Garofano

The subject can easily stab the needle into any part of an object. Once the ability kicks in, the item begins to degrade by Mania starting from where the needle touched, crumbling away to nothing. The subject decides how fast and how much it corrodes. And even if you pull out the needle, there's no stopping the damage.

Once just a regular Eastside dweller, her life took a dark twist when Mania unexpectedly hit home. The subject was the sole survivor of that fateful day. Amid the chaos, the subject was infected with Mania, transforming into a Sinner.

On the outside, there's nothing out of the ordinary. But given the subject's knack for disguise and strong mental composure, it's tough to gauge if the subject's grappling with deep-seated psychological issues. Still, the occasional hints of paranoia hint that the chaos left an enduring mark on the subject's psyche.

A young widow running a tailor shop has been unmasked as an undercover spy for the Garden organization. She's adept at blending in, winning over her targets, and achieving her goals. Her actions have deep ties, implicating many top figures. We need to bring her in for questioning right away.

Upon close examination, we learned that a tragic family event has fueled a strong resentment and mistrust for the FAC's top brass. This drove her to team up with the Garden, seeking a chance for payback. Additionally, she's become overly protective of her loved ones, showing an intense desire to shield them. However, since being brought in and experiencing the soothing environment of the Bureau, combined with Chief's comforting words, she's cooled down and seems to have found a new place where she belongs.

The prime suspect in a messy inheritance-related murder, the subject is taken into custody by the Public Security Bureau following standard procedures. Given the Sinner status, the subject is temporarily moved to the MBCC for special handling during the investigation.

The subject ran a popular tailor shop in Eastside earning the trust and respect of the local folks for her unmatched skills and genuine nature. But when Younger Mr. Braun claimed she was behind her husband's death, a wave of skepticism swept the community. Yet, the moment her secret life as a Sinner came to life, all the supporting voices disappeared overnight.

According to the subject's statement, her home had once been subjected to a sudden and catastrophic Mania attack. Amidst the chaos, the only thing she managed to hold onto was a button from her younger brother's coat. She wears it close to her heart every day, claiming it brings the warmth and presence of her family around her.

The subject unveils a dark secret behind her awakening: Top brass from FAC had covertly ordered their dad to move a corrupting Mania substance without him knowing. This act morphed him into a Corruptor right in their own home, sparking a family tragedy. Fueled by a thirst for vengeance, the subject aligned with the Garden and has, so far, exacted revenge on every key player linked to this horror.

Garofano is arrested as the primary suspect for the murder of her husband, Mr. Braun, who was killed after being impaled with a poisoned needle. Upon discovery that she is a Sinner, she is transferred to the MBCC for custody while awaiting her trial. While reviewing the case files, the Chief notices that the investigation was conducted quickly and shoddily, concluding her guilt as soon as they discovered that she was a Sinner. The Chief decides to interrogate Garofano, not because they believe in her innocence, but in order to be sure that due process is done. Garofano explains that she was never really married to Braun; rather, he took her in after her family was killed in a Mania incident, and they formed a partnership so that she could take care of him in his old age. Garofano appeals to the Chief’s sympathy by claiming that she has already experienced what it is like to lose her loved ones, and would never want that again. She also claims that, unlike was is stated in the Chief’s case files, she did not stand to inherit anything from Braun’s death, and that his inheritance will now transfer to his younger brother. The Chief remains unconvinced that she is innocent, but commits to filing an application to delay her trial while they look further into her case.

Through Garofano's heartfelt confession, you learn about her untold truths and the grief of losing her loved ones. Compelled by her story, you vow to get to the bottom of the ase and clear her name.

The Chief receives a call from the Public Security Bureau requesting that they retract their application and allow Garofano’s trial to take place on the original date. Finding this suspicious, the Chief refuses and reiterates their responsibility to fully investigate any case involving Sinners. They go to Garofano’s cell and ask her about Braun’s brother; she explains that the brothers had a difficult relationship due to the younger's gambling habit. He also hated Garofano, but she confusedly recounts how he had recently ordered a custom suit from her tailor shop, come in for several appointments, but then never picked up the finished garment. Nightingale's investigation reveals that the PSB officer in charge of the case and the official who did the autopsy on Mr. Braun are both closely affiliated with Braun's younger brother, and had even ordered the poison that was used in his murder.

With this information, the Chief is able to present the evidence to the court and prove Garofano's innocence. They tell Garofano that her name has been cleared, but also break the news that that doesn't mean she can return to her former life. Because she is a Sinner, she still must stay within the MBCC's detention. Garofano takes this well, saying that she has already begun to feel like the Bureau is her new home; she gets along well with the other Sinners, doing things for them like repairing Hella's knit hat. She requests that if she is to stay at the Bureau, that she first go with the Chief to retrieve some objects and materials from her old shop.

As the truth shatters past misconceptions, new connections emerge. You not only help Garofano reclaim her reputation but also welcome her as part of your family.

