"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Mental link"
"Noble Phantasms"
POV
Chapter 31: Phone home
Ritsuka Group POV
"There it is." Solaire came to a stop, pointing in the direction of the fort. "Forum Claudii Vallensium. The capital of the region."
"Huh." Ritsuka came to a stop next to him, breathing a little heavier than normal but otherwise no worse for wear "Looks…" he narrowed his eyes at the walls, all of which looked damaged "Looks beat up."
"Yes...it does…" Solaire muttered, moving his hand towards his sword "Tread lightly." he looked over to the young Master "What can Sir Arash see?"
"Arash?" Ritsuka called out to his Archer through their link "Walls are looking pretty beat up, can you see any Romans?"
"Yep." The Archer replied an affirmative "I can see a few helmets on the walls, looks like they're on patrol. They haven't spotted up yet."
"Arash says there are still Romans there."
Solaire let out a sigh of relief "Most fortunate then." he chuckled "Come, we must move quickly...and I suspect I will need to explain the appearance of lady Quelaag."
"Yeah…" Ritsuka cringed, with the Romans presumably fighting spiders for God knows how long, having another, larger, spider turn up might set off a few alarms.
Solaire signalled the company to advance, he Romans marching into file as the group advanced along the walls. By the time they got to within a few hundred metres of the wall, they had been spotted by the Roman sentries.
Ritsuka could barely make out the shouting before he saw more helmets appear atop the wall, many of the Romans seen wielding bows and what looked like slingers.
"Mash…" Ritsuka whispered over to the girl in a slight panic, she took that as her cue to stand slightly in front of her Master in the event that the Romans unleashed a barrage upon them.
"Well...This is certainly got the makings of a warm greeting." Quelaag dryly put, moving up next to Ritsuka and Mash, causing the former to freeze up and stare off into the distance and the latter to send the woman a disapproving frown, the woman smirked in response clearly aware of the effect she was having on the young man.
"Hold!" A voice cried out from the wall "Identify yourselves!"
"Prefect Solaire of the Second Legion of Rome!" The sun knight called back "Along with Centurions Magnus and Aulus of the Seventh Cohort!"
"...And the...thing behind you!?" The same man cried back, sounding a little panicked.
"She is our...Guest!" Solaire struggled for the word before replying "I assure you, despite her appearance, she is not associated with the creatures who have attacked us!"
"Wait there!" The man cried back, then ran off out of sight, leaving the group of servants and Romans standing there for a few moments in awkward silence while the soldiers on the wall lined up their arrows.
"...Think they're going to kill us, Prefect?" Aulus asked, Solaire sighed and shook his head.
"I most certainly hope not, Centurion."
"Pffft." Quelaag snorted "If they could even harm me."
"You are not helping your case." Solaire chided the woman "We are going to have to convince them of your usefulness."
"Is the fact I'm even here and not burning villages to the ground not useful enough?" The woman raised an eyebrow at him, Solaire palmed his helmet while Verndari turned to her.
"The simple reason that I have yet to see why we should bother keeping you around is cause enough for you to consider your position." He growled at her, causing her to chuckle.
"My, my, quite the bloodthirsty little killer aren't you?"
"Why you-"
"Guys!" Ritsuka turned to them with a frown, temporarily trying to shelve his fear of Quelaag's appearance "This isn't helping. Sir Verndari, Quelaag is here helping us to begin with, at least give the benefit of the doubt." he pleaded, then turned to Quelaag and felt his heart rate speed up "Quelaag, please don't try and provoke Sir Verndari, its not helping anything…" he trailed off, sweating and skin slightly ashen as Quelaag stared him in the eyes with a blank expression for a few seconds.
"Hmph." She grunted and looked away from him.
Verndari let out a scoff before his shoulders dropped ever so slightly, turning to Ritsuka and bowing his head "Apologies, my liege. I will...attempt to put my personal feelings aside."
Ritsuka gave him a shaky smile and then turned around, his somewhat stoic face immediately melting into one of obvious panic. Mash gave him a reassuring smile and gently rubbed the back of his shoulder.
"...That went rather well." Ash hummed, Gareth smiled while she rode of Sif next to him, he looked up at her "Still...I am concerned about our position."
"I'm sure it will work itself out." Gareth shrugged "If not, well...we can always try and talk with the Olga lady again and see if she can get us there."
"...So does the Abyss make you see red?" Beatrice suddenly popped up behind him, grin on her face, causing him to jolt at her sudden proximity to him.
