The library, while it did have a good collection for a simple town, didn't really help her in seeing if there was a possibility she was looking in the wrong place. The idea of it gave Elaine mixed feelings. If the Garden was elsewhere in Misthallery, then there was still hope of finding it. But that also meant there was a lot of time wasted by digging in the wrong place. Well, maybe not completely wasted since one or two things were found, but none were even remotely connected to the Golden Garden.
So that was how Elaine found herself back at camp the next day, pacing around in frustration as she tried to think to herself what to do now. Continue digging and see what happens seemed to be the most obvious solution. Maybe even the only one depending how things were. But at the same time, what if she was close? Would it be worth the risk to dig somewhere else, find nothing and give up then?
Neither of those ideas gave any source of comfort. Only failure.
The brunette could recall as a child how her grandfather had a wooden star puzzle that he would sometimes use, though it would take him a while to fit the pieces together. He sometimes even let her have a go and when she was younger it was nearly impossible if she didn't have someone helping her. As she got older though she seemed to get better at it, though it might have just been because of memory.
But Elaine could apply one thing from that to now. While she may have convinced herself otherwise, with her being the only person present the chances of finding the Garden seemed to lessen each day. It was pleasant, but Elaine wasn't hard headed enough to completely ignore that fact.
"I swear this whole thing is making me go back and forth between happy and depressed in minutes." Elaine muttered in French, as she held her head in her hands. "… Maybe I should take the rest of the day off. Haven't taken a day off since we started." Surely it couldn't hurt to take a little time off? Yes, there have been breaks, but mainly just to rest an hour or two and eat something and of course sleep. The rest of the day off couldn't affect too much of the work, could it?
She leaned back in her chair. Of course it couldn't hurt. She's been working here alone non-stop so if anything, she was entitled to have such a break. Rest her muscles from digging for a day at least. Yes, that did sound appealing. Maybe make some tea and read a book for pleasure. Maybe open that bottle of wine she brought with her to celebrate on the day the Golden Garden was found. Later on at night of course.
If anything, Elaine was rather thankful for that choice because Professor Layton had actually come back along with Luke and his assistant, Emmy. A wavey haired brunette with dark eyes and who seemed fairly cheerful in Elaine's opinion. While the visit was mainly to do with the Specter. they did accept Elaine's offer of tea.
"Thanks for the tea Ms. Hawthorne." Emmy said after Elaine handed her a freshly poured cup.
"Don't worry about it. It's nice to 'ave visitors and I was planning to take the rest of the day off anyway. And please, call me Elaine. Ms. Hawthorne makes me sound like a grouchy school teacher." Elaine joked after she sat down. "So you wished to talk with me about this Specter, Professeur?"
"Yes. I just found it a bit strange that the Specter hasn't come near here yet," explained Professor Layton, "One would think that if the Specter is connected to the Golden Garden it may have come here at some point."
"Well, it does seem to like more populated areas. Or at least, areas that should be populated when not evacuated," Elaine pointed out. "As for it not coming 'ere, to be 'onest I'm beginning to wonder if we've been digging in the wrong place all this time. It wouldn't be the first time it's 'appened."
"That is true," He agreed, "Though it must be incredibly frustrating."
"Trust me it is." Elaine muttered, seemingly to herself. "If you don't mind me asking, 'ow 'as the investigation been going?"
"It would appear that things that would not seem connected at first may be actually connected. Would you be familiar with the death of Evan Barde?"
"Evan Barde?" Elaine frowned, trying to think if she could recall anything. "I... think I 'eard the name somewhere. But I don't actually know anything about this man."
"He used to own most of the land here," Luke began. "But he died last year and the land went to my dad."
"Really? Didn't 'e any other family for it to go to?"
"There's Arianna and her brother Tony. But their not old enough so dad's planning on managing the land until their old enough. But, Arianna's sick so..." Elaine felt a little uncomfortable now. Luke seemed to be close friends with this girl from what she knew. So she tried to move back onto the conversation.
"So, er... 'Ow could 'is death be connected?"
"Well the executor of the estate was Chief Jakes, and he isn't exactly the most welcoming person I've met."
"Tried to send some thugs on us." Emmy muttered.
"'E's really not a nice person, I take it?" Elaine guessed.
"Be grateful you haven't had to deal with him yet."
"I'll take your word for it." Elaine agreed. "But do you really think they could be connected to the Golden Garden? I can understand, but it seems a bit... là-bas."
"I know, but it's not something that can be ignored either."
"So, what are you going to do next then?" Elaine questioned.
"... I have an idea, though there are some other people I need to talk to."
"Ah, well I shouldn't keep you away from that for too long then. The faster the case is solved the better, non?"
"Quite."
"Oh, I 'ave a request." Elaine began. "If it's not too much trouble."
"I'm sure it wouldn't be. What is it?" Professor Layton enquired. Elaine smiled sweetly as she said in a simple tone,
"When you do find who is behind this, let me know, won't you? It's their fault I'm working alone and I want to see if I still 'ave my skills from kick-boxing back in college by testing them out on that person."
"Erm..."
"You did kick-boxing?" Emmy asked, looking a little surprised. Elaine couldn't fight down the grin on her face.
"Oui. Third best on the team." Elaine then thought back to those years in college, an almost dreamy expression on her face. "I got the nickname "Elaine the Pain' because I accidently kicked a person in the mouth one time and knocked some teeth out. I was benched for the rest of that match but my opponent accepted my apology at least."
When the group did leave, Elaine spent the next while reading from one of her books and enjoying the warmth from the lowering sun.
A rest. A break. That was all she needed now.
I'm glad to see that people are enjoying this story and that it has yet to suck :D That's what I'm getting from the reviews but hey, that's what reviews are for eh? To help give commentary and even show a liking for the story.
While I don't normal respond to reviews in stories, I feel I should probably respond to The Mocking J's review. Don't worry, I liked your reviews. I just figured that I should probably explain Descole's apparent cheerfulness. Don't get me wrong, I can see where you're coming from but I must admit that Descole and Elaine's shared interest in archaeology was not the main thing I had in mind. But I don't want to say the exact reason in case I spoil this story. But it will be revealed before the Specter arc is over.
As for Eternal Diva and Miracle Mask, yes. I intend to do them as well in this story :) I plan to go all the way to Azran Legacy, and add some chapters after that.
I also plan to add a sort of omake to some chapters. Basically just some funny sketches with a bit of OOC. Or at least my attempt at funny. It's something I'd like to try.
Man. This note took more space then I first thought it would XD
P.S MJ, I LOVE Randall's Road Trip :3