The horses that Lullin had placed at the entrance enabled the journey back to Valis to be finished in slightly less than two days. Fiona allocated her reserve funds for unforeseen circumstances to reimburse the stable attendant, paying a total of ten sil, five sil for each horse. Grant was designated to ride alone, whereas she and Reo were to embark on the other one.

Despite being trained to handle and ride any transportation, Fiona decided to keep the remaining money for future emergencies rather than purchasing another horse. An explorer must always have a good amount of emergency funds.

She recalled a time when Blue Dawn went bankrupt while purchasing their gear. Grant's entire set alone was enough to buy them four set meals! They also had to think of maintenance and repairs, and as a group of coppers, their earnings weren't all that great. Currently, the amount of sil they had was in the thirties.

A dark cloud loomed over the city, shrouding the entire area in brief shadows. The exquisite Imperial Palace–serving almost like a watchtower among the land–lingered in Fiona's view as the horses galloped onto a bridge leading to the southern gate. There weren't that many travelers this time around, spanning only a handful. While her group traversed the left side of the section, Fiona disregarded them.

They dismounted their horses immediately upon entering, having verified their identities with the city guards and being granted access. Some folks that were passing by spared them a glance, but quickly resumed their own business. Other than that, Valis was just as lively with the shouting vendors, swarming streets, and chatty folk. She was glad to be here and not some infested swamp.

Fiona caressed her back as she neared her friends. "Man, I hate riding horses. Anyway, you two can take him to the stables while I go to the Explorer Guild and inform Celeste and Selena about the contract. You're free to come over after–"

"I'll pass," Reo interjected. "I don't want to be in the same room as your aunt. Her gaze reminds me of a lioness eyeing her next meal. I'll just go home and laze around."

"As for myself, I have urgent matters to attend to with my father. Today is one of his idle days, therefore I should make the most of it. I am unsure of when I will return, thus please do not wait for me." Suddenly, Grant's horse snorted as it nudged the man's cheek. "It appears that he is famished. Since we are on a timer, we will take our leave. You can inform us what happened later."

"Yeah, I'll go do that. I don't want to keep you guys waiting, so I'll be going now."

With a wave of goodbye, she pivoted on her heels and burst into a light jog. Traveling through the Outer Market was a joyful experience; passing by all the different stalls and taking in the scent of fresh bread and smoked meat hung on sticks. The families arrived with cheerful expressions, discussing their plans for the exciting day ahead with their children in tow. Compared to the Inner Market, it was much louder and had a friendly atmosphere going about.

Memories of Tyrus' first day in Valis resurface as she watches the children pointing and scanning the marketplace. He too had an expression of awe as his eyes sparkled whenever he laid his sights on something new. The boy had expressed his lifelong desire to witness the imperial capital, and she sensed he was thoroughly content with the experience.

Oh, that's right! The monthly exam should be tomorrow. Tyrus should be arriving today or the next day.

Fiona meant business as she warned him of being forcibly taken back to the guild if he didn't show up. Just like her, he was excited about the event. Granted, he was given the chance to become a member at a young age. Considering his unwavering determination to enlist solely for financial gain and physical prowess, it would be peculiar for him to overlook it. Although they hadn't known each other for long, she felt a bit of responsibility over him. She brought him along and offered him an avenue to achieve his goals.

"Oh, I'm here," she muttered. The Explorer Guild building overshadowed her as she approached its doors. Every so often, a person's silhouette would flit past through the windows, while the boisterousness of explorers echoed through the walls. Without wasting any more time, she pushed forward and swung them open, scanning the interior.

The first thing she recognized was the long line at the front desk, manned by the receptionist, Celeste. She had a smile reminiscent of a leisurely, sunny day as she inspected the materials brought in by an explorer group. Once Celeste looked up from her work and caught sight of her, she waved; Fiona returned the favor and walked up to her.

"Sorry to interrupt, but it's very important; it's about the investigation contract I accepted with Blue Dawn. I'm afraid something serious is happening in the Wasteful Wetlands and I need to inform Selena about it. Is she in her office?"

Celeste shifted aside the fangs and crystals in her grasp. "You've arrived just in time. She is currently in her office, but I'm afraid she is with a few… guests. From their appearance and her company, it's clear that you know them. Branch Leader Selena hasn't notified me to bar anyone from entering, so you're free to go."

"…Okay, that sounds a little suspicious. Few people are allowed in there. Anyway, thank you, Celeste. Don't overwork yourself!"

Uninterrupting her labor, Fiona progressed beyond the row of adventurers stationed at the contract board. Several people gave her a blend of stares and disinterest before refocusing on the board. During her climb up the steps, she reflected on the person Selena was conversing with.

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People of importance were usually the ones she spoke to inside her office. Given Celeste's statement that it was someone she knew, only a select few individuals match the description. Fiona's circle was rather small to start with, and Grant and Reo are evidently present at the stables currently. Those who held significance to Selena and whom Fiona was familiar with–it could only be them. Deep down, she had hoped she was wrong.

In a few minutes, Fiona was standing in front of her aunt's office. Audible to her through the door were the muted voices of Selena and her guests. Judging by the voices, she heard one female voice. Shortly thereafter, she caught wind of another voice, male in nature, that caused her body to tense up. The voice was so cold and bereft of feeling that it might as well have come from a Lich's mouth.

Fiona's hand trembled as she was about to touch the knob. Irritated with her own actions, she seized the disobedient limb and drew in long breaths. After the trembling reduced to sporadic shakes, she held up her arm and gave the door three soft knocks. The muffled voices soon stopped, and a feminine voice spoke from beyond.

