The city of Illuna was, indeed, a city. It wasn’t as large as Lyria, but Lyria was known as the Grand City for a reason. It was still the largest man-made settlement Alyssa had seen since coming to this world that wasn’t Lyria.

It seemed to have taken a lot of cues from Lyria’s layout as well. A wall surrounded the majority of the city, though it did have a significant number of buildings outside, sprawling the city beyond its borders. A few towers were stationed around the wall as well, though none of them reached even a quarter of Lyria’s tower’s height. There wasn’t a central palace either. At least not one that jutted up very high above the rest of the buildings. House Illuna, the rulers of the city and surrounding lands, lived in a fairly large manor with rooms by the dozen, right in the middle of the town. The construction was fairly lavish with real wooden floors. Not as smooth as what someone would find in a modern home, but quite nice considering that most peasants just had dirt floors. The roof might have even been tin.

The yard, quite expansive in its own right, was filled with turkeys and geese. Alyssa couldn’t understand why. The noise they made as Alyssa left the building was worse than firing pistols in small secret passages inside Irulon’s laboratory. It was constant and obnoxious.

As Alyssa walked through the streets with Fela, Irulon, and Kasita, she couldn’t help but notice just how different the humans were as well. There was a completely distinct culture here. Especially regarding how they treated monsters. Rather than something to be feared, people viewed Fela and the draken as curiosities. Something to be gawked at as they walked past. There were still glares, but there were a whole lot more people looking like the circus had come to town than there were people looking ready to form into a lynch mob.

“The day you arrived in Lyria, the city was attacked by that monster army. That is still in recent memory and contributes a lot to the current climate toward monsters,” Irulon explained. “Besides that incident, the shadow assassins and gaunt attacked the palace. It was less publicized, but plenty died. And there have been other such happenings in the past, well before you even existed in this world, including the war with the elves. Illuna, on the other hand, is located such that many other cities will shelter it from typical monster attacks. Most of its citizens probably haven’t even seen a monster, let alone one that tried to kill them.”

“They don’t have slaves here?”

“Not to my knowledge. Which might be simply because they haven’t had the opportunity to enslave any. Most of those in Lyria came from various wars or conflicts. Very few monsters are actually captured from the wild for enslavement purposes.”

“Surely travelers bring monsters along. This city trades with Lyria.”

“Indeed. Any monsters they bring are likely treated as Fela is right now.”

“Well, the curiosity is probably better than fear and anger.”

Fela, shrugging, said, “Doesn’t bother me one way or another. As long as they leave me alone.”

She had barely taken two steps before two children rushed out into the street. A little boy, apparently being chased around by a little girl and not watching where he was headed, slammed right into Fela’s legs. Like he had slammed into a brick wall, he fell backward, even managing to bounce across the dirt a bit.

There weren’t many people watching, but the collective gasp was almost comical in how synchronized it was. Alyssa actually started looking around, wondering if someone had planned the stunt. The timing was just too perfect. She completely ignored Fela reaching down, grasping the boy under his arms with both of her large paws, hefting him up as if he weighed no more than a small rock, and setting him down on his feet. There just wasn’t a point to keeping an eye on the situation. It wasn’t like Fela was going to murder a kid for bumping into her even if she had just asked to be left alone.

The little girl, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, suddenly dashed forward.

She slammed into Fela’s legs, fell down, and promptly started giggling. “Me too!” she said, lifting her arms in the air.

Fela, making a slight grunting noise, shot a glance at Alyssa.

Alyssa could only shake her head as Fela hefted up the little giggling girl.

While being lifted, the girl clamped her arms around Fela’s arm and nuzzled her face into the fur. “You’re so soft!” she said with a squeaking cheer.

The little boy grabbed hold of Fela’s free arm, just about making her drop the girl, and proceeded to mimic her nuzzling.

Fela, eyes wide and obviously on the verge of panic, turned to Alyssa for help.

Alyssa just shook her head again.

“Get off,” Fela mumbled, lightly shaking her arms in a vain attempt to dislodge the children. “Go away. I’m a scary monster.”

They just laughed and giggled, holding on even tighter.

“There,” Kasita whispered into Alyssa’s ear.

