After they had finished the meeting, the four of them agreed on an inn to stay in for now, as they didn't want to go back to the mansion to avoid being monitored by the Eldritch.

Vern and Alvyn left the place first to head there, and Irina and Kieran would follow a few minutes later. Before leaving the cover of the buildings, Vern put on his straw hat.

»I don't like this«, Alvyn said as they traversed the streets next to each other.

»Hmm? What do you mean? I thought it went quite well.«

»Yeah … but I don't like that we're keeping so much a secret. I don't understand why we're doing this in the first place.«

Vern thought about this a moment as he wasn't entirely sure himself.

»It's much easier this way«, he replied. »Imagine I have to tell them everything that happened to me. How would they react? Would they believe me? Maybe they would take action that could devastate our objectives. For example, if they decided to investigate the mountains and unleash what lies within before we're ready to deal with it.«

Alvyn sighed. »Yes, you're right. It's just so exhausting to do this, and I can tell they don't believe your story anyway.«

»Well, they don't have to. All we need to show is that we can handle this mission successfully, and I doubt they'll inquire further then.«

Alvyn stopped, looking at Vern with a serious expression. »Do you feel ready for this? Do you think you can fully recover in time? If not, we can also handle this without you since we get those busted mana rings to work with.«

»I'm doing quite alright«, Vern assured him. »You don't need to worry about me.«

But Alvyn kept staring. »You would tell me if you were troubled, right? I somehow feel like you wouldn't.«

Vern smiled in response. »I'm alright, really. Don't forget that I've lived a few more years than you have, so I've learned to deal with … certain things.«

Still, Alvyn didn't seem convinced but also didn't insist any further and continued walking.

They reached the inn they'd decided on. After booking four rooms, they waited for Kieran and Irina to arrive.

Eventually, Kieran stepped through the front door.

»Quite busy the sky today. Even the people on the streets have noticed«, he said after joining the other two.

»Hmm … where's Irina?«, Alvyn asked.

»Don't worry. She said she wanted to buy some stuff, so we split up.«

»Oh, ok.«

They hung around the bar on the bottom floor, waiting for Irina to arrive so they could eat something together. Alvyn was interested in the booze some guests consumed, but Vern told him not to try it out before the mission was completed.

After an hour, Irina arrived, and they went out to eat and spent the rest of the day in the city.

In the evening, Vern went to his room early as he wanted to recover fully before the day that mattered. He pumped all the mana he had into his ring, trying to fill it up as much as possible before he needed it again. As the mana left his body, he collapsed on the bed, totally exhausted. With his body wavering, so did his mental fortitude, and the images he had suppressed for so long entered back into his consciousness.

The body parts were all over the floor, the blood everywhere, and the smell he would never get out of his nose again. The number of people dead in his second life while being perfectly fine in his first life had drastically increased – from two to at least 29. He couldn't take this lightly. All this blood was on his hands, and he would better have something to show for it in the end. What if all this was for nothing? What if all he had done was make things worse? It sure looked like it at this point. He closed his eyes, trying to banish these images, trying desperately to fall into a dreamless sleep. Although he had the option to share how he felt with Velvet, he didn't want to burden him. After all, this was exclusively the result of his decisions, so he was the only one that needed to bear its consequences.

They all slept in the following day, and Vern headed downstairs around noon. He hadn't slept particularly well, but the sheer amount was at least somewhat refreshing. The others already waited for him, and together they went to eat breakfast. Afterwards, they checked their equipment and improved some elements by each going on a shopping spree. Later, they met up again to eat together. The day passed quickly, and with each hour their interactions became less joyful and more serious.

Around evening, an unexpected visitor appeared in the inn. Vern and Alvyn were called downstairs, where their father awaited them.

»I wanted to speak to you before tomorrow«, he said after they had greeted each other. »Follow me.«

They walked towards a corner that wasn't occupied and sat down on one of the tables.

»Tomorrow, I want the both of you to give your best«, Grewis began. »If you succeeded with this and Vern's strength was recognized, it would greatly improve our standing in comparison to the other dukes.«

Now Vern understood why his father hadn't been bothered by his involvement, and he didn't know if he liked where this was going. After all, it might create conflicts that hadn't existed previously.

