"What do you think, sweety? I can offer you a night you'll remember all your life..."

Maximilian had been in the inn for a good part of the day, at least that was his observation as he saw the sun starting to go down while he was heading to the 'hot area' of the city. The market place was almost empty at this time of the day, the artisanal quarter would soon close and the artisans were, for the most part, going back home. But, as Maximilian had thought it would be, one area was more lively once the sun was down.

*Funny, red light district is fitting more than I thought it would...* thought Maximilian as he the saw several torches lighting up the street emitted a reddish light thanks to red lanterns installed around them.

All around the district, brothels and some kind of casino of all sorts were welcoming the worker after a hard day to let go of the stress. Some places were discreet with a small front door leading inside buildings without any windows and only a small signboard indicating the name of the place.

Other places were far more extravagant, lanterns of different colours, torches, musicians playing for the dancing ladies and young men, there to amuse and encourage the customers to come inside, where they were promised a night of bliss and wonders.

But all the ladies of the night were not the well-prepared beauties dressed like dreamy creatures, some lone girl or woman would accost the men in the street, tempting them by a bit of exposed flesh meant to seduce and, hopefully, get them a paying customer.

It was one of those women who accosted Maximilian as he arrived in the red light district, slightly opening her upper dress to reveal a bit of her generous chest.

*Well...this didn't take long...I wonder if...*

Scanning the woman, Maximilian was sorry to learn that, even in a fantasy world, STD was still a thing.

*Aouch...this must burn a lot...* hissed Maximilian as he saw the infections of the prostitute.

"You don't need to be shy...I could give you all you want..." insisted the lady of the night as she approached him, certainly interpreting the few second of silent from the man as a sign of interest.

*After all...*

"Actually, more than company, it is info I'm looking for...is it also something you can give me?"

The charming smile on the woman's face faded away.

"I'm a whore, sweety, not a signboard..." said the woman as she started to go away.

"How much do you take, then?" quickly asked Maximilian, not willing to waste time.

In an instant, the smile was back on.

"It depends, sweety. Ten copper coins for an hour, thirty for as long as you can hold...after that, it's up to you."

Pulling out some coins from his Havenbag, Maximilian played a bit with it, easily remarking the envious eyes of the worker.

"How about five copper coins for an info, and a healing spell for your good will?" bargained Maximilian with a sly smile.

The prostitute laughed at him.

"I didn't realise I was talking to a priest!"

Not waiting for her answer, Maximilian made a discreet gesture in her direction, some sparkles of light entering her body, more precisely the down parts of her body...

In a second, the woman stopped laughing, touching the place she was used to suffering from, astonished to not feel any pain from there at all.

As she looked at him, Maximilian put his index on his mouth, winking at her.

"I'm looking for someone, I heard she might be at the Flower Treasure Chest. Could you tell me where I can find this place?"

The woman nodded, her face still showing the surprise.

"C...certainly, Sir. Walk down the principal street. The Flower Treasure Chest is the manor at the end of the street, you can't miss it."

Passing next to her, Maximilian put the five copper coins in the woman hand.

"Thank you."

"Are you sure I cannot interest you in anything else? I wouldn't mind giving you a thank you gift for what you've done..."

"I'm afraid I need to hurry, maybe another time." concluded Maximilian with a polite nod before he went back on his way.

Looking at the copper coins in her hand, the woman sighed.

"The easiest five coins of my life..."

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

*I'm sure you would have a lot to say about this place...* thought Maximilian has he slightly patted the bag where Dgranïr's egg was.

Following the prostitute's instructions, Maximilian was walking down the animated street, enjoying a cup of some artisanal liquor bought from a street merchant.

*Taste like cherry...and something else I have trouble distinguishing, interesting flavour...*

To have a bit of surprise, Maximilian had scanned the thing just enough to make sure it wasn't drugged or poisoned without describing the ingredients.

Sipping from the wooden cup, he was enjoying the numerous shows from the different artists. There was a lot of different kinds, dancers, singers, juggler and other minstrels.

Maximilian was having a lot of fun actually, the general feeling of the district was a good change compared to what he had seen the last days. There was a freedom in the people's behaviour he wasn't able to see elsewhere...maybe sometimes a bit too much freedom...

"Nice try, but I need this..." said Maximilian with a smile to a pretty young dancer who had just tried to subtilize his Havenbag.

When he had caught her, he had seen the terror in her eyes, certainly expecting physical retribution for her actions.

"Good dance, thought, here you are."

Terror was replaced by surprise as she felt the two copper coins fall on her palm.

"Thank you, kind Lord." said the dancer, probably more for the absence of violence more than the money itself.

"One suggestion, if I may. Be sure to captivate before you try to take away..." said Maximilian as he showed her the same small purse she was hiding under her dress.

Astonished, the dancer quickly patted her hips, realising her purse wasn't there anymore.

"G...Give it back!!" quickly said the girl, red on her cheek, ashamed to have been had at her own game.

"Of course, it's yours after all. Good luck with your work." answered Maximilian as he threw her back her purse with a chuckle.

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

As he was going further in the red light district, Maximilian had to admit the places were getting more and more sumptuous, the street was cleaner, the buildings were richly decorated, the artist better dressed, even the prostitutes looked more dignified. It wasn't that surprising to see fewer commoners and more rich people coming and going, a lot of them escorted by one or two personal guards, surely there to protect them on their way back. Some were in groups, certainly celebrating some events only them knew about...or simply there to enjoy the company of professional.

*Somewhere in my heart, I regret to be in a hurry, some of this ladies are truly charming...*

He wasn't sure, but Maximilian could have sworn he heard a smothered laugh coming from Dragnïr's egg.

Finally, he reached the end of the district, coming in front of...a manor.

Of course, the decorated with lanterns place couldn't be mistaken for a noble's house, but nonetheless, it was easily the most sumptuous place in the district. The front yard had in his centre a big fountain representing numerous naked beautiful ladies, while real ladies were dancing around and in the water on the music played by the musicians.

Like the name implied, the front garden was beautifully arranged, colourful flowers perfectly completing the smooth light of the lanterns.

All around the place were private guards. Discreet enough to not bother the customers, but near enough to be able to stop any unwanted move on the girls.

*Well, of course, richer places like this will take more care of their girls...*

Walking on the paved way in the middle of the garden, Maximilian headed for the entrance, guarded by two tall beastkins with an unmistakable mane, Lion kin. Their large hands ending with claws were certainly a good dissuasive weapon against those wanting to force their way in.

The two respectfully bowed to Maximilian as he approached.

"Welcome to the Flower Treasure Chest, Sir." welcomed one of the two with a very deep voice.

"Thank you. I would like to meet the owner, lady Planter."

"May we know the reason for this request, Sir?" asked the other one.

"There is information I need. I've been told she was the one to come and talk to if I wanted answers. Is Lady Planter available?"

"Lady Planter is always here, looking after her Flowers." said one of the two lionkin.

"But she only meets the most...generous client, Sir." said the other one.

"Generous how?" enquired Maximilian.

"Generally, she is the one presenting her most precious flowers when a client order some...'special' services."

"Sorry but I have to ask...it's 'that' kind of service, isn't it?"

"It may be something like you think, Sir, but not only. The Flower Treasure Chest is proud to offer all kinds of relief. Physical, naturally, but also spiritual."

"That's...intriguing. So the only way for me to meet the owner is by ordering a special service?"

The two Lionkin, clearly not used to a human being that polite with them, took the time to think about it.

"There... might be another way. You could win the elementard tournament. The person winning the tournament tonight will be rewarded by a prize money, plus his own personal betting of course, and the possibility to chose one of the flowers for the night. "

The thing the beastkin was talking about wasn't ringing any bell in Maximilian's mind.

"Sorry...elementard? What is that?"

The two beastkin seemed surprised by the question.

"You've never played Elementard, Sir? It's the most known game of the land, almost everyone plays it, from commoners to nobles, soldiers and mages. It's not rare to see people bet a lot of money on elementard play, be it players or watchers."

"Actually, I didn't know about it...is it hard to play?"

One of the two guards clearly got interested.

"Do you want me to explain it to you, Sir?"

