Editing Marius' Sweet Chapter 02-07

{{Stage
|gameMode=Character Stories
|stageType=Story
|name={{PAGENAME}}
|previousStage=Marius' Sweet Chapter 02-06
|nextStage=Marius' Sweet Chapter 02-08
|stageCost=None
|firstClearReward=None
|unlock=
|guide=
===Script===
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Solution I: Themis Law Firm 2F
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Marius!Marius von Hagen,Kiki Bennet!Kiki Bennet,Don Edison!Don Edison
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Themis Office|location=Themis Law Firm|image=Themis Law Firm - Office (Day).png}}}}
''Go to law firm 2F to progress the story.''

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Phew, I'm so tired. It's finally over!}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|I thought only criminal cases could get this complicated, but patent cases are even worse.}}
{{SL|You|This is the first time I've been involved in such a complicated case. Luckily, I have you to help me.}}
The case Kiki mentioned is a dispute about the patent ownership of a new orthotic device.

Professor Gough of Stellis Medical Research Institute and his laboratory colleague, Dr. Lee, had a dispute over patent issues, so they came to the law firm to seek assistance.

Since there was too much relevant information involved in this complicated case, Celestine asked Kiki to help you deal with it.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|All you can say is that it's just like what you'd expect from the Stellis Medical Research Institute's top scholars. Even a patent case can get so complicated.}}
{{SL|You|Yeah. It's one thing to get the chain of evidence ready, but understanding the medical terminology behind the evidence... Now, that's something else.}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Hey, what's wrong with you?}}
{{SL|You|Huh? What's wrong with me?}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|We are about to close the case. Why do you look so unhappy?}}
{{SL|You|Huh? Do I?}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Come on. You don't think I know you?}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Is there something on your mind?}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Is it because Crimson released their bionic prosthesis tech a few days ago?}}
{{SL|You|Huh? Even you know about that?}}
As soon as she mentions Marius, the tiny bit of excitement you gained from just closing the case evaporates.

Since that night at Pax, both you and Marius have been very busy.

Although you and Marius still keep in contact daily, whenever you ask about the incident, he always says things to comfort you, then changes the subject.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Hehe, little do you know, not only do I read entertainment news — I sometimes look at business news too.}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|So... what they say on the internet about the impact of Crimson's bionic prosthesis technology on Pax is true?}}
{{SL|You|That's hard to say...}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Hey, you gotta have faith in Marius!}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|I believe good will always triumph over evil. Even if Crimson is popular right now, Pax will certainly find a solution.}}
{{SL|You|How do you differentiate between good and evil in the business world?}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Hey, if I support them, then they are good guys.}}
{{SL|You|Pfft...}}
Joking around with Kiki makes you forget your gloomy emotions, and you find yourself feeling much more relaxed.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Hey, [Player], look what I found.}}
{{SL|You|What is it?}}
Kiki pulls out a photo from the pile of evidence and hands it to you.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|Does this guy look a little like the one you are missing?}}
In the photo is a group of people who look like researchers. Kiki is referring to the person standing next to them in a suit.

He is young but has an extraordinary air about him. Not to mention he has eyes and eyebrows that look like Marius', giving him an air of superiority.

{{SL|You|Hey, this is... Marius' brother. Where did you find it?}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|I just saw it when I was sorting out the materials. Previously, both of us just focused on those guys in lab coats.}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|I only just realized that that's Mr. Marius' brother in the photo.}}
{{SL|You|Let me see...}}
This photo is a piece of evidence the client used to prove the duration of his academic relationship with the defendant.

But due to the sheer amount of people in the picture, you didn't pay much attention to the others except for those who are related to the case.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|What a surprise!}}
Kiki snatches the photo back and inspects it carefully. She can't help letting out a sigh.

{{SL|Kiki Bennet|It seems Pax had some kind of relationship or investment partnership with Stellis Medical Research Institute... Marius' brother is also really handsome.}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|And this man... Is pretty good looking too. He looks like a Pax employee?}}
Hearing Kiki's comment, you take a look at the young man beside Giann.

