Strolling in with Billions

Following the development of the Metal Seed, Astur had taken the surprising move to wander off and disappear for a week. Most people had thought she had locked herself up in her workshop again and didn't pay it much attention. On the other hand, Elizabeth was having a problem, Astur had taken both Kretea and Ystur with her, leaving few who can actually deal with the written reports being received, especially the ones from Hadrow. Feeling sorry for her, Asterion had sent over some of his subordinates that have some experience with bureaucratic matters, Hadrow's reports and the various other reports from the Oulvgar were very much out of their league.

Slamming her hands on her desk, Elizabeth jumps out from her chair, "I can't take it anymore! How the hell is anyone supposed to be able to read these!"

From around the room, the Demons of the Warband can be heard muttering things like, "So she finally snapped," "She finally said it," "I mean, I don't understand anything written here either," "Is this even an eligible language?"

"Half of the Oulvgar can't even hold a pen! Why are we even having them write reports! This one has a clear drool stain from someone trying to write with their mouth!" Elizabeth shouts.

Amidst the shouting, Astur, Kretea, and Ystur walk into the room, "We're back," and behind them are several carts full of cash. The three of them are wearing pure gold jewellery and expensive fur coats.

There are many things Elizabeth wants to say, complaints about the Oulvgar's horrendous writing or why are they writing these reports, Astur and the others disappearing for a week with hardly any notice, or where did all the money come from, but all the can manage to say is, "What the hell?"

After calming down with a cup of tea, Elizabeth finishes organising her thoughts, "Lets start with the beginning, where did you go and where did that money come from?"

"We were walking down the street and picked up the money from the garbage can," Astur claims.

"If you're going to lie at least come up with something more believable. So what really happened," Elizabeth says.

"I fished up the money from a river," Astur says.

Ignoring Astur, Elizabeth turns her gaze towards Kretea and Ystur, both of which immediately turn their heads away.

"I'm telling you I really pulled the money out from a garbage can, like for real," Astur says.

"You're telling me that you were walking down a street and found billions of dollars in the trash. Are you serious?" Elizabeth asks.

"Well… she isn't lying," Kretea says.

"We did pull it up from a trash can… in a sense," Ystur says.

"Wait, there's clearly something going on, explain," Elizabeth says.

Once again, Kretea and Ystur look away, unwilling to answer.

Narrowing her eyes, Elizabeth looks directly at Astur, "What in the world did you do?"

"So this happened and that happened and we were walking then some more stuff happened and we got some money and came back here," Astur explains.

"I see. I've learned nothing. You have no intention to explain do you."

"Of course not. Just who the hell do you think I am?" Astur says. "Anyways, what's up with all these papers, there's more than usual."

"It's your fault! You three went left on a trip leaving only a note in your room. And the three of you are the only ones who can consistently understand whatever the hell is written on these reports from the Oulvgar! I mean, look at this, all I see is a bunch of scribbling!" Elizabeth points to the top paper on her desk.

Astur walks over and picks up the paper, "Oh, this, it's a report from the Burrow Tribe's Chieftain. About how some monster took nest in the mines at Hadrow. From the looks of it, the matter has already been taken care of." Picking up another paper, Astur says, "This one's from Birdy, about how the crusader's reinforcements have arrived… wait this is actually important. Should something this imorntant usual be brought to my house directly?"

"It was, but you weren't here so the messenger birds brought it here with the rest of the lower priority reports," Elizabeth says.

"Oh, yeah that would make sense. Also, I'll be going to Dawn tomorrow. That's where I believe the enemy will strike next. And they'll probably use their full force this time," Astur says.

"Did you listen in on their conversations again?" Elizabeth says.

"No, they've long figured out the nature of my name and made sure the entire army is aware to not say my name. This is simply the conclusion I've come to based off of the current status quo. As it stands, breaking into either Dawn or Hadrow won't be easy. My fog blocks them off from calling in any air support since anything hostile above a certain altitude is redirected back out. Hadrow has absolute air superiority compared to Dawn where there much less of a need to worry about bombs being dropped from the sky. The terrain is also much more favourable for the enemy at Dawn than in Hadrow, moreover the location of Dawn is closer to where the enemy's main base is. I already discussed this matter with Asterion before leaving, and he agrees that Dawn is the prime location for an assault."

"I'll arange for more of the Oulvgar to be transferred over from Hadrow to Dawn. Anyway, there were a few other reports that were originally delivered to our house for you to look at," Elizabeth says

"*Yawn* Nah, I'm going to sleep for the day. I'll head out once I wake up. You lot from the Warband should send word to Asterion about the enemy reinforcements."

As Astur leaves the room, followed by the Demons from the Warband who prepare to return to Dawn, Elizabeth grabs the collar of Kretea's and Ystur's clothes as they also attempt to leave.

"Not so fast. You two are going to explain what the hell happened for you all to come back with billions of VD."