Disclaimer: Neither High School DXD nor Elder Scrolls belongs to me, all rights to their respective owners.

Chapter 3

Raven Rock - Tirdas 25 of last seed of 202 of the Fourth era

Night began to fall on the Raven Rock bastion when Asia was in her room preparing her trunk, since the next day she would travel with Edzard to Skyrim. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited. She would meet a new land and Edzard had promised to introduce her to his friends.

The thought of Edzard made her day. These six days at Raven Rock had been peaceful and happy for her. She with a smile she remembered what she saw the day after learning that she was in a new world. She had woken up to the smell of something baking. When she got to the kitchen she was surprised when she saw a row of cakes and bread, all of which appeared to have been recently taken out of the oven.

She unfortunately she did not find Edzard in the kitchen. Before she left the house, she heard the sound of metal colliding with metal. So, she following the sound she reached the armory. Opening the door slightly, she could see Edzard who was hammering a gun. Thanks to Edzard wearing only one pair of pants, she was able to see his defined body well and what really caught her attention was the amount of scars on both his back and chest. The scars ranged from claw marks to what looked like small dots and cuts of various sizes. That sight made her gasp.

Breakfast was a quick and quiet affair. As they chatted, Asia learned that the one who had made those cakes and breads had been Edzard. When she tasted the food she was amazed, as she did not expect Edzard to bake so well.

After breakfast, the two of them went for a walk in the Bastion market. While they were doing that she began to see the clothes they sold in a store, but she realized that most of the clothes sold were tunics with pants. There were almost no dresses and those that were not her size. But what they did manage to buy was underwear, plus Edzard bought her some layers of fur, which she told him would be necessary for the climate of Skyrim.

At noon while they were deciding whether to eat at home or on the street, a guard approached them saying that Asia had been summoned by Cindiri. Edzard and Asia were surprised by the summons. Edzard escorted her to the Morvayn manor, where she and Cindiri had a girls' afternoon, drinking tea and talking about many things.

And such had been his days at Raven Rock. She would go for a walk with Edzard, she would visit Cindiri and in some cases she would see Edzard train with the Redoran guards. She taking advantage of her situation to bring her food and drink for when she finished training. And so, while she was thinking about this, Asia decided to keep folding her few belongings and hope that the next day's trip goes well.

While Asia was still packing her bags, in the Netch de las Arcades tavern, surrounded by several bottles of alcohol was Edzard. He was drinking with old Crescio Cerelio, a human of the imperial race who was already elderly. With his head almost bald he had a few silver locks in addition to having a large mustache. His skin color was slightly dark. His clothing consisted of a green tunic, with a white shirt underneath. The robe was bare-chested, with a few X-pattern laces to keep it closed. He wore white pants, had a brown belt which he wore over his tunic, in addition to having brown boots with leather straps of the same color in an X pattern.

—Ed, tell me, the rumors are true —Crescio said with a smile as he held a cup of sujamma.

—What rumors? —Edzard asked confused as he held up a cup of flin, which he began to drink.

—The rumors that you kidnapped a pretty girl and now you live with her without being married —Crescio replied with a smile from ear to ear as he looked Edzard in the eye.

At the moment of hearing Crescio say that, Edzard spat out the flin he was drinking.

—What do you mean kidnapped ?! —Edzard yelled indignantly—. I haven't kidnapped anyone!

Edzard's scream silenced the tavern. In fact, all the people within it were now very quiet, because they wanted to know if the rumor was true and what relationship Edzard had with the girl who now lived with him.

—So, you deny the abduction, but not that you are living with a girl without being related or married —Crescio joked as he took another sip of the sujamma.

—I didn't snuff her —Edzard spoke, calmer when he realized the scandal he was making—. I just saved her from some ash spawn.

—Yes. I know, in fact, everyone knows. They also know that she speaks a language other than tamrielic —Crescio's voice held a lot of sarcasm—. Did you really think that in this small town something like this would go unnoticed?

