At this point, having spent so much time in prison, laying in this terrible fur and cotton bed felt as comfortable as a first-rate inn. If nobody were to wake me, I probably would've slept off the entirety of my life in it. Something about this felt wrong though..
Hmm..
Yeah I got it. The fact that I felt comfortable in a prison. Up until this point in my life, I had never gotten into any trouble with the law that required me to be imprisoned. But I've always gotten the impression that it was like hell.
But then again it could've been as simple as the fact that I've acquiesced to the state of the cell. That said though, there was nothing to do but converse with everyone else or do nothing. Which was rather unfortunate.
A loud banging interrupts my deep thoughts. And of course as usual, it was the usual suspect, Mishka. Did this guy not know what being subtle was? Honestly, it was like he didn't have the slightest bit of consideration for others! Oookay, now I'm starting to sound like my mom.. He peers down at us, as if we were some caged exotic animals, and says:
'"Rise n' shine folks, you already know the drill."
"Sheesh, you sure look bothered by all this."
"That's because I AM, Mr….."
"Mr…."
"Uh…"
"What….what's your name again?"
"Did ya seriously FORGET MY NAME?"
"Oh please, can you really blame me? There was absolutely never a single reason for me to remember your pathetic names!"
"Do we have to have this argument every single time? Can we just go!?"
I don't think I've ever been this annoyed with someone. How has this guy's parents raised him?? How had he no shame as an adult man!? In the Heligsgrad guard, no less… utterly shameful.
After a series of heated debates between Mishka and Yuri, while Tinel, Agniezska and I awkwardly watch while the two of them fly at each other's throats.
An imposing figure, clad in armour creeps up behind Mishka, silently. A gloved hand stretches out to his back and grasps his shoulder, causing him to jump and turn around.
"Mishka! Where the hell were you? You were supposed to have escorted the inmates to the courthouse 25 MINUTES AGO!"
"Agh-! What the-?!"
"O-oh, Captain Vladimir sir! I uh, can explain.."
"Oh yes, explain you shall. However we've got to get MOVING! The hearing is about to start!"
He turns towards us, and silently nods.
"I apologize for this indecent display, inmates. We'll get this over with soon enough, so don't you worry."
I expected Vladimir to be some stoic war veteran officer of the law archetype of a person, but he was surprisingly calm and collected.. towards the party and I, at least. It was quite impressive how his personality could do a complete 180 when dealing with his subordinate, Mishka. Almost like a parent.
"Gah, in any case, let's get a move on!"
He grabs Mishka by the collar and drags him along.
"Inmates, I know it's going to be quite troublesome, but if you could please just follow along with me and not cause any trouble, that would be most appreciated. I already have more paperwork than I can imagine to go through thanks to this moron. I'm already not going to get any sleep tonight, I'd like to rest tomorrow at least."
Anyhow, the same process goes underway. We're escourted out of our cells, loaded onto the cart, the platform lifts from the underground fortress to the surface, into the courtyard.
"Get ready, everyone- we're going to hightail it, otherwise we'll never get to the courthouse in time."
"W-what about the speed limit?"
"Unfortunately Ms. Eriksen- we do not have such a luxury to pay attention to the speed limit right now. Besides, given the current context under which I shall violate the statute, it will be perfectly legal."
"And, I do not like abusing my status as a guardsman of this city, and a captain of all things, no less. However, there is no other option."
Vladimir raises his left arm high up into the sky, looking towards the western guard tower, signaling the gates to open, he wastes no time and snaps the reigns of the Heltabeast-drawn carriage which bolts off.
"WOAH, I-I DIDN'T KNOW THAT A HELTABEAST COULD GO THIS FAST!"
Yuri along with the rest of us, was practically holding onto the edges of the cart for dear life to not fall off. The winds were so rapidly fast that it felt like they could tear me off at any second, sending me tumbling onto the roads. Vladimir, on the other hand seemed completely unfazed. Either he was used to this, or he was one of those "Sylphs" native to Aurora City. In any case, he was extremely focused on controlling the cart.
"It's my magically modified personal heltabeast. I had its genes altered with a series of spells back in my hometown, Urozhay. On top of incredible speed, it has heightened senses as well."
Hearing him mention the magical modifications, Tinel perks her head up with intrigue.
"You are a mage, Mr. Vladimir?"
"No, no, not at all. I don't even know how to manipulate mana. I had hired one for 77 Silver Pieces, a Bio-Functionalist Mage I think he was. The price was steep, but it was well worth it in the end. Supposedly, he was an academy-certified mage as well."
