Warring Crimes

A few hours later the duo return to their inn with a better idea of just what sort of person Nicolas Grimpt actually was. Most people either didn't know him at all or were reluctant to say a word on the subject, but with some persuasion(Tiffania bending over slightly and Michael bribing them), they were able to gather a bit about the man.

Firstly, he was greatly feared before he'd even gotten become the Commander of Tristania's defences. Most knew of stories from back then that the man would strut around wearing full plate armour except for the helmet, trying to goad people into picking fights with him at bars.

The man wasn't all that impressive of a fighter, but since he was wearing armour and using his heavy metal gauntlets as weapons, most fights ended up with his opponents getting knocked out, crippled, permanently deformed, and some even dying from the trauma to their heads.

Things didn't get any better once he became the Commander of the City's Defence though, the man quickly becoming paranoid that there were assassins coming after him. Now, apparently, even in his home he wore full plate armour, only ever revealing his face to eat or drink, and using a specifically designed flap in the armour to relieve himself.

His servants sometimes spoke about how bad the man smelled. Since he never bathed and was always in his sweaty armour, you'd know if he was coming your way simply due to the sheer stench of him.

lastly, there were rumours of his servants occasionally going missing, with no word of where they'd gone, why, or even how. Though, some speculated it was Nicolas who was the one responsible...

All in all, Michael wouldn't feel an ounce of pity cutting him down and taking back Derflinger. So that was a positive he supposed.

Back in their inn room, they walk in and find Ralf already sitting at a desk with a tea set prepared, one cup in his hand and two already prepared for them. "I'm guessing you did not find the blade?" Ralf asks, as if he already knew something.

Michael crooks a brow, "Yeah, how'd you know?"

Ralf nods and sips his drink, gesturing for them to join him. "Because I attended an execution held in the town square, and noticed that it wasn't just the prisoners that were screaming. The executioner's blade also seemed to be screaming..." he says, causing Michael and Tiffania to glance at one another.

"How did we miss that?" Michael mutters, rubbing the teenage-stubble growing again on his face.

Ralf shrugs, "It was not an official execution I heard, it was sudden and ended just a quickly. Still, now that we know who owns the blade, we can recover it and leave just as soon."

"After we find the prayer book, you mean?" Tiffania says, more excited about finally learning some Void magic than Michael had thought.

Ralf nods, "Of course, though, I suspect the Princess and Miss Valliere too kit during their escape. A good portion of the palace is still being rebuilt from an explosion the Valliere had cast. And rumours of her dark magic have spread to most corners of the city."

"Yeah, I don't know how true it is, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was." he says, having also heard about the magic Louise had cast. It sounded more along the lines of a gravity-based spell than anything else, meaning she had likely started mastering her magic already. Regardless, they couldn't leave it to chance, so he'd check the palace anyway.

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The next day the trio are awoken and meet up at the window to see what was happening. Only for them to see lines and lines of soldiers waiting next to the gate... It was an entire army, and Michale had no idea why they were here, nor if they were here for them.

Fortunately, it seems that the trio wasn't their target. A man with short blond hair and a goatee on his stern-looking face walks up in front of the army, his arms held behind his back in an authoritative stance.

The crown sitting on his head and decorative armour was the only real way for Michael to tell who he was, besides all of the soldiers straightening their backs and stomping on the ground in unison as he steps up. This was the 'new' King Gramont.

"He doesn't look like much." Michael mutters, glancing to his companions to see their reactions. Both also seem pretty disinterested.

Ralf instead just points at some of the nearest soldiers, specifically their expression, "That man doesn't seem to inspire more loyalty... These people look ready to rebel against him at the drop of a hat." he remarks.

"Well, this coupe did only happen recently... Maybe most of them are still loyal to the Princess?" Tiffania asks.

Michael shakes his head, "Why haven't they rebelled then? They must outnumber Gramont's men as it is."

"No. They are loyal to their country, and understand the situation they are in. If they start fighting, there will be nothing to stop the other countries from taking Tristain. There must be someone coordinating this all however, I do not believe regular soldiers would be able to stop themselves otherwise."

The trio is interrupted from their talk when King Gramont begins addressing his army, "Men! Today we will make our first mark on Tristain's history! Our first act to save our beloved country from those that would seek to destroy us!" the man shouts as he points towards the city gates, "WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF DESTRUCTION! SO WE MUST TAKE DRASTIC ACTION TO PRESERVE OURSELVES! WE WILL MARCH ON OUR OWN MAGICAL ACADEMY AND TAKE HOSTAGE THE FOREIGNERS! WITH THEM SECURE! THE ENEMY WOULD NEVER DARE BREATH IN OUR DIRECTION! LET ALONE ATTACK US!"

...

"Well, shit." Michael mutters, feeling slightly bad as this is probably is fault... To some degree at least.