29/08/1204 17:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell
The SSS visited the guild to exchange information with Arios. He had just come back from information gathering in Calvard this afternoon. From what Lloyd understood, Arios wanted to look for something about the Calvard delegations from his fellow Bracer Guild members and his informants in the republic. Lloyd wanted to see if they could get more information about the conference, so he set up a meeting with Michel and Arios. It was unfortunate that Juna had to go home before the meeting. Otherwise, the SSS would also appreciate her input.
The five of them, alongside Arios and Michel, went to the second floor to discuss things. Once they were all seated, Arios opened with devastating news.
"The Republican government is currently colluding with Heiyue's elders."
That certainly caught his attention. Lloyd frowned at Arios' words. Calvard government colluding with Heiyue? This was the first time he heard about it. But it tracked, considering Arios even had to go to Calvard to get the information.
"Right. There's just one other teensy little thing to consider. The person facilitating said dealings is none other than a woman by the name of Kilika Rouran," Michel continued.
"I... can't believe it. The same Kilika we met?!" Elie exclaimed in surprise.
"Incidentally, she also has ties to the Bracer Guild. She once served as the Zeiss branch's receptionist in Liberl. However, she retired about a year ago and began working for an intelligence agency in the Republican government. It's known as the Rocksmith Agency," Arios elaborated on Kilika.
He and Elie met Kilika at the Schwarze Auction. Unlike Lechter and his striking appearance back then, she didn't look out of place in that auction, so Lloyd didn't think much about it. To think that she was a former guild receptionist and an intelligence agency like Lechter...
"Rocksmith... That's the Calvardian president's surname," Noel noticed, and Elie nodded at her.
"I had heard the president established a new intelligence agency, but I never would have imagined that Kilika would be a member..."
"Ah," Lloyd remembered an important thing. "I actually pushed for Mayor Crois to send a missive to the conference participants to bring more guards with them. It is safe to assume that they already know about the potential terrorist attack. What I still don't have the answers is..."
"Why Heiyue? Isn't that right?" Wazy said confidently. Lloyd nodded. The green-haired delinquent was the leader of a gang. As someone who had experience in territorial disputes, Wazy would have understood his line of thought. "It's possible that their agent saw the Red Constellation and deemed it necessary to involve Heiyue."
Elie gasped when she also reached the same conclusion. "That's right! The Red Constellation and Heiyue have had a conflict with each other before. With the Empire hiring the Jaegers and the Republicans hiring Heiyue..."
"They could wage a proxy war without any loss."
Wazy finished with a grim nod.
"Damn..." Randy clicked his tongue in frustration.
Noel gritted her teeth, overcome with emotion. "How... how could they trample on us like that?!"
Everybody in the room could relate to her. After all, each of them was here in Crossbell, living their day-to-day lives. To have people from other countries plotting things, taking advantage of the city they loved so much easily, how could anyone not feel frustrated?
"That is one big possibility, but something strikes me as odd," Arios started after a few seconds of silence. "None of the related parties kept the relationship a secret. Suppose Heiyue or the Red Constellation did act. Should either nation's connections come to light, the international community would be in an uproar. Neither Erebonia nor Calvard is willing to take that kind of risk."
His explanation actually brought some sense of comfort, even if minuscule. He noted that Noel stopped clenching her fist on the table while Elie stopped frowning.
"You bring up a good point. A direct confrontation wouldn't make any sense. But why else, then?"
The situation was strange, as Arios had mentioned. However, Lloyd felt that he should notice something else about the situation. What is it?
"There must be some kind of meaning behind their actions. But we still don't know about them," Michel continued.
As the others continued discussing the possible reason why nobody tried to hide the deals, Lloyd decided to open his notebook. He wanted to see if his feelings were correct. Juna wasn't there with them, but they should not always rely on her and her ability to predict things. He should be able to find what he needed without Juna's help.
His eyes landed on one of the quotes from Juna. He narrowed his eyes before closing the book.
That was...
"Lloyd?" Elie turned to him after hearing his sigh.
"I'm sorry. I was in deep thought," Lloyd quickly answered his grey-haired teammate. "It turns out to be nothing relevant, though."
He lied to his teammates. In reality, he might have just found out why the Calvardian delegation struck a deal with Heiyue. However, it was still a baseless conjecture. Well, it was not precisely a baseless conjecture since he basically used Juna's help via the notebook, but it was not something that a detective like him should do since there was no evidence yet. The evidence in question was, of course, Juna's confirmation.
"More importantly, I agree with Michel about the meanings behind their action. It's like we're missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. What about rewards? Do you think that knowing the situation, Heiyue agreed to the deal because they were promised big rewards?" Lloyd deflected, and everyone ate it up—everyone except Arios, who only stared straight at him.