"Pardon the interrogation, Sir Vladimir, however I was under the impression guardsmen are not to take bribes?"
"Well, well, Agniezska Romanov- you sure are one to talk huh? Well I'll satiate your curiosity. I wasn't enlisted within any guard corps at the time. In fact, I was just a young man. A lazy, young, irresponsible man with too much time and money on my hands, no future prospects either. But then Lady Cristell gave me my calling in a dream one night. I went to Heligsgrad, and then everything else happened."
"No one asked for your life story old man…"
"Old man!? Why I- I'm only 37!"
"Seriously Yuri? Don't give the old-timer an existential crisis!"
"Why you.."
The cart suddenly comes to a stop, and we're right where we were a few days ago. The courthouse. The whiplash causes Agniezska and Tinel to lose their balance and fall to the floor of the cart, despite having sit down on the benches. Yuri seemed fine. Almost too fine.. Then his face goes blue. He leans over the cart, and throws up, letting it all out. Falling down on the worn out cobblestone road..
I catch a whiff of the foul, sour stench which triggers my gag reflex, and I too follow suit. Mishka swings away from us, to escape the smell.
"Goodness me, you two boys have such weak stomachs, don't you? You'll be in a world of hurt from now on if this is enough to make you keel over, you know?"
"Oh come on Eriksen! Y'know we ain't used to this! I mean nobody's ever rode a heltabeast this fast! It's unheard of!"
"Good graces. Here, allow me to patch you back up with a spell."
"Hear me, all divine powers of this world. The foul forces which swirl and pervert the domain of the gods, the holy order they formed- dispel them into oblivion."
"Curse Slayer!"
A low hum sounds, the bodies of Yuri and I glow with a golden light, which then quickly vanishes. After that, the sickness had disappeared from my body, and my head is no longer spinning.
Instead of saying anything further to us, she turns around to Vladimir.
"Apologies for using my magic arts whilst my status as a mage of the Royal Capital Guard is in question. It shall not happen again."
"Don't worry about it, Tinel Eriksen. You did it to help a comrade, that's something I can respect. So I'll turn a blind eye to it. Besides, you have not been stricken of your mage status entirely, yet."
Suddenly, a well dressed official exits the building and comes towards us.
"Ah, you're here, finally. Please, enter the courtroom- the hearing will begin in five minutes, do hurry."
Having absolutely no time to waste, Yuri, Tinel, Agniezska, Vladimir and I sprint directly inside the building, passing through the halls, going down stairs until we finally reach the courtroom itself. Having burst through the doors, we've caught the attention of the few people in the gallery, and the presiding judge- Evalin D, Peteros who speaks up.
"Well, it seems as though you were in quite the rush eh? Also I was under the impression that Guardsman Mishka would be in charge of security today, not you Captain Vladimir."
"Apologies, your honor. He, err.. came down with a horrid disease this morning, very last minute so we had to make sudden arrangements for someone to fill in for him."
"I see. That is most unfortunate. Let Cristell's sanctity heal his body and soul."
"Hmm. I suppose since all necessary parties are present- we may begin the process a bit earlier."
She produces a red fancy looking book ornated with gold and brass. The pages are pure white, as if they'd been made just yesterday. After flipping through half the book, she finally arrives to a page. She clears her throat.
"In accordance of the Royal Court of Justice's rendered decisions, which are final and true."
"The fate which shall be passed down now has naught a chance of change- except by our gracious god, Lady Cristell's own word whicheth is the highest law of the land, even higher than the Honorable Tsar of Dalis.."
I can feel myself shaking immensely. In a few seconds, my entire life would be decided. It's kind of hard to swallow or breathe.
"The Royal Court of Justice has deemed that the defendants, the Olenev Affiliates are.."
"..."
"Guilty."
H-huh? GUILTY? B-but t-that means..
WE'RE FINISHED! To think I would only live until I was a mere 18 years old.. I guess we have no choice but to wait until all of us are hung in front of the Supreme Golias Cathedral Plaza.. Heligsgradians glaring at us, some looking at us with a sense of shame and disappointment, quietly watching us be removed from the mortal world..
Well, whatever life I lived- although it wasn't the best life ever, I'm still glad I could enjoy it. I am thankful to Cristell at the very least.
Before I'm able to finish my thought, I get dizzy, and fall to the floor, everything going black. The last thing I feel is the hard wood paneled floor impact with my head, sending a searing pain through my forehead.
A few moments later, how many I'm not sure- I awaken once more. It felt like hours though. My vision is a little blurry at first, but when it clears up, I can see that I'm clearly not back caged up in a prison cell like some animal. That or standing on the platform to the gallows in front of Heligsgrad's cathedral.
