Artem's Sweet Chapter 01-03: Difference between revisions

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===Script===
===Script===
{{Script
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Reason for Coming I: Artem's Living Room
|scriptHeader=Reassure the Child I: Artem's Living Room
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Artem!Artem Wing,Juan Fowler!Juan Fowler,Kiki Bennet!Kiki Bennet
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Artem!Artem Wing,Juan Fowler!Juan Fowler
|script=
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Artem's Residence|image=Artem's Residence - Downstairs (Day).png}}}}
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Living Room|location=Artem's Residence|image=Stellis - Artem's Residence 1F RPG Map.png}}}}
''Ask about the reason why Juan Fowler came.''
''Take Juan Fowler back to Artem's Residence.''
 
The cartoon was ending by the time we returned to the sofa.
 
Artem places the plate of fruits on the coffee table and hands Juan a fruit fork.
 
The child hits the pause button on the remote, his gaze darting timidly between us and the plate of fruits.
 
{{SL|You|Don't worry. You can tell us anything.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I... I overheard Dad calling you...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|He said that he was gonna divorce Mom, and he said this family no longer felt like home.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|*sob* Dad was never like this in the past...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|He said that I am his treasure, and that Mom is his heart... How can he not keep to his word!?}}
{{SL|You|...}}
You and Artem exchange a look. Neither of you say anything.
 
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I know that you're both really great lawyers! So... Can you please not take my parents' case?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I don't want them to separate. I don't want to become an orphan!}}
Juan's voice takes on a slightly teary edge as he speaks.
 
{{SL|Artem|Don't worry. Your father only came to consult me, he hasn't actually gone through with it.}}
{{SL|Artem|They might have just had a couple of disputes with each other...}}
Artem pats the boy's head and takes a few tissues to wipe his tears away.
 
{{SL|Juan Fowler|*sobbing* Mom and Dad used to love each other so much...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Just like... Just like you two earlier!}}
{{SL|You|Like us, earlier?}}
Juan scratches his head and ponders for a while.


{{SL|Juan Fowler|Dad would always hold Mom's hand wherever they go. They'd always be full of laughter and smiles.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Um...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I don't know why, but things between them feel a little different than before...}}
{{SL|You|Why don't you take a seat first? Would you like to eat something?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Be it at home or outside, they're always on their phones or computers, working and working non-stop...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Uh... S-sure.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|All they do is work and work. They never sit down together just to chat anymore!}}
Despite sounding calm, Juan Fowler looks a little uneasy upon entering an unfamiliar place.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|That's why I had a feeling that they were going to break up.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Besides taking care of me, they're both immersed in work...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Is work really all that important!? Is it more important than me and their relationship with each other!?}}
Juan's words make you recall Kiki's previous "worries" once more...


''(Themis Pantry flashback)''
{{SL|You|(In the end, he's still just a kid.)}}
{{SL|You|Do you like cartoons? Why don't we put one on for you?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Okay. I wanna watch "Penn the Pony".}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|C-can I?}}
{{SL|You|Of course.}}
You turn the TV on and select the cartoon he wants to watch.


{{SL|Kiki Bennet|The two of you are lovers now. You should spend more quality time together so that your relationship becomes stronger!}}
Soon enough, all the tension leaves Juan Fowler. He relaxes, immersed in the cartoon.
{{SL|Kiki Bennet|What if your feelings fade, and Mr. Wing falls for someone else because of your neglect?}}
''(Present)''


{{SL|Juan Fowler|Can you help me?}}
Juan interrupts your train of thought with a tearful plea.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Can you help me make my parents go back to the way they were before? Just like how the both of you are now!}}
{{SL|Artem|Juan...}}
Artem softly utters his name and goes silent right after...
In this moment of silence, you understand his unspoken words...
{{SL|You|(If Juan's gut feeling is right, then his parents' relationship might already be estranged.)}}
{{SL|You|(But... how do I tell this to a kid?)}}
{{SL|You|Juan, we'd be better off contacting your parents first...}}
{{SL|You|They must be worried about you, considering how you ran out. You have to tell them that you're safe, at least.}}
Juan dejectedly nods and falls silent once more.
}}
}}
{{Script
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Reason for Coming II: Artem's Living Room
|scriptHeader=Reassure the Child II: Artem's Living Room
|script=
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Living Room|location=Artem's Residence|image=Stellis - Artem's Residence 1F RPG Map.png}}}}
''Artem seems worried about something. Talk with him.''
''Artem is contacting Octavio Fowler. Go talk with Juan Fowler alone.''


