Chapter 13: Chasing Leads
Nightmare Realm
Dread World
47.5 Hours Remaining
Dorothy, William, and Patri already lost sight of Melantha as soon as they entered the Dread World via the portal.
Dorothy felt her mana acting up, as she, William, and Patri chased Melantha through the maze that was Dread World. Similar to Dorothy's Glamour World, Dread World was a realm outside of their own. Dread World had a black and red color motif and Melantha had always been fond of mazes. Normally, like in her Glamour World, someone wouldn't be able to stay in the Dread World without falling asleep and dying. Dorothy's magic protected herself and her two comrades from that fate.
"We need a plan," William called out.
"A better plan," Patri corrected. "We can't just play whatever game she's playing, Dorothy!"
Dorothy stopped her chase and realized that she had been going about this all wrong. "We need to prioritize saving the Black Bulls. Not capturing Melantha. But she just won't let us run willy-nilly around Dread World without giving us obstacles."
"Beating her is the only way," William surmised.
"So, let's get her. We have less than 48 hours before the Bulls die," said Dorothy. The trio began running again. Dorothy hoped her own Dream Magic would lead her to her twin sister. They had been close as children, but they just wanted different things out of life. Melantha wanted an easy life and having a lot of money was the best way to get that easy life. Dorothy bet that Melantha charged an exorbitant amount of yul so that she only had to take a mercenary job once a year.
Dorothy wanted a place to belong and people to call a family. That's all she ever wanted, especially after their mother died and Melantha left her to pursue money.
Dorothy scowled fiercely as another portal opened up before the trio. Without warning, the portal sucked them in and transported them.
William and Patri wobbled on their landing, unused to Dream and Nightmare Realm travel. Dorothy froze as she couldn't believe her eyes.
"Dorothy," asked William, gently.
The three were standing in a sitting room. There were books lining the walls. Knick-knacks and toys littered the room as decorations. It was a room that had been lived-in. It was all soft blues, greens, and mahogany. There was a sofa in the center of the room with a coffee table in front of it. On either side of the sofa, there were a pair of big comfy chairs. The chairs and sofa facing the roaring fireplace.
A woman sat on the sofa with a book in her hands.
Dorothy felt her eyes water. Her body shook.
"Dotty! Welcome home! You brought friends. How delightful, sweetie. Let me go put the kettle on," said the woman, standing up. The woman wasn't much taller than Dorothy. She had dark purple hair with green and pink highlights and purple eyes, wearing a colorful rainbow dress with a holster for her grimoire to have at her side. A rainbow witch's hat sat on her head.
"Hi, Mom," said Dorothy, voice breaking. "I'm home."
"Have you seen your sister? That girl is always wandering off on her own," said Mama Unsworth. "Ah, let me introduce myself to your friends. I'm Iris Unsworth, Rainbow Witch, at your service."
William stepped closer to Dorothy and put a steadying hand on Dorothy's back. William, ever polite and going with whatever was happening, said, "I am William Vangeance, Ms. Unsworth. This is my brother, Patri."
"How polite," said Iris. "Sit down and make yourselves comfortable. I'll be back with tea and cookies." Iris strode out of the room, leaving Dorothy shaking, as William pulled her into a hug.
Patri said, "I take it that your mother is dead and that this is your sister messing with us."
"Patri," said William, scolding. "Dorothy, will you be alright?"
Dorothy nodded, hugging William back quickly. "I should've suspected that Mel would do this. We're in a sorta-dream, sorta-memory."
"What do we do?"
"We have no choice to go along with it, until it's over," said Dorothy, weary. "This is Melantha's memory. Not mine."
"We don't have time for that," said Patri. "We wasted enough time on breaking the barrier. The Bulls will die at this rate."
"Just for now. Until I can disrupt the dream-memory," said Dorothy. "The Bulls won't die. I won't let them."
"Sweetie, don't make your friends stand," said Iris, waltzing back into the room with a serving tray of tea and cookies. Time meant nothing here.
Dorothy nodded at William and Patri, who took the cue and sat down on the couch, and said, "Thank you, Mom."
