The night at the Naegi Feud was far more comfortable than Makoto had expected. Initially he was planning to sleep at the hard planks of the carriage that brought Dismas, Reynauld and himself to these lands, but, considering that it was destroyed and only its luggage had been retrieved by yesterday's search party led by the representative of St. George's Church, Sir Reynauld Châtillon, Makoto had to look elsewhere.
Thankfully, Makoto didn't have a hard time looking for somewhere where not only him, but his new companions now employed to him, could rest. The owner of the tavern, Mr. Smirnoff, had come to their aid and provided accommodations for their stay.
Makoto was given a private room while Reynauld and Dismas shared another. Makoto had insisted that there was no need for him to receive special treatment but Smirnoff shut him off before he could retaliate any further. He was worried this would create tension between him and his new workers that would be putting their lives on the line from today and onwards, yet he had managed to travel to dreamland once he got too tired to overthink it any more, only to be awakened and reminded of it in the morning.
After dressing himself properly, Makoto left his room to start today's morning.
His first morning at the Naegi State.
Leaving his room, Makoto didn't see many people in the tavern hall that morning. It was understandable. It was pretty early for commonfolk to start drinking right away. Maybe one or two enthusiastic drinkers may be spotted but nothing out of the ordinary.
Makoto greeted the tavern owners, these being kind Mr. Smirnoff and his daughter of course, as he left the tavern and walked back into the dirt road of the hamlet.
The sun revealed its rays on Makoto's face. It was unusually sunny for what they were used to in these lands. Hopefully an omen of good luck for the town, Makoto hoped for the best.
Makoto took a moment to view the scenery. The houses, the sanctuary he visited, commonfolk walking around, this truly was a hamlet like every other.
And the more enigmatic parts of it got his attention.
A closed workshop, a small make-shift shop, an old stage coach looming around, not to mention the graveyard entrance.
This place was getting curiouser and curiouser.
It was then when Makoto would be pulled from his thoughts right away by a familiar voice.
"Sir Naegi!"
Makoto turns to his side as he sees a smiling sir Reynauld on the sideline.
Makoto approaches the knight with a beam of his own. "Sir Reynauld!"
"Just Reynauld is…" He shakes his head and dismisses the subject. "Have you rested well?"
"I have. What about the two of you? Were you fine sharing a room? I'm so-"
"It was…" Reynauld interrupted the young heir before he could apologize. "An amusing experience to say the least."
"Really?"
"DIsmas and I got to talk a bit in the night. Get to know each other better. I'd say it was worth the trouble."
"I-I… I see…"
"So… What's the plan sir Naegi? If I may ask."
"Firstly I want to get you guys more help. I don't want to send you two unprepared and alone."
The knight nods in understanding.
"I asked Mr. Smirnoff to hold an announcement notice on the board for anyone that might be interested to work with us."
"You think anyone from town would be willing to explore the ruins?"
"I sure hope so… I'd take on anyone at this point..."
"I appreciate the concern, sir, but… try not to sound too desperate…"
"Huh?"
The knight scans their surroundings before pulling the young Naegi closer to him. "I understand that most of these people have lived here since your grandfather reigned. Some even know you from before but… there still may be people around willing to take advantage of you."
"I…"
"I'm simply speaking out of worry, sir. Personally, I don't know anyone here. So I can't say I'd trust any of them"
"But… they are my people…"
"They are… but try to not sink yourself alongside the ship… do you get me?"
"I… don't think I do?" Makoto was a little confused. "You think this hamlet is a lost cause?"
"Of course not, sir Naegi. I'm just… weary."
Makoto couldn't help but eye the knight, his confused state showing.
"If there's nothing else you need me for, I'll be at the tavern. I wish to change that about not knowing the people here."
Buf before the knight could leave, Makoto remembered something.
"Ah. Sir Reynauld?"
"Yes?"
"Now that I think about it, you mentioned something about a vestal yesterday?"
Reynauld frowned a little in confusion. "Yes, I did. Didn't I tell you about it?"
"...No?"
"Oh… heavens, it must have slipped my mind." The knight chuckles." The Church of George of Lydda has plenty forces to supply with. You know that, right?"
The young teen nods. "Y-Yeah… that's how I employed you. St. George's church offers Crusaders for escorting, guarding, protecting… The works of the templars."
'And mercenaries as well… but we don't say that out loud...'
The fellow crusader smiles. "Correct, but we don't offer just Crusaders."
"Really?"
"We have plenty of talents. I'm your regular knight, but we can also supply you with experienced users around the medical field. We call them Vestals, as they represent the purest form of God's touch and grace."
"Uh huh?"
"Experienced battle healers, sticking their way to the Lord's. Trustworthy, I assure you."
"Alright… so I need to make a request for a Vestal to come here?"
"I already made it."
"We- You did?!"
