Editing Vyn's Sweet Chapter 02-06

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===Script===
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Lady's Insistence I: Vyn's Living Room
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Vyn!Vyn Richter
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Vyn's Living Room|location=Vyn's Residence|image=Stellis - Vyn's Residence 1F RPG map.png}}}}
''Things seem to have ended here. Rest for a while with Vyn.''

Just when you think the dust has settled, Vyn's phone vibrates once more.

He takes the call, a helpless expression returning to his face.

{{SL|You|What's wrong? What happened?}}
{{SL|Vyn|The psychology center called. They said the Duchess is there again and asked to talk to me.}}
{{SL|Vyn|And she said she will visit the center every day until I see her...}}
{{SL|You|Well...}}
{{SL|You|If she visits the psychology center every day, it might affect the other patients.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Yes... It seems that I have to see her again.}}
{{SL|You|I'll go with you.}}
{{SL|Vyn|All right.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Lady's Insistence II: Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Vyn's Office|location=Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center|image=Giannovyn MHRC - Office (Day).png}}}}
''What more does the Duchess want to say? Go check it out.''

The Duchess is already waiting in Vyn's office.

Her red eyes and tight lips reflect her anxious state of mind.

Upon seeing her, Vyn frowns slightly.

{{SL|Vyn|Duchess... I believe I have already made myself clear.}}
Faced with Vyn's repeated refusals, the Duchess takes a deep breath and apologizes to him.

{{SL|Duchess|My behavior just now was inappropriate and impolite. Please forgive me.}}
{{SL|Duchess|But I hope you can understand my feelings as a mother.}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
Vyn seems to be perplexed by the Duchess' apology. He was probably expecting more rude remarks from her.

{{SL|Vyn|I understand... You did not mean to say what you said.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Duchess, what did you want to talk to me about this time?}}
The Duchess' apology seems to soften Vyn's tone.

The Duchess stands up, then shakes her head lightly.

{{SL|Duchess|Thinking back to our last interaction, I really had no right and no reason to force you to do anything for me.}}
{{SL|Duchess|I came to tell you the story of what happened after I married the Duke.}}
{{SL|Duchess|When I am done... I will accept whatever you may think.}}
{{SL|Vyn|All right.}}
Vyn nods and agrees to the Duchess' request.

The Duchess looks to the side, her eyes drifting off into the distance.

{{SL|Duchess|It all started before Marni was born...}}
{{SL|Duchess|My marriage to the Duke of Bavaria should have been the happiest moment of my life...}}
{{SL|Duchess|But our family doctor, after examining the Duke and me, told us...}}
{{SL|Duchess|The Duke and I have genetic defects that would increase the risk that our offspring would suffer from disability or disease.}}
{{SL|Duchess|Therefore, the family doctor advised us to be cautious when considering having children...}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
The Duchess' voice begins to crack, her voice trembling softly.

{{SL|Duchess|But... we really wanted a child of our own...}}
{{SL|Duchess|Marni had always been healthy since birth. The Duke and I believed it to be a blessing from the God of Fortune.}}
{{SL|Duchess|We lived happily for nine years, until... Marni suddenly fell ill...}}
The Duchess struggles to suppress her tears as she continues.

{{SL|Duchess|From that day on... not a day goes by when I do not feel regret! Not a day goes by when I do not hate myself!}}
{{SL|Duchess|The first thing I do when I wake up is recall what the doctor said.}}
{{SL|Duchess|But what can I do?}}
{{SL|Duchess|Because I wanted to have a family... wanted to have children of my own... I gave birth to Marni against all odds.}}
{{SL|Duchess|She is already 11 years old, and all I have brought her is endless pain and treatments...}}
{{SL|Duchess|I am too selfish... and unfit to be Marni's mother.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Duchess...}}
The Duchess clutches at her clothes, unable to hide her grief.

{{SL|Duchess|Everything... is my fault.}}
{{SL|Duchess|If I did not insist on having Marni, she would not have gotten sick... or suffered so much.}}
{{SL|Duchess|She would not be shunned by other family members or mocked behind her back...}}
{{SL|Duchess|The Duke... grew weary of the endless treatments and care. He gave up and left...}}
{{SL|Duchess|Everything, everything... is my fault.}}
At this point, the Duchess had grown remarkably calm, as if she is telling someone else's story.

It's as if her soul has long been drained from her body, leaving only an empty shell.

After Vyn hears her story, he clenches his hands subconsciously...

You're unsure of whether it's due to how Marni was treated by her family or the hatred that the Duchess feels toward herself.

