The Danger was There All Along

This is bad. I can't believe this has happened in such a short period of time.

What's going on? I rarely see you looking depressed like that.

Oh. Hismena. Aldo.

Did something bad happen?

Sort of. We've been investigating an issue, and we're stuck.

You're stuck? That's unlike you.

I'd like to hear about it. Mind telling me the details?

I'm not sure I should.

Now you're making me even curious. Is it a kind of issue you can't even tell me about?

Come on, Isuka. It won't hurt to talk about it, right? After all, Hismena is part of the IDEA, and she wants to help you.

Exactly. So come on Isuka! Let me in on it.

All right. I give up.

So, what kind of issue is it?

Well, there have been several incidents where multiple students from the IDA School have gone missing.

Missing? Are you sure they're not just skipping classes?

Yes. We have confirmed that they're neither home nor in the dorms.

What we know so far is that they're all from elite families. Furthermore, they were all last seen off school grounds.

Hearing that, kidnapping would be the logical conclusion. Someone could be looking to hold the kids for ransom. But the fact that it's happening outside IDA makes things complicated.

Right. The EGPD has already stepped in limiting what we can do on our end.

IDEA's jurisdiction is bound to IDA School grounds.

Once we step off school grounds, we are restricted by regulations.

No wonder you guys are stuck. Why not cooperate on this case?

Isuka wouldn't be stumped like this if it were so simple.

Ah, you're probably right.

Isuka. I think I can help out with this one. Put me on the case!

I knew you'd say that. Which is exactly why I didn't ask you.

Don't worry about a thing. I've got sources outside of IDA School that could be really useful.

That's what makes me worried...

...... What's wrong, Isuka?

Nothing. Aldo. Would you do me a favor and keep an eye on Hismena?

Um... Me?

I believe you have no objections, do you, Hismena?

Well... Aldo is trustworthy, so I guess I have no complaints.

Can I have the list of locations involved in this case? We start where the students were last seen.

The missing students were last seen in Elzion's Theta District.

One thing you should keep in mind is that the EGPDs are investigating that area. Try to keep a low profile.

Yeah, yeah, we got it.

All right, then. Let's get going, Aldo.

Isuka was right. There are a lot of EGPD around.

This will require some kind of plan. What do you think...?

...Hismena?!

Excuse me. Would you let us through?

Who do you think you are? Only authorized personnel are permitted to enter this area.

Wait. I know that white uniform. Are you one of those IDEAlists?!

That's right. I'm here to investigate a case involving some of my classmates.

Hmph. We know darn well your authority on IDA School grounds.

But these incidents occurred outside your jurisdiction. Which means the EGPD runs this show.

Oh, you're absolutely right. I guess we've got no choice but to give up, then.

Huh?

Don't think for a second that we believe you. You IDEA folk always find a way to poke your noses where they don't belong.

I want you to affirm that you will not interfere in our investigation. Record it in front of the sound orb.

Have it your way.

In the name of Lunabright, we shall not...

Wait... What?! Did you just say Lunabright?!

That's impossible. You're... Hold on a second!

What's going on?

Grown ups. They believe in the most silly of things...

Hismena?

Good news. You are permitted to participate in this investigation. But be sure not to interfere with our work.

We won't. Let's go, Aldo.

O-Okay...

What was all that about?

So, did you find anything on your end?

No, not at all. I supposed you didn't either.

Yeah...

One last thing we can do is to check the surveillance cameras in this area. I'll just grab an officer and...

Hey you guys. Do you have a moment?

Well, that saves us some time.

He's not the same officer as before though...

What can we do for you?

I heard the daughter of the Lunabright family is here, so I figured I must show my respect.

There's no need for that, really.

But since you're here, could I ask you to grant us access to the recordings from the cameras in the area?

Of course. Anything for the Lunabright family.

......

I'm sorry. Maybe I offended you by bringing up your family name here.

All right, then. Let's just continue with the business at hand. I'll grant you access to the surveillance cameras. In return, I want you to help me with "my" investigation.

You're making it sound like it's... off the records.

That a problem?

Tell me more before I make a decision.

You're a bold one. This isn't the best place for this topic. Let's continue this at the Elzion Bar. Meet me there.

......

Hismena. If you don't mind me asking, what's this about the Lunabright family? I know it's your family name, but it seems like there's more to it.

Indeed... The Lunabright family is one of the three leading noble families of Elzion.

I'm sure you've heard of the San family before. Our family name also carries the same weight in Elzion.