The Eight Leaves practitioner might have noticed his deflection, but he didn't say anything. Was this the Unclouded Eyes that Estelle once mentioned to them?
"That's possible. With Revache behind bars, the stage is set for Heiyue to monopolize Crossbell's underground," Noel latched onto his words.
"So what about Red Constellation?" Elie turned to Randy.
"...Yeah, no. I can't see my uncle accepting a deal with Erebonia for something similar. It's either weaponry or more money," Randy concluded. "He might have set up Crimson & Co in Crossbell as a front to launder money, but that's it. He wouldn't desire to rule over Crossbell's underworld as Heiyue would."
"That's Jaeger group for you," Wazy said with a snort.
The group fell into silence for a while before Michel broke it. "In any case, we don't only have bad news for you guys. We have some good news, too!"
"Thank Aidios," Noel sighed in relief.
"The higher-ups in Leman have decided that we would get some reinforcements from Calvard and Liberl branches," Michel informed everyone. "The roster isn't final, but I heard that Zin and Scherazard would come as the group leader since they need an A-rank to lead each group."
"Silver Streak and the Immovable... both are formidable Bracers," Elie remarked.
"And with you already invited Agate here, we'd have three A-ranks from outside to help us," Wazy pointed out. Michel did call for Agate to 'chaperone' Renne and Tita, but his stay was up until the conference ended. That was another power in their arsenal.
"I heard that the Erebonian branch would've sent help if the situation wasn't as it was in the Empire," Michel sighed. Considering the guild's situation in the Empire, Lloyd understood why they didn't.
Hm? Lloyd narrowed his eyes. Scherazard, Zin, Agate, Tita, Renne, and one of the guests from Erebonia is Prince Olivert... He saw a line connecting everyone. Turning to Michel, Lloyd asked, "Will Estelle and Joshua be there, too?"
"I don't know; as I said, the roster isn't finalized yet. Why do you ask?"
Lloyd shook his head at Michel's question. "Nothing. I think I'm starting to understand what it feels to be Juna."
"What the heck, don't just drop things out of the blue like her!"
"Ahaha..." Lloyd just chuckled at Randy's complaint.
"Anyway, that's all from me. What about you, Arios?" Michel brought the conversation back to the important matters.
Arios nodded. "Yes. We just want to bring you to the same page. If you find anything from your side, we want you to inform us."
"Of course," Lloyd agreed.
Afterward, KeA and Shizuku returned to the guild with Zeit. Lloyd and the team said their goodbyes to Arios and Shizuku, who planned to go out for dinner. The SSS then returned home.
As they entered the Central Square from East Street, Elie suddenly spoke up. "Lloyd. What was that back then?"
Lloyd blinked. "Huh?"
"You were deflecting," Elie explained. "Did you find something out from Juna's quotes?"
Lloyd smiled. It seemed like he couldn't hide things from Elie. Looking back to where the SSS started, Lloyd considered that a good thing. That means that the SSS's bonds were tighter than ever.
"Yes. But Juna isn't there to confirm it, so I put it aside. I'll go ask Juna tomorrow. After that, I'll tell you guys about it."
He settled on saying that Elie was correct instead of explaining further. He didn't want to reveal what he had found to anyone else before Juna confirmed his suspicion because whether he was correct or wrong, telling everyone without confirming it would just make the situation worse. People would panic, and all their plans would have to be adjusted to fit the new variables.
Since the conference was only in two days, Lloyd decided to keep it to himself and, later, Juna would be the choice that benefited everyone.
"...Alright," Elie sighed.
"No, tell us about it, Lloyd. What did you find?" Wazy looked at him seriously. Hm? That was quite uncharacteristic for him. "I know you want to confirm things with Juna first to avoid worrying us for nothing, but..." Wazy looked up to the sky. "I have a feeling that you don't need Juna to be correct this time."
Lloyd looked at Wazy, who had discarded his serious expression for a playful smile. Was that slight moment of seriousness from Wazy real, or was it just his imagination?
Lloyd suddenly felt Randy's hand on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "Nah, if you're uncomfortable about it, it's fine not to say anything. I know what it feels like to be shocked by a Juna-ish statement. If you think it's better for us to not know before you confirm things... I trust you, Partner."
Yeah... he was glad he joined the SSS.
"Thank you, Randy. Yes, this is a very Juna-ish statement that might surprise you. Sorry, Wazy, but I think it's better for me to confirm things first."
Lloyd declared.
Wazy just shrugged with a smile. "Well, you're our leader. I'll also put my trust in you."
