ENigmatic Recollection: The knight's tale

Chapter 5: Trouble in Libestal

"Quick! Make haste! We must catch up to them before it's too late!"

Gonathon jumped on the back of his horse and started to follow the tracks of his guild mates.

They would find them at the quest board, looking at the poster placed by Fauna. The fake queen Mario and Shakira were also there.

"Queen Tam! I kneel..." Having noticed Tam's presence, Shakira kneeled in respect before her.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Tanakashi Karia of the oranges, savior of the Libestans. But you can call me Shakira. Have you heard my report dear queen?"

Tam had indeed heard of Shakira's report, it even was the reason of her presence. Still, she asked her to reiterate for the rest of the party who just had heard the news.

Shakira began explaining that plenty had already fallen victims to the scam from the Scarlet Wand. She had hired detective Jyonathan to investigate on the case. The Scarlet Wand members claimed that all the funds collected via the lottery go towards the construction of a library on their plot of land. But Shakira firmly believed this was all a scam, and begged everyone to not give in and buy lottery tickets. Irys was weak to gambling and was tempted to give in but with the support of her party she managed to stay safe for now.

Now in addition to the Amber Coin, they would also have to deal with the Scarlet Wand's schemes. But... Wasn't Shakira a member of the Amber Coin? Was she trying to ruin the business of the Scarlet Wand so theirs could prosper? She immediately defended herself and claimed to be part of the Jade Sword. But Jyonathan would remember if she was one, she was lying.

Whilst they were arguing, Elizabeth had noticed the group around the quest board, and came to join them. Jumping on that unexpected occasion, Shakira used Elizabeth to prove her words.

"- I just went and explored the Underworld ruins with Fuwawa, Mococo, and ERB, who are Jade Sword members. Right, Elizabeth?

- We indeed consider them as semi-honorary members of the guild. We get along.

- Calliope Mori herself invited me to join their guild!"

Anger rose in the group of adventurers. So, she was a liar and a member of the Amber Coin!

"That orange knight is part of the Jade Sword, not the Amber Coin! They have been tarnishing the name of Amber Coin!"

Tam would cut the discussion short and declare Sharkira as part of the Jade Sword.

"- Thank you, my benevolent Queen...

- Queen? Oh! So that's the infamous Queen Tam, I've heard about? How silly of a name!"

Out of nowhere Elizabeth mocked Tam. Such disrespect angered Tam and Gonathon. Tam wouldn't let this provocation unanswered.

"- And what about ERB? Sounds like herb but the "h" is silent! This is disgusting!

- You are the first to call me of this!

- That's because everyone else was too polite! But I won't stand being disrespected anymore!

- Well in that you are correct, you've never been polite!

- Excuse me?! I've tried my best to stay polite to you despite all that happened! I led you to the Underworld's ruins when you were lost!

- And what makes you a queen may I ask? Come over here."

Elizabeth tried to lead Tam away from the group so they could talk alone.