Chapter 72: The perspective once more.
It had obviously been some hours since Goetia had last spoken with Sothis and Byleth, he had come to that conclusion easily enough. It was a simple thing to discern, especially as he stared at the falling sun. It had already been setting when he spoke with the two and he had watched it gradually descend since that time.
He had never been to the gardens before, or was this a second courtyard? Either way, there had been little reason to explore the locations of the Monastery that he was unlikely to ever frequent. However, such a thing had changed at this point in time. With many of the other residents of the Monastery elsewhere and engaged in work or preparing to finish for the evening, he quickly came to the conclusion that this location would not be well populated.
There was no surprise in him being proven correct. Therefore he had stood under the gazebo stone and stared out and upwards towards the sky. A filter was put over his eyes to protect him against the rays of the sun and the effects that would usually have plagued him from prolonged exposure to the light source.
His red eyes remained fixed on the fiery orb as he replayed the conversation inside his mind again and again. The anger Sothis displayed at his intent to sway Rhea's opinion to grant his request aside, he thought long and hard on the statements that Sothis had offered him in regards to his objective in taking control of Abyss.
The more he thought about it, the less sense it made to him as to why he would need to speak with the denizens of Abyss in any meaningful capacity except to tell them of his plans. For what purpose would he even need to approach them for their opinion? What good would their opinion even do for him?
Empirical evidence had already suggested that they were resourceful when it came to making do with what little supplies they had available to them but it was a simple matter of what they were capable of with the tools they had and the limited knowledge they possessed. In every way, Goetia was superior to them in terms of knowledge, efficiency and abilities.
There was no logical reason for why they would deny him, therefore there should have been no reason to even bring it up as an argument against him in the first place. Anyone should have been able to glance at his abilities and determined that he was the most suitable candidate. He was the most suitable candidate, he knew that. He was certain of it. This was the singular best path that Abyss had if they wanted to prove their current conditions.
Whatever complaints they had would be born of a complete inability to see the bigger picture, they were motivated by their emotions and unable to see the benefit that his actions would bring them.
His lip curled down, his hand moved to his side and slowly formed itself into a fist. His fingers clenched tighter and tighter. So lost in thought that he was, he didn't even feel the warmth of the fresh blood leaking from his palms and between his fingers, drops soon falling to the ground as he remained willfully ignorant to the self-inflicted pain.
They would have no reason to turn him down, so why did he have the image in his mind of them reacting negatively if he informed them he was going to be taking command of Abyss. For what reason did that image plague his mind?
Simple.
It happened before. He'd seen it happen before, he'd experienced it before.
His grand deed, his great plan to make humanity better than it was. No one could see the bigger picture aside from him - aside from his race - not a single human alive had ever looked at his goal when he explained it to him and agreed with his plan. Even the Heroic Spirits who had access to the complete knowledge of all human history up until the point of his plan's initiation would have understood what his goal was. In spite of all that, they had sided against him. Each and every one of them.
Why did they never do what he demanded they do? In fact, why could they not just understand that what he was doing was for their own good? It was vexing, every time he attempted to render some form of aid unto humanity they would respond in such a self-harming capacity and spurn his help.
It was completely and utterly foolish of them.
And he knew for a fact they would do it once again. They would deny him his aid once more and that would be that.
Yet, what difference would informing them make? They would still deny him, would they not?
This was…
His left hand moved back towards his head, cradling his temple with a low groan escaping his lips as he contemplated his course of action. This…
This was not going to be a repeat of that. He would not endure that pathetic display once more where he made every single preparation only to be denied at the very end of all his work when it was about to come to fruition. He would not endure it. Could not endure it.
Not again.
The hand slowly came away from his face, he glanced at the blood now coating his palm and stared at it with a perfect mask of an expression. His lip curled down into a frown, the cuts on his hand slowly healed themselves up, skin knitting together and the streams of blood flowing back up and into the rapidly healing wound.
"Why does it always…?" He muttered under his breath, closing his eyes and exhaling once more. It was such a curious thing, how he found himself in this position once more. It was a chance to better the lives of humans, even if only in a limited and temporary capacity, he was going to better their lives. Or try to.
If he was denied once more then he wasn't sure what would occur.
He needed perspective, he needed to understand why they would deny him. It did not make much sense to him, the people of Fodlan lived within a highly centralised system of governance that would regularly consist those at the bottom of the social caste being dictated to without any chance of making their own complaints known or having any ability to influence the decisions that would affect their lives.
Turning his head back in the direction of the Monastery, he frowned ever so slightly and tilted his head ever so slightly. He needed perspective from someone who endured the current situation.
Lysithea? No…She lived in the life of a noble and despite his confidence that she would give him an honest answer, it simply was not the one he would require. As she was from the Alliance, she would naturally have a much more flexible opinion on whether or not the people would be subservient to the opinions of someone they had never truly met before and were simply told was in full authority of their lives.
Those of the Alliance were governed by a collection of noble families run by a singular head akin to a King but still reliant on the approval of the other noble families support in order to maintain power. It was close to becoming a republic, if he was to be honest, perhaps a few more generations and then they would arrive at that change.
Linhardt? The Empire was on the opposite end of the spectrum with an Emperor who governed the entire country with many of the nobles subservient to their will. That being said, he was sure that it was a regime that was prone to corruption. Most Empires he was familiar with were, at least at some point during their existence there had been a family or a group that had used the system to their own benefit.
Besides, Linhardt was mostly apathetic to the art of governance therefore his opinion would be useless.
Leonie?
…
There was nothing she could offer him that would be considered a meaningful answer, he doubted she would even understand the question he was asking. Not because she was an idiot, but because she would be unlikely to offer a dissenting view. She had grown up with the status quo and would offer an opinion that likely supported his own.
