Shadows of London: 2-12 Sacred Duty

< Previous

Shadows of London

Next >

An unexpected visitor arrives after the Eastern District goes under lockdown.

Info

Style: Recommended: Gulliver's Travels, Carmilla, The Picture of Dorian Gray Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 3 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Poets' Corner

Poets' Corner

Dialogue Choices

Is that so, Miss Rayes?

• That's right
  • Story continues
• Tell the truth
  • Edward goodwill up

Transcript

Expand for script.

• You: Total lockdown?

• Priscilla Barnet: What does that mean? Is everyone restricted from entering and leaving the Eastern District?

• Priscilla Barnet: What are the people living there going to do?

• You: Let me take a look at the notice.

• I take the freshly printed newspaper from Roger, and start reading it together with Priscilla.
• The notice takes up a large space, but the actual content is very little.
• Scotland Yard has locked down the Eastern District. Healthy residents who have not been infected can apply for evacuation, but once they evacuate, they are not allowed to re-enter.
• The duration of the lockdown, the subsequent measures, and so on are not mentioned at all. Instead, at the end, a superfluous sentence was added, asking the citizens not to panic.
• You: How can people not panic when everything is under lockdown?

• Roger Evans: They might as well have written, "Leave London right now!"

• Roger sneers and snatches the newspaper back.
• Roger Evans: On the way back, I saw police officers setting up blockades and prohibiting pedestrians from entering.

• Roger Evans: In short, it's no longer possible to visit the Eastern District so easily.

• You: How vexing...

• The implied meaning is clear: we need to resort to certain measures to get past Scotland Yard's blockade.
• Roger Evans: For us, it's not all bad either.

• Roger Evans: After the Eastern District is sealed off, experienced elderly will definitely start hoarding various types of food and household items.

• Roger Evans: We can use these resources as bait to extract the information we want - as long as we can find a way to sneak in.

• Priscilla Barnet: Hold it! You want us to take advantage of their situation?

• Priscilla Barnet: How could you think about using food to bribe people for information?

• Roger rolls his eyes dramatically.
• Roger Evans: What's the matter, my dear Priscilla? We're just going to take some bread and cured meat to feed strangers, and ask them a few questions.

• Roger Evans: Truly a heinous crime that Scotland Yard will lock us up for.

• You: (Roger really doesn't realize that his sarcastic tone offends others, does he? Or does he just not care?)

• I gaze at Priscilla.
• Obviously, she knows Roger's character better than I do. The anger on her face is just right.
• Priscilla Barnet: This has nothing to do with Scotland Yard. It's a matter of morals.

• Priscilla Barnet: But I guess you probably don't care about that kind of stuff, do you?

• I interrupt them.
• You: Now's not the time to discuss morals. The situation is getting worse by the minute.

• You: I personally think Roger's plan is fine.

• You: We are just regular people and we can't control government decisions. The only thing we can do is provide some food for the residents of the Eastern District.

• Priscilla Barnet: That's true. So, the challenge is, how do we get into the Eastern District?

• You: Yeah...

• Looking out the window of the living room, I see pedestrians rushing by with hurried expressions.
• Even though this place is still far from the blockade line, I can still hear the yelling, pleading, and crying from there.
• Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves approaches, and I realize that Jack must be back.
• You: Is that Jack?

• Not waiting for the maid, I run straight to the door.

• Jack: Miss, I'm back. And also--

• It's Jack. But he's not the only one standing at the door.
• Edward Grey: Good afternoon, Miss Rayes. I hope my sudden visit doesn't bother you.

• You: Doctor Grey!

• I quickly ask him to come in, and pour a cup of tea for him.
• You: You're always welcome here, no matter the time. But, what's the matter?

• Doctor Grey nods and bows to Priscilla and Roger before turning his gaze towards me, his expression calm.
• Edward Grey: I'm sure you're aware of the Eastern District lockdown, right?

• You: Yes, I just heard about it.

• Edward Grey: In fact, Miss Rayes, I have come to bid farewell because of this matter.

• You: Farewell?

• Priscilla Barnet: Are you leaving London too, Doctor Grey?

• Doctor Grey raises an eyebrow in response to Priscilla's raised voice, a faint smile of resignation playing on his lips.
• Edward Grey: No, you've misunderstood, Miss Barnet.

• Edward Grey: I have no intention of leaving London; instead, I am preparing to settle in the Eastern District.

• You: What?

• Edward Grey: Given the current situation, I won't be able to cross the blockade freely.

• Edward Grey: I'm afraid we won't be able to meet until the lockdown is lifted.

• Edward Grey: Therefore, I think it would be best to formally bid farewell.

• The living room is silent for a moment. After a while, Jack nervously speaks up.
• Jack: But, but doctor... If the Eastern District is in such a dire state, why do you wish to go?

• Edward Grey: I want to go precisely because the Eastern District is in a dire state.

• Doctor Grey and I lock eyes, and he responds with a calm and composed voice.
• Edward Grey: In the coming days, the people in the Eastern District will face even greater hardships than before.

• Edward Grey: Not only will there be a shortage of doctors and medicine, there might not even be an adequate supply of food.