—Actually, yes, but now I realize that I was wrong —Edzard replied sadly—. However, the reason she stays with me is because she has suffered enough already.

Suffered enough? —Asked Crescio—. I guess you won't tell me the story, will you?

—Never, even if you get me drunk for days –Edzard answered seriously—. Only she can tell that story.

—Oh, so you're over protective of her —Crescio teased, before turning serious again—. You have no idea what you've gotten her into, do you?

—You know, if you say something like that and in that tone, everyone will think I'm hiding a nobleman's corpse in my basement —Edzard spoke sarcastically—. Although the truth is I have no idea what you're talking about.

—Ed, just answer me this —Crescio asked as he met his eyes again—. Who are you?

—Hey, man, I really think you've gone too far with the drink.

—Of course, I know who I am, I'm Edzard Rolandson —Edzard spoke sarcastically; however, at the moment of answering, his eyes widened as he began to realize what he was trying to remind him of old Crescio.

—I see you've finally realized the trouble you've gotten the girl into —Crescio spoke as he drank another cup of sujamma—. It is true that if you were a normal adventurer there would be no problem. But you are the Dovahkiin and not only that. You are the Archmagi of the College of Winterhold, the Herald of the Companions and some rumors say that you even have connections to the Thieves Guild. You are a Legate of the Imperial Legion and Thane of the nine Shires of Skyrim. You are someone very famous these days. And like it or not, that girl will be in the crosshairs of your enemies.

The moment Old Crescio finished saying those words, the ugly truth revealed itself to Edzard. By wanting to protect her from her by taking her with him to Skyrim he had gotten her into a lot of trouble. He had various enemies for the achievements that he possessed. The Thalmor wanted him dead. He had political enemies both in the Jarl courts of the Shire and in the upper echelons of the Imperial Legion. And all these enemies would try to harm him to try to get to him.

«Perhaps the best option for her to be safe is to stay here in Raven Rock» Edzard began to think, but the more he thought of a way not to involve her in a political tidal wave that could cost her life, the memory came. of the joy that Asia's face showed when he told her that he would take her to Skyrim to meet her friends and that he would take her to see new places. Remembering that Edzard already knew what he should do. No matter what was thrown at her, he would protect her from anyone who wanted to harm her.

—Don't worry, old man, I won't let anyone hurt him —Edzard answered very seriously and with a deadly tone of voice. His tone of voice completely chilled the place—. It doesn't matter what they want to do. If anyone dares to touch a single hair of hers, I'll make sure she wishes for a quick death.

The bar was now completely silent. Even the tavern owner, a Dunmer named Geldis Sadri, was speechless, as Edzard has just been overheard promise worse than death to those who try to harm the girl who now lived with him.

—Well, that's what I wanted to hear —answered old Crescio with a smile.

It was late at night when Edzard reached the Severin manor. Once he was inside he went to the kitchen, as he had not eaten anything in the tavern. Although the drink was good, he still did not get used to the local food. It's not that this one is bad, but that he didn't like the taste of it very much. When he got to the kitchen he was surprised to see a plate covered with a tablecloth. Removing said tablecloth he saw that there was a pheasant stew on the plate, sitting down he began to eat dinner quietly, and then went to his bedroom to sleep.

Windhelm - Turdas 27 of last seed of 202 of the Fourth era

The cold wind fell on the deck of the Maiden of the North as it plowed through the waters of the sea of ghosts towards the port of the city of Windhelm in Skyrim. The Maiden of the North was a ship with a single sail, measuring twenty meters long, seven meters wide and was filled with merchandise that was transported from Solstheim to Windhelm, more precisely to the office of the company of the eastern empire. The captain of the ship was the Norse Gjalund Salt-Sage. The ship had sailed the day before from the port of Raven Rock carrying the merchandise and as passengers it was taking Asia and Edzard.

