Plano Town (10)

12:02 p.m.

Pop.

Pop.

Tuno closed his eyes as he moved his head to the side and massaged his neck.

"That felt good…" he whispered.

Ka-cha!

He heard the sound of the door opening and he immediately opened his eyes.

"Please take a seat over there, Madam Veile," Caleb said and pointed over to where Tuno was sitting.

Tak.

Tak.

Tuno's gaze landed upon a hunchbacked woman who stood no more than 5 feet. She had white hair, wrinkled and tanned skin, she wore a green medieval conservative dress that looked like it was designed for a hot climate like here in the Marbleam Kingdom but had a different aesthetic. and she was walking with a cane.

The old woman took her sweet time heading over to the other single-seat sofa in front of Tuno.

"I'm parched. Would be so kind as to serve me some cold tea? My back hurts."

Tuno's eyes blinked a few times before he finally got up. He picked up the kettle-pot with cold tea and one of the teacups that had a cold feature.

"Do you want some biscuits and cookies?" he asked as he poured her her drink.

The old woman slowly turned to him.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I'll pass," she and smiled as she picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Tuno returned to his seat.

"So, can you tell me your name?"

"I am Vielle C. Fleuriste. Back in my youth, I used to be known as Oiseau Vert but you may call me Madam Vielle."

"Can you tell me where you're from, Madam Vielle?"

"I was born and raised in Sable Town at the Azatea Kingdom. I traveled around the world in my youth but eventually returned to Sable Town."

"Can you tell me what your Temple is?"

"I'm part of the Temple of Herbalists."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you used to be something like a Guild Master?"

Tak.

Vielle struck her cane on the floor.

"Indeed I was! I became the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild Branch in Sable Town at the age of 39 in 2976 and then retired at the age of 65 in 3002, making it 26 years of service!"

"May I ask why are you here?"

"Here in this room or here in this kingdom?"

"In this kingdom."

"I came here because I was informed that a friend of mine from my youth and a child whom I was shortly acquainted with have gone missing."

"Can you tell me their names?"

"My friend's name is Ramirez Encanto. He had many monikers back when we were young. But the one he was famous for was "Bâtard Ivre Chanceux" or "Bastardo Borracho Afortunado" because he always finds a way to slip through dangerous situations.

"The child was Gabriela E. Sur. She was in her mid-20s when I met her and it was a year or two after I retired from being a Guild Master."

"You have a very good memory, Madam Vielle," Tuno said and smiled.

Tak.

Vielle struck her cane on the floor once again.

"I've always had a sharp memory since I was born. And that's why I became a Guild Master and outlived a lot of people!" she said and proudly raised her chin.

"I see. That's very admirable, Madam Vielle. Speaking of sharp memory, may I ask if your name is listed on the DG International Laws' database?"

"Of course! How else would I be a Guild Master if I didn't achieve that? And now that I think about it, I think I was also an Auditor during my Adventurer days and I reached the Diamond Rank."

"That's truly admirable," Tuno said and nodded. "However, given your esteemed background, you should at least know you're not allowed to use your strength in public, especially against Knights who are simply doing their duties, correct?"

Vielle's eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at Tuno.

"Young man, your companions tried to use force on me, an old woman."

"I understand that no one should ever raise a hand against people, especially against children and old people. However, as someone whose name is listed on the DG International Laws' database, you should be very mindful of who you raise your hand against at, correct?"

"If you're going to kill me, just get on with it already," Vielle said and leaned in closer. "Because let me tell you, I'm 86 years old. I already have one foot on the grave, most of the people I know in my youth are already dead, my family is busy with their own lives, and no amount of Physical Force, Spells, potions and food can make my body feel 100% healthy or even just 75% healthy."

Tak!

She struck her cane on the floor.

"I can't even walk without this cane because I can't straighten my back!"

Tuno cleared his throat.

"Let's move on to the next question," he said and then subconsciously glanced at his folder and pen on top of the coffee table before returning his gaze to her. "How did you get that letter signed by Viscountess Camila?"

"Her family and the family of Countess Genevieve and Supreme Sergeant Dieudonné of the Azatea Kingdom are friends."