Following the mimic’s gaze, Alyssa found a younger man approaching. One with a smooth face and cropped short hair. He wore an emblemed tunic of quite high quality make. The emblem, a simple grey sphere with a fleur de lis, matched that of House Illuna. Three people accompanied him. A teenage girl clutching his hand, a heavily cloaked figure whose face couldn’t even be seen behind a cloth mask, and an older gentleman who also wore the emblem, walking with a cane.

Irulon stepped forward, smiling with a mask that Alyssa only rarely saw when she had to interact with others at the Observatorium. “Ah. Good morning, Martin. I haven’t seen you in years. You look well.”

“Is that you, Princess Irulon?” the older man said, stepping in front of the other two. “I haven’t seen you since you were as big as my grandchildren over there.” He nudged his cane toward where Fela was still trying to get rid of two miniature humans without harming them. “I’m surprised you recognize me. What brings you to Illuna?”

“Business at Owlcroft, I’m afraid.”

His countenance darkened immediately. “Yes. I just finished penning a missive to your father and sent it out by courier. Out at the gate, I found my court arcanist returning from a journey. With him, I thought to send a faster albeit shorter Message relaying the trouble we’ve been having.” He said with a slight nod toward the blond man at his side. “He was out of the city for a few weeks and only just arrived. I went out to meet him, but… I must have missed you arriving.”

“We’ve been here for about six hours now. My team,” she said, waving back to Fela, Alyssa, and Kasita, “joined up with a group of Knights Solaris who had a quest to escort your granddaughter back here. She’s waiting at your manor along with the leader of the group.”

“Wonderful,” he said, a gentle smile crossing his face. “Sorry that I could not greet you at the manor. But it is good that there is some positive news. How is Raugis?”

“A bit fatigued from the journey, but I believe she enjoyed it overall.”

“Splendid, just splendid. We’ll have to throw a feast—”

“Ah. Apologies, Martin. Our schedule has us setting off before nightfall. My brother and one of his trusted captains are currently resupplying. As soon as they’re done, we’re out. However, our journey back to Lyria should be on a far more relaxed timescale. I’m sure we can set aside a few nights to mingle.”

“A shame. But I suppose a few days of preparation will allow for a banquet befitting a princess. Do send me a Message before you arrive.”

“Of course!” Irulon said, voice too chipper. “But I really must be going now. Our schedule is quite tight.”

Nodding, Martin looked to Fela and the two children. “Horace, Sabine. Leave that poor creature alone. You’re clearly traumatizing it. And you,” he turned to the blond man at his side. “Don’t encourage them.”

“Couldn’t resist,” he said with a hearty chuckle. “Overhearing what she said, I thought it would be amusing. Seeing a monster act like this… It gives me some hope.”

The two children, after a second admonishment from their grandfather, finally peeled themselves free from Fela’s arms. They ran right up to the blond man and started talking a mile a minute, speaking over each other. Despite them being all but unintelligible, he nodded seriously to them both, as if he could actually understand. The girl at his side just… stared.

Freed, Fela quickly moved right up to Alyssa and Kasita, sandwiching herself between them as if either one of them had the bulk necessary to shield her from potentially being grabbed once again.

With a few words of parting from Irulon, and a good deal of urging from Fela, they got on their way once again. As soon as they turned down the street that led toward the local guild branch, both Kasita and Irulon spoke at once.

“Interesting,” Irulon said.

“Ufufu~”

“What?” Alyssa said, glancing back at the two of them with an eyebrow raised.

“The company that Martin keeps is very interesting. And might explain his son’s actions back in Lyria as well as the urgency of getting Raugis out of the city.”

“Ah,” Alyssa nodded. “I do remember Oz saying something when he was telling me about the job. Illuna’s… leader?”

“Serling. Martin’s son and current head of Illuna. Martin still manages some things around here, especially while Serling is away, but he is much too old to travel long distances these days.”

“Oz said that Serling not only supported the Pharaoh’s decisions, but liked having Fela around. Though it is still somewhat surprising that his court wizard would send children to hug her.”

“It’s not just that. It’s…” Irulon paused, turning to face the street behind them.

At least ten children of varying ages were following behind them. They had been talking softly among themselves, but fell silent the moment Alyssa and the others turned to them. One child, the oldest-looking of the bunch, wound up nudged forward by a few of the others. He opened his mouth, looking right at Fela.

Without a word, Fela started sprinting up the street.

