by J. J. Pavlov
"Chloe discovered that one of the envoys is a spy sent by Demon Queen Pelomyx. That's why she went through the transportation network to inform Bryaledi about it." Vitalis explains in a hushed voice.
"What?!" Both Rolan and Runa exclaim in surprise upon hearing that Chloe has a connection with the god Bryaledi, the Perverter of Order. Vitalis puts a finger to her lips and gestures at them to calm down while looking around. They're behind the dorms, which should be empty at this time of the day, but somebody could still overhear them.
"How does she know Lord Bryaledi?" The leader is the first who gathers his thoughts and asks in an almost hysterical pitch while trying to keep his voice down.
"I don't know all the details myself, but I'm bringing you to the one who has the answers." The demon girl waves for them to quickly follow her toward the grove behind the earth arena. Currently, a class is in session, and the noises of earth beings raised and rolled around masks the sound of their crunching footsteps as they step into the undergrowth. Whoever is waiting there has taken the proper precautions to remain secretive about all this.
The two humans quietly think about what it means for Chloe, a confirmed demon, to know Bryaledi. Once again, they're reminded of the fact that she lied to them about her being a noble from the Mineva Republic. When they found out she was a demon, they considered the possibility that the republic has a lenient policy regarding demons just like the academy does. But if she's an envoy of one of the gods, that changes everything again.
"I brought Runa and her boyfriend." Vitalis calls out into the woods even though nobody seems to be there. Rolan looks around and hones his senses to feel the presence of whoever may be there, but they must be very skilled at hiding.
"You may scream, but please don't be louder than the magic class over there." Suddenly, a girl's voice asks of them in a deadpan tone, and somebody drops onto the ground in front of them. Runa sees who it is, and her eyes go round before she covers her mouth to suppress a scream. She has been on the receiving end of her sudden movements and mechanical laughter many times, so seeing her move and talk is bringing all those memories back at once.
"The automaton?!" Rolan stares at the stitched figure wearing a dark blue coat and capelet, complete with a hat of the same color, as she stands before them with a straight face.
"Call me Senka." She introduces herself calmly and bows, ignoring their wide-eyed stares. "I'll get right to the point and not waste any time. You have heard from Vitalis that Chloe used the transportation circle in the basement to see Bryaleid, right?"
"Yes. She told us that part, though it's hard to believe." Rolan massages his temples and rolls with the flow of the situation. He wants to ask Senka many other questions, especially about why she was acting like a doll all this time, but there's something more important to talk about right now. "Tell us in what way she's connected to the Perverter of Order."
To the people of the Kingdom of Lares as well as the Empire of Terminus, Bryaledi is one of the two gods that represent a concept which humans would consider evil. The other is Urslit, the Witch of the End. The former is said to be the one responsible for concepts such as delusions, betrayal, and madness, while the latter stands for the end of all things, be they material or immaterial. For ephemeral existences like humans, they both represent the negatives of life and its inevitable conclusion.
Strangely enough, Urslit has a lineup of officially recognized envoys and champions. She also has a following consisting of those who believe that her concept teaches humans to enjoy life and live it to its fullest, knowing that it's destined to end.
On the other side, Bryaledi inspires a similar outlook on life, albeit a less virtuous one not practiced in public. Many hedonistic lords and wealthy merchants worship him in secrecy, as he's also known as the god of trance-like dance, reckless revelry, and superlative pleasure.
"Chloe is an agent of Bryaledi, but she's pretty clumsy and misses the mark a lot." The doll-like girl explains with a wry smile and sideward glance.
"I never heard that Bryaledi has envoys or chosen a champion." Runa joins the conversation after calming down from her initial shock of finding out that the doll she always thought was an automaton is, in fact, a living person. "And a demon no less."
"The Perverter of Order doesn't choose sides. He has helped both humans and demons alike for his own pleasure." Shrugging, Senka waves off her concerns. "This time, he's helping the humans because he feels like it, even while employing a demon to do so."