{{SL|You|(*sigh* How should I go about comforting him?)}}
{{SL|Artem|...}}
{{SL|You|(Should I distract him by talking about something else?)}}
{{SL|You|What are you thinking about?}}
{{SL|You|(Or should I ask him about his parents' past to distract him from the issue?)}}
{{SL|Artem|I'm just thinking... Why don't we let him continue watching the cartoon for a while more? We can talk to him again once he completely calms down.}}
{{SL|You|Hey, Juan. Do you know how your parents met each other?}}
{{SL|You|Yes, I agree.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Of course! They used to tell me the story all the time!}}
{{SL|You|Oh, yes. Why don't we prepare something to eat for him?}}
His eyes light up at the mention of his parents.
Artem looks at you, his lips moving ever so slightly.
 
{{SL|Juan Fowler|They met at one of their university's clubs. Dad was Mom's senior...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|They're also in the same industry, so they're together in that sense even if they're not working in the same company...}}
{{SL|You|Have they always been this busy?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Yeah. But they'll always make time for me.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I like building model airplanes, so Dad would always build them with me.}}
{{SL|You|I see. What about your mom, then?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I love sweet and sour pork ribs! Mom would make them for me every weekend no matter how busy she got!}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Miss [Player], do you ever quarrel with Mr. Laywer?}}
{{SL|You|Huh? Why do you ask?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|My parents don't ever quarrel with each other anymore... My classmates all envy me, saying that it's great that they don't.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|But is it really a good thing?}}
Looking into Juan's eyes, you find yourself at a loss for words.
 
There is nothing but sincerity and earnestness in his clear eyes.


{{SL|You|(He likes to watch "Penn the Pony", so how about we talk about it!)}}
However, he only wordlessly points towards the refrigerator.
{{SL|You|I see that you really like "Penn the Pony." Why do you like it so much?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Because...}}
Juan's eyes light up as he talks about his favorite cartoon.


{{SL|Juan Fowler|Penn is really clever and never backs down from any challenges...}}
{{SL|Artem|I have some fruits in the fridge. I'll go wash some.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Plus... his parents have a good relationship with each other.}}
{{SL|You|(Did he want to say something...?)}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I like watching the parts where Penn spends time with his family. It reminds me of the times I spent with Mom and Dad in the past.}}
Artem rarely hesitates, so it's a little concerning seeing him like that...
{{SL|You|(His parents must have had a great relationship in the past, for it to have made such a big impact on him...)}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Have you known Mr. Lawyer for long?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Mom and Dad met each other at university, so they've known each other for a long time now...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|What's with all you adults!? It doesn't matter how much time passes. I'll always love the model airplane that my dad bought me...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|They've had feelings for each other for so long. How can they just split up just like that?}}
You don't know how to respond to his question...


Perhaps this issue is a little too complicated, and is something far beyond a child's understanding.
{{SL|You|Artem, were you going to say something?}}
{{SL|Artem|No... I just thought that you're really good at looking after children.}}
You follow his gaze to see Juan Fowler sitting in the living room with his complete attention on a pony named Penn.


Or perhaps... It's because the look he's giving you is both sad and sincere.
{{SL|You|He looks really tense... I hope he can relax a little.}}
{{SL|Artem|You're handling it brilliantly.}}
{{SL|Artem|All right then, I'll go wash the fruits.}}
You watch Artem's retreating back as he heads into the kitchen. The questions in your mind only seem to increase.


