Our nervousness doesn't go away, it can't with how bad we feel for striking Leomi in anger. We have plenty of reasons to be mad at her but none of them justify what we did. In the end, all three of us are idiots.
I turn to other considerations to take my mind off Leomi, deciding to explore Kruzser. I cruise through the city marveling at what was accomplished here. Every block of the capital has a water source coming from plumbing likely installed under the streets.
It makes sense as the city is much too large to be relying on wells. There are regular patrols of imperial guards and they don't stop low born to bother them unless there is a reason.
The Emperor's palace is surprisingly humble in size as it is merely twice that of Cenwalh's in Meiridin. There is a long hallway made of arches leading to the main entrance through a garden that spans several square kilometers.
There is a small crowd of a few dozen people kneeling in front of the outer golden gate and taking turns to press their foreheads on the ground as if praying while two Exemplars and a squad of imperial guards stand as sentries.
They watch me pass by with more interest than others, which is likely because they can tell I'm wearing armor under my cloak. I move past a couple of intersections to reach the Templar Order's Main Temple which has its doors wide open to allow a constant stream of people to come in and out of it.
The inside is no doubt majestic but I've no patience to wait for my turn so I make my way around the tall structure to find that there are two impressive low aqueducts departing the Temple towards the south and east.
These are decorated more humbly with lion sculptures roaring at the side of glorious Exemplars in plate armor holding their shields up despite their vital role in carrying flow.
I assume these end not far from the city and that there is a system of pumps far underground to bring the water carrying the energy to surface level. The blocks around the Temple are filled with dozens of barracks and training fields as well as smithies so I move on.
I make my way towards the trees I've seen over rooftops to find a small forest with an expansive garden around a sturdy granite structure with an archaic and somber architecture which is surrounded by a wall patrolled by imperial guards.
From context, it is obvious this is the Emperor's Tomb despite my expectation of a glorious building created to celebrate the glory of an immortal.
On the contrary this structure seems built to manage the expectations of people who see it, as if to prepare the population for Emperor Rasaec's eventual demise.
I suddenly realize that the bell atop the Main Temple's tower has a similar purpose, to remind people that He is not invincible. The humility and underlying foresight of this shocks me.
To me, this could be proof that the Emperor's love for the Empire goes beyond his own benefit. Yet, I keep in mind that there could be other reasons for this such as the very practical one of having a solemn building to bury Emperors who passed away.
Yet, it does not feel to me that such a secret could be kept across generations so my first theory should be closest to the truth considering what the Rykz told me of Rasaec.
I leave these thoughts behind as I depart to focus back on the twitching pain in my absent left arm. For it to be so insistent means I'm feeling instinctively threatened.
It may be that Wraith is tailing me, or that Nobility is, or it may be that my relationship with Leomi is far more damaged than I realize. Either way, I'm missing something important.
I decide to return to the inn to check if the one who interrupted us is gone because something felt odd about how Leomi dismissed my remark that he was a mere servant. It wouldn't surprise me if Nobility cooked up a plot to draw me and Leomi apart, the same way they want me and Liz at odds.
Lance might have been subjected to rumors and plots during her travels which, in her state, could have easily turned her paranoid about every little thing.
I scowl and feel my rage turn to Nobility, failing to understand how she could still cling to the concept. I pause and recall that she was raised mostly by her father, he was the most present and the loss must've hit Lance hard.
The same way the death of Mother engraved in me the importance of her lessons, the importance of her critical thinking towards the ills of the world. That finding causes and fixing issues is more important than focusing on emotional solace.
It becomes evident to me that the reason I've not completely lost my mind is because of Mother. The past shapes the future and from this I can predict Wraith's next action.
He will not attempt to kill me or Leomi, the risk to his life would be too high. No, he will attack the external elements protecting us such as our reputation, friends, and minions.
My eyes narrow and I smirk, knowing that I'll be able to deal with them. There is no doubt in my mind that Wraith is in Kruzser with Roskal, I can't have any doubt with the panging agony in my left arm.
The inn is perfect to give them a target to focus on. Besides, unlike what I predicted, it doesn't seem like I'll be able to move incognito within Kruzser as my physical features seem to have become common knowledge for those interested.
Thankfully, there is no crowd waiting for me when I arrive. I enter and walk up to the front desk to talk to the middle-aged owner who makes a slight bow with a wide smile. I return a nod.
“We are all glad you chose to remain in our establishment, Dame Freepath.” He says.
“It likely won't be for long.” I tell him.
“Your door has been fixed if you wish to retain the same room, our suite is free for your use otherwise.” He offers.
“The old room is fine.” I reply. “Is the servant alright?”
“Oh, yes, he's very excited he got to meet the both of you in fact. Shall I call on him?” He asks.
“No need.” I refuse. “Do you know if Duchess Roskal is in Kruzser?” I question. His expression falls somewhat.
