"While many look only favorable onto the First Nautican Union that ruled most of human occupied Cyndralia. It is a necessity to also consider the downsides of their control. Primarily in not ignoring how the continent spanning empire slowly disintegrated to stagnation. The seeds of its downfall were planted long before even the assassination of Basileus Primus Axon Tassius and the subsequent splintering."

- Professor Augustine Bousset, Arterian Academy Department of History, "Excesses Of Mankind: The Nautican Union"

Another day had dawned upon the land of Monte Del Trisse, the meek sunlight barely scraping past the grey skies above. A cold nip in the air coursed its way through the town below, the streets far emptier than the day before. Distant rumbles heralded the eventual storm that would pass through here eventually. The air hung heavy over her once again, like a tower of mud ready to topple over and suffocate her.

The mood around her was also tense. No one knew what to expect from the mad princess, save that her interest in Sophie's origins would likely persist for a while. Beyond that, no one knew how exactly they should act in the presence of the princess today, not even Elaria.

Mila let out a sigh, the inquisitor's scrunched up when she was deep in thought. Considering that she was the only other person in the room right now, Sophie stole a glance at her. The girl was currently pinching the bridge of her nose to refocus herself. Sophie felt ever so slightly mischievous and shuffled ever closer, then, in a singular swift strike, she prodded Mila's cheek much like how Eva had always done to her.

"Gash-shit fuck!" Mila let out a startled yelp. The girl jumped onto her feet in alarm.

"Eheh, sorry." Sophie sheepishly apologized.

"Stars above," Mila hissed, "Could've just asked."

"Sorry."

"Tsk, it's fine. What is it?"

Sophie frowned and then let out a sigh of her own.

"You were like this." She tried to replicate Mila's absurd scowl.

This prompted the inquisitor to actually scowl at her.

"I think some worry is warranted." She scoffed.

"I'm nervous too." Sophie bobbed her head in agreement.

"Hah." The two of them then let out a collective sigh.

They both shared a look between them, one of shared struggle and the responsibility heaped upon their shoulders.

"So what's on your mind?" Sophie broke the silence between them.

Mila glanced towards the ground, her lips curling up in displeasure. After a few more moments her gaze wandered back up to meet Sophie's.

"What? Nothing else to think about in that empty head of yours?"

Sophie chuckled and shook her head.

"Bah, fine. Want me to be honest?" Mila mumbled.

Sophie quirked her head sideways, confused by the question. What's there to hide? Besides the official church stuff. But she bobbed her head anyway.

"You can trust me." She reassured Mila.

The girl grunted softly in acknowledgment.

"That much I know."

"Promise." Sophie reiterated.

"Hah. I know. I know. I'm just confused, that's all."

"About all this?"

"And then some." Mila groaned.

"Heh."

"I mean it. I'm worried, Sophie. I don't know what the fuck to do." Mila swore.

"Mila…"

"Goddess above, not a word to the others. Got it?" The inquisitor narrowed her eyes threateningly at Sophie.

"I know." She held up her hands.

"Fine, so logic dictates that I work with Philippe to bring Anna down, right? Her magicks and this… this darkness that surrounds her? A damned threat, no two ways about it. Your potential long lost, uhh, what was it that Lucinia said? Ah, potential 'stray god child' and long lost sister aside." Mila tried to be serious before chuckling a little.

"Mmm." Sophie murmured.

She understood where the inquisitor was coming from, joke or not. Annalise did have powerful magicks at her beck and call thanks to Pyra. And from what she and Elaria had glimpsed of the mad princess, they were both relatively certain that there were still plenty more aspects that she had kept hidden. Adding to Pyra's generally chaotic disposition, she had no illusions about how dangerous her 'sister' could be. And that's if we ignore the death wall and the fact she already has an undead army and nation behind her.

"A threat needs to be ended." Mila continued with a growl, "But…"

"But?"

"She's mad, yes. But she isn't at the same time. It just feels like that yes, most of what is happening now might be on a whimsy. But there's just… something there that makes me think there's something bigger at play." Mila let out an annoyed rasp, "That there's some twisted plan that we're not seeing just yet."

"Hmm." Sophie hummed thoughtfully.

In truth, she agreed with Mila's assessment. Perhaps it was because of Annalise's rational influence, or perhaps she did in fact have her own plan. But Pyra's madness reaction to Sophie's revelation demonstrated as much. She was definitely somewhat insane in her own way, but for the most part, Sophie got the feeling that the madness was as much a choice as it was innate. There was a method to her madness, one that remains yet unknown, but there nonetheless.

"My instinct, professional instinct, says to report everything and just be done with. Get what I want to know and move on. Put this behind me knowing I played my part." Mila continued, "But I'm worried that I don't fully believe in those sentiments." She grumbled.

"Then don't." Sophie made a bold statement.

