Shadows of London: 2-6 William Akerman

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Caroline and Priscilla race back to the Eastern District to find Roger, but someone emerges from the darkness to grab Caroline.

Info

Style: No dress-up component Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 1 , 1 , 1

Dialogue Choices

(Maybe I should let her cool off by herself...)

• Ask Vincent what he thinks
  • Unlock Shadows of London: 2-7 Scarlet Rose
• Catch up with Priscilla
  • Unlock Shadows of London: 2-8 In His Name

Transcript

Expand for script.

• Niamh's Mother: Oh my goodness, Niamh! What happened?

• Bakery Girl: *sobs* Mama!

• Thanks to Rhys' help, we bring the little girl back home.
• Seeing her daughter covered in bruises, Niamh's mother can't help but let out a startled cry.
• After Niamh tearfully finishes explaining the situation, her mother can't help but grumble.
• Niamh's Mother: All the bread was stolen? Foolish girl, do you know how much that was worth?

• Niamh's Mother: You won't be having dinner tonight!

• Niamh cries even harder. Priscilla and I exchange glances.
• Niamh's Grandfather: The bread is gone. What's the use of scolding the child now? Let her rest.

• Niamh's Grandfather: If she's overly agitated and takes ill, it will only cost us more money to treat her.

• The tired old man, who appears to be the girl's grandfather, wearily pleads on her behalf. Niamh's mother grumbles a little more, but then goes to help Niamh wash and treat her wounds.
• The old man then turns around to look at us.
• Niamh's Grandfather: Thank you for bringing Niamh back safely.

• You: It's nothing, we—

• The piercing sound of a whistle outside the window interrupts our conversation. The sound grows closer. The police are approaching.
• Priscilla Barnet: Scotland Yard!

• Rhys: Hmph, those nosy dogs. What scent did they catch today to make them run over here so fast?

• Priscilla Barnet: Isn't it only right for Scotland Yard to come and maintain order when there are so many infected people causing trouble?

• Rhys: Maintain order?

• Rhys glares at Priscilla as if she's just told the biggest joke in the world.
• Rhys: What nonsense are you talking about? Why should they be responsible for maintaining any order here? We should just be grateful if they don't cause trouble.

• Niamh's Grandfather: That's right. *sigh*... Another group of unfortunate people is about to suffer.

• Niamh's Grandfather: Ladies, you'd best wait a little longer until the commotion outside is over.

• Priscilla Barnet: We can't wait that long! Roger—our companion is still defending himself from those infected people!

• Priscilla Barnet: He's all alone. He's in a much more dangerous situation than we are now!

• Niamh's Grandfather: If you go out now, you'll only get hit by the policemen's batons.

• The old man shakes his head and looks coldly out the window.
• Niamh's Grandfather: Scotland Yard doesn't mess around when they're working here. They won't be polite and they won't have the patience to listen to your explanations.

• Niamh's Grandfather: You have to do as they tell you, and no one will speak up for you even if they kill you right then and there.

• Niamh's Grandfather: I've been living here for decades, and they've always been like that.

• Priscilla Barnet: But... but... our companion...

• Priscilla hesitates, and the old man discerns her unspoken thoughts.
• Niamh's Grandfather: Ah, well, if your companion is a well-to-do individual who is willing to pay to guarantee his safety, then he might be alright.

• Niamh's Grandfather: I'm just worried that it's such a mess out there right now that he might not even have a chance to reach for his money before losing his life.

• The old man's words are bitter and mocking.
• I secretly tug at Priscilla's clothes, urging her not to lose her temper. She bites her lip and restrains herself.
• You: Excuse me, how much longer do you think the police will be here, sir?

• Niamh's Grandfather: It's hard to say. It depends on their orders.

• Niamh's Grandfather: If they were to barricade the entire area like they used to, not allowing anyone in or out, this could last for ten days, or even half a month.

• We're startled. Rhys also furrows his brow in confusion as he looks at the old man.
• Rhys: That's happened before? Why don't I know about it?

