The Nightmare's End: 1-9 The Fifth Petal

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Those who are blessed with good fortune tend to share it with others. So it is with love.

Info

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

Dialogue Choices

There are no dialogue choices in this stage.

Transcript

Expand for script.

• Jesse Lindvall: Agnes?

• Jesse stands up in disbelief and quickly walks to the window. By the light of the street lamp, he sees the familiar figure of his sister.
• Jesse Lindvall: Why is she here? She wasn't at home when I left...

• The conversation stops abruptly. His face turns deathly pale, and he stares unblinkingly at the other person in the room.
• Jesse Lindvall: Edward, was it you?

• Edward gets out of bed and slowly tries to approach Jesse, but Jesse pushes him away.
• Edward Grey: It is very dangerous to be alone on a train out of London late at night.

• Edward Grey: Go home soon. You need to rest.

• Jesse Lindvall: Did you tell Agnes I was here?!

• He pauses for a moment, his expression becoming ever more serious.
• Edward Grey: She is your sister, and she loves you.

• Edward Grey: Being taken home by her is better than being found by your father or Henry.

• Jesse Lindvall: Taken home? Back to that place that only cares about profit and reputation, without considering anyone's emotions and wishes?

• Jesse Lindvall: To be fattened up in that big house, then sold to the highest bidder when the time is right?

• Jesse Lindvall: No, Edward. If that is what the future holds, I would rather die.

• Jesse Lindvall: And I mean that.

• Jesse places his hand on the latch of the window and unlocks it silently.
• The corners of his mouth flashes a mischievous smile, but his eyes are full of deep disappointment.
• Jesse Lindvall: Don't worry, Doctor Grey. I wrote my epitaph a long time ago.

• Jesse Lindvall: Father won't blame my death on you, and Henry won't care. You are safe.

• With a gentle push of his hand, the window quietly opens. The cold night wind blows in, carrying moisture from the rain.
• As the wind blows, Edward feels a chill, and his eyes suddenly become gloomy.
• Edward Grey: Would you really rather die, Jesse? How would you prefer to die?

• He crosses his arms, raises his chin, and looks at Jesse coldly.
• Edward Grey: Like my mother, working in a cotton mill for years and eventually dying from starvation and lung disease?

• Before she died, she used her bony hand to gently touch his and Dennis' faces.
• Edward Grey: Like my companion in the almshouse, who ate garbage from the sewage due to hunger, and eventually died of dehydration?

• The boy's sunken eye sockets carried a look of desperation to the end.
• Edward Grey: Like the poor patient my foster father took in, who died from a strange illness that caused his whole body to rot?

• Like Robert's swollen gums and black, decaying fingers.
• Edward Grey: Like my foster father, whose life ended in a fire?

• Like William Akerman when he fell on the grass, a pool of blood spreading on his back.
• Edward Grey: Die... like my little brother?

• Dennis opens his eyes, his crimson eyes devoid of humanity peeking out under his cute blonde hair.
• He approaches step by step. There is no longer a smile on Jesse's face. His eyes are filled with fear, and his lips are trembling.
• Edward Grey: Would you rather die, Jesse?

• Edward Grey: You haven't been to Bristol yet, nor have you stood on the Clifton Suspension Bridge to admire the view...

• He reaches out suddenly and grabs Jesse's left arm, pulling him forcefully towards the center of the room.
• Jesse Lindvall: Argh!

• The young blond man stumbles and falls to the floor, banging his knees loudly. The teapot on the coffee table shatters into a million pieces.
• In the dead of night, the sound is clearly heard downstairs. They hear a woman's scream.

• Agnes Lindvall: Jesse! Doctor Grey!

• Mrs. Thomas: My goodness! How could you do this! Poor Mr. Lindvall!

• Two women burst into the room one after another, both exclaiming in surprise.
• To them, Jesse fallen on the floor, the shattered teapot, with Edward standing over him, forms a rather violent and dangerous scene.
• Edward moves to help Jesse up but is harshly pushed aside by Mrs. Thomas. He raises his hands helplessly.
• With their attention all on Jesse, Edward quietly closes and locks the windows.
• Jesse Lindvall: I'm fine, I'm fine...

• Jesse's expression still carries a sense of shock and fear.
• In those few minutes, he saw a side of Edward Grey that he had never seen before.
• Mrs. Thomas: You don't look fine! Come downstairs, I'll make you some hot milk.

