Chapter 455: Meals Attract Noisy Flies.

Chapter 455: Meals Attract Noisy Flies.

Rye, tomato, potato, carrot, aubergine, onions, garlic, sugar beets, and cabbages. Those were the types of produce you could get from the local Aureolis City farms, fully available at good prices to the citizens, while everything else would have to be delivered through merchants at exorbitant prices. As such, sugar and honey were the most common seasonings around, with salt and peppers being mostly imports.

Naturally, farm animals were also abundant, with sheep, goats, chicken being the most common; even most of the city natives had one or two giant chicken chocochuckles. Rounding out this core selection of meats, the farmers also had domesticated skorrs and equerochsen, supplying pork and beef.

As I noticed on the day I arrived here, there were also a few fishermen, meaning fish was part of peoples diet as well. Mostly river fish, though, as it would be too costly to import other kinds of seafood.

Those were our options to help the restaurateur. No imported goods or spices, nor anything fancy that required too much work to make. Yeast was an option I had considered, but the contract I had with the Sarlenzia company made it too much of a conflict of interest to use here. It was a luxury product in Artorias, so it should stay that way for a bit to help me rebuild my finances.

In any case, those were the requirements and our restrictions! What did my friendly Aurora chefs say?

Sounds like a ripe opportunity for gossip gathering. Saori smiled.

Something easy to make, only uses local produce, and has to be enough to dazzle people into eating! Tamae excitedly smiled as she began to brainstorm, only for me to clear up that last part. It doesnt have to be amazing? Just enough to be considered new by the locals? Well, that is a shame. Where is her joy for good food? Oh well, I can still do something with that. To the kitchen, Sensei!

It was still relatively early into the afternoon, so the two had quite some time to prepare something. The unfortunate part was that they had to use my kitchen since the students didnt have their own, as their rooms were designed with the intention of going to the churchs private cafeteria to eat. My room, for instance, now smelled like roasted meat; even though it was a nice scent, it was still pretty annoying to sleep with, since it kept making me hungry.

Once morning came, I went through my new routine properly while those two kept on working inside my kitchen, planning to go to the eatery at lunch break. Morning prayer was decent, although a bunch of priests were still giving me the side-eyes courtesy of yesterdays issues; additionally, the vicar still wasnt showing. Afterwards, Master and I had a talk with High Bishop Rasheid concerning Masters demands, catching the old man slightly off-guard.

I understand they must have infuriated you, but you have to see reason, Saint Kushlekzar. We need the support of the mages, as well!

Master growled. My student deserves a modicum of respect for all shes done. She has been fighting and risking her life for the sake of Goddess Aurenas goal, and all your fellow clergymen do is spit upon her efforts! Failure should be discouraged, but ignoring success only hinders the growth of young minds.

Then how else will we do this? the bishop turned to me. You told me you arent willing to tell me the entire story for now, and that the Pope is the Goddesss enemy. That your Divine Quest demands him to abdicate his role as the leader of the Church of Aurena to hand it over to the blessed. If it is the Goddesss will and if it helps avenge Lady Eshe, I will support you, but not like this. This makes my efforts futile!

You didnt hear how much they insulted me. You were in the auditorium, teaching. Im sorry I was late yesterday, but I am not used to such a strict schedule.

School It has been too long.

I continued, A weird first day, then a dramatic second day; sounds pretty normal considering nobody is used to a dragon blessed. If I had been a human kid, sure, everything might have gone well and quiet but Im not.

Rasheid let out a small sigh through his nose, looking displeased but less agitated than before. That is true. There are no documented draconic blessed, at least, none who have ventured into Altrust.

None at all, Neill replied, wanting to accompany me today after what happened yesterday. Kramps is a cranky old man. No dragonkin, whether lesser or true, or even dragonewts. None of my family was adequateyeah, thats a better wordfor his standards, until my little sister was born.

And weve also never had a beastman blessed, either, Rasheid continued. Ah, I see. Yes, considering how the majority of the beastmen of any kind view the Empire, I really shouldnt be surprised but it feels too out of place, considering we live and breathe to serve the Goddess! A blessed is the extension of Her will.