"Oh by the spirits..." sighed the other as he looked at the sky.

"I take it you are an adept of that game?" chuckled Maximilian, amused by the other's reaction.

The tall lionkin nodded vigorously.

"Very well, could you explain the rules to me?"

The next fifteen minute, Maximilian listened to the lionkin explanations as they sat at the small table next to the door, certainly there to put the guard's meals and drinks.

A game of elementard was made for two players. The game consisted of playings cards of three kinds, attack cards, defence cards and health cards. Each player was beginning the round with ten health points, represented by ten wooden coins, and seven cards drawn randomly. The objective was to 'kill' the adversary by destroying all his health points. To do so, the two players could attack once per turn with one of the attack cards in their hands. Each time a player was acting, the other could try and defend. To do so, the attacker had to announce an action, simply saying 'I play', and put his card on the table, face down. The defender could, if he wanted to, put a defence card on the table while stating 'I defend', face up. Once the defender was done, the attacker showed his card and the damages had to be counted.

Concerning the attack and defence cards, they were divided into four kinds: earth, wind, fire and water. Each of the element, for the attack and defence, had ten cards, going from one point (of attack or defence) to ten. The idea of the four elements looked a lot like the rock-paper-scissor game, each element being strong against one and weak against another, then neutral with the third one and the same.

The order was simply going like this: fire

The weakness and resistance were important because they could double or divided by two the damages dealt or received.

For example, if one player played a ten fire points attack card, the other player could defend with any of the four elements in his hands, like a five points defence cards, and it would apply like this: Fire and earth five defence points cards would count as five because of their neutrality, wind would only count as two (half a point doesn't count) because of wind weakness against fire and water would count as ten, because fire cards are weak against water cards.

"Did you get it, Sir?"

"I did. Who begins the turn?" asked Maximilian, trying to learn as much as he could.

"Normally it is chosen by heads or tails. Don't forget to pick a card from the picking pile each time it's your turn."

"So I pick one card by turn, but can use two, one for the attack and one for defence when it's my adversary's turn, right?"

The lionkin nodded.

"I know what you think, Sir, this will quickly make you short on cards."

"That is exactly what I was thinking about, actually."

"It's made to reenact the fact you get tired from the fight, Sir. But you don't have to attack or defend each turn, it's you who decide. Oh! I almost forgot, the healing cards are graduated like the attack and defence ones, from one point to ten. Healing cards can only be used at your turn, but using one will make it impossible for you to attack this turn."

"So I attack or I heal, not the two?"

"That's it. 'You cannot drink a potion and hit with your sword at the same time' are what the rules say." recited the Lionkin.

"Those healing cards, aren't they just a waste of turn? The points I've healed will certainly be taken off right after, no?"

"Yes and no. When you play, your adversary doesn't know what you do, attack or heal, because your card is face down. The turn you heal can make him waste a defence card, leading to him being short on defence when you attack later." explained the Lionkin.

"So there is a part of strategy too...How many rounds have a play?"

"Two or three. If you can defeat your opponent two times, you win, the third round is only there in case each one of the players has won a round already. "

As the lionkin was explaining the game, Maximilian was examining the cards. Something interesting appeared to him.

"Is it normal for the cards to have a magic energy?" asked Maximilian.

"Oh! Are you a mage? I didn't notice. Yes, all the cards have a tiny bit of magic energy in them. It's there so no illusion charm can be put on them, so we don't have cheaters."

*Yeah but...it's a freaking giveaway...*

What the lionkin didn't seem to realise was the slight difference in the energies on the cards. The elements described on the cards were clearly showing to Maximilian, like colouring the cards. Although, to be honest, it was only thanks to his high levelled scanning eye he was able to see it. With a difference this slight, it wouldn't have been noticeable even for a mage.

The two made a mocked match so that Maximilian could get the idea. Like he thought they would, the lionkin cards were coloured by the different energies, indicating what element he was playing. With this advantage, It was easy for Maximilian to quickly take the upper hand, winning without difficulty.

"Congratulations, Sir! You seem to have a talent for this!" joyfully said the beastkin, happier to have played than sad to have lost.

"Beginner's luck, that's all. But your explanations were really easy to understand, I thank you for your time." politely answered Maximilian as he took out some coins to give the Lionkin who hastily refused.

"Please, Sir! There is no need for payment, this was a pleasure to initiate a new player."

"Really? Very well then. but you won't stop me from offering you a drink, as a student to his teacher in elementard." said Maximilian as he pulled out a bottle of expensive liquor from the Havenbag.

The Lionkin took the bottle offered by Maximilian, examining it.

"This...is some good liquor, Sir. Are you sure?"

"Of course I am." answered Maximilian with a smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think it is time for me to enter this famous Flower Treasure Chest."

The two Lionkins replaced themselves at the double door sides, each opening a door with a polite bow.

"Enjoy your stay, Sir."

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

* And I thought the outside was welcoming...*

How to describe the inside of the Flower Treasure Chest...house of pleasure would be a good way.

The place was beautiful, with literal trees and flowers blooming inside the building, lianas covered with flowers were passing on some walls, looking like natural plumbing.

Everywhere Maximilian was looking, there were beautiful ladies and young men of all races tending to the customers need, be it dancing, eating, drinking, some were simply sitting in an armchair with a beastkin on their knees and were petting them, enjoying the feeling of the fur or feathers. The place had different floors with a lot of doors leading to differents kind of place of pleasure...some more smooth than others if Maximilian could judge by the muffled whipping noises and cry of pleasure coming from some of those doors.

*I suppose some things never change, excitation takes a different form for everyone...Now, is the Queen here? I don't know her very well but if she's with Arima, I could sense the runes I put on her in the dungeon...*

Closing his eyes for a second, Maximilian scanned the place, all floors. They weren't at his floor, that was certain. The upper floor, on the other hand...

*Strange...I have trouble scanning the upper floors, how is this possible?*

Focussing on the upper floors, Maximilian quickly understood.

*There are several protections hiding some rooms...that and a strange surrounding presence I can't really situate...I could break the protections but it could be dangerous for the ones inside. Let's be discreet for now, I don't sense any danger from this presence anyway.*

"Welcome to the Flower Treasure Chest, Sir."

Looking at the two who had just talked, Maximilian was greeted by literal bunny girl and boy. The two, evenly dressed like casino dealers, were smiling at him from behind a counter, where numerous coats and weapons were arranged.

"Wich service level will bring you satisfaction, Sir?" politely asked the two at the same time.

"Level? I'm sorry if this sounds strange but it is my first time here. What are those levels you're talking about?"

The two looked at each other then bowed at Maximilian.

"Please allow us to explain. To be sure that every customer of this establishment receive the kind of service he deserved, some levels have been established. The first level is bronze, it will allow you to come inside and enjoy the view of our very talented dancers and other artists, as well as an access to the bar where you will be allowed to order collation and drinks for a small supplementary fee. The second level is silver, giving you access to our circle of elementard and ladies of the night, entrance fee for tournament and service from the ladies will require a small compensation from your part. The third level is gold, it will give you access to the second level of the Flower Treasure Chest, where the pretty petals await the few generous enough to win their favours. That is all for the three basic levels, Sir." concluded the two as one.

Maximilian thought for a bit, something in what the two had said was bothering him.

"You said 'basic levels', is there a special level or something?"

"We're sorry, Sir. We didn't mean to hide it from you, it's just that we try to not make our dear customers feel inferior, and the last level is...expensive, reserved for nobles who can access their family treasure chest."

Chuckling a bit, Maximilian answered.

"Do not worry, I won't feel down because of that. Please humour me, tell me more about this special level."

The two, once again, looked at each other as if consulting each other without a word, then nodded.

"Very well, Sir. The last level is called Diamond or, like we love to call it, the keys to paradise. Naturally, this level will open for you any level from this pleasure house, even the last one. The upper ground will be pleased to welcome you, as well as the upper garden, where you'll have the chance to meet the rarest Flowers of the treasure chest. Our upper salon maids will be happy to propose you the rarest drinks and most refined delicacies coming from the other parts of the world, a literal journey around the world by the mouth. This level will also give you access to the royal bedroom, where the lucky creature you will choose will be happy to fulfil any of your wishes. If you are a good elementard player, know that the wealthier players reunite at the upper salon to bet on different plays, making numerous golden coins changing hands in a single play."

