“Academy Notice To All Students:


    In light of recent events, the Academy is temporarily instituting a mandatory policy of logged exits and arrivals. When you need to leave Academy grounds for any reason, please register your exit and subsequent entry into the Academy with the gate guardians. Students found violating the rule will be subject to reprimands the same as violating other Academy rules. ”


    - Notice Posted Across Arterian Academy, “Update: Security Policy”


    <hr><hr>


    “You may pass.” The Academy guardian saluted with his halberd.


    The Gate of Knowledge swung open as the guardian gestured to those on the wall. The massive groaning of gears and steel reminding everyone that the Academy itself was just as much a fortress as it was a center of learning.


    Though Inquisitor Janos and Mila handled most of the talking as the others rested. Sophie could tell there was a heightened sense of tension in the air that affected even both the Inquisitors. They were on guard, which in turn made Sophie feel the need to be on guard as well.


    From the carriage window, her eyes began counting the figures surrounding the little convoy and those watching them from the walls. Her mouth curled up in displeasure. More than usual, like after the assassination attempt.


    Her attention wandered back into the carriage and the weight against her shoulders. Eva had, evidently, powered herself with anger and frustration at Sophie’s disappearance and worn herself out. At this moment Sophie felt a pang of regret. Regret at not having been around to see Eva grow and embody the potential she had seen in her during their childhood. But alas, here we are. She has her own path, and I have mine. A soft smile crawled across her face, her frown temporarily retreating. Please worry more about yourself.


    Opposite them sat the anxious yet ever curious mermaid, her face glued to the window as it took in the world around it. She reminded Sophie a lot of Ary, the same childlike curiosity at a world so vastly foreign from their own. She still didn’t understand how Hanabi had been the one to advocate for an ‘opportunity’ for the mermaid to see the world. Nor how the girl managed to convince an, admittedly, exasperated Inquisitor Janus to make some arrangements for the creature’s stay in the human world.


    Beside the mermaid was Hanabi, the outlander holding a more wistful expression than Sophie had expected to see as she gazed out the window as well. A strange soul. Never really present but… Sophie tried to hide her observation, only taking occasional glimpses at the outlander, it’s almost as if she’s putting on a grand show. Hiding the thoughts in her mind despite her carefreeness.


    Ugh, so loud. A voice interrupted, or rather, intruded upon her mind.


    W-what?


    You’ve grown lazy, Sophie. Just because I’m brooding and not informing you of things doesn’t mean you should keep your mind as open as it is. It’s a weakness. Sophia’s biting tone could be heard even in her thoughts.


    You’ve just been quiet. That''s all. Sophie responded, equal parts glad and saddened at the realization.


    Whatever. She could practically hear Sophia actively scoffing, does this mean you guys are coming back? Aryana’s been awfully worried after she had a small spasm, and don’t bother asking. She’s fine. Yana took care of it.


    Sophie felt glum at having hurt Aryana once more.


    I’ll take your silence as a yes. I, or rather we all have good news, bad news, and worse news. Sorry to ruin your day. Whenever you guys can, I’ll let the others know. We’ll meet up in your room.


    H-huh?! News? What? Sophia! Hey! Don’t just ignore me! Sophie protested.


    But judging by the sudden emptiness in her mind, she knew that her sister had already sealed back her own mind, cutting off their communication.


    Ruddy little… so abruptly too! Sophie bristled.


    A cold droplet ran down her arm and she looked over to find Eva still fast asleep, the tiniest bit of drool having escaped her mistress’s mouth. Sophie fought the urge to giggle and quickly wiped it away with the hems of her tunic. She smiled warmly, that faint hint of nostalgia simmering slowly at an imagined timeline in her head. If I didn’t get kidnapped back then. Would we just be… enjoying life here? We were slated to go to the Academy anyway, and beside that, I only started being an adventurer because of… right, Eichafen. As for her, Sophie’s smile faded, she’s only working with the church because I disappeared, right?


