Making the best choices

What did Giovanni mean by all that? Is he somehow pulling the strings behind their backs? Was this fantasy world really created by him? If so, how did he manage to do it? And why did he put them up to so much danger, risking their lives? What about the swords? Draining their lives while preventing them from using the goddess's blessings? Why does he do this to his own friends? For entertainment? Is this who Giovanni truly is…?

- What happened? It seems you all saw a damn ghost - Lirika comes inside the room, her tone slightly worried.

No answer.

Even saying he would bring answers, he gave the party way more questions. The biggest at the moment is: “Should we follow his instructions?”. Still stunned about such a sudden revelation, the trio stares at the cross in Nicholas’s hand. Trust, doubt, betrayal…? Everything is so blurry. For the first time since their arrival, they have no idea what to think of all this.

- Asai - she gently says, holding Nicholas’ other hand, trying to calm him down.

He looks at her and smiles, patting her head.

- Thanks.

- So, what now? - Kai asks, looking at the others.

- We continue. If Giovanni wants to make our lives a game, we show him what we are capable of. Just like in our RPGs - Pietra states, confident.

- Good enough for me.

They go after Xien and question him about what they heard in the magical projection.

- I have no idea what you are talking about - he shatters their confidence with a single phrase.

- Well, it was a good run - Kai lies down, defeated, on one of the church’s pews.

- Don’t be so dramatic. We only have to go there and find for ourselves - Pietra lifts him back on his feet.

- How?

- We do know someone who probably knows how to go inside the palace.

- Seriously? Him?

- It’s our best shot for now.

- God have mercy...

A few minutes later.

- So you need my help again? What would you guys do without me? - Tobias laughs proudly.

- Will you, then? - Pietra tries to hide her displeasure.

- Of course! Since I could have some fun in the spot you pointed out before, I’ll do my best!

- What? - Kai asks, concerned.

- It wasn’t much of a fierce battle since they had no chance, but it was enough to warm up. I’m grateful!

Kai makes the sign of the cross in respect of the poor souls he may have condemned to this devil in front of him.

- Do you also feel weird inside here? Like your body is burning hot and itching - Tobias claims with faint discomfort.

Maybe he is a devil.

- So, you know a secret passage to the palace or something? - Pietra ignored his comment.

- I was able to map some, yeah. But we can’t use those. After the emperor’s murder, it bacame too heavily guarded there.

When mentioning the death of the emperor, he gave them a knowing wink, the most suspicious way possible near the exorcist.

- Figures.

- Instead, I’m taking you to the heirs. Thankfully, I’m on good terms with all of them. Gain the trust of at least one, and I’m sure you will find your way inside.

- How did you even manage that, man? - Kai is dumbfounded by how manipulative Tobias can be.

- We don’t want to be part of this war - Pietra confronts him.

- Urgh, you guys can be so boring sometimes. Being part of their political chess is the best way to the palace. Take it or leave it.

- If your objective is to ask a favor of one of the successors to the throne, I recommend Guandou. He is a wise retired admiral and the most reasonable among them. I wish I could help; however, the exorcists have a vow not to interfere with political matters.

- It’s okay. We understand - Nicholas thanks him anyway.

- Actually, there is something I would like to ask, too, though. If you manage to discover whoever killed my master, please tell me - his anger is noticeable as his physical appearance turns back to Tien.

- Ah, that would be me! - Tobias points at himself while smiling.

They exchange glances. Tension between a deadly stare and a mocking smirk.

Pietra quickly uses her sword to cut the bond thread connecting Tobias and Tien, making both fall unconscious.

- No fighting.

- I feel bad for him, but we can’t deal with this now - Kai lifts Tien and carefully lays him in one of the pews.

- Let’s go before it gets late - Nicholas carries Tobias like he’s a sack of potatoes.

–—//–—

- Uncle Guan! I bring guests! They would like to make a deal with you - Tobias exclaims, going inside his office without knocking.

- Be more respectful, idiot - Kai whispers.

