(25.1) One Month Later

"602,177 confirmed deaths with estimates pushing past 1 million lives as of the latest report." A straight-backed man wearing a neatly pressed suit of a simple yet refined design reads from a bundle of loose papers.

The room erupts into barely hushed curses and whispers, the emotions of the twelve nobles present making the otherwise well lit drawing room – illuminated on one side by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows that led to a balcony pointing to the city – seem rather dark.

In the corner of this meeting, tentatively drinking a cup of tea and squeezing some papers in her hand as she waits, Aki reclines against a small wooden table listening to it all.

The messenger pushes his thin, gold-rimmed glasses up as he continues. "This includes the thirteen villages, seven towns, and three cities beholden to the Estril Viscounty, the city itself, and surrounding land."

"Gently, sir. Steady yourself." Viscount Decimas Estril, raises his right hand, prepared to steady the messenger. Clear on his arm is a mourning band wrapped around his rather simple noble garments.

The messenger nods and takes a deep breath before continuing. "The city of Grassea and surrounding villages were completely razed. So far there are no known survivors. The remaining areas suffered numerous casualties and similar damage as we have. Only the city of Arbor's Rest and the mountain village of Flats suffered minimal damage."

"Flats? That name sounds familiar." Aki perks up from her spot in the corner of the meeting room, adjusting the sleeves of her blouse and flattening her skirt as if she's going to present.

She had requested to speak with the Viscount earlier only to get pulled into a meeting of such a complicated calibre over an hour ago, but Aki wasn't expecting to hear that name.

"The ghost town?" Mutters one noble.

"How did they survive?" Another remarks.

"According to the village chief," The messenger adjusts his stance, looking over the pages with unsteady eyes. "A passerby Hunter dealt with the various problems for them."

"Just one Hunter? Is that right?" Verityu, who had stood just behind Viscount Estril steps forward, moving in a way to emphasise the balance scale badge of the Chief Judge newly pinned on his lapel.

"Chief Judge," the messenger shakes his head. "There were conflicting reports about a second person taking part but this report is signed by the Flats chief claiming it was done solely by a Hunter."

"Is that right?" Viscount Estril says, his eyes flicking toward Aki briefly. "I have a feeling this isn't quite accurate, but without evidence or this alleged second person stepping forward it is merely a feeling."

Aki frowns and shakes her head. Scouring for credit and relying on noble backing is not the kind of reputation she wants to build.

Yet it doesn't stop the sweep of irritation, causing her to accidentally crumple the already worn out scroll and letter even more. "Ah, whoops."

One of the few items that survived getting torn or burnt during the battle a month ago. Somehow, the Hunter scroll and the letter withstood the blaze and falling rubble alongside several other things.

Shur's bestiary, some journals as well as the magic pouch she carried the Briarwood Axe in had survived too. Her spare clothes, camping gear, and the bag she carried it all in were not so lucky.

"All Space-Gates within the territory were damaged or destroyed alongside other transport and communication methods. Estimates say this was in the works at least several months prior. We were effectively choked into isolation by the Witch of Disaster in such a way, even the encroaching wedding would have been too late for reinforcements to arrive."

Aki twitches, shuffling in her seat by the wall and knocking the small table with her elbow. The speaker and a few of the present nobles glance over. Those native to New Pinacca or early relief arrivals give a small bow of respect. Meanwhile, those that were freshly arrived shoot her a look of disapproval or confusion at her presence there.

"Is there anything anyone would like to comment on?"

Grim silence meets Viscount Estril's words. A sombre acknowledgment and moment of silence at such awe-inspiring numbers.

"Understood. Then let us carry on, their will to protect those that remain lighting our paths forward. Salt be yours."

"May salt find you." The members of the meeting all say together as they excuse themselves.

Aki watches the nobles leave, her expression flat and eyes dull, before facing the Estril cousins.

"Thank you for letting me sit in, but I really could have waited for it to be over." She grips the scroll in her hands and steps closer to the pair.

"Nonsense. How could I turn away one of our heroes when she requests to meet?" Viscount Estril smiles, tired lines straining his otherwise youthful appearance. "You look much better now than you did a month before, Lady Acolyte. Your skin is brighter and your body fuller. I am glad to see your stay here has done good for your health."

"Thank you for the compliment." Aki respectfully bows and looks him over.

Viscount Estril brushes his golden brown hair back and strokes his chin, uncertain under Aki's gaze. The hair of his beard is more unruly than usual. His eyebags darker than when she first arrived but his strong features remain all the same.

"You look better as well. I'm glad the poison from then was able to be treated, although I think you could still use more rest."

