The collection office was a fifteen-minute walk from the quarters.

The building stood short among its peers, only at two stories, but the newly coated painted, well-maintained dark green hedges and the garden made it seem like a noble among the peasants.

Aeryth stood in front of the metal gate, 'The collections office' was framed above the metal gate in white paint.

A guard opened the door, both at the entrance and at the door into the building.

The desks overflowing with stacks of files and papers were lined up in the hall, staff hunched over, not bothering to look at her. The smell of ink drifted in the air, with something dangerous—metallic, like blood, but subdued.

"Aeryth, I presume," said the man as he walked down the stairs.

"I am."

"I am Daire Herwells. Call me Dare if you'd like." said the man, extending his hand for a handshake, fashioning a dashing smile.

He was an adult, in his mid-twenties, she assumed. Dressed in a suit, hair set, and perfume that suffocated the entire first floor.

"Nice to meet you," Aeryth took his hand. She half expected him to try his strength on her. That's how every handshake in the village went, and she had lost many, many of them. Her mother called this display barbaric.

It was gentle and short.

"Let's talk upstairs in my office." He suggested.

Aeryth followed behind him.

"Are you aware of what kind of job you're taking?"

"I don't think so. I am told that I need to write the events as they transpire."

"Well, that's about the crux of the job, but not quite as simple."

"I didn't expect it to be simple either."

They stopped at his office. The second floor had a small hall with sofas arranged to sit in a circle, probably for meetings.

"Have a seat. I'll explain the task and why it is enough to pardon the requirement for proof of identity."

Daire opened the drawer and took out a box. Sat it on the desk. "Go ahead, open it."

Aeryth nodded. There was a knot on the top of the box. She untied the ribbon. Took away the lid. The sides of the box fell to their respective side, and the platform in the center lifted up. On it lay four different colored gemstone rings.

Their frames were elegantly designed, holding the gemstones like a crown.

"Your job is of a faithful witness. Of a reteller. Meaning: under no circumstances are you to engage with anyone during the job. These rings are an assurance."

Aeryth frowned. "What do you mean by assurance?"

Along with rings, there were small chains, hooks, and a glove.

"These are Bind Of Trust or Truth, depending on your mindset. Each ring serves a purpose. One to ward your mind from illusion and deception, suggestions of the outsiders. While the other provides you with eyes of truth, allowing you something beyond human, at the same time, forbidding your capacity to speak or write false."

Aeryth nodded, "I see." Her heart thumped quicker, drowning in dread.

She had not anticipated magic to be involved, one that affected her mind so intimately. A doubt coiled in her chest.

What if there was something wrong? Something that she wouldn't know until she wore the ring, and by that time, it would be too late. Could it control her mind?

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Can you control my mind with these rings?"

"No. No one can. That's what these rings are for. To stop your mind from being affected by worldly factors, which, undoubtedly, includes me."

"Can I ask why this job even exists?"

"Naturally," he leaned back into his chair. "We are not part of the government but a private institution. At the same time, the job we do—collecting items and money owed—leads to situations that require a violent solution. Violence without a pledge to the lord of this city is a crime, so the job of 'Witness' was agreed upon."

Violence without a pledge to the lord of this city is a crime...

Aeryth frowned at his words.

"You will watch things as they transpire and write it; it will be read by someone under Lord Mayor, and if the report states our action as uncalled for or going too far... well, we will be shut down, but as long as we are justified for our actions, we can continue to operate."

"I am following so far, I think..." Aeryth replied. She was still confused about many things. The collection office collected things from people, including the books from her library. They were debt collectors but for more things than just money. "But, why are you not operating under government?"

"We are formed by The Chamber Of Commerce for the purposes of commercial transactions. We take pride in our efficiency, consistency, and lack of corruption in our operations. Something a government institution cannot boast."

Aeryth nodded. This much understanding was enough. She didn't need to know everything. "About the letter of trust."

"Rest assured, once you complete the day, I'll forward it to the realm traveling commission."

"Thank You."

"'Witness' is watcher, eyes of the Lord Mayor. Frankly, it should be someone from the ranks of our lord and savior, but they are most susceptible to influence. You will write in unfiltered and unaltered truth—a safeguard and a guillotine for us."

The task before her was nothing like anything she knew. A new experience with a new magical thing. Perhaps she would learn something new from it. But... I will get to take a closer look at this city, this hideous and decaying city.

She let out a breath. "Can I think about it for a moment?"

Daire smoothened his expression, and smiled. "Feel free to—"

Knock!

Someone knocked on the door.

"I'll be back. Think it through while I am gone."

Aeryth nodded, watching him leave. What should I do?

She saw sure after that momentary slip of Daire's face that there was something more to it. Unsaid, but concerning.

