Chương 186: Best not provoke them too much

"For a boring meeting, I would say that went pretty well," Walker noted happily, walking beside Second Spring as the pair exited the Convergence Adventure Society campus and began their walk back towards the guildhall through the mild yet crisp winter air.

"You have to give it to branch director Anchali; he's got a bit of a ruthless streak. The way he keeps pressuring the sects now that we managed to pull through their little stunt last summer… Almost brings a tear to this old man's eye."

"While I do agree, guildmaster, I am also a bit concerned," Spring noted, the bronze-ranked hallmaster observing her usual propriety as she walked half a step behind her superior.

"None will argue that our influx of members in the last few months have made us more of a budding influence than anyone might have expected. It's just that it also concerns me."

"Oh?" Walker asked, his tone clearly indicating for the younger woman to continue.

"Given what we now know -," Spring began, glancing around them to make sure that their privacy screen was up an running, "- won't the Adventure Society pushing back still play a bit into the hands of the instigators? Their deity's very purview is contention and strife, after all, and it is quite clear that the branch director pushing his advantage isn't helping the matter." Her statement caused Walker's smile to gradually fade, replaced by a scowl as he followed her line of reasoning.

"Well… I…" he began, shoulders eventually slumping.

"Earth's erotic eruption, you're right."

"Guildmaster!"

"Sorry, sorry. Jarvan used that one when we last met, and it kind of stuck with me."

"Such casual blasphemy is unbecoming of a man of your station," Spring noted, mouth a thin line of disapproval.

"Once more, I am most sorry, dear Spring. Does this mean that you won't extend your usual invitation for tea to this uncouth old brute?" Walker asked, eyes twinkling with just a bit of mischief.

"You haven't asked me today, after all."

"Would you even accept even if I did? It's not like you seem to have changed your mind on the matter, however unfounded your sentiments might be," the younger woman noted sourly, the conversation moving into what was now a rather familiar dance between the two of them.

"Well, you may be right in that regard," Walker admitted, Spring only rolling her eyes in response behind his back.

"If you will keep being stubborn, then I will not bother this day. Still, as your hallmaster, I would at least suggest a meeting to go over the latest set of applications and suggested essences for the candidates."

"Will there be tea?"

"If the guildmaster wishes. Completely ordinary, patience-testing, platonic tea."

"Most excellent," Walker replied, giving Spring one of his best roguish smiles, his unspoken invitation for their little dance to continue accepted by a slight tug at the corner of her otherwise frowning lips.

"We have to properly hold the fort down and prepare for the future, after all. Kite and Dragonfly can't come in and save the day every time there is trouble. Still, I hope their trip to the capital goes well. Hopefully they won't bring back too much trouble this time."

"Amazing," Dragonfly breathed, her words almost lost to the winds where she, Kite and Crow stood at the low railing of the small ship that was currently racing through the winter air of Hua-Xi's heartlands.

"I know. The form of this young mistress is most pleasing," came the voice of Glint from ahead of them where the familiar was pulling the vessel through the air at great speed, her huge serpentine form catching the pale sunlight upon glittering scales.

"You always look amazing, Glint," Dragonfly agreed.

"But I was referring to that." She pointed to Heavenward off in the distance, the huge capital dominated by the stairlike mountain which housed its more affluent districts, with the rest spilling out into the surrounding landscape.

"It is indeed impressive," Kite agreed, while keeping to himself that, when compared to some of the cities he had visited while on contract with the task group, Heavenward lost some of its magnificence. Still, it was very Hua-Xi in every way, embodying his homeland in everything from architecture to its people.

"Even though the light it casts upon our nation does have its fair share of shadows," Kite thought as he turned back towards the little house atop the flying ship.

"Auntie! Raven! We're drawing close, and the view is most pleasant! Why don't you come out and join us?"

"No. The less we are exposed to that place, the better," came the grumpy reply from within, Dove's aura still feeling like a thundercloud threatening rain.

"It's just a view, dear," Crow called, joining Kite in his attempt.

"To watch from afar surely won't hurt. The city won't bite."

"It's the principle of the thing!"

