Marius' Sweet Chapter 01-03
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Waterfront Central Business District
Go with Marius to the art gallery in the CBD, and begin today's official date.
You: There seems to be a crowd in front of the exhibition hall. And surprisingly, many of them are with their... kids?
Marius: Most of Cyrus Brown's work is in fairy tale style. They are very popular with children.
Boy's Parent: Stop acting like a spoiled brat! Are you going in or not?
Boy: I'm not going in. I'm not! I'm not!
Boy's Parent: I've had enough of your nonsense! Why can't you just listen? Why can't you be like your brother?
Boy: There you go again! You only care for my brother... My brother is good. My brother is the best!
Boy: I'm a nobody! You guys just ignore me! I'm a nobody!
Marius: ...
You: Is that...supposed to be a parent educating his kid?
Marius: It doesn't sound like the education process is going well... I guess every family has its own difficulties.
You: Should I go over there and play the role of peacemaker? The kid is crying.
Marius: According to my years of experience, you'd better not go over now. It may be counterproductive.
You: You sound pretty sophisticated with kids.
Marius: I'm just kidding... But I don't think we have time for that. Besides, the staff is already heading over.
From far off, you see a young woman in a gallery staff uniform walking toward the father and son.
It looks like she's going to handle the situation. You feel relieved.
Marius: Shall we head into the gallery?
You: Okay then.
Waterfront Art Gallery
Enter the art gallery and enjoy the beautiful paintings with Marius.
After entering the gallery, you both decline to have the staff guide you and begin the tour hand in hand.
Marius whispers as he introduces the paintings to you.
He has his own unique perspective on each of them.
Under his guidance, you seem to have a new perception of the deceased young painter.
You: It turns out that Cyrus Brown had been fighting a disease since he was very young...
You: Is the scene in the first painting "Angel at the Bedside" influenced by the medical staff from his childhood?
Marius: Yes, he was a painter who drew inspiration from life, and many of his works were based on his own experiences.
Marius: Cyrus Brown was a very positive person... This is one of the reasons why many people are inspired after seeing his work.
Marius: Okay, we've visited all the paintings on this floor. Let's head to the second floor.
You: Well, I read in the introduction that there is an interactive hologram area on the second floor where you can see Cyrus Brown drawing on his hospital bed.
You chat about your thoughts on the exhibition as you walk to the next section.
But just as you are about to walk up the steps, a voice catches your notice.
???: Look, it's the picture book your brother left for you, and he wants you to...
???: Stop, Uncle Jason, I don't wanna draw anymore!
???: Timmy, don't run...
A young boy wipes his tears and runs around the corner leading to the stairway.
A man clearly wants to chase after him, but stops after a few steps and then sighs.
You: Is that... the little boy who was arguing with his father outside the gallery?
Marius: Hmm, that man is an acquaintance of mine.
Marius walks up and greets the dejected man.
Marius: Jason Sanders, I haven't seen you for a long time.
The man turns his face and focuses his gaze on you and Marius, and after a moment looks surprised.
Jason Sanders: Mr. von Hagen, Miss [Player]? Are you two here to see the art exhibition as well?
You: Yes, I didn't expect to meet you here. By the way, the kid who ran away is...
Jason Sanders: It's a long story. What do you two want to know? I'll try to explain...
You: Was the kid who just ran away... your relative?
Jason Sanders: That kid's name is Timmy Brown. He's Cyrus' younger brother.
Jason Sanders: He is very talented at drawing, just like his brother. And his performance is excellent in the children's drawing classes.
Jason Sanders: But recently... He hasn't wanted to go to the drawing classes... he doesn't even want to talk much with his parents back at home.
Jason Sanders: His father has talked to him several times, but all in vain. So his father wants me to talk to him again.
You: What? He...
You can't help telling Jason Sanders about what you just saw outside the exhibition hall.
You: So just now... They must have been arguing about drawing.
Jason Sanders: Well, after Cyrus was gone, his parents put all their expectations on their younger son.
Jason Sanders: Timmy... I sense that he's under more pressure than other kids.
Marius: It sounds like you know Cyrus Brown quite well, don't you?
Jason Sanders: He was kind of a drawing buddy of mine, I suppose.
Jason Sanders: I was a tutor at a studio in South Stellis for a while.
Jason Sanders: Cyrus came to the studio with his brother, and we got to know each other pretty well. Over time, we became close friends.
You: What do you think of Cyrus Brown?
Jason Sanders: Cyrus was a very passionate, and idealistic person. He loved his family and he loved life.
