Code Realize: Saint-Germain Chapters 1-10
Jan. 4th, 2019 10:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alias_sqbrMasterlist of Code Realize posts
I had a little bit of a go again at Van Helsing and didn't hate it but still haven't gotten over the huge discrepancy between what I wanted it to be and what it is. So in the meantime am going to play Saint-Germain, who I have no expectations for at all.
And it was quite entertainingly unexpected! I am enjoying it a lot, but I have some dark tastes.
Content Note: HMMM I don't want to totally spoil it but...violence? Unhealthy relationships? Also references to rape in other games I have played, because I thought it might be going that way but it wasn't. And a little gore.
Time for the immortal time travelling alien time cop! Or something! I saw someone say he's "a little yandere but in a joking way" so we'll see how THAT plays out.
It's really hard to summarise Saint-Germain's dialogue because it feels like a lot is happening under the surface, and it's hard to get across the right feel without just transcribing everything. So this is probably going to end up long. Oh well, if you've made it this far you're a glutton for my rambly punishment ;)
Victooooor ;_; Why couldn't Van Helsing's path be like your with all the science and slight subbiness and distinct lack of serial killers ;_;
Haa. Assuming this walkthrough is correct- Victor, Van Helsing AND Saint-Germain all prefer if you pick Victor at the casino. Guess I have to wait for Impey's path to see what happens to make him end up in the Thames.
Ok, time for actual new content. Before that gets going, something you have to understand about Saint-Germain is that he has two expressions/moods: gentle amusement, and polite blankness. The sprites have some variation but they basically all look like this:
Specifically, note that his eyes are closed. So far the only time I've seen them open was that time he stabbed Cardia's brother to death in front of her.
(And this is his full outfit. I hadn't seen the full length sprite before and had a moment of IS HE WEARING SHORTS AND LEGGINGS but no. It's a jacket over tight trousers, alas. But yeah, that is a lot of watches and clock imagery for someone pretending not to be a time cop)
So! Cardia has just asked to have lessons on London geography and social expectations with Saint-Germain.
Lupin: You'll be safe with Saint-Germain, he doesn't look it but he's good in a fight.
Saint-Germain: Of course, I dislike conflict, but I'm not so cowardly as to shy away from a fight if the situation calls for one.
Me, remembering his cold smile as he stabbed Finis: Mmmmm.
Saint Germain shows her around London. Cardia is delighted by all the new sights and information, but observes that Saint-Germain, despite his wealth and kind smiles (a) really doesn't act like most nobles (b) sometimes looks lonely. He blandly says he's (a) an oddball and (b) couldn't possibly be lonely with her by his side.
He talks about the history of London, which is:
1) It was a Roman Settlement (no more information that that)
2) The typical progression of society happened (ditto)
3) Thirteen years ago it deviated from the natural course of history thanks to Isaac Bedford.
Since Saint-Germain seems to be like...a time cop, maybe he's aware of the original timeline (eg ours) and trying to bring things back in line? Considering the ridiculous number of things Isaac invented, and his apparent awareness of the time cops, I wonder if he was a time cop gone rogue.
Also the writers are clearly just...so much less interested in London's actual history than they were in the tiny historical details of individual temples in Japan, haha. Which is fine, it's not like detailed love letters to London are thin on the ground.
Haaa and proving that I am in no position to judge them for being fuzzy on English history: until a glossary entry pointed it out, I didn't realise that Victoria's father being King Edward for a while was an AU. Which implies Isaac isn't the only cause of divergence, unless he was involved with that somehow. Edward's actions caused the sort of international tensions that led to WWI, and Isaac's inventions forestalled that war, but gave Britain an unbalanced amount of power.
Saint-Germain: There is likely a great secret slumbering here in London. Yes...something that turns it's back even on God's teachings.
I wonder if it's actually the Christian God Saint-Germain worships or like...TIME GOD.
Romance-wise, I don't ship them SUPER hard but the dynamic is cute, if a bit paternalistic. He's sort of...distantly flirtatious in a courteous way, and she thinks he's handsome and charming, but mostly they just enjoy each other's company and respect each other's kindness (we'll see how that goes...)
Saint-Germain: Are you nervous before the heist? Have some calming tea.
Me: *eyes suspiciously for drugs*
Cardia: How can I learn to be calm like you?
Saint-Germain: Experience. As you get older, things surprise you less, and you become more centred.
Cardia: You don't look that old.
Saint-Germain: I'm happy to hear you think I look young ^_^ *sips tea*
How old is this guy...
Time to see the other side of the train heist! Instead of a thrilling battle as Van Helsing and Victor beat up soldiers, everyone else...sits around, waiting for the train to show up.
Cardia asks Saint-Germain why he looks so sad, and he says he was praying, something Cardia has never really done.
Saint-Germain: Prayer is the act of hoping for the Lord to aid you in times when you have no control. It comes from a deep love and awe of God, and is built upon a sentiment of resentment towards the world. "God, please.." is often interchangeable with "God, why.."
I learned a word!
He says his prayers are always the same: for the world to be a little bit gentler to those who live upon it. But neither of them can really imagine what that would look like.
Ha, Impey and Lupin are shoving each other for space in the crowded ornithopter.
Cardia: You're going to bang into me and melt.
*Impey and Lupin stop shoving*
So the other part of the plan went wrong thanks to Finis's sneaky planning, but this side just has bad luck with the weather.
This whole train section is pretty Lupin/Cardia-ish. Aw he trusts her to take out a soldier but is still impressed by her skill.
