5: The Task [Aya]

Warden’s Mansion looked bigger on the inside and far grander than what one would’ve expected from its poor exterior. Once inside, the building didn’t feel as though it could fall over at any given moment, instead, it felt strangely safe. The mansion itself was two-floored with a balcony that overlooked the street, with a few offices laid out on the second floor and a large space for both reception and entertaining guests on the first floor.

It wasn’t a real mansion, Momonga merely called it so to show off, although the first impression was never what he was hoping for. The hallway was lit by the torches that abruptly burst into life as I passed them and flickered out once I’d passed them, a fleeting presence of magic doing its wonders.

On both sides stood neatly polished armor statues (six in total, three on each side), a few paintings with some portraits, sceneries, and scenarios that looked awfully lot illustrated events of the past or wishful happenings. I passed by a couple of white pillars that supported the ceiling.

Briefly, I spotted a few employees leaving their offices for a quick toilet break or to sneak in some food while Warden Momonga was busy. A butler was watching my every move but didn’t approach me not after the last time I nearly stabbed him with one of my hidden daggers. He stood in the corner, silently following me in case he was needed.

“For someone, who dislikes magic,” I muttered, keeping my voice low and mouth hidden by the collar of my jacket. “Momonga sure uses it in his daily life, at least he makes his servants use it.”

The inside of the Mansion reeked of magic, so much that even an idiot could smell it. It was enough to attract smaller kinds of demons, ones who were mostly minding their business which was why I decided to let them be. Low-level demons were harmless as long as humans didn’t go and poke at them. A number of ghosts lurked around, having their fun with those who could and couldn’t see them.

‘Perhaps his dislike is directed more towards the users rather than the aspect of Mana itself?’ Faustus wondered, his voice sounded strangely distant. I frowned, the way he said it made me think that the Demon knew exactly why Warden Momonga disliked magic and anything related to it.

Or anyone?

“If you know something, spill it out,” I muttered, ignoring Faustus' attempt to send me a holographic image of what he was doing in his domain. “…But if I have to be absolutely honest, then I don’t care about his contradictory opinion regarding either magic or Mana.”

‘Even though they’re both the same thing?’

“Even then,” I said, just as I reached Warden Momonga’s door to his office.

The doors were grand, green-colored with golden lines illustrating their frames, and in the middle of it was placed an ugly-looking man’s doorknob. Grimacing, I reached for its golden handle and knocked on the door three times. The knock echoed back in the hallway, unnecessarily loud.

Loud enough to startle anyone, who wasn’t used to voices in their mind.

“Enter!” A disgruntled voice came from inside, followed by a sudden cough.

The doors opened, allowing me to enter Warden Momonga’s office. The office was filled with various books that the man had collected over the years, everywhere you looked a book or more lay on the office’s surface. The walls were mostly covered with bookshelves, some were lined up in a disorganized manner on the floor while others seemed to be neatly placed and with less dust covering them.

The genres ranged from home cooking recipes to educational ones to fantasy and romance books, ones I knew Ran to read, despite him saying otherwise (you could often find Ran with a book or two, gleefully chuckling to himself as his cheeks were slightly red). It wasn’t just any romance books, but more…perverted ones.

A table close to the window had two different maps laid out, although they were haphazardly covered with things to hide the plans and writings on them. I could still vaguely make out the general locations, making me wonder why would Momonga need a detailed map for Sector Sixty-Eight where he had business. As curious as I was, I refrained from asking. It wasn’t really my business.

In a corner to my right was an old armchair that looks like it should be replaced, and a few paces from that was a large window that overlooked Shimizu Town. That was where Warden Momonga himself stood, hands crossed on his back.

“You sure took your time, Hyuga,” Momonga’s dark eyes glanced at me in distaste, his nostrils flared. His voice was rough and dull.

I paused several paces away from him, wanting to keep as much distance as it was possible. Faustus made a few gagging sounds, which I ignored, knowing his dislike towards the Warden. The Demon didn’t have to know that for once, I agreed with him.

‘I already know.’

“If you wanted me to come earlier, you should’ve added time,” I shrugged as I scanned the room for spiritual residue before I headed towards the chair in the left corner. It looked more comfortable and didn’t look as though it might break with weight on it.

My senses tingled when I felt vaguely familiar Mana (spiritual residue) from the ceiling and another hidden behind Momonga’s desk. I discreetly glanced at its general location, faintly impressed by the Guard’s ability to use such a strong camouflage that I had to sniff him out. Rather than instantly spotting him as I was used to, a small smile crept on my lips. I didn’t let my senses venture outside this office, having already scanned the rest of the house on my way here.

“I’m a busy woman, after all, you should know that.” I nearly chuckled at the way Momonga’s eyes narrowed into slits, making him look more like a pig than he usually did. He walked away from the window, grumbling something under his breath I couldn’t hear - didn’t wanna hear.

His every step caused the floor to vibrate as though there was an earthquake.

