The Tell-Tale Heart

The Tell-Tale Heart is the seventh part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Cat Among Pigeons. It automatically begins after completing Why Do the Heathen Rage?.
==Steps==
# Head to the Dewlight Pavilion
# Go deeper into the Dewlight Pavilion to look for clues
# Look for clues
# Keep looking for clues
==Gameplay Notes==
* This mission uses the Fate's Ensemble system, played from the perspective of Acheron. The game provides her for use as a Story character.
==Dialogue==
===Head to the Dewlight Pavilion===
: Acheron: ...Are your companions worried about you?
: Welt: They're just checking up on me. Let's get in and get out — it seems they've made some progress.
: Welt: ...Looks like we're about to enter the depths of Dewlight Pavilion.
: Acheron: It's been a smooth ride... almost too smooth for a heavily guarded mansion.
: Welt: Let's see if there's anyone waiting to greet us.
===Go deeper into the Dewlight Pavilion to look for clues===
;(Approach marked location)
: Welt: Something feels off... A grand mansion like this and not a butler or servant in sight... Could it be due to the disruption caused by the emergency?
: Welt: ...This door is open — looks like we'll have to investigate ourselves. Let's proceed with caution.
: Acheron: Just one moment.
:Acheron draws her blade slightly. Within a moment, her breath became imperceptible.
: Acheron: ... I've made myself less noticeable. The Crew can explain their presence as authorized by The Family, but I can't come up with any excuses for being here.
: Welt: I see. What an interesting technique.
----
;(Open Acheron: Technique Tutorial)
;(Approach marked location)
: Acheron: The model in the sandpit... it's the Golden Hour, isn't it?
: Welt: Maybe the heads of The Family use that model for discussing important matters.
;(Approach footprints)
: Welt: The footprints here are different from the rest... there are two sets of them. Looks like outsiders might have passed through here not long ago.
;(Investigate footprints, optional)
: Acheron: Can you identify the people who left these footprints?
: Welt: Well... there's a unique pattern here — flamboyant even. And judging by the size, I'd say these were men's shoes.
: Welt: If I'm right... it could be the IPC ambassador, Aventurine.
: Acheron: Aventurine... What about the other set?
: Welt: It looks like they were walking side by side as opposed to one behind the other — so the second individual is likely equal in status to Aventurine.
: Welt: ...The IPC is eager to reclaim Penacony, so their presence here is not unexpected.
;(Approach marked location)
: Acheron: While there aren't any people in this mansion... they've set up quite a few memetic guards to patrol this place.
;(Begin battle against , )
----
;(After the battle)
: Welt: Look, it dropped something.
: Acheron: A... note? Looks like instructions from the butler for the other servants.
: Welt: Seems like the mansion's entire workforce were assigned other tasks... before Robin's death.
: Welt: ...It must have been a big project to require that much manpower... the "Charmony Festival," perhaps.
: Acheron: But no matter what their main priorities are, there should always be someone left at the mansion, right?
: Welt: So, you're saying... someone deliberately cleared the place out?
: Acheron: Yeah, but I don't know why.
----
;(Enter the room)
: Welt: ...No one here either.
: Acheron: Since no one's around to entertain us, let's make ourselves at home. Stay close to me so that my "White" can cover you, too.