*finally remembers to increase the skip speed and this all goes much faster*
Hee the airship race on top speed is just a whole bunch of explosion sound effects and flashing.
In the underground bunker with Saint-Germain!
He finds "something he was looking for, of no real importance" but puts it in the middle of a pile of papers before she can see, and is disingenuously apologetic when she says she's curious. Then he looks a little melancholy about "the impermanence of life". I wonder if it was about her being a bomb (assuming she even is, in this route. It didn't seem to be a thing in Van Helsing's)
So previously the dynamic was: Love interest distracts Finis, Saint-Germain kills him.
But this time Finis remains undistracted and...puts his hand on her cheek, where it begins to melt D:
Finis: Haha, that poison is really powerful. Look at my hand, sister! Any normal person would be screaming in pain XD
As his melting flesh stickily caresses her face, he asks her if she still considers herself human.
And then Saint Germain kills him.
That's right, he says he's with The Apostles of Idea. Is Idea the god they worship, then? Or is it really the Christian God?
Afterwards Saint Germain says "It's not over yet. Finis will continue to be the cause of destruction." His calm smile is so out of place it makes her feel scared. He asks if she's afraid of him and his voice sounds defeated, but when she looks at him the smile is unchanged.
Saint-Germain: I would be afraid in your shoes. But the only thing driving me is the need to protect you.
He offers her his hand, and she takes it.
Cardia attempts to run away from home. Saint-Germain meets her at the gate, saying he just came from a gathering of nobles and learned Twilight is still after her.
But then he says...her decision to leave is correct?? And she shouldn't involve the others.
Cardia: Thank you for everything. Good bye.
Saint-Germain: I said don't involve them. Let's go now before anyone notices we've left.
Aw, then he says she's special to him. I guess he knows his own mind. He also has his own "hideaway", so doesn't need to pack.
Chapter 9: Twilight
As they walk through the forest, Cardia feels like they're disconnected from reality. She wonders about Saint-Germain's background and motivations, and asks him what he thinks of her after seeing the vats: is she creepy or disgusting to him now?
Saint-Germain: I was surprised, but what matters is your words and actions. You are still the kindest and most charming lady I know.
"Even if the Count is lying to me, for now I want to enjoy his thoughtful lies."
He entertains her with stories of other countries. She stops to admire the bright stars and he says "It's because we're so far from the city. The sky itself never changes, no matter how much civilisation advances."
Saint Germain: Would you mind if I vented about something?
*torn between "aw, he asked, and is opening up" and "I cannot imagine a 19th century European aristocrat saying that sentence"*
Saint Germain: A long time ago I made a terrible mistake. I chose the wrong path.
Cardia: Someone as smart as you?
Saint Germain: I'm more foolish than you think. I swore never to commit that crime again, while knowing...I am already committing a different crime.
He apologises for "belly-aching" and even without understanding the original Japanese, I feel pretty confident that's not the best translation. It's like they see-saw between stuffy old fashioned English aristocrat and casual modern US twenty something. Admittedly, I write Jane Austen fanfic, so I'm a bit more aware of this sort of thing, but seriously. Belly-aching.
...did they just walk for 24 hours straight? Did they even eat? It'll be interesting if he's as biologically weird as she is in his own way.
And they end up at an identical mansion. Cardia and I both wonder if he led her in a circle, but no, he just had two identical houses built o.O Saint-Germain, this is not equivalent to Lupin having multiple hideouts, if only because once your enemies recognise one of them, you're screwed. (Also how is the garden so nice, this game really glosses over the practicalities of running a big house. YES IT MATTERS SHH)
He says he likes to keep his routine the same. Knowing their other friends won't be there, it reminds Cardia uncomfortably of her years alone in her own mansion. As she stands in thought at the gates, he puts her hand to his cheek and asks if she really wants to live here, distancing herself from everyone else to keep them safe. Or does she want to trust her friends and stay by their side? And then he says some stuff I found confusing about having to make a decision himself.
TURNS OUT GOING BACK TO HER FRIENDS LEADS TO A BAD END
Thanks, walkthrough, phew.
Aw, ok. She points out that he's here, so she does have a friend she trusts by her side.
Saint-Germain looks taken aback for a moment, then says "Then shall we go inside, before I change my mind", as if mostly to himself.
He makes them a simple dinner using tinned soup etc.
Cardia: Dinner is so quiet now...maybe we should tell the others about this place.
Saint-Germain: I thought you didn't want to get them involved.
Cardia: Yes, but if they think I've been kidnapped they'll worry.
Saint-Germain: You make it sound as if you haven't been kidnapped.
And then he opens his eyes.
Saint-Germain: Lupin and the others are very talented...by the standards of normal humans. But I built this place to never be found.
Saint-Germain, coldly: Everything is already in motion. There's no turning back now.
And then he smiles and says he destroyed the Cardia-poison-detection device. Yes but Twilight has one too?
HE LIED ABOUT TWILIGHT STILL BEING AFTER HER
He gave Finis a "temporary death" in the lab then later gave him a "permanent" one??
(Cardia's response to all this is a series of "Wait, what??"s that he largely ignores)
And he says he's not allowed to talk to her about why she's here?? IT'S TIME COP BUSINESS I GUESS??
Saint-Germain: Finis is stopped, Twilight will probably fall under Victoria's control. None of that carries much significance. The only thing that has meaning to me now is you.
OR MAYBE HE'S JUST BEING RANDOMLY YANDERE??
This is all too much for Cardia and she stands up...and then everything goes fuzzy and she collapses.