You find yourself unable to tell him...
{{SL|You|(Is that all he really wanted to say to me...?)}}
{{SL|You|(Never mind. Now's not the time for this. I'll just have to find another time to talk to him about it.)}}
{{SL|You|(Forget it. I'm sure he'll tell me whatever that was once he's ready.)}}
{{SL|You|(If he doesn't want to tell me... then I suppose he has his own reasons for it.)}}
{{SL|You|(Anyway, now's not the time for this. I'll just have to find another time to talk to him about it.)}}
You shake your head and follow him into the kitchen.


{{SL|Artem|Ahem.}}
Artem's appearance makes you breathe a sigh of relief.
{{SL|Artem|Can you come here for a moment, [Player]?}}
You nod and look towards Juan, who carefully picks up the remote again.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Can I watch another episode of "Penn the Pony?"}}
{{SL|You|Sure. You can eat these fruits and snacks too.}}
}}
}}
{{Script
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Short Trip I: Artem's Living Room
|scriptHeader=Reassure the Child III: Artem's Living Room
|script=
|script=
''Artem's expression looks serious. It seems to be something urgent. Ask him what happened.''
''Help Artem prepare the fruits and dessert for Juan Fowler.''
 
{{SL|You|What's wrong, Artem?}}
{{SL|Artem|I've contacted Octavio Fowler, but he said that something went wrong with the project he's working on and that he's currently handling it. Thus, he can't come over to pick up his son right now.}}
{{SL|Artem|So...}}
Artem glances at Juan who is sitting quietly on the sofa, eating fruits and watching the TV. He sighs.
 
{{SL|Artem|He hopes that we can send Juan home. Mrs. Fowler's home at the moment.}}
{{SL|You|Sending him back isn't a big issue, but...}}
{{SL|Artem|Mrs. Fowler is home, yet she hasn't noticed that Juan has snuck out of the house for this long... Don't you think it's a little odd?}}
{{SL|You|That's true...}}
You follow his gaze to Juan. A thought slowly solidifies in your mind.


{{SL|You|Maybe Juan's gut feeling is right after all...}}
{{SL|You|Let's see what he got last time...}}
{{SL|You|Their relationship only fell apart because of a lack of communication.}}
{{SL|You|Strawberries, apples, grapes... Oh? Are these cherries?}}
{{SL|Artem|...}}
{{SL|You|(Impressive. Artem's fridge is so well-stocked...)}}
{{SL|Artem|Let's send Juan back home first. We can talk about the rest after we see his mother.}}
{{SL|You|Okay. I'll wash some of each and make a fruit platter so Juan can choose whatever he likes.}}
{{SL|You|All right.}}
{{SL|You|This should be enough. Now, to wash them all...}}
{{SL|You|Done! Now, to put them all onto the plate...}}
{{SL|You|(I hope there's something he likes from this assortment!)}}
}}
}}
{{Script
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Short Trip II: Artem's Living Room
|scriptHeader=Reassure the Child IV: Artem's Living Room
|script=
|script=
''Make preparations to send Juan Fowler back home safely.''
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Artem's Residence|image=Artem's Residence - Downstairs (Day).png}}}}
''The fruits are washed. Talk with Artem.''


{{SL|You|Juan, your father says that he's too busy to come fetch you, but your mother's home, so...}}
{{SL|You|The fruit platter's done!}}
{{SL|You|How about you let us send you home?}}
{{SL|Artem|Sorry to bother you.}}
On the TV, Penn the pony seems to have gotten into an argument with his family, and is walking alone in the rain.
{{SL|You|Not at all. Here, try one. Is it sweet?}}
You pick up a strawberry and bring it up to his lips.


Juan looks at the two of you, his eyes reddening.
{{SL|Artem|Ahem. Okay.}}
After a short pause, he awkwardly opens his mouth to take the strawberry.


{{SL|Juan Fowler|I...}}
{{SL|Artem|It's very sweet.}}
Juan is no longer as hysterical as when you first saw him. Instead, he bows his head and sulks in silence.
{{SL|You|That's good to hear.}}
It's only after he swallows the strawberry and you spot the remnants of juice on the corner of his lips that you realize what you've just done.