Garofano and the Chief return to her tailor shop, but are unexpectedly attacked by a gang of thugs led by Braun's brother. They flee out the back, but the Chief is shot in the arm with a Mania bullet. Garofano treats their wound, and the Chief urges her to run and call for backup while the Chief holds off their pursuers. However, they quickly become paralyzed as Garofano reveals that she dressed their wound with an immobilizing poison. She confesses that she is an operative of the Garden, and quickly murders their pursuers while the Chief watches in horror.

Garofano tells the Chief that she first came to the Bureau to get revenge for the way that the MBCC detains Sinners. However, upon meeting the Chief, she was impressed by their compassion for their detainees. She says that the Chief told her the MBCC could be her new family, and that all she's doing now is protecting her family. She seems hurt that the Chief doesn't trust her after realizing that she is from the Garden, but the Chief doesn't budge. Garofano decides that if they are wary of her true face, that she should revert back to the version of her that the Chief did trust, and readily agrees to go back to the Bureau.

Back in confinement, Garofano again shows no sign of her alter ego as a merciless assassin. When the Chief visits her again, they confess that they can't trust her as long as they don't know if she's telling the truth. Garofano replies that maybe everything she had said before was true, and that the best deceptions blend both truth and lies. She says that she could have saved her siblings when her father became a Corruptor, but she hesitated and lost the chance -- thus, she never hesitates to use extreme methods. Garofano acknowledges that the Chief can't tell her now whether or not they'll be able to trust her in the future, but she hopes that they will have an answer for her soon.

It is revealed that this conversation takes place on March 13 of NF 113, the day before the Chief went on a mission to investigate to remains of BR-004 in Syndicate. They did not return, as Rustfire rebellion began shortly after, and the Chief was martyred, fell into a coma and was believed dead. The following month, Garofano escaped from the Bureau and went missing.

A skilled seamstress, a kind-hearted widow, a member of the Garden... All these roles are embodied by "Garofano."
You grapple with discerning the truth from potential deceptions, but those genuine eyes of hers are hard to overlook. Time is on your side, and eventually, it will unveil the truth.

After being brought onboard, the subject admits she's not cut out for the front lines and instead volunteers to help with behind-the-scenes tasks. The team can't help but admire her gentle touch, patience, and reliable way of getting things done.

The subject often requests sewing supplies from the Supply Office, supposedly because she's inundated with outfit requests from both Sinners and staff. Chief has put out several notices to address this, but things haven't changed much.

The subject has a big heart for every Sinner, going the extra mile for the younger ones. Folks often say she has a strong motherly vibe. Beyond always being up for any tailoring tasks, she's known to share their homemade treats and homey wisdom, making her a favorite around the Bureau.

The subject once crafted a shirt for Chief. Investigations reveal it's the only personal item left behind during the subject's escape. Though security cleared the shirt of threats, a withered carnation lay hidden inside.

[Garofano holds a bouquet of carnations.]

Garofano: What color of flowers do you think I should use to decorate the room today?

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Red, it's more vibrant.
• Garofano: Hmm... Looking at it does indeed improve one's mood.
• Garofano: 😘

• Prompt: I can't decide... Just pick whatever you like.
• Garofano: Ah... It's really a tough decision.
• Garofano: 😖

[Garofano caresses a soft fabric.]

Garofano: I plan to use it to make a set of pajamas for you. I think it will fit perfectly.

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Thank you, I'm sure it will be very nice
• Garofano: I hope it can give you a better rest.
• Garofano: 😉

• Prompt: Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you?
• Garofano: Why would it be? I even wish... I could do more for you.
• Garofano: 😘

⚠ Gossip Master

The "consultation room" that Garofano set up in the Bureau is extremely popular.

System Notifications: The "consultation room" that Garofano set up in the Bureau is extremely popular. If you haven't been there yourself, you'd never guess it's the hottest gossip hub in the Bureau.

• Prompt: Turns out everyone has a hidden side...

⚠ New Year Gift

You have received a New Year gift from Garofano.

System Notifications: As the New Year rolls in, Garofano, with her tailoring magic, whips up patterned knit gloves for everyone in the Bureau. But oddly enough, only yours are without a design.

• Prompt: What a mysterious person...

⚠ Special Tutoring

Some newbie Sinners at the Bureau are a bit clueless about handling covert ops.

System Notifications: You ask Garofano to coach some of our rookie Sinners on the ins and outs of "Going Undercover." Without a moment's hesitation, she is all in, keen on spilling all her secrets and tips to the young guns.

• Prompt: Thank you!

⚠⚠ Important Person

There's a small hole in your uniform.

Chief: Ugh... my uniform has a tear...

System Notifications: If that button hadn't hit the floor as you stood up, you probably wouldn't spot this tiny hole that seems to come out of nowhere on your outfit.

• Prompt: Try to fix it

System Notifications: Maybe you're just too worn out, but you managed to rip another hole in your already torn uniform.