Inside a traditional military room filled with trophies of past victories, a strong man looks at the group. His gray hair and beard denote his age, and an eyepatch, covering his left eye, accompanied by scars, works as a warning of his endurance. Despite his intimidating features, his casual clothes, kitty slippers, and the tea-cup he’s holding show how he has settled down a long time ago.

- If it isn’t the cheerful mercenary. Can you give me a moment? I have a guest of my own right now. An old acquaintance who just arrived - his voice is deep.

His arm points to another man on the other side of the room. A red-haired knight, calmly taking tea.

- Ah… - the original trio and Guson say together as they look at each other.

Awkward silence.

- You! - he stands up on alert.

- You got the wrong people - Pietra clearly lies.

- I will not fall for your tricks again! - he declares, drawing his sword.

He turns his attention to the man of age bearing a displeased look. Realising he is being disrespectful to his host, he sheathes his weapon and sits back.

- After I have my meeting with Admiral Guandou, we will set our matters. Wait for me outside.

- Of course. We would never take advantage of your politeness to get out of here as soon as possible - Kai speaks, his intentions obvious.

- Good. Until later.

They go outside to wait.

- Tobias, take us to the next heir, please. We gotta leave this place as soon as possible.

- Oh, so we are not going to wait for him - Nicholas innocently speaks.

- What? You are denying a duel with General Guson himself? He’s one of the strongest men alive!

- Good to know we were in even more danger than we thought around him, but we are not denying anything. That guy is a creepy stalker that has been following us for some time now - Pietra explains, not ashamed of her exaggeration of his behaviour.

- Wow, I had a completely different image of him in my head. What a weirdo. Okay, let’s move on.

–—//–—

- Fufufu, what do you have for me this time, my favorite chaos bringer? - a female seductive voice addresses Tobias.

Inside a luxurious temple, a woman grins mischievously at the party. Wearing a provocative dress, she is playfully fanning money in front of her face, covered in makeup. A pair of fox ears graciously mix with her beautifully well-cared white hair. Her surroundings, mostly hidden by incense, give her an aura of supernatural mystery. The only visible furniture is a painting of mystical creatures behind her, a table with a diverse brand of teas, and a man she’s using as a chair.

- Lady Money over there is Maruxiang. She controls half of the empire's economy and claims to be able to grant you anything for the right price - Tobias casually introduces her.

- Guys, I know she looks dangerous, but hear me out - Kai takes a step forward, locking in.

- No, she’s evil. We are leaving - Pietra pulls him by the collar.

- I can fix her! Just give me a few days! - he protests while being dragged out.

- Thank you for having us - Nicholas slightly bows in respect.

- What an amusing bunch. Come back anytime - Marixuang waves them farewell, gazing at the group as if she found a new favorite toy.

- Pietra, look! She thinks we are her playthings! Let me show her true love!

- If I leave you with her, you will be her new chair in less than an hour.

–—//–—

- That leaves only the last option. Jiangzui - Tobias presents them to a drunk man in a bar. He is unconscious, reeking of alcohol.

- He looks dead - Pietra pokes him. No reaction.

- In a way, he is.

- Elaborate.

- Jiangzui worked as the emperor’s spymaster. Having such a job led to his wife's death a few years ago, and now he is like that.

Everyone stares at Tobias.

- What? I had nothing to do with it. This time, at least.

- Will he even be able to help us?

- Not sure to be honest. Different from Guandou and Maruxiang, he is not actively trying to get the throne, and he didn’t feel much about his father's murder. Well, that’s your problem. I’ll cause some trouble to see if a real war finally happens. See you later~

The drunkard wears dirty and wrinkled clothes, his face covered in stubble and hidden by his messy brown hair. He sobs under the effect of the drinks he had.

- My dear wife… I miss you so much…

Asai gently pats him on his back.

- Is it too late to be toyed with by Lady Money or be killed by Guson? - Kai pities the sad man as he questions their choice of allies.