Spectre: Okay, new chapter coming up! Been a while since I last updated since I spent the entire month trying to get either Zhongli or Ganyu, which sadly I didn't and it sucked! Now I'll just have to settle for Venti with the free 20 wishes they'll give for the anniversary, so it's not all bad.
So to those ask who will be Vergil's interests, I have no plans for that yet but I have two candidates on who will that be but that's still in the writing board so not a sure plan.
MaleficKing: It's a writer's choice actually. Because after reading Visions of V, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't bring back the Familiars. When V turned to finished off the Proto Angelo that he and Nero met (this is in the manga btw), V envisioned the Proto Angelo as Nelo Angelo where V declared that he would no longer be haunted by his nightmares before finishing him off, which symbolizes that the nightmares no longer had any control over him. Which enforces the World of V theory where Vergil can turn into V and use his Familiars in battle.
rick12: While a good idea on paper, I don't think Raiden Ei would make any sort of an interest for him. In fact, she and Vergil would have a different dynamic instead.
spartan- 140: Dadgil for Klee? We'll see. But as for Jean? Dunno.
ProfessorZooms: I think he was at DMC3 where he was all 'power of Sparda is muh power!'
Mr Haziq: I'd like to think they're the ones keeping Urizen at bay permanently, which ensures that he won't come out if he needed them.
Chapter 8: Devil's Bargain
"We have arrived as you asked, though not all could join us at the meantime", a voice spoke, revealing a short old man wearing a long white cloak as the rest, whom they call Pulcinella. "But may we know as to why you have called us here, Pierro?"
The taller man who is also the 1st Harbinger, stepped forward to address those who were able to join him; Tartaglia, Dotorre, Pulcinella and Capitano. "I have called you here for a meeting in regards to our operations in Mondstadt", the man spoke in a calm tone that radiated both authority and formality. "It appears, we have a new adversary"
"Indeed", the Dotorre spoke, his tone displaying both disdain and of contempt that was seldom seen by others. "We have received a report that the observation post in Dragonspine was lost, and only one remained from the 42nd division as we speak"
"The entire 42nd?", Tartaglia spoke, quite surprised at the nature of the report. The group led by the sadistic Commissar Zahlistov, were ruthless and efficient when it comes to dealing with their enemies and bringing in new recruits. And the thought of all of them being wiped out never crossed his mind.
Even though, from the Harbinger's viewpoint, they had it coming for some time. "Then I'm guessing that the Darknight Hero has been stepping his game lately"
"As meddling as he already is, that is not the case", the voice of the Capitano stepped in, reading over the report given to them. "Nor it was him who disrupted our operations in Dragonspine. This man, was unlike anyone we could have imagined"
The larger man passed over the report to the 11th Harbinger for him to read. If the report was anything to come by, then it was something foreign to them. An entire division that had Delusions that was utterly wiped out by a single individual displaying abilities that could almost defy reality was a feat that was hardly achieved by anyone. And not even the so-called Darknight Hero had manage to inflict enough damage as this man had.
"We have a new enemy", Pierro walked over to a nearby notice board inside the chamber. On it, photos detailing the people of interest of the Fatui were pinned, with red crosses being marked by several who had crossed the organization on one side, whereas those on the other side were remained untouched. An exception of of the group was a single piece of paper bearing sketch of the man's face, along with having slicked back silver hair.
"His power is insurmountable if the report is anything to be believed", Pierro continued, looking over at the man's sketch with displeasure. "His carnage of the 42nd, and the combination of both ruthlessness and efficiency had it made it apparent for the Tsaritsa to apprehend him should he prove to be a thorn on our plans"
But for a certain member of their ranks, he cupped his chin with interest, a small smirk creeping up his lips. Not when it's very rare to find someone who is in a different caliber as he is. "If that's the case, then I'll head on over to have a word with him", the 11th Harbinger spoke up, intrigue and his thirst for combat getting through his mind. "It's not everyday that we get to know someone as strong as him"
"Your priorities lie on Liyue", Pierro reminded the younger Harbinger with a firm stare behind his mask. "Until then, the Geo Gnosis will be your objective. Only then you will have your challenge with him."