Jason Sanders: He always said he wished he could live longer, so he could spend more time with his family, and watch his younger brother grow up...
Jason Sanders: It's just that... Life is not always what you want it to be.
You: ...
People who long for health are sick, and people who long for the warmth of family are lonely and cold.
The world... is full of ups and downs, and twists and turns.
Jason Sanders: However, he was strong-willed. He never got demoralized by the disease—from start to finish.
Jason Sanders: Even in the last days of his life, he was still working away, preparing a special picture book for Timmy.
Jason Sanders: He asked me to give the picture book to his brother, hoping that his brother would understand someday.
Jason Sanders: Unfortunately, Timmy is now... very resistant whenever Cyrus Brown is mentioned...
You: What kind of picture book? Can we have a look at it?
Jason Sanders: Sure... Here, this is the one.
Marius: Is it Blurry Days and Nights?
Jason Sanders hands you and Marius the most hot-selling picture book.
Jason Sanders: Unlike the picture books on the market, Cyrus Brown drew every page of this book himself.
Jason Sanders: He told me that the picture book contained a gift for Timmy.
Marius: A gift?
Marius considers the words for a moment and carefully opens the picture book.
Except for the bits of hand-drawing, the content of the picture book is no different from those finished books for sale in the store.
Marius: What's this?
Marius flips through the pages and stops on a particular one. He picks out a piece of paper from between the pages.
Marius: "I remember many of our shared memories involve the classroom bookshelf. Let's go back and enjoy... the beauty of those moments."
Jason Sanders: This is a note written by Cyrus Brown.
Marius: Maybe... this is what he wanted his brother to see.
Jason Sanders: But Timmy is so upset that he can hardly look at it...
Marius: How are you and your wife?
Jason Sanders: We are good. Reimi is recovering well from her surgery. Now she is able to go out for short walks.
Jason Sanders: I'm sure Reimi will make a full recovery.
Jason Sanders: And I... I have lived a peaceful life recently. I'm trying to get back to my compositions...
Jason Sanders: Mr. von Hagen, don't worry. I won't give up on art.
Marius: I look forward to seeing your new compositions.
Jason Sanders smiles bitterly as if this matter has been bothering him for a long time.
Marius: Would you like me to have a try? Maybe I can get through to the boy.
Jason Sanders: Mr. von Hagen, do you really think you can? That would be great. You're about Cyrus Brown's age. Maybe you can get the kid to listen.
Marius: Well, I'll do my best.
You: Marius...
Marius: Why are you looking at me so surprised?
You: No, I just...
You just didn't think that Marius would make this decision before you could.
You: No, I just wanted to say that I'm coming with you to help the kid.
You: I saw him running outside the gallery. Let's go look for him on the street.
Marius: Well, with your help, I'm sure it'll take half the effort.
[Acquire evidence: "To Timmy (I)"]
Central Business District
Go with Marius to the art gallery in the CBD, and begin today's official date.
Shortly after walking out of the museum, you find Timmy around the corner.
The boy is practicing juggling the ball by himself, one kick at a time. He is having fun.
Marius: You're a good soccer player, kid. Can we talk?
Timmy Brown: You're just saying that because you want something.
You: (Are kids nowadays really this aggressive!?)
Marius: I complimented you, but you are harsh with me... That's not fair, is it?
Timmy Brown: Don't pretend to be the good guy. I just saw you talking to Uncle Jason... You're helping him to persuade me to continue painting.
Timmy Brown: I don't want to paint! I've made up my mind. I'm going to be a soccer star!
You: (This kid seems to be very reluctant to communicate with others.)
Marius: I'm not here to persuade you. I'm here to play a game with you.
Timmy Brown: A game?
Marius takes out the note he just found in the picture book and waves it in front of Timmy.
Marius: Your brother left a puzzle for me earlier, and he wanted you to play it with me. Do you dare to take on the challenge?
Timmy Brown: You are lying...
Marius: Look, this is your brother's handwriting. Don't you recognize it?
Timmy snatches the note from Marius' hand, and he freezes the moment he sees what is written on the paper.
Timmy Brown: ...
Marius: Now, do you believe what I said?
Timmy Brown: Yeah right! I don't even know you. Why should I believe you?
Marius is unfazed by Timmy's words. Instead, he nods his head as if he understands the boy.
Marius: Right. I have to show my sincerity to win your trust. Let's play a game first. Do you dare to accept the challenge?
Timmy remains silent for several long moments before he nods his head forcefully.
Timmy Brown: Okay, stranger, what kind of challenge is it?
Marius: I'm Marius. You can also address me as "Mr. Marius."
