“Are you sure it’s okay for me to sit with Your Majesty?” Jain asked, her voice hushed as she glanced around the restaurant. “I know titles aren’t supposed to matter in this city-state, but you’re still a queen.”
Vionette and Noa snapped back from their private, mental conversation. Their eyes drifted toward Jain, who sat caught between her ingrained etiquette and the lawless air of Cirelith.
“It’s fine, dude. Don’t sweat it,” Noa said, offering a casual smile. “Whether we’re here or back in Crimvane, we don’t really care much for formalities to begin with.”
Jain blinked, her gaze shifting to the man beside the queen. “And you are…?”
“This is Noa Ravel,” Vionette said, extending a hand toward him as if presenting a rare jewel. “My partner.”
“Ah! I’ve heard rumors about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty,” Jain said, bowing her head slightly.
Ravels… I’ve never heard of a noble house by that name. He must be a commoner. But how did a commoner with no visible aura become her partner? She scanned him further. He has to be hiding it.
“We’re here to dig up some info on… well, certain things,” Vionette said, her chin dipping slightly as her eyes sharpened. “Since we’re sharing a table, would we have the chance to know what brought you all this way?”
Jain stared at the two of them for several long seconds, her silence lingering like a heavy curtain. She was weighing the risks. She knew the history—how Crimvane had swallowed both Aurelyth and Eryndor in a single gulp. The architects of that upheaval were sitting right in front of her, enjoying a casual meal.
If they decide to help, we can end this investigation in half the time and save so many more people, Jain thought. It would be perfect if they decided to help out of the goodness of their hearts.
With a long, weary sigh, she closed her eyes and made her choice.
“About a week ago, in the northern kingdoms that follow our Goddess Liara, we started getting these reports,” Jain began, her voice tightening. “Civilians vanishing out of nowhere, people suffering from strange emotional distortions… a dozen different nightmares. We searched everywhere, but we couldn't catch them.”
“And then the problems stopped there and started popping up here in the Information City,” Vionette added, taking a bite of her meal. “So you followed the trail, hoping to catch the bastards responsible.”
Jain’s expression shifted slightly. She got right to the point. She’s way sharper than the stories suggested.
“Yes. I’m here representing the Church of Liara, and the knights were sent by the kingdoms to assist me. We have to find the cause before more lives are thrown away on whatever altar these people are building.”
<‘Information City’? Does this city-state have all the info in the world or something?> Noa asked telepathically.
<Well, yes and no. Cirelith is only a branch of the guild, so not all the information in the world is here… no one will ever be able to gather all the knowledge in this world anyway.>
<Huh?>
“Could it be like what happened in Blackmoor?” Noa asked, turning in his seat to look at Rose, who stood dutifully behind them. “You know, that monster stuff from before.”
Rose shook her head softly. “I doubt it, My Lord. Those monsters aren't something that can be contained like this. If it were them, this city would already be reduced to ruin. This feels… quieter.”
“Aha… I guess you’re right.” Noa turned back, looking almost disappointed.
“We’ll help you out,” Vionette said with a sudden, breezy smile. “We’re here anyway, and it’s not like we can just sit back and watch innocent people get slaughtered while we’re on vacation, right?”
“You… you will?” Jain’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “That’s perfect! I’d really appreciate the help, Your Majesties!”
While Jain was swept up in relief, Rose remained a statue of icy skepticism. Her face was a blank slate, but inside, she was practically vibrating with exasperation.
Noa wore a wicked grin. She’s such a pushover. Even I can see how easy it is to lead her along.
“Don’t worry about it,” Noa said aloud, his voice dripping with warmth and faux-heroism. “Helping people is basically the first rule in my handbook.”
Like hell it is! Rose wanted to scream, her fingers tightening their grip on the fabric of her dress.
“Anyway, if we’re done here, we should probably get moving,” Vionette said, standing up as she finished the last of her meal. “We’ll see you tomorrow to talk further. We still need to find an inn to stay at. And Jain… when I see you tomorrow, leave the ‘Your Majesty’ at the door. It’s so annoying.”
“W-wait!” Jain called out, reaching toward them. “I know it’s not exactly what a royal is used to, but if you come to the inn we’re staying at, we can offer you protection. It’s a good one, too.”
Vionette and Noa stopped mid-step.
“…Protection?” Noa turned around, his sweet, innocent smile returning in full force as he chuckled. “That would be just great. We’d feel so much safer.”
***
The group made their way toward the inn. Jain led the way while Noa and Vionette walked side by side behind her, taking in the sights more like two tourists than conquerors.
Kaelen brought up the rear, while Rose carried the luggage with effortless grace. The knights moved in a perimeter around them, their armor clanking in a steady, rhythmic cadence.
If civilians are disappearing and there are emotional distortions, it’s either some kind of human trafficking or a dumb cult trying to summon some shit, Vionette mused inwardly while maintaining casual banter on the outside.
“The Church of Liara…” Midway through their walk, Vionette muttered softly. “Well, it’s good to go to a church every now and then.”
Jain glanced over her shoulder with a soft laugh. “My sister told me my parents used to say that to her, too.”
“Really? You seem to have good parents then,” Vionette said, but Jain merely turned away without a reply.
But why Cirelith? People only come here for information… That means I can ignore the general public and focus on anyone with access to the restricted archives. But just to be sure… She cast a brief glance at the knights. Perfect. Most of them still haven’t taken their helmets off.