Tartaglia only shrugged in response, but complied with the orders given to him. "All we could do, is to observe him until then", Pulcinella backed the man's declaration, placing a hand on the 11th's shoulder. "Sandrone's contacts within Mondstadt should be able to keep an eye on him for the time being"
"Although...", the Dottore interjected between them, remaining miffed at the loss of potential experiments at the hands of the mysterious man. "I would have preferred to prioritize his capture. There may be something to gain from him...of course through proper medical procedures"
"He will have to wait", the first Harbinger then turned his attention back to the notice board. "And when that time comes, only then we will deal with him, personally"
With a single stab of a knife, the face of the man in black's face was marked: as a target for Snezhnaya and the Fatui.
Nightfall had covered the skies that shadowed Mondstadt. The streets were lively as they are in the day, though many have alreadt rested for the evening. As their will shined within the daylight, their harmony glowed in the darkness that shadowed over them.
Sat alone at a table at Good Hunter, Vergil took a bite from one of the Hashbrowns he had ordered for dinner alongside with a cup of tea. Though he initially played with the idea of buying a couple of Berry and Mint Bursts at Angel's Share, he opted to spend his earnings on a proper meal instead.
For the past three days ever since his meeting with the Acting Grand Master, his excursions down south led him to Dragonspine, as the people refer to the icy mountain, had a peculiar background where its the mountain range received its name from the Shadow Dragon Durin, where his corpse had spread out onto the terrain. Although not his first visit to the area, he found the area to be scattered with the mix of Hiluchurls, treasures and a few mechanical beings that were being awakened at the slightest contact, which was no concern to him as the the Yamato made short of the piles of scrap metal thay dared opposed him.
The existence of dragons as mythical beings in this world spurred interest in the swordsman. As beings of great power in both text and mythology, Vergil would like to encounter one himself if given the opportunity.
Especially if whatever remains they have could become something useful in the long term.
But what really intrigued the swordsman was another faction that all people in Teyvat despised; the Abyss Order.
What little information that Vergil could gather about this group led him to form a conclusion about them; they were the closest beings that bear any true resemblance to demons. Any average Teyvatian are wary of these creatures as they wreaked havoc in whatever they could find without any boundaries, which labelled them as targets to people such as the Knights of Favonius and of the Fatui.
He took a mental note to collect samples of these creatures should he be given the chance. Now when a possibility of an Underworld, or at least a lesser version of it, resided in this world. Hidden from the vast majority of the masses.
So far, so good. he thought, having gathered the possible funds needed to pay for the lost property of the Knights of Favonius. Of course, he remembered what the librarian reminded him before he borrowed the Encyclopedia from her. And he would prefer to make up for this mistake diplomatically.
Not that what could happen concerned him at all. It was simply because he was thoughtful enough to pay his dues whenever he could, as it was partially his responsibility for the loss.
He continued to eat his meal, indulging the jam-covered Hashbrown's taste. Of all the meals he had taken, they were exquisite. Not too simple but not too extravagant in any way. Three days out in the open field without a proper meal (as he was already used to as a younger man) enticed him to go and pick up his preferred order.
"At this rate you'd be addicted to that like Dante's obessession with pizza, Chief", Griffon mentally commented within Vergil's mind, one that made the swordsman slightly sigh in annoyance. "Just a little push down further, and you've got something to even tell the difference between him and you!"
"One's specialty is another's enjoyment, Griffon", V then added with a chuckle. "Each twin had a favorite of their own, do they not?"
His is an addiction, Vergil retorted to the voices inside his head. Sure, the Hashbrowns are indeed a delicacy, but he wouldn't fall short to being an addict like Dante in his pizzas and strawberry sundaes. Mine is merely a preference
"Says the guy who ate the same thing over since day one!", the Familiar added, to the man's chagrin despite desiring to silence that bird. "It always starts with a preference till you got yourself falling into that pit!"
