*I need to be stronger...*

In foetal position, Lin-Lin was floating, eyes closed.

Where was she? She didn't know, none did she know how she had arrived where she was or why she had come there.

*Where am I...why am I here?*

*Don't you know?* asked a voice echoing around her, surprising her by her smooth tone and frightening her at the same time.

*Who are you? What do you want from me?*

*Who am I? I think you already know. What do I want? Let's begin with you opening your eyes.* answered the feminine voice.

Lin-Lin tried, putting all her heart into it, but her eyes were staying desperately closed.

*I can't do it...why can't I open my eyes?* asked the panda girl.

*It could be because you're afraid of what you will see if you do?*

Lin-Lin let silence fell around her for a bit before she answered.

*I'm...afraid? What could I be afraid to see?*

*I think it is something you have to tell me...* answered the voice.

*I'm...what if he doesn't like what I have become? What will I do if he leaves me behind?* asked Lin-Lin as she unconsciously put her arms around her shoulder to protect herself against the world around her.

*What if he likes what you've become?*

*How can I be sure?*

*You can't...* simply answered the voice as she kindly chuckled.

*Are you mocking me? You're mean...* thought Lin-Lin.

*Sorry, you know I wouldn't want to hurt you in any way.*

Once again, silence last for what seemed to be minutes...or hours, it was hard to tell.

*I could stay here...I won't have to face him and risk to be rejected...* stated Lin-Lin, hiding her head between her arms.

*You could. Here, you won't feel pain anymore. You won't have to face any hardship and will be able to enjoy silence for as long as you want...*

*Yeah...this could be a solution...* thought Lin-Lin as she could feel shadow around her getting thicker, forming around her a cocoon of emptiness and silence. *Here, I won't feel any pain...*

The voice didn't answer this time, only silence was there.

*Although...feeling nothing seems a bit...empty...*

A warm feeling, pointing through the shadow like a lighthouse in a stormy night on the sea, started to be felt by the panda girl on her head as well as in her heart.

*Feeling pain is sad...but it is a part of my life. I have suffered a lot already but...I also had good moments...*

The warm feeling grew slightly.

*I want to believe that those painful moments made me stronger...and that they paved my way to him.*

Slowly, Lin-Lin's head raised from her arms, her face starting to face the light in the shadow.

*I certainly will have to face more hardship in the future...but that's alright because I'll also have more happy moments.*

Little by little, Lin-Lin left her fetal position to straightened herself.

*All I hope is...no, I know he'll be with me!*

*How can you be sure?* asked the voice, finally letting herself be heard again.

Lin-Lin smiled.

*I can't be sure, that's what it means to grow...I'll fight for it! I'll fight and do my best to be by his side...*

Now fully standing, Lin-Lin felt two fur-covered hands against her cheeks.

*I know you will, after all...*

Lin-Lin opened her eyes and was blinded by the light.

*I am you.* echoed the voice in Lin-Lin's head and heart as she woke up.

...........................................................................................................................................................

"Master..."

Maximilian felt a fur covered hand against his cheek, making him smile unconsciously.

"Master, the sun is up already, open your eyes..." a smooth feminine voice pulled him out of his sleep.

Opening his eyes, he realised he was still sitting like he was before falling asleep the night before. But that he didn't care about, all his attention was taken by the pretty beastkin smiling at him.

"Lin-Lin? Is it really you?"

The panda girl had stood up, covering herself with the same blanket he had used the day before, even if it looked a bit shorter on her now.

Standing like she was, before the window of the room through wich the morning light was passing, made the blanket a bit see-through, revealing how much she had changed in one night...and that her underwear hadn't resisted to her transformation.

If before she looked like a teenager of fourteen at most, she now looked like a young lady of eighteen. She had grown, quite a lot actually, from a teenager size just barely reaching his chest, the panda girl was now reaching to just one head shorter than he was. But she wasn't only taller, her body looked fuller too, her chest and hips now having generous, but not exaggerated, feminine forms. Her fur had kept the same idea of black and white colours, only more beautifully pictured. The black fur that was only covering her hands and feet before were now going all the way up her arms and legs like finely made underclothes. The round patch of black fur around her eyes had taken a more almond shape, giving those patch of black fur the look of a natural makeup around her emerald eyes. Her black hair were longer and were reaching her shoulders, with a new white wick right in the middle.

Her claws were now emerald green, like her eyes, and looked far more resistant than they were before. Her body, in general, had kept the slight muscular appearance obtained by her training, but now it was also enhancing her newfound lady beauty.

She turned a bit on herself, showing her back to him.

"How...how do I look?"

Maximilian saw several things, apart from the fact her back looked as charming as her front. For once, the slave mark was still there.

*A thing I'll soon have to take care of...but let's not spoil this good time on something unpleasant.*

The other thing was a yin yang symbol pictured on her back with her fur, like a natural tattoo. The fur making the contour of the tattoo was golden coloured.

"You...you look gorgeous, Lin-Lin."

The panda girl put her hands on her cheeks, visibly trying to hide her blush.

"You think so? Really?"

"I'm honest...but don't take my word for it, look for yourself."

He made a mirror appear with a water spell, giving Lin-Lin some space to admire herself.

She looked at herself for several minutes, touching her cheek, looking at her eyes, her fur around them, on all her body, her back also.

"Master, look! I have gold on my back too! Just like you!"

It looked like the similitude between them was a source of joy for the panda girl...and then she realised how see-through her blanket was. She turned her back to him, blushing even more than before.

"You could have told me you could see everything!"

Her reaction made Maximilian chuckled before he received a pillow in his face.

"Sorry, sorry. Give me some time, I have some equipment for you to wear."

Maximilian turned his back to her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

"Not that I resent you for that but...you weren't so shy when we first met..."

His words seemed to surprise her.

"It's...you're right, I don't know when I started to change. I don't know why it bothers me more now than it did before."

"It could be because you're now a young lady and not a child anymore, this is a common for someone your age to not expose herself as much as before...Lin-Lin?"

"Yes?"

"I know it can sound strange but...how old are you now?"

Looking at herself in the mirror once again, the panda girl stayed silent for a second.

"Speaking in years, I'm barely sixteen..."

"sixteen? You told me you were fourteen when we met in the dungeon..."

"Well, it's because...I didn't know how to count at that time..."

Even without looking at her, Maximilian could hear she was ashamed. On the way, while he had time, he had taught Lin-Lin and Octavia how to count, basically at least. He wanted them to be able to buy something without being stolen from the sellers.

"So...you're sixteen...no offence but you look just a tiny bit older than sixteen."

"That's because beastkin, like monsters, tend to obtain their adult size quicker than humans...but I also think that my evolution played a part in me growing so much in one night."