"And is that principle enough for you to deny Raven the experience as well?" Crow asked, the pointedness of her words most obvious. They were met by a few moments of silence before everyone present could feel a slight shift in the emotional state of Dove's aura, a bit of shame leaking into the earlier defiance. And eventually, there was an answer as well.

"Fine…" A short while later, Dove emerged as well, carrying the wide-eyed Raven who was properly swaddled in layers of clothing to ward off the winter winds. While Dove's silver rank allowed her to easily navigate the swaying walkway to the ship's bow, she still walked with utmost care while carrying her precious and most distracted cargo.

Crow said nothing, wearing only a slight smug smile as her wife stopped next to her, seemingly transfixed by the view of the rapidly approaching city, the winter sun highlighting the high buildings in a most pleasant fashion. The royal palace and the sect compounds were the most spectacular, but there was enough architectural effort spent that one always found something new and fascinating wherever one looked.

"Given my… experiences… last time, we will head straight for the clan's compound upon arrival," Kite called to the rest, having to raise his voice to be heard over the wind of their passing.

"With us recognized as their guests, there should be little to fear during our stay here as long as we don't act to provoke the other influential factions."

"Are you sure that us managing to fight back last summer won't be seen as provocation enough?" Dragonfly asked, leaning against Kite's side to more easily be heard.

"Little Crow found it unlikely," Kite explained, referring to his discussions with the assassin before the man's departure.

"The guild is so far removed from the capital at the moment, and such things are easy to ignore. And if they claim outrage, they will have to publicly be seen caring about what should, to their sensibilities, be a trifling matter up in the rural north."

"And if he's wrong, and we arrive only to meet a line of would-be challengers long enough to circle that mountain?" Dragonfly asked, indicating the heavenly stairway and its rich architecture in the distance.

"Let's… hope it does not come to that. I did hope for this to be a bit of a vacation of sorts," Kite said with a wince that caused Dragonfly to giggle.

"Kite, I'm willing to bet ten silver coins that you will fight at least a dozen duels before we leave."

"What? Of course not. Five- no, six at most. Definitely less than a dozen," Kite protested while still being forced to admit at least a bit"Shall I take it that you agree to my little wager then?"

"It would seem like my honor wouldn't allow me to step down from such a brazen challenge," Kite countered, voice full of faux self-importance.

"Good! But you better fight through them quickly," Dragonfly countered with a sweet, sweet smile.

"Because I intend to do some shopping, and it would be most convenient if the additional funds were available early."

"Speak." The command was swiftly obeyed as the personal servant of Discord's priestess entered the range of her privacy screen, kneeling down beside where she was seated in the court of Heavenward's royal palace. The man hadn't even needed to ask for any permission, the question already having been picked out of his aura by the gold-ranked socialite.

"Mistress, I have both an initial report and confirmation that the Pathbreaker has arrived at the capital. His party, consisting of silver-rankers only as well as a small child, have been admitted to the Tengu clan's estates."

"I… see," she answered without looking back at the kneeling man, instead keeping her head high and bismuth-colored eyes on the proceedings below. Court was a bit lively today, after all.

"We already knew of his connection to the Tengu's clan. Cease all close to medium surveillance in the city during their stay."

"Mistress?"

"A concerning number of careless informants and similar parts of our outer networks have started reporting troubles in the past months, with the beginning of last summer. It is assumed that the Tengu's brood is involved, and if they have been greeted as guests of the assassins, we would be foolish to send our people too close only for them to vanish. Still, we should send a request to black wood mask to look into it.

A gold-ranker like her will at least be able to survive the potential slap on the wrist without being exposed," she said, pausing a while to think.

"Make it a polite one, though. My standing within the council is tenuous enough as it is, at the moment."

"Of course, mistress. Anything else?" The priestess remained silent for a while, taking in the procession that was currently approaching the spot where more influential or favored petitioners could make their case before the king. Given the gold-ranked warrior walking proudly, if somewhat tense, next to the matriarch of his family and the general feel of what she could skim from the very surface of their auras, the picture the queues painted was rather clear.

"Yes. Make ready to properly prepare a little soirée in my viewing box at the arena. Because I believe that our dear king will soon receive a rather grave challenge."

"Didn't you say that you got a rather ominous reception upon your first visit to the Tengu clan?" Dragonfly asked where she walked beside Kite through the streets of Heavenward, a fancy privacy screen obscuring both their looks and conversation.