    Sophie froze, the thought only just crossing her mind, whatever was left of the smile snagged and twisted her lips downwards in a pained frown. She told me that they knew about me. The older Inquisitor and Sir Taurox found Anna and I at the ruins too. A tiny breath escaped her, how did they know? Why, did they know?


    The carriage jolted to a halt and Sophie stowed away her doubts, hurriedly shaking Eva awake.


    “Mewh?” Eva groaned.


    “We’re here.” Sophie informed her before turning to flash the anxious mermaid a smile.


    The creature clicked her tongue in acknowledgement and glanced to the girl beside her. Hanabi offered a shrug before unlocking the carriage door and pushing it outwards.


    A cold wind rushed into the carriage, the night breeze cooling them down from the slightly stuffy stale air inside the transport. It felt somewhat surreal to Sophie at seeing such a calm scene after everything. There was a pleasantness at the peace that presented itself ahead of her, no matter the tension that hung in the air. Yet, her furrowed brows never unknit themselves, Sophia’s cryptic warning lingering in her mind.


    “Eva, can you come with me after we debrief here? Something came up with Sophia.” Sophie told her.


    Hearing Sophia’s name made Eva stiffen up at once, the lax attitude vanishing in an instant. Replaced by a pain melancholy as she looked away and nodded.


    “Hanabi, do you mind making sure she gets a chance to settle in? She seems to trust you.” Sophie motioned to the mermaid, earning herself a soft hiss from the creature at her statement.


    “Heheh, getting rid of me already?” Hanabi smirked.


    “That’s not-”


    “Kidding. Sure thing.” The outlander grinned.


    The mermaid seemed a little distressed as it processed Sophie’s words and realizing that they would be separated. She let out a soft click and angrily swished her tail accusatorially at Sophie. Sophie held up her hands in surrender. “I won’t be long, promise. Once we get things sorted on our end is probably around when you’ll be set up by the church.”


    The mermaid growled, unconvinced. Opting instead to simply cross her arms. Though it let up soon enough with a more disdainful clicking of its tongue.


    “Well, well. I suppose this marks a mission accomplished, despite the complications.” Inquisitor Janos’s voice imposed upon the group. Though the man sounded somewhat displeased.


    “That it was. I’ll do the accompanying paperwork if need be.” Eva agreed.


    The inquisitor waited, perhaps expecting someone or another to comment but received no such response. Left with nothing to work with, he promptly nodded before moving to discuss some things with a templar.


    Relieved that she didn’t need to deal with him, Sophie surprised the mermaid with a soft hug, making the creature click in surprise.


    “Be good with Hanabi, okay?” She shot her a cheeky wink before beckoning for Hanabi, “I’ll let you guys know what’s happening once we’re done. And thank you.” Sophie bowed a little.


    “No worries.” Hanabi stuck out an exaggerated thumbs up.


    “Hey, Soph.” Eva whispered to her, “I’ll give Aoi a quick update, give me a second.”


    Sophie nodded as Eva jogged over to the other carriage. Sophie meanwhile, headed to where Mila was sat atop a horse, the inquisitor keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.


    “Mila.”


    The girl almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden summons, shooting Sophie a scowl before grunting for her to continue.


    “Do you have some time in a minute? Sophia’s reached out, says there might be some trouble.”


    “Sophia?” Mila arched a brow, “Just now?”


    “Aye.”


    “Hmm… fine. But I need to be quick. There’s…” The girl paused, her mouth curling in distaste as her scowl naturally deepends, “there’s a lot I need to do after… all this.”


    “Gotcha. We’ll try to be quick.”


    “Are we going now?”


    “Once Eva’s done. And come on, Mila. Let’s at least say our goodbyes to the others.” Sophie whined.


    Mila rolled her eyes but hopped off the horse, following Sophie’s lead as they went to hurry Eva along.


    <hr><hr>


    Being back inside Rosewood hall felt almost alien to her. Despite having only spent the better part of two days away, she still felt as if it had already been far long than that. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath and let out. Raising her hand, she gave the gentlest rapt on the door.