"I supposed so...okay, I found something that should be just right for you..."

...........................................................................................................................................................

"Goodmorning Sir, Young Lady, I'm glad to see you look better than yesterday."

The innkeeper greeted the two as they get downstairs. Observing Lin-Lin from head to toes, the man looked bothered by something.

"That's strange, I could swear you were different yesterday."

"Dear, you're being rude..." Said the tall blond wife of the innkeeper as she gently hit him on the head with a spoon. "...stop questioning our customers and let them take their breakfast."

Laughing as he protected himself from his wife's assault, the man answered.

"Alright, alright. Go sit where you want, the soup is warm and the eggs ready to be cooked, do you want some bread with this?"

After the innkeeper went back in the kitchen to tell his wife what to prepare, Maximilian and Lin-Lin sat and waited for a bit.

"Are you sure it's alright, Master? Maybe staying here isn't a good idea if they realise I've changed..."

"I don't see why it would be a bad thing. Let's just not shout the news on every house-top in the city and everything will be fine. To be frank, I think he was only admiring you." concluded Maximilian with a sly smile.

Blushing a bit, Lin-Lin looked at the table with a newfound interest.

"Please don't tease me..."

"Don't worry, I'm just happy that you're okay. But, with that being said, those really look good on you."

Maximilian had found something for her to wear. Her gauntlet, after a slight adjustment, were fitting perfectly. He had given her another mithril chainmail adapted to her new size, the last one now too small...and too tight at her hips and chest level.

Her old armour now unusable, he had given her a new one. The style was looking a lot like her gauntlets, black leather on wich had been put mithril plate forming some kind of exoskeleton.

Her new appearance had also slightly increased her strength, allowing for a slightly thicker armour than before. Naturally, it wasn't a full plate armour, but her chest, shoulders and legs were now protected by scale looking pieces of mithril while giving her the flexibility she would need to fight like she had done until now.

She had taken off her gauntlets for the meal to come and was now caressing them with the tips of her fingers.

"I'm happy they still fit..." absentmindedly said Lin-Lin.

"If they didn't, I would have modified them as much as needed." assured Maximilian.

"I know you would have, Master, but...they are a precious gift from you and, if possible, I would prefer it if they stayed like this."

"I'm happy you like them so much." concluded Maximilian.

"Goodmorning, you two!" happily greeted Litel as she was bringing two well-furnished breakfast trays. "Glad to see you awake too, young Lady."

"Thank you for your concern..." answered Lin-Lin, not knowing the girl's name.

"Litel, my name is Litel." said the tall girl with a smile.

Once the presentation were done on both sides, they started to eat once they were alone, discussing what they should do next.

"How about Octavia and Binvo, will they be fine?" inquired Lin-Lin.

"They will be fine, they should arrive in a day or two. I want to go to the castle first. Judging from the Inquisition actions, I suppose Arima's group is really in danger."

"What if the guards don't let you see them, Master?" asked the panda girl.

"I'll just see them without their concent...it's not like I had to have their approval, do you think the Inquisitors wanted me to take you back?" Maximilian asked, his last sentence whispered to not be heard by anyone other than Lin-Lin.

"No...of course not...Master?"

"Yes?"

"You...you saved me back there and...I wish I could do something for you in return." said the young lady as she played a bit with her eggs.

"Lin-Lin...what I did yesterday, you don't need to thank me for it, it was the only thing to do...but, if you want to do something anyway..."

"Yes? I'll do anything."

Having finished his meal, Maximilian stood up and passed next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder for a second.

"This evening, I'll need your help for something special. I can't talk about it now but you're the only one I can ask this at the moment."

Lin-Lin nodded.

"No matter what it could be, I'll be glad to help."

"I knew you would. Take your time finishing, I have something to discuss with the innkeeper, meet me when you're done, okay?"

She nodded once again and resumed her breakfast.

The room was noisier than the evening before because of the folks eating and talking. Maximilian came to see the innkeeper who was busy writing on the page of a big book, certainly keeping track of the money coming and going.

"It's certainly noisier than yesterday..." said Maximilian to begin the conversation, to what the little man answered with a smile.

"Indeed, a lot of people came late last night and almost everybody was already sleeping when you arrived."

"Is it always so full of people?"

"It's because the day of Calendar is approaching."

"The last day of the year? What about it?" questioned Maximilian, genuinely interested.

"Well, the Queen's ball of course. Don't you know about it?" asked the innkeeper who seemed surprised by Maximilian's lack of knowledge on the subject.

"I'm a newcomer on these lands." answered Maximilian with a smile. "please, enlight me."

"Well, where to begin...sorry, it's the first time I met someone who doesn't know about this...simply speaking, the Queen's ball is a party organised by the royal family. Each year, when comes the day before the day of Carendar, all the nobles are invited to this majestic party."

"It seems nice but the peoples here aren't noble, so why would they come for this event?"

Maximilian question made the little man chuckle.

"That's because of the lottery. Each year, us common people can participate in a lottery and win the honour to participate at the Queen's ball."

"A lottery? That's why the inn is full?"

The innkeeper nodded.

"Indeed. The rules are simple, each day, tickets are given away at several places in the capital. Then, three days before the ball, a number is chosen by the Queen herself and revealed to everyone. The one chosen will be escorted by a royal carriage to the castle where he or she will receive clothes, be able to wash in the royal bathroom and, most importantly, will be able to meet the Queen and King in person to have a chance..."

"A chance? A chance to do what?"

Once again, the question took the innkeeper aback.

"Impress their Highnesses, of course. It's common knowledge that anyone pleasing the King or Queen is certain to see his or her life change for the better."

"Is that so? I have some troubles imagining it...what do they do exactly?"

The innkeeper shrugged.

"That depends, actually. Let's say a son of a merchant received the King's benediction, his family will soon see very favourable commercial opportunities being proposed to them. A girl born of a low family could very well be introduced to the son of a noble family who would be more than happy to take her hand, be it because he wants to appeal to their Majesties, or simply because he genuinely likes the girl. A low ranked soldier could soon get a promotion, someone ill would be able to get the best healer in the capital..."

The innkeeper continued to give severals examples while Maximilian nodded.

"As you say, this truly depends on the person's situation...and it explains why so many people are already coming to the capital before the event itself."

"What about you, traveller? Don't you want to try going to the Queen's ball?" asked the innkeeper.

"Maybe, I guess I could take a ticket and see."

The innkeeper nodded and sighed at the same time.

"I wish you good luck if you want to try, but please be careful. Because of the price, a lot of people are willing to have as many tickets as they can."

"Isn't the lottery controlled?"

"Yes...and no. The guards are there every day to ensure only one ticket is given per person, but nothing forbids someone to come back the days after, to buy them from someone else or...taking them in a different maner...that that last option is forbidden but without any proof, all is fair game." explained the innkeeper.