"Anytime, sweetie."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
The Noble Realm
East of Raque
4 am
47 Hours Remaining
When Jack and Charlotte spoke with Sal last night, she gave them what she had on anyone that would have held a grudge against Yami. Naturally, it was a very long list. Charlotte and Jack immediately discounted anyone in the Forsaken and Common Realms because most people in those towns who had a grudge against Yami were usually due to Yami's gambling debts and dine-and-dash antics from his teenage days. For once, Jack and Charlotte agreed that the best course of action was to start at the very beginning-going back to the place that Yami originally had washed up onshore. Nobles who initially encountered Yami, a lost kid with no way to communicate and strange magic, might have kept a grudge against him for appearing in their town.
It was nearly sunrise, the pale morning sky hid them as they entered the town. Jack glanced at Charlotte, whose stoic face fooled no one, let alone him. Charlotte's anxiety was through the roof, though she'd never admitted it on the pain of death. As they both were Magic Knight Captains and well-known throughout the kingdom, they didn't both with anonymity, since it was obvious that Charlotte was a noble.
Jack had more than one way to get answers out of someone.
"We should split up," said Charlotte. "I'll speak with the noble lord of this town."
"Probably best," said Jack, grudgingly. "I'll see what I can find from the locals."
Charlotte nodded, stiffly. "We meet back at the city entrance in two hours."
Jack agreed. The two split up, leaving Jack alone in this small city, east of Raque, which worked out just fine for Jack. His first stop was the local tavern. Anywhere there were always men who started their day with a tankard of ale and some greasy food (especially if they didn't have a life partner). The Noble Realm was no exception.
He entered the tavern that seemed the busiest. No one even looked up at him, so Jack went to the counter.
"What can I get you, Captain," asked the bartender.
"If I needed information about who has a grudge against someone, who'd I ask," Jack inquired.
"Pssh, that's easy. You'll ask Old Lady Barnes at the apothecary," said the bartender. "That lady knows all the gossip in town."
"Thanks," said Jack, leaving a tip.
It was easy enough to find the apothecary. Most businesses opened early in the morning in Clover. Barnes' Apothecary was a dinky-looking shop amongst the more pristine buildings. He entered the place where an old lady sat at her counter, sipping tea and eating breakfast.
"Ooh, a Magic Knight Captain! What a pleasant surprise," said Old Lady Barnes. "What can I do for you today?"
"I'm cuttin' straight to the point. Does anyone in this town have a grudge against the Black Bulls' Captain Yami Sukehiro," asked Jack.
Old Lady Barnes hummed, as if deep in thought. "I can't seem to remember…"
Jack rolled his eyes and pulled out a pouch of money and plopped it on her counter. "Now, talk."
"That's simple enough," said Old Lady Barnes, immediately remembering everything. "The Lord of this City had a daughter many moons ago. She had fallen in love with a rogue, a brute, a foreigner who washed up on the shore, who stole clothes and food to survive and didn't speak a lick of Clover. 'Course the daughter imagined some sort of love story, but that wasn't the case, you see. Daughter was a little...peculiar. Flights of fancy and all that. The Lord blamed the foreigner kid when the daughter killed herself after said guy left the area."
Jack groaned. "Of course. What's with women always fallin' for that asshole?" First Vanessa's little crush, then Charlotte, and women, in general, liked Yami. It was gross as hell. Yami wasn't even that attractive. And then Jack realized that Charlotte was going to speak with the said Lord who probably had some unflattering things to say about Yami. "Well, I have to go. Thanks, Old Lady Barnes."
"Anytime, handsome."
"Ugh."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
The Forsaken Realm
Hampshire
6 am
45 Hours Remaining
The question that plagued Yuno's mind was who would have a grudge against Asta? He ruled out obvious suspects that would rather kill, arrest, or seal Asta than hurt him this way. This was someone that was angry in a way that simmered for years and waited to do something about it. Yuno couldn't fathom who'd want to hurt Asta. It was Asta. Asta was one of the kindest people, who always helped and protected others. Then again, Yuno was extremely biased towards Asta. After all, Yuno loved Asta with all his heart and soul.
