The next morning, Jackson awakens with his hair all messed up and without any clothes. Opening his eyes properly, he turns to his right to look at the window that has its shutters closed. The rays of morning light give him a nice view of Elizabeth's bare hairless body and her porcelain white skin, seemingly gleaming as she stands, leaning on the window's frame as trails of smoke from the incense burner wraps around her.
It was a picturesque sight of her. Jackson could only mutter in his mind that if she could've been painted as it was now, with the slits of the window screens raying the light of the foreign star to her. It would be akin to being the perfect image of the ideal woman but there were also the dangers of such beauty.
The perfect lure for unsuspecting men. With the warm color of the foreign sun glazing her white skin. As she gazed out at the street below, he knew very well she was planning, thinking of something devious and unsightly against those who stood in her way. But at the same time, he couldn't help but hope she was also at peace, with how calm she was. He knew the intimate time he spent with them was more than worth it to see them in such a state.
Though his mind was still heavy from just waking up after such an affair, thoughts ran around his head. One thing was the same all throughout, she is like a viper. Sleek, long, beautiful, and attractive yet dangerous and harrowing.
With her arms around her thin waist. She watched as the morning came to the city. "My Lord, what do you think? I doubt not that he is after something in my beloved Kingdom."
With the fragrance of the burning incense overtaking his nose, he was unable to grasp his surroundings as his senses were instantly overwhelmed just after waking and his sight, lightly clouded by the aroma's smoke. A glance from her sideways face, the sharp jawline and nose with her light makeup that accentuates her piercing eyes and supple lips. The light smirk from her exposed her predatory fang.
"H-Huh?" He instantly touches himself down below and as expected, his body reacted as natural even after the long night. "Once upon an era, Kings and Queens would stop what they were doing to gaze at me, even for a moment. Even those of my own Court wouldn't pass a chance. The Kingdom I've made with my King was one to not be trifled with. Everyone knew of its danger and strength." She then makes one long sigh. Walking towards the bed, her salacious presence was eye watering to the man.
Sitting down on the corner, the blonde woman put her chin up. "I hope you unmask what devious intent he had conjured upon my country now that we've reached the stage wherein we may grasp a section of the bigger picture.'' Although he did his best to try to listen, his blood was far too busy going down to his waist to fully retain himself. She just scoff and smiles at the sight of her Lord all buttered up by her body. "You know... My Lord. If we were to marry. I'd have to give you not only money but also a Manor. As is customary in the Vampire Kingdom for the one with the higher purity of blood to be the one to provide upon marriage."
Alana then walks in and proceeds to disrobe herself right in front of the two. She was quick and efficient, not giving him the moment to lay upon her with his eyes more as she gets her long tan skirt out and walking shoes. "Hm? That's odd. You've awakened early today, M'Lord." his eyes were bloodshot and his face looked as if he just got dropped from the skies. "Hard sleep and... uhhh..." he looked down on himself and then to her. "Hard reaction."
Laughing, the Countess then turns around. "But, M'Lord. Since we are in Gareth. We can actually just say we're married. They do not have a ceremony like we do in the Kingdom of Rose." With her outfit now changed. She then turns her attention to the Queen. The sides of her breast spilling out from the view behind. "Your Majesty, would you be interested in an Elizabeth Pudding for today?" She turned around and greeted the breakfast meal with a cheery nod. "Is that so? Very well. Something local from our country is much preferable after such a night. Would you like to help me in preparing the table, My Lord?" the nods as the man grudgingly got out of the bed with the sheets wrapped around his waistline.
"Pfft. My Lord, I've had my fun. I won't do anything." he scruffs like an old man and with a blank expression painting his face, he slouches forward. "Yeah? When it was only supposed to be between me and Alana? Geez, good thing Bahamut didn't join. Now look at me, all tired and haggard." The Queen then winked at the Countess as she proceeded to lay her back on the bed, her chest jiggling up and down as she lifted her long legs, her lanky fingers tracing her thighs and up to her knees. "And yet your body is reacting very fluently to me." Turning around, his eyes were melting at it.
He has a perfect view of her, the hourglass shaped body that has the lean lines of a woman who goes the extra mile to take care of herself and the oily texture of her skin that made him bite his lip instantly. But before his lower brain could take over, the one above quickly ordered his arms to throw the sheets on top of her, covering her smutty attempt to get him going again.
"Can you please not?! We have a big day ahead of us and I swear, if my mind is green all day because of this and I can't concentrate. You're the one who'll be planning the next attempt. Talk to the Bishops and the Nobles AND try doing it without having to kill anyone." He picks a simple farmer's tunic and long pants which he rolls up the bottom for extra ventilation as the heat started to pick up after their session that night which started early in the morning and lasted till before lunch had consumed much of the time of the day.
"Heh, I will do as I please since you've allowed me to do so and I am not the type to merely settle down after one night. You know that better than any man, My Lord." shrugging his head, he takes the boot and starts doing the laces. The Countess just smiled as she left the room and went off for her late morning run. "I do but you have to remember." He then leans to his right, looking down, he looks at her straight in the eyes. There gazes meeting one another. "I love your bodies, personalities, and smarts. I'd go for it every day if I could. But I can't and it really clouds my judgment."
Hearing this, her eyes widened as she quickly turned around and proceeded to kneel on the bed and crawl to his back where the woman then pushed herself onto his broad body and rested her chin on his left shoulder. "Maybe we should get you a Ring of Stamina or something." Jackson knowing how many he has in his personal home back in Eldwood proceeded to clasp his lips. "Errrr... yeah. Hah-hah-hah. Good thing Magical Rings are uncommon around your world!"
With a deviant smirk, the Queen licks his ear, making him tremble instantly. "Oh, it's not that uncommon. Even a lowly merchant could afford one or two. Those rings, the Nobles you've encountered wore. The jewelry in those aren't merely for show. They hold certain effects, which is why even in their extravagant attire, they could still fight and be a danger to those unaware."
This made him stop lacing the last boot. "Huh? Aren't they supposed to... like glow and stuff like that?" her smirk then transformed into a wide smile as she wrapped her arms around the man. "Hmmm? Does this mean you are in possession of Magical Rings, My Lord?" This made his heart drop. Swallowing his saliva, he just gives her a warm expression as he goes back to lacing.
"I do. But I instantly sold them whenever I got one. They're pretty worthless for the most part as clothes can be enchanted and they're very bright. I engage in close quarter combat and if you were to wear those, it's expected that your opponent would go for your fingers." Tying his boots, he tries to stand up. But the Queen's lanky arms were like an impregnable wall weighing down on him. "H-Hence why only backliners usually wear them, like Wizards and Witches and such."
With his body as solid as could be, his fist clenched as hard as it could go. The veins exposed as sweat ran down his forehead and to his chin. An Evil laughter echoes through the room. "Bwahahahahah! Ahhhh... You are such a fun tease, My Lord. Such an honest body and an honest mind." She then stands up and opens the wardrobe. "Hmmm... what color shall I go today? Brown?" Jackson on the other hand was still holding his breath, his face darkened and stoic. "Think about your time in the war. Think about your time in the war. Think about your time in the war." she just lightly breathed out and kept a smile on her face as she picked out what to wear.
