Mas Bagus

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The maid tentatively escorted everyone including Jazdia out of the crumbling building. As the crowd dispersed, however, the elf remained; it was the first time for Jazdia to see directly the devastation the city has suffered. If she had words to describe it, it looked like both war and disaster had ravaged this place on the same time.

"Is there something else I can help you?" she maid asked. There was still a substantial distance between them, but Jazdia could hear her clearly.

The urgency to complete this mission clicked and shifted aside the empathy. What was done is done, now she should be focus on the task ahead. To that call, elf smiled as she walked closer. "How lovely of you!" and paused her words in a chortle. "There was one actually, would you mind taking me to your admiral?

"Well...I am sure you can find it yourself. If there is nothing else I gotta--"

"No, please! As you can see I am a stranger in this land and going alone would attract problems. There are always riff-raffs at the most difficult times, and nobody wants that. It is important, you see... regarding the plan we have discussed earlier."

Despite her calm disposition, Jazdia was trained enough to see a slight change in her expression before the maid could quickly force a smile. It seemed that the request was both unexpected and to be expected at the same time. Jazdia did not discounted the chance of Delvings planning some nefarious plan to abduct the prince, thus explaining their unexpected encounter. But recalling the event, she sure Matidal had left with the prince before this maid could gain an entry. A pure coincidence? Maybe not, but even so, the opportunity had passed away.

One thing for sure, the word admiral and plan convinced the maid. She played along, both women did not detach their mask cordiality and decided to prolong their charades.

"Of course, be happy to help."

"Splendid! You lead the way, yes?"

Despite saying that, the elf walked passed her and took the lead, resulting in the other woman following in sheer confusion, trying to keep up the pace.

The maid now walked beside her. A young woman in her early twenties she was, wearing a white dress that seemed too fancy for a mere servant uniform. Her weapon was a full-sized, two-handed sword she was currently carrying by having it rested on her shoulder, making the showy placement betray her usually cheerful demeanor as if her blade was ready for sinister employment should she decide to slash the sketchy elf beside her.

"Who was he to you anyway?" Jazdia asked, it was not out of curiosity, just to break the ice, and nothing more. And in exchange, the maid gave her an inquisitive look.

"Pardon?"

"Admiral Silas. He is a capable man, surely he doesn't need a bodyguard."

It took her some time to reply, and when she did, both her voice and expression were almost unreadable, save a small hint of displeasure.

"I am his servant."

No more words changed as they walked through the muddy road of Fanghorn. The tension has unintentionally remained so since their unplanned encounter at the bunker, and it seemed her last question only exacerbated it. Did she push a hidden button just now? Perhaps.

The Admiral was not far, just a block away from that collapsed building, seemingly busy with coordinating the evacuation effort with the two of his men. When they glanced at the approaching blondies, the effort halted, his men alerted, while some civilian males sounded a lecherous whistle.

Silas maintained a dignified posture as he greeted her. "Is there anything I can help you, ma'am?"

"We talked about your plan," said Jazdia without a preamble, and only continuing after brazenly pushing the man a few steps away from any possible prying ears. "You will ride ahead of us, keep your presence minimal to the rest of my team, but don't get too far. For that plan, I will need your horses, three of them."

The Admiral answered with a few nods.

"Understood. My men will stay to assist the commoners. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, ask one of them to find a carriage. Our late Baron had one stored in the storage room inside the inner wall. Once you find it, park it and the horses near the city gate, and begin your outriding. Don't worry I will know it when the preparation is completed on your end."

Jazdia shook her head and swept her forehead, excusing herself to vent the accumulated frustration under her breath. At least Silas seemed to share the sense of urgency she felt right now. How reliable the man playing his role in this plan was still remained to be seen however.

"Sorry. This will be my last request. I will need your coat, take it off."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Matilda did not stay there long. When the trapdoor successfully wrecked open, the knight captain already escorted the prince through the tunnel. She, of course, had a glimpse of the reckless entry that Delving woman performed. Was it a coincidence? Was there a nefarious plan behind all of that? Maybe, but she was too tired to find out.

"I am sorry but we have to climb again, Your Majesty."