Although, now that he considered it, he had noticed there was some mild strain between herself and Lorenz. However that might well have been due to the boy's personality and his penchant for flaunting his status as a noble in a rather arrogant fashion. It was embarrassing to witness, akin to a mere human boasting about unlocking the secrets of the universe simply because they had the ability to read.
From his own point of view, Lorenz was little more than a human with a trace of phantasmal blood in him. Nothing more and nothing less.
Mercedes?
She might offer him a unique perspective, now that he considered her. It would be something to take note of at least. Though they had very few chances to speak about matters that did not relate to magecraft, unlike his other students. However, he was certain that her rather simple personality and strong mothering tendencies would offer him the opinion of a more gentle approach towards the people of Abyss.
He made a mental note to approach her for an opinion on the matter so that he could compose a more detailed method for approaching the people of Abyss with an argument that would convince them of his plan's validity.
Because he was certain they would reject him otherwise, because that's what humans did.
Dorothea?
…A viable candidate. Little else needed to be considered, someone who had grown up in the system of the empire and would offer him the account of one who had lived as both commoner and student of the officers academy. She would also be more likely to avoid hiding away the truth's of things.
With the candidates in mind, he turned his body in the direction of the Monastery and moved once more. Advancing with clear purpose and sending out a sonar pulse. He instantly received a response from the unique biology of both Mercedes and Dorothea, now aware of their locations.
He was certain he would have gotten further, if Seteth had not rounded the corner and almost walked straight into him. The pair stared at one another for a moment before Seteth held up his left hand and stopped Goetia in his tracks.
The tanned man raised an eyebrow at him "If this is another matter that relates to your child-" Goetia began only for Seteth to shake his head from side to side, despite the moving neck the eyes of the man remained fixed upon him.
"You have made your opinion on the matter clear, while I hold some reservations…" He trailed off, thinning his lips and his tone reflecting that he was still dubious as to whether Goetia was being truthful on the matter or not. Goetia didn't personally care whether Seteth believed him, it would not change the fact that he had no intention of romancing with Flayn.
The thought was so alien he had never even considered it before.
"...about you and her spending extended periods of time alone together." He finished, exhaling and ceasing his movements. "I shall maintain my distance under the belief that there is no cause for alarm as of yet." There was a brief pause before the green haired man spoke once more. "No, this talk relates to you personally and the information you revealed to me in our last encounter."
Goetia remained blank faced.
"...In relation to your…heritage."
"I see." Goetia simply remarked "Do you have some personal issue with the inhuman?"
Seteth creased his brows "Is that some manner of joke?" he asked with bewilderment before dismissing it. "No, that is not why I wish to speak with you." he raised a single finger "And I would personally believe it better we discuss this elsewhere."
"...I would prefer to discuss this at a later time, I have other matters to-"
"If you are currently busy with other issues, I would remind you that while you are employed at this Monastery I am still your superior." Seteth spoke with an even tone of voice, his face showing nothing. "Which means that whatever business you currently have, my own business with you takes priority."
Goetia offered a singular blink. "...Did you use my own words to support your claim?"
"Yes." Seteth confirmed without once shifting his expression "I assume you find it as peculiar and irritable as I did."
"...There is a difference in circumstances." He paused briefly before he gave Seteth a look "However this is…fortuitous in its own right. I would ask your opinion on a matter at hand."
The man raised an eyebrow but didn't respond immediately, merely moving both of his hands to his waist. "In that case, it would seem that we both have business with one another." Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly "And I believe it best that I be made aware of certain pieces of information that I have been…neglected to be elucidated with."
"Hmmm. The sharing of information is not within my role." Goetia informed the man "If you have issues it should concern those whom you are affiliated with such as Rhea and Flayn-"
Seteth raised his hand, closing his eyes and moving his other to cradle his forehead. "I have little wish to debate this with you at current Goetia. Nor do I truly have a desire to make this the subject of discussion with you at all. Suffice to say that I shall be speaking with Rhea about the structure of communication that has gone on as of late." he lowered the hand "And should you inform me of anything that neither Flayn nor Rhea are privy to…I shall keep it in the strictest of confidences."
This time, Goetia did frown. "In a similar instance to my relation with Solomon being made public to an audience?"
Seteth winced, to his credit. "That…" The man sighed "I have no excuses for that." he admitted with an honest tone, nodding his head up and down. "I had no reason to believe that Rhea would use the information as she did, however that is little excuse. I should not have discussed your background with her without your permission beforehand so that it was acceptable to do so."
A scoff "It was not as though I was keeping the fact I was a creation of Solomon a great secret. It was simply not something I had any wish to discuss."
Seteth gave him a look before he nodded once "As you say…nevertheless, you have my sincere apologies for that."
"...Hmph." Goetia grunted once then straightened his posture "You said you wished to discuss something elsewhere?"
"Yes." The man confirmed instantly, stepping to the side and holding out his arm in a gesture "My office shall suffice, there is privacy enough there so that we may discuss my concerns and recent revelations. Though you may make whatever preparations you need in order to make yourself more comfortable. I believe that my line of questioning will be deeply personal."
"I will answer any and all questions to the best of my ability, should I feel inclined to answer them." Goetia said as he walked past Seteth, the green haired man stared at his back for a few moments before he called out after him.
"I am afraid that will not be good enough for me."
"Then you would do well to ask more specific questions that I am inclined to answer." Goetia replied without any fanfare nor an ounce of emotion in his voice.
Seteth rubbed his face, then lowered his hand and followed after him.
