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| |stageType=Story | | |stageType=Story |
| |name={{PAGENAME}} | | |name={{PAGENAME}} |
| |previousStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-04 | | |previousStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-08 |
| |nextStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-06 | | |nextStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-10 |
| |stageCost=None | | |stageCost=None |
| |firstClearReward=None | | |firstClearReward=None |
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| {{SL|Darius Morgan|No problem.}} | | {{SL|Darius Morgan|No problem.}} |
| }} | | }} |
| {{Script
| |
| |scriptHeader=Continue the Investigation I: Central Business District
| |
| |script=
| |
| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Hospital Ward|location=Sanatorium|image=Hospital - Patient Room (Day).png}}}}
| |
| ''Visit Ronan again.''
| |
|
| |
| Ronan is looking much more anxious than he was the last time you saw him.
| |
|
| |
| Seeing you and Artem, he lets out a quiet smile that is faintly bitter.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Sorry, you won't get much information from me.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I already told you everything I know.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Don't worry. Today we're not here to ask questions.}}
| |
| Artem accepts Ronan's lack of willingness to cooperate and takes control of the conversation.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|We just want to inform you of the latest updates.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|According to our investigation, there is insufficient evidence to prove that Professor Russo falsified evidence and took bribes.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|So you can rest assured that Fiona's claim that Lamont Russo coerced you into committing a crime is not true.}}
| |
| Instead of looking relaxed, Ronan clenches his hands together.
| |
|
| |
| Artem sees Ronan's strained expression and continues speaking.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|On the contrary, Fiona's actions constitute an infringement on Professor Russo's reputation.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|We just came from the police station. Lamont Russo wants to press charges against Fiona.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|He seems very adamant.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|As Fiona's attorney, I will do my best to mitigate the punishment she faces based on the facts.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|But if she did something illegal, she will have to pay the price.}}
| |
| Artem calmly looks at Ronan as he speaks.
| |
|
| |
| Ronan avoids Artem's gaze and looks down at the ground as if his soul had left his body.
| |
|
| |
| Artem falls silent and waits for Ronan to sort out his emotions.
| |
|
| |
|
| {{SL|Ronan|I...}}
| |
| Ronan opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. Seeing that he is relenting, you decide to take advantage of the situation.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|A comprehensive review of Professor Russo's cases by an expert revealed no mistakes, and they have been refiled.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|The case has gotten too much attention. Fiona has also insinuated allegations of corruption within the Stellis judicial entities.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|It is easy to predict a judge's ruling, given that the public demands an explanation and the malign influence of the case must be removed.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Now that Professor Russo has vowed to severely punish the main perpetrator, Mr. Wing has a tough fight ahead of him.}}
| |
| You shake your head mockingly and let out a huge sigh.
| |
|
| |
| In the twilight, Ronan's hands are still tightly clasped, his knuckles white and bloodless.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Enough with the acting. Professor Russo wouldn't do something like that... It's just a misunderstanding...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Ronan, do you really believe your own words?}}
| |
| You take out a voice recorder, which recorded Lamont Russo's communication with the police, just before leaving the station.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Would you like to hear a recording?}}
| |
| Ronan looks at the voice recorder in your hand, his lips pressed together, saying nothing.
| |
|
| |
| Seeing this, you press the play button.
| |
|
| |
| "...I request the police to investigate as soon as possible, punish the main perpetrator, and restore my reputation!"
| |
|
| |
| Hearing this, Ronan closes his eyes instinctively, showing a look of vulnerability.
| |
|
| |
| When the recording finishes playing, you put the voice recorder away.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Ronan, now do you believe us?}}
| |
| Ronan seems unresponsive, standing there like a puppet, completely silent.
| |
|
| |
| Seeing Ronan in this state, Artem pats you on the shoulder, signaling that he'll give Ronan's psychological defenses a final breakthrough.
| |
|
| |
| He walks over to Ronan, his eyes filled with concern.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Ronan, did Lamont Russo promise you that he won't hold Fiona accountable, as long as you're on his side?}}
| |
| Hearing Artem's speculation, Ronan turns his gaze upon Artem.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|When the time came, none of you would be prosecuted for this. It's a "win-win-win" situation.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|And you chose to believe him because you have evidence that threatens him.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|So you don't believe Lamont Russo would lie to you about that, do you?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I...}}
| |
| Ronan's words fail him. He looks nervously at Artem, his pupils quivering, his expression pleading for help.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|However, if Lamont Russo chooses to go back on his word, there's nothing you can do about it.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Ronan, it's Fiona. Can you afford to "bet" on that outcome?}}
| |
| At this point, Ronan's face turns pale, and he closes his eyes in disbelief.
