"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: 8th March 1082
Location: Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
A blond-haired, brown-eyed, Kuranta wearing a stylish sweater and skirt was seen entering a dinner. The dinner was amongst the fanciest ones for middle–upper–css citizens. She had made a reservation and after the usual procedure, was ushered towards one of several private rooms.
Entering it, she found a grey-haired Pythian leaning against the wall while looking outwards towards the city. She is dressed in a really ‘militaristic’ getup but still looks normal enough for everyday wear. Just a pair of long-sleeved sweaters and cargo pants with a matching dark green color.
The Pythian wasn’t even startled, she knew all of it and just waited for her guest to say something.
“Did I make you wait?”
“Eh, I don’t mind really… Long time no see.”
The Kuranta was Nelka Ramona, she was meeting her contractor who happens to be her old friend, best friend to be exact. She is none other than Nyx, the infamous Grey Serpent.
“Well, things had been rather hectic. Thankfully, Richard has no problem helping me from time to time…”
“I would never thought that a farm girl managed to snag herself a man of respectable stature. Kinda sounds like stuff you only find in novels and those sappy shits.”
“Well, Richard is nice. He had approached me with nothing but his name and skill, at first. Of course, you always caution me, but it turns out he is genuine.”
“Hm~, shall we then?”
“Sure.”
With that, they sat on our respective seats and browsed the menu that had been dispyed by a touchscreen. Years ago Nelka would have been nervous to dine in a pce like this, but after her promotion and occasional formalities, it’s now nothing else than a norm.
Of course, she would rather be somewhere less fancy and she still does regardless of what her fellow people in power say. Nelka at her core is still the same frugal girl with fascination no different than a young adult.
Back on the menu, they ordered a steak and sad along with complementary spices and sauces. Nelka also ordered alcohol, her intention is clear with a smirk on her face. Nyx can only grumble at the btant provocation, but she won’t risk it just to prove a point for something minor.
“Still as lightweight as ever, hmm? What’s with that?”
“Hmph… My alcohol tolerance isn’t your problem.”
“Come on Nyx, live a little won’t you.”
“There is a difference between live a little and making a mistake.”
“Really now? Excuses~”
“Grrr….”
One is having a time of her life of finally having an edge over her nigh-perfect friend. The other can only growl in annoyance, which made her gre feel like a pout at best…
It goes on for a minute until they burst out giggling in delight.
“Oh man, I needed that. Who knows that acting like an over-glorified advertisement piece can be so exhausting… but hey, at least I stopped killing people regurly for a while.”
“Yeah me too. Days in the offices can be exhausting, especially when dealing with rather difficult people. I still can’t believe how utterly prevalent and cutthroat the meritocracy ced with bribery, ironically, in social mobility. I had an acquaintance from Knights Association who was promoted to Vice-Director despite having only 2 years of experience.”
Nelka elegantly savored her meal with grace, she learned rapidly when facing an ever-changing environment. Nyx’s training had helped in smoothing out the fallout of her culture shock.
“Oh yeah almost forgot, Lady Ioleta told me to say hi to you.”
“Ioleta huh, she is a bigger deal now, a knightess who fought in 72’s and earned the respect of pretty much every Campaign Knight with Silvernce’s adoration too, live is interesting no?”
“Indeed… if it weren’t for you to arrive and stay in Wdirosa… I might have been dead somewhere in the wild… or worse…”
“…So how was city life treating you?”
“Hmm… it is alright. The occasional traffic annoyed me though, I missed Father and Jan…”
“I know that feeling…”
Their orders finally arrive. The room has a little server door for their orders while also maintaining privacy, it is one of the dinner's main selling points. The pce owner is quite eccentric, he insists on calling it a dinner when it is in actuality a restaurant.
Sentimentality or whatnot, but that’s not important.
Enjoying the food they start some small talk along with it.
“Richard has been clingy these days, not that I fault him. Getting those Knight Clubs in line must have been very stressful.”
“Heeee~ must be nice… so… how often did you guys have fun? Coping with city life stress is no joke after all.”
“As crass as ever Nyx, you gone straight to the point. Well, at least I have more experience than you.”
“I doubt it.” Nyx just smirked and mumbled low enough for herself.
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing at all, I’m just talking to myself.”
“Oh well, we keep it healthy, if nothing else. What about you? Fancy someone?”
Nyx grew quiet, but Nelka could see crimson adorning her cheeks along with the tip of Nyx’s ears. Seeing how bad she was at hiding it, Nelka pressed on. It is truly a priceless moment after all…
“Oho~ the infamous Grey Serpent has someone in her mind? My oh my, your fan club will be in tatters if they catch wind about it, not to mention the sensation it would bring~”
“Oh shut it… I have one, yeah… he knows it, but neither of us can act upon it… well at least that’s what I believe, hopefully he does too… If not then I’ll just cry, which would be both hirious and heart nching.”
“I see… then best of luck to you. It is a different battlefield out there.”