• Agnes Lindvall: Rest a while and I'll take you home. You just need a good sleep and everything will be fine...

• Upon hearing the word "home," Jesse seems to snap out of his daze. He looks towards Edward standing by the window.
• Jesse Lindvall: Edward, are you sure sending me home is the right choice?

• Edward Grey: ...

• Jesse Lindvall: Did you tell me all that just to stall and let Agnes know to come and take me away?

• Agnes Lindvall: Huh?

• Agnes sees the expressions on their faces and immediately understands, and hurries to explain.
• Agnes Lindvall: I did not receive any notification from anyone. I came on my own.

• Jesse Lindvall: What?

• Agnes Lindvall: Jesse, you are too reckless. Just grabbing your wallet and getting on a carriage casually, do you think you can fool everyone?

• Agnes Lindvall: Even Janet can guess you are up to something silly.

• Agnes Lindvall: I just got home, and Mr. Hall told me about you leaving home, hoping that I could think of a solution...

• Mrs. Thomas lets go and walks down the stairs quietly, not wanting to be involved in family disputes.
• Edward smiles slightly. The landlady's wisdom is much greater than her cooking.
• Jesse Lindvall: But how did you know I was here...

• Agnes Lindvall: You are running away from home, not just going out. On a rainy night, who besides your close friends would take you in?

• Agnes Lindvall: I first went to the train station to confirm that you did not leave by train, so I knew you must still be in London.

• Agnes Lindvall: Your social circle is almost entirely related to Father, so you won't seek refuge with them.

• Agnes Lindvall: So, besides Doctor Grey, where else can you go?

• Edward has never seen Agnes so angry. Her breathing is rapid, her speech fast, and her gentle, slow tone has become sharp and brisk.
• The purple eyes that used to be filled with gentle waves are now staring fiercely at Jesse, scolding him angrily.
• Agnes Lindvall: Your behavior is not only dangerous, but also foolish!

• Agnes Lindvall: Wandering late at night, even venturing into the East End! I was afraid that I would only find your corpse!

• Agnes Lindvall: You blame Father for confining you, interfering with you, and forcing you into a life you don't want.

• Agnes Lindvall: But you are so childish, and you can't even protect yourself! What freedom are you talking about?

• Agnes Lindvall: The world has its own rules, Jesse Lindvall! Take control of your life, and don't just depend on luck!

• Jesse Lindvall: ...

• Edward Grey: Hmm... you also need a bit of luck, actually.

• Agnes's emotions are running high. Edward clears his throat and interrupts her.
• Jesse is standing at a loss, staring blankly at his sister and unable to retort.
• Jesse Lindvall: I know I am very childish...

• He chokes back sobs, the grievances inside him finally finding a release and gushing out wildly.
• Jesse Lindvall: But I can't stand it, Agnes! They bully you! They force you to marry someone you don't love!

• Agnes Lindvall: ...Jesse..

• Jesse Lindvall: You should pursue the music you love and marry the person you truly like! You should have your own life!

• Jesse Lindvall: You deserve it all!

• Jesse Lindvall: I just want you to be happy, Agnes.

• Edward takes a step back, seemingly wanting to give the brother and sister more space.
• The intense love between them roiled like the waves of the sea, pushing him far away.
• After a long silence, Agnes's tone becomes soothing again.
• Agnes Lindvall: I feel the same way, Jesse.

• She approaches Jesse and gently wipes his face with a handkerchief. He is a head taller than her, but he is crying like a child.
• Agnes Lindvall: And I swear I will make it happen. But it takes time and effort.

• Her tone feels familiar to Edward. It sounds like a promise made by an older child to a younger child.
• Agnes Lindvall: Do not hate Father and Henry. They may have different opinions, but they are also trying to protect you.

• Jesse Lindvall: They just want me to live like them!

• Agnes laughs, her eyes sparkling with starlight.
• Agnes Lindvall: But we don't have to live like them, right? We can also change them.

• Jesse Lindvall: Change?

• Agnes Lindvall: One day, children with the name Lindvall will be able to live the life they want without sacrificing themselves for the family's interests.

• Agnes Lindvall: But first, we need to gain the power to compete.

• Jesse Lindvall: Like becoming a Countess?

• Agnes Lindvall: That is not enough.