Crawling on the room from the ceiling. Bahamut descends down to his shoulders and with her front limbs, taps his cheeks. "Haaaaah... You know, Master is still very untrained when it comes to women advancing on him. I now have to reset him." The Dragon continues to tap his cheeks as she sighs. "That Captain woman from the Holy See must have had a good time with you, Master. I am sure she picked you apart and had lots of fun with you and that innocent heart of yours."
"I find it such a loss of opportunity that you fell asleep so quickly, Bahamut. You should've joined us." the Dragon just looked at her and turned away. Crawling to the top of Jackson's head and kneading on his messy hair but stylish look for him. "Hah? I'd rather sleep and conserve energy." She then lifts her head up, her snout pointing at the ceiling. "You should've seen his face when I got on top of him and kissed the Countess. She reacted so nicely when it got harder inside her." and the Dragon proceeded to bump her armored head into the man.
"WOAH-WHAT?!" Standing up, he looked around and his eyes blinked multiple times at the sight of the naked Queen. "Master, to the living room." She pulls his hair, making him walk out of the bedroom and with her magic, the Dragon closes the door. "Haaah... Master, just try to focus on your duties instead of trying to recall painful memories. It's not good for that Human head of yours." Unfolding her wings, the Dragon flies away to the dinner table where there was a book and a parchment under it.
"Uhhhh... What's for today's breakfast?"
"Master, the Bloodsucker already said it's Elizabeth pudding."
"Pudding for breakfast? Huh?"
The Countess soon arrives and places some chocolate and dough in the kitchen alongside milk and syrup. She then went up and down the cupboards in her own place in the hotel room getting all the needed utensils out. "A traditional pastry of the Kingdom, M'Lord! The Duchess Bread and Elizabeth Pudding! First, we must make sure the bread is coloured golden and then make it look like a Tower that'd you'd see in a Duchess' manor and put cream on top of it. I cannot wait for you to try this!" With nothing to do, he got to her and went to work with Alana, having to constantly keep himself awake so as to not let the thorough and peerless gaze of Vampire in the kitchen to look down upon his work.
"Now, for the pudding. It must have the syrup in the middle, in a bowl shaped area." She then began humming, her hips swaying as she went from one side to another. "You're in a really good mood huh?" swirling around with her long hair waving like a magnificent gust of wind, the woman had a big smile on her, her eyes even exuding the positivity she had excess of. "Hm! I feel like I could go on for weeks straight of work!"
After a while, it was finished and they heard a thud in the room. The two quickly ran to the bed where Bahamut had once again pushed Elizabeth off the top. With her sparkling golden blonde hair all blemished and ruined, the woman scratches her head as it peeks through the side.
"Grrrrr... again? My Lord, can't she just lick my cheeks?!"
"Ahahahah, Dragons only do that to those they see as intimate mates. Why did you go back to sleep anyways? You're already all dressed up."
"And?! Can't she do it without thinking of that? This is preposterous!" She then began to straighten her hair with magic as she sneered at the Dragon. "I was about to help you two in preparing the table but the bed smelled of... interesting aroma and the incense I used was still active."
He just gestures for her to come out and join them as he leans on the door frame with his arms crossed. "But her using the top of her head to bump you is also a sign of camaraderie. Dragons usually do that to play when young as it pushes their horns to grow bigger... or so they say."
Alana and Jackson then just looked at one another as they returned to the kitchen. "Your Majesty and Bahamut, Breakfast is ready. Please be mindful of yourselves. Our Lord has helped in cooking this." The Dragon's tail immediately wiggled as she opened her wings and flew to the table. Transforming to her Human form. But her face dims at the sight. "Eh? Where's the meat?"
"It's Duchess Style Bread and Elizabeth Pudding, Bahamut. Alana told me this is a traditional thing from their Kingdom. I swear this must have a thousand variants seeing how many pastries I saw when I was there." a chuckle then came from behind him as Alana removed her apron. "Heh-heh-heh. There's actually two hundred variations of this exact pastry, M'Lord and a hundred of them Elizabeth Pudding. Some not could not even be considered as pudding anymore." Elizabeth, donning her commoner outfit has arrived on the table and her face lights up at the familiar food. "Oh! I've longed for something like this! Wonderfully done My Lord and Countess!" having her praise, she digs in before the Dragon. Tasting the tower shaped ones first before going for the elongated ones with chocolate on top. Immediately, a big smile pops up on her face. "Hmmmmm! Very well done!"
The Dragon then digs in and just nods and doesn't make a word as she eats slowly. Jackson then went ahead and tried it himself and nodded. "Hm. It came out super fine." He then joins the table, sitting next to Elizabeth as Alana sits opposite Bahamut.
After a good hefty breakfast that's been made by him and the Countess, the entire party sets off to the Holy See Offices. As most of the city was still waking up, they met many people on the way and the roads were still mostly empty and for the first time as even the citizens were walking on the roads dragging carts on their back, Jackson could now feel some level of warmth that he used to have back in Asia. Making him feel more at home even though he is aware that the temperatures aren't as high as it is nor remotely nearly the ones he'd experience back home.
Etching their way through the various streets and roads, they encounter a large carriage parked by the curb. The person there was peddling the "Tur Made Swords of Beginner Continent". Pulled by a large green lizard with a rubber-like spine and skin. The creature garnered more attention than the fantastic swords made by the Chosen Ones of Tur. "Please, try out my swords! This is one of a kind, made from materials you won't find anywhere in Threa!" curious, he stops at the shop and starts browsing through the assortment of weapons.
Elizabeth instantly looks at a shiny gem. "Oh, put that down." with a head tilt, she turns to him whilst Bahamut had already hid inside his tunic. "Eh? Is this some sort of a device, My Lord?" Suddenly, the man owning the shop slips the gem out of her hands and bows to the two attractive women in normal clothes. "I apologize but this is a very combustible device meant to give the entire group a regeneration of Mana. When handled improperly, it can explode."
Looking at Jackson, and the Dragon peering from his well ironed clothes, the corporate hairstyle with the 1 ⁄ 3 of the left parted from the right. One of his eyebrow lifts. "Are you... a player?" the Knight then nods at him and in some sort of a test, the man reaches out his hand which he took and shakes. "Ah! Good to meet another person from Earth! Some of us have really gotten so used to living here that I can't distinguish someone from our world anymore in most cases."
"Is that so? Well..." his character didn't seem too crazy, with an above average build, and a bit of silk on his woolen tunic and cargo pants. The only thing that really stood out on the man was the lance that's sheathed behind his back. Coloured purple and yellow, it exudes strength and luxury. "Even; I can't really tell at this point. I'm sure even here in Janishaire, there's players like us but have either accepted there fate and lives amongst everyone like a citizen."
Nodding, he continues to lightly shake Jackson's hand. "Names Roger Vickson. I am an IT Specialist working for a sub company of Microsoft, Father of four and married to my high school crush. Came from Oklahoma, now living in Thailand."
"Huh? You moved to Thailand with four kids?"
"With the economic situation in the mid twenty twenties. I had no choice. My wife also wanted another four kids."
"Names Paul Jackson. I am a businessman from Asia." He breathes in and shrugs his head. "E-Eight kids?!" Alana and Elizabeth then turned to him. "What's the matter with that many children, M'Lord? I actually think if we ever get married, I'd want that much many children."
"I agree with the Countess, My Lord. I'd actually want ten, remember?"