    Murmured voices from within hushed up as footsteps were heard. A soft click, and a faint blue light shone out into the hallway from within. It illuminated the excited yet worried eyes that stared directly back at her, the alluring freckled face pulling back as a pair of lips rushed up to meet Sophie’s. Pulled into the embrace, Sophie raised her own arms to wrap around Ary as the girl’s tongue toyed with her own for a moment before pulling away. She smiled and cocked her head sideways before giving Sophie a little prod with her finger.


    “You alright?” Ary murmured.


    “Yeah.” Sophie leaned forward and gave the redhead a peck.


    As the two hugged each other, another voice cut through the room.


    “Sophie! Eva! Mila!” Elara’s gregarious voice boomed.


    “Ela!”


    “Hey.”


    Those greeted responded respectively, though Mila opted for a simple nod.


    Sophie looked around the room. Certainly lively tonight… Raylani stood by Elaria whilst the Calnodel siblings offered their own wry but polite smiles. Yana rested by the window, the faerie seemingly incensed at Sophie’s presence. But it was the last pair of guests that made Sophie do a double take. An irritated looking Lady Lucinia and a milder Lady Olivia. Huh? Is that really them? In my room? Sophie wilted a little, Sophia did mention bad news, huh.


    Catching sight of Sophie’s reaction, a lone figure leaning against the wall let out a sigh. Acknowledging the new arrivals with a grunt, Sophie half expected her twin to snidely tease her about what happened. Instead, the girl practically ignored her and rounded up on Eva.


    This was one of the few times Sophie caught a glimpse of Eva’s mortified and ashamed expression combined into one. Her face twisted into something resembling a wince and sulking. Hah, I see. I guess those two haven’t really had a proper talk.


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    “Eva.” Sophia curtly spoke.


    “Sophia.” Eva hung her head down.


    Sophia pinched her nose and scratched at the back of her head in a similar fashion to Sophie with her ponytail when lost in contemplation. The girl lightly slapped her forehead twice to bring herself back before reaching out and holding Eva steady.


    “More important things than feeling sorry for me or yourself.” Sophia growled.


    “Right.” Eva looked away, “Sorry.”


    “Oh you better be, we’ll have a use for that yet.” Sophia announced with a hint of malice in her voice.


    Sophie frowned, not exactly liking her sister’s tone.


    “Ahem.” Lucinia’s distinctive voice echoed, the princess clearly frustrated by the lack of reverence shown.


    “Lady Lucinia. Lady Olivia.” Sophie tried to curtsy towards them.


    Lady Olivia smiled and waved, Lucinia just crossed her arms despite giving Sophie an acknowledging tilt of her head.


    “Princess Trax, my lady.” Eva abruptly followed with a far more elegant curtsy, her body acting on instinct.


    “Ah, the exiled scion of Carrador’s Rosengart. Glad you could join us again.”


    Eva and Sophie shared a look, neither could tell if the princess was making a joke in bad taste, or just being rude.


    “Alright, alright. Enough standing around, everyone in.” Sophia ushered them in and quickly closing the door behind them.


    Alarmed by the sudden display of alacrity from her sister, Sophie found a seat next to Ary on the bed as the others crowded around the room''s central table. Sophia nudged Elaria, who rolled her eyes but smiled and pat the girl on the head. Glad she’s opening up to some people, at least.


    Try to keep your mind shut, Sophia scowled at her.


    Sorry, Sophie sheepishly apologized.


    “FIrst off, welcome back. Glad you all seem mostly fine.” Elaria beamed at the new arrivals, her radiance even melting a little of Mila’s defenses as the Inquisitor opted to not scowl at the bard.


    “So I’m sure Sophia already pestered Sophie about this. But we’ve got good news, in a way.” Elaria continued, “FIrst off, seeing as you’re doing public service for the city, we’ve found a commission for you in about a month and half’s time. Your majesty? If you please?” Elaria theatrically bowed towards the princess.


