Vyn "Between Good and Evil"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Vyn is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

Vyn and the main character are learning to make handmade noodles. As the MC laments her slow progress and praises Vyn's speed, Vyn admits he had been practicing before today's session in hopes the MC could always rely on him. The MC recalls the reason for the noodle-making session: Vyn happened upon her at a cultural salon, where she expressed interest in the science behind magic and the occult. Vyn offered to teach her more, but she refused, not wanting to bother him, until he insisted it would be no bother.

The next day, Vyn demonstrated a "spell" for the MC, then explained in detail how he created the illusions. Their discussion was interrupted by a call from Darius, who wanted to consult with Vyn on a difficult case.

Darius came over to discuss the case and allowed the MC to be present in case she could offer legal representation for the victim: an elderly and terminally ill woman named Laurie Riker who had been scammed by a fake psychic claiming to be able to talk to her deceased daughter, Rene. Given Mrs. Riker's short lifespan, Vyn suggested forgoing long-term therapy and beating the scammers at their own game by performing a fake seance in which Rene Riker's spirit would appear to possess the MC.

The next day, Vyn and the MC visited Mrs. Riker and successfully performed the "possession." Mrs. Riker was overwhelmed and mentioned Rene's handmade noodles, and the MC decided to learn the skill for their next performance the following week. Back in the present, the MC is still distraught over her lack of progress with the noodles, so Vyn shows her photos of his equally poor first attempts to help her feel better.

The following week, the two visit Mrs. Riker again, and the MC makes Rene's handmade noodles. They turn out quite badly, which makes Mrs. Riker extremely emotional. The victim reveals she'd known all along, both with the scammers and with Vyn, that the "psychics" were putting on an act, but the MC's noodles had been so close to Rene's that Mrs. Riker couldn't play along anymore. The MC asks if she can continue coming over to make noodles, and Mrs. Riker agrees to give her testimony to the case against her previous scammers. After leaving, the MC is distressed over Mrs. Riker's situation, and Vyn asks to take her somewhere.

Vyn takes the MC to a field of flowers outside his usual polo ground and encourages her to talk. The MC expresses her anger at Mrs. Riker's misfortunes, and she and Vyn have a long conversation about their ability to bring comfort, even illusory, to those they cannot fully help, using the story of The Little Match Girl as an analogy. Back at home alone, Vyn praises the MC's ability to see the world's cruel reality and hopes to be a source of comfort to her in the future.

Illustrations

"Failure"Failure just puts you one step closer to success.

Video Call

Video Call		Vyn: Between Good and Evil (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Vyn: Good evening. Hope I am not disturbing you calling of all the sudden.

Vyn: Nothing really. I just... wanted to call and see what you were doing.

Vyn: Reading? Have you found something you are interested in?

Vyn: European castles?

Vyn: I know a thing or two about castles. I have many photographs of castles at home. If you would like, you can come to my place over the weekend to take a look.

Vyn: I do not know everything. I just happen to be knowledgeable about the things you are interested in.

Vyn: As to why it is such a coincidence... We can talk about that over the weekend.

Vyn: Of course not. It makes me happy that you are interested in me.

Vyn: I once heard a saying that says it takes a very special kind of luck to have a friend you can bother at anytime, and to share your life with.

Vyn: I really hope that we can be that kind of friends.

Vyn: You are nodding. That means a yes, right?

Vyn: Then does that mean I can ask my friend for a favor?

Vyn: I would like to hear more about your life, on top of wishing you would bother me more often.

Vyn: No reason. I just want to know more about you. Is that all right?

Vyn: It is a deal then. We can share our little secrets with each other over the weekend.

Story Locations

Vyn's Residence

Misc
Cultural Salon

Vyn's Residence
Study

Vyn's Residence

Laurie's Riker's Residence

Laurie's Riker's Residence
Laurie's Residence

Laurie's Riker's Residence

Stellis
Outside the Polo Ground

Vyn's Residence
Garden

Story Characters

Vyn Richter

Darius Morgan

Laurie Riker

Male Trainee