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The Aria of the Soul played on, and the master of the Velvet Room had his eyes closed, enjoying the melody in peace. By his side sat the eldest of the Velvet Attendants, similarly silent yet not paying any mind to the music. They were both people of little words, and thus the lack of conversation bothered neither.
Even then, there were some matters to speak of, and soon enough, Igor breached said matters.
“Margaret, why do you suppose your sister chose to aggravate me so often?”
Margaret’s shock did not show on her face; she was rather skilled at concealing her emotions. Even then, little escaped the attention of her master, and as she answered his query, he noted the tell-tale sign of her grip tightening on the Grimoire she was tasked to oversee. “I wouldn’t know, master. Elizabeth’s mind has always been an enigma to me, and her departure of the room only made it more indecipherable. Who knows what she was thinking of?”
“Please, Margaret. You joined her sometimes. This is not me reprimanding you, merely... curiosity. Indulge this old man, won’t you?”
“If I were to hazard a guess, she likely did it because ruffling your feathers brought joy to her. There is a certain enjoyment to be found in prodding at others to evoke this or that emotion, and emotional and volatile as she was, the amusement she found in your reactions was great enough to warrant such disrespect.”
“And what about you? Was the amusement worth it?”
“I haven’t done any such thing since she left. It was merely her influence.”
Igor sighed. “If you say it, then it must be true.”
“When have I ever been dishonest with you, master?”
“I meant no offense, Margaret. At any rate, if you can’t provide me with the answer I seek, perhaps I should pursue a different avenue.”
The Attendant’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Wait and see for yourself.” Igor’s rictus grin seemed more enigmatic than ever, but there was also a glint of mischief. Margaret had never seen her master in such spirits, and braced herself for what was to come. It certainly seemed like it needed preparation to be faced.
It did not take long before the room’s third resident arrived, having gone on a venture to the outside world with the guest who was currently utilizing the room’s services. Tugging on her duffel bag’s strap, a grimace came over her face as she took in the people she shared this space with, and she took her seat on the opposite side of Margaret, placing Igor between the two. Despite the high probability of her having enjoyed her outing with the Wild Card, Marie did not look pleased to be back inside the Velvet Room.
Margaret spoke first. “So, you’ve returned.”
The girl crossed her arms petulantly. “Mhm. Yeah. Sure have.”
“Did you have fun?” asked Igor.
“What’s it to you?”
“No harm in a question.”
“Lots of harm comes from questions. You get headaches and stuff when you ask the wrong ones. You wouldn’t want a headache, would you?”
“Speaking from experience?” questioned Margaret, concerned.
“Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn’t matter.”
“Hmm,” mused Igor, “I wonder if you would tell our guest, were he to ask this of you.”
“I wouldn’t. Why’re you dragging him into this?”
“Oh, no reason. It’s just that you seem to find his company so much more favorable than ours.”
“You’re a boring old man and she’s a boring old hag.” Ignoring Margaret’s offended gasp, Marie went on, “At least he’s cool and not old.”
“Is that the only reason? I could invite Margaret’s younger siblings to spend time with us for a while. Would that be favorable to you?”
“They’re probably boring anyway, if she’s anything to go off of.”
“Then what makes Yu Narukami not boring, pray tell? After all, he shares a great many similarities with us. He’s a polite and considerate man with silver hair. Why, if he were to have golden eyes, I could mistake him for another of Margaret’s siblings. What is it that makes him so unique to you?”
A faint shade of scarlet covered Marie’s face. “He’s just cool. I don’t know.”
It was at this point that Margaret finally understood her master’s game. “Well, if you can’t think of any, I’m sure I can provide a few reasons myself. After all, I also believe he’s a rather fascinating young man.”
“H-hey, what’s the deal? Why are you all talking about him today?” the girl protested. Her blush deepened with every word.
“Why wouldn’t we discuss our treasured guest, for whom we care so greatly and deeply?” the old man answered, his tone not betraying his amusement. “After all, don’t we all live to serve him and his infinite potential?”
“And what a deep, manly potential it is,” Margaret continued. “Why, every time he presents me with a new Persona he’s fused at my request... I’m certain that not even my sister’s guest ever fused such vigorous, lively specimens.”
“M-m-m-manly?!”
Igor chuckled. “Why, of course. The domineering strength of Thor, the chiseled muscles of Siegfried, and the staggering stature of Mara... they are all him, and he is them in return. They clearly represent something, wouldn’t you say?”
