These might've been mercs hired by the prince to kidnap her, using a letter from his sons as a cover up. That's the only way the letter could've been forged well enough to fool them, not to mention some scoundrels finding out about her relationship with royalty is very unlikely.
.... Or maybe the good son told her to go along with them to pretend to be kidnapped and make her father start caring. Either way seems plausible.
And it's a nice touch to have Ellen falter about this decision, despite how logical it is. Reminds you she's physically a child, and even in her past life, she was a woman that didn't know much about struggle.
It's also sensical for Van to not save Lafilia, considering he didn't even know she was related to Ellen and for all he knew a random human child. But it's noteworthy to point out that he consulted Rovel about it before acting out, instead of simply observing the perimeter. That shows a slight level of care towards the situation.
@k40235 I don't get the sudden hate either. And some people call her a "random side character", as if she weren't here for a long while already.
And rest assured, even if she becomes a villainess, Ellen will definitely reach out to her and protect her from the worst. It wouldn't feel too good for Lafilia to be protected by the one that caused her all these problems, but she'll at least have one person that cares for what she wants for once.
@Renki
@Flanyl .... What oppai