"People sometimes frown upon our use of clockwork machines in combat. As if they're inferior tah magitech or magicks somehow. I'd like tah see how they react to a golem belching out a wall of fire and with a spinning blade for hands attacks them. That's not even considerin' the explosives coming from our cannons."

- Marnim Stonefinger, Druzaran Artillery Operator, "A Soldier's Thoughts On Clockwork"

"...That's about the gist of it." Sophie wrapped up explaining the basics of what happened to the others.

A silence settled over the room. Unlike the one in the conference room, this one was more contemplative and understanding. Though amongst it all, Sophie caught a glimpse of Philippe staring questioningly at Mila, who took great pains to avoid his gaze. Sophie felt a pang of guilt, the extent of her friendship with Mila likely meant the inquisitor had overlooked a lot of the more questionable aspects of her activities. But faced with the need to at least catch everyone up, the revealing of this information might have ripples down the line that would put her friends in jeopardy. An aspect that Sophie most certainly did not want to see played out.

Where the inquisitors showed at least some restraint in their emotions and kept whatever comment they wanted to make to themselves, Lucinia was a little different. Unburdened by her attachment to courtly affairs, the princess grew a little more comfortable at expressing herself. Though at Sophie's expense.

"Oh, oh." Lucinia huffed, "Great. I knew you were weird, but some strange stray god child with ties to some ancient civilization. Fabulous." She commented, her tone very much hinting otherwise, "Would've been nice for someone to have... I don't know, made everything clear before I so readily accepted your bargain of support."

"Lady Lucinia…" Sophie weakly mumbled.

"Oh no, don't mind me. Thought you were some idiot. Turns out, you're a very special idiot." Lucinia mocked before pausing and sighing, "Why are the rest of you so quiet? Is this not… like surprising to anyone?"

"It is. But I have already understood most of it from my mistress." Raylani answered.

Elaria rolled her eyes at the word 'mistress' but nodded to acknowledge the dark elf.

"I might not have explained it in as much detail." Elaria giggled.

"It was enough." Raylani backed her up.

Lucinia let out an exasperated sigh and turned to the inquisitors for support.

Marduk was expressionless as usual, much like Raylani usually was. Mila sheepishly looked away whilst Philippe just offered up a shrug of his own.

"It is concerning, yes. And I suspect her… my colleague's reports have been… less than fully informative. Though at this point, there's little use in worrying about the details. Whatever the princess of Monte Del Trisse believes, will be the version of events we run with." Philippe admitted.

Mila did not respond, but the accusation was clear. There would be things that she would eventually have to answer for. Seeing her avoidance, the junior inquisitor sighed and scratched his head.

"We're in this together now." He declared half heartedly.

"Right. Right. That we are." Lucinia agreed, "Still, does no one find it weird that she's potentially some ancient elf, maybe even directly related to the Myndiri slavers?"

"I'm not!" Sophie protested.

"And you would know that?"

"I… think so." Her voice dropped a little.

Taking pity on her, Lucinia relented a little. The girl rubbing her temple and groaning before speaking once more, "Sir Philippe's right though. No point in worrying about it now. I'm the one who decided to come with you anyway. Though only after your nagging, I might add for the record. Should any vengeful spirits or mages try to hunt you down."

They regrouped back at La Souris Royale after Sophie and Elaria had left their audience with the princess. Although most of the castle seemed to calm down after the diplomats had been abruptly dismissed. Both Sophie and Elaria had felt the presence of unwelcome attention being drawn their way, the likely result of those wondering just who had so rapidly commanded the princess's attention. Their intention had been to see more of the town first, but given potential trouble, they elected to rendezvous with the others first.

There was a lot to worry about. Her past, her connections, this 'Pyra' and what was happening to Anna. That was not to mention the increasingly secretive mutterings between the church half of the party amongst themselves.

She only hoped that whatever happened afterwards, she wouldn't be placed in the church's sights. Despite all the danger in her life, she enjoyed her time at the Academy and still looked forward to it. Disruptions to that routine frightened her more than anything. Given that one of the reasons she still travelled within Arteria was because the church sided with her instead of the city, she loathed to think what would happen if the two entities stood against her. Probably have to leave a lot behind. Huh. Maybe even Ary, she frowned. That was a possibility best avoided at all costs.

She sighed and caught Elaria's attention, her sister gently patting her shoulder.

"Sophie being weird aside," The bard cheerfully announced, "We do have a few hours before nightfall. Given that Runebound is now… not monitoring us, we do have the day to ourselves."

A murmur of agreement spread throughout the room. She had stated a simple if still appreciated fact of their current situation.

"I suggest, given our slightly uneven numbers. That we split into our current groupings to get a better lay of the land. Besides, it might be worth trying to get a feel for how the people here are feeling about… well… everything."

"I can agree to that." Mila sighed tiredly.

"As you say, mistress." The dark elf affirmed.

The others either mumbled their own assent or just nodded along.

"Good!" Elaria beamed, "I think we all could use a little bit of time off from today and the past few days. Stuffy boats, stuffy wagons, stuffy rooms."