"Confound it all!" He cursed, looking over his shoulder at her "No, I do not see red."
"Oh...What about-?"
"Prefect Solaire!" An older voice called out from atop the wall "I had heard your scouting party ventured into Gaulish territory. We thought you dead!"
"I encountered these travellers." Solaire gestured to the Chaldean group, all of whom either waved or nodded their heads "They aided in our return."
"So I see." The man grunted "Are these the travellers the seer foretold?"
"They are!"
"And the…" The man frowned, staring towards Quelaag "Thing?"
"...The person of interest Keeper Cecilia sent me to find."
"I see." He nodded, then turned around "Open the gate! Let them through!" he turned back "I shall meet you down below, we have much to discuss, Prefect."
The man quickly retreated from the wall, the other soldiers atop quickly began scrambling to open the gate, the large doors slowly beginning to open up to them. The group watched the fort revealed to them with slightly relaxed expressions.
"You had best come with me, Young Ritsuka." Solaire explained as they began to make their way into the city, "It would be prudent to explain your arrival as well."
"Right." He nodded along, then turned to Mash and Ash "Lets go then." he looked over the rest of the servants "I guess you guys can take a break?"
"Sure." Arash shrugged, dematerialising his bow and crossing his arms "I suppose I could do with a rest, what about you Betty?" he turned to the Caster servant, the women let out a relieved sigh and nodded rapidly.
"Yes...please...no more fighting weird creatures."
"I will be here should you need me, my Liege." Verndari nodded to him.
"Well…" Ritsuka turned back to the other two "Lets get going?"
"Aulus, Magnus." Solaire addressed the centurions "Return the men to the barracks, tell them to relax themselves."
"Yes, Prefect." The pair echoed back before moving off to address the other Roman soldiers.
"Lady Quelaag, please remain with young Ritsuka's entourage." Solaire asked, the woman let out an amused scoff and looked in Verndari's direction.
"Its amusing you think I have a choice." She bitterly chuckled "I doubt that one would allow me out of his sight."
"All the same." Solaire asked "It would likely make the others feel more comfortable." he pointedly looked in the general direction of the surrounding soldiers, all of whom were glancing in the Riders directions with varying looks of open hostility or outright terror.
"Hmph." She grunted "I can put the little humans at ease."
"Thank you." Solaire nodded, then turned back to Ritsuka "Let us go, we shall see who we have to speak with."
"I am Legate Vespasian." The older man with grey patches of hair introduced himself, Solaire stood to attention as best he could while Ritsuka and Mash awkwardly stumbled to bow their heads. Ash had his arms crossed and stood in the corner, helmet removed and eyebrow raised. "I arrived several days ago with the sixth Legion to reinforce this stronghold which had been placed under your care, only to find you had left on a scouting mission. Explain this Prefect."
"Sir." Solaire began "When we received word from the Emperor of a vision from the Firekeeper, I felt it best to act upon this information immediately. With the knowledge of what we were facing, I believed that had anyone other than myself led the expedition to retrieve this individual, they would have died and the opportunity would be lost."
Vespasian frowned but didn't argue the point, instead crossing his arms "The 'individual' you mention. They are the creature outside?"
"They are." Solaire nodded "Her name is Quelaag. She is a Chaos Witch."
"Witch?" Vespasian closed his eyes and sighed "And you have evidence she is not in league with the...creatures?"
"When we encountered her, she was under assault by them." Solaire explained "Nor do I believe it was a ruse. The attack was far too lethal for that, and it was only after we lost a good deal of our number that we routed her attacks. On our journey back we were continuously harassed by spiders and...other creations."
"Beasts made of the dead?" Vespasian guessed, he assumed he was correct at Ritsuka and Mash's look of surprise "They were attacking us non-stop. Without the sixth legion here, this city would have been overrun by now."
"I see." Solaire nodded "Were there any among their number which stood out?"
"No." Vespasian nodded "If you refer to those like yourself who defy mortal means, then we were fortunate to encounter only Pluto's spawn." he looked over at Ritsuka, Mash and Ash "And these individuals?"
"My company and I encountered them on our retreat back to this location." Solaire explained "Without the aid of Young Ritsuka here." he pointed to the black haired boy "And his comrades, we would have been lost."
"Hm." Vespasian nodded, then turned his sights on Ritsuka, the young boy freezing under the intense stare the Roman legate sent his way "And how fortunate it is that you and your companions were available. 'Ritsuka'...a barbarian name. So tell me, why are you in Rome? Especially in these troubling times."
