The Songstress Maniac
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of A New Crusade! First off, apologies for the long wait on this one as I was finishing up the last couple chapters of Hailstorm Vol. 2 and I've only been able to work on this story sporadically due to my other works and commissions. And speaking of works, Pat reon has just come out with a new feature that allows you to buy posts! This means you don't have to become a member to see what I've got going on and instead you can look at my posts for the low price of $3 dollars! This means if you can't do the whole monthly pay thing or just want to look at a specific post, now you can. Now then I've kept you all waiting long enough and with no guest review questions this week, on to the story!
Daytime: The Watergate City of Priestella
According to Emilia, the city of Priestella was one of the largest cities in Lugnica and sat right on the border with the city-state of Kararagi. It got its title, 'The Watergate City', due to being built on a giant lake which required the construction of enormous walls with flood gates designed to filter the amount of water in the city when it rained. This naturally prevented flooding but the massive amount of water already present meant that instead of streets, the city possessed canals. Ulric remarked that such a large and beautiful city was very reminiscent of a city back in his world, the city of Venice.
Naturally Emilia had no idea what Venice was but further explained that the city had originally been built as a trap to contain something or someone. Having had a tea party with multiple powerful witches and battling giant ferocious mabeasts it came as little surprise to the knight that such drastic measures would prove necessary. Still, this fact did not take away from the beauty of the city as they approached it. Priestella could be entered through one of four long stone bridges, each one situated at a different cardinal direction around the city.
"Hmm," the knight noted a slight peculiarity as they approached the towering iron door that served as one of the entrances. The group was hardly alone on the large bridge as merchants, citizens, and people from all over appeared to travel through here. This was most evident by the fact that a practical convoy of wagons was lined up at the gate and their carriage was one of many in that line.
"Is there a problem, I suppose," Beatrice asked while sitting next to Ulric.
"Security seems tight is all," he noted while seeing some guards patting down people from one of the wagons, "is there something going on?"
"People have tried to make trouble here before," Otto informed while poking his head slightly out of the window behind the driver's seat, "because so many high-class names pass through this place it's not uncommon for the occasional assassination attempt or scuffle to take place."
"So, we have more than just Anastasia to worry about," Ulric scratched his chin, "I am already fearing this will turn into more than just a tense negotiation." Fortunately, the possible extra trouble they could run into wasn't at the gate and the group passed through security with little issue once they knew of Emilia's royal candidate status. From there they finally ventured into the city. And it was even more beautiful up close. It turned out the aforementioned canals were, in fact, accompanied on either side by large walkways that served to allow carriage traffic through.
This meant one could walk, ride, or boat to get around the city, though the optimal way to get most places was by boat. There were even boats pulled by a special type of dragon known as water dragons. Naturally Spiegel was not fond of the occasional one pulling up alongside them but a quick tug on the reins or a word of warning was enough to get him to calm down. It took some time after that for the travelers to navigate the massive maze that was the city but eventually they pulled up to an odd building which had slanted roofs and a wall around it with similar covering.
"The Water Raiment," Emilia read the sign at the entrance, "this building looks really strange somehow."
"Indeed," the Crusader nodded in agreement, "I have never seen such an aesthetic before."
"Surprised," a familiar voice called as the front door was slid open to reveal Anastasia Hoshin herself in her signature white-furred dress and hat, "I reckon I picked the right place then."
"Coming to greet us personally, Lady Hoshin," Ulric observed, "to what do we owe such an honor?"
"No need to be defensive," she assured, "it's only natural a host would come to greet her guests personally. And now that you've arrived, I can officially welcome you to Priestella."
"Thank you all for coming," the purple-haired knight, Julius walked into view.
"Julius, long time no see," Emilia greeted with a friendly smile.
"Yes, it has been too long since we've last spoken," he bowed politely, "and you as well, Sir Ulric, how have you been faring?"
"We had a few days of ridiculous events happening after our return to the Mathers domain," the Crusader revealed, "but after resolving those events this past year has been the most peaceful I've experienced since coming to this land."
"Perhaps you'll be able to regal us with a tale or two," the spirit knight suggested.
