Rumours (1) - If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die [bl]

Thanks to that, Ferdinand returned in a much livelier state after finishing his share of the dishes, saying he had eaten well. He even mentioned before leaving that he wanted to contribute something, and then a servant stealthily approached and placed turnip and cabbage seedlings in front of the drawbridge.

Honestly, they looked more like crops that had been suddenly yanked from a garden somewhere, rather than seedlings. Well, I also didn't think Ferdinand would be particularly knowledgeable about farming.

In the pantry were the tea leaves that Celestina had distributed. In the courtyard were the autumn vegetables that Ferdinand had casually slipped into his sleeve as he passed by. Thanks to that, my household had become considerably more abundant. It also felt like a sign that I had accumulated some goodwill, almost like a trophy. If I received a gift from Count Ertinez as well, would that complete my collection of goodwill from the Ertinez family?

Ah, come to think of it, the Lilium Fortress itself might be considered a kind of gift from the Count.

Even though it's an old and remote place, he essentially gave us a fortress to use all to ourselves.

Watching Leonardo and Vittorio sitting together in the vegetable garden, planting seedlings and gently covering them with soil, I crouched down and wiped the dirt off Vittorio's cheek. The autumn breeze carries the scent of the season by the lakeside. Beyond the drawbridge, I could see the castle's employees busily moving laundry and sweeping the paths.

Since Ferdinand had left the drawbridge down, there was nothing obstructing the view between the fortress and the castle, allowing those on the other side to see us huddled together in the courtyard with the naked eye. I sensed the tiny figures, no larger than a fingernail, moving busily near the lakeshore, occasionally glancing our way.

I wonder if they'll clearly see this peaceful scene and spread the word. I hope the rumours of the rogue's reformation become a fait accompli so that Leonardo can enjoy his freedom soon.

Vittorio gently brushed the small leaves of the turnip seedlings he had just planted and asked, "Will they grow well? How long until they're big enough to eat?"

"I've helped with farm work before, but I've never grown anything myself, so I wouldn't know."

One is a modern person, another is a city vagabond, and the last one is a vagabond who has lived as a hero, so none of them have any knowledge of farming. Even if they're lucky and grow well, it'll still take a while. We have spent about a month in Sinistra. I wonder how much longer we will stay here.

When Act 3 begins, or perhaps even before the curtain rises or falls, the scenario may demand that we head to another stage altogether. We might have to leave before we get to see these seedlings thrive and develop plump roots, missing out on the harvest time and fleeing once again.

I reflect on this drifting life. Just as Vittorio has experienced both before and after meeting us, as Leo did from the time he was Isaac to the transition through Leovald to Leonardo, and as I have as well. Settling down is indeed difficult.

Take 1. Ertinez Castle, Lilium Fortress (Day/Inside). Leonardo overhears the conversation of the servants passing by the lakeshore.

Servant 1: "A kitchen helper I know said she saw it clearly last night when she snuck out. It's the ghost of the Countess wandering the castle…!"

Servant 2: "(Startled) Shh! What if someone hears? We should call it the lady ghost in white."

Take 2. Ertinez Castle (Night/Inside). Isaac, having heard the rumours about the ghost, suggests they investigate the truth behind the rumours.

Leonardo: "It might just be a trick pretending to be the dead Countess, but you're right. It would be good to check it out."

Scenario Clear Condition: [Leonardo uncovers the truth related to the Countess' ghost.]

Ah, just at the right moment, the scenario note has arrived. I was wondering if the ghost sighted last night might have mistaken Leonardo and me sneaking in and out of the southern spire.

Thinking rationally, mistaking two men in dark cloaks for a woman ghost in white is like confusing a watermelon for a bean. So the reported ghost must have appeared at the same time we were secretly wandering the castle, confronting the Count, and eavesdropping on conversations through the tunnels.

'I wonder if I can confirm that the Countess died because of that. It would be refreshing to uncover the truth the Count is hiding at the same time.'

Script: [The owner of the rumours currently sweeping through El Dante. Often cited as the cause of the ruffian second son's rehabilitation.]

[With a friendly demeanour, quickly builds rapport with others, serving as a bridge between Leonardo and the people of El Dante.]