"We-" Ritsuka coughed "We're from a place called Chaldea." he began "We're…we're here to help."
Vespasian raised an eyebrow "And why is that?"
"Well." Ritsuka scratched behind his neck "This isn't really…"
"We are pursuing fugitives." Ash cut in, Vespasian looked in his direction, cuing for him to continue "One of them you have already seen the work of. The abominations made from the dead."
Vespasian frowned at the memory "I see." he nodded "You are hunting down the criminals of this 'Chaldea' who have ventured into Roman territory?" he turned back to Ritsuka.
"A-ah!" He blinked, then nodded "Yes. They weren't supposed to be here at all, as it stands they threaten Rome as a whole so we are here to help deal with them."
Vespasian took in a deep breath as he put on a thoughtful expression, tapping his hand on the desk for a few moments before he eventually nodded "I see." his eyes flickered back to Ritsuka "Either way, the Emperor will want to hear of th-"
"-ujimaru!?" Everyone in the room blinked at the crackling sound coming from Ritsuka's wrist, the boy in question went wide eyed and looked down before holding it up "Fujiamru! Can you read me!?"
Vespasian raised an eyebrow, then looked over at Solaire "Communication crystals?"
"Something similar but different, Legate." Solaire explained.
"Doctor?" Ritsuka called back, pressing the communication, allowing for Romani's face to flash into existence. Said man immediately had a relieved look as he smiled at the young boy.
"Thank goodness." Romani sighed "We've been trying to reach you since your signal popped back up. You're in…" he looked to the side "Martingy?"
"Forum...uhh...Claudius?" Ritsuka furrowed his brows "Something like that."
"Forum Claudii Vallensium." Romani chuckled "But close enough, when the Director said she made contact with you we were all relived that you were alright."
"Well…" Ritsuka cringed "As alright as I can be…" he paused "Can we add the Director on?"
"Huh?" Romani blinked "O-oh!" then gaped like a fish "I should have done that to begin with, sorry! She's been hounding me for ages to get you back up." he looked to the side of the screen "I've been trying my hardest and Magi*Mari has been telling me to stay strong but its really difficult."
"Anyone else concerned that our operations chief and head of Medical consults a Vtuber for life advice?" Ritsuka heard someone ask from the screen, Romani flinched and seemed to whirl on them.
"Its not that bad Maxwell! Besides Magi*Mari has great advice to offer an-stop laughing Kerry!"
"…" Vespasian stared at them, then turned to Solaire with an incredulous expression "And these are the people who will help us?"
"...They are good people." Solaire replied back with a nod, Vespasian only grunted in response and turned back to them.
"What is it now Romani?" Ritsuka heard the Directors voice...it had never sounded so dead before.
"Director!" Mash exclaimed, causing a second screen to pop up next to Romani revealing the white haired woman.
"Mash!?" She blinked, somehow life returned to her eyes, then she looked at Ritsuka and coughed "Ahem." composing herself "Fujimaru Ritsuka. Mash. Ash." she nodded to the servant in the corner who waved at her "I see you have exited the area of interference. Good work."
"Director, Solaire-san said you were with the Emperor?"
"...I am." Olga replied in a tired voice "I also encountered three more servants." she explained "A berserker outside, some form of metal golem, a caster by the name of Cecillia, and one called Pontiff Sulyvahn."
"...What?" Ash asked in a dark tone, stepping away from the wall and approaching her "Sulyvahn? He's there?"
"He is." Olga nodded "He also informed me of your...past relationship."
"He is scum." Ash replied "You should have him killed now. Convince the Emperor that he cannot be trusted."
"Its more complicated than-"
"He is the Pontiff of Aldrich." Ash scoffed, crossing his arms "You have the servant of our foe in your camp. He is no doubt passing reports to his master as we speak."
"He is…" Olga cringed "It is more complicated than that. Suffice to say, I do not believe he is working with the enemy Servant."
"And how do you know this?" Ash asked "Did he tell you? Did he offer his assurances that he would not betray you? I suspect he offered similar oaths to Gwyndolin as well."
Solaire blinked at the name, looking towards Ash in confusion.
"I was informed by Caster that, currently, Sulyvahn appears to be true to his word."
"Oh?" Ash almost laughed "And who is this oh so wise Caster?"
"Well…"
"Is that Milords voice I hear?" The gentle tone of a woman called out from the screen, Ash blinked in surprise and gaped like a fish at the familiarity. Olga stood to the side as a woman moved next to her, dressed in dark clothes with a metal mask covering her eyes, she smiled and nodded her head "Milord, to hear thy voice again is most pleasing."