The knight solemnly nods.
"B-but I can't afford it?"
"I paid it with my own share."
Makoto could only blink at that.
"You did?"
"I used little more than what you gave me when you asked me to stay."
"How much?"
"Seven hundred in total."
That was his whole share for staying and two of his coins from escorting Makoto.
"B-but…"
"Don't worry about a thing, sir Naegi. I insist."
"..." The young Naegi could only stare in disbelief at Reynauld…
He didn't deserve it…
He didn't…
…
"Makoto…"
"Hmm?" Reynauld hummed confused at hearing the heir mention his own name.
"Just call me Makoto… please…" Makoto finally scratched the back of his head.
The knight left a little laugh out. "Of course, Makoto sir."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
The day went by and Makoto got to greet with even more people at the Hamlet.
Makoto's day had been pleasant for the most part. Getting to greet the hamlet's habitants. Earn their trust slowly but surely. Today was a day of progress.
He had been around practically everywhere ever since his talk with sir Reynauld. Makoto deemed it very important to get on the people's good side, considering he was their newly appointed Lord.
A greet here, a talk there, an introduction somewhere else and, thanks to that, a hire notice being made for any circulating adventurer that needs a job and today was a day where nothing could possibly sour Makoto's mood.
As Makoto walked back into the tavern just to relax a little in his room, passing through the doors he could hear many cheers roaring inside.
When Makoto looked around he saw a big group of people sitting at one same singular table.
Around… twelve people he counted? maybe more, were gathered there in joyous banter.
Makoto recognised one amidst them.
"Sir Mordereme!"
Makoto happily greets the coated man, setting behind the mentioned highwayman.
"Naegi! Ye' wanna see how I beat every single one of these punks? "
"Keep dreaming!" The man sitting across him spits back to him with laughter.
"What are you all doing?" The heir innocently asks.
It's only for a second but, some of the commonfolk stare at each other, not knowing what to say, as if the subject was taboo…
One of them didn't think that though.
"We are playing the greatest game of mankind." Dismas answered his employer right away.
Some glances were shot towards the highwayman, as if they were witnessing a silent accord being broken.
But he didn't seem to care at all about it.
"What game?" The young heir asked with utmost obliviousness.
"Dismas…" The man sitting next to him muttered.
"C'mere, I'll show you. You could use a lesson or two for this game."
Makoto silently filled in the ranks and sat within the circle of men, ironically, every single one of them other than Dismas became mute and they stood there uncomfortably.
Dismas proceeded with his explanation. "This game here is called poker. A game where boys and men get their differences across."
Makoto nods at Dismas' particular choice of words to describe the game. "uh… huh…"
"Are we seriously going to let him do this?" Another man in the circle added.
"What's the matter?" Dismas confronted him. "You guys don't want your Lord in on the fun?"
"It's not that, Dismas." The man across from him said. "You do know that teaching poker to the kids is frowned upon right?"
Dismas initially stood quiet for a moment, at which Makoto couldn't help but ask. "Frowned upon?"
"For blood's sake." Dismas then scoffed. "Makoto here is going to birth legal in but a couple of months. He has seen more than enough than regular damn teenagers do at his age. I expected much more initiative from the lot of you to yer new ruler, but it's me, an outsider, the one doing the heavyliftin'?"
"S-sir Mordereme, please. There's no need to get worked up over this…" Makoto tries to defuse the newly made discussion.
Dismas was about to rebuttal the heir, however, another man interrupted him.
"Poker is deemed immoral, Dismas. We just thought that it'd be unsightly of us to teach Lord Naegi at his young age."
Dismas shrugged off at the comment, "I myself learned it when I was still a kid. I turned around just fine." He offhandedly comments.
And it was then that the man across from him said something that probably should have been left unsaid…
"A low paid gunman for sale?"
The eyes of everyone at the table immediately flared up at that.
"I dare you to say that again to me face." Was Dismas' reply, his tone completely cold.
The man stood up and walked up to Dismas.
"MY face. Speak properly, cunt."
The man towered Dismas, however, the highwayman didn't flinch or shake at him. His piercing gaze glued to the other.
Makoto finally left his trance and tried to intervene between the two men. "W-Wait. Please, don't fight! There's no need for this."
"No, Makoto. That's wrong, kid. There IS a need." Dismas spats, still glaring at the tower of a man.
"I-I don't get it. You two were laughing just now, why are you fighting now?"
"Lord Naegi." The man that opposed Dismas called his name.
"I have a son myself, around your age, if not younger. I wish for him to become a fine, respectable man. And as I see you I can also see him. So I simply can't stand still when this grub tries to teach you his undesirable ways. You are to be the new ruler of these lands, and you should act accordingly. You cannot allow to meet with people of this caliber."
Makoto was baffled at this. He couldn't fully process the words that were being told to him right now.
