Vyn's Sweet Chapter 02-03
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Waterfront Central Business District
Accompany Marni while she wanders around.
You walk down the streets of the central business district holding Marni's hand. Her small hand is unusually cold.
She looks at everything around her with wide eyes, curious about everything in Stellis.
You: Marni, how old are you?
Marni: I am 11 years old...
You: ...
You: (But she looks like she's only 8 or 9...)
You: (Is it because of her small stature, or... is it because she's sick?)
Thinking back to the Duchess' reaction, a hint of doubt and worry rises in your heart.
Before you give it much thought, Marni tugs at your clothes, pointing to the nearby milk tea shop.
Marni: Miss, what is that?
You: That's a milk tea shop. It sells many delicious drinks.
You: (Has Marni never had milk tea before? Is it forbidden for nobles?)
Marni: ...
Listening to your explanation, Marni looks at the milk tea shop like she's in a trance.
Seeing her reaction, an idea comes to mind.
You: Marni, can you drink milk tea?
You: Do you want to try their milk tea? Their passion fruit boba is famous here in Stellis!
You point at the milk tea shop's signature menu and shake Marni's hand.
You see a gleam of hope in Marni's eyes, which fades quickly.
Marni: ...
Marni: Thank you, Miss, but Mommy said I am not well... and should watch what I eat.
You: (Marni isn't well...)
You: Sure... Let's listen to your mother.
Marni nods, but she still looks upset.
You crouch down and hook Marni's pinky finger with your own.
You: Even though you can't drink milk tea now...
You: I promise to treat you to milk tea when you get better!
Marni: Really?
You: Of course. I'll never break my promise to you.
Marni: Thank you, Miss!
You and Marni link pinky fingers for a pinky promise, bringing an innocent smile to her face.
Shortly after, a crowd of mostly children gather in front of the milk tea shop.
The noise from the bustling crowd is overwhelming, and Marni grabs your arm nervously.
Marni: Miss... I do not like it here... Th... there are too many people...
You: All right... I'll take you somewhere else.
Central Business District
Accompany Marni while she wanders around.
You take Marni somewhere quiet to sit down and rest.
She lets out a long sigh of relief, visibly less nervous than before. You reach out to pat her head.
You: Marni, are you afraid of places with big crowds?
Marni: I did not use to be... but now, I am...
You: Eh?
Marni: Ever since I got sick, nobody likes me... They do not want to play with me...
You: !!!
Afterward, Marni looks down, not daring to look at you.
Maybe she's afraid that you wouldn't like her if you knew she was sick...
You take Marni's hand and shake it lightly.
You: They're wrong! You're so adorable—how could anyone not like you? See? I really like you, Marni.
Marni: ...
Marni looks up, a twinkle in her eyes.
Marni: Th-thank you. Miss, you are so nice...
Marni: After I got sick, people started to dislike me...
Marni: ...If only I was not sick. Mommy would also be happier...
Your words seem to have struck a chord with Marni, who is swinging her legs back and forth while confiding.
The innocence that should have been in her eyes is now replaced by deep sadness.
Marni: The doctor said I have a very serious disease, and treatment might take a long time.
Marni: The doctor also said that even if I could be treated, it would take a lot of money and effort...
Marni: After Daddy left, Mommy took me to so many doctors for treatments...
Marni: We came to see Vilhelm... because I am sick.
You: Did your mother say how he can help?
Marni: No... only that he must know what to do.
Marni: But... I do not want any more treatments...
You: !!!
Marni looks down again, visibly upset, so you rub her back to comfort her.
You: Why don't you want to get more treatments? Does it hurt?
Marni shakes her head, her tiny hand still holding onto yours.
Marni: No... I am not scared of pain, but... I am worried about Mommy.
Marni: Mommy is still young. If I was not here, she would not be burdened by my illness...
Marni pauses for a moment. After a while, she looks around and motions for you to crouch down.
You crouch down, and Marni leans over to whisper in your ear.
Marni: Miss, do you know a way for me to disappear?
Marni: If I could just disappear, Mommy would be happier...
You: !!!
An indescribable feeling fills your heart as you meet Marni's innocent eyes.
Before you sits a child, only 11 years old, asking in the most innocent way possible how to make herself disappear...
You freeze, not knowing how to respond, as infinite sadness flows from the bottom of your heart.
You take Marni's tiny hand into your palm and look at her solemnly.
You: ...
You: Marni, there's no way to just suddenly disappear from the world...
You: And besides, your mother likes you. I like you. Vilhelm definitely likes you too.
You: So many people like you and want to stay by your side... If you disappeared, we would be really sad.
You: And we made a promise... I'll treat you to all the milk tea you want after you get well.
You: If you disappear, who would I treat to milk tea? We pinky promised.
Marni: ...
Marni pouts before nodding.
Marni: ...I understand.
Marni: Then I will not disappear. Not until I drink milk tea with you, Miss.
You: You are such a good girl, Marni.