"Countess Genevieve is?"

"The ruler of Sable Town and Mimétisme Village. Supreme Sergeant Dieudonné, on the other hand, is her first cousin. He dropped the Sable last name and adopted the Mimétisme last name in order to become a Supreme Sergeant."

Tuno's eyes blinked a couple of times.

"I see. You're quite informed…"

"Of course!" Vielle said and raised her chin. "In fact, I even helped train him!"

"Are Aristocratic Nobles and Adventurers that close in the Azatea Kingdom?"

"It's a small kingdom and we're still trying to recover from the last tragedy."

"The Betrayal of the Demon Queen and Demon Prince from 10 years ago?"

"12," Vielle corrected him.

"I see," Tuno said and nodded. "What was your purpose in meeting with Mr. Plato?"

"Mr. Plato? Balyena said that Poncho might know something about Ramirez and Gabriela's whereabouts. So we came to this town to find him."

"What's your relationship with Ms. Bayle?"

"Gabriela and I would exchange letters throughout the years. And that's when she told me she took in a young Adventurer as her student."

"You don't personally know Ms. Balye?"

"I just met her when I came here but I know enough about her."

"How did Ms. Balye know about you?"

"Gabriela must've mentioned about me in the past or probably read our letters."

"Are you aware of Mr. Plato's background?"

"I know that he's a merchant who deals with spices and equipment, and is a slaver who deals with both human and demon-kin slaves."

"Do you know where Ramirez lives? At least before his disappearance."

 "Gabriela told me that he was living in the Mobius Mountains."

"As a rogue settler?"

"I'm not 100% sure. The last time I saw Ramirez was back in 2985. And the last time I spoke with him was in 3005 through letters. We didn't say that much to each other. We were just happy to know that we're both still alive."

"Do you know where Ramirez is from?"

"All I know is that he's from the Marbleam Kingdom. Well, his name alone tells you that -- Ramirez Encantado."

"Do you know any of his family members?"

"When I met him in my youth, he didn't talk much about his family and I didn't bother to ask because it was considered rude back in my youth and I was a beautiful maiden. But Gabriela mentioned that he built a family here."

"Is Ramirez the same age as you?"

"I'm older by a few months. I was born on Marsus 15, 2937 and he was born somewhere around the month of Junus."

"Do you know how many Magic Art Affinities he has?"

A frown appeared on Veille's wrinkled face and she was deep in thought.

"I know we both have 3 Magic Art Affinities but I can't remember his specific Affinities. All I remember, back in our youth, that old drunken pervert of a bastard offered to impregnate me so that our child would have 4 or 5 because we have 2 different Magic Art Affinities and then my man at that time got into a fight with him."

"What are your Magic Art Affinities?"

Veille's eyes turned to slits.

"When did Priests become this rude?" she said and then shook her head. "I swear to the Elemental Gods that each generation is only getting worse. Back in my youth, asking about someone's Magic Art Affinities was considered very rude that one could legally challenge the person to a fight to the death. Now, everyone is just so keen to show off their skills and spells, especially if they have Lore Magic."

Tuno let out an awkward smile.

"Forgive me, Madam Veille, I didn't mean to be rude, I'm just doing my job."

Veille flicked her wrist.

"You are forgiven, young one."

"However, I still have to ask."

"About what? My Lore Magic?"

"Well, now that you mentioned it."

Vielle let out a sigh and then activated her Lore Magic.

[Oiseau Vert].

A green bird made out of green mana and as large as a child's fist appeared beside her.

"Since I've already used it earlier and I'm here, it's not like there's any point in denying it, but I still won't tell you about my Magic Art Affinities," she said and then ordered the green bird to fly around her. "There's not much to say about this Lore Magic of mine other than it has the same effect as [Poison Strike], it costs some mana, and it can't be passed down to my offspring."

Tuno focused on the green bird. Although it had wings, it wasn't flapping them. Instead, it was only floating in the air.

"It's not affected by wind?"

"No."

"How fast can it move?"

"The same as my Magic Force."

"So Hommoyen doesn't have that?"

"Young man, didn't I just explain to you the details of my Lore Magic?"