GODDAMN GENTLE VOICED PATERNALISTIC LOVE INTERESTS
I WAS SO BUSY WORRYING ABOUT DRUGGED TEA I GOT BLINDSIDED BY DRUGGED SOUP
He fondly says she "must be exhausted" and takes her to her room. IS SHE GOING TO WAKE IN A CAGE. ARE WE DOING THAT AGAIN, OTOMATE.
As he carries her he talks about how seemingly happy folk songs can hide dark truths. And below the surface of her happy days of adventure was the monster named Fate, it's mouth agape, waiting to swallow her whole. And the moment...is now.
The drugs are wearing off but she pretends to still be asleep. Once he's gone she looks around: it's identical to her other bedroom. (And yes this has all allowed the background artist some time off) She's awake, but her body won't move.
And then she hears the Count coming back in. The next choice is "Resist".
Me: Oh no, he's not going to try to rape her is he? ...wait he's holding a dagger, I guess he's going to try to kill her. Phew!
Saint-Germain: Ah, you're awake! That was supposed to last for 10 hours but I suppose it's not surprising that you're different to ordinary people ^_^
Cardia: What's the dagger for?
Saint-Germain: The blade has been poisoned so it can kill without pain. I can see from your face that I don't need to explain what it's for ^_^
Jesus.
She stares at him, frowning, but not afraid.
Saint-Germain: Aren't you scared of me? I just said I was going to end your life.
Cardia: I don't believe the Saint-Germain I know would do that.
Their eyes meet and they stare at each other in silence for a while. Then he says "Would you care to test me?". Cardia sense no hostility from him. She senses no emotion at all.
He hesitates for a moment, closing his eyes in prayer. Barely able to move, she slaps the dagger out of his hand.
(I love their expressions, she's so determined and he's so fond)
Saint-Germain: You caught me off guard, I'm surprised you can move.
Cardia: No I didn't. If you were serious I'd already be dead. Why are you doing this?
Saint-Germain: I'll have to decline. It's a bit grim as a bedtime story.
SAINT-GERMAIN. YOU ARE TRYING. TO STAB HER.
He pins her to the bed with a very suggestive CG, and says she's a butterfly who's been pinned by a spider. He strokes her hair, then moves his hand to her neck (did he get his gloves Cardia-proofed?) As he starts to strangle her he says, calmly, "This is your fault, if you hadn't resisted you could have had a peaceful death."
At first it hurts but then it feels a bit sexy, though Cardia's too distracted to really process it.
His voice trembles as he says it's selfish, but he'd hoped she could have a peaceful death. "I know this is the right path for Fate to travel, so why do I..." He looks like he's in more pain than she is.
Everything starts to go black. Cardia feels like she's falling asleep, but will she ever wake up? Why is Saint-Germain doing this? And why is he hesitating? If she dies, she'll never see him again, and this makes her sad.
Otome heroines never get angry about this sort of thing, and I'm mostly used to it. BUT SERIOUSLY, CARDIA, BE A LITTLE ANGRY. THE DUDE IS STRANGLING YOU TO DEATH!
Chapter 10: Seeker
And of course she wakes up, still in the "familiar" room. Huh, it explicitly says there's Cardia-proof sheets. So he set them up in advance, just in case?
Ok, even she thinks it's weird she doesn't hate him. She knows that logically she should try to escape, but then she'd never see him again. She's frightened, but her desire to hear his side of the story outweighs her fear.
Saint-Germain arrives and cheerfully informs her she can't escape, since (as she'd predicted) he's poison-proofed everything. She sadly thinks she was a fool to ever think she could understand his thoughts, and that they were close.
Cardia asks what's changed: he tried so hard to protect her before.
Saint-Germain, sadly: I don't know why it had to be you. But I will kill you at the next opportunity.
Cardia: Why not now?
Saint-Germain: I don't want you to suffer. It will take me time to prepare another anaesthetised knife.
As he cheerfully goes into the specifics Cardia is struck by how surreal this all is. And then he tells her she has two days of guaranteed safety, but will die at midnight the next day.
Cardia: I can't tell if you're trying to be considerate or terrifying. I used to think I understood you, at least a little.
Saint-Germain: A man's mind is usually a one way ordeal. There is no need to 'get into' the mind of someone trying to kill you. Or to trust me.
Cardia: But I want to trust you. You're my friend.
Saint-Germain, with a surprised expression I have never seen before: You still consider me your friend?
Cardia: I feel like you have a reason for this, and that we can come to an understanding.
Saint-Germain: You are very strange. I...wish we could have met under other circumstances.
And then he leaves.
He later comes back with MORE SOUP. He promises it's not drugged and she decides she might as well trust him.
Saint-Germain: It's strange how calm you are.
Cardia: None of this feels real, it's like a dream.
Saint-Germain: I'm glad, you won't have to feel the cruelty of reality. But why don't you resist?
Cardia: Aren't you a master swordsman? And instead of wasting my time cowering, I want to believe in you until the very last minute, when you take my life.
I am torn between "That's weirdly romantic" and "SPIT ON HIM"
Haha. Also Lupin taught her that the most important thing is to wait for opportunity. He quietly says he wishes he could have been in Lupin's position, and able to save her, instead of only taking things from her.
She explains that she doesn't need to eat, but enjoyed spending time with everyone, especially him. But now...
Saint-Germain: I'll bring you a meal in the evening. I have no right to say this, but those times were special to me too, and I hoped they'd never end.
When he arrives with her dinner, he says it's an excuse to talk to her, as he clings to futile sentiment.
Cardia: Is someone ordering you to do this? You don't seem to be working under your own will.
