“It’s early,” Carlito said in a sleepy voice. SJ had called him after grabbing a coffee and feeding Kibble. The boys and Holly were eating breakfast, as she had excused herself.

“Sorry. I need to seek your advice,” SJ said.

“My advice. I’m intrigued now. What advice do you need?”

“There are a couple of things, actually. The first is about some things I am looking into in District 10.”

“District 10, you say. What are you doing in that flea pit?”

“I have a task to do. I needed to get your thoughts on the gangs that run the district.”

“Tell me what you know, and I will answer what I can.”

“I am aware of the two main gangs being the handlers and the sanction. I am trying to find a way into the handlers to seek information and have been informed that disposing of a member of the sanction is the best way.”

Carlito didn’t respond.

“Anyway. I was thinking about who may know more about the gangs and the ways they work and thought of you,” SJ continued.

“Siblings run those two gangs. They have been at each other’s throats for years. Both of the gangs are full of untrustworthy snakes if you ask me. They have no loyalty or pride in their work. The handlers will deal with anything if the coin is right; they have even taken on assassination jobs in the past, and the sanction is more known for causing wider discourse.”

“That is pretty much what I had heard. I was considering targeting a member of the sanction named Francis and using him as a way to get into the handlers.” The fact that Carlito, as the city’s probably most renowned assassin, stated that they have no loyalty or pride concerned her.

SJ heard Carlito take a sharp breath before he replied emphatically, “Don’t. Francis is protected by more than the gangs he affiliates with.”

“How do you mean?”

“He has guild membership rights. He falls under the protectorate of one of the largest guilds.”

“Which guild and what protectorate rights?”

“Francis is a rarity amongst the gangs. He started as an adventurer and broke his teeth in the Asterfal dungeon before stepping down and becoming a being who now sits playing games in a district. He is also still a high-ranking member of the Chimerea Guild. They are one of the larger guilds in District 7, and you will see their headquarters when visiting the Griffin. He is at a much higher level than I would expect you to be able to deal with. Even I would tread cautiously if I were ever to face him. His appearance is very deceptive. I have heard rumours that he is one of the fiercest warriors in Asterfal. As long as he continues to get his cut of earnings from the guild, he doesn’t care. He is very wealthy and doesn’t need to work. He only does what he does for fun.”

SJ still hadn’t met Francis yet, but from the description that Holly had given her, if anything, he came across more as a business being than a warrior. If Carlito had stated he would show caution if he faced him, she knew that she wouldn’t stand a chance in comparison.

“Is he a Legionnaire?”

“No. That is also what makes him stand out, being so high in a guild. The majority of the guild members who work in the dungeon are Legionnaires. There are very few regular beings that join or would ever be accepted.”

“I am glad I spoke to you about him then. You have made it clear that the current path I have considered is not appropriate. I don’t suppose you know of any other way I can get into the handlers, do you?”

“There is a way. It isn’t an easy option, but it would be substantially easier than trying to kill Francis.”

“How then?”

“Kill the brother who runs the sanction.”

“What?” SJ was surprised by his response.

“He is a rogue who started on the streets with his brother. They grew to power through their ruthless actions until they separated due to their falling out over the love of the chief.”

“Which chief?”

“The only chief I am aware of in Asterfal.”

“You mean the chief who runs the Black Griffin?”

“Yes, the one and only. They were both in love with her and fought over her hand. She burned them both, and their advances, but their rivalry and hatred had already grown by then. Since then, they have fought each other. Occasionally, a quest gets posted at the guild requesting the assassination of one or the other.”

“Why have you never fulfilled it?”

“The rewards have never been worth my consideration.”

“Do you know where they can be found?”

“To my knowledge, neither of them stays in one location for an extended period. Due to the continual threats they face, they have both become overly cautious. I couldn’t tell you their whereabouts. I’m not even sure either of them lives in District 10.”

“Do you not have any contacts who work with the gangs?”

Carlito scoffed. “Not directly, but I may be able to investigate. I would advise, though, that to get access to either of the leaders is not guaranteed.”

“This is so frustrating. I would have expected this to be an easier task than it is. I am only after information.”

“You never actually told me what the information was that you were seeking.”

“I didn’t want to trouble you with it. I have been asked to investigate the problems being caused within the districts against the tower, and I am aware that they appear to stem from District 10, and it is believed that the handlers are behind the misinformation.”

“So you are working on behalf of the chancellor?”

It took SJ several moments to gather her thoughts as Carlito spoke again.

“I will take your silence as confirmation that you are.”

SJ neither confirmed nor denied his comment, continuing the conversation.

