Chapter 71: Knowledge is Power

So basically youre telling me that you went together to the temple since Nisha wanted to visit a priest she knows for her sickness and you offered to accompany her after returning from that engagement with your classmates, Henry?

Raising his eyebrows to emphasize his doubtful tone, Luthais didnt take his accusing eyes off his children for a second while Galan was serving the dinner.

The young boy squirmed slightly in his seat, visibly uncomfortable. On the other side, Nisha wasnt even remotely fazed. Due to her unique origins, she had had to learn lying, Eldrin and the maid sisters had drilled it into her over and over again until she could lie about having stolen sweets while still chewing on them.

Indeed, father. I am very thankful to Henry for helping me get to the temple; the priest prepared me a tea with strong healing potions; good thing, otherwise I might have been unable to attend dinner.

Refusing to be seen through, the dragon did not avoid the half elfs gaze. But she didnt call Luthais father very often, as their relationship was still somewhat undefined, and choosing to do so at that very moment sounded suspicious.

Very well. Make sure to rest after eating then, I hope you wont fall sick again. Maybe you should take tomorrow off too, the current session in court is just a tiresome affair of two barons arguing on a petty matter, I think both claim ownership of a particularly profitable business in between their towns, at least thats what I understood of the argument. Going by how loud they scream, I couldnt quite make it out.

I fear the howling contest might resume tomorrow since the matter wasnt concluded this time.

Henry, would that arrangement suit your liking?

Seeing his child nod, the half elf continued.

It is decided then. Ill excuse you both to the King in case your absence draws any attention. In case you are feeling better, do at your leisure, make a trip in the city if thats what you want.

Now, Galan, lets eat.

The atmosphere kept a strange air throughout the supper, delicate as expected of a noble family, yet somehow mischievous. Henry couldnt stay still, Nisha was focusing on her meal, deliberately ignoring Luthais inquisitive gaze, and the marshall spent his time shifting his glare from one youth to the other.

Wolfing down the contents of their respective plates as fast as possible, although good manners werent forgotten, they soon excused themselves and left for their room.

Dad knows!

Whispering to the elven girl, Henry discreetly looked over his shoulder, peering at his father, who was opening a bottle of wine; he had sat down with Galan, speaking inaudible words.

No way. How would he know? Just stick to the story.

Filled with suspicions on their way to their beds, the two siblings drifted to sleep worrying about Luthais intelligence services efficiency.

Pouring himself another glass of the crimson liquor, the half elf deeply sighed.

Galan, what do you think? What are they hiding?

Old friend, you worry too much. Kids are only kids. Let them have their secrets. Do you think theyd drink themselves senseless? Have you seen them stagger, did they have red eyes or stuttered?

They are far too good kids to take some Moon or anything similar.

Isnt it fine to let them do something together? Theyre growing closer to each other, getting used to the sibling that popped all of a sudden. Discovering that someone has the right to dispute their inheritance wouldnt sit well with most noble sprouts, I can imagine many hiring an assassin to get rid of the potential threat.

So what if they skip one or two court sessions? Henry has been attending those boring meetings since he was a little lad, and considering Nishas learning abilities, I think she will get the hang of it soon if she didnt get it already.

Baha, if someone told me you had gotten high on Moon when you were young, Id laugh in their face. Youve always been far too serious, even as a child, Luthais.

Dont worry about them, theyll turn out alright, like you. Ill keep an eye on them.

Taking sips after sips of his own wine, the old servant accompanied the half elf throughout the night; old men drinking their sorrows away.

The next day, two teens left the Dharnas estate first thing in the morning. Having gained the approval of their father, Henry and Nisha properly passed through the mansions regular portal, greeting the guard on duty.

After cleaning up the elven girls criminal record at the Guild on the previous day, they had inquired about Aubreys next shift.

Berti had been quite helpful on that matter, and fortunately the employee was scheduled to work on the following day. Therefore, the permission to skip court had been quite convenient.

