"Good morning, Lady Quinctillia. I assume you've rested well."
The young man was soft-spoken, with a voice that oozed kindness one wouldn't expect from the Profane Lands' infamous Mysteries.
"I'm afraid that rest is a luxury in the present circumstances. Let's say that I've recovered well enough."
Nysa took on a dignified posture, a method for her to calm her nerves while surrounded by these magi.
It was possible to hide one's true power through various ways involving magecraft, but instincts rarely lied in these situations—she knew at a glance that there were several Thaumaturges within the room, a force that could easily topple a city.
"I believe you were waiting for me." Nysa stifled the trembling in her voice as best as she could. "May I assume that you're Alchemist Ophir Yannai's disciple?"
"Indeed," the young man nodded. "My name is Yaen Beracha. I am glad to finally meet you, Lady Quinctillia."
He effortlessly pointed at the long-haired man to his left. "This is Nave Shevach, the leader of the Mekkubal Order's branch stationed within the city of Himera."
His hand moved towards Jonam. "I believe you already know Segment XV Jonam. He's the leader of Priene's branch and its temporary Prolocutor."
The woman with the twin-colored braids suddenly jumped from the table, grabbing Nysa's arms. "Eh! The new eyepatch suits you so well. Do you like it?! I cultivated it from Homunculus cells, meaning it's technically a living organism, hehe~"
Nysa's remaining eye widened at the realization, but she couldn't even answer as the woman kept talking.
"It'll always mend itself from damage as long as you pump it with Mana! Oh, I haven't introduced myself, have I? I'm Ilana Avi-Hai, the leader of Gonnos' branch. You can call me Ilana if you want! You're the first Shadowbinder I met. Can your shadow materialize indefinitely? Can it be used as fabric?!"
She spun around, not giving Nysa a chance to respond as she flashed a toothy smile at the young man. "Sorry, Yaen. I got a little too excited again. I cut you off, right?"
"Well—" Yaen started, but she interrupted him again.
"Eh, you were about to introduce Gloomy there, right?" She pointed at the short man with the bowl cut hiding his eyes. "That's Geffen Yuly, the leader of Belos' branch."
"Delos," Geffen corrected with a grumble.
"Whatever," Ilana rolled her eyes. "He's rather taciturn. Not much for small talk, but if you don't pay attention to him, it's like he doesn't exist! Quite practical, right? Right?!"
Nysa fought to maintain her inexpression, nearly flinching under Ilana's overly friendly behavior.
"Eh...? You don't seem that talkative either," Ilana remarked. "No matter. I don't mind speaking to myself. I like the sound of my own voice."
"At least, we can all agree on that," Nave added. "Perhaps you could give her some space? Not everyone appreciates physical contact with strangers."
"Go bury yourself under that sound-making garbage pile of yours. Plus, we're not strangers. I introduced myself to you, Quinctillia, remember? Like a few moments ago!"
"Tasteless as always. Musical instruments are no garbage, and art is wasted on fools like you."
"Art is visual. I can't sew with instruments, and why would I listen to sounds that are obviously inferior to my beautiful voice? I'd rather talk with a wall."
"What?!" Nave snapped.
"Let us agree that each has their opinion on the matter, please." Yaen tried to mediate, an awkward smile on his face.
"The only thing I agree on is that she's a stupid wench with sewing needles for brains!"
"I agree," echoed Geffen.
"I may be a wench, but I'm not stupid!" Ilana declared. "Or, was it the reverse? No, wait, I didn't quite catch what you meant. I always half-listen to whatever you say since you're so fond of speaking nonsense."
Yaen pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Teacher, I know you're testing me, but Gods know I'd have preferred any other trial."
"Perhaps we could properly start the meeting now that Lady Quinctillia has joined us?" Jonam asked, though his tone was much more different than usual.
He was pretty deferential to the branch leaders despite holding the same hierarchical rank as them. Nysa guessed it must have been because he was the sole Homunculus among them.
"Jonam is right. I'll graciously allow you to save face by setting aside our debate for later, Nave. You can thank me," Ilana said.
Nave gulped down a mouthful of curses, grimacing as he struggled to keep quiet under Yaen's piercing gaze.
"Great." Yaen clasped his hands over the table. "First things first—Lady Quinctillia, on behalf of the entire Mekkubal Order, I thank you for your assistance against our foes. The information you've given us, alongside the report of what happened yesterday, has helped us immensely in figuring out the Henosis Seekers' situation in Priene."
Yaen rose from his seat. "We may be single-mindedly focused on wiping out those accursed zealots, but we do not forget those who have come to our aid. Should you make the trip to the western isles one day, we'll be honored to offer you three drops of the Panacea. A single one should be able to cure the Pale Malady, and the two others will be yours to keep."
Nysa briefly paused, unused to receiving such sincere thanks for her work. However, she soon collected her thoughts, answering, "Thank you, Yaen Beracha. Unfortunately, I do not plan on living past the accomplishment of my goal. The greatest show of gratitude would be honoring your end of the contract. Nothing else matters."
Most magi would have fainted upon hearing her response.
The Panacea was a mythical remedy said to cure all illnesses, ailments, and curses, whether of physical or mystical nature. Some spent entire lifetimes trying to reproduce its effects or searching for it, and despite that, she had refused the gracious gift without thinking twice about it.
Yaen merely smiled at her rejection. "The August One's wisdom teaches us that no end is carved in stone. Your gift will await you on the Isle of Yetzirah, whether you intend to claim it or not."
"Now, to speak of our following plans, you'll need to be aware of certain secrets few know outside of the tight circle of Mysteries. However, as with all occult phenomena, this carries significant risk. Do you still wish to learn about them?"
Despite his seemingly meek behavior, Yaen hid a sharpness that only now Nysa had begun to notice. He was testing her resolve, offering further compensation for the loss of her eye, and prodding her willingness to cooperate with the Mekkubal Order in the eventuality of her survival—all in one, simple question.
"Of course," she answered with no hesitation. So long as she served her purpose, Nysa cared little for anything else.
"Well then." Yaen sat back in his chair. "Starting with the most relevant issue, let us discuss the true nature of Mysteries."