"Why are we starting here," asked Mimosa, confused. Mimosa, Klaus, and Yuno were walking the streets of Hampshire just as the sun rose. People were already going about their day.
"Hampshire is the biggest town near the Black Bulls' base," said Yuno. "This is where they go for supplies and such. So it's possible that Asta had an interaction with someone that went wrong but Asta didn't realize it."
"Asta is a genuine person and he'd hate to upset someone," said Klaus, pushing up his glasses.
Mimosa blinked a couple of times. "Perhaps he unintentionally broke someone's heart with his obliviousness."
Klaus and Yuno stopped and looked at Mimosa. Yuno said, unamused. "That's...likely…"
Klaus sighed. "There, there, Yuno. Asta doesn't do it on purpose."
"I mean, Asta is a kind, attractive man," said Mimosa, nodding.
"Mimosa…" Yuno growled warningly.
"What? I have Langris, but I can still admit that Asta is a catch," said Mimosa, smiling a little.
"Where should we start," Klaus said.
"Oh! I know! Zora has a friend here," said Mimosa, suddenly. "They might know something."
"Zora has friends outside the Black Bulls," Klaus asked, shocked.
Yuno didn't blame him for his skepticism. Zora was a rather difficult person and he didn't seem inclined to be friends with everyone, only select people. Pretty sure that Zora doesn't like him or Klaus, but maybe that had more to do with Zora being protective of Asta and Magna and not any real disdain. "Guess we can start there."
Mimosa, who probably third-wheeled Zora and Kirsch's dates way too often especially when Langris was being the Silver Eagles' Captain, led them to the shopping district and to an inn and restaurant. Mimosa entered the place with Yuno and Klaus following close behind. Mimosa greeted the person at the counter. "Hi, Molly!"
"Lady Mimosa, what brings ya by," said Molly the Innkeeper. "Zora ain't here."
"Yeah, we know," said Mimosa. "Um, the Black Bulls stop by here a lot, don't they?"
Molly was a pleasantly plump woman in her mid-thirties with green-gray eyes and brown hair. She frowned. "Yeah, they do. Somethin' up?"
"Do you know if anyone has a grudge against Asta or any of the other Black Bulls," asked Yuno. Everyone agreed that they didn't want word about the attack on the Black Bulls to get out. It would be a damaging blow to the reputation of the Magic Knights.
Molly frowned. "Don't think so…well, no more than the normal stuff. But Asta, he's a good sort of kid. Helpful, kind, a bit loud, but a good sort."
"It could be really anything. Anything at all that seems inconsequential at the time," said Klaus.
Molly tapped her chin. "Well, other than the young ladies in town always flockin' around him to no avail since he's got a fella. It's his muscles that attract them. Then his earnestness makes them stay."
"I'm his boyfriend," said Yuno.
Molly's eyes widened and said, "Well, Asta did say that his fella was a handsome princely type. But really, I don't think anyone in this town would do anything against the Black Bulls. But if I think of somethin', I'll tell the Magic Knights at the outpost."
"Thanks for your help, Molly," said Mimosa.
"Sure, sure," said the innkeeper. "Good luck with your investigation."
Mimosa, Yuno, and Klaus left the inn and didn't know where to go next. Yuno said, "Next town. Let's go."
"Yes, Captain," said Mimosa.
"This is going to be a rough day," said Klaus, sighing.
All Yuno knew that he needed to find a lead and find a way to help Asta before it was too late.
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Capital City
The University
7 am
44 Hours Remaining
Fragil followed her squadmate and friend Clarity into Clarity's sister's office at the University. The two Azure Deer members finally got permission from the University Headmistress to search Professor Esmond's office. And the only reason they were allowed in the first place was the fact that Prudence Esmond hadn't been to work in three days, which according to the Headmistress, was unusual for Prudence, who even came to the University on her days off. Fragil watched worriedly as Clarity quietly, as she did most things, started looking through the papers on the desk.
