With the remainder of their gold, Simos went to purchase other supplies and to gather more intel. Delica was left to look after Maou-chan and was tasked to recreate a map of the Sila-ir mansion. It was almost noon with the sun already at its summit, there was still an hour before they meet up again at the inn, and so Aiven went out.
Pushing forward, he covered the whole back alley behind the Merchant Guild. Packed with merchandise of different origins, properties, and uses, the whole district burst with life. Alleys were flocked with cargoes and children were seen darting everywhere whether in a game or just to see the next stall for the wonder it may bring. With the cloak pulled lower to his face, Aiven entered the small branch of the Central Treasury. Even with the number of people in the narrow streets, hardly anyone ventures in this dull branch since everybody knows it was almost on the brink of bankruptcy. With the Huge Merchant Guild suddenly taking root just behind the bank, it was ignored into obscurity. But there were still people who use the branch, they're mostly sketchy ones, but it provided enough profit for it to continue its basic transactions.
Entering the establishment Aiven was welcomed by a slender receptionist, dressed in the fashionable coattails that were the norm of servants and dyed with black and gold trimmings which was the trade of all Treasuries. A thin neat mustache that extends to his ear was the only thing that identified the man to the other workers in the building.
"Welcome, dear customer, I am Chrui, how may I help you today?" the man said, motioning for Aiven to go towards his desk.
Aiven without acknowledging the man silently revealed a pearl. The man twitched happily, handling the pearl, he placed it in a slot with a tube connecting to a slate of crystal. With a gesture of his hand, the crystal revealed runes that were read meticulously by the receptionist.
A black chest holder. Hm, how peculiar. It was quite uncommon for a holder of black pearl to go to outsourced branches. Having a high-security treasure chest, this little person should be contacting the main branch! Chrui mused.
"I'd like to make a withdrawal." The suspicious little person said in a voice that makes it harder for Chrui to determine the gender of his client, not that it matters anyway.
"Ah, esteemed customer, for clarification, may you please drop blood on the pearl with the image of the item you wish to withdraw?"
Aiven do as he was told.
Nodding, Chrui then inserted his hands inside the crystal slate and pull out a black box. Not knowing what was inside--it was company protocol, he verified the void and the item.
T-he whole chest!? The receptionist was growing more uncertain. Curious why a frail-looking person would wish to leave the vicinity while carrying such value. The Black Box itself was worth killing. And not even a single guard. Still, the older man handed the box to the client with his business mask still on. The protocol must be observed. "Hn, Sir Sideai," weird name, "Do you wish to close you void space?"
"Will you please?" then the little person took the box, then he as if arguing if he should say something else, he also added a reluctant 'thank you'.
"O-of course," Chrui drop his own blood, dripping red liquid to the smooth surface of the pearl and it started to shrink into size until nothingness. "That'll be 100 gold, Dear Sir."
The little person seems shocked at the price, but he clamped his mouth and produced the fee and was out in the blink of an eye. To be shocked by that amount but owning a Treasure Chest that has the capacity of a Castle's Treasury? What a weird person.
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Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Just wasted a whole annum of food money! If he knew it was that expensive, he should have left it open for good! But he would still need to pay maintenance of 30 golds per solstice so maybe it wasn't bad. But he was already a fugitive, adding fraud to false charges wouldn't change much.
With a faster pace, he went back to the inn. Opening the door, he saw Delica on all fours, restructuring glyphs on the floor and a three-dimensional blueprint of a mansion was seen hovering on top of the glyphs. The mansion itself was originally built from stone and timber but had their defenses replaced later by paster and concrete from the early 400th D.E (Diem Era). The Sila-ir has an old ancestry, making the ancient building go under a lot of renovations, expansions, and exploited concentric fortification, and inspiration from earlier defenses. This means, there were more underground passages, hidden rooms, and flaws in architectural designs you can find in this conglomeration of Medieval-esque building.
Looking at the exterior, Aiven can't help but feel repulsed. Add a moat and it would look like any romanticist castles you could find in old books—without the towers of course.
"You're early, had any sweets?" Delica asked beaming with the prospect of souvenirs.
Aiven handed her a pouch and she started rummaging insides. Apparently, Delica can't taste anything except for the extremes. Sweets, which were basically sugar, were one of those exceptions. She also gave some to Maou-chan but she only grimaced at the sweetness and the little girl eyed the chocolate Aiven was eating.
"Here, try this." Maou-chan gleefully snatched the bar.
"Nee, Ai-neechan, Delica taught me how to read runes today!"
Aiven smiled, she really does look and act like a toddler, "That's nice."
