Chapter Six: Part Two

"Nin mel!" Brownie flew into the room and became big. "Nin mel, a visitor has arrived!"

"Brownie, I'm not fully dressed!" Astraea exclaimed, grabbing a blanket from the foot of her bed and throwing it onto the House Pixie. The blanket hovered in the air as Brownie struggled. "You need to knock before entering!"

"But Nin mel, you are not naked!" Brownie protested. "And I am your fiancé! You do not need to hide from me!"

"Brownie, this is a camisole!" Astraea snapped, tugging on the hem. Though she was technically clothed, she hadn't finished buttoning up her dress. So it had been collected around her waist when Brownie flew in, and her camisole was visible. "A camisole is undergarments! I haven't finished getting dressed!"

"Why are not dressed, Nin mel?"

"I was getting dressed! In the privacy of my bedchamber!"

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?!" Dawa rushed into the room. Her brow rose when she saw the floating blanket. "Uh—what is that?"

"Brownie," Astraea scoffed, shrugging her arms into her sleeves.

"Her Majesty is changing!" Dawa thundered. She grabbed the bottom of the blanket, closing it around Brownie, and pulled it towards the door. She quickly opened it, threw the load outside, and then slammed the door shut. "Damn Pixie, "she grumbled.

"Dawa, you're supposed to be on vacation," Astraea reminded her.

"I am, Your Majesty," Dawa said. "I was just checking on you before heading downstairs."

"I'm fine, just finishing getting ready."

There was a knock at the door. "Your Majesty?"

"One moment, David!" Astraea called out, finishing getting dressed.

"At least he has the manners to wait," Dawa muttered.

When she was done she called David in. "You're supposed to be on vacation, Dawa," he said as soon as he entered.

"I am on vacation," Dawa said impatiently.

"Sorry to disturb you Your Majesty, but you have visitor in your great hall," David said. "Viktor brought him, said his name was Biehn—"

"Biehn!" Astraea snapped to attention and hurried to the door. "I thought he was heading for the mainland Western Continent!"

"Let's go and see what he wants," Dawa said.

"We are going to go see what he wants," David said. "You are going to go downstairs, eat breakfast, and do something besides serving as Her Majesty's assist."

Dawa glowered at him. "Please Dawa," Astraea said. "Take it easy, all right?" Dawa's features didn't soften but she didn't protest.

Brownie was gone when they left Astraea's room, and when they reached the ground floor Dawa was steered towards the dining room. Astraea and David found Biehn in the center of the great hall with Viktor by his side. Pilika was also standing with them and she was talking to Biehn animatedly. David flinched when he saw her but did not break his stride. "How are your parents?" Pilika asked Biehn. "I remember them, they always seemed so happy together."

"Mom is Mom and Dad is Dad," Biehn said.

"Hey, Your Majesty!" Viktor called, waving to them. "Look who's here!"

Astraea hurried over. "Hello, Biehn," she said. "You decided to stay in Zelant after all?"

Biehn gave a huge wince and rubbed his nape awkwardly. "There's…something I need to tell you, Your Majesty," he said in a sheepish tone. "Could we speak in private?"

"Sure, let's go up to the war room," Astraea said, glancing at David who nodded in reply.

"I will follow if that's okay," Pilika said. "Just so long as you are okay with me reporting everything to the Bishop."

Astraea shrugged. "He's one of my allies now so I see no reason to hide anything from him."

The five went up to the war room, and Astraea's siblings swiftly joined them. Biehn stood at the far end nears the stairs while Astraea and David took the opposite end. Viktor, Pilika, Vahan, and Kerime stood to the right while Sigrun, Ferdinand, Denzel, and Musashi stood to the left. "So, what do you need to tell us Biehn?" David asked.

Biehn looked away for a moment before looking back at Astraea. Suddenly he bowed. "I owe you an apology. I have deceived you."

"Deceived me?"

"It wasn't a coincidence that I ran into you in the Ruhiges Woodland," Biehn confessed, his head lowered. "I was following you. I—I was hired to run an investigation on you."

