And the True Heroes Are Always Behind the Scenes (III)

Not long after, Lycaon's invitation arrives like he promised.

Lycaon: Lilac has sent the exact location where she will be meeting with the organization.

Lycaon: I'm afraid we will have to face Mockingbird head-on.

It'll be alright. I'm not afraid of them!

Lycaon: Please don't worry, I am confident that I will defeat them.

Lycaon will emerge victorious!

Lycaon: Thank you for trusting me. Please don't worry, I am confident that I will defeat them.

Lycaon: But aside from that...

Lycaon: I'll be counting on you for "that other business."

I'm ready!

Lycaon: I appreciate your help.

Lycaon: I'll have to make some preparations. I will notify you once everything is taken care of.

Lycaon: I hope everything goes well.

You discuss the "secret plan" with Lycaon...
Shortly after you return to the video store, Lycaon contacts you.

Master Proxy, everything is ready and I am already in position near the target Hollow.

Awaiting your further instructions, Master Proxy.

REPLY

One moment please

b right there!

Thank you. I'll be waiting here waiting for your arrival.

(Connect to the HDD system once you're ready.)

(Upon starting the commission)

Lycaon: The way is blocked.

Lycaon: Let's keep going up the stairs.

(After defeating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lilac still isn't here?

Lycaon: I set the meeting time a little early, just in case.

(Head to the next area)

Lycaon: There are still some Ethereals ahead.

Lycaon: We'd best get rid of this filth first.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That's why you got here early? To deal with the Ethereals?

Lycaon: Indeed. As an attendant, the safety of my client is paramount.

(Idle)

Lilac: I can do this...

(Approach Lilac)

Lycaon: Lilac is over there... Let's go talk to her.

(Talk to Lilac)

Lilac: ...So you actually came.

Lycaon: Miss Lilac, are you sure you want to meet with those people?

Lilac: Of course. I've never been so sure about anything in my life.

Lilac: I've been really, really looking forward to this day. You have no idea what Mockingbird's approval means to me...

Lilac: I've never been so needed by anyone before.

Lycaon: With all due respect, may I ask you something? Do you approve of yourself before you seek the approval of others?

Lilac: ...What does that matter?

Lilac: It's almost time. I have to get going.

(Encounter the Arlaune)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is Lilac really okay?

Lycaon: She may just need some time.

Lycaon: But... I believe she'll wake up.

Lycaon: People need to go through some ups and downs in life...

Lycaon: To realize what they truly desire.

(Reach the upper floor)

Lilac: The chosen one, reporting for duty!

Codename K: Hahaha, you're very punctual indeed. Welcome, my fellow Companion of Justice!

Codename K: I've had that painting appraised. It's the real deal! You're certainly capable, worthy of being the chosen one!

Lilac: Great! Can I be one of you now?

Codename K: Hahaha, of course. We need talent like you!

Codename K: ...Just kidding!

Codename K: I didn't expect you to fall for this. But then, what would you expect from a young lady who's been waited on hand and foot!

Lilac: ...Huh?

Codename K: You don't seriously believe you're the chosen one, do you? You don't, right?

Lilac: But you said you needed my power...

Codename K: We're actually interested in your parents. You think we'd have gone to all this trouble if they weren't rich?

Lilac: I—Isn't Mockingbird all about helping the poor and needy by robbing the rich?

Codename K: That's exactly what we're doing.

Codename K: You ARE rich, aren't you?

Lilac: ...Liars. All of you...

Codename K: We did lie to you, but don't you think it's kinda your own fault?

Lilac: ...What are you guys planning? I'm warning you, I—I still have a few tricks up my sleeve!

Codename K: Who doesn't? Mine is right here.

Codename K: It's showtime, my attendant buddy!

Feint Attack

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Feint Attack"

---

Video Summary: An attendant will never betray their master.

---

(A cinematic plays)

(Von Lycaon emerges from the crowd)

Lilac: Lycaon! No way, you...

(As Lilac is subdued, he approaches her with a malicious look in his eyes)

(He prepares to strike)

(A thug is knocked down, followed by another)

Codename K: Lycaon, you! We had a deal!

