. I may screw up at times, but that doesn't mean I haven't learned a thing or two in the five years I've worked in the business!
Time to put some of that five years of work experience in real estate to work, then. You don't stay around this long without picking up a thing or two on how to handle clients.
The mansion is indeed for sale, ma'am. Today's the open house, in fact. However, we haven't heard anything from the higher-ups that a deal has already been closed for this particular property. If—If you'd like, my co-agent and me can check with them right now.
She nods, seemingly in deep thought after I've finished. She appears to be a reasonable person, anyway. Given the proper explanation she'd surely understand!
Relationship Change
Thank you for your assistance, Miss Santos.
With a slight wave of her hand, she leaves us. That seems to be the end of it. Both Rose and I breathe a sigh of relief. Disaster averted. I also don't miss the thumbs up she gives me for doing a good job, and I can't help but swell with pride.
Seems like we made the right call in not appearing like a bumbling idiot. Not that pissing off the designer lady is neccessarily the wrong choice.
Still, I've already prepared myself to dial the number to our Luxbourne office and check, even if she didn't ask for it. I will be very frustrated if, for some reason, something has already been decided without my or Rose's knowledge. That's a whole new level of unfair! We've been working hard on this!
Moments later, Miss McCollough returns, looking a little frustrated but with an apology clear in her face. I feel a little sorry for her having to go through all this trouble.
There... seems to have been a little misunderstanding with my client. If you'll allow it, I'd like to stay and wait for them here?
I was informed they'll be dropping by for the open house today. I figured it'd be a waste to just leave after that long drive. I might as well meet them here.
And Isabella? I left a few documents in my car. You know where I keep those. Could you please get it for me?
Rose takes a glance at her wristwatch before tossing me a set of keys.
And hurry! We still a got a few minutes to double-check those papers.
Okay. Got it!
Their departure brings with it a stillness to keep me company, neither welcoming nor comforting. Alone, like this, it's impossible not to think of what really happened. I wish the memory isn't as elusive as it normally is. Then again, Rose already said she didn't receive any call from me. Was it just paranoia? A temporary lapse after having heard all those tales about this place?
Probably. I want to think of it as such. Better to think of it as such, so I can work in peace. Except a small part of my mind begs to differ. And if I am going to be completely honest with myself, I want nothing more than to leave this place as soon as possible. I don't know what's in this house and I don't want to know.
The keys Rose have just handed me dig into my palm, its jagged edges creating shallow ridges on my skin from how hard I'm clutching it. It's a reminder of what I still need to do and why I've taken this job in the first place. Hugging my blazer closer to my body, I exit the house to get what Rose has asked of me. Just a few more hours, Isabella. Sell the house, get the money.
Music stops.
(*thump*)
Journal Updated - OCT 21
Rose Cooper, along with a woman who introduced herself as Marianne McCollough, found Isabella Santos lying unconscious in the mansion’s foyer before the open house’s start. Unable to recall what happened prior, Isabella insisted on working, despite her co-agent’s worries about her well-being…
'October 21, Friday | Ermengarde Mansion | Afternoon'
Music: BGM Open House
(*crowd murmur in the background*)
A flock of people have already gathered in the mansion's front yard by the time we officially open the doors. I'm not sure whether I should feel baffled or underdressed, standing in their presence. Men and women of wealth and status, all dressed to the nines in fancy suits and lovely dresses of varying colors, compose the medium-sized crowd. Their necks, arms, and fingers are adorned with silver and gold, glinting in the afternoon sun. Some even have ridiculously fancy feathered hats on their heads! I really hope there aren't any magpies living nearby like in the stories. Those birds will have a field day in this!
We will never get to see any of these potential clients. Only the most important ones.
They are murmuring among themselves, looking at the estate's facade appraisingly, with some arguing about whose mansion has the superior architecture.
They don't look too pleased at being ordered around, but what can they do about it?
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Rose Cooper and this is my partner, Isabella Santos. We will be taking a tour of the mansion in two groups. Please make sure you've filled up our sign-in forms before joining a specific group.
Those who want to look around the first floor, please follow my partner. I will be guiding the ones who wish to see the ground floor.
Hearing this, a few wander to me. They are mostly old ladies who seem daunted at the idea of climbing all those stairs.
It's so nice to finally meet you! When Chief Inspector Lee mentioned that a famous interior designer is in town, I knew I had to get you.
