Other Interested Parties
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of A New Crusade! First off, I'd like to remind everyone that the posting for this story is going to be a little slower than my others, so once again apologies in advance. Still, I hope you'll all find this chapter worth the wait even if it is just a setup chapter. Also, Pat reon has come out with a new feature recently that allows one to buy a post, so if you see something on my Pat reon that you're curious about but don't want to do the whole membership process, now you can buy a post for only $3 dollars! And to my helpful guest reviewer, the last chapter did indeed disappear for a bit which is an issue which has been going on with the site lately. Fortunately, it seems to correct itself after a day or two so just keep checking back until it loads properly. And with that all out of the way, on to the story!
Late Afternoon: Priestella
"Congratulations," Otto announced as they walked down the side street next to one of the many canals, "you've successfully survived your first major business transaction."
"I'll admit I was a little nervous," Emilia responded while examining the crystal she'd received, "you've both told me so many stories about merchants baiting and switching people, I'm still worried there might be a catch to all this."
"You told me you used to mine for crystals in order to sell to a local town," Ulric recalled, "if anyone is going to recognize a low-quality crystal it would be you."
"Betty would also be able to tell the difference, I suppose," the great spirit commented, "what you have there is genuine."
"It's good to have a second opinion," the silver-haired girl nodded before safely stowing the crystal away, "and thank you for all of your help, Ulric. We were lucky that songstress showed up when she did."
"I believe we would have closed the deal either way," the Crusader mused, "but if the Lord favors us saving a bit of coin, then far be it from me to argue. I do wonder, however, what oddity has brought about this belief that I contributed so much to those battles?"
"You're too humble for your own good sometimes, boss," Garfiel remarked while walking with his hands behind his head, "you might call it all-in-a-day's work but not everyone can pull off what you've pulled off. Even if you don't want to take full credit for defeatin' those mabeasts you still killed one of the scariest assassins out there, wiped out countless cultists, struck one of the final blows against a sin archbishop and even beat Roswaal himself at his own game. I don't know about you but there's something in there worth writin' a song about."
"When you put it that way, perhaps I'll get lucky and be mentioned in one of those sayings you like to bring up from time to time," Ulric quipped.
"Better work hard then, boss, I only quote the good ones," the half-beast boy chuckled which was shared by the rest of the group until Emilia accidentally bumped into a man with white hair who was also wearing a white robe-like outfit.
"Oh, I'm sorry sir," she apologized.
"No need to apologize," the man smiled lightly, "I wasn't watching where I was going. But then how could I when I found myself captivated by your beauty." This naturally caught Emilia by surprise.
"What was that," she asked in confusion.
"I was mesmerized by your lovely silver hair," the stranger reached out, intending to touch said hair. But before he could, Ulric's hand shot out and gripped his wrist with enough force to show that he wasn't playing.
"Good sir," he began, "I agree that her ladyship's beauty is astounding, but even were it not so I cannot permit a stranger to so casually lay his hand upon her."
"Ulric, are you sure that's not a bit much," the half-elf girl asked.
"You needn't worry," the man assured as the knight released his wrist, "he is merely dispensing his duty of keeping that which is precious safe for the time being. As it stands, my reasons for clinging to all of you now are shallow at best but I'm certain fate shall bring us back together again."
"Then I pray we meet under pleasant circumstances," Ulric nodded before lightly guiding Emilia away with the others following along after him. She glanced back one more time, a still confused look on her face as the stranger grew further and further away. "What troubles you, Lady Emilia?"
"I don't know," she mused, "I just feel like I've met that man somewhere before."
"I can only imagine what circumstances you might have met someone like that under," the knight mused, "regardless, I didn't like the look in his eyes."
"If that's the case, I might consider keeping an eye out," Otto spoke up, "anyway, I have some errands I need to run."
"So you're leaving us, Otto," Emilia tilted her head questioningly.
"Only for the time being," the merchant assured, "Since we came all this way to Priestella I'd like to make the best use of my time. I'll meet up with you all later."