===Look for clues===
;(Investigate bookshelf on the right)
;(Quick Read)
::
::Dear Brother,How are you doing these days? I had intended to visit you at Dewlight Pavilion as soon as possible upon my return, but with the approaching Charmony Festival and your busy schedule, I refrained from troubling you. However, an urgent matter compels me to share something with you immediately.Since my return to Penacony, I have experienced a peculiar change in my voice. At first, I thought it was caused by exhaustion or illness, but after consulting with doctors, they assured me of my perfect health and dismissed my concerns. However, my voice worsened over time, and I even experienced periods of complete voice loss.In order to find answers, I conducted many private investigations (using my idle time out of rehearsals, of course). Eventually, I realized that the Harmony in Penacony is not pure. A discord lurking within has tainted my voice of Harmony, which I believe to be the root cause of my vocal issues.I immediately realized that such levels of interference can only occur if either a powerful external force is pulling the strings, or if a senior member of The Family is involved. Unfortunately, further investigation has led me to the latter conclusion.This is an extremely alarming discovery: A traitor has emerged within The Family in Penacony, and it is highly likely that this person is one of the four family heads. (I trust you implicitly, dear brother, because of our promise). With the Charmony Festival on the horizon, I fear this person intends to impede its progress, or even use the festival for some ulterior motive. At any rate, I suggest you monitor the other family heads while also prioritizing your own safety. You are the only true family member I have left.There is another matter that requires our attention. During my investigation, I learned about the Memory Zone Meme "Death," and my further inquiries led me to believe that the culprit who directed it to cause this series of incidents is likely the aforementioned traitor in The Family. I have collected more clues and am prepared to verify my hypothesis. Rest assured, you can just focus on the preparations for the Charmony Festival. Once I've thoroughly investigated "Death," I'll come and meet you immediately. It won't take too long.Given your heavy workload, please take care of yourself. Don't stay in the Dreamscape all the time. Spend some time in reality when you are free. I've brought some more specialties from other galaxies: Giantmoa pudding tarts from Morillons, wild strawberries from Akonyako (known for their exceptional size and sweetness, which I'm certain you'll enjoy), and almond meringue cream cracknels from Medicia. Don't forget to enjoy them!May Xipe be with us!Your sister,Robin
: Welt: As soon as I and the rest of the Crew arrived in Penacony, Mr. Sunday and Robin showed up to greet us. I remember hearing something unusual in her voice... and now it seems I was right.
: Acheron: Robin believed it was because the Harmony had been tampered with somehow, but as far as I know, there aren't many entities capable of interfering with the power of Paths.
: Welt: Meaning...
: Acheron: If there really is a traitor within The Family... that person must hold a high position or possess unimaginable strength.
: Welt: That would explain why Mr. Sunday has been having such difficulty in catching the traitor.
----
;(Investigate first bookshelf on the left)
;(Quick Read)
::
::Ansorol, a male Halovian, was dragged into the sea by an unknown meme while sunbathing on the beach in the Moment of Oasis. Subsequent search and rescue operations proved unsuccessful.Note: This was the first case. Can't tell if anything is wrong. Insufficient investigation?Mouri, a male from Xianzhou, entered a Spheroid in Golden Hour and mysteriously disappeared while the Spheroid was bouncing in air. Later examinations showed no signs of forced entry or exit on the Spheroid.Note: It seems the culprit can ignore physical barriers. Conventional investigation methods feasible?Emaka, a female human, participated in a talent show in the Moment of Scorchsand but accidentally fell off the stage before the judges turned around and disappeared in the shadows below. The footage for that episode of the show has been deleted.Note: The culprit is swift and skilled at disguises. Caution is advised.Weber, a male Pepeshi, fell down when entering his office on payday in Gilded Hour, and was killed by an unknown meme that suddenly appeared. The memories of witnesses have been processed.Note: Preferring to attack wounded or vulnerable