"I guess it's to be expected...so, are you participating yourself?"

The innkeeper smiled, although this smile was a bit sad.

"I'm afraid not. I don't want my family to risk being attacked for tickets we could have...although..."

The little man took a quick look at his pretty daughter, currently serving breakfast to peoples at one of the table.

"...we too have something we would want to ask their Majesties..."

Following the man's look, Maximilian got curious.

"Excuse my curiosity but...is something wrong with your daughter?"

"You didn't notice? I guess she hides it well enough. Don't worry yourself with this, traveller." said the man, quickly evading the subject. "You should go out, enjoy this sunny day. With all the merchant coming to the capital to try their chance at the lottery, a lot of foreign goods can be found at the marketplace."

Seeing the man wasn't willing to continue the conversation, Maximilian didn't insist.

Lin-Lin soon came to him, finished with her meal.

"Thank you for the meal, it was delicious." politely thanked the panda-girl.

"I'll be sure to tell my wife and K'yrch about it, they are always glad to know their cooking is appreciated." answered the little man with a smile "Speaking of K'yrch..."

The man showed by a gesture of the head the lizard man who had just entered the inn, a basket of groceries under one arm, a paper in the other. The serious look on the lizard man's face worried the innkeeper.

"Is something wrong, K'yrsh?"

"The Inquik'sition hak's been attacked."

The innkeeper, as well as other peoples near enough, turned to listen.

"Attacked? Who can be fool enough to do something like that?" asked one of the merchants in the room.

"Did they burned the guys already or do we still have time to go the Inquisition place before the pyre begins?" continue another man.

"Culprit hak'sn't be found yet. I heard it wak's a demon alone. He dek'stroy the front door and killed almok'st everyone ink'side. They k'say he even attacked children and priek'st of Carendar."

"Even the children and the priest? What a monster!" exclaimed some peoples in the room, Maximilian only slightly frowning at that.

"But, why did he attacked?" asked the innkeeper.

"Offik'cially, they say he came to retrieve k'some k'servant, a k'succubuk's looking like a beak'st young girl." read the lizard man. "They gave me a picture of them to put in the inn, k'Sir." said K'yrsh as he passed next to Maximilian, giving the wanted posters to the innkeeper who looked at them, frowning.

"Well...that's hardly a face who would pass unnoticed..."

The little man went to a wall where several promotional papers, civilian news and other wanted posters were already and nailed the two new ones.

Once he was done, Maximilian and Lin-Lin went to see, being the ones nearest to the wall at that time.

*This could be bad if they managed to remember anything about me or L....*

Maximilian repressed a laugh as he saw the wanted posters.

He had been sure that they wouldn't be able to make a precise representation of him but...his and Lin-Lin's portrayal could have been some kind of joke. Him, you could have sworn the one picturing was advice by a five years old explaining how the demon looked like. Maximilian appeared inflamed, with his face completely in the shadow and his eyes burning like flames, plus horns on his head. And Lin-Lin...looked a lot like an imp on her portrait, although they got her black and white pattern kind of right.

"What do you think, Lin-Lin?" asked Maximilian, repressing his smile as much as he could.

The panda girl stayed there for a bit, examining the two pictures.

"No...I can't say I know those two...although the little one seems kind of familiar..."

"This isn't surprising. After all, a beast is a beast, no matter how you look at it."

This came from one of the merchants, studying the portrait from behind the two.

"Know that I look carefully, the creatures pictured there does have the same kind of colour than you, how do you explain that?" the man taunted Lin-Lin, making some of his friends laughed in the back.

"Hey! Did you see the reward offered for them? Hell, we could rough this one a bit and present her to the Inquisition. You're the owner, aren't you? What do you say? It could be worth a try, and we share the reward..."

Maximilian didn't say a thing, simply looking at Lin-Lin who hadn't even turned to look at the man. She got closer to the wanted poster and looked at it intently.

"You know...those two have their two arms and legs..." she said.

In an instant, she took out the hunting knife Maximilian had given back to her and put it under the man shoulder, her other hand on his throat, strong enough to lifted him off the ground.

"Should I cut one of your arms off to be sure you're not mistaken for a demon too?"

The man moved a bit, pitifully trying to evade the girl's grip.

"Let go...beast. You! Call back this animal!!"

Maximilian crossed his arms, shrugging.

"Sorry Sir, she's not a slave, only a proud young Lady you insulted. I suggest you find something nice to say in the next seconds or you risk to lose an arm or two...and I suggest the ones who are standing right now sit back if they want to keep their heads..." the last sentence was addressed to the merchant's companions who had started to stand but quickly sat when Maximilian looked at them, simply too scared to move.

"Give an excuse to a beast?! Never!!!"

"That's your arm, do what you want..." calmly said Maximilian.

Lin-Lin moved the knife just a bit, cutting through the man's clothes easily and slightly cutting his flesh. The man courage left him as quickly as the blood from his face. White like snow, he quickly mumbled something.

"What was that, I didn't hear clearly..." said Lin-Lin as she tilted her head on the side.

"I'm sorry, okay?! Let me down now!"

"I guess this will have to do." said Lin-Lin as she dropped the man who fell down on his butt, making some people sighed in the room and others simply laughing at the man.

"Thank you for the meal, Sir K'yrsh. Good day to all of you." said Lin-Lin before going out.

"Could you keep our room free? We certainly will be back tonight...or blocked one with two beds if a room becomes vacant, alright?" asked Maximilian as he gave the Innkeeper some copper coins for the service.

"With pleasure, Sir." said the man with a frank smile, visibly not bothered by the scene who had played before his eyes just now.

Once the two were gone, he looked at the man, still seating on the ground with a vague look on his face.

"Sir? If you could get out of the way, you're blocking the ones who work here..."

...........................................................................................................................................................

Out of the inn, Maximilian followed Lin-Lin in an alley. Once they were sure no one was there, Maximilian waited a bit for the panda girl to speak.

"I'm sorry for my behaviour earlier, Master..." apologised Lin-Lin.

"Why? I think what you did was right, he shouldn't have talked to you like that. Lin-Lin..."

Maximilian made the young lady turn to face him. She was looking at the ground, clearly ashamed of herself.

"Lin-Lin...you may still have this horrible thing on your back, but you're free nonetheless. Never let anyone disrespect you, you have my blessing if it's what's bothering you."

"No, it's just that...I...enjoyed it." explained the young lady.

"You 'enjoyed' it?"

She simply nodded at first.

"Yes. Before today, I would only be sad or angry, but I know I wouldn't have defended myself like I did today. And when I made that man apologise, I felt great doing it...am I bad, Master?" questioned Lin-Lin as she finally looked at him, her emerald eyes a bit teary.

