"You sure you want to come?"
Eveline's voice held a note of playful skepticism as she settled into the seat across from me. Her lips curled into a smile, with a glint of curiosity dancing in her eyes.
I leaned back at my seat comfortably, mirroring the same exact smile she was showing. "Well, yes, it's actually the destination of where I'm heading," I quipped, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of my mouth. It was mentioned in the novel that it was rare to find someone who could match Eveline's spirited nature, and I was more than willing to keep up with her banter.
As the carriage began to move, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestone road providing a soothing backdrop, I couldn't help but pondered deeply about the main event from the novel that will occur after reaching our destination.
Finally... It's time to proceed to phase 1.
Eveline's gaze drifted to the passing scenery outside the window, a look of quiet contemplation replacing her earlier playful demeanor. "You know, it's funny how paths cross and lives intertwine," she mused, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.
I nodded, my own gaze following hers. "Indeed, it's as if the threads of fate weave people in the most unexpected ways," I replied, my tone thoughtful as I slowly closed my eyes to think. From being a guy working as a classified top scientist to becoming the protagonist of an NTR novel, life sure is unexpected at some point.
I opened my right eye halfway and glance at her direction.... Ask me questions already!
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, the sound like music in the confined space of the carriage. "Life has a way of surprising people, doesn't it?" she mused, her eyes returning to meet mine after I opened them. "If I may ask, what have you been up to during your travel?"
Upon hearing this, I cupped my chin to suppress myself from my grinning.
Next, I tilted my head slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing my features as I considered the lies I would tell her. "You mean my experience? Well, I've had the privilege of crossing paths with many remarkable companions during my journey," I began, my voice carrying a hint of false nostalgia.
Leaning back comfortably in my seat, I recounted a small portion of Saber's life, weaving a tapestry of tales that blended truth with a touch of lies. With each word, I could see Eveline's genuine interest and curiosity, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I regaled her with stories of diverse landscapes, perilous encounters, and the false heartwarming moments shared with the companions who had accompanied Saber on his path. I spoke of the camaraderie forged in the heat of battle, the laughter shared around campfires, and the bonds that transcended the challenges we faced.
Her chuckle filled the carriage, a harmonious melody that seemed to resonate with the stories I spun. "It sounds like you've had quite the adventurous life," she remarked, a mixture of sadness and admiration in her tone.
I nodded in agreement, a smile touching my lips. "Indeed, Eveline, and it's a life I wouldn't trade for anything. The bonds forged, the lessons learned, and the memories created – they've all shaped me into who I am today."
As I spoke, Eveline's smile seemed to grow even more radiant, her genuine enthusiasm evident in the way she leaned forward, hanging onto every word. "Really? If it's fine to ask, where are your companions now?" she inquired, her curiosity brimming over.
I chuckled softly, a wistful note creeping into my voice. "Ah, well, you see, they are all a nomadic bunch. They tend to wander where the winds of fate carry them," I replied cryptically, allowing a sense of mystery to hang in the air.
"Umm.... Well, you see, it's not the sort of thing I typically reveal to just anyone, but..." I took a glance at her and noticed her eyes squinting.
"All of them abandoned me in the end," I immediately shut my mouth as soon as I said that. I turned my head to face the window, secretly waiting forward to her next reaction.
"...Huh?"
Soon enough, she showed the expression I wanted to see.
Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Eveline spoke up again, her voice a mixture of intrigue and concern. "Saber, what do you mean they abandoned you? Who are you talking about?"
Turning back to face her, I allowed a hint of melancholy to color my gaze. "All of them. I've been through my fair share of trials and challenges, Lady Eveline," I admitted, my tone carrying a touch of resignation. "But it seems that every companion I've ever had, every person I've trusted, has eventually chosen a different path, leaving me behind."
I sighed deeply and continued, "There's no need to feel pity. It's not completely a sad ending for me. They were finally able to free themselves from their burden - my weak self, while I got a lesson out of it... It's kind of funny, right?" I let out a fake laugh to add more drama, as our eyes met.
"Erm... Is my story that bad?" I curiously asked while tilting my head innocently to the side, raising a gentle smile as we look at each other.
Eveline snapped back upon hearing what I said and waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense! Every tale has its own unique charm, its own lessons to impart. Besides, I have a feeling you've seen your fair share of excitement, but..."
Her eyes softened, a flicker of sympathy dancing within them. "That must have been really difficult for you," she replied softly, her voice laden with understanding.
"Well, I did try my best," I replied with a lighthearted voice. She was about to say something, but I cut her off by clearing my throat. "But don't think you're getting off the hook that easily. You owe me a tale from your own adventures too!" I said excitedly.
She nods and chuckled, leaning forward slightly. "Ah, but of course. It's only fair that I share as well. But I warn you, my stories might not be as captivating as yours."
I laughed and said to her, "I'm sure that won't be the case."
And so, she began to tell more information about herself...
Which was exactly my plan.
One of the technique I knew from manipulation, before asking for someone's information, you have to first reveal a "secret" or something in order to let their guard down and not feel defensive. The "secret" doesn't have to be a real secret. You can just make them feel that it is an important, personal detail that you wouldn't normally share with just anyone.
The next step is to make use of their emotions. One of the best emotions that you can evoke is sympathy. By sharing a story or a situation that elicits sympathy, you can create an emotional bond that makes them more inclined to trust you and open up.
As I listened to her story with seriousness, I couldn't help but raise the side of my lips in amusement.
...
..
.
As the carriage continued to carry us forward, the backdrop of the world passing by, I found myself engaged in a lively conversation with Eveline. She told her stories of her past escapades, as we shared our laughter over comical mishaps, and delved into deeper discussions about our hopes and dreams.
"You're a very good listener, you know that?" She says, making me smile in response to her words.
The passage of time seemed to blur, the world outside the window fading into insignificance as our words wove a connection between us. In that confined space, amidst the gentle swaying of the carriage and the hum of shared stories, I felt a sense of relaxation during our whole journey.
However...
As we approached our destination, the buoyant laughter that had filled the air between us abruptly ceased, replaced by a shared sense of astonishment at the scene unfolding in the distance.
Before us loomed the colossal squid monster, its massive form visible even from afar, wreaking havoc with its formidable tentacles, which it wielded like destructive appendages.
Eveline's mouth gaped open as she beheld the spectacle, her fingers instinctively pressing against the window with such force that cracks spiderwebbed across the glass.
Meanwhile, I discreetly observed her reaction, a faint yet amused smile playing at the corner of my lips.
Ah, how interesting this turn of events was proving to be, I mused inwardly, finding a strange sense of amusement in the face of imminent danger.
Truly, a challenging and exhilarating experience lay ahead, and I couldn't help but think.
'Let's make this journey truly worth your while, Hero Knight Eveline.'