The Execution of the Plan
As Eris's interest in learning began to take shape, Rudeus and I deemed it essential to keep Mayor Philip updated on our progress. We made our way to his office, where he awaited our report.
"Welcome back, you two. I trust you have some developments to share," Mayor Philip greeted us with genuine interest.
I offered a nod of acknowledgement. "Indeed, Mayor Philip. Milady has shown a sincere curiosity about learning the Water God Style from me."
"However, it seems that traditional studying doesn't quite align with her interests," Rudeus added, his tone a mixture of understanding and concern. "She appears to lean more towards practical skills, particularly swordsmanship."
Mayor Philip leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. "I understand. Given my daughter's spirited nature, it's not surprising that she would be drawn to the art of swordplay, especially with Ghislaine as her instructor."
Taking in this insight, I turned my attention briefly to Ghislaine, who stood unobtrusively in a corner of the room, a living embodiment of Eris's passion for swordsmanship.
Building on this understanding, we continued sharing insights, providing Mayor Philip with a well-rounded understanding of the young lady's preferences.
"By the way, Mayor Philip, how were the preparations for the plan coming along?" Rudeus shifted the conversation, inquiring about the progress of the staged kidnapping scenario.
Leaning forward, Mayor Philip responded, "The plan is progressing steadily. We're in the process of selecting the appropriate participants and finalizing the location of the scenario."
We absorbed his words, recognizing his dedication to ensuring the plan's success. The meticulous planning demonstrated his commitment to both Eris's education and her personal growth.
"In the meantime, I suggest you both continue building rapport with Eris," Mayor Philip advised. "Engage her in conversations that resonate with her interests, and subtly introduce the idea of studying."
Rudeus and I exchanged a brief glance, appreciating the wisdom in Mayor Philip's advice. As we kept going on this journey to win over Eris's willingness to learn, it was clear that a combination of genuine connection and strategic guidance would be essential in achieving our goal.
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While still waiting for the preparation of the plan, Rudeus and I embarked on the journey in building a genuine connection with Eris.
Our goal was to engage her in conversations that aligned with her interests, particularly her passion for swordplay.
Yet, the process of breaking through the barriers between us and Eris proved to be more intricate than we had anticipated.
While Eris's curiosity about the Water God Style and her enthusiasm for swordsmanship were evident, her interactions remained tinged with defiance. The spark of intrigue I had ignited existed, but it was veiled beneath layers of resistance.
During one of Ghislaine's training sessions, we observed Eris intensely refining her swordplay skills. Her movements were forceful but lacked finesse, and her determination was palpable even as her technique called for refinement.
Approaching her cautiously, I offered a warm smile. "Good day, milady. Your dedication to the art of swordplay is truly impressive."
Eris paused her sword swings, her intense gaze locking onto us. Then her response was laced with skepticism and defiance. "What do you want from me?"
Her words served as a reminder that our journey to earn her trust and cultivate her willingness to learn would be fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, we remained steadfast in our commitment to break through her barriers.
Taking a step forward, Rudeus projected sincerity. "Milady, we assure you, there are no hidden agendas. Our intention is simply to share our knowledge and expertise with you."
"Huh?! And what, exactly, do you intend to share, little runt?" Eris's brows furrowed, as though my brother's candidness contradicted her expectations.
Rudeus appeared quite nervous as he responded, "Um, well, milady, I was thinking... would you consider learning practical skills like reading, writing, and basic arithmetic?"
Eris's frustration simmered, and her disdain was evident in her haughty reply. "Are you mocking me? Do you think I need to waste my time on such trivial matters?"
"No, Milady. I understand your passion for swordplay, but a touch of academic knowledge could complement your interests," Rudeus tried to reason, seeking common ground.
"Hmph, I detest studying! So, drop this, runt!" Eris snapped back, flatly rejecting his proposal.
At that moment, my brother turned to me, silently seeking assistance. It was clear that Eris was in no mood to engage with him.
Recognizing the necessity for diplomacy, I intervened to contribute. "If I recall correctly, you were rather intrigued by the idea of learning the Water God Style, were you not, Milady?"
Eris's demeanor wavered at my question, a glimmer of genuine curiosity peeking through her defiant mask.
She regarded me with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, perhaps questioning if I had truly paid attention to her desires.
"Yes, I remember that. So, what's your point?" she conceded, her tone less confrontational.
Seizing the opportunity, I continued. "You might find it interesting, Milady, that the Water God Style places significant emphasis on defensive techniques, including parrying and counterattacks. All of which can prove invaluable in combat situation."
Eris leaned forward, captivated by my explanation. "Tell me more..."
Responding to her interest, I delved deeper into the intricacies of the Water God Style, even sharing anecdotes from my training and experiences within that discipline.
Gradually, the allure of my stories resonated with Eris. Her attention remained focused as she momentarily set aside her initial skepticism.
In the end, I managed to establish a modest connection with Eris. However, we also learned why she was so adamant about avoiding traditional studies.
With the upcoming staged kidnapping plan, we hoped that this newfound connection would be enough to change her mind.
----------------------------------------------------
After successfully establishing a modest connection with Eris over the span of a few days, our interactions began to center more around our shared interests.