"I appreciate your words, however–"

"However!" Verityu cuts in, practically pouting with his whole body and pulling Aki to sit down in the seat next to the Viscount and pushing one pillow into her hands and second for her to lean against from the sofa by the fireplace. "Hero or not, I think those words are better suited to be said in the mirror!"

Viscount Estril sighs, lowering his head to pinch the bridge of his nose at his cousin's outburst. "To think the you we saw before was merely an illusion held 26 hours a day, 8 days a week. Yet, despite your health improving, you seem less present now than before. Your eyes are dimmed."

Aki blinks back, unsure of what to say. She sees the chiselled features of the Viscount contort as he frowns.

"Let's put that aside. What is it that I could do for you?" Viscount Estril waves a hand, ushering the conversation to its purpose.

Aki perks up, and places the scroll and letter on the table. "It's probably late but I got these from a Hunter before I came here. Actually the whole reason I even decided to come."

Verityu curiously inspected the items, leaning over his cousin's shoulder much to Viscount Estril's annoyance. "The seal indeed belongs to the Hunter's Guild, though that speaks not of the letter. What is it?"

"Uh… actually I have no idea." Aki grimaces. She hadn't actually opened either one for fear or losing them before arriving. "One is a letter of introduction and the other was… a job the city was having problems with? The recommendation was basically to let me legally accept it without needing to be a Hunter or adventurer."

The Estrils exchange a look and nod. Verityu is the first to speak. "As the acting Chief Judge of New Pinacca by – er, Lord Estril and your recommendation Lady Acolyte, I believe the request has been more than handled, I daresay."

Viscount Estril motions for her to open the scroll and letter while Verityu speaks.

Obliging, Aki does so. The scroll is, as expected a handwritten letter with astonishingly neat penmanship that reads:

************

To the Master,

Regrettably, I will not be able to return to handle the urgent request you've sent me. To my fortune, I have encountered a skilled mage by the name 'Aki' with a talent for slaying creatures of the night. She wears a green cloak bearing the symbol of an Acolyte of Mune with a brooch on the front to match and bears deep black eyes, freckles, and sandy hair. Not to bore you over circumstances but please leave the mission to her and it will be handled. 

Also, I may have promised her half the reward upfront so do handle that for me, won't you?

Julius

************

Pursing her lips, she slips open the letter and finds a folded request page. On it is a simple drawing and information that would probably make sense to an adventurer or Hunter followed by a short blurb and number on the bottom half.

************

Scouts have reported the catacombs in New Pinacca have been unusually active with more Dead being drawn inside. Eliminate any spirits and report on any risen corpses found within. Force is authorised should the corpses prove hostile. No penalty will be placed if destruction of bodies is necessary.

REWARD: 500 LEAF

************

Verityu stifles a chuckle, hiding it behind clearing his throat. Meanwhile Viscount Estril can only sigh once more.

"... Do you think I could still get the reward if I showed this to the Hunter's Guild?"

"That would depend on if the Hunter's Guild still stands, let alone if there are any Hunters still present. Their forces took a heavy hit since the main power had been dispatched to investigate rising monster attacks to the territory's far reaches." Verityu answers her readily. His expression stiffens as he notices the Viscount lower his head.

"I understand…"

"Normally I would offer recompense in their place," Viscount Estril says. "However, I am ashamed to admit all funds available are being distributed to rebuilding our infrastructure and defences as quickly as possible, so there is nothing to spare."

Viscount Estril stands suddenly and bows to Aki, making Verityu flap in a panic before doing the same.

"Should the Hunter's be unable to pay, I ask you consider the food, shelter, and clothes you've received this past month as sufficient remuneration even with their lacking finery."

"Of- of course!" flustered, Aki waves for the two to go back to normal. "How could I say no when you've given me more than I've ever had before? You've taken care of your people and treated me like family without question, so…"

Viscount Estril smiles in appreciation and sits back down, reclining his head against the chair. "Would that I had realised the surge in mobilisation, I could have prepared better."

"It is not your fault. Preparations for a wedding suitable for the High Royal family were far too pressing to realise the adventurer and Hunter force shrunk to such a degree."

"The past is past and I must live with it." Viscount Estril waves a hand to quiet him. "Now, as for the Hunters, Lady Acolyte. I believe the building still stands as it was one of the key defensive areas during the battle where evacuees were kept. You can find it across the Star Canal on the East side of the city. That is all I can give you as I have never personally visited it myself."

"That's more than enough, thank you." Aki bows, excusing herself to stand and head for the Guild immediately.

"Oh, and Lady Acolyte. About the information on the Crowns." Verityu raises a hand, his tone heavy. "Aside from records about 600 years ago, all our books were destroyed. We know this Narrative occurred before but have nothing to show you aside from hearsay. I'm sorry."