My Servant System

Chapter 617 Chapter 616: Upon Layers

The murmuring and quiet sobbing of the crowd further muffled our conversation, the Boarkin hastily whispering his answers to me as I asked question after question, growing somber faster and faster as the severity of this cult's plans - the outline of them, anyways - were beginning to come together.

However, two minutes isn't a lot of time, and when I heard the sound of metal boots tapping against the wooden floorboards, I couldn't help but sigh as I muttered "Speak about any of this to them, and I'll come find you and make you wish you'd never been born. Got that?"

The Boarkin nodded, his entire body oozing fear as he felt the dagger in my hand prick his lower body, while my grin remained as sharp as ever, promising many things to this man before I stood up and wiped my expression clean, turning and stepping aside for the Foxkin guard.

"They're all yours, Miss guard~! I do hope you keep them off the street... they seem to be entirely incapable of mingling with normal people."

That made the Foxkin grunt in agreement as she reached down and yanked the Boarkin up, before gesturing at the other three to rise as well, her spear gleaming dangerously as she glared at them all.

"Up! Under accordance of our laws, you will be undergoing a trial for your crimes before being sentenced. Upon which, you shall-"

Her voice filled the bar as she began to lead the four criminals out of the establishment, informing them of their impending future and leaving everyone else behind in silence as we watched the seven people make their way out into the night.

Many of the citizens followed them outside, deciding to call it a night after what happened and return to their homes, while a few others made their way over to the counter and ordered another round of drinks, needing something to take the edge off and dull their minds or help them forget.

The barmaids hesitantly approached our group, bowing deeply and heaping praises and thanks upon us for saving them from such a terrible fate, with the Elf and Rabbitkin going so far as to try their luck with any of us, only to smile wryly as their attempt was met with glares and shakes of the head.

We departed from the bar as well, wanting to go to a quieter, confidential place so that we could further discuss what we had heard from the adventurers, each of us mulling over this new development as we made our way towards a place that the Wisp guided us to, finding ourselves in an empty, deserted alleyway.

"It's honestly annoying how much we learned, yet at the same time I feel like we learned nothing!? So this cult is devoted to a Tza Fiend, yet they don't know the name of it? They're trying to bring about change amongst the Nobility of the Empire, and yet they haven't the faintest clue on how they're going to do that? They were ordered to start with Vitra Renacla, but they don't have an idea on why she was the first target?"

Everyone nodded at my words, with Budan saying "It is indeed interesting how uninformed these cultists are. I understand the grunts or dregs would be only given orders to follow with no understanding of the specifics of their plan, but usually they have some grand scheme that they are working towards. Yet, their grand scheme is an empty, soulless thing like 'bringing about change to the Nobility'? What does that mean? What change? For what? However, it is undeniable that they were granted some powers in exchange for what has transpired... as unholy as those powers are, I can understand why those of a weaker will would accept such a hollow ideal in exchange for power."

"Understanding it means nothing currently. I sincerely doubt they'll end up in prison for long, and this'll all trickle back to Vitra in one way or another, so if she's a cultist as well, then..."

The Marquess sighed as she stroked her chin, staring at the wall of the alleyway before turning towards the Wisp, who said "If you would like to verify the allegiance of Lady Vitra, then we should know soon after we infiltrate Vulpine Manor. There is likely quite a bit to uncover inside the Manor, and Goddess be willing, those will be answers instead of new questions. However, that means-"

"That we need to just sit back and wait, no? Hah... espionage and this sneaky bullshit is so annoying."

Jahi and her Mom both grumbled roughly the same thing, before everyone glanced at me as I asked "Would I be able to infiltrate the Manor as well? Get Cali a bit closer on my own instead of her risking revealing herself? I'd imagine she'd be able to glean more than we could, considering this is one of her peers."

Everyone else frowned at me, while the Wisp remained as blank as ever, staring me dead on before asking "Have you ever done any sneaking whatsoever, Lady Katherine?"

Before Jahi could interrupt, I shrugged my shoulders and said "Yes and no? Not entirely infiltration, but I would say I have a decent grasp on moving quietly and remaining undetected."

To display some of what I meant, I conjured a silent gale of wind around me and coated my boots in it as well, which completely silenced the sound they'd normally make as I stomped on the ground hard, showcasing the trick I picked up from way back when.

"A preliminary trial would be best... Marquess, with your permission?"

All eyes turned towards the now chocolate skinned Demoness, who frowned as she looked me over before glancing at Budan, who shrugged his shoulders and continued to stroke the prayer beads around his neck.

Then she glanced at Anput, Leone and Jahi, who were all - unsurprisingly - against this idea, making her sigh as she looked back towards me and said "Depends on your skill, I guess. There were a few establishments around here, no? Take her to one and give her a test; if she fails, she doesn't go, but if she can do it... As much as I hate Fiends, Sla'Caligo would know more about what was happening then us."