{{SL|You|(He still seems a little reluctant.)}}
You gently rub your fingers together. You can almost feel the lingering warmth from his lips on them.
Artem bends down to his eye level.


{{SL|Artem|What is it?}}
{{SL|You|Ah...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I... Can I go back a little later?}}
However, Artem lowers his gaze before you can say anything else.
{{SL|You|(Why does this kid not want to go home? What's really going on in their household...?)}}
Artem gently pats his head.


{{SL|Artem|Do you want to go elsewhere?}}
{{SL|Artem|[Player]... I'm really sorry.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Yeah. I-I want to go out and play.}}
{{SL|Artem|It wasn't easy to find the time for our date, and now that something like this has happened...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Dad said that he was gonna take me to the Amusement Park today, but he isn't even at home.}}
{{SL|Artem|If you're angry, I...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Mom... Mom told me that she was gonna bring me to a dessert shop, but she didn't even bring me out at all...}}
Artem has always been steadfast and confident, but now, he hesitates.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I just want to go out and walk around, but they don't want to accompany me at all...}}
Juan hangs his head again, sobbing pitifully.


{{SL|You|Why don't we go with you then?}}
What he said makes perfect sense, yet it still comes off sounding a little sad to you for some reason.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Really? You will!?}}
{{SL|You|Yeah...}}
You agreed without asking for Artem's opinion first... You look at him rather apologetically.


{{SL|Artem|Of course.}}
{{SL|You|I'm not angry, and I won't be angry about this either...}}
Artem holds your hand in his, acting as if this decision wasn't made on a whim, and that it had been thoroughly discussed with him.
{{SL|You|Isn't this just what it is to be an attorney? You got the short end of the stick this time, and next time it might be my turn...}}
 
{{SL|You|But if you really mind it that much, then why don't you promise me something?}}
{{SL|You|Okay, let's head out and walk around.}}
{{SL|Artem|What is it?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|You guys are great!}}
{{SL|You|I want to handle this issue with Juan Fowler together with you.}}
Rubbing his eyes, Juan's tearful eyes finally light up with joy.
{{SL|You|I want to share your burdens with you and help you where I can.}}
}}
He looks at you for a while, then his lips curve into a smile.
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Short Trip III: Southeast Stellis Street
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Southeast Stellis Street|location=South Stellis|image=Stellis - South Stellis RPG Map.png}}}}
''Accompany Juan Fowler to walk around along East South Stellis Street to relax.''
 
{{SC
|choice1=West
|script1=
Juan stops before a vending machine selling drinks. He stares at the assortment of drinks.
 
{{SL|Artem|Are you thirsty? Want to drink something?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I'm okay... It just made me remember the fresh taro milk near my home! It's sweet and delicious!}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Mom doesn't let me drink it often, but Dad secretly brings me to get some once in a while!}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|And Dad would get in trouble with Mom when she found out...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Dad still brings me there nowadays, but Mom doesn't even scold him anymore... *sob*}}
He rubs at his eyes, rather upset again.
|choice2=Center
|script2=
Juan stops in front of a pet shop and looks at the happy puppy jumping around inside with a smile.
 
{{SL|Artem|Do you like dogs?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Yup. That's a very cute puppy.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I used to want a puppy for myself so that we can play together!}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|But, sadly...}}
{{SL|You|You parents didn't agree to it?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Mom agreed, but Dad didn't.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Dad said that Mom was allergic to dog hair, so we can't keep one out of consideration for her.}}
{{SL|You|(Huh. Sounds like Mr. Fowler takes good care of his wife's well-being. So why are they now like this...)}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I'm not sure if I'll have the chance to get a dog in the future...}}
Artem doesn't say anything and just pats Juan's head.
 
{{SL|Artem|Come on. Let's go look at other things.}}
|choice3=East
|script3=
 
Juan stops before a bookstore. He plasters himself to the display and fixates his eyes on the model airplane.


