As we were guided into the living room, Henry and Stella had gone upstairs.
While they took their time, Matthew and I examined the living room and found that most of the stuff here is what you would normally find in a non-noble household. Soon, Henry enters the room who was later followed by Stella, they wore the same clothes as the everyday person you would see on the street.
"Why are you-" [Matthew]
"Wearing those clothes? Fufu~" [Stella]
Stella giggled when she saw Matthew's reaction, she really liked teasing him is she perhaps a closet shota?
(Knock-knock...)
"Seems like our tea is here. Please come in." [Stella]
A maid entered the room pushing a tea trolley, even the trolley and also the teacups are plain and simple.
"Madam..."
After greeting Stella the maid began to serve us one by one, skillfully and gracefully placing the cup down on the table. When it was the time she came to serve mine, the maid looked at me weirdly, so I checked myself out and forgot that I had also worn a maid uniform. She might have thought that it was weird for me to be sitting close to Matthew instead of standing behind him as a normal servant would. I can't blame her because I wasn't even a real maid, to begin with.
When she finished serving everyone the maid presented a bow before silently exiting the room.
"Believe it or not we are once scolded by our people because despite being the ones governing them we always wore the same clothes as they did." [Henry]
Henry started talking as soon the maid leaves, is it considered bad manners to talk while being served? Or they decided not to talk so that the servants won't hear any irrelevant information?
"They said that it wasn't good for our image so in order to satisfy them we had to dress up like the nobles." [Stella]
As they said... when in rome, do what the romans do.
"I can somehow feel your pain..." [Angelica]
When I was managing Dalio the people there also said that I should dress up exquisitely to look the part... they probably just wanted to see me in a dress...
"Hahh... talking about this makes me remember all the troubles we've had before." [Henry]
"Yes, the amount of reforms and the red tapes we had to go through is very frustrating, but all in all it was worth it." [Stella]
Both of them let out a deep sigh. Henry is crying a waterfall despite him not having eyes... creepy... both of them looked so gloomy and the way they're acting right now is like they weren't even nobles lol...
"Now, Angelica." [Stella]
"Um... yes?" [Angelica]
I was caught off guard when Stella switched to a serious tone.
"Angelica... can I... ... ... No..." [Stella]
She paused to collect her thoughts, what's will all this seriousness? It's making me nervous...
"I will get straight to the point. Angelica, I want to employ you. But not without seeking Matthew's approval first." [Stella]
Stella stood up with both hands on the table facing me, before glancing at Matthew. She really thought that I was an adventurer escorting him.
Earlier when we were at the carriage I told her that I was the one who enchanted the crystal, which is probably the reason why she wanted to employ me. Well, anybody can do it as long as they could use magic.
"How about it Matthew is it alright?" [Stella]
"Angelica?" [Matthew]
He's not fine deciding it by himself so he looked at me waiting for my input.
"I really appreciate it Stella, but there is also another reason why I am escorting Matthew." [Angelica]
"May I know the reason?" [Stella]
"Apart from escorting him, Matthew's destination also ends near my hometown. I haven't seen my family and friends for quite a while now so I decided to pay them a visit." [Angelica]
"Ah..." [Stella]
Stella was saddened knowing the fact that she couldn't do anything to change my mind. Given the chance I would've liked to stay here and help... but due to the situation Matthew and I were in we cannot afford to get captured again...
Henry was just sitting there and is being awfully quiet... is he the type who doesn't talk much?
"However..." [Angelica]
Stella raised her head.
"I wouldn't mind selling you the magic crystals that I currently have. As an addition, I will also include a tutorial on how to use them for free." [Angelica]
"Really?!" [Stella]
After I said that Stella's face lit up.
It's a good thing that she had shown some interest because I've had problems earlier on whether or not I should discard the crystals due to it weighing us down. After I sell them, I will ask the guild to deposit the money into my adventurers' card, so that I wouldn't have to worry about it getting stolen. Also, I can use the card at some places to do my transactions, much like a credit card which is very very convenient.
While it's still early I had Henry and Stella accompany me outside. I took one sack from the cart and brought out a red, white, black and yellow... {1} wait... correction... its a red, blue, brown and yellow-green magic crystal respectably. Just like at Nielitz, I showed them what each crystal could do and how it can be used.
Stella was the most ecstatic because apparently, it is her first time to use magic, due to the fact that she and Henry came from poor families and in order to learn magic money is required, unless they are taught independently which is rare...