That's a good sign, for now.
The room seems pretty fancy in fact. The walls are of white marble, with ornate columns on all four corners of the room. There is a window on the north and east window, with green and white decorated curtains. The floor is made out of polished spruce planks, with a circular rug in the center that has a simple wooden table in the center of the room surrounded by four sofas, one of which I am laying on.
I spot several familiar figures.
There's..
Yuri, Agniezska.., Tinel, and…
Who was that again..?
Oh right! Our lawyer, Cherynov! Hmm.. now that I think about it, Cherynov was pretty close.. is she… right in my face?! She is!
"WAAH!"
I sit up fast, almost smacking her in the head in the process.
"Hey you…. you almost gave me a concussion!" She says gingerly.
She turns to the rest of the group.
"Everyone, he has arisen."
"At last.. we can start discussing the situation. We've a lot to go over."
"The situation has gotten more complex indeed.. as Master Romanov says."
"W-what do you mean, exactly, Tinel…?"
"You'd best sit down, Mikhail. It's going to be a long talk."
"I'm.. already sitting down.."
Everyone else gathers around together in a circle, close to one another. Tightly knit, almost. Everyone looks nervous or worried.
"Allow me to start, Mikhail Olenev."
"You've been out for a total of exactly 7 days."
"SEVEN DAYS?? It only felt like an hour!"
"Your brain fell asleep, so your perception of time was distorted while you were out. When only an hour has passed for you, seven whole days have gone by for us."
"That's crazy.. But wait! Tinel, could we get back on topic?"
"Ah, right."
She looks towards Cherynov who nods.
"So first of all, there is some good news."
"You have avoided the death penalty."
Yuri jumps out and cuts in-
"Wait what?? But we were surely declared guilty back then! But hey, if we get to get off scott free, I ain't gonna turn that down~.."
"Will you not jump to conclusions please? Also get back, you're right in my face.."
Cherynov pushes away Yuri with both her hands, a visible grunt of discomfort leaving her mouth.
"It is not however unconditional!"
"What does that mean?"
"You might remember how that Zantio Slavhar is suspected to have been part of an anti-church terrorist organization, yes?"
"Y-yeah.."
"Well ever since Heligsgrad had sent an investigation team over to Polam to have him arrested for questioning, he had gone missing. His guild is of course, not operating at full capacity. His vice- guildmaster didn't know a single thing about where he had gone. He skipped town, apparently."
"What're ya gettin' at?"
"Essentially, to prove your innocence and gain your freedom, you must find Slavhar, apprehend him, and bring him back here to Heligsgrad for judgement."
"Us, arrest him? But even if I still possessed my authority as a guard, I would not be able to arrest him anywhere outside Mittendius."
"Your worries are understandable, but since you are acting on behalf of the Dalician Church, you have been given authority to do whatever is necessary."
"Uh… Ms. Cherynov.. since we're essentially out of the clear for now.. we can leave and go back to the place we were originally staying at in Heligsgrad?"
"Well, you are not officially off the hook yet so to speak, but yes you are allowed to return to your lodgings."
"Ahh finally.. no more back cramps…~!"
"You are staying in the Doroscwenciye Monastery, yes?"
"Ah.. yes..?"
"Just so you know, your rooms have been investigated, along with the rest of the monastery. I hope you understand- it was necessary, seeing as you were suspects in this case, it was absolutely important to find anything related to the case.."
"And, you didn't find anything, did ya'?"
"You have nothing to hide?"
"No, Ms. Lawyer.."
I immediately knew he was definitely hiding something. We knew each other as friends pretty much our entire youth so far. So in other words, I could read him like a book right now. He most definitely had something he didn't want to be found. Something embarrassing, most likely.
Knowing him, it had to be one of those "light novel" things from the Republic of Mitsudomoe. Now normally, he shouldn't have been able to read these novels, seeing as they're written in the Mitsudomian language, but a few years back Zantio gifted Yuri a magic object of his choosing. He chose an "Unclouding Paradigm". It was something illegally smuggled (from where exactly, I have no clue), that could accurately translate any language to another language.
It worked a little bit like this: First, you push the small button on the bottom. Then you clench it with your fist. And then finally, you hold it above the script you want to translate- lo and behold it would then be translated.
But it worked strictly only for writing or inscribed linguistic mediums.
One thing I didn't understand though… how in Raechaesia did he even get ahold of these books? They're not distributed outside of the republic.. I guess that wasn't important. Why was he so ashamed of reading them? I don't see what's so weird about enjoying foreign media..
"Mr. Mikhail Olenev?"