• Agnes Lindvall: But no matter what, if I have to marry a husband I don't love, I think it's better for him to be sixty than thirty.

• Agnes Lindvall: I'll tell you a secret: I even wish he were seventy years old.

• After making such a bold statement, Agnes glances at the silent Edward, mischief in her eyes twinkling just like Jesse's.
• Agnes Lindvall: Please keep this a secret, Doctor Grey.

• Edward Grey: I'm afraid this can hardly be called a secret, Miss Agnes.

• Edward Grey: We doctors must respect the objective nature of aging, sickness, and death more than anyone else.

• Edward Grey: Especially when one has been living a harmfully indulgent lifestyle for a long time.

• He looks serious, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. Jesse sighs and takes Agnes's handkerchief to wipe his nose.
• Jesse Lindvall: Look at you, cunning and sly adults.

• Jesse Lindvall: Will I become like you in the future?

• Edward Grey: It might be difficult with your personality. And Miss Agnes may not necessarily wish for that either.

• Agnes Lindvall: But I do hope Jesse becomes less childish... and more mature.

• Agnes Lindvall: Or at least know better than to run away from home with only twenty pounds in hand.

• Jesse Lindvall: Okay, I was wrong! Can you forgive me?

• Agnes Lindvall: Wait until after we deal with Father. He has a party tonight and will be home late. We still have time...

• Edward Grey: Wait a moment. Jesse, you'd better go to the bathroom and freshen up first.

• Edward Grey: Your eyelids are still a little swollen, and there is mud on your coat.

• Jesse Lindvall: I...

• Edward Grey: It's okay, Mrs. Thomas can handle it. She will definitely be willing to help you.

• Jesse Lindvall: Um, okay. Give me ten minutes!

• Jesse hurries down the stairs to find Mrs. Thomas. Edward and Agnes listen to his footsteps in silence for a moment.
• After a while, the young girl who is about to become a Countess breaks the silence.
• Agnes Lindvall: Doctor Grey, thank you for having the landlady tell me Jesse is with you.

• Their eyes meet once again, exchanging unspoken lies with each other.
• It was indeed Mrs. Thomas who sent a letter to the Lindvall family, and it was indeed Edward who tried his best to keep Jesse until Agnes arrived.
• Jesse was completely correct.
• Edward Grey: Why do you want to cover up this matter, Miss Agnes?

• Edward Grey: I originally thought Jesse would understand my actions after calming down.

• Edward Grey: I am now forced to lie to him. That is not my intention.

• Agnes Lindvall: I'm sorry.

• Agnes Lindvall: Just consider me presumptuous. At Jesse's age, people always care more about whether they are being treated specially.

• Agnes Lindvall: I think he needs to think of you standing with him, rather than know the true intention behind your actions.

• Her words leave him speechless. After a moment, he shakes his head and abandons any attempt to argue.
• Edward Grey: This illusion will not last forever. One day he will realize I cannot unconditionally approve of all his actions.

• Agnes Lindvall: He doesn't need your approval forever either.

• Agnes Lindvall: Immature children will grow up, Doctor Grey.

• Agnes Lindvall: Just, when I am about to leave and the family cannot provide him with warmth and affection...

• Agnes Lindvall: Just during this time, please be with him and guide him.

• Agnes Lindvall: If you are willing.

• The girl's gentle and graceful words scatter in the moist air. Her words are extremely gentle, as if all the choice is in Edward's hands.
• Edward Grey: ...

• Edward furrows his brow lightly, hesitating to speak, and finally expresses surrender.
• Edward Grey: ...You will surely feel right at home in the Earl's mansion, Miss Agnes.

• The seemingly sarcastic yet complimentary words make Agnes smile self-deprecatingly.
• Jesse Lindvall: I'm ready!

• Jesse Lindvall: Agnes, I think we need to get our story straight, in case Father asks...

• Jesse's voice comes from downstairs. Edward immediately reaches out, letting Agnes go first, and follows closely behind.

• Down the stairs, Mrs. Thomas is still muttering to herself as she helps Jesse straighten his clothes;
• In the light, Jesse looks up eagerly at them.
• The rain clouds outside the window have dispersed, and a faint light sprinkles on the ground.
• Agnes's soft words are almost inaudible amidst the sound of hooves at the door, the landlady's nagging, and Jesse's greeting, but he hears them clearly.
• Agnes Lindvall: Thank you so much tonight, Doctor Grey. Now that I think about it, the day I stopped you at the door, it was really—

• — lucky.

