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Mm. Hello, Vivian and Serena.

[He knows they're paintings, but these are also representations of his sisters. Humans always have such powerful feelings about family. That should be respected.]

[Now that he knows they're family, he's paying closer attention to the faces, or at least, what he can see of both of them. It reminds him of Gabriel's art...she was trying her best to be a painter, just like Hugo.]

They're very pretty. [The paintings, and the girls in question, too.] They have ears like yours. And similar eyes.

[Yes, obviously. He purses his lips thoughtfully as he glances over again.]

Why does one have flowers and the other doesn't? One likes them more than the other?

[ It’s privately a little striking to him, because this is the first time he’s even said Serena’s name to someone else here. Everything about her is something he keeps locked up tightly in his heart, because it’s also the sort of thing where his grief and guilt are liable to spill out if he dwells on her for too long.

The thing is, it’s easier with a stranger. Sariel doesn’t have any context to dig in more or to even give him a look of concern that a friend might. That arm’s length is more comfortable, as it always has been. Therefore, it’s easy to smile when Sariel greets them so charmingly. ]

Aren’t they?

[ His smile is still gentle, but it’s a little bit closer to beaming as Sariel compliments them. There’s plenty he can say, from how beauty is rumored to be in elven genes or the more practical of how they all have ears like that, so it’s not really notable, but. The follow-up question takes the wind out of his sails a bit.

…How innocent, he thinks. He would guess the implication was clear, but clearly not to Sariel. That makes it a little easier too, actually. ]

Serena’s is a memorial. She died a long time ago.

[ He doesn’t like to dance around it with the softer words like “passed away”. She was murdered, and he didn’t— No. He clamps down on that thought quickly as he explains. It might be a melancholy explanation, but it’s something practical rather than that emotional weight under the surface. ]

Long enough ago that I don’t really remember her face, I’m afraid. [ He nods to Vivian’s portrait. ] That’s why I wanted to paint Vivian. I didn’t want to forget her like I had Serena, you know? But then it felt strange to have one and not the other, so I did my best for both.

...Oh. I see.

[He hasn't really talked to others directly about death. Even so long ago, all the people he killed....he simply was ordered to return home, and that was that. He wonders if the families made memorials like this for the people whose lives he cut down with his scythe.]

[...What a painful feeling.]

[But after some thought, he tilts his head owlishly in the other's direction, gesturing to the empty space under Vivian's portrait.]

I know its a memorial. But Vivian looks lonely. Not flowers, but...you could put something here she likes. I know she can't feel it....it's a painting. But I don't know. It's empty underneath, so...

[It would feel right, somehow. So both "have" something.]

[ Sariel's verdict isn't one that he could have predicted at all, but even though he's surprised, it's a gentle one. ]

...Do you think so?

[ Hugo looks back to Vivian thoughtfully, and he seems to seriously consider it. What comes to mind first isn't exactly feasible... But he knows immediately that she'd want Phatheon merchandise first of all. It would probably sound like a mean-spirited joke if he said it, but it's absolutely, completely true. Vivian is unique in her tastes, that's for sure. ]

It's a sweet idea. I'll have to think about what to put there, but I think I will. Thank you, Sariel.

[ The thanks is genuine. It's soft, even. ]

Just so long as it doesn't look like a memorial, at least. That'd really be far too depressing, wouldn't it?

No need to thank me, I think...

[He just made a suggestion. It doesn't feel like he DID much of anything, but he appreciates it regardless.]

A memorial...no, I understand. She's still alive, so. [Hmmm. He rubs at his chin a little, thoughtful. How to make it not like a memorial? Well, he hasn't seen that many memorials to begin with...]

Maybe you could paint...whatever she likes? And put that next to her. Maybe.

[ The idea of that finally gets him to laugh, because it's one thing to imagine some token of Phaethon, but painting it? At least he explains. ]

Sorry, I'm not laughing at you! I just know exactly what it would be, and, well.

[ Another chuckle, though this time it comes with a shrug. ]

Unfortunately for her doting big brother, she has someone that she adores more than me, so it'd be a representation of them. She's, um, a little bit obsessive about them, so that's why I laughed.

Oh?

