Schmitt

Schmitt was once part of the same guild as Griselda and other frontline players in Sword Art Online.

He opposed the plan to sell a certain ring owned by the guild, creating tension among the members before the guild eventually disbanded.

After the guild’s dissolution, Schmitt completely replaced his equipment and switched allegiance to the large-scale guild known as the Holy Dragon Alliance.

Because he suddenly appeared in high-grade gear soon after Griselda’s death, Yolko and her companions began to suspect him of being her murderer.

Unaware of the true circumstances, Schmitt was manipulated into helping create the situation that led to Griselda’s death.

He participated in actions arranged around the so‑called “inside-the-safe-zone incident” staged by Yolko and the others, not realizing he was being used as a pawn.

The money Schmitt gained from that affair was used to purchase his new equipment, which made his sudden rise in gear quality look highly suspicious.

This, combined with his prior opposition to selling the ring, made Yolko’s group believe he had both motive and resources to have killed Griselda.

Later, in front of Griselda’s grave, Schmitt breaks down and confesses to Yolko and the others.

He admits that, without understanding the full picture, he had contributed to the chain of events that resulted in Griselda’s death, and that he used the profit from that incident to upgrade his gear.

Kazuto Kirigaya (under his in‑game name) eventually explains the true circumstances of Griselda’s death to Schmitt.

Through this explanation, Schmitt realizes that the true mastermind behind the tragedy was Grimlock, and that he himself had been cynically used.

Confronted with his own guilt and the fact that he was exploited, Schmitt does not try to excuse his actions.

Instead, he promises Kazuto and the others that he will ensure Grimlock is brought to justice and made to atone for his crimes.