No one disagreed with that assessment.

The group spent a few more minutes hammering out the lesser details like meeting back in the inn after a few hours or so. The Lily Knights would travel mostly unarmed save for Raylani. Whereas Marduk's imposing presence made him hard to ignore and thus the inquisitors could decide amongst themselves if they would represent the church or themselves.

Sophie wouldn't know for now. Elaria didn't give her the chance, hurriedly ushering the four of them away once the basics of a plan was formed.

So it was that their strange day in Monte Del Trisse got even stranger.

The town itself was wholly typical of the other Gratian settlements that they have seen along the way. Hundreds of timber-framed houses and their depressingly brown tiled roofs interspersed by the occasional blue or gray. A few stone structures dotted across the town, likely watch towers or some other sort of defensive building. And a few more ornate buildings washed out in the color of limestone including a cathedral and what Sophie presumed was the administrative hub of the township itself, not counting the castle.

One could even pretend that nothing had happened here, were it not for the scuffs and marks of conflict that had passed through here. Here and there, there were even a few buildings that had remained lacking in repairs from the war. Bits of rubble and burnt frames remain tucked between the other buildings, their gaps highlighting another oddity that Sophie noticed. A lot of the buildings appeared relatively new. That was, they were still dusty and marked by recent events, but lacked the true grit and wear that older structures would've had.

She wondered just how much had been destroyed here. If the rumors about Gratia held true as did Mila's words about Anna's family. Then Monte Del Trisse was one of the areas in which the rebellion against the Gratian monarchy rose up the hardest. They had masked the devastation well. Though not well enough.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

There was also an unpleasant dourness in the air. The people seemed content enough, given that they'd only recently found a modicum of peace from the strife that tore through the land. But it was a lingering sense of tension that never quite disappeared. Sophie assumed it was due to the recent talks of the Republic and the Kingdom rattling at the edge of war once more. It'd make anyone uneasy. She sighed. Not that there's anything to do about that.

At least the people here are alive and relatively safe, thanks to Anna. Sophie thought to herself. She only wished that her friend could've done this in a way that didn't comprimise her own sanity. And to think it's with someone who claims to be my sister, my real sister. What a mess.

"Fascinating. Their glassware seems uniquely intricate in design. Though certainly not able to upstage Imperial specialized make." Lucinia mused.

Her voice drew Sophie away from her thoughts and back with the others. She had absently followed them in this excursion around town and found herself in a market of sorts. Lucinia was staring intently at some glassware on display outside a shop front. The former princess taking full advantage of her anonymity and the fact that a hooded figure alongside a half elf were likely to draw more attention than a random Traxian.

"Well, they're not exactly the type to be commissioned by your courts, are they?" Elaria added.

"Perhaps. But they could serve that of a mayor or governor's mansion and be passable. That's what I meant. It is of a decent quality and make, a rarity given the intensive labors involved."

"Didn't know you had an eye for glassware."

"I have an eye for many things, master bard." Lucinia chided.

"Jewellery too?" Elaria asked.

"Of course. That's why I'm intrigued by this glassware. A level of acceptable craftsmanship which might preclude the notion that their jewellers and other such wares are of suitably good quality as well."

"Heh, fancy." Elaria tittered.

"Ugh. Simply because I no longer occupy my… former position, does not make me an uncivilized barbarian."

"You're an adventurer now though, I don't think we'll find much use for such fineries for a while."

"But I can still appreciate the niceties of life." Lucinia huffed, her arms defiantly on her hips.

"Hah, weirdo." Elaria teased.

"Ugh, I am not like your sister." Lucinia growled.

"Ah, but you are."

"Oh?" Sophie accidentally interjected.

Lucinia immediately looked away in embarrassment, realizing that the two of them had been less than quiet about their conversation. Sophie was just curious and now felt a little apologetic for butting in. Elaria meanwhile, was chipper as ever.

"Well, you have to be a weird one." Elaria insisted, "You're here. With us."

"Not like I had a choice." Lucinia hissed, though not in an unfriendly way.

Elaria smirked, "Oh, but you did. You could've complied with your emperor. Remained by your attendant's side. Lavished with what I can only guess was a generous budget from your empire. But no. You stood against a monolith with no way to win, and yet you stood. Like dear Sophie, who is a bit of an idiot herself."

"Hey!" Sophie protested.

"You know I love you." Elaria giggled before turning back to the girl, "But really, Lucinia, I mean it as a compliment that you are weird. It's the entire reason I had no objections with taking you under our wing."

Hearing this, Lucinia just sighed and looked away. Though she tried to hide it, Sophie could see the slight hint of relief that she felt.

"Mmm. I suppose." Lucinia conceded, "So not at all because it'll make for a better song for you, hmm?"

"That too." Elaria chuckled.

A few guardsmen passed them by and Sophie noticed another oddity compared to the ranks she'd seen in Mare's Berth and Etoile. The soldiers here were mostly equipped with leathers and gambesons, the lucky few even getting tabards of their own. Though unlike the chevaliers that guarded the approach to the castle, only a scattered handful seemed to possess heavier armor, likely officers or captains. Warriors already at the fronts, only the militia back here, huh.