Vergil merely ignored the ramblings given by his companions. Even though he would find them to be annoying at every step in the way, it was still a welcome sign he had a few people he could confer to if needed.
"Are you enjoying your meal, sir?", a voice piped up, and Vergil looked as the waitress, on whom he had known to as Sara, standing before him with a saucer on her hand.
The swordsman simply gave her an approving nod, responding politely as he could. "I am, thank you. The servings had proved to be made by a skilled hand, if I say so myself"
Normally, he wouldn't have responded too kindly to anyone, especially humans. But their effort and dedication had proven to be worth complimenting if they deserve it.
The waitress' face brightened at the customer feedback. "If that's the case sir, would you like to try tomorrow's Sticky Honey Roast? Reviews of the meal has been quite positive, and has a highly recommended reputation by others"
"I will go ahead and see to it myself on my next visit", Vergil affirmed her request, standing up from his seat and handing over his payment to the waitress. "But for now, I will have to get going"
He bid his farewell to the woman, walking over to the streets on the left of the city. "So, you're some kind of Gourmet now, Chief?", the Avian Familiar sneered at the swordsman.
"He has what they call a selective taste, Griffon", V corrected him, feeling pleased that he was able to get the usually stoic and stone-cold swordsman off the rails every now and then. "As unique are the fruits of every tree, the indulgences of each bear a flavor to remember"
You two are not going to leave me be, are you?, Vergil finally spoke in his own mind.
"You went on your own once in the Underworld, why do you think Dante decided to go with you when you came back to it?"
Hmph, Vergil merely huffed in response of their claim as he continued his trek in the city. Most have closed down their shops for the night, and only a few taverns were still open for service. Particularly for Adventurers and Knights alike.
As he walked into the empty streets of the city, the air around him began to breeze slightly, causing him to abruptly stop in his tracks. Looking around his surroundings, Vergil's eyes narrowed at the unseen presence that he could feel near him, and the others in his mind could feel his vigilance. "Something wrong, Chief?", Griffon inquired, noticing the change of pace within his keeper.
We're being watched, Vergil replied, deciding to force whatever entity stalking them to come out. "I know you're there", the swordsman called out, his hand reaching out to the handle of the Yamato. "Hiding in the dark won't help"
A pair of pale magenta eyes widened in surprise at the man's instincts, not when people finding out that they're being watched doesn't happen everyday.
Vergil felt a presence descending from above, landing gracefully behind the swordsman, who recognized the newcomer before him. "Hmm...", Vergil looked back at the familiar face, cupping his chin with interest for a moment. "It's you again..."
The woman huffed, dusting off her uniform in front of him as he strayed his hand from the Yamato. "It's been a while, Vergin"
A snicker could be heard hounding in his mind.
Not. One. Word. Vergil warned to the entities in his head, especially when one of them was holding his laughter, something that would remind him of his foolish younger brother. "Guess being perceptive was also part of your resumé, not just being quite the mood you were", the nun commented to his intuition, to which Vergil suppressed a scoff towards her.
"I would say the same for you dwelling through the night", the swordsman retorted, crossing his arms towards the ever-so sarcastic woman. "Now, what ill wind blew you here?"
The nun could visibly make out that the man wanted her to get straight to the point; along with an indication as to why she was following him but this was part of her work. "Keeping tabs on you for the past three days on orders from the acting Grand Master", she replied, causing Vergil to raise an eyebrow on the mention of the blonde woman. "Sent me to deliver an invitation of her wanting to see you at the Knights of Favonius HQ tomorrow morning"
"You spent three days looking for me?", he questioned, his tone having turned inquisitive.
"Of course not, I wouldn't be doing it if you were in the city in the first place", Rosaria corrected him, displaying a tone of dry sarcasm, which caused the man to narrow his eyes at her for a bit.
Deciding to skip the banter altogether, the swordsman went straight to the point. "As for the Acting Grand Master, to what purpose did she cite that she needed my presence?"