• Edward Grey: In such terrible living conditions, not to mention the ongoing epidemic, even minor injuries or illnesses could potentially be life-threatening.

• Edward Grey: They need doctors now more than ever.

• Roger Evans: Are you not afraid of death, doctor?

• Roger stares at Doctor Grey, his voice cold.
• This direct question is far more impolite than anything he has ever said before, but Doctor Grey simply smiles faintly.
• Edward Grey: I am. But so are the people in the Eastern District.

• Edward Grey: It's a doctor's duty to save lives and help the sick.

• Roger frowns. He looks like he wants to say something but he purses his mouth shut.
• For the first time, he looks at Doctor Grey with a perplexed expression, as if finding it hard to believe that such a person truly exists in the world.
• I laugh softly, and everyone looks at me in surprise.
• You: (Yes... people like Doctor Grey do exist in this world.)

• You: I understand, Doctor Grey.

• You: If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

• I wonder if Doctor Grey has noticed my suppressed concern.
• He simply smiles at me reassuringly, and turns around to leave.
• At that very moment—
• Priscilla Barnet: Please wait a moment, Doctor Grey!

• Priscilla lets out a sudden shout. Doctor Grey turns around in astonishment.
• You: Priscilla, what is it?

• Priscilla Barnet: Caroline, isn't this a great opportunity? The idea we were just discussing!

• Priscilla Barnet: Since Doctor Grey is going to the Eastern District, we can ask him to take us along!

• Doctor Grey quickly looks over the three of us.
• Edward Grey: Wait, you want to go to the Eastern District too?

• Roger Evans: Oh, it's like this, doctor.

• Roger Evans: After reading the notice just now, these two kind-hearted ladies started feeling sorry for the people trapped inside.

• Roger Evans: They want to give some food to those poor people, but they were wondering how to get in because they don't have any connections.

• Roger Evans: Are you willing to help fulfill this innocent kindness?

• Priscilla's mind quickly grasps the situation and she smoothly continues the act.
• The two people who were on the verge of arguing, are now cooperating on a level that amazes me.
• Now, "collecting information" has turned into the compassionate act of "bestowing food".
• However, Doctor Grey clearly does not fall for such statements so easily.
• Edward Grey: Is that so, Miss Rayes?

That's right

• You: Yes. After witnessing firsthand how people in the Eastern District live, I do indeed want to do something for them.

• You: Giving them some food may not alleviate all of their difficulties, but it's better than nothing.

• Edward Grey: ...

• I did not lie, so when I said these words, there was no change in my expression.
• But for some reason, I seem to detect a hint of helpless frustration in his gaze.

Tell the truth

• You: I really want to give some food to the people in the Eastern District...

• You: If it's possible, I'd also like to ask them some questions.

• Edward Grey: Questions about what?

• You: ...

• I fall silent. Priscilla and Roger exchange a look of helplessness.
• But for some reason, Doctor Grey's lips curl with a hint of a mysterious smile.

• Edward Grey: I can assist with this favor.

• You: Is that true?

• Edward Grey: However, I can only bring Miss Rayes inside.

• Priscilla raises an eyebrow, about to speak, but Doctor Grey beats her to it and offers an explanation.
• Edward Grey: Scotland Yard operates strictly according to the rules, and only individuals with a valid permit are allowed to enter the Eastern District.

• Edward Grey: I obtained a permit from King's College London's medical professor, which states that only I am allowed to pass.

• Edward Grey: I can hide only one person inside my luggage and secretly bring them in.

• Edward Grey: Detective— Definitely not, your physique wouldn't fit in there.

• Priscilla Barnet: I'll do it! I'm sure I can handle it!

• You: Priscilla, let me handle it. It's too dangerous for you to go alone to the Eastern District.

• Priscilla Barnet: What are you saying, Caroline? Are you trying to tell me you won't be in danger all by yourself?

• Doctor Grey eases his tone in the face of Priscilla's excitement.
• Edward Grey: I'm sorry, Miss Barnet, I didn't mean to offend. But I'm afraid Miss Rayes is more suitable for this mission.

• Edward Grey: Although I have only seen you a few times, I can tell that you are a straightforward and outspoken lady.

• Edward Grey: It's definitely a good thing, but right now the situation in the Eastern District is tense, so Miss Rayes' cautiousness might be safer.

• He speaks in a very tactful manner, but his meaning is clear.
• Priscilla's face turns bright red, and Roger seems afraid she will lose her temper, so he places his hand on her back as a signal to her to calm down.
• Roger Evans: Let's just forget we ever mentioned it, doctor.

• Roger Evans: A righteous gentleman would never allow a lady to walk alone in a dangerous place.

• Roger Evans: I'm afraid that if Miss Rayes were to encounter danger, you would be tormented endlessly by your own guilt.

• Roger seems truly angry, his words particularly harsh. Doctor Grey shrugs.
• Edward Grey: I have no objections. I do think this matter is too dangerous, so it would be even better for you to come to that realization on your own.

• You: No, wait!

• I intervene hastily, interrupting the conversation before something explodes.
• You: I don't want to waste this opportunity. Just let me go by myself.