“Yeah, it is…”
After several random small talks and letting the food be digested, they finally reached the point that warranted this meeting. Nyx is reclined against the wall while Nelka is seated on her chair, the room has a bar-like kitchenette with everything there already paid for.
“So what does Adeptus offer me? Mind you that both K.G.C.C and Knights Association already contacted me with their own contracts’ offer.”
“That we are aware… so please, do read this one. Very, very, carefully.”
Nyx takes the document presented to her and reads it with rapt attention, although she trusts Adeptus to not betray or mislead her, she needs to make sure.
Nelka is just elegantly savoring her wine while watching Nyx’s face keep on darkening more and more, she even heard a low growl there. If one thing can truly be said between them is that Nelka’s emotion can be much more controlble, Nyx, albeit because there is only Nelka here, is much more expressive.
After she read all of it, down to the letter, Nyx exhaled. Her eyes glow amber and her hands are shaking, Nelka knows that she is beyond furious but the Adeptus needs it to be clear to avoid complications down the road.
“What do you need of me? If you want a building burned and torched to ashes, consider it done. Want me to hang their heads atop the main pza? Shouldn’t be too hard. How about their possible informants? I can make them squeal for you in a jiffy. Also, I can do som-”
“Actually and truthfully? Nothing, just trust us. I’ll direct your movement, and your order is nothing more than to be obedient. Adeptus had all things under control, we just wanted to let you in on our little project.”
“… I can finish it a lot fast-”
“And that’s precisely why we cannot allow that, your direct involvement. Knowing you, there will always be complications and consequences. The 19th Major is upon us, and thus you, and no one else, are a wild variable that must be pacified…”
Nelka sipped her wine before continuing.
“Our interest just so happens to align with the event. We have our needs, those vultures and shameless corporates have theirs and whatnot. All that matters now, is to keep the table clean or at the very least manageable. Thus, we don’t need you, Grey Serpent, doing whatever without a leash and probable proxy, you’re good, too good actually. Which is why I offer you a compromise.”
Nelka’s gaze turned into a different and colder variation, she is not staring at her dear friend as one anymore, but more like a troublesome variable that must be dealt with. Nyx on her part no longer acts frivolously, she is seriously glowering in displeasure…
The tension is mounting yet Nelka is steadfast and resolute in her stance. While Nyx's expression turned even bnker. The Pythian is suspicious as to why they even told her about it, but perhaps such is all it took.
Nelka knows better than anyone else about how Nyx can be illogical in her conduct. The Pythian dy just gred at her, one of the document stiputions is one of the few things that would make her go hostile after all…
Then Nyx just sighs while having her stance withdrawn soon after. Nelka is visibly pleased with that. Her little gamble worked, probe her reactions and even if it failed they have contingencies.
“You’re keeping me on the sideline using a contract? Didn’t know that Adeptus would use my modus operandi against me… was what I would say if I’m some ignorant little girl who believed that maintaining order is an immacute endeavor without ugly underside…”
“Indeed, all things considered, it would be wise for you to not set a foot inside this particur situation… You have influences upon 3, well only 2 that matters anyway, factions… but on paper, you’re no one’s ally or enemy.”
“Yeah… Don’t wanna touch that political shitstorm…”
“However… All of us are curious why you’re back here, in Kawalerielki…”
“To my best friend Nelka, sorry can’t tell you sweetie. To Adeptus? Hmph… Piss off, not your problem.”
“… Fair enough, we do apologize for overstepping our boundary.”
“Don’t apologize to me…” Nyx murmured a response with thinly veiled hostility beneath her breath.
“?”
“… So, Adeptus just wants me to py the clown? Sounds easy enough.”
“Yes, we do. So please trust us, this is Kazimierz's problem first and foremost if it comes down to it we will seek your assistance. That much I can assure you.”
“Sure you have yourself a deal… you guys are paying a lot just for me to stay away…”
“Indeed, so please do enjoy the show.”
“Still… why tell me? Pretty sure you can just py me.”
“And risk everything we had built together? No, we can’t have that because contrary to what average citizens are led to believe about Grey Serpent, she is quite… meddlesome.”
“…” Nyx's face shows nothing, but internally she is stunned. She’s impressed and concerned with Nelka’s implication of what Adeptus knows about her.
Nelka crossed her legs and leaned back on her chair, it is ironic that the Grey Serpent can be so easily cornered. Adeptus won’t act upon it, but they must make a point. Carrot and stick, true and tested method. This is why the carrot is so tantalizingly sweet, to soothe potential grudges.
The st thing they wanted was for Nyx to turn on them, which would defeat the purpose of keeping bance. There is no such thing as an eternal ally in politics, it is a matter of how well can pyers py the cards in their hands. It is a nightmarish battlefield, but such is politics and how its rulebook is inconsistent, insipid, and incongruous.
Very contradictive right? Well, that’s just exactly what circumstances can force the pyers to one-up one another or else get cast away.
“It is not the full extent of course, just enough for you to step away… You don’t want to see something you shouldn’t, no?”