Saint-Germain: I made the decision to kill you. The guilt should fall on noone's shoulders but mine.
Cardia: Then why do you look so sad?
Saint-Germain: Do I seem sad to you?
Cardia: Yes, and I'm certain I'm right. Because we're...friends.
She silently thinks that there's a formless emotion within her beyond friendship.
Saint-Germain: I probably love those days that I spent with you....no, that's playing it too safe. I probably love you.
Cardia: ...! (does he mean romantically, or...)
Saint-Germain: The days I spent with you remind me of when I was still alive.
Cardia and me: ...wait what
Saint-Germain: I've said too much. I'll bring you another meal in the morning. Tomorrow will be your last day of life. You may want to say your prayers, to make sure you have no regrets.
Cardia: What should I pray to?
Saint-Germain: Something you believe in.
As he leaves, she shouts out "I have many regrets. I don't even know why you're going to kill me."
Saint-Germain: Because there is no other way for you to have a peaceful death. If you must die, it should at least be at my hands. That is your deliverance, and my punishment.
Cardia: I have always wanted to know you better, but it feels like the more we talk lately the less I understand!
Me: He knows you're going to die anyway? That actually seemed pretty clear?
Saint-Germain: You don't need to understand me. You just need to look at the facts, and hate me. Hate me so much it makes you want to kill me.
So my choices are "is that the only way" and "I can't" and I realllly wanted to pick the first one AND THAT'S THE RIGHT CHOICE :D :D :D
TIME TO MURDER HIM TENDERLY I GUESS
(ok probably not)
Aw. She says "If I hate you, will this pain disappear?" *mutters about him offering a perfect opening to try to kill him back*
Saint-Germain: Yes. You should despise me for this crime. It would be easier for me.
She lays awake at night, and thinks "I don't want to die". For her own sake, and to prevent Saint-Germain experiencing lasting trauma. (Aw, she cares about her own sake too! Good for you, Cardia!)
She decides to escape, return to the others, and get them to persuade him. Honey, they may just...try to kill him...
She experiments with her bare hands on the doors, windows, walls etc to no avail. And the glass in the window won't crack. She wears herself out and falls back asleep...and is woken by Saint Germain pulling off her bedsheets and looming over her in bed.
Saint-Germain: Good morning ^_^
He grabs her hands and puts his hand over her mouth.
She stares at him in horror and surprise.
Saint-Germain: Please, don't look at me that way. I'm sorry this is so sudden, but the situation has changed. I can't have you wandering around like last night.
He ties her to a bedpost. His face is close and she can smell a sweet perfume.
Saint-Germain: There is a reason for this. Please stay quiet. You are mine in life and I shall guide you to your death. I won't give you to anyone else, even if the true course of fate desires you...and if he were to find you, I could at least say I had you properly contained.
She finds herself telling him that she's planning to escape, since to stay silent would feel like betraying him. He laughs at her caring about that under the circumstances.
Cardia: And whether or not I escape: Goodbye, Saint-Germain. Whatever happens, I'm still glad you came into my life. You gave me the will to live I have now.
He stares at her for a long time. Then he softly says "Goodbye, Miss Cardia," and leaves the room.
Cardia wonders if she can use whatever's spooked Saint-Germain to her advantage. And she also knows that however well he's prepared for her poison, he hasn't prepared for the skills learned from the Great Thief Lupin. While being tied, she moved her wrists in a way that created space for escaping.
By the time she gets free of the ropes it's after sunset. She finds a bit of metal that hasn't been poison proofed and crafts crude lockpicks. Even the window outside her room has been poison-proofed, though, so she has to sneak her way towards the front door. Just as she's picked it open...she hears Saint-Germain's cry of surprise at seeing her. But she ignores him, closes the door behind her, and runs.
After ten minutes she finds herself in the city: he'd tricked her into thinking this second mansion was much more remote than it actually is. She quickly makes it back to the first mansion, and is cheerfully thinking about what she'll tell everyone (but what if Saint-Germain sent them away?)
She realises she's being watched and then...something huge rushes past and lands right by her in a blast of wind and stone. As the dust clears she sees a giant angry armoured figure, whose silhouette she saw sneaking around the mansion way back on the common route. The thing that landed next to her is it's giant sword. She asks if it's working with Saint-Germain but it just keeps trying to kill her, and is so fast and strong she can't escape.
But then...bullets ring out. It's Van Helsing and Victor come to save her! (Van does the shooting and Fran does the "We've been so worried, are you ok?")
Van Helsing gets injured giving the other two a chance to escape, and the three of them rent a hotel room since the knight knows where they live. Van Helsing and Victor are sharing a room, where Victor treats his wounds, and I can ship it if I want to, shh.
She starts to explain and Victor puts a (poison-proof) finger to her lips, saying everyone else will be here soon and she should just rest. Which is very sweet, but what if she gets kidnapped again and you don't know who it was??
(also part of me is like "Just date Victor, he won't try to kill you even when you're killing him" but anyway)
Since it's getting late, and for once a chapter didn't end on a cliffhanger, I shall stop there. We'll have to see how these crazy kids work things out another day.
Anyway, this has been fun in a ridiculously otome sort of way. He's a terrible boyfriend, but enjoyably so. I hope they don't drag out the whole "He realised she was going to be painfully murdered by the knight, so wanted to let her die peacefully before that" reveal, assuming that is what's going on. I don't put it past them to surprise me again.
Also, my pride makes me mention that I did think he knew she was "supposed" to die early on, and vaguely suspected he might have a duty to help that along, since she's definitely pretty contrary to regular history. But I was not expecting it to be quite so...that.
