Sub Quest (9)

Summing up the information we've gathered so far, it seems like this:

From the start, the villainous presence of Viscount Lopez was quite evident, and for reasons unknown, he seems to be after the body of Leovald.

The immediate problem we face is as follows.

So, how does the scenario want to unfold?

If the scenario is written in such a way that Leovald's body is taken, then I have no choice but to follow its progression. On the surface, I appear to be an ally of Leonardo, but my real goal is survival.

It would be unwise to act in a way that completely deviates from the direction suggested by the scenario notes, without knowing how this world will twist as a result. In such a situation, I can't just rush into the development.

'…But other possibilities are also possible.'

I rolled my eyes. Ever since I fell into this strange world, I've spent the remaining time contemplating the system that governs the scenario.

The scenario notes assign characters and give them lines that are meant to guide the story. It adjusts the characters and settings, essentially setting the main course of the narrative that the characters must follow. To me, it felt like a kind of prophecy.

And one notable thing.

After completing a scenario note, there is always a gap before the next scenario note is assigned.

Why is there a break before the next scenario starts, instead of it continuing right after? It's almost like preparing the next stage and script in the meantime.

For example, in a play, scene changes are inevitably needed. The stage is generally fixed, and the frame the audience sees is limited to the stage itself.

So, when changing the background or characters in a theatrical production, there's usually a brief intermission, such as lowering the curtain or using blackout lighting. During this break, the actors fix their makeup and the staff changes the stage background.

Strangely enough, the world within the story follows this same rule. The only difference from a theatre's intermission is that, during this gap, the characters in the story engage in free actions without the guidance of the scenario notes.

The free actions of the characters within the story. In other words, the 'spaces between the lines' of the narrative are unaffected by the scenario.

However, paradoxically, while the scenario cannot intervene in the 'spaces between the lines,' the events that occur within those spaces are reflected in the scenario.

The fact that I, Extra Citizen #1,001, who was supposed to disappear as ash, ended up being cast as the Innkeeper of Sinistra was something that happened in those 'spaces between the lines.' More importantly, the actions that took place in those gaps were properly reflected in the next scenario note.

Originally, "I" wasn't supposed to exist in the scenario. I was an extra, and I was supposed to be a casualty. However, I acted on the spot and took the role of the innkeeper, and for some reason, this change was naturally incorporated into 'Scenario Note #002.'

Since the innkeeper smoothly provided shelter and food to Leonardo without any issue, it's already been proven that the events that happen between the lines influence the progression of the scenario.

So, is the scenario flexible?

I can't say for sure yet, but I'm leaning toward the idea that it is flexible.

'Perhaps… the scenario is being written on the spot.'

What if this world isn't following a pre-written scenario that's already been 'completed,' but instead, the actions of the characters within the spaces between the lines are being observed and reflected into the script in real-time, constantly being 'written' as the story unfolds?

Interfering with the story's progression in the gaps between the lines wouldn't be a big problem. In fact, it might even become possible to slightly tilt things in the direction I want.

Of course, if this is true, it raises the question of who exactly is observing and adjusting the world while writing the scenario in real-time.

For now, this is all I can deduce.

While my mind was racing, Leonardo also seemed to be deep in thought. He slowly opened his mouth.

"One of them said earlier that they were a subordinate of Lord Lopez. Are you sure about that?"

"Believe it or not, it's up to you, but according to my information, it's certain."

"…I see. Alright."

After that, Leonardo kept his mouth tightly shut. The atmosphere became tense, and as I looked around, I took out the cat treat that the captain had given me earlier, shaking it as I pretended to look for the cat.

I could hear Leonardo's mind whirring, so I felt it was time to give him some space to think.

"Roboy."

What was it the captain had said? Was it herring or carp?

"Meow."

"...?"

In the darkness, we both turned our heads at the faint sound of a meow.

The four paws, now caked in mud, approached with a shuffling step. The colour of the dirty, muddy water was now reflected on their once-white, boot-like paws. The cat, with its short gray fur and sapphire-blue eyes, swayed its tail gently.

"…Roboy?"

Meow.

Was that the sound of a cat meowing?

Approaching cautiously, I offered it a snack. The cat elegantly walked over and began devouring the dried fish. The crunchy sound of it chewing was rather satisfying. I carefully reached out and petted its head gently.