"Hm, yes, Cherynov?"
"You seem to be quite deep in thought, is something the matter?"
"No, no.. just thinking about something.."
Yuri is staring holes in me because he must somehow know exactly what I was thinking. He made an "X" with his arms and mouthed to me:
"Do not say a THING."
"Okay then."
"Well, I believe this raps up our meeting. Before you go though- I have a message from the senator of Heligsgrad- Be at the southern gate tomorrow morning by 12:00pm, sharp. If you're late, I'll have your heads this time for sure."
"You'd better do exactly as he says, because Senator Anton always keeps his promises."
Utter silence.
By the time we hit Main Street, it's already sunset. The sky is a beautiful light blue and purple gradient, with a tinge of white. The streets are now much emptier than they were at day. Shop owners were closing and locking doors, workers were packing their bags for the day and heading off. Shop lights were turning off, only a few buildings like restaurants and/or taverns leaving them on. Yuri slumps his shoulders and sighs.
"To think that this is just the beginning of our troubles.."
…
"Hey Mikhail, I wanna ask ya somethin'."
"Sure dude, go for it."
"How should I say this.. y'think the boss is actually behind all this? He's helped us both out and I can't just imagine a guy like him tryna do somethin' so horrible!"
"The evidence is all there though, isn't it?"
"Having us deliver the corrosion core in his stead, bribing Royal Capital guards to accompany us, skipping town to evade the Heligsgrad investigators…"
"Seems pretty damning to me."
"But even if he is guilty, don't you feel a little indebted to him..?"
"Well sure I do. I'm extremely grateful to him for saving my life. But it doesn't excuse trying to commit indirect murder against Lady Cristell. To do that is an affront to the entire kingdom itself. It would be the same thing as trying to collapse the nation."
"Wait.. you're not thinking of defending him are you?"
"No! Never!"
"Look Yuri, I know you're feeling conflicted right now, but Zantio is not a good person. I mean, he's always been kinda shady, hasn't he? This whole corrosion core thing is not helping his credibility. We need to get to the bottom of this!"
"I suppose you're right."
We arrive back to the monastery. It's a nostalgic sight, despite having only stayed there for such a short time. Someone is standing there, tapping their feet nervously. It's Kravinskyy.
She looks worried, frustrated, and tired at the same time. When she sees Yuri and I, she hurries on over to us. She seems pretty angry.
"Finally! There you guys are! Ughh, have you any idea how much stress you've caused me??? There were investigators inside the monastery the WHOLE day, scaring the children keeping them cooped up in their rooms the whole day, and the other priests and priestesses were on edge the entire time!"
"Hey now, we didn't know a damn thing about that box, comin' into the city!"
"Shut it, knife ears!"
"And you, Olenev! You're ESPECIALLY responsible! I heard from one of the guards you're Slavhar's 'favorite boy'!"
I roll my eyes. Did they have to make it sound so homoerotic? Gross. I liked women, thank you.
"My bad."
"I'm dragging you two in! No dinner for you! Off to bed, STAT!"
She punches us both in the gut, making us keel over, grabs us by the hair, and drags our incapacitated selves through the gates, up the stairs, and through the doors of the monastery, taking us down the hallway, and pushing us both into our respective rooms.
She slams Yuri's door shut and is about to do the same for me when she stops for a moment.
"Hey, Olenev!"
"Y-yeah?"
"Where's Agniezska at? I didn't see her with you and Borysenko."
"I think she fell asleep at the courthouse. She supposedly got barely any rest over the past seven days. At least that's what I heard."
"W-wow.. That's tough.."
"Anyhow, sleep well."
She whispers those last words, and then gently closes shut the door. Quite a difference from how she treated Yuri. I press my finger against the pedestal of the magelight on the window sill, turning off the dim light, leaving the room completely dark. From outside the window behind the white curtains, I could see the rest of Heligsgrad.
Only a few buildings were illuminated from the outside, but most were dark. Apparently, Heligsgrad had next to-no night life at all, despite being one of the most major cities in the entire Dalician kingdom.
Apparently, this stemmed from some ancient tradition once practiced during the early days of the Crkvanist Church, now lost. The city lights were minimal, but the moonlight wasn't. It gleamed a dreamy white and silver light. Eerie, yet soothing at the same time.
It was comforting.
So much so that I fell asleep quite quickly.
Chirp, Chirp…
I hear the sound of birds singing which sat on the tree outside my window. I woke up, feeling nice and relaxed. The pillow and the bed's mattress feel like a warm luxurious paradise, the blankets like a warm cocoon, holding me down. I know however I can't just stay there forever.