"I wish you luck on your business endeavors," Ulric offered as the merchant gave them a final wave and headed off down another street. Once he was out of sight the group continued on towards the Inn. But it wouldn't be long before another possible issue cropped up.
"What the shit," Garfiel put his hand above his eyes like he was looking for something.
"Do we have another annoyance to deal with, I suppose," Beatrice questioned.
"I'm getting a big whiff of someone getting pissed off back at the Inn," the half-beast boy answered.
"I sometimes envy that sense of smell you and your sister possess," Ulric remarked, "being able to pick up on such things from so far away is truly a handy ability."
"It has its moments," Garfiel shrugged, "let's see if what I'm picking up is trouble or not." As he said this the Inn came into view and sure enough, a new arrival was at the entrance having something of a heated discussion with Joshua.
"Will you just get your master already," the stranger demanded, "if you don't quit being a smartass, I'm gonna snap!"
"I wouldn't even consider bringing my brother before a ruffian like you, much less my master," Joshua snapped back, "now please leave."
"How dare you talk to me like that you brat," the man growled, "I ought to kick your teeth in!" 'I know that voice,' Ulric realized as they saw the stranger was a man in a grey shirt with striped pants along with grey hair that possessed pink highlights.
"That's enough!" Emilia barked, snapping the knight out of his thoughts.
"Lady Emilia," Julius's younger brother finally realized they were there, "welcome back."
"What's going on here," she asked, "whatever it is there's no reason it can't be handled calmly."
"I'll tell you what's going on here," the young man pointed at Joshua, "this guy's on a power trip and not letting me inside-."
"Because even after getting cleaned up you still look like a ruffian," Ulric interrupted as he stepped forward, "but a better question is how a criminal such as yourself wound up all the way out here? After all, the last time we met you were attempting to harass Lady Priscilla."
"You know him, Ulric," Emilia questioned while looking between the two of them.
"We encountered each other back in the capital," he informed, "this man and two other friends of his unwisely attempted to rob Lady Priscilla while I was nearby. As you can imagine it didn't end well for them. But that brings us back to the original question: how and why are you here?"
"'This man'," he repeated, "I have a name you know, it's Rachins!"
"Very well, robber Rochin, why are you here," Ulric quipped.
"Now you're just trying to piss me off," Rachins growled.
"It would be best if you simply answered the question, I suppose," Beatrice spoke up, "what business does an unimpressive individual like you have at this Inn?"
"Who cares at this point," Garfiel brought his fist to his hand, "just let me take care of this al-." He stiffened suddenly and whirled around. The look of concern on his face was enough to make everyone else turn as well.
"There you are," Reinhard approached, "I wondered why you weren't back yet, Rachins. I hope you aren't causing trouble." Garfiel snarled before transforming his right arm into a giant tiger fist and charging the red-haired man.
"Garfiel no!" Ulric yelled but not before he reached his target. Fortunately, Reinhard again lived up to his legend by stopping the half-beast man's enlarged fist with his hand, causing him to gasp in surprise.
"Sir Ulric," he greeted, his demeanor unchanged despite having just stopped an attack, "it's been quite a while, hasn't it? I've heard the rumors swirling around lately so I'm happy to see that you appear to be doing well. Actually, since I haven't seen you in about a year there's much I'd like for us to discuss. But before we do that, would you mind calling off your friend here, if you do know him that is."
"Of course, Garfiel, that's enough," the Crusader called, "this man is none other than Reinhard Van Astrea, a good friend of ours. He means us no harm so stand down." This seemed to be enough to get the half-beast boy to back down as he returned his arm to its normal state.
"It's as he says," the swordsman nodded, "I am Reinhard Van Astrea. Would you be so kind as to tell me your name?"
"My name's Garfiel Tinsel," he introduced.
"So you're the one known as Lady Emilia's shield," Reinhard recalled, "it's a pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand but Garfiel backed away slightly.
"What, what the," the blond man seemed like he didn't know what to do.