• Niamh's Grandfather: It was a long time ago, kid. You might not have been born yet.

• Niamh's Grandfather: At that time, there was also an outbreak of a strange sickness, and people were dying in the streets of the Eastern District every day...

• The old man begins to ramble on about the past. My heart lurches in my chest.
• You: The strange disease that broke out in the Eastern District... Was that thirteen years ago?

• Niamh's Grandfather: Let me think. Ah, I can't remember so well as I'm getting older... I think that's right. It was before Niamh was born.

• Niamh's Grandfather: At that time, Scotland Yard completely sealed off our area, and at first, they didn't even allow us to leave our homes.

• Niamh's Grandfather: The police told us that if you didn't go out, you wouldn't get sick, but it wasn't true. There were still more and more people getting sick.

• Niamh's Grandfather: If someone fell ill, the authorities didn't care at all. They just let them fend for themselves on the streets.

• Niamh's Grandfather: Only the almshouse overseen by Pastor William was willing to take them in.

• You: Pastor William? Who's that?

• Rhys: I've heard that name before. People say that he's a true saint.

• Niamh's Grandfather: Yes, the saint of the Eastern District... William Akerman... He really cared for the poor.

• Niamh's Grandfather: At that time, his almshouse was the only place that would take in the sick, regardless of age or gender.

• You: (This pastor must be more familiar with the strange sickness that occurred thirteen years ago. Perhaps I could learn more about it from him.)

• You: Where is Pastor William now?

• Immersed in memories, the old man suddenly pauses and hesitates for a long time before speaking.
• Niamh's Grandfather: I have no idea.

• You: You have no idea?

• Niamh's Grandfather: I haven't heard any news about him in a long time. I remember something happened, and after that, he just...

• Rhys: Old man, you're really getting forgetful. I heard there was a fire.

• You: A fire?!

• Rhys: One evening, Pastor William's church caught fire, resulting in the death of several people. The pastor disappeared.

• Rhys: He's probably dead.

• I want to ask more, but Priscilla, who has been keeping watch by the window, suddenly tugs at my sleeve.
• Priscilla Barnet: Caroline, the police have started to leave.

• We look out the window together.
• The police who were haughtily patrolling the alley seem to have a new target, and are now gathering together to move elsewhere.
• Priscilla and I exchange glances, simultaneously making a resolute decision.
• You: Thank you, sir. We'll be on our way now.

• You: Rhys, you should go while the coast is clear too.

• As she speaks, Priscilla firmly grabs my hand and decisively pulls me out the door while the police happen to have their backs turned.

• We sneak through the streets, cautiously moving forward, trying our best to avoid both Scotland Yard and the infected people.
• Worried about Roger's safety, Priscilla hurries forward.
• As I turn another narrow corner, I'm suddenly forcefully pulled by some unknown force, and I tumble into a small dark alley.
• You: Prisc—

• Before I can even scream, a cold hand covers my mouth.

• ???: Why are you still in London, Caroline?

• The alley is extremely dark, and I can hardly see the face of the person in front of me.
• But when I recognize the familiar voice, and the hand that was over my mouth is removed, I breathe a sigh of relief.
• You: Vincent!

• He stares at me intently, his eyes filled with unmistakable urgency.

If you agreed with Priscilla in 2-2

• Vincent Savile: Didn’t I tell you to run away?

If you agreed with Roger in 2-2

• Vincent Savile: Aren't you supposed to have already returned to Hampshire?

• You: How did you end up here?

• Our words overlap, and we both pause in confusion at the same time.
• Vincent Savile: ...

• After a few seconds at an impasse, he let out a deep sigh.
• Vincent Savile: Did you stay because you wanted to find out more about your mother? Or because you were affected by Jesse Lindvall's death?

• You: ...both.

• You: Also, even if I were to return to Hampshire, I might not be safe from the spread of this strange sickness.

• Vincent Savile: Caroline, everyone can get sick, but not everyone will face the same dangers as you.

• Vincent Savile: The Blood Clan is very territorial. If you leave London, you'd be much less at risk of being targeted by the Elder.