So from the lack of funds they were unable to practice and develop their body to utilize magic... Somehow I felt sad upon hearing it... but also glad that I had established the school back in Dalio.
I told Henry that he can do a demo with one of the crystals, but he obliged and kept on observing both me and Stella. Feeling let down, I urged the servants to join in and we played using the magic crystals. There was some splashing, being blown off by a strong gust... trapping someone in earth... aaaaannnd... some barbecuing...
I squinted my eyes hmn... not sure if they were playing or trying to kill each other... {2} lol.
Later in the afternoon most of us were drained from playing too much. They were so thankful enough that they let us stay the night for free.
Since the house couldn't accommodate that many people they asked both Matthew and I to stay at the same room. Midnight came and I wasn't able to sleep so I went out. Before when I was a lookout, I got used to staying up so late that it's starting to mess with my body clock...
The house at this time is somewhat silent it is most likely that everyone is currently asleep. I went outside to get some fresh air and left the door open, the reason behind it is because I didn't have a key.
I found myself wandering at their backyard and into the garden, there were some vegetables along with a few flowers. As I squatted down, I immediately recognized that they were migration lilies which hadn't bloomed yet. Michelle really loved these flowers...
(Rustle...)
The grass rustled from behind me, but there was no wind so I cautiously turned around. There, at the corner of my eye, I saw Henry who was standing a few meters away staring at me.
"Geez, Henry you scared me..." [Angelica]
"Isn't it quite late for you to be outside?" [Henry]
He might've found it peculiar for me to be out late at night. It's his house so it is normal for him to be worried heck, if someone who I barely knew was snooping around our home at night I would also be on alert. I told him that I wasn't able to sleep and we talked for a bit.
"I have to thank you for providing us with your crystals and for helping my wife." [Henry]
"You don't have to thank me, Henry. I'm doing this on my own accord." [Angelica]
"..." [Henry]
"Is there anything you would like to say?" [Angelica]
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
He seemed hesitant about something... I'm not used to being with people who don't talk much because it makes me feel awkward.
"I want you to leave immediately after you finish teaching Stella." [Henry]
I felt the hostility in his words just now, I can't quite put my finger on why he would say something like that.
"Is there any particular reason why?" [Angelica]
Being curious I asked him upfront.
"You are named as the inventor at the Repu-" [Henry]
Where did he?! I reflexively drew and enchated the knife that was on my waist and brought it close to his neck, the glow from its crimson edge lighted both of our faces in the dark.
"Quite nice of you to brandish a weapon at an unarmed civilian." [Henry]
Because I couldn't see his eyes I wasn't even sure if he was fazed by my threat.
"Would you care to put it down? You wouldn't want me to stain the rug now would y-" [Henry]
Did he just threatened to kill me?! I was alarmed at what he said, so I increased the output of my enchant. Now, instead of the edge, the whole blade was lit aflame. I saw his mouth twitching weirdly, so I brought the knife much closer to his neck.
"Wai-" [Henry]
Slowly he looked down, so I followed his gaze and what I saw was... his legs... they were... shaking uncontrollably...
I made a surprised pikachu face {3} and slowly retracted my blade. So that's what he meant...
"Thank you..." [Henry]
"Don't... mention it..." [Angelica]
Well, this is fucking awkward...
"Sorry, but you sounded so threatening... you could've picked some better lines..." [Angelica]
"That's because you didn't let me finish talking!" [Henry]
He started yapping at me for acting stupid and jumping to conclusions. I felt like a child that was getting scolded by my parents lol. The shock from almost being murdered by me must have got him high on adrenaline...
"Hah..." [Henry]
He finally calms down once he had it out of his system.
"Soooo~ why am I not welcomed again?" [Angelica]
"As I've said... You are the inventor from the Republic correct?" [Henry]
"Yeah, so how did you know?" [Angelic]
When I asked, Henry showed me a red magic crystal that was in his pocket... is that why he was silently observing me earlier? Because he already knew who I am?
"I just know things." [Henry]
"Using magic?" [Angelica]
What he said is quite vague so I poked him to get answers.
"No." [Henry]
He shook his head. I thought that he was some kind of psychic, hmm... if it isn't magic then he may have gotten that information from spies...