    Lucinia tutted but choose to ignore the bard as she had Olivia produce a letter. They unfurled it on the table and Sophie had to crane her neck just to get a glimpse of its contents. ‘Minster Bellus Visiting itinerary’… huh?


    “That’s right. I am extending a personal commission to you.” She stared at Sophie before glancing over to Mila, “To act as an escort for me at a diplomatic function whereupon the desire is for one of my father’s ministers to interact with members of other allegiances and races despite his own wildly hateful views. It is an attempt to bully me out of my current position but I refuse to go down without trying. Any questions?”


    “Uhhh…” a great many, actually. But Sophie paused, she understood the gist of the princess’s request, at least.


    “The diplomatic dinner will happen within Arteria, with my father’s minister serving as his representative. I have no doubts it will be a futile attempt. But I ask that you aid me nonetheless. Of course, in terms of rewards, I will be most generous.”


    “That why you called them out too?” Mila finally spoke up, pointing towards the elven siblings.


    “No, but a good coincidence since I got the chance and invited them as well.” Lucinia winced a little.


    “Indeed. A strange opportunity and remains to be seen whether either of us will accept. But we’d want to help in what little ways we could regardless.” Thalnor spoke for the duo.


    Olivia nodded appreciatively at them, “That’s about the gist of things that my lady requires. Should you accept this burden, we’ll be the ones turning this into a commission for the guild so that it can be counted for you.” She curtsied towards Eva, “We’d be honored if you could help as well, of course. Considering your standing with the church.”


    Lucinia just scowled.


    Sophie traded a glance with Mila. The inquisitor’s mouth upturned in expectance of trouble, but upon catching Sophie’s eye, she tepidly nodded.


    “Sounds fine for us. At least, for now anyway.” Sophie answered.


    “Splendid! That’d sort out one of our headaches.” Olivia smiled before nudging her princess.


    Lucinia tutted before politely bobbing her head in affirmation.


    The two Traxians bowed, moving back towards the edges of the room now that their matter had been discussed. Though Sophie saw how whatever little traces of kindness soon left their faces. A certain dourness quietly taking over the mood of the room.


    Even Ary’s cheery expression was tempered. A strain tugging back on her smile that did not allow her to fully express her joy. Sophie reached out and found Ary’s hand, the girl gingerly squeezing hers as they interlocked. Despite that, her expression didn’t shift. What happened?


    Sophia cleared her throat to gather the newcomers attention back onto her. By her side, Raylani dutifully produced a small rolled up stack of paper. Arterian Affairs? What do they have to do with us?


    “So. Bad news time.” Sophia sighed, the burden on her shoulders only seemingly growing heavier by the minute.


    “What is it?” Sophie dared to ask.


    “Traxian scouting parties passed Abenstadt and are in eastern Arteria. Security on campus and in the city are going to be ramped up.” She growled, “The city’s going to want more bodies. Take care you lot don’t get swept up by it.” She paused, her hands balling up into a fist. “Elaria.”


    “Right.” The bard pat Sophia on the shoulder, offering the stressed girl a reassuring squeeze.


    “Sophia?” Sophie hesitantly queried.


    No one spoke, Elaria only sighed and closed her eyes, as if taking the moment to gather her thoughts. Sophie scanned the room to find even the Maylesa and Thalnor looking uncomfortable. And almost nothing phases them…


    “Ela?” Sophie asked once more.


    “People are silly, Sophie.” Ela finally spoke, her eyes opening to looking directly at Sophie and the others, “I know you’re going through some shit, stars know Sophia is.”


    A low growl came from her sister, though Sophia offered no commentary in the mind or otherwise.


    “The city… wants more manpower in case of a Traxian assault.”


    “No…” Mila hissed.


    Huh? “Mila?” Sophie looked over.


    “Aye.” Ela somberly affirmed, “Aye. Sophie. Take a guess who just had a little army get exposed and half disbanded. A ready made force, already equipped and just languishing around.”


    She doesn’t mean… Sophie immediately looked to Eva and Sophia. The latter refusing to return her gaze, a distant look in her eye. Eva’s eyes were widened in shock and disgust, an expression that Sophie felt was now much like her own.