I had a little bit of a go again at Van Helsing and didn't hate it but still haven't gotten over the huge discrepancy between what I wanted it to be and what it is. So in the meantime am going to play Saint-Germain, who I have no expectations for at all.
And it was quite entertainingly unexpected! I am enjoying it a lot, but I have some dark tastes.
Content Note: HMMM I don't want to totally spoil it but...violence? Unhealthy relationships? Also references to rape in other games I have played, because I thought it might be going that way but it wasn't. And a little gore.
Time for the immortal time travelling alien time cop! Or something! I saw someone say he's "a little yandere but in a joking way" so we'll see how THAT plays out.
It's really hard to summarise Saint-Germain's dialogue because it feels like a lot is happening under the surface, and it's hard to get across the right feel without just transcribing everything. So this is probably going to end up long. Oh well, if you've made it this far you're a glutton for my rambly punishment ;)
Victooooor ;_; Why couldn't Van Helsing's path be like your with all the science and slight subbiness and distinct lack of serial killers ;_;
Haa. Assuming this walkthrough is correct- Victor, Van Helsing AND Saint-Germain all prefer if you pick Victor at the casino. Guess I have to wait for Impey's path to see what happens to make him end up in the Thames.
Ok, time for actual new content. Before that gets going, something you have to understand about Saint-Germain is that he has two expressions/moods: gentle amusement, and polite blankness. The sprites have some variation but they basically all look like this:
Specifically, note that his eyes are closed. So far the only time I've seen them open was that time he stabbed Cardia's brother to death in front of her.
(And this is his full outfit. I hadn't seen the full length sprite before and had a moment of IS HE WEARING SHORTS AND LEGGINGS but no. It's a jacket over tight trousers, alas. But yeah, that is a lot of watches and clock imagery for someone pretending not to be a time cop)
So! Cardia has just asked to have lessons on London geography and social expectations with Saint-Germain.
Lupin: You'll be safe with Saint-Germain, he doesn't look it but he's good in a fight.
Saint-Germain: Of course, I dislike conflict, but I'm not so cowardly as to shy away from a fight if the situation calls for one.
Me, remembering his cold smile as he stabbed Finis: Mmmmm.
Saint Germain shows her around London. Cardia is delighted by all the new sights and information, but observes that Saint-Germain, despite his wealth and kind smiles (a) really doesn't act like most nobles (b) sometimes looks lonely. He blandly says he's (a) an oddball and (b) couldn't possibly be lonely with her by his side.
He talks about the history of London, which is:
1) It was a Roman Settlement (no more information that that)
2) The typical progression of society happened (ditto)
3) Thirteen years ago it deviated from the natural course of history thanks to Isaac Bedford.
Since Saint-Germain seems to be like...a time cop, maybe he's aware of the original timeline (eg ours) and trying to bring things back in line? Considering the ridiculous number of things Isaac invented, and his apparent awareness of the time cops, I wonder if he was a time cop gone rogue.
Also the writers are clearly just...so much less interested in London's actual history than they were in the tiny historical details of individual temples in Japan, haha. Which is fine, it's not like detailed love letters to London are thin on the ground.
Haaa and proving that I am in no position to judge them for being fuzzy on English history: until a glossary entry pointed it out, I didn't realise that Victoria's father being King Edward for a while was an AU. Which implies Isaac isn't the only cause of divergence, unless he was involved with that somehow. Edward's actions caused the sort of international tensions that led to WWI, and Isaac's inventions forestalled that war, but gave Britain an unbalanced amount of power.
Saint-Germain: There is likely a great secret slumbering here in London. Yes...something that turns it's back even on God's teachings.
I wonder if it's actually the Christian God Saint-Germain worships or like...TIME GOD.
Romance-wise, I don't ship them SUPER hard but the dynamic is cute, if a bit paternalistic. He's sort of...distantly flirtatious in a courteous way, and she thinks he's handsome and charming, but mostly they just enjoy each other's company and respect each other's kindness (we'll see how that goes...)
Saint-Germain: Are you nervous before the heist? Have some calming tea.
Me: *eyes suspiciously for drugs*
Cardia: How can I learn to be calm like you?
Saint-Germain: Experience. As you get older, things surprise you less, and you become more centred.
Cardia: You don't look that old.
Saint-Germain: I'm happy to hear you think I look young ^_^ *sips tea*
How old is this guy...
Time to see the other side of the train heist! Instead of a thrilling battle as Van Helsing and Victor beat up soldiers, everyone else...sits around, waiting for the train to show up.
Cardia asks Saint-Germain why he looks so sad, and he says he was praying, something Cardia has never really done.
Saint-Germain: Prayer is the act of hoping for the Lord to aid you in times when you have no control. It comes from a deep love and awe of God, and is built upon a sentiment of resentment towards the world. "God, please.." is often interchangeable with "God, why.."
I learned a word!
He says his prayers are always the same: for the world to be a little bit gentler to those who live upon it. But neither of them can really imagine what that would look like.
Ha, Impey and Lupin are shoving each other for space in the crowded ornithopter.
Cardia: You're going to bang into me and melt.
*Impey and Lupin stop shoving*
So the other part of the plan went wrong thanks to Finis's sneaky planning, but this side just has bad luck with the weather.
This whole train section is pretty Lupin/Cardia-ish. Aw he trusts her to take out a soldier but is still impressed by her skill.
*finally remembers to increase the skip speed and this all goes much faster*
Hee the airship race on top speed is just a whole bunch of explosion sound effects and flashing.