And Makoto wasn't given any respite as Dismas roared once more.
"I'll've you know that this grub is responsible for your town's wellbeing. I was hired to bring the lot of ye security. I may not be classy, I may not be fancy, but I ain't a fucking pansy that cowers at their lord's demise." Dismas glared at the man. "Can you say the same you absolute fucking mongrel?" His voice filled with venom.
Both men looked like they were going to punch each other to death, Makoto had to avoid that!
"Stop! Stop! The two of you! Please! I get it!" Makoto gets in the way of the two before anything bad could happen.
He first turned to Dismas. "Sir Mordereme, please, I beg of you to act respectfully with the townsfolk of the Hamlet."
"That fuck was first to disrespect me!" Dismas barked while pointing at the other man.
"I know, and it was uncalled for, but violence only breeds violence, so I ask you to turn the other cheek when this happens. Please."
Dismas relented his aggressiveness, to which Makoto used as a signal to turn to the other man.
"Sir, I please ask you to not disrespect Dismas or any other person I may hire for this town's protection. What will be the point if they see you as ungrateful for their work and dismiss their duties?"
The man scoffed, but had no real retort to Makoto's point.
"This was not something worth escalating a fight from. I was just curious and Dismas was explaining to me. He views things differently as you do, so… He just answered."
"That's not the issue, Lord Naegi." The man spoke once more. "An outsider like him cannot force his way onto the younger folks such as you. What would your grandfather think if he saw you playing Poker at your age?"
…
…
…
Everyone bar Dismas imagined that trail of thought for a moment… As they all collectively grimaced at that.
"Grandfather was…"
"Reiji was eccentric enough…"
"He wouldn't have cared?"
This collective wincing from the group was… odd for Dismas. "The hell ye lot talking about?"
"Forget I said anything…" The man continued his view. "Point is, we don't want him to do anything else other than his job. He's here to 'protect' us? Sure, do that, but we don't want him near our kids to teach them disgraceful stuff, and that should apply tenfold to you as well, my lord."
"Please, call me Makoto, sir…"
"Oscar."
"Oscar sir. I understand your point of view, but-"
Makoto stopped his dialogue short as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw the highwayman facing him. "Will you allow me?"
"Dismas sir?"
"I have something to say."
"Sir, I beg you to-"
"It'll be quick, perhaps an eye opener."
Makoto was unsure, but he didn't wish the fight to continue, but he gave the gunman the floor to speak nonetheless, hoping he wouldn't regret his choice.
"Listen man. I don't intend to… 'Impose' my ways to yer lot, yer kids or any of that. I'm here to keep this place safe, help Naegi out know whatever happened to his pops, and that's it."
Dismas was off to a good start in Makoto's eyes, perhaps he-
"However."
Oh no.
The highwayman pointed at Makoto. "Yer lord is no longer a child. We cannot treat him like one no more. He needs to grow strong to rule ya all, and he needs to see the things the way they are. My ways may not be the cleanest or honest, but they were what kept me going for all this time. Innocent folk like him? They'll get eaten alive. So unless you want your new lord to crumble under all the pressure all of you are putting on him now, you better stop treating him like a kid."
There were a few moments of silence between Dismas and all the men. The silence was nerve wracking, and Makoto could not tell if he had made a mistake by letting the highwayman talk or not.
"I-I…-" Makoto tried to break the ice, however, it would've been short lived
Oscar was in fact the first to talk. "But… He's… How old were you Makoto? Fifteen?"
Makoto nodded
"He's… just a kid." Another man added calmly "Our new ruler is just a kid. We won't be getting anywhere if he stays a kid forever."
"And would you teach your own kid how to do taxes? Rule a land? Kill a criminal? His burden is hard enough as is. We shouldn't teach these things to him just yet!"
"We'll get around that… being honest, who gives a damn if he's 15 or 87 at this point? We need help, now, the sooner he learns the better, right?"
"But he's just a kid! Reiji's grandson, sure, but he sure ain't ready!"
"But that's the thing." Dismas scoffs. "Ready or not, should or shouldn't." Dismas said, each time pointing at the men who said each word. "Ye lot still need a ruler, and is age truly the main factor?
"W-What do you mean, sir Mordereme?" Makoto asked.
The highwayman eyed the young kid before turning to the rest. "None of ye haven't denied that you don't believe in him."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The room fell silent at that.
"And I figure it's best to make that known. To not lie or tiptoe 'round it"
"I-I'll… take my leave then…" Makoto stood up from his chair. "I ruined your guys' fun I see…"
Makoto started walking away as most grown men visibly grimaced. A hastened Dismas stood up from his seat, following after him. "Makoto no- Damn."
Makoto was about to leave to his room in a sad tone, before he felt a hand land on his shoulder.
Dismas had catched up to him.