"That's right. Look here, see this parchment?" Delica pointed at one of the paper stretched on the floor. "She drew this one! Only took her two tries at that! As expected of Master!" She proudly said, like a mother boasting her daughter. Delica has been teaching Maou-chan of the general knowledge of this world. There's a lot of things to be covered, but with the urgency of their mission, there was not much time spent on her learnings.
It was still crude but it does the job.
Seeing Aiven looking around, Delica said, "Simos still not here. It's better if you start memorizing the blueprint though. I and Simos already know it at the dot. Ho-ho, speaking of the devil."
The door opened and Simos got in. He was still wearing the full-plated gear. Even in the merchant district, he was kind of known. When he saw the image projection, he was amazed. "Whoa, great. You even got the windows perfect!" the blonde took off his helmet and handed another pouch to Maou-chan. "For you, My Lady."
"Nyaaahh! Chocolates!"
"Who do you think, I am? Anyway, Master helped."
"I know runes today!"
Simos patted the girl's head, "Ah we have a genius! I should have bought more chocolates."
"I want strawberries next!"
"As you wish, Lady Maou-chan."
"Or maybe blueberries? Almond chocolates are also good. Nya, the cake is good too." then she emptied the contents of the pouch on the bed and started categorizing each sweet and counting them one by one as if holding her treasures, her cheeks flushed with the small treats.
They really want to protect this girl. She's just too innocent, and simple. Just thinking of her future, they already vowed to do everything to avoid such misfortune to befall to Maou-chan.
Looking back at his companions, Simos became serious, he handed the inventory bracelets to them both knowing it already has their items and started his report, "There would be a grand ball at the Cessine Castle at dusk to celebrate Lady Yuusha’s departure, We only have six hours at most before he left the estate. We have to move fast."
They started planning out their next course of action.
Then Aiven took out the black chest. He scanned the contents. It has 3000 golds, some books that could rival a library and a whole bunch of rune parchments. He scanned deeper and try to find the items he was looking for.
While dungeon exploring, the party has been garnering treasures they've looted. It was agreed that he'll be the one keeping it since being of lower noble rank, his void space would be less viable for theft. It was a good thing too that he made a separate space for his party. It just felt wrong to put them under his name.
Looking closer, there was this one item he doesn’t remember. Checking it, he pulls it out and finds a small [ Automaton ]. It has the shape and size of a doll with closed eyes and similarity with the creepy Victorian Wax Dolls, including the harassed use of laces. It has painted hair of black and the unglazed porcelain has a more flesh textured to it. His party was curious and even Maou-chan was muttering how pretty the doll is.
It was mother's. Stiffening with dread, Aiven cut a drop of blood and pressed it on the doll's lips. How did she know about his secret account?
Then as if being possessed by an evil spirit, the doll started moving in creaking jolts.
"Hyahoy! Useless son!" His mother's voice was heard from the lips of the energetic doll, "if you got this [ Automaton ] then that means you are still alive. Doubtful, really, but you are not that useless. You do have my genes after all, hyahahah. Since you are reaching your twelve moons, your Path to the Sphere would be starting soon. So it was not much difference if you leave the Shades of our Banner. We're expecting souvenirs, okay, my dear? We'll miss you and may your shadow find its way to the Threads. Also, Leian says, 'Go die.' Ho, charming as always."
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"M-mother!"
"Ora? Did you say my name? Hohoho, your father said I shouldn't add a reply setting since you'll probably just be nodding all the way. Ah, your mother is happy." Aiven understand where that came from. The [ Automaton ] was a simple device which uses a set mnemonics, it could only respond to questions already set with an answer.
"Where are you?"
"Can't tell."
"How can I contact you?"
"Can't tell."
"Argh!"
"Oh dear Aiven. It would be safer if you are not with us." What the heck!? You answered that? It's not even a question! "Leian is also on a journey with our Trusted. It's three moons early but it was necessary. Being with us would only endanger you and your sister. We do love you. Please be safe Aiven, love...Fare thee well…"
"Wait!" The automaton's eyes dulled and a tiny black hole consumed the small magic device and not a trace can be found.
The abrupt greetings and goodbyes made a lasting impression on the group. At least he was sure they were fine, but Simos and Delica were astounded. "You're family was weird."
He sighed, he can't agree more. But for Leian to be also doing the Path of the Sphere? There's a big possibility they might meet. His little sister was stronger than him so he does not worry much. He trusts his family to survive.
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It's now an hour past the summit. The start of their plan will commence. They were separated into two parties. Aiven and Simos will act as a decoy while Delica and Maou-chan will follow the entrance of the slavers on the other end of the mansion.
Getting prepared earlier, Delica received her [ Eljudnir Staff ] and [ Guardian of Graves Robes]. It was left aside in time when Delica finally became a necromancer. The Lich Class has always been on top of any necromancer's list, but with her useless state, she cannot fully use her newfound power. It'll fit her now at least.