He is smiling happily and looks very lively. He has the optimism and vigor that is typical of his age.

Upon closer inspection, his face looks vaguely familiar.

{{SL|You|(Funny. Have I seen him before?)}}
{{SL|You|(Did I see him at Pax headquarters?)}}
{{SL|You|(Hmm, I can't remember. Pax... oh...)}}
Your heart is flooded with anxiety whenever you think of Pax.

{{SL|You|(Today is the last day of the wager. I wonder how Marius is doing... Why don't I go see him later?)}}
Despite the anxiety in your heart, you persevere and finish the remaining work on the case with Kiki.

{{SL|You|I'm heading out, Kiki.}}
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|All right. Bye-bye!}}
You nod and turn to leave, still haunted by the face of the young man.

{{SL|You|(Maybe I should take a photo of it. I don't know why, but I have a strange feeling about this...)}}
After some deliberation, you take out your phone and snap a picture.

''[Obtain evidence: Electronic Version of the Group Photo]''
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Solution II: Central Business District
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Stellis - Outside Themis (Day).png}}}}
''The big screen of the CBD is rebroadcasting Pax's press conference. Go check it out!''

You leave the office and head straight to Pax.

{{SL|Host|"Ladies and gentlemen, Pax announced an important press conference. We are now going to broadcast the event for you."}}
{{SL|You|!!!}}
You stop to look at the screen of the digital billboard on the street.

In the middle of the massive screen is Marius in a suit.

You don't know whether it's because the screen is too far away from you, or because you have to keep looking up to see the giant screen...

...But, at that moment, you suddenly realize that there is still a very large distance between you and him.

{{Float|{{Background location|name=Pax Press Conference|location=Pax Group|image=Stellis University - Lecture Stage.png}}}}
After a brief introduction, he starts to describe the "Xbone Alloy" technology.

In the camera, he looks like a young king who has complete control of the situation, having planned this for a long time.

{{SL|Marius|That's all I'm going to say about the "Xbone Alloy" technology for now.}}
{{SL|Marius|Next, I have an announcement to make on behalf of Pax.}}
{{SL|Marius|Pax will be cooperating with the Stellis Medical Research Institute and will transfer the patent of the "Xbone Alloy" technology to the institute for free.}}
{{SL|Marius|Hereafter, Pax will continue to provide assistance, hoping to help this technology find more applications in the medical field.}}
{{SL|Journalist A|Mr. von Hagen, I'm a reporter from Stellis TV.}}
{{SL|Journalist A|What is the difference between the "Xbone Alloy" technology developed by your company and Crimson's bionic prosthesis technology?}}
{{SL|Marius|The "Xbone Alloy" technology is the key to manufacturing bionic prosthetics, but I won't classify the relationship between the two as such.}}
{{SL|Marius|Our technology will not only be limited to bionic prostheses. Its uses are much more diverse.}}
{{SL|Journalist B|Mr. von Hagen, I'm from Stellis Daily. I'm sure you know that Crimson just released bionic prosthetics very recently.}}
{{SL|Journalist B|Pax donating the patent of one of its core pieces of technology to a national research institute is equivalent to disclosing it to the public.}}
{{SL|Journalist B|Is this a counter-strategy against Crimson's move?}}
Hearing the reporter's loaded question, the anxiety in your heart begins to surge. You're worried about how Marius will react.

He reaches out his hand to adjust the microphone, which makes a dull muffled noise.

{{SL|Marius|Pax is a company with a strong sense of social responsibility. We believe that there are some things that should not be monopolized.}}
{{SL|Marius|"There are things a gentleman must and must not do." My father taught me that, and it has always been at the core of Pax's philosophy.}}
{{SL|Marius|Xbone Alloy's influence on the rehabilitation engineering industry will be long-term, and the cooperation between Pax and Stellis Medical Research Institute will continue far into the future.}}
{{SL|Marius|I hope that the innovation and development of this technology will be a blessing for those living with disabilities.}}
{{SL|Marius|I also believe that, for Crimson, who specializes in bionic prosthetics, this must also be their goal and intention.}}
{{SL|Marius|Don't you think so?}}
{{SL|You|...}}
With his righteous rhetoric and innocent image, one could say there is no one better than him at making moral judgments.

