Chapter 58
The school day went by quickly, which, contrary to expectations, was a bad thing. Frankly, I had been looking forward to enjoying an uneventful day in the academy to reset my brain. It was almost as if having something I look forward to was making everything that came before it fly by in the blink of an eye.
I especially wasn’t thrilled by the choice of teammates this time around. Bridgit was… well, let’s just be blunt about it—she’s a humourless asshole—and Guy still wrinkled his nose every time we made eye contact in the dorms.
How was I meant to make any progress of my own with them around? Neither had anything to offer me in terms of training exercises, nor did their own specialties interest me for research purposes.
My reservations about this team did alleviate somewhat when I walked into Professor Kuhn’s office and found a more agreeable face waiting.
“Rex. Thank you for accepting my request.”
Zachariah sat with a regal bearing, even in his relaxed state, while savouring a cup of tea.
“Oh? I can reject these missions?”
I turned back around and reached for the doorknob, looking back at him with a smirk.
“Haha, point taken. If you truly don’t want to come after hearing the details, I will allow it as the one who submitted this request.”
I stopped messing around and sat beside Zachariah, looking to Professor Kuhn for further information.
“We will wait for the others before beginning the mission briefing. I must say I was surprised you would request Rex for this mission, especially given his clear lack of decorum around royalty.”
He spoke as if I wasn’t sitting right in front of him.
“It is a non-issue. If we wanted someone who would stand on ceremony, we would have selected from the gold class. Besides, my sister and I can handle the talking. I chose Rex for his skill as a pathfinder first and foremost.”
The door opened again, and two more students entered.
“Bridgit Sol Proudmane, reporting in.”
“Guy Vespertille, at your service, my prince.”
Guy took a knee and placed his hand over his heart. Bridgit, despite being of equal rank, saluted her brother and stood at attention.
“See, Rex? They understood what to do the moment they saw Zachariah here.”
Professor Kuhn chided.
“So did I. I just chose to keep things casual. Wasn’t that the primary rule of the IMA? To disregard status and birth, no matter who they are?”
Zachariah smiled softly and silently poured me out a drink of my own.
“Well said. However, under these circumstances, is it not clear that I am here as your client, not as a student of the IMA? In such cases, that rule cannot truly be applied.”
“Do you me to bow and speak respectfully, O’ glorious and radiant Prince of Soleo?”
Zachariah chuckled and shook his head, but before he could speak, Bridgit cut in.
“Watch your mouth, you filth! Brother, why have you even requested this tactless brute? He is a butcher, no better than that exiled bastard he associates with!”
Her harsh words washed right over me, and I ignored her completely.
“Stand down, Bridgit.”
Zachariah spoke firmly, causing her to bite her lip in frustration.
“We are merely jesting. Besides, he is an Imperial, thus owes me no fealty.”
She looked to the ground, clearly unsatisfied with the response. She was, however, smart enough not to push it any further.
“Well then, let me outline my request to you all in person.”
Zachariah set his cup down and spoke with authority.
“A person of high standing is due to arrive here in Borderton for the Sword-Lord tournament in three weeks’ time. He will be arriving at Lion’s Maw in five days, where we are to rendezvous with him and take over as his guides. That is all there is to it.”
“Who is this person?”
I asked. There were a few issues I had with this briefing, primarily the lack of details divulged, but the identity of the person we were meant to be protecting was the most glaring problem.
“I’m afraid I cannot provide that information at this time. I will be joining you all, of course, so you need not worry about identifying them upon our arrival.”
“Should we be expecting resistance from anyone?”
I pushed for more answers.
“There are no known threats at this time, but given this man’s standing in the kingdom, he could be targeted by assassins.”
“So why choose the three of us? Someone like Lily or Paris would have better knowledge of subterfuge tactics and assassination techniques.”
“Like I said. There are no known threats. I only mention assassins for your awareness that the possibility of an attack exists, not that it is likely. Besides, the man himself is capable enough to ward off any such attempts on his life.”
“So why are we needed?”
“The client requested Bridgit and me especially. The Vespertilles also insisted one of their own be present and officially recorded in the mission report. As for you, I chose you myself after hearing how quickly you were able to navigate the Verdant Divide. It is my hope that you can cut the duration of this mission in half.”
I nodded. My own role was the only logical one listed there, but I kept my opinion to myself. It all sounded very politically motivated.
Someone important enough to request—and successfully get—two members of royalty to escort them. On top of that, a respected vampire family wanted it officially recognised that they were somehow involved in helping this same person, even though they can apparently fend for themselves without a personal guard.
I didn’t have enough awareness regarding the nobility to guess as to who would be behind this, but so long as I was just being valued for my practical uses, it didn’t really matter to me.
Besides, forming valuable connections now will help me in the future. If the Vespertilles were desperate enough to seek this person’s recognition, then I should aim to make an impression as well.
“No more questions?”
