Mas Bagus

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

"And where is this home? If I may be so bold to ask?"

Baker's emerald eyes attentively gazed at Cedar, probing for more information until he could finally draw his personal conclusion.

"What I am trying to say is You have been involved deeper into the game, and now Fredricus would not let any of his pieces go astray or fall into his enemy's hands. You are his pawn now and you have been treading on the chessboard this entire time."

"Slyph. Now you've heard what the Delving prince said. Tell me, what would happen if there were no effort being fronted to "rescue the prince at all cost"? How far would you think the syndicate would go? Sure, there will be some turmoils in Rascade political landscape, but that's just that. The prince had been missing for a full week, ever wondered why they were not very stringent with their timeframe?

Baker shook his head and sighed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid I have to tell you that the success of your mission is a planned failure, a desirable one. They never seek to keep the prince locked forever, they were fishing for Fredricus's irrational decision and he just handed it in a platter with the help of yours truly. To create a big stir-up in the nation. Tomorrow the news about Fanghorn will reach far and wide. And who needs finicky and sketchy news about a missing prince if you have more relatable, nationwide news concerning a mass tragedy shaped like a symbolical attack against the nation?"

"The war is closer than ever." he continued. "And Fredricus would never let you leave, or live your life until he managed to tie up any loose ends. You can call me a liar if you want to. And Slyph knows this all along."

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

The bear thanked the man for the invitation and sheepishly had himself seated at the other side of th long table.

Then, there were two things that happened afterward, Another petite but older woman barged in with boozy giggles, and seemingly in a misplaced response, the beast-man suddenly complained about the inhospitable treatment he received on the previous visit that actually was unrelated to Baker and his establishment. The crassness of the words uttered left the baker puzzled, though he decided to not address it.

The doctor was sitting motionlessly in front of him. Though it was hard to discern what kind of expression he made behind that mask, Baker guessed that the man was likely to be as confused as he was.

Almost in parallel, Jazdia walked out of the panic room. Looked fresher and cleaner than before. And more dressed; that navy coat was neither over, nor undersized, and she wore it with its sleeves rolled to the elbow and all its buttons buttoned.

"Greetings Madam Admiral." said the baker dryly, and the elf only snorted as she walked past him toward the fireplace. The flame was nearly extinguished.

"Tsk-tsk. All the people here and you can't keep the fire going."

Jazdia flicked a small sphere of fire out of her fingers and and reignited the fireplace. Tossing more wood into it, the elf spared a glance at the inn owner and asked. "Feeling a bit lonely tonight, Baker?"

The elven man shrugged, delaying his response to let the beast-man finished asking the black-haired lady about what kind of booze she had been drinking.

"Well, if you want to know, I was asking what plan you folks will have after having this entire fiasco concluded." he answered flatly.

"Definitely not by wasting it in your place." the elf drawled. It was the last wood tossed before she stood up and reached for an iron poker to adjust the burning timber.

"I'm certainly not against it though." the reply came slower than before and became more candid. Jazdia tilted her head. Awkwardly tried to smile, but failed to find anything funny with that statement.
With a doubtful expression, she looked at her ex-employee in the eyes, before walking back to the table and pouring her tea into a porcelain cup.

"Really now?" the elven woman's blue eyes narrowed, they were slightly turned purplish when the tea in her cup was steaming again.

And likewise, the Baker dropped his jolly attitude, although he remained affable when he spoke back to Jazdia.

"Only for a limited time, and if the price was right," he said, looking at everyone present in the room with a slightly concerned undertone. The atmosphere suddenly turned mirthless.

"But honestly, I would rather suggest you all to take a one-way trip away from Kindeance."

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

"The loss you say." Baker's emerald eyes scanned the entire room before shifting to the fireplace with an expression that neither showed empathy nor conclusive thought. "Whatever or whoever it was, I hope it would mean much for the betterment of this nation. I shall not pry further."

Shooking himself awake, the innkeeper picked the conversation back again to the topic at hand.

"Yes, and that's such a shame that your stop will be brief in my establishment. But I believe it's for the best for everyone involved, especially the VIP you are escorting."

Baker shifted his glance at the front door. Cedar could be seen heading this way, and the bear looked much cleaner now.

'Master Cedar. Glad you decided to join us. Have a seat, the single bench over there is quite sturdy. I made it myself with the thickest cut I could find." After pointing at a single-seater bench made mostly of several halved logs, he continued.

"So, you are just one step closer to finishing this... quest. A Sovereign's Will, I call it. Do you have any plans after that? Mind sharing it with me?"

For the uninitiated, the question sounded like any other harmless question asked by the innkeeper to initiate a friendly banter, but somehow it felt as if there was more behind it. And the more you let Baker speak the more you felt a hidden, ominous echo in his voice. Could it be because of his elven heritage? Jazdia didn't sound like that at all.

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

Not bothered by Solomon's spectral servant, the elven innkeeper emerged from behind the counter and walked toward the sets of tables and chairs near the fireplace, bringing the rest of Jazdia's order and some extras. Affable as ever, the man greeted the doctor and placed the tray on the table.