"Maybe Sophie can even spot you a few silvers to nick a piece for yourself. Or you know, a gift." Elaria mischievously nudged her.

"Huh? Maybe?" Sophie muttered, having been distracted by herself once more.

"Bah, what use would I have of it? Who would I even give it to? Back to you?" Lucinia scowled.

"Or to a certain former attendant of yours. In appreciation of services rendered and a friendship present." Elaria suggested.

Lucinia scowled some more and crossed her arms, though notably failing to decline the suggestion. Sophie hid her own smile. It felt nice to see everyone relaxing after such a long trip.

"You too, miss weirdo." Elaria turned her teasing towards her.

"Rude." Sophie clicked her tongue.

"Get something nice for Ary, maybe. Hells, we could both find something for Sophia and the others, hmm?" Elaria smiled knowingly.

That irritated Sophie more than anything. Elaria always seemed poised to win almost every argument or plan she's ever made. Even now, she pulled a card in which Sophie couldn't and also didn't disagree with.

For a brief moment, both Sophie and Lucinia found common cause. The elf and the former princess shared a supportive nod before both collectively huffing in dismay, much to the bard's growing delight.

"Careful. We're being followed." Raylani's sudden interruption almost made Sophie jump.

At once, the three of them froze, or at least Sophie and Elaria did. The two immediately tried to listen more attentively for anything suspicious. Only Lucinia acted with a smidgen of panic, the former princess's eyes darting nervously across the glasswork and shop front. It took a small chuckle and Elaria physically grabbed her shoulder before pointing towards a glass bowl to calm her down.

"How many?" Sophie tried to discreetly ask, feigning interest at a different stall.

"Just two. Non threatening. Been following us for a while. Just wanted to be sure." Raylani replied succinctly.

"Do you think Anna's having us followed?" Sophie worried.

"Unlikely." Elaria bopped her head, "She's dangled a very interesting mystery in front of us. Sure we could leave now, if you so desired. But I doubt it. She knows we're invested."

Sophie just grumbled under her breath. She was never one for being aloof or evasive. Yet it still felt very much like her sister knew just exactly how to drain every sense of intrigue from her and make it completely ordinary.

"Well, maybe one of the Kingdom fellows?" She suggested.

"Hmm, it's possible." Lucinia interrupted, the girl's interest piqued by the potential discussion of politics and diplomatic issues.

"Sophie did make a mess." The bard joked.

"It is possible. Though given how… present that wall was, I doubt information would travel this quickly. Honestly, I'd say the Republic's spies if anything."

"Oh?"

"Mmm, it's not like our entrance into the castle was unnoticed, at least one of their retainers had to have told the leading members of the delegation. Also given that the church is more aligned with the Kingdom than the Republic and well…" Lucinia motioned to the air at where the inquisitors could've been.

"Ah, so they think we might turn against them." Sophie mused.

"Something like that. Or at least seeing if we can be swayed to their cause, whatever the hells that might be."

"Why us though?"

"What? You think immediately ceasing high stakes discussions for some random adventurers is a common occurrence? You should try to make your way to court more." Lucinia scoffed, "Actually, you shouldn't answer that, knowing you." She grumbled.

"Is that meant to be a complaint or compliment?"

"A little bit of both, elf."

"So the Republic is following us, now what?" Elaria asked an important question.

Though this time, it wasn't directed at Sophie, but rather the former princess.

"Unless they make a move? I suppose nothing. They're just here to watch us."

"That's it?"

"Aye, unless you have reason to provoke them. Not much they can do to us, especially since I doubt Princess Montroi would be… amenable to such actions given your description of your meeting."

"Heh."

"Heh."

Sophie and Elaria shared a soft chuckle. Yeah, Anna might've been more careful, but Pyra would be a handful.

On some minute level Sophie found Pyra's demeanor almost reassuring. Madness and chaos was something she had grown unfortunately used to. It was the banality of undertaking common evils like that of the Braveskulls or Arteria that disturbed her more than anything. Whereas chaos was chaos, the mad princess embracing her madness simply meant an unexplainable series of events. Acts that defied common understanding, thus easier to rationalize. Her expression dropped, what a terrible way to think.

"Ahem." Lucinia cleared her throat.

The two turned to look at her, curious at the girl's next demands. Lucinia seemed positively appalled at their lack of understanding.

"Well? Are we shopping or what? You offered." She mockingly adopted a more indignant tone, a singular finger wagging menacingly at them, "Since we're not doing anything about them, we might as well focus on the souvenir's, right?"

The two sisters paused before chuckling some more. A quiet accord struck between the group, they nodded in acquiescence. Elaria queried with Raylani but the answer was already a certainty. Whatever she decided, the dark elf would follow. Sharing a soft snicker with Sophie, she moved herself back towards Lucinia's side, no doubt eager to tease the poor girl some more.

Sophie held back a smile though. When she looked around town some more, she still couldn't quite shake the unpleasant feeling she had from earlier. Though noticeably worse. There's more to things here than meets the eye, she frowned, but what?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.