Zachariah only briefly glanced at the other two—who were suspiciously quiet—and directed the question mainly at me.
“One more. What is our timeframe?”
“We leave tomorrow, and need to be back within two weeks.”
Professor Kuhn jumped in after Zachariah finished speaking.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“You will naturally be given an extension for all your existing class assignments, and any class material you miss will be summarised and recorded for your review upon your return.”
We were dismissed, and seeing as I had no further questions, I went straight back to the dorm to pack the belongings I had only just finished unpacking the night before.
***
“He wouldn’t tell you who the guy is?”
Axel and I were in the lounge room with a board game laid out on the table. It was a wargame of sorts, where the pieces represent groups of various categories such as fliers, monstrous units, spellcasters, etc. We were only using the basic pieces, as it was my first game.
“Nah, any ideas? I figured you would have a pretty good grasp on the nobility of Soleo… uhh, I can move this guy here, right?’
I had yet to understand the rules of this game, but Axel’s grimace indicated I indeed could take one of his key pieces.
“Damn… Anyway, I do have a few ideas in mind. Most likely, it’s gonna be someone rich. Like, stupidly rich.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Money moves people. Even my dear cousins and uncle aren’t immune to the effects of gold. Heh… maybe I should say, they aren’t immune.”
He grinned, both due to what he said and because he found a way to turn the tables on our game.
“So cavalry pieces can be used like that... Is the royal family bankrupt or something?”
I removed the piece that represented my archers and took in the state of the simulated battlefield.
“Not bankrupt, but definitely not as wealthy as a royal family should be. That’s what they get for putting so much money into outfitting their knights and having no business sense. Low taxes might make the commoners happy, but it sure as hell doesn’t keep the vaults filled. I recommend you retreat by the way, that way you can add those pieces to the next round.”
He had cavalry on my rear and heavy infantry boxing in the remainder of my army. He was right, pushing it would just get my forces killed.
“Alright, I’m retreating. Should I be concerned about anyone in particular?”
“My cavalry, they’ll be chasing your guys as you flee… Oh, you meant the escort guy. No, nothing really comes to mind. Zac would have pulled in real heavy hitters if he expected trouble, though, so they're either incognito or not well-known enough to draw attention.”
As we prepared the board for the next round, Zachariah himself came in through the front door.
“Rex. Are you prepared? We should be heading off now.”
“Yeah, I’m good to go. See ya later, Axel.”
He waved half-heartedly and winked at Zachariah as we walked out.
“It’s good to see you two still getting along.”
Zachariah commented as we carried our bags out to town.
“Is it? I thought you would warn me to stay away, given your history.”
“I may not get along with the man, but he is—and forever will be—my family. I admit, my sister did not paint you in a positive light after your fight in the Verdant Divide, and I thought perhaps you were merely feeding into each other’s less desirable qualities. However, you do not strike me as the ‘heartless savage without honour’ she claimed you to be.”
I laughed dryly.
“She mustn’t be happy having to work with me, and under your orders no less.”
Zachariah forced a smile.
“Yes… She can be difficult. I hope you can understand where she is coming from, however. I hear you are a twin yourself, so surely you know how it is to be compared to one another.”
“I guess. I don’t think we really compare to you two, though. Rose and I aren’t royalty for one, and we have different specialties, so there really isn’t any competition between us either.”
It wasn’t surprising that the prince would know about my family at this point. I assumed he would have the resources to look into anyone he planned to hire as an escort for a VIP.
“Consider yourself lucky in that case. Bridgit has long sought to match me, and for many years, she was successful. However, to be blunt, her persistence—while admirable—has become a hindrance to her growth, both as a warrior and as a person. Her frustration at her own shortcomings is unfortunately redirected to those around her. I hope one day you might see through that and become friends with her.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, but I promise nothing.”
Zachariah nodded with a forlorn smile.
“That’s about the most I can ask for as a brother, I suppose. On a side note, I should give fair warning, while I do not mind how you and Lloyd speak casually with me, others may take offence once we arrive at Lion’s Maw.”
“Don’t worry, I know how to behave myself.”
That was true. I, of course, understood social propriety, but when it came to how nobles and royals should be addressed, I was rather uneducated. I also wouldn’t walk into any fine dining experiences out of fear of offending the host by using the wrong spoon or some similar triviality.
“Looks like the other two arrived before us.”
I nodded to Guy and Bridgit, who stood by the eastern gate, large bags strapped to their backs.
Their backs straightened as they saluted Zachariah. I stood alongside them, though I remained neutral in my posture.
“I’m glad to see we will be making a timely departure.”
Zacharaiah commented. The feeling around him shifted from that of an approachable classmate to a commanding prince in a heartbeat.
“We shall be travelling by carriage to Farrowgate, then on horseback the rest of the way to Lion’s Maw. I would like to maximise the amount of time spent on the move, which is another reason I wanted Guy and Rex on this mission. Both of you are able to go extended periods without rest, correct?”
