Tatiana's perspective
Part 1 Noon (Manor's Study Room)
The manor's study room bathed in the luminance of noon, a sanctuary of knowledge and discourse. Here, in the presence of Lady Blanc, revelations unfolded like the delicate unfurling of petals. The weighty issue at hand was none other than the unfolding mystery surrounding the town's shadowy organization.
"We've managed to pinpoint the evidence, all roads leading to the Mayor's butler, Sir Reingald," Blanc reported, her voice steady and composed. The neatly arranged stack of documents before me held the key to understanding this intricate web of deceit—records of past history, reports of spider queen caverns, and a masterful collection of information.
Blanc's swiftness in uncovering the truth was to be expected, but her method bore an added layer of intent—to teach me how to distinguish evidence, a skill crucial in navigating the labyrinthine corridors of power.
"Quick as ever, Blanc. Could you share the details of the evidence?" I inquired, my seat a realm of strategy and planning as Blanc presented the findings. Her explanation was a tapestry woven from threads of deduction and careful analysis.
Her voice held the measured authority of a seasoned investigator. "The culprits formed a group, and the evidence strongly points towards Sir Reingald, the Mayor's butler. Their motive, it appears, was to diminish the town's value. As our recent accomplishments came to light, their anxiety grew, prompting them to take action against us."
Understanding rippled through me, a combination of sadness and disappointment. "So, my suspicions held true..." I murmured, my voice tinged with a somber realization. The truth, though bittersweet, was necessary—a lesson Blanc had been teaching me through her actions, showing that not all lay beneath the surface is as it seems.
Blanc sighed, her demeanor a mix of concern and consolation. "This world of deception isn't to my liking, Tatiana. I find little joy in disappointing others." Her words were a testament to her genuine care for my well-being, even if these discoveries led to a certain disillusionment.
A heartfelt smile emerged on my lips, gratitude brimming within me. "Thank you, Blanc. Your effort to cheer me up hasn't gone unnoticed." As I wiped away a stray tear, I sought to restore the cheerful atmosphere, lifting my spirits as Blanc had done for me.
My fingers brushed over the documents spread before me, a tangible connection to the secrets that shrouded our town. But as my eyes traversed the pages, realization dawned upon me, and my voice rose in curiosity, my gaze lifting to Blanc. "Could it be possible, considering the evidence, that the Mayor himself is involved?"
Blanc's response was swift and definitive, her deduction mirroring my own fleeting thoughts. "I did entertain the notion initially, but the evidence leans more towards Sir Reingald. His actions have impacted the Mayor's health, rendering him unable to orchestrate such a scheme."
My concerns seemed to dissipate, but I was still left with lingering doubt. "Do we have any proof that the Mayor isn't involved, or is it just a matter of deduction?" I inquired, my mind wrestling with the intricacies of the situation.
Blanc's gaze shifted to Lily, an unspoken exchange between them. "Indeed, we do have someone associated with him who is prepared to confess the truth." Lily's confirmation added a layer of certainty to the unfolding truth.
I found myself intrigued by Lily's involvement, yet puzzled by her choice of words. "Lily, what do you mean by 'prepared to confess the truth'?" I probed, seeking clarification.
A serene smile touched Lily's lips as she spoke, her voice gentle. "He has been, let's say, encouraged to speak openly after receiving a treatment from me." A sense of mystery clung to her words, hinting at a deeper complexity beneath the surface.
As the revelations continued to unravel, I was reminded that our journey was one of twists and turns, where the truths we unveiled held as much intrigue as the secrets that shrouded them.
Part 2 Afternoon (Silverhill's Streets)
As the sun bathed Silverhill's streets in a warm embrace, an unexpected commotion drew our attention, coaxing us from the familiarity of the manor. Blanc, Lily, and I emerged onto the bustling scene, curiosity kindling our steps.
"Listen well, gather 'round! Witness a rare spectacle—an elf!" The commanding voice of a male slave trader sliced through the chatter, capturing the curious gazes of onlookers. The center of the spectacle, an elf, stood with a haunting aura, a living testament to cruelty.
My heart clenched at the sight. The elf's once-lustrous hair now hung limp, and her tattered attire barely clung to her frail form. I couldn't fathom the torment she had endured.
"Put an end to this immediately!" My voice carried with it a tone of authority and grace as I stepped forward, my actions guided by an innate empathy.
"Who dares interrupt our business?" The slave trader's indignation mirrored his disbelief at my audacity, but I couldn't remain silent.
"A title is unnecessary. My actions are rooted in compassion," I declared, my stance unwavering as I shielded the elf from the prying eyes of the crowd.
"Hmph! Just a royal meddling where they don't belong," scoffed a second slave trader, his eyes betraying a lascivious intent as he dismissed my presence. But I was unswayed, resolute in my mission.
