-Mienr-
[An Alten word, commonly translated as Consul, if not Ambassador. The word refers to a governmental position where the person lives and serves in a city away from the center of their power.]
“So, what’s going on?” Kuro asked as Oroske brought them back to their room.
Oroske pulled out the desk chair and sat down, and motioned for Kuro to sit as well. “So, first order of business,” he started once Kuro was sitting on his bed, “Danfis called me back primarily to deliver new information regarding our investigation. The Hunters we had stationed in Gold Port, with help from some members of the Incol, have made a very major breakthrough.
“We now have a solid name for the group we are targeting. They call themselves the New Spire Empire. I had a chance to read the report myself, and it looks like they were able to interrogate one of their members directly. They called themselves a ‘Mienr,’ and revealed they make up what they refer to as the Empire’s Consulate.”
Kuro’s mind raced to process this new information, and thankfully Oroske gave him a moment to think about it. It felt suspicious how freely they gave this information away, especially when considering the fact they’ve been drawing up nothing but blanks on them for months now. Were the Hunters in Gold Port just lucky? Or was this a deliberate move on their part? Is this true, or is this some copycat group trying to get a piece of the Demon Lord’s fame?
Kuro voiced these concerns, and Oroske answered them all with one statement: “Frankly, we can’t be sure.” He sighed before speaking more, “I have the same concerns. If this was a deliberate move on their part, they may be planning something big in the near future. For now, it’s the only solid lead we have, and we don’t have any reason to doubt it. Danfis mentioned that reports from Yul’en looked like they had a promising lead, and we may get more information soon.”
Kuro folded his arms and thought more about it. Eventually he accepted that he couldn’t come up with any answers, and that he’d simply have to wait. “So was that all Danfis had to say?”
“Regarding our current assignment, yes. He did have some additional reports to hand off to me, mainly regarding Kared’s status.” Oroske explained, leaning back in his chair, and folding his arms. “There was one other important thing, and while it’s not related to our current work, it does involve you, somewhat.”
Kuro straightened his back, a questioning look on his face.
“The Guardians have identified Jarou as our Clan’s Chosen, and made their initial contact with him.”
Kuro felt his skin go cold. They’d talked about this in the months between now and the Peace Party. The consensus between Nadred and Oroske is that they had no idea when the Guardians would find out, nor what they would do once they had. “So, what happened? How did they find out?” He asked.
“I don’t know the details, but it seems there were other signs to look for that we weren’t told about. Nadred reports that the Guardian that found him, Vyn, took him away with a promise we’d see him again soon enough. We have no idea what they plan to do with him, or for how long he’ll be in their custody. We can only hope it won’t be long.”
Kuro deflated, his mind once again running at full speed, processing. He’ll be okay, right? He reasoned with himself, The Guardians wouldn’t do anything to harm him, he’s important to saving the world or something, right?
“I wanted to tell you now, to keep you in the loop,” Oroske continued, though Kuro was only half paying attention, “I’m sorry we don’t know more, but Danfis agreed to keep us in the loop on further developments.” Kuro nodded idly. Oroske stood, and pulled Kuro up out of his trance, “Come on, let’s go update Ensaru.”
They found Ensaru in the room they left him in, sitting at the table reading the book he was holding earlier. He closed it, then seemed to deliberately conceal the cover of the book. Could Oroske read the text? What reason would he have to hide the contents of the book from Oroske? Kuro shook the thoughts out of his head, deciding they weren’t important to consider right now.
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Oroske sat down across the table from their employer, and quickly caught him up to speed regarding the Mienr and their so-called Empire. To Kuro’s surprise, Oroske asked for Ensaru’s thoughts on the matter.
Ensaru leaned back, bringing the book into his lap. “Well, their naming choices can give us some insight into their plans and intentions,” He started, touching on an idea he and Oroske hadn’t talked about, “Firstly, the title ‘Mienr’ is Alten, and the most common translation would be Consul, seeing as their similar in role. This implies they are below the Demon Lords in terms of their hierarchy. There are a few instances of the title ‘Lord’ being applied to demons, and in such cases they were used for people in similar positions of power to our current human Lords, if not slightly below. If I had to guess, based on these titles, they intend to have their demon officers either above, or directly equal to, their human counterparts. As far as inter-realm organizations go, this is a very safe play.