A chilly silence swept over the room. "You…were hired, Biehn?" Viktor asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, I was," Biehn said, looking up. His eyes were filled with guilt. "I was paid to investigate you, Your Majesty. To see your true character, to…" he hesitated before continuing. "To find out what actually happened with the Massacre of Innocents."

Astraea swallowed hard before she spoke. "So when you asked to travel with us…it was so you could spy on me?"

Biehn nodded. "I didn't expect Viktor to be traveling with you. That should have been my first clue about you. But I—I traveled in your party to get a gauge for your character. To see if you were someone who was capable of murder."

"…And what are your findings?" Astraea said quietly.

Biehn shook his head. "I find you to be a young woman with great integrity and compassion. You are a leader with empathy who is fighting for what is right. Most of all, you are someone incapable of committing an atrocity like the Massacre of Innocents. From everything I heard about you, and about the sitting monarch, I…I cannot believe such a dishonorable person is in command of this country. For the good of Zelant, you need to take the throne. And I—I want to help you achieve this."

"You spy on us and now want to help us?" Musashi asked in a flat tone.

"Yes, I do," Biehn said.

"And how do we know that you're still not spying on us?" Vahan asked.

"He's from the Warrior's Village in the Toran Republic," Sigrun spoke up. "They're known for being honorable."

"Yeah, but he already lied to Astraea about his intentions," Denzel pointed out.

"I'm not a big fan of the lying, but I will nonetheless vouch for his character," Viktor said. "His parents are good people, and they wouldn't have raised a son who would freely stab others in the back."

David looked at Astraea before looking towards Biehn. "Who hired you to investigate Her Majesty?"

"Lady Sarka Arbeit," Biehn said.

Astraea stiffened in shock, as did Sigrun and Denzel. "Sarka violated hospitality to try and kill Astraea," Sigrun said, her tone darkening. "Did she tell you that?"

"…No," Biehn said after a pregnant pause.

"Have you submitted your report to her?" Vahan asked.

"I have not. I wanted to see you first."

"How do we know that Sarka isn't marching here as we speak?!" Denzel snapped.

Biehn suddenly drew a dagger. Everyone lunged for their weapons except for Astraea. She did not stir, nor did David. "Wait," she called out.

The room froze. Without hesitation Biehn slice into his left palm. He clenched his hand into a fist and turned it so his palm was facing down. He raised his hand, blood dripping onto the floor. "I hereby make a blood oath," he announced. "I, Biehn—son of Chief Tengaar and Hix of the Warrior's Village—pledge myself to the cause of Queen Astraea Reiser. By the oath on my blood I swear to never betray you, and will lay my life on the line to ensure your victory."

Astraea realized that her mouth was hanging open and she clicked it shut. The rest of the room stared stunned at Biehn. David looked at Astraea. "Well, Your Majesty. Warriors from the Warrior's Village take their oaths lightly. And this is a blood oath. I feel we can trust him."

No one spoke in protest. Astraea motioned for Biehn to approach. He sheathed his dagger and moved towards her, his expression somber. "You truly believe that much in me from knowing me for a short period?"

Biehn reached into his bag and produced a thick packet. He handed it to David. "This is the report I intend to send to Lady Sarka. I wanted you to read it before I did."

Astraea looked at the report with wide eyes. "Y-You…This is everything you found out about me?"

Biehn nodded. "If you read it, you will see not only that I wrote positively about you, but hope to convince Lady Sarka of your innocence and integrity."

David flipped through the pages, scanning each page. "I'm seeing such with this report."

"That's…quite a packet," Vahan said. "You seem to be a good Investigator."

"I would like to think I am," Biehn said.

Astraea raised her hand. "Kindness Drops."

The spell washed over Biehn. "I'm going to put my faith in you, Biehn," she told him. "I know you wouldn't make a blood oath if you weren't sincere. If you have faith in my cause and want to help me…then I accept your help. Welcome to the Reformation Army."