Goetia glanced around the room as he stepped inside, it was unchanged since he had last seen it. Not a single thing was disturbed or out of place.
"That you can keep your office well cared for in your absence is an impressive feat." He commented idly, turning to face Seteth as the man entered the room.
He didn't react to the comment in a manner that he had been expecting, instead the green haired's man settled his face into a grimace as he closed the door behind him. "Or, perhaps, I am not as important as I believed myself to be." Were the simple words he stated without an ounce of emotion in them, he ignored the raised eyebrow from Goetia and moved around to the back of his desk.
"In the time that I have been here, I have poured over all the forms and documents we have for every member of this Monastery." Seteth explained in a calm tone of voice, pressing his fingers on the table in a claw shape. "I know all those who work in this Monastery and tonight…I shall read through the names of all those who died and make funeral arrangements for them."
Goetia glanced down at the desk, then back to the man "That is the usual order of business when humans die." he thinned his lips, cocking his head to the side "I never understood them…"
Seteth blinked "Excuse me?"
"Funerals." Goetia elaborated "I have seen so many but I never understood why they existed. I watched thousands of them again and again, of all manner of varieties. Burning of bodies in celebration of a honoured life, carelessly dumped into a mass grave or a small gathering for family members…The approaches were all so strange to me." his voice was barely above a whisper, though his voice reverberated through the entire room.
"Why celebrate something like death?" He asked after a moment, looking towards Seteth "I do not understand. Why do you do that to yourselves again and again. Reminding yourself of how easily the roles could be reversed, to present yourself with the finality of your own existence. With how often you fear death, to attend something such as this should be akin to staring into the sun and yet…You never turn away."
Seteth remained silent, watching as Goetia stared at him in what could almost be described as perfect innocence.
"Some did, I suppose." The man admitted after a moment of hesitation. "They could not bear the sight but others didn't and there was no force compelling them to do so. They had a choice in the matter and if I had the choice…I would have turned my gaze from it each and every time rather than be faced with…That."
Closing his eyes, he let out a breath. "That is not what we were here to discuss."
"No." Seteth replied in a distant tone of voice "It is not. Though perhaps I see why Flayn is…nevermind." shaking his head from side to side, Seteth dismissed the point and placed his other hand on the table. Looking dead into Goetia's face as the crimson eyes were revealed once more. "You are not human."
"I am not."
"Rhea and Flayn know you are not human, as well as Professor Eisner and von Ordelia." Seteth continued on in that singular blank tone of voice. "...We are to bury well over a hundred people within the next few days. We will be repairing significant damage to the Monastery for months and to say nothing of…" he closed his eyes "Goetia…the creature that attacked the Monastery."
"...You want to know if I have some relation with them?"
"I was barely conscious towards the end of our bout." Seteth admitted "I heard precious little of its boasting or ranting. So I cannot confirm or deny my own suspicions but all the same…I must ask you. I have never seen anything like it in my life and I have lived a long life, Goetia." Green eyes narrowed "A very long life. So I will ask you here and now…did you have any relation with the creature that attacked the Monastery?"
Goetia was silent for a brief second, yet that silence almost stretched on for an eternity as Seteth awaited the answer from the man standing opposite him. Eventually, he nodded once while speaking. "Yes. I do…did…" He grimaced "As I said when we spoke earlier I am…unsure if my connection is anything beyond mental at this time."
Seteth inhaled and then exhaled "I see. What manner of relation?"
"We…are of the same race."
"The race you said was dead?"
"...I had little reason to believe that Sitri or any other of my people had survived our ordeal." Goetia countered with an edge in his voice, eyes hardening slightly "I did not make that claim lightly, nor was it made from an effort to exaggerate my situation. I…our existence was something that cannot be understood. I did not just witness my people die, I felt them cease…our voices - our union - were silenced and many died alone and in the throws of madness."
He opened and closed his mouth for a moment, then glanced away for a split second. "Or they destroyed themselves. Those who remained and battled against our foe were quickly overwhelmed and annihilated. It was a catastrophic finale to our history, something you could never seek to understand. I said they were dead because I examined every ounce of detail within those final moments that I could recall and I weighed the probability of any of our number surviving."
Goetia's lips thinned "I did not even believe I would survive and yet." he huffed "So, yes. I did claim my people were dead and destroyed because that is what I knew - I believed - had been the case. The survival of Sitri was as great a surprise to me as his existence was to any one of you."
Seteth drummed his fingers on the desk "...They claimed to wish death upon all humanity and berated me for siding with them."
"...Sitri died at the temple as well." Was the reply he received "Their mind endured but their body was destroyed without a trace. The isolation and the manner of our defeat drove them to insanity." Goetia reasoned "Mindless genocide out of vengeance is not something any one of our union would have even considered as a possibility."
"He was driven by revenge?" Seteth furrowed his brow then raised his hand "No…You were mistaken about the survival of this 'Sitri' yes?" There was a brief pause before Seteth spoke once more "Is there a chance you are mistaken about the survival of any others?"
"...The possibility is now there." Goetia admitted "However the probability of it is…slim." he stated after a moment "Exceedingly so. I cannot deny that some might have attempted escape but I have…no reason to believe they would have survived."
"Sitri did." Seteth stated, leaning back and frowning "Therefore others could have as well. How many did you number?"
"Seventy-Two." Goetia remarked quietly, earning a brief flash of surprise from Seteth before his expression evened out. "That is how many we numbered, how many we always numbered and how many we should have numbered…"
"If another of your people survived." Seteth worded this slower than previous questions, his eyes darting between the table and Goetia repeatedly "How likely would it be that they would-"
"Absolutely not!" Goetia snarled, startling Seteth for a brief moment with the intensity in his voice, as well as the glowing light now shining in those crimson orbs. "Sitri was an outlier! Madness had consumed his mind, born from defeat and isolation, likely degeneration from the act of separating his higher functions from his body in such a short time frame!" the man leaned forwards "Even if another of my people did survive, they would most certainly not partake in such a savage scheme as him! It is unthinkable to us that we would even attempt it."