On the deck of the ship, Asia was looking at the docks of the city they were approaching. These piers were wide, but few in number. The city had high and thick walls and they were all gray. At Edzard's suggestion she wore her nun outfit, a pair of leather gloves and she also wore one of the capes Edzard had given her. This was a cape made of dark brown wool with wolf fur on it. Although she did not like the use of skins like that, she could understand that in this world there were no clothes for the cold that there were in her world, so to avoid getting sick she had to use them. Besides that, instead of wearing her veil, she used the hood that her cloak brought.

As she looked at the docks, Edzard walked over to her. He had decided to wear a long-sleeved black shirt with pants and boots of the same color; However, on this he was wearing armor made of leather, in addition to wearing reinforced leather gauntlets. He also wore a sword on his left side and a knife on her lower back. And finally, he wore a black hooded cape of the same design as hers.

—Asia, you should get ready. Since we will disembark very soon.

—Okay, I have everything in order.

Edzard nodded as he kept close to her. He had already explained that this city was rife with racism and xenophobia to those who were not Nordic. And since she did not look Nordic, but rather a young Breton, she had explained to him that she should stay close to him while they went to the gray neighborhood. This was the name of the neighborhood where the Dunmer lived in Windhelm. And they went there so they could buy her clothes and other things that she wanted.

Upon disembarking, she was amazed when they were visited by a lizardman, who according to what Edzard had told her was a race called Argonian. This Argonian wore a green long-sleeved shirt, over which he wore a black vest, pants, and leather ankle boots, both brown. he wore a belt around his waist, with a dagger and a purse on the back.

—Ed, my friend. It's good to see you —the Argonian greeted as he approached Edzard and extended a hand.

—Scouts-Many-Marshes. It's good to see you too —Edzard replied with a smile as he took the Argonian's hand.

As they greeted each other, Asia stared at the Argonian, for it was the first time she had seen a race like this. Whether the dark elves or Dunmer had surprised her, the Argonians were beyond what she could hope for.

The Argonian had noticed the young human who saw him, and while it was not unusual to see humans, it was rare to see one with a lock of hair combed the way she had. She also noticed the closeness that she had with Edzard, so the girl should be a nice girl. So, he decided to talk to her.

—Hello, young lady, I would like to know the name of the person who travels with my coarse friend —said Scouts-Many-Marshes with a smile and a cheerful tone of voice.

—Hello, my name is Asia Argento. It's nice to meet a friend of Edzard's —Asia replied shyly. And is that talking to a bipedal reptile was something new for her, and she was afraid of insulting him involuntarily.

When Marsh Scout saw Asia's discomfort, he decided to look at Edzard. Thanks to that she could see that he was looking at her with a smile. Edzard's action began to create theories in the mind of the Argonian, who only began to smile more than before.

—Hey, Ed.

The result was better than planned, not only did it get his attention, but it also gave him a good view of the completely red face of his friend.

—Scouts-Many-Marshes , do you have any free time? —Edzard asked trying to hide his embarrassment. In response the Argonian nodded with a twinkle in his eyes.

—Well, I need you to do a job for me —Edzard spoke—. I need you to speak to Gjalund and bring the packages that he will give you to Hjerim.

—Understood —the Argonian replied cheerfully. He liked it when his friend came to Windhelm. For that meant there was usually an extra job for him, a job for which he received triple two months' pay of his pay at the dock.

Saying goodbye to the Argonian, Edzard and Asia climbed the existing stairs, which led into the city. After passing the entrance and Edzard registering her visit along with Asia, she was able to see a man in what looked like Roman armor. From the entrance they headed right, in the direction of the infamous gray neighborhood.

—Ed, where are we headed? —Asked Asia curiously. Yes, as you hear, Asia had decided to start calling him the same way she had called him the Argonian.

Edzard was taken by surprise when she heard Asia call him that, she normally called him Edzard, but she didn't dislike being called that, it meant that she was opening up more to him.