[He's trying to understand. Obsessive...like a fan....]

[He has an idea.]

I see. She must like an idol. Many such cases.

Edited 2026-02-02 05:04 (UTC)

Oh. Uh, yes.

[ Close enough, anyways. Explaining Phatheon as a phenomenon to anyone is just a very long explanation, but. He truly wasn't expecting Sariel to get it at all. Hugo may not be sure what this fellow's deal is, but he seems very sheltered.

...Not as much as he thought, he guesses? ]

You have idols where you're from?

Maybe. I never met one at home, but they must exist.

[He rifles in his pocket, pulls out a button that has Takasugi's face on it.]

Some of my friends here are idols. I support them with buttons like these. Do you want one?

[ It’s an answer that doesn’t make sense until Sariel pulls out the button of Takasugi. Yet again, he’s surprised into a laugh, and he reaches out to take it to take a better look.

He’d just assumed that it would be at home, but right. They have their own idols here too. He’d forgotten, since with no offense to the group, it’s just not really his thing… And without the ever present pop culture of things like tv or the Inter-Knot, well! ]

Ha… I do, actually.

[ Taking a button of the man that murdered you… Yeah, he’s not unpacking that one, thanks. ]

I know Takasugi. Were imprinted, actually, so I’m surprised he didn’t give me one himself.

[ He looks back to Sariel with just a little slyness in his smile. ]

Is he actually a little shy about this sort of thing? That’d be very cute if so.

[He smiles when the button is taken - he's doing a good job, spreading the word about 3kon! But it seems there's another reason Hugo took it.]

Oh, an imprint?

[Small world, it seems. He wonders what their imprint is like.]

Ah.... [Now that question makes his eyebrows knit together.] No. The opposite. He gave me these to give away. Maybe he...ran out before he could give you one. I did take a lot...

I see! That’s makes you the cute one, in that case~.

[ Hugo gives out the compliment/flirtation so easily that it seems like a natural flow of the conversation. Is it something Sariel will pick up on? …No, he guesses not, but this is also just how he is. It might be coy, but he also means it. ]

Thank you, then! You’ve already given me plenty and you’ve only just gotten here… A gift for Vivian, a token of support for Takasugi…!

[ Showily, he gestures towards the kitchen as he beams. ]

So! Shall I return the favor? We’ll make the best bread we possibly can!

You think I'm cute?

[He doesn't say it in a flattered way, but genuinely curious. It's not a word he's heard used to describe him at all.]

...Well, I feel happy giving people things. It's good you like it. [But yes. The time has come.] Yeah. Let's go make some bread.

[ Okay, he may not be surprised, but the curiosity of it is different! He laughs as he sweeps behind the modest (hand-built, by the looks of it) kitchen island. ]

Of course you are, my dear! Why, I would even go as far as to say you’re handsome. Not my type, I say meaning no offense, since I just like my men broad and muscular…

[ And furry. I mean what. ]

But you have a lovely face and way about you. I’m charmed already~.

[ Hugo is always open to giving dizzying compliments like it’s the easiest thing in the world… It’s also perfectly natural, since he tosses a simple apron across the way to Sariel, then takes one and starts to put it on himself. ]

Edited 2026-02-03 22:40 (UTC)

[Oh, the type thing, again. Broad and muscular...he understands. Some people have different types. He still really has yet to understand his, though.]

Mm. I've heard that, before.

[The handsome, thing. There's no evidence he's flattered by this, its simply reporting a fact, like someone told him the sky is actually green, and he's taken it for granted without really getting what it means.]

A lovely face...I suppose my creators made me that way. Though I wore a mask when I did my role, so...hm.

[Logically, doesn't add up! Maybe it does. Quandaries. He's taking the apron to put on - no need to help him, here.]

What's the next step?

Really? You have creators that made you so handsome, and then they put a mask on you? How cruel!

[ He’s being lighthearted about it, but it’s also true… He’ll get back to that in a moment, but he focuses on the practical first. He already has everything set out and measured, so he gestures to the spread with a smile. ]

We’ll start with the very basic bread first. Start from basics, you know? Then we’ll move onto some of the more interesting ones like the sourdough. I think you’ll like the surprise I have for you for that one~.

