I shrug and turn around to leave despite not really getting what she means. It takes me a few minutes, much too long, to realize Aisha means I'm to meet with the Emperor considering we've been talking about him.

To be fair, I never thought it was even an option. In fact, it's better I didn't get it right away because I'm now feeling nervous. I idealized the Order more than the man it serves in my youth but there was an embarrassing time not so long ago where I strongly believed in him for no proper reason other than a need for hope.

Rasaec is a living myth, what will he be like? What if he disappoints? What if I disappoint? I shake my head with a chuckle that grates my own ears. I reach up to my hair and run the tips of my fingers along the petals of the tulip Leomi left for me.

With some time ahead of me before nightfall, I head to the University to read up on the eyesight enhancing construct. I once again easily gain entry but a slender thirty-year-old man with brown hair and a monocle hanging from his jacket runs up to me right after I give my weapon to the imperial guards.

Expecting an ambush of a kind, I raise my palm to put him down. He appears so oblivious I almost hesitate but I correctly rely on my instinct and launch a burst of kinetic force into his chest.

The man's traits twist in shock but flow bursts from his left forearm and runes appear on the University's pavement that absorbs my attack. I allow this runic construct I had never noticed to redirect the kinetic force into itself and then use it to break the runes, shattering several chiseled stones.

I flick my wrist and use the gesture as a trigger to launch a second blow that this time blows the man back. He lands on his back and rolls head over heels for a few meters.

He sits up and dazedly shakes his head with a confused expression before falling back down. I blink at his weakness and glance to his left arm to find a cloth vambrace embroidered with runes.

It seems like he didn't act but has an alarm construct on his person that automatically links to the University's defenses which took action on his behalf. Most important is that the kinetic force was absorbed as if the Empire had my understanding of it.

No, the amount of energy powering that runic construct was excessive. It was a different construct, likely heavily based on intent but refined to the point where it is viable for use.

“Stand down, Jessica Freepath!” The imperial officer barks.

“My mistake.” I acknowledge so as to avoid complicating things.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have any impact as two dozen imperial guards move to surround me with their bardiches out. I scowl. Fighting back is going to make things much worse but it isn't as if I can allow myself to be captured either, by anyone.

“It's fine, I was abrupt.” The man intervenes as he brings his monocle in front of his right eye to glance at the cracked pavement. “Fascinating.” He mutters, having apparently already moved on from both my attack and the situation.

The officer hesitantly looks to the man and then throws me an annoyed look before reluctantly signaling his subordinates to fall back. I outwardly relax my posture but do not let my guard down.

“Can't believe you shattered a sympathetic construct so easily.” The man mutters as the small crowd that gathered disperses. “You evidently didn't resist the transfer so how... oh! You went along without letting go of the force you called upon, allowing you to break the construct from within whence the process ended, clever!”

“Uh, sure.” I mutter as I move away.

“Wait, you're that one who made the plowing construct?” He asks intently. “You're tiny with a gash on your face and one arm, although there is one too many scars...” He trails off while gazing at the burnt cut over my right eye.

“Who's short?” I coldly ask as I raise my fist. “I'm at least average.”

“I don't believe there is any data on height so the average is up to some debate.” The man murmurs with a thoughtful expression. “Inaccurate as it may be, I can accept your height to be average since the description I obtained is evidently flawed.” He nods firmly, settling the important question.

“What do you want?” I ask. “And how did you obtain my plowing construct?”

“From a... woman? Maybe. Gray hair, large breasts or shoulders I can't exactly recall. It may have been the dean, or that janitor with braids.” He utters with a confused expression. “I would hear your perspective on our prototype.”

“Maybe some other time.” I dismiss politely since he could recognize his mistake.

The man blinks with an open mouth, struck dumb by the refusal and seemingly without a clue on how to continue. I shrug and move on towards the library I went to before.

I ask for directions and spend a quarter of an hour reading a treaty on the basics of sense enhancing. With that done, I go out to seek Teva who I find with Nahl and her friend Julie in the amphitheater.

“The shaping of air is a time-honored art that has went through several revolutions, the latest and most significant being Oldgram's work on the composition of the atmosphere. His results have not only affected air constructs but fire and explosive ones as well. It has made these constructs practical for wide use rather than limited to a select few with enough access to use vague concepts based more on intent than factual knowledge.” A man with a gray beard standing before the podium declares. “The very first recorded use of an air-type construct was by the mad Count Friedrich the Third of Wilhelm who had a dream of himself flying over his domain he believed was sent by the Lake, a subject of contemporary relevance.”

Upon saying this, a few groups of students begin gossiping loudly enough that I hear my name. The old man knocks on the podium to call for silence and continues his lecture.