“Yeah…”
“It settled then, you’ll get yourself the reward for your patience-”
“I hope you succeed…”
“… We will, don’t worry.”
With that, the tension dispersed. Nelka then let go of her trepidation with a sigh of relief. She feels really bad for cornering her friend like that, but she must segregate sentimentality and professionalism.
Goodness… that was unpleasant… I was sure Nyx would just explode in rage… guess her life in Victoria proves to be beneficial… good… she is getting closer to finding a sort of equilibrium for her psychological temperament. Still… I feel really bad… what can I do as an apology?’
She then looks back at this dy called Grey Serpent, she is pouting and acting so unlike her fame paint her to be. Nelka was puzzled since this expression is only shown when Nyx is miffed but can’t help to take it seriously.
So the Kuranta dy just giggles jovially since she knows exactly why her dear friend is grumbling like this.
“Don’t like another stipution with an interesting condition, hmm?”
“Yeah… what the hell can I do with, and I fucking quote “… provide civilian activity support for the Major’s overall popurity endorsement and recommended for it to gain significant traction and interest.” End fricking quote… Wait… That was most likely from K.G.C.C, am I wrong?”
“Nope, you are 100% correct!”
“Haaaaahhhhhh….”
“Oh come on, just do something interesting like a photo shoot or even go out there on the catwalk! Go bling yourself up, surely whoever you have in mind would like it.”
“… You have a fiancée, wipe that disgusting grin off your mug…”
“Oops! Pardon me~. My mind was… on the overdrive there for a second.”
“Also no, he would only stare at me in total confusion instead…”
“But seriously, do something like that or unthinkable from someone with your reputation, that should rock Terra with awe and bewilderment but no violence please~”
“Why did I agree of coming back here again? … I would fucking murder those shits once I’m back…” She murmured the st part, but Nelka can feel that she is still pissed. So seeing her reluctance, this might be her for breaking even between them.
“Tell you what, just contact me with what you have in mind and I’ll do my best to support you in regards to that matter.”
“Nel… can’t we stop this convo now? I’m tired…”
“I’m swearing on my own name and honor as a woman of my words. If you deemed me guilty of betraying you, I would let you do whatever to me. No matter what kind of punishment I must endure, I’ll make sure that whatever fallout was produced from it, your reputation would be safe.”
“… Ughhh… Fiiiiinnneeeeeeee… since when did you become so willful? I missed the meek Nel who’s always being helpful and listened to what I said…”
“Fufufu~ we are one and the same. That one is just taking the backseat for now.”
“Yeah sure, tell Richard I say hi. Time for me to skedaddle… Knights Association needs help with Major’s promotion tomorrow.”
“Very well, goodbye Nixy.”
Date: 15th April 1082
Location: Section 7’s High-Css Residential Area, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Nyx
[The 19th Kazimierz Major has been confirmed to be held from the 15th of July to November 11th! Lots and lots of foreigners have also been pouring into the city. It signifies a much more exciting event to prove themselves as the Champion of Knights!
Which is why it wouldn’t be a perfect occasion if you didn’t order the 18th champion's favorite drinks! Only by paying 20 Heller, you can drink like a champion with comfort and comfy feelings! So drink it like a Campy Champ today!]
“Really? You barely went over the opening and a commercial spiel was inserted just like that? Man, the K.G.C.C. will do all kinds of shit for money and potential investment capital, regardless of how, horrendously, questionable it is…”
I’m just vibing and being a total slob for now. I’m just wearing whatever my hands manage to pull from the drawer, which is just a pair of t-shirts and spats, yeah I know how indecent I look but no one’s gonna see me anyway.
Also, I can’t be in the Nearl’s Mansion 24/7 since that would defeat the point of me helping in regards to their safety. I know that sounds paradoxical, but I need to py the 3 sides game again. Staying there would attract unnecessary attention… but my mercenary days are numbered.
“Need to start looking for backing of sort… or goes with Catastrophe Messenger… there is only so much a single mercenary can do…”
Eh, that problem will be handled by future Nyx or something… It would be better to reflect on how much Margaret and Zofia had grown during our martial training.
Margaret is talented if not a complete genius outright. So much so that I had predicted how she would pretty much curb-stomp a good chunk of ordinary Campaign Knights when she is 13 and going toe-to-toe with Silvernce by 15…
She is still far below M?ynar in terms of both raw power and skills, but she is getting there. Zofia is also no slouch, after joining our little sparring session, she visibly improved her reaction time by at least 3 fold than before. These Nearls are all combat masters…
“Their growths are remarkable and coupled with their stubbornness, we got ourselves one hell of a combo…” I shelved that thought and refocused back on the TV.
Since the announcement about the Major official schedule was confirmed, might as well look for something more worthwhile… or torture myself with what the Kazimierzian entertainment industry had managed to concoct this time around…
[… Wouldn’t you believe it!? Nyx has been seen to be attending a rather raunchy gathering! Just look at this photo, for someone so straight-ced, even if she is not exempt from worldly needs!]