“Oh dear,” Irulon said as the children charged right past them, chasing after Fela. “Be at the guild in an hour unless you want to be left behind,” she called out after the fleeing hellhound.

“Is that really alright? Shouldn’t we stop them?” Despite her words, Alyssa made no motion to run after the children or the hellhound. For one, hellhounds were fast when they wanted to be. She would have to burn some magic to catch up. Secondly… nothing bad would happen. Probably. Even the guards of this city didn’t seem all that perturbed by the presence of monsters.

It made Alyssa wonder why that sanctuary of monsters had to be kept so secret. If the people here weren’t quite as hostile toward monsters, they might be able to walk around among everyone else without fear. Then again, it wasn’t only Illuna that the monsters had to worry about. Brigands, glory seekers, monster hunters, and even the city of Lyria might all become their enemies if their presence became known. They wouldn’t be able to house fleeing slaves like Rizk, Pho, and Enrique.

Unless they got official support, it was probably for the best that they remain hidden. And even if they were invited to the city for feasts or simple trade, keeping their sanctuary a secret would still be a good idea.

Kasita, hands clutched over her stomach, chuckled to herself. “She’ll be fine. She’s having fun.”

“Is that what you call it?” With a shake of her head, Alyssa continued walking with the others. Notably, they walked down a street in a completely different direction than the way Fela had gone. She was probably going to lead the children away, get out of sight, and double back toward the guild building.

Hopefully, anyway.

The Knights Solaris, Illuna branch, was a tavern and inn much like the one in Lyria. A bit smaller. It didn’t have quite so many tables set out for adventurers or guests. There weren’t quite so many adventurers and guests around, for one. But, even though there were fewer people inside, the smaller size made it seem just as occupied as its sister location.

Behind the main counter, there was a board filled with a variety of requests and the expected reward. Lumen was up at the desk, perusing. Probably checking to see if there were any easy tasks for quick money while they were out here in Illuna. Or perhaps looking to see if anyone wanted an escort to Lyria. Sticking around for a caravan headed back might actually be in their best interests. Otherwise, they’d spend two weeks traveling without any pay at all.

Alyssa was glad that she didn’t have to worry over such things. Tzheitza provided shelter and enough cash on the side for her to live comfortably. Her dealings with the royal family helped as well. Alyssa was mostly sure that she could ask Irulon for any supplies and she would get them. Assuming her requests weren’t too outlandish.

Trying to get a peek into the Pharaoh’s time magic books was, apparently, an outlandish request.

After grabbing a meal for herself and Irulon at the counter, they moved off to the table that Lisa and Catal sat at. Catal didn’t talk much normally, but he seemed to be in the middle of a political discussion with Alyssa’s mother. Politics of the great houses.

Alyssa listened in as she ate. It wasn’t a particularly interesting discussion. Her mother had simply asked what gave the nobles their statuses. Population was one of the biggest requirements. The houses were required to send a certain number of soldiers to join with the Lyria city guard, at which point Lyria and the nobles there would distribute them to wherever they were needed. Oftentimes, that was to Pandora or various outposts along the main roads. Despite being called the city guard, they were more national peacekeepers.

Great houses tended to be even larger, usually with a primary city and several villages and towns that they were essentially in charge of protecting. They had more control over their own land and were expected to keep it clear of monsters and other hazards. Lyria’s city guard only tended to intervene in dire circumstances.

But even essentially being a state on their own didn’t necessarily make a house great.

What made a house great was something else they provided in addition to personnel. House Bwickly, for instance, was essentially a city of lumberjacks. They exported a unique and slightly magical supply of wood to Lyria and all the other main cities. Another city sat right on a quarry. Most of the stone that made up Lyria’s palace came from them. Illuna had, at some point in the distant past, been responsible for ferreting out and putting a stop to an assassination attempt on a previous Pharaoh. So not all of what a great house had to provide needed to be physical goods.

Though Alyssa had to question the wisdom of granting a bunch of power to someone and having that power stand for generations. It seemed much more prudent to give them a more transient reward that benefited people at the time who actually performed the service. Then again, Illuna didn’t seem like a terrible place. Perhaps being granted the status had helped them build up to what they were today.

Someone in the room letting out a fearful shout interrupted Catal’s explanation. A beat of silence passed before half the room scrambled to their feet, drawing their weapons.

Alyssa jumped up as well, drawing her spell cards without quite realizing what was happening.