The first thing I noticed about him was that he’d gotten fatter from our last meeting, his bright maroon jacket couldn’t be fully buttoned close since he’d only done one in the middle. His mustache had grown thicker and Momonga had lost more of his greasy black hair. It was a miracle he could still stand up and walk around without any assistance, I thought with a barely suppressed snort.

It was also a pity since I’d heard that before he took the position five years ago, Momonga had been extremely slim and somewhat handsome, at least according to his secretary, for a man past his fifties.

“I have no need for your smart-ass remarks, Hyuga!” I blinked, somewhat lazily. Momonga looked far more agitated than he normally did. Something about the way he carried himself felt stiff and cautious.

“…You’re making it incredibly easy, though,” I mumbled, quietly, leaning comfortably into the armchair and swinging my legs as though I was listening to upbeat music.

Momonga scowled, “Busy? You? Oh, you mean going around and doing but destroying public property while claiming to be chasing after monsters?”

“How about you call them by their name, a demon?” I tilted my head. “It’s not my fault that they like to cause a little mess.”

“A little?!” He slammed his hands on the desk, unwillingly scattering his properly arranged stack of papers into a mess. He didn’t notice it.

Faustus chuckled, taking delight in seeing Momonga like that.

“What about the time when your lot destroyed an entire area that was out of bounds in Sector Four? Or when more than half of Peace Patrol soldiers were turned into mindless human-wax dolls?! Do I need to remind you of that district you burned down? What about the time enormous bills you guys send to different Wardens?!” His face had turned an interesting mix of red and purple and was panting heavily.

“To be fair,” I snorted, drawing my voice out on purpose. “I’ve done none of those fore-mentioned things…except for the last one.” That was a begrudging admittance. It happened only one time and here Momonga acted like it was the end of the world. “If you want, I can bring in the ones responsible for said destruction and you can go off -”

“And now the rebels think it’s as good as any time to destroy an important military outpost, allowing our enemies to get through it, and steal several highly classified weapons and manuscripts!” Momonga cut in, voice getting louder and louder with every word, spit flying everywhere. I winced, glad none of it fell on me.

I could clearly envision an amused Faustus sitting on his throne in my mind.

I’d heard of the incident, as brief and detail-lacking as it was. The Revolutionary Army had infiltrated a highly secured military post located in Sector Forty-Four, which was situated at the border and has been warding off our enemy forces, and stolen several documents that would be hurtful to our military forces if in the wrong hands. All I knew were the rumors whispered in the streets, and that people were worried about what it could mean for us.

“I’ve been lenient enough - but not this time, oh no - they’ve gone too far!”

If those rumors held any hint of truth, then I could see why. No one wanted the Revolutionary Army to work with our enemies, especially when they weren’t fighting to destroy our Nation, but to bring down the Emperor - to bring equality and prosperity for all citizens, not just the privileged ones.

At least, that’s what the word surrounding them said about them.

I didn’t know much about them, and I’ve only had one run-in with them which ended up in a bloodbath. Otherwise? There was a mutual understanding between us that as long as they left me alone, I didn’t bother them.

I eyed Momonga warily. I didn’t like the nagging feeling in my chest, the rough idea of why I was called. A part of me imagined that if the Warden had any amount of Mana (spiritual residence), it would be attempting to crush me in his anger - something snapped under the pressure of his hands.

“What do you want me to do about it? Surely, you didn’t call me here just so that you can vent your anger on me - I don’t have time for this kind of bullshit.”

Momonga shoved a shaky finger in my direction, “You’re one of them!”

The words were spat with such poisonous ferocity it would’ve scared a normal person shitless, and brought on cold chills that ran down your spine but I had seen worse - I knew people who instilled greater fear than someone like Warden Momonga.

There really was no need to specify what he meant by ‘them’, we both knew what kind of jobs I carried out if I accepted the requests. He knew what I did behind the closed curtains, out of people’s sight. He knew what had been done to me, it probably is the only reason why he hadn’t told me to fuck off, yet.

And yet, I couldn’t help but ask, “One of them, what?” My lips were grinning like a wolf who’d found perfect prey, my head was tilted and I blinked as innocently as I could.

He flinched, before bristling, “Sorcerers!”

The word came out as though it was something poisonous, something he’d rather not say or even think about it. Sorcerers. Exorcists. These words were often said with a hint of distaste, loathe, distrust, and hatred. Even though people knew about the existence of those, who made a living from it - there were those, who treated such people as less than dirt. In their eyes, we were up to no good.

We caused destruction, made up lies, and brainwashed those, who have had their own encounters with demons and ghosts. Even though the Emperor was known to have several in his employment, it didn’t make our situation any better. In fact, it spewed more distrust toward the existence of Sorcerers and Exorcists.

There really was no right word to use to call us, I frowned, not liking that I was lumped into the same pot as most of those idiots out there.