I just scoff seeing a badly edited photo of, allegedly, myself attending a pool party, wearing a pitiful mockery for the word clothes. This is another reason why I hate the entertainment sphere of this city… they’re gobbling up shitty and worthless news like a dehydrated person finding an oasis in the middle of the Sahara.
‘They’re all worthless, next…’
[… We have confirmed that there are indeed reports of illegal immigrants sneaking through by using crates and transportation hidden compartments. The Adeptus had made a statement that the situation is under control and nothing will affect the upcoming event.]
Oh? So it starts huh… Politics is messy if it forced them to py like this… which is not my problem since I was asked, officially and legally bonded with a contract, to look away and just… py around by following Nelka’s directions.
Speaking about one of the directions, I was conveniently led towards an amphitheater to watch some boring ass py. The next day, however, those same performers got arrested for crimes that only stiputed to be against public order…
[Hurry up and join the Azure Conviction exhibitions next week at Azurebde Knights basecamp, the winner will be given a membership! We also confirmed that the Grey Serpent would be a part of the meet & greet sponsored by the Knights Association. Follow the instructions to not miss out!]
Oh yeah, that. I was paid for another martial seminar and promoting the Major through meet and greet… I have a feeling that I’m going to deal with some creeps again. Ugh… well, a job is a job and Knights Association had promised me some backups in case some participants are being too touchy.
[That so? Then, what do you think about the upcoming Major?]
Hmm? A sports prediction… guess I find something potentially interesting…
[I think that the Purple Bows KC would be in the lead for the preliminary. Their coordination had always been fwless, which can be seen in how they managed to force a lot of stalemate by keeping their distance, but! We cannot dismiss that Casteln KC to be left in the dust, their stalwart and attrition-based tactic was indeed boring but also extremely practical, which is why they also got the moniker of Halberdiers of Luxemi for their poleaxe-based weapon and being for the most part Liberi based Knights Club.”
[Really now? What do you think about the previous champion? If I recall correctly, he retired early which is a shame.]
[Indeed The Armatura Knight's sudden retirement did cause severe disappointments. Personally, however, I can’t bme him. His family has been recalled north and the man is quite the affable and affectionate fellow in regards to family matters. It just means that the 19th Major would be even more unpredictable and interesting.]
[Oh yes! We have an influx of foreign participants, it appears that our triennial Major has become a national identity, right?]
[Precisely, the Major is a miraculous and truly lucrative method of promoting Kazimierz modernity. The influx of foreign participants will surely rock the prediction table by how diverse the Major is going to be soon enough. So pce your bets, folks! Remember that Kazimierz Grand Entertainment sphere is partnered with Kazimierz Bank!]
“National scale gambling popurization and endorsement. Hmph… then foreign competitors huh? That should be interesting. Wonder how long it would take for them to be broken when they finally realized the reality of this shithole… Mega-Corporatism… Just hoped that not too many bright-eyed aspirants turned jaded and disillusioned…”
I stretched out a little and headed to the bathroom, I needed to train the Nearls after lunch.
“Mwi hasn’t returned for weeks now…Just where is he really? No message, no communication, nothing… I just hope that he’s ok…”
Date: 21st June 1082
Location: Somewhere in Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
“This is all you wanted?” A shady-looking merchant said to his customer. He is an Ursine man in his te 40s-50s, his body is one made of steel-like muscle, yet his eyes show nothing but terse anticipation for a young girl in front of him.
“Indeed, I have a high opinion of your business practice… as high as exotic merchants are anyway…” A blonde-haired dy is sipping her wine elegantly, all around her are numerous bouncers and bodyguards that the merchant had employed.
But even though she is outnumbered and surrounded, there is not an ounce of fear in her countenance. Conversely, in fact, she wanted to see them doing something foolish… which they wouldn’t bite, only an ignorant fool would challenge the dy in front of them… especially when she brought a certain someone with her.
The bodyguards and bouncers are casting worrying gnces towards another dy, this one is ashen-haired and even children know her, especially the Kazimierzian. This dy is just inspecting and toying around with her gun while leaning against the bar table.
“It is doable, young dy. Then let’s talk about compensation, something of this scale can be quite… difficult.”
“Wonderful, but do think carefully about what you’re reaching out for, however.”
’Another round of negotiation… I don’t understand how Nelka could get used to this back and forth… people who negotiated with me never went over more than 2 counteroffers…. This is like what? The 5th… I’m bored…’
The other dy, Nyx, is grumbling quietly in her mind. When she cast her gres around, the air tensed a notch more. So much so that one bouncer instinctively reached for his inner pocket but was reprimanded by the Ursine merchant with but a gnce.
“… It appears that my dear friend is not pleased with our back and forth…”
“Then how about we-” With that their bargaining continued, Nyx had half the mind of just forcing them to comply… but she resisted the urge, needing to temper her temperament a little more than that when she finally agreed to employment with CM or other more structured NGO.
