[NPC Post]

The king was the first to leave, followed shortly by the prince who discreetly waved goodbye to the noble youngsters gathering around him. Yet while Alec left to retire for the day, Fredricus still had one agenda left to do before he can truly call it a night. He changed into a more appropriate clothing before taking the seat in his office, finally ready to address the free agents that had completed his mission. Despite the collateral on the way.

Antigone and Matilda already awaited at the office. Those at the party were the next to arrive in the same group, the bear trudging in soon after. He had mixed feelings about this lot - on one hand, they did what they're asked and even uncovered something extra to distract the populace. On the other hand, the whole debacle at Fanghorn had lit the fuse to the powder keg. It's only a matter of time before it all blew up on them. The question was, how big?

His gaze fell on the assortment of irregulars before him, looking almost uniform in their fineries. If he could wield them correctly, his enemies will suffer. But dare he? Dare [i]they[/i]?

[b][color=#d896ff]"We meet again, ladies and gentlemen."[/color][/b] The air of weariness still hung over Fredricus like an ill omen, though this time steeled determination instead of fraught worry intermixed on the king. [b][color=#d896ff]"Before we begin, as a father, I convey my deepest gratitude for recovering my son in one piece. It is truly a shame that such act is to be forgotten in the annals of history, but I hope you understand the sheer necessity of that decision."[/color][/b] He nodded at them, the closest thing the king could've gotten to actually bowing. [b][color=#d896ff]"Nevertheless, I'm afraid trouble hadn't truly departed this land. As my chamberlain had mentioned, I have another prospective job for you all. One that will hopefully stop the flames of war from burning everything, or at least greatly limit the scope. It will undoubtedly be as, if not more, dangerous than the prior trip. If that worries you, you may leave now and be free of any responsibility. Know that if you decline after you hear of the full details, I will have to place you in house arrest until the knowledge is no longer relevant to the security of this kingdom."[/color][/b]

This was the last chance to bail out, no strings attached. The reward from the last mission should let a single person to live in relative plenty for the rest of their life.