Timmy Brown: Okay, Marius.
Marius: ...
You: (Pfft, this kid is witty.)
Marius: Okay, let's get to the point.
Marius: The rules are simple. You provide clues in round 1, and I'll find the answer to the puzzle that your brother made.
Marius: If I succeed in round 1, then you will have to solve the remaining puzzles with me, okay?
Timmy Brown: Hmm... Even if my brother did leave me a puzzle, how do you know that there are more puzzles?
Marius: Just a guess. Your brother's picture book has a lot of clues in it, so I think he must have left more than one puzzle for you.
Timmy Brown: Well... All right, I'll play the game with you.
Marius: Good. Now for round 1 of the challenge.
Marius: Can you think of anything the classroom bookshelf could mean as a clue from your memory?
Timmy Brown: A bookshelf? A bookshelf related to my brother?
Timmy scratches his head and thinks hard for a while.
Timmy Brown: Hmm... Maybe it referred to the bookshelf in the art classroom when I was in elementary school...
Timmy Brown: By that time, my brother was out of school because he was sick, so he would play games with me by the bookshelf from time to time.
Marius: Timmy, where is your elementary school?
Timmy Brown: It's Hemingway Heights Elementary. It's right on West Hemingway Heights Street.
Marius: [Player], why don't we go to Hemingway Heights to verify it?
You: I agree. Let's go now.
West Hemingway Heights Street
Go to the elementary school in Hemingway Heights with Marius and further your investigation.
Marius: This is Hemingway Heights Elementary. If the information Timmy provided is accurate, then the key to the puzzle should be inside.
You: I have one question though—what excuse do we use to get in?
Marius: ...If we just waltz in, I think the school staff will stop us.
Marius: Why don't we talk to the security guard first? Maybe they will let us in if they are nice.
You: Okay, let's go and ask first.
Talk to the security guard at Hemingway Heights Elementary and explain why you're here.
Yet, things don't go quite as smoothly as you hoped.
You ask the security guard to permit you to investigate the school but he appears to be rather reluctant.
Security Guard: Our school is not open to the public. No one is allowed to visit except during open house.
Security Guard: If you are parents of students, it's different... But it seems that the two of you are not even married—not to mention having children.
You: I'm...
Marius: What if we say that we are researching this school for our future kids?
You: (Marius! What are you talking about!?)
Security Guard: I'm just a security guard, so I can't let you in.
Security Guard: Why don't you wait for a while? Director Terresa is in school today. I'll ask her for you.
Security Guard: Director Terresa is the dean. She is quite nice, and she may be able to help you. You can come with me.
You: Thank you so much for your help.
The security guard called Director Terresa to the teaching department. Raise your request with her!
Security Guard: The Dean's office is just up ahead. Wait a minute, I'll go find Director Terresa.
You: Okay, thank you.
The security guard walks into the office and says something to an affable middle-aged woman. She takes a glance over at you.
After a while, the woman gets up and walks over to you. This must be Director Terresa.
Director Terresa: Hello... Excuse me, may I ask why you suddenly want to visit our school?
Marius: Hello Director Terresa. Here's the thing...
Marius briefly recaps what happened to you all and Timmy Brown today.
After listening to his account, Director Terresa looks a little sad.
Director Terresa: Oh... So, you guys are here for Timmy...
Director Terresa: Okay, I will help you get the proper permission to visit.
Marius: Great, thank you, Director Terresa.
Director Terresa: You're welcome but as an educator, it's my obligation.
Director Terresa: I remember Timmy. When I was his homeroom teacher, I found out that he was very close to his brother, but unfortunately...
You: You are Timmy's homeroom teacher?
Director Terresa: Yes, I've been teaching for many years, and I've taught many students. Even Timmy's brother was my student before.
Director Terresa: Alas, enough of this. Let me show you the art classroom.
Arts Hobby Room
Director Terresa: Here it is. This is the art room where the brothers used to sit in front of the bookshelf and practice sketching.
You: ...It seems that it hasn't been used for a long time.
The desks in the art classroom are covered with a thin layer of dust. It's as if no students have been in here for a long time.
Director Terresa: Our school just added a new classroom building last year. That's where the students attend classes. This old building hasn't been used much for a while.
Director Terresa: But the books on the shelves, these desks and chairs, and the graffiti on the blackboard... They look all the same as back in the old days.
You: (So... This is the bookshelf he remembered?)
Marius: Was it left behind on purpose?
Director Terresa: Yes, I was going to remove it. But... Cyrus Brown came to the school six months ago and spent a lot of time in this classroom.