In the underground bunker with Saint-Germain!
He finds "something he was looking for, of no real importance" but puts it in the middle of a pile of papers before she can see, and is disingenuously apologetic when she says she's curious. Then he looks a little melancholy about "the impermanence of life". I wonder if it was about her being a bomb (assuming she even is, in this route. It didn't seem to be a thing in Van Helsing's)
So previously the dynamic was: Love interest distracts Finis, Saint-Germain kills him.
But this time Finis remains undistracted and...puts his hand on her cheek, where it begins to melt D:
Finis: Haha, that poison is really powerful. Look at my hand, sister! Any normal person would be screaming in pain XD
As his melting flesh stickily caresses her face, he asks her if she still considers herself human.
And then Saint Germain kills him.
That's right, he says he's with The Apostles of Idea. Is Idea the god they worship, then? Or is it really the Christian God?
Afterwards Saint Germain says "It's not over yet. Finis will continue to be the cause of destruction." His calm smile is so out of place it makes her feel scared. He asks if she's afraid of him and his voice sounds defeated, but when she looks at him the smile is unchanged.
Saint-Germain: I would be afraid in your shoes. But the only thing driving me is the need to protect you.
He offers her his hand, and she takes it.
Cardia attempts to run away from home. Saint-Germain meets her at the gate, saying he just came from a gathering of nobles and learned Twilight is still after her.
But then he says...her decision to leave is correct?? And she shouldn't involve the others.
Cardia: Thank you for everything. Good bye.
Saint-Germain: I said don't involve them. Let's go now before anyone notices we've left.
Aw, then he says she's special to him. I guess he knows his own mind. He also has his own "hideaway", so doesn't need to pack.
Chapter 9: Twilight
As they walk through the forest, Cardia feels like they're disconnected from reality. She wonders about Saint-Germain's background and motivations, and asks him what he thinks of her after seeing the vats: is she creepy or disgusting to him now?
Saint-Germain: I was surprised, but what matters is your words and actions. You are still the kindest and most charming lady I know.
"Even if the Count is lying to me, for now I want to enjoy his thoughtful lies."
He entertains her with stories of other countries. She stops to admire the bright stars and he says "It's because we're so far from the city. The sky itself never changes, no matter how much civilisation advances."
Saint Germain: Would you mind if I vented about something?
*torn between "aw, he asked, and is opening up" and "I cannot imagine a 19th century European aristocrat saying that sentence"*
Saint Germain: A long time ago I made a terrible mistake. I chose the wrong path.
Cardia: Someone as smart as you?
Saint Germain: I'm more foolish than you think. I swore never to commit that crime again, while knowing...I am already committing a different crime.
He apologises for "belly-aching" and even without understanding the original Japanese, I feel pretty confident that's not the best translation. It's like they see-saw between stuffy old fashioned English aristocrat and casual modern US twenty something. Admittedly, I write Jane Austen fanfic, so I'm a bit more aware of this sort of thing, but seriously. Belly-aching.
...did they just walk for 24 hours straight? Did they even eat? It'll be interesting if he's as biologically weird as she is in his own way.
And they end up at an identical mansion. Cardia and I both wonder if he led her in a circle, but no, he just had two identical houses built o.O Saint-Germain, this is not equivalent to Lupin having multiple hideouts, if only because once your enemies recognise one of them, you're screwed. (Also how is the garden so nice, this game really glosses over the practicalities of running a big house. YES IT MATTERS SHH)
He says he likes to keep his routine the same. Knowing their other friends won't be there, it reminds Cardia uncomfortably of her years alone in her own mansion. As she stands in thought at the gates, he puts her hand to his cheek and asks if she really wants to live here, distancing herself from everyone else to keep them safe. Or does she want to trust her friends and stay by their side? And then he says some stuff I found confusing about having to make a decision himself.
TURNS OUT GOING BACK TO HER FRIENDS LEADS TO A BAD END
Thanks, walkthrough, phew.
Aw, ok. She points out that he's here, so she does have a friend she trusts by her side.
Saint-Germain looks taken aback for a moment, then says "Then shall we go inside, before I change my mind", as if mostly to himself.
He makes them a simple dinner using tinned soup etc.
Cardia: Dinner is so quiet now...maybe we should tell the others about this place.
Saint-Germain: I thought you didn't want to get them involved.
Cardia: Yes, but if they think I've been kidnapped they'll worry.
Saint-Germain: You make it sound as if you haven't been kidnapped.
And then he opens his eyes.
Saint-Germain: Lupin and the others are very talented...by the standards of normal humans. But I built this place to never be found.
Saint-Germain, coldly: Everything is already in motion. There's no turning back now.
And then he smiles and says he destroyed the Cardia-poison-detection device. Yes but Twilight has one too?
HE LIED ABOUT TWILIGHT STILL BEING AFTER HER
He gave Finis a "temporary death" in the lab then later gave him a "permanent" one??
(Cardia's response to all this is a series of "Wait, what??"s that he largely ignores)
And he says he's not allowed to talk to her about why she's here?? IT'S TIME COP BUSINESS I GUESS??
Saint-Germain: Finis is stopped, Twilight will probably fall under Victoria's control. None of that carries much significance. The only thing that has meaning to me now is you.
OR MAYBE HE'S JUST BEING RANDOMLY YANDERE??
This is all too much for Cardia and she stands up...and then everything goes fuzzy and she collapses.
