Chương 284: Chapter 280 - Overdue hellos

Scarlett rose from her seat and exited the parlour. Garside was waiting outside in the hallway, bowing respectfully as he held the door for her.

"I trust the meeting went well, my Lady?" he asked, his gaze flicking briefly to the now-empty room behind her without further comment.

"Indeed," Scarlett replied, a hint of amusement in her voice at the man's unflappable demeanour. He didn't seem the least bit fazed by the fact that Kat had somehow just disappeared.

"Would you be so kind as to fetch Fynn and Rosa? Have them meet me in the library." This might be a good time for introductions.

"Of course, my Lady." The butler bowed once more before departing down the corridor, while Scarlett moved in the opposite direction, her heels clicking softly against the carpeted floor. As she navigated the mansion's hallways, the murmur of familiar voices reached her ears once she neared her destination. Approaching the library, she pushed the door open, finding three pairs of eyes instantly turning towards her.

"There you are!" Kat called from an alcove in the corner, nestled by a cozy arched window. She shot Scarlett an accusatory glare.

"What the Blazes did you just do to me?!" Scarlett's lips curved up into a slight smile.

"You expressed your interest in Allyssa and Shin's well-being, so I took the liberty of arranging a more expedient reunion for you three via our house spirit. Was that not to your liking?" Kat's mouth opened, then closed, and she stood there in silence for several seconds before grumbling, "I would've appreciated a little warning first…"

"Do not be so particular," Scarlett said, glancing around the library. Shin sat in a corner, returning his focus to a book on his lap, while Allyssa was perched on one of the windowsills overlooking the estate's eastern garden and the snow-dusted treetops beyond. Curled up beside her was today's other unannounced guest — a sleek black cat with brilliant amethyst eyes, purring contentedly under her gentle strokes.

"Empress. Welcome," Scarlett addressed the feline.

"It is always a pleasure to have you grace us with your presence." The cat dipped her head in a regal acknowledgment before turning her attention to the window, clearly pleased with Allyssa's ministrations. It wasn't unusual for Empress to still visit the estate from time to time, and while Scarlett hadn't spotted the cat much herself, the staff reportedly took rather good care of her. Empress seemed to be somewhat of a mascot for them nowadays.

"Did you just welcome the cat?" Kat asked incredulously, staring at Scarlett for a moment before shaking her head.

"Never mind. Let's circle back to that 'house spirit' thing first. Is that what whisked me here so suddenly? How do you even have something like that? Translocation is some high-end magic."

"You've clearly been away for too long," Allyssa remarked, looking at Kat with a grin.

"And by the way, Empress isn't just a cat." The feline let out a soft, almost disapproving meow, casting Allyssa an imperious stare.

"Sorry," Allyssa quickly amended, scratching behind Empress' ear.

"I meant that other cats can't compare to you. But you're definitely a cat. The cattiest of cats." Empress, seemingly satisfied with that 'revision'—for some reason—returned her attention to the view outside. Kat blinked at the scene, bewilderment etched across her face. She turned to Scarlett, eyes narrowing accusingly.

"What have you done to my sweet juniors?"

"Corrupted them, naturally," Scarlett replied. Shin glanced up from his book.

"It's your own fault, Kat. You shouldn't have tossed us to Scarlett as your replacements."

"I don't really mind being corrupted," Allyssa chimed in.

"You wouldn't believe how much my alchemy has improved these past few months." Kat continued glaring at Scarlett.

"You silver-tongued temptress."

"I presume that was meant as an insult?" Scarlett asked.

"Yep. Did it feel like one?"

"Not particularly, no."

"Damn." Kat released a light-hearted chuckle, then directed her gaze back to Allyssa.

"…But seriously, what's the deal with the cat?"

"This is Empress," Allyssa replied simply.

"Yeah, I got that much."

"She visits now and then. It's probably best not to ask too many questions." Kat glanced over at Scarlett once more, seeking clarification.

"It may be easier if you take Allyssa at her word," Scarlett suggested. Kat studied her for a moment before sighing.

"Fine. Whatever." She moved to lean against a nearby drawer, her eyes shifting back to Allyssa and Shin.

"So, how's life working with Scarlett? I've heard all kinds of wild rumors about our lofty baroness since I left, so I can only imagine things have been…lively. Last time we met, Allyssa, you mentioned something about bloodthirsty fairies and the princesses, but I get the feeling you've managed to top that by now." Allyssa's face lit up.

"Oh, I can't wait to tell you about it. You seriously wouldn't believe some of the things we've seen."

"I don't doubt that," Kat said, her smile mirroring Allyssa's before fading slightly.