"So Chloe discovered a spy among the envoys. Who was it?" Rolan steers the conversation back to the piece of information Vitalis dropped earlier and asks with a skeptical expression. He isn't ready to believe everything just yet, even though the likelihood that it's true is exceedingly high. How else could a demon have all magic affinities and avoid detection from both Sigurd and Arcelia? Maybe she isn't even a complete demon, but a being created by the god Bryaledi himself.
"The one with all the bandages." Senka's reply is delivered with a deadpan face as if implying that it should have been evident that the most suspicious-looking person is the main suspect.
"That was the envoy of the Witch of the End. Are you sure that was a demon?" Furrowing her brows, the half-elf asks.
"That's actually demon court magician Mithra." Even though it shouldn't even be possible, the doll girl's face looks even more deadpan than before.
"Mithra?" Once again, Runa looks shocked. "He worked under the previous demon king and is still in the employ of the demon queen. How could he pass as an envoy undetected?"
"That's why Chloe believed that the professors at the academy may be working with him. So when they surrounded her, she was convinced they wanted to silence her." Glancing around, Senka explains the reason for the escalation that led to the deadly battle in the basement. "In either case, you're here to help Kamii, so this isn't that important right now."
"Yes, but we can't just sit still after hearing all this. We need to expose Mithra and the professors that are working with the demon queen." Rolan balls his fist with a determined look on his face.
"You think you can just waltz into the palace and tell the king that there are treasonous professors in the Royal Academy - maybe even the principal himself? Even if you could, would they believe you?" In a clearly reprimanding tone, the doll girl pulls the leader back to earth. He's as idealistic as she always believed him to be, as it is expected of a youthful leader of an adventurer group. "Even if only a few are involved, do you think those will let you live if you try to expose them? Chloe would only want you all to be safe until she can return with help and put an end to this conspiracy."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" He swallows his urge to argue that it would still be the right thing to do, even if it may cost him his life. After all, exposing Kamii to any danger just because he wants to satisfy his sense of justice would be irresponsible of him, especially since he came here to save her.
"I believe that they may be deliberating on what to do with Kamii right now. There are two ways to go about this: Barge into the meeting or blockade the dorm room in which she's being confined." Senka lays out the options, both of which sound somewhat forceful and not at all in the spirit of safety. "In either case, you'll have to stand up to the professors."
"Is that not exactly what you warned us not to do?" Runa's tone makes her skepticism clear.
"No, I only told you not to reveal anything about the conspiracy to anybody. Just keep it in your hearts for when the time to choose sides comes." The doll girl clarifies. "But don't start a fight with them. Use your determination."
With this cryptic suggestion, she stares at them silently, as if to say that there's nothing more to discuss, and actions need to follow now.
Chapter 49 - An Innocent Girl
"How could you just run off like that." Frodi reprimands Rolan and Runa when he finally finds them - or rather when they return to him. Hreidunn and Vigdis seem to have been reeled back in, and it seems they already received
their stern talking-to. "If something had happened, it wouldn't be just your heads."
"Sorry, we forgot about our surroundings while talking." Rolan apologizes with an awkward grin while hiding the turmoil in his mind. "Won't happen again."
"So, how long do you plan on staying here?" The other soldier who chased after the two women that split off from the group asks, making his intention clear; he wants them to get out as soon as possible so that it really won't happen again on his watch. Next time, he'll most likely refuse to take on the job of escorting them.
"We'll accompany her to the dorms. She forgot something she wanted to give me." The leader maintains an apologetic expression to ease the guards into granting them this last
request.
They plan to wait at the dorm entrance until Kamii is brought out to delay her and make a scene for all to see. Then, when the envoys of the gods arrive to take their selected champions away, Runa will talk to them and have the little dark elf spared; they know that she will be expelled in any case, but they believe she shouldn't face execution.