Lycaon: Deal? Oh, I made a deal, but not with you

(Cinematic ends)

Master-Servant Coordination

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Master-Servant Coordination"

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Video Summary: Some things, you have to experience firsthand to learn.

Story Description: Lycaon partnered with you as master and servant to negotiate with Mockingbird. You learned of their intention to manipulate him into cheating money from Lilac's family. Lycaon revealed he already obtained evidence, which enraged Codename K...

---

---

A few days ago...

Lycaon: Master Proxy, I need your help.

Lycaon: To investigate this so-called Mockingbird, I attempted to get into contact with them, to express my desire to join their organization.

Lycaon: Through my own methods, I found out they had already looked into my background and knew that although I am currently working for Lilac's family, I am actually loyal to an unknown master.

Lycaon: Could I trouble you with putting on an act with me? I would like you to meet with them, posing as this unknown master.

Leave it to me! I'm a great master.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Leave it to me! I'm a great master!Leave it to me! I'm a great master!Text for Wise / Leave it to me. I'm a great master.Leave it to me. I'm a great master.Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: Fantastic. I expect no less from New Eridu's greatest Proxy.

Am I not already your master?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Am I not already your master?

Lycaon: You are indeed. I apologize for any lack of consideration.

Lycaon: In order to help our disguise, I have crafted a new identity for you. You needn't worry. Simply speak as you typically would.

You and Lycaon pick up the call from Mockingbird

???: Oho? So you are the one who wishes to join Mockingbird?

???: You may call me Codename K.
Waddaya think? It's a great name, ain't it? Doesn't it sound awe-inspiring?

K? What a strange name.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍K? That's a weird name.K? That's a weird name.Text for Wise / K? That's such a strange name.K? That's such a strange name.Text for Belle‍)

Codename K: It's "Codename K"! Don't just get rid of words in other people's names! Without the "Codename" part, it won't show any of the awesome epicness of me being a final villainous boss!

Lycaon: Oh, so you are also into the trending subcultures among young people?

Codename K: What trending subcultures? I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway, you must be the rumored attendant Lycaon and the Gemini Gods...?

Codename K: Wait a minute, what— what— what the heck is Gemini Gods?! That's clearly not a real name!

Lycaon: My master has many enemies. Please understand that they cannot reveal their true name.

Codename K: E—Enemies? Er, very well then...

Codename K: Since we're all in the same line of business, I'll be straight with you. Lilac is our golden ticket, and we put in a lot of effort to get her to bite! We gotta squeeze every last drop we can get.

Codename K: We plan to take care of her for a bit after she "mistakenly stumbles" into the Hollow, and then contact her parents for some of that dough...

Codename K: You have a similar plan, right? How about we work together? We can split it seventy-thirty: seventy for us, thirty for you.

Isn't that just kidnapping?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Isn't that just kidnapping?

Codename K: Kidnapping?! How very ignorant of you. We're just taking a little fee for looking after a poor kid in the Hollow! So, what do you say?

I'm in!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Of course, I'm in.Of course, I'm in.Text for Wise / I'm so in!I'm so in!Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: As my Master says...

Lycaon, what's your take on this?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lycaon — what's your recommendation?

Lycaon: Master, I believe this is an acceptable transaction.

Lycaon: It's a deal.

Codename K: So, it's settled! Quick and forthright, as expected of a fellow businessperson. I'll send you the time and location later.

Lycaon: We shall eagerly await your message.

Codename K hangs up.

Lycaon: That should do it. Once we are there, we can pretend to work with them, photograph all the evidence of their wrongdoings, and then send the evidence to Public Security.

Lycaon: Thank you for your cooperation. You are quite adept at acting.

Lycaon, just what kind of identity did you give me...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Just what kind of identity did you give me...

Lycaon: Simply put, you are an influential and all-powerful head honcho of a crime syndicate that delights in doing evil. You have a network of elite agents at your beck and call, and I am one of your humble enforcers.

Lycaon: Ah, right, there is something else I would like to discuss with you.

Lycaon: Please, do not inform Miss Lilac of any of this just yet.

Lycaon: Speaking from personal experience, an encounter such as this cannot be resolved purely through reliance on others. We can help Miss Lilac deal with this threat, but we cannot protect her forever.