Tuno cleared his throat.

"I have two last questions."

Vielle didn't say anything as she mentally ordered the green bird to vanish.

"How long are you going to search for Ramirez and Gabriela? And if you can't find them, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to spend a month here searching for them. After that, I'm going to go back to Sable Town."

Tuno nodded.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Who do you think destroyed the rogue settlement that Ramirez lived in?"

"An Aristocratic Noble is claiming that it was done by a Demon. However, there are no clues to prove that claim. All I can do is search for Ramirez and Gabriela and then ask them."

"I see," Tuno said and nodded once again. "Thank you for your time, Madam Vielle. You've been very helpful," he said and then gestured towards the door she entered. "Please go through that door. Brother Caleb will escort you to another room. I will call for you in case I need other clarifications."

Veille nodded without saying a word and then got up before heading over to the door.

When Tuno was finally alone, he picked up his folder and pen laid on the top of the coffee table and opened it. And on the side of the room, a false wall opened, revealing Nicandro and Vivian who were both also holding a folder and pen on their hands.

"What do you both think?"

"She seems spirited but I don't sense any malice or hidden agenda from her. So I don't think we need a second round and use [Halo] on her," Nicandro said.

Vivian nodded.

"I agree with High Brother Nicandro but I want to add more to it. Given her status as a powerful being, we need someone to at least monitor her movements here in the Marbleam Kingdom while we wait for her records to come and also make sure she doesn't cause any other problems."

She seemed too eager to share too many details if I may add as well…

Is that common with old people…?

Is it fear of being invisible…?

Fear of being forgotten…?

Fear of dying…?

Or perhaps all three…?

Tuno nodded as well.

"Very good, sister. I was thinking about the same thing. We also have to wait for the records of Ramirez Encantado," he said and then began jotting down notes on one of the papers clipped inside his folder before raising his head. "What about the previous suspects? Any changes to their assessment?"

"No changes for me," Nicandro said.

"Me too," Vivian said.

Tuno turned to his folder and began flipping the papers.

"Okay…

"So for Mr. Poncho C. Plato, we all agreed that he will be called for a second round and we will use [Halo] on him…

"For Ms. Balyena B. Bayle, we all agreed that she will be called for a second round but we will not use [Halo] on her…

"For Mr. Alfonso Quatro, we all agreed that he will be called for a second round but we will not use [Halo] on him…

"For Mr. Hommoyen C. Fleuriste, we all agreed that he doesn't need to be called for a second round…

"And for Mrs. Vielle C. Fleuriste, we all agreed that she also doesn't need to be called for a second round. But we need someone to monitor her movements."

Tuno took out a pocket watch and then turned to Vivian.

"Sister."

"Yes, brother?"

"It's 12:17. You and Brother Caleb have to attend the Feugo Tournament with Brother Inquisitor Pen, right?"

A surprised expression appeared on her face behind her mask.

"It's already that late?"

"Although we would still need a second round with Mr. Plato, Ms. Bayle and Mr. Quatro, I think everything would be going smooth -- Mr. Plato behind bars while Ms. Bayle and her group would be freed. So you and Brother Caleb can leave the second round to me and High Brother Nicandro."

Nicandro turned to Vivian.

"I may not be as smart as Inquisitors, but with my experience, even I could tell that that is what's most likely to happen."

Vivian's lips curled up into a tired but happy smile behind her mask.

"Just between the 3 of us, I honestly prefer to be here and do this than watch people fight -- I really have no interest in such things. But Brother Caleb and I were sent here to do an Escort Field Mission, not an Investigative Field Mission. So I guess I have no choice. And not like I'm that selfish to drag Brother Caleb with me."

Nicandro and Tuno let out a chuckle.

"To be fair, sister, Inquisitors like us don't usually like fighting," Tuno said.

"Brother, please don't say that we, the Infantry Division, are nothing but battle-freaks," Nicandro said.

Tuno raised his hands with an overly dramatic shocked expression.

"High Brother, when did I say that?!"

"You just did!" Nicandro said with a grin.

All three of them laughed.

Vivian closed her folder and then waved it with her hand.

"What do I do with this?"