“There has been talk that Duchess Roskal has been leading petition after petition against you at the Administration for your actions in Caeviel and Mirus, she has accrued support from many Nobles to demand to meet our Emperor.” He relates. “She will understand sooner or later that our Emperor isn't a being one can meet merely by wishing to.”
“Should I be worried?” I ask.
“The Administration does not deal with these things, and the Duchess knows it, she is there because our Emperor is as well.” He explains. “At most they could sanction your guild and order you be replaced as the head but such an action is only ever taken at the Templar Order's request.”
“Understood, my thanks.” I say and turn to head to my room but the man raises his hand.
“You've arrived just today, Dame Freepath?” He questions.
“I have.” I confirm.
“Then you may not have heard that Exemplar Siegfried sent a letter declaring that he deems the rebellion in Mirus concluded as a result of your actions and has called for the Queen to acknowledge the peace to put an end to the violence but she immediately refused.” He quickly speaks up. “You may not be commended but the Order will not take action against you.”
“You're well-read on the matter.” I note with a suspicious frown.
“We heavily depend on Mirus for foodstuffs.” The owner replies with a sad expression. “It always has since Kruzser itself was built on our Emperor Rasaec's ancestral lands from whence he was but a mere Noble. Events in the Kingdom attract the attention of the city and it's become clear that the Queen is inflexible in harshly putting down this rebellion so she's lost the little support she had in the Administration.”
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“And I bet prices have climbed as a result of this turmoil.” I deadpan.
“It is becoming an issue, yes.” The middle-aged man acknowledges with a slight bow.
“You do realize that I've caused the escalation of the chaos? And that the end of the rebellion will have prices drop as boon-days will remain?” I ask the man.
“Everyone does. No hard working Kruz agrees with profiting off the unpaid labor of others, enriching the corrupted Mirus.” He argues, stunning me with his flat accusations.
“Not to mention the hangings.” I note.
“It's truly sad what they did to our great Emperor's old Kingdom.” The owner says while shaking his head.
I make a thin smile and leave for my room, wondering if I've landed in a nest of rebellion rather than the capital of the Empire. It feels as if I've entered a completely different realm inhabited by a different species of humans.
I could feel at home here but I couldn't be like them, content to criticize without taking any true action. As I arrive at the door, I find that they've even replaced the frame of the door and that it is freshly polished.
Inside, I take off my armor to dust it off before greasing it and then washing my clothes with my cloak. Then, I rebuild my alarm constructs and crash on the bed to rest from this exhausting day.
Oddly enough, what we regret under the covers isn't the lost opportunity to spend another night making love to Leomi but the lack of her arms around us as we fall asleep.
--- --- ---
I wake to the buzz of city life despite it being very early in the morning. I feel the lack of a rooster screeching with the rising sun, something I don't particularly enjoy but have encountered most of everywhere else in the Empire.
I change clothes and put on the classic dark blue underwear with gray seams Leomi gifted me. It helps with my guilt as well as abates my anger as it reminds me how much we care about each other no matter what.
With my emotions somewhat reined in, I decide to go visit the University if only to get a sense of its location as it may become relevant if the opportunity to hunt down Suxen comes along. I find Idali waiting in the hallway just outside my door with her sealed spear sheath in hand. I throw her a suspicious gaze but she rolls her eyes at me.
“You think there's any chance she'd ask me to spy on you?” She questions.
“Never mind, I'm a bit on edge. What do you want?” I return.
“You said you'd help.” She notes. “With the events in Mirus, I have to act soon.”
“Right, that.” I mutter. “Can it wait a bit? I want to deal with Roskal first so she doesn't run interference with her faction.”
“I'm sure a couple days are fine but not a week.” She says with a worried expression.
“Where are you staying?” I ask and pause. “And how did you find me?”
“I asked, the inn itself was easy to find considering there is a mercenary company guarding it.” She replies with an amused smile.
“What?” I ask, blinking.
“There are quite a few people looking to meet you. I'm not sure how they thought they could find you with such a vague clue, you're so small.” She quips.
“Get lost, Blondie, I'm busy.” I throw back and walk off.
“Don't wait too long, I won't!” She calls at my back.
Her motivation has definitely more to do with her desire to go back to Edusa than to fulfill her part of her deal with the Rykz. I shake my head and hope her the best as I leave the inn to run into literally thirty mercenaries standing guard at the front.
They aren't preventing any crowd from entering but there are small groups of people throwing glances at me including some clearly in service of Nobility with the crests on their tunics.
Between them, the spies, and those attracted by fame it seems I'll have to find somewhere else to sleep once Wraith has been tricked into action by being led to believe me and Leomi are on the verge of a break-up.
I hope we're not. We aren't, I shouldn't have struck her but she would never take umbrage of it after everything she did to us. Two wrongs don't make a right, Liz. Get a grip, sister, I never said it did.