Maximilian sighed and patted her head, making the panda girl close her eyes and smile.

"You're not bad, Lin-Lin, you're growing, that's all. The scared little girl as become a strong young lady...I'm proud of you, to be frank. If you hadn't done anything, I would have. I'm happy to see you being able to defend yourself like you did there. Here, this is yours..."

Maximilian took out Lin-Lin spear's and gave it back to her.

"Tribulation's Breaker...thank you, Master." said Lin-Lin as she took back her weapon, holding it close to her like a precious treasure.

"Binvo gave it to me, he insisted I bring it to you. Let's go now, I want to go to the castle as soon as possible."

Maximilian turned to go but was stopped by Lin-Lin.

"Master...would you mind if I used a ring of masquerade?"

Lin-Lin's request surprised Maximilian.

"You want to disguise yourself, Lin-Lin? I thought you didn't care about other's look?"

"I still don't but...the Inquisition is looking for a pandakin and there shouldn't be any in the capital, excepted me. I don't want us to be bothered by other idiots on our way...If I have to disguise myself for us to be left alone, then so be it." declared the panda girl, confidence in her eyes.

"...you truly have grown, Lin-Lin, very well..."

...........................................................................................................................................................

"Kind Lord! Kind Lord! Come taste this delicacy from the south, kind Lord! It should please your lovely Lady companion!"

It was the third time since they had arrived on the marketplace that Maximilian and Lin-Lin had been accosted by a merchant. The first one was for jewels, the second one for perfumes and now it was some steaming honey covered pastries.

"It sure smells good. What do you think, Lin-Lin?"

Next to him was Lin-Lin in her human form. She had white skin, a beautiful slightly Asian looking facial feature enhanced by the black fur patch around her eyes, transformed in what looked like perfectly applied makeup around her emerald jewels now looking at the pastries. Under her gauntlets, Maximilian had seen her claws becoming nails but keeping their emerald colour as if it was some expensive nail polish. Her hair had stayed the same, but were now put behind the human ears at the side of her head. All in all, Lin-Lin had kept her beauty, only differently appearing now.

"It smells lovely Mas...Maximilian." said Lin-Lin as she closed her eyes to appreciate the smell.

She still had some trouble doing so, but Maximilian had asked her to call him by his first name while she was looking like a human so no one would suspect she was a slave.

"See? The best there is! Would you want some?"

"Give us some, my good man." accepted Maximilian.

He paid the merchant and gave one of the pastries to Lin-Lin, eat one himself and put the rest in the Havenbag, keeping them warm for as long as he would need.

Speaking of warm, because the weather was progressively becoming colder as the days were passing, Maximilian had decided to wear some heavy mantle above his usual equipment. His cold resistance made it optional, but he liked the feeling given by the white wolf fur on his shoulders. And, if he wanted to not attracted too much attention, he had to blend in a bit and put on some winter clothes. So he was wearing a long mantle going down to his ankles, made of white wolf fur and closing by a golden chain on his chest. He had also offered Lin-Lin a mantle made of Emerald coloured material looking like satin, filled with some kind of birds feathers to keep the warm inside and stylised with silvery embroideries going from the bottom, at her ankles, to the top of the large hood she could put on if needed.

Of course, she had refused it at first, but Maximilian didn't leave her much of a choice and now he sometimes spotted her appreciating the touch of the material.

"Glad you like it..." said the man with a cunning smile.

Straightening herself and blushing slightly, Lin-Lin advanced quicker as a response while Maximilian chuckled heartedly.

...........................................................................................................................................................

They didn't stay for long at the marketplace, only stopping for the pastries that one time. Near there was the teleportation Crystal that Maximilian took the time to touched so he would be able to come back easily later.

The lower level of the city was where the commoners lived. You could see a lot of two level houses, some older than others, constructed very close to each other to win space. The principal street was constantly rejoined by small alleys and smaller streets leading to other parts of the city. Advancing fast, Maximilian didn't have the time to explore those parts, but a simple look in the direction was sometimes enough to guess what the general idea of the said part was. They passed before the artisan's quarter, easily recognisable by the numerous smiths and other workers actively doing their jobs in common open-air workshops. They passed before several quarters like this one, some more welcoming than others. At one time, they even passed before the 'hot' quarter, recognisable by...well...

"COME AND SEE! COME AND SEE! THE MOST EXOTIC LOVELY CREATURES ARE HERE TO SATISFY YOUR EVERY DESIRE! DON'T BE SHY! OUR GIRLS AND BOYS ARE HERE FOR YOU! COME TO THE FLOWER TREASURE CHEST AND DISCOVER A WORLD OF PLEASURE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER KNOWN BEFORE!"

A woman heavily proportionated was venting the quality of her bawdy-house while a small music band of four or five players was playing an energic tune on wich were dancing sexy looking young ladies and men of different races. In the short time he could see, Maximilian recognised humans, beastkin of different kinds like rabbit, cat, lizard and even one covered with colourful feather. There was also a red skinned lady orc and a snow white skin elf. All were dressed the best way to emphasised their sexy attributes, and it seems to work seeing the reactions of the folks around, clearly enjoying the show even in the day.

"It seems like the ladies of the night also work a lot in the day..." commented Maximilian.

Lin-Lin looked at where Maximilian was looking and blushed a bit before walking a bit faster, mumbling what Maximilian could have sworn was "pervert" or something similar, to what he answered with a laugh.

They quickly reached a big door in the wall used to separate the different level of the city.

Guarded by a dozen soldiers checking the ones willing to pass, although there wasn't a lot of people at this time of the day. They stopped Maximilian and Lin-Lin.

"You two, I've never seen your faces before, what is your business on the higher level?" questioned the captain of the guards, an older man with a well-trimmed moustache.

"Hello Captain, we're going to the castle actually."

"Is that so? And what business could you have at the castle, stranger?" dubiously asked the captain.

"We're going to see Princess Arima. She is a friend of ours and we promised her we would come and say hello as soon as we would arrive." simply explained Maximilian, not feeling any need to lie on the subject.

"The Princess, no one less?" laughed the captain. "I'll have to see your identity ring, traveller, for both of you actually.

"Identity ring?" asked Maximilian, genuinely not knowing what the man was talking about.

"Your ring of identity, show it!" ordered the captain as several soldiers were starting to move behind him, alerted by the loud voice of the moustache man.

"I'm afraid we don't have those." honestly answered Maximilian, making sure to not show any hostility to the man.

"If you don't have any, how did you entered the city? I should warn you, trespassing in Griffinia's capital is a crime against the crown..." stated the man as he put a hand on the pommel of his sword.

*Are you going to kill them* questioned Dragnïr.

