Marius' Sweet Chapter 03-04
Overview
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S-Chip x100
Guide
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Script
President's Office
Avoid causing panic in the company and return to the office to speak to Marius.
After returning to the office, you bring up the question regarding the culprit once again.
You: Were the damages to the North Stellis counterfeit companies really that severe...?
Marius: Yup. Actually, it's probably a lot more than what you've imagined.
It's pretty clear that the counterfeit companies are the ones responsible based on the information gathered from before.
However, there's still one question that continues to bother you.
Why would they need to go so far out of their way and invest so many resources into targeting Pax employees?
Marius: On the surface, the products sold by the counterfeit companies are cheap, low-quality goods.
Marius: Although they did have to pay Pax a large sum of money after losing the case, it's still not enough to warrant such severe retaliation.
You: So, in reality, their losses must've been much more significant after Pax defeated them in court.
You: Did you go after them from a different angle as well?
Marius: Yeah, you guessed right.
Marius smiles. He pours a glass of warm water and brings it up to your lips.
Marius: As for the reason for going after them... Do you still remember the Xbone II's product motto?
You: I think it was "Inexpensive and High-quality"?
Marius: Yes. The manufacturing cost for the Xbone was actually very high, making it difficult for the average person to afford one.
Marius: That's why the second-generation product started development so quickly. One of our goals is to expand our target users, and the other...
You: Is it to quickly purge the market of cheap and low-quality counterfeit products...?
Marius: Yep. It'd be fine if all they were trying to do was make money off counterfeit goods. In that case, Pax's PR and legal departments would just take care of them.
Marius: But previously, there were many cases stating that people were getting repeat injuries from using counterfeit Xbone products.
Marius: I can't let them ruin Pax's brand like that. The purpose for the Xbone's development is not so they can fill their pockets with blood-stained money.
You: So not only did you sue and cause the companies to go bankrupt, you even worked with the police to upend an entire illegal counterfeit pharmaceutical industry, am I right?
Marius: Yup. After the lawsuits that month, I met many of the distributors and cut off their sales channels.
You: (He's quick and resolute when it comes to things like this...)
You: Yeah... I would say you really backed them into a corner.
You: It'd be likely that they'd want revenge after something like that.
You: But... this still doesn't explain why they would start with your employees.
The best part about revenge is getting an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
The ultimate goal of dispersing Pax's employees is to ruin the Xbone II's launch... but what if Pax was able to find suitable replacements?
Marius: Miss, think about it, what kind of people would use threatening and intimidating tactics like these?
Marius: They could simply use money to break apart my team or even get a lobbyist to do the job. Those methods would leave no traces.
Marius: So why did they elect to use a method that would eventually catch the Police's attention...? Why would they do something like that?
You: Because...
A feeling of disgust rises up inside you as you think about the unethical methods that counterfeit companies use to make money.
However, at the same time, you begin to get an idea of what kind of people they are.
You: Because they want to be quick and obvious. They want to use defeating you and Xbone as the foundation for their status in the industry.
You: They've always been after a quick buck. After being weeded out by you so quickly, they definitely want to shame you as much as possible.
Marius: Yes, that's what I think as well. They won't be satisfied unless my reputation is completely ruined.
Marius: However, there's something even more important-they're working against the clock as well.
Marius: The most important thing for the Xbone II recently is the press release in a couple of days.
There are clearly more convenient and covert ways of handling it, but they chose to take the long route and use even more despicable methods...
If that's the case, their most obvious goal would be to...
You: They want to intensify their retaliation toward you?
Marius: You mean to say... that their goal is no longer just me, but also Pax and the other employees?
You: After all, most of their factories have been shut down. They don't really have a way out.
You: It's possible that they're taking it out on the Pax employees as well?
Marius: You're right. It is possible.
Marius: But after taking such a hard blow, they won't be able to regain their strength in such a short period of time and handle prolonged conflict with Pax.
Marius: So, I think if revenge is what they're after, their goal is probably something clear that will cripple us for good.
You: A goal that is clear and will cripple you... You mean they want to ruin the development of the second-generation product?
Marius: Yes. We can even assume that their goal has a specific target - the upcoming press release, for example.
Marius: If they wait until after the press release to make my employees leave, then everything they've done would be pointless.
Marius: After the press release, the product will naturally enter its next stage of development, the date for hitting the market will be set, and we'll have more than enough time to rehire.
You: But if the core employees resign before the press release, Pax will naturally experience instability.
You: Even if you were able to hold things together, the board of directors may not be fully supportive of you.
You: But if you think about it that way...
The core employees have already resigned prior to the press release and during Pax's key development period.
Although things are happening exactly as you speculated, they're also moving along as the opponent expected.
You: Isn't this... a dead end? How can we fix this...?
Stress and frustration take over you. Your emotions are all over the place.
A glass of warm water is shoved in your hand amidst your chaotic thoughts.
Marius: You must be thirsty after talking for so long. Drink some water or your lips are going to start chapping.
He smiles with confidence. It's as if everything's been taken care of and there is no need for further worries.