The two, speaking one after the other without stopping, went on for a bit, describing the wonders of the diamond level.

*For something they weren't inclined to talk about at first, they sure have a lot to say about it...*

Once done, the two expectantly looked at him as if waiting for an answer.

After a second or two, Maximilian slightly coughed in his fist.

"You do realise you still haven't told me how much cost the different levels, right?"

"True! Our deepest apologies, Sir! The bronze level entry cost ten silver coins. The silver level entry costs a hundred silver, or one Gold if you prefer. To access the gold level, you will have to pay ten gold coins. And, finally, the Diamond level entry fee costs a hundred golden coins." concluded the two, almost ashamed by the extravagance of the last price.

"And to be able to access the higher elementard bet, I have to be at least gold level, is that right?"

"Exact, Sir. You have understood perfectly." flattered the two.

Maximilian thought for a minute.

*Gold level would be enough for me to do what I have to do...on the other hand, having all the door opened would also help if I want to search without restraints...and it would be the first time I am treated as a VIP*

He chuckled a bit as he concluded his thought.

"Last question, how can you tell which level your customer have paid for?"

The bunny girl pulled out a small bronze key.

"This will be asked of you when you desire to access the different services. Higher levels key simply open more doors...You aren't required to expose your key at each moment, as long as you can provide it when asked."

"Very well, this has been wonderfully explained...I'll take a diamond entry, please." said Maximilian, low enough to not get too much attention from the other customers.

The two opened their eyes wide, then looked at each other.

"Are...are you sure, Sir? This costs a hundred gold coins..." recalled the bunny girl, probably thinking Maximilian didn't hear the price well.

"Oh, right, you probably need to see the money before, here you are."

Maximilian started to take out the golden coins from the Havenbag, getting closer to the counter to be sure no one could look at the transaction from the side or behind. Rapidly counting, he pushed the little pile of gold to the wide-eyed beastkins. They quickly recounted, checking the golden coins to be sure they were true, then disappeared for a second.

They came back with a little chest that they put on the counter before pushing it in Maximilian's direction. Opening it, Maximilian discovered a golden key covered by small diamonds.

"Thank you for your patronage, Sir. Would you like someone to escort you while you enjoy the place?" politely proposed the bunny girl while the bunny boy was carefully taking off Maximilian's mantle and coat to put them in a reserved place behind the counter.

Even with his heat resistance, Maximilian was feeling more at ease without the layers of clothes. He kept on him the Havenbag and the bag with Dragnïr's egg hidden inside.

"No, thank you, I'll be fine. But, maybe could you inform me, I was told there would be an elementard tournament happening, could you tell me where I should go if I want to participate?"

"That depends, Sir. The lower levelled tournament will shortly begin, if you aren't bothered by the low levelled people playing in it, you'll be welcomed to join. Later, in the upper salon, the high levelled tournament will begin, but only when all the participants will be there."

"I suppose the higher tournament will welcome some high peoples too?"

"Indeed, Sir. Nobles, rich merchants, there is a rumour saying Lady Planter's champion might join in too, but knowing her, it will only happen if she finds someone good enough to oppose her."

"Her? I take it the champion is a lady. Is she...working here?"

"Indeed. She is one of Lady Planter's rarest flower, if you're lucky you could very well see her on the upper level later."

"Can I participate in the tournaments or is there something special I need to do first?" asked Maximilian.

"Apart from paying the entrance fee and be there when your name is called, nothing special is to be done, Sir. Actually, the lower levelled tournament will take place long before the high level one, so you can take your time and participate without any worries..." explained the bunny girl.

"That is of course if you don't mind playing with low levelled customers." reminded the bunny boy.

"I don't mind it at all. Where should I go?"

Pointing in the direction, the two said as one.

"The lower salon, Sir!"

Thanking the two, Maximilian started to go for it, but was called back.

"One last thing, Sir. Your weapon, I'm sorry to ask this but the customers are asked to not be...equipped while enjoying this place." apologetically asked the bunny girl.

"Oh! Sorry for that...there, all hidden." answered Maximilian with a smile as he put back the weapon in the Havenbag. "Will this be okay?"

The two looked at each other once again, not really knowing what to answer to that.

"I...guess it will, please refrain from putting it out while you stay here, Sir."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to bother the ones working." concluded Maximilian with a kind smile as he went on.

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

"The entrance fee to the tournament will be ten silver coins, Sir. I'll also need you to present your key to open the fee chest." Kindly asked a lightly dressed beautiful young lady to whom Maximilian had asked to participate.

"Naturally." Answered Maximilian as he took out the money and his key to open the chest. Seeing the key, the waitress opened her eyes wide, realising his customer level. Maximilian put the ten silver coins in the chest and one in the waitress hand.

"For your discretion. I would like to enjoy this tournament without being looked at like a curiosity, please..."

"Of...of course, Sir. Thank you for your patronage." Answered the waitress with a smile as she quickly took the coin to hide it, although Maximilian was wondering where she could hide it with so little dress on her.

The place was, without too much extravagance, really well organised. Several tables had been installed for players to sit and play. The one playing could bet with each other, the money passing from hand to hand wasn't that high on the lower level, though. Some waitress, all pretty ladies and young men lightly dressed, were bringing food and drinks to any customer willing, in exchange for a small fee of course.

*I think I'm gonna have fun here. I'll win some money while enjoying good drinks and food, then I'll go check the upper level and try to meet this Lady Planter. If I cannot find her, I will at least be able to win her attention with the tournament. Worst case scenario, I'll infiltrate the place and search for myself...it's not exactly as if they could stop me.*

Maximilian frowned to himself as he thought the last sentence.

*No, no, no Maximilian. It's not because you have a monstrous strength that you must look down on the subtle way...trying the subtle way before anything else has always been your way of handling things in videogames, you're certainly not going to change now. And, even without you, the Queen and Arima are with Kitsu, and you know she is level fifty, they are safe.*

The lower tournament had quite a crowd watching it, and a lot of participants. Called by a waitress, Maximilian went to sit in front of his first opponent, some heavy looking merchant who saluted him with a broad smile.

"Greetings!! First time in a tournament?"

"Is it that obvious?" asked Maximilian, answering the man with the same kind of smile.

"Not that much, I just have never seen you here, and I come here a lot."

"Your wife must be thrilled..." jocked Maximilian.

"Ask her yourself." answered the man as he pointed at a mature lady sipping at a glass, her eyes lasting a bit on the lightly dressed waiters.

"I enjoy the game, she enjoys the view, we both enjoy the food and drinks. Everyone is happy." joked the man.

"Glad to hear it."

A waitress shuffled the cards and started to distribute, seven for Maximilian and his opponent.

"Heads or tails?" asked the merchant, clearly willing to play a pleasant match.

"Let's go with tails." choose Maximilian.

The waitress flipped a coin before returning it on the back of her hand, showing the result to the players.

"Heads, you go first." Declared Maximilian.

"With pleasure." answered the man as he picked a card from the pile the waitress had put on the table.

"I act" said the merchant as he put a card face down on the table.

As he could before, Maximilian clearly saw the energy coming from the card, a fire one.

*So, to counter fire, the best is water...let's begin with this one...* thought Maximilian as he put down a water defence card of two points.

"Good call!" complimented the merchant as he showed his cart, revealing a five points fire attack card.

"Thank you, This means I take no damages, is that it?"

"Indeed...would you, perhaps, be a newcomer in the elementard world?" asked the man before taking a sip from his cup.

"To be frank, yes. But the one who taught me was clear on the fact I seemed quite talented." answered Maximilian as he picked a card.

*A ten points earth card...not yet, let's enjoy this play a bit more before launching heavy hits...on the other hand, I can make him waste his defences...*

"I act" declared Maximilian as he put a one point water attack face down.

"Let's see...this one should do." said the merchant before putting down a four point earth defence.

"I'm blocked." declared Maximilian as he revealed his card.