The shop she is visiting is not exactly an illegal one too, rather fancy it is just that the atmosphere can be unnerving depending on what sort of goods a potential customer is looking for.
Besides, bringing Nelka along was truly something else. Nyx can see how much more accomplished she is in negotiation and its complements. How she would pull back and offer, worded out her counter offer, subtle intimidation, and more… this is the same farm girl who is now an interior secretary by the way…
Do you think that the Armorless would keep tabs on her? They did before Nyx pulled out a favor or two to clear them away and have her do what she desired without much intrusion. Working for 3 factions has its benefits if handled correctly.
Nearl’s incident did sour her opinion and retion with the Kazimierz Council, however, so much so that her focus has been shifting only towards the Nearls. She still maintained a healthy retionship of course, but the 3 factions know that she is a bit tricky after the incident.
She still works as usual, it is just that occasional small talk would also have a bonus of sarcasm or jabs here and there. Nothing too serious, however, she is just a tad chirpy now which is seen as strangely endearing by the KG.C.C and unnerving by the Adeptus… a bewildering reversal…
She thinks back about why she’s here again, she just wants someone who can deliver her prepared goods for her upcoming contribution based on the contract she accepted from Adeptus before. Circumstances happen to make her deal with an exotic shop, with Nelka volunteering as she promised herself to boot.
“With that, it has been concluded, that it is a nice business with you Lady Ramona.”
“Likewise, Mr. Arkhipov, may our continued partnership st forever more.”
“Indeed. You there, escort these lovely dies from our shop and make sure that they get back unharmed. Understood?”
“““Yes, Sir.”””
After some time the both of them had returned to the upper section once more. Nelka was beaming with joy, the deal was so easy she wondered if Nyx would be willing to work with her. The negotiation was like gunboat diplomacy…
“So… how much?”
“Way cheaper, thanks to you. Would you be interested-”
“No.”
“… Oh come on… I didn’t even finish yet.” Nelka grumbles under her breath.
“Again, how much?”
“1.1 million Heller. Although cheaper, that was still a lot of money… how much do you have anyway?”
“I stopped counting on the third digit.”
“… Are you a mercenary or a conglomerate?”
“A little bit of both.”
“… My personal assets don’t amount more than 2 mil… Richard has more, of course, he even said I can do it freely but… I feel bad. So I just work like usual, trading here and there too.”
“Yep, life finds a way. I still can’t believe that you’re that same farm girl with an obsession with me.”
“Like you’re one to talk and… oh!”
A car has been waiting for them in the pza, there are also several security units around it. The door is opened and a man is motioning them inside, Nelka is beaming while Nyx can feel her jealousy fre up again.
Once they settled themselves, Richard could only sigh, half out of relief and the other out of raging worries.
“Well, look at who it is… Prince Charming himself.”
“Lady Nyx, I sincerely hoped that you stopped dragging my fiancée willy-nilly… I almost got a heart attack back in the office…”
“Oh, shimmer down now, dear. It was not just her idea, but mine too… just so happens that we can help one another.”
“Yep so rex, Executive Officer, I won’t let anything harm her. If she got harmed, I can just torch the city to find the perpetrator.” Nyx smiled thinly, which brought shivers down her 2 conversation partners.
“A-ahem! Well, this incident is settled then but still… may I ask why you need to use that sort of shop? I won’t doubt you have assets unusually high for a mercenary…”
“For my upcoming performance of course and Nelka because she needs to do something intriguing… foolish, but intriguing.”
“She’s right dear, it is just that hers is a tad bit… unorthodox. Compared to mine, which was honestly A-Ok.”
“Hah… I’ll talk with you more back home some more, ter.”
“Sure, love you.”
“So… do you have anywhere you have in mind for drop off point, dy Baroness?”
“Hmm… just drop by the 12th commercial section, I need to buy something.”
“Very well, driver get us there.”
“Understood, sir.”
Location: Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: M?ynar
‘Just where did they go off to?’ My mind is still in chaos. Despite being gone for months, I trudged back home empty and lost… I don’t know what to tell Margaret or Maria about it…
Walking amidst the rain, I’m heading off back after passing the checkpoint. These imposters just avoided eye contact with me, not that I even wanted to see such an unsightly view either. That accursed clownery called Kazimierz Major will soon be held.
Thinking about that sort of moronically vain and full of hubris event just disgust me more so than ever. What I hated more was also the possibility of lowering myself if I wanted to keep our family's noble status… By donning the mantle of primus and then gallivanting like an idiot in that gdiatorial cage as nothing more than an attraction.
‘Father, why did you keep on believing in this dead state? They don’t deserve us, the Nearls, our ideals, and our fealty… I must talk with him again…’
Regarding my travels, I had been going northeast to find any sort of clue of their whereabouts, but I was reaching a dead end soon enough. It appears I was right about one thing, the route they possibly took was an unconventional and irritatingly misleading one.