Guy responded first.
“That’s right, your highness. My kind only requires eight hours’ rest once a month. Without it, our sunlight sensitivity goes from a minor inconvenience to… ”
Guy made a gesture with his hands to signify burning and exploding. Well, that answers my question on that topic, I guess.
“As for me, technically, I don’t need to sleep at all. I would still like to do so where possible, though.”
I explained my own circumstances, but the others looked at me suspiciously, so I added an addendum.
“It’s a druid thing.”
And the matter was laid to rest.
“I’m glad we got that all sorted. Finally, on the return journey, Rex will be taking charge.”
“You what?”
I knew Zachariah wanted me as a pathfinder, but I didn’t think I was meant to be taking charge of the group.
“I believe this will be the most efficient way to proceed. As long as you are at the head, you need not worry about dissenters while trying to bring us through the Verdant Divide.”
“Hold on a moment, broth—erm—sir. Are we not taking the carriage back home?”
Bridgit spoke up.
“No. In the event that we are followed, the carriage will be retrieved three days after we leave it at Farrowgate by a prepared diversionary team. will be on foot. This is where Rex comes in.”
“If you want to make it within the allotted timeframe, this man we’re retrieving better be fast on his feet.”
I commented with a raised brow.
“No worries on that front, I have it on good authority that he could outpace us all.”
I again had to wonder why we were needed at all.
We loaded up the carriage that rolled up, and I took the reins, once more bound for Farrowgate.
***
Unlike my previous trip, this time we travelled straight through the night. Zachariah had specially requested the two horses that pulled the carriage in advance, and they had stamina beyond what could be compared to even the sturdiest of mules. Thanks to this, they could comfortably travel for up to 30 hours without rest.
As for Bridgit and Zachariah, they appeared unbothered by the lack of sleep, apparently a side effect of their superhuman physique. Guy sat up front with me once the sun fell to help keep lookout, but somehow there was even less talking going on while he was there.
And so we made it all the way to Farrowgate in record time, with barely a word spoken between us.
Zachariah wanted us to spend the night in the mansion of some noble associate, but I figured a more familiar scene would offer some more measure of comfort for me personally.
“...you again?”
“Me again. Is Marcus Connor in?”
The doorman grinned slightly and let me into the Ocean View ‘establishment’.
I didn’t have to do any arm-twisting anymore, maybe because my face—masked as it may be—was known around here. I couldn’t claim to have reached hero status among the townsfolk, but I certainly was receiving a much more positive reception compared to the last time.
Part of that may be due to Farrowgate’s sea-based businesses already undergoing a restoration of sorts. Apparently, it took just one day for the corruption to vanish after we removed Esmee’s little present. This was welcome information to have in case I had to deal with that kind of problem again.
“What the? You’re back already?”
A familiar dishevelled knight smoothly placed himself next to me at the central bar.
“I’m as surprised as you are. Don’t worry, I’m just stopping by on the way to Lion’s Maw.”
“Oh-ho? What business could you possibly have at our most prized fort? You looking for weak points on behalf of the Empire?”
He jabbed my side playfully and offered me a drink. The bartender tactfully looked the other way as I graciously accepted.
Ahh… That pleasant burn that warms the body… I had missed that sensation.
“That hits the spot… and no, would be fun. Unfortunately, I’m just escorting someone.”
“Who?”
“Confidential. Even from me.”
“Haha, one of those, huh? You get used to it.”
He was his usual self, but I didn’t fail to notice the way he was glancing at every passerby that entered earshot of our conversation.
“Something on your mind?”
I decided to give him an opening.
“Mmm… just a vague warning from your senior, if you’d like to hear it.”
“So long as it isn’t in the form of a riddle, I can handle vague.”
He laughed and leaned over, his expression remaining jovial so as to dissuade suspicions from any onlookers.
“Lots of strange movements and hush-hush going on around the kingdom lately. related to our recent adventure. I’d keep my head on a swivel if I were you.”
I returned his smile and laughed as though he had just told a mildly entertaining joke.
“That really is vague. Any idea on what’s going on?”
He shrugged.
“No way of knowing. My peers and I are being kept out as well, but I feel like whatever it is, we’ll be exposed to the consequences sooner rather than later.”
He gave a meaningful look.
“...The Sword-Lord tournament?”
Marcus nodded.
“Lots of big names in one small town. I’ve got nothing concrete but… well, I trust my gut in situations like this. I’ve already made plans to send Delilah off to her Aunt for the duration of the tournament.”
If not for the strange happenings recently, as well as the scheming going on among Imperial nobility that Professor Kuhn informed me of, I likely would have dropped this topic as baseless. However…
“You’ve got a room here, right? Perhaps you can tell me more about these ‘strange movements’.”
He nodded, ordered us more drinks, and led me upstairs.