*What? No, I'm not. Those aren't bastards from the Inquisition, just guards doing their jobs...I think I can use my high charisma on this, let's talk our way in.*

Maximilian showed a confused face to the captain.

"Captain, I don't understand. Me and my companion have paid the entrance fee already, no one told us about any ring of identity."

Thanks to his high charisma he thought about using for the first time, Maximilian saw the captain loose the grip on his sword.

"God damn...they did it again..." cursed the man as he smoothed his moustache with his gauntleted fingers.

"What's wrong, Captain?" asked one of the soldiers.

"The good for nothing second-grade runt at the entrance made this gentleman pay an entrance fee and they didn't even give him an identity ring." explained the captain. Apparently, Maximilian wasn't the first one having this kind of problem.

"My apologies, Captain, but isn't there a way for us to pass without this ring on identity you're talking about?"

"No can do, I'm afraid. This ring is the only thing assuring us the identity of the peoples going in the higher grounds. You look like a respectable man, but you could very well be a spy from Centralis, the south tribes or even Orïanil...Mage, can you come here for a second?"

A man wearing a robe with griffinia emblem on it approach, a wand in his hand.

"Captain?"

"Do you have available rings to create two rings of identity for them?" asked the older man.

"I'm afraid I don't, Captain." answered the mage, hardly showing if this was bothering him at all.

While the two were talking, Maximilian whispered to Lin-Lin.

"What is a ring of identity?"

"Something they use to see your name, level and title." answered Lin-Lin "they are made by scanning you and writing down by magic the information on a ring."

*This could be bad. What will they think when they can't read my level?* thought Maximilian.

*Oh! It's true you don't know that yet. You can make them see a false level and title.* declared Dragnïr.

*Really? How is that possible?*

*Because of the difference in power. Concentrate on it when they scan you and you can show them what you want.* calmly explained the dragon.

*That's...actually very simple, why didn't I thought about it before?*

*Me, your memory...* reminded DragnÏr.

*Yes, I tend to forget that sometimes... but why did Alariel didn't thought of that in the dungeon when she tried to scan me?*

*It's not common knowledge, it will only work if the one scanning you is way under your level. The basic soldiers are level ten or so, those ones are a bit better but no more than level fifteen, only the captain is level twenty, the mage is level seventeen...you can show him what you want, believe me.*

*Fine then, thank you for the info Dragnïr.*

*Happy to help.*

"Excuse me?" asked Maximilian, interrupting the two soldiers. "would any ring be okay?"

The mage thought for a bit.

"I suppose, as long as it doesn't have any spell cast on it. Why, do you have some rings to spare?"

"In fact I do. Stone rings would do, right?"

"I...suppose." said the mage, looking at the strange rings with a bit of interest. "Each one of you will put it on a finger, then present your hand wearing it to me and I'll scan you."

Maximilian and Lin-Lin did as told, putting the ring on their right hand, the left one having their more precious ring put on already.

"Ladies first, if you may..." asked the mage, Lin-Lin's beauty encouraging him to be more polite than needed.

Lin-Lin stepped further and presented her hand, waiting patiently for the spell to be cast. Once done, the mage opened his eyes wide.

"I'm sorry, I think I'll have to do it again."

"Is something wrong, Mage?" asked the captain when he heard him.

"I'm afraid something went wrong, the numbers are too high. I'm sorry, young Lady, this won't be long..."

The mage cast the spell once again, making sure he did exactly what he was supposed to do for the spell to be cast perfectly.

"...Lin-Lin, race: human..."

Maximilian was happy to see the ring of masquerade was working even against the scanning magic.

"...title: none, level...thirty."

The soldiers and the captain gasped as the mage revealed the young lady's level while Maximilian chuckled slightly.

"Is something wrong with me?" innocently asked Lin-Lin, knowing perfectly well why they had that reaction.

"How the hell can someone without a title be this level?" questioned the captain, his hand back on his sword, imitated by the soldiers.

"I think this have to do with the fact we don't know what a title is? Not on this land at least." calmly explained Maximilian after he checked with Lin-Lin.

"You don't know about titles? They are honorifics given by the guild of hero's eye."

"The guild of hero's eye? Never heard of it." bluntly declared Maximilian.

"From where did you say you came from?" questioned the captain.

"From far away, Captain, from a land so far in the west no boat could hope to reach it. But you didn't answer my question, what is this guild of the hero's eye?"

"Well it's...the guild who gives the title. I can't explain it better than that. You go to them, pay for their services and in exchange they look into your eyes, see your prowess and you receive a title fitting what you've done."

"And I would want to do that because..." asked Maximilian, willing to know as much as possible.

"The fame, of course. With a title important enough, you can obtain a place on the higher levels. A soldier with a title prestigious enough could hope to win the hand of a noble's daughter, for example."

Maximilian made an exaggerated thinking face as if he tried to remember something.

"Now that you tell me this...I may have meet one member of this guild...it was a bit after I met the Princess actually... I helped some old person who looked into my eyes and declared I now had some titles, but because I wasn't able to pay at that time, I only was able to receive two...Is there any problem with my companion?"

"No...no, all is in order, your turn, Sir."

Maximilian concentrated. He didn't want everyone to freak out about his level, but to be believable, he had to stay several levels above Lin-Lin, and to be sure they would be able to pass without any problems...

"Maximilian Baltazard Van Nilmerus, race: human, title: friend of Griffinia, Saviour of Princess..."

*"Saviour of Princess"? Aren't you exaggerating a bit?* mocked Dragnïr.

*I want them to see me as a friend of this country so they don't bother us. Being literally called 'saviour of the Princess' will open doors, believe me.*

*True...* conceded the dragon.

"...level: fifty!!"

This time, the mage clearly took a step back.

"Level fifty?! This can't be, you've been drinking, mage?" asked the captain, not letting his look go from the duo, as were the rest of the soldiers.

"I assure you my spell was perfectly executed, Captain...those two are really level thirty and fifty!"

*No he's not.* said Dragnïr in a chuckled.

*Do you see how they freak out for a level fifty? Imagine how it would be with my true level...*

*Acclamations, tribulations, offering and war proclaiming against the demon you are?* taunted the dragon.

*Shut up Dragnïr...* answered Maximilian, getting another chuckled from his draconic friend.

"But...his title clearly said he wasn't lying when he called himself a friend of Princess Arima..." said the mage.

"Indeed. The rules are the rules..."

"So? Are we allowed to pass?" simply asked Maximilian.

The captain confirmed with the mage who nodded.

"Nothing special to declare, except for the unusual level, of course, you may pass. But be aware that a messenger will be dispatched to the castle to warn them of your upcoming visit. Understand this concern the security of the kingdom."