“There is general unrest that appears to be driven across the districts, and also, there are issues over the prices that are being charged for merchandise and labour to rebuild District 3. The disposal of Jelart has caused an increase in pressure on the tower.”

“You are deeply interwoven into the politics of Asterfal for an outsider. I stay away from politics, but I have heard rumours, as you would expect, being in my position. I have no details, but I would suggest that you focus on District 3 and follow the money rather than the gangs involved.”

“The money isn’t reaching the bank, so there is no trail to follow.”

“Ha. You think banks control the flow of coins on the streets. You should know by now that the wealthy use banks. For the majority of normal beings, coin runs on the streets, the bars and inns, the gambling dens and the pockets of merchants and guilds, not locked in a bank vault.”

“How can I find out where to start then?”

“There is a being who frequents the Griffin regularly. He is there most nights, and I am aware that he is overseeing some of the construction works in District 3. He has links to both the Mages Guild and the main Merchants Guilds and is also a heavy drinker and gambler. I would suggest starting with him.”

“What is his name?”

“Master Garshaw. You may have seen his name on one of the quests I sent you. He has dealings across most of the districts. He is often raising quests to deal with competitors.”

‘This seems very suspicious. How did you say the quest system was configured?’ SJ thought.

“There are millions of quests every day. They are created and assigned by individuals as well as the system,” Dave said.

‘May the system be involved in these?’

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“Unlikely. I believe it is just a coincidence.”

‘Umm. I am not so sure. It’s rather suspicious that they align with each other.’

“I wonder who his competition is in District 4?” SJ said.

“No idea, sorry,” Carlito said.

“One final question. The other quest I was looking at completing was the one involving the Legionnaire Justin. Do you have anything you can share?”

Carlito laughed. “I am not going to give you all the details about the quests I have assigned you. That would defeat the object of you completing them. I would say that Justin is a well-known Legionnaire, and his thoughts about the assassins guild are also well-known. I am sure asking about him will get a response from the right beings.”

“Thanks, Carlito. I will follow your suggestion and try to learn more about Master Garshaw, and I may see you soon.”

“It would be a pleasure to see you as always,” Carlito said as the call ended.

SJ went back downstairs. Holly and the boys had finished their breakfast, and they cleaned up while Yawnee and Lurtew sat drinking coffee. Kibble had been given one of the plates with some leftovers on and happily demolished the remains.

“Holly, can I have a word, please?” SJ asked.

Holly put down the plate she had just washed and followed SJ to the office. Once they sat down, SJ told Holly not to worry about trying to get further information on Francis.

“Why? We needed a way to get into the handlers?”

“I have another path I am taking. Hopefully, it will be less dangerous and without gang involvement.”

“Oh,” Holly said, surprised. “What would you like me to do then?”

“You can still go and work and do what you wish to do. I don’t control you.”

“I may go back to the bar this afternoon. I can’t this morning because Yawnee and Lurtew have decided they are going to visit the Alchemy Guild representative in District 11 about work. So, I will stay with the boys.”

“Ah, they have decided then. It was mentioned last night but never confirmed. Also...” SJ called the healing tonics that she had acquired from Caperca from her inventory. She placed them on the office desk. “I bought these for Joel and his ailment. The alchemist wasn’t sure which would be best, so you can try them all.”

Holly stared in alarm at the six tonics. “You purchased six of them.”

“Yes. Why?”

“The price,” Holly’s only words.

“Just give them to Joel, and hopefully, one of them will cure whatever he is suffering with,” SJ said, standing.

Holly spluttered a reply as SJ left the office. “Tha...Thank you. You have done so much for us already.”

SJ didn’t respond, so she collected Kibble from the kitchen and attached his lead. This morning, she would visit Larianco and introduce Kibble to her. She had changed her dress to her original style. As usual, the bright green of the original design looked stunning. Kibble sat on her shoulder happily, with his tail curled around her neck. If she were taking him out, she would do it in her role as an ambassador.

“I will be back later,” SJ called as she left.

It was late afternoon by the time SJ returned from Larianco’s. Kibble had been a perfect guest, and SJ treated him to extra snacks when they returned home. They had spent time discussing the continuing concerns over the dark elf and fae problems. Larianco had mentioned that another representative was being deployed to Asterfal from the fae to support Larianco with the increasing workload being caused around the surrounding territories. They were expected to arrive in a couple of weeks, and SJ had shown concern over the last representative sent Raceillia and the problems she had caused. Larianco had informed SJ that the representative was another confidant of Val, and Larianco already knew them. This had put SJ’s mind at ease.