»What do you mean?«, Alvyn asked. »Why is this getting political?«

Grewis smiled. »Everything is political. It always has been. If our bloodline had two heroes instead of one, we would rise above the other two families in power and recognition. That's why I want you to make sure this will be a success. Especially you…« He looked at Alvyn. »You need to assure that your brother takes center stage in dealing with this threat. So leave the final blow to him, if possible, and stay in the background.«

Alvyn grimaced but didn't object. Grewis took that as a yes and turned to Vern. »Do you think you can do this?«, he asked, eying him up. »This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but knowing you, I am sure you'll handle it, right?«

Vern nodded. »I'm ready for this. But dealing with the Eldritch comes first. We won't risk it getting away only for me to look good.«

»Well, I am sure you can do both at the same time«, Grewis replied and stood up. »Just don't forget. This for your future … and our family's.«

They watched him leave before Alvyn spoke up. »Why do I always get the criticism? This isn't fair. You've been involved in many more crazy things than I have.«

Vern shrugged. »Don't take it to heart, and don't pay his words any heed. We won't change our strategy because of political ambitions.« He patted his brother on the back and stood up. »Want to taste one of those beers?«

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Hearing this, Alvyn's mood instantly changed, and they headed to the bar in this building.

»You got a lot of experience with this?«, Alvyn asked as they occupied a free spot. »I thought no drinking before tomorrow.

»Well, yes, some experience. So I know that one mug won't matter much. But no more than that.« He looked at Alvyn strictly, who didn't know what he was talking about. They ordered one each and quickly emptied it halfway. Vern decided to inform Irina and Kieran what they were up to, leaving the bar just for a moment. As he returned with them in tow, he noticed that Alvyn's mug had remained about half full, although he could have sworn it looked a little different. But Alvyn carried it off well, so Vern let it slide. Kieran also ordered one mug, while Irina decided to stay completely sober.

The mood lightened quickly, too quickly, and Vern had to stop Alvyn from ordering more. They left the bar so he wouldn't be tempted any longer and took one of the empty tables. After ordering some food, they had their dinner in this place, and non of their conversations revolved around tomorrow. Everyone felt light-hearted.

A few hours passed, and Alvyn's eyes were the first ones to fall shut frequently.

»Guess at least we know now that beer is the cure for your restlessness at night«, Kieran commented as Alvyn's head sunk to the table.

»Totally not true.« His muffled reply was bearly audible.

Kieran smiled at Vern and Irina. »I'll escort him upstairs. Mind if you bring our things to the counter too?« He pointed at their empty plates and mugs.

»No problem«, Vern replied. »We'll handle it.«

As Kieran slowly dragged Alvyn off the table and onto his feet, Vern started to pile empty dishes on top of each other.

»Can … can you wait here for a moment?«, Irina asked while doing the same.

Vern looked up, confused but nodded.

»Thanks, it won't take long.« She took her dishes along as she vanished upstairs. While waiting, Vern cleaned up the rest of the table and sat down again. Irina appeared shortly after, carrying a wrapped package with her. She smiled as he sat down opposite Vern and shoved the package to him over the table.

»This … is for you«, she said in a low voice, and when Vern raised his eyebrow, she added. »For your birthday, it'll be soon, right?«

»Ah, thanks. Yes, but it's still some time.«

»Yes, I know. But we'll enter the bailiwick tomorrow, and I thought this might be useful.«

Vern looked at the package in front of him. He couldn't guess what was in it and started to unwrap it slowly, with Irina watching him closely. His finger made contact with the leather, and Vern inspected the scabbard.

»It's specifically made for your kind of sword«, Irina explained. »I asked Alvyn how his scabbard was made so it wouldn't get cut by his sword, and this one has the same design.«

Vern smiled happily. »Thanks a lot. That's indeed going to be very useful.«

Since he had only checked on his equipment today, he hadn't had the time to order something like this, and it was much better than the secondhand one he had planned to use for now.

Seeing Vern liking his present, Irina smiled as well. »If you don't like the design, I can get you a different one later and–«

»No, no, it's perfect«, Vern interrupted, and her smile broadened, mesmerizing him. After staring awkwardly at her for a moment, he cleared his throat. »Now that we're here … I also wanted to talk about something before tomorrow.«

He looked at Irina, and she nodded, her face serious again.

»I am a little concerned, to be honest«, Vern continued. »Well, Alvyn's and Kieran's weapons are both excellent for close-range combat, and mine is too. Last time, the Eldritch got close to you, and this time it might happen again.« He paused, looking into Irina's beautiful eyes, while he stripped one of the rings off his finger under the table. »Therefore, I wanted to give you this.«

He brought out the ring from beneath, and Irina stared at it with wide eyes. Vern heard laughter in his head, making him realize this looked not like he wanted it to.

»It's … it's for your protection«, Vern explained, dropping the golden ring onto the table like it was on fire. »Nothing more. It's the kind of ring I wore when I died, so it might protect you as well.«

Irina nodded and carefully picked up the ring to look at it. »You sure you want to give this to me?«, she asked.

Vern nodded vehemently. »Yes. It might protect you, and I think out of the four of us, you're the most vulnerable in this operation.«

»How does it work exactly.« She drove her finger over the red gem.

