Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-03
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Check out the situation at Stellis University.
Not long before entering the university campus, you hear the campus security shouting.
Security Guard A: Excuse me, would all students please pass me the flyers? Don't pass them around! Bring them all to me!
A few of the campus security guards are standing in front of a table stacked full of flyers.
Many passing students listen and hand them the flyers, but there are others who ignore them.
Just then, a security guard with a walkie-talkie scurries past you two.
Security Guard B: There are too many flyers in the cafeteria! How's it going over there...
The voice over the walkie-talkie grows distant and unclear...
You: The university has started disposing of the flyers about Professor Russo.
Artem: It's just before noon, less than half a day since the article went viral. The response from the university has been swift.
You look around at the chaos, tugging at Artem's sleeve to pull him closer.
You: Looks like the university has countermeasures in place. I believe your mother should know something about this.
You: Let's try asking her when I return the books.
Taking your hand, Artem nods as he shields you behind him, leading you through the chaotic campus.
You hear the noises of people around you, with a familiar name thrown in from time to time.
You look up at Artem's back, as reliable as ever. Your uneasiness subsides, allowing him to take the lead.
Corridor
In the corridor, you meet Kimberly Garner, who just finished her class. Learning of the reason for your visit, she glances at Artem meaningfully.
Kimberly Garner: ...
Artem: ...
For some reason, the mother and the son fall into an eerie silence. You hold the books out.
You: Auntie, these are the books I borrowed from you last time. Thank you, they were of great help.
Kimberly looks at you, her expression softening.
Kimberly Garner: No need to be so courteous to me. You two must be tired, coming so early in the morning, right?
Kimberly glances at the books in your hand, frowning slightly.
Kimberly Garner: Artem, how inconsiderate of you. Why are you making [Player] hold the books herself?
Artem: Sorry, it slipped my mind.
Seeing this, you can only pass the books to Artem again.
You: (...Even though I just took the books from Artem by force.)
You: Auntie, you misunderstood, I only had them briefly. After all, I borrowed them, so I should be the one to return them.
Artem didn't look like he was going to give an explanation, so you try to smooth things over.
The expression on Kimberly's face softens. Her gaze passes by Artem and stops briefly on something behind you and Artem.
Before you can look back, a student walks by, looking down at the familiar flyer.
You: ...
You: Auntie... do you know what happened with Professor Russo?
Kimberly Garner: Do you mean the article where Professor Russo is accused of violating ethics and engaging in illegal activities?
Artem: Yes, we saw the flyers on our way here. Do you know anything about it?
You: (After all, Auntie is the vice dean of the law department. Is it inappropriate to ask about a scandal in her department...?)
Artem: Do you know about the article on Professor Russo?
You look at Artem, with his mouth slightly curved upward, signaling for you not to worry.
Kimberly Garner: Do you mean the article where Professor Russo is accused of violating ethics and illegal activities?
You: Yes, Auntie, how much do you know about it?
Kimberly Garner: I'm sorry to disappoint.
Kimberly Garner: Professor Russo and I have been colleagues for many years, but he is not much of a conversationalist and is busy most of the time. I'm afraid I don't know him very well.
Kimberly Garner: All I know is that the university notified the police immediately and set up a special investigative team to cooperate with the police.
Kimberly Garner: Rest assured, the outcome of the investigation will be just.
You're relieved to hear Kimberly Garner say that.
You: I hope we find out the truth soon.
Kimberly Garner: By the way, did Professor Russo teach you criminal law?
Artem: Yes, we were both surprised by the article.
Kimberly Garner: No wonder you guys are so concerned. Professor Russo has been suspended from school pending the results of the investigation. I'll let you know if I hear anything.
You: Thank you, Auntie.
Kimberly Garner: What did I just say? You don't need to be so courteous to me.
You: Um... I'll remember that next time, Auntie.
Perhaps seeing that you didn't know how to deal with elders, Artem suddenly takes the books from you and hands them to his mother.
Artem: It's almost time for class. So we'll take our leave.
Kimberly glances at Artem again, taking the books from him while nodding at the two of you.
Kimberly Garner: Go about your business. Come see me again when you're free.
