The loud creaking noise quickly filled and echoed through the spacious hall of the Mistress' mansion.

Today, they were asked to spend some of their afternoon at the residence, so that they could go over all the information they have already covered and those that they have yet to get to.

So far, though Aiden and the team agreed to work with the Mistress, it wasn't because they wanted her, or for that matter, anybody of the 4 so-called Pillars, to stand up and be the next leader.

The only reason they agreed to participate in this farce was because of the threat that the Empire has opposed on the kingdom. After arduous effort and most likely through torture rather than inquiry, the City Guards have more or less got the confirmation they suspected but dreaded: the empire would indeed launch its attack during the event.

Unfortunately, they couldn't get a more precise date, or anything more exact out of the captured enemy officer before he breathed his last.

In the end, they could only theorize and do their best to prepare, and just hope that the eventual outcome will match one of the proposed scenarios..

Guided by servants, Aiden's group was swiftly escorted to the large meeting room that they used before. The only difference compared to the past, however, was that the table was filled to the brim with a variety of dishes.

Large bowls of soups in a variety of colors and smells were placed in between the large trays of meat and vegetable courses. Giant pitchers filled with water, wine, and probably a few other kinds of refreshments were also offered.

At the helm, the Mistress, wearing only a half-mask covering only the upper half of her face and leaving her supple lips free, was already waiting for them.

To her right, her faithful servant, Sebas gave a polite bow as the party of youngsters entered the room.

Sara, standing next to Aiden took the lead and looked at her mother with a respectful gaze, immediately bowing in her direction.

"Greetings Moth-, my Mistress." She politely greeted, being the first one to break the silence.

"Ohoho, you can be at ease, my dear. No need for these rounds if we are only between ourselves." The Mistress chuckled before he turned towards her elderly servant and waved for him to lean closer.

As the old man acquiesced and lent her ear to his master, the Mistress quickly whispered something into it, upon which the old man gave a respectful-looking nod before stepping away. Without saying a single word, he turned towards the door behind them and left swiftly alighted from the room.

Once the door was closed, the Mistress turned her attention back to the group. She did give a slight, barely visible frown as the dogs in the rear entered as well, but did not say anything about it.

"Come, take a seat guys, don't be afraid. Everything here was prepared for you today! Get your fill, and prepare, as tomorrow at the same time, you will be stepping into that accursed realm and be trapped in there for the next 30 days!"

Following her words, after some debate of who would sit closest to the aloof-looking boy, the group eventually managed to take their seats. Their eyes however weren't on the luxurious, lavish meals and dishes, but on the lightly smiling person at the helm.

A short silence ensued as the group looked towards one of the Pillars that to this day, was only known to them. The rest of the city and the officials only knew about her through Sebas. After all, after the failed attempt to use the famed knight, the 'Golden Boy' of the Adventurer's Guild for this very same purpose, the Mistress referred to her trusty servant for all official matters.

The city only knew that a supposed Master of the old man was one of the competitors. He or she was supposedly rich, but for some mysterious and unknown reason not part of the local nobility.historical

There was no info about the force he or she controlled, neither the city nor the other pillars could get anything substantial even though they didn't shirk away from using scouts and spies and even followed the old man in his steps. Somehow, despite the many eyes on him, he could always slip away and escape.. One second he was there, then in the next, he vanished without a trace..

Seeing that the room's atmosphere was still quite tense, the Mistress gave a light cough, before donning a smile that neither of them could make if it was forced or real and began to speak.

"I know you are all nervous, worried about what is awaiting you tomorrow. I will not lie and say that you will be fine. You should all be aware of most of the dangers and threats this barren realm, this 'Battlefield' they so keenly nicknamed, opposes. Apart from the heavy air, the armies of the other Pillars, there are many horrors kept in that place, away from prying eyes."

She spoke, her tone growing increasingly more and more serious as she continued.

"While I do have some records about some of the possibilities that could be lying beneath the surface, they are only myths, legends. Stories told to scare the unruly children, to get them to train, to learn, to study."

She sighed, her gaze shifted towards Sara for a moment before she went on.

"This meal that I have prepared for you is my way of trying to say thank you from the bottom of my heart that you all decided to stand behind me."

She looked at Aiden, who was already frowning at her words. She chuckled lightly at the scene.

"I know that most of you didn't join me because of my desire to wrestle the control from those tainted, corrupted ones, but are with me for your own goals. I tell you, that is completely fine, either way, you desire the same as I. Justice. A better, brighter future, free from the grasp of this tainted, ever-present darkness."

She snapped her fingers, as suddenly several maids entered the room, stepping towards each of the party members.

She smiled at their startled looks, barely able to contain her gleeful giggles.

"Please, be my guest and enjoy yourself to the fullest today. Whatever you desire, be it food, drink.." She took a mischievous glance towards the boy and her daughter sitting and fidgeting at his right. Giving them a meaningful wink, she added with a lower, whispering, sensual tone. "..or perhaps some privacy for the night.."

Before they could react, she shifted his attention and raised her voice back to her previous tone and volume as she finished her speech. "..anything at all, just let me or any of the maids assigned to you know. I have prepared accommodation for each of you! And with that, let's eat!"

She ended her speech, waving at the servants to start preparing.

As the army of servants began to pour soups or prepare whatever the guests desired, the Mistress watched with keen interest as her daughter, the usually proud and respected official of the Adventurer's Guild, finally reacted like a woman, a girl of her age should. Her fidgeting figure was a delightful sight for the usually cold and calculating mother to see..

---

AN: Hey there Readers!

Just a friendly reminder, that from wherever you are reading , you can reach out to me using any of the below methods!

For you, sailors of the seventh sea (non-WN readers), be a bro/gal and throw me a cup of joe, show your appreciation!

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/shaele