GODDAMN GENTLE VOICED PATERNALISTIC LOVE INTERESTS
I WAS SO BUSY WORRYING ABOUT DRUGGED TEA I GOT BLINDSIDED BY DRUGGED SOUP
He fondly says she "must be exhausted" and takes her to her room. IS SHE GOING TO WAKE IN A CAGE. ARE WE DOING THAT AGAIN, OTOMATE.
As he carries her he talks about how seemingly happy folk songs can hide dark truths. And below the surface of her happy days of adventure was the monster named Fate, it's mouth agape, waiting to swallow her whole. And the moment...is now.
The drugs are wearing off but she pretends to still be asleep. Once he's gone she looks around: it's identical to her other bedroom. (And yes this has all allowed the background artist some time off) She's awake, but her body won't move.
And then she hears the Count coming back in. The next choice is "Resist".
Me: Oh no, he's not going to try to rape her is he? ...wait he's holding a dagger, I guess he's going to try to kill her. Phew!
Saint-Germain: Ah, you're awake! That was supposed to last for 10 hours but I suppose it's not surprising that you're different to ordinary people ^_^
Cardia: What's the dagger for?
Saint-Germain: The blade has been poisoned so it can kill without pain. I can see from your face that I don't need to explain what it's for ^_^
Jesus.
She stares at him, frowning, but not afraid.
Saint-Germain: Aren't you scared of me? I just said I was going to end your life.
Cardia: I don't believe the Saint-Germain I know would do that.
Their eyes meet and they stare at each other in silence for a while. Then he says "Would you care to test me?". Cardia sense no hostility from him. She senses no emotion at all.
He hesitates for a moment, closing his eyes in prayer. Barely able to move, she slaps the dagger out of his hand.
(I love their expressions, she's so determined and he's so fond)
Saint-Germain: You caught me off guard, I'm surprised you can move.
Cardia: No I didn't. If you were serious I'd already be dead. Why are you doing this?
Saint-Germain: I'll have to decline. It's a bit grim as a bedtime story.
SAINT-GERMAIN. YOU ARE TRYING. TO STAB HER.
He pins her to the bed with a very suggestive CG, and says she's a butterfly who's been pinned by a spider. He strokes her hair, then moves his hand to her neck (did he get his gloves Cardia-proofed?) As he starts to strangle her he says, calmly, "This is your fault, if you hadn't resisted you could have had a peaceful death."
At first it hurts but then it feels a bit sexy, though Cardia's too distracted to really process it.
His voice trembles as he says it's selfish, but he'd hoped she could have a peaceful death. "I know this is the right path for Fate to travel, so why do I..." He looks like he's in more pain than she is.
Everything starts to go black. Cardia feels like she's falling asleep, but will she ever wake up? Why is Saint-Germain doing this? And why is he hesitating? If she dies, she'll never see him again, and this makes her sad.
Otome heroines never get angry about this sort of thing, and I'm mostly used to it. BUT SERIOUSLY, CARDIA, BE A LITTLE ANGRY. THE DUDE IS STRANGLING YOU TO DEATH!
Chapter 10: Seeker
And of course she wakes up, still in the "familiar" room. Huh, it explicitly says there's Cardia-proof sheets. So he set them up in advance, just in case?
Ok, even she thinks it's weird she doesn't hate him. She knows that logically she should try to escape, but then she'd never see him again. She's frightened, but her desire to hear his side of the story outweighs her fear.
Saint-Germain arrives and cheerfully informs her she can't escape, since (as she'd predicted) he's poison-proofed everything. She sadly thinks she was a fool to ever think she could understand his thoughts, and that they were close.
Cardia asks what's changed: he tried so hard to protect her before.
Saint-Germain, sadly: I don't know why it had to be you. But I will kill you at the next opportunity.
Cardia: Why not now?
Saint-Germain: I don't want you to suffer. It will take me time to prepare another anaesthetised knife.
As he cheerfully goes into the specifics Cardia is struck by how surreal this all is. And then he tells her she has two days of guaranteed safety, but will die at midnight the next day.
Cardia: I can't tell if you're trying to be considerate or terrifying. I used to think I understood you, at least a little.
Saint-Germain: A man's mind is usually a one way ordeal. There is no need to 'get into' the mind of someone trying to kill you. Or to trust me.
Cardia: But I want to trust you. You're my friend.
Saint-Germain, with a surprised expression I have never seen before: You still consider me your friend?
Cardia: I feel like you have a reason for this, and that we can come to an understanding.
Saint-Germain: You are very strange. I...wish we could have met under other circumstances.
And then he leaves.
He later comes back with MORE SOUP. He promises it's not drugged and she decides she might as well trust him.
Saint-Germain: It's strange how calm you are.
Cardia: None of this feels real, it's like a dream.
Saint-Germain: I'm glad, you won't have to feel the cruelty of reality. But why don't you resist?
Cardia: Aren't you a master swordsman? And instead of wasting my time cowering, I want to believe in you until the very last minute, when you take my life.
I am torn between "That's weirdly romantic" and "SPIT ON HIM"
Haha. Also Lupin taught her that the most important thing is to wait for opportunity. He quietly says he wishes he could have been in Lupin's position, and able to save her, instead of only taking things from her.
She explains that she doesn't need to eat, but enjoyed spending time with everyone, especially him. But now...
Saint-Germain: I'll bring you a meal in the evening. I have no right to say this, but those times were special to me too, and I hoped they'd never end.
When he arrives with her dinner, he says it's an excuse to talk to her, as he clings to futile sentiment.
Cardia: Is someone ordering you to do this? You don't seem to be working under your own will.
Saint-Germain: I made the decision to kill you. The guilt should fall on noone's shoulders but mine.