"They didn't say", Rosaria simply told him in reply, maintaining the plain and stoic tone that Vergil associated her with it, before she pulled out a letter that had the seal of the Knights of Favonius. "But something tells me they like to have a word with you. That's all there is to it"
He pinched his chin below, thinking. Hmmm...is this regarding of my earlier run-in with Klee? Or is it something else?
"The other girl in red you've ran into may have something to say about you", V pointed out, causing Vergil to recall her presence at the region of Windrise. "After all, your introduction with her has been...less than pleasant"
That could be it, or there are other instances that drew their suspicion towards him. And he was certainly in no mood in dealing future inconveniences if he didn't act now.
"Inform her that I'll be heading to the Headquarters in the morning", he said to her, taking the letter and promptly storing in into his coat. With that, he turned away from the nun and began to walk into the opposite direction as her, not before sparing a glance at her. "And if you intend to follow my trail, then I can only wish the best of luck to you"
Before the nun could even give reply, the man had already disappeared in the night in a shroud of black and turqoise, leaving her to hear nothing but the cold wind that surrounded her that, even wielding a Cryo vision, caused a chill to jolt down into her spine.
"Show off...", the nun huffed, brushing off the feeling before vanishing in a swirl of Cryo energy right after.
"So you're really going to meet Dandelion Tights and the bunch, Chief? This could get ugly at any time", Griffon asked to their keeper, as he stood before the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Vergil maintained his stoicism as he went inside the building, ignoring the looks that the two guards that stood between it, which made him recall the first time he had stepped foot here.
If there is one thing that is constant about myself, that is courtesy in formalities and dialogue, Vergil mentally responded to the Familiar. It is also to make sure that this is already dealt with before it becomes a nuisance.
The Familiar raised a non-existent eyebrow at his response, clearly remembering on how Vergil observed the blond woman. "Yeah, right. You've got your eyes peeled on those tights, but I can't say I blame you for that"
"Leave the man to his interests, Griffon", V piped in, deciding to mentally play along with the banter. "Such rarities are hard to come by in every lifetime"
I prefer both of you to be silent while I get this over with, Vergil chastised the two, resisting the urge to facepalm at their insolence. We are here to speak with the Grand Master. Nothing more, nothing less.
Walking over to the door of Jean's office, two Knights stood on guard where they were taken back at the sudden appearance of the swordsman when he approached them. "I have an appointment with the acting Grand Master", Vergil reached out to his coat pocket to pull out a letter bearing the Grand Master's seal and presented it to them. "I believe this would suffice as proof"
One of the knights took the letter from the swordsman, reading its contents thoroughly before he glanced to his comrade next to him. The man obliged, heading inside.
"Do you think our guest here would care enough to accept your invitation?", the Cavalry Captain spoke as he leaned to the walls of the office with his arms crossed as he looked over to the acting Grand Master. "For the meetings that you and Lisa had with him, being an enemy doesn't seem to fit in to be held in suspicion"
"It's still worth investigating, Captain", Jean said in reply, reading over the old reports. "For all his skill and his experience, then we might-"
"Ask for his assistance when we got the chance?", Kaeya guessed, almost in a sly tone. "I wouldn't blame you exactly, not when Grand Master Varka took more than half of the personnel with him, but good news is that Captain Maximian and the 3rd Division will be returning to Mondstadt in a few weeks from Natlan"
Jean sighed as she held her forehead, gazing at her desk while being lost to her world of thought. "That's not the only reason, Captain. When I spoke to him, I couldn't help but think that there is something else that I couldn't trust him with, even when he brought back Klee to safety"
"Perhaps you're afraid that he would become what you suspected?", Kaeya guessed. "Well, after hearing what Amber had to say about him, I wouldn't blame you. But if he is willing to lend a helping a helping hand, then all the better if we managed to not cause an inconvenience out of paranoia"
Jean narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm not being paranoid, Kaeya"
"The way you want to talk to him says otherwise", the Cavalry Captain merely countered in response.
Before the Dandelion Knignt could reply, the door opened to reveal one of the guards stationed inside the headquarters. "Master Jean, we have a man named Vergil here", the knight reported, causing the blond to snap out of her thoughts and into attention. "He claimed that you have requested for his presence here?"