Eris's demeanor towards me had shifted subtly. While her defiance still lingered, a glimmer of curiosity and receptiveness had emerged. It was a promising sign that our efforts to dismantle her barriers were gradually yielding results.
Throughout our conversations, we delved deeper into the intricacies of the Water God Style, discussing its principles and practical applications. Her intrigue was palpable as she posed thoughtful inquiries and occasionally offered her own insights on the techniques.
Our discussions extended beyond swordplay as well. I discovered her fascination with beast people and their fluffy tails, adding a touch of playfulness to our interactions. These moments helped me to see a more approachable side of her.
However, on a significant day, the preparations for the staged kidnapping plan were finalized. Mayor Philip summoned Rudeus and me to his office, where he greeted us with a composed demeanor.
"Welcome, both of you," he began calmly. "I've brought you here because our plan's preparations are now finalized."
Rudeus and I exchanged meaningful glances, our anticipation heightened. The time had come to put our meticulously crafted strategy into motion.
Mayor Philip's tone remained steady as he continued, "The scenario is scheduled to unfold within the next few hours. It's imperative that you proceed cautiously, ensuring Eris's safety and emotional well-being are of the utmost priority throughout the entire experience."
These words emphasized the seriousness of our task. While the staged kidnapping was designed to showcase our skills and expertise, safeguarding Eris's well-being and trust were non-negotiable considerations.
Mayor Philip's attention turned to a document on his desk, his expression thoughtful. "Additionally, I've decided to involve Ghislaine in this scenario. Her presence will ensure Eris's safety and provide a sense of familiarity during the events."
Rudeus and I exchanged another glance, understanding the reasoning behind Mayor Philip's decision. Ghislaine's presence would indeed offer Eris a degree of comfort and assurance, mitigating any potential distress.
Mayor Philip leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "Keep in mind, the objective is to capture Eris's interest, demonstrate your skills, and cultivate a sense of partnership with her. This experience should lay the groundwork for her willingness to explore education in various forms."
We nodded simultaneously, committed to the plan's success.
As we left Mayor Philip's office, our thoughts were centered on the impending events. The stage had been carefully set, and it was time to execute our plan—a plan that combined strategic immersion, shared interests, and Eris's well-being.
However, little did we know, the plan we had prepared... is not what it seems.
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"Urgh, what happened?" I groaned, slowly regaining consciousness. My head throbbed, and my surroundings were disorienting.
I struggled to recall recent events. The last thing I remembered was walking with Rudeus and Eris through the streets, with Ghislaine following close behind. But then, everything blurred, and my memory became fragmented before I was knocked unconscious.
As I blinked my eyes open, the dimly lit room around me slowly came into focus. An air of tension hung heavy, and my senses picked up the acrid scent of dampness.
"Brother? Eris?" I called out weakly, my voice echoing in the unfamiliar space. No response greeted my call.
I attempted to move, only to find that my limbs were bound by chains, rendering me virtually immobile. Panic surged within me as I grappled with the reality of my situation.
"Hello? Can anyone hear me?" I called out again, desperation evident in my voice. Still, silence prevailed.
Looking down, I checked the chain that binded me and decided to test its strength, using all my might to break free. However, as I pulled, a small gem embedded in the cuffs began to blink and...
*Zaaap*
"Gyaaah!!"
An electric shock surged through my body, causing me to cry out in pain as my muscles spasmed from the shock.
Panting heavily, I realized that any attempt to overpower the restraints would only lead to more pain.
Footsteps approached, and I strained to see the source. A figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in dark attire and bearing a sinister grin.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" the figure taunted, a malicious tone in their voice. "Looks like our plan worked better than we expected."
Suppressing my anger, I focused on maintaining a cautious facade. "Who are you? What do you want?" I demanded, my voice trembling slightly.
The figure chuckled darkly. "All in due time. For now, you're in no position to ask questions."
Just as the figure reached toward me, loud noises from outside caught our attention. We both turned to the doorway, where another hooded figure rushed in, clearly in a state of panic.
"Sir, our base is under attack. We need assistance!"
"What?! How?!"
As the second figure relayed the urgent news, the initial captor cursed under their breath. It was evident that their attention had been diverted by the unforeseen turn of events.
The two figures exchanged hurried words, and without another glance at me, they rushed out of the room, leaving me alone, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and hope.
I knew that this was a golden opportunity. With the captors distracted, the chance to escape and potentially find Rudeus and Eris was within my grasp.
Summoning every ounce of determination, I examined the restraints once more, searching for weaknesses or potential tools to aid my escape. The blinking gem on the cuffs had to be my first target. If I could disable it somehow...
Gritting my teeth, I manipulated the cuffs as subtly as I could, attempting to dislodge the gem without triggering another electric shock. It took moments that felt like an eternity, but finally, the gem popped out, and the chains binding me went slack.
My muscles ached from the strain, but I pushed through the discomfort, freeing myself from the restraints.
With a cautious glance around the dim room, I prepared to make my escape. Whatever situation Rudeus and Eris were in, I was determined to find them and ensure their safety.