It's a foolhardy makeshift plan that relies on a lot of factors which could go wrong, but it's all they can do on such short notice and without the danger of escalating things into a battle.
Senka and Vitalis remained in the grove, with the latter most likely stealthily returning to the dorms soon after to somehow inform Kamii that help is on the way. All they need to do now is to tell the others of the group the contents of the plan. Unfortunately, the guards are keeping a close eye on them now, and even whispers will be frowned upon.
"It is something very important." Runa adds to the request with upturned eyes.
"Alright, but make it quick." Frodi acts hard-pressed but grants her that much because of her cuteness. Even though he's the younger of the two, the other guard seems to leave the decisions up to him.
"Thank you." The half-elf bows and gives him a radiant smile. Everybody stares at her, and she loses confidence. "What?"
"It's so rare to see you smile like that." Gram is the first to comment. It feels like she usually reserves it for when she's alone with Rolan.
"Like a ray of warmth in the Age of Frost." At Sigurd's metaphor, the half-elf's expression turns frigid with perfect timing. She very rarely smiles and usually maintains a neutral look, but that comparison was uncalled for. "Sorry."
With the conversation dying down after the bard's remark, they move toward the dormitory buildings. Unlike before, when Rolan and Runa were following Vitalis, they take the path that leads them past the field behind the academy's main building. A class of wind magic is in session, and the students stare at them when they see the half-elf among the group.
After she was selected as a champion of the gods, she has become a celebrity among the students just as much as Chloe and Hestia were. Nobody has noticed that the latter two have disappeared yet, or it would be making its rounds and overshadow anything else going on in the academy.
"Miss Sigint, have you prepared for your departure?" Ninlil calls out to Runa when they approach the girls' dorm building. "Oh, are those your companions?"
"Yes. They came to see me off." The half-elf replies while trying to maintain a friendly demeanor. Under the circumstances, it's difficult to hide her unease.
"They still aren't allowed to enter the dorms." With her broom in hand, the cat girl steps in their way. "Men aren't allowed in the girls' dorm, and outsiders especially so."
"We only accompanied her here since she needs to get something from her room. We'll wait outside." Rolan nods to Ninlil and gestures for the group to stay near the entrance, while his sweetheart walks inside.
The cat girl returns to work and sweeps the steps, glancing over at the group from time to time as if to signal them that she's keeping an eye on their actions. She knows that Chloe and Kamii used to be part of their group, so the possibility that they're here to stir something up is high.
"It's taking her a while." Frodi comments while looking up into the blue sky. "What's the holdup?"
"I don't know. She packed her belongings yesterday, so maybe she can't find it right away." Shrugging, Rolan explains to appease the guard's worries.
"She packed? Is she leaving the academy?" Scratching his chin and raising his eyebrow, Frodi asks in a surprised tone. "She's only been here since the start of the winter; it's not even been six moons."
"The Curiosity Collectors of Lord Creator Alkupera have chosen her to join their ranks as a champion." Sigurd takes over and speaks with a hint of pride. "They will be coming here to pick her up shortly."
Rolan turns away and frowns. The idea of her going somewhere he can't reach for who knows how long doesn't sit well with him, but he also doesn't want to hold her back. In his mind, he has been putting off deciding how to feel about this and is waiting for a sign to push him in the right direction.
A man with long and straight black hair walks past them and enters the dorms, greeting Ninlil with a nod. He must be a professor, and his presence here must mean that they have decided to move Kamii. The leader exchanges a glance with Gram and Sigurd, who understand it as a signal to follow his lead in what he's going to do next.
And sure enough, the little dark elf is led down the stairs by Astrid, whom they met when they came here to enroll Runa and Chloe, and the man who passed them earlier. At the same time, Luna exits her room at the end of the hallway of the first floor and quickly walks toward them with her staff in her hands.
Astrid notices the group waiting right outside the entrance and her eyebrow twitches. It's clear that she suspects something, but she doesn't slow down her steps and puts on an icy façade quite unlike the last time they met.