"Because this one was anything but." The artifact had been lent to the pair by their hosts, because while Little Crow and the rest of the clan were most happy to see them, everyone at least wanted some control over the rumors of Kite's return that would no doubt spread in certain dueling circles, and make it just a bit more difficult for any would-be challenger to pin him down.

"Well, my second visit was a lot more welcoming, as you might remember," Kite noted.

"But I will admit that their reaction at seeing little Raven was a bit more enthusiastic than I expected. My guess is that she will want for nothing during her stay here. Seeing her take that masked gold-ranker by the hand and somberbly lead him off on some kind of adventure sure was a sight to behold."

"Bah, being surrounded by silvers all the time while growing up sure has made her jaded to power from a young age. I thought my hair would stand completely on end when I felt what that gold let us glimpse of his aura," Dragonfly said with a shudder.

"Still, they were definitely nice enough. I just have to remember which Crow is which." The pair eventually reached their destination, which once more had Dragonfly crane her neck to take in the size of it.

"They sure build everything to be huge around here. Just look at the size of it. Given what many seem to think of the Adventure Society, they sure allowed them to build an impressive campus."

"Well, much like back home, the relationship seems rather complicated and - if some of the locals were to have their way - a lot more one-sided. They like the convenience and opportunity the Adventure Society offers. Just not… Well, the rest of it. Demands, regulations and such," Kite said with a sigh.

"But at least the local trade halls are equally impressive, so we should be able to find what we need." Just a few minutes of walking and sightseeing later, Kite's prediction proved true as they entered the large, multi-storied complex, adventurers of all kinds and allegiances bustling around the many different vendors and craftspeople who plied their trade within. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"I will aim to resolve my business at the essence exchange first and foremost," Kite stated, looking at a nearby sign for guidance.

"What about you?"

"Well, I should be on the lookout for one or two more artifacts. Mainly utility, or if I can find something nice that really fits my path. But with the armor Peony made, that bar has been set far above the clouds," Dragonfly mused.

"Still, just a bit of shopping for something nice just for myself maaaay occur. A teeny bit. Some good food, maybe some new clothes-""Ah, then how fortunate you are to be in the company of this young mistress," Glint suddenly exclaimed, breaking into the conversation while she emerged from her bottle and assumed her draconian form.

"When it comes to fashion, I am ever striving towards the peak in defiance of the heavens!" The familiar's loud proclamation had more than one passerby give the group a look, their expressions ranging from amusement to annoyance.

"Well, it sounds like I will be in the best of care then," Dragonfly said happily, sauntering off to Glint's side.

"Shall we then, young mistress?"

"Please keep this poor warrior in mind as well. My wardrobe could sure use an upgrade!" Kite called after them, an amused smile playing on his lips as he felt a stirring from within.

"Yes, Sage, I assure you that we can find some nice calligraphy too. Maybe not here, but I'm sure that there are plenty of galleries in the city." This seemed to properly mollify the astral gatherer, and Kite made his way towards the essence exchange.

While one might have expected the place to be a spectacular place with glowing cubes beneath protective barriers as far as the eye could see, the reality was somewhat more pragmatic; a simple storefront with a plethora of magical slates where one could read the extensive lists of things on offer or demand. Most of the actual essences and awakening stones were stored in the most secure vault at hand, but that was mostly if the seller expected to not remain in the capital for the near future.

If they would be in the vicinity, the sale or trade of such expensive items easily warranted the cost of a runner to send word that a trade had been accepted or if a prospective client wanted to discuss the deals or offers made.

"Greetings," Kite said to the silver-ranked elf clerk behind the lone counter as he strode over to one of the enchanted slates, channeling a bit of mana into it to display its various lists and categories.

"Anything particular that the young master is looking for?" the man asked politely, gliding over to Kite upon a small floating cloud which enveloped his feet. Kite didn't even have time to ask before a privacy screen enveloped them, making sure that none of the other patrons had a chance to eavesdrop.

"Well, I mostly have a vague set of guidelines as I'm mostly looking to trade," Kite explained, knowing from previous experience that the clerks of this establishment were most knowledgeable.

