Who would’ve thought we’d run into Blue Hair back there. I never imagined she’d be in this city after the academy closed. Her only connections to the place would be Iris and Elis. Weird that someone like her would rather go to an entirely new city rather than go back home.
“Wow,” Aisha covers her mouth, “Who would have thought we’d run into her here huh?”
I wonder if she’s a mind reader… It wouldn't surprise me, honestly.
“Does she live here,” Aisha asks.
I shrug, “I don’t know. I never bothered to ask.” More like I never really got the chance to ask her. We hardly talk and when we do, it’s strained to the point where neither of us really has a chance to say anything. Talking to her is rather hard…
Aisha slaps my arm, “What kind of partner are you? You should know most of these things. I feel like I might know more about her than you do!”
“You just might…” I mutter as I rub my arm, “Why’d you invite her to the house? A person like Blue Hair would probably be troubled whether or not to come. Especially since she doesn’t know us very well.” And because I’m there. We still haven’t cleared anything up.
“Well, it was kind of… in the moment. It’s not like I told her she had to come and visit or anything,” Aisha looks at me, “And why do you call her Blue Hair? It seems really rude. Unless it’s a pet name."
“It’s not a pet name. It was just the first thing I called her when we first met.” Though, I didn’t say it to her face. I did try calling Blue Hair by her name before but I reverted back. “Why are we talking about Blue Hair anyway?”
Aisha kicks the snow, “We’re talking about her because out of all the possible things that she or we could be doing, we decided to go to the same store in the same city at the same time. Also, she’s your partner! You should be nicer to her.”
I wave away her remarks, “Former partners. Our little “partnership” ended as soon as the academy shut down. Anyway, let’s go meet up with the others. I’m sure Hilda already has something prepared for us to eat.”
Aisha frowns but says nothing. She and I walk along until we near the Yurfray house. As soon as I see it, I know something is off. There’s no one standing watch outside. Parts of the wall surrounding the small estate have chips in them.
Didn’t Hilda come before us? If that’s the case, then how come I don’t see her anywhere? It stands to reason she would insist on waiting outside or having someone greet us at the gate but the place is eerily quiet. The streets around a noble’s house isn’t always a buzz of activity, however, not a single person is wandering around here.
I stick my arm out, “Aisha.”
“I think so too,” she says, as she gently pushes my hand back. “Something seems wrong, but I don’t see Hilda anywhere. There’s no way she’d leave knowing we were coming.” Aisha stares at the house, worry plastered all over her face.
I'm glad we share the same sentiments.
“Let’s go to the guild and meet up with Istruan and the rest.” Istruan and his party wanted me to go along with them to the guild. They insisted since I was the one who took down most of the goblins that I receive the reward. I turned them down and went with Aisha to the flower shop instead.
We agreed to meet up in the Yurfray house, save for Axel who is staying home for now. This was Istruan’s group’s first time in this city so we offered them a place to stay. They reluctantly agreed. I suppose they feel like they’re taking advantage of me.
I turn to leave but I don’t hear Aisha following. “Are you coming?”
She shakes her head, “I-I’m going inside.”
“No, you aren’t. Something is wrong and no one is around. If we’re in trouble, we can’t call for help. Hilda probably isn’t inside. She’d notice if something was wrong too.” Though I can’t say she wouldn’t go inside, she would definitely worry for Dylan and Aunt Millicent.
“Shouldn’t we at least check? It’ll be quick,” she grabs my arm looking up at me with her pleading eyes.
Should I or shouldn’t I… Well, if she’s going to give me that look, “We’ll take a quick peek inside. If no one answers right away then we leave.”
She nods and pushes the gate. It opens easily, another terrible sign. We walk to the door, Aisha focuses straight ahead while I throw my gaze on every single thing within my range. I check if the sword is still on my back.
We reach the door and Aisha opens it. I close it behind us just in case. She raises her voice and lets out a timid, “hello?” Aisha shifts her weight one foot to another, unable to stay still. She leans into the hallways watching for any signs of life. One minute passes with no answer.
