Chapter 90: Rebuilding Relationships

- Abelis Academy City Dungeon - Laura's POV -

The dripping sound of water punctuated the corridor as what sounded like the murmurings of a crazed man emanated from a heavy, mold-covered wooden cell door in the distance. Letting a sigh escape my mouth I glanced at the door for what felt like the hundredth time as I contemplated the difficult situation we were now in.

[Hah... Can we get anything out of him like this?] - Queen Laura[I doubt it Your Highness. His mind is shattered, I suspect some of his confusion is because of his advanced age but...] - Queensguard Miriam

My loyal Queensguard Captain, Miriam, had done all that she could. Using her skills to extract information, a confession, anything at all that could help us. Unfortunately it had been for naught and we were left with a useless old man, ostensibly a Summoned Hero sent by the Church of Light but without proof of his identity we only had evidence that we'd been attacked by a neighboring country, Ligera. One led by Abelis nobles even as we'd found out when we crushed the invading forces. I was still waiting on the return of my cousin and her husband from that short conflict but they'd sent news through an image stone so I knew of their current situation.Sighing once more at the deviousness of the Church I saw King Nero approach, his own interrogator just as useless.

[Someone broke his mind then?] - King Nero[...most likely.] - Queensguard Miriam[And without proof of his status as a Summoned Hero we're unable to accuse the Church of anything concrete. What about his Status? Were we able to forcefully reveal it?] - Queen Laura[Regretfully we failed Your Highness. Our mages aren't skilled enough to record an unwilling person's Status, especially one at his strength. We are currently in the process of tracking down Former Court Mage Alphonse as per your orders, we believe we may be able to force him to cooperate in the interrogation.] - Queensguard Miriam

It was unfortunate but this Summoned Hero had gone completely under the radar, we'd never even caught any whisperings of his Summoning and due to his age as well as the fact that he'd been a liaison of the Church for several years it was unlikely it was anytime recently. Which meant that all we had was a rogue Cardinal from the Church based in Ligera. As such the best we could do without proof was put sanctions on the Church's actions within our realms. Now while it was definitely true that this attack would rile up the populace and we could use that for our preparations it would still take at least a few years to rally the amount of men needed, not to mention the supplies and weapons required for conflict on that scale. On top of that was the need for our allies within the Council to assist us if we were to fight in a war of that size without considerable loss.All that and more passed through my mind as I contemplated my next action, we couldn't let the Church just get away scot-free, after all. Interrupting my thoughts was the response from Jim; we'd both known Uncle Alphonse for most of our lives and while he wasn't as close with my fellow royal they'd still been friends so his betrayal had also shocked the ageing king.

[Uncle Alphonse? Did he truly betray you? I always thought he looked at you as family so the thought he would betray you is...] - King Nero[It's fine, it just means we weren't as good a judge of character as we thought.] - Queen Laura[If you say so... regardless I must extend my thanks for your extensive assistance this time. I’ll have to hold off for a few months or so while we snip the few remaining loose ends and mourn our... losses... but I'll be sure to invite you to the celebratory feast when it's planned. If you'll... if you'll excuse me.] - King Nero

Nodding gravely with doubt in his eyes Jim decided to drop it instead of press me any further, for which I was infinitely grateful. The truth was that Uncle Alphonse's betrayal had hurt me greatly. I felt lost and confused for the first time in many years; one of my oldest supports, someone that had stood by me since I was a child, had left me in the most painful way possible. There was no way I was okay. Which is why I smiled gratefully when Jim only gave me a look of concern before taking his leave. His caring hand patting my shoulder as he left, his own pain visible in his eyes as I saw the barely held back tears in the corners of his eyes.

- Abelis Royal Apartments - Laura's POV -

It had been several hours now since everything was brought back under control, my darling niece had been whisked away by her friends and classmates with the Matriarch and Patriarch of the Amchier family watching over the group in case any rogue combatants were still wandering about. I'd just gotten off the image stone with my cousin and her husband where I'd told them to set up a temporary regional Governor for the Ligera Province while we formerly prepared to claim the territory as our property, as was our right. A difficult task but a necessary one after their failed invasion, and also a blatant slight against the Church who informally controlled said territory. One which she hoped would force them to move before they were ready when the time came.