You let out a deep sigh of relief as Marni dismisses the idea of "disappearing."
You: (Using this method to persuade Marni isn't a long-term solution...)
You: (I should learn more about this situation from Vyn after we return.)
As you ponder how you're going tell Vyn about this, Marni tugs your hand.
Marni: Miss, when can we go back? I miss Mommy...
You: All right... let me see.
You take out your phone to check the time.
You: It's about time to head back.
Marni: Okay.
The nurse seems to be murmuring to herself. Something seemed to happen.
Front Desk Nurse: Oh no... What happened in there...?
As soon as you enter, you notice the nurse muttering to herself and looking very nervous.
You: Nurse, what's wrong?
Front Desk Nurse: Miss [Player]! It's great that you're back!
When the nurse looks at you, it's almost as if she's looking at her savior...
Front Desk Nurse: Dr. Richter came out just now with a terrible expression on his face...
Front Desk Nurse: It's like there's a dark cloud hanging over him. None of us knows what happened inside.
You: (What happened between Vyn and the Duchess!?)
You: Don't worry, I'll check it out.
Front Desk Nurse: Yeah, thank you.
Vyn's Office
Go see what happened between Vyn and the Duchess.
You lead Marni and gently push open the door to Vyn's office...
A tense atmosphere unfolds before you—Vyn and the Duchess of Bavaria are standing face to face.
Upon entering, they gaze at you and Marni, then at each other.
Vyn: Duchess, as I said before, I will not agree to your request.
You: (Vyn...)
A sullen expression appears on the Duchess when she hears Vyn's adamant answer.
Her eyebrows furrow, and her hands clutch her purse tightly, as if trying to maintain her composure.
Duchess: Vyn, have you no empathy for Marni?
Duchess: How can you be so coldhearted, watching her live like this!?
The Duchess raises her voice without knowing, her voice filled with urgency.
Vyn: Duchess, I have my own reasons for not agreeing.
Vyn: I must ask of you to calm down.
Despite trying to calm the Duchess down, Vyn's words seem to have the opposite effect...
The Duchess' tone immediately becomes shrill and sharp.
Duchess: Calm down!? How can you ask that of me when my daughter's health is at risk!?
Duchess: Vyn, you stand there in perfect health. How can you understand how people like us feel?
Hearing those words, Vyn frowns and looks at the Duchess coldly.
Vyn's silent treatment infuriates the Duchess even more. Her tone sharpens as she narrows her eyes.
Duchess: Vyn—no, Lord Vilhelm, you have stayed out of harm's way until now only because you have been lucky.
Duchess: Of course, you can stand idly by, but if something happens to you one day...
Duchess: How can you be sure you will not be in the same predicament? You might even be worse off because no one wants to help you.
Duchess: Think of your family... Do you really think you are any different from them?
Vyn: ...
The accusation silences Vyn as his eyes sink.
He gently props himself up on the table beside him, his fingers tapping its surface.
His tone remains cold as those golden eyes of his focus on the Duchess.
Vyn: Duchess, I hope you understand that I too have...
Marni: Um...
However, before Vyn can finish his sentence, you feel something in your hand go soft...
You act instinctively and catch Marni as she collapses backward.
Marni's face is pale, her eyes closed. She seems to have fainted out of shock.
You: !!!
Vyn: !!!
Duchess: Marni!!!
The Duchess screams in panic, and she rushes over to "snatch" Marni from your arms.
She taps Marni's face softly, calling her name over and over again to no avail...
Duchess: Marni! Marni! Do not scare me...
Duchess: Someone help, please!!!
After the chaos subsides, the Duchess leaves with Marni in an ambulance. Nothing comes of her conversation with Vyn.
You and Vyn are the only ones left in the office.
You: Vyn... will Marni be okay?
Vyn: I believe she fainted out of shock. She just needs to rest.
Vyn: Do not worry. She will be fine.
Vyn caresses your face a few times with the back of his hand, as if trying to comfort you.
You: Yeah... I hope so.
Nevertheless, you are reminded of Vyn's terrible expression, and doubt rises in your heart once more.
You: What happened... between you and the Duchess?
You: Why did you suddenly...
You choose your words carefully, worried that Vyn might recall those unpleasant emotions.
Vyn: ...
Vyn: Let's... talk about that at home later.
Vyn's Living Room
Go back to Vyn's residence to listen to the Duchess's purpose.
Back at Vyn's house, the two of you are sitting on the couch. Vyn has yet to say a word, choosing to hug you instead.
His arm is tight around your waist, and his voice sounds muffled as he speaks.
Vyn: [Player], let me hold you, just for a bit.
You: All right...
Your lover's unusual behavior has left you unable to do anything except comfort him with a hug.
Time passes in silence, minute by minute. The only sound in the room is each other's breathing.
Sometime later, Vyn finally lets go of you, his expression much calmer than before.
You: Vyn, are you okay?