Mila immediately perked up, her interest piqued by the elf's casually dismissive tone.

"What do you mean?" She cautiously asked.

Sophie pursed her lips and gazed at the roof. Even she herself was confused, though her ideas for dealing with the matter were quite simplistic. She almost frowned at how her outlook seemed to just amplify whatever it was that Mila and the others saw her as. But then again, it is who I am. She hummed thoughtfully to herself.

"What I mean…" Sophie began before pausing then nodding to herself in confirmation, "What I mean is that just do what you think is best for you."

"That makes no sense, what's best for me? What's best for humanity is what's best for me. I have seen the effects of such dark magicks, the evils they can cause. You and I should know that more than anyone." Mila scowled.

"I know. I've seen it too, felt it even. But I'm not like you, I don't… I don't always worry about the big picture. I simply see the problem ahead of me and I fight it. I'm not good at much else, heh. Try my best, that's all."

"Sophie. We don't think that." Mila leaned a little closer.

"It doesn't matter. I know how I act sometimes is a little… simple. But you guys said it yourselves, when I see a problem I just forge on ahead anyways. I"ve… fucked up a lot. Some of those failures still eat away at me and haunt my dreams. But I made the call back then, not someone else."

"Can't deny that." Mila mumbled.

"So do what you think is best and just do it. If Anna really is that horrible, then… well…" Sophie sighed.

Mila didn't respond, only offering a sombre grunt.

"But if you think there's more to this, and just making sure you know, I do too. Then we'll figure it out together." Sophie reached over to gently tap Mila's arm, "We're a team now. So count on us to help. Whatever you choose."

"Fucking hells Sophie, I was venting not asking for a pep talk." Mila chuckled before reaching her own hands to grasp Sophie's, "It's appreciated though."

"Heh."

"You're right about one thing, I am damned curious about everything. A cursed princess? A long lost sister? Now of all times? Before what could potentially be a Dark Tide? Hells, there's almost too much that I want to know."

"So what'll you do?" Sophie quipped.

Mila glanced at her, then let out a bark of laughter. Startled by the sudden display of joy from the scowling inquisitor, Sophie could only stare.

"I think I don't know." Mila admitted, "Hmm, that's right I still don't know. But maybe, I'll draw from your example. I'll figure it out when I'm there, talking to her." Mila snickered cheekily.

The two shared a small giggle. A brief bolstering of spirits before marching off to Castle Montroi once again. With her doubts momentarily quelled, Mila finally stood up and stretched, Sophie quickly following her as they readied themselves for the day ahead.

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We'll figure it out when we're there, Sophie repeated to herself, we'll figure it out.

"Oi, you two ready?" A sudden voice called out to them.

"Ah!'

"Gah!"

The two let out startled squeaks. Both trying to instinctively jump to protect the other and only narrowly avoided landing in a sprawled heap after colliding. At the doorway, Raylani looked at them expectantly.

"How…" Sophie started to mumble.

"A while now. I was waiting for the right moment. Now come on, the others are waiting." Raylani brusquely commanded.

Still a little shaken, the two shared a collective grunt of disapproval and followed along. They would face Annalise once more, and Sophie prayed that things would go smoothly once again.

Sophie felt a sinking feeling knot itself tightly in the pit of her stomach. An unease that did not allow her to relax. The skies were gloomy by the time they arrived at the castle gates, the dark clouds overhead now fully coalesced as a slow downpour crept up upon them. Stray flashes of lighting chased by a distant rumble meant the worse of it wasn't here yet.

At the gates, they were welcomed by the same undead warriors who wordlessly granted them entry once before. Their darkened armors giving off an eerie sheen under the pellets of rain that struck them, their silent forms, unmoving until needed, only added to her uneasiness. Like ancient statues of guardians within Myndiri ruins, she knew that they couldn't harm her. But she could feel their hollow gazes upon her nonetheless. More unnervingly, it felt as if the gazes were only on her and Elaria, no one else, as if they didn't even matter. She shuddered.

From within the castle, a familiar figure emerged to greet them, his chilling presence offered little comfort to the wary crowd.

"This way, honored guests." Sir Lyran gestured for them to follow.

Two silent black clad knights stood beside him, their menacing profiles only accentuated by the scuffs on their armor despite being polished as best a royal guard can be. Unrepairable dents and scratches, markers of equipment likely older than even Sophie herself and no less deadly. Behind the helmets, Sophie could just about make out dark yellow orbs glowing ever so faintly, both of which stared back at her.

"The princess is preoccupied with the conference. Feel free to wait in the visitor's wing." He growled and led them to a large hall adorned with rustic decor and a large ball room.

A refectory banquet table took up the center of the room. A small set of different snacks and canapés sat awaiting them. The few candles and sconces that illuminated the area offered the first real sense of warmth that Sophie could sense from the castle today.