Jean's eyes widened at that, whereas her aide couldn't help but chuckle at the circumstances. "Well...", Kaeya chuckled at the stroke of luck at their part. "Speak of the devil..."
"You may enter, Mister Vergil", the knight spoke in a stern tone, though the elder son of Sparda could make out that there was a tinge of nervousness surrounding him as he said those words.
"Play it safe, Chief", Griffon advised him as he walked through the entrance.
Making his way inside, Vergil found the acting Grand Master waiting for him as she stood by. But she wasn't alone though. With her was a dark skinned man whose eyepatch covering his right eye made it a recognizable trait of him. He has navy-blue hair with streaks of lighter blue, accompanied by a long lock of hair that rests over his left shoulder, cascading down to his waist. He wears a white-collared, cleavage-revealing blouse adorned by a cape with a fur collar. He wears dark, tight-fitted trousers and knee-length boots.
The way he dressed was quite similar in taste to Dante when they were younger, except his was a little bit more modest than his brother's.
"Thank you for coming in such short notice, Vergil", Jean formally greeted the swordsman, gesturing her arm towards an empty chair at the front of her desk. "Please, have a seat"
The blue-haired man eyed the newcomer, from head to toe as he observed him with interest. He approached the man, bearing a smirk as he did which Vergil countered with a firm stare. "So you must be Mondstadt's unsung hero?", he mused, extending his arm to reveal an open palm of his hand. "Kaeya, Captain of the Cavalry for the Knights of Favonius"
"Something tells me that Cyclops over here remind of you, V", Griffon mused to his master.
Vergil's face remained stern, but returned the gesture with a light handshake. "I had been informed by the acting Grand Master that you had a...blast with little Klee at Starfell, is it?", Kaeya gave a slight smirk to the swordsman, who remained stoic as he took his his seat
"Indeed she had", Vergil responded in a plain, but formal tone. "But not enough to be considered as a hinderance"
The swordsman shifted his attention to the Jean, away from the Cavalry Captain. "It has been a while, Grand Master", he greeted the blond with the exact same formality when he first met her. "May I know as to why you have asked for me?"
Jean cleared her throat, ignoring the ominous atmosphere that surrounded her. "Vergil, it has come to my attention that...I need to talk to you regarding a few incidents that had happened near Mondstadt"
As expected..., Vergil noted, preparing himself for whatever questions she may have for him. Force is not going to be an option this time. Not when such action would be considered foolish for something that is trivial at the meantime.
The swordsman crossed his arms as he spoke. "Such as?"
Jean composed herself momentarily, meeting the man's eyes with hers. "Have you met Outrider Amber? Or at least know of her in any capacity?"
For a moment silence engulfed the entire room before the swordsman responded. "I have"
"According to her, you went in against a massive Hilichurl camp all by yourself", she recalled the girl's story to him, trying to sound reasonable and understanding. "And managed to take it down before...meeting her. Is this true?"
"Yes"
Jean pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and promptly wiped her forehead, maintaining her attempts to be precise of her questions towards a man.
Even though the said man had already knew what she would ask of him after encountering the archer in red. The Cavalry Captain stepped forward, giving Jean a look if he could take over, which she affirmed with a nod. "Then...may we ask if you have anything to do with the casualties located at Springvale?", Kaeya inquired the swordsman. "We have also discovered that certain valuables were missing from them"
The room was silent, with the personnel of the Knights of Favonius waiting for a response until he simply spoke up. "You mean these?"
His hand reached into his coat pockets, placing coin-like objects onto the desk that caused the rest of the occupants in the room to widen their eyes in shock. They were insignias that are associated with Treasure Hoarders. Traces of blood that were splattered onto them had dried up for it to be stained.
Then it's all the more reason why the identity of the mysterious man could not be doubted by either of them. "Hmm, I guess I would say that you made clean work out of them", Kaeya complimented the swordsman. "Though...what really happened remains to be seen"
"They unfortunately were in my way", Vergil responded. "Acted on their own volition when bribery was not an option. And I simply defended myself from becoming a victim of a robbery"
He then rurned towards the Grand Master. "Surely, there is nothing wrong with that?