Director Terresa: He said he missed school and wanted me to keep the classroom the same, so I agreed.
Marius: Cyrus Brown came to see you?
You: So, it was Cyrus Brown who begged you to keep the layout of the classroom?
You and Marius ask at almost the same time, as Director Terresa's words give you an abundance of information.
If Cyrus Brown had been here, then that would be an even better indication that this classroom contains the clues you are looking for.
Director Terresa: Yes, Cyrus Brown told me that he wanted to save memories of his time with his brother and wanted his brother to come back and visit in the future.
Director Terresa: I was deeply touched by his sincerity, so I agreed.
Marius: Director Terresa, can we take a closer look at the books and coloring books on the shelves?
Director Terresa: Sure. The books on the shelf are the students' individual works. Feel free to take a look.
Director Terresa: I have to go back to my office. If you have any questions, you can come straight to me.
You: Okay, thank you, Director Terresa.
After Director Terresa leaves, you and Marius go through the bookshelves.
As Director Terresa said, the shelves are mostly filled with art materials and student's works that have accumulated over the years.
It would probably take quite a while to find clues among so many books.
Marius: [Player], if you were Cyrus Brown, where would you hide the clues?
You: If I were Cyrus Brown... I probably would have put it on the upper shelves.
You: (No, the upper shelves are too high. Timmy can't reach up there...)
You: (If he intended it to be something for a child to find, it can't be here.)
[Go back to choice]
You: Well... I think it must be on the lower shelves...
You: The height of the lower shelves is about the same as the height of a child, so it would be easy for a child to find something here.
Marius: It sounds like we are on the same page again!
Marius: Cyrus Brown left the clues for Timmy to find, so he certainly wouldn't put it in a totally concealed spot.
Marius says, bending down to look and examine the lower shelves.
After a moment, he pulls out a sketchbook and a small box from the middle of a stack of books and hands them to you.
Marius: The cover of the sketchbook has Timmy's name on it.
Marius: There is also a small box with a combination lock... On the top of the small box is some writing, "A gift for Timmy."
Marius: I guess these two things are what we're after.
You: You're so fast!
Marius: Yep, I have abundant experience in looking for things. When I was a kid, my brother used to hide things and then challenged me to find them...
Marius: I...
Marius suddenly stops in the middle of his story and reaches out to point at the sketchbook.
Marius: Let's see what's in it first.
You know Marius was thinking about his brother. The story of Timmy and Cyrus Brown... touches him and reminds him of his own brother.
He has become so used to hiding his feelings and pretending to be happy. It makes people believe that he can cope with just about anything in an optimistic and positive way.
You decide not to point this out and instead open the sketchbook just as he says.
You: Here it is. A note inside the sketchbook! It says...
Marius: "The accompanying fairy spirits will eventually depart, and the young man who has the brush walks alone on the dark road, looking for the snow-white divine bird."
Marius: "He believes that the divine bird would stay with him at his happiest moment, which is also... my happiest moment."
Marius: This is a sentence from Blurry Days and Nights.
The handwriting on the paper is the same as the handwriting in the previous note, and the sentence is quoted from Cyrus Brown's picture book again.
You can be sure that this is another clue left by Cyrus Brown.
As for the small box with the combination lock... You gently shake it, and the small box makes a sound as if it contains something.
Marius: You must find the next clue to open the combination lock.
Marius: Interesting. It seems that my intuition was right, this challenge has more than one layer.
You: But... What does the quote on the note refer to?
Marius: Since it's a message to Timmy, the clue must also point to something that only the two brothers know.
Marius: Let's go back and ask him.
You: Okay. I suppose the kid is anxiously waiting for us now.
[Acquire evidence: "To Timmy (II)," "A Gift for Timmy"]
Return to the CBD and talk to Timmy about the new clues you've found on the note.
Timmy Brown: Huh? Isn't that... my sketchbook?
Marius: Yes, this is from your brother.
Timmy Brown: Nu-uh! My brother... He's gone. How could he give it to you!?
Seeing that Timmy has misunderstood Marius' words and has become emotional, you quickly intervene.
You: We found it in the art classroom at Hemingway Heights Elementary, based on the clues in the note left by your brother.
Timmy Brown: *Sobs*...
Clutching the note tightly in his hands, Timmy's face shows the unrestrained sadness of a child.
You: (Oh no, Timmy is about to cry...)
Marius: Timmy, do you want some bubble tea? And maybe share with me what's bothering you?
Timmy Brown: No.
Marius: You are a young man. You should have nothing to hide.
Timmy Brown: Well... forget it. I'd like some bubble tea! It's your treat, right?