Seteth remained blank faced in the wake of the rant, then responded with three simple words. "But Sitri did."
That was all it took for Goetia to close his jaw, his lips tightening themselves into a thin line. For a moment, Seteth thought he was going to glare at him. Though that thought fled from him after Goetia sharply turned his head away and broke eye contact with him.
"...Yes." Goetia whispered after a moment of silence "Sitri did." the eyes darted back to the green haired man. "What are you asking for?"
"...Do you believe any of your other people would-"
"No." Goetia shot down instantly "Sitri…the circumstances around Sitri were extenuating. I doubt any of my other brethren, even if they survived, would endorse such a strategy. Especially one that would undoubtedly end in their own self-destruction. We all understood what our deaths would entail, that is why we were adverse to the very notion of an end." closing his eyes, he turned his head upwards slightly. "What Sitri did…I cannot comprehend it. If I cannot understand why they pursued that course of action, then no other member of my people would understand them as well."
Seteth drummed his hands on the desk "There is something else I would like to ask of you…The weapons that were recovered from the rebellion of Lord Lonato last month. What did you make of them?"
Goetia opened his eyes, turning them back onto the man and letting a flash of intrigue shoot through his orbs for a split second before they faded away. "Those? Primitive mystic codes to enhance the savage parts of the human brain, a reduction in higher level thinking and a return to the more animalistic parts of the psyche." he waved his hand dismissively "The improvement to strength is something akin to a madness enhancement."
Seteth noted the term but did not follow it up further, instead focusing on the language of Goetia "So you mean to suggest that you could craft similar items?"
"With the resources, yes." Goetia confirmed with a nod of the head, now becoming more invested in the change in topic. "Though I do believe that it is one of the few items that both I and a competent enough mage of this land could construct." There was a pause before he raised an eyebrow in suspicion "Why do you ask?"
There was a slight pause before he spoke "It is merely that I believe we have answered the question of where Lord Lonato received these weapons."
Goetia furrowed his brow for a moment "Sitri?" he commented, the very idea sounded completely stupid to him. Why would he ever…
It took him a moment to comprehend the state of Sitri's sanity when they last met one another, the madness that gripped Sitri's mind had clouded their judgement when it came to making important decisions and logical actions. Instigating discourse between different factions and preying upon Lonato's bitter feelings towards the church to bring about a rebellion.
If it had succeeded, the destruction of Garreg Mach would have brought about a rather severe regional chaos, not to mention what the ensuing political repercussions would have been on the Kingdom from such an event.
"I see." Goetia muttered under his breath, turning back to Seteth and grunting "That is one mystery that has been solved. Was this what you called me for?"
"...It was, yes." Seteth nodded his head in response, then paused for a moment "Though I would appreciate the knowledge of what race you were and whether or not what you told me when I wrote down your details the first time?"
Goetia stared at him for a moment, then opened his mouth to speak.
A knock on the door cut him off, both Goetia and Seteth turned their attention towards it.
Seteth cast Goetia a glance for a split second, then towards the door to the office once more. "...Can I help you?"
There was a brief pause before a voice came on the other side of the door "Seteth. It is Rhea, there is something we need to discuss."
The man flattened his features, leaning back and staring towards the door. "Enter."
The door opened with a creak, Rhea stepped through and briefly paused when she caught sight of Goetia although her surprise did not last long.
"I noticed you in the town earlier." Goetia commented, Seteth could see the precise moment that Rhea fought back a scowl. Her lip twitched and then slowly morphed itself into a smile that was anything but kind. There was also the tone of Goetia's voice, as though he was alluding to something other than Rhea visiting the town for the day. "I shall assume the denizens were wholly welcoming of your personal visitation."
Rhea's smile remained on her face "Yes, though I am more personally grateful that I had the opportunity to touch the hearts of so many today. Something I feel I have not had the chance to do recently." there was a short pause before her smile shifted into something sharper "There is always a place for you at the sermons, Goetia. I am certain many would be heartened to see that you are welcoming the wisdom of the Goddess into your life."
"And, like your case, the 'wisdom' comes from me." Goetia bluntly remarked "I would be better served speaking with my reflection."
"Why, Goetia?" Seteth closed his eyes and palmed his temple as Rhea put on the tone of faux concern, he could already tell this was going to go on for a while. "I was unaware that you were so starved for social interaction that you will engage in discussion. Though they say that self-reflection is a boon to the soul. I wish you the best of luck in such a change."
Goetia stared at her in silence "If your support takes the form of your career as Archbishop, then I am certain it shall be an inconsistent change." his lips curled up into an almost sneer "Though I am certain that sometimes all one requires is a helpful push from those who are wiser in such things to put them back onto the right path. How fortunate you are that I am here to fulfil that role."
"We are all fortunate that you are here, Goetia." Rhea offered a thin smile "As is the young Ordelia girl, she is one of your beloved students though I admit…I was surprised to learn that your classes have not been active as of late. Though I understand this is a very difficult time for all of us and sacrifices must be made." she nodded her head up and down in a sage motion. "Your diligence to put the needs of the Monastery before your own is truly something that warms my heart."
"Hmmm." Goetia hummed in response "Most reptiles are cold blooded, so it is unsurprising they require external stimuli to find some measure of warmth." he paused for a moment, then tilted his head to the side and shifted his expression into a perfect mask "Snakes, for example."
