Chapter Thirty Seven

"We were also able to find these plants called Hipocute Herbs. Using them, Acer was able to create an extract. The healing extract is what allowed for your speedy recovery," Ari explained, gesturing toward Acer. The older sister extended one of her arms, a vibrant green plant blooming gracefully in the center of her palm.

(I'm able to recreate as much as I want. With this, I'll always be here to heal you, Mother,) Acer's voice rang softly in Kaede's mind.

Kaede leaned in closer, studying the herb with her skill. The intricate patterns of its magical properties became clear to her, shining faintly in her vision. "Oh yeah, you're right. Healing and energy too, for that matter. Nice one, Acer," she said with a smile, patting Acer gently on the head.

(Thank you, Mother,) Acer replied, her tone filled with pride and affection.

Kaede blinked suddenly, her expression shifting as she realized something. A detail she had overlooked. "Hey, where's Kirara?"

Ari nodded as if expecting the question. "Ah, yes. The unconscious girl who came with you. She's resting in one of the rooms. Follow me."

Kaede and Acer followed Ari as she led them through a winding corridor, its walls made of a smooth, polished stone that shimmered faintly in the dim light. They finally stopped outside a room.

When Kaede stepped inside, she immediately felt a pang of unease. Taking a steadying breath, she looked toward the bed at the far end of the room. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice edged with worry.

Before her, Kirara lay unconscious on the bed, her body emanating a soft, radiant glow that pulsed faintly with an otherworldly light.

Ari entered the room behind Kaede, with Acer following closely. "As of yesterday morning, she suddenly started glowing. She's been like this ever since. The only person capable of explaining what's happening would be the spirit bonded to her, but it vanished the moment this started."

Kaede frowned, her eyes narrowing as she muttered, "Eve?" She instinctively referred to the spirit she knew. Stepping closer, Kaede's own eyes began to emit a faint blue glow as she activated her analytical skill. Yet the streams of data and symbols she received were muddled, confusing, and incomplete. "I… I can't discern what's going on with her," she admitted, frustration tinging her voice.

Ari crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "I figured you might understand, but it seems even you're unsure. This light… it's similar to what we see when monsters undergo evolution. However, she is undeniably human, at least for now."

Kaede's eyes widened as the implication sank in. "So, she might… turn into a monster?"

Ari sighed, her expression grim. "We'll have to wait and see. She's definitely different from the other humans that arrived with you. There's something unique about her."

Kaede nodded, after all, Kirara just like her was an otherworlder, so she was way different than normal humans.

Kaede stared at Kirara for a long moment before Ari's sudden twitch broke the silence. "Speaking of humans," Ari said, her tone neutral but carrying a hint of unease, "there's another human who's been asking to speak with you."

Kaede turned to face her. "Huh? What for?"

Ari shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. He's being kept in the lower chambers."

The trio walked through a sloping corridor that led them deeper underground. The air grew cooler, and the flickering torches lining the walls cast long, wavering shadows. They soon entered a dimly lit chamber where the walls were lined with gaps sealed by sturdy metal rods.

Kaede glanced around, raising an eyebrow as her gaze swept over the area. "Is this a dungeon?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and mild amusement.

The gaps were indeed cells, four of which were occupied by humans. In the first cell, a large, plump man sat slumped against the back wall. When he spotted Kaede, he scrambled to his feet and lunged toward the rods.

"Hey, you! Get me out of here!" he demanded, his voice frantic and tinged with desperation. He gripped the bars tightly, his knuckles turning white. "I can pay you—one gold for each of these monsters you kill!"

Kaede didn't even flinch, her expression unchanging. "No, thank you," she replied simply before turning away, her tone making it clear the conversation was over.

As she walked past, she noticed Acer baring her teeth at the prisoner, a low, threatening growl escaping her. Kaede placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, silencing her without a word.

"Why are they in here?" Kaede asked Ari, her tone calm but curious.

Ari sighed, her gaze briefly flicking toward the cells. "They were captured after you crashed. Each of them has shown varying levels of hostility and selfishness. The man you just saw? He tried to lead the rest to overthrow Shifu, seeing as you and... Kirara were incapacitated."

Kaede's gaze lingered on the cells for a moment before turning her attention back to Ari. "And the one who wanted to talk to me?"

Ari gestured toward the far end of the chamber. "He's in the last cell."

Kaede nodded and began walking toward the indicated cell, her thoughts already racing.

Once there, she looked into the cell, and saw a brown haired man, seated silently, his back against the wall. Noticing Kaede's gaze, he returned one of his own. "You're in charge then?"

"I am." Kaede answered. "You wanted to see me?" She asked, moving closer to the cell. "You wanna introduce yourself?"

The man adjusted his position slightly, resting his arms on his knees as he regarded Kaede with an even gaze. There was a calmness in his demeanor, though a faint undercurrent of weariness betrayed a life that had not been kind.

"My name is Edward Vale," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a formality that hinted at his upbringing. "I was once a knight in service to the House of Cordaine, until… circumstances forced me down another path."

Kaede tilted her head slightly, curious but not pressing just yet. "A knight, huh? And now you're here, in my dungeon. Quite a fall from grace, wouldn't you say?"

Edward chuckled softly, though the sound lacked humor. "A fall from grace indeed. I was framed for a crime I didn't commit, treason against the house I swore to protect. The punishment was death, of course. I'd already made peace with my fate when… your companion intervened."

"Kirara?" Kaede asked, her interest piqued.

