Simos knew when Aiven's silence meant he wanted to be left alone.
And just from his friend's expression, there was more to this silence than the typical ones he and his sister have encountered.
They've always watched Aiven. And for Simos, he can be considered as an idiot, but despite this, he would also be the first to acknowledge how strong his friend was.
Whenever there was a practice duel in their novice class, Aiven would never fight seriously, and every time there would always be something particular about it. He can't shake off the feeling that it was for the sake of a failed experiment. It was like he is trying to achieve something.
He loses every single time but no single scratch can be seen while his enemy would be filled with bruises, slashes, burnt marks. He was toying with his duel partner. And more than one instance did he saw how curious Aiven was during those fights, not the usual search for an answer, but the brutal curiosity of a child who would break a dragonfly's wings or cut a spider's head just to see how long it'll last.
And Aiven also has the apathy for it. He just...how do I say this, he had this way of accepting things.
Aiven, himself, was not aware of it, but that sort of mindset made him arrive at decisions without the nuisance of emotions. He would find something as painful, or saddening, or grieving, but it'll only last for a second until he pushed it aside, look it in the eye and dissect the reason why he was feeling it and how to stop it.
Finding Aiven still relatively composed even with the reality they just saw was not really that unnatural. Simos knows, he had seen it happened before. It's the aftermath he was concerned about.
The whole family of House Gallinthe cloaked in the Banner of White.
Executed within nightfall. Simos was not that familiar with the politics under Aiven's house but he had never heard anything bad---or extraordinary about them. Though he had found rumors of Sir Kieve, Aiven's father, being involved with information brokerage. His blood mother, Lady Aileyn, was a normal practicing alchemist at the Academe's court. While his little sister just entered beginner's batch this solstice and have shown promise. Still, they had no political power nor military influence.
For them to be branded as traitors would be easy work.
The troupe entered the gate but curious glances towards Aiven can be noticed every now and then, since Maou-chan has been patting the cloaked figure while saying, "it's all right, everything is all right." in a hushed voice.
"It's the first time she saw something like it," Simos said trying to appease their inquisitive stare at the heavy stillness of their companion.
"Is that so? Poor girl. It might have come as a shock," the archer said. Her ride trotted closer to the caravan and with her maternal instincts rising, she tried to converse with Ainee. But Ainee just put Ma Chan beside her, give her the rest of the apple and just smiled sheepishly at the archer, while shaking her head as if trying to say that she was fine. The smile was enough to keep the archer for prodding more to the shy girl.
"That's great, but you really need to get used to executions, they are rather common here in the capital."
"But that's odd. Only three traitors today. It's mostly more than that." It's because they wanted to make sure we see it.
It's not that there are a lot of traitors at Cessine---only, the bodies were left to rot in the open that month old decays were not unusual. Bodies tend to pile within that month.
"And a Blank House at that! Aren't they the soldiers who usurped the titles during the Last Demon War?" the warrior interjected.
"I don't like those bunch. Just because they have titles, they act like arrogant pricks! What a joke. They can't even donate properly at the Temples."
They still said something after that but Simos already put his attention back to his party. If Aiven would not do anything about it, then who was he to scream bloody murder at these ignorants?
The Houses of White Banner was actually common knights who have proven their worth on the battlefield and was entitled by the kingdom, itself. Surviving, and even taking merit, in the war constantly as cannon fodder and expendable units was not an easy feat. But it doesn't matter. The Nobilities scorn them for rising to their ranks and the citizens zealously berate their existence.
Passing on to the gates, the guards were now inspecting their cargo. They also check each one, asking for permission to display their status.
Cirque, the head of the traveling party obliged and said "show status" but only his class, age, and the home point was displayed.
Status Window also acts as identification. Thankfully, names were also considered as powerful, so even that was not allowed to be seen in the open.
When it was Aiven's turn, the guards hardly noticed the girl and let her in, seeing that she was just a beginner tailor. The youngest of the group also passed through, obviously since she's too young for her mana pool to generate status.
Everything was going well when one of the guards stopped Simos.
"I told you to show your class!" A young guard halted the full-armored knight. Simos was so completely equipped that not even his eyes could be seen through his heavy visor.
"I have yet to acquire a class," A calm voice replied.
The guard was taken aback, taking into account the amateur-level gauntlet, the novice-level armor, and the unidentified helmet. For a beginner to already acquire such levels was really doubtful.