"I understand...if you want someone to vouch for me, ask Princess Arima, Lady Alariel, Lady Arca or any of her soldiers, they should be able to convince you."

"Good luck with that, Lady Alariel, Lady Arca and the soldiers from her group have been locked in jail while waiting for their trial, no one is to see them." declared the captain.

"I heard so...Princess Arima then?"

"You do realise we cannot bother her Highness each time someone proclaims they are friends of the crown, right?" asked the captain with a little smile.

"You misunderstood me, Captain. I never said I was a friend of the crown but a friend of the Princess, I still have to meet the rest of the royal family so...I think it is a good occasion."

The captain looked at Maximilian for a bit then sighed.

"Alright then, you!"

The captain pointed at one of the soldiers, apparently the youngest of the group.

"Take a horse and go deliver this message the the castle: A man named Maximilian Baltazard Van Nilmerus wishes to meet Princess Arima."

"Would you please tell them Lin-Lin is here too?" asked Maximilian, the captain nodded and sent the soldier who climbed on one of the two horses attached near the guard post before the beast ran in the castle direction.

"You can pass. Because it is your first time in the capital, I have to warn you. You will now enter the higher levels, here live the wealthier ones, be it successful merchant, decorated soldiers or nobles, I suggest you don't upset anyone in here, everybody has connections and you could very quickly find enemies if you're not careful." warned the captain.

"We thank you for your concern, Captain, be assured we are not willing to cause any trouble, be it for you or us. Good day to all of you."

The two passed the door, going for the higher level.

...........................................................................................................................................................

Maximilian looked around him as they advanced.

*The feeling is very different here. The streets are clearly more taken care of, cleaner.*

*That seems normal if the wealthy live here...isn't there another thing that caught your attention?*

Taking a quick look at the people around, Maximilian quickly guessed what the dragon was talking about.

*There are only human here...except for the slaves, it seems.*

Maximilian had thought the last sentence when a young looking dog boy ran past them. He was wearing an iron necklace and hid clothes weren't much more than what Lin-Lin was wearing when Maximilian had seen her the first time.

As he paid a bit more attention, Maximilian saw a few other slaves, some humans, but the majority being beastkins. Some were running around, doing some errand for their masters, others were silently following their masters, serving as carriers for the different luggage.

*Are you alright, Maximilian?* enquired Dragnïr

*I am, in fact. I'm not comfortable with slavery, but I'm not here to set every slave I see free. As long as I don't come across one being beaten up in front of my eyes...I'll probably do something about it later, but not before I've learned more about the situation they're in.*

Maximilian looked at Lin-Lin who was observing everything she could, all the beautiful places as well as the slaves, the colourful dress of the noble's wife and the goods sold by the higher level merchants as well as almost naked children silently following their master.

"Will you be alright, Lin-Lin?"

"I will, Maximilian, I just have...mixed feelings, that's all." answered Lin-Lin as she continued to look around. "I love the colours and would like to take time looking at everything in details, but seeing those poor slaves remind me too much of what was my life not so long ago."

Maximilian gently patted her shoulder and smiled at her.

"Let's go, for now, we'll come back later, okay?"

Lin-Lin simply nodded and they continue on their way.

Another thing different from the poorer level was the guards. There was more of them and they clearly had better equipment than the ones Maximilian and Lin-Lin had come across at the marketplace. When the ones before were patrolling nonchalantly in groups of two or three, here it was organised groups of five marching soldiers, all respecting the military discipline at each instant. Everywhere they went, Maximilian always had a group of soldiers in sight, showing clearly no crime would be left unpunished.

"They sure take security seriously here..." observed Maximilian as they passed next to yet another group of soldier.

"I think it's because we are approaching the castle, Maximilian. And even before the castle, only wealthy and nobles live here, when it's not royal guards, it's mercenary paid by the merchant to protect their goods."

"They do love their gold..."

"More than each other, if what I heard is true." said Lin-Lin.

"What do you mean?"

"When I was working for my old Master, before Princess Arima took me in, I sometimes heard him talk with some of his guests. They said that nobles aren't more than bandits with nicer clothes, ready to kill as much as necessary to achieve their goal, be it wealth or power. The idea is the same with the merchants, only they generally do it mostly for money." explained Lin-Lin.

"So...the higher level is actually as rotten as the lower one...only wealthier..."

"That's the idea...oh no..."

The two came across an old lady followed by two tall dogkin men slave sadly looking at the young dog kin on the ground ready to be beaten by the lady with her cane.

"You little pest! How dare you run into me! You ruined my dress with your filthy body!"

"Pl...please..." pleaded the young one on his knees, his teary eyes not knowing who to look at to get some help. It's not as if he had much of a choice, the nobles and merchants didn't care bout a slave being beaten up and soon went back to their business as if it was nothing, and the slave...couldn't do a thing, simple as that.

"Maximilian, can't we?..." pleaded Lin-Lin, not willing to look at the scene while doing nothing.

"We can." simply answered Maximilian as he approached the lady from the side.

Using his high perception and agility, he quickly spotted the lady's purse hanging from her belt. In a swift move, Maximilian detached it before making some noise as if he had just arrived.

"Oh, there you are!" said Maximilian with a broad smile.

"Who are you?! is this little bastard your property? If so you owe me a new dress, Sir!" said the woman as she turned her attention to him.

"My property? No, Madam, he is not mine."

"Then what do you want?"

"To give you this, of course." said Maximilian as he extended his hand holding the lady's purse, wich she recognised in a second and looked at her belt to realise it was gone.

"What!? Did you...?"

"Steal it? No, Madam, I have more than enough gold myself to not take others. I picked it up a few minutes ago and this little one..." said Maximilian as he pointed the silent dogkin on the ground, too scared to talk. "...said he knew who it belongs to. Because he wanted to lead me to you as soon as possible, he ran a bit faster than he wanted, I think that's why this little incident happened."

"Oh...give it back, then!" said the old lady, taking back her purse with a movement surprisingly fast for her age. She opened it and quickly count the coins inside, checking if nothing was missing.

*Charming...* said Dragnïr.

*And it's a dragon who was sitting on a pile of gold who tells that?...* taunted Maximilian.

*Gold, may I remind you, I let you take?* growled his friend.

*Point taken.*

Once assured no money was missing, the woman murmured something that could have been understanding as a "thank you" and went away. The two dog slaves following her discreetly bowed to Maximilian, thankful, before they went after their mistress.

Once they were alone with the kid, Lin-Lin helped him up.

"Are you alright?" asked the human looking panda girl with a smile, making the young one blushed as he looked down.

"Y...yes, thank you, kind Lord, pretty Lady." said the young one while bowing with respect.

"What really happened?" asked Maximilian.