Marius: Haha, now you sound more like a grown man.
You: (Huh? That's all it takes to get him on our side? I didn't expect Marius to have a knack for coaxing kids.)
Drinks Shop
Take Timmy to have bubble tea in the drinks shop, and comfort the sad little boy.
Timmy Brown: I don't understand. What's the point of my brother leaving all this behind?
Timmy Brown: He's not here anymore. He... He can't be with me anymore...
Shortly after sitting down inside the drinks shop, the bubble tea and dessert Marius ordered arrive.
Timmy is sulking as he drinks his bubble tea.
You: I think he did all of this to show you that he cared for you. You are his brother, so of course, he wanted you to be happy.
Timmy Brown: I am happy. I love my life.
Timmy Brown: I'm going to practice and become a soccer star. I'm living my life to the fullest!
Marius: Timmy, it's not good to be in the habit of pretending to be a grown-up. You're crumpling the note in your grip, and you say you don't care about your brother?
That's when you notice that Timmy has been clutching the note with his brother's message on it.
Timmy Brown: So what!? I'm not my brother's replacement. Why does everyone keep comparing me to my brother?
Timmy Brown: If I do good at school or drawing, everyone says I'm like my brother. If I do bad, everyone just says I'm lazy...
Timmy Brown: I'll never be good enough. I'm not like my brother!
Timmy's voice begins to quiver. He tries to hold back his emotions by snuffling.
Marius: If you want to cry, go ahead. We won't laugh at you.
Timmy Brown: Who is going to cry!? Crying is for cowards!
You: (This kid is so stubborn.)
Marius reaches out his hand and pats Timmy's head.
Marius: Who said you were a coward? It's normal to cry when you're sad.
Marius: You don't have to hide your emotions. I know, in your heart, your brother is very important to you. You are sad that he's gone...
Timmy Brown: *Sobs* I...
Timmy bursts into the tears that he has been trying so hard to hold back. He roughly wipes his face with his hand, and his voice is all choked up.
Timmy Brown: He said he would take me to the amusement park if I won first place in the drawing competition...
Timmy Brown: He was a liar! How can he take me there now...?
Perhaps touched by Marius' words, the boy finally shows his vulnerability and speaks out.
Marius keeps gently patting his head, like an elder brother calming his sibling.
Marius: I think... The box has something in it that your brother wanted you to see.
Marius: Do you want to complete the game together with us and solve the puzzles your brother left behind?
Timmy spreads the wrinkled note he is holding out on the table, picks up the locked box, and shakes it again.
Timmy Brown: I... I don't get it. What does this mean?
Timmy Brown: If it's a gift for me, why did he lock it?
Marius: "He believes that the divine bird would stay with him at his happiest moment, which is also... my happiest moment."
Marius: According to the message on the previous note, I think the password must have something to do with the time you have spent together.
You: Cyrus Brown's tip must be related, in some way, to the time you spent together. Give it some careful thought, Timmy.
Timmy Brown: The happiest moment? Well, that would be when my brother came home from the hospital...
Timmy Brown: I would pick him up and then on the way home he would buy me a really good yogurt from the drink machine.
Timmy Brown: That brand of yogurt is only available in the drink machine on Southeast Stellis Street. It's cold and soooo good!
Timmy Brown: Then I would hold his hand and we would talk the whole way home. It was the happiest time ever!
You: Southeast Stellis Street? Well... Let's go check it out. Maybe we'll find something.
Marius: Okay, let's go now.
Timmy Brown: Wait, I'm coming with you guys!
Timmy Brown: I've thought it over. I'll do the challenge. I want to find out for myself, what my brother left for me.
Marius: Okay, let's go together.
Marius reaches out his hand and tries to rub Timmy's head, but Timmy immediately blocks him with his hand.
Timmy Brown: No! My brother used to tell me that young men have to take care of themselves when they go out, and young men don't like being rubbed on the head!
You: ???
You: (Young men should protect themselves when they go out, and young men don't want to be rubbed on the head!? Why does this sound so familiar? I feel like I remember someone else saying that before.)
Summary
Evidence
To Timmy (I)
"I remember many of our shared memories involve the classroom bookshelf. Let's go back and enjoy... the beauty of those moments."
To Timmy (II)
"The accompanying fairy spirits will eventually depart, and the young man who has the brush walks alone on the dark road, looking for the snow-white divine bird. He believes that the divine bird would stay with him at his happiest moment, which is also... my happiest moment."
A Gift for Timmy
A small iron box with a lock. What could Cyrus Brown have hidden inside it?