"Firekeeper…" Ash muttered under his breath, then his expression shifted into a gentle smile "I see you are well."
"Indeed." She nodded "The Emperor Nero has treated me most kindly."
"That is good to hear." He frowned "I am concerned about this talk of Sulyvahn however. His dealings and betrayal-"
"I ask that thou place thy faith in me." She interrupted him, although not rudely "The False Pontiff has spoke no ills thus far. It is mine belief he is not allied with the Lord of Cinder."
Ash inhaled through his teeth, eyes darting off to the side as he debated something in his head before looking back at the Firekeeper "...You are certain?"
"Milord, I am but a humble Firekeeper." The woman smiled "It is mine role to serve thou, I would never willingly lead thou astray."
"...Very well." Ash nodded "I shall withhold my judgement until I arrive."
"That is mine only request, Milord." The woman smiled "I also believe I should inform thou that I have been granted a name by the Emperor."
"A name?" Ash blinked, then nodded "Cecilia...I believe I heard?"
"Indeed, Milord." The woman nodded "Doth...thou approve?"
"It is a wonderful name." Ash nodded, smiling at her.
"There is also another matter concerning mine self that must be discus-"
"Is that him now!?" A high pitched excited voice called out from behind the Firekeeper, the woman smiled and stood to the side to allow the newcomer to enter the frame. Romani seemed to cringe and there were several muffled laughs occurring just off-screen on his side.
Ash, Mash and Ritsuka blinked in surprise as a grinning woman appeared on the screen, wide eyes and hair in a bun, she appeared next to the firekeeper and looked around.
"Which one is he?" She excitedly asked, then seemed to focus in on Ash "No, do not tell me! I shall guess! He is the tall handsome one!"
"...Excuse me?" Ash raised an eyebrow, blinking in surprise "You are the Emperor Nero, I assume?"
"Ah, you have heard of me?" She grinned "Of course you have, even visitors from afar have no doubt heard of the flower of Rome!"
"I…" Ash titled his head "You wished to speak with me?"
"Indeed!" Nero grinned "I want to have your permission to accept your servant into my bed!"
Ritsuka coughed violently, doubling over as his face went bright red and his eyes were wide, Mash clasped both her hands over her mouth and sent a worried gasp towards her Master.
Solaire looked away, suddenly finding the door to the room interesting while Vespasian seemed to find investigating his quills and inkpots amusing.
As for Ash?
His expression froze, still staring at Nero in an unblinking manner for several seconds while Ritsuka sounded as though he was dying.
"My word!" Nero gaped "Is that young man alright?"
"I-I'm sure he's fine Emperor." Romani attempted to run damage control "He's probably just surprised by your...blunt courtship and-" he stood up and walked away from the Camera "Shut up! Stop laughing! Da Vinci! I can see you there! We're supposed to be a serious organisation, we're going to look like idiots!"
Olga could be heard choking in the background, no doubt horrified at the clown show that was currently occurring in the Chaldea command room.
"Perhaps I...misheard you." Ash replied "Would you repeat that?"
"I wish to bed your servant." Nero replied in the same happy go lucky tone "She is a most exquisite flower and to find one who shares my beauty is a rare thing! I was hoping we could discuss it further when you arrived in Rome."
"...Yes." Ash nodded, expression still fixed "That would be best."
"My Emperor." Vespasian coughed, Ritsuka took that as his prompt to turn the screen to reveal the Legate, Nero blinked then made an 'O' face.
"Legate Vespasian! I can see you! You are a tiny blue man!"
"...Indeed." The man coughed "I have established the sixth Legion in the territory of Alpes Poeninae, however attacks here have become increasingly more common."
Nero nodded, a more serious expression on her face "I see, do you require more aid?"
"Do you have another of Prefect Solaire's calibre?" Vespasian asked, Nero cupped her chin.
"The Chaldeans are there, are they not?" Vespasian nodded "Good, their leader is here and has already offered their aid to me as well, with the blessing of Fortuna, we shall solve this crisis quickly."
"I see." Vespasian nodded "Shall I have the Chaldeans supplied and escorted?"
"Umu!" Nero beamed "Have them escorted to me with a small contingent, Prefect Solaire shall remain with you until we make ready our plans to push back."
"Yes, My Emperor."
"Another thing, you, young man!" Nero pointed towards Ritsuka, the boy blinked and gestured to himself.
