The Girls and I portaled back to Yasaka's office almost immediately, surprising the Fox.
"You didn't have to come back so soon, it isn't that dire of a situation." Yasaka commented.
"We were basically done anyways." I waived off her concerns. "Besides, it sounded like something you don't want to be dealing with right now."
"….that's not untrue." She admitted before sighing.
"Yasaka, is there something the matter?" Artoria asked.
"Did Wilhelm fill you in on our latest concerns?" She asked.
"Indeed." Artoria's expression hardened. "I will do everything in my power to make sure they does not threaten your domain."
"That's sweet of your to say." Yasaka softened considerably. "However, and I'm probably being a hypocrite for saying this, but don't get anxious over something beyond your control. You're not at fault for any actions caused by other people." My Fox got up from her desk and walked over, sweeping up Artoria into a hug.
Honestly, I think after their meeting, they'd gotten closer as a group.
"We have had the same conversation." Raikou said with an amused tone.
I just noticed how on Artoria's case they both were. Was there something I wasn't aware of? And It wasn't in a negative way, they were being very supportive of her.
Not that I was at all against it, just an observation.
"How has that whole situation been going? I presume Nurarihyon's information had been helpful?"
Yasaka finally let go of the smaller woman who let out an embarrassed noise after being dislodged from between her bosom. "We've had no hits so far, but there have been some…..traces."
"Traces, what traces?" Artoria asked for clarification.
"Scáthach's wording and I did not receive much elaboration. And from what I understand, she has complete confidence in hunting down any errant Fae in my territory."
"It's easy to forget about her life before she was confined to the Land of Shadows for thousands of year." I ran a hand through my hair, almost subconsciously. "The Fae were very active during her years, and I'm sure she's had her fair share of run ins."
"Yes, I would hazard a guess that Scáthach has even more experience than I do. Most Fae I've run into – beyond the reoccurring ones – were.....benevolent in nature." Artoria seemed to choose her final words carefully. "Regardless, I am intimately aware of the chaos that can arise from them acting without proper oversight. This is not their lands, they will not be allowed to run rampant."
"My experience is with Youkai, Oni, and ghosts." Raikou hummed contemplatively. "I fear I may not be much use in this endeavor beyond a sword to bare. Perhaps I would serve better watching over Kunou in the meantime?"
"That would be phenomenal." Yasaka looked relieved. "If I don't have to worry every moment she's out of my sight, I believe I'll be able to get much more done."
"Leave her to me." Raikou smiled brightly. "No one will harm her." I saw a hint of killing intent flash through her eyes.
"Scáthach is hunting, huh." I threw my hands behind my head, leaning against her desk. "Should I feel sorry for them?"
Yasaka quirked a smile. "Let's debate that after we see what happens. But for the moment, I am beyond caring. If the old man's to be believed, they probably kidnapped and replaced some of my citizens."
"Tis a normal action that they take." Artoria shook her head with a frown. "Long have they been known from replacing others lives out of their strange whims."
The stories of changelings weren't just stories.
A very real reality that Artoria experienced in her life.
"Have you tried reaching out to Izzy yet?" I asked.
"I have not." Yasaka admitted. "I was mulling over if I should or not. It felt like…..taking advantage of her."
"She would love to be of assistance." Artoria interjected assuaging her concerns. "And I believe she would find them coming into her lands….distasteful."
"And now I'm picturing an angry Izanami descending upon some unsuspecting faerie, and thus my mood has brightened." Yasaka perked up. "I did plan on inviting her to the festival regardless, an official invitation that is."
All three of them shared a look then glanced at me before giggling.
"I feel like I'm the butt of a joke."
"Why ever would you have that feeling?" Yasaka replied with a grin.
"Moving on." I rolled my eyes. "I have a favor to ask. I know supplies are still low at the moment, basic stuff to keep your territory operating. But...does that include things like weapons?"
"Weapons?" Yasaka blinked. "Not particularly. We didn't experience any major combat and the damage was done by small – insidious groups – who struck key locations and caused widespread damage. Why do you ask?"
"Over in Skyrim, they're pretty much suffering from low – everything. I was talking to Thorum and they specified food, arrows, and spears as being at the forefront….and obviously potions and such but…."
"I heard briefly about the Dragon attacks, is it really that bad?"
"It is not a pleasant sight." Artoria's face darkened. "I have seen many a field and town ravaged by fire. From what I have heard from the common folk, it is not uncommon for a Dragon to fly down every couple weeks, scorch the earth, and devour any livestock, only to fly off again."
Things were slowly escalating until everything's going to fall apart at the seams. And It wasn't something I could just point my sword at, an enemy to defeat to make myself feel better. Granted, if all the dragons died, that would be the best case scenario, but the land had already been heavily scarred thus far and the people were in for a rough couple years even if all the dragons disappeared now.
