"I apologize, I think I misheard, did you say one of your siblings?"
"Yes."
Damn, this is really different from the game.
In game, she reveals she has suspicions of who may have orchestrated her kidnapping, but never tells the character who they are.
By the time players advance their relationship with Elise far enough, most of the evidence from the incident has been covered. The ones that were tracked down and caught were a few corrupt minor nobles. Most likely scapegoats prepared by the real mastermind.
Or maybe she knew who the actual culprit is but didn't trust the player character enough to divulge such sensitive information.
After all, if a relative can backstab you. Whose to say some stranger who rescued you in your time of need wouldn't do the same?
There are so many different possibilities.
However, I'm leaning toward this theory.
Ever since my earth and Ethan's personalities got mixed mixed up, no matter how hard I try to avoid getting close to the Royal Court, the world seems intent on setting forth the base events that occur in the game.
Perhaps it's not the world that's changed, but Elize choosing to reveal more information due to differing trust levels depending on the characters.
It's highly probable she revealed her suspicions due to my status as a Royal Knight, a trustworthy position responsible for safeguarding the nation.
Okay, if the world is intent on proceeding with the basic events of the game. Why am I here? Throughout my playthroughs of the game, I never once encountered Ethan near Elize's storyline or events.
This makes me believe in another theory.
One of the highly acclaimed aspects of LM 3 is its freedom
Certain events are pretty much guaranteed to occur in the game.
One of the examples being the tutorial and the psychotic breakdown of Ophielle in the mid to end game of the Academy arc.
I vaguely recall one psychopath on the player forum showcasing his playthrough where he murdered everyone. Including
Despite guy killing the guide character, a shady evil organization contacts him and
Caused quite the stir if I remember correctly. Even the company got dragged
Shoot, I'm ranting again.
Gotta focus on what's happening now. I can debate the inevitability of fate or the grand design some other time.
I've been silent for way to long, have to say something now.
"Are you sure it is one of your siblings?"
Elize, silently judging the expressions I've been making deep in thought nods, "In all likelihood, yes. There is no one else who could possibly have access to info of my whereabouts. No one
I have some doubts about the last part. Despite her uptight and subtle teasing, the Elize I know always makes rational judgements.
Since I've already promised I'd help her, so there's no backing out now, lest I offend her and ruin the good impression I made on her.
But I can't just agree without knowing the full details and terms. If I'm going to get dragged into a convoluted political scheme, I better get some benefits.
"What do you require me to do?"
"I hope you can work with me to capture the culprits. In exchange, I'll pledge support from my family to have you advance to a higher position. "
Eh, not very enticing, but having the support of a High Noble is tempting.
But why does she need my help specifically?
I ask her about this and her face becomes a tad glummer.
"It's sad to admit this, but right now you're the only person I trust."
Damn, that's a bit heavy, I'm glad I'm living in a low-ranking household instead of a high- nay a mid-ranking one. Who knows how cutthroat the environment is?
Unaware of how her words are dimming my mood, she goes on to unload her troubles, "If my family was aware of my predicament, they would've sent more than just a novice to rescue me.
This means one of my family or close retainers sold me out."
"Where does your trust in me come in? It seems excessive to depend on a stranger for such an important matter."
Elize gives a slight smile and explains, "The fact that you're here means my enemies haven't infiltrated the Royal Knights. You're an unrelated third party. Most likely a bottom of the ladder. Your mind is sharp and your swordsmanship is at an adequate level.
There's also another important factor and that is time.
Whoever orchestrated my kidnapping is cunning. With each passing moment, the news of my escape will be more and more likely to reach their ears.
Right now, my options are limited. The guards I brought with me are dead. Any aid I request from my family will be intercepted or delayed by the traitor. Finally, as time passes, "
Christ almighty! the odds are against us!
However, I don't panic, for I have a plan! A half-baked one that hinges a lot on my position as a Royal Guard, as well as the trust and cooperation of Elize and Baron Hesh.
But first, I enquire about what plan she has in mind. Perhaps it's much more fleshed out and more likely to succeed than mine.
"Where do we start?"
"We must get back to my family household. Its where all the documents are kept, including ones related to my secret inspection as well as who has access to them."
"How far away is your fief?"
"A week at the very least. Even if we depart by horse this instant, it'll take us at least three days passing through several other territories."