Biehn unbuckled his sword and raised it within its sheath. "As I fight to prove myself worthy to wield this sword, I will prove myself worthy to be your ally. I swear it, Your Majesty. I will give you my strength and my intellect. If there are any allies you would like me to find for you I will do it. And I can also run Investigations on your allies if you so choose."

"I know a guy who did something like that," Victor said. "Richmond was his name."

Astraea smiled. "If you can find me allies, I'll be grateful."

Biehn had results the following morning. He set up his office in the second floor above Satoshi's stall. "There are potential recruits in Felgenz, Alfsberg, and Hríw Ethuil."

"Hríw Ethuil will be Iolanthe," Astraea said. "But who will I find in Alfsberg and Felgenz?"

"A delicious aroma is involved with the recruit in Felgenz. And with Alfsberg there's a pair talking a lot about justice."

"'Justice'?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I think you may want to take Arin with you when you see these individuals."

"Okay." Astraea nodded. "So I have 4 potential recruits?"

"Ah—wait." Biehn shuffled through his papers and pulled out a page. "When you go to Hríw Ethuil I would recommend you take the two House Pixies in your active party."

"Brownie and Donauwelle ?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Astraea nodded. "I think to save time I will put all three in my party and go to those places straight away."

"Sounds good," Biehn said. "Anything else I can do for you, Your Majesty?"

Astraea reached for her coin purse. "Could you run some Investigations for me?"

"Are you ready to assemble your party, Your Majesty?" David asked. "As a reminder, Dawa is not available for the time being."

"Good," Astraea said with a smile. "I would like Arin, Brownie, Donauwelle, Sasarai, and Vahan."

The party members came, though Kerime looked upset. "I cannot stay behind while the Prince goes out."

"Take a short vacation like Dawa is," Vahan reassured him.

"You're from Harmonia?" Arin asked Sasarai.

"Yes, I am," Sasarai said pleasantly.

"Do you know a guy named Nash?"

Sasarai suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Ah…yes."

"You want me to fight alongside you?" Donauwelle asked.

"Yes, I do," Astraea said.

"Are we gonna find another House Pixie?!" Brownie exclaimed with excitement.

"We're going to find out."

"Head out whenever you're ready, Your Majesty," David said, though he was giving Sasarai the side eye. "Just let me know when you're finished with your recruitment quest."

"I will," Astraea said. They moved to leave while David stayed behind. Sasarai lingered, and turned to give David a long look. David gulped audibly. "Ah…is something wrong, Bishop?"

Sasarai continued to stare at him. David started to tremble slightly when Sasarai suddenly gave him a serene smile. "No. Everything is fine."

Then he walked away. Astraea looked between David and Sasarai's retreating back before following him. When she was gone, David just about collapsed to the floor.

Astraea stopped off to see Janna to get the Iron Hammer before having Viki teleport them to Hríw Ethuil. They went straight to Iolanthe and gave her the Hammer. "This is exactly what I needed, thank you!" Iolanthe exclaimed, accepting the Iron Hammer. "Now I can continue to work!"

"Would you like to join my Army?" Astraea asked her.

"Your Army?"

Astraea quickly explained the situation to her. "Hmm," Iolanthe hummed, rubbing her chin with her fingers. Suddenly she smiled and snapped her fingers. "I got it!" She pointed to Astraea. "Let me sharpen your weapon to the maximum level I can sharpen it to, and then I'll join you!"

Astraea's jaw dropped open. "A—All of our weapons?!" Arin exclaimed.

"Just hers," Iolanthe clarified, pointing to Astraea.

"That's very rude," Sasarai said. "Her Grace gifted you that Hammer for free. Now you demand she pay you to improve her weapon?"

"I am grateful but I have a business to run and I've fallen into debt because of lost jobs because my hammer was busted. I need to make money."

"How high can you raise my weapon's level?" Astraea asked.

"Level 9," Iolanthe said.

Astraea did the mental calculations of how much that would cost and exhaled sharply. "Enjoy. Sharpen my knout to level 9, please."

"How is a whip sharpened?" Donauwelle wondered aloud.