But it didn't dampen Delica's excitement in finally donning those ominous dark gloomy equipment. It was contrasting heavily with her eyes flaring with passion and loud personality, making her more look like those pesky children during Hollow's Eve. She looks like a fake lich. Though Delica would and could murder Aiven if she ever overhears his thoughts. "Aya, I really do feel like a Lich now! Kyahahaha. Uwaaahhh, the [ Spellthreads ] are amazing!" Aiven flinched as he heard her high decibel squeal through the rune earrings he made.
The earrings tend to create a rune circle lateral to the makeshift accessory whenever it was activated, making it look like a light intricate pattern was circling beside his ear.
When he first created the rune parchment that allows a thin layer of mana to vibrate the air and create sounds, he knows he could use it as a two-way communication device. The parchment crumpled into marble-sized black paper mache and with a needle, he pierced the right ear of Delica and Simos. Their society has no notion of earrings so they find it both interesting. He also did the same to his ear.
What surprised him though was the notification window saying he equipped a Sewing Needle.
So needles and scissors were considered equipment items. That makes sense,
When he tried piercing the ear of Simos, the needle couldn't pass through but when he poured mana, it went smoothly. Simos was amused to find his health dropped by one but didn't comment if he felt any pain. It was recovered within two seconds though. What a pitiful attack, if you consider it as one. Still, he did gain a new title.
New Title:
Butcher of Silk Button
You have gained your First Blood: For intentionally dealing damage with another living being with the use of Basic Sewing Tools, you have gained a new title.
Effects: 100% increase in damage dealt using Sewing Tools
Combat Craft +5
Learned New Skill/s: Needlework
Precision in handling needles.
Needlework +1
So it's 2 healths now? Well, it's better than nothing.
However, putting earrings to Delica was hard. The first needle rusted and if it wasn't for dabbing it first in holy water, it wouldn't even graze her skin.
Simos asked for [ Lazy Walker Twin Blades ] and Aiven also took out a necklace with the same markings as their inventory bracelets. It's the same as treasure chests only it has a bigger capacity and gave it to Maou-chan. This was for Delica though. The bracelet makes it hard for Maou-chan to hear Delica so a closer inventory set was necessary.
Sila-ir estate was located at the Higher Districts designated for nobles. It was called a district, but it was more like an enormous fort with the Cessine Castle as the central Keep. Using [ Hide Skill ], they were able to infiltrate without notice. Everyone was busy with celebrations and since they were nobles, it was more grand and exquisite than those in the other districts. The flow of carriages, bards, entertainers at each stone-paved street makes it easier for them to sneak in. They timed the patrol of the guards and slip past the initial wall.
They really can't leave Maou-chan behind so Delica proposed for her to protect the little girl since she has a plan. Aiven was a bit nervous about her hazy plan but she did say she knows the people there better. Also, Maou-chan can sense Delica's soul better than Delica herself so it'll be easier for them to locate then retrieve with less exposure. Apparently, Delica's soul was on the Catacombs, just alongside the torture chambers where slaves were housed.
They finally reach the west gardens. Passing the arc where the maze of the garden starts, Maou-chan summoned Delica [it does look like she was calling a spirit] and with a simple nod, the two girls were off towards the secret passage for the slave catacombs. It was placed at one of the dead ends in the maze. With Delica, there's no way they would ever get lost in the massive labyrinth even if it was littered with magic contraptions.
"We're in," Delica answered in the runes. They waited for a few minutes then when they hear screaming from below them, Simos and Aiven started to act.
Simos started chanting. Aiven pull out a [ Superior Mana Potion ] then throw it in the air toward's the mansion's balcony. Using [ Flint ], a common fire spell mostly used in kitchen fires, Aiven aimed it at the flask when it already started descending. No one has noticed yet.
The mana-packed liquid evaporated at high speed creating a chain reaction and the glass suddenly burst. The whole area was now condensed with mana. When Simos finished chanting, Aiven ducked then the blonde cast [ Blaze Fire ].
The whole front yard erupted into flames. It was so bright, it almost turned the night into daylight. The trees were singed and a black crater ate a quarter of the west wing. Not a remnant of the balcony can be recognized.
With the fires raging, guards immediately went into high alert, scurrying all around the estate and trying to request for reinforcements saying the mansion was under attack. The culprit dared use [ Hell Fire Storm ], at most a 100 level Archmage was on the lose. Amidst the confusion and chaos, chambermaids and servants were screaming that the mansion was haunted. Claiming the ghost of the late young lady was prowling the corridors.