—We headed toward Sadri's Used Goods store. This is a store run by a Dunmer named Revyn Sadri —Edzard replied—. But don't let the name fool you, hardly any of that store is second-hand.

Upon arriving at the store, Asia realized that it was a building that she had seen better days. The ceiling seemed to be falling off and the walls were slightly cracked. They went into the store and took off their cloaks, as it was warmer inside the establishment than outside. She could see that the store was spacious and that it had a counter, where you could see various merchandise from armor to shields and weapons.

—Hello, Sadri —Edzard al Dunmer greeted.

—Ed —Sadri replied.

Revyn Sadri is a Dunmer with gray skin like his compatriots his, red eyes and black hair, which was combed up. He was wearing a purple robe, with a black vest. He also wore black pants and brown boots with three gold buttons on one side of each boot. He had a belt, which had two small bags on the front.

—Sadri, this is Asia Argento —Edzard decided to introduce Asia to the salesman, who nodded at her—. I want you to sell me clothes and shoes for her.

Sadri nodded and then headed into the tent. A moment later he returned with various garments.

—Miss, I need you to follow me to the fitting room —Sadri spoke.

Asia nodded and Edzard decided to stay to check what else they had for sale while Asia and Sadri made their way to the fitting rooms. Already in the changing rooms, Asia began to try on dresses, boots and gloves. She spent about half an hour trying on her different outfits, of which only three dresses and two pairs of boots fit her, the others were either very large or very small.

The dresses that Asia had chosen were all the same model. They were simple dresses that reached to the ankles and had long sleeves. They were all made of wool. The colors she chose were a dark blue, a brown, and a gray. One pair of the boots was similar to the ones she had, only they were black and the other were brown low boots.

When they returned to the counter, Edzard spoke with the elf about the price of the clothes, plus he had decided to buy Asia some books so that she can be distracted on trips. The total prices of the purchases were three hundred septims, which Edzard paid; however, as they were about to leave, Sadri called him to talk about something.

Asia, seeing that they were going to delay talking, decided to leave the store for a while to see what the surroundings were like. She put on her cape and left the store. As she left she went to the right-hand side and came to some alleys where she saw some Dunmer children playing in the snow without any concern. Asia watched the children play with a smile, as this reminded the children that she saw playing in her hometown; However, all this fun was stopped when a boy threw a snowball that landed on a tall man. He who by physical features was a Nordic. He was dressed in a light beige long-sleeved tunic, over which was a dark beige short-sleeved tunic. The robe came down to his knees. His pants were the same color as his tunic, plus these pants had straps in an X pattern on the calves. He also wore brown ankle boots and a belt with a dagger. He had a brown fur cap on his head. And his eyes are blue and a light brown mustache.

The figure looked at the Dunmer children who were trying to run, but the man was faster and he caught them by the neck lifting them up.

—Damn gray skins! —The man yelled to the children—. How dare you throw snow on me!

The children could not even respond, as they were squeezing their necks and cutting off their blood flow and breathing. Asia had enough and decided to defend the children when they began to turn purple.

—Stop, don't you see you're hurting them! —Was Asia's cry. Which she quickly approached to where they were.

Several Nordic people began to approach to see the scandal; however, no one did anything to help the Dunmer children.

The man looked at her and released the children, who tried to run; however, they were stopped by a Nordic man dressed in rags. Who had a shaved head and no beard, had brown eyes and this man held them by their shirts.

—Who do you think you are to interfere? —Growled the man who had abused the children—. Damn Breton.

—No, the question is, who do you think you are to mistreat some children just because of an accident? —Asia growled at the man, something that was very unheard of for the type of personality the girl had.

—An accident. I could get sick from those brats, so get out there and stay where they haven't called you, half elf.

—I'm not leaving until you've apologized to them.

—Damn Breton. The man walked over to Asia and grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the ground—. Of course, you would try to help these damn elves.