"The same way gloves are," Vahan said blandly.

"Thank you, Milady," Iolanthe said, smiling brightly. "I hope I have given you full confidence in your weapon! I will be happy to join you now!"

"You're very kind," Sasarai told Astraea as Iolanthe ran off to collect her things. "But kindness may be seen as weakness to some, Your Grace. I would recommend that you not be too lenient with people, or they will try to take advantage of you."

"Don't talk to my sister that way," Vahan said harshly.

"It's okay, Vahan," Astraea said. She looked at Sasarai. "Thank you for the feedback."

"Where to now?" Brownie asked. "Will we look for the House Pixie, Nin mel?"

"Let's see if they're here," Astraea said. "Biehn seemed to think so."

Donauwelle gave Brownie a look as Astraea walked away. "Do you really see that human girl as your fiancée?"

"Why not?" Brownie said defensively. "She's beautiful and wonderful! The perfect bride for me!"

Brownie flew after her. Donauwelle rubbed her temples but followed.

Astraea avoided going near Quillan's mansion but looked around at the homes on the branches. One house stood out to her; it had a peculiar yellow aura around it. She stepped inside and saw that no one was home. It was a one-story hut with a main room in the front and the second room in the back, but she struck at the pristine condition of the house. Every surface seemed to sparkle!

"There! I did it!"

The group jumped when a trail of Pixie Dust circled the room from high in the air. Astraea looked up and saw a small male Pixie flying around the room in a wide circle. He had short blonde hair, yellow eyes, a green hat, a green tunic and dark brown pants. He paused in midair and turned to face them. "I told you I could—who are you?!" he shouted.

"Greetings, Brother!" Brownie cheered as Donauwelle and flew forward. "We're happy to meet another House Pixie!"

"House Pixie?! There's two of you?!" The blonde-haired Pixie did a backflip and grew big. "Why are you with humans?" he demanded.

"These humans helped us," Donauwelle said.

"Not surprised," the blonde-haired Pixie huffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Humans are the only ones who ever appreciated my hard work! The Forest Pixies wouldn't let me in, and these Elves—ha! They say that I'm a nuisance and needed to go away! I clean this damn house every day and they don't appreciate it!"

"You're being mistreated by the Elves?" Astraea asked, her tone sad.

"Elves have perpetual victimhood but they're just as specist as non-Elves!" he spat. "I can't stand 'em, but I have nowhere to go!"

"What is your name?"

The Pixie frowned at her before answering. "Eggie."

"Come with us, Eggie!" Brownie said. Donauwelle and him flew up to float beside him. "I have a nice home inside this grand castle! You can live there, can't he Nin mel?" He looked at Astraea.

"Ah, of course he can," Astraea said.

"Nin mel?" Eggie made a face. "You call a human that?!"

"Brownie calls Her Majesty his fiancée," Donauwelle said. She offered her hand to him. "My name is Donauwelle. It's nice to meet you."

"You're weird," Eggie said. "Not to sound specist, but a Pixie can't marry a human!"

"Says who?" Brownie demanded.

"Says everyone!"

"Okay, okay," Astraea said, stepping forward. "Let's not argue. We'll take you back to our HQ and you can see your new home. You won't be treated like a burden there, Eggie. Will you join us?"

Eggie gave her a sideways glance. After a moment he sighed and nodded. "Sure. Can't be worse than staying here, can it?"

"Yay!" Donauwelle cheered, clapping her hands.

"Before we leave, let's make these awful Elves pay for how they treated you," Brownie said with a glint in his eye.

A similar glint rose to Eggie's mind. "Great idea."

"And we're leaving," Vahan quickly said, grabbing Astraea's arm and running out the door. Arin and Sasarai quickly followed.

Astraea thought better than to have the House Pixies continue to accompany them, so they returned to HQ and released them from the party. In place of Brownie and Donauwelle she added Denzel and Jeane.

"Man, you're making our assists mighty unhappy Astraea," Denzel laughed.

"They can relax while we're gone," Vahan said.

