Both of them together had burned through roughly 200 sets of ingredients without making one acceptable potion so far. All their sub-bar attempts were taken by my and by pouring in my magic I distilled them into twenty health potions of superior quality.
The day had gone by and it was evening. There wasn't a lot of progress in the merchant guild today but I had been keeping an eye on the war and there had been some development.
Aurelia was already waiting for me at the usual spot so we could discuss how we proceeded.
"I suppose you were watching the battle too."
"Yes, Saital kingdom lost quite badly and had to make a full retreat. Both sides lost a lot of people and had few people still capable of fighting but the Galli kingdom has more warriors so they just called in some reinforcements. Now they are marching on the capital."
"And king Leonard is sitting idly by because he can't move units from other borders due to the kingdoms there beginning to stir. If we don't act, the Galli army will lay siege to the capital."
"But what do we do? Both of us could easily take them down but..."
Before we could discuss how to stop that army Arahnia entered the room.
"Sorry for interrupting but the guild master of the adventurers' guild wishes to speak to you."
"Thank you for notifying us. Please escort him into one of the negotiation rooms."
After Arahnia had left Aurelia and I exchanged a glance. This visit was likely due to the battle we were just discussing. We walked into the negotiation room where the guild master was sitting on one of two sofas facing each other. Aurelia decided to be the first to speak some she was the president of our merchant guild.
"Greetings guild master. What can we do for you today? Are you perhaps here to buy something?"
"Please don't play dumb. You should know about the war with the Galli kingdom and that they are approaching the capital. The adventurers' guild formally issues a forced mission to defend the capital."
"And we respectfully decline."
"A forced mission cannot be declined."
"Untrue, the text in the guild's rules says this. Should the guild believe the city to be in great danger they may issue a forced mission. This mission cannot be declined-"
"Exactly! You can't decline!"
"unless the adventurer is willing to leave the guild to do so."
His face turns ugly. Evidently, he knew about this last part but didn't want to hear it. The rule only applied to members and they needed us more than we needed them.
"Are you sure you want to leave the guild?"
"No, we don't want to leave the guild but if you insist on the forced mission we will."
"Why do you want to decline? If the city is attacked you will have to fight for your lives anyway."
"Let's just say that we know of some things you don't. The forces backing us are already at work and, should your king not be a fool, will save the capital without fail. We don't see any need to take action ourselves."
"Really? May I ask what the force behind you is called?"
"We are part of the grey empire."
"I see. Then I'll withdraw the forced mission for now and take my leave."
"Have a nice day."
Aurelia waved him out and then plopped back down on the sofa.
"My goddess, these people are exhausting!"
"You know you enjoyed playing the part of having a mysterious backer. This cover won't hold on for long anyway. When are you going to contact the king?"
"I intend to do so now."
Aurelia closed her eyes and I could feel her mind leave her body and fly off towards the castle. I also closed my eyes and followed with my own mind. In front of the castle, Aurelia formed a body of gray smoke.
The guards were startled but quickly fell back onto their training and pointed their weapons at the swirling figure. A small magic circle appeared within the figure's head and emitted a monotone and unfeeling voice.
"Do not be alarmed, I am a messenger here to meet the king. I bring a proposal for aid in these difficult times."
The guard's faces turned hopeful at the mention of aid. One of them left to tell the king of this occurrence. The swirling figure was then invited inside the castle and brought before the king. The throne room was filled with royal guards ready to draw their weapons at a moment's notice.
"Greetings messenger. What is this aid you spoke of? Forgive me but I do not trust someone who doesn't dare show up in person."
"I am a grey messenger, a projection used for diplomatic missions. I am from the grey empire and was sent to bring you an offer of aid."
"And what would you require in return for your aid. Surely you don't intend to ask for nothing in return?"
"A subsidiary of our merchant guild has settled down in your capital. For now, all we ask is that you do not trouble them."
"So the traveling silver coin merchant guild is yours?"
"It is now called the grey merchant guild. Also, referring to it ours wouldn't be accurate but we would be inconvenienced if something bad happened to it."
"I understand. We will accept your help so please leave now."
King Leonard was visibly on edge and wished for the mysterious figure to disappear as quickly as possible. He didn't even seem to care if he came over as rude. Aurelia released her spell and the figure dissipated into swaths of smoke.
Aurelia's mind floated up and we both moved to where the Galli army was marching. A long line of troops was walking in a not very orderly manner. After receiving reinforcements the army had 30'000 infantrymen, 4000 wolf riders, and 200 tree servants. The oracle of Silva had left since neither of us could feel him.
'I'll leave this to you. Destruction is your forte after all. I'll go back to have another look at the orphanage.'
Aurelia's mind darted off into the distance and I was left with a difficult choice. How to best make that army realize that turning around would be a very good choice and coming back would not.