"I mean... with how busy my job is. It just seems impossible..." seeing the eyes of the two Vampires, he delfates like a defeated monster and raises his hands. "But then again, if I were to stay here and not be in my usual hustle and bustle life on Earth... I'd be able to go with that. I've always wanted a family but work came first and became life."
"Ah, I get that, Mister Jackson." Roger would occasionally look at the native Threans who were browsing through his weapon shop. Mostly at those near the explosives. "That's why I never really opted for a job that requires me to be in many places. My work is mostly hybrid and with AI, my job is not really about coding anymore."
"You got me at a job that requires me to be in many places because that's exactly my work nature."
"Ohhhh... but I am guessing you are getting paid the big bucks, right?"
"Ehhhh... yeah? I mean..." caressing his arm, he has a small smile as Alana crosses hers. "M'Lord is a very rich business owner on Earth and I believe it. We both understand one another even in the sense of money and money making." Roger on the other hand tilts his head. "And you are? I've never seen a Peasant girl with an aura like yours."
"Alana. Do you by any chance have Swords for thrusting? One native to Tur." He turns around and takes an Arming Sword that's a few inches longer than the rest. "Here, this is a design from the Sachwan Kingdom in the Mid Continent." The sword, with a curved half bowl guard, was made from Adamantine, the blades itself having a special effect to it. "Ohhh, how interesting. May I?"
Taking it, the teenage girl walked to the back of the carriage where Roger had set up some magical mannequins. They'd not only dodge, but also use their wooden swords to smack you back.
"So, Mister Jackson. How did your company survive the big crash of twenty one?"
"Ah, well most of my company wasn't really working with the West. Our stuff came from Asia and we only did local runs at the time. We also oversupply ourselves with spare parts after almost going bankrupt because we got a bit stingy on maintenance."
"And your company's money?"
"We had ones in multiple banks and real cash."
"Wow, aren't you perceptive of the economy?"
"Heh. I owe it all to my friend. I am more of a dreamer, there's three of us who founded the company and the other two have their own respective strengths. One of them has more knowledge of economics and money than I ever do."
"I on the other hand, had a rough time, but good thing IT jobs never really disappeared and got back up after a few months." He then wipes his hands on his apron as he takes a Saber from the hands of a child without having to turn his head. "And family?"
"Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, two Uncles, an Aunt, and a little brother. Pretty sure they're all praying for me back on Earth." Hearing this, Alana and Elizabeth both looked at one another then went back to their browsing. "Heh. I'm always amazed at Asian Culture. You all put family as number one above everything, right?"
Without even thinking, Jackson nods. "Hell yeah we do. I'd do everything for them. When missiles started dropping on the country, even I felt the need to sign up but I didn't need to. I got drafted and put into officer school."
"Ah, you were a soldier?"
"Was... still is."
"For the UN?"
"Uh huh. Helping them out a bit here and there with my experience."
"Oh! Then I am giving thirty percent discounts to all members of the military. Please, take what you need. I am putting a lot in you guys and that you will bring us all back home." The Knight stood still for a moment, feeling some weight on his arms as Bahamut just snuggled up to his neck. The two Vampires also sensed this and came rushing in, touching his shoulder and arms. "Do you have any news on the portal? I went there and I saw the huge thing! It seemed to be made out of stone and dang, I could see it even from the mountainside path and the base being built around it."
"Errrr..." He scratches the back of his head and shrugs. "I sadly don't. Even when I was at Iron Mountain, I only heard rumors. Even with my rank, they wouldn't spill anything about it." This then made him deject a bit as Roger sighed. "May I ask why?"
"The team involved in the project to return home is run by an entirely different department separate from both the Military and Government. There reasoning is some schlong about keeping it under wraps and no one saying anything to the Kingdoms or whatever."
"They at least answer to the Generals, right?"
"I am a General and they don't answer to anyone but the Guild Leaders. Basically the people above my superior." Scratching his head, Roger just turns around and takes something from the side of his carriage. Having a window built into it. It provided him easy access to the interior where he'd take parts and weapons from.
He'd also perform light kicks at the rowdy children trying to get the Daggers whilst Adventurers checked out the muzzle loaded musket pistols that's displayed near the driver seat. "Ah! Found it!" He then pulls out a longsword. Though it had no etching and even a crossguard. It was just the bare metal itself shaped into a blade. "I was gonna submit this to the Swordsmith Guild of Gareth. Since you're a General, you should be able to have the Mana for these high level swords. Can you try it?"
As if his world lit up again, Jackson takes the blade and walks back a few meters. The people having to go behind his back to avoid the sword. "Ohhhh... is this made from Monocture Alloy mixed with Adamantine on the blades?" Roger nods. "Ahahahah, you have a keen eye, Mister Paul. It indeed is. I have lots of Monocture saved up from my grind times." swinging it a bit, the Adventurers who were also browsing turned to look at the player.
He swung the sword elegantly, with style and respect to its length. Making them whisper at one another. "I have over three thousand hours in Dark World, two thousand in my virtual sword making hobby."
"Hey, this is pretty good. Alana, do you think this will pass?" He hands it over to the teenager and she immediately inspects it. "Well... I am not that versed in the sword or smithing guilds as I am only really interested in the WineMakers and Goldsmith Guilds." Elizabeth then turns to her. "Oh? What about the Jewelers Guild?"
"I'd rather not talk, their standards are... annoying to say the least." She then swings the sword with skill, the Adventurers all nodding to her figure and speed. "I get the need to have the best artisans for the most perfect workmanship, but it has reached the point where it is just beyond what is needed."
"Oh my, it seems that even after all these years, they're still as bad as when they were mostly run by Dwarves."
"That is because they still are."
Hearing the conversation between the two, Roger's eyes squinted as an Adventurer in all leather armor approached him with a shortsword. "Twenty Silver coins. Local currency."
After the purchase, Alana returns the sword to him. "I believe this should more than pass. Though I suggest you visit the Smiths Guild first and talk to them."
"Ah, when a pretty lady orders. A man obeys. Right, Mister Jackson?"
"Right... till it's something crazy." He then looks at the catalog he had written and notices he was selling something that caught his eyes. "You sell Black Metal?! How much is a pound?"
"Oh, that's a to order and delivery product. I don't carry that expensive stuff around."
"Darnit! That would've been perfect. Oh well." Taking his hopes, he talks over to the two Vampires who were still sorting through the stuff littered on the street. "M'Lord, this emerald gem..." she takes one of it that's displayed on a leather rack and holds it up to the sky.
"Ah, yeah. The Upgrade Material. You usually imbue that with a healing or self regenerating magic and then put it into your clothing or sword. Preferably clothing."
"Sir Jackson is correct, young lady." he then takes a red ruby and hands it out. "This one, you can see its iridescent and rainbow color?" Alana leans down and nods at it. "That's an indicator that it's enchanted. So if a sword has a more colorful appearance, the more dangerous it is. Though some use magic to hide this, it's very hard to do and find the right people who can."
He then opens his palm, prompting the Countess to return the Emerald gem. "This in particular is not that much used on weapons. Though it can be done, some had and called it a Healing Stick that you basically smack your friends with to heal them. This is mostly recommended to be put on clothing." returning it, he then leans to the left side. On a barrel full of wool sacks that's filled with explosives.