"I'm so pleased to be traveling with so many handsome men," Jeane purred, eyeing Denzel and Vahan. She looked at Astraea with half-lidded eyes. "Where did you find these gorgeous gentlemen, Your Majesty?"

"They're my brothers," Astraea said in a bland tone, pointing to Denzel and Vahan.

"Aren't I handsome?" Arin asked, looking offended.

"You're adorable," Jeane said, pinching his cheek.

"Excuse me Miss, but aren't you cold?" Vahan asked, looking Jeane over. Denzel choked on a laugh.

They had Viki take them to Alfsberg. They went to the area where Jeane's shop had been, and they were startled to hear loud, booming voices. "It is completely unacceptable!" a woman's voice shouted.

"Yes, it is!" a man's voice joined hers. "A travesty in the name of mankind to slaughter children!"

"We as members of the Maximillian Knights must right this wrong, Ranai!"

"We will, Valora!"

"Maximillian Knights?" Astraea said, her brow furrowing.

"I've heard of them," Vahan said. "They're wandering solders with no attachments to a nation who fight for justice."

"I've fought alongside them quite a few times," Jeane said.

"Me was once," Arin said. "But…Ranai and Valora? Not Fred and Rico?"

"Let's go and check them out," Denzel said.

They went to the town square, and there they found a man and woman in their twenties standing together. They wore armor but the clothes they wore that were visible were different than what Astraea was used to. The woman was lovely and her hair was lavender-colored, but it was covered by a thin purple veil. She had a golden complexion and dark purple eyes, and she wore a black tunic and dark pants underneath her armor. The man was handsome; with short dark brown hair, dark green eyes, an olive complexion, a green tunic and black pants underneath his armor. They were both getting stares from their booming conversation.

"We must strike down these evil-doers before we return home!" Valora declared.

"Indeed!" Ranai agreed, pumping his fist. "We will uphold the traditions of the Maximillian Knights!"

"Excuse me?" Astraea asked.

Both Valora and Ranai paused and turned to look at her. "Yes, Miss?" Valora said politely. "Are you in distress? Has someone committed a crime against you that you require the aid of the Maximillian Knights?"

"You both are members of the Maximillian Knights?" Vahan asked.

"Seven years and counting," Ranai said with a smile. "We fight for justice anytime and anywhere!"

"What brings you two to Zelant?" Denzel asked.

"We have heard that children were mercilessly slaughtered," Valora said, her eyes flashing. "Anyone who slays a child will feel my wrath!"

Astraea knew what they referred to; the Massacre of Innocents. But before she could say more, Ranai spoke up. "They tell us that the Bianca Alliance did this, but they will not tell us more! They will not say who specifically did this! We will not enter a country and challenge its citizens! A whole country cannot be condemned for the actions of a few!"

"Please," Valora said, stepping forward. "If you have any information about what happened to those children, please direct us in the direction of the evil-doers and we will personally see to them."

Astraea's breath caught in her throat. She didn't know if she should tell them the truth or stay silent. Ultimately she knew what the right decision was and she quickly told them everything. When she was finished, Valora's face was blank but Ranai's face was full of horror. "…It was your King?" he whispered. He quickly swallowed. "The King of this country killed those children?"

"Wait," Valora said, her eyes narrowing. She pointed her finger directly into Astraea's face. "You."

"Me?" Astraea leaned away from the finger.

"Those eyes, that face," Valora said, her tone turning dangerously. "You cannot fool me. I've seen that same face on all the wanted posters we've seen in every town in this country! It is YOU!" She leaned her finger closer. "You are the evil-doer!"

"W-What?!" Ranai exclaimed.

"Wait a minute!" Astraea said, raising her hands. "I was framed!"

"I will not stand for the suffering of children!" Valora shouted. "I saw that plenty in Nagarea, when it suffered under a brutal regime! I fought in Nagarea's Liberation Army to ensure that it would never happen and I fight as a Maximillian Knight so that it never happens again anywhere!" She pulled out her weapon, which was a bō. Ranai unsheathed an estoc.

