Maria von Hafenstadt PoV

Maria still grappled with the unexpected revelation of Jamie's connection to Vivi. It troubled her that such information had slipped past her web of informants. However, this was not the moment to delve into that oversight; there were more pressing matters that demanded her attention.

As the evening's formalities drew to a close, Maria gracefully guided the elven diplomat away from the grand ballroom's shimmering chandeliers and the murmur of esteemed guests. Together, they ascended the staircase of the Hafenstadt mansion.

Maria led Vivi through corridors, each more secluded than the last, until they reached one of the mansion's most private chambers, a room reserved for only the most confidential discussions. The heavy oak door closed behind them with a resonant thud, and Maria turned the key in the lock, the metallic click echoing in the hush.

Finally secluded, Maria allowed the poised facade of the Hafenstadt heiress to melt away. Her shoulders relaxed, and a genuine smile broke across her face. Before she could utter a word, Vivi crossed the room in swift strides and threw herself into Maria's arms, embracing her tightly.

"How on earth did you know who I was?" Vivi exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and elation. She clung to Maria as if anchoring herself to reality.

Maria returned the embrace warmly. "It wasn't that difficult," she replied softly. "When we were in the white room, I saw you beside me. Then, as we descended into these bodies, I saw you entering the same world, though you headed to the northern areas."

Vivi pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with astonishment. "You saw all of that?" she asked, brushing a stray lock of dark hair behind her pointed ear.

"I did," Maria confirmed with a nod. "After we arrived, I began searching. It was just a matter of finding someone named Vivi who was, or had been, in the north."

Vivi placed a slender hand against her forehead, her gaze distant. "I barely knew what was happening to me," she admitted. "Everything was a blur. I didn't even realize where I was going to end up."

Maria offered a sympathetic smile. "I had my informants compile a list of all the nobles in the northern regions. Many of us were placed in positions of power. I sent letters to each possible candidate, but only you would recognize the code hidden within."

Vivi's face softened into a grateful smile. "Sometimes I forget just how clever you are, sister," she said affectionately, pulling Maria into another embrace.

They sat together on a plush velvet sofa, the room's rich furnishings lending an air of comfort.

For a time, they spoke in hushed tones about the enigmatic circumstances that had brought them to this world. They pondered the reasons they might have been summoned together and what fate might have befallen the world they left behind. Questions without answers, yet sharing them eased the weight on their hearts.

"I wonder if time flows the same way back home," Vivi mused, her gaze drifting to the window where moonlight spilled through the glass.

"Perhaps," Maria replied thoughtfully. "Or maybe our absence there is as instantaneous as a dream. But until we know more, we must focus on the reality before us."

Vivi nodded, her expression resolute. "You're right."

Maria straightened, her demeanor shifting to one of purposeful intent. "Which brings me to an urgent matter."

Vivi tilted her head inquisitively. "What is it?"

"We need to expand the road that connects the Arkan Imperium with the Holy Elven Empire," Maria explained. "Trade between our nations must flourish, strengthening our economies and political ties. But the route is dangerous, infested with monsters that make passage expensive."

"Why?" Vivi asked.

"Because right now, monsters are what's preventing Hafenstadt from continuing to grow," Maria explained, her gaze distant as she gazed out over the twinkling lights of the city. "They hinder us from capturing more territories and even from engaging in trade, especially with the Holy Elven Empire."

She turned back to face her sister, the determination in her eyes unmistakable. "If I can resolve this issue, I can garner enough support to claim the Governor's seat when my uncle inevitably makes a misstep."

Vivi nodded thoughtfully, her slender fingers tracing the delicate embroidery on the armrest. "But how does that bring us any closer to finding the God of Night?" she questioned, tilting her head slightly.

Maria leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "By gaining more wealth and support," she said, a hint of ambition coloring her tone. "I can expand my network of informants. Right now, I have a few working to scour the continent from top to bottom, but with my current resources, they can barely venture beyond the empire's borders."

A contemplative silence settled between them, broken only by the distant laughter and clinking of glasses from the festivities below.

Vivi considered her sister's words carefully. "I believe I can secure enough support for expansion," she began slowly, her eyes meeting Maria's. "Perhaps even eliminate some of the monsters within the Holy Empire's territories. But sending troops to aid you would be impossible, not with the current state of affairs."

Maria's gaze dropped momentarily as she weighed her options. After a moment, she looked up, resolve evident in her expression. "That works," she said. "I believe I can find other means to clear the path on our side."

With the primary concern addressed, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere. Maria's features softened, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Now that we've settled that," she began with a slight smile, "I've been dying to satiate my curiosity. Tell me how you arrived in Frostwatch, how you met the bard, and how you came to the Holy Empire."

Vivi's face brightened at mentioning her adventure. "When I first arrived," she recounted, "I found myself in Frostwatch, a stark contrast from anything I'd known. Cold winds, towering pine forests, and a sense of isolation."

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She glanced down, a nostalgic smile touching her lips. "That's where I met Jamie. He was... different in my memories."

Maria arched an elegant brow. "In what way?"

Vivi met her gaze directly. "I believe he's a player. Like us," she said candidly. "From the memories I inherited, his behavior was less ambitious and charming. Way less dangerous"

Maria leaned back, absorbing this revelation. "That's what I imagined," she mused. "And it's not so hard to figure that out, considering he 'invented' a drink called 'beer.'"

Vivi's eyes widened slightly. "Beer?" she echoed, a note of concern in her voice. "Won't that draw attention to him?"

Maria shrugged lightly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "It depends. Will other players choose to help him or try to hinder him?" she pondered aloud. "Or perhaps they'll simply leave him be."

"Hard to say," Vivi admitted, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest. "But knowing this makes me want to see his potential."

Maria nodded thoughtfully.

