"Are you sure about this?" Karl questioned Edward. His eyes darting between the two women engaged in some discussion. He couldn't hear them, separated by more than glass as they were. Some magical enchantment at work, he reckoned.
"Oh, Miss Alice is the most talented alchemist we have seen in over the years." The mage assured. "I'm sure she can handle the task."
Karl frowned. "That's not what I meant..."
"I know." Edward chuckled. "Believe me, I'm as confused as you are. But if the High Mage decided on this, then she must have some fair reason."
Karl scoffed inwardly. There was no reason other than the woman hoping to acquire his secret recipe. Though that logic didn't hold together if he took in the effects of the oath that barred her from outing with his secret. Not to mention she was obliged to buy potions from him for three consecutive years. Unless of course he was missing something.
"With the oaths in place, I doubt there's much to scheme." Aurelia pitched in. "Though it wouldn't hurt to be cautious. Why don't you let me deal with her?"
Hearing her offer, Karl was tempted to hand the mess over. But something about the tone of her voice struck a chord in him. Or was he just hearing things? Lately it would seem he found himself confounded by the actions of people around him. Them being all women probably didn't help the matter. Or was that a hint toward something?
"Very well, you take care of her."
As the trio discussed in low voices, the discourse between the sisters seemed to have ended. They stared as the duo left the room and walked toward them. Once more Karl found that charm trying to take hold, yet finding no purchase. He had wondered if she was just taking a lucky shot at this point.
Unlike the busty bosom elder sister, Alice was more normal. She wasn't flat by any means, but her bust seemed lacking in comparison. She was shorter too and with a toned body. Her golden blonde hair was cut shoulder length, and her turquoise green eyes enchanted one's soul. All in all, she was a beautiful lady, no less than her sister, yet lacking that sensual form.
"I believe you were in a hurry," Ann said, "and I have already spoken with Alice. She's ready to depart at the earliest."
The younger sister made no comment, keeping that monotonous expression on her face. Karl glanced between the duo and nodded. "Yes, that would be appreciated."
"Right." She nodded. "Since you're already familiar with Edward, I will be appointing him as my envoy responsible for exporting the potions. He will visit every month with an advanced payment of 300 Gold."
"That's fine by me," Karl agreed. "200 potions a month is manageable. And if Ms. Alice is as good as you say, I am sure she will find the task effortless."
"In which case you can increase the quantity, and we will follow through." She offered.
Karl smiled and discussed a few more things before they were ready to depart.
"One more thing before you leave, Count Bloodthrone." Use of his formal address drove home the severity of the issue, and Karl turned to give the woman his full attention. "I love my sister immensely and hope that you will keep her safe while she's under your care. Treat her as you would treat me."
"I can assure you that no harm will befall her." Karl promised. "I will guard her with my life."
"That relieves me greatly."
As they departed from the building, a car was waiting for them. The four climbed into the vehicle, with Karl sitting adjacent to Edward. The men discussed a few topics while the carrier took them back to the building housing the portal.
After disguising themselves, they moved to cross the portal. The experience this time was different from the previous instance. The bending of space was still an enigmatic force that brought forth a minor headache, but Karl pushed past the encounter and welcomed the breath of fresh air.
"Show your identities." A guard rushed forth, demanding with an assertive voice.
Edward stepped forward and rolled up a bundle of papers before passing it along to the guard. The exchange lasted only a brief moment before the guard focused on the figures decked in cloaks. "And them?" He pointed.
"My assistants." Edward answered. "I think we are good to go, right?"
The guard looked behind him and with a motion of his head signalled something. "Very well," he turned back to Edward, "you're good to go."
The mage nodded and motioned for them to follow. As they wandered deeper into the forest, Karl spoke. "Something isn't right."
"I noticed." Edward nodded. "Someone is following us."
"You mean certain someone's." Aurelia added. After her advancement, her sensitivity to the mana rivalled Karl's. She could easily make out the faint undulations in the surrounding mana.
"I have a plan." Edward spoke. "We have to split up. I will lead them away while you take the opportunity to run as far as you could."
"Or we could fight." The unexpected speaker brought all the attention to the short-haired girl, who recoiled slightly from the gazes directed her way. "I mean, we are strong enough to ward them off, no?"
Karl didn't deny the claim. The only problem was that a fight would attract attention and someone they couldn't handle. In such a case, avoiding a conflict would serve them well.
"I agree with Edward." He stated. "We will split up first, then you attract their attention."
As the plan formed, the parties took their place. Edward turned slightly north and channelled a basic light spell geared toward increasing one's speed. The vibrations in mana would attract all the attention toward him, while the others would use this chance to quietly slip away.
The mage felt a number of auras lock onto him and grinned. He might be working more as an escort these days, but he was no slouch. He had undertaken his fair share of battles.
Taking a curved path, he guided his pursuers back toward the portal area. Just as the clearing came into view, he slowed down and removed the cowl hiding his face. His calm walk attracted the attention of guards who frowned but didn't rush in. Edward smiled.
"My name's Edward. In direct service of High Mage Hope, master of the Golden Leaf Emporium. I seek to cross the portal."
A guard stepped forward. "Didn't you arrive moments earlier?"
"And now I wish to leave." He shrugged. "Any problem with that, captain?"
The captain narrowed his eyes. "What about your companions?"
"Assistants, you mean?" Edward smirked. "Why they liked the ambiance of this place, so they decided to stay. Again, is there any problem with that, Captain?"
Eyes narrowing, the captain took another step forward. His eyes shining with a dangerous glint and a bloody aura permeating the atmosphere. "Are you mocking me?"
"I don't know, am I?" The mage spoke, unrepentant.
"Enough!" A voice bellowed. A heavily armoured man strode through the clearing. "Let the man cross if he wants to; know your place, Captain Aran."
Edward gave the tall vampire a blank look, but inwardly he was frowning. For a brief moment the thought to invoke the amulet passed through his mind, but he pushed it down and prayed for the best.
No more inspection followed, and he was let through. As the familiar side of the world came into focus, he heaved a sigh of relief. Rushing outside the building, he started the car and blazed through the road. In no time he was back where the Lady Annette was waiting for him.
"How did it go?" The blonde mage asked without turning her head. Edward closed the door behind him and sighed once more. "Did something happen?"
"I believe the news of Karl outside of his county seemed to have made its way into hostile ears." He explained. "We were followed right after crossing the realms."
"Anything I need to worry about?" Ann asked with a heavy frown on her brows.
Edward paused thoughtfully, then recalled the morning he had visited the Count of Crimson Vale. "No, I don't think there's anything to be concerned about."
"Hmph." Annette snorted. "Well, he did promise my sister's safety, so that's one less thing to worry about."
"Are you that confident in him?" he asked.
Ann smirked at him. "Oh, you brought me quite the gift, Edward. I didn't know what I was expecting when you told me of him, but I'm glad to have met this guy."
"Do you think he has the potential?" Edward asked. "I mean, given the current circumstances of Crimson Vale. Is he even likely to survive the schemes of his fellow nobles?"
"I am sure of it." She assured. "Although he might have to face some difficulties, that's just part of growing up. Of course, we will provide our support where we can."
"Shall we begin with Count Bloodcrest first?" He prompted.
"Yes, he would do well as a stepping stone."