Chapter 647: Paladin (2/2)

“There is a lot to do. Will you stay?” Bryce asked.

Ilea smiled. “No. I’ll explore Halstein a little, I suppose. I’m sure we’ll get the chance to talk again once your Order is in a less chaotic state.”

“You will always be welcome, no matter how much some of our members will hate it,” Bryce said, smiling slightly.

She rolled her eyes. Even after all that work. Not that I expected anything different. Well, Bryce and Donnavon seem reasonable enough. And if nothing else, my demon presentation left a lasting impression.

“I don’t suppose…,” Bryce said, looking at the Paladins carrying away rubble from the caved in entrance. “You could help with that?”

“Can’t smite your way through?” Ilea asked, walking towards the tunnel.

“It would take longer than what you can surely do. If you want I can pay you,” Bryce suggested.

Ilea waved him off. “A nice feast next time I visit,” she said and displaced the working Paladins away, a large drill of ash forming in front of her before it started spinning.

She straight up walked into the rubble, pulverized rock and wood collecting behind her as she made her way through the remains of the Fort.

Ilea broke out on the other side, finding a devastated battlefield. That explosion did quite some work. Claire would be proud.

She tried to find a barrel or crate in the underground with her spherical perception but everything seemed to be gone. Her ash armor receded, clothes still clean as she stepped out into the open, finding not only a few Paladins but also Joel and Kyrie waiting for her.

A Paladin rushed out from within the tunnel, taking a wide berth around her before she joined up with the other members of her Order, relaying Bryce’s commands.

Joel grumbled something, handing a pouch to his brother.

Kyrie remained silent, nodding to Ilea with a grateful expression.

“What was the bet?” she asked, joining them as she stretched. “I don’t suppose you have the formula for whatever alchemical agent caused this explosion?”

“I thought you disliked the discussion of trade,” Kyrie said.

“You’re right. I’m sure your Queen can work something out with Ravenhall. Let her know interest may be there,” Ilea said. “The bet?”

“You’re the first one out. Not a drop of blood on you,” Kyrie answered.

Ilea glanced at Joel. “You thought I’d get hurt?”

The man smiled. “No. I said you would teleport up. Kyrie suggested you would help the others out.”

“I just can’t help my selfless heart,” she said.

“I’m sure I would do a lot of good too with that kind of power,” Joel said.

“No you wouldn’t,” Kyrie stated.

Joel looked at the tunnel. “Yeah, probably not.”

“I really can’t be bothered with more political shit or training today,” Ilea said. “Care to give me that tour you mentioned?” she asked, looking at the kingsguard.

Joel looked at her, a smirk on his face as he shook his head lightly. “I’m afraid one of us has to remain to make sure the Corinth don’t summon more demons.”

Ilea looked between the two brothers. She was pretty sure one of them would very much hate that job, which made the situation a little confusing.

Until Joel punched his brother and walked past them. “You did win the bet after all.”

Kyrie leaned back a little, a slight smirk on his face as he looked after his brother. “I would gladly give you a tour, if you would have me.”

I see, Ilea thought, seeing Joel roll his eyes within her dominion. “I’m not interested in a political marriage.”

“A shame. I would’ve hunted the courting gift myself,” Kyrie said in a dry tone. He walked closer and stopped by her side. “I’m sure you’re aware of my capabilities. Perhaps you’d be interested in a tour of our capital involving the creations of its highest level cooks.”

“I’m aware of your investigations. Bribing me with food isn’t going to work more than once,” she said and turned to look at him.

“I was hoping it would work. I lack a few hundred levels to impress you with magic, I’m afraid,” Kyrie said. “Though I do know some beautiful spots in Halstein.”

Ilea smiled, extending her hand. “I suppose I could be convinced if a nice view is involved.”

Kyrie spread his wings and gently took her hand.

She smirked, her ashen wings spreading as well. “I suggest you hold on tight.”

The man didn’t hesitate, holding onto the spreading ash and her arm as he braced himself.

“Try not to pass out,” she said, her wings vibrating with power before they shot off towards Halstein.

________________________

Joel looked after the flying pair, cloaks fluttering as a wave of wind rushed past. Always going for the most dangerous prey. I suppose they have that in common.

“Are you interested in that monster too?” Naomi asked, the Paladin joining him to give an official report of what happened inside the Fort.

“How could I not? She could kill me with a single strike,” he mused.

The woman shook her head. “Men,” she murmured.

“You don’t seem disinterested either, with that look on your face,” Joel said, lightly punching her shoulder.

“Joel, stop it,” Naomi hissed before she looked around.

They stepped aside, letting the Corinth Order get to work. A lot of cleanup had to be done after all. They would probably be here for the better part of today, much longer if they ever wanted to use this Fort again.

“She’s dangerous. I hope you know that,” Naomi said when they had sat down, Joel sharing some of the food he had stolen from the feast.

He bit into some poultry, watching one of the Paladins talk about the monster they had fought. “A true demon, that’s for sure. Couldn’t be happier that she’s Lilith. Can you imagine if one of yours had that kind of power?”

Naomi sighed. “Wouldn’t be much better in Eilhart’s hands.”

“He wouldn’t be the worst. But for once we actually agree on something,” Joel said and grinned. “There’s a village half an hour eastward. Why don’t we find a comfortable inn to get that report done?”

“Weren’t you tasked to oversee our problematic Order?” Naomi teased, leaning back a little.

“Bryce is here. His sense of duty is plenty for all of Halstein. I’m sure nobody will complain too harshly,” he said.

“Only if you promise not to think of her,” Naomi said.

“Didn’t think you’d care,” he answered and stood up. “Let’s see if they have enough ale available for the both of us.”

Naomi brushed off her armor and joined him. “She may have been sent by our gods. I’d feel… a little conflicted.”

Joel started laughing, dodging the punch coming at his face. He dodged a few more times as he retreated, the two ending up in a tumble. “The inn,” he said, his face close to hers.

“The inn,” Naomi repeated and flew upwards.