[Do you truly plan to hold onto the newly acquired territory, Your Highness. Won't that be difficult considering the populace's hatred of Demis?] - Queensguard Vice-Captain Nel[Ligera Province was used as a scapegoat by the Church so its worth is limited. Annexing it will also further raise tensions with the neighboring Human-led countries you are correct.] - Queen Laura[Then why? If you don't mind me asking Your Highness.] - Queensguard Vice-Captain Nel

Her thoughts, however, were unexpectedly interrupted by one of her Queensguard. The Vice-Captain and daughter of a former member as well as one of the younger members, Nel was quite a studious individual. Although curious to a fault she was completely loyal and would never share anything she was told without express permission. She had quickly risen to her current seat because of these traits and it wasn't an exaggeration to name her as the second most trusted member of the elite force.

[It's simple, while we will be mostly unable to gain any real benefit from it in the short-term it will make an effective buffer against the Church when war does eventually break out.] - Queen Laura[Your wisdom is vast Your Highness, I apologize for questioning you.] - Queensguard Vice-Captain Nel[No worries, no worries. Plus I enjoy having my-] - Queen Laura[Apologies for the interruption Your Highness, your request for the Council to meet has been approved. The meeting has been scheduled for a week from now.] - Queensguard Miriam

The rushing form of her Queensguard Captain, Miriam, interrupted her response to Nel. She'd been instructed to request a meeting between all members of the Council and her fast approach could only mean that said response had been answered. And as expected it was approved.Technically the Allied Council States were each independent nation-states, separate from each other and ruling themselves for the most part. However 2000 years ago, when Demis were in far greater numbers than present day yet still reeling from helping the Humans defeat the Demons, they found their sovereignty being threatened by the vast numbers that Humans could bring to bear and one by one Demi controlled states fell to the waves of bodies sent against them. Ironically it had been the Church of Light that had stopped the relentless assault of the various Human Kingdoms, arguing that such death was against their tenets. The hesitation this brought within the faithful had held back the tides long enough for the remaining demi forces to ally together and push back the invading horde. Their combined might halting their extermination and leading to a moderately peaceful time only punctuated by comparatively minor conflicts.Over time those Alliances had expanded and brought new Kingdoms into them and now included several Human-led Nations as well. Its goal, the preservation of the cultures and independence of each of its members.

[Thank you Miriam, hah... and the current status of Crossroads? Have we dealt with the instigators of that attack?] - Queen Laura[We have Your Highness, it seems one of the Merchant Lords was on the payroll of the Church. He has been dealt with.] - Queensguard Miriam[Good. Well shall we?] - Queen Laura

Nodding sagely at her Queensguard's comment I directed us to the dining room. Rose was due back any second now and it wouldn't do to keep my favorite niece waiting. Especially after the gruelling experience she had just been through.Technically its own Nation-State, the Crossroads, City of Merchant-Lords was ruled over by a group of powerful merchants. Each with a vast wealth that allowed them the power of a minor noble these leaders were, in practice, more or less neutral. That being said however the city was also the headquarters of the Allied Council States and as such they ostensibly answered to the different member-states. The one —only— rule, is that none of the Merchant Lords have ties with enemy states. Which is why when Miriam mentioned that she had "dealt" with the traitor, she meant that she had turned him into his rivals as per our agreement with the Merchant Council. He had probably already had all of his assets seized and his properties partitioned out. The custom was to then release the destitute and powerless "Lord" and force them to leave the city. Most died, those that did not wished they had as their enemies would usually take this opportunity to get revenge on the now powerless merchant.

- Abelis Academy S Class - Rose's POV -

It happened right after I woke up in a hospital bed again, my grandparents hovering over my bed.After confirming that I was at least in recovery and wasn't suffering from Mana Exhaustion, I'd been dragged out by a crowd of people, my teacher in the lead, and after reaching our classroom, I'd been accosted by my classmates, each of them fighting to be the first to confirm my safety. After a minor scuffle the least likely person seemed to win: my small Goblin classmate, Yeetsil.

