Okay, maybe [Blinking] into an ongoing meeting of Rafael's had been rude, but at the same time, maybe he shouldn't have sent her a message about how he'd been attacked. Yes, he'd assured her that the problem had been contained and that he was merely informing his guildmaster as he felt he was obligated to, but obviously that wasn't going to make her go 'Oh, okay' and continue along with her day.
What an unfortunate coincidence that the two other demons in his office were members of House Keresi—the noble house that she'd been borrowing her secret identity from—and thus were 'family' of hers. Meaning they were people who would expect her to act a certain way.
Despite the initial awkwardness, she'd decided that maybe the debacle as a whole was a net positive. Because not only had she been hand-delivered a mithril-rank adventurer, but also one she owed a debt to twice over. Firstly, for how Zael Keresi had protected Rafael—unnecessary as that might have been given her steward's defenses—and secondly for borrowing their family name. She doubted the Keresis expected repayment, since they were probably honored to aid the Sorceress however they could, but she herself felt like she owed them something. Maybe a place in Vanguard counted?
More selfishly, she hadn't wanted to pluck a random mithril-rank off the streets to fulfill the Quest's requirements. Though she hardly knew Zael well, she couldn't imagine a better option than him, not on such short notice. In that sense, she'd gotten lucky.
Just… she should emphasize the sheer awkwardness a second time.
Vivi had suspected it from the start, but demons were even more reverential of the Sorceress than humans. Throw in the confrontational attitude Zael had initially displayed and the general shock of finding out his 'cousin' was actually a world-famous hero, and the ensuing meeting was more than a little painful to get through.
Thankfully, Rafael was there to mediate, and as usual, Vivi shamefully exploited the man. She thrust most of the social responsibility of that conversation onto him. She offered her own input when necessary, but for the most part, Rafael led. It was kind of mortifying that people probably read her demeanor as 'calm and aloof'… but also extremely relieving.
Vivisari really had no idea how lucky she got with that.
Afterward, the Keresi siblings staggered out of Rafael's office in a daze, carrying the revelations of the last hour—and maybe more heavily, Vivi's tentative offer for them to join Vanguard. Once they'd left, her traitorous steward turned to her, looking entertained.
"I think that went well," he said.
"Oh, be quiet. Why didn't you warn me they were coming?"
"I had no more idea than you. The Primus did request to speak with me earlier this week, but I didn't expect him to send his children rushing across the continent. I'm not even certain how he discovered Nysari's identity was active." His expression turned thoughtful. "The timeline suggests he learned the same night we met with the Duke. Perhaps the Duke reached out to Mizar, suspicious of 'Nysari Keresi.' Keen, if so." He shook his head. "I can't understand how a man so brilliant turned out to be so foolish."
Vivi didn't care about how 'foolish' or 'brilliant' Duke Caldimore was. She cared that he was a horrible person. She didn't say that, though. It was probably implied, even for someone who valued intelligence as much as Rafael.
Her steward continued, "I had a scrying session scheduled and could have moved it forward, so I could have learned in time. Mizar just wasn't a priority; I'm very busy." He sighed. "Why not send a missive? Spare me yet another meeting."
"At least everything worked out." She mulled over the Quest for a moment, and how the older brother of the Keresi siblings related to it. "With mithril hopefully filled, only the bronze and Titled rank slots are left. Have you had any luck finding Eshara?"
"I'm making my best efforts to do so," Rafael replied, "and if she visits a city, I'm sure she'll hear news of what happened at Meridian. While she might not believe hearsay and rumors, she will certainly contact me out of curiosity. But that assumes she isn't on a mission or a leveling expedition."
"Well, I guess we can only hope."
"She might be our first choice for fulfilling that requirement," Rafael started slowly. "But I would advise forming a backup plan. You've made it clear that we aren't rushing to complete the Quest with disregard for the suitability of our members, but I do presume we want to finish in some reasonable timeframe."
"I know, I know." A grimace threatened to break out on her face. "Most of the Titled that I both trust and have met in person have their own lives. Aeris is retired, as he deserves to be. Lysander is the Headmaster. The Archbishop is the Archbishop. He's not leaving the Church, obviously, and I'm not entirely sold that I would want him in Vanguard anyway. The Gale of Blades is…" Well, her personality was concerning, same as the Archbishop. Like most Titled. The Gale of Blades hadn't even existed in the game, so Vivi didn't have lore to rely on, either. "The Silver Squire seemed like a good person?" But he fell in the same camp as the Gale of Blades. Both were new heroes, and thus Vivi had no prior knowledge of them.