"Do'nut let what this punks think of you down you. You still want to know whatever happened to your grandpa, no?"
"..."
"Listen. You don't need any of these blokes. Them drunkards who don't see the light of day at times. For as long as you hav' me and Reynauld, you'll show em' wrong."
"...But I wouldn't shine through my own merits then…"
"And what's that got to do with anything? Makoto. You aren't their friend. Your their Lord."
"...and I'm just your employer…"
Dismas' eyes widened at that, his mouth actually agape in surprise.
"..." Makoto stood there, waiting for an answer from the bandit.
"You- er… catch on quicker than I thought…"
"You don't have anything to worry sir Mordereme… I'll pay your share accordingly… I understand this is just business to you…"
Makoto then walked back to his room. Leaving a quiet Dismas looking at his leaving figure as he walked away and disappeared from his vision.
"..."
"...Damn…" One Dismas grunted.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Makoto stayed in his room for most of the rest of the day.
The fight between sir Oscar and sir Dismas was… not therapeutic.
It had given him a new perspective to look at things. The townsfolk's perspective.
In their eyes, he was just a kid that walked by, not even fully intending on ruling, but hoping he could.
But he was simply like that. He's not a natural leader like his father was, and he doesn't have the boldness his grandfather did.
He was… him. Makoto was only himself. And he hoped that would be enough…
'No… That's wrong… I can't see it like that' The young man argued in his mind. 'I can't halfass this. I've got to make sure things are alright here, so Mom and Komaru can come here later on. If I fail before that, then… all this would have been for nothing!'
He decided then that enough was enough as Makoto decided to leave his room, his spirits getting better after the poker catastrophe. He had things that needed to be done.
"I can't really blame the people of the town for doubting me… After all, I am grandpa's grandson…. And I am completely different from him."
Reiji Naegi was… a person.
At times, he was not.
At least in the emotional sense.
…That we know of…
Reiji was fully self-absorbed and self-centered, enough so that is surprising to see how much he did care for his son.
Makoto can't really speak for himself though, everytime they two had interacted, his grandpa would mostly be cold and concise. He wonders what he truly meant for Reiji at times.
But Makoto did like his grandpa, he was an accomplished, self-made man after all. A figure worth admiring from that sense.
Reiji's personality was strict, he always knew what he wanted, getting it with diligence.
Both aspects waived in his favor for a suitable ruler, even if he wasn't a popular figure most of the time.
But Reiji as a person…
Being honest, left much to desire.
It wasn't strange of him to cast huge debauchery parties only to get something that he wanted out of them. No matter who he had to climb through, Reiji's immorality had no bounds.
Makoto's spine chilled for a moment. He was little back then, but he still remembered that night.
Nonetheless, he had a duty to do, he can't keep himself sulking in his room all night. He needed to get things done.
Makoto left his dormitory and was greeted once more with the joyous banter of the tavern. It was late, however. Makoto still had time to prepare his plans.
Leaving his room, Makoto spotted a… uhm… modestly dressed woman there that happened to be leaving one of the rooms as well.
Makoto was no fool, this was a tavern, one that his father, and even his grandfather visited quite a lot, so he pretty much knows how this establishment runs.
The woman smirked a little, amused at Makoto's frozen state, a smile creeping in her face once she was struck by the current heir.
Blushing, Makoto nodded at her with a respectful bow to greet her and quickly bailed. He couldn't stand watching her… "humble uniform" for long. It was embarrassing enough to live there!
Fully turning around, Makoto quickly went downstairs, fully greeting the sights of the tables, drinks, and of course, people. Drinking in joyous banter and being quite loud without a care in the world.
Makoto couldn't help but to smile a little. He liked good things like this, when people were happy, he was happy too.
He reached the bar and started a conversation with Smirnoff, the tavern's owner. Last night, Makoto had left him a couple of recruitment letters for his plans of, eventually, entering Reiji's manor.
There was one problem, one that he, Reynauld and Dismas collectively agreed.
They were not ready.
Reiji's manor was… Makoto couldn't tell you exactly, but he knew that if he set as much of a foot there, he would perish. A sentiment backed up by both Reynauld and even Dismas himself.
With it's sight alone, it was as if the place was saying- no… demanded, to be left alone.
But that can't be. Makoto needs to know what happened. Why did Grandpa commit suicide? How did his manor turn this ominous?
Where was his father?
Makoto didn't know a quarter of the full story, but that's something he was determined to change.
Nonetheless. Reiji's place would have to wait for now. In the meantime, he needed contacts, people he could trust and a workforce that helps him discover what the hell was going on.
So after Makoto greeted Smirnoff for… probably the third time in the day, he had to ask. "Has anyone said anything about my job notice?"
The tavern holder shook his head. "Nope. Not yet. Told about most of the folks that come here, but almost no one here are of the 'adventurous' type per say."