"I'm sorry if I offended you," Reinhard apologized, "I'll try to be more careful in the future."
"No, I'm the one who should be apologizing for this gross misunderstanding," Emilia stepped forward, "are you alright?"
"I am quite well, yes," the red-haired man assured, "and I couldn't be happier to see you again, Lady Emilia."
"Know that if you kiss her ladyship's hand, I shall kiss Lady Felt's," Ulric warned humorously.
"That would be an amusing sight," Reinhard agreed.
"I've heard about what Felt's been up to," the half-elf girl recalled, "it sounds like she's been incredibly busy recently."
"She has indeed," the red-haired man confirmed, "but her achievements are nowhere near as magnificent as yours. Speaking of achievements, Ulric, when you have the time, I'd like to hear all about how you conquered the White Whale. I actually have something of a connection to that mabeast, myself."
"I shouldn't be surprised considering your own grandfather was after the beast," the knight crossed his arms, "but first, would you be so kind as to explain how you know Rachins here?"
"Yes, I imagine you'd find that surprising," the swordsman admitted, "Rachins is working for Lady Felt at the moment. Speaking of, Rachins, please have Lady Felt return to the Inn. I'll explain everything soon."
"Alright, alright," the apparently former criminal shrugged before moving to leave.
"Remember, if anything happens just send up a signal and I'll be there in seconds," Reinhard reminded.
"The scary part is, I can tell you're not joking," Rachins sighed before walking off. With that odd encounter out of the way the group proceeded back inside where Joshua led them to a new room. The whole time Garfiel was unusually quiet, no doubt thinking about his encounter with Reinhard. 'It's best he learns now that there's always someone stronger,' Ulric glanced back before they arrived at their destination.
"Please," Joshua requested, "wait in here until Lady Anastasia arrives." He slid open the double doors then to reveal that the room was already occupied by two other individuals.
"Oh, hey Ulric!" Felix greeted, currently dressed in his usual feminine blue outfit.
"It's been a while," Crusch also greeted, currently wearing a long-sleeved casual dress.
"Lady Crusch, Sir Felix," Ulric bowed politely, "a pleasure to see you both in good health." He turned to the side to see another familiar figure, "and you as well, Sir Wilhelm."
"Indeed, it's been too long," the aged swordsman agreed.
"Hello grandfather," Reinhard greeted with an oddly formal tone.
"Ah, you're here as well, Reinhard," the older swordsman noted. There was some obvious tension in the air that was, thankfully, broken by the arrival of Anastasia Hoshin who quickly directed them all to their seats.
"I must admit, I didn't expect Lady Hoshin to have you all here at the same time as us," the Crusader began.
"We weren't expecting it, either," Crusch admitted, "it's quite the pleasant coincidence."
"Alas this is no coincidence," Ulric shifted his gaze to their host, "you have a purpose for gathering both of our parties here at this time, don't you, Lady Hoshin?"
"Is it so hard to believe that I genuinely just want to spend some time together and talk with all of you," she asked innocently, "I even made sure not to invite the usual suspects who don't like to listen."
"So that's why Lady Priscilla is not among us," Reinhard noted.
"It's not like I didn't try to invite her for a separate meeting," Anastasia shrugged cutely, "she just sort of does her own thing and I couldn't really find any excuse good enough to invite her. Though I have been getting along pretty well with Felt lately."
"What do you mean by an excuse," Emilia tilted her head in wonder.
"Usually if I'm going to invite someone, I prefer to do it when I have a gift they might like," the purple-haired girl clarified.
"If that's the case then why have us all in the same room together," Ulric questioned, "you gave us our gift in private. Why not do the same for the others?"
"I believe it is because what she offers also concerns you," Crusch spoke up, "you see, the reason Felix and I came all this way was in order to obtain information Lady Hoshin claims to have concerning the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony." The air grew heavy with mana as Ulric suddenly gripped the table hard enough to crack it.
"It's not like I was trying to be mean-," Anastasia began.