{{SL|Passerby A|Mr. von Hagen of Pax is really impressive. That was an amazing response.}}
{{SL|Passerby B|Yeah, he even took the opportunity to praise Crimson. If Crimson fights back, then they'll be openly admitting that they only care about profit and, they'll destroy their own image.}}
{{SL|Passerby A|Giving the patent to the people. This is godlike move.}}
{{SL|Passerby B|Never again will I say that strength comes with age. Clearly, strength comes with Pax.}}
While you're still rooted to the spot, two passers-by are discussing the press conference.

The surrounding people's discussions are still ringing in your ears. You then become vaguely aware of the situation. This is probably the solution Marius was talking about.

{{SL|You|(He endorsed the "Xbone Alloy" by cooperating with the Institute. Although he lost the opportunity to be the pioneer in the market, he regained Pax's reputation...)}}
{{SL|You|(Needless to say, the joint research and the funding will put tremendous pressure on Crimson from a social responsibility perspective.)}}
On the screen, Marius is calmly answering the reporter's questions. Your anxiety finally subsides.

Marius has been maturing at an incredible pace, quickly adapting to the business world and making his own rules.

He always tells you not to worry. In reality, he really did prove his ability to everyone with his own actions.

Listening to everyone praising him, you feel both proud and inevitably, a little distressed.

{{SL|You|(After taking on so much pressure, he finally managed to achieve a satisfactory outcome.)}}
With this in mind, you hasten your pace once again.
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Solution III: President's Office
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Pax Group - Corridor.png}}}}
''Everything happened so fast. Go talk with Marius.''

Worried about interrupting Marius' work, you send him a text message informing him that you're coming to Pax.

But even when you've reached the door of his office, there's still no answer to your text.

{{SL|You|(Is he still busy? Should I come back later?)}}
{{SL|Marius|[Player]?}}
While you're hesitating, the door of the office opens. Marius, who has changed his suit, comes out. He looks at you in surprise.

{{SL|Marius|I was going to pick you up. What are you doing here?}}
{{SL|You|I... I sent you a text message.}}
You don't know whether it's because you walked too fast or that you haven't seen Marius for a while, but you find yourself completely out of breath.

{{SL|Marius|It's okay, no worries.}}
{{SL|Marius|Come into my office. Take your time.}}

{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Pax Group - President's Office (Day).png}}}}
Marius leads you into his office. Your pulse and breathing quickly calm down when you see him.

You sit on the couch and Marius pours you a glass of water.

{{SL|You|I saw the press conference, so I came as soon as I could.}}
{{SL|Marius|Oh... You saw it already... What did you think?}}
{{SL|You|It was incredible.}}
{{SL|You|When that reporter asked you if you were fighting against Crimson, I was nervous for you.}}
{{SL|You|But your answer was like fighting fire with water. You handled it perfectly.}}
{{SL|You|On the way here, I heard so many passers-by praising you and Pax!}}
At this moment, what you want to tell him the most is how proud and happy you are about what he did.

{{SL|Marius|...}}
{{SL|You|Are you blushing?}}
{{SL|You|Mr. Marius blushes when he's complimented?}}
Seeing the faintly red tips of his ears, you get the urge to pinch them.

{{SL|Marius|Because I know that your compliments are genuine.}}
He grabs your trouble-making hand by the wrist and slides his hand up to interlock his fingers with yours.
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Solution IV: President's Office
|script=
''Someone is knocking on the door. What's going on?''

Marius seems to have something to say, but a knock at the door interrupts him.

{{SL|Marius|Not again...}}
His face darkens a little, but he finally lets go of your hand.

{{SL|Marius|Come in.}}
Unexpectedly, it is Don Edison who comes through the door.

{{SL|Don Edison|Excuse me, Mr. von Hagen.}}
Don Edison is no longer acting aggressively like he did at the board of directors meeting. He looks defeated and tired.