The two sisters conversed for a few moments more, their words woven with the threads of secrecy and shared purpose. The distant melodies of the grand ball started to lower as it was approaching its end.

"We can continue our correspondence through letters," Maria suggested, her gaze steady. "It's not the most practical method, but we cannot allow anyone to discover our connection."

"Agreed," Vivi replied.

They embraced briefly. Then, with a final nod, they parted ways, each slipping back into the roles the world expected of them.

The opulent festivities began to draw to a close. The grand ballroom, once filled with swirling dancers and resplendent with laughter, gradually emptied. Maria stifled a yawn, the exhaustion of the night's events settling upon her like a heavy cloak. She retreated to one of the mansion's secluded rooms, seeking a moment of quiet reflection before retiring.

She eased into the high-backed chair at the head of the ornate mahogany table, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings along its edge. Just as her eyes began to close, a firm knock echoed against the heavy oak door. Startled, Maria straightened, smoothing the folds of her gown. "Enter," she called, her voice composed despite her weariness.

The door swung open to reveal two armored soldiers flanking her personal Captain of the Guard. Their faces bore shadows of concern, deep lines etched across their brows. The flickering light from the wall sconces cast a somber glow over the trio.

"Is there a problem?" Maria asked, her sharp gaze snapping to attention. The fatigue that had moments before threatened to overtake her was banished in an instant.

"Madam," the Captain began, his voice measured but laced with unease. "An incident occurred at the end of the festivities, but the news has only just reached me."

"Go on," Maria urged, her fingers tightening subtly on the armrests.

The Captain exchanged a brief glance with his companions before continuing. "Master Thorgrimm and his associates, they attacked some of the coachmen from the Golden Fiddle."

"Damn it!" Maria exclaimed, rising swiftly to her feet. The silk of her gown whispered against the chair as she moved. "Where is the bard?"

"He has already departed, my lady," the Captain replied, his gaze steady yet apologetic.

Maria's eyes flashed with irritation. "How is it that I am only learning of this now?"

The Captain bowed his head, a hint of regret shadowing his features. "Because it involved only two coachmen, the soldiers on duty did not deem it a matter requiring immediate escalation. However, the oversight is mine. I take full responsibility and will ensure they are better trained to recognize the importance of such incidents."

Maria took a measured breath, steadying herself. "Very well," she said curtly. "Summon the Manager at once." The Manager was her most trusted advisor in matters of the city's underworld.

"Yes, madam," the Captain acknowledged, nodding sharply before departing with his men.

Left alone, Maria paced the room's length. Her mind raced, calculating the implications of Thorgrimm's actions. This was not merely a petty affront; it was a direct challenge to the delicate balance she had worked tirelessly to maintain.

Minutes later, the door opened quietly. The Captain returned, accompanied by a tall figure draped in a hooded cloak of midnight blue. The Manager moved with a feline grace, the shadows clinging to him as if unwilling to relinquish their hold.

"Have you been apprised of the situation?" Maria inquired immediately, her tone brooking no delay.

"Yes, my lady," the Manager replied, his voice smooth and composed.

Maria ceased her pacing, turning to face them fully. "I orchestrate these events precisely to reduce conflicts among the factions," she declared, her frustration evident. "And yet Thorgrimm sees fit to undermine that purpose with this brazen attack. It's high time we remove him for good."

The Manager inclined his head thoughtfully. "I concur that his actions have become increasingly volatile. However, he still wields considerable influence due to his control over Dragon Dust."

"Precisely why we must act now," Maria asserted. "We can use this incident to our advantage. The bard will not take this assault lightly; I have no doubt he is already planning his retaliation."

"Shall I intervene on your behalf?" the Manager offered, a subtle tension underlying his words.

"No," Maria decided after a moment's contemplation. "It's best we step aside and allow events to unfold. According to reports, he left here seething with anger."

The Captain shifted uncomfortably. "Madam, is it possible that Thorgrimm's actions might be seen as more than his own initiative? I observed earlier that you and the bard were exchanging pointed remarks."

Maria arched an eyebrow, her gaze cool. "I was merely testing him," she clarified. "He tends to irritate me—he reminds me too much of my uncle. But I would not provoke an open conflict, and he probably knows that."

"Forgive me for my questions," the Captain murmured, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. "But is he not just a bard with four others? What threat does he pose with such a small group?"

Maria's eyes narrowed, a hint of admonishment in her expression. "Have you read the mission report from the Mercenary Guild?"

The Captain hesitated. "I... have not had the opportunity, my lady."

"Then allow me to enlighten you," she said crisply. "He and four companions successfully killed over twenty trolls."

A flicker of disbelief crossed the Captain's face. "There are rumors circulating that the report was falsified," he ventured cautiously.

"Thorgrimm might hope so. But the Guild Master herself verified their account," Maria said.

The Overseer stepped forward slightly. "But was their success not a matter of luck?" he suggested. "An opportune alignment of circumstances?"

"Partially," Maria conceded, pacing once more. "Yes, the Monster Crystal was exposed and easy to attack. They had a skilled herbalist, and the dry foliage was ideal for inciting flames. But tell me," she fixed them both with a penetrating stare, "would either of you have had the courage to devise and execute such a risky yet logical plan?"

Silence settled over the room, and neither man offered a response.

"That's precisely my point," Maria continued. "The bard is not merely a musician—he is a strategist willing to take bold actions. Such an adversary should not be underestimated or provoked without careful consideration."

"What course of action do you recommend, my lady?" the Overseer inquired, his tone measured.

Maria's gaze hardened, an air of authority enveloping her. "Find me who gave us the wrong reading on the Monster Crystal at the South Forest. I can't have him thinking we wanted to destroy his group." She paused for a moment before completing. "Also, prepare for the downfall of the Dusters," she declared.

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