The Nightmare's End: 1-10 Parting and Anticipation

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The Nightmare's End

The good new is that he now has all the time in the world to wait.

Info

Style: Recommended: Sigh of Times, Doleful Lament, Quiet Condolences, Final Regret, Yearnful Poem, Lost Melody, Melancholic Concerto, Tranquil Requiem Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 3 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Million Dollar Bride

Million Dollar Bride

Dialogue Choices

There are no dialogue choices in this stage.

Transcript

Expand for script.

• Jesse Lindvall: Are you okay, Caroline?

• You: Hnn...

• I blink again, and my confused mind finally begins to clear under the sunlight.
• A blond young man stands by my bed, bending down to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes.
• You: Jesse!

• I almost scream in terror, shrinking further into the blanket.
• He obviously finds my reaction very interesting, and deliberately gets closer.
• You: Jesse! I, I haven't washed my face!

• Jesse Lindvall: Is it because you haven't washed your face that you're so startled? Come on, Caroline, you still look beautiful like this.

• You: A gentleman would never casually enter someone else's bedroom, Mr. Lindvall!

• Jesse Lindvall: Miss Reyes, please be fair. I knocked on the door many times, but you didn't respond.

• Jesse Lindvall: I broke in out of concern for your safety...

• You: Okay, thank you for your concern. Can you leave now that you've confirmed my safety?

• Jesse Lindvall: As you wish, ma'am.

• He places the handkerchief on the bedside table, leisurely gets up, confidently opens the door, then turns back.
• Jesse Lindvall: The train departs in the afternoon, but we have to go into town first after lunch.

• Jesse Lindvall: There's not enough time. Caroline, you had better change immediately.

• Jesse Lindvall: Do you need my help?

• A man asking if he can help with changing clothes usually makes people feel suspicious of his intentions.
• But Jesse has no idea at all. His expression is so innocent, as if asking, "May I get you a glass of champagne?"
• You: No need. I can do it myself.

• He smiles knowingly and closes the bedroom door.
• —I am now in a dilapidated villa in the central mountains of England.
• It is far from town, with few people passing by. Vincent arranged for Jesse to stay here, to help him through the difficult neonate period.
• Six months after the end of the London epidemic, I finally couldn't contain my worries and, under the guise of going on a trip, went to visit them.
• Of course, with the difficult traveling conditions and Jesse's persistence, I had to stay as a guest for several weeks—
• I slowly sit up from the bed and unconsciously glance at the bedside table.
• Next to the handkerchief left by Jesse is the copy of "Jane Eyre" he gave me, with last week's newspaper folded on top of it.
• The newspaper published news about a distant place, with only one article that is of interest to me.
• The Earl of Essex, who was bedridden due to a stroke, passed away after enduring a period of immobility.
• As the niece of the Countess of Essex's good friend, I will also attend the funeral.
• A black funeral dress was taken out last night. I reluctantly take off my nightgown and start changing.

• Jesse was right. Because I woke up much later than expected, our schedule is now quite tight.
• I look at the pile of luggage in despair, but Jesse volunteers to help.
• The embarrassment caused by his teasing has dissipated, and I finally notice Jesse's clothes, unable to resist asking a question.
• You: Jesse, aren't you going to change? The deceased is your sister's husband.

• Jesse Lindvall: Do you want me to show up at the funeral in stiff mourning attire? I didn't expect you to be so funny, Caroline.

• Jesse Lindvall: As everyone knows, my tombstone still stands in the Lindvall family's cemetery.

• You: Of course that's not what I meant. But when you go back this time, you plan to meet your sister privately, right?

• You: Her husband just passed away. As family, shouldn't you pay attention to some basic etiquette?

• Jesse Lindvall: Agnes doesn't care about these formalities. Besides, I don't want to pretend to be very sad either.

• Jesse Lindvall: The most dignified thing for me to do is to treat this old man as a stranger and see him off.

• Jesse Lindvall: Besides that, I don't want to have anything to do with him.

• There is no sadness on his face, only an eager longing to be reunited with his close family.
• Knowing the ins and outs of the Countess's marriage, I don't want to upset him further by harping on the matter, so I change the subject to another topic of greater concern.
• You: Are you sure it's a good idea to suddenly appear in front of her at this time?