"It would certainly be more than a fair trade for the hospitality you've shown us thus far," Ulric nodded before a thought occurred to him, "but where are my manners, I nearly forgot something important." He reached out and took Anastasia's hand before kissing the back of it.
"Oh," the royal candidate giggled, "feeling bold today, are ya?"
"Merely following your knight's example," Ulric assured with his hands clasped behind his back, "after all he kissed the hand of my lady during our first meeting."
"I'm honored that you consider my example worth following," Julius smiled, "as knights we should both strive to have at least decent manners."
"If I might interrupt," Otto stepped forward with Beatrice, "I believe we should-." The purple-haired knight's eyes widened suddenly the moment his gaze landed on the duo.
"You're," the look of surprise on his face made everyone pause.
"Oh," the merchant went to remove his hat, "I'm-." But the knight ignored him as he moved and knelt in front of Beatrice.
"Apologies for my rudeness," Julius bowed, "I wasn't aware such an esteemed great spirit as yourself would be accompanying this party into the city today." Beatrice simply turned her head to the side somewhat haughtily.
"Now there's no need for that," Ulric put a hand on the short girl's head, "this fair spirit is known as Beatrice. Based on what your brother told us I believe it's known that I have a contract with her?"
"As a spirit knight you're undoubtedly aware that I'd naturally accompany my partner, I suppose," Beatrice spoke up, "but I will commend you for recognizing that I am of an entirely different rank, status, and cuteness than those other spirits you like to keep around. Your neglect, however, can be forgiven with offerings of tea and pastries."
"As you command, Great Spirit Beatrice," Julius smiled in amusement.
"I imagine that's about as professional as you're going to be," the Crusader shook his own head in amusement. This scene also got a laugh out of both Emilia and Anastasia. Further conversation, however, would be interrupted by the sound of pattering feet quickly making its way towards them.
"Garf, you're here!" Mimi came bounding towards the door, "why didn't my lady tell me you'd arrived!" She leapt out of the door and latched onto a surprised Garfiel's waist. "It's so good to see you! Come on, let's go explore the Inn!"
"Wait, now just hold on," the beast man tried to protest but was pulled along by the demi-human girl's surprisingly firm grip on his wrist. "Wow you're strong!" The duo disappeared into the Inn and everyone sweat-dropped a bit at the scene which had just transpired.
"It would appear that the time has come for us to go inside," Ulric sighed before noticing a glum looking Otto. 'It also appears he's more disappointed that he didn't get to introduce himself than I thought,' the knight mused. But it was something they'd need to address later. For now, the two groups proceeded indoors where several of them continued to feel both awe and confusion at the oriental Inn.
"This place is certainly different," Emilia observed as they all took their footwear off, "we don't wear our shoes indoors and these tables, they're so low to the ground." Indeed, the flooring was made of a type of woody or grass-like material Ulric wasn't familiar with and instead of chairs they had pillows they all sat on, meaning they were basically sitting on the ground.
"This Inn was modeled after the traditional Kararagi style known as Wafu," Anastasia explained as she and Julius sat at a row of tables across from them.
"It is certainly unique," Ulric admitted, "did you pick this Inn because it reminded you of home?"
"I think it would be good for you to know a bit of the history of Kararagi first before asking that question," Otto spoke up, "I don't know if you've read up on the country's establishment, but one of the great men who founded the country was Hoshin, or as he's commonly known these days: Hoshin of the Wilderness. Four hundred years ago he brought about a number of revolutionary ideas and innovative creations that helped the country prosper and grow into what it is today."
"Ah, so a place like this would indeed hold much significance to Lady Hoshin," the knight nodded in understanding before one of the far doors slid open to reveal a kneeling Joshua.
"Lady Anastasia," he bowed slightly, "I'm here to inform you that preparations are complete."
"Thank you for letting me know, Joshua," she smiled before turning back to everyone else, "shall we get to the topic you've all been waiting for now?"
"Yes, we came here to discuss business, after all," Emilia nodded, signaling for the lady merchant to go ahead.
"The magic crystal you seek is currently in the possession of the heir to the biggest trade company in all of Priestella," Anastasia leaned forward with her fingers laced together conspiratorially, "Joshua has arranged a dragon-drawn boat to take all of you to the Muse Company."