Hey, Hismena. The Lunabrights you mentioned...

Yes. We are one of the three leading families of Elzion.

Our family name carries the same weight as that of the San family in matters related to Elzion.

I can see why the officer's attitude changed when he heard the name.

Just saying the name is usually enough to get what I want.

But that power doesn't come from myself. The strength of my family name is just a crutch I use. As long as I keep doing it, I'll be nothing more than just the "daughter of the Lunabright family."

There's not much I can say when it comes to family stuff...

But you're doing great with the IDEA. It's obvious that you care so much about the students. You should be proud of finding your own calling. Especially one that helps so many.

My life would be a lot easier if I could think like that.

We've chatted enough for now. That EGPD officer is waiting for us.

Alright. At the Elzion Bar in Gamma District, right? Let's go!

Hey there.

First things first, I'll give you access to the surveillance cameras. I'm doing this to prove to you that I'm trustworthy. They captured the moments when the students were kidnapped.

However... I wouldn't set my expectations too high if I were you.

We'll see after watching the video.

Alright, let's see what happened.

...And this is the moment when a student got kidnapped?

We can hardly see anything. Did you really give us the right video?

Yup. The last traces of the student were found right where this camera was located. I can assure you this is where the incident happened.

Perhaps we can check other cameras.

Ugh! Can't this camera be moved a few inches to the side? Then it could catch everything.

I'm pretty sure the third camera is recording the rest.

Oh...! Damn it! We were this close to seeing the culprit's face!

He's done a pretty good job not getting himself recorded by the camera.

Hmm... Well, the camera didn't help us after all.

This culprit knows exactly where the cameras' blind spots are.

...... Now I know why we shouldn't have expected too much...

I told you so. Anyway, that's all the clues we've got. Basically, we've gotten nowhere.

But there's a culprit out there, and we can't just sit here doing nothing. Now, even though this might not be an official thing, I figured I should work with the IDEA.

I get your point. So, do we have a plan?

The culprit in this case is extremely cautious. We might have to come up with the perfect bait to catch him. I want you, Hismena, to become an undercover agent.

You're gonna use her as bait?!

I figured you'd suggest that. I also think that's the best option we got.

Wait a minute! It's too dangerous! Besides, didn't you hear? The missing students were all from elite families!

That's exactly why I'm the perfect bait for this mission. I am a Lunabright after all. I would have suggested the same plan anyway.

Well... But...

It's settled then, Ms. Lunabright. Thank you for agreeing.

It's too early to celebrate anything. Have you got something concrete for me?

Of course. Most of the students went missing around the airport. I want you to go there alone.

I should stay nearby, right?

The culprit is not stupid. We don't want to take a chance on him catching wind of our plan. I'll keep my eye on her at all times. And when the culprit shows up, we catch 'em. So...

Got it. You want me to go unarmed.

You're a smart girl. It's for the best.

Wait a minute! I don't think that's a good idea...

It's okay, Aldo.

Then the plan is set.

Good. I have some preparation to do so I'll be waiting at the airport.

Why would you do this? It's too risky...

......

Aldo. Do you know who I am?

Huh? You're Hismena. Who else could you possibly be?

Exactly. I'm Hismena. I do not let my title, daughter of the Lunabright family, spoil me. That's all I can do.

......

Aldo... I want you to take care of my lance while I'm on this mission.

That way I can take on any dangerous situation that presents itself.

Hismena...

...Or maybe not. Anyway, let's get moving. We've got to meet the officer.

I'll hand over my lance at the Elzion Entrance. That's where we should go for now.

We're here. Hold onto my lance, Aldo. I'm counting on you.

I'm still not comfortable with the idea of sending you off on this mission alone.

It's going to be all right. Because...

...Huh?

Anyway, see you later.

Hold it! Hismena?!

Was that for real?

Good, you came here alone just as we planned. You are as brave and determined as I thought.

Don't turn this into a big deal. Let's get things started.

Right. First, let me give this to you.

It's a micro transmitting device. We can communicate using this. I'll give you instructions, and you'll just be yourself. Act as naturally as you can.

Sure. I'm actually good at acting like a weak, spoiled girl.

I'm glad to hear that. Well, then. The mission starts now.

...This is Hismena. Nothing out of the ordinary yet.

Everything's clear from here too. Let's move you to another location. See that cargo in front of you? Move over there.

Roger that.