"I...was running away, kind Lord...I'm...not supposed to be here."

"Why is that?"

"I'm a lower slave, kind Lord, I belong to no noble and this place is too clean for me to dirty it by my presence..." said the boy, not daring to look up.

Maximilian was going to say something but was interrupted by a deep growl coming from the boy's stomach.

"I'm so sorry! This low slave doesn't know how to quite down the filthy sound of his body!" quickly apologised the boy as he punched his own stomach, clearly fearing a beating for letting his hunger be heard.

Looking at him with a bit more attention, Maximilian remarked his injured feet and legs, slight cuts here and there, dried blood and hematoma, results of a life spent running with nothing on his feet and no access to healers, one of his foot looked even twisted a bit. This was breaking Maximilian's heart.

Without a word, Maximilian took out his magic waterskin and extended it to him.

"Drink."

This seemed to scare the young one.

"Kind lord, I wouldn't dare..." said the dogkin while he looked around as if afraid someone could see the duo being kind to him.

"Drink, I don't care what others could think."

Hesitant, the boy took the water skin and brought it to his mouth, drinking slowly at first, then quickly with delight the pure liquid refreshing his mouth.

While he waited for him to finish drinking, Maximilian took out some pieces of dry meat, half a bread and some of the pastries he had bought earlier. Seeing the boy was done drinking, he took a normal waterskin and filled it with water then put it with the food in a clean tissue and made a bag with it. Lin-Lin smiled as she looked him act while the young one was simply not understanding. The panda girl took one of the pastries and took a small bite from it before extended it to him.

"Here, eat this, it's delicious." said Lin-Lin with a kind smile.

The young boy started to extend his hand then stopped midway, confirming with a look it was okay to take it. When he saw in Lin-Lin's eyes it really was okay, he took the delicacies and devoured it with pleasure, tears falling down his cheeks.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." constantly repeated the boy between each bite.

"If you're not supposed to be here, where do you live?" asked Lin-Lin, worried about the boy.

Gulping down the last bite of the honey covered pastry. The boy explained.

"I live with my family on the lower ground...at the old abandoned orphanage."

Understanding what that meant, a sorry look appeared on Lin-Lin's face.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked..."

"No, please don't be sorry for me, pretty Lady. You've been so kind already, in fact...it's the first time nobles show such a kind heart. Thank you for everything, really."

"Nobles? But we're not..." started to say Lin-Lin as she took a look at Maximilian, wondering what to answered to that.

"We do look like wealthy people, though...and if I can say so myself, I think we're kind of noble at heart..." said Maximilian with a chuckled.

Crouching to be at the same level than the young one, Maximilian looked deep in the eyes of the dogkin.

"Your life hasn't been very joyful, is it?"

The boy shook his head from side to side.

"I am but a slave, kind Lord, It is not my place to complain."

Maximilian smiled at the boy.

"So small and yet so strong. Here, take this..."

He gave the bag filled with victuals to the mesmerised boy who opened his eyes wide, surprised by the weight of the gift.

"All this?! But, kind Lord, this is too much..."

"If I understood right, you have a family waiting for you on the lower level, share this with them. You should hurry back to them as fast as you can, and try to not run into anyone this time, alright?"

The dogkin nodded with a teary smile.

"As fast as my feet can run, kind Lord...if I may..."

"What is it?"

"I would like to know your name, kind Lord, so I can remember who was so kind to me in the future." stated the young one, showing a lot of pride in his behaviour for his age.

"My name is Maximilian and this is Lin-Lin. You speak with a lot of honour, I would like to know your name too."

"My old Master gave me the name Picho, kind Lord."

"Picho then...I hope we will be able to see each other again. We must go now, be well."

Passing next to him, Maximilian gently patted the young boy's head. As he did that, some sparkles of light entered the boy's body who instantly healed from his injuries.

The boy opened his eyes wide as he tentatively jumped on his feet who, for the first time in a long time, wasn't hurting him at all. Even better, they felt stronger than before as if his strong skin was totally reformed under them. He turned to look at the duo going away, the Lady slightly bowed with a smile while the Lord simply made him a goodbye gesture without looking back.

"Thank you..." simply said the boy before running away from the higher level by a passage unknown of the guards.

...........................................................................................................................................................

"I'm glad to see you look better than when we arrived on the upper-level earlier." remarked Maximilian as he saw the smiling face of Lin-Lin.

"I am. I know it's not much, but helping this young boy felt good."

"Indeed. we should go and see this orphanage when we have time later..."

"Really!? Thank you, Maximilian. I wanted to but didn't know if it was fine to ask."

"You should know by now that you're always welcomed to speak your mind, Lin-Lin..."

"I know, it's just an old habit. I've been a slave for years, Maximilian, it's hard to change something that have been my everyday life for years."

"Sorry, there are a lot of changes in your life and I can understand it's hard."

Maximilian words seemed to surprise Lin-Lin.

"Hard, are you joking? It's like a dream!"

"A dream? Lin-Lin, you've been tortured by the Inquisition because of me."

"I know that, it doesn't matter. Of course, there are days when I am suffering, but next to that...I mean, look at me."

Taking several steps before him, Lin-Lin turned on herself, showing how she had become.

"You made me strong, you helped me grow, you gave me so much I sometimes feel like a princess. Look at my equipment, never before could have I even dream of someday wearing so much beautiful things. Even if you had been only acting as a Master to me, this would have been better than anything, but you..."

She stopped, blushing a bit.

"You treat me as a friend, not as a slave. it's thanks to you I could become more than a slave."

Passing next to her, Maximilian gently patted her head.

"I'm glad I met you too, Lin-Lin." Said Maximilian with a smile.

He continued on the way, leaving behind a full red Lin-Lin who quickly shook her head before running after him.

...........................................................................................................................................................

After some time walking, they had pass several rich quarters. It was strange to see how some things looked a bit the same on this level than on the lower one.

Some artisans were here too, only with private workshop inside their shop, the equipment exposed clearly a better quality than what could be found on the lower level...far more expensive too. There was a lot of restaurants and inn, much bigger than where they were staying...and looking a lot more pompous too.

*Looks nice but I enjoyed the cosy feeling more than the luxury.*

*Question of taste, I suppose.* commented Dragnïr.

*You prefer this kind of inn?*

*Maximilian, I was living in a dungeon...*

*Yeah, I suppose you don't really care about this kind of things.*

*Not really, no.*

One thing missing compared to the lower level was a brothel.

"Strange, I could have sworn there would be something like this on every level..." commented Maximilian.

"Nobles and wealthy tend to make the girls be delivered so they aren't seen in that kind of places." explained Lin-Lin.

"How do you know?"

"I saw them one time or two already, that's all."

"You truly are an observant one."