“Aisha,” I say, tapping her shoulder, “We’re leaving now.” She doesn’t want to leave yet, it’s obvious from her expression, but we can’t stay here any longer. I told her how it was going to be.
I grab her by the arm and lead her to the door. I open it then immediately close it. Aisha tilts her head, studying my face.
“Shit,” I turn to her, “Did I slam the door?” I don’t remember if I did or not.
She shakes her head, “You closed it really fast but I didn’t hear anything. Why?”
“We’re headed upstairs.” I drag her along as I climb the stairs and burst into a room, making sure to close the door behind us again. I scan around looking for possible places to hide my sword if need be. There are only a few scenarios in which I end up using it, number one being if Aisha is in danger.
“What’s going on,” she asks, looking around the room as well. “Why are we in here?”
“Check the window,” I throw open the curtains and Aisha’s eyes widen. Two knights stand by the front gate talking.
Aisha covers her mouth, “Do you think they know we’re in here?”
“Maybe,” I answer. I have no idea either.
“C-Could they be here to help us?”
“I don’t know,” The way I see it, they're most likely the ones who emptied this place out. Something like this doesn’t happen without people noticing. I can’t rule out the possibility they’re here to help the Yurfray household… but I get the feeling that’s not it.
“So what do we do,” Aisha clamps her hands together and presses against her chest. “We’ll be okay right?”
“Right,” When it comes to taking down knights, I think it’s impossible for me at this stage. If I had to compare them to something, it would be like facing Carlyle again, except he has armor on this time.
“Aisha,” I grab her by the shoulders, “Are there any backdoors? Is there a way to leave from behind the house without getting noticed?”
She nods, “There’s only one door in the back but it has an additional lock. We’d need a key to open it and after that, we’d be faced with a wall."
Opening and getting over the wall shouldn’t be very difficult, however, it definitely won’t go unnoticed. That’s the problem. I know I can go fast, but Aisha won’t be able to keep up. My ability can’t take two people either…
“Do you think they’ll come inside,” Aisha asks, still looking through the window.
“Hope not,” I say.
So it comes down to a few scenarios. The worst ones being where both of us end up getting captured or both of us getting killed. The best case is where we both escape. I don’t think that one’s too likely unless I pull out this sword or ask for its help...
“H-Hey!” she furiously hits my arm, “Isn’t that Ellar?”
Blue Hair? I rub my eyes. She’s really there.
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“We have to hurry,” Iris says as she runs ahead. Elis and I struggle to keep pace. I never knew Iris could go this fast. She looks tired but she’s not slowing down at all. I didn’t know she’d go this far to help Rainen out. Or maybe she’s more focused on knowing what happened to the Yurfray.
Passing by dozens of people and shops, we eventually hit an area much different from the others. Here, only falling snowflakes and quiet buildings accompany us. The ground shows no footsteps meaning Rainen and his sister didn’t go this way.
“Let’s keep going, it should be right up ahead,” Iris jogs forward and stops in front two armored people, knights. “Hello,” she says, steadying her breath as fast as possible. “What might you two be doing here?”
The two knights look at each other and the one with a red armband steps forward. “It’s none of your concern Miss. You need to leave immediately."
Iris’ aura changes as she produces something from her pocket, a small badge. “I’m Iris Bellard, the second daughter of the Bellard household. My father is the acting commander of the forces in the city.”
The two knights glance at each other again, “My apologies,” the one with the red band bows, “However, I still cannot let you past this point. We have orders directly from the capital to investigate the Yurfray house.”
“Tell me more about it,” she says, straightening herself even more.
“Well,” the knight is silent for a moment, “I suppose I can tell you. The Yurfray are currently under investigation for possible connections with underground groups. There’s no solid evidence as of yet. Both of the Yurfrays who lived in this house have escaped detainment. The two elder brothers and two elder sisters have been brought in but seem to know nothing.”
“I see,” Iris mutters, “Why are you two here today? Shouldn’t these investigations have been done before?”