It didn’t take her long to notice the hellhound standing in the doorway. Not just any hellhound, but a miserable-looking hellhound who dripped water across the floor as she stomped over to the table, ignoring the sharp blades pointed in her direction.

Not wanting anyone to accidentally attack, Alyssa ran up to Fela, shooting a glare at the nearest adventurer with a sword out on the way. Her presence seemed to calm down the room. Somewhat. A few people, perhaps those who had been inside earlier when they stopped by on the way to the manor, sheathed their swords and returned to their seats. They didn’t stop staring, but that couldn’t be helped. A few others were clearly more agitated, remaining standing and armed.

Alyssa ignored them, focusing on Fela. “What happened to you?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” she grumbled. Folding her arms across her chest, she dropped down onto a bench and just glared at the tabletop.

“You’re soaking wet.” Her ears were completely drooped to the sides of her head. Her tail was like a water fountain. Even the flames coming from her eyes looked a little soggy.

“I said I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Was it the children?”

Fela let out a low, guttural growl. “Did your noisy guns hurt your ears?”

“Children?” Catal said, raising an eyebrow.

Alyssa had to fight off the smile on her face. “Fela wound up chased—”

Fela stood again, knocking into the bench with the backs of her knees. The jolt just about sent Alyssa to the ground. “Is it time to go yet?” she growled in that same irritated tone of voice, this time even baring her sharp teeth.

“Should be soon,” Irulon said, undisturbed despite sitting on the same bench. “In fact, if you want to go check on Brakkt, I believe he should be at the stables.”

With a curl of her lip, Fela turned and stalked back the way she had come.

“I think I made her a little mad,” Alyssa whispered to the table, eliciting a light chuckle from Catal. “I better apologize later. Though I do want to know what happ—”

A clatter from the other end of the room had Alyssa turning to find Fela face down against the floor. Groaning, she slowly put her paws under her in order to get back up.

Alyssa was on her feet in an instant, eyes searching for what had happened. She quickly zeroed in on a group of four at the table nearest to Fela’s fallen form, sneering and brandishing weapons. More besides them were watching as well. Some wary. Others looked almost eager. Plenty had their swords out and at the ready, obviously expecting a fight.

Two dozen Spectral Chains lashed out in an instant.

Chains bound every person in the room before they could so much as blink.

Twisting her wrist, most of them lost their balance. The ones that didn’t tried resisting. With their arms pinned to their sides, the most they could manage was a backwards motion to try to pull her off balance.

Alyssa didn’t budge.

Her vision split into facets as the glass of her sunglasses cracked and melted. Molten glass ran down the sides, dripping to the floor.

Ugh, she thought with an annoyed click of her tongue. That was my only other pair.

“Fela. Are you alright?”

The hellhound finished pushing herself up to her feet. She turned slowly, taking in the entire room as she moved. Slowly, her tail started swiping back and forth. Still wet, it sent out sprays of water over everyone nearby.

“She tripped,” Irulon said, stepping up beside Alyssa. “Or rather, she was tripped.” Continuing forward, Irulon gracefully ducked underneath one of the chains and stopped just in front of one of the men closest to Fela. One who had fallen with the flick of Alyssa’s wrist. “Were you trying to instigate something? Perhaps bait the monster into attacking you? Had she actually risen to that bait, you would have put everyone here in danger. So either you have a callous disregard for the lives of your comrades, or you are a fool. Either way, it isn’t only the monster you have to worry about.”

Standing upright, Irulon turned back to Alyssa. “So what shall we do with him? Truss him up outside as a warning? I have several Rigor Mortis spells, if you want.”

“Alyssa,” Lisa said, warning in her tone. “You need to calm down.”

“I’m perfectly calm,” she said softly. Lifting up the hand without twenty chains attached to it, Alyssa removed her sunglasses. Glancing at them, she tossed them off to the side. “I just wanted to make sure the situation couldn’t get any worse before I knew what was happening.” Louder, to Irulon, she shook her head. “That’s all a bit disproportionate. Unless Fela wants…”

Fela was just sitting on the floor, wagging her tail back and forth as she stared at Alyssa.

Smiling, Alyssa just shook her head. The smile didn’t last long, however. “We should leave,” she said, staring at the sunglasses on the table. “I think I did something unintentionally. I doubt it was anything large, but moving on would be safer if they noticed.”