"You two are from Nagarea?" Sasarai asked, glancing around precariously.

"Draw your weapon," Valora rasped, glaring at Astraea. "I will not fight you unarmed—"

"WAIT!" Arin threw himself between Astraea and Valora. "Don't hurt Her Majesty! Brother trusts her, so you should trust her, too!"

Valora's gaze flickered to him. "Who are you, boy?"

"I'm from Nagarea too," Arin said quickly. "Remember? You fought with my brother—"

"Arin? ARIN?!" Ranai suddenly screamed. In an instant he dropped his sword and lunged forward, grabbing Arin in a bear hug. "By Nagar, it's you! You've grown up, boy!"

"Arin?!" Valora swiftly put away her bō and rounded upon Arin. She cupped his cheeks in her hands and turned his face towards her. Tears immediately filled her eyes. "Oh—Oh it is you, Arin!"

"Y-You guys were with that group that left with Fred and Rico, r-right?" Arin said, his voice strained. "B-Brother would be happy to see—"

"LORD DAUNTE!" Valora and Ranai said together. Ranai abruptly dropped Arin. "Lord Daunte is here?!" he exclaimed as Arin coughed for breath.

"He's not part of my Army," Astraea said. "But he is my guest. Arin however is part of my Army."

Valora threw herself upon the ground in kowtow, her arms stretched forward and fingers touching Astraea's feet. "My Lady! Oh my Lady, I humbly beg your forgiveness! You are truly no villain! Lord Daunte would NEVER accept shelter from a villain!"

"And Lord Daunte would NEVER allow Arin to be in the company of villains," Ranai said, sinking to his knees. He was crying now. "My Lady, please do not worry about showing us mercy! We have insulted you and threatened you without just cause! Please do not hesitate to slay us and dispose of our unworthy bodies into the sea!"

"That's…a little excessive," Denzel said, exchanging a glance with Vahan. "More like dramatic," Vahan said.

"I accept your apology," Astraea said. "And I admire your integrity and thirst for justice. If you want to fight the people who committed the Massacre of Innocents, I am fighting those same people. You are free to join me if you wish."

Valora sat up and hugged Astraea around the waist. "Oh, you are too kind! I can see why Lord Daunte has such faith in you!"

"Thank you, thank you my Lady," Ranai said, clasping his hands in front of him.

"We should probably leave," Sasarai said. "We've garnered a crowd."

Astraea returned to HQ but only to be teleported to Felgenz. Valora and Ranai immediately left the party (no doubt to look for Daunte) and Arin followed. "Should we get one more person?" Vahan asked.

Astraea glanced at Viki. "Want to come with us?"

"Oh, sure!" Viki said with a smile.

Sasarai looked around. "Is the little girl who looks like you here?"

"Who?" Viki asked

"Never mind."

They went straight to Felgenz. It was a decent-sized port town of twenty-five thousand. Astraea knew that Lord Tomas had the Lordship seat of Felgenz, and he had…fostered her half-brother Philibert. It had been a long time since she had been there, but it had already been a long day and she just wanted to find their next recruit and return home.

We'll be back, anyway.

"What do you mean, it's not authorized?! I have a permit!"

The shout startled the group. She saw Royal Army soldiers just ahead arguing with a man dressed in orange. She ducked into a nearby alleyway.

"Damn," Denzel grunted. "Did someone tell them we were coming?!"

"It looks like they were arguing with a man further down the street," Astraea said.

The group waited in the alleyway for several moments, the shouting carrying down the street. It sounded like the soldiers were ordering a vendor to close his stall, and the vendor was arguing that he was allowed to be there. But then the next words shouted down the street shocked the group.

"I am a recognized bastard of King Franz! I don't need an excuse to set up this stall!"

Astraea quickly looked at her brothers, and they were wide-eyed. A bastard. It was a man's voice, so it was one of their half-brothers!