{{SL|Don Edison|Miss [Player], you're here too. Good.}}
{{SL|You|Hello, Director Edison.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I'm no longer a director... I resigned from the Board of Directors before coming here.}}
{{SL|You|Ah...}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I lost, fair and square. You got the better of me this time.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|However, I don't agree with the way you risked Pax's trade secrets!}}
{{SL|You|(What does he mean?)}}
You look at Marius in shock. Edison notices your reaction and sneers.

{{SL|Don Edison|So she doesn't know?}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Mr. Marius is as cunning as ever. He has always intended to donate the patent.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Checking into anonymous emails and even the wager itself was all part of his plan.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|He did it all to make me leave the Board of Directors!}}
{{SL|Don Edison|It was the perfect plan. He sent Kenji to lure me into sending those anonymous emails.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Then, he investigated the matter quickly before I could cover my tracks. I listened to Kenji's suggestion and leaked the date of the press conference to Crimson.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|What a conspiracy!}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I was wrong to say that you're like your father.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|You're much more cunning than your father.}}
Edison is obviously angry and speaks very fast, making it impossible to interrupt him.

And what he said is making you even more confused.

{{SL|You|(Is this "Kenji" person he mentioned the one I found out about earlier?)}}
You thought the whole ordeal was over, but from his reaction, it looks like there's more to it than meets the eye.

{{SL|You|Who was that gentleman just now? I heard you call him Secretary Kenji...}}
{{SL|Staff|Oh... you mean Kenji? He's President von Hagen's secretary.}}
{{SL|You|Isn't President von Hagen's secretary Vin...}}
Before you finish the sentence, you suddenly realize that the "President von Hagen" the staff was referring to is Giann.

{{SL|Staff|See? Even you misunderstood, let alone the others...}}
{{SL|Staff|When President von Hagen went abroad before, he didn't take Secretary Kenji with him, and they haven't been in contact all these years.}}
{{SL|Staff|So some people in the company are saying that it was Secretary Kenji, who had been underperforming at work and lost the favor of President von Hagen.}}
{{SL|Staff|Well, thanks to that, Secretary Kenji is now in a very awkward position in our company.}}
Marius doesn't react to his accusations. He seems as calm as ever.

{{SL|Marius|Mr. Edison, I'm not you. I wouldn't do anything to put Pax at risk.}}
{{SL|Marius|I applied for the patent donation with the Board of Directors. I followed all the procedures and only proceeded after it was approved.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|You did follow the procedures, but if you weren't prepared for it in advance, how could you complete all the documentation in just a few days?}}
{{SL|Marius|I have you to thank for that, Mr. Edison.}}
{{SL|Marius|If you hadn't leaked company information, why would I have to prepare so much paperwork in such a short time?}}
{{SL|Marius|And...}}
{{SL|Marius|As for Secretary Kenji...}}
{{SL|Marius|Please don't make wild accusations if you have no proof. I won't allow anyone to slander Pax's employees.}}
{{SL|Marius|My lawyer is right here. If you keep making false statements...}}
{{SL|Marius|I don't mind pursuing legal action on the grounds of you having disclosed confidential information.}}
You unwittingly recall the group photo you saw in the law office earlier.

"Stellis Medical Research Institute," "Giann," "patent"...

{{SL|You|(The client of the patent case is from the rehabilitation engineering laboratory, and Giann von Hagen was in the group photo with them...)}}
{{SL|You|(Has Giann been planning this scheme the entire time?)}}
Don Edison is obviously irritated by Marius' gesture. He raises the tone and volume of his voice.

{{SL|Don Edison|If your father and brother knew that you've been putting their life's work at risk like this...}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Just to force an old man out of the company...}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I wonder if they'll regret handing over the company to you?}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Do you really understand how much effort was put into building Pax into what it is today?}}
The volume of his voice increases sharply, and the sarcasm in his tone is strong.

You can't listen to this anymore.