I've got a job to do. I reluctantly push myself out of bed, my eyes still feeling heavy from sleep. As I exit the bedroom, I almost walk right into Kravinskyy.
"Waaah! Olenev, you gave me a fright there!"
"My bad, my bad. Anyways, what time is it..?"
"It's 10:30am from the looks of it.."
"..."
"OH NO! It's 10:30 and I haven't even gotten dressed in my holy garments to lead morning prayer! Sorry to cut you short Olenev, I gotta run!"
She sure was in a hurry huh.. well, it's not like I was in a rush. I went to Yuri's room to check if he was still sleeping, but no. He wasn't. The room was devoid of his presence, and the bed looked like he just sprung right out and hit the door. Typical of him.
In any case, I decided it was time for me to head out to the agreed rendezvous point- on the Western City Gate Bridge. Before I left, an idea popped into my head. I picked up a nearby pen and scrap of paper, and on the table at the doorway, I scrawled a note.
Hey Kravinskyy- I'll be out for several hours, probably the whole day. Just thought I should let you know.- Mikhail.
I highly doubt she would see this note, but I thought it'd be a nice gesture at least. I capped the fountain pen, and pinned the note onto the corkboard, then left.
As I was walking through the streets which were crowded as always- people going about their business, I could feel thousands of sharp glares being shot at me as I passed by. I even heard some people whisper to each other.
"Hey look.. it's that brat!"
"Wait.. you don't mean…"
"Yeah! That crook from the court trial! With the corrosion core and everything!"
"They just let a guy like that walk free? The legal system's gone to shit.. nobody cares about Lady Cristell's church anymore.."
Oh geez. This sure is uplifting. Being treated like a criminal.. Come on guys! Can't you see that I'm innocent here?? Well.. I guess they couldn't. After all, everyone only had a surface understanding of what's going on. Can't really blame them for that.. Even if I wanted to.
I mutter to myself- "I'd better just take a back alley.."
I scamper off to the nearest slip between two buildings, taking an alternate pathway. The noise of the city gets more and more distant until it's basically inaudible.
"Finally, a little more peace and quiet.."
"Hey there boy! *hic*"
When I look up to see who said that, I see a drunk Feliese, his ears look like that of a Lynx. His eyes are half open and..closed? How that was possible I wasn't sure. In any case, the torn and poorly stitched light brown cotton tunic that basically hugged his body because of how fat he was had five dark stains, and I could see why. The guy seemed completely sloshed, and if that wasn't clue enough, he was holding a large but cheap looking glass bottle in his left meaty hand containing a thin layer of dark red wine. Part of me almost thought it was impressive that he drank basically everything himself. Another part thought it was sad.
Jeez dude. It's only 11 in the morning, and you're ALREADY hammered drunk? Some people really have nothing better to be doing, huh..
"I-, I-, Shaiddd! Hey kid are you, you *hic*, LISHTENING TO ME??!"
I couldn't waste my time with this guy. I shook my head and awkwardly tried to push past him. That was a mistake as he dropped his bottle, letting it shatter on the hard brick road. He then pulled out a decently sized knife from behind his back and pointed it at me.
"H-HEY! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE G-GOING!? I'M NOT DONE WITHS YOU!!"
I start walking back with my hands up, to seem as friendly as possible, although at this point it probably wouldn't earn me many favors.
"Alright buddy, let's slow down, alright? You don't need to hurt me.. this is just a big misunderstanding, okay?"
Suddenly he stops to think to himself for a good while. With his knife still in his hands, he starts making these weird motions as if he was counting with his fingers, but he was staring somewhere else entirely.
I would run away, but if this guy pulled a knife on me for just walking a few steps forward, I can't imagine what he'd do if I tried to make a run for it. So I stay still.
Then, like an angel from heaven, I hear a voice, one I'm really familiar with.
"Hey there! Someone looks like they need a hand.."
"Mishka!?"
"O-ho! How come you're glad I'm here now? I thought you hated me!"
"Look, I'm sorry alright? Please get me out of this!"
"Hmm.. okay then. I will be generous enough to rescue you.."
He snaps his fingers over at the staggering drunkard.
"Hey, you! Over here pal!"
"Haaah!!!? What'sh do you w-w-want!!?"
"In the name of the Heligsgrad City Guard, I, Mishka Plavoneb hereby place you under arrest! Your charges are public intoxication and assault!"
"B-but, I didn't even do anything!"
"Yeah you did… you pulled out a knife on an innocent civilian, you blocked his path, and you were drinking in public! All of that constitutes a crime! Turn around and put your hands around your back and-"
"Oh. Your wrists are kinda thick… we might need to forge special shackles, just for you! Ahahaha.."