The only real human sightings in the castle beyond guards and chevaliers were the few maids and staff that still scurried around the corners and shadows of the room. Sophie even noted a few potential areas where discreet servant doorways might've been built based on where they were coming from. A part of her even wanted to explore them herself, but the nature of their mission today prevented her from letting loose.

Only Elaria felt more relaxed than the others despite the attention also heaped upon her alongside Sophie. The bard wandered over to nibble on some pastries and tarts. With little way of affecting things anyways, Lucinia was the next to join the bard, settling for a few canapés and tiny cream puffs. Seeing the two simply go about enjoying themselves, the others gradually followed along. For as Sir Lyran had said, the princess was preoccupied and not here, nor did any fanfare nearby signal her potential arrival.

"C'mon. Might af well heff ourselves." Elaria cheerily muttered with a mouthful of food.

Sophie chuckled and sat down beside, scooping up a little toasted dry bread with fish and some cream dabbed on top. It was a delightful little nibble, offering a nice crunch to contrast with the softness of the smoked fish, the combination of savory and creaminess bringing a begrudging mumble of appreciation to her lips.

Beside her, Mila just absently chewed on something whilst Raylani remained standing a step or two away from the table. Elaria noticed her companion's distance and spun around to face her.

"What's the matter?" She asked after swallowing her last bite.

"Simply remaining cautious mistress." Raylani answered.

"Pff. Just enjoy some food." Elaria brushed off her concern.

"But if the food is… potentially adverse to your stomachs then you-"

"Bah. At this point, there's no use worrying. If something happens, it'll happen one way or another."

Sophie watched the two mildly bicker, drawing from them a faint hint of much needed normalcy.

Her respite and their teasing argument did not last long however, for heavy clicks echoed down a hallway and everyone immediately jumped to their feet in alarm. Sophie traded a glance with Raylani, the dark elf shook her head. New footstep patterns, strangers.

The chattering then flowed into the room before the people themselves did. Angry mutterings and complaints being thrust back and forth. Hearing the tense voices and disappointed tuts brought a strange sense of relief over the group as they shared a knowing look amongst themselves. Must be the diplomats. Or in other words, not an immediate threat.

"The fate of the realm is at stake and she just dismisses us for the day, like that?" A man angrily snapped his fingers.

"She has her reasons, I'm certain. She sounds amenable though…" A more conciliatory voice interjected.

"Though she's half mad." An incredulous woman hissed.

The approaching group seemed to immediately silence themselves when they rounded the corner and set their sights upon Sophie's party. All of them dressed in immaculate uniforms and suits. Around them, four chevaliers immediately positioned themselves between the parties before one of the diplomats signalled for their dismissal.

"Oh. I see. The princess has guests and believes gallivanting around would save the realm instead." The first man sneered.

"Quiet." The second shushed him, "My apologies to the guests of the princess." He half heartedly bowed, "We are simply frustrated by the slow pace of discussions." He explained tactfully.

The woman seemed to view his conciliatory tone with disdain but kept whatever she wanted to say to herself.

"No worries, ambassadors." Philippe stepped in, his tinged in a semi Gratian accent that seemed to put the diplomats at ease.

"At least I see the church is taking matters seriously." The first diplomat huffed, trying to regain some of his stature after noticing both Mila and Philippe's black hats and church armor.

"Of course we are, Junior Inquisitor Philippe Roche, at your service." He bowed.

Shown a modicum of respect, Sophie visibly felt the air in the room diffuse a little as the diplomats were given the reverence they likely sought.

"Junior Inquisitor?" The woman queried incredulously, casting a questioning gaze towards MIla.

"Indeed." Philippe answered, subtly glancing at Mila who tried to hide a scowl.

"Inquisitor Lyudmila, and yes, before you ask, the same one recalled from Mare's Berth. I'm here on personal business. I decided to help my colleagues gain entry at the same time. Philippe's rank differential allows him to pose as my aide with less scrutiny." Mila calmly explained.Though Sophie spied her hands behind her back twitching a little.

"Ah, of course. I've heard inklings of the… debacle that took place then, a shame." The first man hummed.

"And we are ever grateful for your willingness to assist despite your personal affairs here." The second quickly added, "Though if you don't mind me asking…"

Mila sighed, she could sense the hunger brewing within them. In the realm of politics, information could be a powerful tool. They had sensed an opportunity and pushed.

"I was once an adventuring companion to the current Princess of Monte Del Trisse." She emphasized the distinction of the principality and not Gratia, "Having heard rumors of her… current condition, I have come to ascertain the truth of it all myself. Hoping that she would be amenable to discuss matters more in depth. As well as, like I said, to assist my colleagues in the church."