“Whatever you’re thinking,” my words were cold, eyes narrowed. “Don’t you dare to lump those within Howling Aquilo in the same pot as the rest of the idiots calling themselves Sorcerers and Exorcists, when they’re barely above the level of mediocre. Yes, there are those who have the power needed to support their claims, but they’re easy to recognize from the fakes. I’d like it if you didn’t insult me, again.”

As I spoke, I released a small amount of my spiritual Mana that forced Momonga to collapse on his chair with a small thud. His face was covered with sudden sweat, and he was gasping for breath. There was a sound of a body collapsing on the ceiling, unable to stand the pressure, followed by the other Guard behind Momonga’s desk.

The Warden’s eyes widened, “Alright! Alright! Now drop it!”

For once, I listened to his command and pulled my spiritual Mana back, humming in satisfaction.

“Shit,” Momonga cursed, his hand supporting his head as he tried to gather his breathing and composure. Neither of his Guards would be awake any time soon, though. “Impressive as always, I must say.”

“Get to the business,” I snapped, watching him shudder before he took in a calming breath.

Faustus whistled, and his red eyes shined brightly in my mind. ‘Nice, Mistress!’

Momonga gave me the dirtiest glare he could muster up, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe off the sweat glistening on his face. The morning sun was peaking into the office, fighting to get through the fog. Shimizu Town was slowly coming back to life with each minute that passed, and soon it would be bustling with life.

The several heavy-looking rings on Momonga’s fingers sparkled under the light, looking very much out of style and fashion, making me somewhat question the man’s taste. Then again, the color scheme in his office (and the rest of the mansion) itself: chaotic.

Nothing seemed to go together, and yet, strangely it did.

“I want you to go and find out anything you can about the Revolutionary Army, find those responsible for that attack and if possible, try to get the weapons and manuscripts back before the Emperor decides to kill us all for this fucking plunder,” he growled, eyes narrowed as he stared at me.

For a moment there, I could see how he’d held his title as the warden of Shimizu Town. Despite his appearance, the man had more than earned his position. I knew that. But it didn’t mean I had to like him, or anyone working directly for the Emperor.

I had my own qualm with the Emperor.

“That’s not really my concern now, is it?” I said, trying to come up with reasons to turn this task down. “It didn’t happen in our Sector, we’re not -”

“As if they’ll care about such a small matter, Hyuga! Every Sector has been given the order to act, the Emperor won’t forgive another mistake at that scale. The citizens are in an uproar, especially when they heard about the loss of Sector Forty-Four. They’ve already made an example out of the Warden that governed over Sector Forty-Four - his entire family included.”

My body stiffened, fingers tugged into the armchair’s sides, fully understanding his words. As much as I could tell myself that I had nothing to do with it - with this war, I knew at some point I would.

The closer it was getting to us, the more likely I would end up being dragged into it. So the question was, how soon did I want to stop it? To prevent from having my life disrupted even more?

“So, you’re acting now because…you’re afraid?” I kept my tone neutral, not showing him how much the news really affected me. Annoyed, would be the right word.

“I’m cautious, as should you be,” Momonga hissed, sounding offended before he smirked as he noticed the way my legs had stopped swinging during his rant. I shrugged, slowly standing up.

“Anything else?” I asked, wondering if I should get one of the guys in the Howling Aquilo to help me with this task, or use the chance and shove it to someone else. Pretend that it wasn’t for me but for them.

I could just tell it was gonna be a major pain in the ass, dealing with the Revolutionary Army always was. Nothing good ever came when I was forced to deal with them, my last run-in with them was still fresh in my mind and I had seriously hoped not to see them again. For as long as possible, if ever again.

But here I was.

‘Playing a loyal dog to the Nation does that to you, Mistress.’ I ignored Faustus’ remark. “The Nation’s Dogs” was what the civilians called members of Howling Aquilo, much for our ire.

“I wouldn’t mind if you brought back some heads while you’re at it, but I guess that’s a little far stretched when it comes to you,” Momonga mused, earning a rude gesture from me.

“I’ll see if I can get the manuscript, and maybe, the weapons back but if it’s assassination you want, then you’re asking the wrong person,” I said, turning around and starting to walk out of the office. The doors opened. “For that, turn to someone else, we don’t take assassination jobs from you. Not after the last time, when you almost fucked up for us.”

“And I keep telling you it was an honest mistake!”

“Oh, and Setsu wanted me to remind you of the tab you owe us - the unpaid requests,” I said, suddenly remembering Setsu’s grumblings about how Warden hasn’t paid a few of his last requests. He would be sitting and trying to work out the finances while muttering threats and empty promises.

“I’ll pay it if you come back without destroying public property!” Momonga called after me, just as the doors were closing. I managed to throw him a dirty glare and grumbled.

“Then, the next one to come will be Fu, and you ain’t gonna enjoy it.”

The doors fell shut with a loud thud. My fingers twitched with electricity, as I fastened my pace and got the hell out of this freaking mansion.