• You: How about I visit her separately to give her some hints about you first...

• Jesse Lindvall: Thank you for your consideration, Caroline. But I think it's unnecessary.

• Jesse Lindvall: Agnes is much more sensible than me. I think she has long been prepared for what happened to me.

• Jesse Lindvall: My brother-in-law has passed away, and she will face many difficulties and struggles in the transfer of property that follows.

• Jesse Lindvall: I just want to give her some emotional support at this moment.

• You: Emotional support?

• Jesse mysteriously pulls something out of his pocket: a very ordinary tuning fork. I stare in confusion.
• You: This is emotional support?

• Jesse Lindvall: It's not, for ordinary people.

• Jesse Lindvall: Can you imagine a lady who wowed in concerts with her superb piano skills before marriage...

• Jesse Lindvall: And after six years of marriage, she has not even touched a piano key?

• You: Jesse...

• Jesse Lindvall: What did marriage really bring to Agnes? Status? Wealth? Happiness?

• Jesse Lindvall: Since this is the path she chose, I cannot judge if it was worth it.

• Jesse Lindvall: But no matter what, she can now put an end to this unfree life.

• The image of the Countess using a tuning fork to tune a piano that has not been played for several years appears in my mind.
• As the out-of-tune piano keys are restored one by one, her battered life will surely begin to heal.
• You: Don't worry, Jesse. I'm sure my aunt will help your sister, especially in terms of the inheritance.

• Jesse Lindvall: Yes, of course. I haven't forgotten that Madam Petit is experienced in this area.

• This sentence was somewhat sarcastic, and I couldn't help but protest.
• You: Don't talk about my aunt like that.

• Jesse Lindvall: Wait, Caroline, you didn't take my words just now as criticism, did you?

• You: Isn't it?

• Jesse Lindvall: Oh of course not! How could I criticize behavior that is for my own benefit?

• Jesse Lindvall: Of course, I do not agree with using marriage and sacrificing emotion for material gain. In my opinion, the foundation of marriage should always be love.

• Jesse Lindvall: But the premise underlying this ideal is respect and understanding of individual will.

• Jesse Lindvall: Depriving children of their rights because their marriage does not meet one's expectations, or inducing the other party to marry for money from the beginning...

• Jesse Lindvall: As long as this concept prevails in the world, demanding both parties in a marriage to sacrifice for love is a shameless act.

• I remain silent, thinking of my father who broke ties with the family for marrying someone other than my mother, causing a pain in my heart.
• ?He abandoned his title and wealth, and cut ties with his family, which clearly showed how deep his love for my mother was.
• But is this kind of separation and sacrifice really necessary? Just because he decided to be with the woman he deeply loves?
• Thinking of my grandfather's silence in his later years and my aunt's sobs late at night, I know that they too didn't want it to come to this.
• You: You are right. A discussion of love and loyalty only makes sense when marriage is not seen as a means of trading for benefits.

• Jesse Lindvall: What a concise and wonderful summary, Caroline. You are much more outstanding than I was at eighteen.

• Jesse Lindvall: When I was your age, I would only be willful and throw tantrums.

• Jesse Lindvall: Shouting and sneering at things I can't stand, without ever considering the reasons behind them, let alone how to bring about change...

• Jesse Lindvall: It must have been hard for Agnes and Edward to tolerate my childishness.

• My heart skips a beat, and my breath catches in my throat.
• This is the first time we have mentioned that name since that night.
• Jesse's tone remains cheerful, but I find it hard to be like him. Edward Grey is still a thorn, deeply piercing into my heart.
• Jesse Lindvall: Caroline? Don't want to talk about him? Sorry, let's change the subject.

• You: It's okay, Jesse. I'm just feeling a bit emotional.

• You: I found the letter you wrote last night...

• Jesse Lindvall: Ah, I knew it! I should have handed it to you directly.

• We both look at the long-forgotten copy of "Jane Eyre".
• In the book, Jesse put a letter, using his own experience of being confined by Mr. Lindvall to encourage me, who was then confined by my aunt.
• The letter was short and straightforward.
• But I still felt his anger when faced with his sister's forced marriage, as well as the joy of meeting a close friend.
• The young, inexperienced doctor in his writing is so familiar yet so distant...
• You: Jesse.