"Do you plan to buy one? I give forty percent discounts to pretty ladies." In the back, Jackson raises his hands and makes an "Oy!" He then starts huffing and puffing. "How come Vets only get thirty?! Every chick in this world is at the very least above average in looks! You won't get jack in profit!" He raises his hand and gestures for him to simmer. "Sir Jackson, you don't get it. The pretty lady you are acquainted with seems to be someone from a higher social status, am I wrong?"
Alana shrugged. Not denying it one bit. "Of course, you have a keen eye. I get why your business is this good." He then respectfully bows and smiles. "Thank you. Though I apologize we don't have Black Steel on me right now."
"It's fine. I hope you have a good time here in Gareth. Me and the girls have something to tend to."
"Very well. But it's good to see another Player who is very open about his status as an Outworlder. Most just keep their head low after all the stuff that happened in the first five months."
"I heard of that. But yeah, I hope you get back home to your family."
"You too, Mister Jackson. You seem to have been blessed with great parents like I have."
"I was and still am. When I get back home, I'll hug everyone and buy the largest platter of Chinese and American food that I can buy."
"Hm. Might do something along those lines. My daughter Sherry loves her roast turkey very much. Even to this day, I still think of her. Heh, my wife must be feeling this I am sure. She has a knack for detecting my emotions or is she telepathic?"
"Whichever it is, the same could be said to these three. Though I think it has something to do with our contacts. Thank you again, take care."
Waving, the group departed as they reached the busy Adventurer's Street. The bustling Fortress City was truly coming alive as even early in the day, people were already peddling their wares.
Walking past a streetside show put on by Nobles who had not yet left to there respective regions, Alana stops upon hearing a single word. "Lord Nigel Minuit! Please release my wife and children!"
"You dare address me in such a disrespectful way you lowly mortal?"
She stops as the group continues to walk into the crowd. With Jackson lifting Bahamut up like a puppy and dusting off her wings. Elizabeth leaned forward to check the inside of her scales.
"B-But please! I've given you all I could!"
"The Queen requests for enough blood to fill fifty mortans worth of land. Yet you still come to me to waste my time?"
"I-i-i know you are unable to replace me. I am the only Noble Human left in the Itronto Region."
Though she was unable to see the scene due to the crowd, the Countess could audibly hear the dialogue being spoken.
"You don't think we can't replace you, Owynch? The Queen has made it clear. Lest you wanted to be brandished like your beloved Queen Victoria."
"I... I will not stand with this! Maybe right now, I have no choice as the lives of my family and my peasants are held hostage. But when the day comes, Queen Victoria shall be freed from this humiliating prison!"
"Enough. Lord Connour, remove this mortal before he pollutes the air with his inept breathing."
"No!" A swish of magic then pops on the street, throwing away Nobles wearing fake Vampire Knight Armors in the sky. "I will stand for this Kingdom and the rightful King and Queen!"
"Alright. You are to be replaced." A fake head then flew up in the sky, making the crowd grasp. "Duke Minuit, this will destabilize the region."
"No need. It's not like Itronto has much in terms of profits. It can't even provide the monthly blood quota we've requested."
"I do wonder, why is the Queen doing this? Even we will soon be unable to keep up with her demands. Has King Charles done anything about her behavior?"
"It's better not to ask nor think. Queen Bartley has reached a level we can only look at."
"Or that her lavish parties in the Royal Capital had made the thirst of the other Dukes become feral."
"Either way, we must continue to distribute the new Vampire blood to the old ones. No more shall they fear the light."
"Duke Minuit, why are you here anyways? Shouldn't you be in Ville De La Nuit? Even Duke Timothy had never returned to his land."
"That monkey will only be that. A monkey. I am first and foremost a man of profit. I won't have profit there, partying away. Sinking in endless hedonism of sorts. The Vampire Empire had reached its peak and our campaign to Meridia will only provide more money to us."
"Or could it be... that you cannot stand the sight of our beloved Queen?"
A red curtain then lifts with magic and a Noble man in traditional clothing of Gareth, consisting of trees and branches, and the icon of Forrus steps forward. "And thus, the endless thirst of the Vampire Royalty had started to shatter even the loyalty of its most respected and vaunted leaders. Such is Duke Anjou Minuit and Lord Connour Mercandiere." The certain then raises up once again and she could hear the man stepping around the wooden stage.
"One by one, the greed of the Vampires became their worst enemy and to this day, the House of Crowns has never been the same. From over hundreds of Vampire Houses to a mere three remaining."
"My. We never addressed one another with such simplicity. Right, Countess?" she perks up and looks behind herself where Queen Elizabeth was standing. She had her arms crossed and what a smile to her. Jackson on the back was given an ancient sword to gawk at. "Anjou was always perceptive. His alliance was not to me, nor to the King. It was to himself."
She walks forward, stopping right next to her. "I do not blame your ancestor for his decision. The others simply threw themselves in the fray, killing and ending their immortality for me." opening her palm, she lifts it up as if to cusp the star. "All for power... for survival. I am happy you are alive, Countess. Do not think for a second that I am holding any anger to the Minuit family for deciding to betray me."
"I know, Your Majesty. But it's just that you hate betrayal. Much more than someone disrespecting you. The stories passed down, the punishments you gave out." The blonde woman seemingly breathed out, as if she was already tired. "That time has passed. I am no longer that person and I do as I please now. Including forgiving those who had wronged me."
She turns around and looks at Jackson, happily checking out a rusty sword that she'd not even gaze at. "And... enjoying the little things has taught me much about life and immortality. I've lived for so long as the Queen everyone loved and would do everything for that I might've forgotten what it's like to enjoy simple things."
"When Our Lord returns to his world, what shall be your next plan, Your Majesty?"
"Pfft. I see you have caught onto that. I am still thinking, but it's best I keep a secluded life in the forest. Not to disturb anyone or anything. The things I've done, I doubt many will forgive." She turns back again to Jackson, this time he was trying to find out how to put the curved Elven sword into its scabbard. "I'd also not want for people to know what the Outworlders had done. To awaken me and put me out of that box. Many of them wish to stay, yes? They've been through enough."
"Hm. Your Majesty, you sound a lot like before you became the Queen of Blood."
Before she could reply, the loud voice of a scream from the streetside show overcame them both. "Damned Queen of the Night! I feel for your King! He was once a Human Knight! A Hero! The first of his kind! You tainted him and look at him now! He isn't even a shadow of his former self! He is not even alive anymore! Look at the dead eyes of that man! He only has his love for you and you took advantage of that for your own gain!"
Elizabeth only sighed as her head tilted a bit. "As the Hero chosen by the Gods! I will strike him down first! Release him from his prison that is you and free Mankind from the shackles of the Vampires! You may have defeated me now, stealing the Sword of Man before I could, but I don't need it! I will kill you with just this blade made by my cherished friend from my home village!"
"Hah-hah-hah! Very well, thine heroism shant not be tainted by thou's laughter. Heed me, I invite thou to the Castle of the Night. But, that is if thine could go through one's Lords!"
"Pfft. I don't sound like that." suddenly appearing, Jackson shrugs. "You totally do."
"Eeek!~" her cute shriek caught the man off guard, never seeing her react in such a girlish way, he couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Pfffffft.... What was that?"
"N-Nothing!"