The heir got a little disappointed at that, but Smirnoff was quick on his feet.
"However, I have talked with a friend of mine about it."
Makoto's eyes lighted up towards him once more. "A friend?"
"He won't be helping you directly, no, but he's quite good s|preading the word around."
"I see…"
"I'm sure you have seen him. He lives on a rusty old stage coach. He doesn't even bother cleaning it anymore."
Makoto's brow rose in realization. "Y-Yeah! I've seen it."
"I got him to leave a couple notices down the road. I don't know how he does it, but he knows his stuff."
Makoto couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I-I… I don't know what to say… What can I do to repay you, sir?"
"You don't have to worry about a thing kid. But there is one thing that I could ask of you."
Makoto was about to ask the man.
But he wouldn't be allowed to.
A strong *THUD* would resound in the tavern. The wooden entrance hit the wall as a new person walked in.
The sound was strong enough that a lot of people went dead silent and turned towards it, keeping the stares at the new presence.
Both heir and tavern owner included, gazing at this new guest.
They were short and wore dark clothes.
Robes covering all skin. Leather gloves and a leather belt strapped right in.
A couple green markings on their dark robes.
But, undisputedly, its most prominent feature would be their 'head'.
Wearing a crow mask, or what would be the correct term, a Plague Doctor's mask, they attracted everyone's attention with their unorthodox appearance.
Admittedly, it wasn't everyday that some rando with a beak of a mask walks into your bar, right? So one couldn't fault them for that.
After that little stunt, the masked individual proceeded to walk like nothing happened, and everyone else returned to their business.
"We'll talk later." Mr. Smirnoff said as he walked towards his new client.
Makoto however, decided to stay where he was. He wasn't doing anything else to begin with, so might just… wait?
Hopefully, someone would walk in and ask about a job, and Makoto could speak with them, but for now, there was nothing he could do.
Without intending to, Makoto managed to hear the conversation Smirnoff and this person would have.
"-How may I help you?" The bartender asked.
"Are you Smirnoff?" They simply asked in a neutral voice. Makoto discerned the words, but not quite the pitch of their voice, leaving their gender unclear.
"That would be me, yes. What is it that you need?"
"Did you place this work offer?" the person said as they pulled out some tattered paper that they handed to Smirnoff.
This made Makoto blink for a moment. Could it be…?
"One second please." The bartender asked, to which the masked person nodded.
Smirnoff turned towards Makoto. "They are looking for you, kid."
Makoto's eyes widened, but he knew he couldn't stay idle.
"Y-Yes!" the heir said as he got closer to the both of them.
Once there, Makoto stood next to the Plague Doctor, who scanned the boy through the lenses of their mask.
"H-Hello… My name is Makoto Naegi… It's a pleasure to meet you." He bowed respectfully.
Yet the masked individual didn't immediately respond, rather continued to gaze at the younger kid.
A little uncomfortable, Makoto rose himself back to standing straight, unsure if he should try to make conversation again or not.
But he would be beaten by the Plague Doctor themselves. "A Child?" They turned towards the owner of the tavern.
"He was the one to put the job notice. I only asked someone to spread the word for me. I apologize if you were expecting something else."
Makoto stammered an answer for that. "U-Uhm-"
But wouldn't be paid any mind.
"It is not a problem. It simply bewildered me." They said, turning to the heir once examine his features again.
"Would you like to have something to drink whilst you discuss?" The owner asked, doing his job as per usual.
"Clean water for me… and… u-uhm… whatever you would like, uhm… mister-?"
"I'm fine."
The tavern owner was not surprised with Makoto's order. "One tap water it is then." He promptly left the two of them to be with their own devices.
"S-So… I-"
"You placed this work notice, yes?" They handed the tattered paper to the lord of the hamlet.
Which, once he grasped it, he read the contents inwards.
'Intrepidous and fearless adventurers needed! Death is certain and riches as well?!' Makoto's eyes widened at the… abnormal promotional sheet he was handed over.
Flabbergasted, he had to explain this person appropriately. "S-Sir, I-I'm sorry, but I didn-"
"Read the rest." They cut him once more, prompting Makoto to… read the rest.
His eyes fell on the paper once more, and read through the grammatical errors that it had, not to mention the fact that it was on tatters, barely keeping together. 'Inside Naegi Reiji's lugubrious manor, now turned into the omen of death, help us rekindle the light and torch of the town by keeping its inhabitants safe and getting rid of the accursed fallen state to new heights and its rightful glory.'
Quite the… flavored text, but it did leave Makoto intrigued with what this person exactly wanted.
"We'll be exploring Reiji's domains?"
"Y-Yes." Makoto answered. "I can't promise you the whole riches part though, I'm not exactly sure what's around the ruins, but-"
"That's not an issue for me." They dryly replied. "I will ask for a salary like any other, but I do not mind receiving a lesser cut."