I could hear him mutter this under his breath in confusion as he scratched his chin in confusion. The Felise drunkard started getting impatient, all jumpy too. He then tightened his grip around his knife, turned around and lunged towards Mishka.
I took a stance as if I were going to draw my sword and attack, but I didn't have it with me- it was still with the Heligsgrad City Guard. That didn't seem to be an issue though, as Mishka seems confident. Almost too confident. He grins, and touches the grey gemstone inlaid upon the necklace he wore- it lit up with a teal light. He then stretched out his arm up into the sky and shouted the words:
"Binding winds of Enipheles! Restrain my opponent!"
Teal coloured light shoots out from his necklace swirling and twisting at the speed of light until they struck the man, knocking him back, causing him to crash into the ground. He was unconscious.
He dusts his hands off, and then turns towards me.
"Well then, that should be the end of that!"
"Only problem now is… taking care of this body.. Wait no, this knocked out person.. I didn't kill anyone… this time, at least."
This time..? What exactly did that mean? Well, I think I'd rather not know… after all, with how Mishka is, if I got on his bad side, I might be on the receiving end, to say the least.
Mishka waves his hand in front of my face.
"Helloo? Anyone there? You've dazed off! Hey, wake up!"
"AAH! Jeez, you scared me…"
"Hmph! Is that how you treat someone who saved your life, Olenev!?"
Mishka pulls out a pocketwatch.
"Sheesh, it's that time already? I'd better get moving."
"You too, Olenev- don't wanna be put to death for not showing up on time right?"
"OH NO! Ah, uh, I'll get going!!!!"
With those last words, I sprint off as fast as my legs can carry me, running desperately to reach the Western Bridge.
Several moments later- Western City Gate Bridge
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I arrive, Yuri, Tinel, Agniezska, Cherynov, and Vladimir are there. Everyone is huddled together, closely discussing something, most likely the next course of action regarding on how to capture Zantio. They all seem deeply invested.
"Hey everyone, sorry I'm late.."
Agniezska turns her head when she hears my voice.
"Mr. Olenev! I see you've finally made it. Please, do join in. We are at a pivotal point in planning out our attack."
"I- I'm not late, am I? I don't wanna die young!"
A slight chuckle escapes Agniezska's mouth.
"Hey. What's so funny?"
"Ahaha, sorry, you must forgive me.. It's just that Senator Anton's threat of executing anyone who didn't show was a mere jest. To paraphrase his words, he would've threatened anyone with absolutely anything as long as it meant upholding Lady Cristell's law and defending the kingdom."
"He is the type of man to whom there is nothing too 'immoral' when it comes to defending the home he loves."
…
"Sounds like… quite the patriot."
"Tis true. Now then Mr. Olenev without further ado, we must rejoin the conversation. We have a pressing topic which requires the utmost attention. Come."
"-- And that's the game plan!" Said Cherynov, looking all proud of herself, hand on her hip, other hand pointing upwards.
"Due to the time constraints I've had to deal with however, it's not exactly the best of plans… the information I requested had come in much later than expected- supposedly the entire Information Network of Heligsgrad is in somewhat of a panic, so operations are highly disorganized, hence the delay."
"Apologies for the interruption, Ms. Cherynov but we have returned, Mr. Olenev and I."
"Oh! Mikhail Olenev! I hadn't noticed you. I'm sorry- we were immersed in discussion, as you can see."
"Nah, it's no big deal, really.. mind giving me a rundown of what's going on?"
"Alright. Well the short version is, we've gotten reports of this Slavhar character being spotted in Dremvaqua. We've sprawled our investigators all across the nation."
"Wait hold on, doesn't that violate jurisdictional laws? If the Royal Government finds out about this, they'll-"
Cherynov with an exasperated sigh, shrugs.
"I know it's not ideal, but what other choice do we have at this point? If news about the corrosion core got out of the city, it'd be utter chaos! It's quite a miracle we've been able to contain the secret within the Holy City up to this point.. how long that'll hold out, well we have no idea."
"We're doing whatever we can to take care of this before it becomes a nation-wide scandal.."
"And what happens if it does?"
"Well for one, the person who is responsible to report things like this to the Royal Capital but didn't- Senator Anton will be arrested and executed for the crime of endangering national safety and sacred law."
"So in a way, if we don't do this in time, we'll have essentially failed to save his life."
"He was the one who got this whole operation started though, right? If anything, if word of this whole situation gets out, and he's executed for it, it'll have been his fault, not ours."