“Next, the name ‘New Spire Empire.’ This one is troubling, declaring that as their name is almost as good as declaring war against both Realm governments. Worse yet, declaring war against the Guardians themselves. Official records even go as far as saying they call their leader the Sixth Shadow, right? I’d say it’s very likely they aim to overthrow the current governing bodies, and perhaps even the Guardians, and seize control of Alten as a whole, similar to what the old Demon Empire did in the past.
“I think we have reason to believe they have different motives, however. Historic records indicate that the Demon Empire wanted to wipe out all humans and half-demons, though they also say the same in reverse. If they are committed to having humans hold the title of Mienr, I think it is likely they wish to have the two on equal footing.
“I do also agree that this information coming to light so quickly is concerning. The timing feels too deliberate. I think it’s likely they may be planning to make a move, and soon. We’ll probably just have to wait and see, though.”
Kuro, still standing, had a hand on his chin, thinking. Ensaru had good insight regarding the Empire’s naming scheme, and Kuro agreed with his inferences. It was not very comforting, however, that he also agreed that it seemed like the Empire would make a move soon. What will they do, though? This question, among others, bounced around in his mind. Eventually he decided he wouldn’t be able to come up with answers, and that Ensaru was right, they’d simply have to wait.
“Thank you for your input, Ensaru.” Oroske spoke, leaned back with his arms crossed - he’d assumed that position not long after Ensaru began speaking. “I am hopeful that this new information will make gathering information easier. I’d like to take some time to compile a record of the information we have so far. What will you do, Kuro?”
“I’ll probably continue training, if that’s okay. I can review the compiled information and see if there’s anything else we might want to add later.” Kuro said, the idea of getting out of these stuffy rooms and swinging a weapon around exciting him.
“Very well,” Oroske stood up, “We’ll catch up later then. If you’ll excuse us, Ensaru.” He gave a small bow, then walked out the door, Kuro not far behind.
Later that night, Oroske and Ensaru met in the study in private.
“Your timing is expert as always, Oroske. You didn’t have to wait outside for as long as you did earlier, you could have interrupted me several minutes earlier.” Ensaru teased, a jovial smile on his face as he poured a glass of something strong.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, unless you were about to touch on something you shouldn’t.” Oroske said, accepting the glass, swirling the dark blue liquid, silently wishing Ensaru had added ice to the cup.
Ensaru poured himself a glass, and took a drawn out sip before speaking again, “The boy deserves to know, Oroske.”
Oroske set his cup down on the center study table, and sat down. “That isn’t your place to decide. It’s not my decision either.”
“Then who’s is it? Who else other than the boy’s mentor? The man who raised him?” Ensaru sat down as well, leaning forward, propping his head up with one hand, drink in the other.
“It’s not mine.” Oroske said, trying to keep his voice calm. “I made my promises long ago, and I will not, can not, betray them. No matter how much I agree with you.”
Ensaru just sighed, taking another sip of his drink, letting out a pleasured exhale after gulping.
“What about that ‘key’ you mentioned earlier? Any ideas what that is?” Oroske said, after downing his drink.
Ensaru blinked at him in surprise. “I was going to ask you. I have no idea.”
Oroske fell back in his seat, starting to feel the warmth from the drink, exhaling both in frustration, and relaxation. “Well, perhaps we’ll have to solve that mystery another day. I should probably get back to Kuro, we need to make our report for the night.”
“Very well,” Ensaru swirled his cup, staring blankly at it for a second. He made eye contact with Oroske as he stood, stretching his arms over his head. “Please consider what I said earlier. I truly think it would be for the best if he learned now, rather than later.”
“Oh I’ll be thinking about it. But no matter what I think it doesn’t change the fact I can not make that decision.”