"I need to get a realm traveling license to leave this city whenever I want. It's worth the risk," she felt the coin in her finger. "I can quit if I want to."

She wouldn't. It would mean she was indebted to Caroline. Still, knowing it was an option was assuring.

She nodded to herself. She would accept it.

Daire returned after a minute. "Made up your mind?"

Aeryth nodded. "I will accept."

"Great." Daire picked up the glove—an incomplete glove. "Wear it in your dominant hand."

The glove didn't have any fabric for the palm. An open circle. But Aeryth wore it without question. The fabric was snug and stretchy, fitting perfectly around her fingers.

She wore rings next. Emerald, sapphire, ruby, Dead Spirit Stone—a whitish-grey colored gemstone said to have the divine blessing of Ella.

"This is a power jewel to power the rings."

It was beneath the chains. Each chain hooked the ring to the power jewel and another chain around her wrist to keep it at the open back of the gloved hand.

"This should do," Daire said with a smile. He tapped the power jewel, and the metal frame grew colder, condensing vapor from the air.

The slight exhaustion and tiredness due to lack of sleep last night vanished. She felt good. It was wrong, artificial. The pain was still there but shoved away from her consciousness. She could see sharper—every woven strand of Daire's shirt.

"How are you feeling?"

"Great," Aeryth replied.

Daire seemed confused for a moment, but he nodded. "That's great. Let's meet our team."

"I cannot help but wonder, if you're the one who proposed me to be here, then why? I am sure my writing capabilities are not the reason."

Daire opened the door, gesturing her to follow. "Correct. Well, for no particular reason. I just had to pick a candidate, and you happen to be number one among them."

Aeryth nodded, not at all trusting his words. There had to be another reason, right? She was fifteen, after all. Far from someone to be entrusted with this job. Wait, is that why they chose me? Because I'll be easier to manipulate than a capable adult?

Aeryth shuddered; told herself it was her paranoia, there was no way they could do that.

"You have to leave your sword here." Daire said, "Witness cannot carry a weapon."

"I feel safer with it on me," Aeryth replied.

"Please. We will keep you safe."

"I don't mean to be rude, but I don't feel safe around you either, Mr. Daire," Aeryth replied.

Daire opened his mouth but clamped it shut. "Fine," he let out a breath. "But, unless I am dead, please don't draw it. Can you?"

Aeryth's brow shot up, but she nodded.

I was unnecessarily aggressive.

---

The collection office had a bulky van that operated on a mana engine. The seats were far more cushioned and comfortable than the carriage she had sat in.

Aeryth sat in the front beside Shanil, who drove the van. She didn't glance her way.

Their first impression was not great. It seemed she would be hated by everyone. Not for any particular reason. Her job as Witness made her their enemy, it would seem.

She focused on the road. Actually, there was a reason. Before the job, the collection team had to decide the route for extraction. This city had many red zones—a place filled with gangs or disputed lands of noble clans and families—that they had to circle around. To be efficient, as they had many cases to finish, they decided the paths they would travel beforehand.

Aeryth also sat in the meeting and suggested a few changes to their decisions. Since then, they have been less than warm.

Shanil grunted, barely missing the street dog that had jumped onto the road. The van rocked side to side.

Aeryth sunk deeper into the seat. Her eyes pupils dilated, as she saw the pole rushing at her. Breath grew slower.

The car stopped inches away from the street lamp. Aeryth breathed out a sigh.

Shanil chuckled. "Sorry."

"My nose..." Evy Groaned.

"I'll drive now," Torgoal uttered menacingly. He was massive, barely able to sit inside.

"In your dreams," Shanil scowled, pulling back to the road.

Daire patted on Torgoal's back. Aeryth had a feeling, if not for Daire, there would be a fight starting by now. Torgoal had a shorter fuse than a spark.

After a few minutes, the car stopped in front of an alley. Their first stop.

Everyone got off as soon as the car stopped.

Aeryth's side of the door did not open. Neither did Shanil move.

"Shanil?" Daire said.

"Go ahead, I will be right behind."

Daire nodded, but he did not hide his annoyance.

"What do you want?" Aeryth asked. She was prepared to stab her.

"Don't bother, you're slower than a snail in front of me."

"What do you want?"

"No need be so alarmed," Shanil waved her hand, stretching her hand over her head. "Just wanted to make something clear before you step into the landmines."

Aeryth nodded. Still tense.

A rune formed over Shanil hand. "Do you recognize it?"

Aeryth nodded. It was on the ruby ring.

"Where have you seen it?"

"On my index finger," Aeryth replied, raising her hand to show it.

Aeryth frowned. Something was wrong. Her eyes opened wide.

"Now you understand." Shanil smiled. The door unlocked as she stepped out.

Aeryth's heart dropped into a bladder. She had not answered Shanil willingly.

"Hurry. Miss Witness."