"As the Hero of Man, Hero Saint Mike Brownley of Akash shall strike you down you vile woman! I take your offer and I will defeat everyone of the thousand Dukes under you and free this world! Your Empire will not last for even a decade!" Bahamut on the other hand scratches her large jaw as she yawns. "I am surprised you aren't showing any hint of fright as Master hears this."
"Thus, The Hero Saint Brownley started the end of the Elizabethan Era... the long and arduous journey took only two years as the combined forces of the Continents stormed the Vampire Kingdom and sacked it. To this day, Queen Elizabeth stood as a cautionary tale for all women in Royalty. She was disloyal, filled with greed and lust, it is even said that not a day passed when a Duke didn't try to take over the place of the King whilst she drank blood from the bodies of handsome naked men that she'd discarded."
"Hmph." She crosses her arms and her long thin eyebrows furrow. "Yes, there were many that hit on me, but none of them ever think of actually staying and becoming something more. They were not after my beauty even, that was below their thirst for power."
Tapping her shoes, her eyes squinted at the play. "I also only drank their blood. Even in my state at the time, I never once committed adultery. But... I understand the reasoning as to why they made it that way. A cautionary tale huh... me." rubbing her chin, Jackson looks around and finds something. "And the thing is... many of them even had planned to kill me afterwards. Hence my harshness to betrayal. Though one thing stuck out."
Only Alana and Bahamut were there to listen to her as Jackson had fled the scene to fetch something. "Lord Montpensier of Lorraine told me... he wouldn't marry me purely out of love and have me as his wife. He knows what kind of a woman I am and frankly... I wouldn't either."
As claps of the people filled the air, the Queen was silent as she held her fingers up her chin. Even as confetti was thrown and the last scene starts where the Hero Saint had defeated the Queen. "I have done it! Mankind is freed alongside the Elves and the Beastkin! Vampires from high and low with your Demonic friends, this is the power of mortality! Do not look down on us with your Devilish nature! You may be naturally superior, but we have something you do not possess! True and pure love!"
She turns again to the stage, and Bahamut sitting on Alana's shoulder shrugs her head. "Bloodsucker, your heart is beating far too fast."
Something then fills up her field of view. "Rawr! It is I! Thorbolt! Great Dragon of the Forest!" She shrugs her head as she steps back a bit to see Jackson has a stuffed toy of a small green Wyvern. "Master, Thorbolt is a four legged Drago-'' he then looks at her with eyes full of fury, making the Dragon squirm and become silent. "Wow, that's a first, M'Lord."
"Ta da! It's a cute little Dragon I bought from the cute little old lady over there!" This made Elizabeth light up, with a big wide smile on her face, she took him by the cheeks and pulled the man close to her head." Her emerald eyes were striking down his brown ones as he felt an immense weight on him.
"But My Lord, even after all that. You saw this woman for whom you didn't know the first thing about and gave her mercy. After I did my vows, I was ready to meet my end under your orders. All you had to say was the word and I'd disembowel myself right before you, ending the scourge of Mankind as I was already without of much blood. Yet, you took my word and didn't judge. Even as a Vampire. The natural enemy of Humans."
As the next part of the show started to play, this time with the Nobles performing sword dances, pleasing the now enlarging crowd. Forcing Alana and Bahamut to stay close to the two, Elizabeth didn't budge as she looked straight down at Jackson's eyes.
"And now here we are, for you took on the challenge of taking me under your wing and carrying the weight of my crimes and power. You even went as far as to rescue me at the hands of my own kind. Those aren't anything a normal person would do. My Lord, do not think for a second that I'd do anything against your wishes." he shrugs his head. "Elizabeth, it's just a story being retold. It's not even accurate like you said. You don't need to overthink it."
"Hm." She then smiles. "This is why I fell for you. My heart is for you to use as you will. This is why I was ready to accept death when General Yamaoka told of my potential betrayal."
"Elizabeth, he was just joking. You need to calm down."
"No. My Lord, I wish for you to know how lucky I feel to have you with me. How much of a catch you are, I could never believe a Human could have a trait like yours. You accepted not only me, but even the Countess." She then takes the stuffed toy that was in his hands and lovingly embraces it. "If it was another, I would be dead now. Yet here we are, I do not know if I could ever repay your love and kindness, My Lord."
Jackson just places his hand on top of her head. "Live." chuckling he turns around, putting his hands in his pockets. "Live and enjoy life. Elizabeth. That's how you're going to repay me." She then tilts her head and leans to see the side of his face. It was flushed red alongside his ears. "Pft. My Lord, I believe I am already doing that right now."
He then turns around, exuding nothing but confidence. "Good. After all this, continue to be happy for me. Take care of those you love and respect and live on. Heck, I might even stay and give you kids if the portal can stay up and remain open." This made her openly blush, her Vampire ears appearing all coloured red making Alana jump to cover it. "Y-Y-Your Majesty! Your ears! Your ears!"
"And you, Alana. I might see if I can give you eight kids. I won't mind it. Your Manor has lots of space, and the field could easily be a good spot for them to play on." This then made the Countess also blush, making her own pointy Vampire ears appear painted in red forcing Bahamut to turn into her Human form and cover them. "GAH! Master! Did you really have to do this here?!"
"W-wha-what?! I just thought of it right now in my head!" He began to look around and then took Elizabeth by the hand. Walking forward. "Gaaaah! Master, sometimes your honesty can really work against you! Blo- Humans! Walk forward!"
Once again returning to the Park Square where the Office of the Church of Deus Vrax was located. There was a lone magician standing by the statue, performing fireworks and making magical animals move around and interact with the kids.
Alana and Elizabeth were then placed on a bench at the corner. Jackson had to wave his hands like a fan to calm them down. "Goodness, My Lord. I never expected for you to make a return like that. Phooo... I feel myself wanting to get it on again." he then puts his hands on a prayer. "I AM SORRY. I did not expect to hold power like that!" Alana then lifts her head up to the skies. Smiling. "M'Lord, you should know better. Hah-hah... After what we did last night, for you to do this to me at the middle of the day..."
Lowering his head, he just bowed profusely. "I am SUPER sorry!"
With the Holy See offices in sight, they began walking up the stairs to the pillars that stood in front of the main doors and stopped before the guards. "Should I go in?" Bahamut then nods. "Master, she did say to go to her." he then walks to the burly man in chainmail. "Hello, I came for Captain Julieanne."
"Hm? What is your business with the Captain? She's busy. Please attend tomorrow."
"E-Eh?!" He then turns around looking at his party members. "I need one of you to hand me an ID card." Bahamut was the quickest of them all, literally materializing it right in front of him. He then turns around once again and shows the Bishop's stamp on it. The guards quickly stood at ease and stepped aside. "Nice, I'll head in then. This should be fast. Girls, stay tight."
Sitting down on the flight of stairs while Elizabeth and Alana just patrolled the surroundings, weary of every Priest and Nun going in and out of the structure. Meanwhile, restless already just after fifteen minutes of idling, Bahamut had started to crawl up and down the large white pillars of the front of the building but suddenly, the Queen realized something. "Wait, Bahamut does not have a proper Adventurer's Card since she's considered as an Animal Companion." The woman then looks in her pockets and finds not a trace of it. "Oy! Dragon!"
Inside, the Knight had walked into the East Wing where the Officers Quarters were. Finding the room for the Captain, he knocked and a quick reply was given. "Come in!" opening the door, Julieanne was already in chainmail, attaching the Holy Sword to her belt as she checked herself out in the mirror. "Ah, Jackson. How's your morning been? You are late." he scratches his head and laughs a bit as he looks around her room. "Sorry, those two were working me to the bones."