Makoto was confused a little, but this meant they were interested? "Y-You wish to join? Then we-".
"Under one condition." All these interruptions were beginning to bother Makoto a little. "I wish full access to Reiji's studies."
Makoto had to blink at that. "Pardon?"
"Reiji Naegi was a renowned scholar, not only researching dark arts, but general medicine, biology and… pest control. I wish to find whatever studies he kept within his private quarters."
Makoto scratched the back of his head at that, not exactly expecting this kind of deal, but he was glad he did! He would take any help he can get! "Very well, then! Let us discuss your starting salary then, and if you want, I could show you around town."
It was then that Smirnoff arrived with Makoto's water. "Freshest water in the state." He smirked at the heir.
"Thank you, Mr. Smirnoff." He thanked him as the owner left the cup of water on the table. Makoto's conversation with the Plague Doctor hadn't ended just yet.
"That won't be necessary. I wish to… explore on my own, at my own pace."
Makoto blinked, but replied nonetheless. "Sure thing, mister. But I can arrange your living quarters as well if you-"
"I said…" they got closer to the heir, the beak almost touching his face. "That I'll be fine on my own…"
They then moved back a little, but not before continuing. "Also." They brought their hands to the mask and proceeded to remove it from their person. Once done, they lowered their hood, and this person's identity would be revealed.
"I'm not a 'mister', kid." The Plague Doctor remarked with a frown.
She had dark hair, reaching just enough to her neck, her fringe covering a big part of her forehead, and she looked… well… irked.
"R-Right… S-Sure thing, MIss…" Makoto stammered, not having his new employee's name still.
"Paracelsus." She said as she took a hold of Makoto's water and downed it all in one swell gulp before returning the now empty glass, and leaving her new employer in the dust.
"..."
…
'Well that went well.' Makoto sardonically thought.
However, there was one thing that was gnawing at him right there…
"...Paracelsus..."
…Why did that name sound familiar to him?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
It hadn't been long since… Makoto's 'interview' with Paracelsus took place.
He had decided to stay in the tavern, sitting absentmindedly. boring himself right there, waiting for any potential prospects to join his ranks.
Sadly, no one else came.
'No wonder… with such a notice down the road… I wouldn't be surprised if any passerby decided to skip town…'
Makoto's patience topped its limits right there and then. At this time and hour, he doubted anyone else would show up by now, so he decided to move from the spot he had planted himself in since Paracelsus' "interview" to move back to where most people and tables were around.
From there, the ahoge'd heir could see the time of the day through one of the windows. Sun was setting by now, but it wasn't that late yet.
Commonfolk did enter the tavern, of course, just no one that was interested in working for Makoto. The tables slowly but surely filled in, many men drinking, but a couple more having some meals as well.
"Huh…" Makoto mumbled to himself.
'I haven't eaten a meal since I've arrived… that's concerning.'
The heir had been distracted, taking his mission with utmost priority, even over his own appetite.
At least he thought that, not wanting to admit how nerve-wracking everything was ever since he left home.
Sitting at another free table of the "diner" section of the tavern, Makoto waited to make his order.
He had no idea what food was sold there, so once his assigned waitress arrived, this one being Quilmes of all people, he simply asked for the most common tray of food the tavern had to offer.
The young waitress got his order, even if she was amused with how Makoto had asked specifically for it, yet in understanding, she simply didn't judge.
After their short, barely lived interaction, Makoto, once again was left on his own.
"Haaaah…" he left out a sigh that he didn't even know he was holding.
Despite it being like this for the majority of his stay, Makoto was never one to enjoy solitude. The absence of his sister and mother, added up to the fact that he didn't know anyone really in this town, were both prominent factors on how lonely he felt.
His closest relationships right now were with Sir Reynauld, Sir Dismas and Sir Smirnoff. And all three of them were for work. Professional. Business only.
It saddened the heir a little, but couldn't fret over that. He's about to become an adult, he can't be bothered by such childish things such as not having any friends.
Even if he felt truly alone.
So Makoto stood there… doing nothing as he waited for his order to come.
However, things would take a quick turn for the heir.
As bored Makoto was, not doing much, one thing he did was to see how many people entered the tavern. He had easily seen a dozen people walk in. Both in their lonesome or in company. However the next visitor would be quite eye-catching.
New customer number thirteen would be quite the familiar looking knight in shining armor. Makoto's brow rose as he saw Reynauld in the entrance, taking their helmet off.
What was more surprising was New Customer number fourteen.
It was a robed woman, Makoto could tell that much from afar. She was shorter than Reynauld, but the hood she wore hid her features. Aside from that, the only other thing Makoto could note from this mysterious woman was that she was wearing quite the armored chestpiece. Iron, with a couple of spikes in the lower section. That was her only armor piece though, wearing a normal looking enough skirt below it.
