LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 5: Shadows of Wildia
Episode 5:Shadows of Wildia
“The Chronicles of Wildia” is the title of a popular RPG that gained popularity in my previous life. Of course, I was also hooked on it.
And now, Alshade Baltzfeld is the boss character who stands in front of the protagonist in the first part of The Chronicles of Wildia, titled ‘Wildia Chronicles (Original)’.
However, what’s important now is not that Alshade is a boss character, but her past.
If my memory serves me right, during the absence of her father, Count Baltzfeld, who was engaged in a war with the neighbouring Lumiarde Empire, her uncle, who had been colluding with the empire, used an underground organization to abduct and imprison Alshade.
The incident I am currently involved in seems to be the one that occurred before the start of the original story.
In this past, there is another important fact, and that is that Alshade successfully escaped on her own after being held captive.
“How did she manage to escape?” Its related to the sub quest involving Baltzfeld in the original story.
It goes like this――――
“…! …Huh! Did you fall asleep!?”
Interrupting my train of thought, was Alshade’s voice, I paused for a moment before responding, making sure not to use casual speech.
“…I apologize, I was lost in thought.”
“That’s why I told you not to use formal speech. We might be spending a long time together, and if you’re so stiff and formal, it brings me down. Especially since we’re stuck in this pitch-black and gloomy place. Let’s relax a little, shall we?”
“No, if I were to speak casually in front of the people who came to rescue Lady Alshade, I… I might be accused of disrespect and arrested.”
I feel ridiculous saying it myself, but Alshade probably thinks I’m unaware of her circumstances, and it would also be strange if I knew.
Even if I don’t delve into the details, I want to make up some excuse like ‘I sensed it in the atmosphere’ to explain myself.
If I don’t do that, I might raise suspicions when my true colors show, and worst-case scenario, she might see me as an enemy. I should proceed cautiously, even if it’s troublesome.
“Ah, I see. In that case, it’s unfortunate for both you and me, but help won’t be coming, probably.”
“…What do you mean?”
Alshade seems to be in a mood to share her circumstances, but honestly, it’s unexpected.
Perhaps her mental state is worse than I imagined. Otherwise, even with her friendly personality, I can’t imagine a noble lady revealing a shameful event about her family.
“…I was drugged and abducted at home. And I don’t think the person who handed me over to them went unnoticed by anyone.”
“So, you mean there’s a traitor?”
“…Hmm, you’re sharp. Yes, there’s definitely a traitor. And it’s not just one person, there should be multiple… Since we don’t know how far the enemy’s reach extends, it’s better not to expect any help. So, you can speak casually without worrying. If help does come and they question you about the casual speech, I’ll cover for you.”
“I see, understood.”
Pressing further would only worsen Alshade’s impression of me. What’s more intriguing is her reaction.
I sensed a slight disturbance in her demeanour at the mention of the word “traitor.” She probably has an idea of who the traitor might be, and it’s likely someone close to her.
Come to think of it, in the original story, she had a cold-blooded personality, not considering her comrades as true companions. There were hints of her distrust in humanity scattered throughout her dialogue.
It’s hard to imagine from her current friendliness, but if the cause of her change in personality is a betrayal by someone close, it explains it clearly.
“…Well, let’s put aside such gloomy talk for now. I have a favor to ask you, is that okay?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Thank you. Before I ask for the favor, let’s turn on some light. We can’t have a proper conversation when we can’t see anything.”
As Alshade spoke, a ball of light, about the size of a small light bulb, appeared, illuminating her figure and the room, albeit not completely.
Alshade’s appearance, likely around the same age as me, was much younger and considerably softer in atmosphere than in my memories, but I was mesmerized by her beauty.
Her hair, shining like threads of golden silk, was neatly styled, and her clear, watery blue eyes. Her facial features were so well-proportioned that I couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
There was no doubt that she was an unmistakable beauty, and a glimpse of her potential, as a stunning woman in the future. It must be true that her appearance, said to be competing for the top spots among the characters in ‘Wildia Chronicles (Original),’ was not for show.
Her attire consisted of white blouse and black trousers, not quite fitting for the typical ladylike style, but it suited Alshade’s androgynous aura well.
“What’s the matter? Ah, I see! It must be your first-time seeing magic. Well, it’s natural if you haven’t seen it before since it’s mostly only accessible to nobles.”
“(Does she not realize how beautiful she herself is? Well, if she doesn’t know, it’s natural to think the sudden appearance of light as the next plausible reason for me to be awestruck)”
It’s not like I was surprised by magic, but saying that I was lost in admiration and staring blankly would be embarrassing, so I won’t correct her. If she doesn’t know, it’s better for me to leave it at that.
The reason why my childhood training plan, which was originally intended to develop special abilities (like magical power), failed is likely related to the concept of magic and its source, mana, in the game setting.
In short, everyone has mana, but the know-how, to utilize it is exclusive to nobles.
Therefore, except for a few exceptions, commoners can’t even sense mana, let alone use it.
Thanks to this setting, before I realized that I was in the world of Wildia Chronicles, I mistakenly believed that it was a world without magic, even though it was a different world.
…The conversation is veering off track, so let’s get back on course.
“Anyway, there was something you want to ask me about..??”
“Yeah, it’s a simple request, so you don’t need to be on guard. I want you to untie this for me.”
Alshade extends her hands and feet towards me. They were bound at the wrists and ankles, and it’s not because Rook tied them carelessly; it’s probably the default procedure of this organization.
She seems to want me to untie the ropes, but as someone who played Wildia Chronicles, I had one question.
“Can’t you do it with magic?”
Even with the magic I remember from the beginning, I could easily cut the ropes, and if she didn’t want to cut them because she wanted to reuse them, there was also a magic called “Invisible Hand Magic” that could create invisible hands. I think it would be useful in this situation. But can Alshade not use it?
In the game, the ability of “Invisible Hand” allowed you to choose between additional attacks, defense, or item usage as an addition to the normal action.
Since the effects of the additional attack and defence were not significantly different from regular actions, it was a magic used when you wanted to simultaneously use two powerful items with short durations.
If it were possible in reality, even if she couldn’t perform intricate tasks, she could use it as assistance. I don’t think it would be difficult to untie the ropes by pulling them with her mouth… However, if the knots are tight and cannot be untied, I should refuse since it’s impossible for me in my current weakened state with injured arm muscles.
“I want to reuse the ropes. Even if I use magic to assist and try to untie them with my mouth, it seems like the effects of the medicine haven’t completely worn off, so I can’t apply enough force and have been struggling with it. If it’s just removing the ropes, there’s also the option of burning them, but that would cause burns, so I’m not really keen on it.”
In the original story, Alshade wore bracelets on both wrists, perhaps to conceal the burns she suffered when she burned the ropes to escape. As a fan, I was excited to learn about the background details that weren’t written in the original story, but I quickly sobered up as I remembered the current situation.
“That’s why I’m asking for your help.”
“I understand. However, before that…”
“…Before that?”
I took a deep breath, calming my heart, and carefully spoke, making sure my voice didn’t tremble.
“…Could you untie my ropes first..? I’m tied up behind my back, so I can’t move…”
An ear-piercing silence filled the room.
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[T/L: ＼（〇_ｏ）／]
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