The search there was only met with nothing more than several not-so-bright-minded svers who thought that it would be a good idea to snatch younglings off vilges. I managed to stop one who veered too close towards Wdirosa. If Nyx knew about this one, these not-so-bright-minded fellows would be given a crash course on why the title Grey Serpent exists for reasons; bloody reasons…
I’m in a conundrum, on one hand, they deserve nothing less than their head on a pike… on the other hand, their underworld network is vast and I can use it… I suppose Nyx’s usual conduct can be useful for me, I need more information after all.
“Mwi…”
My musing was broken, I had been walking home without minding my surroundings too much. It appears that fate has something else in store for me it appears. To meet her here of all pces… I must have looked terrible too, not that I even cared about my disheveled self… Finding them takes precedence…
“… Nyx.”
“We’ll talk ter, now come.”
I followed her lead, it would be tiresome if we conversed out in the open after all… strange… I sense none of her usual monitors… hmph… a silver lining… if truly nothing else…
Around half an hour ter, they arrived at the Nearl’s Mansion.
We finally reached the mansion. Looking at my wristwatch it is… 10:53 P.M.… it appears that everyone else has gone to sleep already. I must rest soon since I have written down any findings I can about this incident, I won’t doubt my mind of being unable to remember every single detail, but it is better to be safe and sure after all.
We walked in silence inside, but when we just barely made it in, Nyx immediately closed the door and embraced me tightly… I’m at a loss for what to do… I can only sigh, Schnitz and Yonta's disappearance had done a number on my mind’s focus…
“… You didn’t tell me anything about your well-being… you promised me…”
“Sorry… I have no time for that, every second is precious… I did promise you, but sorry is all I can give…”
“Well… you should head to the lounge room and calm down for now, I can fix something up for you in the time.”
“No, I must rest immediately. So that I ca-”
“Please…” She looks at me, her eyes show just how worried she is for me, more than I care for my well-being.
“…”
“Think about it, you won’t perform well after needlessly torturing yourself… please I beg you… I know that you have been skipping a lot of things… you’re too pale, your body has been shaking, albeit minuscule, and your gaze is unfocused… Please listen to me, don’t sacrifice your well-being, it would only create more problems further down the road…”
“… I suppose listening to your word is preferable… very well… the st few months had been a taxing one… also… thank you…”
“… You’re welcome, now go ahead and make yourself at ease…” I dragged my legs towards the lounge. The weight of my failures started bearing down on me, there was just too little concrete lead at best. The whole knight primus problem… I won’t touch that worthless title. Even when we lose our nobility, we can still figure out something. This nation keeps getting more and more undeserving of our loyalty.
I finally arrived at the room… my eyes, unprompted, began repying scenes that had always been commonpce months ago every time I returned home. Scenes that are now nothing more than history…
How Father, even when he’s sick, can still give time for Margaret and Maria by regaling his tales near the table. Turning my eyes to the firepce, I can see Schnitz's silhouette resting near it while either polishing his swordstaff or reading a newspaper. Further on towards the lone chair near the doorway is Yonta’s shadow knitting or processing documents along with Zofia who helps from time to time.
And… how I sometimes saw her looking outside the window… a new addition to our little family. Her eyes shone in pinkish warmth that masked both fatigue and longing. How she would always help us from time to time, without much need for recompense.
Back then I only viewed her with suspicion, it is not unusual for undesirable to try and worm themselves into our grace. My assessment was also negative, all by virtue of how she is a mercenary, a dog of war, first and foremost.
But she is different… after my initial assessment can be proven to be untrue.
All she wanted was a pce of refuge, a sanctuary, to rest and contempte. She is, in truthful honesty, a bizarre person. Her ruthlessness knows no bounds while having a tender touch of guidance at her fingertips. Her grace is rexed yet refined, incredibly unlike Kazimierzian’s who are filled with deceptions these days.
I can go on for more, but that’s unnecessary.
I sat at the pce where I’m usually resting after a long journey with my brothers and sisters. How Maria would immediately pester me with her toddling steps then how Margaret and Zofia awed in wonder. Schnitz would also lecture me from time to time, while Yonta would keep pushing me to find someone. Lastly… how Father commended me that he is proud of what I have become…
“All is now in the past…”
“That may be so… but don’t forget what you still have…”
Nyx is already at the doorway… how long had I been swallowed by my musing and agony?
“… How long…?”
“A few minutes…”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What can I even say?”
“…”
“Sorry, anyway I only managed to make this… I guarantee that it will suit your pate… You can still criticize it though, I will be more than happy for your feedback.” She joked and this is precisely why I cannot ask too much of her. When someone she cherished asked for help, she would put them above her well-being… she is a hopeless hypocrite, one who can only see her reflection to be a monster.
Nyx entered the room with a tray in hand.
’That was quick, she cooked the meal in mere minutes.’
She id it down in front of me and gestured me to eat it. She just takes a book on the table and starts reading… guess we have something to talk about.
I started eating the dinner she made for me and it reminded me of how bad the foods I had been eating outside during my investigation. I never paid too much attention to what I ate, since if it can energize me, then that’s all there is to it.