Fragil went to the filing cabinet and opened a drawer. They didn't know what they were looking for but anything that could possibly tie Professor Esmond to helping Melantha the Dread Witch with attacking the Black Bulls. Fragil knew full well that Clarity's sister never got over the fact that Kirsch chose Zora over her, not that it was much of a choice. Anyone with eyes could see that Kirsch was head-over-feet for Zora. Fragil knew full well that whoever married into the Vermillion or Silva Houses were set for life. Any noblewoman or nobleman who cared about status and wealth vied for the betrothals.
It drove Fragil's mother Grace up a wall that Fragil wouldn't get married to whoever was the best option. Currently, Fragil's mother thought the best option was Leopold, but it was very hard to explain to her mother that her friendship with Leo wasn't like that at all.
"Clarity," said Fragil. "Did you find anything?"
"Just her schedule. My sister always likes schedules. The two days before and after Family Day were clear of anything," said Clarity, gently. "I've never known Prudence to have a clear schedule."
"But it's not proof she was involved. Only circumstantial evidence and a flimsy one at that," said Fragil, with a sigh. "A good lawyer would argue that it was just a well-deserved vacation after having her heartbroken or something like that."
Clarity stared confused at Fragil.
"My father is a lawyer," said Fragil. From a young age, Fragil and her three brothers were taught everything about the law from their father, while their mother was busy emptying the wine cellar and gossiping with her noblewomen friends. Fragil often didn't use the knowledge because Magic Knights were known for their strength, not their brains, but it helped Mackenzie, who had a basic education at best being a commoner, which the paperwork got complicated with protocols and laws, especially during investigations. It was actually something that she and Leo had in common. Their fathers were both lawyers.
"Oh," said Clarity. "Um, so we need a letter or something?"
"A good mercenary wouldn't leave a paper trail," said Fragil. "Let's finish going through the office and grab anything that could be circumstantial. But I think we might need to go to check your sister's room."
Clarity paled. "I don't think I can get us in." Clarity had been disowned by the Esmond Noble House. Thankfully, Rill's mother Clarisse had stepped in to approve the engagement of Clarity and Rill just in time. Clarity had never been at home there. Fragil, Mackenzie, and the other Azure Deer members knew it and often invited Clarity to their houses during important holidays and vacations.
Fragil pursed her lips together. "I did say that my father is a lawyer." While it might take some convincing, she'd get her dad to petition a judge to issue a warrant for the residence. Place of work was one thing, which was why they got the University Headmistress to agree to the search. The circumstantial evidence they found here would help.
"Oh." Clarity seemed to understand and opened the drawer of the desk to search.
"Let's do this. We have to report back to Sal soon."
"Right."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Tota
Vaude Estate
7:30 am
43.5 Hours Remaining
"I'm going in with you, Captain," said Vivian Shipley, the Silver Eagles Vice-Captain, as they approached the entrance to the Vaude Estate, Langris' childhood home. Once she had been Nozel's ever-loyal Vice-Captain, but she stayed after Langris took over the Silver Eagles, instead of taking the Advisor to the Head of the Silva House that Nozel had offered her. Without her, the transition between Captains would have gone horribly wrong. Langris had improved his people skills over the years but he still had trouble communicating with others.
Langris shook his head. "That's not necessary, Shipley."
Vivian glared at him. "Captain, this is for Finral. I don't anticipate this meeting going well. They are still your parents and thus, you need backup."
Vivian had Blood Magic, unusual magic for a wizard (since it was more witch-like in nature) and she was not one to shy away from a fight. Langris had no doubt in his mind that if push came to shove, Vivian wouldn't hesitate to do what was needed. He didn't know how he gained her loyalty or if she was just that good of a person, but he appreciated the gesture.
"Very well. But let me do the talking," said Langris, relenting to his Vice-Captain's stubborn nature.
"Fine," said Vivian.
Langris went to the door and knocked. He hadn't sent word ahead, because he didn't want to spook his parents. The Chief Steward of the Vaude Estate, a middle-aged woman named Tansy Tomlin, answered the door. She didn't look surprised, so perhaps whoever guarded Tota sent word that he was headed home. His transportation portals, a work-in-progress, weren't as precise as his brother's.
