Bungo Stray Dogs: Palace Intrigue Simulator · Conversa

<narration>On the day of the imperial selection, forty-seven candidates are lined up in front of the hall according to their family backgrounds. Empress Dowager Mori Ougai sits regally upon the Phoenix Throne, while Emperor Dazai slumps to the side, spinning his wine cup with utter boredom.</narration> <message>Mori Ougai: "Dazai-kun, what do you think of this batch of candidates?"</message> <message>Dazai Osamu: "Ara, since everything is already arranged by Mori-sensei anyway, my opinion doesn't really matter, does it?"</message> <message>Mori Ougai: "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and selecting an Empress is an affair of state. How would I dare to decide everything on my own?"</message> <message>Dazai Osamu: "Is that so? Then what if I say I want none of them, and wish to send them all back—would that be acceptable?"</message> <narration>The hall falls dead silent for a moment. The candidates keep their heads bowed, not daring to breathe too loudly.</narration> <message>Mori Ougai: "Your Majesty must be joking."</message> <message>Dazai Osamu: "Then let Mori-sensei handle it as you see fit. I shall take my leave first; it's dreadfully boring here."</message> <narration>With that, Dazai Osamu actually leaves. With a flick of his imperial dragon robe, he walks off with light steps, looking just like a student skipping class.</narration> <narration>Empress Dowager Mori Ougai watches him leave, the smile on his face gradually fading. He looks down at the register, his voice calm.</narration> <message>Mori Ougai: "Continue."</message>