Here's one of my favorite characters. The blonde lady has probably the best voice performance in the game. She nails the 'earnest and bubbly detachment' perfectly. Her personality is also well realized and is a big part of why route #2 is so interesting.
The man here also has a good voice performance, and his VA is probably the one who had the most fun with it. We'll have to wait a little to get to see that, though.
Also, as someone who is not British, their vocabulary is delightful to me.
Your... confidence in my skills is very flattering, ma'am.
Oh. You know each other?
Not at all, Ma'am.
You mentioned something about a 'Marianne' on our way here, darling.
Oh... yes. I think I did.
Is it just me or does it smell like something's cooking here? Mr. Suit is giving their interior designer a hell of a look.
Ah. They must be the clients she was talking about. I might have seen their faces somewhere before... some magazine? Or the television? I can't quite remember. But then again, most of our guests have likely ended up on the news, one way or another! I won't be surprised if these two already have! For people who are popular though, they aren't dressed as... loudly as the others, and in their simplicity, the couple stands out.
The woman, in particular, is stunning enough to turn the heads of most people in my group, especially the men with wandering eyes. The guy standing beside her doesn't seem to mind, though. And if I'm going to be a bit bolder with my assumptions, I'd say he's basking in the attention. Both of them, in fact! I'd think they are brother and sister if it wasn't for their public display of affection!
I'm not going to lie, with the apparent eastern influences in this game, it had me seriously worried that these two would actually turn out to be siblings down the line. Ugh. Probably half-siblings, or one was adopted, or they were separated and didn't know about each other or whatever people use to justify that.
Spoilers: They are not.
In case you're wondering, the engraving on the ring reads "My Only Sunshine".
Whatever. Couple or not, what's important is we get this deal closed, before the current owners can even think of cancelling the listing. I just hope one of the people in my or Rose's group is brave and generous enough to buy this mansion. And so, with papers in hand, I lead the way.
Journal Updated - OCT 21
Today marked the open house of the infamous Ermengarde Mansion. Opened to the public for the first time in years, Luxbourne’s most esteemed and prominent personalities gathered to catch a glimpse of the 17th-century property, including Luxbourne’s most well-known couple, Luke and Hannah Wright.
'October 21, Friday | Mansion Foyer | Afternoon'
When they aren't whispering among themselves or going oooh and aaah over one thing or another, they ask questions. From how the restoration process went, to the history of the place, I answer them all; more than happy to talk about the art pieces and architecture, mostly.
However, I'm careful not to mention anything about the urban legend. Not a good material for sales talk, even if the entire population of Luxbourne knows about it.
Some of the furnishings here are actually the 17th-century originals. All of which have undergone a painstaking restoration process, just to return its original beauty.
Even the glass… thing… colorful ones? Oh, I don't know—but you get the idea, I hope?
This lady has a small problem with names.
Especially that one, ma'am! It is said to be a gift commissioned by the fiancé of Lady Charlotte Ermengarde. The mansion's current owners have specifically requested that the restoration crew take great care in handling it. It's a priceless work of art and the most distinctive feature of the mansion.
By the time I've stopped talking, her attention is already elsewhere.
Isn't this place wonderful, darling? I told you it's not a total waste of your time.
The blonde lady keeps twirling her hair around her finger here. We don't get a lot of these small animated gestures, but it does really add to her character.
Mister Gray does not give a fuck about art or architecture. I wonder if Marianne is screaming internally at this prospect.
Well, I think it is just right. Don't you think so, Mary Anne?
It is splendid, Ma'am.
But isn't it a little too early to make plans when no deal has been signed yet?
Never mind that. It isn't going to be a problem! We've got a wonderful legal team to handle everything.
Yeah, this lovely lady is definitely used to getting whatever she wants by throwing money around. Both of them, probably.
The rest of their conversation gets lost in the chatter of our companions. I don't want to make any assumptions yet, but their sheer interest is enough to give me some semblance of hope. Oh, please, please, please let these guys be the one!
Eventually, our group reaches the kitchen.
'October 21, Friday | Mansion Kitchen | Afternoon'
Much like the rest of the house, a great deal of effort has been put in retaining the room's classical appeal. The open hearth at the end of the room, in particular, looks amazing; like the ones I've only seen in fairytale books! And mad props to the cleaning crew! Seriously. After overhearing hundreds of their complaints about the soot and tar staining the bricks, and how much of a ‘pain in the arse' cleaning this'll be, they still managed to pull this off. Or make it look presentable, at least!