With neat bronze decor of bronze, the cabinets and wardrobes were all painted white with copper linings. Her bed though was quite large and she had marble tiles below that's polished to a mirror. "Well, I'll have to go find your card. Since you didn't come early in the morning. I had a courier to deliver it to you."
"Eh?!"
"Don't worry, he should still be here. Just let me get my plates on."
"What're you doing anyways?"
"Just finished attending to some matters that don't require armor. Hah. Truth be told, the Bishops have been a bit more active recently. I think they're onto us."
"Regardless, since you're done with your job. Wanna come with?" This made her stop and smile. "Ohhh... you want me to join your roster of concubines, huh?" with a smirk she walks to him and rests her elbow on his shoulder. "W-wha-what?! No! I just thought you might want to get the evidence quickly." with a laugh, the Captain walks back to her mirror and starts doing her lipstick.
"I have other matters to attend to. Bishop Blast is also right. You are better off doing this alone, no one would bat an eye to a bunch of hired muscles by the Church." sighing, the man turned around and walked to the hallway. "I'll be outside then."
"Right, I'll be there in a jiffy with the card. Just let me finish. A lady needs her time." closing the door, the man walks back to the outside with his eyes all leveled. With a longer and harder sigh, he sits down on the first step and rests his chin on his palm. The Vampires knew what it was and left him be while Bahamut was crawling up the ceiling without care.
"Lord Jackson?" turning around, they were surprised to see its Seiness with her own Knight guarding her. "Ah, if ain't the Wolf girl from down under. How have you been?" She ran to him as if he was the cool Uncle that'd only show up every once or twice a year and gave the man a long warm hug. She then proceeded to respectfully bow to the two Vampires in their human disguises. "Lady Minuit, Lady Carmilla." She counts them and is surprised.
"Eh? Where's the Goddess?" Jackson just points up to the ceiling where Bahamut has needlessly crawled herself up to. The Knight with her just grasps at the sight as the Black Dragon unscrews its claws, letting it freefall till halfway down where she opened her wings and glided to the top of Seiness' head, thumping her feet at the Priestess' fluffy headwear.
"Hello Wolf girl. You were looking for me?" The Holy Knight with the Priestess couldn't believe his own ears, the Dragon was able to speak with a calming motherly voice even with such a small body.
"I-it-it speaks?!"
"Ah, Sir Wolke. This is Bahamut.'' The Dragon who's on top of her just turns around to face the Holy Knight, in his polished enchanted alloy that has the Sword Cross of the Holy See embedded in the middle of its puffed chestplate. "Hello Human named Wolke. Do you have any meat to pay tribute to me?"
"A-amazing! My... Priestess, is this the group Bishop Archhein hired to get you through your test?"
"They are! This is their Backline Mage, Bahamut and then Miss Minuit! Sir Jackson is there Vanguard alongside Miss Carmilla!"
"Minuit?"
"Ah-ah.." Stumbling in her sentences, she quickly got ahold of herself after Jackson and Alana were in panic. "T-the-the name's the same but Miss Minuit here is completely Human!" The Holy Knight then walks past her and then to Alana. Looking at her up and down. "Exceptional beauty though... akin to that of a Blutsaugr." Seeing him get too close to her, Jackson reacts and gets in between the two immediately. "Ah, Sir Wolke. May I ask from what country you come from?"
"Me? I come from Carthegra! Well, what was Carthegra. I no longer have a home to go to but the Church."
"Ohhhh... sorry."
"What're you apologizing for? You asked where I hail, and thus is my answer." Though a bit muffled by his helmet, Jackson could get a clear message of the man's endearing happiness underneath all the armor and metal that covers his skin. "Now, how come a Human would want to name their family as Minuit? That's like using the Bartley name as your maiden name! By Deus' Sword, are you asking for it woman?" Alana just smiles and shrugs. But it didn't help in weavering the suspicion of the Holy Knight.
"Ah! Lord Jackson!" hearing Seiness' small voice at such a high volume made everyone look at her. "What're you here for?"
"I came to find Captain Julieanne. She said she'd stamp my Card... but... we were uhhhh... late due to circumstances, AHEM, AHEM." He'd shoot a stare at the two Vampires who dodged his eyes. "She thought we weren't gonna come and gave it to a courier. Haaaah..."
"Oh... Miss Julieanne can be a bit of a klutz when it comes to men she finds interesting. Sir Wolke, can you notify Miss Julieanne if she has found the Courier? I think it's Sir Heinz, right?" the Holy Knight immediately disengages from sniffing out Alana and turns to her. "Of course, Priestess. Sir Jackson, you now have a job that a few can be allowed to do. Protect the Priestess even with your life." Though he musters a smile, he couldn't help but feel a weighing stare emanating from the direction of the two Vampires. The white armored man immediately disappears as he walks back into the white building.
"Seiness, are you sure about this guy?"
"Hehehehe... Sir Wolke is a bit eccentric but he was also raised by someone from the Wolf Tribes too. His parents were too busy, so it was his Maid who taught him about life. He knows how our species work like Bishop Archhein."
"Is that so? Alright then. Where are you headed off too anyways?"
"To the Cathedral, Lord Jackson. The Church has made a new mandate. We are now too overstock, even if it means it will spoil or rotten earlier than we usually allow." remembering that Julieanne just said something about attending a certain thing that didn't armor, he sighs at himself. "I hope we didn't make her wait for too long this morning." He just rests his hand on Seiness's head and starts rubbing it.
"Hm? Really? That's a bit over the top isn't it?" Seiness turns her head left and right first before she walks up to his ear. Standing on her tippy toes, she whispers to him. "I heard rumors that this is due to the approaching Calamity. The Kingdoms all throughout the continent have been stocking up themselves and building new fortifications on top of what they've already built. But something this urgent means it's right around the corner." His eyes open wide as he turns to look at her. Seeing that she was serious the man just places his heavy hand on top of her head. Making Bahamut scoot over.
"Be sure to be safe... I've... I've fought Hell before and it takes a certain kind of a person to survive through it all." Seiness only lowered her head even more, letting him pat her more aggressively to the point that her Wolf ears perked up enough that her hat lifted. "Ah! I apologize!" the man just giggles, now scratching her ears. "Ahahahaha, what a cutie. With Sir Wolke guarding you, I am sure you will make it through it." she just nods as the girl blushes. "MASTER! WHAT ABOUT ME?!" Out of nowhere, Bahamut transforms into her Human form, making the guards panic as she removes her veil and crown.
Her human head is now adorned with her sharp vertical metallic horns and she lowers it as if she will stab the man then ask for pats. She then just points her finger at her head repeatedly making Jackson use his other hand to quell her desire. "Huu huu huuuu... this feels nice with my horns!" Seiness then sees the shiny horns of the Dragon and her left wolf ear lowers as she observes it.
"Don't think about it, Seiness. Dragons are very sensitive when it comes to their horns."
"E-eh? Is that so, Lord Jackson?"
"Mhm. Their horns grow larger and stronger the older a Dragon gets. Bahamut's here is a Metallic one from how strong it's gotten. It's a status symbol alongside their scales. Better not touch it unless she permits it.