"You better not have any assassins at the Rep-" [Angelica]
"No-no-no, doing that would only lead to another war and I'm not willing to bring suffering to my... ahem, to our people." [Henry]
He paused and corrected himself. He must've been referring to Stella since the Empire is treating most of their populace like shit. I have to give him props though because he really does seem to love her, despite looking like that he had hit the jackpot.
"Anything else?" [Angelica]
"I also knew that you are being tailed by the Corps because you are fancied by the Emperor." [Henry]
"Ho, and where did you hear that from?" [Angelica]
"My trusted sources." [Henry]
This dude... not only does he have people in the Republic, but he also spied on their own kingdom...
"I planned on sparing you earlier, but on second thought, you know too much~" [Angelica]
"Hey now, I'm not a person of violence!" [Henry]
He raised his arms up so fast that it made them blur for a moment...
"But in all seriousness, please leave after you have taught Stella." [Henry]
He said in a serious tone, I can say that he is quite remarkable for being able to switch from a scaredy cat to a serious person in a snap.
Maybe he just wanted us out because he doesn't want to get involved with our troubles, if I think of it like that then it doesn't sound too bad.
Morning came and I told Matthew that we have to leave, for some reason he began clinging to me whenever he has fallen asleep.
After breakfast, I said to Stella that we will be going and she and a few servants who were present became depressed. It pains me to say it but its better than to just disappear without any prior notice... before we had the chance to go. Henry and Stella invited us for a tour around the city for which I was thankful for because we had only been here in just a day.
The tour was spectacular, almost everyone knew and greeted them on the spot while the shops gave us generous discounts and we even ate at a fancy restaurant for free. They also escorted us at the guild for my deposit and at the city exit.
"Thank you again, Angelica! Matthew!" [Stella]
Stella tugged Matthew and he fell in between her bosom. In my head, I mumbled, "Why you lucky little..." While I was deep in thought I had also got tugged by her which resulted in the same scenario.
"Even though it was short I will miss you guys." [Stella]
"Mmmmmmm! I will miss these too..." [Angelica]
*Snuggle-snuggle... snuggle-snuggle...*
Henry could only look helplessly as I got spoiled by Stella with her vitamin C's. While my face is half buried I smirked at him and he returned me a wry smile.
We said our goodbyes as they sent us off... They are one of the few people whom I considered to be good role models. If only the Empire and also that Mofo weren't in this sorry state, then maybe... Blake, Maria, Mooly, Irvine, Matthew and I are having a fun with our adventure here...
~~~Henry~~~
A few days since they had left... we were visited by someone. A lone man jumped down from a dragon and walked over to us, from afar I could already recognize the insignia on his shoulder...
They came much sooner than I had expected.
"Good day, Count Henry and Countess Stella. My name is Lionel I am from the Empire Corps." [Lionel]
"Hello, Lionel what brings you here?" [Stella]
"I was tasked by the Emperor to find two fugitives who had recently escaped captive, we have come to an assumption that they may have traversed through your city." [Lionel]
"Fugitives?! Oh my..." [Stella]
Stella covered her mouth from shock.
"Are there any more of you coming?" [Henry]
"No, I came alone." [Lionel]
"Seems like you have come a long journey, would you like to have some tea? We've just finished brewing the tea leaves that we ordered from overseas." [Stella]
This is what I love about my wife, she has always been so hospitable even towards strangers.
"That would be lovely, Countess." [Lionel]
At the living room, we were sipping tea...
"This tea tastes marvelous! And this fragrance... it relieves me of my stress..." [Lionel]
He raised the teacup and praises the tea highly.
"I'm glad you liked it, the connections we have made with merchants gave us more chances to expand the city through trade." [Stella]
"I never knew that you both had it in you. In merely a short time you've managed to change this once rundown city that had been ridden with crime into a now prosperous and safe metropolis." [Lionel]
"Why thank you, Lionel, that was very kind of you." [Stella]
"It is also because we came from those same rundown families whom you spoke of. They were the ones who we have always thought of as we fought tooth and nail in order to change this city, so that the next generation wouldn't have to suffer the same fate as we did." [Henry]
"Henry..." [Stella]
I placed my hand over Stella's as we reminisced the past together.
"..." [Lionel]
"Have I said something?" [Henry]
Why was he silent all of a sudden?
"Count lets cut to the chase. I never expected you to assist a criminal." [Lionel]
"Dear, what did he mean by that?" [Stella]
Confused with Lionel's sudden remark, Stella glanced at me.
"My love, can I ask you to leave us for a moment?" [Henry]
Slowly she got up from her chair and walked up to the door and left, but not before expressing her worry...