"And I have heard that the Almyrans achieved their skin tone because their homeland is always under the sun." Rhea responded with an innocent tone of her own "Clearly I have heard wrong, considering you spend much of your time skulking away in the dark. I suppose we are all learning something here."
"This is, indeed, an academy as well." Goetia responded "Though, with how infrequent your visits are it is little surprise that you require a reminder of such things."
Before Rhea could offer a - no doubt scalding - rebuttal, Seteth knocked his fist on the table with just enough volume that it echoed through the room, both individuals turning to face the green haired man, sporting a mild frown as his eyes danced between the pair of them. "I expect this level of behaviour from children."
His emphasis of the word was met with a grunt of indignation from Goetia and a guilty flick of the eyes from Rhea.
"If you are quite done with your spat…" He trailed off, exhaling and looking at Rhea as he composed his expression into something more polite. "Was there a matter that required my assistance, Archbishop?"
The woman glanced at Goetia in a meaningful fashion "There is indeed. Something that is better discussed in private company."
"Before that." Seteth returned his attention to Goetia "I believe there was something you needed to speak with me about?"
"...Another time." Goetia responded with a disinterested tone of voice "It is a matter that can be dealt with later. Considering Rhea is here to inform you of something, it clearly must be of great importance." he turned around, walking past her and out of the door "Though I am personally dubious, she informs you of very little it seems."
He shut the door before either Rhea or Seteth could respond.
Rhea closed her eyes, thinning out her expression and allowing silence to spread throughout the room.
Seteth, meanwhile, was content to watch her reaction for anything. A long sigh left his throat. "At least neither of you are making an effort to hide your dislike of one another." He spoke exasperatedly "That you feel comfortable with that level of dialogue at the very least means you are aware of the effect you have on one another." drumming his fingers on the table, he closed his eyes "Though his last comment was uncalled for, he is not incorrect. I have not been apprised of several rather disturbing developments in the last few weeks."
Rhea flinched ever so slightly.
"How is it that Goetia himself confesses to me that he is not human?" Seteth asked with a strained tone of voice "And he does so already under the belief that I am aware of this. That is the only reason I have found out about it, you made no mention of it to me. You did not even think to inform me of this while I recovered?"
"There were…" Rhea's voice cracked slightly, opening her eyes and facing Seteth head on "There were extenuating circumstances at the time that made it difficult for me to inform you of this recent development."
"...Extenuating circumstances?" Seteth inclined an eyebrow before he pursed his lips, giving a single nod of the head. "If you say so." He straightened himself out, brushing down his uniform. "Now then, is there some way I can assist you in my official capacity, Archbishop or did you come here for other reasons?"
Rhea's expression hardened "I have just been informed that Duke Fraldarius arrived here."
That elicited a jolt of surprise from the man "Excuse me?" his brows furrowed "Duke Fraldarius is here?" he tapped his index finger on the table "As of this moment?"
"He was set to arrive when I made my way from the town to the Monastery. The messenger arrived not long ago and informed me that Alois had personally confirmed that it is indeed Duke Fraldarius. Further proof of this is that Sir Gilbert is accompanying him as an escort to the Monastery."
"Sir Gilbert?" Seteth frowned "He was stationed on the border between Charon and Albany, that is a…considerable distance for the Duke to travel. For that matter, his post was guarding to command the forces at Fort Triteia."
Rhea nodded her head once "I am aware of that. His presence away from the outpost as well as joining the company of Duke Fraldarius does not paint a very comforting picture in my eyes."
"Nor does it in mine…" Seteth bit his lower lip, leaning forwards and resting his knuckles on the desk, he glanced down at it "We received no missive before their arrival? It was not simply lost in the chaos of my absence?"
Rhea shook her head "There was no word before their arrival."
"I see…" He looked up "How do you wish to proceed?"
"Considering they have travelled this distance and that Sir Gilbert clearly believes this important enough to abandon his post and accompany the Duke to us while his leave of the Kingdom remains a secret, it would stand to reason this is a matter of serious importance." Her face shifted into a more serious one "I would have every preparation made to ensure their comfort during however long they intend to stay. See to it that they are escorted to me with haste and that their men are well cared for."
Nodding his head in affirmation, Seteth continued on "Shall I see to it that Duke Fraldarius is immediately escorted to the meeting room?"
"Yes." Rhea nodded once, then paused for a moment "Bring Sir Gilbert as well. Send a messenger to Catherine and Shamir, inform them of the situation and tell them to meet with me at the quickest convenience."
"As you command, Archbishop." He expected her to leave after that, the fact she stood there staring at him in silence brought about a new sense of trepidation to him. He inclined an eyebrow ever so slightly in a questioning manner "Was there something else you required, Archbishop?"
Rhea's expression was different, slightly cracked as though it was porcelain with a fracture in it. "I…Seteth, have I lost your trust?"
Seteth stared at her in silence before he responded "Rhea…this is not a conversation we should engage in before a meeting with an important political figure of the Kingdom who has no doubt ridden to us with urgent news." he raised his hand "For the time being, I shall offer no complaints and carry out the tasks that you assign me with the best of my ability."
"Seteth-"
"However." He interrupted her "If you would wish for me to answer this question now, I shall do so." there was a brief pause as he took in a breath. "Some of your decisions as of late have been…questionable, at best. Some of the decisions I have learned you have taken in the past have been disturbing to me." he admitted with a tone of complete honesty.
"Seteth…I-"
"However." The man cut her off once more "I trust your judgement in matters such as these that directly relate to the safety of Fodlan." he looked down to the table. "I shall put aside my personal feelings until I have been made aware of the complete context around such decisions. Until such a time arises, I shall not question your choices any more than I would beforehand."
