106 – Condensed

Okay, maybe [Blinking] into an ongoing meeting of Rafael’s had been rude, but at the same time, maybe he shouldn’t have sent her a message about how he’d been attacked. Yes, he’d assured her that the problem had been contained and that he was merely informing his guildmaster as he felt he was obligated to, but obviously that wasn’t going to make her go ‘Oh, okay’ and continue along with her day.

What an unfortunate coincidence that the two other demons in his office were members of House Keresi—the noble house that she’d been borrowing her secret identity from—and thus were ‘family’ of hers. Meaning they were people who would expect her to act a certain way.

Despite the initial awkwardness, she’d decided that maybe the debacle as a whole was a net positive. Because not only had she been hand-delivered a mithril-rank adventurer, but also one she owed a debt to twice over. Firstly, for how Zael Keresi had protected Rafael—unnecessary as that might have been given her steward’s defenses—and secondly for borrowing their family name. She doubted the Keresis expected repayment, since they were probably honored to aid the Sorceress however they could, but she herself felt like she owed them something. Maybe a place in Vanguard counted?

More selfishly, she hadn’t wanted to pluck a random mithril-rank off the streets to fulfill the Quest’s requirements. Though she hardly knew Zael well, she couldn’t imagine a better option than him, not on such short notice. In that sense, she’d gotten lucky.

Just… she should emphasize the sheer awkwardness a second time.

Vivi had suspected it from the start, but demons were even more reverential of the Sorceress than humans. Throw in the confrontational attitude Zael had initially displayed and the general shock of finding out his ‘cousin’ was actually a world-famous hero, and the ensuing meeting was more than a little painful to get through.

Thankfully, Rafael was there to mediate, and as usual, Vivi shamefully exploited the man. She thrust most of the social responsibility of that conversation onto him. She offered her own input when necessary, but for the most part, Rafael led. It was kind of mortifying that people probably read her demeanor as ‘calm and aloof’… but also extremely relieving.

Vivisari really had no idea how lucky she got with that.

Afterward, the Keresi siblings staggered out of Rafael’s office in a daze, carrying the revelations of the last hour—and maybe more heavily, Vivi’s tentative offer for them to join Vanguard. Once they’d left, her traitorous steward turned to her, looking entertained.

“I think that went well,” he said.

“Oh, be quiet. Why didn’t you warn me they were coming?”

“I had no more idea than you. The Primus did request to speak with me earlier this week, but I didn’t expect him to send his children rushing across the continent. I’m not even certain how he discovered Nysari’s identity was active.” His expression turned thoughtful. “The timeline suggests he learned the same night we met with the Duke. Perhaps the Duke reached out to Mizar, suspicious of ‘Nysari Keresi.’ Keen, if so.” He shook his head. “I can’t understand how a man so brilliant turned out to be so foolish.”

Vivi didn’t care about how ‘foolish’ or ‘brilliant’ Duke Caldimore was. She cared that he was a horrible person. She didn’t say that, though. It was probably implied, even for someone who valued intelligence as much as Rafael.

Her steward continued, “I had a scrying session scheduled and could have moved it forward, so I could have learned in time. Mizar just wasn’t a priority; I’m very busy.” He sighed. “Why not send a missive? Spare me yet another meeting.”

“At least everything worked out.” She mulled over the Quest for a moment, and how the older brother of the Keresi siblings related to it. “With mithril hopefully filled, only the bronze and Titled rank slots are left. Have you had any luck finding Eshara?”

“I’m making my best efforts to do so,” Rafael replied, “and if she visits a city, I’m sure she’ll hear news of what happened at Meridian. While she might not believe hearsay and rumors, she will certainly contact me out of curiosity. But that assumes she isn’t on a mission or a leveling expedition.”

“Well, I guess we can only hope.”

“She might be our first choice for fulfilling that requirement,” Rafael started slowly. “But I would advise forming a backup plan. You’ve made it clear that we aren’t rushing to complete the Quest with disregard for the suitability of our members, but I do presume we want to finish in some reasonable timeframe.”

