hotmtlnovel Chapter 516: Old Memories
Chapter 516: Old Memories
Chapter 516: Old Memories
Thats Dame Vesuvia? Nil asked in an almost mocking voice. Shes somewhat less impressive than you described her to be.
On some level Dallion agreed, and yet he still should shake the old image he had of her. Back then, she had been over ten times his level, possibly the closest thing to absolute power. She was someone who had defeated a chainling virtually on her own. Looking back now, he could reason that the creature had been wounded, and also she wasnt alone, but accompanied by a squad of veteran soldiers and quite a few awakened volunteers. In his current state, Dallion could tackle such a chainling without an issue, even if he preferred to avoid it.
I was a lot weaker, then, he said, reluctantly.
I heard you won last years tournament, the dame said in casual fashion.
Hearing her address him, Dallion straightened up. It didnt seem so long ago that she had to use someone else to send a compliment.
Im not the boy I was, Dallion told himself. Even so, it was difficult to get out of the habit.
I didnt reach the finals, he said.
No one did. Someone in the Archdukes family told me all about it. The dame was savvy enough not to refer to the near destruction of the city. He actually made a point to come to me to complain about it.
Complain about the tournament?
Complain about you nearly destroying a valuable heirloom.
Itella? Dallion didnt expect to meet the former contender again. A moment later, he wished he hadnt.
The name made it clear that Itella was part of the Archdukes familyhopefully not a direct relation. Given that their fight hadnt ended in the best of terms, Dallion could only hope that they wouldnt cross paths. However, after hearing Vesuvias comments, that seemed less than likely.
Ill gladly repair the weapon, along with my profound apologies, he added.
Thats already done. Its not what youre here for.
Dallion swallowed. Less than ten minutes in the city and he already felt he was in trouble. He gave a sideways glance to Eury. The gorgon didnt seem bothered one bit. A cluster of her snakes moved about, saying that he shouldnt be either.
The dame led the group down the main road of the lowest city level. The streets were objectively far more crowded than those of Nerosal, but far more organized, making everything seem a lot more relaxed. Naturally, it helped that the people moved aside as the dame approached.
Shops, inns, and taverns were everywhere, along with a seemingly endless number of stalls. Everyone was selling everything from food to clothes, to furniture and devices that Dallion hadnt seen. If it could be said that Nerosal was at a late medieval level of technology, this Linatol had reached the renaissance, at the very least.
Gear shops? Dallion asked, looking at a sign that had a picture of a simple mechanism on its board.
Things are a bit more advanced than Nerosal here, Dame Vesuvia said with a hint of pride. Dont buy much, though. Its just for show.
Dallion nodded. Given a chance, he was going to have a look around. After a while of walking, he noticed a pattern: while the shops were a lot, there didnt seem to be a single guild hall in sight. Forts or public buildings were also absent, leading him to the conclusion that the ground level was created exclusively for visitors and those of lesser status. It was no accident that the vast majority of people he had seen were non-awakened.
Where are your awakening shrines? he decided to be subtle about it. Id like to go say my thanks as soon as Im able to.
The question made Dame Vesuvia look over her shoulder. He could feel concern emanating from her and her partner.
There are a few shrines on the first platform, she said. Her voice was polite, but Dallion could tell through his music skill that she didnt really want him venturing there. Quite possibly she didnt wish to let him venture anywhere. Youll have a chance to go there at some point.
The mansion Dallion was taken to was bigger than most, though not the largest Dallion had seen on the platform. It was of note that neither the dame nor the noble that accompanied her went inside. The moment they knocked on the door, a servant dressed in a sophisticated suit of onyx thread, took the trio in, closing the door behind them.
This way, please, he said with open disdain, as someone forced to have a deal with people below his statue. The mistress doesnt wish to prologue this, so the moment youre meeting with her is over, youre to leave the estate and go to the first platform. Loggings have been arranged.
The butler had a blocker item, making it impossible for Dallion to determine anything about him. Based on the weapons he had hidden on his person, he was a high level, matching Dallion, at least.
This isnt my first time here, March said.
I didnt assume it was, maam. The servant didnt skip a beat, implying that his warning was addressed to the other two.
Id forgotten how much fun it was being treated as riff-raff, Dallion thought.
They entered what appeared to be a large study. Shelves of books covered the walls, each made of leather-bound crystal. Exotic plants were everyone, along with furniture made of magical wood. A tall platinum blond in an expensive black suit was standing close to a table, a glass of some alcoholic drink in his hand. He didnt seem to pay the group any attention, looking, instead, out of the window. Assisted by a pair of maids, a woman in her forties sat on a couch of fine velvet, a book of crystal in her hands. As much as Dallion tried, he couldnt see any distinguishing features from her. In fact, he wasnt even able to describe what she looked like.
The hired help, madam. The servant announced. Lady March and associates.
Thank you, the woman said, handing the crystal to one of her maids. That will be all.
Of course, madam. The man quickly left the room.
The first sword is almost cleared, maam, March was the first to break the following silence. A few more months and the item will be ready to have its destiny fulfilled.
A bit behind, but to be expected. The noble didnt sound overly pleased, though not too disappointed either. Thats for another time, though. How much were you told?
The guild master only mentioned that a third sword has been found and that it might be related to the spreading plague. There was a slight pause. I was to assemble a trusted team and get further instructions here. March paused again, giving the blond a quick glance. I was not aware the overseer would be involved.
Hes here as a friend, the noble replied dismissively. So, you werent told a thing? Seems some people cant kick the habit of being useless.
The guild master didnt want to overstep his bounds, March said firmly.
The noble let out a partial snort that only someone with practice could muster. It was delicate enough so as not to appear rude, but conveyed every bit of disapproval one could think of.
A fallen imperial lieutenant, a gorgon hunter, and a boy that caused the mess in Nerosal. Thats what that person had sent, and youre telling me he doesnt want to overstep his bounds? If it were up to me, Id never have him set foot in this city again.
Were here because of our skills, maam, not our past. If you find us inadequate, well be on our way back.
Insolent as always. The noble snapped her fingers. Instantly, both her maids disappeared. So fast that Dallion could barely keep up, they rushed in both parts of the hall, then dashed back towards the group from behind. Both Dallion and Eury reached for their weapons. Only March remained still.
Dont, Nil said, as Dallion was about to split into instances.
Dallion had only a split second to decide. Taking a chance, he decided to go with the old echos advice.
The maids finished their actions. When they did, a pair of medium-sized benches were placed just behind Marches group.
Sit, the noble ordered. Its time to get the details.