"I have twelve plant essences and five tree essences along with similar awakening stones, and am looking to trade for some diversity. Fortune be willing, I will find at least two hunt essences, as my uncle has his eye on potential personal mentorships among our mem- students," he explained. If the clerk noted his little slip or was surprised at the number of essences being traded, he did not let it show.

Kite had already decided not to draw undue attention to the guild during his stay, gladly hinting at being part of a sect or similar establishment instead.

"Then if I may recommend a few listings to the young master, I believe that I have somewhere to start. At least one hunt essence should be manageable from the start, and if you are either willing to negotiate or make some other trades beforehand, I believe that we can secure another. Are there any particular confluences you are aiming for?"

"Domain, directed at plant regions, but there are plenty of other interesting ones. Any leanings towards speed and the ability to travel long distances is always appreciated, but numbers are important too. We have many prospective students to provide for."

"It seems that you are a most generous institution then. May the heavens smile upon your endeavors," the elven man said politely.

"But back onto business, knowing your preferences, we may have a few more solutions, if I may demonstrate-" What followed was the man guiding Kite through an impressive chain of trades and deals in order to get an outcome as close to what he preferred. Trade two plant essences for one crystal on one occasion, then the crystal with someone else for a different one in turn which could lead to a final trade to get one hunt essence along with four awakening stones aligned with the guild's requirements.

A few repetitions of said process later, Kite found himself with a tally much more to his liking. Coming in with quantity and going for moderately higher quality would always land him at a net loss in pure numbers, but Sage and luck had been on Kite's side during the months that had passed during the conflict with the sects and the subsequent autumn and winter spent out on contracts.

"- and as long as neither party renege on their offers, we should have the essences available within a day. Will you be picking them up yourself or would you like to purchase transport to an Adventure Society branch of your choice. Additional fees will apply," the clerk finished explaining, looking expectantly at Kite as he awaited an answer.

"Transported, please. To the Convergence branch. And thank you, once again. Your knowledge in these matters have been invaluable," Kite said, his gratitude most honest as he deposited his share of essences, paid the fees of the exchange as well as giving the clerk a generous tip.

"I will tip you as well, benefactor Sage," he murmured to the familiar still subsumed within himself as he left to find Glint and Dragonfly.

"The whole guild should make sure to provide you with regular tribute." The vague sense of eager approval Kite got from the formless astral gatherer did make Kite wonder if he may have planted too ambitious an idea into the alien being's mind.

"Given it's proclivities, we might have to buy land somewhere and make a gallery of our own for Sage to curate," he thought, but left such matters for another time as he spotted the objects of his search off in the distance. Glint was currently trying out a most flattering set of robes, their formal lines and pale pink color beautifully complementing her natural sheen and amber eyes.

And from the amusement in Dragonfly's aura and the mix of elation and exhaustion in the bronze-ranked tailor's, Glint had apparently stayed true to herself throughout the whole endeavor. She even seemed to have found herself an admirer, as Kite saw another draconian off to one side among what looked like an entourage of bodyguards.

He had cyan scales, fine robes and, to Kite's slight amusement, a distinct lack of subtlety in the glances he threw Glint's way ever so frequently while pretending to inspect a set of jewelry in a nearby display case. As Kite drew near, Glint noticed him as well, promptly walking off towards him.

"My bond," she greeted formally.

"It is good that you have returned. While the master tailor here possesses excellent skills in her trade, her judgment is otherwise lacking as she requires a familiar's master to vouch for their ability to pay for any purchases. So please, dear master, would you kindly do so for this poor dragon?" Kite had never thought of himself as Glint's master, and the two had immediately reached confirmation of their mutual understanding of the matter once Glint could properly speak for herself.

Still, he saw her sarcastic charade for what it was, and chose to play along.

"Of course, of course. A familiar of mine deserves no less," he said with an air of faux-arrogance as he approached the tailor.

"I assure you that her allowance should be enough to cover her purchases. How much?"

"Th-hank you, great benefactor and customer," the tailor said, apparently not catching the jest in Kite's words, or at least not daring to assume anything when dealing with one of higher rank. She then named a price in spirit coins, and Kite had to do his very best to keep his massive, abrupt wince entirely internal.

"I see," was the only response he could muster, taking a moment to gather himself.