Say, Nisha, why do the guards always salute you? Those arent even the same as yesterday, and they still bowed when you passed by. Are you bribing them or something?

What does he mean? Isnt it normal since Im a noble?

Huh? I dont know, I dont do anything special. I often have them open the smaller door, its too early to use the big one when I go to train with Hale. So I guess they recognize me?

Not that I remember anything else that might have earned me a special treatment from soldiers. I just talk to them while waiting for the gate to open. Nothing else.

Well, maybe its that. Or maybe they like you, youre such a cute girl.

Those small details soon disappeared from his mind, but Henry could only admit his defeat when he noticed Nisha calling one of the soldiers by his name. The young man would be hard pressed to recall more than the first names of the men working for their house, yet the young elf had effortlessly built a close relationship with the whole city guard.

He knew he couldnt have done the same thing, and it gave him a hint on what Nisha could become thanks to her newly-formed links to the army. A possibility of a fearsome beings future.

Seeing his sister hesitation in front of the Guild, Henry looked at her, his concern for her literally spilling out of his eyes. He knew how invested she was in this friendship. To help a mere counter girl, the former dragon had turned herself in and had been willing to accept both her punishment and her friends.

Everythings gonna be alright. You can do it. You just have to go in, find your friend and then go with the flow. Havent you already done the hardest part? The Guild closed the case, the baron wont bother you anymore. You know, I can guess that you feel scared because of the unknown. You cant predict what exactly is going to happen. I guarantee itll be fine. Go.

Urging her, giving her the slight push she needed, Henry managed to have Nisha enter the building with him.

Timidly examining the counters to spot a familiar face, the little girl was slightly lost. Other adventurers were pushing the youths from behind, eliciting a quick reaction from the employees who greeted the hesitating clients blocking the lobby with a smile before recommending them to go to their respective desks.

Unable to find the face she was looking for, the elven girl turned around to inform Henry.

Fortunately, she didnt have to do anything at all.

Nisha?! Oh my gods, its really you!

Losing all contact with the ground under her feet, the dragon found herself buried in a strong embrace, an otherwise peppy counter girl sobbing on her shirt.

I thought that the others would find you first, and, and, I would never get to see you again. I was so worried!

She had repeatedly played many scenarios in her head, most ending in a pool of young maidens blood, although a few saw the two of them remaining friends. Never would Nisha have thought that Aubrey had spilled so many tears over her, nor had she imagined that she would be welcomed so warmly.

Why would she treat me so affectionately. I only put her into trouble and she doesnt even push me away. I dont deserve such a good friend.

Deeply moved, Nisha hugged her friend back, salty water forming little currents on her red cheeks.

Girls, I would really hate to interrupt your reunion, but you are making a commotion. Could you move to a backroom, so we can avoid the stares?

Henry was starting to feel quite uncomfortable, the gathered adventurers were staring at them, and some of the bystanders were pointing at him and whispering, probably thinking that he had made the two girls cry.

Ah, of course. James, can you let us through, please?

One of the clerks reacted to Aubreys request and raised the wooden counter, closing it after the three youths.

By now the way to Bertis office had become familiar to Nisha, who still refused to part from Aubrey. Her heart had been freed from a great burden; none of her nightmares had come true, Aubrey didnt push her away.

Closing the door behind him, Henry gallantly let the two girls sit in the comfortable armchairs before walking to a corner of the room, giving them some space to sort things out.

Im so glad, I had even heard them brag about capturing you, Nisha. When you didnt come back, I could almost see you being tortured by the [Valiant Ashes] and

Look at me, Im fine, right?

But the Baron! He came here and ordered us He wanted to punish you, he said you had to be expelled. I thought that because of me you would

No! Dont say anymore. Im here, nothing happened to me. I was also scared youd be mad at me, it was my fault after all

Slowly settling down, the two girls finally wiped away their tears and talked heart to heart.