His eyes are full of emotions that you can't discern, let alone fathom.

The Duchess forces the corners of her lips into a smile.

Despair is the greatest sorrow...

{{SL|Duchess|Vyn... Lord Vilhelm... I told you my story...}}
Vyn remains silent for a long time.

At last, he sighs with a heavy expression on his face.

{{SL|Vyn|Duchess, I... will think about it.}}
{{SL|Vyn|In the meantime, would you like to rest in the lounge?}}
{{SL|Duchess|...}}
{{SL|Duchess|...Do you really mean that?}}
{{SL|Vyn|Yes, but... I need some time.}}
A faint light glimmers in the Duchess's eyes at the possibility that things might change.

{{SL|Duchess|Yes, of course... I will wait for you. Thank you for giving it more consideration.}}
{{SL|Vyn|No need to thank me. I... still need to think it over.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Lady's Insistence III: Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center|location=Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center|image=Stellis - GMHRC Lobby RPG map.png}}}}
''Ask what Vyn thinks.''

The office becomes quiet after a nurse takes the Duchess to the lounge.

Vyn still has a solemn expression on his face, almost as if he has other important things on his mind.

{{SL|You|(Is Vyn worried about something other than the Duchess?)}}
{{SL|You|(Rather than speculate... wouldn't it be better if I just asked him directly?)}}
With this in mind, you pull on Vyn's hand.

{{SL|You|Vyn, are you worried about something else?}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
{{SL|Vyn|No.}}
Hearing your question, Vyn's lips curl up into a smile, but you can tell it's forced.

It's clear he doesn't wish to dwell on the subject...

{{SL|You|(It seems he doesn't want to talk to me about this now. Maybe... later then.)}}
{{SL|You|(Perhaps we can talk about something else...)}}
{{SL|You|Vyn, you mentioned that you needed to think things over...}}
{{SL|You|Does that mean you plan on helping the Duchess and Marni?}}
You change the topic to Marni, and Vyn's expression changes.

{{SL|Vyn|My rationale has changed, but I still have concerns.}}
{{SL|Vyn|I should confirm whether Aston's clinical trials are happening...}}
{{SL|Vyn|As for the rest... Well, we can discuss it later.}}
{{SL|You|Sure.}}
Vyn works at his computer for a while, then stares at the screen as he lets out a long sigh.

{{SL|Vyn|I just contacted some doctors and professors. Although they did not confirm it explicitly, it was clear from their tone...}}
{{SL|Vyn|Aston does plan on starting a series of clinical trials on polycystic kidney disease.}}
{{SL|You|It's not fake news... That's great!}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
{{SL|Vyn|Even though the clinical trials are happening, there are two other things that worry me.}}
{{SL|You|What is it?}}
{{SL|Vyn|First of all...}}
{{SL|Vyn|With the current medical advancements, recessive polycystic kidney disease is incurable.}}
{{SL|Vyn|And clinical trials, while capable of developing breakthrough treatments...}}
{{SL|Vyn|They essentially require patients to volunteer as test subjects for new treatments.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Compared to Marni's current conservative treatment, the risks are astronomical.}}
{{SL|Vyn|If anything goes wrong... Marni's condition might worsen, or might even lead to...}}
{{SL|You|!!!}}
Vyn doesn't finish his sentence, but you know exactly what he wanted to say—death.

{{SL|Vyn|At that point, putting aside the Duchess' reaction, even I...}}
{{SL|Vyn|Perhaps I can not handle that outcome.}}
{{SL|You|(He's clearly trying to help people, but doing so might push them into the abyss...)}}
{{SL|You|Vyn...}}
{{SL|Vyn|My apologies. I have seen so many patients that I always assume the worst-case scenario.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Did I frighten you... with what I said just now?}}
Vyn takes your hand into his palm and rubs it gently.

The subject of "death" rarely comes up between you and Vyn, and his first reaction is concern over how you feel.

His tenderness at moments like this breaks your heart.

{{SL|You|How would I be frightened after all we've been through together?}}
{{SL|You|But Marni's illness...}}
You pause for a moment and squeeze Vyn's hand.

{{SL|You|According to you... the greater the risk, the greater the benefit.}}
{{SL|You|Maybe the situation might turn out in the complete opposite way?}}
{{SL|You|Maybe we should be optimistic. Marni might get her illness under control because she's in a clinical trial.}}
{{SL|You|You'll be doing a great thing by helping them out now.}}
You try to comfort Vyn, who responds by nodding his head lightly.