{{SL|You|Mr. Edison, as Mr. von Hagen's lawyer, I must remind you.}}
{{SL|You|Whether the patent was to be donated or not, it was you who leaked confidential information about the company.}}
{{SL|You|Even if Marius did force you to do so, you were the one who sent those anonymous emails first.}}
{{SL|You|You tried to cover up your mistake with an even bigger mistake. And now, you are trying to blame it all on the one who holds you responsible for it?}}
{{SL|You|What's more, you said that Pax was built with the cumulative effort of all those people, yet you leaked confidential company information to your competitor. Isn't that a bigger risk?}}
{{SL|Don Edison|You... I...}}
Don Edison stammers out a few words and finally falls silent.

After a long while, he speaks again.

{{SL|Don Edison|Kenji tricked me into doing all this. I'm just old and confused...}}
{{SL|Marius|Now everyone knows about the wager, and a man's word is sacred.}}
{{SL|Marius|Whether it was instigated or not, you have to pay for your actions.}}
Edison seems to have lost his morale, but he continues to blame others for the incidents.

{{SL|Don Edison|Well, it looks like you won't leave me a way out.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|Then I won't let Kenji get away with this either.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I have kept evidence of him instigating me to do these things and submitted them to the Board of Directors.}}
{{SL|Don Edison|When your brother comes back and finds that you fired his best friend...}}
{{SL|Don Edison|...I wonder what he'll think?}}
{{SL|Don Edison|I'm looking forward to seeing your family drama!}}
Edison's threat reminds you of what the barista said to you before.

{{SL|You|(So... was Kenji the one who was secretly talking to Edison in North Stellis?)}}
You thought this saga had come to an end, but Edison's words remind you that there is still a lot you don't know.

Edison is clearly serious, but Marius remains unperturbed.

{{SL|Marius|Well, you won't be on the board of directors by then, so don't worry about it.}}
Seeing Marius like this, Edison realizes that there is nothing more he can do. He shoots him a ferocious glare, then leaves.

His posture is no longer tall and proud like before. He slouches a little, appearing defeated.
}}
|summary=
|locations=
|evidence=
{{Evidence
|name=Electronic Version of the Group Photo
|image=Electronic Version of the Group Photo.png
|description=In the photo, among a group of researchers in lab coats, two men in suits are standing in the corner. One is Giann von Hagen, the other is his secretary.
}}
}}
@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 |scriptHeader=The Solution II: Central Business District
 |script=
-{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Stellis Central Business District|image=Stellis - Outside Themis (Day).png}}}}
+{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Stellis - Outside Themis (Day).png}}}}
 ''The big screen of the CBD is rebroadcasting Pax's press conference. Go check it out!''
@@ Line 169: / Line 169: @@
 |scriptHeader=The Solution III: President's Office
 |script=
-{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Pax Group|image=Pax Group - Corridor.png}}}}
+{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Pax Group - Corridor.png}}}}
 ''Everything happened so fast. Go talk with Marius.''
@@ Line 187: / Line 187: @@
 {{SL|Marius|Come into my office. Take your time.}}
-{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Pax Group|image=Pax Group - President's Office (Day).png}}}}
+{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location= |image=Pax Group - President's Office (Day).png}}}}
 Marius leads you into his office. Your pulse and breathing quickly calm down when you see him.
@@ Line 319: / Line 319: @@
 His posture is no longer tall and proud like before. He slouches a little, appearing defeated.
 }}
+|summary=
-|characters=
+|locations=
-{{Character|name=Marius von Hagen|image=Marius character icon 2.png}}
-{{Character|name=Marius von Hagen|image=Marius character icon 1.png}}
-{{Character|name=Kiki Bennet|image=Kiki Bennet character icon.png}}
-{{Character|name=Don Edison|image=Don Edison character icon.png}}
-{{Character|name=Host|image=Passerby F1 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
-{{Character|name=Journalist A|image=Passerby M2 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
-{{Character|name=Journalist B|image=Passerby F2 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
-{{Character|name=Passerby A|image=Passerby M1 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
-{{Character|name=Passerby B|image=Passerby F1 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
-{{Character|name=Staff|image=Passerby F2 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
 |evidence=
 {{Evidence