"Me?"
"Umu!" Nero nodded "You have served with Pale Rose Olga, have you not?"
Ritsuka coughed "Pale Rose Olga?" he parroted, the ghost of a smile appearing on his face "I am her subordinate, yes." he affirmed.
"Good." Nero nodded "...Do you know how to win over her heart? Because she is most secluded with her-"
"Ahhh!" Olga cut her off with a desperate wail, pulling the screen away from the Emperor and back to herself "Get here as fast as you can Fujimaru!"
"Hey! I was still talking to them-!"
"They've been informed of everything they-let go of that!"
"You are being quite stingy! Pale Rose!"
"Stop calling me Pale Rose an-Stop!"
"Perhaps it would be best if thou do not-" The screen cut off, leaving only Romani there.
"Romani." Ritsuka asked in a deadly serious tone of voice "...Did you get all that?"
"Senpai!?" Mash looked aghast, Romani nodded his head.
"I did."
"Doctor!?"
"Send it to me when I get back."
"Senapi no!"
"I'd rather not." The Doctor winced "If the Director finds out-"
"Already done~!" A sing song voice replied, a brunette woman with a cat like smirk appeared behind Romani "Sup, kid. Names Kerry. I sent it to your personal terminal."
"Thanks."
"Kerry! What have you done!?" Romani's head fell into his arms.
"Doctor, Senpai." Mash admonished the pair "Be serious."
"Ahem." Vespasian coughed "If you are quite finished." he looked at Ritsuka "I shall have horses ready for your departure within the next shift."
"Thank you." Ritsuka nodded, a relieved look on his face as he finished his communication with Chaldea, the blue screen shutting of. "Now then, Mash, Ash. Lets…" he trailed off, looking around "Where's Ash?"
"He left shortly after Emperor Nero stopped speaking." Solaire explained "He looked quite...aggrieved."
"Oh…"
"Sooo…" Gareth bounced on her heels "How long do you think they'll be?"
Sif just stared at her with a flat expression, one of his ears flicking, then looked away.
"Can you actually talk with him?" Arash asked, looking genuinely curious as he stared between Gareth and Sif. The lancer puffed out her chest and nodded.
"Of course! That is the bond between a jouster and their noble steed!"
Sif let out an amused snort, which only caused the girl to giggle and affectionately rub the wolfs head. Sif let out a pleased whine.
Arash shook his head, chuckling as he did "Still, never would have expected to fight alongside a giant wolf before." he shrugged his shoulders "That's a new one."
"Ah, Sif is a fierce knight!" Gareth boasted "He's just a large wolf instead of a person." she chuckled, then cupped her chin "Although...The King did keep a pet Lion...perhaps…"
"Really?" Arash raised an eyebrow "Where do you even find a Lion in Arthurian Britain?"
"Apparently the King got them from a Trader." Gareth shrugged "Although the Queen spent more time with them."
"Still…" Arash shook his head "A lion of all things...What a bizarre court pet." he looked over at Verndari, leaning against a wall and staring at Quelaag. "What about you Verndari? Your King have any court pets?"
Verndari turned his head towards Arash briefly before turning it back "I was a newer entry to the Kings Court. It was after the war with the Giants that I joined it." he shrugged "I never encountered a Court pet, although one might have existed before I joined."
"Huh." Arash blinked "Oh well."
"What of you, Sir Arash?" Verndari asked "Did you serve a King?"
"I did." Arash nodded "King Manuchehr."
"And?"
"He was a warrior King." Arash explained "Descendant of the Great Hero Fereyudun." he crossed his arms and hummed "As far as can be said about him? Well...He was King. I was just a humble bowman."
Gareth blinked, staring at him "Didn't you shoot an arrow over two and a half thousand kilometres?"
Verndari's helmet slowly turned back to Arash, tilting to the side "...Humble bowman?"
"Well, it did kill me." Arash pointed out "But it also ended the War between us and the Turans, so it was worth it in the end."
"Hm." Verndari grunted, turning away "I suppose that could be considered a small price to pay."
"I did volunteer for it." Arash shrugged "Always knew it was going to kill me." he chuckled "Can't ever really expect to end a war without some sacrifice."
"...Perhaps."
"Oh, he's angry." Gareth suddenly said, looking in a direction. Arash and Verndari looked at her, the former in slight confusion before the pair turned their attention over to where she was staring, only to see Ash exit the building he and the Master had entered, his face set in a stony expression.
"Are you sure?" Arash said "He looks pretty stoic to me."
