Damned-3

*Shin's POV*

-Prior to Laura's Trial-

"She has an enemy that you can't take care of? What are you talking about? One of the students she knocked out friends with a noble or something?" [Shin]

"More like she knocked out a noble than something." [Sandra]

"Umm what? When and why the hell did she do that? There wasn't anyone like that among those who attacked the guard house." [Shin]

"No. You are correct, there was no Nobles among that group. Apparently, when Laura's classroom got summoned, she threw a chair at Countess Arlette. Or so I've been told." [Sandra]

Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I complain to both the girls present.

"Damn. I had a plan if something went wrong, but this doesn't cover it." [Shin]

{My grand plan was to take the fall if it came to it. When I was messing around with my Spirit Plate before the incident, I figured out how to change some of my "fake" Titles and Skills. For example, my Merchant Title had both the Negotiation and Coercion Skills. I succeeded in making both skills the maximum level of 5. Therefore, if push came to shove, I could fake control over them and say that it was all my fault, placing the blame on me…But now, there's no point. What a waste of time…}

"Okay. First, how does the committee decide the punishments and verdicts. Is it majority vote or akin to the courts of the Kaross Empire? Seeing how you're here talking to me and not in deliberation, It must be the latter." [Shin]

"Yes, the Committee gathers the most influential among them and must arrive at a single verdict which all must agree too. Currently, there are 5 sitting and debating on your verdict." [Sandra]

"Hmm… If that's true, then you could easily get into the committee or ask Prince Eren for a favor. There must be some external reason you don't believe in successfully aiding Laura." [Shin]

"Yes, Countess Arlette has always been conceited and scheming. We believe that she must have some plan, especially since no punishment is likely to be placed amongst the others, due to Prince Eren is backing all four of you heavily. This will make it hard for her to convince the others without some sort of plot." [Sandra]

"Yes…Arlette using her Skill…Making people agree with her." [Linda]

"Her Skill? Do you know what Skills she possesses?" [Shin]

"No, but ever since she's arrived at the fort, she's been creating a faction of sorts, with several people among the nobility following her like dogs. Linda thinks that she uses some sort of entrancement spell or Skill. Otherwise, not many people would flock to her banner. Especially in times of need." [Sandra]

{Okay… Something tells me that there's some sort of history here, but now's not the time to be asking about that.}

I hop up out of the chair and glare into both of their eyes.

"So, how exactly do you expect me to help? Are you asking me to "eliminate" some "problems?" [Shin]

Both parties understand the implications of this statement. Sandra and Linda both raise their eyebrows in surprise.

"No, we don't have any plans for that kind of work. In fact, that would make the situation worse. There is currently a power grab amongst the people within these walls. "Getting rid of" that problem would most likely be the match to the fuse, ensuring more violence within the chaos. I am more surprised that you would suggest performing such a task." [Sandra]

"Well, I would be a good scapegoat for you, both taking out an enemy of yours and destabilizing Prince Eren's control over the group by ruining his assurances of me, making it a win-win for you." [Shin]

Sandra grabs her chin and looks to the ground. I can see the gears turning in her head as she thinks my suggestion over.

"I-I didn't even think of that. That would have been a wonderful idea…" [Sandra]

"Umm, there's usually where you deny it and say you would never do something like this. Plus, I was just joking…" [Shin]

"Yes, then once I assume control over the group…" [Sandra]

This is the last time I mention a joke to her ever again. Her brain shifted from 1st to 6th gear and immediately began concocting plans of a coup. Somewhat anxious about her behavior I look at Linda for help. Linda who looks to be equally worried nods in understanding and pulls on the hem of her sleeve.

"Sandra now isn't a good time. Focus for Laura." [Linda]

"R-Right, forgive me. I was simply pondering some thoughts." [Sandra]

Being on the same wavelength, Linda and I stare at Sandra, totally not believing her.

"ANYWAYS, What I am asking of you is, if an unfavorable scenario transpires, to take Laura and flee the fortress. Even if there are dangers out there, once Countess Arlette set her sight on Laura, she will always be in danger. However, if she escapes outside the fortress, I'm sure that Arlette will think she's dead and be happy with that. This will give us time to either change her mind or to find out her skill and neutralize it somehow." [Sandra]

"Hold up. You want me, to willingly take Laura outside of the fortress and what, live in the woods? What kind of dumb idea is that!? My idea was 10 times better than yours as it removes the problem from the source!" [Shin]

"While it would be easier, it would initiate the implosion of the power structure, leading to many casualties in the resulting power grab. Following my plan will reduce the number of casualties in the long term." [Sandra]

{Yeah... I can't really argue that point. Damn I really hate Nobles and their "power grab" BS.}

"Okay, let's say that your prediction comes true, why do you suggest that I help your friend? What exactly do you want me to help her with? And why do you believe that I would be willing to join her outside the walls?" [Shin]

"I have, or rather had, many connections within the military as my house contributed heavily with donations. I know of the real exploits of "Captain Okamoto" and if you're anything like him, I'm sure you will be fine. Especially since another friend of mine said that you are dependable. What I am asking of you is to support her outside the walls and make sure that no harm comes to her. Do this, and I'll do one thing that you ask of me, no questions ask. I'll even throw in a free favor." [Sandra]

"Oh? No questions asked huh… Now that kind of excites me." [Shin]

For some reason, both Ladies in front of me have shrunk away from me, visibly appalled at something. Even the always proud Sandra seems to be taking steps back in fear for some reason. Linda moves her body in front of her, taking a combative stance, ready to shield Sandra from whatever vile creature is attempting to attack her.