• Vincent Savile: Although the Baroness has passed away, she has already relayed news of you to the Elder. If—

If you agreed with Priscilla in 2-2

• You: Are you referring to Mrs. Fitzherbert?

• Vincent Savile: ...

• Vincent is stunned, silently watching me.
• You: I'm sorry, Vincent. I've looked into the Baroness, and gained a rough idea of her background and the reasons for her transformation...

• You: Also, I looked through her social circle since she went into seclusion, and... your old name is there.

• I gather my courage and take a step closer, lifting my head to meet Vincent's gaze.
• Although his lips are usually very pale, now they have no trace of color at all.
• You: Not only that, but I also saw my mother's name, Lavinia Girdenis. You're both on the same list.

• You: Vincent, you... you knew my mother a long time ago, didn't you?

If you agreed with Roger in 2-2

• You: Vincent, you said that my body is the coveted sustenance of the Blood Clan.

• You: Would the Elder really give up on this "vessel" so easily just because I left London? I don't think so.

• Vincent Savile: ...

• Vincent looks at me silently without answering.
• You: I was indeed afraid, and wanted to escape. I planned to go back to Hampshire, away from the dangers and conflicts here, but...

• You: I can't do it.

• You: I can't go live in the countryside and pretend all this never happened.

• You: My parents wouldn't want me to be such a coward.

• Vincent Savile: I believe your parents would prefer for you to stay alive, and live as an ordinary person under the sun.

• Vincent Savile: At the very least, Lavinia must have had that desire in mind when she chose to leave.

• My breath momentarily halts at the mention of that name.
• You: Vincent, you knew my mother?

• Vincent Savile: ...no. That night at the Ruby Opera House, you brought up your mother's name yourself...

• You: No, no—it's not because of that. Vincent, look into my eyes!

• Vincent's evasive gaze makes me feel even more uneasy. I take a step closer, staring straight at him.
• The tone he used when mentioning my mother's name implied that he knew her. It definitely wasn't the tone of someone speaking of a stranger.
• You: When we first met two months ago, you addressed me so formally.

• You: If it weren't for that terrifying incident in the cemetery, you might still be calling me "Miss Rayes" to this day.

• You: I don't believe you would call a woman you didn't know by her first name.

• Vincent Savile: ...

• Caught, he wavers, his lips pressed tightly together.

• Vincent Savile: Caroline, I—

• A sharp and piercing shout suddenly comes from a corner of the alley.
• ???: Release Caroline!

• Priscilla rushes towards me. She raises a rusty iron rod and walks threateningly towards Vincent.
• Priscilla Barnet: Caroline, go! I'll deal with this brute!

• You: Priscilla! No, he's not—

• Priscilla Barnet: Get away from her!

• You: Priscilla, this is Vincent Savile, a newly acclaimed poet and a friend of Mr. Erskine's!

• Priscilla Barnet: ...

• Priscilla's expression suddenly changes.
• Priscilla Barnet: Vincent Savile... "Wilderness"?

• This unexpected reaction leaves me stunned.
• You: Yes, Mr. Savile is the author of "Wilderness".

• As she slowly lowers the iron rod, I quickly continue.
• You: Mr. Savile, this is Miss Priscilla Barnet. She has always been a fan of your poetry.

• These must be the most awkwardly timed introductions I have ever made. Vincent is also at a loss, and merely nods.
• Vincent Savile: ...a pleasure to meet you.

• For a moment, the three of us stand in this dirty, dim, and foul-smelling alley, instinctively turning polite and courteous.
• After a few seconds of silence, Vincent turns his gaze towards me.
• Vincent Savile: Miss Rayes, it's just too dangerous here.

• Vincent Savile: Please go home as soon as possible while Scotland Yard is still maintaining order.

• You: But we still have one companion we haven't found, and he's in a very dangerous situation now.

• Vincent Savile: Please remember that no one is in more danger than you are, Miss Rayes.