{{SL|Artem|See something you like? Want to go in for a look?}}
{{SL|Artem|Then... I'll give you a run down of the situation.}}
{{SL|You|I remember you saying that you liked making model airplanes... Are you interested in the new model airplane set?}}
{{SL|Artem|Octavio Fowler is the executive president of a Pharmaceutical company, and his wife works as a business manager in another company.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Yeah, but... I already own all the models they're selling in this store.}}
{{SL|Artem|They are both at the peak of their careers and are often busy...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Dad bought me the full set when it just got released.}}
{{SL|You|(Another busy couple...)}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|I used to build these because they're interesting, but later on it's because my parents would join me and build them together...}}
{{SL|You|So... Were they already willing to file the divorce when they came to consult you about the division of property?}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Now... It's been a long time since we did that together...}}
{{SL|Artem|Yes. Although they have yet to go through the actual process...}}
{{SL|Artem|But according to Mr. Fowler's own words, he says that their feelings for each other have faded, and there's no longer any need to continue with their marriage.}}
{{SL|You|Odd. Why did he specifically choose to consult Themis Law Firm? Are there more complicated disputes involved in his case?}}
{{SL|Artem|No. It was just a simple consultation.}}
{{SL|Artem|His wife is a friend of Celestine's.}}
{{SL|Artem|Maybe Celestine figured that it would be unfitting for her to handle the case, considering their friendship.}}
{{SL|Artem|So she recommended me to Mr. Fowler.}}
{{SL|You|No wonder...}}
{{SL|Artem|Celestine also seemed quite sad when she told me about this matter.}}
{{SL|Artem|She said that the Fowlers were always a very loving couple. Now that things have come down to this... It is a pity.}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
The store's glass display reflects Juan's sorrowful form as he hangs his head. You silently pat him on the back.
You both lapse into silence for a while, unwittingly looking back toward Juan, who's sitting on the sofa.
}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Short Trip IV: Southeast Stellis Street
|script=
''Juan Fowler still seems down. Discuss with Artem what to do.''
 
The three of you have been walking around for some time, but Juan's mood has hardly improved.
 
You gently tug at Artem's sleeve, pulling him aside.
 
{{SL|You|What should we do? I feel bad when I see him like this...}}
{{SL|Artem|Anyone would feel anxious and lost at a time like this. Not to mention, he's still a child...}}
You both fall silent.
 
You know that sometimes, people have to help themselves, and there is nothing you can do as a bystander.