Chief: This isn't going to work...

• Prompt: Call for help

Chief: With work tomorrow, I'll need to hit up Garofano for some help.

System Notifications: When you find Garofano, she immediately puts her task on hold and eagerly assists you, giving you a sense of warmth.

Garofano: As the head of the Bureau, you've got to always mind your image, right?

Garofano: ...Here, drink this and you'll have a good night's sleep.

System Notifications: Taking the uniform from you, Garofano doesn't dive straight into the repairs. First, she serves you a piping hot mug of cocoa. You cradle the warm drink, sitting on the side, as you watch Garofano carefully patch up the old school uniform, one stitch at a time.

Chief: Thank you, Garofano.

Garofano: Chief, got anyone in your life who means the world to you?

Chief: Well... I guess I do.

Garofano: Funny enough, as I patch up your outfit, memories of that certain someone come flooding back.

Garofano: Feels like I was just sewing for them like this, right up until...

Garofano: Forget it, let's not talk about the past. Here.

System Notifications: She hands you a uniform that is as shiny and new as if it had never been mended.

Chief: You've got some serious skills, Garofano.

Chief: If you ever want to chat, feel free to come to me.

Garofano: Heh, that's something I should be saying to you, Chief.

⚠⚠ My Wardrobe

You bump into Garofano at the cafeteria during lunchtime.

System Notifications: You bump into Garofano at the cafeteria during lunchtime. The instant she sees you, she's like, "Hey, come grab a bite with me!"

• Prompt: Take a seat, and catch up for a bit

Chief: Garofano, wasn't it "Mrs. Braun" you used as your cover name when you first came around?

Garofano: Of course, Chief.

Chief: I'm a bit curious...

Garofano: Hmm? Got any info you'd like me to look into, Chief? For you, I'd knock 30% off my usual rate.

Chief: Honestly, I'm just curious. How many fake IDs do you have up your sleeve? How'd you make them so bulletproof?

System Notifications: Garofano takes a sip of her espresso, giving you a teasing look.

Garofano: Come on. I was expecting you to pry about Nightingale's hidden crush... or something along those lines.

Garofano: ...Let's put it this way, Chief, do you count how many clothes you have in your wardrobe?

Chief: Now that you mention it, I've never really counted... Wait a minute, Nightingale has a crush?!

Garofano: But every piece of clothing you own is something you cherish, isn't it?

Chief: Indeed... but Nightingale...

Garofano: The same principle applies to my identities. But I can't tell you how I obtained them, they are my trade secrets.

Garofano: But have you ever thought that maybe each of my aliases is inspired by a real person?

Garofano: Maybe the reason they're so bulletproof is that they've all, at some point, truly lived in a corner of this world.

Chief: So that's how it is... So Nightingale...

Garofano: I've finished eating, let's chat more next time, Chief.

System Notifications: After saying this, she picks up her empty tray and leaves, leaving behind a mysterious silhouette.

⚠⚠⚠ Be Careful!

On a laid-back weekend afternoon, you decide to pop into the library to grab a book to dive into.

System Notifications: On a rare, free weekend afternoon, you head to the library hoping to find a good read. There, you unexpectedly bump into Garofano, who's also on the hunt for a book. The one she's after is on a high shelf, and she's having a bit of a tough time reaching it.

• Prompt: Go help her

Chief: Garofano, let me help you...

System Notifications: To your surprise, because the shelf has seen better days, as you grab that book, a few others topple down from above. One is coming right for your eyes.

• Prompt: Protecting Sinners is Chief's responsibility.
• Chief: Watch out, move!
• System Notifications: Without hesitating, you dive in front of Garofano to protect her. But after a soft "whizz," the expected crash never comes. When you look, you realize Garofano was quick on her feet, launching a couple of silver needles that pinned the book right back to the shelf.
• Chief: That was close... Thank you, Garofano.
• Garofano: Chief, remember, we're all Sinners. Handling little issues like this is second nature to us.
• Chief: You're right. Sorry, I wasn't thinking.
• Garofano: I wouldn't let my "possessions" get hurt. You can count on that.
• Chief: Uh, possession?
• Garofano: Haha! Forget I said anything. Let's tidy up. We don't want to disturb others trying to read here.

• Prompt: Protect yourself
• Chief: Watch out! The book is falling!
• Garofano: Leave it to me.
• System Notifications: You instinctively cover your eyes, waiting for the crash. But it never comes. When you look again, the tumbling books have been expertly pinned to the shelf with silver needles.
• Chief: Well...
• Garofano: "Like a mama bear protecting her cub?"
• Chief: It's an odd comparison, but kind of spot on.
• Garofano: Alright, I was just kidding. Come on, Chief, let's clean up together so we don't disturb others reading.
• Chief: There's something off about it, but maybe it's best not to overthink it...

The work apron and shawl that Garofano often wears in the tailor shop.

Please, forever be mine.