"Master Langris," said Miss Tansy. She nodded her head and informed him. "I have not told your parents of your arrival, but they are in the dining hall having breakfast."
"Thank you," said Langris. He stepped inside. While technically he wasn't welcome anymore, the staff of the Vaude Estate still loved both Langris and Finral. In hindsight, neither of them would have survived without the kindness. Vivian followed behind.
Langris and Vivian entered the dining hall to find his parents having their breakfast.
"Langris?" His mother Liliane stood up and almost rushed to smother him with affection.
"Hello, Mother, Father," said Langris, holding up his hand. In his authoritative Captain tone, he said, "I have a few questions for you."
"First you don't visit for Family Day and now you're here with a peasant intending to question us," his father sneered. "You spend too much time with your brother."
Langris frowned. "Vice-Captain Shipley is my subordinate. And Family Day is for family who actually are good to you. You will answer my questions."
"Get out," roared his father Leidor.
Langris almost flinched but he was not a child anymore. He was a Magic Knight Captain, he had friends, he had a girlfriend and he had his brother and Finesse. He didn't need his parents' approval for anything anymore. "Have you spoken to Finesse's father recently? Where were you the last few days? Do you know the name of the witch Melantha?"
Leidor looked confused, but Langris saw the way his mother paled and gripped the tablecloth.
Oh, Mother, why? Langris turned to Viivan. "Please restrain Liliane Vaude, Vice-Captain."
Vivian nodded and activated her magic with her grimoire. Controlling the blood in Liliane's body had Langris' mother frozen.
Langris said, tiredly, "Mother, what did you do?"
Vivian let up so that Liliane's mouth could move. Liliane said, without remorse, "I did everything for you."
"You attempted to murder my brother," Langris snapped. "You've driven the wedge between us when I was young and too naive to understand the burdens on my brother's shoulders. I blamed him for years. I nearly killed him myself in my rage. If his squadmates hadn't been there, I'd be in the dungeon for murder. Finral is my brother and I won't let you continue to take him from me."
Leidor said, "Langris, son, I'm sure that whatever happened, we can fix it. Your mother meant well…"
"Shipley," said Langris.
Vivian used her magic on his father to stop him from running away.
"Now," said Langris, deadly serious. "Tell me about Melantha and the plan to take out the Black Bulls immediately."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Capital
Silva Homestead
8 am
42 Hours Remaining
"Remind me again why we're doing this," complained Solid, as they went through yet another family member's personal office in the Silva Homestead.
"So our sister doesn't die," Nebra snapped. "Hurry up. It's already eight. We'll need to report to Sal." Nebra slammed the drawer of the desk shut. Nothing again. It'd been nothing for hours.
"That we found nothing," said Solid, rooting through a Silva cousin's filing cabinet. "I highly doubt that anyone in the Silva would care enough about Noelle to do something like this to her."
"But who'd else have a grudge against Noelle," said Nebra. "You know many still think she's an embarrassment."
"She is."
"Oh shut up. You're just mad that she got more stars than you last round," said Nebra, rolling her eyes and scoffing.
"Shut up, I am not. She got lucky. You're spending too much time with Vivian," said Solid, scowling. "I mean, Noelle is a Black Bulls and pissing people off is what they do."
"But bad enough to hold a grudge to hire a mercenary to attack them," Nebra questioned, hands on her hips, glaring at Solid.
"Ugh, don't do that. You're reminding me of Mom," said Solid.
While pleased to be compared to their mother, Nebra glared harder. She said, ordering her brother, "We're done in this room, let's get to the next one before breakfast is over."
"My sisters are pests."
"Move it."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Common Realm
Nean
9 am
41 Hours Remaining
"Thanks for the information," said Juniper Kay, a 3rd Class Intermediate Magic Knight of the Coral Peacocks' squad, to Rebecca Scarlet, who had told her about whenever Vanessa Enoteca comes to town. Juniper and her squadmates April Messenger and Nelly Moran had been ordered by their senior Levi Roe to assist Sal Vermillion in her investigation. The three of them were the Coral Peacocks' de facto investigators, especially when Vice-Captain Kirsch was too busy to do it himself.