You: Why are you suddenly so relaxed?
You: Or... was my analysis off just now?
Marius: No, you were right. You were so on point that it made me feel a little uncomfortable.
Marius walks over with a warm glass of water of his own and gently touches yours with it. His tone is light and gentle, seemingly trying to comfort your emotions.
Marius: I'm just saying, your business sense is obviously just as good, if not better, than the old geezers on the board of directors.
Marius: Are you sure you don't want to join me? We can rule the business world together. Do you really have to continue being a little attorney?
Marius: Or you could be my personal assistant. That'll work too.
You: You just said that I was a big-shot attorney just now... Besides, I'm quite satisfied with my job as an attorney.
Marius: *Sigh*... Looks like I've been given all the luck in the world to have you by my side, but it's seemingly still not enough...
You: There you go trying to make me smile again.
You are well aware that Marius is trying to lighten your mood, but the light tone in his voice and the steam from the water glass are already enough to slowly comfort your emotions.
You calm down after taking a sip of the warm water. You unleash your mind once again to quickly catch up to Marius' train of thought.
You: So, what should we do next? Should we share the information with the police?
Marius: Notifying the police is a must. Besides, if the other employees also contacted the police, it won't take long before they discover the overlapping clues.
Marius: The problem right now is time.
Marius: The press release is just around the corner. Aside from sharing information with the police, we have to move as fast as we can to calm the employees and convince the board of directors.
You: That's... going to be hard, isn't it?
Marius: Don't worry, with you running around by my side for an entire day, I'm more motivated than ever to deal with the situation.
Marius: Besides, it's just a race for time. I'm great at that.
Marius' phone vibrates as he is speaking.
Marius: ...
Marius: Looks like Christmas came early this year.
You: What is it?
Marius: A copy of the North Stellis factory's ledger.
You: Their ledger!? How did you get your hands on something like that!?
You heard about this from your seniors when you first entered the industry.
Ledgers are like lifelines for factories with tainted backgrounds.
Not only does the "ledger" record all of their cash flow, but it also includes the factory's entire network.
Marius: The boss and legal representatives of one of these counterfeit companies were thrown in jail, but their accountant wasn't charged.
Marius: I've met him a couple of times before. When I asked him about how things are in North Stellis, he mentioned that he would like me to give his boss' ledger to the police.
You: With the ledger, we'll have proof of the employees being targeted and hurt.
You: Why don't I come with you?
Marius: Just wait for me here.
Marius quickly finds his car key in the drawer and walks over to kiss you on the cheek.
Marius: The accountant doesn't want any unnecessary exposure. He asked to meet me alone.
Marius: I've already agreed to his request. I should keep my word - we might be able to work together again in the future, right?
You: But what if you run into danger...? You'd be all alone. North Stellis isn't a safe place...
Marius: Don't worry. We're not meeting in North Stellis - we're meeting at Southeast Stellis Street.
Marius: It'll take an hour and a half at most. I promise you I'll be back. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts when I get back.
You: What thoughts?
Marius: Your thoughts on an hour and a half of missing me?
You: ...
You: I might have some thoughts on how it only takes an hour and a half to break up.
Marius: You really don't baby me anymore... You're even starting to hurt me on purpose now!
Marius: Are you really the Miss that I know? The one that loves and cares for me the most? I'm starting to suspect that you've developed an alternate personality...
Before he can finish, the unspoken complaints are silenced as you hold his cheeks and seal his lips with yours.
As you look into his eyes with a smiling gaze, your breaths and gazes become tenderly entwined.
When you let go of him and begin to back away, the tender entanglement suddenly pulls the two of you closer again.
He presses down on your shoulders as the warm and moist sensation moves from the center to the edge of your lips and back again.
Before letting go, he sucks on your lower lip in retaliation.
You: You... Have you had enough...?
Marius: You seduced me first.
He smirks and quickly pulls closer to you once again.
You thought he wanted more. As you're about to back away, he simply grabs your wrist and gently pecks you on the edge of your lips.
Marius: Everything will be taken care of when I return.
You: Okay, fine, I'll be here counting the seconds and waiting for you. If you're even late by just one minute...
Marius: Then you can do whatever you want to me. It's all up to you.
You: Ahh, hurry up and go!
He nods and waves at you with a smile on his face before finally leaving the office.
You: (Things will... finally come to an end, right?)
However, for some reason, a feeling of unease creeps up inside of you.
You're feeling flustered as you reach for the glass next to you, hoping to suppress your anxiety.
However, you accidentally knock over the glass instead. The leftover water inside of the glass spills across Marius' desk.
You: !
You quickly locate the tissues in the room and dry up the spilled water. However, the feeling of unease remains and slowly begins to grow.
President's Office
The wait is longer than expected. Call Marius and see what's going on.
Time continues to pass.
It was supposed to be an hour and a half. By the time you realize it, it's already been twenty minutes past the agreed time.
You: (I hope nothing's gone wrong.)
You: (I should give him a call...)
You take out your phone and call Marius. It takes nearly half a minute before Marius picks up the phone.
Marius: Hello? What's up?