"Not at all", Jean immediately answered his inquiry, though her instincts were already telling her to remain rational.
"Then, may I know as to why am I being interrogated?"
The Cavalry Captain walked behind him, observing him closely. "I wouldn't call it an interrogation, Mr. Vergil. We merely wished to be acquainted by any means in order to answer these questions that we hope that you may be able to answer"
Kaeya paused as he turned his head towards the swordsman." Are you a friendly cloud? Or an approaching storm?"
"Provoke a blackening cloud, it may as well be granted", the Cavalry Captain, for a while, felt uncertainty towards the man's cold response that could be interpreted as a warning not to push it further. Depending how one would see it at least.
The man's tone was a great contrast from earlier, and it was already evident that he was annoyed of what they ask of him. Quickly, Jean stepped in before it could get out of hand between them. "What Captain Kaeya is trying to say is that...we would like to know what you were doing here in Mondstadt. And as per protocol, we need to ensure that the security of the city from any foreign incursion"
Stupid! Why did you say that?! The moment Jean said those words to the swordsman, she could swore that the world around her froze when she saw the man's eyes darken at their inquiries regarding his background. And of the possible accusation of him being a threat.
Because now, she felt that everything she knew is now hanging by a thread of an unseen force she could not explain herself when she gazed at him.
And she met the slight glare of the swordsman that brought chills down her spine.
Under the calm, polite and stoic manners that the swordsman show, were a combination of efficiency, ruthlessness and of disregard, if she would trust her instincts about him.
Because the more she observed him, she was becoming uncertain of the man in front of her.
As she sat facing the stern face of the man in the black long coat, whose sword he had not even seen unsheathed, she felt a single bead of sweat roll down the back of her neck.
The ominous feeling of caution, anxiety or even danger was becoming apparent to her to the point. And the cold silence surrounding him.
If this is what Amber had told them about him, then they have felt it themselves.
The man's glare went on for a few seconds, before it shifted to the usual formal and stoicism that she yearned to return. "Whatever assumptions may have on my background, I can assure you that I have no intention in bringing harm in Mondstadt"
Both Jean and Kaeya forcefully stopped themselves from sighing in relief in front of him. "I am merely an Outlander who had diverged into experiencing anything that picqued my interests. To which, I am already planning to depart to Liyue in a few days for reasons I cannot disclose"
Vergil could visibly make out that they were relieved of any misunderstandings that happened between them. Which is favourable for him as well.
Jean adjusted herself as she faced him with same formality as he had given to her, though left completely uneased of the momentary dread that came from him. "Vergil, in light of your recent... achievements. I would like to personally thank you for what have done for Mondstadt regardless"
"Guess that clears up a bit, eh Chief?", Griffon commented, pleased that everything went on smoothly for them.
Jean felt the confidence raising through her as Vergil merely gave a nod in return. "With that in mind, the Knights are willing to make a proposition with you if you are willing to accept"
"And what would that be, Grand Master?", he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"The Knights of Favonius are understaffed at the moment", Jean began, standing up as she pulled out a hand book from the drawer of her desk. "And are currently in need of whatever help we could get, to which your skill and of your experience would prove to be beneficial for both aspiring and of the already serving members of the order"
She passed him over a handbook, to which he opened to read a few pages detailing her proposition. "A spare quarters within the HQ will be accomodated during your stay along with an allowance. You will be granted access in certain sections, but will be restricted onto others. That is if...it's alright with you?"
Vergil looked over for a moment, appearing interested of the proposition. Only for him to return the booklet to the acting Grand Master. "My apologies, but I have to decline for reasons I cannot disclose. As pleasant as Mondstadt has been for me, I am planning to depart towards Liyue until then. Even though your terms are generous, if I say so myself"
Well, it was worth a shot. Jean could only lower her head in response. "I understand..."