“I know, I know.” A grimace threatened to break out on her face. “Most of the Titled that I both trust and have met in person have their own lives. Aeris is retired, as he deserves to be. Lysander is the Headmaster. The Archbishop is the Archbishop. He’s not leaving the Church, obviously, and I’m not entirely sold that I would want him in Vanguard anyway. The Gale of Blades is…” Well, her personality was concerning, same as the Archbishop. Like most Titled. The Gale of Blades hadn’t even existed in the game, so Vivi didn’t have lore to rely on, either. “The Silver Squire seemed like a good person?” But he fell in the same camp as the Gale of Blades. Both were new heroes, and thus Vivi had no prior knowledge of them.

“He is aligned with the Queen of the Eastern Kingdom,” Rafael said. “Perhaps to the extent he would refuse, no matter the opportunity. Indeed, you are correct: very few Titled are not tied to duties they would never abandon. I simply suggest you think on the topic, for the possibility that Eshara remains elusive for longer than we decide is acceptable.”

Vivi nodded, though she wasn’t pleased. Instead of settling for a different member, maybe she would have to put real thought into how to track their prior blacksmith down herself. Once more, Vivi lamented how divination was her worst branch of magic. “I’ll do so. You’ve been reaching out to craftsmen?”

While she intended to gather up as many prior members of Vanguard as she could, two were dead and one was missing long-term—Laelith—rather than short-term like Eshara. Vanguard would have no choice but to include some fresh additions to their roster.

“I have. Like Titled, most Masters and Grandmasters also have duties they would be hesitant to abandon. But those are business relations, generally. We have more options in that regard.” He cleared his throat. “At the cost of ruffling feathers. Fellow guilds will not be pleased if we poach their best craftsmen.”

“It’s their decision to make,” Vivi said, though she internally winced. Even lacking a political mind, she could see Vanguard’s appropriation of their high-rankers doing more than ‘ruffling feathers.’ It wasn’t like she and Rafael had much choice in the matter, though. Accomplished professionals weren’t exactly loitering around on the streets with no obligations occupying them. Except rare cases like the half-retired Rhek Verontell, which was why Vivi was considering him despite his cranky demeanor. “We don’t need the best of the best. Master at the minimum, I hope, for our first recruits—but let’s go for ones that’ll be stepping on the fewest toes, and ones that we can be happy supporting. I trust your judgment.”

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She obviously wasn’t sorting through the many possibilities herself; that was a task she’d given Rafael. He would consult her when final decisions were being made, but not every step of the way.

Another pang of guilt went through her as she remembered how many missions she was thrusting onto Rafael. She was glad that he seemed to have found a promising assistant through Sarielle—that was another reason the Keresi siblings’ appearance had been a stroke of luck, once they’d worked through the initial awkwardness. Though, Rafael had yet to extend that offer. He was still considering it.

“I appreciate the faith, my lady,” Rafael said. “I intend to have initial inquiries finished by tomorrow.”

“That soon?”

“With travel times and other formalities, yes. The Quest is a priority, even if we aren’t rushing through it.”

“Right.”

The conversation coming to a natural conclusion there, Rafael asked, “Is there anything else you need of me, my lady?”

She recognized her cue. “I’ll let you get back to your work.” He was swamped with a thousand different tasks, so she took no offense at the politely phrased dismissal. Before [Blinking] away, though, she narrowed her eyes at him. “But next time you’re attacked, call me.” Communication magic was limited, but he had means of emergency contact when Vivi was inside the same city as him.

“The scrolls you gave are more than enough to handle an orichalcum-rank.” Rafael raised an eyebrow. “And no disrespect meant, my lady, but calling you there would have complicated the event. I was seeking quick, simple resolutions—I’m busy enough as is.”

Vivi frowned. She wanted to protest, but knew she couldn’t. Her track record spoke for itself. ‘Tactful, uncomplicated’ resolutions to basically anything weren’t something she could count among her strengths.

“Still. Keep yourself safe.”

“I will, Lady Vivisari.”

She nodded, then [Blinked] away.