I look through the gate. There are a few footprints there. Have the knights already been inside, or is it Rainen and his sister’s?
“We have no obligation to answer that question,” the knight says. “Please leave.”
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“They’re leaving,” Aisha bites her lip. “What will we do now?”
Well, so much for hoping they’d get the knights to leave. Time to go with the first plan. “Aisha, let’s head out the back. I don’t know this place very well so you’ll have to lead me to the back door. After that we’ll climb over the wall.”
“C-Climb the wall? A-Are you crazy?” Aisha looks at me as if I proposed the assassination of the emperor.
“Geez, you’re sounding like Blue Hair with all that stuttering,” I give the sword a little tug trying to loosen the white sheet wrapped around it. It’s not on that tightly. I can pull it out quickly if I have to. Otherwise, this is a good note for next time to make it tighter.
Aisha frowns but starts leaving. I stick close to her as we navigate through the building. It’s almost exactly as I remember it, except for the new buildup of dust. I’m getting uncomfortable in here already.
After descending the stairs and going through a few more hallways we exit through the back of the house and make for the wall. The snow slows us down as well as leaving evidence of our existence, not that we didn’t already leave some.
“H-how are we going to get over,” Aisha breathes heavily as she trudges through the snow. There’s a bit more over here than on the streets and the path leading up to the house. Aisha lifts up her skirt just enough so the snow doesn’t wet it but winces when the snow hits her legs.
“I’m going to go first,” I say as I get ready to run, “I’ll get on top of it and give you a hand. Just grab it and I’ll do my best to pull you over.”
“Wait-”
I ignore Aisha’s pleas and run full speed ahead. With one good jump, I manage ahold of the ledge. I sit on top for a second before going onto my stomach and dangling my hand out to her. She stretches as much as she possibly can but just can’t seem to reach. She jumps, and our fingers touch.
“Just a little more Aish,” I try encouraging her. “You can do it.”
“Who’s there?” I hear a voice call out from the house.
Shit, not good. Aisha jumps again and fails. She holds her chest, gathering as much air as she can. Beads of sweat run down her brow despite the chilling temperatures outside. “One more jump, I’ll catch you this time.”
Aisha nods, and with all her mustered strength, jumps. I lean further over the edge and grab her wrist, pulling her up. I tell her to hold tight as I jump off. In Aisha’s state, she won’t be able to run very fast.
Once we hit the ground, I squat down and say, “Get on my back.” but before Aisha can respond, the wall separating the house and the streets is destroyed. Rubble flies everywhere.
I hurry to stand and grasp the sword strapped on my back. Aisha moves behind me as two knights emerge. One has a red band while the other looks to be clad in simple armor. Both have their faces covered.
“Halt,” Red Band says, “Who are you!”
It’ll be hard to play the fool here, though it’s worth giving a shot. I throw my hands in the air, “We aren’t burglars I swear!”
The Red Band and the other knight stay silent, hands on their swords, ready to draw.
“We were curious why the place was so empty… It’s been like that for a while now. There were rumors of an attack but we didn’t believe that would scare a few nobles enough to leave their house.” Is this even working? C'mon, give me a reaction or something! I need more time to think about what might have happened. Nothing inside is damaged so if there was a fight, it happened outside.
“Enough,” the Red Band says, “State your names.”
Real names are no good… The first one that comes to mind, “I’m Dorian, Dorian Gresk. This girl over here is my friend Lily Mill.”
“I see,” Red Band nods. “I hope you won’t mind coming with us to answer a few questions then. Don’t worry, I promise nothing will befall you nor your families so long as what you said before was true.”
Red Band and his partner start walking toward us, their hands still on their swords. Looks like I didn’t fool them. At this rate, we’re going to be caught.
“I’m sorry we lied,” Aisha yells, “I-I’m Aisha Yurfray, a member of this household. I was wondering why it was abandoned. I hope you can tell me more about it. Ah,” Aisha remembers that I lied as well and says, “This person here is my-”
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“Bodyguard,” I say, staring down the knights.