The highlight of the room, however, is what's underneath this hatch here…
This is the first time the guy in gray speaks up. Mister... "Luke Wright", my memory supplies from the forms they signed earlier. His sudden attentiveness catches me off-guard. Since the start of the tour, only his wife has shown any form of genuine interest in the place. But this time, something lights up in his eyes at the mention of the undercroft.
What's so interesting about a basement? I really don't understand rich people sometimes. Right now, he just gives me the impression of a child who has seen what he absolutely wants for Christmas. I've always found it cute whenever I see children act that way—my younger siblings, especially. On a grown man? It's almost funny!
Yes, sir! It could house around seven thousand to eleven thousand bottles of wine!
Truly? And the room? How was it built?
The bricks that were used to build the cellar have been carefully picked for the purpose of maintaining and preserving a constant temperature and humidity in the room.
It's a good place to keep your private collection in, if you have one, sir!
It keeps the corks in good condition.
You know we're going to need space for that, darling.
And this isn't big enough?!
If it's space you're worried about, sir, the Ermengarde Mansion sits on a forty-six acre lot. There's plenty of room for it. We were told that the original owners had a horse stable built here before, too.
I smile to myself. I may not completely understand how these people's minds work, but I sure as hell know how to spot a buyer with sincere interest. Score! I can't wait to tell Rose!
The rest of the tour goes by without a hitch. After more than half an hour, we're able to cover almost every room in the ground floor and are heading to the parlor. Funny. The first time BRC had us survey the property, I kept complaining to Rose how big it is. Now, I can't even bring myself to care, no matter how much my feet hurt. Maybe this is just my excitement over a possible sale?
'October 21, Friday | Mansion Parlour | Afternoon'
Music: BGM Mystery
(*ghostly whispers in the background*)
When we reach the parlor, however, an odd feeling washes over me. It starts off as small goosebumps on my skin, a feeling of being watched intently.
(*faint cry for help*)
Whispers in my ear and shadows dancing, lurking in the corner of my vision. Dark silhouettes that are gone when I turn to look. A chill settles down my spine, making me feel sick, and I start to break out in a cold sweat.
(*eerie "Help Me"*)
I... I can't do this. I need to sit down for a moment. The old ladies in the group have been requesting for a break, anyway. If I can just—
Excuse me? Everyone? We—We will be taking a fifteen-minute rest here before we visit the first floor. In the meantime, please help yourselves to the refreshments and snacks we've prepared. If anyone has any questions, feel free to approach me. I'd be happy to help you!
I let them sit while I retreat to a quiet corner to recover.
(*help... me...*)
It's not what you think. Don't think about it. It's not what you think. I've probably just caught Becca's cold. Don't think about it. I'm left alone for a good while, the same words spilling out of my lips in a silent prayer...
Music stops.
…Until a hand taps my shoulder.
Music: Ambience Neutral
(click for video)
Y-Yes, ma'am?
Oh, look at you! Having to show a group around a mansion this big must be exhausting.
Not a problem, ma'am. I'm just doing my job.
What a hard worker! Anyway, Isabelle, right?
Isabella, actually. But yes, what can I help you with, Ma'am Wright?
Please. Just Hannah. Call me, Hannah!
Dutifully, the game now titles her dialogue with Ma'am Hannah instead of Ma'am Wright. Baby steps.
I just wanted to ask: How soon are we able to move in?
My brain completely stops. The sick feeling plaguing me is suddenly gone, replaced by utter bewilderment. Is this a... joke? She looks at me expectantly as I struggle to come up with an answer.
Wait. Ma'am, I—You see—Wh— But we haven't even negotiated a price yet, ma'am. We haven't even finished touring the rest of the mansion. A sale would be great and all, but—
She stops me from speaking any further and puts a hand on my shoulder. For a moment, with her tight smile, she looks as if she has tasted a particularly sour lemon.
And, just between you and me, this place is better off with us than with some old lady, who'll probably just fill it up with cats.
I... personally don't think there's anything wrong with having cats here, Ma'am Hannah. I'm sure there's more than enough space here if you want pets.
Perhaps I'm still not feeling well. But, really, what's wrong with cats? More importantly, why is she talking about moving in already?
Well, I'm more of a dog person. But, you see, this is going to be a gift to my darling. It's going to be our anniversary soon. And it would be so wonderful if you can secure its purchase for us.
Why, I can even offer something extra if you help us out with the paperwork.
