A side story in the game that can be accessed when certain conditions are met. By definition, it was a narrative structure consisting of stories distinct from the main story, neither directly related nor influencing it. If the main quest revolves around the protagonist's journey to achieve their dreams, side quests were a type of content that provided users with a deeper understanding of the personalities and minor stories of surrounding characters, as well as a clearer view of the world's settings. While side stories might not be as practical as the main story, many players still engaged with them for the sheer enjoyment and generous rewards they offered.
However, meeting certain conditions and delving into the side story about the protagonist offered a dramatic twist.
**Robias Family**
Returning to the main point: upon meeting the conditions and agreeing to the side story, the protagonist receives a letter. To unlock this side story, the protagonist must achieve a certain level of capability. However, this capability was rather ambiguous and wasn't explicitly defined by the game developers. Still, once the protagonist's development reached about halfway through the main story, this side story became available. There are two main issues I want to address here:
Firstly, even though I never opted for the side quest, it was forcibly initiated. This story is, after all, optional – not an essential part of the main narrative. Thus, players could choose to skip it if they wished. But now, I find myself thrust into it. Having progressed smoothly through the main story so far, the sudden onset of this side quest left me feeling uneasy. However, as I say this, such words wouldn't have been strange even if they were negated. The progress of the side story was viewed merely as an in-game allowance. But what I clearly see now isn't a game but a tangible reality. I've realized a while ago that while the standards of the game might be helpful, they aren't an absolute definition. From the start, whether it's the main story or side story, it was all just based on my assumptions using in-game knowledge. Reality was never bound to align with such expectations.
"Can I read it once?"
I cautiously ask Erina, who weakly nods, permitting me to read the letter.
"Yes... I've read it several times already... And Harold... even after you read it, your attitude towards me shouldn't change... okay?"
I don't exactly remember the side story, but I do have a general idea about the letter and the associated quest.
"Don't read it out loud...!!"
Despite murmuring, given Erina's current emotional state, she hurriedly stops me from reading aloud.
"Sorry... I'll read silently."
I quickly console her and focus on the letter's contents.
"Hmm... Uh..."
Erina looks increasingly anxious, wondering about my reaction as I read.
Thud!
After reading the letter thoroughly, I place it assertively on the table and hand it back to her.
"How is it?"
She examines my expression and cautiously asks, swallowing dryly and eagerly awaiting my response.
To summarize the letter: It was written by her father, the current head of the Robias family. He mentions that he's been hearing about her escapades and adventures, which have even reached his ears and caused discomfort to him and her mother. He also mentions that he has been tolerating her adventures so far and has even covered up for her occasionally. Now, he expects her to return to the family, hinting that she might think she's been free and independent, but she's always been under their control.
"To begin with, I don't understand why you'd say such things to me."
"What...?"
She looks at me in disbelief for a moment, but soon, her eyes fill with gratitude and emotion.
"I was curious about the contents of this letter, thinking there might be something significant. But after reading it, it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal."
Upon hearing this, she offers a faint smile of relief but soon looks puzzled. "But Harold, aren't you surprised that I'm actually from the Robias family? We've been open with each other until now, but I've been hiding something crucial."
Honestly, I had forgotten that she was of noble descent, but I knew this before. I wasn't particularly moved by it, and I too had secrets that perhaps I shouldn't have kept. In a way, we were even.
"Everyone has a secret they want to hide. And even if you're a noble, you're still you, my dear friend Erina."
"Harold..."
My words brought a spark to her previously subdued mood, and she wore a bright smile, slowly regaining her usual lively demeanor.
"That's right... I am who I am, so I want to forge my own path."
She clenched her fist with a confident expression, showing her determination to overcome societal constraints.
"Since you now know about me, I'll tell you everything. As you know, I'm the eldest daughter of the Robias family, the most powerful noble family in the kingdom after the king. My parents raised me with the expectation to live a noble life."
Although I had a vague idea, I remained silent, not wanting to disrupt the serious atmosphere, and listened intently to Erina's words.
"But despite that environment, I grew up reading books about various heroes and always dreamed of becoming an adventurer, exploring the vast world."
Her face seemed to recall bittersweet memories as she continued.