His eyes flickered up to her briefly "Is that sufficient enough for you?"
Rhea was silent for a moment, then nodded her head once at him. "Yes…That will be sufficient for now. Jeralt Eisner intends to question me on matters that you brought up, the Professor will also be present."
"...Are you asking me to attend, Rhea?"
"I am."
"And is this agreeable with Jeralt?" Seteth inquired, still looking at the table "Considering it directly relates to his daughter, not to mention the fact he and I are work colleagues at best."
"It is." Rhea nodded her head up and down "Flayn is also someone I would like to be there…" she trailed off for a moment, her voice shifting into a quiet whisper "I would prefer she learns about what happened from me, rather than from a second hand account of the situation."
"...I see." Seteth exhaled "If that is your wish, I can request she attend."
Rhea offered a single relieved nod of the head, looking as though she had aged years during the course of the conversation and losing those years at its end. Seteth wasn't sure how deeply this ran but he had not seen Rhea in a state like this for some time.
"There is another matter." He interrupted her relief, bringing her attention to him once more. In truth, he brought it up only to stray from the current topic of conversation.
He could not think about such a thing at this moment in time.
Clearing throat, he continued onwards. "Though, this is perhaps more of a closure. There is reason to believe that the creature who assaulted the Monastery is the same being who supplied Lonato with weapons."
Rhea blinked "You are certain of this?"
"To a reasonable degree, yes." Seteth confirmed "My conversation with Goetia Was illuminating. At the very least, we should not be concerned with a repeated incident in the future."
"That is…good to hear." Rhea nodded once "We shall not have to concern ourselves with putting more of Goetia's people to death."
Seteth raised an eyebrow in surprise, something Rhea noticed and frowned at rather quickly.
"Are my words truly so great a surprise?"
Seteth sighed "Not in the manner you likely mean." he countered swiftly and gently "Merely that your words now indicate an element of care for his well being."
Rhea stared at him "I am no bloodthirsty fiend. There are few of Goetia's people left and he killed one for our sake. To protect the very humans who apparently brought death to his people. It is easy to see how distraught he was over such an act."
"Quite so. Though Flayn seems to have taken a vested interest…"
"That is unsurprising. She was skilled at repairing broken souls-"
"Rhea." Seteth spoke sternly "I am not going to discuss the mental health of Goetia. Especially not without his consent."
"I understand." Rhea nodded her head solemnly, her acceptance was something that Seteth hadn't quite anticipated. Not that she was someone who was intrusive into private affairs but he would have thought she would have used the justification of Goetia's unknown origins to demand information on him.
He wasn't going to make an effort to complain about such a thing though, it was quite a welcome development.
"On the topic of secrets, there is something else I would like to discuss while you are here." Seteth removed his hands from the desk, his expression shifting to become slightly strained as he fought back the grimace that would otherwise have appeared upon his features. In truth, this was something he had been meaning to discuss but it was better to get out of the way now. Especially when his mind was liable to be occupied with other events with the arrival of Duke Fraldarius. "Are there other pieces of news that I should be made aware of that have occurred in my leave of recovery?"
Rhea paused for a moment, then her expression changed into something troubled. Seteth no longer made an effort to hide his grimace as he recognised the expression. He had known Rhea for long enough to understand what that face meant, it was proof that there was still something he had not yet been made aware of.
"This is…" Rhea wet her lips "I was not certain until during the attack and afterwards you were in recovery and I was…" she looked down, her hands clawing at her gown and bunching it up as she curled her fingers into fists. "I was troubled enough by what occurred."
Seteth furrowed his brows slightly "Does this news trouble you so greatly?"
She silently nodded her head.
"...Before you continue, I will ask you something." Seteth raised a single finger, Rhea's eyes rose to face him once more. "If you reveal this information to me, will I become distracted from the events that are likely to arrive at our doorstep in the next hour or so?"
Another nod of the head. "I cannot deny that they will be front and centre in your mind, as they were in mine." Rhea admitted quietly, "Though if you ask me now, I will tell you with complete honesty."
"...For the moment, I believe it best that I remain focused on the situation at hand." Seteth decided after a moment of thought, shaking his head from side to side and lowering the hand back down. "If the news is as troubling as you are leading me to believe, I most likely shall not be able to place all of my focus upon my work. For the time being, at least until whatever issue the Kingdom raises has been settled, I will not inquire further into this news."
"Seteth…" Rhea breathed out his name, a complicated look passing over her features "I would prefer you hear it from me than another source, especially if Goetia were to reveal it as he did last time-"
"Goetia is also aware?"
"Goetia's knowledge of this was not known to me." Rhea hastily explained before Seteth could formulate any opinion, the man nodded his head in understanding. "Nor did he make any effort to enlighten me. It was only due to external factors that I was even made aware of the situation regarding M-the….information." Seteth noted the way she quickly changed her words, accompanied by the slight crack in her voice he could tell she was most certainly affected rather deeply.
"...As you say." Seteth pursed his lips. "Goetia is quite well informed as to many things, as of late. Certainly more so than he let on." he glanced to the door meaningfully "I take it you revealed our nature to him as well? Given his rather…rude comments towards you."
Rhea huffed "No, he was rather aware of that himself and evidently had been from the moment he met me. He just did not care enough to mention it once."
"...I see." Seteth grunted, crossing his arms over his chest and frowning in thought. "That is…a surprisingly apathetic view from one who considered himself an educator. Though it would seem that his knowledge of the world far exceeds our own. Perhaps it is merely the case that our existence was of no surprise to him. Though I confess, I do not know what he is…"
Rhea made a face, one of dismissal "He claimed to be some manner of Demonic God."