{{SL|Vyn|Yes, that is a possibility.}}
{{SL|You|Good and bad are two sides of the same coin. Anything can happen!}}
{{SL|You|What's your other cause for concern?}}
{{SL|Vyn|It... has to do with Aston.}}
{{SL|You|Huh?}}
Seeing your astonished look, Vyn reaches out to touch your hair.

{{SL|Vyn|Most people do not know that Aston is the same as me, of noble descent.}}
{{SL|Vyn|But he refuses to acknowledge that identity.}}
{{SL|Vyn|His father was born with an unmentionable disease, regarded by his family as ominous and shameful...}}
{{SL|Vyn|It led to more than a decade of abuse for Aston... that did not stop until his father passed away.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Aston once told me he detested the nobles and could never reconcile with those that thought highly of themselves.}}
{{SL|Vyn|It was because of this that he devoted himself to medicine and refused to have any more contact with nobility...}}
{{SL|You|(Vyn mentioned that he had something in common with Aston, so it was their similar attitude toward nobles.)}}
{{SL|You|Is that why... Professor Aston declined to meet the Duchess?}}
{{SL|Vyn|Yes, any nobles, whether from the Haspran or Bavaria family, will be rejected.}}
{{SL|Vyn|So I am concerned that... it would not matter, even if I am the one asking Aston.}}
{{SL|You|I see... B-but the Duchess isn't like other nobles...}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
For a moment, you and Vyn are both silent, faced with an unsolvable problem.

In a trance, you can't help but recall what Marni said to you on the CBD street.

{{SL|Marni|Miss, do you know a way for me to disappear?}}
{{SL|Marni|If I could just disappear, Mommy would be happier...}}
Marni's eyes were full of innocence and kindness. Even though she was sick, all she thought about was her mother.

How could someone so adorable say she "wants to disappear"...?

You sit up straight and look into Vyn's golden eyes.

{{SL|You|Vyn... There's one thing I didn't get the chance to tell you...}}
{{SL|Vyn|What is it?}}
{{SL|You|Today when I was walking with Marni... she told me she didn't want any more treatments.}}
{{SL|You|And... she even wanted to "disappear," so as not to burden the Duchess.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Marni...}}
The more you talk about Marni's reaction, the more you feel upset, and your eyes well up with tears.

Vyn also frowns, a trace of sadness in his eyes.

{{SL|You|Vyn... how did things end up like this...?}}
{{SL|You|The Duchess regrets giving birth to Marni, and Marni feels that she's a burden to the Duchess.}}
{{SL|You|They both want what's best for each other... It's heartbreaking.}}
You can't help but snuggle into Vyn's embrace, afraid to recall what the Duchess said.

Vyn hugs you even tighter and pats your back gently...

{{SL|Vyn|I do not believe anyone can forgive themselves... if they harm their loved ones for selfish reasons.}}
Vyn stops, then touches your ear lightly with his fingertips.

{{SL|Vyn|The Duchess has been with Marni through all of her treatments. She must know the risks of clinical trials better than I do.}}
{{SL|Vyn|But under such circumstances, she still insists on getting a place in the clinical trials.}}
{{SL|Vyn|I do not understand... Why?}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|You|The Duchess hasn't given up on Marni. If there is a small chance that something might work, she'll grasp desperately at it...}}
{{SL|You|Perhaps... to her, the clinical trial is her last hope.}}
{{SL|Vyn|She has not given up... her last hope...}}
Vyn mumbles those words to himself, his eyes moving ever so slightly.

Then he pulls you into a strong embrace, his warm breath wafting in your ear.

{{SL|Vyn|Thank you, [Player].}}
{{SL|Vyn|I know what I should do.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=The Lady's Insistence IV: Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center
|script=
''Accompany Vyn to see the Duchess.''

After Vyn makes his decision, the two of you head to meet with the Duchess together.

When the Duchess sees you coming, she springs to her feet, looking quite nervous.

{{SL|Vyn|Duchess.}}
{{SL|Duchess|Yes...}}
{{SL|Vyn|I will talk to Aston about the clinical trials for you...}}
{{SL|Vyn|But I hope you can understand that I cannot guarantee success in this matter.}}
{{SL|Duchess|!!!}}
{{SL|Duchess|Of course... Thank you, thank you both!}}
Hearing Vyn's change of heart, the Duchess takes his hands excitedly.

She expresses her gratitude over and over as if he has thrown her a life preserver.