Bursting out of the front door only wearing a black T-shirt was Julieanne. Exposing her slim and slender shoulders and bust to the world alongside her entire arms, the woman had with her fingers the man's Card. "I found it!" walking behind her was Sir Wolke, the man just shrugging and facepalming. "Didn't I already tell you to wake up early? You are a Captain of the City Guard. You shouldn't be staying up late practicing your sword." His concerns merely flew in her right ear then out the left. "Now look at you, having to attend an important meeting early in the morning and then having to give a card to a trusted confidant of the Church. You better don your dress for the afternoon meeting." She bows to Jackson and hands over to him his card back. "COME ON! Don't just ignore me, Julie!"
"Thank you Julieanne. I'll be sure to head there right after this." holding both her hands up in a prayer, she repeatedly bows to him. "Hm! Be sure to get this done! Sir Wolke is gonna speak to me to death so I recommend you just go." The Knight just smiled at her as the two Vampires edged in from the peripherals of the Captain. With Elizabeth looking at her with devious intent and Alana looking at the Card she gave back to her Lord.
"Julieanne huh." Hearing the amorous deep voice of a woman, the Captain turns to Jackson's right to where Elizabeth was. "Ah, Miss Carmilla. Thank you for taking care of Seiness. She has said nothing but compliments about your decorum and your teaching of ladylike manners."
"I know." As if she was a predator sizing up another. The Vampire Queen crossed her arms and gave the blonde woman a sneering observation. "Good bust shape, bountiful chest, a bit more muscled arms but not too much, not too tall nor small, finely shaped jaw and puffy cheeks..." as the Queen was giving her a quick look, the Captain then bends down in front of Jackson, showing her sweaty cleavage as she smiled at him. "Tsk. This Human is good."
But before Jackson could take a good long look, Alana butts in and rests her elbow on his shoulder. Nudging him silently. "Ahem, M'Lord. We should thank the Captain and be on our way. The Roc Courier arrives at the start of Noon, correct? I believe burning our mornings has been unproductive to our time."
"Ah, yes. Miss Alana. Exactly." with a sneering stare at her, she just gives him a pretty smile.
He then returns to looking at the blonde Knight. "Thank you Captain, Seiness, we'll be on our way. Be a good girl." He extends his arm to the Captain who immediately shook it. "This is a really good custom!" Exchanging pleasantries, he gave Seiness some last headpats as he walked off to the street. Constantly looking back at the two Vampires, Elizabeth most of all who has seemingly plotted multiple things on her head. He made sure that before any of those could materialize, their line of sight with her has already disappeared.
Walking to the Gun Platform, the Dead Hand Party once again sets off. This time heading to Voreious, the wealthier part of the city. The entire time, Elizabeth couldn't take her mind off the Captain as she'd bite her thumbs long nail every now and then whilst looking back every two blocks they've crossed. Jackson just smiles while Alana makes sure the Queen wouldn't wander off anywhere.
Having a long way to go, the group stopped by the Minuit family branch there and had a carriage to deliver them to the most Northwestern part of Janishaire. With the Manors around the corner being more of an older design, some still reminiscent of the Elizabethan design. Upon exiting, the group notices the large amount of Holy See grunts and Knights in formation. With the Knight, Priest, and Sergeant both standing in front of the lowly soldiers.
They first performed a prayer, with the soldiers all kneeling down and removing their distinctive T-shaped opening that's akin to the Sword Cross of Deus Vrax. The Priest did a short but sweet prayer which was then followed by the Sergeant calling the names of each of the Platoon leaders who then reported if they were complete. After which, the Knight performed their daily briefing and was in charge of what area of the day.
Jackson and his party just kept silent on the sidelines as they finished and the large group of warriors dispersed. The section of the Fortress wall opened as a massive bird with the shape of a Falcon and head of an Eagle flew ahead of them and a whistle was heard. "M'Lord! That's an Elven Roc!" they immediately sprung into action. Waltzing in through the front gate as the Priest turns to the odd party of one man, two women and a small dragon heading towards them.
"Uhhhh.. Lord-" Before the grunt could speak, the Priest put his palm up to him, silencing the man. "Now, what in the Gods is this?" Jackson was the first to speak, showing both his hands and smiling. "Good afternoon. I've come here to do an inspection of Roc Couriers that delivers mail between the Universities and the Empire and Kingdom."
"Hm? There was no letter from the Office for an inspection. I've also never seen your faces before."
"We're a third party hired by Bishop Archhein."
"Lord Archhein? Where is his stamp? I believe you'll also need the stamp of a Sergeant or Captain to enter." Jackson then shows his Adventurer ID and the stamp on its front. The Priest then places his finger on it and it lights up. "Ah, it's real. Alright then. And are these two attractive women with you?" The blue robed Priest eyed the two, as if he knew they were oddly too good looking to be normal. "Yes. They're both with me." with a quick squint of his eye, the man steps aside. "Mind your manners. Elves are also present here."
Walking in the gate and then to a door. The hallway to the platform was well kept and maintained. Even the lights on it we're all functioning and the once quarters for the Gun Commander and its Operators were now turned into barracks and sorting offices for the letters going in and out. "So... what is this inspection about then?" The Priest didn't look back as he led them to the main platform itself. The bright light from the outside of the thick fortress walls of the city blinded him.
"I've come to inspect some letters that may hold suspicious notes between undesirable parties from within both sides." All he heard was a scoff from the Priest as the man kept an absolute demeanor. Reaching the end of the hall, they arrive at the long bridge that leads to the main platform. It's full of crates and boxes as a large bird was on the end, the pouches on its saddle full of stuff the University requested and the Elf rider wearing a lighter version of their iconic composite armor and had round cylindrical goggles meant for flight.
Elves were also present but were regulated on the main platform. They all also wore the lighter variant of their armor and kept a stoic pose. Their long polearms that can fire short bursts of magical energy stood opposed to the star right above them, on the pole itself were the flag of the Empire. The Goddess Forrus hugging the entirety of Threa, with her long sharp Elven ears. She can be seen solemnly embracing the entire planet with 5 twinkling stars behind her.
As the Priest led them to the Roc itself and the Rider, handing over the letters from the Empire and the Knights then taking it and in exchange, gave him the letters from the University and the Holy See. The last ones were from the Nobles of the Kingdom. "Halt." The Elf then turned to the young Priest, with his auburn hair and pale complexion, he didn't seem much of anyone to stand in the way of the tall and slender figure of the man in composite.
"What is this?" The Elf had a high and mighty tone to him, he kept his chin at an elevated posture, forcing the Humans to look up a bit to him. "Didn't the treaty say that both parties shall not intervene with one another?" the Priest just scoffs. "These people are from an outside party. They came here to investigate the rumors of an opposition party within the Church and the Empire." The Elf Rider just chuckled. "What? The Empire, our very Council members having a dispute? What joke is this?"
Jackson steps forward, with a stoic face and his posture straight and level. "This is not a joke and we have probable cause." Not hearing such a thing before, the Elf lets go of the ladder to his saddle and puts his hands on his hips. "Do you know what you're messing with, Human? These letters could get you beheaded if you open them without express permission." he then tilts his head. "Who said I was gonna open them? I am not even after those."
