– I see... so you're the one Freya assigned to be my secretary and advisor. I'm glad she knows how to choose her people well. – He nodded in understanding, studying the person beside him. From her composure and tone alone, he could tell she was competent.
– Indeed. I'm well-versed in several areas that will be useful to your cause—and to ours. I appreciate the compliment, though I hardly deserve such praise.
– Don't worry about it. Take your seat, and let's wait for the others to arrive. – He gestured toward the chair closest to him, and she nodded, sitting down gracefully.
– Here, take these reports Freya handed me earlier. Give them a good read. – He stretched out his arm, offering her the pages he'd been reading.
She accepted them politely, then began to leaf through the papers carefully. After a moment, she turned to him, visibly startled.
– These are all the suspects in the investigation? – she asked in disbelief.
Evo nodded in confirmation.
– Indeed. Astonishing, isn't it? This list is full of young nobles—ranging from the lower houses to the most influential in the Empire.
– I had to read it several times to be sure my eyes weren't deceiving me...
She listened and nodded, concern flickering in her gaze.
– That changes things. We'll need to be twice as careful with how we proceed. If we involve nobles who have nothing to do with this, it'll cause serious trouble.
– I'm glad you understand.
– And if that happens, that woman will cause quite the uproar with them... Harrrr! Just thinking about it gives me a headache. – Evo leaned back, rubbing his temple with a weary sigh.
– Indeed. She's quite capable of that. – the woman agreed softly.
– By the way, Leader, what's your codename? Forgive my late question.
Resting his hand against his face, he replied:
– It's fine. My name is Veyrath.
She silently thanked him for his understanding and nodded in appreciation.
Then, as if remembering something, he spoke again:
– I almost forgot—there's one more thing for you. – He reached into his cloak and pulled something out. – Here, take this. It's yours. The other five belong to the rest. Once we confirm their identities, hand each of them their own.
Luneth took the objects, bringing them close for a better look.
As she examined them in her hand, her eyes widened slightly.
– Clever of you! Was this your idea?
– It was. I came up with it when Freya gave me mine. I figured if everyone had one, it'd make identification easier—no need for constant introductions.
She smiled, genuinely pleased with Freya's choice.
Though he seemed cold and prideful, Luneth was beginning to see more of him—his sharpness, his foresight. She had feared being assigned to a fool or a lazy man, but her worries quickly faded. Freya truly had a good eye for people.
In her hand rested six golden brooches:
an eye, a knight chess piece, a skull crossed by two swords, a sword entwined by branches, a veil pierced by a dagger, and a feather over an open book—the one that belonged to Luneth herself.
She pinned her brooch to her chest, and Veyrath did the same.
The scales of order on his chest gleamed against the black cloak.
He reached once more into his cloak, pulling out a pocket watch to check the time.
– Fifteen minutes left. They should be arriving soon. – he murmured.
The two waited another five minutes before three people entered the room.
Two were of average height, and the third was noticeably shorter.
Veyrath narrowed his eyes toward the smallest of them. Something about that person felt familiar, though he couldn't recall from where.
He had dark brown eyes and short bangs that matched his hair.
– Whew! – one of them sighed. – Thank the gods we're not late! I thought everyone would already be here! – said the taller one, his voice male and relieved.
– You should be more careful. We can't afford mistakes like that right now—it gives the wrong impression. – said the shorter man with a firm tone.
– Hahaha, don't worry. It won't happen again. – replied the one with pitch-black eyes and a notably solid build.
– It better not. I don't want to work with a—
– Will you two shut up already?! We're standing before the Leader and his right hand! Don't make fools of yourselves, you idiots! – a female voice snapped, sharp with anger and embarrassment.
She was the third among them.
Veyrath and Luneth observed in silence, both visibly displeased—especially Veyrath, who despised noisy, careless people.