"…Heard you also got involved in that Citadel incident, though. How'd that go?" Allyssa's enthusiasm dimmed. She glanced at Scarlett before responding.

"It was…intense. And, honestly, kind of scary. Being close to actual demons was terrifying. But…well, Scarlett has a knack for making you feel like everything will turn out alright, even in situations like that."

"She does, doesn't she?" Kat looked at Scarlett.

"I remember when we ran into that demon together once. You ended up toying with the bastard like a cat with a mouse. Still, how did you get wrapped up in that Citadel mess to begin with?"

"I was assisting Duke Valentino of Bridgespell with a related issue when the events preceding the Citadel's appearance unfolded," Scarlett explained.

"I offered my expertise to help manage the impending crisis." The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. While she didn't think it would be a problem if Kat learned the full truth, there was no need to involve her unnecessarily right now. Allyssa and Shin had agreed to keep quiet, and Scarlett did actually trust them to keep that promise, even with Kat around. The Shielder's expression suggested she did suspect there was more to the story, but she didn't press further.

"I'm just glad you all made it out safely," she said, glancing at both Allyssa and Shin with genuine concern.

"You know, there's been a fair bit of worry back at Elystead's Guild branch, especially after hearing some of your reports."

"There's not really any need to worry," Allyssa replied.

"You know as well as we do what it's like to work with Scarlett. It's harder to feel in danger than not, even if you're facing a literal hydra made of fire." Kat blinked at the girl before turning back to Scarlett.

"…I do trust you and all, but please tell me she's just using that as a hypothetical."

"She is," Scarlett said.

"Oh, thank the gods—""Although, in this case, it happens to be a hypothetical that aligns with an encounter we had earlier this week." Kat froze, leveling yet another accusatory look at Scarlett.

"I'm starting to think introducing these two to you might really have been a bad idea."

"You're just jealous we get to go on more exciting adventures than you did," Allyssa teased.

"I can be jealous and concerned for your well-being at the same time," Kat shot back.

"Suuure."

"Now listen here, missy. Don't make me find your dad and—" Their playful banter was interrupted as the library door opened, revealing two new figures. Rosa, with brown curls falling over one shoulder, and the white-haired Fynn both stepped inside.

"Well, well," Rosa said, her gaze sweeping the room before settling on Kat.

"Looks like there's a party in progress, and we weren't invited. With a fresh face in our midst, no less."

"Weren't we asked to come here?" Fynn frowned.

"Shush." Rosa reached out a hand and held it before his mouth.

"Hi, Empress," she added. The cat returned the greeting with a lethargic meow.

"Excellent, you are here," Scarlett said. She gestured towards Kat.

"Allow me to introduce Kat Breeden. She is the Shielder I worked with before engaging your services. In addition, she is Allyssa and Shin's senior." Rosa's eyes widened slightly as she appraised the woman.

"So this is the famed Kat, huh? I've heard quite a bit about you from our fledgling Shielders." The bard bent over to perform an elaborate bow, one arm extended.

"It's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Scarlett's bardic extraordinaire, Rosalina Hale, but you may call me Rosa." She flashed a dazzling smile that wouldn't have looked out of place on Raimond's face, then motioned at her companion.

"And this paragon of sincerity and probity is ostensibly known as 'Fyntrath', but we all call him Fynn." Fynn gave a curt nod. Kat's lips quirked in amusement at the over-the-top introduction.

"Yeah, I've heard about both of you from Allyssa. It seems she wasn't exaggerating when she described your…colourful personalities."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Rosa beamed.

"It was meant as one." Kat glanced at Scarlett.

"Though… I'll admit, I'm surprised to find someone like you in Scarlett's company. She's not exactly known for her outgoing…or tolerant nature. No offense." She looked back at Rosa.

"But it seems you've made it work somehow."

"Oh, have I ever!" the bard replied, brimming with far too much enthusiasm.

"It may have taken days, weeks—not months, mind you—but I've managed to worm my way into our dear baroness' good graces like nothing else. Picture, if you will, a determined little leech burrowing into Scarlett's thorny heart—or whatever she has in its place—and latching on so tightly that nothing could hope to dislodge me!" Scarlett couldn't suppress a look of mild disgust at the vivid description.

"…On that note, Miss Hale, now that Kat is here, perhaps it is time that we finally replace your presence with one that is less colourful. Kat is also familiar with healing magic, so I doubt we will lack much." Rosa's face crumpled in an exaggerated expression of hurt, though her eyes betrayed her amusement.

"Is that how it is, then? It's all fine and dandy to use my body and skills as long as you can't find someone else, but the moment an old flame comes running past, you won't hesitate to toss me out the window? Does your callousness know no bounds?" Kat let out a light laugh, drawing a mock glare from Rosa.

