~Ridgeline Fortress City~
The three riders stopped in a small square. Their path, free and clear from others. There were still a few curious children that pointed at the horses
"Look mommy! That's one of the Blitz Steeds! They're soooo cool!" A child said, excitedly.
"Now dear, you can't get too close to those things. Only a few people are ever allowed near one. And you shouldn't disturb the guard's business." The mother would say exasperated.
The three guards however, made sure to wave with a smile until others would stop paying attention to them. Though seeing the happy smiles gave each of them a sinking feeling in their chests and knotting sensation in their stomachs.
"Alright, you heard the situation. I won't stop you from doing what you feel you must... Just don't get caught." The Captain said in a low voice so only he and the other two would hear him.
"Yeah, I heard, if a weapon like that... We should have joined the Magus faction to help suppress the Armaments faction..." The Senior Knight mused, still finding it hard to believe. Knowing these two men like I do, they wouldn't lie to me. Especially not about something like this.
"Cut it out, Ralond, any more and the crowd might notice. We can't afford to start a panic. Though knowing the lord as I do, he is going to tell them soon anyways. Even still it is a guard's Duty to protect the people's smiles, as well as their lives. Let them live in blissful ignorance for as long as they can." The Vice Captain said, elbowing Ralond the Senior Knight who had joined them on the return trip.
"I know, I'm going now, I want to at least attempt to get my family out of here first. You two take care. Godspeed." Ralond replied and darted off relatively quickly, but made sure to keep it at a barely acceptable pace. I must try to save them. Even if I have to exchange my life to beg the Gods to see fit as to grant my family mercy. For we surely won't be shown the slightest bit without paying a truly steep price. Tens of... No, closer to hundreds of people.
The Captain and Vice-Captain nodded and went straight for the City Mansion. The streets cleared up quickly as they galloped through. Again, no one in their right mind would dare to stop a Blitz Rider. It's akin to suicide. In fact, only a Battle-Mage and up would stand a chance. Regular average people... Not a chance. The two riders approached the gate.
"Ah! Blitz Riders bring a report! Open the gate!" A Mansion Guard called out his order.
The guards nodded at the riders. Their positions were considered at different levels in common practice. After all, what guard sees active combat when they sit at a fancy pants mansion every day? This versus a well battle honed Captain of a company, the difference in experience more than makes up for the rank difference on paper.
Even still it would be considered a grievous misconduct to salute the lower ranked people first. So, to alleviate this factor, a commonly accepted practice was to just give each other a confident looking nod of acknowledgement. Simple, but quite effective.
Eventually the men arrived at the Mansion's front doors. Where a sturdily built, yet slender man welcomed them. This man was the City Lord's personal butler. And, yet no one could figure out where he had come from. Only information known is that this butler had been recommended by the Emperor. And no one can say no to that Emperor, not if they wish to keep their head that is.
"Ah, welcome back. My Lord is quite eager to hear your report. If you would but follow me, I shall guide you to his presence." The Butler noted with a respectful bow to hide his smile.
"Good! Lead the way." The Captain said, completely unphased by the clearly sinister aura the butler was giving off.
"Alright, then right this way." The Butler replied, clearly attempting to hide his confusion. Why are these two not fearful of my presence anymore? When they were last here, they were trembling whenever I spoke...
~ A Meeting Room ~
The residence was... Expectedly just as ornate as it had been before. Only now there were people already preparing some sort of cleaning supplies. The Captain and Vice-Captain were kneeling in front of the City Lord now.
The City Lord was a heavy set man with barely any real muscle about him. And he had a bad attitude. But it didn't matter, because this was the noble that the Emperor wanted to place in charge of the largest city in the Empire.
Ridgeline City, its current manpower, if it didn't need to deal with monsters constantly, would have more than enough manpower to stand as its own nation with ease. So to someone of military background it was completely confusing why the city lord was such a stupid man. But then again, a stupid man is much easier to control, than a smart one. In any case, they had to make their report and so they did just that.
"Oh, ho, ho, ho. Most excellent. With this I can tell his Imperial Majesty the good news!" The City Lord chuckled in his truly revolting laugh. "You, pawn 1 go and have this delivered to the Imperial Capital at once." He ordered, picking up one of two envelopes and tossing it at one of the junior butlers.
"At... At once your lordship." The Junior butler bowed and left quickly. His agate rapidly increased after exiting the room. Damn, I hate that guy with a burning passion. We should just... No, we can't yet. But once the city is in our grasp, I'd love to watch the life fade from his eyes personally.
"Outstanding. The two of you may leave now. I'm in a good mood. I think I'll give the City the good news in about an hour. Of course I'll be taking all the credit for this plan. Ahahaha, my genius is what killed that goddess, after all." The City Lord chuckled to himself.
"Truly a brilliant mind, your lordship." The Captain said, bowing before they were escorted out.
The City Lord gave his butler a look.
* BANG BANG BANG BANG *
...