They say that pride goes before a fall. But Tyrian can't help but feel smug as he prepares to announce to Salem that he's discovered something in Vacuo that could help them. It's the first time since arriving in Vacuo that he's had a chance to report that he's made some progress toward their goals. Yes, he still has yet to discover the current location of the Summer Maiden, but there's still plenty of time for that. And discovering the hiding place of the silver-eyed brat is just as much a boon to their cause, in any case.
Next to him, Mercury seems much less enthusiastic about this meeting with their goddess than he should be. Tyrian doesn't bother to ask why. It's not like he cares, anyway, and the boy has seemed a bit out of it since they arrived in Vacuo. Probably some teenage angst nonsense.
"Tyrian, Mercury," Salem greets them coolly. "Tell me, have the two of you managed to make any progress on locating and capturing the Summer Maiden as of yet?" It's the question he was expecting her to ask.
Best to start with the bad news, then, before moving forwards and announcing the important finding that they—he—has made. "I'm afraid not, my lady," he replies, bowing his head. Seeing the disapproval on her face, he hurries to continue. "But while the search for her shall continue, I do have some good news to provide you with. Something that will be a great boon to our plans in Vacuo. Something that will—"
"Get on with it, Tyrian," Cinder interrupts him impatiently, her usual scowl on her face.
Salem shoots her a glare in reprimand, but apparently agrees with the sentiment. "Do go on and fill us in on what you've discovered and why it is so excellent, if it is not the whereabouts of the Summer Maiden."
"Of course, my lady." He clears his throat. "In my scouting of the refugee encampments in the city, I happened to come across the current location of Ruby Rose."
"What?" Cinder exclaims indignantly, almost before he's finished saying the brat's name. "That's impossible! I told you, I watched the girl fall to her death on the route between Atlas and Vacuo. There's no way that she can still be alive! You must have mistaken her for someone else."
"I can assure you that I am not mistaken. I am certain that the girl I spotted was her," he replies coldly. "Perhaps next to you should check to see that your method of killing actually sticks."
Cinder sputters angrily, at the ready with a sharp retort, but Salem waves a hand at her and she shuts her mouth, albeit reluctantly. It's a sharp blow to her, given that killing Ruby Rose had been one of her few accomplishments as of late, along with retrieving the staff and lamp. Of course she won't want to let it go.
"Now, now, you two, that's enough," she scolds them sharply, before turning her attention to Tyrian. "If what you've said is true and you truly have found Ruby Rose still alive, then that is indeed an important discovery. Do continue your search for the Summer Maiden, but I want you to keep an eye on the girl in question. Verify her identity as best you can, and monitor her location. We shall strike when the time is right." She graces him with a rare smile. "Well done, Tyrian."