"Oh yeah, he's mad." Gareth nodded "Big Brother Gawain used to make that face whenever he got angry." she frowned "Normally when he found out I had been speaking with Sir Lancelot. I never did find out why…" she muttered under her breath.
"So, he's angry then?" Verndari queried "How strange? I am curious as to what set him off."
"Well, lets find out!" Gareth exclaimed, then waved the saber servant over "Hey, Sir Ash!"
Ash paused, turning his blank expression towards them before he strode over, his face never changing as he got to within speaking distance of the trio "Yes?"
"You seem angry." Gareth bluntly, put, tilting her head "What's wrong?"
Ash blinked at her, raising an eyebrow "And how could you know of my mood?"
"Gawain made the same expression."
Ash sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose "I fear my similar mannerism with your older brother will eventually return to haunt me." he muttered, then shook his head "But I am not angry...per say."
"You look pretty mad." Arash pointed out "I can actually see it now, you've got this burning anger behind your eyes...like you want to protect something." he smirked "Or someone?"
Ash stared at him for a few moments before he clicked his tongue "We established Contact with Chaldea and the Sorceress Olga, she is currently in the company of Emperor Nero."
"Yes." Verndari replied, still staring in Quelaags direction, the witch turned to him, then smirked before turning away "We were aware of this."
"She is also there...with my Firekeeper." Ash added on.
"Firekeeper?" Verndari turned to him "Oh...I see." he nodded "I heard in the old tales that Undead and their Firekeepers were linked together."
"So what is she?" Gareth gave a sly smile "Friend, servant...wife?"
"...Complicated." Ash replied "The relationship I have with the Firekeeper is...nothing so simple as mere friendship, nor could we be described as lovers."
"Ah." Arash nodded "One of those type of things then. I get it. You're worried that she's out there and you aren't with her?"
"...There is also a Caster in Rome whom I am acquainted with." Ash growled "And he is of...questionable moral repute. Pontiff Sulyvahn of Irithyll."
Arash frowned "You mentioned him before. The Berserker was his Servant in life."
"He is more than the Berserkers master." He frowned, crossing his arms "He was accepted into the ranks of the Darkmoon knights by the God Gwyndolin. He usurped the Lord, poisoned him and declared himself Pontiff of Irithyll. When Aldrich arrived in the city, Sulyvhan offered the lord to him. As for the inhabitants of the city…" he growled "Vordt fate is the most pleasant that could have awaited them."
"And he's with her?" Gareth stood up straight "No, wait. He's in Rome, right now!?"
"Apparently he's helping us."
"What!? You just said he was some nasty mage!"
"And he is." Ash frowned "Which makes this turn of events all the more troubling for me."
"Ahh…" Arash nodded "So you want to get to Rome as fast as possible to make sure your friend is safe from him?"
"...Yes." Ash nodded, Arash and Gareth raised an eyebrow at the slight hesitation before he answered.
"Was there something else that troubled you?"
"I spoke with the Emperor."
"Oh? Nero." Arash chuckled "Surprised to learn she was a girl, so, what did she want?"
"She wants to invite my Firekeeper to her bed."
"...Oh." Arash blinked, looking away to hide his smile "I see."
"Ah!" Gareth pointed at him "That's the same face Gawain had whenever he got really overprotective of me! You're scared for the Firekeepers maidenhood!"
"Wha-!?" Ash blinked "She is a grown woman and capable of making her own decisions." Ash crossed his arms "I merely think it prudent that I arrive in Rome and ensure she is not taken advantage of."
"By the pit…" Verndari grumbled, pinching the bridge of his helmet nose and shaking his head.
"I can see we have a real emergency on our hands." Arash chuckled "Best make haste to Rome."
"Ahahaha!" Gareth openly laughed, walking up to Ash and then pat him on the shoulder "You really are overprotective of someone, aren't you?"
Ash crossed his arms "She does not need my protection. She is merely...unaccustomed to such advances."
"Of course." Gareth nodded knowingly "It is the duty of a knight to protect Fair Maidens, is it not?"
"I feel as though you are openly insulting me now."
"Don't worry Ash." Arash spoke up in an amused tone "We'll get to Rome soon enough to protect your lady friend from the evil Caster….and promiscuous Emperor." he ended his sentence by devolving into an amused laugh.
Ash huffed, crossing his arms and looking away from them.
AN: Moving on...we're on the way to Rome after some light-hearted fun to break up the dreariness of the previous few chapters being...well…
Aldrich related body horrors.