You: See you later, Auntie!
Below the School Building
Outside the academic building, you look back and sigh.
You: I didn't expect Auntie to know so little about this...
You: I'm afraid we'll have to reach out to the people in question if we want to know more.
Artem: Stellis University notified the police immediately, so they should have opened an investigation already.
Artem: We can find...
Before Artem can finish, you are both drawn by something in the distance.
A girl is sprinting toward the law building. She looks nervously over her shoulders as if she is being chased by a wild animal.
Soon, she sees Artem, who is standing in front of the building. After a brief moment of bewilderment, her eyes glow with hope, leaving you puzzled.
You: ???
Artem: ???
The girl quickly makes her way over to you and Artem, still panting from all the running.
???: Whew... I know you... whew... You're Artem Wing, right!?
???: The famous Mr. Wing!
Faced with the sudden development, you and Artem look at each other suspiciously. You can see the same blank look in his eyes.
Artem: Yes, I am Artem Wing. And you are?
???: Mr. Wing, I want to hire you as my attorney! Please! Help me!
???: I know hiring an attorney is expensive... Money... money isn't a problem!
You: Calm down, what happened?
Almost immediately after you speak, you hear the voice of a man, panting with every breath.
???: Fiona! Don't be scared! We're just trying to understand the situation.
The girl named Fiona hears the voice and quickly hides behind you and Artem.
Fiona: I don't believe you!
You and Artem look up to see a familiar man.
Captain Morgan stands there with a young man, not surprised to see either of you there.
Darius Morgan: Mr. Wing, Miss [Player]? We meet again.
Darius Morgan: This time... who are you representing?
You: No, Captain Morgan... You misunderstood, we were just passing by.
Darius Morgan: What a coincidence. I saw your professor was involved in this case, so I thought you would...
Captain Morgan stops before he says anything else.
You: (This case...? Does Fiona have anything to do with the article on Professor Russo?)
You glance back at Fiona, who is still cowering behind you. When you turn back, you meet Artem's eyes, lost in thought.
Artem: We were just about to look for you to see if there's anything we can help with.
Darius Morgan: Then come with me back to the police station. We're a bit shorthanded today.
Captain Morgan quickly accepts Artem's proposal, then signals for you to move aside.
You move aside to reveal Fiona, who remains silent as she looks anxiously at Captain Morgan.
???: Fiona, Captain Morgan only wants to talk to you. Please cooperate with him.
The young man beside Captain Morgan tries to persuade Fiona, but she is very rude in her response.
Fiona: Counselor, don't talk if you don't know what's going on.
Counselor: You! Do you know what you're doing right now?
Darius Morgan: Stop.
Captain Morgan looks at Fiona, pulling out a flyer from his police uniform and holding it in front of her.
Darius Morgan: Fiona, are you familiar with the contents of this flyer?
Fiona: ...
Fiona presses her lips together but doesn't respond.
The flyer that Captain Morgan is holding up is very familiar. You and Artem were holding the same flyer only an hour ago.
You: (So Fiona is connected to the article...)
Darius Morgan: At 10:10 this morning, an article titled "The Law Is Rewritten for You—Exposing the Tumor of the Stellis Judicial Community" was published online.
Darius Morgan: After the article caused a stir, Stellis University immediately notified the police.
Darius Morgan: Our cyber division located the IP that first published the article at Stellis University.
Darius Morgan: Together with the school network administrator, we discovered the account that published the article belonged to you, Fiona.
Darius Morgan: At the same time, we also confirmed in the security footage provided by the university that the person passing out flyers in the cafeteria was you.
Darius Morgan: I don't think I need to go into detail about the contents of the flyers.
Darius Morgan: The article has received attention from various industries, so the police need to ask you a few questions. Please cooperate with us.
Hearing what Captain Morgan said, you look in shock at Fiona.
Fiona avoids looking at Captain Morgan and doesn't offer any rebuttal.
Darius Morgan: Please come with me.
Not wanting to delay any further, Captain Morgan signals for a young officer behind him to take Fiona away.
Seeing this, Fiona reaches out with her hands, wanting to grab onto something, but she doesn't want to offend Artem.