Although it was a bit dirty, it looked healthier than expected. It didn't seem like one of those animals that had gotten caught up in the underground sewers and suffered.

Leonardo, who had been quietly watching, sighed as he glanced between the cat and the darkness beyond the underground passage.

"We've accomplished our goal, so it's probably best we head back up now."

Indeed. There was nothing more we could do down here at the moment.

We couldn't immediately search for Leovald's body from this side, either. The tomb robbers had already left, so we couldn't chase after them. And diving deeper into the underground sewers without proper preparation would be reckless.

We could always come back later.

As I stretched out my arms, Roboy swayed its tail and calmly snuggled up to me. They said it was a calm and clever cat, one that could even board a ship, and indeed, its laid-back demeanor was evident.

It nonchalantly licked the mud off its paws, and, feeling a bit mischievous, I tickled its nose. In response, the cat pretended to bite my hand before curling up with a small shiver.

Seeing its calm demeanor, the tension in my body eased, and the tangled thoughts that had been knotted up in my mind seemed to scatter. A sigh, half in relief, escaped my lips without me realizing it.

After retracing our steps and climbing the ladder, Leonardo and I didn't exchange much conversation as we headed back toward the sewer. I casually spoke to the cat, but I kept a close eye on Leonardo's condition. He simply raised his torch wordlessly, matching his pace with mine.

What was particularly strange was when we arrived at the sewer entrance, Roboy leapt out of my arms and effortlessly squeezed through the narrow bars. It simply shoved its head through and somehow managed to get its whole body through.

"Did we even need to come save it?"

It probably had already made its way back to its owner by itself. I looked at the cat, still somewhat suspicious, and placed it back in my arms.

Carrying it around in this state would attract too much attention with the cloak and mask, so I had to fold it up and put it back in my bag. The fabric had soaked up some moisture and was now heavier, pressing against my side more than before.

Leonardo wordlessly took the bag and slung it over his shoulder. Somehow, it felt like he was getting more and more used to playing the servant's role.

As we approached the ship where the captain was waiting, we saw the fuzzy, anxious captain spinning in circles, clearly agitated. The crew members around him were trying to hold him back. Despite his rugged appearance, the captain couldn't hold back his emotions when he saw Roboy.

"Ah! Roboy!" 

With a loud cry, the captain's tears flowed freely.

[Scenario Sub-quest Condition Achieved!: Bring Lucky Roboy to the Captain (1/1)]

[Leonardo's fame increases according to achievement. Current fame in Sinistra: 1,020 points. +0 points to meet the minimum required.]

[Clear condition achieved!]

['Scenario Note #005' is successfully completed. There are "0 hours 15 minutes" remaining until the next Scenario Note assignment. Until the scenario assignment is complete, characters will begin 'Free Actions' to fill the empty gaps in the narrative. Act naturally to prevent them from noticing inconsistencies in the world.]

The empty gaps naturally appeared, as if it were only to be expected.

Even now, the waiting time is the shortest it's been so far. Damn it. There's so much to do.

I still need to investigate the disaster that struck Sinistra ten years ago, and figure out the plot behind Lopez' scheme with Leovald's body.

Glancing sideways at Leonardo, I saw that he was being held by the captain, who was still crying uncontrollably, enduring a long list of thanks.

As a token of gratitude, he received a bit of money and a basket of pickled herring. Leonardo, with his bag slung over one shoulder and the basket in his arm, was climbing up the sloped path.

As the bustling noise of the port grew distant and we entered a quieter area, I concealed my impatience and spoke first.

"You're worried about it, aren't you? The group of tomb robbers."

"…Yeah. Setting aside the desecration, I don't understand their motive for targeting the tomb. It could be because of the armour or sword left with the body, but those items are already too well-known to be easily sold or displayed."

"What's unclear is why 'Lord Lopez' is targeting Leovald's tomb."

I corrected my statement with a light snap of my fingers.

"There should be a way to find out, right?"

"Is there a plan?"

In a sense, this is just a light experiment.

"Isn't there a way to confront Lord Lopez directly? How about it, want to team up and pull a job together?"

An experiment to see how much of what happens in the gaps of the scenario will actually be reflected.

[Waiting time expired, a new Scenario Note has been assigned.]