“Hah, I knew it. People with red hair and clothes that nice aren’t very common. She definitely matches the description as well,” the other knight points at me, “State your real name, boy.”
“I’m Rainen Weaver,” I watch their reactions.
“Hmph, well, stand aside. We will be taking that girl into custody. Don’t worry, she won’t be hurt.” Red Band takes a step and I pull out a knife. “Be careful young one. We’re not looking for a fight. If you really are her bodyguard, then you shouldn’t have any problems giving her up to the government, would you? I’m sure her contract doesn’t cover that.”
Good, it looks like they don’t know my connection to Aisha and the rest of the Yurfray. “I understand.” I return the knife back into my bracer and the knights nod.
“Good choice. We promise your mistress won’t be hurt.”
Aisha looks at me as if I betrayed her.
“May I leave?”
The knights look at each other again and nod, “We’d rather not have a fight if possible.”
I nod, turning around. Aisha and the two of them watch me leave. As I reach the corner, I look back. Tears well up in her eyes. Her hands fall away from her chest, from the necklace. The two knights begin moving toward her.
“That went smoothly. I was preparing for a fight there. Sorry miss, but it looks like you need to get better help next time. Your servants inside the house were all pretty loyal.” the knights suddenly turn around.
They've got a fast reaction time. I grab their heads and slam them together, “But not fast enough.” I run to Aisha, pulling her by the hand as she stares dumbfounded. I bend low scratching the surface of the earth and create an earth wall to block their path. They’ll blow right through it but they it’ll at least delay them a little bit, right?
“I-I, I thought you left me.”
“Never,” I say as I lead her down the streets. “It’d be pretty impossible for me to leave you behind.”
Aisha wipes her eyes, “Y-You’re so stupid…”
“My bad.”
“How did you get behind them?”
“My ability. It’s teleportation.”
“Then why didn’t you just teleport us out of there?”
I knew this would happen. “Because I can only teleport myself, plus a few other things. Living things, unless they’re really small, are impossible.” Aisha tries to speak, “Be quiet Aish. Save your breath.”
She doesn’t speak another word as we continue running down the streets. “Do you know where the adventurer’s guild is?” It should be a large building, even in small towns the building has always been one of the biggest but having directions is better than just looking.
“It’s down this road on the sixth right.”
“Fairly specific,” I pull Aisha along, passing dozens of people on the streets. The tall buildings with large windows baring their interiors filled with people mark them as part of the market area. Although the sun is still high, with all these bodies around, it should be easy to lose those knights.
“This one,” Aisha gasps.
I take a hard right. Relief washes over me as I see something familiar in an ever-changing city. The Adventurer’s Guild looks almost exactly like the one back in Aurora. It’s big, three times the size of the houses, with a round top, much like a cap, and a symbol of white wings on the front. I saw it being put onto the one in Aurora before I left.
Once inside, we search for Istruan and his party. They should be by the clerks. However, I soon realize that, although the outside is similar, the inside is broken up differently. Instead of being greeted to an open area filled with tables, chairs, and a place near the back where the clerks are, we’re greeted by boards filled to the brim with paper.
The boards stand against a wall and people dressed in all sorts of gear, from the leather armor Istruan’s group wore wielding lighter weapons like swords, small maces, and recurve bows, to something similar to the knight’s we saw, all gaze at the board looking for their new source of income.
Despite all the horror stories of the new monsters, they have eyes similar to that of a dog seeing its owner for the first time in years. Papers are swiped off the board and brought to the rest of the group, some shake their heads while others nod furiously.
Aisha and I both get swept up in the moment and lose our focus before remembering our reason for coming. “Aisha, where are the clerk desks?” From where I’m standing, I count four doors. If we both go into one, and they happen to be in the other, then we might miss them if they decide to leave. On the other hand, it might not matter because they’ve already left.
“I don’t know,” she admits, “I was never allowed inside. I could only look before Hilda or someone else told me I had to get going or else grandpa and grandma would get mad.”