Instead, she grabs your hand pitifully.
Fiona: Please help me. I really don't know anyone else *sobs*...
You: Don't be scared... I...
You're curious about this matter, and you want to help Fiona, but...
You look at Artem, who is still frowning with some hesitation.
You: (Artem has yet to agree to Fiona's request. If I agree now, I would leave him with no choice...)
Artem: Let's go. We'll go to the police station with you.
Artem breaks the deadlock, and Fiona seems overjoyed.
Fiona: Does this mean you'll help me!?
Artem: Not as your attorney. I'll make a decision when you give your statement down at the police station.
Artem's stern words didn't dampen Fiona's joy.
Fiona: Okay, okay! Thank you, Mr. Wing!
Artem's Car
Accompany Fiona to the police station for questioning.
You and Artem drive over to the police station.
You rub your empty stomach. It'll have to wait.
Artem: Are you hungry? Here, eat this first.
Artem hands you a well-made onigiri, which he had made himself.
You take it, realizing that the onigiri is still warm.
You: When did you...?
Artem: I left the house this morning with a few simple meals stored in the car refrigerator, and I took them out when I parked.
Artem: The temperature should be just right, and here's some water. The onigiri is dry, so be careful not to choke.
You taste the onigiri and wash it down with the water Artem gave you.
The delicious onigiri rescues you from hunger.
You feel much better.
You: It's my favorite flavor! I can't believe... how prepared you are.
Artem: I'm glad you like it, but it's just something to tide you over. We'll go eat after the police take Fiona's statement.
You: Sure! But you have to eat something as well.
Artem: Sure.
Police Station
Fiona is visibly nervous, sitting in an interrogation room at the police station. However, she has quietened down.
Darius Morgan: Fiona, I have a few questions for you to confirm...
Fiona: I... I need to speak to my attorney first. Until that happens, I have the right to remain silent!
Before Captain Morgan can ask any questions, Fiona makes her position clear.
She looks at you and Artem, her eyes crying for help, looking as if she's about to start weeping.
Artem: Captain Morgan, how about letting us talk to her first?
Artem: After all, [Player] and I came here not only to learn more about the situation, but also to assist in the police investigation.
Darius Morgan: ...
Captain Morgan glances at you and Artem. He is silent for a moment before nodding.
Darius Morgan: With your expertise... Yes, I can trust you two.
Darius Morgan: I'll give you guys a shot.
Watching Captain Morgan close the door to the interrogation room, Fiona immediately looks to Artem. It looks like she has a lot to say, but doesn't have the courage to do so.
You smile amusingly at Artem, who looks back at you helplessly.
You: Don't be scared, this is the normal process. Do you want to collect yourself before we speak?
Fiona: No, I'm fine. I can talk now.
Fiona: I... today... my mind's in a bit of a mess right now. Can you ask the questions, and I'll just answer them?
Seeing that Fiona is more friendly to you, you ask her the first question.
You: Why are you afraid of a police subpoena?
Fiona: Before I answer that question, can I ask you guys something?
Artem: Sure.
Fiona looks at you in embarrassment.
Fiona: I know Mr. Wing's identity, but Miss, what is your relationship with Mr. Wing?
You: ???
Artem: Why do you ask?
Fiona: I would prefer fewer people to know about what I'm about to say next... Aside from my attorney... and the police...
Artem: Rest assured, she is the person I trust the most. Anything you say to me, you can say to her.
Fiona: I am relieved to hear that.
Fiona lets out a deep sigh and looks earnestly at the two of you.
Fiona: To be honest... I am the one who wrote that article.
You had a hunch, but after hearing what Fiona said, you and Artem still look at each other in surprise.
Fiona: I know Lamont Russo is not only a law professor at Stellis University but has also been a criminal lawyer for many years.
Fiona: He has remained undetected for so many years. No doubt, he's under some kind of protection in the Stellis judicial community.
Fiona: How can I fight against him... I'm afraid of being accused of spreading rumors... So I'm afraid of the police.
You: Since you're the author of the article... everything you wrote comes from a personal experience?
Fiona: I wrote it, but it's not about me... It's about my boyfriend, Ronan.
You notice Artem frown sharply.