"That is Princess Tatiana," a whisper swept through the crowd, carrying the weight of recent heroic deeds. My reputation preceded me, woven into the fabric of their discussions.
As murmurs of my involvement circulated, a sense of unity emerged among the townspeople, brought together by shared awareness of my actions.
"Sigh… it appears my expectations were warranted," Blanc sighed beside me, her weariness underscoring her familiarity with my propensity for such interventions. Yet, the mistreatment of another compelled me to act.
"Why subject this defenseless soul to such torment? Can you not see her weakened state?" I voiced my protest, disdain seeping into my words as I challenged their insensitivity.
"Young lady, this is a business endeavor. A mere inconvenience in your royal eyes," the second slave trader smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. Such blatant disregard for another's suffering incensed me.
"Do not mistake my concern for naivety," I asserted, determination underlining my words. My stance remained firm, my heart rejecting such a callous perspective.
"Indeed, we're just conducting business," the first slave trader sneered, brushing off my interference as if it were a trivial matter. This warped notion of business as the sale of another person lives shook me to my core.
"A royal's naivety knows no bounds," the first slave trader taunted, implying my supposed ignorance of the harsh realities of the world. Regardless of their words, I couldn't stand idle as cruelty unfolded before my eyes.
"…I shall take her into my custody," my voice held a quiet resolve, my decision clear. The elf deserved liberation from her oppressors, regardless of the consequences.
"Think of the riches an elf purchased by royalty would fetch," the slave traders muttered, driven by a greed that sought to exploit the situation.
"Every action speaks volumes," Lily's serene voice interjected, her smile suggesting an air of anticipation, as if foreseeing the events that would follow.
With a suddenness that arrested the crowd's attention, Blanc spoke, her arms crossed and her voice echoing confidence. "You claim to be in the business of slave trading, correct?"
The slave trader hesitated, the weight of the crowd's stare bearing down on him, "Yes, that's our trade."
I watched Blanc's lips curl into a smirk, clearly relishing her upper hand. "Then, might I inspect your business license, trading permit, and, while we're at it, the documentation validating your adherence to the Slavery Act, Article 243?" Her words rolled off her tongue with the fluency of a seasoned scholar. Even I was taken aback by her vast knowledge. Did she memorize the entire law book last night?
"And if I were to purchase this elf," Blanc continued, sensing her advantage, "where's the documentation proving her consent to this life?"
The second slave trader looked as though he'd bitten into a sour apple, lost for words and retreating a step.
The lead trader, his bravado dissolving, tried to rebuff, "So, we might have missed a paper or two. What does it matter?"
Blanc's cold gaze locked onto him. "It matters greatly, for standing beside me is Princess Tatiana, First daughter of Tremaine. Her voice holds sway and power enough to see both of you imprisoned for life. Selling a person? That's not mere trade—it's kidnapping."
The crowd, once indifferent observers, transformed into a chorus of angry voices. The townspeople were united in their condemnation, unwilling to let such heinous actions tarnish their community's reputation.
"Why have you brought this disgraceful trade to our town?" A furious voice pierced the air, echoed by similar sentiments among the gathered mob.
"We will not stand by as you sully our town's image!" Another voice rose, the frustration of the townspeople evident.
Realization dawned upon the slave traders. Cornered, they scrambled to their carriage, urgency and fear evident as they hastily departed Silverhill, fleeing the consequences of their actions.
The mob erupted in jubilation, their cheers echoing through the air as they celebrated the departure of the traders. The atmosphere shifted from tension to triumph, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Blanc's astute intervention.
Exhaling a sigh of relief, I turned my gaze to Blanc with gratitude shining in my eyes. "Blanc, I can't thank you enough for your swift intervention." My words carried a bow of respect, acknowledging her crucial role in resolving the situation. In that moment, I felt a deep appreciation for her wisdom and resourcefulness, realizing how much I had to learn from her.
As I gazed upon the elf, who stood on the precipice of freedom, I was struck by the profundity of Blanc's legal expertise. Her knowledge had proven to be a powerful weapon, bringing justice to a situation that initially seemed insurmountable.
"Are you well?" My voice, gentle and concerned, reached out to the elf, my eyes searching hers for a glimpse of understanding.
Silence was her response, a faint gasp the only sound as she faltered. Swiftly, I caught her, my hand steadying her fall, a connection formed in that brief touch.
Turning to Lily, I conveyed my unspoken request. Her reassuring smile answered my silent plea, and with graceful expertise, she guided the elf away, ensuring her comfort and care.
Back at the manor, the elf found refuge in Lily's capable hands. We waited, hearts full of anticipation, for the healing touch of time to mend the wounds of her body and soul.
-End of Chapter 41-