The conversation between Cherynov and I carries on for about an hour longer when all of a sudden.
A tall and muscular man with a large build wearing a dark blue suit with a gold trim, white gloves, jet black cotton trousers, and light brown leather boots. His face was fierce, sharp eyes, with long red braided hair and a rather impressive beard.
"You there, madam."
"Hm, yes? Who is it-"
"Oh."
"Sir Romanov, I, what brings you here?"
"First of all, you don't need to be all formal with me- it's annoying as hell. You've seen my letter, haven't you? I'm here to scold my idiot of a daughter.."
He turns towards me.
"And you… yes, I've heard of YOU. You're that, Mikhail, was it? The rotten criminal who's responsible for bringing that Corrosion Core, here to Heligsgrad.."
"I hear your goal was to bring it to Aurora, for the Day of Descension. It's a good thing you were stopped early. To think heretics such as you have run loose for so long."
"Mr. Romanov, this is a huge misunderstanding I-"
"Save it, boy. I have no time for criminals."
He shooes me away, flicking his hand at me- in my face. Not a good first impression with Agniezska's dad..
While I'm moping about, deep in thought- Romanov is surveying the area, as if he was looking for someone. When he sees Agniezska he calls out to her.
"AGNIEZSKAAAA!"
As she spoke with the rest of the party, she freezes the moment she hears that loud, booming thunderous voice, ever so filled with might and power beckon her name.
She slowly and stiffly turns around. When her eyes lock with those of her father- she goes pale.
"Father I-"
"No."
"No..?"
"Father, I'm not sure I understand.."
"Huh? You, don't UNDERSTAND???"
"ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE A FOOL OF ME, GIRL? WHY DO YOU THINK I TRAVELED 14 DAYS ALL THE WAY HERE?"
"The fact you had the audacity, to consider taking that bribe from that sewer rat! WHY? How DARE you bring such a shame on the Romanov name! If word were to get out to the Royal Capital- it'd spell the end for our honored lineage in the city! What would we do then? Losing favor with the Tsar, and even worse, with the Church… why I…"
"To tell you the truth, my dear girl. I had seriously thought that you were better than this.. I was proven wrong. Don't you understand that what you did was a spit in the face of our entire family? Our household? The Allied Clans of the Royal Capital..?"
"To think you were supposed to be the next head of the Romanov Family.. I am certain now, you do not qualify in the slightest. If you do not care for your future and well being- think about Ivanov. How you beset him with endless troubles. When I left, I had no choice but to temporarily transfer authority of the Royal Capital Guard to him.. He has enough trouble as the commander of the Armed Forces of the Kingdom!"
Although the words weren't directed to me- I could feel the thunderous boom of them directly in my heart, shaking my entire being. I could only imagine what it was like for Agniezska. She was meant to be the successor to the family legacy yet she let her father, who would've passed the role to her, down.
It must've hurt…
As soon as he finishes speaking, he spins around with a distressed and furious face. I'm pretty sure I was able to see a few bulging veins on his forehead. He turned over to Cherynov.
"Hey, Madam Cherynov, I'm going to need to you to write back to my household in Mittendius. Tell them I'll be out on 'vacation' for awhile."
He hands her a small but neat paper- devoid of any wrinkles or tears, in perfect condition.
"This is the address. Make sure to take care of this as soon as possible."
"B-b-but wait a minute!!"
"..What? Can't do it?"
"Why no, Mr. Romanov, not at all, I-"
"Oh, I know, I know. Can't believe I've forgotten. You want to be paid, right? Here, just a minute."
After ruffling through his pockets for a few brief seconds he pulls out some cash- a total of five Gold Pieces. I was kind of jealous.
"Is this good enough?"
"Holy cow.. Y-yes! Yes sir! I'll get to it right away!"
She turns around to us, gives us an awkward wave/bow, and speeds off.
Oh the power of money, to inspire change in a person… curious thing-I thought. I chuckle nervously and shake my head.
"Eavesdropping on top of conspiracy against our glorious kingdom.. once a criminal, always a criminal, I suppose."
Crap.
I let myself get careless and fell into the radar of Agniezska's father. Again.
He scoffs, and walks off angrily. Well, at least he didn't do anything to me. I guess he couldn't though. Jurisdiction laws, and all that.
I decide to rejoin the group.
Everyone is kind of just doing their own thing until I interrupt.
"So, what's going on, everyone?"
"They've just finished conversation, Mr. Olenev."
"Agniezska…"
I must've unconsciously said that out loud because she responds-
"What is the matter? Do you worry for me?"