"Here, this should be enough," he finally managed, handing over a few stacks of silver spirit coins.

"Only the best for my familiar, of course. She does deserve her simple pleasures." The tailor was nodding eagerly at Kite's words, eyes and aura alight with the sudden windfall. But as things would happen, someone else had apparently been listening in as well. And his reaction turned out to be quite different.

"Enough of this farce! You dare, human? You dare to speak that way to a descendant of the dragons?!" The loud, outraged calls did, of course, come from the draconian man who had been eyeing Glint before, his own silver rank easily letting him eavesdrop on their exchange.

"Only the heavens would know how you would have seemingly bound one of our illustrious kind, carrier of the bloodline of power, to your filthy spirit. But I have heard enough!" he kept loudly proclaiming to the stunned Kite, marching over menacingly all the while.

"Such a perfected specimen of our kind should be vaunted, shown off to the heavens and praised for her beauty by each and every generation that is to come. To think that such a brute - nay, a knave - like yourself has forced her into foul servitude? Oh lady of starlight, you whose scales shimmer like the dawn of creation, just say the word and I, Cloudburst Tempest of the ancient Monsoon bloodline, will strike him down in an instant for the very crime of daring to behave like that in your presence!"

The last part was obviously directed towards the equally stunned Glint, and the combined outrage and praise had, without fail, drawn the attention of everyone within earshot. To Kite slight horror and disbelief, Glint soon found her words, but not in the manner which he might have hoped.

"And I take it that you wish to offer something in his stead, should you truly strike him down like you promise?" came the familiar's words, and Kite had to mentally facepalm as the feeling he got through their bond was the equivalent of 'Yes! Praise me! Praise me more!'. Cloudburst Tempest was apparently most emboldened by her words, properly turning towards her as he continued.

"Dear lady, you are a vision. A most illustrious piece of the heavens which must have fallen to this lowly world. Should you wish for it, I would offer you all the protections of the Monsoon family. One such as you should want for nothing beneath the skies, be it in worldly things or protection. I will even promise you my heart in courtship, should you wish for it, for such is your splendor and perfection that your very visage has moved my spirit."

His words set the crowds abuzz, with those in the know apparently finding this proposition to be quite the big deal, and Kite began to idly wonder if this was indeed how he would find his end; cut down by some lovesick fool and his five silver-ranked bodyguards? Still, he felt that any protest of his would only fan the flames of outrage in the man, so he chose to instead hope that Glint might have gotten her proper fill of adoration for today and was ready to close this scene straight from any romantic farce.

"Young master Monsoon does indeed have a way with words," she began, taking a step forward to the fervent draconian who had even sunk to one knee at the end of his latest declaration.

"Still, this young mistress will have to give a slight rebuke in turn; to be so forward is not proper. If I am indeed so radiant as you describe, I should not be swayed by mere words of passion, no?" Kite did not know from where she had produced the hand fan, a pristine white piece with delicate silver artwork, but he had to admit that he was most impressed with how she artfully used it to hide her face, only her amber eyes visible to the kneeling man.

"O-of course. Forgive me, radiant one. I was swept away by your beauty and forgot myself. Please, have mercy on this most foolish Cloudburst Tempest."

"I will indeed forgive you, young master-" Glint began, and the draconian man sprung to his feet in response even before she had finished.

"Then your slaver shall meet his end this instant. I, Cloudburst Tempest, chall-" he began calling out to Kite. But it was time for the young master to be interrupted in turn by a loud snap. In one smooth motion, Glint had closed her fan and slapped it down atop the man's serpentine snout. The blow was not a forceful one, but even the lovestruck Cloudburst Tempest seemed to recognize the severity of it, freezing in place in startled silence.

"Interrupting me does you no favor, young master. I will once more choose to view your words and hastiness as an act of passion, but this young mistress will not do so again," Glint stated, leaning firmly into the haughty persona that she had fully embraced since being able to walk in society as one of its people.

"Because what I was about to say is important, so listen well. This human -," she said, waving one voluminous sleeve toward Kite, "- is most important to me. It was I who, some years ago, offered to intertwine our destinies and reach towards the heavens. He has brought me power, as I have him. Do not overstep and make such assumptions again." There was a distinct note of finality in Glint's words as she retracted her closed fan, once more opening it to let it flutter most fashionably.