“The breadth of possibilities offered by flow is seemingly endless, and it may very well be, but one must always remember that the requirement in energy for most unprecedented exploits is beyond most and very likely to kill a reckless user.” He sternly warns. “The Rykz' dark power is even more unsafe for use than the Lake's blessing so may none of you think of signing a pact such as the one Elizabeth Vil is said to have signed and Jessica Freepath accused to share.” I scowl at the words but hold my tongue so as to learn more. Many students make dark expressions but some quietly cheer the statement. “Dozen of stories relate how insect Queens have abused their somber energy such that their bodies fell apart in a gruesome fashion during battle.”

“Idiot!” I bark, unable to hold myself back at this bigotry.

“Who dares?!” The lecturer explodes as he looks up to me. “This is the University, Miss! What gives you the right to interfere?!”

“Is this no center of learning? Shall one remain silent when ignorance is disguised into wisdom?” I question.

“Hmph! I recognize you, Jessica Freepath!” The old man exclaims with a fervent expression while pointing at me with a crooked index.

“You spoke of factual knowledge as a boon yet forsook it for wild speculation.” I state. “I do not know the circumstances you speak of but any human pushed into a desperate situation who saturates their body with flow will fall apart just the same.” I mock.

“Of course you would defend these insects.” The old man mocks.

“Whether you consider it a defense or not isn't my concern. I'm interested in facts so I am awaiting your rebuttal.” I calmly return, fully aware that I'm pinning the man down into supporting a proposition he didn't make.

“Most humans aren't made to withstand intense concentrations of flow so, yes, in some cases low born...” He starts.

“If you are about to utter aloud, before me, that titled Nobles are capable of channeling more energy than peasants from birth... then I shall remind you that I've personally slain more than a few.” I coldly cut in.

A few gasps arise in the crowd of students despite this being a well-known fact. I assume it is because none had expected me to be so open and unrepentant about it.

“Which is but proof you've consorted with the Rykz' dark forces!” The man exclaims triumphantly.

I silently expel twenty-five portions of my golden flow and have streams of the energy swirl around me. The man grits his teeth but remains silent as muffled chortles shake the small crowd.

Anyone religious wouldn't believe that the Lake would grant its blessing to a corrupted heretic while the rest are of sound enough mind to dismiss the superstition to begin with.

The old man slams his palm on his podium, snorts, and departs at once while holding his chin high. As he climbs out of the amphitheater under many mocking gazes, a pair of Templars appear at the top and intercept him.

The lecturer freezes at the sight and loses his composure. His lips move fast as he clearly tries to explain himself but the singular answer from one of the temple guard causes the old man's face to turn the same gray color as his beard.

There isn't a single sound as the students observe the man be taken away by the Templars, I believe because the statement I stopped him from making had already breached the University's policy of equality.

The speed at which he was caught leads me to speculate that the Order tightened its watch on the campus following the turmoil, having predicted that supporters of Roskal would come out. While Teva, Julie, and Nahl climb up, a different temple guard approaches me.

“Dame Freepath, as a visitor you are expected to behave with respect towards this University's staff.” He proclaims with a very slight bow. “While I understand the circumstances, it would be best if you left the campus for today.”

“Is that so.” I utter with a smile.

“Without delay.” He adds.

“I've understood you.” I coolly respond.

“Thank you and have a nice day, Dame Freepath.” The Templar says as he walks away.

“Well, that was more interesting a lecture than I expected.” Teva notes with a grin. “Glad you came over to see me, though.”

“I was on campus looking over something.” I explain and suffer a bit because it severely hampers the bright smile on her face.

“Good evening, Dame Freepath.” Julie greets nervously.

“Hey.” I reply shortly. “Are you it?” I question Nahl.

“A squad of Hospitaliers should be waiting at the gates.” He replies.

“I have a friend waiting for me at the tavern.” Teva slips in.

“Sorry but I've work to do, you can have him come over or go yourself.” I tell her.

She appears to hesitate in protest but glances to Julie and quickly nods. I assume she understands I have to prepare for the night and clearly chose to return with me.

We make our way to the gates under intense gazes from students, friendly or not. There, I find that the man from earlier is still there inspecting the broken pavement with his monocle which seems like the only way to scrutinize the runic construct when it isn't activated.

“What is Sir Yhan doing?” Teva asks.

“Who is he?” I return.

“A theoretician on kinetics, he's worked extensively on the kinetic cube and it's rumored he has made advances on a kind of auditory construct that was sealed under the Emperor's order.” Julie whispers. “He also contributed to perfecting the sympathetic construct in his youth, when he was still a student.”

“Hm.” I mumble. “Ignore him.”

“I don't think I could work up the nerve anyway.” She mutters. “He's part of Haitia's Royal Family.”

I shrug and head off to the imperial guard post where I recover my weapon from the same officer who holds a stern expression. As I step out, the Yhan Lordling rushes to me with a bright smile.

“Dame Freepath!” He exclaims. “Could I interest you in a visit of our workshop? There are so many things you could show us!”

“I'm busy.” I return.