[Are you okay?! I heard what happened!] - Yeetsil[I'm fin-] - Rose[Ohohohoho! Of course she is okay, any friend of the illustrious me would find a boar like the Hero to be no challenge whatsoever.] - Argent

Interrupting my response was a familiar sounding laugh, that of a noble girl that had arbitrarily made me her friend on the first day of class without asking first, and here she was nearly 7 months later, still spouting off about the same thing. It was funny, in a way.

[I saw the burnt man when your grandparents took custody of him, anyone that can take that and not die is powerful!] - Ogi[Yeah he-] - Rose[Such filth would only be thought of as powerful by you, bask in my magnificence lowly peasant!] - Argent

The next person to get my attention was an enormous Blue-Skinned man, Ogi. His focus on the power of the fighter rather than my wellbeing but the way he said it left the impression that he was happy that I was safe. And yet again, right when I was about the answer, the same voice interrupted me. This time directed at her favorite target.

[What was that?!?] - Ogi[Oh were my elegant words too intelligent for your puny brain? Well fear not I will allow you to serve as my chair when it dribbles out of your ear. Ohohohoho!] - Argent[SHUT UP!!! Ahem, go ahead Rose.] - Karen

Surprised by the sudden attention Karen's scream had garnered me I glanced around at all the eyes staring my way before nervously answering the most common question that was coming from the crowd of nearly 20 students, of whom I only remembered a few names.

[R-Right, thank you Kare Kare. Ahem, anyways to answer your questions yes I am fine. Drained, but okay.] - Rose[<clap clap clap> Well now that that's over with let us get started with an announcement.] - Lolianne[Due to recent events it has been decided that the each class will be vacating the city for 2 weeks, this is to be considered both a vacation as well as on-site training. More details will be provided in packets that will be delivered to your dorm rooms by his evening. Please pack enough clothing for at least 1 week. Cleaning services will be provided at the destination. That is all.] - Lolianne

Nodding to herself at the end of her announcement Legal Loli Sensei took a step back as if to indicate that she wasn't taking any questions, which Veronica wasn't having any of as she took a step forward.

[What t-] - Veronica[What about Rose, is she joining our class again?] - Heine[Yeah! Is she coming with?] - Yeetsil[I still haven't gotten to fight her yet!] - Ogi[Ahem! Rose, would you like to answer that?] - Lolianne[O-Oh? Y-Yeah. Umm... I know that I've been absent for the last 5 months and that it's a lot to ask... b-but can I still be friends with all of you?] - Rose[What nonsense are you saying?!? Don't insult us!] - Argent

Feeling a tear at the corner of my eye as I looked around at the warm, accepting smiles of those around me I suddenly felt my brain halt in my skull at the sneering, familiar voice of Argent. My own shocked face mirroring everyone around me as I felt tears of a different type threaten to burst forth.

[Hey Argent that's no-] - Ogi[We never stopped being friends. Hmph!] - Argent[Is that it? Gods... What she said. Although I still want to fight you.] - Ogi[Same, except the fighting part, please spare me from that.] - Yeetsil[Same thing here, you're not as cute as Legal Loli Sensei but I can lower my standards I guess.] - Heine[What was that you gods damned shitstain?!?] - Lolianne[Hyah!!!] - Heine

Relief filled me a second later, however, as her anger was directed at my words rather than my request. Smiles returned to the room as each of them expressed their agreement- at least until one of the idiots decided to pick a fight with Lolianne. He was currently squealing like a pig as he got the snot beat out of him.

[Heh, seems you have a bunch of great friends now. I'm glad.] - Karen[What are you on about Karen? You're included too.] - Malaise[Yep Mal's right.] - Veronica[...mhmm.] - Shade

Seeing Karen blush as she got pulled into our loyal group of friends, I found myself echoing her words in my mind. I'm so glad we found such great friends. Mary, I hope to find you soon so you can experience this happiness too, after what our parents did you deserve a bit of happiness...