"Indeed, put you made me lose a four points card on a one point attack, good strategy." complimented the merchant before finishing his cup.

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

"My dear, could you refill this cup of mine?" asked the merchant to a waitress passing by as he put a hand in his pocket, but Maximilian interrupted him.

"Please, let me treat you."

The man seemed surprised.

"Sir, this wouldn't be..."

"I insist. You are a very fine first opponent and I enjoy our play, let me repay you for this good moment." declared Maximilian as he took some coins and gave it to the waitress.

"Bring this man what he asked. If you could see that his wife does not get thirsty either... I'll take a refill too, and something to nibble on while we play."

"Certainly, Sir." answered the waitress with a charming smile before going to get their order.

"Very kind of you, Sir." thanked the merchant.

"Please, it isn't much. While we continue to play, would you mind giving me some information? You said you are used to this place, is there any contestant I should worry about?" inquired Maximilian as he played his turn, taking two life points off the merchant.

Their play had gone on pleasantly, the men taking their time and discussing as they played.

There was no one around them apart from the waitress serving as a referee and occasionally another customer looking for a bit, but quickly going away to look at an another match.

The tournament was simple. There was thirty-two participants, each time you won, you could go on the next turn, if you lose, you were out of the tournament. Someone who was spot cheating was instantly disqualified...and kindly asked to leave. At the end, the victorious finalist would receive a money prize and a special handmade game of elementard. The reward the Lionkin had talked about was only for the higher level victor.

"Someone to worry about? There are some, actually..." said the merchant as he took a salted biscuit Maximilian had ordered for them.

"I'm all ears." said Maximilian as he defended against the merchant attack, purposely using the wrong card to lose some health points and to not seem too lucky with his play.

"This man other there, for example, is a notorious criminal, leader of a band of rogues. He is here for the money and nothing else, he will bet big sum to try and rob his opponents from all they have. The only things I can think looking a bit like a weakness is his greed. If he has the possibility to win big, he won't let it pass...but, as I told you, it will only lead his opponent to ruin when they lose."

"All I have to do is win then, no?"

The merchant chuckled.

"That's the spirit! Just...be aware he is not afraid to cheat, the problem is to spot him while he does. A lot of people do not dare to denounce him, you see the men behind him?"

Taking a look, Maximilian spotted the two men silently watching the game from behind the rude looking bearded man. They looked as kind as him, that was to say not at all.

"If you go against him, you are sure to receive a visit from that kind of man. I sincerely hope neither you nor me will have to face him."

"So...a bastard who relies on cheating and threats to win...I'll be careful, thank you for the advice. Someone else?"

The merchant showed Maximilian a man at another table. Maximilian frowned as he recognised the equipment of an inquisitor.

"An Inquisitor?"

"Indeed. Good player, but not a kind one. This one, I heard, relies on the inquisition to threat openly his opponents...well, as openly as he can without being disqualified I guess, but the message is always clear enough..."

This went on for a bit. The merchant gave some advice to Maximilian. Who was to not be taken lightly, who was a good playing partner and such...

After a while, Maximilian decided it was time to end the match and went on full attack, using the high power attack card he had kept in reserve.

The second round ended soon, the merchant was simply no match for him.

"Well...I'm defeated, by far. Good play!" declared the man as he extended a hand that Maximilian shook.

"I thank you for this good talk, Sir...Now that I think about it, I forgot to ask your name..." realised Maximilian.

"Daron is my name, I own a dress shop near the market place. Come and see me and my wife sometimes, it's called 'Daron's wardrobe'. We'll be sure to show you the best fabric there is Sir...?"

"Maximilian, you can call me Maximilian, and I'll be glad to come and have a look one of this days."

The match over, Daron introduced his wife to Maximilian before he was called for his next match.

"Well, well, what do we have here? Aren't you a cute looking little noble. Tell me, did you want to come down from daddy's manor to see how true men play elementard?"

Maximilian next adversary happened to be the rogue leader.

*This is going to be fun...* thought Maximilian as he chuckled to himself.

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

"Thanks, darling" said the bearded man as he took his cards, looking at them before looking in Maximilian's direction with a smirk.

"I take heads." declared the leader, not giving a choice to Maximilian who simply politely nodded to the waitress, signalling her to throw the coin.

"And I come first!" loudly said the bearded man as he picked a card.

"So? How much?" asked the man, his piercing eyes looking straight at Maximilian.

"How much?" innocently asked Maximilian, feigning ignorance.

"How much do you bet, of course! This game is boring as shit without a bet or two. So, how much do you bet?"

"I don't know, how much are you willing to bet?" asked Maximilian, surprising the few spectators around the table by his question.

The bearded man smiled unpleasantly, showing one or two golden teeth.

"Aren't we confident about our purse...let's begin with something small, how about a silver coin? I bet a silver coin I'm going to inflict you at least five damage points this turn. What do you say?

"Alright, so if you don't manage to do it, I win your silver coin, is that it?" clarified Maximilian, keeping is innocent act on.

"Bah! Try to resist and we will talk. I act." concluded the bearded man as he put a fire attack card face down.

*So...now let's see, how is he so sure of himself...*

Closing his eyes for a second, Maximilian scanned the room. He modified the spell a bit, not wanting to get information about things, but people.

*well, that was easy.*

He quickly discovered what he was looking for. One of the bystanders positioned behind him was a member of the bearded man's gang. Maximilian focused on him, feeling his every movement without looking at him. As Maximilian put his fingers on a card, acting as if he was choosing it, he felt the man's hand slightly moving, using some kind of code to indicate Maximilian's opponent what he was playing. He surely had already told the bearded man everything Maximilian had while the rude man was getting everyone attention.

*Basic...so freaking basic it's insulting!* thought Maximilian.

He could have, by a simple step on the ground, impaled the man with a stone spike coming from the ground, but decided otherwise.

*You want to play, let's play.*

Maximilian memorised his cards, then put them all before him, face down, and shuffled them, using his keen eye to know exactly where was each card. Around him, more so in front of him, the surprise was almost palpable.

"What are you doing?!" asked his opponent.

"I'm a shy man, and I feel like you can read me like an open book, dear adversary, so I think I will let luck decide for me."

"What? Are you planning to play without looking at your cards? That's against the rules!"

"Is it?" asked Maximilian to the referee. The waitress closed her eyes for a bit, thinking.

"No rules says you have to look at your cards to play. But know that if you play a wrong card, for example, an attack card to defend yourself, you will lose the card and this will count as nothing. Are you still willing to go on like that?"

"If it isn't against the rules, I am more than ready."

"But, but..." tried to say the leader.

"Why does it bother you? all the risks are mine, you only risk to see me use a wrong card, no? Shouldn't it be easier for you to win like that?" declared Maximilian, getting more spectator's intention.

"Unless, of course, if you have another reason you don't want me to hide my cards...but that would be silly, wouldn't be?" asked Maximilian, keeping on his face a mocking innocent smile at all time.

Understanding his cheating patern was discovered, the bearded man hid his angriness behind a chuckle.

"Very well, let's see how this goes for you. Still remember the bet? One silver coin for me if you take at least five damage points this turn."

"And one for me if I have more than five life points at the end of this turn, I'm aware. I defend." said Maximilian as he revealed a cart, showing everyone a defence water card of three points.

The man growled as he showed his card, revealing a ten point fire attack card. The crowd gasped as they saw the result, four damage points taken by Maximilian.

"A silver coin for me, it seems." said Maximilian as he reached for the coin, only to have his hand grasped by the bearded man.

"I double the bet! I bet this coins plus two others that you won't be able to defend against my next attack."

Maximilian thought for a bit, not really caring for the hand grasping his wrist, he was barely feeling it.

*How could I make this man surrender all is money...I could try that.*

"How about this: Bet as much as you want, all the money you have, I'll follow you with the same amount and...I will put this on the top." declared Maximilian as he took out one of the jewels he had found in Dragnïr's treasure chamber. It was a very fine piece of work, covered with small pieces of rubies and diamonds.

"It is worth at least fifty golden coins...even the double if you find the good person to sell it..." explained Maximilian as he made the ring turn between his fingers, the beauty of the ring reflecting in everyone's eyes."