My brow furrows, that takes way too long.
Presuming we don't run into any hostile forces sent by her kidnappers, the evidence needed to confront and identify the ringleaders would've been destroyed.
By some miracle, if a shred of evidence still remained, finding the mastermind is still easier said than done.
The Drussel family, a High Noble second only to the Four Pillar families has many members and relatives.
It is a family obsessed with dipping their fingers into every pie it can.
Agriculture, military affairs, trade, economics, magic, no matter what the subject is, they always seek individuals with talent and incorporate them into the family.
As mentioned before, this glorified, expansionist, talent thief naturally drew the ire of many households.
To avoid being targeted, they aligned themselves deeply with the Royal Family, effectively pitting themselves against the Noble Faction.
Now that I think about it, the Drussel's relationship with the Royal Family might explain her trust in me.
Might as well go with my plan.
But I'm going to need both Elize's and the-
'Knock!' 'Knock!'
"Lord Hesh is here."
Why speak of the Devil.
The slightly portly lord strides into the room, wearing a night cap hanging on his head, creating a sense of mismatch with his formal entire. Nobody bothers to point out.
Elize gets up and introduces herself, "Greetings, I am Elize Drussel
The Baron bows in return, "I am honored to host a member of the Drussel family! Tell me, what brings you to these parts? Is this man perhaps a retainer of yours?"
I raise a brow. Does he not remember who I am? I literally talked to him today, or is it yesterday? I don't have a watch.
Elize clears up my identity, "This man escorting me is a member of the Royal Guard, Sir Ethan."
The Baron blinks and his eyes widen in realization, "Ah yes! I remember! Apologies Sir Ethan for not recognizing you, my head hasn't completely woken from my slumber yet!"
"No worries, I have come to report the bandit problem has been dealt with."
"Is that so? That's excellent news! I owe you and the Royal Knights a great debt!"
Originally I thought Baron Hesh may have been in league with the bandits.
After all, how can a noble tolerate having both cultists and bandits hiding so long in their very own territory?
But his genuine gratitude dispelled my suspicions.
Guess it was just bad luck those scoundrels decided to hole up in his territory.
Good, guess we don't have to worry about the Baron being on their side.
With my worries unfounded. I decide to enact a little scheme I ran in my mind within the last few minutes of my conversation with Elize.
"Your excellency
His face is hesitant, but he hears me out, "What manner of a favor is it? As long as it's within my abilities. I'd do my best to assist."
"I would like to borrow your best guards."
The Baron's eyes become saucer plates at my direct request.
Normally there's a lot of flowery language involved, but we're running short on time.
Luckily, it seems Lord Hesh has a mild personality as he doesn't press the matter of my impoliteness.
After the initial shock wore off, his nervousness deflates seeing I've not requested for a monetary reward, "I'd be more than willing to lend guards, but asking for my best? That's a bit..."
Time to throw in some incentive.
"There are some remnants in the forest that need to be wiped before they can regrouped. I plan on taking them now before the sun rises. I guarantee that the actions of your men will be noted by the Royal Guard."
Seeing my actions benefit him as well, he eagerly agrees, "Absolutely!" He goes to the door and calls a servant waiting outside, "Bas! Wake the Captain and tell him gather his best men outside the mansion!"
The servant runs off to deliver the message.
Whilst the Baron is busy, Elize looks at me with a questioning look, "What exactly are you planning?"
"Lady Elize, you asked if you can trust me. Now I ask if I can trust you."
She nods, "I'm listening."
"Travelling to Drussel territory poses to much risk and uncertainty. I have a plan in mind if you're willing to listen."
"Why not." She shrugs, "It's not like I have much options. It wouldn't hurt to see what you have planned."
Author's Note:
Got some news! Sorry if I posted this chapter a bit late and isn't that great in quality, I was busy fleshing out some ideas for a new series.
In fact, I already released my 3.0K words Prologue chapter on the website, Honeyfeed. The title of the work is "I Swear I'm Not A Bad Cultist." You can read more about the plot on Honeyfeed.
Just like this series, it is entered into a competition, one sponsored by Kadokawa itself!
If you guys have the time, be sure to check my series out. Every view and like I get makes my dream of becoming a light novel author closer and closer to reality.
Thank you.