"But as you might guess, my parents completely rejected my hopes, saying that the life of an adventurer wasn't for me."
The world I lived in was quite medieval, holding traditional values and culture. Though individuals are generally free to pursue their passions, it mainly applies to commoners. In a noble society that prioritizes family reputation over individual desires, a lady engaging in such rough activities would be strongly opposed. However, this varies by family. Some knight families train all their children as warriors, regardless of gender. But for Erina's family, the Robias, who have always valued tradition and nobility, their values were in stark contrast to Erina's wishes.
"That's why I eventually ran away from the family castle, adopted a fake name and background to disguise my identity, and chose to wear armor instead of those tedious and detestable dresses."
The game's side story depicted conflicts arising from these personal desires versus familial obligations. Upon receiving the letter in the game, the protagonist immediately heads to the Robias family mansion. After arriving, they have several tense conversations with their parents, leading to various challenges. But the side story ultimately concludes with the protagonist gaining their parents' approval to continue their adventures.
Although the ending was predictable, considering it's a side story, it was appropriately concise and well-received by players. It beautifully depicted the conflicts and emotions arising from the clash between individual desires and familial obligations in a feudal society.
"So... what will you do now?"
Having learned of her situation, I cautiously broached the subject of her next steps.
"I have to go since I've been summoned... If I refuse, they'll use their noble powers to ruin everything around me until I lose everything and return to the family on my own."
Although this wasn't described in the game, her words felt both exaggerated and eerily realistic, making me realize the weight of her situation. As revealed, Erina had a rather dark past. She wanted to go on adventures, but her family held her back.
"And, although it's not mentioned in this letter, someone is coming to see me today."
Someone is coming to see you...?
It felt like a distant memory, and I couldn't recall everything, but I don't think this development was in the game.
"Is it someone from your family?"
She slowly nods in response, wearing an ambiguous smile that doesn't reveal her true feelings.
"I have an older brother, about 3 years my senior. He's the eldest son of the Robias family. Right now, he's serving as a knight, protecting the royal family."
An older brother? Did Erina have a brother?
"Still, he was the only family member who was kind to me. He secretly taught me swordsmanship and supported my dreams."
I didn't want to interrupt the mood, but I was curious and blurted out, "You have an older brother? What's his name?"
In the game, no matter which gender you chose for the protagonist, there was no older sibling. However, now Erina was saying she had a brother 3 years her senior and spoke of fond memories with him.
"Why the sudden interest? I don't mind telling you..."
I sensed something was amiss and asked hurriedly, causing Erina to look slightly surprised.
"My brother's name is..."
She attempted to answer my question honestly, but the name that left her lips left me in shock.
"Elbert Robias, the eldest son of our family, and my brother... As I mentioned earlier, he's in charge of the knights protecting the king."
"Harold?"
I couldn't even fathom the expression on my face. Erina began showing signs of discomfort and anxiety.
In the game, when creating a character, you chose a gender. For females, the name was Erina, the same as the woman in front of me. And for males... the name Erina referred to as her brother.
"Right now..."
That very name was the one players used when choosing a male protagonist.
Suddenly, I slammed my fists down in confusion and bowed my head, overwhelmed by the jumble of thoughts.
"There's something else I didn't tell you. According to what I heard, the time my brother is supposed to arrive is..."
"Isn't that Elbert?!"
As she spoke, the guild hall's door opened abruptly, drawing everyone's attention. The adventurers inside stared in awe as if a distinguished individual had entered a humble place. They whispered amongst themselves in hushed, unstable tones.
"There are elite royal knights with him."
"Why on earth would someone like him come here?"
"If he's leading those troops, it's definitely not an ordinary matter..."
Elbert, in his shining armor, wielding a sheathed sword, silently surveyed the guild hall, commanding everyone's attention.
Seeing everyone's reaction, I turned my gaze back to him.
"I'm looking for someone."
In a calm yet grand voice, a slightly matured face compared to the one I knew spoke.
If my knowledge serves me right... This man is unmistakably the male protagonist from the game...
"Is there someone named Erina here?"
There he stood, Elbert Robias, a man I knew all too well.