Chapter 23: A Delightful Tea

On the road back to Southum.

Adventurers Jorael and Cyn'Thia were traveling aboard Veronica's loaned carriage and were discussing their first experience with Kalipso's investigative division, the "Inquisition".

"It appears that Veronica was an expert on that organization.

She promptly gave them the priest and always responded politely to the Inquisitor.

She even made up that you were her slave to protect you..." Jorael said thinking about the event.

"Yes, Master, Veronica may seem arrogant and overbearing from her demeanor, but she legitimately cares about others and will do everything in her power to help them." Cyn'Thia explained with a sincere smile.

"I admit that if it weren't for her, we could have gotten into serious trouble with the Inquisition..." Jorael said as he thought about what had happened.

"Master, may I ask you a question?" the Elf asked with some fear.

"Sure, Thia..."

"What Veronica said is true.

You must learn to control yourself a bit '. "Cyn'Thia recommended.

"What you say is true.

I... don't know how to explain it...

My body... reacts to anger differently. "The traveler tried to explain.

"Differently?" the Elf responded baffled.

"Er... I meant...

I feel like my blood starts to boil when I'm angry.

An unstoppable desire to hunt...

to kill my prey... "Jorael tried to explain better.

"Master... you are scaring me a bit..." Cyn'Thia whispered.

"Thia ... I need to learn to restrain myself.

Would you please help this half-Human and half-Demon control himself? "The Traveler asked.

"Of course, Master!" answered the Elf.

As time passed by, Jorael thought deeply while holding the reins of the horses.

"I thought about this...

I need to let my grandmother know about my father. "Jorael said as they got closer and closer to Southum.

"Master, I agree that that woman needs to know the truth. It will be difficult to accept it, but it will make her heart rest." Cyn'Thia replied.

"Thing is…

I don't know how to tell her...

Even where she lives, to be honest."

"How would you tell her?" the Elf asked.

"I still don't know.

But I don't plan to tell her the whole truth.

Unfortunately, I don't know her, and she's still Human after all.

Telling her of my Demon mother and my half-blood would be tough, I suppose..." Jorael explained.

"I see, Master." Cyn'Thia commented slightly disappointed and then an awkward silence began.

Jorael began to look at the elf's disappointed face, and then asked:

"Thia, what's the problem?!

Just tell me..."

"Master ... I don't know how you can't tell her the whole truth; I mean, she deserves to know everything that's happened." Cyn'Thia answered.

"I understand what you think, but I have thought about it and have decided that this is the best course of action.

I fear she will misinterpret the fact that her son of hers married a demon and had a child together.

My Father voluntarily left the Empire, to live in the Dark Forest with a Demon, how will it sound to a Human, moreover, to his mother?

She will either be disappointed and regretful for thinking of raising a heretic and failed son, or either feel that something was wrong and that my mother forced him to stay with her.

Or she will fall completely into denial and..." Jorael explained carefully, only to be interrupted by Cyn'Thia who shouted:

"Master, you think too much about this...

You don't know your grandmother and how she will react!"

"You're right, but I'm pretty sure she won't understand her son's motives.

Please, Thia, considers this a preventive measure for the good of her. "The traveler explained again.

"Umpf...if you say so, Master..." the Elf commented sighing, even more disappointed.

As Jorael contemplated the landscape that flanked the road that changed back to cultivated fields, he had an idea of explaining to Cyn'Thia what he meant.

"Uhm... Try to think this way:

How would your Mother feel if you married a Demon?" the Traveler asked.

"W-w-ha-attt?!" the Elf screamed, immediately blushing.

"Thia, I said, how your Mother would feel if she knew you married to another race and even had a son?" Jorael asked again, completely oblivious of her reaction.

"Shhh-tooohpppp!" Cyn'Thia shrieked with a high-pitched voice, deeply embarrassed as she covered her eyes with her hands.

"Thia, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Jorael exclaimed confused, still unaware.

"W-why are you saying that thing all of sudden?!" the Elf yelled.

"Thia, it was just an example." Jorael replied still in confusion.

"Oh..." said Cyn'Thia, realizing that her master was not speaking for real.

...

Southum, later that day.

On the same road the adventurers met Veronica House of Blois, they arrived and as promised the noblewoman, they left the horse-drawn carriage at the side of the building.

As soon as they got off the carriage, a soldier hastily left the building, approaching them and shouting menacingly:

"Who are you two?!"

Jorael bowed his head respectfully to the guard and said:

"Good morning, Madam Veronica Blois has entrusted her carriage to us to return here safe and sound."