His fingers on the table tense up, trying to calm down, before straightening his tie casually.
You: (Does Artem know Ronan?)
Fiona doesn't notice Artem behaving abnormally and continues.
Fiona: Ronan is Lamont Russo's favorite student. I thought they had a strong relationship with each other, but...
Fiona: Everything written in the article about what he did to Ronan, it's just the tip of the iceberg!
Fiona: It wasn't something as simple as stealing Ronan's research. He... he...
Fiona's voice starts trembling.
Fiona: He also coerced Ronan to commit a crime!
The interrogation room falls silent.
Artem still had a hand on his tie, forgetting to put it down. You notice Artem in a daze, forgetting to respond.
He promptly returns to his senses and leans forward to look at Fiona solemnly.
Artem does his best to hide his emotions, but you read a hint of earnestness in his expression.
Artem: How do you know about this?
Fiona: Ronan got drunk one day and told me himself.
Artem: Did Ronan provide you with the chat logs and proof used in the article?
Fiona: No... Ronan doesn't know anything about that...
Fiona: I secretly downloaded his chat logs with Lamont Russo and uncovered the truth little by little.
Fiona: I'm not a law student, so it took me a long time to sort out the article.
Artem: According to your story, Ronan was the target of Lamont Russo's persecution, but why are you speaking out for Ronan? Why not Ronan himself?
Fiona: Ronan... He can't.
Hearing that answer, Artem seems to think of something, falling silent.
You: What does that mean?
Fiona: He's on... a temporary leave of absence from school, thanks to Lamont Russo.
You: Leave of absence?
Fiona: Yes, Ronan was coerced by Lamont Russo for a long time to commit a crime... The mental pressure was too great, which resulted in him developing mental health problems.
Fiona: After finding out about Ronan's situation, Lamont Russo used it as an excuse to force Ronan into a leave of absence.
Fiona: Ronan is under Lamont Russo's complete control. He can't resist...
Artem: How much do you know about Ronan's mental state?
Fiona: Ronan has been suffering from insomnia for a long time, but I'm not sure when it started. I often see him sitting in front of his computer in a daze...
Fiona: At the time, I thought he was just under academic pressure...
Artem: When did you find out Lamont Russo coerced Ronan into committing a crime?
Fiona: About a month ago... Lamont Russo invited Ronan to a dinner party where they serve alcohol... He knew that Ronan was on medication and couldn't drink...
Fiona: Ronan came home that day and broke down, telling me everything.
Fiona: I told him to call the police, but he dared not betray Lamont Russo...
Artem: Why do you think Ronan won't betray Lamont Russo?
Fiona: ...He didn't say. But I guess... he's afraid of his crime being exposed...
Hearing that answer, Artem's eyes grow dim. He's unable to ask any more questions.
You: So you were headed toward the law department because of Ronan?
Fiona blushes a little. She plays with her fingers, then looks up at you.
Fiona: I... I'm not a law student, and I don't know any attorneys... I didn't know what to do...
Fiona: But Ronan is a law student, and I got to know a few teachers through him. I thought I'd ask one of the teachers for help...
You: Who would you have asked if we didn't come along?
Fiona: I don't know who is here. I only know which classrooms the law students usually take their classes in... and thought I'd try my luck...
You: I see.
Fiona: G-Good thing you guys came along.
Fiona reveals an awkward smile for the first time since you met.
You: Why didn't you tell Ronan?
Fiona: His mental state is very unstable. I'm afraid Lamont Russo would've sensed something was wrong, so I also hid the truth from Ronan.
Fiona: I just hope this ends soon, and Ronan can be free from Lamont Russo's control.
Artem: What makes you so sure that Lamont Russo is keeping Ronan under strict control?
Fiona: I just know it!
Fiona: He must be scared that Ronan might turn him in, knowing everything he's done.
Fiona: He "helped" Ronan apply for a leave of absence.... probably so that he could use Ronan's graduation as leverage.
You: Then... do you have any proof that Lamont Russo is blackmailing Ronan?
Fiona: ...No, but I'm certain that's the truth!
Fiona knows what she just said wasn't convincing, pleading with her eyes.