"Yes. I know Lloyd wouldn't hide things without reason," Noel finally joined the conversation.
"You've already heard my declaration, Partner," Randy saluted with a wink.
"I also trust you." Elie closed with a smile.
Everyone put their trust in him. It was up to him to answer their trust. Maybe he should visit Juna tonight instead of tomorrow?
As they descended the staircase to the SSS building, Zeit growled, sensing a threat.
"Zeit?"
"Is something wrong?"
"Uh... He says we have a visitor," KeA translated.
Visitor?
"..."
On the corner of his eyes, Lloyd saw Randy's face tightened. Fearing the worst, he nudged Randy on the side. "Be ready."
"Alright."
He and Randy stood side by side, shoulders touching each other. This was a formation to protect the others behind them since Randy and Lloyd were usually the two vanguards. Lloyd then opened the door and entered together with Randy.
"Yo, you're late, Dolphy. And Mr. Detective, too! I was getting bored of waiting for you."
The one greeting them was Shirley Orlando. Randy's cousin from the Red Constellation.
"You... What the hell are you doing here?" Randy growled. Lloyd could sense how tense he was since their bodies were still glued together.
"Oh, you're so cold, Dolphy. I'm your loving cousin, and we haven't seen each other in two years. Where's the hug and kisses?" The mocking tone from Shirley clearly established that she was just saying that as lip service.
From behind them, the others entered and were also as surprised as him at seeing Shirley there.
"That's..." Elie instinctively covered her chest.
"Cut the shit and answer me. Why the hell are you here?" Randy then shook his head, realizing something. "No, that ain't it... What WERE you doing?"
Being the target of Randy's glare, Shirley didn't react negatively. She instead laughed and smirked at the older man. "Haha... You've lost your edge, Dolphy. If I'd set up some booby traps, you woulda been torn to shreds the second you set foot in here. When'd you become so dull?"
"..." Randy didn't say anything.
"H-How dare you...!" Elie was the one reacting this time.
"Haha. Don't get your panties in a bunch. I didn't set any traps. Though, if Dolphy'd come alone... We woulda had all kinds of fun. So long as we're not at war, I don't plan on involving any civilians."
Lloyd had a hard time believing those words.
Wazy sighed, "The last thing this city needs is another problem child."
As if he wasn't one before! Lloyd wanted to retort, but they had to show unity. Time to intervene.
"Hey, you. Shirley, right?"
"Yep, you're correct, Mr. Detective. Sorry 'bout the other day, 'kay? Didn't mean to take your innocence with that little nibble I gave ya."
That was clearly an attempt to shake him, so Lloyd responded firmly. "As I said back then, this isn't the Red Constellation. Forcing yourself on someone here in Crossbell constitutes an assault of any kind. I'd also ask that you refrain from talking about things like traps and bloodshed in front of a child."
"Hahaha. My bad, my bad! I missed Dolphy so much that I wanted to tease him a little."
And yet Lloyd sensed no sincerity from her words. She'd do it again if it meant startling Randy again. He was now beginning to understand why Randy didn't want to speak about his family.
Despite the tense situation, Randy sighed. "Hah. As if you'd ever miss me. You're only here to deliver a message from your old man, isn't that right?"
"Huh?"
"Then..."
Noel and Elie muttered in surprise.
"Haha. So you understand. Daddy said he wanted to talk, didn't he? We're gonna be busy tomorrow, so what about tonight? Oh, but you don't have to come if you don't want to."
The last part was said so off-handedly that nobody in the room bought it.
"He wouldn't stop at anythin' to drag me out there if I refused, right? Knock it off with the bullshit already. I know how these things work," Randy said with an intensity that Lloyd hadn't ever felt from the older man. Not even fighting against Joachim had him on the edge like this.
"Haha. Maybe you haven't lost as much of your edge as I thought. Daddy said he'll be waiting for you at Neue Blanc. What are you gonna do?"
It was a clear challenge for Randy. Not in the traditional 'I wanna fight you' challenge, but the Red Constellation challenged Randy to go to their level once more when he had already abandoned that kind of life.
"Heh," Randy snorted. "Fine. Sorry, guys."
Suddenly, KeA who had been silent since the start of the confrontation, tugged Randy's sleeve.
"Hey, Randy, Is this girl a bad guy?"
"KeA, stay back!" Elie quickly dragged the little girl back to her.
Shirley's eyes twitched, "Hey hey, isn't that a little rude?" she stared at KeA. "Hmm, you're really cute! Who's she, Dolphy?!"
"She's a kid we're looking after. That's all." Randy spread his arm in front of KeA before glaring intensely at her cousin. "Lay a finger on her, and I'll kill you myself."
