Riddle 034: We don't need no education [Backdated to the First Day of School]

[puzzlerprince]

[Well, it's that time of year once again, isn't it? School's back in session. Oh, joy. Throughout the day, there's a good chance you'll bump into the Riddler in a few locations...

A. ACTION - Mayfield High School, Ethics Classroom, Morning

The words "Mr. Nigma" are written up on the blackboard. Yep. You heard that right. Edward Nigma, Ethics Teacher.

Comments

A

[notsaul]

Boo.

When does your hot wife's class start.

[strike_you_out]

[You think she's hot, too? Is she talking about Susan? He doesn't say anything but Slugger does glance over at Annie, recognizing her voice from somewhere.]

[notsaul]

... The fuck are you looking at.

[strike_you_out]

[Wait, he knows who she is now. She's that chick who fought the Major.]

You mean Susan?

A

[unexculpable]

[Oh well fuck this shit. Ed's not answering this. No way in hell.]

[puzzlerprince]

[Sup Ed, you look like you really want to get called on.]

Mister... [Glancing from him to a roster on the desk.] Elric, was it? Do you have an answer for me?

[unexculpable]

[Nope.avi
He scowls and leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.]

Tch. Everyone has regrets, but I'm sure as hell not telling you mine.

[puzzlerprince]

Oh? And why not?

A

[strike_you_out]

[Oh boy, Eddie, it must be your lucky day. Not only do you have Enma Ai in class but your less-favored son as well. Though Slugger sometimes showed up in this class last year just for fun, he's now officially on the roster.

The moment Edward turns to address the class, Slugger busies himself by doodling in the nearest book. With any luck, Edward will forget to call on him or will simply skip him entirely.]

[puzzlerprince]

[Well, well, well. Slugger's in his class again, hmm? Joy. He'll rap his cane lightly on the side of his desk.]

Pay attention, Slugger.

[strike_you_out]

[He closes the book -- for now -- and glances briefly up at Edward from beneath his cap's visor. Then he will avert his gaze, say nothing, and hope Edward moves along.

To be sure, he's had to make many difficult decisions here in Mayfield, but right now, there is one that stands out more clearly from the rest...]

[puzzlerprince]

[You know, he almost does ask Slugger for his input. Before realizing that perhaps he already knows the answer to this question already. And it's not exactly something he'd want to bring up in a public setting.]

This is my classroom and I expect your attention at all times. Understood?

A

[jaws5sonofjaws]

[Eating a sandwich

during class

giving no fucks.]

[puzzlerprince]

Mr. Vineyard? Do you feel like sharing what's on that so-called mind of yours?

[jaws5sonofjaws]

[Talking with his mouth full.]

I was hungry.

[puzzlerprince]

Charming.

Your answer?

A

[notalwystrthful]

[ Diana reclines in her chair, giving a glance to Edward. ]

If I may ask, have you ever had to make a difficult decision and were you satisfied with the outcome, or do you still have regrets?

[ Morally ambiguous people in an ethics class? Say it isn't so. ]

[puzzlerprince]

As a matter of fact, I have. In some ways, I have my regrets, but in other ways, I suppose you could say I'm satisfied. I wouldn't be who I am today if I'd acted any differently.

[Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, though, remains to be seen.]

[notalwystrthful]

Our decisions do help make us into who we are today, Mr. Nigma. As far as I'm concerned, there's very little I regret.

[puzzlerprince]

They do indeed, Ms. Ethelbert. More than that, they help us in making decisions in the future that could potentially be even more difficult.