"Has Slyph returned yet? No? Still in the locker room? She won't be there long, I know her, she would rather skip whatever she is doing now than having her tea gone cold. Can I sit here?"

The bid for permission was a mere formality when Baker seated himself on the chair across the table. And after getting himself comfortable, the innkeeper leaned forward to initiate a seemingly casual conversation. Or not-

"I heard the operation was successful, but why the long face? Slyph doesn't look very happy when I saw her."

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

Baker had retreated behind the counter, busying himself with cutting vegetables and preparing leftover minced meat. Nina. after fulfilling the last order from the elven lady sauntered into the kitchen, bringing a new pot full of water and having it boiled immediately.

Sweeping sweat from her forehead, the girl heaved. "I swear the pot was full last time I checked. What happened to it?"

"The old one? I thought they were made last week. The pot looked grisly."

The young lady looked like she was ready to sweat bullet this time.

"So you tossed it out?!! Daa I made it just yesterday! Remember that small lady? She downed almost the entire serving, I made a new batch after that. The pot looked dirty because I kept being asked for more."

"Really now?" the Baker shrugged, his expression was nonchalant as he walked toward the boiling cauldron and poured gunk of minced meat and fats unfit for pastry filling into the pot."Whoops, guess who sold the entire batch to our hungry beastman outside!"

'Definitely not me..." said Nina, pouting as she poured salt and other seasonings into it. To think Father would send the entire batch away on a whim was definitely upsetting. Not only it would mean the batch was sold at a huge loss, but it also means she would have to stay late to stir the stew until it was safe to be left alone.

Baker, after downing an entire basket of minced cabbage and carrots into the mixture, shook his head in a playful chuckle. It took him a while until he spoke again.

"All right, Young Miss. Enough with the faultfindings already! I tell you what, leave the dishes to me. You can sleep early--"

Before Nina could ponder whether the deal was satisfactory enough, the York Siblings called her.

No longer bothered showing her professional facade, the girl stomped out of the kitchen and approached them. "Yes? What is it?"

"Every time I go to this facility and keep seeing you a hard working one. It always makes me joy." Said the elder brother. And right upon hearing that, Nina almost rolled her eyes in. Not her first time dealing with Gepard, but, seriously! what's the deal with the guy and his long-winded talk? like everyone has the time for a fancy preamble.

"Was your brother always blathering like this?" she interrupted, eying at the younger sister. A foolish question and the answer was equally foolish as well. The girl named Lynx shrugged, yet the beam in her eyes signaled that she enjoyed the entire show.

"What I mean... Please, take this with you." Continued Gepard, placing two silver coins in addition to his overall bill.

Nina looked at him, seeking confirmation. It was surprising, but not sure a welcomed one, though. They have been regulars, but paying extra was never customary. What was the deal this time? Was it linked to the long-winded speech earlier? Was he trying to---"

The more she thought about it, the more Nina realized her brain would sooner be boiling like that new stew currently simmering in their kitchen. Rebuilding her composure, she picked the payment politely.

"You sure two silver is not a bit too much? I won't turn it down, though. Thanks!"

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

"He wouldn't mind," said Jazdia before kneeling in front of the fireplace and breathing out a stream of fire to light it up. "We are not here to rob him, nor to ask for a charity. Every bread will be paid, and every roll will be compensated properly."

“Then I will have supplies enough on hand as needed.” said the doctor solemnly, walking back to the common room and addressing his request to Nina.

The girl returned not long after to fulfill the order; clean and dry bandages in a satchel bag, and water in a metal bucket. On her shoulder was an old shirt that seemed too small for anyone in the room to wear. She thanked them for their patience after placing the bandage on the table.

"Is there anything else?" Though a trace of sleepiness could be heard in her voice, Nina maintained her professional demeanor by smiling earnestly. Their order was a bit strange today, but this elven lady paid generously, so it was no problem.

"Of course. I'd like to have tea, and the pastries, what do you have left?"

'That would be the pirozhki I made with that Maid this noon. And the usual garlic bread."

"Splendid! Please bring some with the tea, sweetheart. Thank you!"

As the girl left, Jazdia turned to Solomon again and offered him a weary smile. "I can patch myself this time," she said as she picked up the bandage for herself. "Then again, if not for sanitary reasons, it's improper to perform a medical procedure in a dining room. Baker has other patrons at table three... I will be back shortly. Feel free to order something for you."

And thus, she excused herself and walked into Baker's personal chamber next to the kitchen.

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

Nina shook her head helplessly.

Both were always this weird, and she couldn't get used to it. In one corner you have the younger sister and her obsession with her magic studies. On the other, you have an apologetic older brother named Gepard who was clearly strange to the concept of loose lips ship sinks. Seriously! Now clearly ain't the time and place for you to blabber about your family's downfall.

"Yes, yes. May I know what you want now?

"Bread, hunter stew and soup for our dinner. Please, Miss Nina." answered Gepard.