"Of course," said Rebecca, biting her bottom lip, looking worried.
Juniper, Nelly, and April were charged with going to all of Vanessa Enoteca's favorite places to find out if she had any altercations with anyone. The Witch of the Black Bulls got around a lot, mostly at taverns, where she drank anyone under the table. So far, Juniper and her squadmates found that Vanessa hustled several men by challenging them to drinking contests, turned down another dozen men, and turned down a dozen women. Vanessa had a running tab at every tavern they had visited.
"Man, this is so much," said April, rubbing her forehead. "Miss Vanessa is really troublesome just like Captain Dorothy!"
"Do you think anyone was that angry with Miss Vanessa to want to hurt her," Nelly wondered out loud. "I mean the drinking contest men just wanted rematches with her. And the people who propositioned her just seemed like they wanted to try again."
"Hmmm," said Juniper. "I don't know. We must keep going! To the next town. Give me a minute to charge up my portal." Juniper has Spatial Magic, but she was nowhere near as good as Mr. Finral or Mr. Cob. heck, even Captain Langris did better transportation portals and he just started learning them a couple of years ago.
"Well, while you do that," said April, "I'll call headquarters to see how the Vice-Captain is doing."
"Oh, poor Vice-Captain, he must be so worried," said Nelly, putting her hand over her heart. "I hope Levi managed to get him to rest."
Juniper smiled to herself as she urged her magic to work and open a portal. Nelly had a little crush on Vice-Captain Kirsch for ages but always denied it. After all, Kirsch was a handsome royal Prince, even if Juniper thought the Vice-Captain was a good person but a weirdo. Then again, Vice-Captain Kirsch was not very liberal with praise, so when he did praise you, you felt like you could do anything.
"Portal up! Let's go!"
"Roger that!"
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Magic Knight Headquarters
Marx Francois' Office
10 am
40 Hours Remaining
"Thanks for this, Marx," said Sal. "It's easier than meeting in person."
"Of course," said Marx, nodding, as he used his communication magic to open lines of communication to the various investigators that Sal recruited to pursue different leads for each member of the Black Bulls.
Several groups already checked in with them. Yuno, Mimosa, and Klaus were tracking down possible scorned women who Asta unintentionally rejected. The three from the Coral Peacocks were following Vanessa's trail through all the alcohol establishments in the Forsaken and Common Realms. Langris and Vivian interrogated the Vaude couple. Charlotte and Jack found a possible suspect. Clarity and Fragil were working on getting a warrant for the Esmond Estate. Nebra and Solid were looking for leads inside of the Silva residence. All in all, it's what Sal had expected. She figured that Charlotte would be the first to have a suspect, one that they didn't already suspect in the first place.
Various magical communication portals opened up in front of Sal and Marx.
"Hey, everyone! This is just a check-in and a reminder that we have 40 hours remaining," said Sal. "Captain Kaiser, what have you and Vice-Captain Erica found?"
"We have located several of Henry's Legolant cousins in a southern Noble Realm town. According to them, Henry's parents died a couple of years ago, so they couldn't have been involved," said Kaiser.
Erica interjected. "However, we are suspicious of the fact that the Legolant fortune is tied up in litigation and technically belongs to Henry, but these cousins seem to be living a life of luxury. We're going to follow the money."
"Okay, that's a good place to start. I'll have Aldebrand look into that litigation to see what can be done. If it's Henry's money, then he should get it," said Sal, nodding. The portal for Kaiser and Erica closed. Sal asked, "Captain Rill, Vice-Captain Mackenzie, what have you found?"
Mackenzie spoke, "Mainly that Miss Charmy knows every chef, baker, and line-cook in the Kingdom. They either love her or they get scared at the mention of her. But none are suspects."
"We're checking farms next," Rill explained. "Charmy is known to follow her nose and stomach and cause a bit of destruction."
Sal rubbed her nose. "Right, got it. Keep on the search. Thanks." Rill and Mackenzie's line of communication closed. "Letoile, David, how's your investigation?"