The garage was open, and the usual banging, shaving and sawing of wood came from within. The two boys were helping Yawnee and Lurtew, but there was no sign of Holly. Joel’s complexion looked much brighter than it had been, and he smiled as he assisted Yawnee.

“Hi. How are things going?” SJ asked as she entered.

“Great,” Harry said excitedly.

Yawnee finished shaping the wooden dowel she was working on before she turned to respond.

“They have been a great help again,” she smiled.

“How did your trip to the Alchemy Guild go?” SJ asked.

“Very well,” Yawnee beamed. “We both think it may be a good option for us to switch over. They loved the barrel we took with us and its quality. They have asked if we can produce barrels and crates of varying sizes.”

“Do you think you can do what they ask?”

“We are determined to,” Lurtew replied. “The contract offer they gave us there and then is worth three times that of the Brewers Guild. Crates aren’t something we have produced before, but there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to turn our claws to it.”

“The contract offer makes a tremendous difference,” SJ said.

“It does, and we believe we can make the switch by the end of the month. We will finish our final Brewers Guild order, and then that will be it.”

“That sounds amazing. All from an unfortunate accident,” SJ said.

“I am going to visit Caperca later and give him a gift to thank him for his help,” Yawnee said.

Kibble jumped from SJ’s neck, coming up short as he jolted on the lead still attached to his collar. He squeaked at the sudden shock of not moving and beat his wings harder, trying to fly to Harry.

“Wait a second,” SJ said, reaching out and grabbing him by his tiny body before unclipping him. He squeaked triumphantly and flew to Harry, landing on his shoulder.

“I am guessing your mum has gone to the bar?” SJ asked.

“She has. She is hoping to pick up another shift today. We were going to go back to the inn later once we finish work,” Joel said.

“Not until you have been fed, you won’t be,” Yawnee said.

Joel smiled. “I would love stew again.”

“I will have to see what I can do then when it is time for dinner.”

The boys had settled in so well over the past two days. The difference in them, seeing them both clean and happy. SJ believed that they were already filling out just after a couple of days of decent food. She left Kibble with the boys in the garage and went up to her room. She had work to do and had little time left before she would leave Asterfal again.

‘I wonder if I can get Holly connected to the merchant?’

“What do you mean by that?” Dave said.

‘She has worked as a barmaid previously, but that is just retail. I wonder if this Master Garshaw would be willing to employ her. If I could get an in-road to his work and get Holly a job, I could get her to gather information while I am back in Killic. I don’t believe this job for the chancellor is going to get solved quickly.’

“Holly is quite charismatic, and I suppose there is no reason that she couldn’t. The only problem would be that she is unlikely to have any skills related to trade and is already working as a barmaid, so her profession could limit her.”

‘I will just have to see. Sales are just sales, after all, if you have the right person in the right role. I knew someone who could have sold ice to Eskimos back on Earth.’

“Well, you have two more quests to complete, and if you complete the one for Master Garshaw, it may allow for a way in, but that would mean informing him you were the assassin who took out his competition.”

‘No. I am not going to tell him anything. I am going to use my charisma and position as an ambassador. A person who has that much influence has to use political means to achieve what he wishes.’

“Perhaps if you had any charisma,” Dave chuckled.

SJ scowled as she looked in the mirror, adjusting her choker. Her beauty after becoming a fae didn’t go unnoticed, and she knew she could use it to her advantage if she wished.

‘That was rude,’ SJ thought.

“Anyway, you had better get down to work. You still need to discover who Justin is. It states he is a Legionnaire, so I guess he is part of a guild.”

‘I was considering that, but I have no idea of the Legionnaires in Asterfal apart from the paladin who performed the inspection after the fight at the cages.’

“You could visit a guild and enquire about membership details. You are nearly level twenty after all and would have the right to join one then.”

‘I suppose, but that would only depress me knowing I am stuck at nineteen still.’

“I still believe you should just level up,” Dave sighed.

SJ didn’t reply to his frivolous comment. He knew as much as she did that she really wanted to reach level twenty, and she had been getting more frustrated as time passed.

‘It’s still too early to go to the Griffin, but I can go and do as you suggest and visit some of the guilds. I’m just not sure where to start. There are so many to choose from.’

“You should be able to get guild ranking details. Each guild in a city is ranked according to their achievements. If you are going to join an adventurers guild, then you should pick the highest ranking one you can.”

‘You have never called them adventurer guilds before?’

“Well, they are basically Legionnaire guilds, as so few regular beings join them.”

‘Where could I find the rankings?’

“Someone in the tower has to have the details. Considering the dungeon and access, the details will be controlled from there.”

‘I still don’t even know where this dungeon is.’

“Maybe it is time to find out.”

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