"It helps for a slave to be able to understand what's happening. I did what I could to survive."

"You did well."

...........................................................................................................................................................

The two had reached a long stone bridge going straight from the noble level to the castle.

Several dozens of metres separated the level door from the castle entrance, leaving any invader fully exposed to the bowmen positioned on the tower constructed each dozen metres on each side of the bridge, with each time a metallic door that could be closed in case of invasion to slow down enemies.

The bridge was so large two carriages could pass next to each other without any trouble and still give space to people walking near the edge, secured by a stone ledge of one metre high.

Since they had started to walk on the bridge, Maximilian had crossed path with no one, the soldier on the horse had passed next to them earlier without anything more than a nod. A carriage or two went to and came back from the castle, but nothing more. Of course, the two could feel the observant look of the bowmen positioned on the tower, but they didn't bother speaking to them, not wanting to waste time.

It was only after a good half hour that Lin-Lin spotted someone coming in their direction.

"Do yo know who it is, Lin-Lin?" asked Maximilian.

"I do, actually. She is one of Princess Arima's maid, Mandarine."

"Mandarine, that's an unusual n.... forget it, very fitting." said Maximilian as he looked at the catgirl running in their direction.

Running fast, Mandarine quickly reached them but stopped at a metre or two, intrigued.

"Nya? The soldier said Lin-Lin was there to...who are you?"

Maximilian looked at Lin-Lin, signalling her to deal with the maid. She nodded and advanced.

"Hello, Mandarine, I'm glad to see you again."

The maid tilted her head to the side.

"Nya? Do I know you? I think I would remember if I did."

"It's me, Lin-Lin."

A silence fell between the duo and the maid.

"No, you're not." said the catgirl with a little smile, although this smile was clearly hiding sharp teeth ready to bite as well as the sharp claws the maid was hiding under her dress were ready to cut.

"I assure you she is, Lady Mandarine." said Maximilian.

"I am not a Lady, Sir, and this woman is certainly not Lin-Lin. Before stealing someone's identity, you should have at least met her, Lin-Lin doesn't look a tiny bit like you..."

*This could become ugly if she decides to attack.*

*Don't tell me you're scared...*

*No, but I'm here to help Princess Arima, not destroy her home...*

*That would not be productive...make her smell Lin-Lin.*

*What? Why would she do that?*

*She's a beastkin of the cat race, they rely more on their smell and their touch than the sight.*

*But she wears the ring of masquerade. Doesn't it abuse the five senses?*

*Of a human, of course. But remember this ring as been made to abuse human, not beastkin, I think it can work.*

*Well, it's worth a try, I guess.*

*Worst case scenario, you could always destroy everything...*

*Aren't you the diplomat...*taunted Maximilian.

"Lin-Lin, let her smell you." said Maximilian, surprising the two.

"I would prefer if you didn't come any closer, nya..."

Lin-Lin, understanding what Maximilian wanted her to do, nodded as she took her spear.

Mandarine straightened herself when she saw her put a hand on her weapon, then seemed taken aback when Lin-Lin put her weapon down and pulled off her gauntlets.

"I put my weapon down, I come here as a friend." stated Lin-Lin.

"..." Mandarine was still dubiously looking at her.

Slowly and calmly, Lin-Lin stepped in Mandarine's direction, arms slightly opened to show she wasn't hiding anything. On her part, the catgirl was still ready to attack at any moment.

After several steps, Lin-Lin was less than a metre away from Mandarine. She extended her hand very slowly, not wanting to startle the maid.

Hesitantly, Mandarine approached a bit and sniffed Lin-Lin's finger. Her eyes opened wide and her pupils shrank as the smell made her memory work.

"I know this smell...but not this face...if you truly are Lin-Lin, what is the last thing I told you before you left with her Highness on her quest?"

Lin-Lin thought for a bit then, imitating Mandarine's voice with enough accuracy to be funny, she said.

"Take care of the Princess and of you too, when you come back I'll make sure we share a fish....nya."

Mandarine took a step back while Maximilian chuckled, surprised by Lin-Lin good imitation.

"L...Lin-Lin?" asked the catgirl once again, visibly not believing it was possible.

As she nodded, a big frank smile appeared on the maid's face and she jumped on her, her arms around her neck.

"LIN-LIN!!! It really is you?! I'm glad you're safe...but how do you look like that?" the last sentence was asked more quietly to not alert the soldiers on their tower.

"I'll show you later. Mandarine, let me present you my Mas...my friend, Maximilian." introduced Lin-Lin as Maximilian was approaching them, giving back her stuff to Lin-Lin.

"So it's you, nya? Princess Arima has told us a lot about you...I thought you would look different." said the maid as she bowed to Maximilian, the man returning the gesture.

"Different how?" asked Maximilian, curious.

"To be able to beat Lady Arca? At least three metres tall." answered the catgirl with a little laugh. "Follow me, you two, Princess Arima and her mother are waiting for you in the purple salon.

...........................................................................................................................................................

Asked by the Princess and the Queen, Kitsu was currently going for the castle's prison.

"Kitsu, I want you to go tell my daughter's guardians sir Maximilian has arrived at the Castle. From what they have told me, this news should bring them hope after all those days behind bars."

Naturally, the Queen knew as well as Kitsu that they were normally not supposed to talk nor see the guardians before their trial, but nothing forbid the royal head maid to examine the prison to be sure everything was in order, and if by mistake she was to talk to herself and someone heard, who could blame her?

After they had been sent to jail, no one in the Queen entourage had gone to see them, not wanting to raise suspicion, but this last news was worth the risk.

It was only after she had climbed down the numerous stairs leading to the underground prison that something seemed strange.

*No guards has come this way since I left the upper level, that's unusual...* thought Kitsu as she continued advancing in the dark corridor.

Arrived at the cell door, it was certain something wasn't right. The guardian wasn't there, nor were the guards supposed to assured the relief.

As she put her hand against the door of the cell and pushed, her nose was assault by the smell, a smell she knew too well.

*Blood, rotten flesh...*

In an instant, her wand was in her hand, ready to let a spell go if needed. She advanced and quickly discovered the horrible scene. The team of guards, as well as the guardian, were dead, their chest pierced by what could have been big swords or spear head.

Quickly passing above them, Kitsu hurried to see what has happened to the rest and stopped dead in her track.

"Goddess..."

The prison was a mess, cells destroyed, folded bars, the wall at the back of the room had been destroyed, opening a hole leading outside.

Everywhere, there was blood. Some dismembered corpse of what used to be soldiers of Arca's group.

"What happened h...!!"

Kitsu looked down as her foot hit something and her hand went to her mouth, repressing a shout of horror as she discovered a green skinned arm laying on the ground...next to the dead body of Paron.