Vyn: Yes, I am fine now.
Vyn's voice returns to his usual tenderness, as if nothing happened at the office.
You: Are you sure? You don't need to put up a strong front before me.
Vyn: Yes, for me... you are the best cure.
You: ...
You: Vyn, can you tell me what happened at the office?
A faint smile appears on Vyn's face, and you hurry to change the subject.
Vyn falls silent for a while after hearing your question, as if thinking about how to answer.
Vyn: As you can imagine, the Duchess of Bavaria was talking to me about Marni's health.
Vyn: When Marni was 9 years old, abnormalities began to appear in her kidneys.
Vyn: After some testing, Marni was diagnosed with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
You: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease!? The same disease that Professor Aston is researching...
Vyn: Yes.
Vyn: There are currently no effective drugs or surgical treatments for this disease...
Vyn: Once infected, children have a high chance of dying within four years, and most other patients remain in treatment for their entire lives.
Vyn: Marni has been on conservative treatment since she got sick...
Vyn: According to the Duchess, Marni has been doing well recently. She can even walk around by herself...
Vyn: But overall, her kidneys are in bad shape.
You remember Vyn's connection with Aston, then recall the news report...
You can ascertain why the Duchess visited Vyn.
You: So the Duchess came to you... because of Aston?
You: I saw in a Stellis news report that Professor Aston just signed a five-year contract with the Stellis Research Institution...
Vyn: Yes, but I only heard about the news from the Duchess.
You: (The big news only broke a few hours ago. Before then, it must have been kept under wraps...)
Vyn: It seems that by some means, she knew that Aston would be employed by Stellis Research Institution.
Vyn: She also mentioned that Aston developed a new treatment for polycystic kidney disease...
Vyn: Moving forward, he is going to work with Stellis Research Institution and Stellis Public Hospital and start a series of clinical trials.
Vyn: So she was hoping to get a place in the clinical trials through me.
You: !!!
Vyn: The Duchess told me she went to see Aston before she came to see me...
Vyn: Unfortunately, she... was unable to get a meeting with Aston.
Vyn: She had no choice but to ask me for help.
You: You're connected to Professor Aston... and a member of the Haspran family...
You: Unable to meet with Aston, it's natural that she would seek your help.
Vyn nods in agreement.
You: ...From what you said about her, it seems you have a good impression of her.
You: So why were you so firm in your rejection?
Vyn sighs helplessly upon hearing your question.
Vyn: It is not like I do not want to help them... but I have to take responsibility for my actions.
Vyn: First and foremost, I cannot confirm the accuracy of the Duchess' information...
Vyn: If I had agreed, only to find out later that there are no clinical trials, it would have ended poorly...
Vyn: Moreover, even if what she said were true, there is no guarantee that I could get Marni a spot.
Vyn: It would be too traumatic for the Duchess and Marni if I agreed to help but failed to secure a spot.
Vyn: Under these circumstances, I would rather not raise their expectations.
You: ...
You: You make a valid point, but... it's a rough decision...
Now that Vyn rejected the Duchess, there's not much room for maneuvering.
Vyn stands in front of you, having regained his calm and gentle composure.
And yet, for some reason, your mind flashes back to the moment when the confrontation between Vyn and the Duchess was at its peak.
Duchess: Vyn—no, Lord Vilhelm, you have stayed out of harm's way until now only because you have been lucky.
Duchess: Of course, you can stand idly by, but if something happens to you one day...
Duchess: How can you be sure you will not be in the same predicament? You might even be worse off because no one wants to help you.
Duchess: Think of your family... Do you really think you are any different from them?
Vyn: ...
You: (Why would the Duchess say that... Has there been a misunderstanding?)
Vyn: Something on your mind?
You: ...
You: Oh, I'm... fine.
The warm breath by your ear makes you realize you have been staring at Vyn for a while.
You draw on the back of Vyn's hand with your finger, not knowing where to begin.
Seeing your reaction, Vyn takes your hand into his palm and caresses it slowly.
He seems to have read your mind and knows exactly what you're thinking.
Vyn: Are you concerned about what the Duchess said to me?
You: !!!
You: How did you know...?
Vyn: How could I not?
Vyn pauses for a moment with a wry smile on his lips.
Vyn: Undoubtedly, what the Duchess said was not wrong...
Vyn: I have been very lucky when it comes to my health.
You: ...
Vyn: But... perhaps I should go for a checkup, just in case...
Vyn: ...
Vyn: But that is a discussion for another time. What are your thoughts on the Duchess and Marni?
Vyn: Do you agree with her that I... acted coldly?
Vyn's tone suddenly changes as he asks your opinion with a slight sadness in his voice.
You squeeze his hand eagerly and shake your head.
You: How could I...
You: You have your own code, and you must have your reasons for turning them down.
You pause for a moment as you remember Marni's little face.
You: I'm... just worried about Marni...
Vyn: ...
Vyn frowns slightly, deep in thought.