"Be silent," the knight spoke firmly while shooting her a glare. Then, after another moment, the pressure disappeared as he let out a sigh and released the table. "My apologies, I lost my composure for a moment."
"She's telling the truth," Crusch explained, "you're right that this ordinarily would've been a matter we discussed in private, but I thought you deserved to know since you and your friends have also been affected by Gluttony."
"And of course, Lady Hoshin could not pass up the opportunity to see who'd pay more for the information, correct, Julius?" Ulric glanced at the knight.
"Ordinarily that'd be the case," the purple-haired knight confirmed, "but in this instance I don't believe it'll come to that."
"I'm more than willing to share the information I gain today with you," the green-haired woman revealed, "I do admit that it is mainly my desire to regain my own memories that I wish to find Gluttony, however, it would be wrong of me to not acknowledge your desire to help Rem. And it would be more productive to have as many people as possible focused on the same goal."
"It would not be the first time our interests aligned," Ulric agreed while crossing his arms, "likewise, it would be equally wrong of me to not acknowledge your reasons for finding the sin archbishop. As always, God above has provided a path forward in an unexpected way and now all that's necessary is to follow that path."
"Agreed," Crusch smiled, "whoever's blade reaches him first, there won't be any hard feelings, and it will accomplish the goal for both of us. That being said, I still think we'll reach him first."
"It seems even Gluttony could not take away that confidence of yours," the Crusader smirked, "I look forward to our mutual hunt." Any further conversation was interrupted by the door sliding open to reveal the fourth of the royal candidates, Felt.
"I hope for your sake you didn't start without me," she crossed her arms and walked into the room, "it's surprising to see how little has changed after a whole year, but I guess I could say the same for me, too."
"Lady Felt," Reinhard looked bewildered for some reason, "I thought I had prepared clothing appropriate for you to wear outside? Why aren't you wearing it?"
"Like I'm going to go along with your idea of appropriate clothing," Felt crossed her arms, "sightseeing was just an excuse for me to get out and buy new clothing." She gave a smug smile, clearly proud of herself. As for her selection, it wasn't so different from what she usually wore. She now wore a black long-sleeved shirt which was cut off at the midriff and covered with a brown vest.
Likewise, she possessed black stockings beneath her brown shorts. A long blue scarf now adorned her neck as opposed to the red one she used to wear. Completing this outfit was a black bow that tied back her hair. "I truly can't believe you sometimes," Reinhard sighed.
Felt simply shrugged this off before moving to the front of the room and grabbing her scarf, imitating a traditional curtsy as if she was wearing a dress. "Thank you for inviting me today," she began, "it's a pleasure to be here. As fellow candidates in the Royal Selection I hope that we're able to have a productive discussion." It was something of a departure from her usual behavior, enough to get a few people to hum in amazement, but not for long. "And that's enough of that, let me in on this too!"
She more plopped than sat down at the table next to Reinhard. "This is such a weird town, isn't it, even this building is a little odd. I'm not used to all this so the experience is wearing me out."
"Well I suppose I'll never be a match for you, Felt," Anastasia remarked good-naturedly, "anyway, I'm really happy to hear you're finding everything in the city new and different."
A Short Time Later
The thing about new and different was that it occasionally took people by surprise. Case in point, the current awkward situation. "So you've really never seen one of these massage chairs before," Emilia asked while Ulric rubbed his head in embarrassment.
"The only specially made chairs I've ever seen were all designed for torture," the knight recalled, "even the most extravagant chairs of the royals and nobles didn't start moving when one sat down."
"Still, perhaps it's time you surrendered your daggers as well, I suppose," Beatrice mused, "I doubt our host will be willing to pay for every mishap that may befall us during this trip." What they were commenting on was the fact that a couple minutes ago Ulric had sat down in a chair with some odd arms sticking out of the front near the head. When the Crusader had sat down, he must've triggered something because said arms started moving and lightly beating on him. Having had too many experiences in this world were something odd had killed him, Ulric instinctively leapt out of the chair, drew his dagger and sliced off a good chunk of the chair with a diagonal cut.