Cloudburst Tempest straightened and regarded Kite properly for a moment, giving a small nod which seemed to convey some paltry acknowledgement of him maybe, potentially having acted a bit rashly. Then, his full attention was back on Glint.

"Your words and dedication move my heart, visage of splendor," he said, glancing about as if only now noticing the surrounding crowds who had hung onto every word of their exchange with rapt attention.

"But if you don't mind-" he continued, words cut off as a privacy screen enveloped the pair, leaving them visible but obscuring any words spoken. This left Kite and the young master's bodyguards staring awkwardly at each other for a long minute until the screen finally dropped, Cloudburst Tempest giving one final bow toward Glint before turning and marching off, his entourage in tow.

Kite's own privacy screen, loaned to them by the Tengu clan, snapped into place a mere moment afterwards, Dragonfly soon catching up to them and entering its obscuring zone after making sure to bring all the clothes they - that is, mostly Glint - had bought.

"What… just happened," Kite eventually managed to get out, mind still trying to properly process the last few minutes of his life.

"This young mistress just got a date," came Glint's reply, as if the matter had been a mere trifle.

"Do try to keep up, my bond."

"You should have seen her, auntie. It was as if one of those novel series you so enjoy had sprung to life before my very eyes," Kite told Auntie Crow, the pair seated in one of the gardens of the Tengu clan's compound and enjoying a cup of evening tea together as their first day in the capital drew to a close.

"Is this what they mean by 'they grow up so fast'?"

"Well, little Kite, your story certainly is as incredible as it is amusing," Crow noted while giving her tea a dignified sip.

"But I will admit that I may be somewhat at fault here. When Glint stayed with us to practice speech while you and Dragonfly took on some contracts, I may have started reading said novels to her as a way to expand her vocabulary. With the results in hand, it isn't much of a stretch to say that my attempts may have landed a bit too well."

"That… does explain things. A lot of things," Kite noted, even though his current feelings were more of amusement than anything else.

"We'll see if it is just a phase then, or if she will eventually become the most sought after young mistress in all the lands. Wait, I just realized," he then said as a troubling thought came to mind.

"Auntie, if Glint is going on a date… Should I make sure that she knows how to stay safe? Send her to Fertility's clergy for an introduction to how things work? While I am most definitely not her parent, I do feel somewhat responsible for her introduction to society," he finished, concern mounting only to shift to a somewhat betrayed look as his words sent Auntie Crow of all people into a fit of giggles.

"What?" Kite asked, tone dry as Crow quickly composed herself.

"Well, little Kite, it is clear that you don't seem to have taken the time to read said novels of inspiration," she began, amusement still clear in her tone.

"I… may not have found the time," Kite admitted.

"If you had, I believe that you would be able to lay those concerns of yours to rest. Glint did say that she wanted to do things the proper way, no? Given her source of 'proper', I do believe that you won't have to worry about such things until after at least a year of courtship, all thoroughly chaperoned of course. This will give those of us around her ample time to make sure that she has things figured out."

"I see… Thank you, auntie. That is actually quite the relief," Kite eventually said, relaxing back into his chair.

"Your concern is touching though, little Kite, and I am proud to have raised a responsible young man. Still, I would have expected you to be more concerned with tomorrow's planned visit to the Silent Horizon sect.

While I have confirmed with Little Crow that they do indeed seem to value a more conventional view on honor and hospitality, I still can't shake the feeling that there will be some kind of spectacular clashing to be had as soon as you come into contact with one of our 'institutions of national pride' ", Auntie Crow finished, her final words carrying the clear note of sarcasm.

"Don't give fate any ideas now, auntie," Kite chided, continuing.

"But no, I don't foresee much trouble to be had this time. I don't even know if Chime of Morrow's Bounty will be present to meet with me, and even if she is, I would assume that some training and maybe a tour is the most we'll get out of it. It's just a visit after all. Surely, there are no spectacular happenings to be had this time."

"Now who's providing the fickle fates with ideas, little Kite?," Crow retorted, giving her adopted son an arched look above her enchanted glasses.

"Words like that might even be taken as a challenge by the heavens. Best not provoke them too much."