Delica was getting busy. Though her method still doesn't sit well on Aiven. It's just too, too unpredictable! (And lame) Still, it was effective.
The two entered the mansion. Leaving five other mana potions, Aiven's fire spell started to evaporate the flasks as it slowly seeps out. He's the only one who could moderate the spell so it'll only evaporate the liquid and not blow up when they were still near. The mages in the guard's rank and file started to use water magic to temper the damage but without knowing the compacted mana in the atmosphere, their spells backfired and lost control. The whole area came to a giant flooding and vicious tsunamis sweeping the whole place while bodies pile in the open.
Using [ Stealth ] and [ Haste ] they went passed the second floor of the East Wing which was their original target--since the security has finally thinned.
Then they waited. At the other end of the corner was the Master's Bedroom. If their plan was correct then the Head of the House was still readying for the Castle Ball. As expected there were three guards stationed in front of the door that didn't even budge even how disastrous the mansion's state was in.
Simos equipped his gauntlets. Less noise compared to the clashing of steels. Aiven, without saying a word, tapped Simos' shoulders. Taking it as the usual sign, the blonde started using [ Sight ] which heightened his eye's reflex. Then Aiven disappeared. His swift pace was so fast, no normal person can keep up. But the elite guards noticed the attacker with the two guards closest to each other feeling someone's presence.
Then Aiven's image appeared between the two guards, each of his palms resting on the back of each guard, then without blinking Aiven used [ First Aid ] on the two. But before they could counter, Aiven canceled the skill. Feeling the backlash of cancellation, he swiftly dodged. The two, confused, checked their status thinking a spell was cast on them. Seeing nothing changed, they were ready to slash the boy when Simos appeared before their very eyes. Simos was quick to notice Aiven's hands during the quick retreat--With Aiven's left hand moving to his hips, and the right touching his back.
Using [ First Aid ] allows someone to scan the body for possible physical damage. With this, Aiven was able to pinpoint exactly where their bodies' weak spots were unlike [ Analyze ] which can only do with elemental weaknesses. Even how elite you think you are, if you faced someone who attacks you with precision, you will lose. And Simos was not an easy opponent. Levels can only tell you how much you killed monsters, not people.
Then, his escape route was blocked by the third guard. But he was anticipating this move. He pivoted and circumvent the attack. Sparring with Simos was deadlier than this, he thought. Then he emptied holy water on the guard. The odd attack made the guard hesitate which was all Aiven needed. Aiven used [ Electric Shock ]. Hah! The freedom to be with mana! The guard convulsed and fell on his knees before his face touched the ground, his heart already stopped beating. Aiven could use normal water, but holy water was better at amplifying Lightning Attacks without adding bunos that might affect his enemy. With this, his level-one spell could easily jump to ten levels or more.
If you think of Aiven killing innocent monsters who were just protecting their offsprings as he trespass on their homes (and he did that for levels and loots), and the one he just did just now to protect the people he needed to protect then his conscience was already dark. He will not justify what he did.
Glancing at Simos, he could saw the blonde already dislodging the dead guard's inventory bracelet. Aiven was thinking that he might be just scavenging items but was then curious when Simos started putting the other bracelet inside one inventory. Then Simos started placing even the bodies inside, not leaving a trace. When Simos cleared everything, he chanted [ Create Crater ] and the floor suddenly depressed, making a disc size opening. Simos toss the inventory inside and chanted again [ Dispell ]. The crater closed.
All his movements seem practiced as if the process itself was a routine habit. Did he just buried the bodies inside a void and hid it on the floor?
When Simos noticed the perplexed expression of Aiven, Simos frowned and said, "Didn't you said we would only take their lives, and nothing more? If you want their equipment..."
No! I do not want their equipment!
Simos shrugged, knowing Aiven's answer just from the twitching of his eyebrows.
Aiven only said that because he was afraid of Familiar Items which set traps for unknown users aside from their Blood Oaths. Everything was kinda run by blood, by now.
Ah, it doesn't matter. It was a clean method anyway. Maybe it’s the reason why Simos knows putting Delica inside inventories would work. Aiven shivers. How many bodies were there inside the walls and floors of this building?
But he hastily shoved the thought away and cleared his mind. After all, the person they want to meet was on the other side of this door.
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*Butcher of Silk Button is a description used to Mercutio, the right-hand man of Romeo in one of Shakespearean classics. Yup, its that one where teenagers decided to commit double suicide and almost ruined both of their families in the process, ungrateful rich spoiled brats. It was actually staged with the War of the Roses in mind. The House of York (symbolized by a crest of red rose) and House of Lancaster (with their crest of white rose), who waged war and was united by marriage to avoid further senseless murders and which paved way to the era of the Tudors.