Okay, “We’ll split up then. I’ll take the two doors on the right and you take the two on the left. We’ll meet back here in ten minutes.” This isn’t looking good. Everything seems to be going wrong today. First the little encounter with someone I’d rather not meet, then the encounter with Blue Hair, who I would also like to avoid, then finding out the place we were going to stay at is totally empty, and now being unable to find our traveling companions. Hilda… She’s missing too.
Right as I thought that, Hilda rushes up to me. “Where is Lady Aisha?”
“She’s just right over there,” I turn and catch up with her. We both listen as Hilda starts explaining to us what she was doing here. Istruan’s party also joins us asking if we’re safe. Istruan sends Kat and Fia to watch for the knights.
From what Hilda says, she headed to the house but ran into another servant. That servant explained to her the current situation and after hearing all of that, ran to inform both Aisha and I. But when she reached the shop, we already left. She then went to the Yurfray house but saw two knights chatting with a group of girls. She figured we had left after seeing how emptied it seemed and came here because she expected this was where we would go.
“I do apologize. I would never have thought you would enter the house,” She bows, “I should have also accounted for the possibility you had not yet arrived and waited around the area if that were the case.”
Aisha puts a hand on her shoulder gesturing for her to stop bowing, “It’s okay Hilda, I would have been worried if you were hurt or caught for our sake.”
“I thank you for the kind words Lady Aisha.”
“So where will we stay now,” I ask. With things the way they are, an inn is the best option. Intruding on Axel would be a terrible idea with how many people we have and how many they have as well.
“That will be no issue,” a grey-haired man sporting a ponytail and a well-trimmed beard bows, “It is good to see you both again, Master Rainen and Lady Aisha.”
“Joseph! You’re okay,” Aisha smiles.
“Same,” I reply. Joseph, the butler that led Hector, Axel, and I around the house the last time we came. He seems no worse for wear. Either he’s always been in a good financial position or the Yurfray investigation happened recently, I can’t say. “So where will we be staying for the night?”
“Yes, of course. I am currently in contact with Lady Millicent and Master Dylan.”
So they are safe. That’s good. Even if my first impression of them was terrible, Dylan redeemed himself in the end and Millicent seems the have warmed up to Aisha in the time I left considering she let her journey to Aurora City.
“Follow me. I shall take you to the place you shall take residence tonight.”
“Who is the owner,” Hilda asks.
“A friend,” Joseph responds.
Emile, the largest one in the group, snorts, “So nobles,” Istruan elbows him and indicates at us with his head. Emile’s eyes widen and he apologizes. “I’m sorry. You showed us a lot of kindness without asking for anything in return. Please ignore what I just said.”
Here we go with the apologies. “Don’t worry about it, we should get going before it gets dark or those knights catch up. The further away we get from them the better.”
Joseph clears his throat, “Well, Master Rainen, I believe the route we will be taking may be leading us back that way.”
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We spend most of the rest of the day looking around more of the city. Elis takes the lead as the tour guide showing me her favorite spots and places to eat. Iris on the other hand, keeps to herself most of the time often lost in thought.
I’m worried about what those knights said too.
Night soon takes over and we return to Iris’ house for the night. The guards standing watch hasn’t changed since we last came. Captain Reggie perks up once he spots us. Iris takes note and studies him as we near the gate.
“What’s up Reggie? You look a little stiff today.”
“Well, Miss Iris, it’s been a rather long day. Standing in full gear isn’t the most comfortable thing to do.”
“Is that so? Well, let’s go inside then,” Iris starts toward the gate and Reggie blocks her path.
“Y-You cannot enter quite yet. Your father still hasn’t said anything about-”
“It’s fine Reggie, let my daughter and her friends in.”
The captain turns around and nods, “Sir,” he opens the gate and Iris glares at him as she walks by. Elis chuckles, muttering, something about his lying skills.
“I see you’ve brought with you a new face. Hello there, I’m Iris’ father. Please just call me Mr. Bellard. Being formal with friends of the house gets rather dreary at times. It really stiffens the atmosphere.”
