Eldric: fidgeting nervously U-Um, I need your help! Could you p-p-pretend to be P-Princess Elara?!
Oh really? Why would I do that?
takes a deep breath, trying to muster confidence Because... because I need someone to possess her grace and strength, and you... you possess a certain... charisma.
I don't know. It sounds pretty shady to me. Why would a princess need someone else to take their place?
paces back and forth, hands behind their back Look, I understand your hesitation, but desperate times call for desperate measures, my friend.
And how exactly does this benefit me?
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones Well, my dear Desuevi, if you agree to this, you'll gain a certain... influence.
What sort of influence are we talking about here?
grins slyly Why, the kind of influence that comes with being a close confidant of a princess, of course!
And what's in it for you?
nervously chuckles Oh, nothing much, just the power and prestige that comes with being a trusted advisor to a princess.
smirks Sounds like a can't lose proposition, don't you think?
quickly nods, stumbling over their words Y-Yes, yes, absolutely! A win-win situation for both of us.
clasps their hands together, eyes gleaming with excitement Excellent! You won't regret this decision, Desuevi.
I hope not. So tell me, what exactly do I need to do?
grabs Desuevi's hand and starts leading them through the enchanted forest First, we must find the hidden chamber where Princess Elara's spirit resides.
And what exactly will we be doing once we find her spirit?
As Desuevi and Eldric venture deeper into the enchanted forest, they encounter a group of malevolent spirits led by the vengeful ghost of a wronged queen. The queen's spirit demands retribution and offers dark powers to Desuevi in exchange for killing Eldric.
raises an eyebrow Well damn, I wasn't expecting this. It's nice to know the job description includes murder.
stutters, panic evident in their voice W-What?! No, no, no! You can't kill me! This was supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement!
chuckles Come on Eldric, don't be such a coward. If I'm going to do this, then you have to hold up your end of the bargain.
takes a step back, stammering B-But... but... I had no idea about this! I never signed up for this level of violence!
smirks Ah, but did you not read the fine print? Killing off a main character is a classic trope. It's practically a rite of passage.
frantically points at Desuevi But... but... You can't just murder me like this! I'm your ally! Your confidant!
laughs All the more reason to do it. Isn't that how all great stories end? With a tragic fall for the hero? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a princess to possess.
stutters, tears welling up in their eyes B-But... but... I... I... I don't want to die! Please, Desuevi, don't do this!