"I don't understand what you are talking about, would you care to elaborate?" [Henry]
I asked whilst glaring at Lionel.
"There is no use in hiding it, I know who you got those crystals from." [Lionel]
He pointed at the shelf which had Angelica's magic crystals. He walked towards it and he held a small red crystal, as it resonated a flame covered his finger. Fuck... I should've hidden it...
"You have met with someone named Angelica am I right?" [Lionel]
"Yes, from what she said she is an adventurer who is escorting a boy named Matthew." [Henry]
"That card won't work on me, Count. I am aware that you already knew them long before, from those servants of yours who are always hanging around at Herxheim." [Lionel]
This person is dangerous... despite being with the elite soldiers I could barely get any info on him. He's either good at covering his tracks or is tight-lipped from where he is from.
"My employees are free to do whatever they want, as I have no power over them." [Henry]
"So... you are telling me that they are funneling very sensitive information to you on their own accord? Count... I am not a mere foot soldier, even if you are a noble with a high rank we could still have you trialed and as punishment the Emperor will confiscate all of your lands." [Lionel]
Due to our exchange, the mood in the room had already become heavy.
"Could you tell me exactly why she became a criminal in the first place?" [Henry]
I tried playing it cool, but deep inside, I wanted to end this discussion so badly...
"She had links to the Blackrock royal family." [Lionel]
Did he just... tell me something that I didn't know? Well, thanks to you I've got another critical info...
"So being in the royal family automatically makes her a criminal? Isn't it a much better idea to disclose this information to the public so that they are aware and vigilant? If you did that she may have already been captured by now." [Henry]
"Due to the Emperor's request, if this goes out it will only give the Republic some excuse to..." [Lionel]
Finally! An opening!
"Then, you have just answered my question." [Henry]
"Pardon?" [Lionel]
"You kept this under wraps, hence I am not aware that I was assisting a criminal. Had you been more open beforehand I would've gladly handed them over to you on a silver platter." [Henry]
"Still acting like you know nothing huh..." [Lionel]
"Do you have any proof of your accusation?" [Henry]
"Count... you are treading on dangerous waters." [Lionel]
Lionel turned his back on me as he snatched his cape at the hangar and departed, moments later Stella re-entered and she ran towards me.
"What is it about Darling?" [Stella]
"Nothing, it was all a misunderstanding." [Henry]
I don't want to make her even more worried so I had to lie to her.
"Hahh... thank goodness..." [Stella]
Stella held her chest as she heaved a sigh of relief. I held her close not letting her go from my embrace.
"... ... ... There... there..." [Stella]
It's like as if she had realized something and Stella began to caress my back and stroke my hair. I only wanted to protect her happiness and hoped that I had dodged an arrow...
~~~Somewhere~~~
The Corps members met outside the city and were sharing information amongst themselves.
"How was on your end Emi?" [Lynnette]
"No luck." [Artemis]
Artemis glanced to Grant's general direction as if asking him.
"Same. Hughes?" [Grant]
Hughes just shrugged and shook his head.
"They had been here before," Lionel said as he was the last to show up.
"Have you found a clue leader?" [Lynnette]
"More or less." [Lionel]
"Captain, how are we going to find them?" [Hughes]
Lionel raises a red colored magic crystal and shows it around to the Corps members, slowly it resonates and a small flame began to envelop his hand to the members surprise.
(Booom!)
"Lionel?!" [Artemis]
"Leader!" [Lynnette]
Just before the flame got any bigger Lionel crushes the crystal which made an explosion filling their surroundings with smoke. The proximity was small, so everyone around him wasn't affected, but they were visibly shaken at what just happened.
As the smoke settled Lionel remained standing despite being in the explosion he was unscathed... What remained in his hand was the dust from the now shattered crystal.
"Follow the crystals." [Lionel]
They all nodded when they understood what he meant.
"Empire Corps, fan out!" [Lionel]
References.
{1} Title reference to RWBY.
{2} Reference to the Futurama "Not sure" memes.
{3} Surprised pikachu face refers to a screenshot from the pokemon of the character pikachu with its mouth agape, as though it were surprised at something. It was used as a reaction image paired with captions where a set-up leads to a predictable outcome that nevertheless leaves one surprised. Pikachu face [https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/mobile/000/027/475/Screen_Shot_2018-10-25_at_11.02.15_AM.jpg]