• The surging emotions gush out from the wound, transforming into words that uncontrollably flow from my lips.
• You: Do you still trust him? Can you still feel happy when you think about the days you spent together with him?

• You: After being deceived and hurt by him, can the memories of the past still make you happy?

• Jesse Lindvall: ...

• Jesse looks at me sadly, a hint of confusion flashing in his clear eyes.
• But soon, those sorrows melt in the sunlight. He smiles again and nods earnestly.
• Jesse Lindvall: Yes, I still trust him.

• Jesse Lindvall: Or maybe I should say... I still want to trust him.

• You: Jesse?

• Jesse Lindvall: Lying is very exhausting, Caroline. No one can live day after day, year after year wearing a false mask.

• Jesse Lindvall: I have spent enough time with Edward to be confident in distinguishing his sincerity from his insincerity.

• Jesse Lindvall: And I have my own set of criteria for distinguishing this.

• You: What criteria?

• Jesse Lindvall: What can arouse true feelings must be true.

• Jesse Lindvall: Caroline, if your heart truly aches for someone, it's because they are worth it.

• Jesse Lindvall: Even if you don't trust him, please trust your own heart.

• Jesse sits in the sunlight, his pale complexion glowing brightly, looking as pure as an angel fallen to earth.
• I inexplicably have the urge to cry, wanting that person to also see this extremely beautiful scene.
• —If it weren't for the ruthless interruption of the clock.
• You: Oh! It's twelve o'clock!

• Jesse Lindvall: Hurry!

• We immediately cast aside the melancholy emotions and hurriedly start packing our luggage.

• Vincent Savile: Is the discussion about Edward Grey finally over?

• Jesse and I hurriedly carry our luggage down the stairs to the living room, where we were met with Vincent's cold words.
• Jesse Lindvall: ...

• You: Um...

• The power of the Blood Clan can reveal many secrets. I know that Vincent often chooses not to use this ability out of politeness.
• But if he wants to use it, I can't stop him.
• You: I'm really sorry, Vincent. Has the carriage arrived? Can we still catch the train?

• Vincent Savile: Good news, the carriage hasn't arrived yet. Your untimely conversation didn't cause you to miss anything.

• Jesse Lindvall: What? Not here yet?

• Jesse ignores Vincent's dissatisfaction and pulls up the curtains to look outside.
• The gloomy sky outside and the rapidly gathering dark clouds indicate the reason why the carriage has not arrived.
• Vincent Savile: Here's the bad news: the weather has changed, and I suspect it's already raining down the mountain.

• Vincent Savile: The road is slippery and difficult to walk on, and the danger of traveling in the rain is very high. Even if the carriage does arrive, we might miss the train.

• He stops talking and his gaze shifts back and forth between me and Jesse.
• You: What should we do? The funeral is tomorrow. If we can't get to London tonight...

• Jesse Lindvall: I don't care. I can't attend the funeral anyway. I just want to see Agnes.

• You: But I already promised my aunt... Ugh, now she's going to nag me for a long time.

• I am increasingly annoyed that I woke up late. The hazy and fragmented dreams from last night are still scattered in my mind, outlining a vague figure.
• To this day, everything about him still stirs up my emotions.
• Vincent Savile: In other words, Caroline, you still hope to attend the funeral.

• Vincent's calm words prevent my emotions from slipping further into the abyss of despair.}}
• You: I really want to, but isn't the carriage definitely too late?

• Vincent doesn't answer. He walks over and takes the suitcase from my hand, then immediately throws it to Jesse.
• Jesse Lindvall: What are you doing?

• Vincent Savile: You help too.

• The sounds have not yet faded when Vincent suddenly picks me up. After a moment of shaking, my face is pressed against his chest.
• You: Vincent!

• Vincent Savile: We avoid the rain clouds and head down the mountain in another direction. It may be a longer route, but we should be able to catch the train.

• His crimson eyes turn to Jesse. Jesse sighs and also reveals his vampiric appearance.
• Jesse Lindvall: I think we can switch, I'll take care of Caro—

• Vincent Savile: No.

