Once Iris had run the plan by the Sultan, they had quickly reached a solution. It had been simple enough to recommend but rather difficult to implement.
In simple words - opening an orphanage and raising talented kids under the state. It was a good initiative and one which was unheard of in this world.
They had decided to use the guild building for this initiative. To use it as an academy and apprenticeship place. It would be easy enough with the council's permission.
The children also seemed hopeful but confused at the concept of such a place. They had never heard of such a place before either and for good reason. And their concern was valid as well.
"You will get to learn new skills and will be able to take over the business once you are approved" the plan was to run a business that would be loyal to Oreta. Most of the people here had come to appreciate this place but there were traitors present here as well.
"But who will teach us? You are a healer, right? Not all of us have the talent for it" a child asked in a timid voice.
"Leave that up to me. I will arrange teachers for you. Just be present tomorrow and we will settle you in your new quarters" the space for their court had already been chosen.
It had been decided to be in-between an unoccupied land in the second circle. It would be easy to isolate that area with the help of wards. The stretch connected it with the inner as well as the outer circle so it was appropriate as well for users.
Besides, that place already had space ready for usage. They would settle the children there till they arranged for the main buildings to be built.
The children still looked at her suspiciously but they no longer feared her. Many of them had been sick but looked better today. Her treatment had worked.
"Excuse me, I wanted to ask you something. Some people who always help me told me that you helped them as well against Lady Nicole. They wanted to thank you and help out as well" a smaller child asked shily.
"I see. They can drop by and we can discuss their future later" Iris replied back and now in a thinking mode. More hands will mean more help and Iris could always use more help herself.
"Thank you" the child replied but Iris was miles away in her mind. Children were one thing but they were limited in capability. Adults, on the other hand, could perform so much more on their own.
Now, Iris would have to see how far she could stretch that bond with them.
"Start heading to the place I told you about as soon as possible. We will start your training pretty soon" Iris looked at the nervous, yet excited children. They all held so much potential.
Once the children were gone, Iris let out a sigh of relief.
But now there was even more for her to do. She had to find teachers for those children and get them to learn things.
There were many ways to gather said teachers but it would take time to get them to her side. Nicole was already there along with Misha so that was one step.
But they could only teach so much and all of that was concentrated on fighting.
Iris needed crafters, builders, farmers - that kind of people behind her as well. Those who could support her were much more crucial than fighting.
Iris had a few names in mind but none she could get if she remained in this city.
That only meant one thing - it was time to venture out again and gather more allies. Iris, the original Iris, was allied with a lot of strong people and her network of influence was always increasing.
That was what made her so dangerous and efficient. She never came out as a villain but her involvement in everything that went wrong pointed her as someone evil.
That meant it was time to talk with the sultan once again. The other was probably worried and waiting for Iris to come back as well.
Iris had asked to have a look at the city's drainage line. There was something wrong with it and she intended to find out. Why it had glowed down there, why it had even been in that chamber, Iris just had to know.
"Ready to go?" The sultan asked once Iris returned. The other was in her casual clothes now, a heavy and decorated robe but no jewelry.
Misha was also there grinning at Iris and Nicole also made herself available.
"Thank you for this opportunity" the other seemed uncomfortable at the gratitude, almost to the point of not being able to look Iris in the face.
"Let's hurry. I want to go out and have a blast killing things but I won't be able to if you all dally here" Misha pushed at them, her hand around Iris and the sultan.
Nicole just walked behind them, her head looking up and ahead without flinching.
Iris hoped to find something when she reached the drainage pipes but there was nothing there. Not even the water it was supposed to drain.
They looked as if they had been unused in years.
"Weird. I don't think there was any charm laid on them to keep them dry" it was weird since it had only been a few days since it had rained.
But then again, it had been a few days and the sun was going bright.
However, there was a lack of green around the pipes which drew Iris's attention. There should be some kind of growth here due to water overflow from the open end but nothing. The soil was as dry as any day.
"I'll have a look at the library. Maybe it would have some kind of clue about this" Rhea suggested, her eyes troubled as well. This small change might as well be nothing but it irked Iris.
Maybe she was paranoid and was paying attention to the wrong thing but something in her urged her to pay attention to this.
"Please look into this. I will get other things done in the meantime" Iris had resources but a lack of time to utilize them. Mainly, these resources were too scattered for her to pay attention to all at once.
"You go. I will take care of things here" the sultan replied but her tone suggested otherwise.
Everyone had felt it, the sudden shift of power in the place. The sultan was still the visible ruler but the loyalties of the people had shifted a little.
It was even more evident on the way back. People seemed to be looking over to Iris, their gaze looking at her and studying her. No one came close to them but the interest in her felt visible.
"Hey Iris, I heard what you did. Everyone is talking about it and I wanted to find you. Come inside and meet some people, please" and of course, the trip ended only when Diana spotted them.
She was the only one who approached them and dragged her to her shop. Arya just let out a tired sigh as she saw her fiancé bring Iris inside.
"Welcome. I'm sorry for her once again" Iris just waved that apology off. She might as well say her temporary goodbye now. That way, she could leave as soon as things finished here.