| |
|
| |
| When he opens his eyes again, there is no hint of hesitation in them.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I... I have evidence to prove that Lamont Russo engaged in illegal activities.}}
| |
| After saying this, Ronan looked as if the weight of the world has lifted from his shoulders. The tension leaves his body.
| |
|
| |
| Artem looks at Ronan, then speaks in a warm tone.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Please elaborate.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I... have been one of Professor Russo's students for a year and a half.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|In the beginning, Professor Russo was very kind to me. He took the initiative to involve me in a variety of rare discussions, and that's when I met you, Mr. Wing.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Mr. Wing has always been my idol, and I once fantasized about joining Themis after graduation and becoming Mr. Wing's colleague.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|But a year ago, things quickly took a turn for the worse.}}
| |
| Ronan pauses for a moment, exhaling with a shudder before continuing.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|A year ago, Professor Russo was defending a murderer.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|It's extremely difficult to build a misdemeanor defense when the suspect is clearly malicious and aware.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Professor Russo asked me to collect all the drugs the suspect had taken and amplify their effects on mental states when used as evidence.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|He also twisted the fact that the suspect had voluntarily surrendered for a pending arrest warrant instead of being incapacitated after committing the crime.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|In court, Professor Russo even cited a number of different cases as legal grounds.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|His defense was extremely successful, and the murderer was sentenced to only nine years in prison.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Nine years...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(According to law, murderers with ill intent are rarely sentenced to less than ten years in prison.)}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Regardless of where he stands, Lamont Russo is very strong in terms of his ability and results...)}}
| |
| Ronan continues.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|...As in that case, I had already been unwittingly involved in his illegal activities...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|By the time I knew something was up, the cases I worked on were...}}
| |
| Ronan's face is stricken with pain, his voice trembling.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|The realization came too late.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|To atone for my sins, I started helping people online with their legal questions using the "Ronan's Legal Aid" account.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Helping others gave me peace of mind, but the guilt was always there.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I thought about turning myself in many times, but Professor Russo stopped me. "Attorneys are not meant to be ambassadors of justice. That's the truth of the profession," he said.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Professor Russo's control over me gradually grew stronger...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Until three months ago...}}
| |
| At this point, it seems as though Ronan's most painful wound has been pried open, and he shudders.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Professor Russo took me to one of the suspect's residences, which the police hadn't found yet...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Based on the information the suspect gave him, Professor Russo found the real murder weapon... He then gave it to me and told me to destroy it myself...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I did as I was told...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|The shock was too overwhelming, coupled with the adrenocortical hormones I was taking... My mental state quickly broke down...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Was this one of the cases that Fiona mentioned in the article?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Yes...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Fiona claimed that Lamont Russo also forced you to go to that dinner party, is that true?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Yes, everything Fiona said about the dinner party is the truth.}}
| |
| Ronan has finally confessed everything.
| |
|
| |
| But you don't feel any sense of relief. Ronan's struggles and frustrations are so vivid that they leave you speechless.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Ronan, this isn't the second time we've met.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Mr. Wing... you still remember me?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|When I met you in the collaborative law enforcement project, you were like a razor-sharp sword... you were outstanding.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I... let you down...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|What I'm trying to say is, no one goes through life without making mistakes. The mistake is not having the courage to make amends.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|It will be difficult, but keep your head up and move on.}}
| |
| Artem's words are very moving for Ronan, who is close to tears at this point.
| |
|
| |
| Ronan falls silent, then speaks solemnly.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I recorded everything that Professor Russo did in a notebook. It might be useful to you.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|A notebook?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Yes... my electronic devices were being monitored... and my every action was being recorded. That was the only way I could keep evidence...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|It's on my desk in Dormitory 513. Fiona and I have a photo album... with a black notebook hidden inside.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Thank you, Ronan.}}
| |
| Ronan shakes his head, not saying anything else.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|I'll relay everything you said to the officer in charge of the investigation. It won't be long before they get here.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|...I will cooperate with the investigation.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|You are kind and brave... Trust that these qualities will lead you out of the darkness.}}
| |
| Artem's words seem to instill Ronan with courage. Unexpectedly, he looks at you and Artem, his eyes brighter than ever.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|This is the key. Go... quickly. I'll tell the police everything.}}
| |
| You take the key from Ronan.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|See you later, Ronan.}}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Script
| |
| |scriptHeader=Continue the Investigation II: West Hemingway Heights Street
| |
| |script=
| |
| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Ronan's Residence|location=Stellis University|image=Misc Location - Dorm (Day).png}}}}
| |
| ''Go to Stellis University and find Ronan's notebook.''