While this did succeed in stopping the arms on the chair from moving, it was also about this time that Emilia and Beatrice showed up and explained to him that the chair was supposed to do that. It was apparently meant to help the one in the chair relax. "I personally fail to see how being beat on by circular hands is supposed to help anyone relax," the knight remarked, "but I will certainly apologize to our hosts and to those who own this Inn."
"That would be a good idea," Emilia agreed.
"Hey boss," Garfiel came up suddenly, "mind if I step outside for a bit? I need some air."
"If her ladyship approves it, I don't see why not," Ulric responded.
"I don't see a problem with it, but I do have to ask, is something bothering you?" The half-elf girl questioned.
"I'm strong, but now I know I'm not the strongest," Garfiel growled a little.
"If you're upset about what happened earlier with Sir Reinhard you should know there's no need to be," the Crusader assured, "you possess an enormous amount of strength already."
"But just being strong isn't enough," the half-beast boy turned to go, "I have to be stronger than I was back then." He marched off down the hallway then, still growling somewhat.
"Do you think he'll be alright by himself," Emilia asked.
"His pride's a little wounded, I suppose," Beatrice pointed out, "now that he's finally out of that village where he was the strongest, I imagine it came as quite a shock to him to see just how large the world can really be. He should be fine after a bit, I suppose, so in the meantime, what do you think of these outfits?" She was referring to the fact that they were now all wearing blue robes apparently known as 'yukatas'. They also came with a darker blue type of thin outer coat known as a 'haori'.
"They're quite loose-fitting," the knight mused while examining his own, "such outfits seem like they only belong in warmer climates. I have to wonder what sort of place Kararagi is to produce such clothing."
"I think it suits Betty," she held up her arms, "it's not so bad being something other than the usual Betty from time to time, I suppose."
"Hey, are you guys ready yet," Felt suddenly called as she and the others, minus Anastasia, came walking down the other hall, "we just finished up in the bath."
"I thought I was ready for that odd contraption," Ulric admitted, "we'll simply have to see. What is it we're doing next?"
That Night
Dinner turned out to be another unexpected surprise. Ulric had sampled various kinds of fish in his life but never had he seen anything like the 'sushi' and 'sashimi' dishes which had been served. Apparently, fish and rice were quite popular in Kararagi as well as several types of seasoning that the knight was unfamiliar with. 'I have a much clearer picture now as to why so many merchants desired to get their hands on Eastern seasonings,' he mused while walking along the outside porch.
To be more specific, he was walking around the perimeter of the outdoor garden area which sat more or less in the middle of the Inn. For whatever reason the soil in the garden had been plowed in the shape of intricate lines, giving it a more artistic appearance. 'That being said, I'm glad I avoided whatever that 'wasabi' substance was that gave Beatrice's nose such a hard time.' Indeed, the great spirit had tried some of the green flavoring agent and found it to be beyond spicy, and while Ulric could handle his spice to a degree he'd just as soon test his tolerance to it another time.
Currently, most everyone else had gone to bed now that dinner was done, but the Crusader had found he wasn't sleepy just yet even despite the size of the meal they'd had. Funnily enough, it seemed he wasn't the only one experiencing this predicament. "Sir Ulric, good evening," Wilhelm greeted as the knight approached, "are you having trouble sleeping as well?"
"I don't know if I'd call it trouble," he stopped next to the old swordsman and looked up at the moon, "I think it might be the surprisingly fresh night air that's keeping me up. Hard to sleep when you want to be out experiencing one of the Lord's many marvels."
"Are you sure it's not because you miss a now familiar warmth by your side at night," the old swordsman remarked.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want Rem to be here right now," Ulric admitted, "this is a beautiful city containing many wondrous sights, sounds, and experiences. Forgive me if I'm prying, but did you happen to bring Theresia here once upon a time?"