"'B-boss asked that?!

Oh, I get it now... you're the two people from yesterday who jumped on the coach with her.

What is she doing now?" the soldier asked to check if what they told was the truth.

"She said she had business to do in Green Harbor. The business she had is not something she shared with us." the Traveler answered.

"Of course, of course, she won't share with you...

Then, you're free to go. Farewell." the guard said, dismissing them.

"W-wait, may I ask you directions to House Reignier's place?" Jorael asked.

"House Reignier?

Oh, the House that fell in disgrace...

It's over there... then turn left..." the soldier explained giving directions to the adventurers, but a small detail caught the Traveler's attention.

"Disgrace? Why is that?" Jorael asked confused.

"Then surely you are not from Southum.

That house has fallen out of favor because there are no more heirs.

Reignier's last son disappeared about 20 years ago, then his father disappeared immediately after him, condemning their dynasty.

All that's left in that House is a mournful widow and a hollow manor." The guard explained harshly.

"I see, thanks. Farewell." Jorael said leaving with Cyn'Thia at his side.

While walking through the streets, following the guard directions, the Elf quietly asked her master:

"Master, so your grandfather is..."

"Most likely deceased.

As to why he disappeared, I wonder..." Jorael said whilst thinking.

After passing through the city, the adventurers arrived at their destination.

A huge mansion was right in front of their eyes, with a well-kept flower garden and even a fountain. On the entrance wall was a gold plaque that reads "Reignier". As they read the plaque, the traveler commented:

"Seems like it's the right place."

They entered the courtyard, passing and admiring the whole magnificent collection of flowers.

"How nice... it reminds me of my hometown..." Cyn'Thia whispered.

Even when they reached the door of the villa, they could not stop staring at the well-decorated wooden door, with a floral motif as an ornament.

"Well, now that we're here, I guess I should knock." Jorael whispered, mastering some courage to knock on the door.

Few seconds passed after he knocked, and finally, the door opened. A distinctive man dressed as a butler in his fifties appeared and said:

"Welcome to House Reignier. How may I help you?"

"G-good morning, I'm Jorael and I wish to see Madam Reignier." replied the Traveler a little afraid.

"Madam Reignier?

What a young boy would want from the madam?" the butler asked perplexed.

"Uhm... you see we met the other day by chance, and I want to hear more about this sword..." Jorael explained as he unsheathed his weapon.

"C-crimson Justice?!" the man suddenly yelled confused as he saw something he could not believe to see anymore.

In the midst of that commotion suddenly a female voice was heard from inside the villa saying:

"My, my... What's the matter, Gerard?"

"M-madam! Crimson Justice!

This youngster at the door has it!" the butler screamed again.

"My, my, Gerard I already know..." answered the lady still inside her house.

"Y-you know it?!" the man shouted confused.

"My, my, Gerard, don't make a fuss over there and hurry up and let them in." madam Reignier ordered.

"Uh-um... You may enter honorable guests!" said the butler, quickly changing tone and behavior while he bent his head and let in the adventurers.

"Thanks... I guess." Jorael commented as he entered the villa, with Cyn'Thia quietly following him.

The two were led by the butler through the majestic white marble-floored hall, where everything was perfectly and maniacally clean and shiny.

Therefore, they reached the living room, where a familiar figure sitting on a sofa was waiting for them. As soon as she saw them, she spoke:

"My, my, who would have thought the two youngsters from the other day I met in front of the forgotten Martyn, would come here to meet me again..."

"Madam, your guests are here." The butler said solemnly as he led the adventurers before the owner of the villa.

"Thank you, kind Gerard.

Will you please go make some tea? "The noblewoman asked.

"Certainly, madam. I'll be back soon." Gerard said as he left the room.

The three people left in the living room started staring into each other's eyes for a few seconds until the old lady broke the awkward silence by saying:

"What are you two doing standing like that and staring at me?

Sit where you want and just tell me why you are here!"

Jorael and Cyn'Thia promptly sat down on the sofa in front of the noblewoman, and began to explain the reason for her visit:

"I just wanted to know more about the man who carried this sword, and also about his family..."

The old lady's eyes lit up and her face overflowed with joy at the memory of her dear son.

"My, my... my family...

May I ask why you are interested in a house that fell in disgrace? "The noblewoman asked.

"That's exactly why. I'm not from Southum and hearing about House Reignier piqued my interest.

Connected to the fact that I carry this weapon ... "said the Traveler.

"I do wonder..." the old lady whispered.