You: What do you mean by what's up...? We said an hour and a half, it has been almost two hours.
Marius: Oh, sorry. Because of everything that's been happening, I spoke to him about a couple more things than I originally planned.
Marius: Don't worry, I already got the ledger. I'm heading to the car to come back now.
You: Okay, that's good. Drive safe, okay?
Marius: Don't worry, everything is perfectly...
He is suddenly interrupted. All you can hear is a heavy gasp from the other side of the call.
You: Marius...?
Marius: Ugh-!
You: Marius!!
After a muffled thud, Marius seems to have fallen to the ground.
The call falls silent.
You yell with every fiber in your body into the receiver of the phone multiple times, but there is no response.
You: What do I do...
You: No, I have to think of a way to find him.
Parking Lot
Marius was probably around the parking lot when he was attacked. Hurry and find him.
After getting in touch with Vincent, the two of you bring along a few security guards and head to Southeast Stellis Street as fast as you possibly can.
Vincent Kim: It's all my fault... I was going to come with Master Marius, but he declined my request. I should've been more insistent...
You: There's no time for that right now. We have to hurry and find Marius.
You: Vincent, you and the security guards split up into two groups and search for him. I'll wait right here.
You: Call me immediately when either of you finds him. I'll then notify the others to meet up.
There's barely anyone in the quiet parking lot. It isn't until Vincent and the security guards begin to scour the place does it finally fills with a bit of life.
You: (Marius, please be all right...)
You pray as you nervously look around, hoping for a cheer from one of the people looking for Marius to signal that he's been found.
However, after just a few seconds, a thud of something heavy hitting the ground can be heard not far behind you.
You: ?
You turn around and look closely at the narrow spaces between the cars.
It doesn't take long for you to notice someone lying on the ground between two cars on the third row.
You: Is that...!?
Although it's still a slight distance away, you do your best to identify the clothes the fallen person is wearing. It's the same color as what Marius was wearing when he left.
Your speeding thoughts and pain urge you to charge toward him without any consideration.
However, just as you take the first step, the sliver of rational thought remaining in your mind pushes you back.
You: Could that sound just now... be a trap?
You: But if that really is Marius... I can't just stand here and wait.
After evaluating all the possibilities, you call Vincent and tell him your location before slowly making your approach.
You quickly make your way through the cars, looking for one that has the unique color of Marius' car. However, after running for just a few meters, you suddenly slow down.
You: ...
You stop, and the sound of footsteps behind you also stops.
After a few more steps, the sound of footsteps begins to quickly close in again.
You: !
You quickly turn around but find no one in the long and empty lane.
You: (No... I'm sure I heard right. Someone's here.)
You hesitate whether to run or call for security for no more than just half a second.
However, in that half a second, a heavy and coarse breath approaches you from behind.
You: Who's there... Ughh!
*Bang* A strong man wearing a black baseball cap and a facemask covers your mouth and presses you on the hood of the car next to you.
Criminal: Shh...
You: Ugh...!
He doesn't seem to plan on talking to you. All he does is signal for you to be quiet in an eerie way.
You: Ahh!!
You try to fight back with everything you've got, but you're unable to break free from his tight grip.
In the chaos, the sound of a loud yell can be heard in the distance. You're so flustered that you're unable to determine where the sound came from or what it meant.
Criminal: ...
You: ...
The dark and cold smile in his eyes chills you to the bone.
The yelling from afar sounds again. You are able to hear the voices better this time. It seems to be coming from the security guards.
However, your nerves are wound up so tight that no extra information can be processed. All you can see is the chilling gaze in the eyes of the person in front of you.
...
He lifts up the metal pipe in his hand.
You shiver and shut your eyes. The suffocating fear at this moment is more frightening than anything.
As his hand that is covering your mouth grips tighter, you know that swing of the metal pipe is coming your way...
Suddenly, fumbling footsteps can be heard charging your way with the fury of a storm.
Criminal: ...Ack!
You: ...Huh?
The metal pipe falls to the ground and makes a crisp sound. Fresh air enters your lungs once again. After a brief moment of dizziness, you finally make out the figure before you.
He's bleeding from his head and wearing a ferocious expression that you've never seen before.
However, he seems to have used up all his remaining strength as he tackled the culprit.
Marius: ...
You: Marius!? Marius, are you okay? You...
Marius' body gives in and he falls into your arms.
He tries his best to lift up his head after hearing your voice.
After a brief look at your face, he seems to have finally relaxed. The ferocious look on his face dissolves into a relieved smile.
Marius: I promised you that I'd... do everything to protect... you...
Marius: I always do... what I promise... I was really cool... Wasn't I?
His head then tilts to the side and he loses consciousness.
Security Guard: Miss [Player], Master Marius!
The atmosphere begins to fill with noise as the first security guard arrives.
Vincent runs frantically toward the two of you. The police are also here and have detained the culprit that attacked you.
However, none of the commotion around you seems to grab hold of your attention. All you're concerned about is Marius, who's bleeding from the head and unconscious right now.
You: Marius... Marius!
Summary
