prof | Let's Play Umineko, Episode 4 Scene 18: The Question

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BGM: Fishy Aroma

Ronove says that Genji is like his true form in this world. Perhaps a vessel. Jessica has no idea what this weirdo is talking about.

Time to get on with the test, then. Ronove gestures elegantly, and a whirlwind of golden butterflies fills the room, before coalescing into an envelope.

Jessica nervously opens the envelope, and is baffled by the contents. What is this?

Meanwhile, the second candidate is about to begin his test.

George has a letter, just like Jessica. He reads it, but it doesn't take long.

The test is a single question. The two letters are almost, but not quite, exactly the same.

If either refuses the test, their testers have permission to kill them on the spot.

In that sense, even though three options are written down, they have four choices.

It is a very simple test, but also a dangerous one. Lives are on the line.

George's letter reads:

Jessica's is identical, but has Kanon's name instead of Shannon's.

Nobody would throw away their own life, right? So even a coin toss should be fine.

In this demon world of Rokkenjima, separate from reality, nobody will be blamed for the deaths that ensue.

Jessica is furious. All three options are total bullshit.

If you do not choose one, all of the above will be lost. That would be an interesting choice. Or, perhaps she should sacrifice herself for the sake of the others?

Answer with the conviction of the Ushiromiya family's successor!

Kinzo observes the test's progress via crystal ball. This should be a foolish, obvious question!

45 Couldn't come to a decision about what she would do. 00's answer is immediate, and therefore superior.

But also wrong.

410, meanwhile, would choose number two in a heartbeat. Now, why is that?

An interesting answer. Therefore, Kinzo will change the question to counter that move.

410's resolve wavers at that. Kinzo becomes bored, and casts the rabbit filth back to the dungeon along with Virgilia.

There is no right answer. The test is not what they pick, but how they pick it.

This very test was how Kinzo was able to obtain his gold and power. Will they be able to create the same miracle?

Right as Ronove offers to make the fourth option nice and painless, Jessica speaks.

BGM: Moon

Now, for the important part: Why did she make this choice?

Simple process of elimination. The other answers where completely unacceptable.

As it stands, this is a failing grade. However, Ronove thinks there's a little more to her reasoning.

Jessica thought of the future that would come after each case.

In the future where Kanon dies, Jessica becomes a horrible woman, full of regret. She kills that future Jessica herself.

In the future where everyone else dies, Kanon would never forgive her. Both of them would share the burden of those deaths for the rest of their lives.

Both of those options lead to futures where she would gladly kill the Jessica who brought them about.

So, that's what she's going to do.

All she asks, with a smile on her face, is to leave a message for Kanon when she goes.

Kanon is listening. Virgilia decided to let them listen in on this, whether or not Ronove delivers the message.

From his cell, Kanon asks Virgilia to take his life instead. However, Virgilia is not allowed to change the result from Jessica's wish.

The discussion is interrupted by the Siesta Sisters, returning after being bullied by Kinzo. She departs to make them some tea, leaving the goats on guard duty.

Meanwhile, back in the mansion, Jessica's mind is made up.

All Krauss can do is watch his daughter from afar. He can't change this outcome either.

Kanon... could break through those bars.

It would be useless. All he can do is watch Krauss's misery.

Meanwhile, George has given his answer as well.

Which will it be? Will it be Shannon's life?

No. His own, then, like Jessica?

This was the one outcome Gaap hasn't considered.

So, here's the important part: What's his reasoning? Was it also process of elimination?

He was already prepared to make this family his enemy. The entire world, even. Why would he back down now?

George's parents died in the First Twilight. What does he have left to lose, aside from Shannon?

Regardless, this is his choice. As himself, and as the Ushiromiya head.

This was Kinzo's answer as well. He chose love over the world.

George may be the next head after all.

But it won't be that simple. He doesn't need Gaap or Kinzo's approval.

Here and now, George declares himself the new head.

If he is to become head, the next step is simple.

Go to the guest house and kill Battler and Maria. Go to the mansion and kill Jessica. Let Shannon watch it all.

Can he do that? Could anyone?

Stain the throne red with your own hands. Become the new king.

This is the resolution of the new head.

Yes, indeed. He is the demon king of Rokkenjima, so he can decide such a trivial thing as he pleases.

A gust of wind blows through George's jacket. For a moment, it looks just like Kinzo's cloak.

Inside, Ronove prepares to take Jessica's life... and stops.

Blood trickles down from Ronove's nose.

Jessica proclaims her real answer, as head.

This is the resolve of one with the power to become the true ruler of Rokkenjima.

In the mansion and in the garden, the battle for the future of the Ushiromiya family begins.

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