{{SL|Artem|Right. He mentioned fresh taro milk earlier, didn't he? I know we can buy some at the CBD.}}
{{SL|You|And Juan only reacted so strongly against their divorce because he cannot find it in himself to accept this, right?}}
{{SL|Artem|Let's bring him there and buy him a drink. Maybe he'll feel better after drinking something sweet.}}
{{SL|Artem|How about we ask him about his thoughts?}}
{{SL|You|Sure! That's a great idea!}}
{{SL|Artem|He looks like he's all relaxed now. I think now's the right time.}}
{{SL|You|Wait... I thought you didn't really drink drinks like this? Why do you know this?}}
{{SL|Artem|I happened to find out about it while searching for dating tips...}}
{{SL|Artem|Ahem. Let's go...}}
{{SL|You|All right.}}
{{SL|You|All right.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Short Trip V: Central Business District
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Stellis Central Business District|image=Misc Location - Restaurant 1 (Day).png}}}}
''Take Juan Fowler to have some fresh taro milk.''
The desserts and drinks you ordered are served not long after you all sit down at the dessert shop. You quickly push them in front of Juan.
{{SL|You|Here! We got you fresh taro milk. Try it and see if it's the same one you like!}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Oh! Yummy!}}
Sweet things always lift one's spirits, it seems. A smile finally appears on his face.
{{SL|You|Great! You can have more...}}
Before you can finish, an argument from the next table over cuts you off.
{{SL|Girl|Overtime, overtime, and more overtime!}}
{{SL|Girl|Today's my birthday, and we've just sat down and ordered some drinks. Now, you're saying that you have to go back for a meeting in the afternoon...?}}
{{SL|Girl|What's your annual salary, even!? Every day, you're either working overtime, or on your way to work overtime!}}
{{SL|Girl|You're just a tiny cog in the machine. Why do you need to work so hard!?}}
{{SL|Boy|Come on, Claudia. Please don't be mad.}}
{{SL|Boy|We can have our own place once I have enough savings.}}
{{SL|Boy|When that time comes, we...}}
{{SL|Girl|I know. I know that you're doing this all for our future. But if this continues, I don't know how our current relationship will fare...}}
{{SL|Girl|Sorry, I got too hot-headed. Let me cool off for a bit...}}
Looks like another couple's also suffering from work-related issues.
The entire exchange, from heated outbursts to collective silence, spanned only a couple of sentences at best.
However, you can feel the girl's change in mood and the guy's helplessness.
{{SL|You|(Does being busy with work really make people's feelings for each other fade?)}}
{{SL|Artem|...}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Oh...}}
Hearing the sighs of the couple nearby, Juan thoughtfully lowers his head.
Just as you are thinking about how to break the silence, he rubs his face and forces a smile.
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Okay, I think I wanna go home now.}}
{{SL|Juan Fowler|Can you guys send me home? I live over there. It's very close by.}}
{{SL|Artem|All right. We'll accompany you back home.}}
{{SL|You|Okay... Let's go.}}
You hold onto his hand, hoping that your warmth can bring him some comfort.
}}
}}
|summary=
|summary=
|characters=
|characters=
{{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 1.png}}
{{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 1.png}}
{{Character|name=Kiki Bennet|image=Kiki Bennet character icon.png}}
{{Character|name=Juan Fowler|image=Child M Winter character icon.png}}
{{Character|name=Juan Fowler|image=Child M Winter character icon.png}}
{{Character|name=Girl|image=Boss 7 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
{{Character|name=Boy|image=Boss 20 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
|locations=
|locations=
}}
}}

Latest revision as of 00:29, 6 May 2024

Artem's Sweet Chapter 01-02
Artem's Sweet Chapter 01-03
Story Stage
Artem's Sweet Chapter 01-04

Overview

  • Stage Cost: None
  • First Clear Rewards: None


Guide

  • Hover to view spoiler content.

Script

Reassure the Child I: Artem's Living Room
Artem's Residence
Artem's Living Room
Stellis - Artem's Residence 1F RPG Map.png

Take Juan Fowler back to Artem's Residence.

Juan Fowler: Um...

You: Why don't you take a seat first? Would you like to eat something?

Juan Fowler: Uh... S-sure.

Despite sounding calm, Juan Fowler looks a little uneasy upon entering an unfamiliar place.

You: (In the end, he's still just a kid.)

You: Do you like cartoons? Why don't we put one on for you?

Juan Fowler: Okay. I wanna watch "Penn the Pony".

Juan Fowler: C-can I?

You: Of course.

You turn the TV on and select the cartoon he wants to watch.

Soon enough, all the tension leaves Juan Fowler. He relaxes, immersed in the cartoon.

Reassure the Child II: Artem's Living Room

Artem seems worried about something. Talk with him.

Artem: ...

You: What are you thinking about?

Artem: I'm just thinking... Why don't we let him continue watching the cartoon for a while more? We can talk to him again once he completely calms down.

You: Yes, I agree.

You: Oh, yes. Why don't we prepare something to eat for him?

Artem looks at you, his lips moving ever so slightly.

However, he only wordlessly points towards the refrigerator.

Artem: I have some fruits in the fridge. I'll go wash some.

You: (Did he want to say something...?)

Artem rarely hesitates, so it's a little concerning seeing him like that...

You: Artem, were you going to say something?

Artem: No... I just thought that you're really good at looking after children.

You follow his gaze to see Juan Fowler sitting in the living room with his complete attention on a pony named Penn.