The bearded man laughed.

"And you expect me to believe you like that? How do I know it's the real deal?"

"Simple, check it." answered Maximilian as he casually threw it to the bearded man who caught it in one hand, the other handling his cards. He longly looked at it, then showed it to one of his men, his examiner.

"This is true, Boss." said the man, appreciating the quality of the jewel.

"And you're willing to bet this? Why?"

"Because I don't like you and wish to win time. We bet all that and we play, the one of us two winning the game keeps everything, the other one doesn't get anything."

The bearded man thought for a bit, then snapped his fingers. The two men behind him took off their purses and emptied them on the table before the bearded man did the same.

"Referee, you count." ordered the rogue leader.

"If you please." politely added Maximilian with a kind smile. The waitress smiled at him before quickly counting what the three men had to offer.

"I count a total of ten golden coins, seventy-four silver coins and fifty-five copper coins." declared the waitress after a minute or two.

"Here, eleven golden coins, this will save us time." said Maximilian as he put the said golden coins on the table like it was nothing while the crowd around the table was still getting bigger, people interested in the bet.

The waitress brought a big bowl in wich she put all the coins, then the ring on top of it.

"Now, can we please go on without interruption? I am ready when you are." said Maximilian.

The man let a mean smile appeared on his rude face.

"I'm going to make you go cry on your daddy's knees..."

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

"Im...IMPOSSIBLE!!"

The bearded man, eyes exorbitantly opened, had hit the table as Maximilian had won the second round, ending the play.

"I guess I won't see my father's knees tonight..." innocently said Maximilian, making some people in the crowd laugh.

"I'll take this then..." said Maximilian as he was reaching for the bowl where the money was, only to have his arm once again grasped by the rogue leader.

"I want a replay, you can't have won without looking at your cards!"

"I did look at them, but only for a second when I picked them, after that, all I had to do was to remember where it was..." calmly explained Maximilian, a murmur of admiration coming from the crowd.

"No one can do that...you cheated...SAY YOU CHEATED!!!" ordered the bearded man as he visibly tried to break Maximilian's wrist by pure strength...and it had the same effect as a child trying to crush a rock.

"Sir, please refrain from using violence." tried to ask the referee.

"SHUT UP WHORE!"

Not paying attention to the man throwing a tantrum, Maximilian looked at the waitress who didn't know how to react to the scene.

"Excuse me, when a player is attacked like I am, is it okay to defend or will that disqualified me from the tournament?"

Surprised by the calm and polite tone Maximilian had in that situation, the waitress vigorously shook her head.

"An aggression is against the rules, you clearly are the one attacked, you can defend yourself."

"Thank you." said Maximilian before pulling out his hand of the man's grasp without any problem. Once done, he used the same hand to grasped the man's wrist, twisting it in the wrong way. With a scream, the man fell on the table, Maximilian taking the bowl with the money at the last moment before it was pushed off the table.

"Your physical attempt to make me withdraw, I can let it pass. Your pitiful cheating attempt, I can let it pass..."

"I DIDN'T CHEAT! LET GO!" shouted the man, clearly in pain.

"Do you want me to ask directly to your third man standing behind me with a dagger?" calmly asked Maximilian as he used the metallic bowl full of money to block the attack coming from the man behind him, making his dagger go down.

"What is the meaning of this?" inquired the referee.

"The one behind me is one of his rogues, he was using some kind of code to tell my opponent which cards I had and which one I was playing...Isn't that right?" innocently asked Maximilian as he twisted the man's wrist just a bit more.

"ARG! Y...yes! yes, it's true!"

A murmur of indignation raised from the crowd, the man behind Maximilian easily immobilised by the numerous people around him before he could pick up his weapon.

"But...all that I let pass. After all, I was able to defeat you even with this little treachery of yours. No, what I don't like is the way you addressed our referee after having waste everyone's time."

"What!? Why do you care how I talk to this whore?"

The man quickly regretted his words, his wrist finally breaking under the pressure.

"Oopsy, this must have hurt...now apologise to the lady."

"AAARG! MY WRIST, YOU BROKE MY WRIST!"

Having enough of the man's screaming voice, Maximilian raised from his seat, letting the man's wrist go, only to lifted him off the ground by the throat, immediately cutting his voice off.

"I'm letting you breathe just enough for you to talk, I suggest you use this opportunity to be polite, for once..."

The man was clearly going to spit some insult at him, but Maximilian's hand pressing around his neck dissuaded him.

"Ve...very well, I'm sorry."

"Not to me, to her."

Turning his eyes to look at the referee, the man, painfully breathing, said.

"I'm sorry...for how I talked to you....now let me off!"

"Very well..." said Maximilian as he let the man fall down, breaking the chair as he landed on it, the crowd visibly having fun.

"You...YOU!!"

The bearded man and the two rogue behind him pulled out some daggers they had hidden under their dresses. The crowd stepped back as they advanced, only to be stopped right away.

*That's an...interesting kind of guard...*

It wasn't Maximilian who had stopped them, but several waitress and waiters dressed a bit differently than the ones serving. Apparently, some of the workers were used as a hidden guard in the Flower Treasure Chest, the three men threatened by several spears, daggers and swords.

"You Sir have admitted you cheated. As such, your are banned from this tournament. What's more, considering your actions today, you and your men present today are banned from the Flower Treasure Chest." authoritatively stated the referee.

The three tried to object, but the weapons pointing at them were a good indication it was no use. They were escorted out of the place by a dozen armed workers under the cheers of the crowd.

"As for you, Sir. Let me congratulate you, you won this play and will be able to show what you can do in the quarterfinal." the crowd around Maximilian showed support, applauding him, he answered them with a kind smile and a slight bow.

The other players were ending their play before the quarterfinal, the crowd went away to appreciate other matches. While Maximilian was putting the coins in the Havenbag, the waitress who had played the referee role passed next to him, caressing his shoulder.

"On a more personal level, thank you for what you did...this brute deserved everything you did to him."

Looking at the pretty lady with a smile, Maximilian answered.

"Beleive me, I was ready to do a lot worse. A man should know better than to talk to a lady like that...here, for the service." concluded Maximilian as he gave the lady a silver coin.

"A silver coin? That is the kind of tip you can expect in the upper salon, not here..." said the lady as she appreciated the weight of the silver coin in her hand.

"I don't think a referee from the upper salon would have done a better job. Take this as a thank you gift, you were by far the prettiest thing to look at while I was playing. You helped me get through this match without being bothered by...him."

The lady smiled before putting a kiss on Maximilian's cheek.

"A good luck charm for later matches..."

That made Maximilian chuckled.

"Now I cannot lose..."

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

"And I lose. By the ancestors, you're good!" congratulated Maximilian's quarterfinal adversary.

It was a dwarf merchant named Amly. He had been a loud but funny opponent, quite good tactician too. The two had talked a bit while playing, that was how Maximilian had learned the dwarf was coming from the dwarf capital situated under the north mountains. Once done with the official play, they had gone for a drink while Maximilian was waiting to be called for the semifinal.

"Problem is, with the city locked up, I cannot go back. I made my trades and won good money, but if I stay here for too long I'm going to fall behind on my schedule." explained the dwarf as he gulped half his beer mug in one go, a literal love letter to the dwarfs in Maximilian's imagination.

"It is a problem indeed. What is your kind of business, if you don't mind me asking?" inquired Maximilian, tasting one of the numerous brightly coloured liquor available.

*Not bad...taste a bit like kiwi...spicy kiwi, though.*

"I don't mind at all, I love speaking of it! Here, take a look at this!" said the dwarf as he pulled out a small rock from his pouch before giving it to Maximilian.

Examining the ore, Maximilian discovered it was silver.

"Silver?"

"Oh! You've got the eye for it. Indeed, it is silver ore. I own a small mine out of the dwarf kingdom. It may not be the biggest one there is, but it works fine enough for me to be able to enjoy this kind of event." declared the dwarf as he showed the place around with a good laugh.

"I'm happy for you. Being able to enjoy what can be enjoyed is a bless. Tell me, how far is the Dwarf Kingdom from here?"