Sweat drops began to form on Marie’s forehead. “I- uh- what—”
“Don’t forget the Incubus, master. He can be rather seductive when he wishes to. I’ve certainly felt the allure myself at times. If I weren’t forbidden from pursuing such relations with a guest...” She licked her lips. “My, my. I shan’t say any more.”
“Good point, Margaret dear, good point. Such a shame that I myself am subject to similar limitations... I suppose I’ll have to harbor my unrequited feelings for the rest of time, then.”
“What the actual shit—”
“It must be so fortunate for you, Marie-chan,” Margaret interrupted. “Seeing as you’re not truly from the Velvet Room, you’re not bound by its countless rules and boundaries. You have all of that potential to yourself. I’m most jealous of you.”
“But consider this, Margaret. If I were to turn a blind eye, you could disguise yourself as her. After all, you are both from this side, and share the same name as well. You could fool the Fool into sharing with you his potential.”
“Hmm... An intriguing proposal indeed. What’s the difference between Marie and Margaret anyhow? Merely a few letters. A wardrobe change should allow me instant success—”
“Hell no, hag! Back the fuck off!”
“Oh?” Igor’s voice rose above Marie’s outburst. “She seems to be upset at your advances, Margaret. Why would it elect such a reaction, if our guest is simply ‘cool’? I’ve certainly thought many other people were ‘cool’, but I never felt offended over them pursuing others romantically. Most curious indeed!”
“Perhaps the answer could be found in her poetry. After all, poetry is a window to one’s truest and deepest feelings, and he’s the only one who’s read what she’s written. I suppose many things would come to light if we were to look into her notebook and see what she’s written. Or maybe we’ve provided some material ourselves already. Will you praise Thor and Siegfried in your next poem, dear?”
Marie’s hat was pulled all the way over her face, but its blue only served to contrast how red her face was. “Shut up! Stupididiotragebaiter! Both of you suck! I don’t- I don’t even know what you’re all on about! I hate you!”
Igor linked his hands. “Ah, is that what the youth are calling it these days? I was under the assumption that its opposite word was used in such situations. How many ‘I hate you’s does he hear from you every day? I hope he treasures every last one. There aren’t many people who are as honest with their feelings as you are, Marie-chan.”
“Shut up! Shutupshutupshutupshutup! Ugh!!!”
“Ah, very well. You seem quite frustrated, at any rate.” Igor clapped his hands. “I believe we should all soothe our nerves as we appreciate the music flowing in this space.”
“A marvelous idea, master,” Margaret affirmed. “But surely the Aria of the Soul has grown a bit boring and old, much like you and I?”
“An astute observation, Margaret. Nameless, Belladonna, play something ‘hip’ and ‘modern’ for the sake of our dear Marie-chan, won’t you?”
The music passively droning on in the room came to a stop. “Wait, there’s actual people playing that?” Marie asked, forgetting her embarrassment due to the surprise.
“Of course there is. Give them a minute, and I’m sure they’ll play something favorable.”
Soon enough, Igor’s words came true. A faint drum beat began to fill the space, and a throaty male voice sung shortly after.
She’s crazy like a fool...
It was quickly followed up by a woman’s heavenly high note.
Wild about Daddy Cool...
“What the huh?!”
“Shhhh. We’re listening, Marie-chan.”
A groovy bass riff began to strum, and was quickly accompanied by a keyboard playing a jaunty tune. Soon enough, all three instruments came together, and the voices returned once the tune reached its peak.
I’m crazy like a fool! Wild about Daddy Cool!
Daddy! Daddy Cool! Daddy! Daddy Cool!
“Yes, this tune is certainly more modern than the Aria, master,” Margaret said, trying to hide her laughter.
“I believe it’s my favorite song now. I’ll certainly request them to play it more often. Unless anyone is opposed?”
Marie’s whispers of “IhateyouIhateyouIhateyouIhateyouIhateyou...” were muffled by her bag, which was currently completely covering her face.
“I suppose we’ll be hearing more of this, then?”
“For sure. And I reckon I understand Elizabeth much more than I used to before.” Igor’s eyes shone with joy. “This is a very enjoyable way to pass one’s time.”
Looking at the melted puddle of embarrassment on the other side of the room and listening to the chants of She’s crazy about her Daddy, Margaret couldn’t help but agree. Elizabeth might’ve been chaotic and difficult to be around, but she certainly knew how to have fun. Perhaps they would all have fun together again one day.
But until that day... Marie was truly delightful to tease and prod at.