Jean-Marc Mercier served as the mayor's secretary at City Hall, overseeing municipal affairs—effectively the second-in-command.
However, real authority still rested firmly in the hands of Mayor Henri Lemieux.
Unlike Henri Lemieux, Jean-Marc was an idealist. He upheld integrity and genuinely wanted to accomplish something meaningful.
This stood in direct opposition to Henri Lemieux's political philosophy.
Still, Jean-Marc hadn't reached this position by chance. He had real ability.
In the original storyline, if the player didn't control Arthur to kill Jean-Marc, Jean-Marc would eventually bring down Henri Lemieux and take the mayor's seat himself.
"Oh, Officer Trappett. What brings you here?"
Jean-Marc naturally recognized Trappett. Trappett was the mayor's trusted confidant and commanded the armed forces under the mayor's control.
Precisely because of that relationship, Jean-Marc had rarely interacted with him.
"Mr. Jean-Marc, I have no other business."
"If there's anything you need help with, please feel free to say so. I'll do everything I can to assist."
Trappett made no effort to hide his goodwill.
After hearing from Mr. Land that Jean-Marc was very likely to become the next mayor, Trappett had already decided to establish a good relationship with him.
"I'm sorry, Officer Trappett, but I don't quite understand what you mean," Jean-Marc said.
"I think there may be some misunderstanding."
Trappett's words left Jean-Marc completely confused. He couldn't grasp what Trappett was getting at.
This sudden friendliness made him feel awkward and at a loss.
"That's my mistake, Mr. Jean-Marc. I assumed Mr. Land had already spoken to you," Trappett said.
"This was Mr. Land's instruction. He asked me to provide assistance whenever you might need it."
Even after the explanation, Jean-Marc still hadn't fully processed it.
"Land? Davey Land?"
"He sent you to help me?"
Jean-Marc had heard of Davey Land. Recently, that name had been circulating widely among the upper circles of Saint Denis.
But as far as he could remember, he had never had any contact with Land.
"Yes, Mr. Jean-Marc. That was Mr. Land's instruction."
Trappett's firm answer only deepened Jean-Marc's confusion.
"I've heard of him, Officer Trappett, but I've never met him. We don't know each other at all. Isn't there some kind of misunderstanding here?"
"And as far as I know, you serve the mayor. So how could you…"
Hearing Jean-Marc's question, Trappett cautiously glanced around. Only after confirming no one was nearby did he lower his voice and explain.
"My apologies, Mr. Jean-Marc. I know this is awkward, but I am now serving Mr. Land."
"Just yesterday, Mr. Land instructed me that you might have matters here that would require my assistance. That's why I took the liberty of coming."
Jean-Marc was a smart man. Although he didn't know why Davey Land suddenly wanted to help him, he understood that some of the preparations he'd been making in secret might have already been discovered.
Trappett's explanation was abrupt, but Jean-Marc felt he was trustworthy.
After all, Trappett had betrayed the mayor and was collecting evidence of the mayor's crimes.
By that logic, they shared the same interests.
That unseen Mr. Land likely knew something about him, which was why he had sent Trappett to offer help.
Jean-Marc had to admit that if he had Trappett—who oversaw security for the entire mayoral residence—on his side, many things would become far easier and smoother.
"Mr. Land will be attending the banquet tonight as well, correct?"
Jean-Marc hadn't originally planned to attend the banquet. The mayor had invited him, of course, but he wasn't particularly interested and had already attended many such events.
But Davey Land had caught his attention.
"Yes, Mr. Jean-Marc. Mr. Land will certainly be there tonight."
After receiving the answer, Jean-Marc nodded.
"Mr. Land is right. I do need Mr. Trappett's help," he said.
"However, I'll discuss the specifics after I meet Mr. Land tonight."
Jean-Marc's form of address shifted from "Officer" to "Mr.", signaling his goodwill.
Although Davey Land's intentions were still unclear, this was undoubtedly a valuable opportunity for Jean-Marc.
"Of course, Mr. Jean-Marc."
After parting with Trappett, Jean-Marc—who had originally planned to head home—turned back toward the mayor's residence instead.
Since he had decided to attend the banquet, it was only proper to inform the mayor.
Henri Lemieux was somewhat puzzled by Jean-Marc's return.
"Jean-Marc, did you forget something?"
"No, Mr. Lemieux," Jean-Marc replied. "I heard there will be a special guest at the banquet tonight, so I decided to stay and see for myself."
Henri Lemieux paused briefly, then smiled.
"I've told you before, Jean-Marc. Many things aren't as simple as they appear on the surface. Perhaps we don't need to concern ourselves with them so much," he said.
"It seems you've come to realize that."
"You're welcome to attend my banquet, Mr. Jean-Marc."
...
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