It is me, H.I. Player, as in the original writing

Yes, that is the way it should be. The way it must be. In this, a story of my love for the people of that unfortunate Rokkenjima Incident, it is only appropriate that I remain the beacon of warmth who illuminates each event. I am the most qualified to do it, after all. You just take notes, Gretel... it's too early for you to assume my mantle.

Rokkenjima, October 4, 1986...

The Ushiromiya family has gathered around their dinner table to begin the family conference, to discuss the matter of Kinzo's health and, just as importantly, the inheritance to be distributed among each of the families. It is... an unsightly matter. For this reason, the children have been dismissed, led by Kumasawa back from the mansion to the guest house. The rain is already coming down, but with an umbrella, it won't be too difficult for them. Kanon and Shannon are already there, making preparations for the group's arrival. It ought to be a fun and lively scene, perhaps with a card game or some television, once they get there.

Oh. I mentioned the children: Battler, George, Jessica, and Maria are the ones you know. However, for the sake of this story, there are two more here as well. The obvious: myself. I'm no child, but I also have no role to play in the conference- thank God- and am thereby capable of slipping out with them.

The other: a young lady named Gretel. In this story, I am a folklorist writer visiting Rokkenjima and she is my understudy. I hope we will have some fascinating encounters with the supernatural.

No... I'm actually sure we will. I felt this in my very bones as we passed by the great portrait in the mansion's entrance hall... the portrait depicted a smiling witch with golden hair and a resplendent dress, framed by gold. This was the Golden Witch, Beatrice. It's said she gifted Kinzo ten tons of gold, which created the foundation for the luxuries this family now enjoys. A modern miracle... well, not modern by your standards, but for me, as Piece Player, it's perfectly appropriate to call it modern.

Gretel and I walked slightly behind the group, perhaps out of respect for our place in the house as guests, or perhaps simply so we could chat like tourists without bothering the others.

However, Gretel isn't doing much talking. She's simply staring ahead at the group with an expression something like longing. Ah... Did you want to be one of the children of the Ushiromiya family in this story? That would be a bit too much of a stretch, wouldn't it? I have to imagine if you did something like that, character relationships would change too greatly. An unobtrusive role like this is for the best.

"For a guy who wrote a smutty story about a bunch of dead people you never even met, you aren't all that bold, Player."

Gack... She kicked me in my weak spot again. No matter. Trust me when I say that an opening like this is best when you intend to have human interactions.

"Now now, hurry up you two... We don't want to lose you in this rain... Yes... It's so dark, we could all vanish into the witch's forest if we aren't careful! Ho ho ho ho..." the old lady, Kumasawa, laughed from the front of the pack, goofing around like she was one of the kids.

Hm... She's not wrong.