    “But after everything…”


    “Turns out, in the face of adversity, people do come together. They just might overlook some things that can’t be forgiven.” Sophia chimed in with a snarl.


    “Sophia…”


    “Don’t, Sophie. Just don’t.”


    The two stared, one glaring, one sorrowful. In the end, no more words were shared, just two nods. One stern, one pained.


    There was an awkwardness that now hung in the room, the message now relayed in full.


    “Was there… any conditions? Or was it just…” Mila whispered.


    Though her voice was soft, in the silence, it was a loud as war drum, each word of the question weighing down the mood even more. Yet, while all shuffled or sighed dejectedly, a singular tut was heard from the Traxian corner. All eyes, then, descended upon the princess.


    “In a situation like this, the verdict would be clear to see, no? Partial pardon with the senteance commuted to be served by service in the armed forces. It’s what I’d do.” Lucinia huffed.


    “Yeah, but…” Ela tried to speak.


    “... but the people should care. Or would they? Come now, we can see what’s in front of us.” The princess gestured towards the newspaper, “Already, there are security measures and doubling of the watch. In the city and here. The people can already see and feel the tangible impacts of the Traxian arrival. The lords of Arteria are using this fear to supercharge the council into pushing this decision.”


    Lucinia’s words cut through whatever little hopes that were left up. Sophia slamming down a fist onto the table only to recoil as she realized she had let too much emotion show. Both Sophie and Elaria inched closer, the siblings offering their sister reassuring grasps. One that Sophia responded to by choking up, though not a sob left her mouth as she grit her teeth.


    “As expected. Practical, yet vile at the same time. And the church… Orator Vitellus’s involvement in Sophie’s trial would automatically preclude us from interfering once more for fear of seeming to go against the city. Stars take them.” Mila cursed.


    “And what about the victims? Those who suffered because of these bastards.” Eva spoke up.


    “You know as well as I do.” Ela sighed, meeting Eva’s gaze with a look of dejection, “I doubt the city even cares for them beyond the basics. The papers barely even touched on them.”


    “Tah, bloody bastards. Just as bad as the Braveskulls themselves.” The inquistor hissed.


    Mila’s condemnation seemed to ignite a fury within Eva and Ela, the two united in their disgust at the situation.


    “They’ve already played politics with the farce that was Sophie’s trial. Hells, they even punished the minotaur and the rangers with her. And they’ve even… they…”


    “Hurt Sophia, hurt our family. And many, many others. We don’t even know how long the operation went on for.” Ela shuddered.


    “Why? Do they really believe the Traxian forces are that large?”


    “The papers only say a scouting force that broke through. Abenstadt still holds. Or so it says. Maybe, I don’t know, maybe they know something we don’t. The jackasses up top, that is.”


    “Even so, that doesn’t…”


    Sophie remained silent amidst their words. Beside her, both Sophia and Ary also remained silent. The latter mostly just concerned and worried about everyone, her brows knitted together as she tried to keep up with what everyone was saying. Sophia likely already had time to let some of this sink in from when she informed Sophie and even before that. But in her mind, Sophie could feel almost a gradual numbness starting to emanate from her sister. The girl was slowly trying to ignore the world, withdrawing now that her role in delivering information had been played. She was healing. I can’t let her suffer even more.


    On the far side, the Calnodel siblings appeared equally troubled. Though much like Ary, they seemed at a loss on what to do. Raylani was busy ruminating something, the dark elf’s gaze occasionally wandering over towards the Traxians, of which the princess would rise to meet hers. Eventually, Lucinia’s cold eyes landed on Sophie, her own meeitng for a second before she turned her attention back towards Sophia. But that was enough.


    “So? What do you plan on doing?” Lucinia’s voice shifted, carrying a far more authoritative tone than Sophie was used to.


    The question lingered, cutting through the grumblings in the room. Even Lady Olivia seemed somewhat surprised by her liege’s sudden interjection.


    “You going to just complain? We can all do plenty of that.”