Asia was trying to get away, as she was beginning to suffocate. She tried to kick him, but her blow didn't do anything to him. While this was happening, the other man decided to speak.

—Maybe we should take her away for questioning —he commented in a lewd accent.

—You're right —The man looked at her with predatory eyes as he began to touch Asia's lips with a finger—. Don't worry, little Brittany, we have ways to get the information we need from you.

At that moment Asia decided to bite the finger of her attacker, which she screamed and pulled her finger from her.

—Aghh, you damn bitch! —The man yelled, which began to suffocate her further.

Asia's consciousness was beginning to fade when suddenly the hand that was suffocating her released her and she fell backward against the cold ground. She hears a sound of pain and when she opens her eyes she sees something that leaves her shocked.

Edzard was holding the wrist of the man who had been suffocating Asia. Then he looked at the man in rags and extending his left hand, he launched a lightning bolt against his chest. When the man received the impact, he flew out and hit a wall, lying on the ground.

—Asia, take the children and go to Sadri —Edzard's voice was serious and deadly.

Asia nodded and quickly took the children's hand and went to Sadri, who was surrounded by several Dunmer. The children arrived and quickly ran to their mothers, who hugged them.

—You don't seem to learn, Rolff —Edzard spoke as he tightened his grip on her hand, causing Rolff to grunt in pain.

When a Dunmer came to the store saying that Rolff and Angrenor were harassing children, he had already prepared to mediate there peacefully; however, when he heard that Rolff was suffocating a green-eyed blond Breton girl for trying to help children, he decided to peacefully throw it out the window. And when he heard what they planned to do to Asia, his blood began to boil. He had made a promise to keep her safe and that he planned to do. He fucks the consequences.

—Normally I would try to solve this peacefully, but this time you went too far —Edzard's eyes began to show signs of wanting blood—. However, I will give you a chance. Apologize to the kids and Asia, and I'll let you go like this didn't happen.

—Fuck you, you bloody brat! —Rolff growled.

While Edzard got a good look at the place, he saw that Angrenor had risen. The thought passed through his mind of ending them both once and for all. Since these two were causing too much trouble for the Jarl and he had already told him before. In addition to harassing all the Dunmer and Argonians of Windhelm, these two apparently led a group which sabotaged the delivery of materials and supplies for the improvement of the gray neighborhood and the home of the Argonians on the dock.

Edzard threw Rolff close to Angrenor. The moment Rolff fell to the ground he was quickly helped by Angrenor. Then the latter took two scrolls that were thrown at them by someone in the crowd. Upon opening them, they were both enveloped in golden light, an unmistakable sign that they were being cured with magic. Upon seeing his wounds healed, Angrenor opened the last scroll which covered them with a green glow.

Edzard seeing the spell quickly identified it as the call to arms spell, which would give them an increase in strength, speed and reaction time. He quickly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and leaped back into a defensive stance that allowed him to quickly counterattack.

The moment Rolff and Angrenor stopped glowing, they quickly pounced on Edzard drawing their weapons from him.

When Edzard saw them close enough, he pounced on them. Edzard tried to take a quick thrust to incapacitate one of the two; However, thanks to the effect of the spell, they were quickly able to dodge it. After this, they both counterattacked and forced Edzard to jump back to avoid being hurt; however, Edzard saw that they had managed to cut a wound on his cheek.

Both men smiled when they saw Edzard wounded. But they did not know that he had been hurt on purpose, because in this way he would have the perfect excuse to break their mother to both.

Edzard wiped the blood from the cut, then lunged quickly toward them. This time Edzard was faster than them. Dodging an attack from Rolff he quickly went towards Angrenor, who when he saw him tried to defend himself; however, Edzard was faster than him and cut his arm, then hit him with the pommel of the sword across the head, knocking him out of action.