Which one? He sounds older than the three of us so it could be Hacir or Rufino or Yefrem—no, Yefrem is in a theater troupe in Kanakan. Then who—

The shouting ceased, and the soldiers stomped past their alleyway. Astraea darted out from the alleyway and hurried down the road. "Astraea!" Denzel shouted after her.

"Wait for me!" Viki cheered, hurrying after her.

Astraea raced to her half-sibling, who was rather forcefully dismantling his stall. He looked like he was close to Brendan's age, though he had short dark blue hair. He wore an orange chef's uniform and an orange chef's hat. She gasped throatily and ran faster. "Rufino!"

The man looked up, revealing his lineage with his blue eyes. His jaw dropped and he stiffened in shock as Astraea suddenly hugged. "Rufino! It's you! I'm so happy to finally meet you! When did you come back to Zelant?"

Rufino sputtered, still in shock. He gently pushed her away, though his eyes further widened when he saw Denzel and Vahan approach. "P—Princess," he hissed to her. "You shouldn't be out in public! You're a wanted woman!"

"Pssh," Denzel scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "The only people who've recognized her are foreigners who ended up joining her."

"R-Really?"

"Weren't you training to become a chef at Black Dragon Island?" Vahan asked. "When did you return to Zelant?"

"J-Just a little after the—chaos erupted here," Rufino said.

"You trained at Black Dragon Island?" Sasarai asked, his brow raised. "They don't just allow anyone to get training there."

Rufino shrugged. "Well, I'm a King's bastard and he sponsored me. That got me an exception."

"Looks like they made you cut all your hair off," Denzel said.

Rufino rubbed his nape. "Yeah, I can't really become a world-class chef when my hair is a meter-long, can I?"

"What happened earlier?" Astraea asked him.

"I've had difficulty setting up my own restaurant," Rufino said. "Despite my training I haven't been able to get the space I need. I petitioned the Crown for assistance but I was denied. I was told they "did enough for me" by sending me to Black Dragon Island. So I tried to start a food vendor stall. Not quite the restaurant I wanted but it was something. But I guess I didn't have the permit they wanted, so…" he sighed quietly.

"Come to the Old Capital, Rufino," Astraea told him. "You can open your restaurant there."

"The Old Capital? On the South Island? Where the rebels set up their base?"

"We're the rebels, Rufino," Vahan reminded him.

"Oh. Right." A look of deep conflict flooded his face. "I…I don't believe you committed treason, Princess. But the King—I owe him a debt. I-I never would have gotten the training I did without his influence."

"Yeah he helped you get the training," Denzel said. "But where is your restaurant? Where is your home?"

Rufino stammered, his breathing uneven. His hesitation said more than words.

"Rufino," Astraea said quietly. "Have you received your allowance recently?"

Something flickered in his eyes. "I-I…"

"Do you want to feel indebted to the man who committed the Massacre of Innocents?" Denzel asked. "Because that's the King. He did that. He killed those kids and tried to kill Astraea. And he thrusted this country into a war with another country he framed."

Rufino swallowed hard. He looked at Astraea. "I…heard rumors," he said quietly. "But the King, he—he really tried to kill you?"

Astraea nodded. "I heard it with my own ears, Rufino. That's why I'm trying to stop him."

"This is terrible. This is…" Rufino pressed a hand over his eyes. "…I'm his first bastard," he whispered. "Only Prince Brendan is older than me. I have been hated more than the others. I know it. My mother, she—she took her own life from the shame. I have been on my own since I was fourteen. I-I thought—I thought I should be grateful for what little I had been given. When the King sponsored me I saw it as a blessing. But he—he was trying to get rid of me, wasn't he? Not through bloodshed, but an indirect banishment."

Astraea's chest tightened. She stroked his arm comfortingly. "I'm so sorry, Rufino."

"Come with us," Vahan said. "You can have your restaurant at the Old Capital. And our half-siblings are there, too. Kerime, Janna—"

"Wenke, Gopal—" Denzel continued.

"Erment and Conall," Astraea finished. "You won't be alone, Rufino. We're all there, and we'll be happy to have you with us. Our big brother. Our family."