"So he's the one you were referring to in the message you gave Joshua," Otto realized.
"Yep," Hoshin nodded, "he happens to be a gifted businessman himself. But in this city, he's known by a far more poetic name: The man whose heart was stolen by the songstress. In short, the Songstress Maniac."
"That is quite fascinating," the Crusader admitted, "but tell me, what is it you gain from all this generosity towards us?"
"Now let's not spoil the mood with talk like that," Anastasia giggled mischievously, "right now your real concern will be convincing the man to give you the crystal. Good luck."
A Short Time Later: Along the Canals
As promised, they were provided with a boat which was being pulled by a teal-colored water dragon. The vessel itself was white with yellow lining along with three triangular poles, one in the front and two on the back. It was large enough to accommodate all of them and the driving was being handled by one of Priestella's many ferrymen, leaving the group to converse amongst themselves about what their next move would be. Though that didn't deter the surprisingly happy mood of one of them. "I've never ridden a boat over water like this before," Emilia revealed happily, "I know it might sound strange but I'm actually really excited!"
"It is certainly a way of travel I'm not accustomed to," Ulric acknowledged, "though there is an oddity I've noticed about the canals. How is the water able to flow one direction here but another direction in a different canal?"
"Oh, I know why," the half-elf girl answered as she pointed to a large stone tower that looked like it should be a part of a castle, "that's the central control tower for all the water in the city. It's a very complex metia that uses water magic stones to control the water flow."
"I can see how that would be useful for a city with more canals than streets," the knight nodded with his arms crossed.
"The water here is considered so important that you'll be severely penalized for polluting it in any way so please be careful," Otto added before turning to their half-beast companion, "that includes you, Garfiel, since you've been staring at the water the entire time we've been riding."
"It ain't like I'm scared of the water or anything like that," he growled back, "I just don't want to fall in and get my clothes wet, that's all."
"If that's all then you don't need to have a death grip on my cloak," the merchant pointed out, "if you keep it up, I think it's gonna tear." Emilia couldn't help but giggle at this.
"You're all acting like you've never seen water before," Beatrice remarked, "you should try to learn from the example of someone like Betty, I suppose."
"Water we've all certainly seen," Ulric reminded, "but most of us have not seen it directed in such a way. Perhaps it's not so impressive to a great spirit such as yourself."
"Betty has seen many things that would put these canals to shame, I suppose," she confirmed, "but those stories can wait for another time. I believe we are nearly there." This would indeed be the case as the dragon-drawn boat approached a large estate after another few minutes of floating down the canal. It was a sandstone-colored building with large white lining around it.
Ulric also noted odd balconies on the four-story building that were connected by ladders. The main entrance was a pair of wooden doors beneath a pointed stone roof. "How many people do you think live in a place like this," Garfiel mused aloud as they all stepped off the boat.
"If it's like other mansions I've been in then probably only a third of the space at best is being used," the Crusader decided to answer with his own assumptions.
"I doubt we'll be getting a guided tour today," Otto pointed out, "we are here on business, after all. Speaking of which, are you ready, Emilia?"
"Yes," she nodded after taking a steadying breath and putting on a determined face, "let's go get Puck's new magic crystal." Everyone else nodded before moving towards the door. Upon knocking a guard of sorts, in a white garb that more closely resembled a coat with an odd hood greeted them.
"Who might all of you be," he asked.
"Good day to you," the silver-haired girl stepped forward and bowed, "my name is Emilia. I have an appointment with Mr. Kiritaka Muse. Is he in right now?"
"One moment," the guard answered before retreating back into the residence. He reappeared a moment later and gestured for them to come inside. As expected, the interior was well-decorated with various paintings and large pots containing numerous different types of plants. The group was led into a medium-sized room which had a large rectangular wooden table in the center with several wooden chairs stationed around it.
The rest of the room was decorated with various other chairs, potted plants, and dressers lining the walls. But they paid little attention to such details and instead focused on the man in the room. He was standing on the other side of the table, his forehead covered by a mop of short brown hair. The man also wore a white business suit. Ulric took the lead this time and gave a slight bow.
"Good afternoon," he began, "do we have the pleasure of greeting Kiritaka Muse of the Muse Company today?"