Bahamut in her Dragon form just yawns. "This little thing here will be the one to do the inspecting." The Elf breathes a long sigh. "A Human with a Dragon? What is the world going to?" He then climbs up the ladder to his saddle and takes the attached mail bags and opens them. To Jackson's surprise, it wasn't much and was only a mere handful. With a flick of his finger, the Dragon climbs down from his broad shoulder and hops in one of the bags. Since she was so small, the Black Dragon could easily do circles inside the mail bags. Some of which had artifacts inside of them rather than letters.
After three minutes of stare contest between the Elves and the Holy See, the Dragon spoke. "Master, I found something else." She then uses her snout to move the other letters away and puts her sharp claw in one. "Hm? That's from a lowly Minister from the University. Just what does he have to do with this whole entire conspiracy?" Jackson then knelt to pat Bahamut and took the letter. He observes the unbroken seal and the thick folded papers inside it. "What did it say?"
"It has a bunch of jumbled letters inside the paper, Master. My vision was a bit blurry since it's toppled with a bunch of other properly written ones but I believe it's a code of some sort." Jackson then turns to the Priest and opens his hand. "Knight! Fetch me an ink, quill and some parchment!" The Elf then tilted his head at what was happening and when the Knight came back, a poof happened which took everyone by surprise except the Party.
All the while, Elizabeth had looked for the letters the Demented Crusaders were supposed to get and slipped away. "My Lord, this is a very good bonus for us." the man nods. "Hm. Of course they'd have more than one way of communicating. This one seems to be headed to the Kingdom."
In her Human form, Bahamut put the fragile parchment on her lap as she wrote down what she saw there. It's a mixture of Common and the Elven Language Malawuke. "What in the loving embrace of Forrus is this?!" The Elf then took one of the extra parchment and went into his pouch and copied what she drew. Like scattered letters floating on a soup. "I guess the visit of your blasphemous Pope wasn't for waste. I must return to the Empire immediately. Are you done?"
The black gowned woman just nodded and the Elf immediately hopped into his Roc. Jackson on the other hand looked down at the paper. "Just what the hell was the Internal Bureau doing? They have people everywhere and of all species and yet it took for us to do there job." Upon finishing his thought, he turned around without uttering a single word. Walking straight to the exit.
The two Vampires and Bahamut just turned to one another then to their Lord who was walking away. "Priest, thank you for your cooperation. I believe you should have a copy of this too? Also this one, the Demented Crusaders aren't against you, per se. As there are just the ones delivering this from place to place." The man immediately realized this and started to write down what was on the paper as they all jogged to Jackson whose eyes were fixated on something.
On the main gate, the Priest was behind them as he observed what was written. "Just how did you find this?" Bahamut grinned inside her veil. "At first, I also couldn't find anything. But I smelt traces of Mana on some of the paper and thought maybe if I were to try to send out a burst of magic, it would do something. And it did." She then goes to some unused Roc saddles and reveals a secret tiny hole for the letters meant for the Demented Crusaders. "And also this, it wasn't really hard to do at all."
The Priest just bowed and nodded. "Amazing, thank you. I'll be sure to get a carriage immediately." Before he could run back, Jackson turned around. "Call one for us too. We have somewhere to be." To the Dragons surprise, the Knight turned to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Teleporting in his General outfit as he looks down on the piece of paper sent in with the rest. "Alana, read it."
"Seureg, call upon the third assassin group and payment will be done between local couriers. We will do our part in the city and continue to slow down negotiations. It will break down, the Military is on our side so it seems though an Admiral is being an annoyance. Nevertheless, do as the new plan forsakes. Ignore the Outworlders and their sniffing, they are more than aware of what's happening here with their diplomats having been walking around the Empire for a year now." Jackson had a smile to him as he looked down on his uniform, all ironed out and ready.
With this, Alana tilts her head. "M'Lord, shouldn't the Internal Bureau know of this?" he shrugs his head. "No. This is the Army's pet project. Trying to sweet talk to the Elves. The Internal Bureau is way too in depth with the terrorist organization to care." his hands began turning into a fist. "That bastard, Maltese. Read the one meant for the Demented Crusaders to deliver."
She opens it and tilts her head. "M'Lord, this is a code to a bank deposit." he then puts his hands on his back and starts tapping his shoes. "Does it say who it's supposed to go to?" the Countess shrugs behind him. "No, M'Lord. This is just the code that will be given to those they hire. We will have to find the exact bank this is meant for. I believe we need to head down to the Banking Guild and Goldsmiths Guild. They should know something."
He took the folded clothes as the carriages they ordered soon came. "No, this is more than enough. I can present these to Maltese. Leave the originals for Julieanne. I have some questions for dear Supreme Commander of all United Forces." With a fiery passion coming out of the General, he headed back down to Chamilos where the UN Outpost was.
The street in front of it had an entire checkpoint guarded by Humvees and MRAPs. Prompting the Holy carriage to stop as the hairy oxen in front of it sizes up to the armored vehicles. One of the Corporals stationed there hailed the driver as the doors on the back opened. Coming out, a literal five star general.
Without question, the man got in parade position and saluted the officer. "PRESENT! ARMS!" The other players on the checkpoint heard him late as the fully uniformed General passed them without returning their salutes. "What have you done, Maltese?" He walked in through the front door, the Lieutenant only grabbing his helmet and sealing the straps as he passed him and went up to the Officers own room. The Colonel there immediately stood up as the shining rack of ribbons shone to his eyes. "SIR! COLONE-" he merely ignored the man as he looked around the office.
"This is where reports are made and sent right?" the man just nods. "Do you or do you not alter these reports upon the order of another higher ranking officer, yes or no?" the Captain in his combat uniform didn't answer. Only keeping his mouth shut. "Bahamut, Alana, Elizabeth!" The three women then enter the room.
Looking around, it wasn't much and only contained a handful of pictures and some metal filing cabinets. "Look for any secrets. You all have my express permission to rattle this place inside and out."
With a grin to her face, knowing the two of them already knew of the hollow table, she quickly goes to it prompting the Colonel to immediately reach for his holster but Alana was faster and held his wrist.
Elizabeth then starts knocking on the table and proceeds to rip the entire top off where there's a bunch of hidden papers inside it. The General took them and started to inspect the written documents. He soon puts two of them next to one another and a frown comes to him. "Maltese you son of a bitch. You sold the world. Where is he right now Captain? Where in the Vampire Kingdom is that piece of shit at?!" the officer raises both his hands to surrender. "Kingdom of Rose, Royal Capital, sir."
Elizabeth quickly put her hand on his neck, lifting him as if he weighed nothing, ready to do something violent as Jackson held her arm prompting her to stop. "For what purpose?"
As the Colonel of the Outpost kept a stoic face even with the hand of the Vampire gripping his neck as the Medics and Military Doctors meant to do Humanitarian work peeks through the door, looking at the mess that's being made. Bahamut changes into her Dragon form and this makes the player shiver in fear. "He-he's on a special mission, sir. Something about a technological exchange, sir."
"Call in for helicopter transport this evening. Everyone, hassle now. Pack everything, we're going back to Schon." Jackson then looks at him as Elizabeth drops her grip and walks out. "Do you also intercept orders, even the ones I gave out recently?" he shrugs. "N-no sir. We don't." This made the General giggle. "Heh. This is where you fucked up Maltese."
================================================================================
hornipostings later. fight the Supreme General now for delaying and wasting time.
-KFCLover from ArchiveOfStories