– Oh, Supreme Judge, forgive these two idiots for their behavior. I am Silentia—the Veil. – She stepped forward and bowed slightly. As she did, strands of emerald-green hair slipped from her hood. Her pale green eyes carried a quiet, lethal danger.
– I see. – Veyrath nodded, studying the trio. The air grew heavy; tension filled the room.
Luneth glanced at him—his eyes were cold and sharp—and waited to see what he would do.
– I was planning to say this once everyone was here, but... – He tapped his fingers on the armrest. The sound echoed like a heartbeat in the chests of those before him.
– I'll say it now, since two of you seem to need the reminder. Especially you—the tall one. – He pointed, and the man froze.
– I don't care what time you arrived; you're still within schedule. However...
– Listen well. Take this seriously. Don't think of this as a game. I can't stand people who don't know when to act properly.
– Don't get the wrong idea—I won't tolerate mistakes caused by childish behavior. That goes especially for you. Understood?
The words struck like a hammer.
The tall one swallowed hard, his smile fading instantly. The shorter straightened his posture, and the woman remained composed, fully understanding his decree.
It was a judgment—a law to be followed. Their purpose was serious; there was no room for error.
All three nodded in unison.
– We understand, oh Supreme One!
– Good. That's better. – Veyrath said with satisfaction.
– Silentia, take your identification brooch from Luneth and find your seat.
She nodded and approached Luneth.
– Welcome, Silentia. Here's your identification. – Luneth handed her the brooch shaped like a dagger-pierced veil. Silentia pinned it to her chest and sat beside Luneth.
The remaining two stood in silence.
– What are you waiting for?Identify yourselves! – Veyrath commanded.
Startled, they hurried forward and bowed.
The shorter one spoke first:
– It's an honor, Leader. I am Umbra—the Hand. I'll be under your command.
– Good. Do as Silentia did. – Veyrath replied.
Umbra received the brooch marked with a skull and crossed swords, then took his seat in the back row to the right, where the chairs curved.
The last stepped forward next.
– I'm honored to serve you, my lord. I apologize for my earlier behavior—it won't happen again. I'm Kaelith—the Eye.
– It's fine, as long as everyone does their part properly. I'll be a good ally to you all, and I'll treat you fairly. Now, come. The last two should be arriving any moment.
Kaelith received the brooch of the Eye and sat in the final chair on the left.
After a few moments, the remaining two arrived.
One was tall, almost the same height as Veyrath, lean yet defined. The other was of average height.
– Seems we're the last ones. – said a smooth, refined male voice as he glanced around the occupied seats.
– Indeed, but we're still on time. I had no intention of embarrassing myself or leaving a poor impression. – replied the woman.
They both walked to the center and bowed.
– A pleasure to meet our leader and my companions. I am Velra—the Blade. – Her silver hair fell like a shimmering cascade, and her crimson eyes exuded cold discipline.
– And I am Sevran—the Judgment. – said the man, his black bangs nearly hiding his ocean-blue eyes, which gleamed with wisdom.
– Very well. Welcome. Please, come forward and take your brooches. – Luneth said, stepping forward respectfully.
The two ascended the steps and received their insignias.
– That's clever. Who came up with this idea? – Velra asked, examining the brooch—a sword entwined with vines.
– The Leader. – Luneth answered serenely.
Velra looked at Veyrath, who met her gaze in return.
– Then Freya was right. You can count on me, Supreme Judge. – she said, her smile audible beneath the mask.
– I appreciate that. If needed, I'll rely on you. – Sevran added, sitting beside Kaelith and pinning the knight chess emblem to his chest.
Velra followed suit, taking the empty seat to Veyrath's left.
Veyrath's eyes swept across the room, analyzing each of them one by one. When they all settled, every gaze turned toward him, awaiting his words.
– So be it. I hereby declare the beginning of the First Assembly of the Order. Let us begin.
His voice echoed through the chamber, and anticipation filled the air as the meeting of the Seven Seats finally began.