individuals? Uncertain. May be taking orders from someone else.Chemmet, a male Pepeshi, was taken away while flipping over a card at a casino in the Moment of Stars. The casino staff has dealt with the aftermath of the incident.Note: Flipping a card. Interesting.Dekem, a male human, jumped into the ocean of dream bubbles in Blue Hour in an attempt to impress his girlfriend but got entangled by an unknown meme under the sea and drowned. His girlfriend's memories have been processed, but the outcomes are not satisfactory. Further intervention from Motivators may be necessary.Note: Most cases are related to the ocean. Could this be a breakthrough?Additional Note: Scratch that. After checking, only two cases were related to the ocean.Caixia, a female Foxian, was engulfed by an unknown meme while playing Dreamy Slots in Golden Hour. The incident caused a huge commotion at the spot. The memories of most witnesses have been processed.Note: Could it be the Sweet Dreams Troupe? Does it have the ability to imitate and learn? Multiple culprits? There is likely a mastermind behind the scenes.Kambega, a male Bloodhound, was attacked by an unknown meme before his shift change in the Moment of Serenity, resulting in his death after a fight. Security measures have been enhanced in the prison area.Note: No notable details in this case. Need to ask the Bloodhound Family to strengthen defenses in the prison and other facilities.Janet, a female human, disappeared while visiting the film history gallery at the museum in the Moment of Sol. She was drawn towards a mysterious sound calling to her and walked into a screen, vanishing without a trace. The site has been cordoned off.Note: This is the only case where the culprit demonstrated speech ability. Further verification is required to determine if this is a false claim.Monk, a male Intellitron, was attacked while replacing his newly purchased high-grade vision sensor in the auction at the Moment of Dusk.Note: Vision sensor? Noteworthy.Annette, a female Pepeshi, vanished while touching up her makeup in the bathroom before the graduation ceremony at Paperfold Academy in the Moment of Sol. She was caught by a meme into a mirror and disappeared, witnessed by a teacher at the scene.Note: Mirror? Noteworthy. Current hypothesis is related to sight.Chloe, a female Intellitron, was attacked by a meme and disappeared when she blew out the candles during her birthday celebration with her friends in Blue Hour. All witnesses are currently receiving treatment from Motivators.Note: More attacks occurred in dark or dim environments. Is "sight" really a trigger?Carissa, a female Halovian, was harassed by a fervent fan backstage before her performance in the Moment of Scorchsand and was subsequently abducted by a meme during her escape. The Bloodhound Family has apprehended the fan.Note: Abducted? Keep a lookout for this fervent fan.Dorian, a male human, took a nap before the end of his shift in the Moment of Daybreak without telling his managers and was abducted by an unknown meme hiding under a chair. Emergency intervention was provided, and production at the factory has resumed as usual.Note: Taking a nap? Plus, consider discussing with the Alfalfa Family about increased vacation time and additional breaks for workers.Marlowe, a male human, disappeared after being involved in a car accident in Golden Hour. Witnesses reported the presence of an eerie meme who fled underground at the scene of the accident.Note: This is a genuine case of "Death." The meme must be connected to concepts such as death and murder....*This list comprises over a hundred cases related to the Memory Zone Meme "Death." However, the author of the list seems to still struggle with figuring out the pattern.
: Acheron: The information about Robin, Firefly... and the other victims... I don't see any commonalities among them.
: Welt: Looks like the rumors were right — "Death" does seem to be targeting random victims. And based on Sunday's notes... he's no stranger to "Death."
: Acheron: He's just surprised that it has resurfaced.
----
;(Investigate second bookshelf on the left)
:
: Acheron: This Light Cone... is securely guarded. It must hold some important memories.
: Welt: According to Robin's interview, despite having performed on so many grand stages, her favorite performance was a pretend show she put on with her brother when they were just kids.
: Acheron: I wonder how their relationship is now.
: Welt: Growing up brings gains, but also losses.
: Acheron: Yeah, time has a way of smoothing things out. The beautiful dreams of youth... will eventually fade away.