Fiona: I know that I don't have much evidence... and it doesn't quite prove my words, but...
Fiona: Please, you have to believe me! I'm telling the truth!
Fiona: Ronan, he's a good guy! Please believe me...
Fiona scrambles to take out her phone, swiping through it quickly with her fingers as if looking for something.
Fiona: Look! This is Ronan's legal aid account! Every day, he answers questions for people online!
Fiona: He's got hundreds of thousands of followers! He's really helped a lot of people!
Fiona: Mr. Wing, please, you have to save Ronan! I don't know what else to do!
Fiona clasps her hands together, overflowing with sincerity.
Artem looks at Fiona's phone for a brief moment, his expression softening.
Artem: Rest assured, people from various industries have placed heavy importance on this case, so the truth will come out.
Artem: Besides, you can choose to trust the police. If there's at least one person who can help you, it's the police.
Fiona did not seem relieved to hear Artem's words. Instead, there is despair in her eyes.
Fiona: Mr. Wing, are you not accepting my case?
Artem: ?
You look at Artem, still stunned, and Fiona in despair. You explain hastily.
You: Fiona, that's not what he means. He just wants to put your mind at ease.
Fiona: So Mr. Wing accepts my case!?
You: ...
Artem doesn't immediately respond to Fiona, but instead brings up another detail.
Artem: You said you're not a law student, and you don't know any attorneys. So how do you know about me?
Fiona: Because... of Ronan. He looks up to you. He always said that he wanted to strive to become more like Artem Wing.
Fiona: I think whoever Ronan looks up to must be a good person.
Artem listens to Fiona, not surprised by what she said.
You: (It seems... Artem had guessed that Fiona heard about him from Ronan.)
You: (And judging by Artem's strange behavior just now, he seems very concerned about Ronan...)
You: (If all goes well...)
Artem looks at Fiona, still uneasy and full of anticipation, but he doesn't let her simmer for too long.
Artem: I'll accept your case.
Fiona lets out a long sigh, finally looking relieved.
Fiona: Thank you, Mr. Wing... Thank you, guys... I'm so fortunate to have met you today!
Artem: We now have a good understanding of the situation. The police will talk to you, but don't worry.
Artem: Don't be scared. We'll be with you when the police ask you questions.
Fiona: Okay, sure.
Artem gets up to leave the room. Shortly after, he re-emerges with Captain Morgan, and Fiona's interrogation officially begins.
After the interrogation ends, the police bring up a new request.
The police need Fiona to continue cooperating with them to investigate the cases of alleged sentence misconduct described in the article.
Since Fiona can't get away from the investigation for now, Captain Morgan sees you and Artem off.
Darius Morgan: Don't worry. I'll have someone send Fiona back to the university afterward.
With that said, Captain Morgan takes a look at Artem, thinking about something.
Darius Morgan: I heard from Fiona that you finally accepted the case. Why so sudden?
Artem: No reason... I just wanted to do something for her.
Seeing that Artem doesn't want to say much more, Captain Morgan pats Artem understandingly on the shoulder.
You: (...That's it?)
You: (But when we questioned Fiona earlier, it didn't seem like Artem "just wanted to do something"...)
You: (Why would Artem hide it?)
As you ponder over these questions, Artem arranges the investigation plan.
Artem: Captain Morgan, do you know the situation between Lamont Russo and Ronan?
Darius Morgan: Now that you're involved in the investigation, I can update you on their situation.
Darius Morgan: The situation with Ronan still needs to be investigated, but Lamont Russo came by the police station today.
Darius Morgan: He alleged that Fiona's article severely damaged his reputation, though the matter has not been settled.
Darius Morgan: Stellis University is taking this case seriously and has suspended him pending the outcome of the investigation.
Artem: I understand. Today, [Player] and I will conduct a preliminary investigation into Ronan and Lamont Russo.
Darius Morgan: Okay, keep me posted.
Street
Have a good meal before doing anything.
Captain Morgan accompanies you two out of the police station.
Back outside, you notice the sun shining brightly during the hottest part of the day.
Artem blocks the sun by placing his hand on your forehead, signaling for you to get in the car quickly.