| |
|
| |
| On the way over to Ronan's dormitory, you and Artem brief Captain Morgan on the situation.
| |
|
| |
| He says officers in plainclothes will be sent immediately to bring Ronan back for questioning.
| |
|
| |
| You and Artem don't have too much trouble getting inside the dormitory. Only after a simple registration are you allowed access.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|There is no one... in the dormitory...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|They must still be in class. I remember law students have many classes in the morning.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Yes... Ronan should be...}}
| |
| It is easy to spot Ronan's bed. Next to his computer is a photo of him and Fiona.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|(Ronan and Fiona are pretty close.)}}
| |
| You quickly find the black notebook with Ronan's information.
| |
|
| |
| In it, Ronan recorded everything that happened over the course of committing the crime with Lamont Russo.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Look, is this the case where Ronan was forced to destroy the murder weapon?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Time, place, modus operandi... He was totally...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|He was totally putting himself on trial in his notes.}}
| |
| Recorded in the notebook was more than what Ronan did for Lamont Russo.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|It seems like... Ronan couldn't help writing down his feelings in these notes?}}
| |
| "I threw the blade into the middle of a lake. It looked clean, probably because the suspect had already wiped it down."
| |
|
| |
| "But with the sinking shadow of the blade, I can see the rich color of blood flushed before my eyes."
| |
|
| |
| "I was overwhelmed with remorse. My mind went blank and I wanted to jump off the boat toward the murder weapon..."
| |
|
| |
| "Professor Russo held onto me tightly, the boat shaking violently almost as if it could tip over at any time, but I wasn't afraid at all."
| |
|
| |
| "I wanted to drown myself at that moment."
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|...}}
| |
| Through his words, you can feel the deep remorse and despair that Ronan felt at that moment.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Ronan...}}
| |
| Artem says nothing, reading Ronan's words carefully in silence.
| |
|
| |
| His hand flips through Ronan's notes without shaking, but he straightens his tie at certain parts.
| |
|
| |
| It's a tell for when Artem needs to regulate his emotions.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|(Artem said... he wanted to be Ronan's guide... He must be emotionally affected...)}}
| |
| {{SL|You|It must be hard seeing Ronan go through that.}}
| |
| Artem notices the worried expression on your face and closes the notebook. He then comforts you with a nod.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|I'd be lying if I said it wasn't affected... But now that we have this notebook, we're getting very close to the truth.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|We cannot change Ronan's past, but we can help his future.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|So don't worry about me, but...}}
| |
| Artem leans down and holds you tenderly for a while before separating.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Thanks to you, I'm feeling much better.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|I didn't do anything, and you were there for me too.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|We have each other. A hug does wonders for those negative emotions, right?}}
| |
| Artem looks down slightly, his eyes beaming, answering you with a smile.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Now that we have the notebook, let's head to the police station immediately and hand it over to Captain Morgan.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|There are many clues recorded within the notebook. It will provide Captain Morgan with the breakthrough he needs in the stalled investigation.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|And... that's what Ronan wants.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Let's go back to the police station.}}
| |
| You and Artem leave with the notebook and head over to the police station to meet with Ronan.
| |
|
| |
| ''[Obtain evidence: Ronan's Notebook]''
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Script
| |
| |scriptHeader=Continue the Investigation III: West Hemingway Heights Street
| |
| |script=
| |
| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Meeting Room|location=Stellis City Police Department|image=Stellis Justice Dept - Interview Room.png}}}}
| |
| ''Find Ronan at the police station.''
| |
|
| |
| When you and Artem arrive at the police station, Captain Morgan's interrogation of Ronan is nearing its end.
| |
|
| |
| Captain Morgan walks over to greet you and Artem.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|I understood the situation. Is this the notebook that Ronan was talking about?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Yes, it contains a detailed record of Lamont Russo coercing Ronan to commit crimes, as well as other valuable clues.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|It will certainly provide a breakthrough in the review of Lamont Russo's cases.}}
| |
| Artem hands Ronan's notebook to Captain Morgan.
| |
|
| |
| Afterward, he nods at Ronan.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Rest assured, the police investigation will get to the bottom of this.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I'm happy that it could help you guys.}}
| |
| Ronan looks calmly at the notebook, as if he has figured something out.