“I can provide remuneration, and promise entertaining conversation.” He quickly presses. “I'm sure someone who could design such a simple but effective construct would be fascinated by some of our work!”

“I didn't make it on my own.” I dismiss despite a touch of interest in the coin since I'm severely lacking and have been relying on redistributing wealth from Nobility's pocket.

“Oh, where could I find the others?” He asks with a pitiful expression. Is he really from a Royal House?

“Izla Meria.” I reply. “I'll see if I can find time if you leave me alone.”

Yhan rapidly nods three times but then his expression falls. He opens his mouth only to then snap it shut. He shifts his weight from leg to leg a few times before nodding again and leaving.

“That was a bit mean.” Teva notes.

“All things considered, that was light-handed for Jessica.” Nahl remarks with a serious expression.

I roll my eyes and lead them out of the University where I find Mary waiting with her two squads of Hospitaliers, each wielding a halberd. Their presence proves Leomi took Teva's importance to me seriously considering they're some of her first recruits.

Part of her reason for dispatching them is likely because of their respect for Elizabeth Vil which ensures that whatever Teva lets slip won't be repeated by them. I nod at the woman who nods back without much warmth.

The third part of Leomi's reasoning is definitely that they'll tattle on me if I get cuddly with Teva since they already disapprove of the fact that I'm her fiancee. I chuckle at the paranoid thoughts while also scouring every corner for shadowy figures holding knives.

The journey through Kruzser is uneventful for them but stressful for me because I spot many spies on the way and even more people carrying weapons, most of those being concealed daggers. The general atmosphere is tense but people seem to handle it well.

“Hurry up, Lady! E.Vil comes at night and the sun is falling!”

The cry reaches us from an avenue where a carriage with a broken wheel is stopped near a Noble's chariot. The comment causes laughs to erupt from several passersby.

It makes me happy to hear the population so free and unafraid, my smile doesn't drop the whole way to the Hospitaliers' headquarters. Teva and I climb the stairs to the safe apartment, entering to find Yvonne and Leomi sitting together at the table.

“Do you have a map of Kruzser, Lance?” I ask her.

“Several.” She replies and pauses to check out my dress without hiding her appreciation of how it fits me. “But none of them are complete or exact.”

“It's fine as long as I can find my way with it.” I tell her, slightly embarrassed.

“Let's go my office then.” She tells me without arguing.

I glance to Teva who waves me away with a very thin smile as she reaches for the roll of parchment Yvonne took out in the morning. I consider stopping her but it would probably hurt her a lot and the text isn't sensitive so I let it go.

“Will you two...” I start.

“We'll be fine.” Teva cuts me off.

“Go, silly.” Yvonne shoos me away.

I take off my cloak and throw it on a chair before leaving with Leomi. She takes me to an office on the other side of the structure where there is a desk and several half-empty shelves from which she takes two rolls of parchment. I walk up to the desk as she lays them down.

“What did you find today?” She asks.

“You first, kitten.” I reply with a smile.

“Well, I found that I missed you very much.” Lance says with a cheery expression as she wraps her arm around my shoulder. “And that Roskal's faction gained members but lost presence in the capital.”

“They're joining in but leaving?” I ask, amused.

“Some can't afford the kind of losses Roskal suffered, not that she can.” She explains. “Others are afraid for their lives.”

“Let's give them a real reason to be scared and see if they remain committed then.” I utter with a cruel smile. I don't bring up last night's issues as I choose to trust that we'll be on the same page tonight.

“Let's.” Leomi agrees with a bloodthirsty smirk. “Where's Liz?”

“Still asleep, but she'll wake soon.” I tell her. “I got information on the location of Roskal's people, it should help in tracking her down.”

“From?” Lance asks tensely.

“Aisha, I'll owe her a small favor for this and something else we'll talk about when it comes up.” I answer.

“...” She reaches up to her white hair and absently flicks them. “Alright.” She nods. “It's fair to assume Roskal will be in hiding tonight so there won't be many troops guarding her but it'll be difficult to find her and she'll be prepared.”

“Perhaps but preparations mean she won't be hiding out in unknown territory.” I argue. “She wouldn't feel safe.”

“If she's even conscious.” Lance counters. “I believe we should look at this under the perspective of the officers she trusts rather than hers because you did heavily injure her so they would have been in charge of taking her to safety.”

“I hadn't thought of that.” I acknowledge. “Who do you think would have made the call?”

“First show me the list to see who's on it.” She says.

I take the parchment out and she starts reading while I inspect the map to get a feel for Kruzser's landmarks, the Temple being the main most visible one but the tomb with its forest offers a useful point as well.

“I almost forgot.” Lance suddenly speaks up with a dark tone. “You get to kill Roskal but Wraith is mine.”

“... I'm okay with that but Liz...” I trail off.

“Will restrain herself for my sake.” Leomi affirms.