When Rolff saw this, he tried to attack Edzard from behind; however, Edzard had already foreseen it and dodged the attack, then punched him across the face. He then proceeded to take the hand where he had the weapon, and quickly disarmed it. After this Edzard took him by the head and slammed him against a wall, thus breaking his head and also leaving him unconscious. This action surprised everyone, as they thought that Edzard would kill them.

—Well, someone else wants to continue what these idiots started —Edzard threatened the crowd of Norsemen with his sword extended towards them, while in his other hand he had a spell prepared.

Nobody moved and everyone present began to walk away afraid of him.

—Nobody moves by order of the Jarl! —A shout came from one end of the street.

They all turned in the direction of the shout and were surprised to see a group of legionnaires approaching, and in front of them was the Hrollod Legate. When the soldiers reached the crowd, the Legate approached Edzard and gave a salute to which Edzard responded in kind.

—Legate Edzard, could you explain what happens here? The legate asked as he watched the crowd and especially the two unconscious idiots on the floor.

—Ahh. Legate Hrollod, I was shopping at Sadri's used goods when a Dunmer arrived and mentioned that those two idiots were causing trouble again, "Edzard replied as he pointed to the two Norsemen on the floor. My plan was to settle the matter peacefully; however, they threatened a friend.

When the Hrollod Legate heard that, he just sighed, he already understood what had happened. He looked up to see his soldiers and gesturing to them they began to disperse the crowd, to then take the unconscious Norsemen for questioning. When the soldiers disappeared from the alley, Hrollod gave Edzard a letter. After that he said goodbye and went the way he had come.

When the legate withdrew from the area, Edzard went to where Asia and Sadri were. As they approached, Sadri gave Edzard the bag containing the belongings he had bought and with a nod he withdrew.

Edzard turned and saw Asia, who was shaking from the experience she had just witnessed. Edzard just sighed, this is not what he wanted to happen. So, he decided to hold her to try to comfort her.

When Asia was a little calmer, Edzard took her hand to address Hjerim.

Night had fallen on Windhelm, and Edzard was lying on his bed. The journey back from the gray neighborhood had been uneventful. He and Asia hadn't spoken the entire ride. She had merely followed him in silence until she reached the house, where she told him that her room would be the one on the first floor on the right-hand side. She just headed there and locked herself in.

«It seems Asia is still in shock» he thought as he sighed. «I'll have to talk to her at dinner. Although I must also think about what Sadri told me»

According to Sadri, Malborn, a Bosmer or forest elf he had met when he infiltrated Thalmor's embassy wanted to meet him in three weeks in Winterhold. It was very likely that Malborn had learned something about the Thalmor, something that could end the current fragile peace that existed.

Edzard sighed again and then jumped to his feet. He had decided to go make dinner. However, when he reached the door he found himself face to face with Asia, who had come up to talk to him.

—Asia, what are you doing here?

—Ed, we must talk —Asia replied seriously as she looked him in the eye.

Seeing the will with which she wanted to speak to him, Edzard just sighed and told her to follow him into the kitchen. Once he was there he had two bottles of wine along with two glasses. Then he headed into the dining room and sat at the table, motioning for her to sit with him.

Asia went to where Edzard was sitting and as she sat down she took one of the glasses, which Edzard filled with wine, which she lowered with a little water.

—So, Asia, what do you want to ask me —Edzard said as he took a drink from her wine glass.

Asia looked at her glass, before picking it up and taking it in one gulp. After that she held out the glass to be refilled. This action brought a drop of sweat to Edzard, who decided to refill his glass.

—Why did that man try to hang those children? —Asia asked in a whisper, as she clutched the glass in her hands.

At Asia's question, Edzard only sighed before gulping down the glass he had and then refilling it.

—You remember I told you that this city is full of Nordic racists.

This answer left Asia thoughtful. They sat in silence for a moment, until Asia spoke.

—Are all Norsemen like that?

—No, but most don't trust outsiders.