Edward nodded. "Yes. She saved me, though I'm not entirely sure why. She claimed it was because of someone she trusted, but she didn't elaborate."

Kaede sighed. 'I didn't really think it through. Kirara had no way of knowing who to rescue, so she simply rescued everyone, including the bad apples... And'

Kaede crossed her arms, glancing briefly at Ari and Acer before returning her gaze to Edward. "And now you're here, offering your services to me?"

Edward straightened his posture, his expression resolute. "I owe my life to her, and by extension, to you. I may no longer have a title or lands to protect, but I still have my skills, my loyalty, and my sword. If you'll have me, I would serve under you."

Kaede considered him for a long moment, her analytical gaze taking in every detail, the calloused hands of a swordsman, the faint scars marking his skin, the steady determination in his eyes. "Why not go off on your own? Start over somewhere far away?"

Edward shook his head. "Starting over might be an option for some, but for me? It isn't that simple. The name Edward Vale is tarnished, my reputation destroyed. Besides, after what I've been through, I'd rather follow someone worth fighting for. Kirara spoke highly of you, and seeing the way you've handled yourself… To survive the holy spell, disintegration."

'Is that what that spell was?' Kaede frowned slightly, not entirely sure how to respond. She wasn't used to this kind of deference. "You're putting a lot of faith in someone you've just met," she said cautiously.

Edward smiled faintly, a hint of self-awareness in his expression. "Perhaps."

'This reminds me of a quest, back in NWO where I had to help a betrayed knight clear his name. Except this time though, he wants to serve me.' Kaede regarded Edward carefully, her expression sharpening slightly. "What are your take on monsters?" she said, her tone probing.

Edward's gaze shifted briefly to Ari and Acer, who stood silently beside Kaede. Acer's green eyes glinted with a mix of curiosity and warning, while Ari's stance remained calm but guarded. Edward met their eyes directly, unflinching.

"I won't deny that the nation I come from sees monsters as enemies to be destroyed," Edward began, his voice steady. "But after what I've seen -and what I've been through- I've come to understand that 'monster' is just a word. Actions define people, not appearances."

Kaede tilted her head slightly, intrigued by his response but not entirely convinced. "That's a pretty open-minded view for someone who used to be a knight. Did Kirara give you that perspective?"

Edward chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not exactly. It was the betrayal of my fellow humans that opened my eyes. The ones who framed me for treason weren't monsters. They were nobles, people I trusted and swore to protect. Compared to them, monsters seem far more honest about their intentions."

Acer tilted her head, her mental voice brushing against Kaede's mind. (He doesn't seem like a liar, Mother.)

Kaede gave a faint smile at Acer's words but kept her focus on Edward. "So, you don't have any problems working with them? Following their orders if it comes to that?" She gestured toward Ari and Acer.

Edward shook his head. "No problems at all. They saved me when no one else would. If they trust you, that's more than enough for me. Besides, I've seen the cruelty of humans firsthand. Monster or not, anyone who stands against that cruelty has my respect."

Ari, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, her voice cool and even. "Bold words, but words alone won't earn our trust."

Edward turned to face her, nodding respectfully. "I wouldn't expect them to. I'll prove myself through my actions. Whatever tasks you give me, I'll see them through."

Kaede glanced at Ari, who gave a slight nod, then turned back to Edward. "Alright, Edward. You've said the right things, but like Ari said, actions matter more. She'll test you. If you're not afraid to get your hands dirty and you prove you're not just spouting ideals, we'll see where you fit in."

Edward bowed slightly, his posture one of gratitude and deference. "Thank you, lady Kaede. I won't let you down."

Kaede crossed her arms, giving him one last measuring look before stepping back. "We'll see about that. Ari, he's all yours for now."

Ari smirked faintly, a glimmer of challenge in her eyes. "Let's see if your skills are as sharp as your tongue, Edward."

As the group turned to leave, Kaede caught Acer's thoughtful expression and sent a reassuring thought to her. (Don't worry, Acer. We'll keep an eye on him. For now, let's see what he can do.)

The cell was opened and Edward stepped out. Ari was silent for a moment before she spoke. "I've contacted Ferron, he's on his way here. You'll work with him on security for the time being."

////

Several hours had passed since Edward was handed over to Ari. The atmosphere within Kaede's temporary headquarters was calm, the quiet hum of activity echoing softly through its stone corridors. Acer remained close by her side, her presence as comforting as ever.

Kaede found herself seated at a rough-hewn table in one of the larger chambers, a faintly glowing orb of light hovering just above the surface. The orb contained blueprints she'd compiled using her analysis skill. With Artificia offline, she tried using her ultimate skill herself, the glowing phenomenon. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she studied the shifting symbols within. In a flash of light, a small drone appeared before her. "It's taking a lot longer than when Artificia does it. My human brain can't process in all these information at once. Which makes sense, I don't think any human could hope to understand all the intricacies of skills."

(Within his office, Yuuki sneezed and immediately narrowed his eyes, as he scanned his surroundings.)

Acer, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly perked up, her green eyes brightening. (Mother, Ari is coming this way. I can sense her.)

Sure enough, moments later, the door to the chamber opened. "I bring news mother." Ari's voice broke the silence as she entered the room, her expression unreadable.

Kaede raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue.

Ari nodded. "Solum contacted me a few moments ago. The tunnel is complete and he's currently leading the three queens here, to pledge their allegiance."

Kaede froze. "Oh." And with good reason too. After all in a few hours, she was about to become the leader and queen of a colony.