“Jain, I need you and your knights to do something for me,” Vionette said, her voice a smooth purr. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing personal. It’s for the case.”
“Of course, Lady Vionette,” Jain said, turning around. “If you’re helping us, we’ll give you our full cooperation. Just tell us what you need.”
She seems to be smarter than us. It’s always better to follow the lead of someone who actually seems to have a plan.
They stepped into the ground floor of the inn. The dark-wood floors were polished to a mirror shine, gleaming under the soft, white radiance of Aether lights. The walls were decorated with understated paintings, and plush chairs were arranged in cozy clusters for private conversations.
Noa looked at Vionette, trying to decipher what game she was playing now.
“I need you to split your men into groups. Have them go to different parts of the city in disguise and start spreading some rumors,” Vionette instructed.
“…Rumors?” Jain asked, puzzled.
“Trust me. As long as the rumours don’t actually hurt anyone, we’re good,” Vionette said with a lazy wave of her hand.
“Don’t worry, Jain,” Noa chimed in from the side, his tone light as he chuckled. “We would never do anything that puts innocent people in harm.”
“I’ll trust you, then,” Jain said, offering a small, tired smile before turning to the reception counter. “Four more rooms, please.”
“Certainly, please wait a moment,” the clerk said, scanning the ledger. “You’re in luck, we have more than enough space. Please enjoy your—”
“Wait—make it three,” Noa interrupted, holding up three fingers. “Vionette and I will be sharing one.”
“Yes, one room is enough,” Vionette agreed. Then suddenly, her eyes locked onto the receptionist, widening in subtle surprise. “Wait… have I met you before?”
The employee looked up, her expression a mix of restrained confusion and a polite smile. “I don’t believe so, madam. Perhaps you’re thinking of someone else?”
“My bad. I might’ve gotten someone mixed up,” Vionette dismissed it off with a smile.
Behind them, Kaelen had seemingly turned to stone, his face pale with shock at the casualness of the sleeping arrangements. Rose, who had already seen far too much of the ‘lovebirds’, simply patted the knight on the shoulder and let out a long, mournful sigh.
“…You two are married?” Jain asked, her eyes widening as she tried to piece things together.
“N-no! What the hell are you talking about?!” Vionette snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “Do I look old enough to be married?”
“I mean… it’s hard to tell age here since we age so slowly,” Jain said, her voice dropping as she leaned in, curiosity getting the better of her. “So you’re just… having sex without being married?”
“MOTHERFUCKER, WHAT?!”
The unison scream from Noa and Vionette echoed through the rafters, waking sleeping guests and causing the drunks in the corner to faceplant into their tables.
…
The room was dominated by a massive bed dressed in ivory sheets that looked like fresh snow. The furniture consisted of an elegant dresser, a writing desk, and two high-backed chairs.
Vionette stood in the center of the room, barefoot, her toes curling slightly against the cool wood floor. She was idly running her fingers through her hair, which had just been dried by a sequence of simple heat and wind spells.
Once her locks were dry, she walked over and climbed onto the bed, the mattress sinking slightly under her weight as she rested her head against a pillow with her legs crossed.
The door opened, and Noa stepped in, drying his hair with a towel as droplets sprayed from the dark strands.
“The water here is actually warm—way better than the stuff in Cerma,” he said, looking at Vionette as he walked across the room.
Vionette turned to answer him, but the words died in her throat. A crimson blush raced across her face as she stared at him. “W-why are you naked?!”
He was wearing an unbuttoned white shirt that hung open, completely exposing his broad chest and defined abs.
“Fuck you mean ‘naked’?” Noa asked, casting her a bewildered look.
Vionette continued staring at him for several long seconds, her mouth hanging open just a fraction. For a fleeting moment, she was lost in a fantasy of pressing her face against those abs before snapping back to reality.
“Says the one who's basically half-naked in nothing but a shirt,” Noa added, walking over to the mirror to fix his hair.
Vionette sat up, tucking her legs beneath her as she leaned forward on her hands, a sly smile gracing her lips. “Oh really? So do you hate it or love it?”
“Of course I love it. Why the hell wouldn't I?” he said, his eyes meeting her attire through the reflection.
“Noa…” Vionette's tone shifted, a blend of impatience and anticipation. “Come on, stop messing with your hair and get over here already. I want a hug.”
Noa looked back at her. With a smirk, he tossed the towel aside and walked toward the bed. As he approached, Vionette crawled toward the edge before stopping, reaching her hands out to him and playfully sticking her tongue out.
He placed his hands beneath her arms and lifted her effortlessly. As he sat down on the edge of the bed, he captured her lips in a kiss and pulled her onto his lap.
“You gotta hold out a little more, Princess,” Noa said after they parted. “Speaking of which, will we be able to find that magic here?”
“Who knows?” Vionette looked back at him. “If we get lucky, we might find it… though the chances might be low cuz most people don’t use it.”
“Damn… I hate this place already.” Noa tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, leaning in close to inhale her scent with a soft smile. “You smell as good as ever.” He gently nipped at her neck, causing her to shift on his lap, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
“Mmm… enough of that, Noa. Let’s get back to what we were talking about before.”
“I almost forgot. Did you see the details?”
He wrapped his arms tightly around her torso. Holy fuck… touching her smooth skin through the shirt feels too damn good!
“I actually haven’t read the full breakdown myself,” Vionette said, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. “Let’s check it out together.”
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