"Come in."

She followed along and opened the door slowly, poking her head through the cracks. As soon as her eyes adjusted to the new room, her eyes landed on the people occupying the space. A lump formed in her throat as she walked in.

Selena, clad in her typical garb as a branch leader, was seated stoically on her chair. Her hands were curled together, and she stared straight ahead. Seated before her were two red-haired males in formal attire, occupying the two chairs close to her desk.

One was a boy five years younger than Fiona. His face wore a smirk that suggested he was a troublemaker who found joy in tripping old ladies. Upon catching sight of Fiona's scowl, he emitted a chuckle that shattered the stillness.

As for the other, Fiona didn't have to even look at him to know who it was. The man's stance was unwavering and upright, with hair slicked with oil. His attention was sorely on Selena as if he was waiting for her to speak, completely disregarding Fiona's presence.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the very embodiment of failure! Who gave you the right to enter a branch leader's office so casually?"

Fiona scowled at the boy. "Igneal… Why are you here?"

He shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? One good look at I and Father's clothes should be enough even for you."

She paused for a moment. Their regal attire indicated that they were meeting someone of high importance. Father wouldn't give just anyone the type of day; let alone wear attire one would wear in front of those higher or equal to him. The only conceivable motive for their visit to the imperial capital was to have a meeting with His Majesty.

"So you're here to meet with His Majesty at the Imperial Palace? Is it because of the assassinations and the Beastfolk Kingdom?"

Gradually, her father swiveled his head and fixed his vacant stare on Fiona. A frisson of shivers engulfed her as he parted his lips. "It's quite bold of you to interrupt the meeting of the Lockhart family head. Have you not been instructed in manners?"

Before she had a chance to speak, Family Head Lockhart swiftly stood up. "I think it would be appropriate for me to bid farewell. As previously discussed, Selena, I entrust Igneal to your care in the meantime. Make certain he is acquainted with Valis and properly cared for. I will be visiting to check up on him from time to time. Do not worry about his finances; I will take care of it."

Twisting, he settled a firm hand on Igneal's shoulder. "Conduct yourself in a fitting manner; I expect great things from you, Igneal. Display no vulnerability and crush those who have the audacity to obstruct your path."

"Don't worry, Father. I have not forgotten what you have taught me. I'll make it a point to demonstrate that a Lockhart is not to be trifled with.”

Appearing content with his response, Family Head Lockhart withdrew his hand and confidently walked by Fiona, not bothering to acknowledge her presence. The door shut with a hushed click, and the sound of footsteps faded into the distance. Her arm trembled again, but she clenched it and sighed.

"Apologies, Fiona," said Selena. Regrettably, I neglected to inform you he his arrival to Valis for crucial affairs with His Majesty. It is as you have guessed; he was summoned to discuss the rising tension in Dharmere. However, his stay will be short-lived as he's departing tomorrow.”

Fiona stood there in silence. It wasn't surprising to her that father treated her with indifference. He had always been like that for as long as she could remember. The only times he would show emotion at all is with those who are strong and have displayed immense potential, traits he did not see within her. Because of that, he tossed her aside like trash to live in Valis alongside her aunt. It was customary for him to depart without bidding farewell or even glancing at her one last time.

"It's alright, aunt. You have a lot on your plate, and I get that. It's not worth bothering me.” To prove her point, Fiona walked forward and sat on the available chair. From the corner of her eye, she could see Igneal grinning at her. She ignored him and cleared her throat.

"I came here as quickly as I could once I finished the investigation contract sent from Lullin. To keep it short, my friends and I discovered corrupted mana coming from within the Wasteful Wetlands. We have suspicions that an artifact inside the zone is causing nearby beasts to become more hostile. Furthermore, there were some things that we found odd."

Fiona quickly started to elaborate to Selena about the questionable caravan that was traveling through Toad Hollow and by Lullin. Men who showed alarming actions by avoiding rest at Lullin and wearing clothing that emitted an aura of danger.

Selena affirmed with a nod as Fiona wrapped up her report. "That is indeed worrisome. It would be fair to assume that these men might be responsible for the corrupted mana and the beasts. In fact, it actually explains some information I was given a few days ago."

"What's this about corrupted mana and hostile beasts?" Igneal asked. "You should tell me more, Aunt Selena. Perhaps I can fix the problem single-handedly. If Fiona was unable to take action, then I certainly can."

"Alright, time out." Fiona turned and glared at Igneal. "Why in Sthito's name are you still here and what did Father mean by, I leave Igneal in your hands for the time being? It almost sounds like you'll be living here for a while."

Instead of a definitive answer, all he did was grin maniacally. It was a slow realization that dawned on Fiona as her lips parted.

"No… Don't tell me."

He nodded. "Since my home is far from Valis, traveling to the imperial capital would be a hassle. So, as he discussed with Aunt Selena, they came to the agreement that it'd be best to live with her for the time being. As for why, it's because I'll be attending Valis Academy of Sorcery."

Fiona was denied the opportunity to react to the dreadful news before a knock sounded, followed by an entrance. In the distance, the noise downstairs appeared to intensify to a deafening degree.

“Please forgive my abrupt intrusion, Branch Leader Selena, but this matter is of utmost importance. The young man called Tyrus came in looking quite ragged. In addition, it appears that he has encountered some difficulties with Family Head Lockhart. I’m afraid you’ll have to intervene.”