Though if you considered how that adventure maniac pulled Aiven around Dungeon Clearing at a tender age of eight, then his level was not that surprising. Especially since Aiven was only got dragged to compensate the three-person requirement to enter dungeons. [Only the higher 8% of adventurers would pull that stunt.]
"E-excuse me, is there...problem with my brother?" he said, and the guards only saw a cloaked figure appeared before them, with petite arms protectively shrouding the little girl behind.
"Nothing, little miss, I just want your brother to remove his helmet. Peacefully," The last word was for Simos. Other guards started to get wind of the commotion. One of them was carrying a parchment and started checking the contents.
With no other choice, Simos removed his helmet. Aiven inched closer, casting mana in the air around Simos' face and used his [Mana Detect] to see the light passing through that space.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
He added more mana and started glitching the air, sending the light that passes into a different color. It was the same mana manipulation he used to trick Simos. The only difference was that the first one, he only used the tiny airspace in front of Simos' eyes. Now, he was doing the same thing but only to his whole head. Aiven was skeptical he can pull it off but he did have enormous mana for once. With this rate, he might actually be able to cast an image distortion to his whole body.
When Simos was free from his headgear, his skin already looked two shades darker, his hair was a deep chestnut brown and his eyes turned hazel with a speck of blue from outsiders. Aiven can only do this much. Changing the features while taking to account every little movement Simos was making would put too much strain on his focus.
The guards continue scanning his face and that of the parchment, when they verified it was not him they were looking for, the young guard simply let him go.
The guards miraculously didn't scan further. After all, there was anti-illusion magic at the center of the gate, which boasts of its high affinity in detecting image-illusion and hallucinating magic. They could use an anti-magic barrier but since the guards depended mainly on magic and a lot of magic devices will be affected (inventories suddenly bursting out of thin air is not good for the business) they conceded for this method and became lax about it.
When Simos put his gear again, he said, "Good Sir, can we also have a copy of that poster? We are new here and would like to be wary of felons."
"Yeah, sure. Just take it. Next!" The man shouted. He was used to merchants asking for wanted posters. It was part of the trade so he just assumed Simos to be part of the merchant caravan they entered with.
Simos just snuck the piece of paper and was off.
The three searches at the inner gates and found the carriage on the edge of the plaza. The archer was waving at them.
"What took you so long?" the woman asked, cordially, nothing more of a lip service.
Still, Simos was quick to notice her eyeing the parchment on his hand and raised it, "we were hold up," Simos announced.
"Well, at least ye'r 'ere now. Now on tae business, eh?" Cirque, overhearing their arrival, went away from grooming his horses, and waited for the three expectantly.
Simos pull out his pouch and produced ten golds and an ancient coin from the Noctem Empire of Old. The vintage coin itself didn't amount to much but if it was paired with its other counterparts of that ancient kingdom, its value would escalate manifolds [Simos was wretch from giving it up].
"Good ol' fella. Be'n lookin' fur ye fur ages!" And Cirque went inside his caravan taking hold of his precious trade and they were easily forgotten.
"So there's that. Good luck in your stay here in the City." the cleric said.
"Yes, you could visit the guild if you want."
"Hm, maybe you could even register, I could vouch for you Knight," the warrior nudge Simos, showing a toothy grin.
And they were gone. Maou-chan was the only one who said a proper goodbye to the group. Her cheery voice didn't waver even with the influx of people passing on the streets. A festival is being celebrated today. Noises filled the busy districts. Flags of crimson hue decorate every window. The city alleys were decked with women and men of different attires as they went on their respective lives, cheering and drinking.
They grew up here, they had lived all their lives in here, but never did they felt as alien to this City as before.
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With hardly any spoken words, the three went and rent a room at the nearby inn. It was the usual protocol. One room three beds. Maou-chan would be sleeping with Delica so it was all good.
They choose a common Inn at the Merchant's District. The district was the busiest and would be crowded with people, it'll be hard for them to be singled out.
When they entered, Aiven quickly changed his attire, took four runes of parchment, and place it at the center. He started fusing his mana into it. The paper glowed then floated in mid-air and one by one, the paper started to collapse and crumpled unto itself but the glowing runes remained etched in the air. When all four parchments became compressed within the size of a marble, it flung itself at the four corners of the room and stayed there, encircling within their original glyphs.