Tears glistened in Rufino's eyes. He choked on a laugh and wiped his eyes. "Thank you, Princess. A family with my half-siblings…that doesn't sound half-bad."

"Good!" Denzel cheered, throwing an arm around Rufino's shoulders. "Now hurry up and get started! We've sorely needed good food!"

Sasarai glanced at Viki. "This…feels like a family affair."

"It reminds me of something," Viki said. But then her face twisted in confusion. "But I don't remember what."

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Yasmine said, folding her hands in her lap. "I haven't even caught a cold in a long time."

Dr. Louyse's mouth quirked a little. Not quite a smile. "That's good to hear. Especially if what I've heard is true."

"What have you heard?" Yasmine asked her.

"That His Highness will be leading a war campaign against his siblings. Which means you will be going into battle as well." Dr. Louyse stood up and scribbled notes onto her clipboard. She glanced up briefly. "And I heard that if he succeeds, the penalties against His Highness will be lifted."

Yasmine nodded. "It was publicly promised to him."

Dr. Louyse turned to her desk, setting her clipboard down. "Am I okay?!" Yasmine blurted out.

Dr. Louyse glanced at her over her shoulder. "Am I okay?" Yasmine asked more calmly.

Dr. Louyse gave a real smile then. "If you weren't I would tell you so, Yasmine. The healing spells you received were strong. Your body is fine."

Yasmine exhaled sharply and nodded. "Thank you, Doctor."

When Yasmine returned to Eisenblütig, she found Brendan in the middle of a meeting with several Royal Army lieutenants in one of the castle's council chambers. He looked up when she entered and he straightened. "We'll take a recess and meet again later," he announced.

Yasmine stood at the opposite end of the long table as the lieutenants filed out. She waited to speak until the door closed behind them and they were left along. I'm sorry I was gone for so long, Your Highness."

"Sir Albert ordered you to get a physical," Brendan said, shuffling through his papers. "That's not exactly an order you can ignore, Yasmine. How did it go?"

"I'm fine," Yasmine said. She approached him. "Dr. Louyse cleared me to fight."

"Good. I don't want anyone else fighting at my side." He paused to take a hard gulp of wine. He was avoiding her gaze.

"I'm okay," Yasmine said.

Brendan paused and finally glanced at her. "The doctor told me so," Yasmine said, her tone low. "She said…the healing spells were strong, and that my body is fine. So…"

"…So?" Brendan said.

Yasmine moved closer. "So you can stop blaming yourself once and for all, Your Highness."

Brendan looked away, and set the papers down. After a moment he braced his hands against the table. When he spoke again, his tone was quiet. "I will never stop blaming myself. Even if you absolve me…it will never change."

Yasmine swallowed thickly. She slid her arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. His face turned into her neck as she stroked his hair. She closed her eyes. "I'm putting too much on you. You have to march against your siblings. And now my own burdens…"

He didn't embrace her back, but she felt his shaky breathing against her skin. The walls were crumbling; she could sense it. It made her heart pound. "Tell me what to do," Yasmine said, resting her head against his. "Please…tell me how I can help you, Brendan."

"Don't leave me." The answer was quick. "I've lost my mother, my siblings, my—" he shook his head. "Stay with me. That's how you can help me."

Yasmine nodded. "So be it."

The abrupt knock on the council room door broke the moment. Brendan pulled away from her and straightened, his expression hardened once more. "What is it?!" he called out, not bothering to hide the irritation from his voice.

The doors opened and Taiwo Winn breeze into the room. He was wearing his usual peculiar smile. His eyes shifted between Brendan and Yasmine before looking at Brendan. "I hope I not interrupting, Your Highness," he said, his tone teasing. "But His Majesty the King is looking for you."

Brendan frowned. "And he sent you to get me?"

Taiwo shrugged. "Aren't you lucky?"

Now we have an Investigator! If there's anyone you want to see an investigation done for first, feel to leave their name in a comment.

Recruits: Biehn (84), Iolanthe (88), Valora (42), Ranai (43), Rufino (93), Eggie