[ Mostly just that he named the starter, but. He pushes the large bowl towards Sariel, then hands him the little cup containing the yeast. ]

First thing’s first, we’ll proof the yeast. Think of it as waking it up so that it’s ready to work~. Just toss that in the bowl, then the water and sugar.

I like wearing the mask if I get overwhelmed, though...

[So he's a little confused by the notion. Does it count if he prefers it? Who knows. Either way....bread! Cool little glass bowls of...things! Ingredients! Wow.]

Proof...oh. Waking up. You said its alive, right?

[So, he moves to pour it in. Then the water, followed by a dump of the sugar.]

[And quietly said to the bowl.]

Wake up, yeast.

[ He looks a little apologetic when Sariel explains the mask, since that’s a little different. It’s a little odd to him, sure, but if that’s what helps him feel more comfortable, then it’s fine. What a gentle-hearted man, he thinks, completely unaware that it’s the fucking Jason mask,,, ]

Right.

[ Hugo nods, and his lips purse together tightly in a smile as he holds back a laugh. It’d be a very endeared laugh, mind you, but he still won’t laugh at this frankly adorable effort. ]

We’ll give it a few minutes, but it’ll start to bubble, which means it’s working. If it doesn’t, that means the yeast has gone bad and died, but I already checked yesterday to make sure I didn’t need to buy more, so. While we wait, I am curious! What was your “role”, Sariel?

Oh. I hope it didn't die.

[He WILL be looking for those bubbles, thank you.]

[The question, however, draws his attention away from the bowl. His role....his eyebrows furrow, tome a little more withdrawn, monotone.]

....I was the Archangel of Execution. I eliminated the enemies of my creators.

[ Hugo’s fond little smile stays in place as Sariel frets over their bread to be. Like, sure, maybe it’s a little condescending to think of a grown man as adorable… But. He is! He’s really adorable!

Which means that the answer is so unexpected that his only answer is— ]

Huh? I beg your pardon?

[ His smile is still there, but it’s now tinged with the question of “no, surely I didn’t hear that right.” Yet, Sariel now looks so serious, even glum, so…??? ]

You’re an executioner?

...

[A silent nod, though after a moment, he speaks up again.]

Yes. I was made for it.

[It was his role, from the beginning. He had no say otherwise, until...]

I don't act as it now.

[ Though Hugo is surprised, it doesn’t take long for his expression to gently shift to a faint smile. It might come off as judgement, but it’s not that. It’s more catching himself in the thought that Sariel doesn’t seem like the type, but… Hugo doesn’t either, now does he?

He at least realizes that it’s probably a little too enigmatic, though. He takes a step forward to place a slightly chilly hand on Sariel’s forearm. He’s the type of person that conveys sincerity through physical gestures. ]

It’s okay. It surprised me because you’re such a sweet fellow, but I believe you.

[ Though… ]

Are you happy to not have to do that now?

[His eyes open, flickering to Hugo's face when he feels the cool touch on his shoulder. It's grounding. He appreciates it.]

[The question earns him a nod.]

...The Deputy Head found duties for me that fit my personality. Not my role. I was grateful to him. So right now, as I am...I'm happy that I don't have to do it anymore.

[...]

It's painful to cause pain.

[ …What a bizarre man Sariel is, truly. Hugo thinks it with fully fondness, as is evident by the encouraging little squeeze of his hand and the smile it comes with. He’s very innocent despite being an executioner, but if he doesn’t know anything else? That has to be expected. Oddly… Hugo understands it, at least in a way.

On the other hand. This makes Silco employing him worse, doesn’t it?? ]

Mm… It is. So, I’m glad you don’t have to do it anymore either, my friend. We’ve only just become acquainted, but I’d still hope for your days to be filled with peaceful things like ants and their bread.

[ He pulls his hand away, but his smile remains. ]

In fact, I know you said you work for Silco, but if you’re ever looking for other work, you’d be welcome to work at my gallery! Once it’s open, of course~.

...That's a nice wish.

[He would want his days to be peaceful. He would want ants and bread and spending time with people he holds so dear.]

[He smiles, mildly - but really, he is truly happy.]

Is that so? Okay. How does one work in a gallery?

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