Yasaka bit her lip, seemingly contemplating something. "I can't commit anything substantial at the moment….our financial situation isn't ideal ourselves. However, I do have an idea…"
"Oh, what?"
"They have leaders over there, and they must have gold...Why not have us negotiate some trade? Kunou mentioned meeting your friend without hiding her features, so I don't think they would be opposed to my appearance."
"That's not a bad idea." I let it bounce around my head a few times.
"They use gold, thus trade should be rendered without issue." Raikou spoke up. "The nature of this world makes acquiring resources easier thus cheaper as well."
"Yeah, use their money to buy food here, with a profit even and help them out." I nodded along.
"Everyone wins." Yasaka smiled.
Jarl Balgruuf was a very practical man, I didn't think he would dismiss her if both I and maybe Thorum were at her side. And I had no doubt Thorum would be at my side in doing so if I asked, even if it wasn't for helping them. Funnily enough, while the financial situation for Skyrim also wasn't ideal, the biggest issue was finding the resources to actually purchase. From what I've been told, they were having to look outside the province and that was taking a toll on costs.
"I was already planning on alleviating some of the stress off them, gathering a good chunk of things they need. But….I can only keep donating so much, they need a sustainable supply and supplier. I can't keep hopping back and forth as a delivery person."
"Let me work out some details on my end, see if I can make this a reality on short notice. I can't promise anything until after the festival, but if you're up to it….take me to talk to some of their leaders afterwards?" Yasaka asked. "At the very least, we can make a deal in the short term."
"I planned on helping Thorum with something afterwards anyways, it'll be a good opportunity to bring you along."
"Oh, delightful." Yasaka happily clapped. "And I wanted to see another world anyways, this is going to be exciting!"
Well, beyond Meridia's realm I presumed. I didn't know if they explored her home that much.
"Before I forget, I do have a delivery for you as well." I took out a crate of Health Potions and set them on the floor. "More where this came from. The Yggdmillennia family is finally paying off for me lending a hand."
"Oh wow." Yasaka's eyes widened. "These will be put to great use. How many am I getting?"
"I was going to give you 800, if that's okay?"
"Wilhelm, that's more than enough." She stepped forward, being the one to steal a kiss from me. I admit to sinking into her embrace, enjoying the softness of her lips on mine. "My man is so dependable." She smiled brightly, breaking the kiss.
I don't even blink anymore when Yasaka's tail finds my waist, wrapping around me.
"The remainder I will give to the College over in Skyrim, let them handle the distribution." I ran a hand through her fur. "I also have some other miscellaneous potions they were able to recreate, so I'll give you the first pick of those as well."
About 500 to the Archmage to do as he needs, which should help, even if only a little bit. A temporary measure for sure, but a much needed reprieve I could imagine.
"So, Sairaorg Bale, what can you tell me about him?" I'd rather not go in blind and wanted to shift the conversation. Too much dreary talk for the eve of a happy occasion. "I know the basics, he doesn't have the Power of Destruction and he was kicked out of his clan."
"Yes and no." Yasaka hummed, the other girls looking mildly interested. "It's not a wrong assumption to make and most people believe so as well. However, he was only kicked out in all but name. He was shunted off to a far corner of their territory along with his mother and then neglected and bullied by the rest of the family."
"Have you looked into him before?" I questioned, because that was a bit more in depth than I had assumed. I thought I would just be getting some rumors.
"When he started popping up in Japan every so often, yes. I do keep an eye on what goes on in the old man's territory, just as he does mine." Yasaka gave a small chuckle. "I should also mention that his mother is currently sick and unconscious."
"Oh jeez." I let out a sigh. "Sick mother, kid disgracefully kicked to the side." I ran a hand down my face. "The parallels are startling. The only thing missing is him being a Half-Devil like I am."
"Yes I was surprised when I realized and compared him to you as well." Yasaka said quietly. "Are you okay? I can send him away if you want."
"I'm fine." I waved her off. "I'm in a much better place than I was years ago. Something like this isn't going to set me off or get any kind of meaningful reaction anymore. I can't say I'm happy about dealing with more Devil Stuff…even considering the other day."
I think I had mentally separated Venelana from Devil Society as a whole in my head. We talked about my desire not to consort with her side of the fence, but I knew I would inevitably be drawn into some things as a result of our relationship and my parentage.
"Besides…" I couldn't help but let out another sigh. "Nurarihyon gave him a letter of recommendation, right? Basically asking you not to kick him to the curb?"
"That's…..frighteningly accurate to what he asked." Yasaka snorted.