Cardia: Then why do you look so sad?
Saint-Germain: Do I seem sad to you?
Cardia: Yes, and I'm certain I'm right. Because we're...friends.
She silently thinks that there's a formless emotion within her beyond friendship.
Saint-Germain: I probably love those days that I spent with you....no, that's playing it too safe. I probably love you.
Cardia: ...! (does he mean romantically, or...)
Saint-Germain: The days I spent with you remind me of when I was still alive.
Cardia and me: ...wait what
Saint-Germain: I've said too much. I'll bring you another meal in the morning. Tomorrow will be your last day of life. You may want to say your prayers, to make sure you have no regrets.
Cardia: What should I pray to?
Saint-Germain: Something you believe in.
As he leaves, she shouts out "I have many regrets. I don't even know why you're going to kill me."
Saint-Germain: Because there is no other way for you to have a peaceful death. If you must die, it should at least be at my hands. That is your deliverance, and my punishment.
Cardia: I have always wanted to know you better, but it feels like the more we talk lately the less I understand!
Me: He knows you're going to die anyway? That actually seemed pretty clear?
Saint-Germain: You don't need to understand me. You just need to look at the facts, and hate me. Hate me so much it makes you want to kill me.
So my choices are "is that the only way" and "I can't" and I realllly wanted to pick the first one AND THAT'S THE RIGHT CHOICE :D :D :D
TIME TO MURDER HIM TENDERLY I GUESS
(ok probably not)
Aw. She says "If I hate you, will this pain disappear?" *mutters about him offering a perfect opening to try to kill him back*
Saint-Germain: Yes. You should despise me for this crime. It would be easier for me.
She lays awake at night, and thinks "I don't want to die". For her own sake, and to prevent Saint-Germain experiencing lasting trauma. (Aw, she cares about her own sake too! Good for you, Cardia!)
She decides to escape, return to the others, and get them to persuade him. Honey, they may just...try to kill him...
She experiments with her bare hands on the doors, windows, walls etc to no avail. And the glass in the window won't crack. She wears herself out and falls back asleep...and is woken by Saint Germain pulling off her bedsheets and looming over her in bed.
Saint-Germain: Good morning ^_^
He grabs her hands and puts his hand over her mouth.
She stares at him in horror and surprise.
Saint-Germain: Please, don't look at me that way. I'm sorry this is so sudden, but the situation has changed. I can't have you wandering around like last night.
He ties her to a bedpost. His face is close and she can smell a sweet perfume.
Saint-Germain: There is a reason for this. Please stay quiet. You are mine in life and I shall guide you to your death. I won't give you to anyone else, even if the true course of fate desires you...and if he were to find you, I could at least say I had you properly contained.
She finds herself telling him that she's planning to escape, since to stay silent would feel like betraying him. He laughs at her caring about that under the circumstances.
Cardia: And whether or not I escape: Goodbye, Saint-Germain. Whatever happens, I'm still glad you came into my life. You gave me the will to live I have now.
He stares at her for a long time. Then he softly says "Goodbye, Miss Cardia," and leaves the room.
Cardia wonders if she can use whatever's spooked Saint-Germain to her advantage. And she also knows that however well he's prepared for her poison, he hasn't prepared for the skills learned from the Great Thief Lupin. While being tied, she moved her wrists in a way that created space for escaping.
By the time she gets free of the ropes it's after sunset. She finds a bit of metal that hasn't been poison proofed and crafts crude lockpicks. Even the window outside her room has been poison-proofed, though, so she has to sneak her way towards the front door. Just as she's picked it open...she hears Saint-Germain's cry of surprise at seeing her. But she ignores him, closes the door behind her, and runs.
After ten minutes she finds herself in the city: he'd tricked her into thinking this second mansion was much more remote than it actually is. She quickly makes it back to the first mansion, and is cheerfully thinking about what she'll tell everyone (but what if Saint-Germain sent them away?)
She realises she's being watched and then...something huge rushes past and lands right by her in a blast of wind and stone. As the dust clears she sees a giant angry armoured figure, whose silhouette she saw sneaking around the mansion way back on the common route. The thing that landed next to her is it's giant sword. She asks if it's working with Saint-Germain but it just keeps trying to kill her, and is so fast and strong she can't escape.
But then...bullets ring out. It's Van Helsing and Victor come to save her! (Van does the shooting and Fran does the "We've been so worried, are you ok?")
Van Helsing gets injured giving the other two a chance to escape, and the three of them rent a hotel room since the knight knows where they live. Van Helsing and Victor are sharing a room, where Victor treats his wounds, and I can ship it if I want to, shh.
She starts to explain and Victor puts a (poison-proof) finger to her lips, saying everyone else will be here soon and she should just rest. Which is very sweet, but what if she gets kidnapped again and you don't know who it was??
(also part of me is like "Just date Victor, he won't try to kill you even when you're killing him" but anyway)
Since it's getting late, and for once a chapter didn't end on a cliffhanger, I shall stop there. We'll have to see how these crazy kids work things out another day.
Anyway, this has been fun in a ridiculously otome sort of way. He's a terrible boyfriend, but enjoyably so. I hope they don't drag out the whole "He realised she was going to be painfully murdered by the knight, so wanted to let her die peacefully before that" reveal, assuming that is what's going on. I don't put it past them to surprise me again.
Also, my pride makes me mention that I did think he knew she was "supposed" to die early on, and vaguely suspected he might have a duty to help that along, since she's definitely pretty contrary to regular history. But I was not expecting it to be quite so...that.