The two Golden Dawn members looked vaguely pale and concerned. Letoile said, "The Agrippa Family as a whole do not have the best reputation, but everyone seems to be too scared of them to even think about doing anything to "get back" at them."
"We're going to look through Gordon's mission reports again at Archives to see if anything stands out," said David. "The guy might look creepy but he's alright."
Sal sighed. "Alright, let me know if you need another set of eyes."
"We will, thanks!" Marx closed the line of communication with Letoile and David.
"En, Sekke, you're next," said Sal. The investigations have mostly stalled with only three suspects (Liliane Vaude, Prudence Esmond, and a noble lord).
En, the Vice-Captain of the Green Mantis squad, said (well it was one of his mushrooms talking, actually), "Grey's stepmother is our suspect. Miss Grey has an inheritance from her deceased father that the stepmother can't touch since Grey fled from the house years ago. However, similar to the Legolant cousins, the stepmother and the stepsisters are living rather well."
"We're following her now to see if we can get leads. One of the stepsisters haven't shown themselves," said Sekke.
Sal said, "Great work. That's a big something. I'll also tell Aldebrand to look into Grey's inheritance. Honestly, it's just about the same for Gauche. The Adlai fortune and lands had been screwed up since Gauche took Marie and ran." Gauche, Grey, and Henry's situations were tied to the fact that they were owed a ton of money and there were people who thought they deserved it more than them. Sal hated that, especially when she knew from Yami that Grey lived on the streets when he found her, Gauche had been in jail when Yami found him, and Henry had been wasting away in a dilapidated manor when Yami had been looking for a base for the Black Bulls.
"We'll get back to you with anything else," said Sekke.
"Thanks," said Sal. Marx closed the communication line with Sekke and En. That left Sol and Puli of the Blue Rose Knights. "What's up with Magna and Luck?"
"Those two really know how to piss people off," said Sol. "But we finally narrowed it down to a shopkeeper in a town called Lancaster. Apparently, Magna and Luck had started fighting in the town square and barrelled into the man's store and destroyed it. Granted, he did get reimbursed, but still."
"Two peas in a pod, those boys! Anyway, the shopkeeper's wife hadn't seen her husband in several days, so we're searching for the man now," Puli interjected. "We'll get back to you once we know for sure!"
"Thanks for your hard work," said Sal.
Marx closed out the final communication portal and said, "What about Secre?"
Sal sighed and sat in a chair. "I didn't want to mention it in front of David. But it's his grandmother."
Marx looked pained. "No! Lady Swallow has a stellar reputation!"
"The Swallow family had been the Swallowtail family until a hundred years ago," said Sal. "They changed the name after David's great-grandfather uncovered information about Secre Swallowtail and her weird sealing magic and connection to the First Wizard King. It seems that David's grandmother thinks that Secre is a threat to the Swallow family. But Secre had been legally dead for five hundred years and she has no claim on anything, since she had been essentially kicked out of her family to serve Lumiere."
"I highly doubt that Secre cares for monetary wealth or prestige," said Marx.
"We know that," said Sal, pointing at herself and Marx. "But you know how nobles think, Marx, that everyone is a threat that's not their family and even then, it's cutthroat inside the family to get a better position."
Marx sighed. "True. But the thing that Secre would like to know is that she had blood relations still."
"Secre has a kind soul, so you're correct," said Sal. "I'll tell David after and then he can decide what he wants to do."
Marx sighed. "Do you want some tea before you go report to Lord Fuegoleon and Lord Damnatio?"
"No, I had better get this out of the way," said Sal. "I hate being the bearer of bad news all the time."
"You and me both," said Marx.
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Noble Realm
Magic Knight Headquarters
Office of the Wizard King
10:15 am
39 Hours and 45 Minutes Remaining
As much as Damnatio irritated him, the man always knew what he was doing, which Fuegoleon supposed he was grateful that the Head of Magic Parliament was so good at his job. The two sat in the Office discussing the recent attack on the Black Bulls. Both were waiting for Sal to report to them what she and the others found.