"You do," he nodded in confirmation, "and the pleasure is all mine. Of the five royal candidates I have only met with Lady Hoshin thus far."
"Then allow me to introduce you," Ulric stepped aside and held a hand out to indicate the half elf girl, "this is Lady Emilia of the Mathers Domain and candidate for the position of 42nd ruler of Lugnica."
"Pleased to meet you," she bowed, "and thank you for seeing us. I'm aware that you are a busy man, so we'll try not to keep you."
"Down to business it is then," Kiritaka took a seat and indicated the chairs on the other side of the table. Emilia sat down in the centermost seat with Ulric on her lefthand side and Otto on her right. Garf stood behind them with his arms crossed alongside Beatrice. "First, tell me if these magic crystals meet your specifications?"
He gestured towards a cloth in the center of the table which contained eight crystals of varying shapes, colors and sizes. Emilia picked up one that resembled a blue prism, much like the one she used to possess before Puck left. With a keen eye she scrutinized the small object, no doubt drawing on her own experience of having a magic crystal. "Yes, these will definitely work," she stated after a moment before placing it back on the cloth.
"To my understanding these particular types of magic crystals are especially effective for containing spirits," the businessman noted.
"I don't believe it's any secret that Lady Emilia is a spirits arts user," Ulric pointed out, "if you suspect that we intend to use the crystal to summon a spirit then you are correct."
"Might I inquire as to which spirit you intend to summon," Kiritaka asked.
"We don't plan on summoning any kind of disaster bringing spirit if that's what you fear," Otto assured, "if you're familiar with our recent exploits then that should serve as proof enough."
"That was actually my next question," he turned to the Crusader, "you're really him, then? The foreign knight, Sir Ulric Arkwright the Mabeast Slayer?"
"Just Sir Ulric will do," the knight assured, "and while I did participate in a few events I-BAM!" Conversation stopped and both Ulric and Garfiel were on their feet in an instant as the door to the meeting room was suddenly flung open.
"Kiri! I'm back!" A young girl with tan skin and blond hair done up in two messy pigtails called. Her outfit also left little to the imagination with a brown top that covered her nonexistent chest and white baggy pants that ended in orange slippers. An orange cape was wrapped around her waist along with bandages on her wrists and a few tribal looking ornaments hanging around her neck. A stringed instrument was also hanging on her back.
"Liliana!" The surprised businessman completely lost his composure, "it's wonderful to see you but what are you doing?!"
"Just dropping by to tell you I'm back," the now named Liliana answered, "by the way, who are all these people?"
"They are important guests who had an appointment with me today," Kiritaka responded, still flustered at the situation, "surely I told you we were having company today?"
"Oh right," the girl spit out her tongue playfully while lightly rubbing her temple with her fist, "guess it slipped my mind. I did draw a good crowd with my songs today."
"Of course you did," the businessman clenched his fist, "no one else can match you in the art of song!"
"Um, pardon the interruption," Otto raised his hand hesitantly, "but, who might our new guest be?"
"Ah, where are my manners," Kiritaka got up and moved over towards Liliana before taking a knee and holding his hand out, "everyone, allow me to introduce Liliana Masquerade, the greatest songstress in all of Priestella and, dare I say, all of Lugnica!"
"So you're the songstress we've heard about," Emilia observed, "it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Emilia and this is Ulric, Otto, Beatrice, and Garfiel."
"It's nice to meet you, I suppose," Betty greeted, saying the most she had for the entire meeting. Naturally she'd found the whole transaction relatively boring even if it was about bringing back her beloved bubby, so she'd simply elected to only speak when she actually felt like it.
"Wait, did you say Ulric," Liliana approached, "as in Sir Ulric Arkwright?"
"That is my full name, yes," the knight confirmed with a nod.
"So she's the royal candidate, Emilia, then," the songstress further questioned.
"Yes, I'm that Emilia," the half-elf confirmed, not sure where the girl was going with all of these questions.
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Liliana cheered before moving up close to the Crusader, "the foreign knight who foiled an assassination attempt at the royal castle, the man who took down the white whale, the sin archbishop of Sloth, and even the Great Rabbit! Your exploits were so great that people have started calling you the Mabeast Slayer!"