It felt relieving to be able to call the prince by his rightful title again.

***

For Jazdia, it seemed Matilda had already delegated the effort to see if there was any nefarious and dishonest intention behind this daring rescue for her to solve. Not that she minded it anyway, the bear was so focused on his roleplay as a pet he barely moved or talk, and both Matilda and the boy had already left with nary a word.

Knowing that their abrupt encounter had created an awkward atmosphere between them, Jazdia tried to not be a bother by moving aside and waiting. A simple gesture that barely eased the tension in the maid's face, no matter how well she hid it with her bubbly chuckle. The attentiveness she showed when helping the first survivor down to the twenty was genuine, to say the least.

There was no other survivor left, and no words were spoken between the two blondies until Jazdia walked closer and reached out her hand asking to be pulled out.

"Would you be so kind as to help this old lady? She missed the first queue..."

She only nodded and clasped her hand tightly.

And at that moment, Jazdia knew this maidservant with a frilly white dress was no joke.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Matilda!' the boy cheered, and immediately handed the shovel to nearby townsfolk as he strode forward to the orc captain. "What happened there? I heard someone familiar and I thought..."

The orc only stood there. "All is well. It's time to go."

Her voice came muffled under her helmet as if she was unsure what to say. But it seemed the prince was as tactful as she hoped to be.
As he walked there, however, Cedar nudged his muzzle at the young boy and looked at him like a lost puppy. The boy nodded and seemed to acknowledge the request.

"I heard there was someone else up there." said the boy as he went closer to the orc. Half whispering, he asked, "Was it Admiral Silas?"

There was a sharp stare being sent to the elf behind her, but the non-human in question only shrugged with an indifferent expression. "I suggest we talk about it on our way back. This place is risky."

The word risky didn't seem to faze Matilda at all, or anyone within earshot. As the orc observed the room, she remembered there were two Von Kruber's servants amongst the crowd, but none said anything dared to make a move, yet.

"Agreed."

"Fools!" said someone suddenly. An old, desperate village who have been hunkering not far from them. "Go back there? To your deaths? Hahaha? Go! Go! fewer people to waste the air anyway!"

Matilda paid him no head, nor when the prince expressed his concern about these people. The orc simply snorted as she guided the prince back to the tunnel. "These people can use the same path we took."

***

When the boy finally returned to Matilda, Jazdia was glad everything went smoothly. Just a few troubled glances as the prince was being escorted away, but surely The orc captain fared better with words than her in this situation.
Standing beside Cedar, Jazdia decided to not ask, but surely she had a lot of things to note regarding their furry squadmate. That would be a headache for another day, it seemed.

"It's been a long day, huh?"

It was at that moment she heard a faint female voice calling out from above, followed by heavy footsteps and whirling noises of iron being swung with great strength. The floor above was solid concrete, but it felt like something heavy was falling above them. The civilians hunkered and covered their heads, some screeched in panic. Yet nobody dared to venture back to the tunnel.

"Sorry! Would you please stay away from the door? The handle is broken!"

A triangle metal thing suddenly jutted out from the gap, followed by a sound of wood being pulled apart. The afternoon sunlight fell down to the room from that broken trapdoor, followed by a makeshift ladder, and a certain blonde maid.

"Yes! More like...Twenty people here! Hello! No need to panic, please evacuate in an orderly manner. Women and children first."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

To maintain a healthy level of mana reserve, Jazdia deactivated her eyes. They had her torches, anyway.

It was exactly how she imagined it to be; a long, tunnel that makes Jazdia wonder what its purpose actually for. The latch, as she imagined, was an iffy, redundant safety measure that could backfire horribly in case... well that was actually happening now. When the other side was blocked and the invader managed to overrun the fort, all it took would be a single nudge at the lock to trap those people alive. Not really a pleasant aftermath to think about.

"Hey, Mattie. Do you mind holding the torch and taking the lead? The prince recognizes you better. Thank you!"

Saying nothing but a grunt, the Orc Captain took the glowing arrow and walked in front. That was some sense of relief, actually. Besides the tactical advantage, at least Jazdia would not worry about Matilda twisting her neck from behind. They were not really at the friendliest term anyway.