{{SL|Duchess|Vyn, thank you, thank you so much...}}
{{SL|Vyn|[Player] and I will make arrangements to meet with Aston. Please go back and take care of Marni.}}
{{SL|Vyn|If there is any progress, I will contact you immediately.}}
{{SL|Duchess|Yes, I will await your good news.}}
After sending the Duchess off, Vyn turns to look at you.

{{SL|Vyn|Let us head back to the office and decide our next step.}}
{{SL|You|All right.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Fluttering Thoughts: Giannovyn Mental Health Research Center
|script=
''Something seems to be off about Vyn. Ask him what's wrong.''

Back in the office, you and Vyn decide what to do about Professor Aston.

{{SL|You|Vyn, you mentioned that Aston has a problem with nobles. What should we do?}}
{{SL|You|The identity of the Duchess and Marni...}}
You can't help but feel the onset of a small headache when you think of Professor Aston's attitude.

{{SL|Vyn|If I ask Aston outright for help on this matter, he will undoubtedly refuse.}}
{{SL|Vyn|We need to take a more tactful approach, at least without showing our true intentions until we meet him.}}
{{SL|You|Hmm... Is there a way that's both natural and convenient?}}
After a few seconds of silence, Vyn smiles at you.

{{SL|Vyn|I have an idea.}}
{{SL|You|What is it?}}
{{SL|Vyn|Now that news of Aston has been made public, I would naturally know that he is in Stellis...}}
{{SL|Vyn|If I contact him about doing comprehensive genetic testing...}}
{{SL|Vyn|I do not think Aston will decline.}}
{{SL|Vyn|So when the time comes to meet, I will explain our real intentions.}}
{{SL|You|You heard that an old friend is in Stellis and want him to help arrange genetic testing...}}
{{SL|You|That sounds a great idea!}}
Vyn nods his head in satisfaction when he sees that you agree with him.

And at this point, a strange feeling arises in your heart...

Something seems to be hidden in Vyn's perfect scheme.

{{SL|Vyn|We will proceed as planned.}}
{{SL|You|Yeah... okay.}}
{{SL|You|Hopefully, things will work out with the Duchess...}}
{{SL|Vyn|...}}
You secretly pray from the bottom of your heart, but notice Vyn staring off into space. You wonder what's on his mind.

You wave your hand in front of Vyn's face.

{{SL|You|Vyn?}}
{{SL|Vyn|...Sorry, I got distracted.}}
{{SL|You|What are you thinking?}}
{{SL|Vyn|Me? I... just remembered something from my childhood.}}
{{SL|You|Your childhood?}}
Vyn's eyelashes quiver and his thin lips press gently together before opening once more.

His expression is overcome with fatigue and listlessness...

{{SL|Vyn|As I told you, I remember that the Duchess of Bavaria was a very gentle person.}}
{{SL|Vyn|At that time, I also thought that if the Duchess had any children, they would be as gentle and beautiful as her.}}
{{SL|Vyn|After today's events, I think... life is comical and cruel.}}
Vyn seems to remember something else as he smiles again.

But there was no happiness in the smile, only endless self-mockery and frustration.

{{SL|Vyn|I should have known... The disparity between human hearts is like a deep chasm.}}
{{SL|Vyn|But when faced with the truth, I still find it ironic...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
Inexplicable emotions are brewing in Vyn's mesmerizing golden eyes.

You wrap your arm gently around Vyn's waist, your cheek pressed against his chest.

{{SL|You|Vyn, you look exhausted. I'm worried about you...}}
{{SL|You|You're right. Life can be cruel. Misfortunes may happen at any time...}}
{{SL|You|The people you meet today might be in quite a different situation next time.}}
{{SL|You|But... it's enough for me... that the person I love is beside me.}}
{{SL|You|From the day we fell in love, we'll continue to accompany each other and be in each other's lives...}}
{{SL|You|That's... good enough, right?}}
At the end of your speech, you feel Vyn's graceful hand on your back.

His fingers move down your shoulder blades and rest on your waist.

You feel something tickling your ear—it's his lips brushing against your hair.

{{SL|Vyn|Yes... you are right.}}
{{SL|Vyn|This is good enough.}}
{{SL|Vyn|Let me hold you for a while longer...}}
}}

|summary=
|characters=
{{Character|name=Vyn Richter|image=Vyn character icon 1.png}}
{{Character|name=Duchess|image=Duchess character icon.png|nolink=true}}
{{Character|name=Marni|image=Marni character icon.png|nolink=true}}
|locations=
}}