(Curator Pov)

Huh. So this is Lyra’s move? Parade Bargas’ capture down their most prominent street? Like he was the grand mastermind behind all this. Bold but foolhardy.

I can see the thought behind it. While not the head of this operation, he was an influential figure as far as I discerned. This may dissuade many of the rabble/bandwagoners. Organizations such as these usually have a shadowy leader and a frontman who issues orders to the coin-a-dozen grunts.

It may thin the pack but will only exasperate the problem. This one move has cemented the A.A as villains in the eyes of those who have actual reason to hate the organization.

What is she thinking? This might as well be a call to action for all disinters... Cleaver girl, adding in her need to keep the golden girls isolated from the dungeon incident. A brilliant plan. Provided she has accurately measured her opponent.

Welp, I can hypothesize till the end of time. Not like I hold any influence over the surface world. I’ll observe as always and pen the proceedings.

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(Zhenya Pov)

“What do you think Lyra needs us for?” Su simply shrugged, just as baffled as I am. Even though nobody expected a parade celebrating ‘the dangerous criminal Bargas’ capture, the shopkeepers were quick on the uptake, hawking their wares for a 'festive price'. Wolves, I tell you. Worse than the paper variety.

We didn’t much care for the theme. But we weren’t going to say no to all the free samples. While on a quest to see if we could live off of platter food, we were rudely interrupted by Virgil's smug mug. Grilled beef skewer in hand, seemingly on a similar endeavor, he informed us that Lyra needed us asap.

How else were we supposed to react? Knock him out, get rid of the competition. Either or. Our reputation was certainly spreading if boss lady wanted to meet us personally.

Knowing our track record chance is 50/50 we’re gonna get chewed out.

After a stint of waiting, Virgil cracked open the door, showing a very professional-looking Lyra. Prim, proper, not a hair out of place.

“Welcome. Zhenya, Sushila. Please have a seat.” Once again, I am in awe at how fluffy and plush her couch is. “First of all, this is not a dressing down. On the contrary, I called you both here to discuss an upcoming request.”

I can’t help stifling a grin. The big leagues! No more fighting tooth and nail at the board. A high-profile job that the A.A have seen us fit to fulfill. Shame Fredrica isn’t here.

“You always have the option of turning down this offer, but we believe you best suited due to your unique situation. A major point being your connection with Junia.” So this is related to her? How? She should be heading back home in a few days’ time. “You and Sushila, along with her disciple Rudi, are to escort Junia back to the Dutchy.

Have you heard of the situation there?" Su and I nod, "Good. Many insurgents have it fit to lash out at anyone they perceive to be in power, whether or not they are. Luckily these attacks are centralized around the Dutchy's capital city. But with Junia being a witch, a high-profile one at that. That should be enough information to explain the need for bodyguards.”

“Su, what do you think?” I ask, already knowing her answer.

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Of course, we accepted. One part due to genuinely wanting to see Junia and Rudi safe, another part attributed to this being a direct request from the A.A. Lastly... It points us towards the Dutchy, towards Fredrica.

We are respecting her wishes. BUT! If this is a high-profile request, linked to a witch. That so happens to point us towards the Dutchy.

Fredrica won’t mind. Hell, she’ll probably smack us upside the head for turning down such a chance because of her.

What remaining days passed in the blink of an eye as we purchased supplies, putting a sizable dent in our wallets. Rudi’s wagon or not, this was going to be a long journey.

Aside from physical preparations, we also informed everyone of our departure. Leading us to today, at the gates. Our stuff packed onto Rudi’s wagon, we gave our final goodbyes to the gang, plus Ayase, who came for Su.

“You know, there is still time if you and Tsukiko want in. I bet Antonia would be happy to see you.” I ask once again, making sure the pair wouldn’t have any regrets. “We could always use extra hands.”

“Nah, this is your request. And sides, I just have a gut feeling telling us to stay.” The boy replied while holding back a teary-eyed Tsukiko. Who looked like she was about to dive into the back of our wagon.

“I would ask to tag along for personal matters, but I have the kids to watch over.” Surprisingly this came from the care-taking archer Ayase. “Fortunately, Sushila graciously accepted my request.”

... I- I swear there was an intense burst of blood-lust for a second there.

In response Su’s face grew grim, an air of duty tinting her eyes. Whatever the weathered warriors agreed upon, it was between them.

With parting words out of the way, Tsukiko sprinted up and presented a satchel. Instantly I knew what it contained. Hard to miss the thing I’ve been training with for the past few weeks. They contained ice crystals.

“Tsukiko, I can’t pos-” the shrine maiden cut me off with a finger. “Tut, tut. Every master should look out for their disciple.” She wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

Wrapping me in a hug, Tsukiko pushed the satchel into my chest. Leaving me speechless as the girl rushed over to Junia ready to enact their hammiest performance yet. It’s too late Tsukiko’s infected another one!

In all seriousness, the two have been inseparable since they met. The tiny purple witch even sat in on a few of our lessons to hang out, giving me some pointers here and there. For all her eccentricities, Junia knew her stuff. In-depth knowledge regarding magical theory. I won’t say it didn’t help. It did. But a lot of the intricacies were lost on me.

Though I did pick up a bit about potion brewing. Nothing practical, but with the theory behind it, I can probably make something passable, so long the potion is a simple one.

Anyways, with goodbyes done and dusted. Rudi snapped the reins, and off we went.

“So, what’s our first stop?” Climbing out of the wagon while we were still at the mercy of paved roads, I sat next to Rudi at the helm.

Drum roll, please. And the answer was... “Felschonheit.” Of course.

One stop-gap on a long list of them, the next one after Felschonheit being the independent city state of Arisfride, the grand archive.

