| Jessica Elphinstone | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Japanese Name |
ジェシカ・ェルフィンストン |
|
Romanized Name |
Jeshika Erufinsuton |
|
Nickname(s)/Alias(es) |
Daikon (大根) |
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Debut |
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Voice actor |
N/A |
|
Status |
Alive |
Jessica Elphinstone is Hugh and Dalian’s friend. She’s a schoolgirl present in the Book of Gap, The Logbook and The Girls’ Long Night stories.
Background[]
Jessica is a fifth grader in secondary school and part of a rich family as the youngest daughter of Count Elphinstone, a nobleman from the south. Miss Roedean, Hugh’s aunt, is the principal of the famous Cadfael School which Jessica attends. The Principal secretly wishes to see Hugh and Jessica married. Jessica is not so rich compared to the other schoolgirls who attend the prestigious school. Jessica has studied about Labyrinth Library.[1][2] In the manga, she heard about the Labyrinth Library from her late grandmother. Jessica is a honor student in the adaptation.[3]
Personality[]
Jessica concerned about the size of her legs, as seen in the light novel.
Jessica is brave and determined enough to fight against fear and search the serial killer Benjamin Diffring, putting herself in danger and ignoring school rules, everything to save her friend Matilda.[1] She also shows courage while protecting Dalian.[2] At first, she was suspicious of Hugh and Dalian, but she soon showed them her gentle side and began trusting them. The student gets uncomfortable every time Dalian teases her by mentioning the size of her thighs. Being alone with Hugh makes her embarrassed.[1]
Jessica and Dalian often argue with each other. Jessica is not very fond of reading. She doesn’t fear or hate Phantom Books. Jessica likes Dalian and tries to win her approval. Jessica is bullied because she's not so rich compared to her schoolmates. She doesn't like her school, which is full of rivalry and envy.[2] In the manga, she suffers because no one believes in her. She's recognized for achieving high marks in the adaptation.[3]
Appearance[]
She’s fifteen years old, although she seems older. Jessica bundles her chestnut hair into a ponytail and wears a school uniform which includes a checkered skirt, a necktie and a sleeveless sweater over a white shirt. Her big eyes are impressive, burning with determination, and her face has slightly grown-up features. Hair clips are seen clasping a strand of her hair. She carries a long bag on her back where she keeps a wooden lacrosse stick which she uses as a self-defense weapon.[1]
In the manga, Jessica uses a cricket bat instead. She has black hair and brown eyes in the adaptation.[3] In The Logbook, she wears a shirt with blue and white stripes, a short skirt and the school jacket over her shoulders.[4]
Plot[]
Book of Gap[]
Holding her lacrosse stick, Jessica goes to the second floor of the library, which is prohibited to students. She suspects of Hugh and Dalian, asking what is their purpose in her school. Her ponytail moves from one side to another, resembling the tail of a loyal sheepdog. Dalian hides behind Hugh, since she’s afraid of dogs. The Biblioprincess teases her by mentioning the size of her thighs. Hugh eventually explains that they had permission from Miss Roedean to visit the place. The schoolgirl was hoping that they were trying to catch Benjamin Diffring, a serial killer rumored to be hidden somewhere around there. Their conversation is interrupted by a scream coming from the schoolyard.
The student follows Hugh to the source of the scream. They find a girl whose body was completely dyed with blood, and next to her, a half-naked dead woman. Jessica recognizes Nicola, a teacher and dorm supervisor. The latter had been killed, her internal organs removed through a cut careful made from her abdomen down to her crotch. Jessica is angered due to Hugh’s calm reaction, but she soon understands that he’s used to see gruesome scenes, having fought during the Great War. She also learns that the criminal moved the body to that spot but left no traces, something only possible using the power of a Phantom Book.
The students were forbidden to leave the dormitory after the body was discovered. However, that night, Hugh and Dalian see Jessica going into the school library. She carries her lacrosse stick as a self-defense weapon while looking for them. She heads to the corridor that leads to the reading room. Next to a pillar, she finds an injured schoolmate. Jessica means to call for help, but Benjamin Diffring gets in her way. He disarms her using a slender military knife. He feels uneasy when she notices the familiar book under his left arm. The serial killer thrusts the blade forward to kill the schoolgirl, but he stops to avoid Hugh’s shots. Jessica follows Hugh, only to discover that Diffring disappeared into a dead end. Dalian angers Jessica by affirming that Matilda has no chance of surviving. The student is shocked when a book comes out from Dalian’s chest. Jessica smiled and expressed her gratitude after Hugh used the Book of the Silver Well to heal Matilda.