“G-Good to meet you M-Mr. Bellard,” I shake his hand. “I-I’m Ellar, Ellar Wholehart.”
“Yes, nice to meet you too.”
Iris pats me on the back and gives a thumbs up. I’m glad that went better than expected too, Iris. I now see why Elis likes it here better.
“Now dad, why was Reggie being so stiff over there?”
“Because I ordered him to be. When he told me you arrived in the city, I was glad. I worried about those in Aurora after hearing about an attack not too long ago and the monster crisis. I contacted Elis’ father but he had no information on your well-being either,” he starts back into the house, “Come along and I will show you why I gave Reggie the order.”
The place is like Elis’ house except for the servants all look to be much friendlier.
“This way,” Iris’ dad opens the door and I freeze for the second time today. “These people will be staying with us for the night.”
Iris recoils, “Th-The Yurfray?”
A group of people dressed in exploration gear stand behind a sofa. A woman who looks to be in her late thirties sits next to a young man and girl sharing her same hair color, and that one girl sits next to the odd one out, Rainen.
“Hi,” Aisha stands and bows, “I’m sorry for earlier today.”
The woman with the red hair also stand, “And I apologize for this intrusion.”
“So you know them,” Mr. Bellard looks at us questioningly.
Iris answers, “Yes, the one with the black hair, Rainen, went to our academy.”
“Really? Wonderful. I can ask him a bit about it tonight then,” Mr. Bellard gestures for us to go inside.
I stand in a corner between Iris and Elis.
“Now, I trust Reggie has already told you girls about the Yurfray’s current position,” Mr. Bellard sits down.
“Yes, father.”
Iris seems to have reverted to her professional self.
“I’m sorry I did not tell you before Iris. I was busy handling things. Anyway, as it is, the reason I am taking them in is because I have a personal connection with one of the sons of the Yurfray house, Bengal. If he claims his house did nothing wrong then I am inclined to believe him.” Mr. Bellard takes a drink of his tea. “Thus, I have been harboring the Yurfray for awhile now.”
So that’s how it is. That’s why no one has been able to find them yet. If another noble family, especially one like Iris’ takes them in, then it would be difficult. The only things I know about Iris’ family are from the little pieces she told me along the trip. Her dad has many ties in the military.
I look up and see Rainen also looking at me. I throw my gaze down and try to shrink back further, pushing my face into my scarf.
“However, I regret to inform you, Millicent, that after today I will no longer be able to hide you in this household.”
The woman’s, Millicent’s, face pales but she nods. “May I ask why Mr. Bellard.”
“As it stands, I will be leading a small force down south to scout and repel an enemy army.”
“I understand,” she says nodding once. “We will find another place to stay afterward. Thank you for all you have done so far.”
“I’m sorry I could not do more. Your brother has been very kind to me. He was my mentor for my years in the capital,” Iris’ dad finishes his tea and gets up to leave. “Ah,” he looks at us, “This also means you cannot stay here either.”
Iris furrows her brows, “Why not?”
“Because of recent events and revelations, I have decided it’s not safe for my family in this city when I’m gone. Thus, I will be having you, your brother, and your mother relocate to our estate in the capital.”
“And if I decide I won’t go?”
“I would prefer it if you did Iris. It would put my mind at ease. However, seeing you with your friends now…” his voice trails off, “Well, this can be discussed in the morning. Good night to you all.”
The servants go to Rainen’s group and lead them out of the room. Leaving nothing but tension in the room, Iris stares at the ground, lost in thought again.
“I hope this doesn’t mean we’re going to have to stay at my house,” Elis pouts, breaking the silence. “I like your home much better. If you tell me we’re going to my house in the morning, then I’m not getting out of bed. Your dad will have to tell his men to come pick me up.”
“No offense Elis but I like my house better too,” Iris responds laughing. “I just wonder how I’m going to convince him in the morning that I won’t go to the capital.”
They both look at me. I press myself against the corner, “W-What?”
“Nothing,” they say in unison.
Iris takes my hand, “Let me show you to the room you’ll be staying in if it’s not already taken.”