"I can hardly take credit for the great mabeasts," Ulric waved dismissively, "I merely showed the other royal two candidates where it would be and aided in its destruction. The sin archbishop was routed thanks to a combined effort from our three factions and the Great Rabbit was destroyed through a combination of Lady Emilia, Rem, and Beatrice's magic, albeit with slight assistance."
"Still, everyone who's analyzed those battles says you were instrumental in their victories," the songstress declared, "some members of the Iron Fang are even claiming that the entire campaign against the whale would've been a disaster without you!"
"Again, I think they're just getting carried away," the knight rubbed the back of his head.
"Yeah, the boss is great," Garfiel smirked, "and he can tell you all about his prowess, but later. Right now, we got a deal we're tryin' to cut here."
"A deal, what deal?" Liliana looked at Kiritaka.
"These fine fellows heard I had a certain type of magic crystal in my possession," he explained, indicating said crystals on the table, "they've come to make an offer for it."
"How many magic crystals do they need?" The songstress tilted her head questioningly.
"We only need one," Emilia picked up the crystal she'd been examining earlier, "this one should do, though I was encouraged to acquire one extra, just in case."
"Oh, if that's all you should just give it to them, Kiri," Liliana shrugged.
"L-Liliana," the businessman sputtered, "I can't just give it to them, that's not how business works!"
"Well what do you need to get this meeting over with," she asked.
"Deciding whether or not to sell the crystal will determine when this meeting ends," Kiritaka pointed out.
"Then take a few gold coins and call it a sale if you have to," the songstress pointed at Ulric, "because the sooner you get this meeting closed the sooner I can ask him more questions!"
"What sort of questions would you have for me," Ulric raised an eyebrow.
"Oh I just want to ask you about this and that and everything!" The yellow-eyed girl spread her arms out wide, "and I want to know if all the rumors and stories I've been hearing are true! And once I hear about them, I'll want to sing about them and then I'll be able to write a heroic tale that will be sung for generations to come!"
"A flattering offer," the Crusader admitted, "but I feel it would hardly be appropriate for you to do so with our host present. Would such a thing be troublesome to you?"
"It would not be the most ideal of circumstances," Kiritaka admitted, "perhaps you recognize that I am a jealous man. But at the same time when my songstress is set on writing and composing a new melody I cannot deny how it makes my heart flutter. After all, it was her songs that brought me to her."
"And you can help me write some more, Kiri," she put her hands over her heart, "I know it might be asking a lot but just this once could you let something go for free or at a very discounted rate?" All eyes turned to the businessman as he held a hand to his chin in deep thought. The silence would stretch on for what felt like several minutes but would in reality only be about two minutes.
"If there's one thing I've come to treasure," Kiritaka began, "it is your wondrous music, Liliana. Far be it from me to prevent you from making more. Very well, let us bring this meeting to a close with a quick discussion about these crystals selling for a discounted price."
"I imagine you'd like a favor for giving us such a discount," Otto guessed.
"Consider it a prerequisite for the discount," the businessman nodded, "Sir Ulric Arkwright. In exchange for me granting this discount, you shall tell Liliana all your stories so that she may compose a song about your exploits."
"Consider it done," he nodded in understanding, "so tell me, what would you like to know first?" Their discussion would wind up taking several hours as the songstress was boundlessly curious and hungry for every little detail. For the first time in a while Ulric recounted every last one of his exploits, finding there were some events he could hardly believe he'd been a part of. By the time they departed the sun was much lower and their load was one magic crystal heavier. They would come to call this the easiest part of their visit to Priestella.
And so our hero's time in Priestella has begun! Now I know I don't have to tell you that it's gonna be something of a slow start but with luck it won't take too long to get into the action of this arc. What, unfortunately, will take a bit of time is getting these chapters out as I'm working on this story intermittently after working on my other commissions, so I'm afraid I can't promise a fast release time right now. Still, I do hope you'll enjoy it when I do get a chapter out 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! And stop by my Pat reon and see about buying a post to catch up on news and other cool tidbits. Last thing, stop in next time as our heroes find out they weren't the only ones Anastasia invited to Priestella! 'Til then.