"On foot? two months, more or less. Naturally, once you can teleport it's far easier to reach. You long legs have it easy with your magic."

The dwarf had called him long legs several times already, but clearly more as a friendly joke more than an insult.

"Dwarf cannot use magic?"

Amly had a good laugh at that.

"There are, not a lot, but there are some. The thing is that it's harder for us, mana doesn't seem to blend well with us. But, if you go to the dwarf capital, you can meet some dwarf using magic. They are called 'runes reader', they study some old writing all their life to be able to engrave some of them in weapons or some staff they use as a magic weapon. But, at the end, we dwarf aren't renown for our magic capacity...we are known to be strong against it." proudly concluded the dwarf.

"Strong against it? How so?"

"I think the reason why we cannot, or nearly cannot use magic is because we are naturally more resistant to it. For example, you cannot hope to curse a dwarf, it would take a lot of effort and time, believe me. Of course, we are affected by elements like any long legs, but the mana in itself is far less efficient against us. When facing a mage, we put on our helmet, take our axes and hammers and dash at them, they usually flee long before we reach them when they realise their magic isn't working."

"Good strategy, a mage not able to focus is easy to deal with." agreed Maximilian.

"Glad you understand, most people think it's a stupid way of doing things."

"I tend to respect other ways of doing things when they are well done. I have always seen dwarves as strong warriors, talented smiths and stonecutter."

"And don't forget marvellous singers!" added Amly with a loud laugh, quickly followed by Maximilian.

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

"I think I'm going to go back to the inn. I'll be glad to see you again when the situation will have calm down a bit, Maximilian. If you pass by, be sure to stop at my place, I leave in the town around my mine, you can't miss it, it's the only one without a second floor."

"Let me guess, you're not feeling at ease when you leave the ground?" jocked Maximilian.

"Dwarves are often called 'sons of the mountain'. A mountain's place is on the ground, not in the air. Unless I need to, you will never see me climb stairs off my dear stony ground!" answered Amly with a grin as the two shook hands.

"It's a goodbye then, until we see each other again."

"Be well, long legs." said the dwarf before leaving, humming a joyous tone.

Maximilian had just been called to participate at the semifinal. Sitting in front of him was the inquisitor Daron was warning him about.

Old, looking grumpy and with an eye blinded by a profound scar across his face, the man was the literal definition of an old fighter, or at least did he have the look for it.

"Greetings to all of you." politely said Maximilian to his opponent, the waiter serving as the referee and the crowd making way for him to pass.

Some answered back because they found it funny, others to be polite. The waiter bowed slightly with a polite smile, his way of saluting back. The old inquisitor did something like a small head gesture, the minimal to not be rude, but clearly not willing to engage in unnecessary talk.

"Heads or tails?" proposed Maximilian to the man facing him.

"Tails..." simply answered the man, his voice at least as damaged as his face.

Maximilian was the one to begin.

Playing steadily, not too aggressive nor too passive, Maximilian decided to talk a bit.

"So...I heard there's been some problem at the Inquisition these past days..."

Maximilian sentence made the crowd around him got quite in an instant, he clearly had reached a taboo conversation, more so with an inquisitor.

"What makes you say that?" simply asked the inquisitor as he continued to play, imperturbable.

"Just rumours, that and there seems to be a lot of Inquisitors going and coming with the guards lately." answered Maximilian, playing with the same imperturbableness than his opponents.

"Some rumours are all it takes for you to questioned an Inquisitor? Very courageous, or very stupid of you, I still rest my judgement. I act."

"Rumours are the way the peoples communicate. If it reached my ears as I wasn't paying attention, I wonder what someone who is willing to know could find. I defend."

The man stayed silent for some turns, Maximilian willingly losing health points before getting them back to make the game last. It was the inquisitor who finally broke the silence after a while.

"You said tat you weren't paying attention...but still you managed to know?"

"It is one of the big news in town, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is. But what I wonder is how someone claiming to not pay attention can still manage to know..."

"I heard things, that's all."

"How is it not paying attention?"

Maximilian chuckled, getting worried looks from some people in the crowd.

"I said I heard, not that I listened, Inquisitor."

"I don't see the difference..." said the old fighter as he continued to play.

"Yet there is a major one, the will. You listen because you want, you hear because it can be heard." answered Maximilian with an innocent smile.

Once again, a long silent came between the two as the play continued.

"You seem to like to play with words...what are you doing here?"

"I'm playing elementard, of course."

"I will act as if you didn't answer that...what I'm asking is what are you doing in the capital. I saw your little scene earlier with the rogues, you easily pulled out a lot of money, but I don't recall having seen your face before, and I know practically everyone in this city. I take it you're not from here..."

"Having money means I have to be known?" chuckled Maximilian.

"In the capital? Yes, money is power, power is reputation, reputation is renown. Where do you come from?"

"Far." simply answered Maximilian.

"How far?"

"Too far for you to comprehend, I'm afraid."

This made a lot of people take a step back, fearing the inquisitor's response. Astonishing everyone, the old fighter laughed a bit, his laugh sounding a lot like two stones scrubbed against each other.

"'Too far for you to comprehend...' that's a good one. Finally, someone who isn't shitting his pants as soon as he sees an Inquisitor. Do you want to know something? There have actually been some problems at the Inquisition."

Some murmurs of indignation raised from the crowd, some peoples clearly not appreciating that the old fighter was starting to reveal things.

"Oh shut your trap! What do you think they can do to me if I speak? I'm too old to be afraid so let me talk for a bit. Those of you who don't want to hear then go somewhere else, as if I cared...You. You want me to talk a bit, find me something to wet my throat." growled the old man, making a lot of people leave in indignation, a few stayed behind.

"You were speaking about problems?" asked Maximilian as he signalled a waitress to bring the old inquisitor what he wanted.

"Yeah, the Inquisition has been attacked. What they don't tell is why."

"They are talking about some demon or something..." tentatively asked Maximilian, knowing perfectly well what the truth was.

"A Demon? Yeah, 'a Demon' my ass! Those fucking lunatics simply captured someone they shouldn't have."

"Someone they shouldn't have? Who?"

The old fighter shrugged.

"Hell if I know! What I heard is that it was a beastkin child or something. Only problem is, this child is a friend of a freaking monster!"

The peoples stayed behind gasped at the revelation.

"A monster?" asked Maximilian, feigning ignorance.

"Not literally, of course, but the man, by himself, managed to create havoc! The man was a mage, but handled a gigantic sword like it was nothing! He killed everyone standing in his way."

"I heard of it!" stated a man in the crowd. "They said he even killed the children and injured ones!"

A murmur of indignation raised once again from the rest of the crowd, only to be hushed by the old fighter laughing without any joy before he drank from the mug the waitress had brought.

"Killed the children and the injured ones? This, you fool, is only something written on a paper, as ordered by the Cardinal, so you lot would be good bocows following orders. No, he didn't kill the injured ones nor the children. Far from it, he told me that man even healed the children." calmly explained the inquisitor, surprising the crowd, of course, but Maximilian too.

*Well I'll be damned, an Inquisitor telling the truth and not what the Inquisition wants him to say.*

"Excuse my curiosity but...how can you be sure of that? Were you there when it happened?" asked Maximilian.

"Me? No, I wasn't there, my son and grandson were."

"Oh...are they...?"

"They're alive and kicking if you want to know. And, before you ask, yes, it is the so-called monster that healed them...well, my grandson at least.

"What about your son?"

"He is a paladin, he was injured by that man in the attack, luckily not too much. They were with the priests when he arrived on the healing ground. He could have killed them all, but didn't, and do you know why?"

"Tell me."

"Because he felt bad that children had to be hurt because of adult's mistakes. My son told me it was exactly his words! Tell me, do you think it is how a monster talk?"

Maximilian thought for a bit.

"Not a monster, I would say it is something a sorry man would say if he had unwillingly hurt someone."

"I think the same thing, and my son did too. But there is another thing he clearly saw coming, the Cardinal madness."