Tuno offered his hand.

"You can give it to me. It's going to be added on the records for both the Temple's records and also the Knight Chapters and Viscount forces' records once we're done."

Vivian gave the folder to him and then stood up.

"High Brother Nicandro, Brother Tuno," she said and then bowed. "Thank you for letting me assist the both of you here. I will see you later at dinner."

Nicandro nodded with a smile.

"No problem and see you later, sister," Tuno said and nodded with a smile as well.

Vivian turned away and headed for the door where the suspects would pass through.

Ka-cha!

When she opened the door, she saw Caleb who was walking beside a tall bald black-skinned man wearing a set of armor with red fabric. It was last year's Feugo Tournament Champion, Eithar, who was now working under Viscount Lozario's forces. The two men were having a chat while making their way back to their post after escorting Veille.

Caleb noticed Vivian and he quickened his pace.

"Sister, already time for the second round?"

Vivian shook her head.

"No, High Brother Nicandro and Brother Tuno have instructed us to leave the second round to them and we should attend the Feugo Tournament with Brother Inquisitor Pen."

Caleb turned to Eithar and extended his hand.

"I'll see you around," he said and smiled.

Eithar reached out and they shook hands.

"I'll see you around as well," he said and smiled as well.

And after shaking their hands, Eithar turned to Vivian and lowered his head.

"Honored Priestess Inquisitor."

Vivian simply nodded before turning and walking away with Caleb catching up and then walking beside her.

Ugh…

I can never get used to raising my head to stare at extremely tall people…

It hurts my neck…

Or just being beside them…

They just make me feel so uncomfortable…

Especially men…

Scary…

Women…

Fuck you…

Vivian swept her gaze around her surroundings.

They were walking in a corridor and heading for the main stairs. Unfortunately for Caleb, he wasn't able to say his farewell to Nicandro and Tuno because Vivian didn't give him a chance.

I really have to check if there's some sort of magic potion in this world that can change my height…

I want to at least be 6'3 or 6'4 --….

Wait…!

Isn't that too much for a woman…?

I don't want to be called a freak…

And plus, it might change my voice…

I think 5'11 or 6ft is enough…?

Like a Victoria's Secret Model...?

Hold on…!

If there's going to be a magic potion like that…

There should also be a magic potion to change gender, right…?

A dark expression suddenly appeared on her face.

But what if I changed my gender and I became a 5'4" man…?

My God…!

I would rather be an 8ft tall woman or just die than live the rest of my life as a 5'4" man…!

The horror…!

She turned to Caleb who was silently walking beside her.

"Brother."

He turned to her.

"Yes, sister?"

"Is there a magic potion that could change a person's height?"

"A magic potion that could change a person's height?" he said and thought about it for a moment. "I'm not sure. Why do you ask? Does it have anything to do with the suspects?"

Vivian shook her head.

"I just was just asking."

They finally reached the stairs and then began climbing down.

She let out a sigh behind her mask.

But wow…

I didn't expect this much reaction…

So killing old people would garner this much attention…?

And who the fuck is this fucking Gabriela…?

Why are these idiotic people stupidly linking her disappearance to Ramirez's death…?

I've never seen her…

I've never heard of her…

I don't even know her…

Is this world that small and stupid that everyone would just link all crimes together…?

These fucking idiots are literally blaming me for something I don't have anything to do with…!

My God, I just want to slap them all…!

When Vivian and Caleb finally reached the bottom of the stairs, a frown appeared on their faces.

Standing in the main lobby were Alejandro and Ferdino along with their bodyguards, Emiliano and his group. Alejandro and Ferdino were talking with one of the personnel of the building.

Vivian didn't stop walking and continued heading for the main entrance.

"Priestess Inquisitor Monad!" Alejandro's voice echoed throughout the lobby.

Fuck...!

Vivian stopped and turned around, and she saw Alejandro and his group heading towards her and Caleb.

"Lord Alejandro, Lord Ferdino," Vivian and Caleb greeted with a smile when they finally reached them.

Ferdino looked at Caleb and winked at him with his single exposed eye because he was still wearing an eyepatch that covered his left eye which had his [Lore Magic].