Not long after I finished my meal and recollected myself for a while more, she then closed her book and brought my head down on her p.
“Nyx?”
“You’re hurt…”
“…”
“I won’t lie, I have no idea how much pain you’re in right now, considering that Schnitz and Yonta are worth more than the world to you…”
Of course, they are, for those two are the Nearl family’s pride. Without them, this family felt incomplete and the pang of guilt kept on festering inside my heart. I had all it takes to stop them, but a simple firm gaze from Schnitz was enough to disperse my defiance, while Yonta’s pleading and steadfast form quelled my desire to sh out… They had entrusted their daughters to me…
“… Nyx, what do you see in me? What do you see in this sad and gullible man?”
“A newfound desire… and… an idiotically blind woman who is so deep in the muck… that she is so full of sin and that her worth is nothing more than to be used… then, she sees the light but not too unalike and unreachable with her sinful self… but that’s not all. Your ck of prejudice and desire for gain was… a refreshing thing here. Aside from Dad, Wdirosa, Nearls, and Thomsons, everywhere I go, everyone wants something out of me… I’m not compining no, it is just that… it’s nice when you’re not being treated like a walking bomb for once…”
She’s caressing my hair gently, and I feel… warm and rexed.
“I’m abhorrent, broken, chaffed, dirty, and erroneous… yet you appraised me for what I am after you got a clear grasp on me, no bias whatsoever. Sure we had a rocky start, but that’s increased my impression on you… it would be harder for me to acclimate with goody-two-shoes…”
“I’m fairly certain that my treatment of you was… less than ideal if not outright insulting, you’re saying there was no grudge for that?”
“Yep, but I can still recall the day whe-”
“I stared at you like dirt if not worse?”
“Heh… yeah… because that’s not too far off the truth… and honestly I thought of you as a hardheaded jerk with a hero complex, not too different from the rest of the Nearl, just edgier.”
She grinned before giving her honest impression of me.
“And till this day… You still have that huge asshole energy, just radiating all over you… and what do you know? I find that quality of yours hardly unpleasant… at the worst of times… and driving me mad with… passion… on the best occasion.”
I can only scoff, but not from spite… but from how close that hit home. I’m not the most impressionable person in the family, some even called me crass and uncouth despite my polite wordings. But I always believed that I’ll judge a person first and foremost, regardless of what or who they are.
“Yes… I did try to keep my first impression in check, but I suppose you were too suspicious to merit such, so much for me being a good judge of character…”
“However, despite all of that, you still took care of me when I was injured, how you even shielded me from an arts lightning… how you would even berate me for being injured… how you would scowl every time I volunteered to clear minefields…”
“Just consider those paybacks for always clearing and surveying the nd. Then you teach several of our more hopeless members in culinary arts, civil works, and even educational knowledge, even on only an intermediate level, the result was satisfactory.”
“… Mwi… you’re one of three people who knows that I can recover from hideous and lethal injuries… so wh-”
I raised my hand and caressed her cheek gently, she seemed to be stunned by this bold move of mine… I don’t understand why, but something within me compelled me to touch her, it is certainly an interesting feeling… but not unpleasant.
“That’s the problem… you acted all tough, how every sword ssh meant nothing, how arrows and bolts are treated like pinpricks… yet you winced in pain. Despite your battle-lust, how you’re forcing yourself to not feel it, there is that revelry in combat yes. But you must be prudent lest you lose yourself.”
“… that so huh? Well… I mean, I just think that my toughness is useful and must be used to its utmost potential… and about that revelry, it wasn’t from discomfort… I uh… you know… that… the… um… thing … right? God… it’s so embarrassing…”
‘Well, I suppose that’s all I needed to confirm her less-than-ideal fascination…’ This is getting uncomfortable, I should steer it away.
“I also found it endearing that despite your fake stoicism and blithe attitude, your eyes are always dancing in joy when teaching children… you have every material to be a great figure, you know?”
Hmm? Her face is red all of a sudden… other than purifying my thoughts, I was only complimenting her for what it is, she truly would have a much better career as a teacher… well it appears that she likes it when I compliment her… let's see… Yonta also said that I need to be mindful when praising a dy.
“You think I didn’t realize it? Seeing your minute gestures like how your tail moved from and fro, how you never yelled at children during education, or when you tried to sneak around now and then to knit them little dolls as gifts… the whole camp is aware of it. Seems you forgot that we always look out for odd movements to keep spies out… and we got ourselves a busybody instead.” Without meaning to, I can feel a corner of my mouth curled upward.
“Bwuh!?” Nyx face exploded in a crimson hue… am I doing it right? If only Zofia is here to give me some pointers… but I’m sure it is…
“You must’ve failed to realize how Kalinia was amongst the first who warmly received you after some time… turns out she said that your gestures were adorable.”
“I wh- I uh? Huh? What!? Umm… uhhhh… What!?”
