After he's done sorting out his items and abilities, Michael slips out of the inn in casual clothing with his more combat-oriented outfit all stashed in his inventory. It was around 12am, which meant he was actually a bit late to meet with Loutiel. Michael shrugs it off though, Loutiel probably wasn't a threat as he'd completed the job as the man had wanted.
Michael steps into Loutiel's store and spots the man lounging at the side of the room with his feet on the table while reading a book. "Yo!" he casually greets, walking to stand opposite Loutiel.
"Ah, Michael, my favourite trouble maker." he states as he claps the book closed and sits up, "You've caused quite the amount of chaos yesterday. When I asked for the Viscountess to die, I didn't intend for you to include half of the town as well." he explains, but Michael could see that he was more amused than upset by his actions.
Michael shrugs, "You didn't really specify. I don't think it matters either, so, about my reward?"
Loutiel nods and tosses the book he was holding with a backhand throw, afterwards pulling a wooden wand from beneath his shirt and chucking that over as well. "There you are, one Book on Magical Theory, and a magic wand. Is there anything else you wish to purchase, customer?"
Michael don't immediately reply, instead flipping throw the theory book to confirm that it was what he needed. Fortunately, there were various diagrams describing the basic ways to manipulate the elements, as well as how to find what you have the most affinity to.
As for the wand? He couldn't really say if it was real or not. Only that it looked the part. Still, he had unfinished business with Loutiel that he was hoping to deal with... "Say, about those favours? Do you have any idea when you want to use it? And what on?" he asks.
Loutiel smirks, "Nope! To be honest, it was a spur of the moment thing." he states, but Michael isn't really convinced.
Michael nods, "Then, you wouldn't mind if I used my favour?"
Loutiel leans forwards as he hears his words, a sly smile manifesting on his face, "Oh? And what would you wish for, Michael?"
Michael unconsciously wets his dry lips as he reaffirms his decision. This might anger Loutiel, but it was better to try than to not. "I'll use my favour to reject whatever you ask with your favour. It's an equal exchange right?" he says, his hands becoming slightly clammy as Loutiel's expression remains the same.
Loutiel stares Michael down for a couple seconds before leaning back in his chair with a huff, "I suppose... Was this your plan when you asked for a favour?" he asks, curious.
Michael nods, "Uh, yeah... Sorry, but I don't want to be tied down by anything right now. I'll remember how you helped me, but, anything forcing my hand isn't something I want to deal with." he explains, doing his best to stay confident in the face of a powerful and potentially angry magic-user.
Loutiel releases a sigh and reluctantly nods while standing, "That's fine I suppose... Before we part ways though, I'd like you to accompany me somewhere... There's an event happening in the town square that you might find interesting."
"Uh, sure? But is it safe for me to go out in public after yesterday? My particular kind of magic is rather recognisable. The Kingdom must know that I'm in Antomiers by now." he mutters. It was true, his bright orange magical abilities had been observed by almost the entire academy, the Kingdom wouldn't forget that when they hear of giant orange Serpents destroying a large part of the city...
Loutiel shrugs, "You'll be fine. Those Bounty Posters don't do you any justice, so I doubt anyone would recognise you." he says as he leads Michael out of the shop and through the city, towards the town square.
This place had obviously been affected by the fire, buildings on one side of the square were blackened and burnt, some rendered completely inhabitable. Disregarding that though, there did seem to be a large gathering of people here...
A couple hundred people all crowded around a makeshift stage that'd been set up. Michael was easily able to recognise that this 'event' wasn't going to be all that family-friendly when three people are marched up onto the stand.
Ropes were flung over the top of it and then tied around the three people's necks... This was a public hanging, but the mood of the crowd only got more excited as they saw the soon-to-be-dead people.
"May I present, the leader of the Baleine gang Mary Dieu-Le-Veut, her lieutenant Sigmond, and the leader of the D'argent, Marcel Patiot." Loutiel states from Michael's side, gesturing at each person respectively. He then points at the man standing on the corner of the stage in luxurious clothes, "That's Marquess Guiscard Carmel, rumour has it that he was very fond of the Viscountess. A shame it'll never be reciprocated... It seems that the fire last night allowed him to start cleaning up the town however, so her loss was not for nought." he explains as Michael listens intently.
Truthfully, Michael's actions last night hadn't yet hit him. The fact that he may have indirectly killed hundreds of people, including innocents, hadn't been in his mind until he saw the three people with nooses around their necks. Their current situation could also be attributed to him, this all had him in a sort of daze...
Loutiel notices his state and gives him a slap on the back, causing him to choke and start breathing again, just as Marquess Carmel steps in front of the three to-be-executed people.
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