"Oh, just rub it in, will you?" the woman huffed.

"Eventually, you'll be the one in my shoes."

"Sorry, sorry," Kat replied, still laughing.

"It's just that I said almost the exact same thing to Scarlett earlier." Rosa paused, then her earlier smile returned in full force.

"I see. A kindred spirit, is it? I take back all the mean-spirited thoughts I just entertained about you." Kat raised both eyebrows.

"What kind of mean-spirited things are we talking about?"

"Don't worry about it." Rosa waved her off, then sauntered over to drape an arm over Kat's shoulder — a somewhat awkward gesture given that the Shielder was half a head taller.

"Tell me, how long are you planning to stay? I assume you're not actually here to replace me—you'd have to fight me to the bitter end for that honour—but I wouldn't mind chatting with you about whatever misadventures you and Scarlett got up to before we met her." Kat eyed the bard with a smile.

"I wouldn't mind sharing, if you're ready to fess up about some of the escapades Scarlett's been involved in since."

"Oh, you have no idea how ready I am." Rosa's grin turned mischievously dangerous.

"I have an entire book filled with tales of our exploits, in the most descriptive manner conceivable." Scarlett felt a scowl forming on her face as she watched the two interact. She suddenly realised that this introduction might have been a miscalculation on her part. Before Rosa could start on anything too embarrassing and far-fetched, Kat's attention shifted to Fynn, who hadn't moved from the entrance. Her gaze seemed to land on the bone-white ring adorning his finger before turning back to Scarlett.

"By the way, is he the one?" Scarlett arched a brow.

"The one?"

"Remember Whistlecreek? That village with all the shady folks and the wolf attacks? That's where we got that magical ring, right? You said you were going to return it to someone." Kat nodded towards Fynn.

"Is he that someone?"

"Ah, I see. Yes, he is." Fynn glanced between them, a trace of curiosity on his face. Kat gestured to the ring on his finger. The [Mark of the Gale].

"So, have you managed to make any decent use of that thing?"

"…Yes," Fynn said after a pause, raising his hand.

"The ancestors have taught me much." Kat's eyes moved from him to Scarlett, then back to him.

"…Alright, sure. As long as it's working for you. That ring didn't come easy. I had to fight off a whole pack of wargs to get it, and the trip there wasn't exactly a picnic. Getting ambushed by a deranged cult the moment you leave the city wasn't my idea of a good time." The mention of the ambush caused slight frowns to form around the room, and everyone turned their eyes towards Scarlett, as if seeking an explanation. She released a light sigh.

"Kat is referring to an encounter with the Tribe of Sin," she said in a measured tone.

"She handled the situation admirably, so there was no real danger." Kat shrugged, Rosa's arm still over her shoulder.

"Well, I handled it, I suppose. Wasn't really my finest hour, but all's well that ends well…" She paused, as if something had just occurred to her.

"Actually, that reminds me." Her attention shifted to Scarlett.

"You mentioned something about the Tribe causing a mess in your courtyard earlier. Was that connected to their attack on us?"

"It was. Though that situation has also been resolved."

"How, if I might ask?" Scarlett took a moment to consider her words before responding.

"I simply demonstrated to them that I am not one to be trifled with." Kat gave her a skeptical look.

"You showed the Tribe of Sin that you're not one to be 'trifled' with?"

"Yes." Rosa chuckled, giving Kat's shoulder a playful squeeze.

"That does sound like something she would do. I've seen the lady face down arch wizards like they were nothing more than cantankerous old men and confront age-old, people-sized eyeballs as if they'd merely disparaged her favorite tea. What's a few cultists or two?"

"While I wouldn't quite put it like that," Allyssa added, "I mostly agree." Kat gave them both worried—but clearly intrigued—looks, as if wanting to know more about those events.

"Guess you're right about that. It's not like I don't believe it." A sudden, assertive meow drew everyone's attention to the windowsill where Empress sat, tail curled neatly around her paws. The cat fixed Scarlett with a meaningful look before turning her gaze once more back to the world outside, as if she'd made some profound declaration. Judging by the serious expressions on everyone else's faces, one would be forgiven if one believed she had. Kat's eyes narrowed as she studied the reactions.

"…No, but seriously," she said, motioning towards Empress.

"What is up with the cat?" Before anyone could respond, the door to the library swung open, and Garside stepped inside.

"My Lady," he said, addressing Scarlett.

"I apologise for the interruption, but we have received an urgent message for you." Scarlett's brow furrowed.

"From where?" she asked.

"The Rising Isle, my Lady. They have requested your immediate presence."