Chapter 03 - A Deed Well Done [In the Courtyard...] Xin Dicus: (Yes! I got far enough so I should be safe!) Xin Dicus: (Come on, work with me here. Ancient relic tablet, sleeping away in the Empire's treasure vault!) Xin Dicus: (Please be the "Arca Song of the Heavens", the one I've staked my whole life as a Song Seeker searching for!) Shadowy figure: ........... Xin Dicus: (Whoa, another thief? I mean a palace in the middle of a war would be a hotspot for crime.) Xin Dicus: (Better clear out of here quick.) Xin Dicus: (Xin’s Arca Song) [In the Royal Court...] Gtri Dactyla: ........... Tauran Tiaca: ........... Master of Ceremonies: The War consul, Lord Umarit Imuse, requests an audience! Umarit Imuse: ........... Tauran Tiaca: (Here comes the actual guy in charge. Look at how the room shifts the moment Umarit walks in.) Tauran Tiaca: (The nobles care more about reading Umarit's mood than the Emperor's, and His Majesty himself is utterly terrified of the man.) Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: My liege, symbol of the Empire's glory, His Majesty Gtri. I have returned from the front, your royal authority engraved deep within my heart. Gtri Dactyla: ...As magnificent an achievement as ever. I offer my thanks for your efforts, my heart is truly put at ease by your safe return. Umarit Imuse: No thanks are necessary. As one who serves the Empire, I have merely done what what was needed, as it needed to be done. Umarit Imuse: As for Your Majesty's ease of heart... perhaps it would be best to wait just a little longer for that. Gtri Dactyla: ...What do you mean? Umarit Imuse: Third guard, right column! Step forward! Third Guard, Right Column: ........... Umarit Imuse: An unfamiliar face. It should be impossible for a guard of the Empire to escape my notice. Umarit Imuse: Give me your name. Third Guard, Right Column: ........... Third Guard, Right Column: ...! Die, Emperor...! Gtri Dactyla: Wh...! Umarit Imuse: ........... [Whoosh!] Third Guard, Right Column: Guh, ARRGGGHH...! Umarit Imuse: Forgive me, Your Majesty. Gtri Dactyla: Kuh...! W-what just happened?! Umarit Imuse: I have no words to excuse myself for staining your noble presence with the blood of such a lowly creature. Umarit Imuse: I humbly beg your forgiveness. Gtri Dactyla: I-I understand... You are forgiven... forgiven. No, in fact, you have my gratitude... Umarit Imuse: Your words are far too generous for one such as I. Gtri Dactyla: ...! The smell of blood... is making me sick... Tauran, the herbal tonic... Tauran Tiaca: Lord Umarit. His Majesty doesn't appear to be well. Perhaps it would be best for him to return to his chambers... Umarit Imuse: ...........Very well. Umarit Imuse: I pray from the depths of my heart that Your Majesty remains in good health for many years to come. Gtri Dactyla: ...........You have my thanks. Lklein Manni: ........... Lklein Manni: (Umarit didn’t even blink, he doesn’t miss a single beat...) Airio Sis: So that's Lord Umarit... Airio Sis: He seems terrifying, but... he's so cool...! Suncia Panthera: Thank you, both of you. Airio Sis: Vice-Captain Suncia! Suncia Panthera: We were able to catch the assassin thanks to your report on seeing someone suspicious. Suncia Panthera: Lord Umarit himself said you did well. Airio Sis: Really?! Lklein Manni: Airio was the one who noticed the suspicious figure. I was merely standing nearby. Lklein Manni: (Though he wasn’t the one we reported...) Suncia Panthera: I see. Airio, well done indeed. Airio Sis: Thank you, sir...! Airio Sis: Ah, wait, actually it was Lklein who noticed first- Lklein Manni: No, it was most definitely Airio- Suncia Panthera: I'll write both your names in the report. Keep up the good work on your duties from here on. Airio Sis: Yes, sir! Lklein Manni: Understood. Umarit Imuse: Suncia. Suncia Panthera: Lord Umarit. Lklein Manni: (Umarit...!) Airio Sis: (It’s the strong guy from before!) Lklein Manni: (I cannot look him in the eye, there's no telling what he'll say. Bow, and keep your face down...) Umarit Imuse: I have something to discuss. Come with me... Airio Sis: Um...! Lklein Manni: Wh...........! Suncia Panthera: Wha...........! Umarit Imuse: ........... Lklein Manni: (You idiot! He’s going to kill you!) To be continued...