Professor Layton and the Living Dead
Chapter 6: Catching up
Descole was pacing back and forth in his room, trying to make sense of what he has seen. The red haired woman, she was so much like Scarlett: her gestures, her mimic, her mannerisms, yet, she couldn't be Scarlett, his Scarlett.
"Well, you seem distressed.", Descole could here Sycamore's voice. He held his head, growling.
"Shut up! I don't need you right now, Sycamore! I have more important things to take care of.", Descole said, basically hissing at the voice in his head.
"What would that be, Jean? Raymond takes care of everything.", Sycamore stated, it sounded a bit condescending. Descole just growled. Sycamore was right, Raymond took care of pretty much anything: Cooking, cleaning, laundry….Descole was grateful to have Raymond, he had been with him through tough times. One of these days, he will tell Raymond that he appreciated everything he did for Descole.
"I need to figure out what Layton can tell me about this mystery. He needs my help, yet I have no idea how far he has already cracked this case.", Descole was calm, Sycamore's voice forgotten as he left the room and was looking for Layton.
Raymond had lead everyone to their rooms, and since Descole hadn't specified which rooms should be used, he took it upon himself to give everyone a room he thought would fit best for them. While Scarlett and Flora set up in their rooms, Layton decided to explore the castle a bit. The paintings were something he was pretty intrigued by, so he decided to study the one in the main hall. Layton walked to the main hall and looked at the painting. The painting showed a woman that looked almost identical to Scarlett: Bright red hair, sapphire blue eyes, fair skin. Layton had to admit, she was beautiful.
"She is beautiful, isn't she:", Layton turned to the word, seeing Descole standing there. He looked a bit melancholic.
"I agree. A truly beautiful woman. Who is she?", Layton stated, curiosity in his voice. Descole walked to the painting, placing a hand on the canvas.
"She was the woman I did everything for. My angel, my muse…..", Descole's voice had a hint of hurt, so Layton connected the dots.
"She was your wife.", Layton replied. Descole didn't react, so Layton assumed he was right.
"What do you already know of the woman with you: I would like to be caught up, Professor.", Descole changed the topic, confirming Layton's suspicion.
"As far as I understand, her name is Scarlett Alister, she used to be married to an archaeologist and according to her father, had a daughter. I do believe that she is your wife, Professor Sycamore.", Layton explained. Descole growled as Layton called him by the name he had put away since he lost his family.
"Layton, call me Descole. Professor Desmond Sycamore has died the day that his family died.", Descole stood firm in this decision.
"My apologies, Descole. So, will you help me figure it out?", Layton offered his hand to his rival and brother.
"What if I refuse?", Descole asked, raising an eyebrow, though it was hard to tell under the mask.
"Well, if she really is your wife, Descole, it would probably be a good idea for you to unlock her memories.", Layton said. Descole looked at Layton and huffed. His brother was right, if the Scarlett that is here is his Scarlett, then it would be better if he was involved in this.
"Well then, I will help you, Layton.", Descole smiled, taking Layton's hand to agree on helping him discover the secrets of the red haired woman.
"Now then, how about I offer you some wine or tea? We haven't had the opportunity to talk like this in 3 years, Layton.", Descole offered, gesturing to a door leading to a salon. Layton accepted the offer and the two man went into the room.
Descole poured himself some wine and prepared tea for Layton before sitting down in the armchair across from Layton, putting down the wine on the table.
"How come Luke has went to America? Did he not want to be here any more?", Descole asked, before standing up and get Layton his tea.
"well, Clark had gotten work in America, so the Triton family had to move.", Layton stated, taking the tea from Descole.
"You must tell me why little Lady Reinhold is with you now. I imagined her father would take care of her.", Descole took a sip from his wine. Layton was surprised hearing that Descole knew of Baron Reinhold, and knew Flora's last name. Sensing his surprise, Descole decided to disclose information about his past.
"I apologize, I understand that me knowing of Baron Augustus Reinhold is surprising to you. Let me enlighten you, Brother. After you have been adopted with my name, I had taken over your name and left the family home after I had packed some things. Soon, I was adopted myself, have gotten the name Desmond Sycamore by my adoptive parents. Simon and Natasha Sycamore are rich people, part of the high society. They have held all sorts of parties, inviting all sorts of people. I have never been a big fan of such gatherings, but as the heir of the Sycamore fortune I had to attend. There I have met Lord and Lady Ascot but also Baron Reinhold and his wife Viola. Flora looks quite a lot like both her parents.", Descole explained. Layton nodded, having understood where his brother have been coming from.
"How have your parents reacted bringing home your wife for the first time?", Layton wanted to know. Descole drank from his wine again, trying to find the right words.
"My father didn't care much. My mother, however, wasn't very happy about it. She hated that I have fallen in love with a woman from the working class. My mother would've liked me marrying the daughter of a friend of hers. I must admit, as pretty as Olivia Winchester was, I'd rather marry out of love than out of convenience.", Descole said truthfully. He had a natural charisma, there was no denying that, but as much as he enjoyed the attention he would get from women, Descole had never been unfaithful, even if his wife wasn't with him any more.
"I wouldn't have thought you would have such thoughts about relationships.", Layton had a surprised look on his face. Descole chuckled. He could understand Layton's surprise.
"I have standards, Layton.", Descole stated. The two brothers sat there in silence for a moment.
The two brothers caught up some more. Talking about the several adventures that Layton had and what Descole had been up to. Soon, they have been so invested in the conevrsation, that Raymond had to remind the men that they should probably head to bed, especially now that Descole had finished a whole bottle of wine. Ton and Descole headed to their rooms to retire for the night.