"Finally... Daaa, a bowl of soup and stew! Table number three!"

"I hear you! A bowl of soup and stew coming in hot!"

Nina returned to them again with one of her trained smiles. "Please wait, yeah?"

***

Matilda was still staying at the wagon with the prince, with the window being kept open for an obvious reason. Jazdia didn't inform her about the two hours break and decided it would be a less (or more, but still hilarious) hassle for the orc captain to find it out herself.

Before walking into the store with the old doctor following, she looked back and said to him.

"It's actually not needed, Baker has an ample stock of medical supplies I can use generously. But well, what's done is done. I hope your spectral servant won't stumble into any trouble, or inflict one on somebody..."

On their way, they met Baker, who teetered about bringing a pot of stew in one hand, and a vegetable sack full of yesterday's and imperfect loaves on his shoulder. The load was heavy, but it didn't mean his trademark smirk would go away.

"Oh, glad to see you Ma'am," he said before playfully shaking his head. "Nice coat, by the way! Barely a day and your friendship with our neighbor Delving has been this symbolic I am afraid the press would have a wrong idea when they see it."

"Oh, shut up Baker... our stop-off will be brief, so spare me your sarcasm. I'd like to have a reservation, the usual place, and the usual servings. Thank you."

"Sure...sure. Feel free to toss more wood into it though. I left the fireplace cold because I thought you are not stopping by. Enjoy yourself, ma'am."

Leaving Jazdia to do her own business, Baker continued to hover around. First, at the table where the York siblings were, he placed two bowls and ladled out two equal portions of greasy stew into them.

"Hello there, Little miss Lynx. Pretty as usual. And Young Master Gepard, how is it going? Thanks for waiting, but so sorry, we are running out of soup, not even the bones, nor a strand of cabbage left, so I guess stew will do? Feel free to ask Nina to take it away if you don't like it. It's on the house!"

Swiftly, he then dashed toward the bear. The pot landed smoothly in some corner of his terrace and he immediately handed the sack to the bear.

"Here you go, pal. I know you are not very comfortable with handouts, but I'd still say you don't need to worry about the expense, I will gladly be rid of all for twenty coppers, excluding the empty pot of course! Hahahaha! Put it whenever you like when you are done. Enjoy your meal!"

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

In a business with a very busy queue, silence mean yes, and thus Baker strode back into the room and invited the two other patrons to take their seat.

"Come on, kids, Stop bothering him and sit down, will ya."

Then he shouted to the balcony above them. "Nina! We have guests here!"

Not long after, a girl hurriedly descended the stairs, both hands securing a knot of her apron. He freckled face immediately sported a frown when she glanced at the siblings. "Oh, the usual York guppies. Don't worry I will take their order."

"Be easy on them. I am counting on you. " Quipped the elf before leaving the two at the mercy of his daughter. God knows since when did she inherit his sense of sarcasm despite being unrelated by blood?

"So, what can I get you? No, don't request something weird like polyjus, and no, we don't want to buy your awful recipe. Gentleman, Lady, this is a bakery, not an alchemy laboratory, thank you very much.

***

Outside, Jazdia stood up from her seating and stretched her arm. It was not like she was intentionally being rude to Baker or anything, she only felt rather unwell after dismounting from her horse, like an overwhelming sensation of dizziness assaulted her head. But now the nausea had been suppressed and she shook her head one more time to get rid of it.

"Yeah, you are right. I think my body is confused," she said, rubbing her temple in a pained expression. I don't think Matilda would appreciate us taking a lengthy break though."

Jazdia unbuttoned the cufflink of the navy coat she was wearing and rolled up its sleeves. Not the kind of fashion she preferred, but admittedly helped her to conserve her energy and body heat during the trip.

"Say, do you think two hours is enough to replace them and have a proper tea break?"

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

"Good evening. Please come in. I will have your order shortly after this gentleman."

He then shifted back to Cedar again.

"I understand, but I will insist you take the pot, And I will take no for an answer. I am not a fan of what you call Hunter's stew, but folks liked it. The older it gets the better they say. But I have a strict expiration date policy in my establishment and I say the current one has been sitting there longer than what I deem acceptable.

Pausing, Baker realized that his new female patron had been staring intensely at them for a while now.

"I will get your bread, please wait here."

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

"That's very thoughtful of you. Most folk here won't even bother to use doormat to scrub their soles I am pretty used to it. Are you sure that's all? We have more good bread than the stale ones."

Baker looked at the bear tentatively. and shrugged. "You are my guests so it's outrageous for me to serve table scraps. How about this, I give you some of yesterday's loaves and a pot of stew, and a jug of water to wash it down. Or perhaps you would like a beer? I have a half barrel on the counter. Call your friends. You all can sit on the terrace if you like. The floor is always swept clean."

Not far from there, Jazdia could be seen as if she had been slumped deeper into the bench she was sitting on. Baker's words had become a discordant noise that was slowly gnawing away coins in her wallet.