Chapter 601: Empires Invasion [19] (2/2)
*Knock, knock,* orangish-white ears ambled, ”-my lord Igna, might I enter?”
”You're already in,” commented he, ”-how goes it, Undre, is Glenda recovering?”
”Yes,” he bowed, ”-my lord, the central guild has asked for thy presence.”
”Central guild,” off the shabby dark-oak chair, ”-let's go,” pistol holstered and sword strapped to the waist, '-time to work.'
”AY POPS,” a rocket-like silhouette slipped through the ajar door, ”-don't leave me behind,” he climbed up to sit atop the shoulders.
”Draconis, didn't you leave with Lilith?”
”No, I don't want to. It's more fun to stay with pops. Come on,” the head hung upside down before Igna's visage, ”-pretty please.”
”Such a pain,” *smack,* ”-don't move too much.”
”Okay.”
”My lord,” gulped Undre, ”-who might this child be?” his voice echoed down the spiraling staircase.
”Good question,” paused Igna, a small opening allowed for slight visibility, ”-I don't-”
”I'm Draconis Haggard,” firmed he loudly, ”-this here is my dad.”
”My lord, you have a child?”
”Seems like it,” exasperation dulled the already lifeless expression, ”-let's go on to the guild.” Ambling around town, checking on the traders, passersby and guards told one thing, the overall tenseness had disappeared. No longer were the demi-humans oppressed. Young Draconis brattled along the merchant street, entourage consisted of prattling housewives.
”Take a look, that's the new Baron. Quite the charming stud, isn't he?”
”Very much so, I heard he single-handedly defeated the ex-lord. Good riddance.”
”The town is so much livelier nowadays.”
A narrow alley gave onto the guild area, ”-excuse us,” twins came in ambush, ”-are you Kinless?” inquired they without reservations.
'-Humans?' he paused, ”-yes, what's the matter?”
”Great,” cheered one, ”-we're from the adventuring Academy,” added the other.
”My names Ella,” from outfits to hairstyle, they were fully identical, a far cry from the Lymsey sisters.”
”Mines Ellie,” returned the other.
”Excuse us, young ladies,” interjected Undre, ”-my lord here has business to attend to. We're not disposed to partake in frivolous chatting, might this take place at another time?”
”Ok, rude,” said Ella, ”-who in the hell even are you, mister?”
”Don't interrupt us,” frowned Ellie, ”-we're here to meet the infamous Kinless.”
”No need to pop a blood vessel,” whispered Igna. Veins of ire bloated upon Undre's forehead. The latter wasn't much known for having a patient side. A warm hold of the shoulder calmed the grossly mingled gnarl.
”Ella, Ellie,” stepped forward, ”-nice to meet you, how can this humble adventurer be of assistance?”
”Well,” they stared one another, ”-it's the central guild in Oxshield. They've asked for our assistance in helping the populous. We haven't stepped out of Glenda, waiting on the Baron to make his appearance.”
”How many adventurers came, what was the quest order?”
”Let me think,” fingers to her chin, ”-egh,” a distant stare, ”-got it. A request from her majesty, Queen Gallienne. News of the uncalled invasion of Arda has reached social media,” quick to bring the phone, ”-see. Alphia's strongly against the unjust invasion. The Empire's only avoiding the situation. The Federation's too busy fighting off mercenary troops from the belligerent King Juvey.”
”Why would the adventurers get involved here. The reward is nothing, your tags read Tier-7 Sapphire. No matter, are the others here?”
”Yeah,” winked Ella, ”-multiple guilds refused the offer. Seems like only members of the Adventuring Academy answered the request.”
”Yeah, yeah,” nodded Ellie, ”-we should help people in need.”
”Good sentiments.” They arrived at the guild building. A crowd of familiar faces stood on inside. The guild assistants mounted up the counter with slumped shoulders; a doorway led to a tavern on the right side. Most regulars there ran amok with drinks and innuendos.
”Baron Igna,” said the assistant. Lowered heads of fatigue rose.
'Why them?' *clop, clop, clop,* ”-Good afternoon Nassie. Where might I find the guild leader?”
”Upstairs, he's in midst of conversation.”
”With Lady Haru I presume?”
Her face flashed in bafflement; ”-how did you know?”
”I'm psychic.”
”For real?” she squinted.
”I'm joking,” he replied monotonously. 'Never expected this turn of events. Why are they here, Frost, Group A, B, and C. Wait, that's Lingling. I'm not looking forward to the reunion.' The arrival of past friends bought cause for concern. How to deal with the situation, what to do, and what to say. Were they friends or not, no matter the answer - it felt awkward.