    “Of course not! We’ll-” Eva tried to retort.


    “You’ll do something about it? Do you even know what? How? And if you are going to, are you prepared for the consequences?” Lucinia drummed her fingers against the wall, the rhythmic tapping making Sophie uneasy, “What do you think of life at the Academy? Do you like it? Because if you do, then offending the lords of Arteria will be a one way ticket right out of here. Are you prepared for that?”


    “I…” Eva tried to fight but wavered, a complex expression crossing her face.


    “Of course I am. Don’t about the others. Don’t care at this point.” Sophia spoke up, her voice quiet but menacing.


    Lucinia’s expression darkened, a hint of a twisted smile emerging from under the personality of the arrogant princess. Sophie could feel the shift, a strangeness surrounding Lucinia that seemed to coil itself around her.


    “Good… good.” She mused to herself, “Olivia.” The princess held out her hand expectantly.


    This time, Lady Olivia did not tease her, merely pulling out a letter from her pockets and handing it to the princess.


    “Do you all see this? This is the order my father sent to arrange the meeting. He intends to disown or disinherit me, of course. And nothing can change that.”


    “How does that fit in?” Sophie asked.


    “Beyond the commission? I’m uncertain. But what it made me realize as that there have been too many… coincidences lately.”


    “What do you mean?”


    “First, let me be clear. Whatever you may think about me, I have a debt to be paid. You risked life and limb for me for no reason and very likely saved my life. Once more, you have my thanks. And you,” She glanced at Sophia, “You have suffered much because of me, for that. I also owe you a debt to be repaid. Regardless of the fact that you are both half-elves.” Well, at least that part of her doesn’t change.


    “Hmpf.” Sophia crossed her arms.


    “So let me ask, are you going to do something about this? Because there will be consequences, for you and the city. But I’m willing to lend a hand. After all, asking me to meet his minister right after I was almost killed? Makes it sound like he wants to finish the job.”


    That caught the room off guard. Perhaps the only one that seemed unsurprised was Raylani, though the dark elf never really seemed surprised by anything.


    Sophia, did you…? Sophie tried to reach out.


    No, this is new to me too. Came the unsatisfactory response.


    What now?


    Improvise.


    “What if I said I wanted to?” Sophia responded.


    “Then I’d ask who here is willing to get into trouble.” Lucinia’s eyes scanned the room.


    No one retreated. Though Ary did tug on Sophie’s sleeve a little harder.


    “Interesting.” Lucinia smiled.


    “Lucy.” Lady Olivia worriedly whispered.


    “Olivia, not now.” Lucinia snapped.


    The girl retreated, and held her hands up in surrender as if she didn’t care. Her lips however, remained pursed even after she resumed leaning against the wall.


    “Since none of you seem to be leaving, let me try again.” Lucinia pointed to the letter and the newspaper, “This all started because someone tried to kill me, the loathsome cretin. You stopped him and found a clue about his weapons.” She nodded appreciatively towards Sophie, “Then you uncovered that it was supplied by the Braveskulls and worked with your minotaur to raid the mines. Do I have everything in order so far?”


    A few nods.


    “The company gets trialled, you get punished. Traxia attacks and now we’re here.”


    More nods, though most hesitant than the first time.


    “How is it that they just conveniently have an army already being molded? And that the moment Traxia breached your borders, they were freed within a week if not days. Come on, I know none of you are stupid. You’ve all probably thought this already. But the Chamber of Justice, they all knew about the Braveskulls, tacitly approving or not. You can’t hide something of that scale. Not like this.”


    It was, indeed, a thought that had crossed Sophie’s mind more than once. She had merely hoped that the chamber’s almost split decision on her had been a sign of more members genuinely being caught unawares of the sins of their comrades. How naive of me. Lucinia’s right, this commuting of sentence came down so quickly. And if the papers were right, near unanimously.


    Despite the doubt that still lingered in her own mind, there was one thing she could conclude. Whatever darkness had overtaken the Traxian princess, she didn’t like it.