[Chapter 47] Hope - Reunion

-----------------------------

“Thanks again for everything.” Shine and her teammates bowed deeply. After spending the night recuperating at the Rose Palace, Minstrel was departing. They were gathered at the guild for the goodbyes.

It’s great the rescue went smoothly. As their reputation suggested, firearms had been super effective. Even the gigantic queen had been powerless before their concentrated fire. She likely was dead before Light threw that grenade.

Shine had done a stellar job leading the assault. We only had to step in when the bodies piled up. The idol refused to touch the things, even with telekinesis. Wise also deserves credit for guiding us through the winding maze of passages.

They’d found Kaito, Rock, and Jeane in cocoons. Although poisoned and traumatized, they’d been alright. Free had cured them while the Shines had finished the extermination.

It’s good the bodies disappeared. Made the return so much more pleasant. While Hope didn’t mind bugs ——Not counting the ones Free makes——, they were kind of gross with their insides exploded.

Hope parted ways with the others and headed to the commercial district. She was in a mood no cynicism could penetrate. Not only did I take part, but I played a key role.

The assassins were gone. Lily’s future had been assured. Sure, the most powerful ruler on Enera still wants me dead, but it’s better, relatively speaking. Hope choose to ignore Kain’s missing arm. Instead, against her nature, she basked in optimism. I’ll pay for it later. Probably tomorrow even.

She’d challenged her nemesis to a duel. I couldn’t help myself, but, upon reflection, it might have been premature. Wise had also gotten stronger. I absolutely can’t lose again!

Hence this expedition. Despite her huge expenditures yesterday, she was flush with cash. They’d discovered a treasure pile next to the queen. We went in with bullets and came out with gold. Out of gratitude, Shine had given up her share, and the others had allocated Hope an out-sized portion. I made out like a bandit.

She had to leverage this intimidating wealth. Equipped with the lugger pack, Hope marched into Dragon’s Breath, “I need RSF, lots of it. And bullets.”

Orthos appraised her carefully, “What’s this vibe of a soldier heading to war?”

“I’m battling my nemesis.” Hope acknowledged. “If you’ve any recommendations, I’m all ears.”

“Hmmm… I might’ve something.” The gruff man rummaged around and brought out a small box containing silvery ammunition. “Ten mithril bullets. Strong and highly enchantable.”

Taking one, Hope channeled and was amazed how effortlessly the power was absorbed. While she had seen metal in Agata’s shop, she’d never handled it raw. There’s so much room… I can make homing bullets.

“I’ll take them.” She decided. “Do you have more?”

“No, but I could order some.” Orthos rubbed his chin. “They ain’t cheap.”

“Do it.” Hope happily continued her lavish purchases. Just as she finished, Lily messaged her that Silver and Kate had returned. More good news!

Hope rushed back to the inner palace and found Silver and Kate surrounded by the others, scowling. This threw her for a loop. Something is terribly wrong… It took a moment to understand what. Silver looks genuinely upset. This had uncomfortable implications. It was great he was feeling again, but she dreaded hearing what might have elicited such a reaction. If I act cheerful, he might turn on me.

“What’s happening?” She asked.

“Kate and Silver didn’t have a pleasant experience and have some built-up resentment.” Rose explained.

“That’s an understatement.” Silver said coldly, clawing at the conference table. Clawing? That’s new.

“So Silver’s feelings work now?” Hope asked tentatively.

“Not entirely.” Kate sighed. “It’s complicated…”

“I’ll explain.” Silver took over. “As I am Arther’s doppelganger, I could more or less handle Kara’s brutal ‘teaching’. I’d often complete my tasks and be forced to watch Kate finish hers. Many times she came close to dying, so eventually I feared for her life. As this continued, this evolved to anger. So yes, I’ve recovered. However, I refuse to celebrate it.”

After a silence, Kate spoke, “To be clear, Silver seems to only feel on my behalf, not his own. I suppose it’s an improvement, but I’m conflicted. He should be angry for his own sake.”

“We went through the same ordeal. Does it matter on whose account we’re upset?” Silver said. “In the end, Kara is——”

Hope discreetly excused herself. While she was thrilled at their safe return, she had no time for ranting. I’ve a match to prepare for.