• Vincent's tone is stern, though with Priscilla here, he doesn't elaborate.
• But his veiled statement makes Priscilla anxious.
• Priscilla Barnet: What do you mean? Why is Caroline in more danger than everyone else?

• Priscilla Barnet: Why are you two speaking in riddles?

• Vincent simply lowers his gaze, as if he hasn't heard Priscilla's question at all. She turns her gaze towards me.
• You: ...

• I don't know where to start explaining, so I just awkwardly remain silent.
• I see the confusion in Priscilla's eyes turn into anger and disappointment.
• With a sneer, she tosses aside the iron rod she had picked up to protect me and walks briskly out of the alley.
• You: Wait—

• I take a step forward, and suddenly hesitate.
• You: (Priscilla is furious right now. What would I even say to her? Will she listen to me?)

• You: (Maybe I should let her cool off by herself...)

Ask Vincent what he thinks

• Vincent looks in the direction where Priscilla went. He lowers his voice.
• Vincent Savile: Miss Barnet really does care about you.

• Vincent Savile: Not everyone would be willing to go look for their friend amidst such chaos.

• His words make me feel even more uncomfortable.
• You: But Priscilla doesn't know that I'm... half-human and half-vampire.

• You: If she knew, would she still treat me the same way?

• Vincent turns his gaze towards me, his expression becoming extremely serious.
• Vincent Savile: You can't open up to her for this reason, right, Caroline?

• You: ...

• He speaks of the shadow that had been lingering inside me for a long time.
• Yes, I haven't been able to open up to Priscilla because of this secret.
• You: I'm deplorable, aren't I, Vincent? I can't be as forthright and honest as she is.

• Vincent Savile: It's not deplorable to keep your own secrets. Trust requires a foundation.

• Vincent Savile: There are certainly forthright people like Miss Barnet in this world, but a more cautious person like you should not be ashamed.

• I give Vincent a bitter smile. He's unconsciously speaking in a way that reveals he's lived a lot longer than his apparent age would suggest.
• He coughs uncomfortably, realizing his mistake.
• Vincent Savile: Furthermore, Miss Barnet might not necessarily reject your true identity.

• You: Really?

• Vincent Savile: Have you ever doubted the love of your parents?

• The memories from my dreams resurface. I understand what Vincent means.
• From the very beginning, my father knew that my mother was a member of the Blood Clan, yet he still abandoned all his fine prospects just to be with her.
• The Blood Clan and human beings are not separated by an insurmountable chasm.
• Vincent Savile: The power of love is far greater than you and I could ever imagine, Caroline.

• Vincent Savile: You have no idea how much your parents' marriage has altered things, or the consequences that followed.

• You: What do you mean, Vincent? What did my parents’ marriage change?

• Vincent Savile: ...

• He keeps looking at me silently, but his gaze seems to be lost in the river of time...

Catch up with Priscilla

• You: (What am I thinking?!)

• After a moment of hesitation, I realize that now is not the time to ask more questions.
• You: (It's precisely because Priscilla is still angry that I can't let her go off alone in such a dangerous place!)

• You: (Besides, Roger also told me to keep an eye on her.)

• You: I'm sorry, Vincent, but I don't have time to speak further right now. I have to go catch up with Priscilla—

• Vincent Savile: Wait a moment.

• Before I can take another step, Vincent grabs my arm. He cocks his head, listening intently.
• Vincent Savile: The police are going deeper into the alleys to the east, while the infected people are moving to the west.

• Vincent Savile: If you want to find Miss Barnet, try heading east. At least Scotland Yard can ensure your safety.

• You: Thank you, Vincent!

• Vincent looks at me with a melancholic expression, shakes his head, sighs, and turns to walk deeper into the alley.
• Vincent Savile: Caroline, I still suggest that you leave as soon as possible.

• Vincent Savile: But if you insist on staying, you can find me at the Scarlet Rose Club.

• Without further hesitation, I start running after Priscilla.
• In a moment, I see her ahead, frozen in place.
• As I examine the scene before my eyes, I understand why she's so startled...