• Young Edward: *huff, huff*..

• He kneels by the lake, using the clear light scattered between the shadows of the trees to desperately wash his hands in the water.
• A revolver is to one side. It is very clean, without a trace of blood.
• But he still feels a stickiness between his fingers that can't be washed off.
• Young Edward: It's oil... Yes, it must be oil...

• He nervously mutters to himself, desperately trying to convince himself that this strange discomfort has a reason.
• But this oil is used for—
• Young Edward: Yuck!!

• A sudden feeling of nausea causes his body to convulse, almost propelling him into the water.
• With his stomach empty, nothing can actually be vomited.
• Only thin, foul-smelling stomach acid drips down the corners of his mouth.
• Young Edward: Ugh, ah... ah...

• The empty vomiting only lasts for a short time. After this torture ends, he lies on the ground, without even the strength to move.
• He dares not close his eyes, for when he does, he can see brimstone fire twisting and entwining in the night sky.
• He dares not breathe, for the smell of burning was everywhere
• His hands will never be clean. His sins will never disappear.
• Every sense is betraying him.
• Young Edward: Hahaha...

• Slowly, he begins to smile. Because he feels a warm little hand touching his face.
• This strange feeling is hard to describe: he knows it is an illusion. But at the same time, this illusion is so strong that it feels like reality.
• He doesn't know how he could be torn apart like this and not go crazy.
• Young Edward: (No... maybe I have already gone crazy a long time ago.)

• Young Edward: Is it you, Danny?

• Once this thought crosses his mind, he simply gives up, freely spouting nonsense with a dazed look in his eyes.
• All his fears, regrets, sins, and confusion pour out.
• Young Edward: You hate me. I'm selfish... I'm afraid of death.

• Young Edward: I don't want to die like Mom... You don't remember her, yes, you were too young to remember...

• Young Edward: If I die, I won't be remembered by anyone.

• Young Edward: Death... When you die, you will be thrown into a public cemetery to decay. No one cares about you.

• Young Edward: Death is terrifying... Danny... Ah, now you're dead too.

• Young Edward: You have become terrifying now, haven't you? And those people... those monsters... those that move...

• The night wind blows gently.
• You can't just lie here all the time. You need to leave quickly.
• He wants to leave London, forget everything here, and start a brand new life.
• As long as you open your eyes and stand up, tomorrow will be waiting for you.
• Young Edward: (I can't do it.)

• I can't survive the nightmare of tonight. Tomorrow can only be a vague illusion.
• He gives up completely.
• ...
• ???: Edward...

• Young Edward: ...

• Dennis: Edward!

• Dennis: Edward, what are you doing! Stand up!

• Young Edward: ...Danny?

• Dennis: How can you so lazy! Didn't we agree to compete?

• Dennis: You see, I have found "lucky love", so how can you give up?

• Young Edward: lucky love?

• Dennis: It was you who told me that the person who finds the fifth petal of the lilac will receive lucky love.

• Dennis: I found it, brother.

• Young Edward: ...

• Dennis: I won. So...

• Dennis: Here you go.

• Young Edward: Danny?

• Dennis: I entrust lucky love to you, brother.

• ???: ...Cherish it...

• Young Edward: Danny!!

• He bolts up from the mud, breathing heavily, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare.
• His body is covered with light purple petals.
• Young Edward: Lilacs? But aren't they out of season now?

• Above his head, the low trees sway gently. The flowers that bloom in spring and summer, unexpectedly bloomed again on this autumn night.

• The gardener will provide an explanation for this, while the botanist will say the unusual weather in London this year caused many plants to bloom out of season.
• Everything can be explained by science and logic. But happiness isn't in this category.
• He tilts his head back and opens his palm, feeling the delicate touch of the tiny petals.
• That was the last smile his younger brother gave him.
• The season of lilacs has passed.
• And his tomorrow is waiting to begin, as this night surrounded by fragrance comes to an end.

• Something warm trickles down my face, and I feel as if I'm sinking helplessly into a swamp.
• A large and warm hand pats me lightly on the shoulder, and I blearily open my eyes.
• ???: ...roline...

• The tears obscuring my vision make it impossible to recognize the man in front of me. After a moment, he hands me a handkerchief.
• Jesse Lindvall: Are you okay, Caroline?