"If that is all, then perhaps we are done here", he stood up, giving a slight bow as he made his way to the door. "And my apologies for any misunderstanding"
Jean forced herself to breath out, panting as the man left the office. Kaeya only wiped his forehead and temples as he took a seat. "And people say Diluc is scary when he's angry?"
"Oh hello, handsome", Lisa greeted the swordsman with a smile as he descended down the stairs. "It's been a while since we had a chit-chat"
"Yeesh, don't know if she's being freaky or she'a playing with ya", Griffon commented regarding the witch in front of them. "Careful not to get caught in the middle, Chief!"
As if I would be foolish enough to allow myself to be bewitched by her, Vergul retorted to the Familiar.
"You literally sticked your dick in crazy at Fortuna", Griffon sarcastically recalled to the swordsman, which caused a twitch to appear on Vergil's temple. "Won't be farfetched to if you get to do it again!"
We don't talk about that and you be quiet, "My apologies", Vergil began as he looked over the shelves where the Teyvat Encyclopedia was stored. "But it appears that I bear unfortunate news that I have lost one of your valued references in the library"
He stood his ground. Even though he could simply ignore the loss and disregard it entirely, it would be too barbaric for him. As an avid reader, losing a valuable book was among the few things he could not condone.
"You have?", Lisa said, appearing hurt towards the swordsman thay left him uneased at this unexpected reaction. "That's a shame...reprinting such material could be quite hard nowadays.
The swordsman cleared his throat. "Which is why I came with the unfortunate news, and that I wish to know as to how I should be able to compensate for the damages caused"
Of course, he could easily deflect the blame on Klee. But it was his partial responsibility, and that wouldn't slide either.
Lisa hummed for a moment, appearing to think as what to do with the matter. She wasn't the type to ask for Mora as compensation, but rather in assisting her in whatever activities she could think off like being a library assistant or help Noelle in managing the facilities used by the Knights of Favonius. To a newcomer like Vergil here, she wasn't sure that would be the ideal work he would take. Because that itself would be a disservice to his abilities.
What he didn't know, is that she had incoveniently placed a few wards that allow her to hear his meeting with Jean. And with the right circumstances, she got right what the order needed him.
And maybe, he could also help Jean in removing some weight out of her shoulders.
"Well", the Librarian finally spoke. "Since you are honest enough to come here and report its loss, I will be able to overlook it for a different form of payment"
Vergil cupped his chin, pleased that such an option is available. "And what would that be?"
The witch placed a finger below her mouth, humming as she did before as if something struck her from within. "Simple, the cost could be covered by accepting the Acting Grand Master's offer of helping the Knights as a freelancer"
The swordsman was momentarily taken back at the revelation. How did she-, he thought, before he brushed it off completely. "May I know as to how you are aware of all of this?"
"Oh, let's just say I have eyes and ears everywhere", she said in a sing-song tone that left the swordsman with more questions than answer. "With someone capable of handling work that others would struggle , the Knights of Favonius needed people like you", the Librarian continued, watching as Vergil sighed and crossed his arms. "Even if it's for only a short term"
The swordsman remained silent, pondering his next move now that an obstacle stood in his way. He had planned to simply repay the loss through monetary means before he would make his way down south to Liyue. But incidentally, he would have to postpone his journey towards the Geo Country if he accepted the offer, which shouldn't be much a problem for him.
"Well, it can't be that hard, Chief", Griffon's voice piped in. "Besides, it's gonna be a cakewalk if you ask me!"
With a sigh, Vergil turned towards the Witch, who eagerly waited for his reply. "Where do I begin?"
Spectre: That's it for now. The Fatui had their sights on Vergil, but they elected to focus on the Gnoses instead (Unless Vergil decided that he could get motivation by hoodwinking them from there and out)
I decided to have Jean talk to Vergil this time, to clear out any case of bad omen between them while showing Vergil is that one guy people would think to be negotiated with while finding a reason why he should even work with them at the first place.
Anniversarry's here, and hope I could get Venti, Candace and Kuki. Hopefully.
So anyways, thanks for reading and leave a review!