I searched for you everywhere when it appeared you wouldnt return. Every day Id ask at the stalls and stores if someone had seen you. I even went to the noble districts branch, but no one saw you You cant imagine how relieved I am. What should we do? Did Berti already talk to you? I dont know what he is going to do with the Baron Cinderrock, but I can assure you, I wont back down until your innocence is proven! I already told him what happened, the Guild will protect you! And youll stay an adventurer too!

Rubbing her eyes to get rid of a speck of dust or so she claimed -, Aubrey closed her tirade. It had had a strong effect on Nisha, although it probably wasnt the intended one.

Unable to hold back anymore, the elven girl started to laugh.

Aubrey was confused.

I shouldnt laugh at her, but its too amusing!

Relax, Brey. We visited the Guild yesterday, its all taken care off. Today, I just wanted to see you. Berti told us youd be on duty.

My step brother Henry here took care of the baron. Im just here to verify that you arent in trouble and if you still want to be friends with me.

The dragons voice trailed off towards the end, still considering the possibility of the guild employee not forgiving her.

After all, she hadnt mentioned their friendship nor forgave her.

What are you saying? Of course we are friends! But you, arent you furious that I brought you trouble? If I had handled it better, if I hadnt reacted to their taunts, you wouldnt have had to defend yourself at all. If someone here should be angry, its not me.

Her hands on the elfs shoulders, the counter girl seriously asked Nisha, apparently as anxious as the dragon.

Now, now. Calm down. No one is resentful and you are both doing great, the Training Hall Massacre didnt have any bad repercussion on either of you. Instead of talking in circles, how about you two finish making up and then we can move forward.

Intervening in the conversation, Henry brightly smiled.

How did you with the Baron ? No, it doesnt matter. She introduced you as her step brother, right? Thank you very much for looking after Nisha, I dont know what I would have done if something bad had happened to her because of me.

Enough already, were all fine. Nisha had exactly the same worries as you, you two make great friends.

Appeasing the moved girl, Henrys smile didnt waver.

Speaking of which, arent you supposed to work?

The seemingly innocent question prompted multiple expressions to flash on her face.

Oh! Now that you mention it. Damn, I need to take over James counter, if I skip another shift Berti will be really, really, reaaaaally angry with me.

Nisha, my shift ends at midday, when the bells ring. Originally I wanted to show you around personally, but it might be a good way to fill your time until then. How about you and your brother go to the Skill Library, you still havent picked any skill yet, have you?

Thats right! I still havent had a chance to go there.

When you are done, we can meet up here and Ill take you to one of my favourite stands for lunch, ok?

Her grief forgotten, the counter girl beamed at the step siblings.

Okay, well come back around noon then. But itll be your treat.

Teasing her friend, Nisha couldnt be happier, her sadness was gone too.

Lets talk about the bill once were done eating. Excuse me, I have to leave. Well talk more at lunchtime, see you soon.

A new spring in her steps, Aubrey departed the room, a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Nisha, something is bothering me. Care to enlighten me?

Ever since the manager had mentioned her defeating a whole party, the elven girl had been expecting questions from her step brother.

Forcing herself to keep smiling, the dragon turned around and faced Henry.

Yes, what?

A cold shiver ran down her spine.

Did your friend just say you havent been to the Skill Library yet?

Oh, that. Yes, after my disagreement at the Training Hall, I couldnt exactly show up for a skill. I have yet to chose one, in case my guild card was checked in the Library.

Why is that so surprising?

Henry had covered his eyes again.

I go from surprise to surprise with you.

Its basic knowledge that one should acquire skills before venturing into the Dungeon. I thought you had some too, since youre incredibly strong.

Promise me, before hunting again, you have to visit the Skill Library. Obtain a skill, no matter its rank. Each skill is one more lifeline, a trump card you can use when you face the vilest of monsters.

You know what, forget about that. Ill wont leave you a choice this time either.

Lets go to the Skill Library this instant!