-Determination-

[The resolve to continue on your course.]

The next two days passed quickly, and without much happening. Yenva was surprisingly very willing to attend the meeting. Ari and Xeron asked her about it the morning after the previous meeting. It was the first time in several days they’d actually seen their employer, and the first time in more that they saw her at her own house.

Ensaru met the party at the doors to his office building. Oroske and Kuro were nowhere to be seen, a pleasant surprise. Ari guessed they didn’t want to make themselves known to Yenva. A smart move, all things considered. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what the two of them were up to. Surely nothing good, she figured.

Ensaru led them to the same meeting room they’d used the other day, taking his place standing at the head of the table. Ari was surprised he didn’t have at least some form of protection. Perhaps he simply trusted the Hunters and Yenva wouldn’t make any bold moves today. “Thank you for coming, Yenva.” He spoke as his visitors took their seats, “Ari, Xeron, it’s good to see you two again. Yenva, I asked you to come today so you could hear about the recent incident and ensuing internal investigation that occurred here in the J’alyr these past weeks.

“I expect you’ve heard rumors, despite my best efforts to keep news of the incident quiet, of my company breaching the Treaty by digging a tunnel out to the Realm Rift.” Yenva nodded, though Ensaru didn’t pause for a response. “Unfortunately, these rumors are true. We’ve concluded our internal investigation, and have terminated all employees involved in this project. I have also resolved to become more involved in the approval process for new digs to prevent this from occurring again. The tunnel has been sealed as well.”

Yenva sighed, leaning back with her arms crossed. “While I appreciate your transparency and honesty regarding the situation,” she said, “Why exactly did you ask me to come here? Surely that can’t be it.”

“Correct,” Ensaru continued, “This next part is where things get interesting for us both. I have reason to believe that some external party is trying to fan the flames of our little feud. I also believe that your sister, Recen, is involved with this party. I trust you’ve heard reports of the New Spire Empire and the Mienr?”

Yenva stood up, anger plain on her face, yet her voice remained cool and collected, “You mean to accuse Recen of working with these people? On what grounds?”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“In addition to the recent internal investigation, I’ve hired external investigators to look into the Guild, among several other companies within Quarry. These investigations are what have led me to believe someone is trying to get us to escalate our feud, and it would seem it’s worked so far. My first solid lead into the group responsible came during the internal investigation, when one of the members involved with the tunnel dig mentioned a group that called themselves the ‘Royal Consul.’ I’m not sure how well versed you are in Alten, specifically when it comes to titles, but that sounds an awful lot like what a group of ‘mienr’ would call themselves to a layman. But the thing that made me positive it’s them, is that my external investigators heard from Recen herself that she is working with the Mienr.”

“What foolishness, these investigators could have easily falsified that information. I demand to meet these people.” Hands on the table, Yenva’s control on her tone was faltering.

“I’m afraid I can’t agree to that, as our contract obliges me to keep their identity a secret.”

Yenva’s hands curled into fists as she stewed on the accusation. After a moment, she took a deep breath and straightened out her posture. “I still don’t believe it myself. That said, even if it is true, blood relation besides, Recen is my right hand, my most trusted assistant and advisor. If she really is working with the Mienr, I’m sure she has good reason, and the best interests in the Guild in mind. As such, I will stand by her for now. I will, of course, do my own investigation into the matter.” She looked at the Hunters, who had been silent during the entire exchange. Ari looked to Xeron, confirming she saw the same thing in both their faces: stone cold poker faces. “Come on you two, I don’t believe there’s anything else for us here today.”

Yenva didn’t make any mention of having Ari and Xeron handling her new investigation. In fact, she separated from them shortly after arriving on Layer Six, letting them free for the rest of the day, presumably while she went to the office.

“So, what do you think?” Xeron said, settling into a chair in the Muwal household sitting room.

“It’s troubling to think that Recen might be working with the Mienr. More so that Yenva is choosing to side with her for now.” Ari lied down on the couch, propping her head up on her hand. “Still, I must admit I admire her tenacity, and her commitment to her work. It’s clear to me that she truly puts her all into it. I imagine that if Recen is collaborating with the New Empire, as long as she says it’s for the good of the company, Yenva will go along with it. How about you?”

“I agree. Just to confirm, do you want to follow through with our contract with her?”

“I do. Ensaru seems like a kind man, but the job is the job, right? Yenva would get a major roadblock out of her way, and we’ll likely get paid well.”

Xeron chuckled, “We’re in agreement. Ensaru reminds me of Oroske, so I have no objections to seeing him killed.”