===Keep looking for clues===
;(Investigate paper on table)
;(Quick Read)
::
::To Sunday,I have been informed about Robin, and I would like to express my deepest condolences. However, I must remind you that you now hold the position of not only her elder brother but also the head of the Oak Family. Your every action has implications for all of Penacony.As Penacony is going through a critical period, it is crucial that you do not allow your hatred to cloud your judgment, and be cautious not to engage in activities that others can use against you as leverage. I heard that you are planning to dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to find "Death." Such action does not serve the best interests of The Family as a whole, and I strongly advise you to reconsider it to avoid potential impeachments from other family heads.While you are convinced that "Death" is connected to the Watchmaker, I have met that Watchmaker many times long before the Dreammaster adopted you and your sister, and I have never found any evidence linking him to that Memory Zone Meme. Now that you are the head of the Oak Family, it is essential that you assess the situation objectively and consider the bigger picture. It is unwise to allocate all of Penacony's resources and manpower for the sake of a personal vendetta, as this would bring dishonor to the Great One!The Charmony Festival is on the horizon, and the Watchmaker's guests are all barely holding back their own agendas. Neither you nor I could face the severe consequences if Dominicus' arrival is delayed. Therefore, I urge you to control your emotions and fulfill your responsibilities as the head of the Oak Family, focusing only on the Festival and avoiding any interference from external sources. In addition, we must not neglect the honored guests invited by the Watchmaker, as mishandling this matter could lead to diplomatic conflicts with other major factions, involving us in disputes that could have been avoided. As your elder, I hope you comprehend the gravity of the situation and handle it appropriately.As for the matter of Robin, there would be time to pursue it once the Festival concludes. By then, I will provide you with the necessary resources and manpower in the name of the Alfalfa Family to help you get your revenge.Additionally, I have heard rumors that the Dreammaster is not entirely pleased with your recent activities. I advise you to conduct yourself with caution.Yours sincerely,Old Oti
: Welt: It seems neither the Dreammaster of Penacony nor this Old Oti is happy with Sunday's recent performance.
: Acheron: They don't seem to care much about "Death"... Instead, they're more concerned about the Charmony Festival and the Watchmaker.
: Welt: Maybe the other Family heads don't think "Death" is a big deal... One thing's for sure — there's a lot of internal conflict within The Family, and everybody has their own agenda.
----
;(Investigate stack of papers on table)
;(Quick Read)
::
::Esteemed Head of the Oak Family,The investigation into all the suspects involved in the "Death" case has been concluded. The findings are summarized below for your review.Respectfully yours,Esmay DrottAttachment:Ryan, a general staff from the Oak Family, short gray hair, leading a laid-back lifestyle, often caught slacking off at work.Percy, a diplomatic clerk from the Oak Family, dark curly hair, suffering from severe OCD, unable to work until his tie is tied and checked five times.Reshi, a diplomatic clerk from the Oak Family, long gray hair, a devoted fan of Clockie, exhibits a preference for the clock element in almost all aspects of life.Connor, a professor at Paperfold Academy, short red hair, rumored by students to be an enigmatic figure due to his unkempt appearance.Doriani, a professor at Paperfold Academy, short gray hair, known among students for bringing cigarettes to class instead of textbooks.Pururu, a researcher from the Nightingale Family, long blonde hair, known for being obsessed with soda and having the research lab's trashcan filled with empty drink cans.Benny, a Dreamscape Producer from the Nightingale Family, curly brown hair, frail and thin, exhibiting an almost fanatical affection for dream construction.Maureen, a Dreamweaver from the Nightingale Family, short gray hair, standard stature for Pepeshi adults, possesses a collector's fetish, particularly fond of mugs and jugs.Sir Whittaker, the head of the Nightingale Family, short black hair, distinguished by his rare orange pupils.Patt, a renowned actor from the Iris Family, short gray hair, featured in numerous classic films and TV shows, known for his distinctive thigh band.Borridge, an actor from the Iris Family, short black hair, frequently cast in gangster-themed films, widely acclaimed for his performances in close-quarters combat scenes.Nader, a drinksmith from the Iris Family, short blond hair, enjoying a good reputation among tourists for his engaging conversations.Carrie, an actress from the Iris Family, long pale hair, known for crossdressing in films to play suit-clad male protagonists, affectionately called by her fans as the Gray Beauty.Brendan, a guard from the Bloodhound Family, short brown hair, awarded a medallion for rescuing ten stranded tourists in an incident caused by a meme.Carter, a security officer from the Bloodhound Family, short blond hair, small stature, often spending his leisure time at casinos in the Moment of Stars.Woolsey, the captain of Bloodhound Guardians, short blond hair, a stocky man bearing several scars from previous encounters with memes.Olomu, a detective from the Bloodhound Family, short black hair, known for his unkempt stubble and excellent undercover work and investigations within underground gangs.Corinna, an agent from the Bloodhound Family, long gray hair, nicknamed "Fireball" by underground gangs due to her tendency to wear all-red attire while enforcing the law.Melanie, a reporter from the Alfalfa Family, short blonde hair, standard Pepeshi stature, exhibiting a mental age beyond her actual years.Gabe, a gambling agent from the Alfalfa Family, short black hair, standard Pepeshi stature, used to enjoy a candy before a gamble starts.Lothric, a hotel butler from the Alfalfa Family, dark curly hair, tall stature, possessing a sense of humor that attracts numerous VIP customers.Lester, an auction trader from the Alfalfa Family, gray curly hair, medium stature, regularly indulging in a Sweet Dream Special after work.Gnaghi, a project manager from the Alfalfa Family, long blonde hair, a shorter-than-average Pepeshi, maintains a calm demeanor that has generated a lot of revenue for The Family....*There are a total of 52 suspects on the list, followed by Sunday's note. "Perhaps there is a common thread among them. I have reached a conclusion."