"So, may I know what is your name?" Jorael asked.

"My name is... Gwendolyn Reignier." the old woman replied.

"Mrs. Gwendolyn, I've heard rumors of your family's downfall, so..." the Traveler said.

"You don't have to sugarcoat it; my house is doomed. As for the reasons, it's simple.

We Reigniers withered like a branch of a tree under the hot red sun of the warmest summer.

My son Roland disappeared 20 years ago in the Dark Forest. He was "venturing" with his fellow guildmates.

Maybe he thought he was invincible, because of the strong bloodline of him, but nevertheless, he was taken by the mist. At least that's what his closest friend in the guild said.

My husband and I were desperate. Our only son and heir of our House have disappeared never to be reunited with his parents again.

Days passed that felt like weeks. Weeks went by that seemed like years.

My husband couldn't take it anymore and he went off in search of our son.

Unfortunately, to never come back home..." Gwendolyn was saying when she was interrupted by the butler who came and placed the tray on the table between the two couches, then he said:

"Honorable guests, the tea is here."

"Thank you, Gerard, you're always kind to this old woman..." Gwendolyn said showing her gratitude towards the man who replied:

"Madam, please stop saying that...

If I may ask... why our honorable guest carries Crimson Justice?"

"My, my... that is something our guest will explain..." the noblewoman whispered.

"Er... I... it's an inheritance from my father who met by chance an adventurer who gave him this sword..." Jorael lied, while Cyn'Thia stared at him with disappointment.

"So, Sir Roland is?!" Gerard commented.

"M-my father told me he never met him again... so I don't really know..." the Traveler lied again as the Elf stares of disapproval intensified.

"Oh..." the butler sighed, losing all hope.

"My, my, where were we?

Oh, yes... my husband's departure..." Gwendolyn whispered with sadness.

"Why are you remembering poor Sir Royce, madam?" Gerard asked.

"It's this young boy's wish, as he carries now our House relic." the noblewoman answered.

"Sir Royce, is that the name of Roland's father?" Jorael asked.

"Yes.

Sir Royce Reignier, the last Flower of our House..." Gwendolyn replied.

"Madam! You're not supposed to say that!" Gerard suddenly yelled.

"My husband hasn't been here for decades ... who cares if he was a Flower 20 years ago ..." the noblewoman replied nonchalantly.

"B-but it's required by law not to reveal Flowers's identity!" the butler shouted worriedly.

"We will not disclose it." Jorael promised.

"Thanks, that would be quite troublesome..." Gerard whispered.

"My, my ... now let's have some tea to calm the spirits ..." said Gwendolyn.

Everybody began sipping the tea Gerard prepared. Cyn'Thia was pleasantly surprised and said:

"Such a delightful tea! It reminds me of…"

"The Elven Realm, isn't it?" Gwendolyn commented.

"Yes, Madam. How so?!" the Elf asked with curiosity.

"It's from our garden, and it's an Elvish plant.

I'm not surprised it reminds you of your land…" the noblewoman explained.

"Oh… that's why…" Cyn'Thia whispered with melancholy.

"Well now, it's getting late and we have to find a suitable inn for the night, so tomorrow we can leave Southum…" Jorael exclaimed as Cyn'Thia stared at him.

"My, my, you can stay here in my guest room." Gwendolyn said.

"Madam! Are you sure?!" Gerard whispered concerned.

"I'm certain. My son wouldn't have left Crimson Justice with his family. I have to trust his judgment." The noblewoman replied.

Alas, the adventurers stayed there for the night.

…

The following day.

The butler had received an object from Jorael, that left early in the morning with Cyn'Thia to return to Rivella.

"Madam, your guests just left the house.

He entrusted me to give you this letter, and made sure you were still in bed when I give it to you." Explained Gerard as he passed the letter to Gwendolyn, who had just woken up in her bed. She sat and began to read the piece of paper:

"Dear Madam Gwendolyn Reignier,

I'm afraid I haven't been completely honest with you and I apologize for it. Had I been more of a man like your son, maybe I would have told you in person.

I have known your son Roland well for several years, sadly, until his untimely demise.

Yes, you read that right. Roland Reignier is no longer in this world, but believe me, he fought to his end to protect what was dearest to him: his family.

More than 10 years have passed since the tragic event and for all these years I have had to carry this truth within me.

I am Jorael Reignier, son of Roland Reignier.

Crimson Justice is still after all in the hands of House Reignier.

Rest assured that I will not use our family name, and bring even more disgrace to it.

May your heart find some rest.

Signed

Jorael"