Lloyd sucked a breath. In the months that he knew Randy, never had he heard him talking about killing someone. Hesitantly, he put a hand on Randy's shoulder and squeezed it gently to calm him down.
"Haha. Hear ya loud and clear. Guess I'll have not to blow up your crappy little building, then."
In reflex, Lloyd instantly hugged KeA while Noel and Elie brought out her gun.
One second. Two seconds.
"Joking!" The red-haired young woman grinned. "You know I'm only messin' with you, right? Right?"
Lloyd bit his lips. They had to do a full sweep of the building later. For now...
"Guess I don't got much choice but to go meet up with my uncle," Randy sighed before turning to them. "I'll be back later, so don't worry about me, guys."
"B-But...!"
"I-Isn't it going to be too dangerous?!"
Before Randy could dismiss both Elie and Noel's concern, Lloyd approached his red-haired teammate. "Hey, Randy. I'd like to say hello, too. Do you mind if I join you?"
Everybody was surprised, even Shirley, who whistled at his audacity to barge into a family meeting.
"As the leader of the SSS, it'd be good manners to greet a co-worker's family, right? And he runs a pretty fancy club. I wouldn't mind getting to see it for myself," he said with a confident smile to reassure his teammates.
"Oh? Look at the balls on this guy. Sure, why not? If he wants to come so badly, then let's let him. "
"I've never seen a party not worth crashing. Let me come, too, then. I've always wanted to go have some fun at Neue Blanc," Wazy followed behind him.
"Who am I to say no to a handsome fella like you? Though ya got some feminine mystique goin' on for you, too. I like that better," Shirley wiggled her eyebrow at Wazy.
"Haha. Do you, now? I'd prefer if you thought of me as a bad boy, though."
Randy groaned. "Oh, for Goddess' sake. What the hell are you guys thinkin'?! You, too, Shirley! Shut your damn mouth already!"
The frustration in him was clear to Lloyd, and yet he wouldn't back down.
"I will not leave you alone to face them, Randy. We're a team now."
"That's right. I'm still new, obviously, but I can see what Lloyd means."
Both he and Wazy tried to persuade Randy.
"Eeh, I was having fun talking with them. By the way, I came to pick you up with a car, so we have some empty seats. Also, what about the girls? Are they comin', too? And I hate to break it to you, but obviously, the kid and wolf aren't making it past the front door."
In a split second, Lloyd made a snap judgment. "The girls will not follow us. Elie, Noel, please watch KeA and sweep the buildings for any 'misplaced items.' Don't forget to contact the chief. Zeit, please help them find anything strange in the vicinity."
"Woof."
"B-But..." Elie's protest crumbled when she saw his expression. "...Okay, I understand. We'll take care of everything until you get back."
"Good luck, guys. Stay safe," Noel nodded.
"Hey, Lloyd. Are you going somewhere?" KeA asked him.
Crouching down, Lloyd patted the little girl's head and smiled. "Yeah, I'm going out for a bit with Randy and Wazy. We might be back really late. Make sure you go to bed on time, okay?"
"Okay! Have a safe trip!" KeA beamed.
"Goddamn it. How did it turn out like this?" Randy clicked his tongue in frustration.
After that, Shirley led the three of them into a limousine headed for Neue Blanc.
29/08/1204 18:00
Legram, Erebonia
The group searched the town from top to bottom, but they found no sign of the missing children. And by the time the other residents became aware of what was happening, evening had given way to night.
"For now, I think it's safe to say that they aren't in town," Rean started once everyone gathered together. "Looks like they really did head out toward the castle in a boat, just like the SSS's Informant's prediction..."
"The children really are lost in the castle," Laura said, pronouncing what everyone thought.
"We can discuss whether it was a coincidence or not later," Jusis brought everyone back on track. "For now, their safety is more important."
"The lake's been calm, and there's no sign of a boat on the water, so at least it's unlikely they capsized," Gaius pointed out, to which Millium nodded.
"At least they arrived safely on the castle."
"Lohengrin Castle was once the stronghold of the Eisenritter, and while the Arseid family is still its stewards, it's rare that anyone ventures inside. I hope nothing terrible has happened to them..." Laura sounded worried.
"Their parents are really worried, too. I've asked them to stay at home and wait for us to contact them. Still... we have to do our best." Out of all of them, it seemed that only Emma had the forethought to assure the parents of the missing children. He guessed that it was something he should've expected out of the caring young woman.
"We have use of a boat now, do we not?" Jusis turned to Laura, who nodded.