This time, all the people in the crowd went away, offended by the inquisitor's words about their church leader. They wanted to say something, but knew better than to anger an inquisitor, that and some of them remembered how Maximilian had taken care of the rogue leader earlier. The referee wasn't saying a thing, focussing on the play to not take part in the conversation.

"Finally, a bit of tranquillity." sighed the inquisitor.

"Some people don't take it well when someone insults their church leader..." chuckled Maximilian.

"Church leader...talking about a leader, it makes me wanna puke!" exclaimed the old inquisitor as he finished his cup.

"I take it by the way you speak of him that you're not that fond of the Cardinal?" innocently questioned Maximilian as he signalled a passing waitress to refill the man's cup while they continue playing.

Looking a bit on the left and on the right to be sure they were alone, apart from the referee, of course, the inquisitor signalled him to get a bit closer.

"Wanna know the truth? I'm not the only one. A lot of us Inquisitors and Paladins are convinced the Cardinal isn't really working in the best interest of the church..."

"Do you mind developing a bit?"

"If you're not from here, you may not know, but the Cardinal hasn't been the church leader for that long. Less than a dozen years ago, he was nothing but a priest working at Carendar's Temple. But, in a way we don't know of, he managed to get close to the old Cardinal and started to win some favours. After a while, he was promoted high priest and, not that long after, the old Cardinal died. He was elect Cardinal by the majority of the high priest after that, how? I don't know. "

The old inquisitor made a quick respectful sign has he mentioned the old Cardinal's death.

"The last Cardinal was a man of good, authoritarian, but good. At that time, the Inquisition was what it was truly meant to be, a holy shield protecting the people from darkness and demons. Anyone of any race was welcome in the church to receive the blessing of Carendar's light. There were even beastkin Inquisitors and Paladins for God's sake!" continued the man as he hit the table wit his fist, making the waitress jumped as she brought his drink.

Maximilian apologised with a look and gave a tip to the waitress to excuse the man humour.

"Sorry for that, it makes me mad to see what my dear Inquisition has become..."

"But...if it changed so much, why hasn't anyone tried to stop it?"

The man chuckled without any joy.

"Don't you think we tried? There have been secret meetings, secret escape, we even wrote a freaking petition! The result? Our white Paladins, guards and Inquisitors have been replaced by Elgan's private army, paid by the very church who was supposed to protect the people and some nobles far too glad to see non-humans out of sight. My old companions were 'convinced' to go, the ones refusing were given missions more and more dangerous, sending them to death for certain...when they were not plainly murdered."

"Murdered? How so?"

"Beleive me, when an ancient Inquisitor is sent on a mission with black Paladins, he is not to come back." sighed the inquisitor, using his hand not holding the cards to massage his closed eyes.

"Now we're not more than a handful compared to the new order...we are as well as dead. You know, when my son told me he and my grandson had survived the attack, I was happier than I had been for a long time. But when they came to take him away, he and I knew we wouldn't see each other again. Elgan has taken everything from me, so yes, even mentioning him makes me wanna puke!"

This surprised Maximilian a bit.

"Your son was taken away? Why?"

"Why do you think? Because they survived a meeting with a suspected demon, they are to be interrogated by 'true believers' to clean their souls. The children? It's worse since they have been healed by him. The only good point in all this mess is that because of the things happening at the castle, they had to lock everyone in the Inquisition cells for a time. At least they are alive for now." concluded the man with a sigh.

*So they have been locked away because of me? Shit, this Cardinal is a real dick.* Though Maximilian.

"If you resent the Cardinal Elgan so much, why are you still in the Inquisition?"

"What do you want me to do? I have been in the Inquisition for forty years, I don't know anything but it. My wife is dead, I have nearly no one I can call a companion nor a friend. You will see me here every time I can to try to forget a bit about this shitty situation. Be there is the only way I can, even if just a bit, help when it's possible."

"What about the Queen? You could side with her, no?" asked Maximilian.

The man had opened Maximilian's eyes a bit. He had thought of the inquisition as a united group of fanatics willing to do any horrible things to accomplish the Cardinal objectives, be it threatening the population, kidnapping children or, like they did, attacking the royal family itself.

Now, after he had listened and examined the man as he was telling his story, Maximilian had to admit there were some who were not that bad but were simply other victims of the Cardinal's plans.

Maximilian's proposition surprised the old man in front of him.

"The Queen? How do you know she isn't dead yet?"

Maximilian shrugged.

"I don't know. Maybe is it because I think the Cardinal would be more than happy to tell the world she is dead, or simply because I have hope."

"Hope...a word I forgot since long ago...I forfeit." said the man as he dropped his cards, finishing his cup in some gulps.

"Good play." politely said Maximilian.

"Forget the play, it was a good talk." said the man without a smile but a slight bow before he stood up.

As he passed next to Maximilian, he stopped for a second.

"Do...do you think the Queen could accept my help after what the Inquisition has done to her?" hesitantly asked the old man.

"From present Inquisitors? I doubt it...on the other hand..."

Maximilian slightly lifted the old man's black coat, partially showing a pure white little shield under it.

"I don't think you have totally forgotten what hope is, white Inquisitor..."

The old man smiled frankly for the first time since they faced each other. He patted Maximilian's shoulder before going away.

"My name is Maximilian, what's yours?"

"...Queritch, Inquisitor Queritch."

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

"So you are the one I'm supposed to defeat? I can't say I'm impressed..."

Facing Maximilian was...some teenager. He couldn't see him otherwise, he looked young, barely eighteen.

*At least I suppose so...though I don't know how adult age work on this land, is he even eighteen? He seems younger.*

He was dressed quite nicely, making Maximilian believe he was the son of a rich merchant or some noble, though a noble's child wouldn't be there without an escort.

A big crowd has formed around the table to see the final match. The least Maximilian could say was that he wasn't the only one surprised by his opponent young age. His well combed blond hair and freckles made him seem even younger.

When Maximilian had sat, the young boy had immediately begun some kind of taunting contest with him, surely to play tough.

Arching an eyebrow, Maximilian chuckled a bit.

Not answering him at first, Maximilian turned his attention to the waitress who was gonna be the referee for the final. He was happy to see the one who had been his referee for his match against the rogue leader.

Politely bowing to her, Maximilian greeted her, completely ignoring his opponent.

"What a pleasure to see you again."

The waitress returned the salutation.

"I trust my good luck charm worked well?"

"I couldn't have wished for anything better."

"HEY! I was talking to you!" exclaimed the young boy.

Acting as if he wasn't seeing him, Maximilian looked a bit on the left, then on the right.

"I must have drunk too much liquor, I think I'm hearing voices. It cannot be...is my adversary some kind of phantom I cannot see?!" mockingly said Maximilian, taunting the young boy a bit.

Raising a bit from his seat as if he needed to look for the boy down on his chair, Maximilian exclaimed.

"Oh My, he was already there! Quick, can someone bring a cushion or he won't reach the table to play!"

Around the blushing kid, the crowd laughed a bit.

"I'M NOT A CHILD! I CAN SEE THE TABLE WELL! ENOUGH TO BEAT YOU UP, OLD MAN!"

The little tantrum the boy was making made the crowd laughed even more.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please let me apologise by offering you the first drink. Waitress! Could you refill my cup with what I just had?! And could you bring a cup of milk for the boy?!"

This time, the crowd was clearly having fun while the kid got even redder, not saying anything this time.

Becoming serious again, Maximilian looked at him.

"We could have avoided those little gibes if you simply had shown a bit of politeness and started by a greeting, young man. I am Maximilian Baltazard Van Nilmerus, happy to face you for this final." said Maximilian with a polite bow to his adversary who straightened himself on his seat.

"My name is William, I'm sorry for before. I'm happy to face you too, Sir."

As the two finished their greetings, the waitress brought two cups of milk, surprising the crowd and William.

"What? It's not as if I was gonna drink liquor all night long. They use some honey in their milk, it's quite good." said Maximilian with a laugh, the crowd around him laughing too, William soon joining them when he understood Maximilian was making fun of himself.

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

The match went smoothly enough.