Once Smirnoff greeted them, both new customers exchanged words with the owner and nodded in respect. After that, they walked towards the tables of the tavern.
Funnily enough, they looked like they were… walking towards him.
Huh…
'Hold on… C-Could it be?'
'T-This soon?'
And as Makoto's suspicions grew ever more, so did the two of them walk closer to him.
Makoto didn't even realize when the both of them fully stopped in front of the unused chairs of his table.
"Makoto, sir." The knight called out for him.
That bursted Makoto's bubble of UNconcentration, making him land on earth once more.. "O-Oh, Sir Reynauld. Glad to see you here."
The knight smiled tenderly. "So am I. May we sit with you?"
Makoto eyed both the knight and the unknown woman for a short moment, then he quickly left out "Y-Yes, Of course!"
In queue, both people sat. Reynauld placed his helmet on his corresponding corner of the table, sitting in the opposite chair to Makoto's. The cloaked woman sat next to Reynauld.
Makoto wasn't sure how to start a conversation with them, much less ask who the woman was without being disrespectful… All this was happening too soon!
However, as the shining knight he is, Reynauld initiated the conversation, noticing his peril or just being naturally open, Makoto couldn't quite tell.
"You must be curious about my companion right here." The knight cut to the chase, surprising Makoto.
The heir stammered a little, hesitating his words in worry to not say something that wasn't meant to be. "O-Oh… Y-Yeah, I was just… I didn't want to immediately ask about her. Didn't want to come off as rude."
"That's no such thing, Lord Makoto. You are meant to find new prospects, you shouldn't fear having initiative."
Makoto nodded along a little, Makoto himself had told this to himself countless of times, but no matter, this was not the time for self-deprecation.
The knight then turned his head towards the cloaked woman. "I think it's about time you'd introduce yourself, shouldn't you?"
Makoto doesn't know why, but he shuddered the moment Reynauld said those words.
Anyhow, the woman complied and proceeded to remove the hood she was wearing, lowering it behind her neck.
Makoto had a full front view of the woman's face. She had gentle features, like most women, however she looked a bit hardened, forced composure if anything, most likely from her previous encounters or struggles that this world brought onto her. However, she didn't look mean, intimidating or ugly even, she seemed, at least compared to Paracelsus, friendly enough. She wore bandages around her head, despite not looking injured in any way. Her bandages covered her forehead, neck and the sides of her face, however, there was just enough space to see a little slither of her blonde hair.
Makoto was a little off though.
"My name is Junia. Vestal from the church, guided by The Light." She introduced herself.
"Nice- It's a pleasure to meet you, Jun-, uh… Dame Junia? Miss?"
"The pleasure is all mine. Junia is alright." She returned the gesture.
"Very well, Miss Junia. Will you be helping us?"
She nodded. "I was already explained of your situation, Lord Makoto. I promise by god's will that i'll do my best to help you.
The heir gave her a wide smile, followed right after an immediate bow. "I sincerely thank you, Dame Junia!" The heir said, almost touching the table with his forehead.
This actually surprised the Vestal, making her ask the following questions. "How old were you, Lord Makoto?"
The heir scratched the back of his head. "I'm currently fifteen… but in three months I'll turn of legal age. I know its disgraceful to not have an official landlord, but… we had no choice…"
"Do you? Where's your family?"
The heir grimaced a little. He started out with the usual. "My mom and my sister are still living in our house. We moved away from here a long time ago, my sister wasn't even born yet. Mom can't read and Komaru is… well… still very young.
"How young?"
"Thirteen. Not to mention… well… all the complications."
"I understand." The Vestal nodded.
In short… Women are quite… limited. They cannot legally own land, state or… well, a town unless they are given a title to do so. There used to be a famous duchess that had a land of her own but not much is known about her after… that party…
The heir shivers just remembering it.
Point was, neither his mother or sister could be responsible for the hamlet, which is why it was ultimately left to him to come here instead.
"And… Pardon if I intrude but…" The Vestal did continue their conversation.
"Yes, Dame Junia?"
"What about… your father?"
At that question, Makoto could only lower his head. Reynauld eyed him out at that, he's had his suspicions, but never once thought of asking…
After all, what could he ask?
"We don't know." The heir lowly muttered.
"Hmm?"
"We don't know where father is. He disappeared some months before we got Reiji's letter." Sadness and sorrow filled in the heir's voice.
The Vestal did acknowledge this. "I apologize, it was unbecoming of me to ask."
"No… No, it's alright. It's only natural to be curious… Any other questions, dame?"
"No my lord, I'm fine for now."
"Good… then…" Makoto was eager to change the subject.
He brought his hands together, and proceeded to ask a very important question.