Jessica sat next to Dalian in front of the library while Hugh was carrying the asleep Matilda to the entrance of the dormitory. Jessica reveals that she left her room to bring sandwiches and water bottles to Hugh and Dalian. Jessica learns that the serial killer wants to find a mother, a womb to go inside and to be reborn. Jessica’s body is not suitable for this purpose, so it’s strange that she became a target. Dalian once again mentions Jessica’s legs, making the schoolgirl furious. Jessica finally reveals that she was trying to catch Diffring since she was the only person who witnessed him pushing Matilda into a book after making her flat like a paper. Dalian pats her head to calm her down. Dalian will make Jessica work the next day to solve the case.
Hugh's presence makes Jessica shy.
The student is embarrassed, sat next to Hugh. Inside the dormitory, her schoolmates are watching the meeting, probably spreading rumors about them. The open space is perfect to notice someone approaching and to attract the serial killer away from the library. Dalian announces her presence by pulling Jessica’s hair. Dalian explains that the library is the reason why Diffring chose that school as hideaway. Before Jessica can think about it, a teacher shows up to deliver a book as requested by Miss Roedean. However, a blade emerges from between the pages, slashing the teacher’s arm.
Jessica runs to help the teacher, but Hugh stops the schoolgirl. The serial killer appears from inside the book. He was using the Book of Gap to conceal himself in the school library. Jessica became his target after she witnessed his power. Diffring removes a shotgun from the gaps between the pages. He shoots at Jessica, but the schoolgirl is protected by Hugh, who is using the Book of Styx. The projectiles are obstructed by an invisible barrier. Jessica wants to follow the criminal when he runs away. Hugh, however, remains calm. After all, he knows that Diffring is heading to the library. Dalian, moments before, had sealed all the books inside the Labyrinth Library. The man was caught, unable to hide himself among the empty bookshelves.
.jpg "Teacher's hand (2).jpg (187 KB)")
.jpg "Styx Shield (1).jpg (668 KB)")
Later, Principal Roedean, Hugh’s aunt, insinuates that she would like to see him and Jessica together in the future for the family’s sake. The Principal has punished the student for leaving her room last night. Jessica was tasked with the organization of the entire collection which Dalian removed from the Labyrinth Library. Jessica is almost crying, directing her anger at the visitors who left the mess behind. Nevertheless, she bundles her hair together, showing determination. She’s decided to express her discontent to Hugh and Dalian during the next summer break.[1]
In the manga, Jessica falls asleep in the library and has a bad dream about Diffring attacking Matilda. She soon realizes that her schoolmate became a victim in reality. During her first meeting with Hugh and Dalian, she’s teased for trying to catch the serial killer by herself. She runs away crying. Dalian can feel the scent of blood and vestiges of magical power emerging from her. Hugh and Dalian follow the student, who finds the body of Teacher Nicola and faints. Jessica regains consciousness and explains that she witnessed Diffring disappearing inside a book after he hurt Matilda. Jessica saw him handling Matilda like a paper, explaining why he is after Jessica. Hugh and Dalian are the first ones to believe in her. Hugh locks Jessica inside a room to protect her. The schoolgirl, however, uses a rope to climb down through a window. Her hands have been bruised in the process, but she’s still determined to save Matilda. In the school library, Jessica finds her in bad shape. The plot continues faithful to the light novel chapter.[3]
The Logbook[]
Jessica is enjoying the weather on the deck of the Guillemot. She’s excited to see the birds, but Dalian tells her to shut up. Jessica returns to the bench. Hugh tells the girls to keep quiet. He's resting after a long night helping the crew fix the engine. The ship was arranged by Jessica’s father. He's sponsoring the expedition. The trio is looking for a ghost ship. They read an article about a strange occurrence in which an entire crew disappeared. Jessica is on vacation, accompanying Hugh and Dalian. The latter keeps offending Jessica. The schoolgirl tells Dalian to be grateful. The Biblioprincess affirms that the Guillemot is a shipwreck. Jessica wonders if Dalian is afraid of ghosts. Dalian tenses and turns away.
A dense fog suddenly surrounds the ship. Jessica tries to stay positive. Another ship approaches. The Atlantic Rim crew welcomes them aboard. The strangers are excessively cordial to the Guillemot crew. Jessica believes that they are happy to see new faces after a long travel. She politely introduces herself to Thøgersen, captain of the Atlantic Rim. She affirms that the Guillemot crew is doing a scientific research. She admires the smart parrot on the captain’s shoulder. Dalian allows Jessica to eat the irritating bird.
The Atlantic Rim crew places large dishes with delicious food on the table. Jessica admits that the Atlantic Rim is better than the Guillemot. Dalian steals some waffles from Jessica’s plate. Dalian insinuates that Jessica has large legs because she eats too much. Dalian loads Jessica’s plate with some asparagus. Jessica angrily jumps to her feet and accidentally breaks a bottle. The sailors of the Atlantic Rim keep their unnatural kindness. Hugh, Dalian and Jessica hear a shooting. Dalian pushes Jessica aside. Hugh and Dalian hurry to investigate, leaving Jessica behind. A maid is among the passengers who committed suicide.