After some quiet walks, the duo finally arrived at the end. The room was even more miserable seeing it up close; dark and cramped, full of people with only two candles lit to serve as the beacons so they won't bump at each other. Taking the most significant space was Cedar the Bear who now walked in four with the Prince beside him.

The young royal, now disguised with peasant garb could be seen offering help to break the door, which barely suffered any damage from the hard labor earlier.

It was Matilda who immediately addressed the boy. "Mil- Kid, we have to go now."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia waited. For whatever reason, the inquiry stayed unanswered until the time ran out. And how surprising! Matilda also shared the same concern.

"They're not listening to the scouts?" The orc could be heard grumbling something in a low voice, before stepping briskly to the stairway. "I'll get them. Keep an eye on the admiral."

Jazdia followed her from behind and nonchalantly walked past her before she opened the trapdoor leading to the cellar with a punchable smile. "After you, ma'am."

The knight captain suppressed a grimace, hopped in, and started walking.

"I thought I said keep an eye on the admiral," said Matilda when the two reached the cellar below. Jazdia activated her eyes, scanning the tunnel before giving her her reasoning.

"You did say that, but I think that should be the least of your concern. The Delvings are on the outer part of the town. Busy with helping distressed villagers, it seemed. Last time I saw anyway...' Jazdia pointed at the heavy wooden door at their west. "Would be a lot while for them to return to the fort. Anyway, the prince and our bear friend walked through that; it was a straight tunnel with no intersection. Hang on! They are still there. It seemed the exit was blocked."

Matilda immediately strode toward the door, ready to open it. Jazdia wanted to tell her that the door was sealed shut but was too occupied pondering what kind of escape tunnel that could be barred from the outside.

The orc seemed ready to hack the door open or beat it up herself. Considering the door was held shut by a mere sizable iron latch, it could work... if she didn't mind adding more bruises onto her already mushy internals, that was.

The elf followed beside Matilda. Her blade gleamed with a hot, purplish glow as she slid the edge into the door gap and cut down the pesky iron out of the way.

"Before we go, a suggestion if you will," the elf said as she sheathed her blade and enchanted her arrow to light up the gloomy path ahead.
"They are not alone, there were civilians with them, twenty or so, best not address your princeling as respectfully as you usually do."

Thankfully Matilda's armor was not government-issued. Civilians, Jazdia thought. Easy to rile up, especially at the most desperate times. Trap them with you in a dark and crampy corner, and you should expect a surprise. Sadly not many of them were good ones.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Not the end, and certainly not their band. Jazdia muttered under her breath and then walked closer to the fireplace. The samurai's words rang in her ears like some sick proposal. Liked her? Well, congratulation! But how it developed into a deranged plan of snatching away someone else's sister for whatever reason, she could never discern. Not even for the sake of giving the prince a chance to escape.

"I'd strongly suggest you not do that. There is no need to provoke the Delvings. What for? Keeping him away from the prince? Well, you can always use the tunnel and follow Cedar. Delving has no other backup stationed, you said it yourself."

She then turned to Matilda without taking any step away from the fireplace. "Either way, we should not tarry long in this place. You heard what Baker said. You might not trust him too, but for me, his reading is the most trustable source of information I have now. --what's the VIP's status?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The elf sighed, she could live with that. Let's agree to disagree, no one had to like anybody.

But she kept that thought to herself, she got what she needed already, thus arguing would be a waste of breath. After all, she was not the one who apologized.

Shaking off that petty thought, Jazdia secured the kompas in her satchel bag. There was still something about Silas' role that needs to be decided. "I agree. He will be in front if he wants to tag along. Easier for us to turn back in the event of an ambush or blockade. You should be with the prince then, do not let him out of your arm's reach until we arrived at the capital. No offense, but you are injured, so sit there and relax. You could have the Samurai with you or Lady Veronica if you wish so. They are the most trustful if considering their ties with your king."