After saying that, Edzard got up from the table and went to one of the shelves and pulled out what appeared to be several letters. Sitting back down, he handed Asia the packet of letters.

—If you wonder why I said that, read those letters and you will know —Edzard commented solemnly. He didn't want to show her this, but she should know what was going on.

Asia decided to listen and began to read the letters. When she started to do it, she grew paler with each letter she read and even nearly vomited. She couldn't believe what was being said there. The first letters were sent to one Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, asking them to send patrols to search for Dunmer who disappeared. The other letters were reports Edzard had received from a Jarl named Brunwulf Free-Winter, explaining that the bodies of the missing were found. And the most recent ones showed signs of having received all kinds of violence.

—Why would someone do this? —Asked Asia as she gulped down the glass of wine she served her, only to later refill the glass herself.

—I just mentioned that the Norse are xenophobic, but it is in the old regions where this xenophobia can be extreme —Edzard commented as he looked into her eyes—. This city belongs to the old regions and is also full of loyalists to the ideals of the Stormcloaks.

—Ideal of the Stormcloaks? —asked Asia—. What ideals are those?

—They wanted an independent Skyrim, strong and prosperous, but only for the Norse —Edzard replied as he rubbed his temples in discomfort talking about it—. They did not understand that once they separate from the empire, Skyrim would be weak thanks to the civil war and that would allow us to be quickly overrun by the Aldmer Domain.

—How are you sure they are quickly overrun?

—My father was a centurion in the Imperial Legion and he fought in the great war —Edzard replied. His voice had a hint of nostalgia as he remembered his father —. He had heard from his superiors that the treaty that ended the war was only temporary and that both sides were buying time to re-form their armies.

—Will there be another war? —Asia asked fearfully. She didn't want her friend to go to another war.

—It is very probable. There are reports that the Thalmor are finishing regrouping their armies —Edzard replied; however, he also realized that Asia had not yet read the last letter—. Asia, read the last letter.

Hearing it, Asia decided to read the last letter. She opened her eyes to learn that the crimes mentioned in the previous letters have been investigated and that the clues led to Rolff Stone-fist. Who was the younger brother of Ulfric's right hand, a Norse named Galmar Stone-fist. Apparently Rolff had done this behind the back of his brother; However, it was possible that this if he knew and that the victims were not Nordic not have cared.

In the letter she also said that she could not be sued, as she had the support of the Broken Shield Clan and several important citizens. And that would make the trial very difficult since it was possible that even this would be declared unfounded and that the detainee would be declared innocent. She also asked Edzard to find a way to get justice for the deceased.

—Did the Jarl ask you to kill him?! —Asia asked in shock.

—Yeah, but I couldn't just kill him, just like that, that's considered murder —Edzard replied calmly—. However, things have changed.

Hearing that, Asia's eyebrow rose in confusion, but before saying anything, Edzard gave her a letter that he had just taken out of his pocket.

When Asia read the content, she was quite reassured, because in it the Jarl commented that they had been able to withdraw the political protection that the accused had. And that should be presented in the following days for the impeachment that would take place.

After finishing reading, Asia sighed calmly; however, she saw Edzard very serious looking at her mug.

—What's up Ed? —Asked Asia, very concerned for her friend—. You're so serious.

—It's okay, Asia, I'm just a little worried about what will happen at the trial —Edzard replied trying to give her a reassuring smile.

Which apparently worked, as Asia smiled too. And so, they spent a while chatting about what they would do after the trial.

After Asia said goodbye and headed to her room to rest, Edzard went up to his room and began to write a letter to Malborn. In it, he changed the meeting place. This would no longer be in the Winterhold tavern, but it would be in the Ysgramor's Tomb . After he had finished writing the letter, he gave it to his aide so that he could take it to Sadri, so that he could deliver it to Malborn's contact.

After that, Edzard walked over to the table in his room and pulled out a bottle of mead, which he drank while he thought about what he was about to come.