| |
|
| |
| He looks straight at Captain Morgan, and for the first time, you can feel he's calm.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Although... I have a final request.}}
| |
| With that said, the three of you look at him.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I want... to see Professor Russo one last time.}}
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|What are you planning to do?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I want to atone for my sins.}}
| |
| Ronan takes a deep breath and looks at everyone solemnly.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Mr. Wing, Miss [Player], when you went to retrieve the notebook, I told Captain Morgan everything.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Confessing everything I did wrong... wasn't as embarrassing as I thought...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|On the contrary, I felt relieved throughout the whole process.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|...I only realized how stupid I've been, and I'm asking for a chance to make things right.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|It's the only thing I can do.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Ronan has come to this realization...)}}
| |
| You and Artem look at Captain Morgan, as he is the only person capable of making that decision.
| |
|
| |
| Captain Morgan falls silent but doesn't reject Ronan outright.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|What do you plan on doing?}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I only just learned... that there isn't any proof of Lamont Russo's illegal activities, so I thought...}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Maybe I can use myself as bait to get Lamont Russo to confess his crimes.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I will make an appointment with Lamont Russo, pretend that I did everything I was told, and beg him to spare Fiona.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Lamont Russo thinks he has something on me, so he won't be on guard around me.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|I will use that opportunity to get him to confess something he did in the past while recording the conversation.}}
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|The recording may not be admissible in court as valid evidence, but at least... it will help with your investigation.}}
| |
| Ronan waits for Captain Morgan's answer with a sincere expression.
| |
|
| |
| Captain Morgan ponders Ronan's plan for a moment and soon agrees.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|Okay, get yourself ready. We'll carry out your plan this afternoon. I'll have officers in plainclothes follow you and make sure everything goes well.}}
| |
| Ronan looks surprised and glad.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Ronan|Sure.}}
| |
| Captain Morgan nods, not saying anything else. He turns around to head outside, signaling for you two to follow.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|(That's it? Given Lamont Russo's impenetrable style, a simple plan like that won't have a high chance of succeeding...)}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Captain Morgan knows that for sure...)}}
| |
| You want to say something, but notice Artem shaking his head at you.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|(...It seems Captain Morgan must have his own reasons for agreeing.)}}
| |
| You keep your mouth shut and follow Artem out of the room.
| |
|
| |
| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Conference Room|location=Stellis City Police Department|image=Stellis Justice Dept - Waiting Room.png}}}}
| |
| Outside the meeting room, you can't help but look curiously at Captain Morgan.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Captain Morgan, why agree to Ronan's plan when it's clearly full of holes?}}
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|Ronan's plan will not succeed if carried out by himself.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|That means...?}}
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|I'll send someone in to help.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Then just now...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Captain Morgan didn't mention this detail to Ronan...)}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|That must be part of the plan, right?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Captain Morgan wants Ronan to meet Lamont Russo without knowing anything about the real plan.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Is this to fool Lamont Russo?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Yes, Lamont Russo has been operating for a long time without being discovered, which speaks to his prudence.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Lamont Russo will likely discover Ronan's hidden recording device, but if another device is prepared without Ronan's knowledge...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|While coveting gains ahead, one will be unaware of the danger behind them. With the police assisting, Ronan will succeed in his objective even if his plan fails.}}
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|Precisely.}}
| |
| Captain Morgan looks at the clock on the wall, his expression softening.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Darius Morgan|It's about time for lunch. If you two don't have plans, the police station can provide lunch.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Don't trouble yourself, Captain Morgan. [Player] and I already have plans. See you after lunch.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Yes, thank you, Captain Morgan. You don't need to worry about us.}}
| |
| You follow Artem out of the police station.
| |
| }}
| |
| |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=Darius Morgan|image=Darius Morgan character icon.png}} | | {{Character|name=Darius Morgan|image=Darius Morgan character icon.png}} |
| {{Character|name=Lamont Russo|image=Frederick Yang character icon.png|nolink=true}} | | {{Character|name=Lamont Russo|image=Frederick Yang character icon.png|nolink=true}} |
| {{Character|name=Ronan|image=Ronan character icon.png|nolink=true}}
| | |
| |locations=
| |
| |evidence=
| |
| {{Evidence
| |
| |name=Ronan's Notebook
| |
| |image=Ronan's Notebook icon.png
| |
| |description=A black notebook found in the photo album of Ronan and Fiona. In it, Ronan records everything that happened over the course of committing the crime with Lamont Russo.
| |
| }}
| |
| }} | | }} |