"Gram!" Kamii suddenly calls out to the big man, her expression filled with the anxiety only a child could show when being taken away by people they don't want to go with. Even before Rolan could do anything to start his poorly-planned rescue attempt, she took the initiative.
"Silence!" Astrid commands and lifts her cane demonstratively to stop any further attempts of communication coming from the little dark elf.
"Wait!" Rolan moves forward and stands in her way. He doesn't have his sword at his hip, and Gram doesn't carry his shield, so he's not as confident as he could be, but he hopes to solve this in a civilized manner. "We heard about what happened and-"
"And? What do you hope to accomplish by coming here?" Interrupting the leader in a cold tone, the matron-like professor instantly takes the wind out of his sails. "As an outsider, you have no say in academy matters."
Rolan stares at her and blinks, unable to come up with a counterargument. He was never the type to be skillful with words or improvise in anything outside of combat, so when he isn't even allowed to voice his opinion, his lack of adaptability becomes obvious.
"But I still am a member of the academy. I demand to know where you are bringing Kamii." Runa calls out to them from behind, and Astrid turns her head with an angry look.
"Young woman, you are out of line." She puts her cane down audibly, but the half-elf doesn't even flinch and stands her ground. Her self-confidence received an incredible boost since she was selected as a champion, but even before that, she's still half a member of the proud elven race.
"As a champion of Lord Creator Alkupera-" Runa begins but is interrupted just like her boyfriend was.
"You have yet to be initiated, so you have no authority." Astrid's tone is menacing, even while her voice remains level. Then she turns to Rolan and the others in front of the dorm entrance. "Now make way."
"What is going on here?" Thorvald's voice booms across the gathering, and everybody turns to look at him. He's followed by a group of professors as well as two masked men - the one at the most colorful and the one at the darkest end of the spectrum that makes up the Curiosity Collectors' wardrobe.
"These youngsters are-" The matron begins to explain, but for once, she's the one to get interrupted instead.
"We have heard of what happened last night and came to take K
amii away from here." Rolan puts his foot down and declares his intention. "She's an innocent child who was only swept up in the circumstances."
"And who may you be?" The principal glances across the group of adventurers, his gaze lingering on Sigurd for a moment longer than on anybody else.
"We are Chloe's companions and traveled with her before she enrolled here." With an unwavering attitude, the leader declares that he stands on the banished demon's side.
"Is there a problem, Grand Master Eklundstrom?" The most colorful member of Alkupera's envoys asks in his high-pitched and slightly unhinged tone. "Will this turn ugly?"
"No, we have everything under control." Even though the envoys may make it seem like they hold a position above even the principal of the Royal Academy, the latter doesn't change his attitude when talking to them. "As for you, youngsters. You may have the wrong impression of what is happening."
"Then tell us what you intend to do." Taking half a step forward, Rolan maintains his strong façade.
"You do not make demands here." Even though his voice is level, an almost tangible pressure lays itself on the adventurers like a heavy blanket when Thorvald replies. "We have come to a decision regarding Miss Kamii's fate after she helped in Miss Marcott's escape last night."
"She told us that you sent her away!" Runa suddenly comes forward from behind Basarab and glares at the principal.
"That is of no consequence here." The latter instantly dismisses her objection. He's maintaining a patient attitude even with the Curiosity Collectors watching his every move. "Miss Kamii is expelled from the Royal Academy and will henceforth be barred entry to any other magic academy in the kingdom."
He pauses, and everybody waits for what comes after, but when they realize that he isn't continuing, confusion begins to spread among Rolan and his group. Finally, somebody breaks the silence.
"That's it?" Gram asks with disbelief in his voice.
"Were you perhaps expecting us to order her execution?" With a displeased expression, Thorvald asks in a rhetorical tone. He shoots Kamii a glance, who responds with a defiant look. "Her involvement in the matter was not grave enough to warrant that. She did not influence the outcome of last night's events."