"He is aligned with the Queen of the Eastern Kingdom," Rafael said. "Perhaps to the extent he would refuse, no matter the opportunity. Indeed, you are correct: very few Titled are not tied to duties they would never abandon. I simply suggest you think on the topic, for the possibility that Eshara remains elusive for longer than we decide is acceptable."
Vivi nodded, though she wasn't pleased. Instead of settling for a different member, maybe she would have to put real thought into how to track their prior blacksmith down herself. Once more, Vivi lamented how divination was her worst branch of magic. "I'll do so. You've been reaching out to craftsmen?"
While she intended to gather up as many prior members of Vanguard as she could, two were dead and one was missing long-term—Laelith—rather than short-term like Eshara. Vanguard would have no choice but to include some fresh additions to their roster.
"I have. Like Titled, most Masters and Grandmasters also have duties they would be hesitant to abandon. But those are business relations, generally. We have more options in that regard." He cleared his throat. "At the cost of ruffling feathers. Fellow guilds will not be pleased if we poach their best craftsmen."
"It's their decision to make," Vivi said, though she internally winced. Even lacking a political mind, she could see Vanguard's appropriation of their high-rankers doing more than 'ruffling feathers.' It wasn't like she and Rafael had much choice in the matter, though. Accomplished professionals weren't exactly loitering around on the streets with no obligations occupying them. Except rare cases like the half-retired Rhek Verontell, which was why Vivi was considering him despite his cranky demeanor. "We don't need the best of the best. Master at the minimum, I hope, for our first recruits—but let's go for ones that'll be stepping on the fewest toes, and ones that we can be happy supporting. I trust your judgment."
She obviously wasn't sorting through the many possibilities herself; that was a task she'd given Rafael. He would consult her when final decisions were being made, but not every step of the way.
Another pang of guilt went through her as she remembered how many missions she was thrusting onto Rafael. She was glad that he seemed to have found a promising assistant through Sarielle—that was another reason the Keresi siblings' appearance had been a stroke of luck, once they'd worked through the initial awkwardness. Though, Rafael had yet to extend that offer. He was still considering it.
"I appreciate the faith, my lady," Rafael said. "I intend to have initial inquiries finished by tomorrow."
"That soon?"
"With travel times and other formalities, yes. The Quest is a priority, even if we aren't rushing through it."
"Right."
The conversation coming to a natural conclusion there, Rafael asked, "Is there anything else you need of me, my lady?"
She recognized her cue. "I'll let you get back to your work." He was swamped with a thousand different tasks, so she took no offense at the politely phrased dismissal. Before [Blinking] away, though, she narrowed her eyes at him. "But next time you're attacked, call me." Communication magic was limited, but he had means of emergency contact when Vivi was inside the same city as him.
"The scrolls you gave are more than enough to handle an orichalcum-rank." Rafael raised an eyebrow. "And no disrespect meant, my lady, but calling you there would have complicated the event. I was seeking quick, simple resolutions—I'm busy enough as is."
Vivi frowned. She wanted to protest, but knew she couldn't. Her track record spoke for itself. 'Tactful, uncomplicated' resolutions to basically anything weren't something she could count among her strengths.
"Still. Keep yourself safe."
"I will, Lady Vivisari."
She nodded, then [Blinked] away.
Returning to the training yard—and to what she'd been doing before Rafael's message had been delivered by Instructor Annabelle of the White Gloves—she found Saffra concentrating on manifesting [Flash Freeze]. The girl's focus broke upon Vivi popping into existence next to her, and the spell wobbled and fell apart. Vivi dismissed the unstable mana with [Dispel].
"S-sorry," Saffra said.
"No need to apologize. I startled you."
Saffra opened her mouth, probably to protest that no, of course she hadn't been startled, but she seemed to realize how silly that would be. Instead, she asked, "Did something happen? You looked worried when you left."
"No. It was nothing."
Saffra gave her a dubious look.
Vivi decided she might as well be honest. "An officer of the Wardens attacked Rafael."
"What?" Saffra asked, alarmed. "Really? Is he all right?"
"He's fine. He has scrolls and artifacts, a way to contact me, and my own defensive spells on him. He was never in danger." Stating those obvious facts, she felt embarrassed that she had panicked. "I just went to make sure."