You: He looks really tense... I hope he can relax a little.

Artem: You're handling it brilliantly.

Artem: All right then, I'll go wash the fruits.

You watch Artem's retreating back as he heads into the kitchen. The questions in your mind only seem to increase.

You: (Is that all he really wanted to say to me...?)

You: (Never mind. Now's not the time for this. I'll just have to find another time to talk to him about it.)

You: (Forget it. I'm sure he'll tell me whatever that was once he's ready.)

You: (If he doesn't want to tell me... then I suppose he has his own reasons for it.)

You: (Anyway, now's not the time for this. I'll just have to find another time to talk to him about it.)

You shake your head and follow him into the kitchen.

Reassure the Child III: Artem's Living Room

Help Artem prepare the fruits and dessert for Juan Fowler.

You: Let's see what he got last time...

You: Strawberries, apples, grapes... Oh? Are these cherries?

You: (Impressive. Artem's fridge is so well-stocked...)

You: Okay. I'll wash some of each and make a fruit platter so Juan can choose whatever he likes.

You: This should be enough. Now, to wash them all...

You: Done! Now, to put them all onto the plate...

You: (I hope there's something he likes from this assortment!)

Reassure the Child IV: Artem's Living Room
Artem's Residence

Artem's Residence - Downstairs (Day).png

The fruits are washed. Talk with Artem.

You: The fruit platter's done!

Artem: Sorry to bother you.

You: Not at all. Here, try one. Is it sweet?

You pick up a strawberry and bring it up to his lips.

Artem: Ahem. Okay.

After a short pause, he awkwardly opens his mouth to take the strawberry.

Artem: It's very sweet.

You: That's good to hear.

It's only after he swallows the strawberry and you spot the remnants of juice on the corner of his lips that you realize what you've just done.

You gently rub your fingers together. You can almost feel the lingering warmth from his lips on them.

You: Ah...

However, Artem lowers his gaze before you can say anything else.

Artem: [Player]... I'm really sorry.

Artem: It wasn't easy to find the time for our date, and now that something like this has happened...

Artem: If you're angry, I...

Artem has always been steadfast and confident, but now, he hesitates.

What he said makes perfect sense, yet it still comes off sounding a little sad to you for some reason.

You: I'm not angry, and I won't be angry about this either...

You: Isn't this just what it is to be an attorney? You got the short end of the stick this time, and next time it might be my turn...

You: But if you really mind it that much, then why don't you promise me something?

Artem: What is it?

You: I want to handle this issue with Juan Fowler together with you.

You: I want to share your burdens with you and help you where I can.

He looks at you for a while, then his lips curve into a smile.

Artem: Then... I'll give you a run down of the situation.

Artem: Octavio Fowler is the executive president of a Pharmaceutical company, and his wife works as a business manager in another company.

Artem: They are both at the peak of their careers and are often busy...

You: (Another busy couple...)

You: So... Were they already willing to file the divorce when they came to consult you about the division of property?

Artem: Yes. Although they have yet to go through the actual process...

Artem: But according to Mr. Fowler's own words, he says that their feelings for each other have faded, and there's no longer any need to continue with their marriage.

You: Odd. Why did he specifically choose to consult Themis Law Firm? Are there more complicated disputes involved in his case?

Artem: No. It was just a simple consultation.

Artem: His wife is a friend of Celestine's.

Artem: Maybe Celestine figured that it would be unfitting for her to handle the case, considering their friendship.

Artem: So she recommended me to Mr. Fowler.

You: No wonder...

Artem: Celestine also seemed quite sad when she told me about this matter.

Artem: She said that the Fowlers were always a very loving couple. Now that things have come down to this... It is a pity.

You: ...

You both lapse into silence for a while, unwittingly looking back toward Juan, who's sitting on the sofa.

You: And Juan only reacted so strongly against their divorce because he cannot find it in himself to accept this, right?

Artem: How about we ask him about his thoughts?

Artem: He looks like he's all relaxed now. I think now's the right time.

You: All right.

Character(s)

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