"Shall we discuss how we'll explore the dungeons?"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Day had passed, night had arrived, and the five of them were walking on the outskirts of the Naegi hamlet. They were long gone from there, now, witnessing the entrance of one of the many ruins surrounding these lands. Some belonged to bigger parts of the hamlet, forever lost now. Others, storages that Reiji held. About some others though… it was best to not talk about them for now.
Makoto was now leading the walk, walking in tow with the four hired mercenaries, these being of course Reynauld, Dismas, Paracelsus and Junia. Makoto had gathered the missing two in order to commence with this exploration for once, and now, that they were there, Makoto couldn't believe his eyes.
They were… really doing this…
"So its dis?" The heir heard from behind Dismas ask.
"Yeah, if my memory isn't wrong, this used to be a shrine that grandfather and father built together. It's honestly… curious."
"Why, Lord Makoto?" The Vestal asked.
"Both father and grandfather… Kenichiro and Reiji Naegi, well… neither were… believers of any religion, so to speak."
"So to speak?" The Vestal repeated.
"He means they downtalked the Gods." Paracelsus, sharp and cuthroating as ever, said.
"Blasphemous." Was Junia's only reply, however it did sound rehearsed.
"I… never thought about it before, but I don't know what this shrine was built for exactly?"
"Perhaps the people in the hamlet were believers instead." Reynauld suggested.
"Them do like runnin' circles with themselfs… Would not be surprised if it was built to shut em up."
"Language Dismas, I ask of thee…" The Vestal pleaded.
To which the gunman replied with a scoff. "Let's just get me bread."
Makoto wanted to be useful to the group, pulling out their map. "A-Alright, so I was thinkin-" He stopped however when he felt a hand fell on his shoulder.
"Lord Makoto, I will ask of you to grant me this selfish wish." The knight, Reynauld asked to him. His face one of complete determination and seriousness.
"Ye-Yeah?"
"Let us go on our own."
"W-What?!"
"Listen my Lord." The Knight started. "I don't wish to discredit you, nor to put you down, however, do you remember the incident with the bandits?"
Makoto slowly nodded, remembering how he was taken as a hostage.
"We cannot allow ourselves for that to happen. Especially inside… unknown territory."
"B-But! I have to go with you guys! It's my duty as the lord of this town!"
"Yes, correct, that's precisely why you shouldn't come with us. At least for now."
"Huh?"
"Think about it, Lord Makoto." Reynauld said, beginning to explain his reasoning. "You are the heir of the Naegi feud, the last one remaining for as long as we know from what you've told us"
"I-I mean…"
'Father is… out there… somewhere…right?' The heir didn't dare say those words out loud.
"Wait, what's dis about him bein' the last?" Dismas butted in, asking.
"Should something happen to you in there, the town would be left astray again." Reynauld said.
"Oh, so ye are just ignorin' me just now?"
"But… I…"
"There's nothing you have to worry, Lord Makoto. I'll make sure that Junia and these thickheaded bunch return safe and sound."
"Fuck off mate…" Dismas complained in the back.
Makoto was… losing the argument here… he wanted to go with them but… he knew Reynauld was right. With how experienced he was, he could easily become a liability for them.
The knight then said the following words.
"You can trust on me, Makoto." He gave him a smile that was drawn into Makoto's mind.
"…Alright…" Makoto relented. "I'll give you the rations, the map and the equipment. There's food for five in there, so you guys are carrying extra."
"We'll put good use to it."
"Oh! And make sure to not hurt yourselves."
"Sure thing."
"And-And uhm, make sure that uhh…. Don't…"
"Makoto…" The heir turned to the knight. "We'll be fine."
"Alright… alright, just… don't take too long."
"We won't." Reynauld spoke as he stood up, beginning to equip his iconic helmet.
"This is meant to be a quick scouting mission. See what we are facing towards the future, bring back any finds and done. Rest assured my lord, we'll be fine."
"O-Okay…" Makoto concluded as he finished giving all their equipment.
"You know your way back?" The Vestal gently asked the heir.
To which he replied. "O-Of course! I'll be careful getting back, please, you guys do the same."
"Do 'nut worry 'bout a thing, Makoto." Dismas said as he finished cleaning one of his flintlocks. "We'll be fine and dandy, at least Reynauld and I will. I wanna see how these two women pick up their weight."
"Bite me." The plague doctor replied.
"We are heading in, My lord." Reynauld reported, deciding that enough chat was enough.
"Best of lucks!" The heir pumped his fists, wishing them for good fortune.
"Trust me, lord Makoto." Reynauld said as he turned around, his newly formed team walking in tow behind me.
"Luck won't be necessary." Were the last words Reynauld said, as they bravely ventured into the ruins of the shrine of the light.
Makoto hoped everything would go just fine.
Since… that's all he could do, really…
He had to have hope.