"I don't wanna sour any relationships you have. And I think I won some brownie points when I was over there, so I'd rather not ruffle any feathers. I can't deny that I'm a little curious as well, the old man even seemed to have taken a liking to him after being so blunt about his distaste for devils."
And I didn't believe Nurarihyon was the type of person to not know which lines to not cross. I had no doubt in my mind he knew all the available information about me before I went over there. At least what he could gather outside of our circle.
"Master, would you like us to accompany you?" Raikou asked.
I pursed my lips as I mulled it over. "I would feel more reassured if you were watching over Kunou." I slowly smiled towards my Servant.
I knew Raikou adored Kunou just as Kunou did Raikou.
"I will depart immediately, Master." Raikou stated, taking it as a sort of order. She wasted no time on niceties, she headed out the door and assumedly towards my daughter.
"Well then." I just blinked at the abruptness. I supposed it's not that strange, she took being my Servant as serious as Artoria did with Rin. She probably interpreted it as an order. "That's one less thing to stress about."
"Tell me about it." Yasaka let out a long breath.
"What is Sairaorg up to right now? You said he's here, right?"
"I believe he had been diverted towards the training grounds while I figured out what to do."
"…..and Mordred is at the training grounds…" Artoria suddenly spoke up. "I am suddenly filled with dread."
"Oh dear." Yasaka blinked. "I did not think of not, and the others may be there as well."
"And from the few things Nurarihyon said, he's an idiot that likes to fight, right?"
The look on her face pretty much said everything.
***
Artoria and I walked towards the open training area at a brisk pace. We expected conflict, brawling and the like to be taking place, and while that was in fact happening, it was not what, or rather with who I had expected.
Arrows were flying nonstop, to the point where it took me a moment to settle everything that was going on in front of me.
I noticed Sairarorg out of the corner of my eye based on his description, and he was...standing off to the side, staring at the same scene we were. I think those were his Peerage members standing along side him as well.
There were also people I recognized, Mordred was standing in a daze, watching as well. Along with Arthur, Le Fay, and even Achilles.
But most importantly….
"GET BACK HERE YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!" Atalanta screamed, releasing another barrage of arrows towards someone I didn't recognize.
Her target was a man…..young adult? His age was ambiguous. He had dark orange hair, a medium height and a strange jewel on his forehead. "Neh, Neh, Neh, can't touch me~" He danced around the barrage. Or so it looked at first glance, in actually, a good portion of the arrows were…..deflected before they could make contact with him.
It was like they couldn't hit him for some unknown reason.
The Arrows infused with Magical Energy exploded against him, yet he still remained unscathed.
"Let's test that!" She growled, aiming her bow up into the sky and gathering a significant amount of Magical Energy.
I knew what was coming, well enough that I was about to reach for my sword, except someone beat me to the punch.
"Come on sis, that's too far." Achilles was grabbing at her hands.
She growled again, but dispersed the gathered power, slacking her grip.
"Okay, I'm going to need an explanation." I spoke up, gathering all the attention. "And you should know better than to use that in a place like this, Archer." I narrowed my eyes.
To her credit, she looked a bit embarrassed, her ears flattening. " I would have controlled it." She didn't meet my gaze.
"Explanation, now." I demanded, looking around.
Yasaka wasn't here and I would be damned if my woman was disrespected like this literally in her home.
"H-he walked up and sniffed my butt!" She hissed, stabbing her finger in the air, pointing towards her previous target.
I looked towards the unknown man.
"I said you smell familiar." He shrugged as if it didn't matter. "Good, too."
"How dare you!" She hissed again, pulling her bow string back, only for Achilles to sort of wrestle it away from her grip.
[That kid seems familiar to me. I just can't place it off the top of my head.]
That's…..possibly concerning.
"Oi!" I turned to look at a voice shouting from the other end of the courtyard. The one I recognized as Sairarorg Bael addressed me apparently. He had an intense aura about him, and a strange look of resolve on his face. He took hardened steps towards me, staring intently. I didn't waver from his gaze, feeling oddly competitive. He didn't stop until he was about a foot away from me, only being slightly taller as our eyes practically met at level. I could feel his Touki begin to seep out and it was heavy.
I let my own Aura flicker, my Magical Energy escaping to match his.
I think…. he had more Touki than Yasaka. Not to say he's stronger than her, it's sorta like Magical Energy in that aspect, more doesn't equal strength, though it certainly helped. No, I think it was still a bit more unrefined compared to her. However, it was a startling amount.
"Join my peerage!" He suddenly shouted. The tension evaporated immediately, and his expression was replaced with a goofy smile that could match Thorum's.
I honestly didn't know how to respond, though a significant portion of his peerage facepalming behind him did resonate with me.
***
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