*I understand how he got this far, the kid is a mage, a talented one. He feels a tiny bit of the energy coming from the cards, allowing him to have a slight idea of what he should play, like a presentiment of some kind. He is far from accurate, but it gives him a certain advantage over normal players. Too bad for him I'm playing tonight or he might have won.*

Respecting the young boy skill, Maximilian let him won the second round, finishing him at the third under the applauses of the crowd for the two of them.

"Good play, William." said Maximilian as he extended a hand.

"I have lost...you are good, Sir!" answered William as he gladly shook hand with Maximilian.

"Let's say you and I share some qualities..." said Maximilian with a little smile as he let a bit of mana go from his hand to the boy's who opened his eyes wide, understanding.

Maximilian was congratulated by the waitresses who went to fetch his reward, a purse of a hundred silver coins handed by the referee of the final plus the handmade elementard cards, packed up in a well-made leather pouch, handed by another waitress.

"To the victor goes the prize." said the waitresses as they both kissed him on the cheek, the crowd cheering and whistling.

After he had shaken several hands and received several invitations to play at different establishment sometimes, Maximilian went to sit for a bit, enjoying another drink and some kind of salted pieces of meat as he was admiring the nice piece of work that was his new game of elementard.

"So...you are a mage?"

Looking up from his prize, Maximilian saw William, standing before him.

"What makes you say that?" innocently asked Maximilian.

"Only trained mages can manipulate mana like you did with me." explained William.

"Is that so? I could very well just have used a parchment, no?"

The young boy shook his head.

"Please don't take me for an idiot, Sir. You know as well as I do that a parchment has to be read just before using the spell written on it, and even then, it is never discreet like you were."

Sipping from his cup, Maximilian said.

"So I guess I'm a mage then, what about it?"

"I have never seen someone using magic like you did without a catalyst. Even I have trouble doing it, and my professor told me I am really sensible about those things. Which school did you go to to be able to do that?" asked William.

*School of the Dragon's Chest, boy...*

"What good would it do to you to know it? The school I got my knowledge from is gone now, if you have to know."

"Ho...too bad."

"Why? I suppose you already have a school to learn from, no?"

"I have, but...it's not..." began William but stopped, blushing a bit.

"Let me guess, you aren't feeling at place?" asked Maximilian with a sigh.

"How did you know?" said William as he opened his eyes wide.

"I didn't, it was only a guess you just confirmed. So? What is the problem at your magic school? Are you not getting the recognition you hoped for? Are you not learning fast enough? You're bullied, maybe? No, I know, it's a girl problem..." stated Maximilian, reciting a bit of all the teenager's school problems he could think of at this instant. The silent answer from William surprised him a bit.

*For God sake, don't tell me...*

"All of it?"

The young boy silently nodded. Maximilian sighed as he massaged his temples.

"Wow, you're a lost cause...and still you find the courage to come to this place to play elementard with strangers? It's a bit contradictory, don't you think?" chuckled Maximilian.

"It's because...here, no one knows me, so I don't care if some make fun of me, it's not as if they could hurt me or anything."

"But you could have been hurt, William!" exasperatedly stated Maximilian.

"Do you think not knowing who you are will stop anyone to attack you if they feel like it?"

"Well...no but...why would they want to?"

"Because there are bad peoples, William. Sometimes you don't need to do anything for someone to want to beat the crap out of you. It's not by hiding your identity and coming to dangerous places that you will grow stronger, you have to train for that. Become stronger and face the ones bullying you. If you lose, you lose, but prove them you aren't someone they can step on and get away with it."

"It's easy for you to say, you are strong."

"I ain't born strong, boy, I worked for it." stated Maximilian as he thought about all the time he had passed working out to be able to not be bullied again.

"No one is born strong, some only have it easy compared to others, but you are the only one deciding if you want to become strong or not."

William simply nodded, still silent.

Maximilian sighed as he stood, putting his prize in the Havenbag and finishing his cup before walking for the exit of the room, taking William with him.

"Listen, I don't have that much time right now, but I understand what you feel, really. So..."

Maximilian took William a bit on the side, where the two of them were alone.

Quickly scanning the boy, Maximilian looked at his flow of energy, quickly noticing some points too tight for the energy to pass correctly.

Maximilian checked if the two were alone, then used his index to quickly pushed at several places on William's chest and belly through his clothes, injecting a tiny bit of mana while doing so.

"What...what did you do?!" worriedly asked William.

"Your biggest problem is that you don't believe in yourself...that was poorly said... the problem is the stress you have because you believe you will fail, and this is blocking your energy. I gave you a tiny bit of stimulation, it will help you open the way for your energy to flow."

William looked at his hands, dubious.

"I don't feel any different..."

Maximilian sighed as he slightly slapped the back of William's head.

"You think this can happen in an instant? Go back to your academy, sleep, eat, train, learn. It's only a slight push I'm giving you, you are the one who must work if you want to get stronger...and for God's sake don't come back in this district before you're ready to face danger!" ended Maximilian with a scold while smiling at William.

Done with what he had to do, Maximilian turned his back to him and went climbing the stairs.

"Sir! This is the way t the upper salon!" called William low enough to not get the other customer's attention.

"I know, I have some business to attend to up there...be well, William." said Maximilian as he showed his key to the maids blocking the way.

As he saw the key in Maximilian's hand, William had trouble not saying anything, even with Maximilian hushing him with a finger before his mouth.

"Thank you, Sir." said William before running for the exit, quickly going back to his school.

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

"Someone has paid for a diamond pass, you say?" calmly asked a heavily proportioned lady, her ample chest enhanced by the corset currently being attached by some moving branches.

"That's what I heard, Mother." answered a young lady with a body partially covered by tree bark, covering her legs and arms like long socks and sleeves. Her skin was light green while her long hair looked like dark green lianas covered with white flowers going down her body to her knees, sensually covering her intimate part and breast like natural undies.

"Do we know this person?" asked the lady as she used some expensive product to slightly put some makeup and perfume on her mature, but still attractive, face.

"I don't recall having felt him before, Mother..." answered the young lady as she finished to close the lady's corset with her branches, controlling them magically as she sat in an armchair inside a tree.

"Is there something bothering you, Fleur?" inquired the lady as she looked at the one calling her mother in the mirror.

"I don't really know...this man, I think I felt his energy before...but it can't be, he has never come here before."

"Maybe was he disguise?"

The green lady laughed, her laugh sounding like a small gust of wind between trees in a forest.

"Mother is funny, you know very well those lianas of mine can't be fooled by mere costume. No, it's like this man energy was on someone else, but how?"

"Could he be a mage? He could have used some curse on someone who then would have come here?" proposed the lady as she chose some of the numerous jewels in a chest before putting them on, being careful to choose them accordingly one to the others.

"He is a mage, that much is certain. He even used some kind of scanning spell when he entered earlier."

"And our guards let him act without taking away his catalyst?" worriedly asked the lady as she turned to directly look at the green lady.

"No one saw him, he doesn't use a catalyst."

"No catalyst? That's a first...is he dangerous?"

The green lady stayed silent for a bit, as if studying what was the good answer to give.

"I...do not really know, Mother. He used magic but didn't try to force his way through my protections...I think he could be strong...but I have troubles reading him."

"Fleur, you know we cannot take risks, not with who we are hiding at the moment. Speaking of them, how are they doing?"

"Two sleep, two talk...energetically."

The lady chuckled.

"That was to be expected, those two have the same character...Where is that man now?"

"He is climbing the stairs, heading for the upper salon. He has won the down level elementard tournament. I think he might participate at the higher floor one too."

"Is he good?"

"He is, Mother."

"Enough for her to play, you think?"

"It could be, he should at least be seen by her, I think she might find him fun to play with."

The lady chuckled for a second.

"This tournament might be interesting finally...Fleur, I want you to stay alerted, don't lose sight of this man, and be prepared to act if he shows any sign of hostility against one of us, alright?"

The green girl nodded with a smile to the standing lady.

"Of course, Mother. You know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you."

Dressed in a sensual red dress above her corset enhancing her voluptuous chest, the mature lady came to the green girl and kissed her on the forehead.

"I know...your truly are my little treasure, my little Fleur."

Closing her completely black eyes, the young lady smiled lovingly at the lady.

"I love you, Mother Planter."