»Well, I don't know to be honest«, Vern replied, hoping she would take it as he couldn't read her expression. »But it protected me by just wearing it when I died – well, at least the other one did. If it still works, which I don't really know, you'll be sent back about seven years in time.«

»Seven years …«, Irina repeated still eying the ring. »That sounds way too crazy to imagine.«

»Yeah, it is. If it happens, just look for us and tell us like I did. We'll make sure that we'll succeed without casualties the second time around.«

Irina smiled. »I don't feel like I can take this«, she said, and as she saw Vern wanting to interject, she continued. »But I'll borrow it for as long as we're in there. Then I'll give it back to you.«

Vern was relieved and nodded. It was technically her's in the first place, but Vern didn't think this was the right time to mention it. After the threat was dealt with … then was the time to deal with these kinds of things.

He watched while Irina put the ring on her left ring finger, and his heart pounded faster.

»Now everyone will think that I'm married«, she joked but looked very serious when saying it. »Anyway, what about next weekend then?«

Vern blinked at her, confused.

»I mean the theatre visit we talked about. Kind of a lot has happened, so it does feel like it's been that long.«

He remembered what they had talked about and that this was the Sunday they had initially planned to do it on.

»Ah, yes. Sure. We'll see how it fits in our schedule, but I think we'll have enough downtime after this.«

»Great.«, Irina said, looking at the ring on her hand again. »Who … whose is this?«, she quietly asked, catching Vern off-guard. He could have faint ignorance but didn't feel like it was fair.

»Well … if you mean who used to wear it in my previous life … then I would say the ring has found its rightful owner.«

Irina nodded without looking up. Vern couldn't tell how this situation would develop, so he added. »But it doesn't matter. It's not the same life, so the future still holds all possibilities.«

»Yes, that's right«, Irina said and looked up. »I … I want to see if it can be the same. So let's just try, and maybe it will still work out.«

»Yes, of course«, Vern replied, taken aback by her straightforwardness. Though, why was he surprised, really? After all, he knew her quite well. »We'll go to the theater and spend more time together.« He didn't want to pressure her as this was a weird situation to be in, and he didn't mind Velvet mocking him in his head for his lame reply.

»I would like that very much. Thanks for the ring again. I'll make sure to keep it safe.«

»I know you will.«

Vern didn't want to awkwardly sit in silence so he stood up. »I'll go to bed now, good night and sleep well.«

Irina nodded and flashed a smile at him while her attention stayed on the ring. She stood up as well, and they walked upstairs. After they had separated into their individual room, a voice that had been quite active this evening spoke up again. ›You sure you don't want to invite her into your room?‹, Velvet asked.

Vern grimaced. ›What is wrong with you … you're so … anyway, that's a topic we'll eventually need to talk about. How can we make it so that I have at least some privacy?‹

As an answer, he received laughter. ›Privacy? You mean with me in your body? How do you think that's going to work out?‹

›I don't know.‹ Vern jumped into his bed, tackling the mattress and wishing he could do that to this cheeky fox. ›You can't tell me that isn't possible. Otherwise, I might have to get rid of you.‹

›Hmph, what does that mean? Haven't I saved your life countless times at this point? You would already be more than dead if it weren't for me.‹

›Yes, yes, I know.‹ Vern sighed and undressed on his bed, snuggling himself into the blanket. ›I didn't mean it like that. I just want … some privacy, at least sometimes.‹

›Well, it doesn't work like that‹, Velvet replied. ›I'm always there.‹

›But when I woke up after the attack on the fort, you weren't with me. You were downstairs, weren't you?‹

›Well, yes. But that was just for a really short time. I was already about to get bored and come up right before you slammed your head into the door.‹

Vern rolled his eyes. He wasn't sure how seriously Velvet took his request. With tomorrow's operation, he decided to talk about it another time as he didn't want to jeopardize their relationship for now. ›Ok, I understand. On another note, what do you think about tomorrow? Do you think it will even show up?‹

›Well, I don't know anything about them, really‹, Velvet replied, his tone was definitely serious now. ›It might be possible it won't, but at least it won't have an army at its disposal after you've destroyed the core.‹

›I just hope we don't have to try to catch it for years. Everything is already crazy enough, and things are developing so fast. I don't want to spend all my time on this.‹

›Oh? How do you want to spend your time exactly, and with whom?‹

›That's not what I meant…‹ Vern gave up on striking up a serious conversation tonight. Apparently, Velvet's mind was way too fixated on unimportant things. So Vern rolled over and closed his eyes, pumping all his mana into the ring. ›Good night, please wake me up in time.‹

Velvet didn't reply, but Vern knew that he at least refrained from fooling around when it wasn't the time for it.