Hugh and Dalian examine the deck. The sailors of the Atlantic Rim kill themselves. Jessica also wants to check the scene, but Dalian kicks her in the ankle. Jessica rolls down the stairs. The sailors, including the ones from the Guillemot, quickly clean everything. Later, Masha, a secretary, tells Jessica to change. Hugh and Dalian see the schoolgirl irritated, dressed like a maid, with a bandage on her nose. Dalian keeps saying that the outfit suits Jessica very well. It’s revealed that the Guillemot crew was cursed to replace the Atlantic Rim crew. Those aboard the Atlantic Rim are forced to live forever, sailing indeterminately in a world of fog. Jessica is angry because the Atlantic Rim sailors killed themselves as soon as the Guillemot crew appeared, forcing them to take their places.
Jessica has the idea to check the records of the ship to learn more about their situation. Dalian praises the schoolgirl, noticing that Jessica is too stubborn to accept such cursed fate without a fight. Jessica follows Hugh and Dalian to the captain’s cabin. Jessica checks a closet and lets out a cry. She falls to the floor, pointing her shaking hand to the closet. There’s a pile of bones inside it. They also find Thøgersen’s corpse. The past captains of the Atlantic Rim have killed themselves. Jessica is shocked to learn that the tragedy is being repeated for seventy years.
Jessica tries to protect Dalian.
Berners from the Guillemot now is the new captain of the Atlantic Rim. It’s revealed that the parrot on his shoulder is the Phantom Book which keeps the curse active. The bird feels threatened. As if answering to the parrot’s fear, the ship suddenly jerks. Jessica hits a wall. Dalian falls over the schoolgirl. The latter struggles to keep her balance. Jessica and the others learn that large crocodiles are part of the ship’s cargo. One of the reptiles walks towards Jessica. They are surrounded by the creatures. Jessica grabs a mop to use as a weapon against the crocodiles. The schoolgirl is trying to protect her friends.
Hugh gives his revolver to Jessica. He gives her some instructions of how to use it. While Hugh is opening the Labyrinth Library, Jessica shoots one of the crocodiles about to attack. The recoil pushes her to the floor. She rubs her numb wrist. She raises the revolver once again, but she’s too late. A crocodile opens its mouth to eat her. At the last second, Hugh uses the Fata Morgana to freeze the crocodiles and end the Atlantic Rim curse. Jessica sees America in the distance. Hugh has created an illusion of America to satisfy the parrot. Jessica and the other survivors board a small lifeboat as the Atlantic Rim sinks.
Jessica admires the weather. Dalian is bored and hungry. She tells Jessica to catch a fish so they can have some sashimi. Dalian affirms that Jessica will survive thanks to her fatty and strong legs. Jessica thanks Dalian. The Biblioprincess had kicked the schoolgirl out of the deck to prevent her from witnessing a bloodshed. However, Dalian will never admit that she was worried about Jessica. The crew of a minesweeper rescues the survivors.[4]
Disaster and Temptation[]
Natalia worked as Hugh’s nanny during his childhood, but she still shows up to check on him. Natalia worries about him. She wants to see Hugh married. She even suggests a marriage with the daughter of Count Elphinstone.[5]
The Girls’ Long Night[]
Jessica heard a sermon from her teacher after sleeping in class. As punishment, Principal Roedean told the schoolgirl to keep company with a guest at the school’s library. Jessica is surprised to learn that Dalian is the guest. Dalian believes that the principal is trying to insult her. Dalian is not happy to see Jessica. The schoolgirl asks about Hugh. Dalian explains that he’s in a dinner with the Principal. The students nearby laugh at their bickering. The librarian glares at Jessica, as if telling the schoolgirl to keep quiet.
Dalian hits Jessica's wrist.
Jessica decides to read next to Dalian. The schoolgirl reaches for a book next to the Biblioprincess. The latter hits Jessica’s wrist with a book. Dalian explains that the books are in fact Phantom Books collected by the principal. One of them, the Pioneer Book, can't be sealed during the day. Jessica suddenly jumps to her feet and screams. Someone had slapped her in the back. Four classmates show up. They didn’t expect to see Jessica in the library. The schoolgirls surround Dalian, admiring her beauty. Jessica fails to stop them. Dalian runs away, but she bumps into a cart loaded with books. Jessica apologizes to the librarian for the noise. Jessica’s classmates walk away. Dalian and Jessica organize the books that fell on the floor. Jessica realizes that one Phantom Book is missing.