"I must assure you- you needn't worry. I can understand how this may have seemed, alarming but, things like this have always happened between our family. It is nothing new, truly."
I was about to respond when Yuri interrupts the conversation. I don't know why- but he had a thing where it's like he can never help himself when it comes to ruining the atmosphere during important conversations. Like this one.
He claps his hands together and proclaims-
"Alright everyone! We should probably get going, eh? It's been a long productive chat~"
Tsk. Way to rub salt into the wound, man. You know, it's making me wonder- why did I even bother coming out here? I nearly got shanked in an alleyway, and by the time I get here, I've already missed everything!
Well…
I shouldn't be childish about this.
I was late thanks to me alone. I slept in too long after all. I sigh in defeat.
"Come on Yuri, Tinel and Agniezska. We got to get some rest for tomorrow.. After all, we've got a looooong journey ahead of us."
Later, the Doroscwenciye Monastery
---------------------------------------------------
The monastery is mostly quiet. Most of the priests and children who reside within the monastery are fast asleep by this hour. Yuri is knocked out in his room, snoring like crazy.
I'm sitting on the edge of my bed, I'm writing in a journal a record of everything that's happened so far.
It's been quite a strange journey up to this point. I never thought in my life I'd be leaving that backwater town which I grew up in, to experience something.. New.
Okay, well, calling Polam a "backwater town" probably isn't accurate because it's anything but that..
Anyways, my point bein--
I'm cut off when I hear a gentle knock on my door. It wasn't loud or anything, but it still made me jump because I wasn't expecting any visitors this late.. my hand jerks, causing me to accidentally scribble all over the page I was writing on.
"Gah… great. "
"Uh, hello? I hope you're still awake.."
It was Kravinskyy. I didn't need to see who was behind the door to know- you could tell it was her from her naturally soft voice.
"Come on in."
*Klick*
"I see you're up."
"Ahaha, oh yeah, well.. I was sort of reminiscing on what we've been through together so far."
"So, what brings you here? It's late, you know. Don't you have to take care of the monastery tomorrow?"
Kravinskyy sighs.
"Yeah, I know I do. I have to teach the children's classes tomorrow in the monastery school anyways though, so I have to review lesson plans."
"Sounds tough."
"Sure, I guess so. But I'm kind of used to it by now, it's a part of my training to move up in the Church so I'll push through."
"Either way, that's besides the point. All I really wanted to do was to give you this."
She presents an amulet to me, about the size of an acorn. It's shaped like the Ultima Star (the symbol which represents the Dalician religion- the Crkvanist Church), and made out of Cloudstone- a gem which was known to form only under very specific circumstances. Like most traditional Dalician jewelry- it had a polished brass trim.
"O-oh? Is this for me?"
"Of course, who else could it be for?"
"Well, thank you.."
"Maybe you don't know, but here in Heligsgrad, it's considered a tradition to present these amulets to people who're about to set off on a long journey. As a blessing, and sign of good luck. It's one of the things I learned about here when I first arrived to the city, several years back."
"Don't get me wrong though! I gave everyone one of these! It's not because I like you, or anything!"
"Right.."
Weird that you have to go out of your way to specify that.
Well, it's no big deal.
I thought.
"Point is though, this one is for you. It's special okay!? These Svetlozde are rare- only 100 of them go out to through the entire kingdom, per YEAR! The fact I was able to get enough for all of you is a miracle in and of itself~!"
Author's note: "Svetlozde" means "Star of Light" in the Dalician language.
"They're said to be imbued with spells of protection from Lady Cristell herself!"
"W-wow, thank you! I don't know how to thank you enough.."
"Don't die out there, that's how you can thank me, alright~?"
"Sure!"
"I had to be extra sneaky though, when I went to give these to Agniezska, that one Zalief kid and Tinel. Did not wanna wake them up.. especially Tinel. She gets so cranky when she's disturbed sleeping!
And scary.."
"If she's scary for even you, Kravinskyy.. "
"I can only imagine what that's like!"
Yaaaaaawn….
"Oh my! It seems you're getting quite tired, Mikhail Olenev. You should hit the hay~"
"Hit… the hay?"
"Supposedly it's slang for going to sleep from the southern regions of the kingdom. I don't really know, I just wanted to try saying it."
"Anyways, take good care of that Svetlozde. And you'd better get some sleep, you hear?"
I do a fake and exaggerated salute like they did in the Dalician Army by putting both of my hands on my chest and bowing my head.
"Yes madam! Right away!"
Kravinskyy rolls her eyes and scoffs, but pairs it with a playful smile and warm gesture. She does a small wave, and exits the room, gently closing the door, barely making a sound.