Seteth blinked once.
Then twice.
"Excuse me?"
Goetia ceased his walk as he came upon the remains of the market square, though it was far less ruined than it had been this morning. He had worked alongside the other knights in removing the damage and debris from the location.
His eyes scanned it somewhat curiously, then towards his left hand.
It was a strange thing to consider, he could have done this result in mere seconds if he had utilised his magical abilities and cleared the area and yet he had slaved away for hours with his own limbs to remove the debris. Despite that, he could not personally find it within himself to criticise his course of action.
Not truly, he had participated directly in something that he was - in part - the cause of.
He had fulfilled his responsibility.
A faint scraping sound brought his attention to the side, a young boy with dark hair and a pale green tunic and shorts dragged a broom across the cobblestone, sweeping away the last of the pebbles and stones that still littered the floors. The smaller pieces of debris that had most likely been overlooked.
The young boy was most likely the same age as Lysithea, Goetia had noticed him around the Monastery at times as one of the cleaning staff but he did not believe they had ever interacted in a meaningful way. Or at all, now that he put his mind to it.
Lowering his hand back to his side, Goetia remained focused on the boy as he continued to sweep away. An expression of pure focus on his face as he worked, it was not something he was doing out of amusement or boredom but a clear sense of professional pride.
The boy took his job seriously, apparently, and was not going to stop until he had removed every ounce of debris from the floor. At least, that was what Goetia imagined he was going to do. It was quickly turning into the evening and he was curious as to whether or not the child would continue to work through the night or if he would return to his sleeping quarters to resume this in the morning.
Completely unaware that he was being watched, the young man swept along the ground, gathering up the small stones and pushing them away to the side, forming a small pile of pebbles that was slowly but surely growing in size. It was still insignificant in the grand scheme of things but, all the same, the boy continued to do so.
It wasn't something that would ever be noticed by anyone or likely rewarded, there was no-one to supervise the boy, but he continued to do so all the same.
Casting a glance towards the setting sun, Goetia stared at it for a brief moment and then back to the tanned child.
"Do you intend to work through the night?" He called out after a moment, to his credit the child didn't jump.
Instead, he made a noise of curiosity and turned his head slightly in the direction of the voice, making eye contact with Goetia and blinking once as he stopped sweeping. "Sorry, did you need something?"
Goetia nodded to the small gathering of stones "Your sweeping of this area, do you intend to work through the night?"
The boy put on a troubled face "I would like to…" he adjusted the broom, resting both of his hands atop it. "But I can't see all that well in the dark so I might miss a few spots." His wore his emotions on his sleeve, the disappointed frown showing just what he thought about the idea of missing it. If Goetia had somehow missed it, his next words would have confirmed it in his mind. "I'd rather pick up early tomorrow when I know I can do a good job rather than do a sloppy one now."
"Admirable." Goetia nodded his head up and down, then glanced at the stones once more "Though I must ask why you feel compelled to perform such a task."
The boy tilted his head ever so slightly "What do you mean?"
"That rubble would barely count as garden variety gravel." Goetia bluntly explained "It is hardly as though any will notice their absence in the same way their presence would not be noticed either. One could very easily describe the task you are currently performing as pointless…" Goetia glanced back to him, raising an eyebrow "And yet you do so with the same level of determination as the knights who cleared the rubble earlier."
"Didn't you help as well?" The boy asked with a curious tone of his own "I heard some of the knights saying you were helping move the bigger bits of rock." he smiled "Thank you for that, by the way."
"...Hmmm." Goetia hummed slightly but didn't respond to the thanks, he didn't even consider it a task he should be thanked for. Merely the balancing of the scales in his own opinion. "My original question stands though, why do you perform such a task?"
The boy let out a breath "Well…because I'd notice." he said after a moment of thought, shrugging his shoulders "And I could never let something like this slide. Lady Rhea trusted me with keeping the Monastery clean and tidy and that is what I am going to do." he jerked a thumb at the pebbles "Maybe no one will notice it, but I would have. If I'm going to do this job, then I am going to do it right."
He glanced down at the floor "Speaking of which, I don't want to sound rude but-"
"I am distracting you from completing your task, I understand." Goetia acknowledged with a nod of his head "I was merely satisfying a curiosity." he turned away, making his way towards the gate at the end of the market but then pause, glancing back over his shoulder "...If I were to offer you assistance, would you spurn it?"
The boy blinked, looking back up as he resumed sweeping "Erm…spurn?" he tilted his head, scrunching his face up as the word clearly flew over his head.
"...Reject." Goetia corrected himself.
"Oh, you mean turn you down." The boy made a face of understanding, then nodded his head without a moment of hesitation. "Yeah, I would."
"Why?" Goetia asked, not offended at the rejection but more curious "I could provide aid to you and this task would be done much swifter, to the extent that you would not need to continue it on into the next day."
The boy raised an eyebrow "...But you only have…you know…one…" he made a vague gesturing motion to the direction of the missing limb.
"True." Goetia admitted "But that is not the only reason, is it? If you know of my assistance to the knights, you also know that I am not crippled when it comes to physical labour."
A sigh "Yeah, I know that…but all the same, I'd still say no." he gave a serious look to the man "This is my responsibility. The job that I was told to do by Lady Rhea, if I let anyone else help me with it then it means that…well…I can't do what she asked me to do." he shrugged "That's really it. My job so I want to do it my way."
"...A respectable approach, you are confident enough in your own methods." Goetia nodded his head once, then gestured to himself "I am Goetia, though I have little doubt you have already heard of my by this point in time."
The boy nodded his head as he returned his focus onto sweeping. "Cyril."