I do a quick 360, but I don't see anything to be worried about. Even my Guarded Skill hasn't activated. Confused, I ask them what they are so scared of.

"Umm, what are you scared of?" [Shin]

"W-What is with your facial expression? What exactly has excited you so? Are you planning on…defiling me? [Sandra]

"I sense dangerous thoughts… Sandra, I'll protect your chastity… [Linda]

"Hold Up! I'm not planning to do anything like that. What the hell do you take me for?!" [Shin]

"Yeah right, there's no chance someone with a facial expression as sinister and devilish as yours is planning anything decent." [Sandra]

"…On 3, run. I can buy you 10 seconds…" [Linda]

"I said hold up!! I'll ask you for your no-questions-asked favor right now. Okay, just listen to me." [Shin]

"…Never mind, I'll only be able to buy you 3 seconds." [Linda]

"LISTEN! All I want is for the right to make the request in you place when you defeat the Evil God." [Shin]

"Huh?" [Sandra & Linda]

"That's it? What happens if we aren't the ones to kill it?" [Sandra]

"Then I'll sweep it under the rug, no problem. I'll have simply lost a bet." [Shin]

Both Ladies go deep into thought, possibly trying to understand why I would ask this. Unfortunately for them, there's no rational reason for wanting this favor, it's just a situation that I'm throwing at my future self. Hopefully he'll be finding a use for this…

"If that is indeed your request, then I'll accept your terms. I'm unsure why you would make such unfavorable conditions. You are aware that you could have asked for a greater reward, are you not?" [Sandra]

"Thank you, but you don't really have anything I could want. If we were still in Kaross, then I would probably put more thought into it, but as you currently have very little power, I find it difficult to ask anything of you." [Shin]

I had intended to only say the first part, but apparently my filter needs to be readjusted. Both Sandra and Linda's faces look down in despondence. The energy they possessed earlier ahs disappeared, making the air in the room awkward and unpleasant.

"…Rude" [Linda]

"No, he's right. We don't have the same power we had in the Empire. We have no resources to offer in compensation. In fact, I'm surprised that you chose to consent to my request. Why have you?" [Sandra]

"Huh? I was planning to help her since the beginning. She's a comrade of mine anyway so I figured that I might as well get a couple favors from you at the same time. I mean, I was waiting for you to show up ever since I was guided here. I knew by the look on your faces that you had something to say to me." [Shin]

"One Moment Please! Are you saying that this entire conversation was for naught?" [Sandra]

"No, of course not. I've learned a lot for this conversation so thanks. Oh, and remember to keep your word on those favors that you promised me." [Shin]

Slamming her hand onto the small desk, she glares daggers into my soul.

"Y-You D-Despicable man. I was bearing all my feelings for my friend's sake, even asking favors from you, and you treat it like it was nothing." [Sandra]

"No, don't get me wrong. Your devotion moved me, and your wit convinced me into following your plan, Lady Sandra. Laura's lucky that she has such a good friend. That goes for you as well Lady Linda." [Shin]

Hearing my compliment, Sandra's anger dissipates until she grabs both her cheeks with a flushed expression.

"My Devotion and Wit. Hehehe. Yes, of course I'm unparalleled in these two aspects." [Sandra]

{Is this really the same girl who questioned the Grand Goddess? I thought she had guts but seeing this side of her, I'm almost convinced that she has multiple personalities. There's no way this easy woman is the same confident and arrogant woman from earlier.}

"Sandra… you're too easy…he's trying to distract you from tricking us."

"Ha-ha, no not at all. Anyway, what about Kati and Bode, the other two of my comrades? Are their trials also going to be as troublesome?" [Shin]

My question brings Sandra back to reality. With a fake cough to hide her embarrassment, she says,

"Ahem! I believe I heard that they are connected to some noble houses so they should be fine." [Sandra]

"I see, well can I ask you to watch over them while I'm gone? You can consider it additional the favor from earlier." [Shin]

…

After getting their confirmation and listening to a couple more requests from them both, they both take their leave to begin the other trials. Now that I'm alone in my room, I can finally show my real feelings about this entire situation.

"Kufufu, so it'll be a prison break! I'm looking forward to it." [Shin]