The two Sages walked up and addressed the crowds. Their speeches were more casual, compared to the one they shared to the public earlier today. That was because everyone here was an Engelsheft, or someone of equal status. They knew each other very well. The sages first mourned the losses they suffered, such as Ten Dawn Rosemary Arkfell, Iris Cisvernia, Lorth Mangark, and Krogan Jermon… Four of the strongest Arcanists passed as the result of the war. It was a heavy loss. There were many other deceased as well, many who were less well-known from the Engelsheft Families. Although the war restarted for less than a year, the losses were unprecedented. Everyone suffered, one way or another!
After the moment of mourning, the sages congratulated the champions who returned home victorious. Ten Dawn Yvonne Malkhorn and Runenda Lanark, they were not present, since they were currently in the Xingyuu Empire accompanying the Conquestian; however, they were praised as the two most influential people from the Zino Kingdom. Their battle achievements were nothing short of extraordinary! Of course, the fact that they both came from the Winhelm and Lanark Families did not go unnoticed. The two sages were all smiles because of this. Their families had proven once again that they were head and shoulders above the other Engelsheft Families! Besides them, there was Lord Kel Lanark and Lady Vivian Malkhorn, who managed to become Low Condensed Drop Arcanists. They were candidates to become the next generation of Ten Dawns! Lord Aster Cisvernia and Lady Solis Welgen had also distinguished themselves in battle, along with countless others. The war forced everyone to unleash their full potential or die trying. That was why many people returned much stronger!
Elizabeth and her friends were highly praised too, due to their monstrous battle achievements and combat power. They had easily overshadowed the Ten Dawns and everyone else! In terms of overall war contribution, they were near the top! Elizabeth feared having to do another speech, so she prayed the sages would give her mercy. Fortunately, this party was centered on the Engelsheft Families' contributions, and not outsiders, so she and her friends got by with smiles and handwaves. She expected Protector Avin's name to be called, but the sages never mentioned him. It was a blatant show of disrespect, especially considering how vital his power was in ending the war. However, Protector Avin remained smiling, as though nothing concerned him. His composure was infallible!
With the speeches over, the party officially concluded. Some people left, while others stayed to chat. Lord Fredrick and Lady Kalasena could be seen talking with the Engelsheft Family heads. Although they were young, they represented their Grand Nobility Households. The power and influence they wielded was easily greater than the Engelsheft Families. They could not be neglected. Elizabeth said a few words to the two sages before leaving with her friends. She was not obligated to stay longer than necessary. Overall, nothing major happened during this party. It was relatively enjoyable, which went against her prejudice of nobility parties. She almost felt the urge to join the next. Almost. For the next couple of days, she enjoyed the citywide celebrations with her friends until the mysterious rock from Lord Fredrick arrived.
Elizabeth was in her office, along with Shirley, as they overlooked the package from Lord Fredrick. Tightly wrapped in a bundle of cloth was a lustrous black… rock. It shined like obsidian glass and produced a sharp noise when knocked on. It resembled a clump of metal, except it was strangely smooth across its surface. It gave off the impression of something created by hand, rather than something formed naturally. The rock was translucent, allowing one to see thin strands of white stretching from the center. The pattern almost looked like… the roots of a plant, or even a poorly designed star. Elizabeth had never seen anything close to it. It was one-of-a-kind! Furthermore, there was this faint… presence coming from the rock, which reinforced its extraordinariness. Even if it was not the Nebulous Star Root, it must be something special!
"How is it?" Lord Fredrick asked.
Elizabeth took her eyes off the rock. "I don't know, but I can certainly tell it's unique. It could be the Nebulous Star Root that we're looking for."
He smiled. "I'm glad to be of service."
"…I will purchase this rock from your acquaintance at full price. I wouldn't want to take advantage of anyone. As for repaying you, here is the information you wanted." She gave him a stack of notes.
He glanced over them and smiled. "Thank you very much. I will inform Your Highness should I hear anything else from our search." Bowing, he exited the room. As expected of the Graceful Willow, he did not overstay his welcome. His social awareness was refreshing.
Shirley asked, "So, what next? Do we take this to the Featherwind Sect?"
Elizabeth wrapped up the rock. "Yes, that's the plan. They should have landed in the Zino Kingdom last night. We should find them near the capital."
"But I thought they stayed in the Xingyuu Empire. Why did they come here?" She was wary of these birds after everything they did.
"I figured the Arcanists here would be our best chance to research and repair their airship. The Alzar Kingdom doesn't have anywhere near the expertise required. I'll call for the carriage, but we won't be meeting the elder birds immediately. I have some places I need to visit first."
"I don't mind." Shirley smiled. "I am your Protector, after all. Speaking of which, I don't see Benedict anywhere."
"He's demonstrating the Hawken Style and Cloud Sea Style to the Arcane Knights. I believe Lady Kalasena should be there as well."
"You're not worried?"
"Worried about what?" Elizabeth was baffled. "He can control his strength, so no one's in any danger. It should be a simple demonstration."
Shirley sighed. "Never mind. Shall we go then?"
Taking the rock, they boarded Elizabeth's carriage and rode to the Engelsheft District. Their first stop was a famous weaponsmith, known to create high-quality weapons. His prices were sky-high, which meant only wealthy families like the Engelsheft could afford his services. Not to mention, he had an abrasive and arrogant personality that made it hard to work with. And despite that, there was a line of people waiting to employ him. It was so crazy that people had to wait upwards of three months just to see him, much less get something custom-made! His reputation was that formidable! The carriage stopped in front of a large two-storey building where a sparkling sign showed the name 'Blithering Blades'. Elizabeth thought the name was quite funny, as she knocked on the closed door. Shirley looked around, while they waited. However, even after five minutes, there was no response.
"Do you think he's out?" Shirley asked.
"He should be here. Maybe he didn't hear me. I'll try again." She knocked on the door with more force and patiently waited. Another five minutes passed and nothing. She frowned. "How strange. He told me he would see me now. I wonder where he is."
"Let me use my Martial Perception."
The girl used Mock Perception to amplify her hearing. Quiet noises, like someone's breathing, became loud in her ears, whereas loud noises, like a nearby carriage, became very loud. The abrupt change would have disoriented anyone else, but she had grown accustomed to it already. Focusing, she narrowed her range and directed it towards the store. That was how she found the famous weaponsmith… relaxing in front of the fireplace and chugging a bottle of wine. He seemed to be enjoying himself. Shirley chuckled, walked up to the door, raised her foot, and channelled Martial Energy. Before Elizabeth could stop her, boom! Although the door was reinforced with thick wood and metal to the point it could stop a rampaging bull, it was still blown apart with explosive force! The door frame and walls came crashing down in a cloud of dust. The entire building seemed on the verge of collapse! Fortunately, it managed to hold up.
"What are you doing!" Elizabeth shouted in horror.
"Take a look," Shirley pointed.
She followed Shirley's finger to see a dumbfounded man, caked in dust, with a bottle of wine in hand. She narrowed her eyes. From the looks of it, Elizabeth could tell he had no intention of opening the door for them. He was mocking them!
The man was quick to sober up, since he screamed, "Who are you and why are you attacking me? I'll have you know that I can call any of the Engelsheft Families to get you arrested and executed!"