"Already done interrogating the suspects, Inquisitor Monad?" Alejandro asked.

"Not yet, but we're currently on our way to the Branch Chapter Temple to meet Brother Inquisitor Pen. Please excuse us, Lord Alejandro," she said and bowed before walking away.

Alejandro stretched out his hand in front of Vivian, causing her brows to knit together behind her mask and turn to him.

"What is the meaning of this, Lord Alejandro?"

He moved in front of her.

"I'm not done talking with you."

Vivian didn't say anything.

"First of all, I want to apologize for my actions earlier."

"You are forgiven."

Alejandro nodded.

"Thank you," he said and smiled. "Will you be accompanying my grandfather at the Coliseo this afternoon?"

"Yes."

"After that, what will you be doing?"

Vivian didn't answer.

Caleb suddenly stepped in between them and faced Alejandro.

"Lord Alejandro, that's enough. Unlike you, Sister Inquisitor Monad and I have work to do. So stop pestering us."

Brother Caleb…!

Vivian mentally shouted with sparkling eyes as she suppressed the urge to clasp her hands in front of her chest.

Alejandro's lips broke into a grin that wasn't really a grin and he swept his gaze around everyone before returning his gaze to Caleb and then stepping closer.

"Mar-Pestering mar-us?" he said and let out a scoff. "Mar-When mar-did mar-I mar-even mar-acknowledge mar-your mar-lowly mar-existence, mar-peasant?"

Caleb leaned in closer.

"None of you here can't hurt me. But most importantly, I know so many people like you. Just because you're so miserable with your own life because you can't find anything better to do, that doesn't mean you have the right to drag others along with you."

Chud.

Chud.

Ferdino tapped Alejandro's shoulder.

"Mar-Alejandro."

Vivian grabbed Caleb's arm.

"Brother."

Seeing Vivian's hand on Caleb's arm, Alejandro's face twisted violently and his head jerked towards her.

"Mar-So mar-is mar-that mar-it?! Mar-The mar-two mar-of mar-you mar-are mar-dating?! Mar-You're mar-choosing mar-this mar-peasant mar-over mar-me?!"

Alejandro was about to move closer to Vivian while Caleb was about to push him away, but they were both pulled away from each other.

"Mar-Alejandro, mar-relax!" Ferdino said as he pulled him away and then shoved him to Emiliano and the others. "Mar-Make mar-him mar-calm mar-down mar-before mar-he mar-makes mar-a mar-bigger mar-scene!"

"Brother, that's enough!" Vivian said as she pulled and dragged Caleb by the arm. "Let's go!"

Vivian and Caleb were already a few feet away from the main entrance when Ferdino called them.

"Inquisitor Monad!"

She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before turning to him.

"Lord Ferdino?"

Ferdino approached her and Caleb and then lowered his head.

"Inquisitor Monad, Priest Lieutenant Caleb, although this may not seem enough, in the name of the Cortez family, please allow me to apologize for our actions, especially Alejandro's actions. He's normally not as animated as this. So I really don't know what's going on with him."

Vivian gave a slight bow.

"Please, you don't have to go that far, it's fine. But unfortunately, Brother Caleb and I are really busy right now and we have to go."

"Wait."

Vivian stopped in her tracks once again and returned her attention to him.

"As an actual sign of peace, may we shake hands?" Ferdino said and extended his hand.

Vivian and Caleb looked at each other for a moment before returning their gaze to Ferdino.

"Sure," Vivian said and then reached out for his hand.

Caleb, on the other hand, glanced at Alejandro who was still being calmed down by Emiliano and the others.

All of a sudden, Ferdino "slipped forward" and his hand reached out for Vivian's mask. His fingers slid under her mask and then flipped it upwards, causing the straps to slide from her head.

With that, everyone saw Vivian's face.

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

I would like to thank these Top 5 Immortal Power Voters:

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I also created social media accounts for Vivian:

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On these socials, I will be posting extra details about Vivian and the world she inhabits that I couldn't post here in WebNovel because it would break the story's immersion and other reasons such as the limitations of the WebNovel site.

Thank you once again and I will see you in the next chapter :)