Shadows of London: 3-4 The Optimal Solution

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After an unexpected invite from Doctor Grey, Caroline is faced with a tough choice that will shape her destiny.

Info

Style: Recommended: Her Life (Dress), The Year 1666, Open Wisdom's Door, Born Human Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 3 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Dracula

Dracula

Dialogue Choices

...

• I understand
  • Unlock Shadows of London: 3-15 Battle for Survival
• I'm disappointed in you
  • Unlock Shadows of London: 3-5 The Mortals' Stand

Transcript

Expand for script.

• The clock in the living room continues its steady ticking. My heart, however, skips a beat.
• You: How did you...

• I cover the back of my hand instinctively.
• It is clear that Doctor Grey had noticed something was wrong due to the sudden rampage of the infected.
• If it is merely about my blood being special, I am not worried about revealing it to Doctor Grey.
• But if it's Edward Grey the vampire hunter...
• Edward Grey: Miss Rayes, I won't probe.

• You: Hmm?

• Edward Grey: I can tell what's important and what can wait.

• Edward Grey: For me, finding a cure for the epidemic and saving thousands of lives, takes priority above all else.

• Edward Grey: In comparison, other matters can be set aside for the time being.

• This statement, evidently made after rational consideration, is very much Edward Grey's style.
• You: (As always, this is his optimal solution.)

• I don't immediately respond, causing him to lean forward slightly.
• Edward Grey: Are you willing to do that, Miss Rayes?

• You: What about Jesse?

• He's obviously expected that I will ask this question and quickly provides an answer.
• Edward Grey: As I mentioned earlier, there are matters of different priorities. I think we can put Jesse's matter aside for now.

• Edward Grey: Firstly, we still don't know about Jesse's current condition and whether he is willing to return to human society.

• Edward Grey: Secondly, Jesse has become a vampire, which means his life is no longer in danger, but the infected can die at any moment.

• Edward Grey: I'm sure a discerning young lady like yourself can easily distinguish the urgency of these two matters.

• Suddenly, he leans in close to me and whispers in a voice that is almost pleading.
• Edward Grey: Once the drug is successfully developed and the situation in the Eastern District improves...

• Edward Grey: Let's go look for Jesse together, okay, Caroline?

• You: ...

I understand

• You: You are a doctor and it is your duty to save lives. Naturally, the lives of hundreds outweigh the life of a single individual.

• You: I understand your actions, but...

• Edward Grey: That isn't always the right approach.

• You: ?

• Edward Grey: That's what you're trying to say, isn't it?

• This is the second time he's said what I was about to say.
• Doctor Grey's eyes hold a smile, but his expression is weary.
• Edward Grey: I don't want to argue about the morality of it, Caroline, because it's pointless.

• Edward Grey: In the few hours I'm away from the East District, I don't know how many infected people will die during that time.

• Edward Grey: If you saw people dying every day like I do, perhaps you'd also find arguing about this matter futile.

• You: Knowing that this may not be the right approach, would you still choose to do it?

• Edward Grey: Yes. It is my duty to save lives by any means necessary.

• I take a deep breath and hold his thin hand, worn down by lack of sleep and nutrition.
• You: Don't forget your promise. After the situation in the Eastern District improves, we're going to look for Jesse.

• You: We can't keep him waiting for too long.

• He calms down and tightly grips me with his other hand.

• Doctor Grey needs to return within one hour. I run upstairs and begin packing my luggage.
• My sudden instructions leave Alice flustered as she picks out two outfits and puts them in my luggage. I quickly change into a warm outfit.

• You: Dear Priscilla...

• I bite my tongue and hastily write a letter to Priscilla and Roger, explaining the reason for my sudden departure.
• You: (Priscilla will probably lose her temper...)

• I can already imagine her angrily shouting at Roger, "Has she forgotten that she'll be attacked if she's alone?!"
• At this thought, I quickly add two more lines to the letter I'm just finishing writing.
• You: Don't worry about my safety. I'll be with the doctor and the patients in the Eastern District at all times.

• You: The Eastern District is densely populated, which actually works in my favor as a great form of protection...

• The silver pen's smoothness yields to my fingers. As I sign my name, I glance at it.
• The faint glow of the silver pen reminds me of something.
• You: ...

• I slowly fold the letter, place it in the envelope, and finally place the silver pen on the envelope. I turn around and open a drawer.
• Inside the drawer lies an old wooden box. Upon lifting its lid, a stack of yellowed manuscripts and a blank piece of paper come into view.
• And a silver object on top of that paper.
• I hesitate for a few seconds, then finally reach out to pick them up, and open my luggage.
• Edward Grey: Are you all set, Caroline?