Jessica looks around in panic. Her classmates may have the Phantom Book. Jessica and Dalian should find the Pioneer Book before midnight, or its magical power will go out of control. The girls burst into the school’s stable, looking for Sandra and Beth. Jessica empties the contents of her bags onto the floor. One of the horses bites Jessica’s ponytail. Jessica finds no Phantom Book. She follows Dalian outside. At the dressing room of the cricket club, Jessica opens Lynn’s locker. Jessica throws the contents onto the floor. She finds no Phantom Book. Jessica and Dalian runs to the exit. Furious, Lynn hits the back of Jessica’s head with a cricket ball.
Jessica rubs the bump on the back of her head. She heads to the dormitory to find Vinny. They meet the librarian on the way. Jessica asks about a book with an unpleasant smell. Dalian kicks Jessica’s shin, angry with her description. The librarian reveals that the book was taken by Teacher Morgridge. The librarian doesn’t know where he lives. Dalian starts to offend her, so Jessica covers her mouth. The girls go to the teacher’s room to ask for Morgridge’s address. Following school’s regulations, the clerk refuses to reveal the teacher’s address. Dalian leads Jessica to a corner. The Biblioprincess tells Jessica to remove the other three Phantom Books from her bag. Dalian describes the effects of each one. Dalian becomes furious when Jessica underestimates the forbidden knowledge.
Jessica uses the Collection of Visions to see Morgridge’s address inside the teacher’s room. Since she’s an unworthy reader, she fells dizzy. She sits on the floor for a moment. She gets up soon after, full of confidence. They don’t have Hugh to give them a ride, and the buses are no longer running, but Dalian finds a black bicycle. Dalian tells Jessica to put her thick legs into use. Jessica rides poorly, especially with Dalian as an additional weight. They find Morgridge’s house, but the teacher doesn’t answer the door. Jessica glances at the clock tower in sadness. The girls proceed to kick the door, trying to break in. Morgridge shows up, drunk and accompanied by a prostitute. He recognizes Jessica. The prostitute wonders if Jessica is his girlfriend. The teacher is clearly uncomfortable. He starts to question Jessica, but Dalian interrupts him with her rude remarks. The teacher realizes that he forgot the book in the cab.
Jessica and Dalian run from the giant plant released by the Pioneer Book.
Jessica and Dalian ride the bike once again. Jessica yells, telling the cabman to stop. Jessica breathes heavily, riding uphill. Dalian uses the Atargatis Scripture to stop the cab. Dalian finds nothing inside the vehicle. Jessica wants to search the past passengers, but Dalian has already given up. It’s too late. Jessica sees a dark mass growing behind them. Jessica grabs Dalian’s hand and runs uphill. A giant plant created by the Pioneer Book is covering the city. The girls are surrounded by long vines. Dalian uses the Book of the Ritual of the Migratory Locusts to stop the plant, but she can’t keep up with the magical power. Jessica holds the exhausted Biblioprincess. Their only hope is to call for Hugh.
Jessica stares at the Phantom Books in her bag. She has a plan. The schoolgirl reads the Collection of Visions, then the Atargatis Scripture. Dalian tells her to not get carried away with Phantom Books. Jessica falls and turns white, unable to move. Dalian finally calls her by her name. Jessica smiles, satisfied. Dalian hugs Jessica’s head lying on her lap. Jessica tells Dalian to run away. The schoolgirl wants to protect her friend. She passes out. Soon after, Hugh arrives. He uses the Hymn of Hel to freeze the giant plant.
Jessica wakes up, sneezing loudly, shivering. She lies in Hugh’s car. The town had become white and cold. She’s happy because Hugh read her message and saved them. Dalian reluctantly thanks Jessica. Hugh admires Jessica for her plan. It’s revealed that Jessica used two Phantom Books to create a message using the windows of the school’s dormitory. The message told Hugh where to find the girls. Jessica had used the Collection of Visions to open portals to the rooms, and the Atargatis Scripture to throw water at the students.
Hugh drives back to the school. That morning, the school dormitory was a disaster. The schoolgirls thought that they had wet themselves. Jessica worries. She doesn’t know how she will explain the events of yesterday. Hugh and Dalian drop Jessica in front of the dormitory. They quickly drive away, ignoring the trouble. Jessica rushes after them. She screams, calling them traitors. It would be a long day for Jessica.[2]
Trivia[]
- Jessica probably plays lacrosse as extracurricular activity.[1] Alternatively, in the manga, she has familiarity with a cricket bat.[3]
- Dalian compares the student's legs to daikons, a variety of large white radishes.[1][6] The insulting expression is used to refer to the thickness of someone's legs.[7]
- She appears on the back cover of the manga volume 3.[8]
References[]
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