Lycaon: She must see through this conspiracy herself. Perhaps, this may be somewhat cruel, but in the long term, it will help her.

That makes sense.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, you're right... Let's do it then.Yeah, you're right... Let's do it then.Text for Wise / Hm... I suppose that makes sense. Let's do that then.Hm... I suppose that makes sense. Let's do that then.Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: Thank you. I believe in Miss Lilac and her ability to overcome this.

Back to the present...

Lilac: Mr. Lycaon... You... didn't betray me...?

Lycaon: Miss Lilac, until our contract ends, I am your humble attendant.

Lycaon: An attendant will never betray their master.

Codename K: Damn, you... You dare toy with me! Do you know who I am?!

Codename K: I'm the great leader of Mockingbird!

Lycaon: I'm terribly sorry, but our Bangboo has recorded the truth of your criminal acts.
If you surrender and admit your guilt now, I trust that Public Security will not administer too harsh of a punishment.

Codename K: No, I won't go to jail, never...

Codename K: I have no other choice. It's time you have a taste of Mockingbird's claws!

(Enter combat)

Lilac: I—I'm sorry!

Lilac: I shouldn't have gotten mad after you guys helped me...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's okay! Let's let Lycaon take care of these guys first.

Lycaon: As you command.

Lycaon: O Chosen One, please deliver your final judgment!

Lilac: ...Huh?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wait, what did Lycaon just say?

Lilac: ...You never fail to impress me, Esquire Lycaon!

Lilac: Esquire Lycaon, it's time to showcase your real power!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Sh—She's getting even more edgy!

(Defeat the enemies)

The Last Performance

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Last Performance"

---

Video Summary: Don't say that name out loud.

---

(A cinematic plays)

Lilac: Take them down!

Lycaon: As you wish, my liege

(Lycaon pummels Codename K with "edgy" flair)

Lycaon: On the day of Revelation

Lycaon: During the embers of the waning moon

Lycaon: That is when your karmic retribution shall strike—!

Codename K: Y—You... You're gonna get it! Mockingbird will—!

Lycaon: Allow me to give you a warning. Never say that name again, or else...

Lycaon: No one will be able to save you

(He stomps down on the wounded thug)

(Cinematic ends)

The Road Less Traveled

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Road Less Traveled"

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Video Summary: This is what you call "justice."

Story Description: To your surprise, Lycaon actually learned his "edgy" lines. Lilac apologized to you and Lycaon, and Lycaon admitted he once made similar mistakes in his past. In the end, PubSec arrived and arrested the culprits.

---

---

Von Lycaon: It is done. They should no longer be able to pose a threat.

That speech just now was amazing!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That was an impressive speech, (‍Lycaon.Lycaon.Text for Wise / Lycaon!Lycaon!Text for Belle‍)

I can't believe Lycaon went along with Lilac.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I didn't know you were capable of a speech like that, Lycaon... It's all because of Lilac, right?I didn't know you were capable of a speech like that, Lycaon... It's all because of Lilac, right?Text for Wise / I didn't think Lycaon could give a speech like that... It was all for Lilac, right?I didn't think Lycaon could give a speech like that... It was all for Lilac, right?Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: Yes. After we parted ways before, I took some time learning this trendy subculture...
Miss Lilac, what did you think of my performance? Was it acceptable?

Lilac: ...Uww... Uwaaaahaah!

Lycaon: ...I—I... I am so terribly sorry. I—It appears my imitation of popular subculture was so poor, I have angered you to tears...

Lilac isn't crying because she's angry.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Lilac isn't crying because she's angry at you.Lilac isn't crying because she's angry at you.Text for Wise / Hey now, Lilac isn't crying cause she's mad!Hey now, Lilac isn't crying cause she's mad!Text for Belle‍)

Lilac: Th—That's right. I—I just got Ether in my eye, that's all...

Lilac: Um, I... I'm sorry. I was the one who dragged you into all of this...

Lilac: You know, when Mockingbird first reached out to me, I did notice. They were really focused on... me... They were super sus!