Sal entered, just in time. "So, we have a handful of suspects. None of it good, by the way. And then the other cases have no suspects." Marching over to the desk, Sal handed several papers to Fuegoleon.
Skimming the list, Fuegoleon asked, "So, Henry, Gauche and Grey's cases deal with inheritance. And technically so does Secre's. Troubling."
"Those are the easiest cases since we can follow the money. The others not so much," said Sal.
Fuegoleon passed the list to Damnatio.
"Lady Swallow has an impeccable reputation, are you sure that she's involved," asked Damnatio, glaring at Sal.
"Yes," said Sal, nodding.
"I see. Let me know when you get all the suspects and I'll set trial dates," said Damnatio, getting up to leave.
Sal said, "Wait! What about your end? Did you look into the Kira Clover?"
Damnatio said, "I am. At the moment, I am not telling you or Lord Fuegoleon anything, until I'm 100% certain. Good day."
Sal and Fuegoleon traded worried looks, as Damnatio left the room. Fuegoleon said, "If he's not telling us what his hunch is then it must be very bad."
"Bad enough that he's actually worried that us knowing might be a pitfall," said Sal, frowning. "I don't like it."
"Me either, but Damnatio is good at what he does. Just like you," said Fuegoleon. "Anyway, Nozel sent an update."
"How's it going," asked Sal, tensely.
"As well as expected. It helps that we have enough medical staff there," said Fuegoleon. "I think I'm going to have to visit. Nozel sounds stressed."
"He would be," said Sal. "His precious sister's life is in danger. As well as Yami, who you know Nozel still wants to beat in a fight."
"With how many times we get caught off guard, you'd think we get used to it by now," said Fuegoleon, sighing.
"We're not infallible," said Sal.
"I know."
The Waking World
The Clover Kingdom
Forsaken Realm
Black Bulls' Base
Vanessa Enoteca's Room
12 pm
38 Hours Remaining
Nozel relieved the two witches Samantha and Elvira to keep temporary watch over Vanessa. He was making his rounds to make sure that no one overdid it. He spent an hour in Noelle's room and ugh, an hour in Yami's room too. There was still no word from Dorothy, William, and Patri. However, Fuegoleon had informed Nozel that the investigations into who had been involved with Melantha's attack had several suspects.
"Better than nothing," Nozel muttered to himself.
Time was ticking down so much faster than Nozel was comfortable. Yesterday seemed to drag on and on, but today, it felt like it was going so quickly. He stared at Vanessa. It was really very strange to see her, and really all the Black Bulls, so silent, and lifeless. He didn't think any of them had the ability to be quiet.
What a terrible thing to watch others die slowly.
Nozel rubbed his eyes and sighed.
A sharp breath from Vanessa started Nozel. Nozel immediately noticed that something was wrong with Vanessa's breathing, which had been consistent and slow throughout the day and a half she had been out. Nozel cursed. He stood up to call for a medic when Vanessa convulsed. Nozel bolted to the door and yelled, "MEDIC NOW!"
Then, the screaming started in other parts of the base.
Thundering footsteps were heard as the medics came running. Nozel rushed back to Vanessa's bedside. He had no idea what to do, he stared unhelpfully at Vanessa's body fighting against her.
A medic stormed into the room and went immediately to work.
"Get out, Lord Nozel, if you aren't going to be useful," snapped the medic, one of Owen's infirmary doctors, named Gillian Dorset.
Nozel did what he was told and fled the room.
He put his hand over his chest to calm his heart and breathing, before rushing to Noelle's room. This boded ill. What was Dorothy doing? Why hadn't she defeated Melantha yet? Was she alright?
Kahono sat outside of Noelle's room, back pressed against the wall, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared at nothing, while tears streamed down her face.
Nozel knew that this young woman loved Noelle and as Noelle's oldest brother he had to do something. He knelt and said, "Miss Kahono."
"If she dies, what am I going to do," Kahono cried.
Nozel was not good at comforting others. And he didn't know what he would do if Noelle died. Opting for the easiest way, he sat next to her and patted her head as she cried. What else was he supposed to do, when words wouldn't cut it?
~to be continued