: Acheron: Mr. Sunday has done some serious research on his suspects... This traitor must have been causing trouble for The Family for a long time.
: Welt: They all seem to be insiders... but I haven't met any of them.
: Acheron: Huh? Wait, these characteristics...
: Welt: What is it?
: Acheron: No, nothing... Maybe I'm just overthinking things... However, if this traitor really exists, could they be responsible for Firefly and Robin's deaths?
: Welt: Perhaps that's why Sunday is taking this matter so seriously.
----
: Acheron: That's all for now... Nothing more noteworthy.
: Welt: Before coming here, I had all sorts of scenarios in my head about dealing with The Family... I did not expect an empty mansion...
: Acheron: ...Watch out. Someone's approaching.
----
: Sunday: I don't think trespassing on forbidden areas is the way to be a guest, Mr. Yang, and...
: Sunday: ...Acheron, the Galaxy Ranger?
: Welt: Our apologies, Mr. Sunday. Nobody came to greet us, so we entered without permission. I hope you can forgive us.
: Sunday: But even if there's no one to greet you, you should wait for the host, don't you agree?
: Sunday: Even without the famous Galaxy Ranger... as far as I know, the Crew has officially accepted The Family's commission, so coming here will be unnecessary for you.
: Welt: On the contrary, that's exactly why we're here. To ask you about the case and gather more information — we don't want any loose ends.
: Sunday: ...Well, since you've come with goodwill, I have no reason to show you the door.
: Acheron: 
: Sunday: While the truth remains a mystery, I'm getting close to it. I assure you that the traitor will soon pay the price.
: Welt: Let's hope justice will prevail soon. I have a question for you, if you don't mind: How did The Family come to the conclusion that the murderer was within The Family?
: Welt: With all due respect, it's in the IPC's interest to wreak havoc before the Charmony Festival... and The Family has every reason to suspect the IPC's involvement.
: Sunday: Well, other Family heads share the same suspicions as you, but in my opinion, the true murderer would never have drawn as much attention as that ambassador did... Not to mention I personally shackled him a while ago.
: Sunday: However, I'll give you a suggestion regarding your suspicions, Mr. Yang. You should be more cautious of Aventurine... While the wicked can't break through high walls, they can plunge their evil dagger into the heart of the righteous.
: Sunday: He's a businessman, not some philanthropist. But right now, he's out there handing out his wealth on the streets, and he went to the Clock Studios Theme Park all by himself. Who knows what kind of scheme he's cooking up...?
: Sunday: While The Family is dedicated to keeping our guests safe, it might be wise for you to stay alert.
: Sunday: You never know... what unexpected troubles could arise.
----
:Switching to Aventurine's POV...
:Aventurine seems convinced that he has obtained some key clues and victory is at hand. However, can he really last until the moment he climbs onto Clock Studios Theme Park's stage?
==Trivia==
*The name of this mission is a reference to 's .
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