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“Hey, Rudi. Ya sure about this? You could always take a longer route back to the Dutchy and still deliver the potions on time.” He insisted on coming, even knowing the chances. One bad ambush, one stray blow, could shatter his newest creation.

“Zhenya. I know what I’m getting myself into. But I would rather do and regret instead of asking what if, should anything happen to her. I owe Junia more than just my current profession.” His eyes, unmoving, twitched as they scanned the trees for any shadows. The slight tension in his hands, ready to reach for a holstered vial at a moment’s notice.

I swear the guy has at least three more bandoleers strapped on him than last time. Any case, it was a valid answer, doesn’t mean I can’t tease the sod.

“Aw. Nothing about protecting little old me.” Punctuating the point, I lean closer into him, touching shoulders.

“Please. Like you need it. If I left you alone, I’d probably hear tales of an insane woman on the grapevine. Most likely blowing up another Dungeon. Goddess knows you have a track record for that.” Pretty much snorting at my advance. Womanly. Pride. Slowly. Disintegrating.

“Jokes aside. I’m glad. It’s been so long since we last went on an adventure. You know. I was a bit miffed missing out on the one in Felschonheit. Think of all the materials I could have gotten.” He lets out a chuckle.

“Miffed? I would say lucky. I may have played up a few bits and pieces.”

“Of course, I knew that. You guys somehow beat a chimera composed of three floor bosses? Yeah, right!” Uhm, let’s not tell him that part wasn’t a lie.

Throwing an arm around Rudi, much to his surprise. More because it threw him off balance than anything. “Welp, here’s to a grand adventure!” I pump a fist into the air. Once again, eliciting an eek from Rudi as he tried to keep the reins steady.

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The next leg of our journey passed by peacefully, eventually making landfall at Felschonheit.

We got comfy settling in at the Crescent Hare’s Inn, giving Diana our and Nick’s regards. The plan was to stay here the night and be off the next day.

But once again, I found myself unable to sleep. Going for a glass of water, I found Junia leaning against the balcony railing. Her usual energy was muted, replaced with a serene grace matching the silent night.

Her body almost seem to glow. Hair and all, the first like a starry night sky tinted purple contrasted by her pale moon skin. Guess this bridges the gap between her and the hag’s perfect form. Underneath the moonlight, a witch’s beauty was at its peak.

Under the tranquil moon, Junia almost feels like a different person.

Was the loud, eccentric, bombastic nature her true self? Or is it the quiet, transcendent one before me now?

Quietly pondering this in the background a while longer, drowsiness hit me, and I ambled back to bed. Deciding it best not to disturb the girl.

The next day we were to leave at noon, giving me enough time to visit someone at the behest of Nick.

So along with Junia, Su, and Rudi, I stood in front of a stone house. Near the graveyard/park that Nick informed me of. A green-painted, wood-framed sign hung just above the door, advertising the place as a tailor.

*Knock* *Knock*

“Hm? Yes! Just a moment.” Wood scampering across wood, the door creaks open, revealing a woman in her late twenties to mid-thirties. Same messy head of brown hair as Nick, she wore simple clothes underneath a leather apron.

Worn from years of stress, she could still be called beautiful. The most notable aspect was her wood-consumed arm. “Hiya, we’re here on behalf of Nickolas.” Yes, this was Nick’s ma. Before we left, he asked for the apothecary duo’s services.

“Ah! You must be those friends Nick was telling me about. Come in, come in.” I don’t like that mischievous glimmer in her eyes. “So which one of you does my son fancy? Hmm. The little purple one would tickle his protective side. And I don’t think he would fall for Sushila. Also, how are you doing? How long has it been?”

And in this storm of teasing, Su showed a genuine smile. “Hello, old friend.” There was a tenderness in both their eyes. An understanding of what drove them apart and a greater joy that they could meet again.

“But you.” The woman’s eyes land on me. “You should be in his strike zone. A hunter type, if I had to guess.” She nods as if it was a forgone conclusion. “Anyways. Call me Trisha. But you can call me mother-in-law.” And that was direct towards me.

“Huh? Bu- Uhh-.” Brain overloading. Was that what he meant with the flower?

“I kid, I kid!” The old scamp lets loose a hardy chuckle.

It didn’t take her long to sit us down and whip out the refreshments. Although, now that she was finished teasing the girls, it was Rudi’s turn. “Rudi and you all, thank you for looking after my son. That boy can be gloomy, at times. And downright crestfallen when he gets moody.” Or not.

Letting slip a tiny giggle, she knew she effectively baited us there. “Anyways, what brings you here? I doubt my boy would skip out on visiting unless he was hung up.”

“Oh, yes. You see, teacher and I are alchemists. Nick paid us to examine your arm.” Rudi motioned to her Bark-Skinned arm. “Don’t worry, we are professionals. On a side note, we gave your son a friend discount.”

And an experimentation discount. Nick’s ma got afflicted during the Flower Night incident. Which would make her among the first to have contracted the disease.

As the duo got down to running tests and collecting samples, Nick’s ma happily chatted away with her old friend. Unaware of the duo’s shenanigans due to the anesthetics.

After a while, the pair managed to whip up some kind of cream. “Okey dokey, miss.” Junia raised in her usual manner. “This won’t cure you, but it will ease the pain. Oh, but keep it to yourself. We used samples from your arm and don’t know how it will affect others.

Accepting our gift. Nic- Trisha spent the next hour or so regaling us with stories. The woman was surprisingly full of them. Also, we felt the need to get some ammo to tease Nick with later. The boy was the most moderate of the six of us. Well, five. Antonia also never let herself get caught doing anything embarrassing.

The rest of our stay was spent chatting. Mostly about Trisha’s and Su’s past along with Nick’s childhood. But like all good things, the sun eventually peaked, and it was our time to leave.