• Vincent decisively stops him, then sways.
• My vision blurs for a moment, and I feel like I am leaping into the wind.

• The journey - I don't want to mention it. In short, we arrive at the train station even earlier than expected.
• The cost is that the hair of three people are all messed up by the wild wind in the mountains, and my hands and feet have become icy cold after a long period of running.
• When the train station came into view, they slowed down and resumed their human appearance.
• We now look like three disheveled people with slightly wet clothes.
• You: Great, there's a small restaurant. I want to go for a hot drink and tidy up my hair. What about you?

• Vincent shakes his head. Jesse shakes the dew off his blonde hair and waves at me nonchalantly.
• Jesse Lindvall: Go ahead, Caroline. We'll wait for you outside.

• ...
• As the girl in mourning clothes disappears behind the café door, Jesse glances at Vincent with interest.
• Jesse Lindvall: Does it bother you so much that she still cares about Edward?

• Vincent Savile: Watch your words, Mr. Lindvall.

• Jesse Lindvall: Be frank, Mr. Saville. Admitting that you care deeply about this does not diminish you.

• Vincent Savile: Admitting your empathy with her on matters related to Edward Grey does not diminish you.

• Vincent turns around, his eyes scanning Jesse's face calmly, then he takes out a piece of paper from his pocket.
• Vincent Savile: You have accepted the identity of a vampire faster than most, but there is no need to force it. The attachment to being human is not so easily overcome.

• Vincent Savile: You are you, Jesse Lindvall. Your identity does not need to be defined by others.

• Vincent Savile: Vampires are not all good, but they are not as bad as you think.

• He hands over the paper.
• Jesse Lindvall: What is this?

• Vincent Savile: A gift for the new stage of your life.

• Jesse hesitantly unfolds the paper, unable to imagine what is written inside.

Cell C32, HMP Reading, Berkshire

• He looks as if he doesn't know English, reading it over and over again.
• The dew remaining on his blonde hair drips down as he lowers his head, slightly dampening the paper.
• Jesse Lindvall: Vincent...

• Vincent Savile: Shh, she's back.

• They both look up at the same time, and a girl with a flushed face walks towards them.
• The platform is bustling with voices. Amid countless farewells and reunions, the vampires smile at the humans.

• The cold iron chains are unlocked. Once the heavy door opens, the jailer's rough voice rings out mechanically.
• Jailer: C32!

• Prisoner C32: Here.

• This is the day once a month when inmates in Reading Prison can receive letters and personal items.
• Some receive letters from home, some receive supplies. Some have neither, only occasionally getting snippets of news from Scotland Yard and medical schools.
• Which are all related to the recent London epidemic.
• The envelope has been opened roughly, which is normal. Every letter will be inspected by the jailers, so it is impossible to smuggle in contraband.
• When he sees the recipient's name on the envelope, Prisoner C32 can't help but ask.
• Prisoner C32: This is for me?

• The jailer grunts.
• Prisoner C32 pulls out a piece of paper and a thin bookmark.
• The bookmark is made of dried flowers, obviously made not long ago, still emitting a slight fragrance.
• The lilac only flowers for one month. If made into dried flowers, it will last longer in jail... this is what the maker must have thought.
• On the paper is a line of text. It isn't in English. The jailer clearly couldn't understand it, so he's allowed it.
• Prisoner C32: ...

• He gently brushes over the handwriting with his hand and closes his eyes.
• The cool breeze blows away the heat brought by the sun shining from the west, and a scent mixed with tree leaves and moss gradually dominates the senses.
• Last year's fallen leaves have deeply sunk into the soil, and only the withered leaf stalks remain.
• At the top, the tender shoots that sprouted in spring have grown into strong new leaves, playing with the creatures in the alternating company of sunlight and rain.
• Jailer: Break time is over! What are you waiting for, C32!

• Jailer: Go back to your cell!

• He opens his eyes again and smiles.
• Prisoner C32: Yes, sir. As you say.

• He turns around and walks back towards that deep, dark place.
• In his arms are that bouquet of lilacs.
• That is—

• Obtained Ending: The Nightmare's End