"Dedicated young souls such as yourself are a boon to us all." The second man adopted a friendlier, if arguably more rehearsed tone.

Their request for information had been received and answered, but she could tell they weren't satiated. Their gazes occasionally danced towards Sophie and the others. Clearly clocking onto them as the more likely culprit beyond the princess's whimsical disruption of negotiations than the inquisitors.

"Sophie." Mila let out a soft cough.

Sophie stared at her in confusion until she gestured at the diplomats.

"Sophie Kastiane of the Lily Knights." She introduced herself.

Their reactions hinted at apathy or dissatisfaction. Mila hid a sigh and picked up from where she left off.

"They are here with direct invitation. Sophie herself was the princess's ward during their travels." Mila exaggerated a little, hoping it would be more believable to the nobles, "It is likely why she is so… fascinated by her, especially given the current circumstances."

The nobility grunted their assent. It was a flimsy excuse, but they didn't know that. To them, it was acceptable, understandable if still an unwelcome tidbit.

Before they could interrogate further, another series of footsteps echoed down the hall and the diplomats adopted a far more hostile expression. Ah, the Republic's people then.

True to form, an equally cautious and questioning group marched into the room. Though slightly less well attired than their Kingdom counterparts, they held no less disappointment in their eyes when they laid eyes on the gathered contingent.

"Well, Ambassador Ricwin. I must say I expected you to have left already." One of the Republic's diplomats addressed the first man.

"Likewise Lusig, I would've expected you rats to have scurried away already. As you might be able to see, we are entertaining the princess's guests while they wait for an audience."

What a quick turn of mannerisms, Sophie fought a scowl.

"My, my. It must be difficult for you to wrap your mind around. The princess dismissed the nobility for… the church and them." Lusig gestured towards the party.

Republican guardsmen squared up against the Kingdom's chevaliers. The others of the diplomatic parties regarded each other with a certain level of hostility.

"Hah. Funny. I was just about to introduce you our new acquaintances." Ricwin growled.

"I think I can do that myself, Sir. Turns out the common folk can take their own paths without your highborn dictating our every movement."

"Now, now. Let's all calm a bit eh?" Elaria interrupted them, the bard putting out a wide smile, "Plenty of wars to fight in the conference room. Pointless to bicker here."

"And you are?" Ricwin derisively snarled.

"Elaria Kastiane. Sophie's sister." She proudly declared.

Only one of the diplomats seemed to reach, one of the republicans. Everyone else merely just observed the proceedings.

"And?" He demanded, obviously uncaring of her identity.

"Bard, at your service." She stood up and bowed.

"Oh great, so we can all listen to a story about some pissant or another gallivanting on an adventure instead of discussing the future of the realm."

Sophie noted with a hint of amusement that Elaria herself had devoured about a third of all the canapés and snacks on the table. Heh.

"I'll be sure to mention you in my ballads." Elaria tittered.

"Do so. Pah." He dismissively waved his hand.

The Republic's second diplomat snickered, earning him a glare from the Kingdoms group.

"Oh, something catch your eye, Charles?" Ricwin turned his ire to the second diplomat.

"Monsieur, of course. It is you! You issued a challenge to her. C'est une petite celebrite! I recognize her name. Elaria Kastiane. Huh? A good name." The man bowed towards Elaria.

Elaria chuckled and responded with a dainty dip of her head.

"She is the bard that travels the courts, non? Played with the princes of Traxia, the festivals in Ostia and all across. Maybe she plays for more courts in the futeur." Charles triumphantly smirked, "En fait, she is the princess's guest, non? Seems… illogical to offend her when the princess pushes us away to make room for them. Imaginer! She sings about your rudeness and then the deal-"

"Alright. Enough." The grumpy diplomat stiffened his back in displeasure, "My apologies for my behaviour, madame." Ricwin grumpily lowered his head.

"No worries." Elaria noncommittally chuckled.

A heavy thump cut everyone off. From the hallway, one of Annalise's blackguards silently marched up behind the Republic's party. Ignoring them, he simply raised a gauntlet to point at Sophie. Catching her eye and ensuring that her attention was on him, he simply nodded once, the creaking of his armor making every uncomfortable.

"Thank goodness." Elaria whispered as she snappily wrapped her arm over Sophie's shoulders, "I believe this is our cue to take leave. Farewell, honored guests."

Abruptly forcing distance between them, Elaria led the way towards the blackguard. Marduk's presence behind the inquisitors ensured even the bravest diplomat refrained from outright expressing their dismay at the dismissal.

So it was that Sophie stepped down the hallway. The walls of the wide hall feeling eerily claustrophobic as she set her sights upon the guards awaiting outside a set of double doors. Behind which Annalise and Pyra likely were. Back into the fray we go. I just hope Mila and Philippe can restrain themselves. Somehow, I don't really think we're a match for Anna's guards.

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