Hah. Foolish little girl. You can't trap a culprit who doesn't exist in the first place. Get ready to meet my military drone custom built just for you.

I can't wait to see how long the IDEAlist can stand my "questioning." It's a bit cruel, though, since she's got no weapon to defend herself. Don't blame me, My Lady. Blame your family name and the fate that comes with it.

...It's about time. Boss tells me I've gotta put an end to this now.

The culprit is here! Send reinforcements now!

Huh? The culprit's here?

We've got him cornered! Send backup!

Wh-What the heck... What's going on?

Ugh, I better get out there and see it for myself!

He's the kidnapper! Help me!

The kidnapper?! There's not supposed to be any...

...Wait. Let's think this through... It doesn't matter who this guy really is...

Hello. Something tells me that you and I work for the same person. Our boss is a cautious person. It makes sense to assume that more than one of us were hired for this mission. If that's the case, we should work as a team. We can split the reward 50-50. Not too shabby, right?

If that sounds good to you, then just hold her there.

Y-You...!

......

Ngh!

That's it... Good job. Now I can finish her once and for all. Come on drone! Use her for target practice.

This drone is loaded with modifications including those of less-than-legal nature. Ms. IDEAlist. You're as scared as a little kitten, aren't you?

You're right. I am scared.

Hmph. That was quick. I thought you would have put up at least a little bit of a fight. Who cares, let's end this.

Drone, finish this!

......

Who said I'd given up?

Huh?

Hee-hee. I may be a little kitten without my weapon...

But with my weapon, I'm more like a tiger, no?

What?! What are you saying?

Hismena! Your lance is ready when you are.

Oh thank you! It seems that the tables have turned.

Now, see for yourself exactly what this angry little kitten can do!

Such power... She destroyed the drone like it was a little toy.

...Yes. I never realized I was the one being trapped. But how did you know it was me behind this?

Oh... I see. So you suspected me from the beginning.

So that's what it was all about.

Yeah... I was a bit shocked when you asked me to pretend to be the bad guy. But now it all makes sense. This was part of your scheme to find out who was really behind this all.

An undercover mission within an undercover mission... Well, you got me too.

This is why I hate dealing with people in power. They're people who'd kill each other, even within their own family. It makes me sick.

We appreciate your cooperation.

We never imagined one of our own was behind all this. Now if you don't mind, we'd better get going.

Right. Let's go back and report about this incident!

...And that's how the case was settled.

So to summarize, the kidnapping case was a lie, and what they were truly after was you, Hismena. They knew that by kidnapping the elites who go to IDA, you'd get involved and try to do something about it.

I don't know what to say to all those who got kidnapped because of me. I feel terrible.

It's not your fault, Hismena. Plus, everyone returned home safely. No one got hurt.

No one got hurt, but they won't soon forget their terrifying experience.

It's all because of me and my family connections.

Why would you say that? That kidnapper was the only bad guy here.

Well...

Let me give you a bit more information about the Lunabright family.

You know that the Lunabright family is one of the three leading noble families of Elzion, right?

You told me that... It's a big deal, right?

Sort of.

And I'm the heir of the family... Which means, I'm next in line to inherit everything owned by the family. Power, fame, wealth... Literally, everything will be mine in the future.

And there's no way those from other branches in the family will be happy about that.

What do you mean "other branches"?

They're blood-related, but don't stand to inherit anything.

And how are those families related to what happened this time?

It's obvious. If I'm gone, there won't be any legitimate child to inherit anything. That's why some think that getting rid of me is the quickest way to get what they want.

Then they targeted you just for being the heiress?! You haven't done anything to deserve that!

Hahah... It's been a long time since anyone got so upset for me.

There are always fights within prestigious families and the Lunabrights are no exception.

Hismena...

But I can't just keep quiet and wait for trouble to come and find me. It's not like I know a way to end this struggle.

All I can do is try to clean up the messes happening around me.

That's why you volunteered to go undercover once you realized that you were the target. But I don't want you to do anything reckless like that again. Next time, you might not escape without a scratch.

But...

Everyone here at IDEA feels the same way.

Isuka...

That's right, Hismena. I don't know much about what goes on in your family... But what I know is that I'm always here to help you.

That's a power that even your family can't provide. It is your strength alone.

...... Hahah. I think I'm actually starting to believe you.

I got it. I'll stop being so reckless all the time.

And one day... I'll let the world know one thing.

The world will know that I'm not some spoiled girl from an elite family. I'm Hismena, no better nor worse than anyone else.