• Edward Grey: Miss Rayes—

• You: I know what I will face, and how to keep myself safe.

• You: I have to take some risks, otherwise staying in London would be meaningless.

• Edward Grey: You are not someone who acts recklessly, Miss Rayes, and I believe in that.

• Edward Grey: Are you sure you must take this risk?

• I look up and meet his gaze.
• You: I have considered the pros and cons, and I'm aware of the difficulties and dangers involved, doctor.

• You: I believe this is what I must do.

• Doctor Grey is speechless. After a moment, he turns to look at Priscilla and Roger.
• Edward Grey: So... do you two have anything else to say?

• They remain silent.
• Priscilla bites her lip, glaring at me angrily, her eyes slightly reddened. Roger glances at me, shakes his head, and looks away.

• The matter is settled.
• Roger's face is calm as he discusses with Doctor Grey about how to deal with the interrogation on the blockade, and buy time for my mission.
• And I must use the time well to gather information in the Eastern District.
• Jack meticulously repacks Doctor Grey's luggage to create space for me, and after much effort, even manages to add some bread and jerky inside.
• Hoop skirts are obviously not suitable. I have to change into simple and close-fitting clothing.

• Jack: Doctor! Is it alright to repack your belongings like this?

• Edward Grey: It's alright.

• Jack puts the luggage behind the carriage, carefully securing it with hemp rope and hooks, then opens the lid.
• I nod at Doctor Grey.
• You: Then I'll hide inside now, doctor. I'll leave the rest to you.

• Edward Grey: Wait a moment.

• Doctor Grey grabs my arm suddenly.
• He quickly pulls something out from his pocket and discreetly hands it to me.
• You: Doctor, this is...

• I hold the icy silver revolver in the palm of my hand. It seems to burn my palm.
• Keep it. The Eastern District is in chaos. You need to protect yourself.
• You: But this is a memento from your foster father... You will be staying in the Eastern District for a long time, and you need it more than I do—

• Edward Grey: I'm just working at the clinic, providing free medical consultations and primarily interacting with patients. There's no real danger involved.

• Edward Grey: But you will venture into even darker realms, won't you?

• I gaze into his eyes. Clearly, he has guessed the true purpose of my journey.
• Edward Grey: Be very cautious when using it. After firing once, you need to pull the hammer with your finger to shoot the next bullet.

• Edward Grey: You might not be used to the recoil, so I recommend bracing with both arms, and pulling the hammer with the other hand.

• Doctor Grey whispers quickly, giving detailed instructions. His palm is warm, almost hot, and occasionally brushes against my fingers.
• Edward Grey: Take it with you, Caroline. Take care of yourself, and...

• Edward Grey: Hold onto your humanity.

• He clasps my hand firmly, giving it a slight squeeze before releasing it.
• I hesitate for a few seconds, my mind filled with conflicting thoughts. Before I can make a decision, I suddenly hear Roger's voice from outside the carriage door.
• Roger Evans: Caroline, are you ready?

• The carriage door opens and Roger sticks his head in. I quickly hide the revolver in my lap as he gives me a sharp glance.
• Roger Evans: Are you not ready? We don't have much time left.

• You: I'm almost ready. ...But what do you mean by "we"?

• Roger Evans: Jack and I are switching roles. I'll be the coachman and transport you all to the blockade.

• Roger Evans: When the time comes, we'll have to put on a show in front of Scotland Yard. Jack might not be able to handle the situation, so it's better if I do it.

• Roger Evans: You don't mind, do you, doctor?

• Edward Grey: I have no objections, detective.

• Edward Grey: I believe our collaboration will go smoothly.

• Roger raises the corners of his mouth in a smile, then swiftly closes the door.
• As the door closes, I catch a glimpse of Doctor Grey's face darkening noticeably.
• But there is no time to think about it now. I quickly crawl into the luggage and shut the lid.

• I'm suddenly enveloped in darkness. Before long, the luggage begins to sway.
• I touch the revolver in my pocket, and the phrase "hold onto your humanity" comes to mind again.
• Doctor Grey may be afraid that I will waver when I encounter familiar faces in the Blood Clan.
• To him, the Blood Clan is undoubtedly an enemy of humanity, and one day, one side will win the battle.
• He probably can't imagine - what ordinary people cannot imagine - that humans and the Blood Clan could live together, or even raise offspring together...
• In silence, I feel myself smiling bitterly.

If you asked Vincent what he thinks in 2-6

• The power of love is far greater than you and I could ever imagine, Caroline.
• You have no idea how much your parents' marriage has altered things, or the consequences that followed...

If you caught up with Priscilla in 2-6

• You are the child of a human being and a vampire, Caroline.
• As long as your secret remains undiscovered by other Blood Clan members, you can live as an ordinary human being.

• Vincent's voice echoes in my ears.
• Surrounded by darkness, I realize for the first time that only Vincent knows everything about what I am.
• But if you insist on staying, you can find me at the Scarlet Rose Club.
• You: (The Scarlet Rose Club.)

• I touch the revolver in my pocket once again, firming my resolve.