The next morning, the group set out again.
This time the Vigilant did not go with Duanmu Huai and the others. He said he would return to the Dawnguard to report what had happened with the vampires… Though most of the vampires here had been burned to ash, there were still others wandering outside. How to deal with them would be the Dawnguard's next research subject.
As for Duanmu Huai, he took Guleya and Bambi to the College of Winterhold, to "retrieve" the Eye of Magnus.
That's right—the Eye of Magnus was essentially an artifact forged from Magnus's own eye. Magnus had been one of the Primarchs of the Empire, so rounding things up, the Eye of Magnus was Imperial property. And since Duanmu Huai was an Inquisitor of the Imperial Inquisition, what was wrong with reclaiming Imperial property?
Not a single thing!
And if anyone dared refuse to return Imperial property?
That wasn't something to worry about.
Because this time, unlike before, Duanmu Huai wasn't traveling on foot. He brought out the Night Raven Blackstar.
On one hand, it was to show strength. On the other hand…
"Uwaaa… so amazing! This huge lump of iron really can fly in the air! Incredible, Thrall!!"
Sitting in the copilot seat, Bambi looked around excitedly. Duanmu Huai couldn't help but smile.
Although she had eventually fallen asleep last night, according to Guleya, she had tossed and turned, even possibly had nightmares. In the morning she was listless, so to cheer her up, Duanmu Huai had summoned the Night Raven Blackstar and taken her on a flight.
It worked. Although the princess's age was at least in the triple digits, her heart was no different from that of a ten-year-old child. Now, staring at the scenery outside, she was full of wonder again.
Seeing her restored to her lively, cheerful self, Duanmu Huai was relieved. If this had been an ordinary case of kingdom destroyed, Bambi wouldn't have recovered so quickly. But it had already been five hundred years. Everything was gone—just hearing it from others couldn't feel real.
For her, the fall of her kingdom still wasn't tangible, so she bounced back easily.
And seeing her like this, Duanmu Huai felt reassured.
Though Bambi and Ann were both cheerful extroverts, they weren't the same. Ann was radiant, the kind who lifted everyone's spirits, making everything fun and relaxed.
Bambi was different. She was more like a little sister next door, especially her voice—sweet, slightly coquettish. When she acted spoiled, she was like a kitten you couldn't resist scooping up and petting. In just a few days, she had already drawn everyone's care and affection. Not just Duanmu Huai and Guleya—even the Vigilant, who usually insisted "all vampires must be destroyed," hadn't been able to be harsh with her.
This princess seemed to radiate a natural charm. She wasn't a peerless beauty, only very cute, but her voice was irresistible. Whether she laughed or cried, even when she scolded, it carried its own kind of sweetness.
Addictive, really.
Just look at Guleya. Normally, she was shy and quiet, preferring to care silently rather than approach. But now, faced with Bambi, she had taken the initiative to look after her. That said everything.
"We're almost there. Sit tight."
"Okay!"
At his words, Bambi nodded energetically and sat properly, eyes wide as the Night Raven Blackstar descended toward the College of Winterhold.
The College was located in the city of Winterhold. Yet its reputation across Skyrim was poor.
The reason was simple. Winterhold had once been the capital, a vast city. Then an earthquake struck, sending most of it into the sea. Only the College had survived, perched over the ocean like a lone fortress.
Naturally, many suspected the College itself had caused the catastrophe with some reckless experiment. Thus, the mages were distrusted, and the College kept at arm's length by all but aspiring sorcerers.
Duanmu Huai piloted the Night Raven Blackstar over the frozen sea, landing at the bridge that connected the College to the mainland. He rose from his seat.
"I'll be right back. Wait here."
Although Guleya longed to see Ann, Duanmu Huai wasn't about to let them reunite yet. Ann's identity here was secret, and he had told her clearly—when they met, she must act like a stranger.
She probably hadn't understood… until she saw the Night Raven Blackstar. Then, even this princess would figure it out.
By the time he descended, a crowd of mages had gathered at the gates, staring in astonishment at the craft. Something so massive, yet completely without magical energy—how could it fly?
And when they saw the armored figure stepping out—a towering giant clad in power armor—they gasped, stepping back in fear. Even though Duanmu Huai had repainted his armor, his sheer size and the oppressive glow of Fear Aura were enough to terrify any ordinary man.
"Greetings, stranger."
An old man in a long robe with a flowing beard stepped forward, clearly the archetype of a wizard.
"I am Savos Aren, Arch-Mage of the College. May I ask, what brings you here?"
"Hello, Master Savos."
Duanmu Huai nodded politely.
"I am an Inquisitor of the Inquisition. I have come to retrieve property that belongs to us. I think you know what I mean."
His intent was plain: courtesy before force. Whether they accepted or not, he had declared his authority.
"Inquisition?"
Savos frowned, glancing at the Night Raven Blackstar.
"Forgive me, but I've never heard of such an institution…"
"That's natural. We do not belong to this world."
Duanmu Huai nodded.
"In fact, our dealings may be limited to this one occasion. So… what do you say?"
"…Please, come with me, Inquisitor."
Despite the absurd bunny paint on the armor, Savos thought carefully, then gestured for him to follow. Duanmu Huai went with him through the College gates, catching sight of Ann dressed as a mage. She was clutching her stomach, laughing silently at the sight of him—but as long as she wasn't discovered, it was fine.
Savos led him into the Hall of the Elements. There, suspended in the air, was a great sphere, glowing blue, its metallic rings shifting endlessly.
The instant he saw it, Duanmu Huai felt the resonance of Primarch power. This was what he sought.
"We found it in ruins. Truly extraordinary. We can feel its power…"
"I understand, Master Savos."
Duanmu Huai nodded.
"Thank you for bringing it back into the light. As thanks, I'll prepare a gift for you."
"Wait."
A new voice cut in. A High Elf in ornate robes strode forward, eyes narrowed suspiciously at Duanmu Huai.
"Who are you really? Where do you come from? And how can you prove this artifact is yours?"
"I don't need to answer your foolish questions, xenos."
Duanmu Huai's voice dropped, heavy with disdain.
"This is Inquisition business. Outsiders have no right to interfere."
"Not even the Dominion?"
The Elf's face turned cold.
"Do not presume to grasp the will of the Inquisition with your pathetic, lowly mind."
Duanmu Huai would not waste courtesy on an Altmer. He raised his hand, psychic power flowing. Before their eyes, the massive sphere shrank in an instant, until it was the size of an eyeball, floating gently into his hand.
Gasps spread through the hall. Clearly, this man had some undeniable bond with the artifact.
"Thank you for supporting the Inquisition."
Duanmu Huai pocketed the Eye, nodding formally to Savos.
"As repayment, you may name a request. So long as it does not violate our principles, we will try to fulfill it."
"This…"
Savos hesitated. But the High Elf spoke again.
"In that case, why not let us study your steel carriage?"
"...…"
Duanmu Huai raised an eyebrow, staring at the Elf's sly smile.
So, this bean sprout is tired of living, eh.
(End of Chapter)