Moments passed, yet Matilda seemed to be still in deep thought. Frowns and wrinkles on his face were all too visible to the keenest eyes. There was a reason why Silas dared to be so open about his circumstances, and it doesn't matter if he paint that under the pretense of utmost urgency, someone like Matilda would take that as a blatant disrespect to her superior. The most ridiculous part was she could not do anything about it, and it would keep grating her until she earned his superior's approval.

"I have been to many countries and took part in their politics. I have seen something like this many times, and could recognize one immediately---" Jazdia tapped Matilda's pauldron lightly and offered her a weak smile. "I know what you are thinking, but it would be best for you to not dwell on it too much."

Because you will never see the meaning of integrity and loyalty in the same way again.

That last part was probably the most important, but Jazdia decided to not say it.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Picnic huh? The word was stranger than the foreign man himself. It sounded like an invitation, to stroll about together. Suddenly Kirsten realized that they have planned something together without her noticing.

Picnic. She repeated the word, sighing. Now it was not so strange anymore. Did this man ask her to go out? Well, she would like to... to be honest, and she could always slink away noticed like she did today.

"So...?"

The question was, why?

Between their awkward exchanges, Kirsten had been observing the other group with a shabby expression. They were still talking, but the tone seemed too direly gloomy. This time it was the tall knight lady who spoke, and Kirsten almost jumped from her seat upon witnessing her sharp attitude.

Her flamberge, which she had secured against the table prior, skidded down and dropped to the floor with a thud. Kirsten kneeled to pick it up. The Chonan did so as well. "Are you..."

"...Fine" The maid answered, looking away as she strapped the sword on her back. She dared herself to guess that the man was offering a friendship. It was wonderful, and it merely started with her being friendly to him. She would like to say yes to the invitation and would be eager to see where it leads. But between the little foreign guy and the series of hectoring against her brother, she could not think clearly, she feared the possibility.

The timing could not be any better. Silas was walking toward the exit and stopped to give Kirsten a signal to leave. She ignored him, intending to finish the goodbye.

"I..." She forced herself to look at him and curl her lips into a smile. "I can't promise anything, but I know we will meet again. Until Next time, Chonan."

Finally, both Delvings made their way to the exit, and when they were no longer there, confusion, relief, and disappointment flooded the room.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"You are great! T-thank for experiencing this new kind of bread."

"You like it? Really?" the praise itself was awkward as if coming from someone who never properly express gratitude in a casual way. Yet it felt sincere somehow, a rare expression that made Kirsten eyes twinkle with joy.

"I should try out to make one, too!" the man said, skipping a breath. "Also, I would like to make a rice ball for you if we meet again."

"Eh... oh, you will? But we don't grow rice here. I am a frequent shopper at the local market you know, and foreign condiments are rarely in stock. But they often have importd herbs like cinnamons, cloves, and nutmeg from Dwipawarna every August--- ahem, pardon me, but surely you have your way, so go ahead, surprise me!"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia stood up, yeah that made a lot of sense. Then she heard Solomon's commentary and mused.

If they can get away with it, then as Baker had figured, Fredricus' influence is not as strong as he might think anymore. She turned to Silas. "Awfully a lot to take in your confession, Sir Delving, and I am sure you are confident, even if we record your speech and present it to the king himself, your family could still get away with it, right?"

The elf smiled. She has been holding the brass Kompas this whole time and her fingers itched to press that rewind button, but then decided against so. Another piece of evidence had been secured, no need to push the man further.

The admiral stood as well, his expression feigned resolution and disagreement, but whatever resistance dwelled in his heart, he sure hid it completely. He spared a glance one last time at the three agents before speaking.

"I have said everything that needs to be said. I will leave it to your judgment. I shall wait outside."

The Admiral finally let go of his nerve-wracking attention on the group and walked away, stopping briefly to look at the maid. The woman seemed to not paid him any heed but eventually rose from her sitting and followed anyway, the Admiral's aides guarded her from behind.

"There was something I wanted to tell you," she said, half whispering after taking a step closer to Matilda. "I am not giving the admiral a chance based only on my pure instinct alone." Jazdia slipped a hand between her hair and her ears and detached a circular item that looked like bold, knitted-together piece of black wires. She squeezed the item, channeling magic into it before offering it to the orc

"Put it on your ears."