Lilac: But... then they said I was one of the Chosen. They said they needed my power...
And— you kn— No one has... No one has ever said anything like that to me before...

Lilac: And— And then I just— It was like I just stopped thinking... I'm so, so sorry!

It's alright.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍It's alright, really. We don't think it's your fault.It's alright, really. We don't think it's your fault.Text for Wise / Don't worry, it's all good! We don't blame you!Don't worry, it's all good! We don't blame you!Text for Belle‍)

Remember to be more careful!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍So long as you learn from this experience and be more vigilant in the future.So long as you learn from this experience and be more vigilant in the future.Text for Wise / As long as you learn from your mistakes and remember to be a bit more careful.As long as you learn from your mistakes and remember to be a bit more careful.Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: Miss Lilac, I don't think you need to be so harsh on yourself.

Lycaon: Each and every person will have experiences like this, of some sort. I once walked the wrong path as well.

Lycaon: But it's alright. If one can turn back in time, they will manage to find their true path in life.

Lilac: *sniff* ...Thank you. Aaah, now that I think about it, that was sooo embarrassing! I can't believe I was going around proudly calling myself the "Companion of Justice"...

Lilac: In reality, I just got tricked by a bunch of bad guys!

Lycaon: Well, I think what we're doing now is "in the name of justice." Don't you?

Lycaon: It is only thanks to you that we were able to gain video evidence of their crimes and take them down.

Lilac: Mr. Lycaon...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I'm really sorry to ruin the mood here, but... How are we going to move the people we knocked out out of the Hollow? Should I call PubSec?

Lycaon: Ah, that is indeed an issue. If needed, I can...

Female Public Security Officer: Hey, what're you doing here? Were you the ones who called?

Lycaon: Public Security? Why are they here...?

Lilac: Oh! I almost forgot. Before I entered the Hollow, I set an automatic SOS. If I were gone too long, my phone would automatically call PubSec.

Lilac is really prepared!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Huh, I didn't expect Lilac to be so prepared.

Female Public Security Officer: Er, what's up with these tied up people?

They're bad guys!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): They're all (‍criminals.criminals.Text for Wise / bad guys!bad guys!Text for Belle‍)

They're Mockingbird, the phantom thieves.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍They're the legendary phantom thieves, Mockingbird.They're the legendary phantom thieves, Mockingbird.Text for Wise / These are the legendary phantom thieves — Mockingbird!These are the legendary phantom thieves — Mockingbird!Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon explains what happened to the elites of Public Security, carefully omitting the part about roleplaying as master and servant.

Lycaon: I believe that sums it up. We took video evidence of the criminal activities that were being committed. We will submit it all to Public Security shortly.

Female Public Security Officer: I see. Well then, I'll take these suspects back with me.

Lilac: Um, excuse me... I'm really sorry for causing all this trouble. It's because of me that all this happened in the first place.

Female Public Security Officer: ...Why're you apologizing? We should be thanking you. You helped Public Security take down an entire criminal syndicate.

Female Public Security Officer: Good job, young lady.

Lilac: ...Huh?

Lycaon: That's right, Miss Lilac. I think you do deserve the title "Companion of Justice."

Lilac: *sob* ... Thank you all so much!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), so much has happened today...

I always knew Lycaon had a secret.

I always feel [sic] like Lycaon had a dark past.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Actually, that's what I was thinking, too. And I've got a vague feeling about what it is...

Me too.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Then we're probably guessing the same thing.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): But let's not think about things too much now. It's time to take a rest.

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) again, optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): It's getting late, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍). You should go and rest up.

(Rest in the bed)

Master Proxy, Miss Lilac said she wished to express her thanks to both of you in person.

I wonder if you are available today.

REPLY

Of course, we've got time!

She's welcome, any time is fine!

Marvelous. We'll be there soon.

(‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I think I've taken in too much information today...^{[Note 1]}

I feel like I've gotten to know Lycaon better.

Lycaon feels even more mysterious to me now.

Yeah, I think so too.

But since he was willing to share all of this with us, it proves Lycaon trusts (‍us!us!Text for Wise / us.us.Text for Belle‍)

Everything that happened must have been very draining, right? You should get some rest.

Rest... Let's rest...