“Hmm… for someone so vigint, you’re unexpectedly cute and vulnerable…” She moved her gaze away from mine, so did I do it correctly or not? women are confusing…
“Hmph… if it were anyone else, I would have decked them then throw their body into a river, like a certain hornless bastard… You’re fortunate that I love- … never mind…”
“… Thanks…”
“Huh?” she snapped her eyes back on mine.
“… For taking my minds off of my failures, albeit momentarily, it did refresh my mind…”
Her gaze softened once more… I must say this position wasn’t half-bad… I’m starting to get drowsy too, the toll of waking up for days seems to have finally come to collect its due.
“You’re welcome… still… you had made a certain dy worried for months because you failed to keep a simple promise~… she must be, terribly, upset~.”
“Hmm… seems like I indeed owe a certain dy an apology…”
“Really now? Well… what about asking her out? No need to be anything fancy… That’s always a good start for the first step you know…”
“Yonta had been lecturing me that woman’s needs are nothing to scoff at, are you perchance insinuating the same? Or is this perhaps a scheme to gain an extra pair of hands?”
“Hey! I’m not a spendthrift you know!”
“Sure, but can you wait? Now that I think about it, I can piece together a sort of lead for their possible location… it just crossed my mind now that it would be better if I just find information piece by piece rather than chasing them blindly. Schnitz is a warrior beyond compare, while Yonta is a perfect battle maiden capable of frontline duty an-”
I stopped seeing her gring and pouting at me… oh… she’s envious. I speak no falsehood, that’s where I’ll stand to the end… but I do need to pcate her.
“… How about I take you out after that abhorrent event ends?”
“Mouuuu… fine…”
Location: Underground section 21, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz
POV: Narrator
While a certain Pythian and Kuranta are having a moment, a problem stirs beneath the eyes of the ignorant masses. Numerous crates of explosives are being loaded into trucks. These explosives, if gathered at one point, can be turned into a dirty bomb with the correct materials… which is no longer possible.
“Damn that bitch, she had gone ahead before we can get it all.”
“Yeah, things had gotten harder, we still have a good chunk of our equipment, thankfully.”
“… What is the situation up there?”
“Nothing much, just the usual crowd of idiots. There is an influx of foreigners too…”
“Excellent, we can still bounce back with what we have… originium contamination is no longer possible, but we can have enough to rouse the Kazimierzian up from their slumber.”
“Indeed, with this, our dream of a unified Kazimierz can be achieved.”
“… What about the infected sir?”
“What about them? They’re cursed anyway, if anything we’re doing them a favor. Just hush them down with some food, we must not be detected. Their death might be beneficial too, and they would become a good scapegoat in case things go awry.”
“Sir… um… then what about the… Grey Serpent…”
The room had gone silent, it had been nagging on their mind about why the Grey Serpent had been so passive. Some of them had worked with her before, albeit indirectly, and that left a scarring impression. The more pessimistic of the bunch had even prepared for the worst… but so far, there was nothing.
“… Just focus to get her off our backs. She is reasonable, we can try to offer her to stay out of it for example…”
“Well… It’s good that the Monster is easy to sway and still capable of reason… right then, go to the treasurer and have him prepare some money and materials. Use them to send her with a request outside of Kawalerielki, if that’s impossible just do whatever to dey her… we might be able to use the Nearls if nothing else… I feel bad with them, but it is a small price for a unified Kazimierz.”
“I see, I see… Well, then. For Kazimierz, gentlemen?”
“For Kazimierz.”
With that toast, they dispersed away from the area. All the trucks had been moving away from the location and headed towards their pre-designated point. This pn had been concocted for years, it is now or never.
Yet they failed to notice that some had taken interest in their little game… and a certain Kuranta who was also watching with an eerie, eye-to-eye, grin. The whole thing had been going so, so well.
One thing for sure however, is the Major would deviate a little if things go as pnned if not... well... stuff happens, and it is all about who can reap the highest benefit with the fewest sacrifices… and who can py out the most out of the box tactic to gain an impressive amount of soft power to cushion themselves with varying degree of effectiveness.
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author’s Note:
Yo there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who is a quarter malding, a quarter exasperated, a quarter in pain, a quarter incredulous… and the fact that this is the longest chapter to date, I’m quite thrilled with how much I can fit in when motivation is aplenty…
I have several things to say, or type really, here.
One, I'm directing and pnning to develop Nelka into a no-nonsense persona when doing her duty, so yeah she can act like a total hard ass but Nyx herself is not a saint and has some screws loose… so I guess it is fair? Well, do share what you have, if any, in mind about how I do things.
Two, Nyx made him a chicken soup with broccoli, peas, and some sads. Easy 10 minutes serving and pting, be careful with the temperature though, those can sting if you aren’t careful.
Three, I’m trying to eborate on her romance, just shedding it a little by little of why she is so smitten with him.
Four, while also YES, M?ynar was complimenting Nyx with a straight face, if not a scowl altogether for most of the time… that’s just how he is, and he is still in the early stage of depression before his cynicism grew more prevalent.
Update as usual, I guess, I don’t know, don’t ask. My mind is in tatters…
Ciao