I let it go as there is no sense in arguing with Liz, especially since she's right in that Leomi has a lot to answer for. We cruise north-west through Kruzser and finally reach a complex surrounded by dozens of buildings, plazas, and parks inside a grill fence.
Inside are hundreds of people in shoddy clothes or quality tunics, many carrying books with care. An elderly man is even wearing a worn gray robe with scribe gear in his arms and I fail to tell whether he is a student or a teacher, or even perhaps a researcher.
Here are low and high born mingling together to learn, without discrimination or privilege being allowed. Yet the disparity in wealth remains evident and unmistakable.
I pass by the gates and find them oddly open but guarded by two squads of imperial guards. A man in a black robe with bright blond hair, walks up to me.
“You don't seem here to pass the entrance exam, Miss, what can the University do for you?” He speaks up.
“I'm looking around, is entrance allowed?” I ask.
“Visitors are in the day, yes, but some areas are restricted and you have to leave before nightfall.” He responds.
“Could I enter the library?” I question.
“Which one?” He returns with a proud smile.
“I'm not sure, I was merely wondering.” I reply, amused and impressed because this implies that some allow access to the public. “I have a friend who should've entered, how could I find her?”
“The Administration has a front desk in the dean's offices, they handle records so you should ask there first.” The man replies as he extends his arm out to invite me in. “Oh, and you'll have to leave your weapons here.” He adds, pointing to a guard post behind the gates.
I nod in thanks and consider giving up but, in the end, decide to enter since I've seen no one with weapons and can steal one in the case I get attacked. I drop my broadswords in the care of the imperial guards and walk in the University.
The overall atmosphere is warm with all the trees and stone structures with white columns. There are even fountains at some crossings and the absence of carriages makes it a relatively quiet place.
I don't quite grow relaxed, and begin feeling uncomfortable from the gazes my armor attracts. Even closing my cloak around me doesn't quite work. I end up putting my unease on account of not having weapons and dismiss it to the back of my mind.
I do stay alert as I go through the large campus and it gets difficult because of the number of people here conversing about flow constructs of all kinds. After a while, I reach the central part to find that the buildings are older, they look sturdier and more imposing than the rest but also quite sobering.
The architecture is very similar to that of the Emperor's Tomb, which could imply the Empire went through a shift after its establishment. It makes me more curious about the truth behind the Emperor's seeming immortality but doesn't answer any questions.
As I look for the dean's offices, I run into an amphitheater in open air where a lecturer is speaking to a huge crowd of half a thousand students writing down her words on parchment. The woman is average in size but has a large bosom that almost blocks her sight when she looks down to her papers on the podium.
“Now, for the Elemental school which many of you here today came to hear about.” The speaker says. “It is, as we all know, the most influential and wide-spread school of constructs in the world as it is used by all three species. Rykz hold the greatest mastery over lightning and earth. Lisilese dominate the realm of temperature, whether it be heat or cold, and as such make use of fire as well as ice. Humans meanwhile have the most substantial attainments in wind and water constructs.”
No one interrupts her speech but she pauses to take a sip from a glass of water, allowing the students to catch up with their notes. I decide to delay my casual search for Teva to listen in.
“It is debatable which of the three sapient species hold the greatest control over metals because Human forging constructs are the most versatile and efficient but the Lisilese have their Lassus steel while the Rykz have their Vuskyt, both of which are superior in quality.” She expounds while shaping a construct within her hand. “Now, I know many contest the Lisilese's superiority in fire constructs because of this little marvel here.” She activates her construct to showcase a blue flame that swiftly turns to a blinding white. “But it must be understood that this is no pure fire construct as it relies on a narrow wind construct to reach this intensity.”
I narrow my eyes at the woman because this is similar to what Wraith used to injure me through my armor. She dismisses the construct and I choose to keep listening because knowledge is valuable.
“The Lisilese have a construct that can snuff out this flame I've shown you with less flow than it took me to create.” She reveals to my and the audience's surprise. “But!” She exclaims. “The construct is so complex that only the most elite have been seen using it, and only in close combat because we assume there is a large risk of losing control of it otherwise.”
“Then why do air-blades work against the cold bloods?” A student calls out, drawing dark looks from the others despite the crest on his chest making him a Noble.
“Because, as I've said, the range is limited. At most ten centimeters away from their scales, which presents the issue for them of destroying part of an air-blade without breaking the construct before it hits.” The lecturer explains without showing impatience. “Of course, they have other constructs that allow them to do things such as flash-freezing a river for an increased cost, something a few Rykz Princesses have been known to make use of on a more limited scale and only on still water by making use of a scientific principle our Elemental division is currently researching. You may join in if you have the required credits, just send in a request.”
With these words, the woman starts packing her papers and an explosion of noise comes out of the amphitheater as students start talking all at once. I wince and hurriedly scamper off before Liz snaps out of anxiety. I do not do that.