But rather than the piercing sunlight... you're more concerned about...
You: When Captain Morgan asked why you took the case, did you not want to tell him the real reason?
You: I noticed your concern for Ronan when Fiona was talking about him, but...
Artem: ...I did want to keep it to myself.
You: Is there a specific reason why?
Artem: It's not something to hide from you.
Artem: I just think it would be hard to explain the long history between Lamont Russo and Ronan to Captain Morgan.
Artem: And... with the amount of uncertainty in this case, I can't take a stand without careful consideration.
Artem: If you want to know, I can tell you all about it now.
Artem's pupils seem crystal clear in the sunlight, almost like looking at the bottom of a clear pool.
You calm down and offer a suggestion to Artem.
You: The sun is out in full force right now. How about we find a place to eat?
You: We can take a break and go over the case progress, then continue the investigation after?
Artem: Sure, let's find a place to sit, and I'll tell you everything.
Restaurant
The restaurant is cozy with soothing music, which puts people at ease.
The delicious smell of food puts your mind at ease, making you want to pour out all your doubts.
Your chopsticks stop in place, and Artem immediately looks at you with concern.
You: Now... can you tell me what happened in the past?
You: Ronan... do you know him?
Artem: Yes, I met him in a collaborative law enforcement project in Stellis. Ronan left a strong impression on me.
Artem: He was an excellent law student. He reminded me a lot... of my own past.
You: (Ronan actually reminded Artem of his past...)
You: So this collaborative law enforcement project was what you were telling Captain Morgan about?
Artem: Not entirely.
Artem reminisces about the past.
Artem: The reason I met Ronan in the collaborative law enforcement project was because of Lamont Russo's past respect for Ronan.
Artem: A strict but meticulous professor and a sharp but respectful student... They were admired by many others.
Artem: But times have changed...
Artem doesn't say more, but you can still feel his regret.
You: Lamont Russo and Ronan's model behavior doesn't seem to be false.
You: However, according to Fiona, Lamont Russo must have exploited Ronan early on.
You: It's difficult for outsiders to discern how much of their relationship was true and how much was fake.
Artem: That may be, but I do remember something about Lamont Russo.
Artem looks at you with a slight look of disappointment.
Artem: We were both taught criminal law by Professor Russo, so you must know that there is a tradition in his class.
Your memory unfolds slowly with Artem's words, as the details gradually become clear.
You: I remember... Professor Russo would always talk about the origin of attorneys in the first class.
You: He said... it began from people who understand the law and are willing to help others...
Hearing your story, Artem looks at you tenderly, as if he and you had recalled the same scene.
Artem: An attorney is someone who helps others.
You: Yes, that's it. When I heard it, I was very moved and thought that attorneys are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.
You: I didn't expect to be reminded of that today.
Thinking about what's happened between Lamont Russo and Ronan, you sigh.
You reach out your hand and place it on top of Artem's hand, comforting him.
You: A former professor versus a student you know... You must really care about them.
You: I can see how you want to get involved and find the truth.
Artem takes your hand, the usual warmth in his palm.
Artem: Maybe some things can't be undone... But I really want to help them.
Artem: Even if in the end, all I find out is the ugly truth... it's just as well.
That's the worst possible scenario for Artem...
You: No, and even if it came to that... there must be something we can do.
You: After all... fate is uncertain.
Hearing that, Artem looks up at you from your clasped hands, a gentle look in his eyes...
Artem: Yes, you're right.
With that said, he looks down and kisses your knuckles.
Artem: Good thing I have you.
After lunch, you and Artem sort through the case progress.
You: Fiona accused Professor Lamont Russo of exploiting Ronan, coercing him into committing a crime, and controlling Ronan when those actions caused him to develop mental problems.
You: She took parts of Ronan's chat logs with Professor Russo, combined them with her understanding, and wrote the article before spreading it online.
You: However, Professor Russo believes Fiona has damaged his reputation and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
You: Currently, Ronan, the key person in this incident, has not revealed himself.
You: It seems that we still need to find Professor Russo and Ronan to understand the truth behind this incident.
Artem: Professor Russo resides in South Stellis, which is closer to us. Let's go find him first.