"Why would an officer of the Wardens attack the Guildmaster?"
"Not for any logical reason," Vivi said, annoyance rising as she remembered the explanation Rafael had given. "It doesn't matter. He's been dealt with."
"I… see."
Vivi gestured at the training dummy. "Keep going. There's nothing to worry about."
After a short hesitation, Saffra obeyed, raising her staff to begin casting her next attempt at [Flash Freeze].
The training session continued for an hour or so. Vivi was glad she had time again to be working toward that promise of hers: that she would give Saffra at least half of a 'real' apprenticeship. She found teaching Saffra interesting in its own right, too. Trying to simplify her explanations for someone so new to the field, and think about magic at a fundamental level, had genuine merit for even Vivi's understanding of basic concepts. There was a famous quote back home—something along the lines of, 'if you can't teach a subject, you don't actually know it.' Though that didn't totally hold true for magic. Even the Sorceress couldn't fully understand the arcane. By nature, it was beyond the ken of mortalkind. And she wasn't trying to follow in Remian's footsteps.
When Saffra started to look tired, Vivi called for a break.
"I'm going to Prismarche," Vivi told her after they'd eaten lunch. "Want to join me? We can go hunting afterward."
Saffra blinked. "What do you have to do?"
"A few errands." And while those tasks didn't involve Saffra herself, Vivi wanted to take the girl around when there was no danger or other clear reasons not to. Enough of Vivi's missions would preclude bringing along a thirteen-year-old girl that, when she could, she would. "I can also drop you off at the Institute, or anywhere else you want."
"You don't need to babysit me." She shrugged. "I'm your apprentice. If we're going to Prismarche, just tell me we're going to Prismarche."
Vivi supposed she shouldn't need her teenage apprentice telling her to 'just take the initiative.' Vivi nodded, then held a hand out. Saffra accepted.
They warped to an alleyway near Prismarche's town square, then walked out into that communal space.
There, in the center of the busy plaza, where a statue of the five Heroes had once been erected, sat a huge ball of condensed voidglass. Fractured stone radiated out across almost the entire square; repairs were in progress. The ball was three times as tall as her and equally wide—a perfect, smooth sphere with a polished finish. Few passersby paid it any mind. The object had probably been a fixation for many at first, but people were ever quick to adapt. They had their daily lives to go about.
Saffra gawked at the massive sphere, since it was her first time seeing it. "Is that—were you the one who—?"
"I stopped the invasion by blocking off the portal." She looked up and mentally winced at the damaged dimensional boundary: the fractured sky. It would be a while before it healed itself. "When it closed off, I killed everything with a crushing spell. That's the result. And one of the reasons I'm here. I should do something with it—I think I'll take it back to Vanguard. Our craftsmen will need high-tier material to experiment with, and this is an easy source."
The crown had collected most of the voidbeast corpses at Meridian, though plenty of the material had surely slipped into other hands, despite how the crown had declared unsanctioned possession of the otherworldly substance treason. There had simply been too many monsters killed across too large an area for the city to have any real hope of gathering every piece of it.
"Huh. So you're just going to… take it?"
"Not before I speak with the Guard Captain." Vivi was trying to think through her actions more, and vanishing a huge ball of priceless extra-dimensional void-monster carapace would probably set off alarms. "I owe him some explanations for what happened, too."
"Shouldn't you get in contact with the Marquess for that?"
"Probably."
When Vivi didn't give any further explanation, Saffra snorted. She tried, poorly, to mask it as a cough. "The city guard is probably less of a headache to deal with," she agreed.
That was indeed why she intended to go to Captain Soren, not the City Lord. By this point, she was more than exhausted with nobility. Even dealing with the guard wasn't something she looked forward to, but the idea sounded more palatable than meeting some high-ranking nobleman she didn't know. Captain Soren had been a levelheaded and polite man; she had a high opinion of him from what little they'd interacted.
"Shouldn't take long." Vivi turned and headed down the thoroughfare that led toward the guardhouse. Hopefully the Captain would be on shift. She didn't want to wait around. "He might remember me."
"I don't think anyone forgets meeting you, Lady Vivi."
Vivi came to a stop and raised an eyebrow at her apprentice.
The girl's face colored. "That's, uh, a compliment?" she tried.
Vivi shook her head and resumed her advance. Now, not just her steward was making jokes at her expense, but her apprentice too?
Except I don't think it was a joke, she mentally sighed. Again, I have no one to blame but myself.