.... that's the other thing - this is what I need to confirm with Piety at some point. I might ask Cheri too, just to be safe. But Cunning told me that it's not just numbers. You need to believe in what the god's world in order for it to come true. So we can't say that we just want to join Indulgence just because of the numbers - it won't work out perfectly if we do that. So it has to be... sincere, and genuine, and I have to be more convincing to make it happen.

[and he sounds frustrated with that - he doesn't understand the jealousy, really. but there's the feeling of his shortcomings, of the fact that senri hasn't been able to win over everyone. it twists in his stomach even as he watches the food.]

If we want to leave behind a good world, I need to make my case - and I need to be both smart and charming about it.

[his mouth presses into a straight line.]

I think Piety's world is the best balanced - but Piety also made a deal with Cunning, and if Cunning wins then Piety will act as an advisor. But... I also like Justice's, and I also like Beauty's. The rest of the worlds have their own merits, but they're not my personal favorites. But if we can convince those gods to tailor theirs to be a little more palatable....

[it's always been a social game to senri, and for once he looks serious as his gaze falls to the food.]

Gods can grow, and learn. That's why I'm trying to get to know all of them - so that no matter who wins, they're at least a little more mature than when they started.