• You: !

• I quickly hide the paper and dagger deep inside my luggage, then nonchalantly close the lid as if nothing happened.
• Doctor Grey stands by the bedroom door, hesitating to enter, and clears his throat uncomfortably.
• Edward Grey: The carriage is almost here, and we have forty minutes left to get back to the blockade.

• Edward Grey: I am ready to depart at any time.

• I fasten the clasps of my luggage. When I lift my head, I notice Doctor Grey gazing thoughtfully at the letter I placed on the table.
• You: Oh, I left a note for Priscilla and Roger. Otherwise, they would worry about me...

• Edward Grey: I know Miss Barnet and you have been busy dealing with the current epidemic. But I'm curious, how did that detective gain your trust?

If you agreed with Priscilla in 2-2

• Edward Grey: You even had a lively conversation with him at Jesse's grave. It's quite unusual for a cautious lady like you.

• If he knew the specific topics we were discussing at the time, his description of me might not have been "cautious".
• You: I got to know Roger through Priscilla.

• You: To be honest, I trust Priscilla more than I trust Roger.

• You: During the time I've spent with them, I've experienced a lot...

• You: After observing their interactions, I've come to realize that Roger is a trustworthy person.

If you agreed with Roger in 2-2

• Edward Grey: I remember that time when you three all came to visit...

• He pauses and I immediately recall the warning hidden under the umbrella.
• You: He is a detective, yet he firmly believes in creatures like vampires....?

• Edward Grey: Exactly.

• You: I think now I may understand why he believes in the existence of vampires.

• You: Because it was something Priscilla experienced personally.

• You: Since it was Priscilla who said there were vampires, Roger believed— it's as simple as that.

• Edward Grey: Is it because of Jesse that you believe in me?

• I pause for a moment, pondering the situation.
• You: ...no.

• You: While Jesse may have provided more opportunities for me to interact with you, that trust has always been there since the beginning.

• You: From the moment you handed me that handkerchief.

• Edward Grey: Trusting a stranger based on such a subtle gesture can be quite risky.

• You: It's common sense to be cautious with strangers while traveling, but without trust, intimate relationships cannot be forged between people.

• Edward Grey: That's a great line. Who said it?

• You: Caroline Rayes.

• He chuckles softly, lowering his head to gaze at me with gentle eyes.
• Edward Grey: So, can I assume that Miss Caroline Rayes was considering starting an intimate relationship at that time?

• Before I can come up with a suitable yet dignified response, the sound of horse hooves at the entrance downstairs interrupts our conversation.
• I attempt to lift the suitcase, but Doctor Grey kindly extends his hand.
• Edward Grey: Let me handle the heavy stuff. After you, Miss Rayes.

• He gestures for me to go ahead. I can't help but smile as I descend the stairs first.
• His footsteps follow a few seconds later, accompanied by the soft closing of the door.

• We manage to make it back to the blockade in the nick of time.
• The police, who are originally stern-faced, visibly relax when they see Doctor Grey stepping out of the carriage.
• They even eagerly help us unload the luggage from the carriage and swiftly send someone to notify the workhouse.
• I glance at Doctor Grey, his expression momentarily grave. Without explanation, he immediately takes my hand and rushes to the workhouse.
• Clearly, during his absence, the patients' conditions have worsened to a critical state.

I'm disappointed in you

• You: You don't need to do this, Doctor Grey.

• I shift uncomfortably and move away.
• Doctor Grey remains seated, his gaze stern as he observes me.
• You: You are a doctor and it is your duty to save lives. Naturally, the lives of hundreds outweigh the life of a single individual.

• Edward Grey: ...

• You: But I'm not! The person I know and care about is my friend, Jesse Lindvall. He saved my life.

• You: Truth be told, ever since the day I met Jesse, I've been thinking about how to save him. It's just that there's no one I can discuss this with.

• You: I can't fight alone or hunt down a vampire who has been hiding in London for centuries all by myself.

• You: I had high hopes for you, because you're a vampire hunter and you share a deep bond with Jesse. I thought you would be willing to...

• Edward Grey: Did I disappoint you?

• You: ...

• The expression on his face at this moment is genuine anger.
• Edward Grey: Are you accusing me of being wrong? Do you want me to abandon the lives of hundreds of people to save one person?

• Edward Grey: You still think I'm wrong even after we deduced that Jesse isn't currently in danger while others are on the brink of death?