"We ventured here once," Wilhelm recalled, "to my shame I lacked the capability to fully appreciate it at the time. There were many things I was unable to appreciate before Theresia came into my life. Would you care to lend an ear to the ramblings of an old man for a moment?"
"By all means," the Crusader gestured for him to continue.
"There was a time when I was far less articulate than I am now," the swordsman began, "In fact when I was your age, I hardly spoke at all. The sword was all that mattered to me during that time. Everything I felt before picking up a sword and everything I've felt after picking one up including the thoughts I had while swinging it all defined me as a person. It was my wife who showed me the painfully obvious truth that I had nothing else to define me but the sword. Ever since then whenever I swing a sword, I think of her."
"I can understand such sentiment," Ulric nodded with his arms crossed, "the sword was all you were before you met your wife, but it was ironically the thing that you two had in common. Likewise, being a knight has defined who I am and many of the actions I've taken since coming to this land. It is what brought Rem and I together but also what's responsible for keeping us apart now."
"It is interesting what we become in the course of our duties," Wilhelm agreed, "my wife was the powerful sword maiden during a time of war but when peace reigned throughout the land, she was an ordinary woman who loved the many flowers of the field. Take heed, young knight, the heroes who write their names in the annals of history are not playing the role of heroes every moment of their lives."
"Sagely advice," the Crusader acknowledged, "but I am hardly worthy of being called a hero."
"You truly don't know, do you," the old man gave him an amused smile, "your name has spread further than you can imagine. Though you may refuse to take full credit for your victories, the ability to gather others together under a single banner to fight for a common cause is no small feat. I may have struck the final blow on the White Whale, but you, Sir Ulric, created that opportunity for me."
"It was a hasty plan thought up by a simple knight with a prayer," Ulric pointed out, "'tis God's grace we have to thank for victory that day."
"Well, I happen to like that simple knight who relies on prayer and divine providence," Wilhelm again looked at the moon, "it is thanks to him that I finally got to tell my wife that I loved her." He suddenly seemed to remember something then. "There is one oddity I still wonder when I speak to you."
"And what oddity would that be," the knight inquired.
"I am able to speak with you so easily," the old swordsman mused, "yet I cannot speak the same way with my grandson."
"You and I have different history," Ulric pointed out, "I may be assuming a little, but I imagine something happened between the two of you at some point that's driven a wedge between you."
"That something would be my own actions," Wilhelm admitted, "I have only three regrets in my life that I can make no excuses for, and one of them is the actions I took that day which led to this rift between my grandson and I. For the last several years I've turned my eyes from that regret in order to seek revenge and now that I have obtained it, all I want is to close the rift between us that my foolishness caused so long ago."
"And yet you have not done so," Ulric observed, "does the shame of that time sap you of your courage?"
"It does," the old swordsman revealed, "and that is a shame all its own." The Crusader pondered the matter for a moment.
"I spoke with Reinhard earlier today," he recalled, "your grandson revealed to me that he too had a connection to the White Whale, no doubt that connection being Lady Theresia. He seemed excited to hear about our battle against it and I'm more than willing to tell him my part. However, perhaps it would be even better if he heard it from you. After all, the Reinhard I know isn't one to hold a grudge and I believe he would also want to close the rift between you two."
"Yes, I imagine that he would enjoy such a topic," Wilhelm admitted before looking up at the moon once more, "in the end it seems I am still no match for you in certain matters, Sir Ulric."
"I simply deal with many eccentrics these days," Ulric snorted, "try it some time, you'll be amazed what you can handle afterwards." Both knights shared a laugh at this. The sun would rise on the next day after that and bring with it both promise, and terror.
And you've no doubt guessed it already, things start to heat up next chapter and with luck, you-know-who is going to appear! One thing's for sure, I'm certainly going to do my best to reward everyone's patience with the slow posting speed of this story, so in the meantime feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters! Also, swing by my Pat reon and take at look at the news and other exclusives! Last thing, stop in next time as both the Inn and Priestella itself get some unexpected, and unwelcome, visitors. 'Til then!