[Book II Chapter 126] ROSE: A Brief Interlude
------------------------------------------------
Rose, Roxanne, and Dawn sat sipping their drinks above Messanic’s boisterous streets. This establishment, the Explorer’s Cafe, specialized in serving adventurers and the outdoor terrace was only accessible by leaping across the rooftops. It was a great spot to avoid the crowds.
“The mood has changed.” Dawn observed.
There was an air of jubilation in the city. The Hero Barsal Farran had arrived, and anxiety about Messanic’s safety had been quelled. After weeks of enduring Mount Gulls assaults, it was finally time to strike back.
No one knows about the epic clash between Simon Black and the Laughing Man. Their group had been the only witnesses, and Astra had requested they keep quiet. Rumors will eventually spread regardless. Those on Aery’s floating islands can see the destruction plainly.
“The others are late.” Roxanne said. “I hope nothing is wrong.”
“Relax, he seemed fine.” Rose assured. This morning, Carol had taken Zentrias to check for any leftover ill effects from Nuzou’s Talons. They were waiting to hear the results. Come to think of it, I should’ve asked Wise. Unfortunately, her brother was on a date with his girlfriend.
It hadn’t been just a worn out Zentrias awaiting them, but Lucy as well. Apparently, she’d come to personally report a concern with Neon’s security. Her presence probably explain why Wise had chosen to accompany them.
“Here they are.” Dawn announced as Carol and Zentris dropped down on the terrace. “Well, what was the verdict?”
“I got a clean bill of health to resume adventuring.” Zentrias revealed.
“So no issues?” Roxanne asked.
“Mostly,” Carol answered. “There were residual traces left on his soul which will last until a new owner claims the artifact. Supposedly they’re too faint to have an impact, but I don’t like it.”
“It’s not all bad.” Zentrias chimed in. “By monitoring this connection, we’ll be able to tell when Simon passes Nuzou’s talons off to another.”
“How can something so small be any consolation!” Carol exclaimed, the irritation clear in her voice. She’d been relieved to discover Zentrias alive but had yet to recover from the traumatic experience.
“It matters to me.” Zentrias said softly. “I indirectly played a role in those cursed gauntlets falling into the wrong hands. Providing a warning to the world when they resurface would ease my conscious.”
“You don’t need to be so hard on yourself.” Rose offered. “It wasn’t your mistake alone.”
Zentrias shook his head. “I ended up placing Yuria in danger. If anything had happened to her because of my incompetence…” He trembled slightly. Behind him, Carol looked away with a pained expression.
“Here they are.” Dawn observed. Rose was impressed to watch Lucy make the jump over to them without Wise’s help. She’s less weak than I imagined.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
“By the way, Silver and Kate said hi.” Wise said.
“They’re here?” Rose couldn’t help glancing around, scanning their surroundings.
“They’ve left already, sorry.” Lucy added.
“Did you have a nice date?” Dawn broke in.
The couple fidgeted bashfully. “We had a wonderful time.” Wise admitted. “And there’s still the afternoon.”
“We’ve got to make the most of it before tonight.” Lucy agreed smiling.
This caused Rose to frown. “What’s happening tonight?”
“I’m departing with you for Garnen.” Wise sighed. “Lucy is convinced it’s become too dangerous for me to gallivant around the wilderness with the Laughing Man hunting me.”
“And I must return to Neon.” Lucy said “I’ve probably left Sana alone too long already.”
“Hold up.” Dawn broke in. “What’s this about Garnen?”
Wise paused for a second. “Oh, Zentrias hasn’t told you yet…”
They all turned to the man in question. “Cindy Omen contacted me.” He revealed. “The Grey Kingdom is planning a major attack coinciding with the assault on Mount Gull, and she’s requesting assistance. Since she used a wish seed to save my life, I felt indebted and accepted. Of course, you’re all free to make your own decisions——”
“No need.” Rose interrupted. “We’re all going, right Wise?” Her brother nodded. By his side, Lucy stared at her with reproachful eyes.
The piercing gaze wore into Rose until she was compelled to ask, “Did I do something?”
“You have an annoying habit of tracking down Wise at inconvenient times whenever there is something you’re burning to know.” Lucy accused quietly.
“When have——” Rose objected.
“In more futures than I could count.” Lucy snapped back.
Rose’s mouth dropped. I’m being blame for actions never taken? She ignored Dawn chuckling, voicing her indignation. “This is an injustice!”
“Yet it’s the truth, same as every word I speak.” Lucy declared. “On that note, I’ll make clear Wise belongs to me for the rest of the day. If you have anything to ask, now is your window of opportunity.” Even if you put me on the spot…
“Astra is too busy to meet with us.” Wise added. “So you can question her through me.”
“Then when does the Mount Gull operation begin?” Rose asked, getting into the spirit.
“In two days.” Wise replied. “Three at most. The time for Astra to gather the Guild’s scattered forces and for Aery to send a contingent of immortals.”
“Aery is finally involving itself?” The surprise in Dawn’s voice was palpable. “Why?”
“Because of Barsal Farran.” Wise explained. “It would be humiliating to allow him to solve a problem on their doorstep without making a contribution. Then there is also his sublime vagary, ‘Indomitable Legions’. Its passive strengthens everyone who fights by his side, regardless of allegiance. It’s too good an opportunity to pass up.”
“What’s the battle plan?” Dawn asked.
“That hasn’t been finalized.” Wise answered.
“Why did Barsal Farran travel so far from his empire?” Rose asked. “Wasn’t there a civil war on his doorstep?”
“His descendant Anthem, who we met on the Isle, is on the verge of leading a military force to quash that conflict.” Wise replied. “Due to his oath forswearing conquering, Barsal Farran is washing his hands of the endeavor by coming to aid us here.”
That’s a stroke of luck for us. There was no telling how long it would’ve taken to organize the assault without this catalyst.
“Has Salazar Rook’s patron been located yet?” Lucy asked. Everyone glanced over confused. “It’s Rose’s question a minute into the future. I’m just speeding things up.”
“He hasn’t, but there are several territories suspected of having fallen under his influence.” Wise answered. “With the rumored atrocities occurring, this is shaping up to be one of his worst incarnations.”
“What are Silver and Kate up to?” Lucy immediately followed up with, and, again, her boyfriend dutifully provided the reply.
So that’s how it’s going to be. Rose buried her outrage and focused on listening, afraid to miss something vital. Meanwhile, Lucy and Wise continued their bizarre back and forth, one asking questions which were not her own while the other provided answers which were not his own.
Eventually, the information session came to an end. “I believe that’s everything.” Lucy smiled happily, facing to Wise. “Shall we go?”
“See you tonight.” Wise waved, and they jumped away.