[Hones skills to infiltrate the castle at midnight and guides through less frequented paths.]

I checked the tasks assigned to me in this scenario note and couldn't help but smile to myself. This is quite something. I suppose my efforts have yielded some results. It feels like I've successfully taken on the role of Leonardo's training wheels.

True to the main character of a heroic tale, Leonardo resolved the situation with his heroic demeanour and exceptional combat skills. In this process, the things that can't be displayed through Leonardo as a character—like lively social interactions and crafting somewhat devious plans—have naturally been assigned to me as a supporting role, thus increasing my significance.

It feels like I've finally seized the role of 'that suspicious yet reliable character who's always by the protagonist's side,' which I had aimed for when I fell into this fictional world.

If this role solidifies, then even when the knights following Leovald appear as major or minor characters later on, I won't be easily pushed aside. It's definitely a good idea to secure my significance while being right next to Leonardo during this part of the scenario.

I glance over at Leonardo, who is turning his head toward the outskirts of the lakeshore, attentively listening as progresses.

The story will continue, and new characters will surely emerge. There will be characters who know things about Leovald that I don't, including his loyal subordinates and fellow knights. I wonder if I will still be as important to him then.

I'm not sure. It seems that I might need to reach the main character level for things to become clearer, but I've never seen a rank of

appear so I'm unsure if I can advance beyond supporting character.

If I were to be granted the position of a main character… then would I be able to access Leovald's information window? Would I finally be able to look at that translucent window, completely blacked out as if it were refusing to share any information?

'I'm curious.'

Just as he's curious about me, I too find myself a little curious about Leonardo and Leovald.

In that moment, as if sensing my gaze, he turns his head to look at me. The slight furrow of his brows, which had been focused, loosens as he does so. A soft warmth lingers in his cool silver gaze, and a gentle smile forms as his eyes narrow slightly.

Leonardo spoke.

"I heard a story that you might find interesting."

Looking at him, who seemed as if he was preparing a gift, I couldn't help but smile in return. It reminded me of the playful predictions I made at the beginning of the story.

"Let me guess. Is it about the ghost?"

"Impressive, you know me well."

"Still, it's more enjoyable to hear it directly from you, so hurry up and tell me."

In the midday air, the scents of the lakeshore mingled with the aromas of ripening grains and fruits. As we continued our eerie conversation about it, the ghost, and death, we prepared for the night ahead.

"Ah, but this time I think we should wear something other than the black attire. We need to look around inside the castle too, and it's more comfortable to explore confidently after all."

"You look quite disappointed."

"Isn't the black attire stylish though? It looks wicked and powerful."

"I suppose that's true."

"Well, yeah…."

***

On that evening, when everyone was asleep, I had turned off the lights in the fortress ahead of time to avoid any sudden visits like the previous day. Before leaving, I made sure to say goodnight to Vittorio, reminding him to grow tall.

We used the underground passage that led behind the stables to secretly hide in the armoury, taking quick steps to disguise ourselves as soldiers of the Count's household by swiftly donning some armour.

Since we had already figured out the patrol times and routes of the guards within the castle, infiltrating wasn't difficult. With this, we could nonchalantly move around as a two-man guard unit. From a distance, it would be hard to distinguish us, and we would dodge any soldiers who might recognize us.

As I observed Leonardo's cerulean hair being well concealed beneath the helmet, we strolled casually along the castle walls. The night sky was studded with stars, and the sounds of crackling torches mixed with the chirping of crickets filled the air.

While we walked slowly, taking in the view of the narrow windows of the towers and the garden and pathways below the walls, Leonardo suddenly stopped, pulling gently on his wrist.

And then, below us.

In the garden, where the sun had not yet risen and the flowers quietly bowed their heads, a figure in white fluttered gently. It was as if an enormous flower had bloomed in the garden. The ghost, swaying with the breeze, slowly lifted its head to gaze at the sky.

Long, flowing brown hair. Bright, round blue eyes. A pale face illuminated by the reflected light from the white garment. The figure bore a striking resemblance to the portrait of a brooch inscribed with the name 'Veronica.'

[Viewing the information of the specified entity.][Role – Lady Celestina]

There was no ghost there.