Greyson assured us he was looking into it. There was not much else we could do here, for now. That the inquisition had its claws so deep into the guild was concerning. If they controlled the information they certainly had spies here. Also, if they were behind the mind control people could be compromised.

What if Greyson was actually controlled? I could use devour magic on him. But I had limited uses per day. And he seemed pretty open in the conversation. I decided to wait for now. A veteran adventurer should be hard to control anyway.

We said our goodbyes and left. The hall was still wet but someone tried to clean it with a mop. All the adventurers were gone. They either fled or hid somewhere else in the building. Then again, maybe they simply changed into dry clothes.

Once we left the building, we found a group of guards waiting for us. I recognized vice captain Iris.

“Iris! Nice to see you. How are you doing? Fully recovered from the battle?”

She looked at me, resigned. “Countess Amaya, lady Lucy, it's a pleasure. I am afraid I don’t know your maid.”

“This is Lily.” I introduced her.

Iris inclined her head as a greeting. Lily did the same.

“You don’t look very happy.” I pointed out.

“Unfortunately, we had news of a disturbance and I was sent to investigate. I have no desire to stand in your way. But could you inform me what happened?”

“Just a disagreement with some adventurers. It's all sorted out. You can talk with the guildmaster, he will confirm everything is fine.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Why is the vice captain of the garrison leading a patrol?” Lucy wondered.

“I am no longer of that rank. I am a sergeant now.”

“So you were demoted. I am sorry to hear that.”

Before Iris could respond I stated: “She committed the highest crime in the Empire… she was competent at her job.”

I could see a smile on Iris’ lips but she quickly got it under control.

“Your captain Gunther did seem rather angry at the meeting in the palace.” Lucy recalled. “He screwed up badly and needed a scapegoat, I assume?”

“It might even be worse than that.” I said. “He looked like the type who actually believes his own lies. If he truly convinced himself she is at fault he will keep punishing her.”

“I appreciate your concern but I am fine.” Iris said.

“If they fire you we could offer you a job.” I suggested.

“I don’t think that will be necessary. Have a nice day.” She responded.

We continued our way towards the temple district. Once we were out of hearing range Lucy said with a sad voice: “You know, they won’t fire her. If he really has a grudge she will end up as a slave.”

“You think so? I know something like that happened to you. But you were a soldier with no connections. Could they do that with a former vice captain in the capital?”

“That is why she only got demoted. I assume the general stopped anything more from happening. The captain is probably from an influential house. She is low nobility at best, if even that. They made her take the fall for the mess. But now she is only a sergeant. Not too many people will even read a report of what is happening to her. All Gunther needs is another excuse.”

I pondered that. Would she be blamed for not arresting us? If the guild had no complaint that would be hard to do. And to enslave her she would need to truly break the rules. That was a punishment for deserters.

“If that happens we could still free her. Assuming we even know it’s happening.” I shrugged. “I like her but we don’t really know her that well.”

“My ladies, if you are going to recruit her she would make a good maid knight. If I am to lead an order we will need more people.” Lily suggested.

I tried imagining Iris in a maid uniform with her glaive. It would look good…

“Hm. I am not sure if she would want to be a maid.”

“Lily makes a good point though.” Lucy said. “If we want an order of knights we need to recruit people.”

“True.” I admitted. “But I am not sure if we are at the right place for that. Maybe we will wait until we are in our county. Unless there is a good opportunity I suppose.”

“Excellent, my lady! I shall keep my eyes open for suitable candidates. And I will stock up on spare uniforms in varying sizes! Maybe we should recruit a tailor…” Her eyes gleamed.

Should I be concerned? No. We would have to approve any new hire anyway. We kept walking until we arrived at the temple district.