"We do. A couple of students from the Arseid school are preparing an orbal boat for us as we speak. It does worry me that it has started to grow misty again, though."
"Does the mist makes it more dangerous?" Gaius asked for confirmation.
"Somewhat. It'd make navigating the lake at night harder."
"Well, let's head down to the wharf. Let's make sure all of our equipment is sorted out, and we have everything we need, just in case," Rean reminded everyone.
Once they all left to prepare themselves, Rean brought out his Arcus. His thumb was hovering on the button to call a certain someone. Should he do it? He kinda ended the last call impolitely because he was in a rush, despite her words actually becoming the truth. Would she even pick up the call?
Rean sighed before leaving the building. He'd resolve himself later. For now, he had to check for his equipment and items.
After a trip to Watteau's store, Rean was ready. Looking around, it seemed that almost everyone had already gone to the wharf. There was a boat docked there. He assumed it was the boat they were gonna use.
Rean bit his lip before deciding to call the SSS's Informant. At least he wanted to say sorry for rudely ending the call last time.
It took the other side several seconds to pick up the call.
"Hello?"
"Ah... it's me, Rean," he said in hesitation. "Sorry for ending the call last time. I was in a hurry to look for the missing children around town."
"Did you manage to find them?"
At least she wasn't angry, judging by her tone; Rean secretly breathed relief. "No, we couldn't."
"Ah, so that left the castle, then." Despite being on the other end of the call and couldn't look at her expression, somehow Rean had a feeling that the SSS's Informant was nodding to herself. And yet, Rean felt no superiority coming off of her. It was as if her words coming true was a fact and not something to be proud of.
"Yes. We're about to go there."
"Be careful. You'd probably have to face monsters inside," she gave more tips for him. Although, monsters? Then, the children would be in even more danger.
"...Are you sure?"
"Very much. Oh, and you'd probably find the missing children in either the rooftop or the basement. It's one or the other," she said without missing a beat.
...How was she very sure of it? But instead of voicing it out, Rean just replied, "Well noted. Thank you for the information."
"It's a castle, right? So you'd probably start from the middle level. Generally, if you start from the middle, try to choose either the rooftop or the basement. There's only one correct answer, but most of the time, you'll be forced to traverse everything. For example, if it's the rooftop, you'd probably find it locked behind some mechanism, and to unlock it, you have to go to the basement, and vice versa."
"Wait a minute." Rean quickly ran inside the guild and picked up a pen and paper. "Can you repeat that?"
"...Are you noting it down? Sure." The SSS's Informant repeated her explanation slowly, giving him time to write her explanations. After that, unexpectedly, she didn't stop.
"...if you're starting from the bottom, your objective is definitely on the top. There probably won't be a detour. Examples are if you're entering a tower. If you're starting from the top, it's definitely the bottom. For example, a dungeon below the surface."
Rean didn't stop writing. Her explanations were somehow easy to understand.
"Did you get all that?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Good. By the way, can I get your number? I wanted to tell you to go look at the rooftop or the basement when you ended the call last time, but I didn't have your number."
"Sure." Rean gave the SSS's Informant his number. "So you don't mind if we talk more in the future?"
"Well, getting information about Erebonia is always good. And it's from you of all the people," Rean could imagine her shrugging her shoulder right now. "Sure."
"Thank you." The possibility of him also getting more information on whoever she was went unsaid. "Later, then."
"Later."
Rean ended the call and walked to the wharf, where everyone was waiting for him.
"Everyone. Is the preparation complete?"
Emma nodded at his question. "Yes. You're the last one, Rean."
"I've operated orbal boats before, so I'll steer us to our destination," Laura said, taking charge of the boat's operation.
Gaveli, one of the Legram resident who prepared the boat, then chimed in. "The last patrol of the castle was just a few days ago, and there was no sign of anything unusual then. It shouldn't be that dangerous."
"Hmm... Really? The wind blowing from the direction of the castle does feel pure..." Gaius stated his own interpretation.
"It's said that the castle's atmosphere is cold and clear due to its connections with St. Sandlot and the Eisenritter. It's highly uncommon for monsters to settle there, so the children are most likely safe. ...Although, it's impossible to rule out that an accident may have befallen them."
While everyone here was convinced that there would be no monsters, the SSS's Informant had, without any prior information, told him that they would be fighting monsters. Rean was torn on who to believe. In the end, he hoped for the best while bracing for the worst as everyone stepped into the boat.
A/N: This should've been a huge chapter that ends the Legram section, but I couldn't finish it in time and it's been more than a month since the last chapter, so I might as well cut it here and post it. On another note, I still haven't played Daybreak, anything I should know about the Calvardian Bracers in 1204?