"Maou-chan, can you scan your inventory and take out Delica?" The room was already soundproof, safe from eavesdropping, and possible [ Mana Trace ]. It was a rune they always use when they are into their meetings. Maou-chan nodded and said 'Inventory." The bracelet glowed and distorted until Delica emerged from the void.
It took for a while to update Delica on the current situation and she can't help but stared at Aiven, teary-eyed, not knowing how to console her friend. But Aiven was not looking at her. He made a gap into the window of the room and scanned the growing festivities outside.
Shouts can be heard, "Grandiose Day! Grandiose Day! The Hero has finally sent home!" "Let us pray for her safe travel!" "Selling authentic scarves used by the Great Hero of the Seven Rivers!" "Come here, this locket here is powerful. Can't you see the flaming hair?" "What a blessed day for Continent! May she forever guide us into peace."
Aiven, ignored the scene and seated himself at the floor and clapped his hands twice, signaling the beginning of their meeting. The other three also sat on the floor and formed a circle.
"My family...is not dead," Aiven muttered.
The siblings were confused at the statement. Simos just saw their bodies and confirmed that it was Aiven's family. However, Aiven continued with a single word, "Homunculi."
The two were not unfamiliar with the term. It was forbidden magic used to create an artificial body. Delica brightened, understanding the meaning behind his words. "Oh, Aiven! Then that means they are alive!"
Simos was also relieved but the confusion didn't abate. To create a high-class homunculus, and not be detected by the Inquisitors was nothing short of amazing. Who are these people? What kind of family does Aiven have?
With the excitement of the two, Aiven could only nod in response. Just one look at the bodies and he was sure it was the work of his mother. He was glad they were safe, but to be pushed to fake their deaths meant his family was really in grave danger because of his very existence. It didn't make his guilt any lighter.
And to be exhibited so publicly, even if he survives this, his mother would kill him.
It would be fine if it just resulted in his untimely death, but Lady Aileyn would not hesitate to resurrect her son so she could continue with the torture. Aiven was shivering not only with guilt but also with the prospect of his hellish future.
He actually had no plan on telling to them about his family, it would only endanger his house if their enemies found out about the counterfeit. But he already promised not to hide anything from his party and also confessing it to them meant he has no choice but to protect them more, not just for survival but also for his family's sake.
With a more lively tone, Simos directed their attention to their next problem. Finding Delica's soul, and crushing Sila-ir Banner.
They started with the intel they have gathered so far.
With these developments, it only made it clear that Gallinthe House was no more. They could not ask aid to Aiven's family or go their manor to collect supplies since it might be heavily guarded. Their Treasure Chest at the central banks can't also be accessed due to track, leaving them with only what they currently have as their worldly possession, which was their equipment (equipped and spare ones), limited items (30 mana potions, 60 health potions, 23 holy water, herbs, medical gauze), higher class items that were too powerful for them to use (they haven't gained the proper level requirements) and 1481 golds, 60 silver, and 120 coppers.
Also now that the Hero was publicly announced that she was sent back to their world, it would make it hard for them to convince anyone that they were actually envoys of Lady Yuusha. Even if they were able to convince the other party that Lady Yuusha survived, it wouldn't be hard for people to doubt if she was just a mere impostor. Also, they can't tell people they were guardians of the Demon Lord.
During their discussion, Simos took out the poster from the guard and made them read its contents.
Just as he was reading the bounty on Aiven's head [12 000 golds], Simos' face flushed with anger.
After all, written on it was Aiven's sentence for acts of treason against the King and for the murder of young Delica and Simos of Canary Gold.
Hah. So they killed off Delica and Simos, he thought wryly.
Them, being heir to the 'noble' golden banner, together with any power and privilege it may hold. [Not that they would actually claim that filthy name again.]
The mood of the party became grim. Those bastards were really planning to cut off any hope they might have. This just shows how extensive the ones who are after their heads. It's amazing they haven't tracked their current location yet.
Maou-chan cocked her head in innocence. "Eh? What is wrong minions?"
Aiven can't still get over that newfound title.
"Nothing, Master. It's just that the whole world seems to be against us."
"But of course! We're going to destroy it aren't we?"
And for once the whole group laughed, leaving Maou-chan questioning what was funny.
Right, right. We're going to annihilate the world, so what's there to be afraid of?