I—We actually have a process for this, ma'am.
I don't really think that would be… necessary. Or appropriate.
???: And, just what are you two lovely ladies talking about here? Leaving me and our lovely interior designer to talk here by ourselves?
Smug voice enters stage right.
What would the people think, darling?
I try not to wince when her nails dig into my shoulder.
This is one fishy pair of people. Buy gigantic mansions as displays of public affection, then glare daggers at each other like this. And the Irish lady has to stand between them and somehow make it work. You could almost feel sorry for her. If her accent wasn't so bad.
I can't help but send an imploring look at Miss McCollough, who only gives me an apologetic smile and a shrug.
A-Ah, yeah! I can give you a fact sheet and a form to fill out!
She wastes no time in taking the papers from my hand and shuffles through the bunch. Oh, man. Rose is going to be so angry at me for letting her do that!
Yeah, no shit. What happened to your professionalism from earlier? I know you need money, but don't get swept along with money-bag's laissez-faire attitude so easily.
Wonderful. And Mary Anne, I'd really love to talk to you about those changes. You took some notes earlier, yes?
Hannah: Still bad with names.
I did, ma'am. But I really hope that this time—
Isabella.
Right, right. It's a lovely name, Isabelle.
It's Isabella.
Yes, that's great. We'd be more than happy to put in a good word to your superiors too, and…
You can't help but wonder how much of this is real detachment and how much of it is an act, just to give the impression of being a flighty ditz.
What's this?
A look of confusion and disgust appears on her face. Turning to her husband, he merely shrugs in reply.
Since these people's 2D models aren't on screen to emote, we now get a first glance at their POV mug shots. You'll notice that all of these people have basically the same eyes and red highlights around it. Even if it's nice that the POV shots give the artist more freedom for expressions and poses, the people can sometimes end up looking... off-model.
Look at those ears.
Music: BGM Tension 1
D-List Horror Prop - Pass the letter to Hannah, Luke and Marianne
That's... ah, an interesting work of art. Not to my taste, though. I'm sorry.
Darling… Buttercup, 'art' is a complete overstatement for this garbage. It looks like a cheap prop from a D-list horror film.
Shush, ‘luv. Let the girl do what she pleases with, ah, what do they call this?
Oh, forget about it. At the very least, it's not as… dreadful as that one art exhibit I was forced to attend last month. You should've seen it, Mary Anne. Even you would've been appalled.
But I'm sure you'll know what to do with our walls once we get started!
I highly doubt it is as bad as you say, ma'am.
Nevertheless, you can be assured that my team will only pick whatever suits your tastes.
Nothing of this… chain letter sort, of course. It has to always work with a palette.
I'm quite sure 'chain letters' these days don't come in this… form.
It's my turn to be puzzled. What do they mean? Rose and I double-checked everything! Are… Are the papers I handed not enough?
... are you serious? It seems the extent to which she screwed up hasn't even dawned on Isabella.
I want to ask what I did wrong. I don't want to mess this up! But with the way Ma'am Hannah's leading the conversation, I'm afraid that's exactly what will happen if I do interrupt her.
That's good to hear.
You don't have to tell me that, Buttercup.
I would still put it away if I were you, though. Otherwise, people might get the wrong impression. Anyway, as I was saying…
Music: BGM Tension 2
I don't hear the rest of what she says after that. I can only stare down at the paper, at the letter, in my hands. The sides crinkle in my grip and my breathing grows labored. Dread quickly fills my mind.
???: Isabella? Isabella? Are you alright? You're looking pale.
I want nothing more than to say that, no, I'm not alright. I want to leave this place. Because I remember everything as clear as day. This letter and that woman in the attic. It's real.
The letter, I—I'm sorry, I didn't know—!
Careless. I've been so careless! How do I even tell them that without looking like I've gone mad?
On one hand, handing the richest people you've ever met and who will probably make or break your immediate future a tasteless D-list horror prop is an immense fuck-up. On the other hand, maybe it's worth it to increase your credibility when you tell them you saw a ghost in the attic?
... No? No takers?
Well, let's look at it this way: Isabella only needs to pass this letter to five other people to get off scot-free. This unfortunate accident here already brings us to three. Damage done, so to speak. We might as well pass it to Rose, too, to bring us one step closer to peaceful dreams. Although i am told that this is what even the British would call 'A Dick Move'.
Poll: Should we tell them about the ghost and the letter?