"I endeavour to see your progress come the morning." Goetia remarked as he turned back around and wandered out of the gate, calling back to the boy as he left. "Take heart in the fact that I shall make a note of your results come the morning."
Cyril watched as Goetia left, raising an eyebrow at the man. Then blinked and shook his head, refocusing on his sweeping. What Goetia said was nice and all but Cyril would have much rather that Lady Rhea took notice of his efforts rather than the guy who helped keep the Library tidy.
AN: Well, that was nice, wasn't it?
Good old Character interactions as well as set up for the Lance theft.
For those curious about pacing, the conversation about Byleth's origins will likely be started in the next chapter and then end in the one after it.
Then we can go full swing into the Lance of Ruin.
Anyway!
Omake: Idiots insulting idiots (72nd Chapter Special)
Demon King Goetia joined 'Monastery Chat.
Demon King Goetia has named the chat 'Ars Goetia'
Demon King Goetia has changed their name to 'Goetia'
Goetia: Now then. Since this chat has commenced with what few of us remain from the Timeless Temple, we can begin the 'catch up' I believe is the human term.
Bael: Naturally, my King. Though there is one matter that concerns me at present, those being the humans you have invited to this meeting.
Lysithea: Teacher told me to come, he said my presence was of vital importance.
The Claudester: I just found his invite link on a note and stole it.
Rhea: Why am I even here? I do not wish to contend with more of Goetia's infuriating race.
Rizzuka: What I want to know is who the heck has control of these names? What the heck kind of username is this!?
The Romance Master: I'm not saying anything, Fujimaru-kun.
Rizzuka: For that matter, who made Romani's name that?
Goetia: He is - by all accounts - someone who named themselves after the word 'Romance' therefore the complete title felt more applicable.
Goetia: Perhaps changing it to simply 'The Romance' would be more appropriate?
Rizzuka: Heck if I know. Considering he has Da Vinci, it probably is accurate. Also Solomon had loads of wives, right?
Zepar: I would prefer this conversation is steered away from any topics that involve romance, intercourse or personal relationships of any variety.
Zepar: This is my own personal preference.
Zepar: But I beg you not discuss them.
Rizzuka: Sure then…okay…whatever you say, man.
Zepar: Thank you.
Flayn: Your aversion to romance is concerning, please, do not hesitate to seek out help if you are troubled. There are many who would lend an ear.
Manuela: I don't know about that, there are some things that lending an ear can't solve. I'm sure dear Z here is just worried about his romance prospects.
Manuela: We're both just waiting for the right man.
Zepar: You could not be more mistaken if you attempted this on purpose.
Rizzuka: Yeah, Zepar's problem isn't anything to do with romance. I'd say he's had too much romance in his life. Even I felt bad for them.
Bael: Fuck you Ritsuka. You scum. Your pity is akin to piss in the wind.
Goetia: Is this a common state of affairs? I have not spoken with the others since they left.
Seteth: That comment was rather hostile.
Bael: I refuse to be spoken to by this common halfwit. He's nothing to me. Nothing.
Sitri: Preach.
Rhea: If there is to be any 'preaching' here, it shall be from me and it will be the blessings of the Goddess.
Raum: Which Goddess?
Bael: Which Goddess?
Zepar: Which Goddess?
Phenex: Which Goddess?
Goetia: Which Goddess?
Sitri: Which Goddess?
Rizzuka: Which Goddess?
The Romance Master: Ishtar?
The Romance Master: Wait! I didn't mean that!
Goetia: You insipid lout, Solomon! I knew you were still affected after all these years!
Bael: He is still doing such a foolish act?
Phenex: His stupidity is more durable than even I.
Rizzuka: Huh? I feel like I'm missing some context here…
Mash (Demon Sis): There are legends that one of King Solomon's wives was a devout worshipper of the Goddess Astarte. So much so that King Solomon had a temple built for the Goddess in Jerusalem.
Mash (Demon Sis): With many of the Gods and Goddesses assuming different roles, and with the similarities between the two, it is very likely that the Goddess Astarte and Ishtar are one in the same.
Rizzuka: You're telling me Romani worships Ishtar!?
The Venus Girl has joined the chat.
The Venus Girl: Hahaha! It simply means that even Chaldea's temporary Director is aware of my brilliance. Naturally though, only those who had truly refined senses could ever grasp my wondrous nature.
Chain Boi has joined the chat.
The Gilgamesh has joined the chat.
Chain Boi: It is as the Goddess says. Only those with truly enhanced senses would ever be aware of her nature.
Chain Boi: In much the same way that animals with enhanced senses of smell can become aware of shit before even laying eyes upon it.
The Gilgamesh: Fuwahahahahaha! Truly, the Goddess of fools has found a worthy follower in a fool to end all fools!
Chain Boi has left the chat.
The Gilgamesh has left the chat.
The Venus Girl: …
The Venus Girl has left the chat.
Seteth: What manner of tomfoolery was that?
Goetia: Do not concern yourself with it. Such foolishness is common in Chaldea.
Rizzuka: Look at Mr Demon King over here throwing all those stones in those glass temples of his.
Goetia: Excuse me?
Rizzuka: Why don't you ask Raum, Zepar and Phenex what their hairbrained schemes were before you start this 'Look how foolish Chaldea is' routine.
Goetia: What does he refer to?
Raum has left the chat.
Phenex has left the chat.
Zepar: Cowards.
Goetia: Zepar.
Zepar: Raum opened a gate and invited the Outer Gods to the world, Phenex intended to drop a floating island on the world and destroy mystery forever.
Goetia: They what?
Goetia: And why were you mentioned?
Zepar: …I don't want to speak of it.