• You: Doctor Grey, I'm just a nobody and have no right to judge you—

• Edward Grey: Of course you have no right.

• He emits a terrifying aura. I feel my body trembling from head to toe, every inch of it, from my hair to my fingertips.
• Because of fear, the sense of loss, and anger. My anger.
• You: You always ask me, Doctor, if what you're doing is right. You're still in pursuit of the optimal solution!

• You: You always have to be right! But this isn't my answer.

• You: The answer lies beyond an optimal solution, doctor! But you don't understand!

• ...
• It feels like we've been locked in a standoff for ages, neither of us willing to yield an inch.
• Finally, Doctor Grey is the one who regains his composure first.
• Edward Grey: I understand, Miss Rayes. So you're refusing to go to the Eastern District with me, right?

• Edward Grey: After all, you're not a doctor, and the life or death of those people has nothing to do with a lady like you.

• Upon hearing his petulant statement, I immediately loosen my cuff, revealing my wrist, and extend it straight toward him.
• You: You can take my blood, doctor. You can have as much as you want.

• You: I am more than willing to do my part for the infected in the Eastern District. However, I will determine the extent of my efforts.

• My action catches him off guard and he stands there in a daze.
• When my arm begins to tire, he finally lowers his head and retrieves a large syringe and a glass vial from the box he carries with him.
• Edward Grey: Please bear with me, Miss Rayes.

• You: Ah!

• The thick needle mercilessly pierces into the vein under the skin and I furrow my brow in pain.
• For a while, neither of us speaks.
• My blood is slowly drawn out of my body, flowing into the syringe. My lingering anger and disappointment seem to be drained away with it.
• Doctor Grey lowers his head and crouches in front of me. I cannot see his expression, only his blond hair.
• For some inexplicable reason, I feel a sudden urge to run my fingers through that soft hair.
• Edward Grey: Does it hurt?

• You: It's... not that bad.

• Edward Grey: I'm sorry, I shouldn't have forced you. But you're also forcing my hand, Caroline.

• Edward Grey: I'm so afraid. I started feeling this way ever since I found out that Jesse became a vampire.

• My hand suddenly stiffens, and I immediately understand his meaning.
• Edward Grey: How can I save him? How do I face him?

• Edward Grey: Should I risk my life to rescue him from the darkness and then gun him down with my own hands?

• I lower my head, regretting my earlier thoughtless actions.
• You: Stop talking, Doctor Grey... I'm sorry, it was my fault for not considering everything.

• You: Your position is completely different from mine, and I shouldn't have been so quick to blame you.

• The bottle is about to be filled with blood, and he remains silent. I suddenly muster my courage and actually reach out to touch his hair.
• His hand trembles slightly, and he quickly withdraws the needle. There is a noticeable spot of bleeding on my arm, but I pay it no mind.
• You: I'll go find Jesse and figure out a way to save him. I won't trouble you anymore, Doctor Grey... Is that okay?

• Edward Grey: You shouldn't have said that to me, Miss Rayes.

• Edward Grey: You are free to do whatever you want, but please keep it from me.

• Edward Grey: As long as I don't know about it, I won't have to fulfill my duty.

• He is finally back to the Edward Grey that I am familiar with. Calm, composed, courteous, with a smile on his face, yet distant on the inside.
• I sigh inwardly and finally nod gently.

• Doctor Grey has to return within one hour. I ask Alice to call the carriage.
• Even though Doctor Grey insists it's unnecessary, I still insist on seeing him out.
• We both know deep down, after this afternoon's argument, that we've acknowledged our differences and can't get any closer.
• At this point, I feel like I need to at least properly say goodbye to him.

• You: Take care of yourself in the Eastern District, Doctor Grey.

• You: As for the shortage of supplies, Priscilla and I will figure something out.

• Edward Grey: Miss Rayes, your demeanor and speech now bear a striking resemblance to Madam Petit.

• Edward Grey: Confident, authoritative, with a positive mindset aware of shouldering heavy responsibilities.

• Edward Grey: Although I always thought you were quite knowledgeable, it seems that now you are more than just knowledgeable.

• I don't know if this is a compliment or sincere praise, but I don't have the heart to discern between the two. I simply muster a faint smile.
• You: Regarding Jess—

• Before I can say his name, Doctor Grey's expression suddenly changes, and he pulls me behind him.
• Edward Grey: Come out.

• He even draws his silver revolver and aims it coldly at a shadowy corner of the mansion.
• ...
• After a few seconds of deathly silence, footsteps emerge from the corner.
• Vincent Savile: ...

• It's Vincent.