Which is why it is so hard to change things, High Bishop, Fleindia added. This is a major upheaval in how the church will be governed and led. If all the stars had aligned in Hestias favor, maybe what happened yesterday wouldnt.

Regardless, what was done was done. I fully supported our actions yesterday, as I actually feel pretty peeved at people calling me out for something they had no idea about. Nevertheless, giving up on them was, as the bishop said, not the smartest move, although I didnt need all of them to agree with me. I just needed some to accept me.

As such, the easiest way to show them that I was one of them was to show it. Separating from most of my current companions, I went to the mages training field with Master, Tasianna, and Ellaine. In view of everybody and even those in the admin building, we took up a small area for ourselves where the four of us continued with our magic training.

Would it be possible for you to transfer your blessings onto others? Master tilted his head. An [Air Shield] blocked any sounds from escaping, so we were speaking loudly.

I nodded. Your revelation in Elyonda, remember? How I can imbue my usurped blessings into my songs? Now, I havent exactly tried Ilsaphones, Plesias, or Ednasmaybe Yeostar or Erithia, too, if I could convince Renee and Fleindia to become my retainersbut I have proven your hypothesis with Danternos and Aurenas blessings. Now, what if I developed a way to bless my retainers without needing to use my songs? Give them a piece of the pie?

It was just a random thought, but Kramps made it clear [Bearer of Kargryxmors Blood]s primary function was to allow me to access my blessings power, allowing me to use [Light Horizon] from [The Light]. It honestly sounded like Kramps and Aurena might have planned for me to go on a pilgrimage to gather the other Origin Gods favor, but due to the circumstances of my birth, it all changed. Not like I wanted to hear about their original plan, anyways.

Due to my usurpation, Ive been able to do some crazy stuff with [Idol], although I really have only recently dabbled in intentionally adding blessings to my song spells. However, what if I could do more than that? [Hestias Retainer] protected my friends souls, allowing them to talk to gods similar to a normal blessed, so what if I thought bigger? What more could I do?

It might sound like a fine idea, but I believe you should focus on your own set of skills first, my apprentice, Master gave his view. You havent even mastered [Battle Frenzy] yet, nor have you tried implementing other blessings into your song spells. I mean, your song [The Will to Fight and Survive] is still blessingless. Why not remix it, as you call it?

Not to mention, why havent you tried to do something with God Kargryxmors blessing? Ellaine suddenly asked.

To be honest, that never really crossed my mind since I didnt really know what exactly his domains would give me. I mean, whenever I fell into a [Battle Frenzy] and could use [Light Horizon], [Flashfire], and even breathe underwater, then that would be his blessing. He was the God of Dragonkin and Oaths what could I possibly implement into my songs using those two options? Empower dragonkins when only four were in my party?

Well, five. I was included, too, and that makes it a party. Hold up, Saori would count as a lesser dragonkin now, too, due to her incorporating my blood into her evolution. Uuuh, huh? Wait, so Saori, Neill, the twins, Yorshka, me and Midirn. Seven I should really give some thoughts to this idea. Goodness, would I have to make more songs?

After this talk, Master wanted me to continue finalizing the custom spell he made for me, but I told him I wanted to let out some steam first. Some sparring was the ideal way and Master, Ellaine, and Tasianna pretty much all agreed on the spot; Tasianna was especially all for it after she learned what had happened yesterday. Were we all turning into battle junkies?

Free for all! Restrictions, of course, as this is no real fight. Ellaine, without a catalyst and sword, this will be a major handicap for you, but bear through it. A warrior must be able to adapt, Master said.

Ellaine sighed, probably annoyed that she couldnt fight with her whipsword, or, she was thinking how, even without our catalysts, Tasianna and I would still go wild. This spar will probably get out of hand quickly, and for a good reason. High Bishop Rasheid thought too small. Show up at class and do some show-and-tell? Why not just do the show and let everybody see what three Aurora and one depth serpent could do?

Suffice to say, fire, water, wind, earth, holy, ice, and lava bombarded the small area of the church like a lightshow, the sight overwhelming the few mages training,leaving them unable to take their eyes away. [Air Shield] quickly dissipated from my scale-dust sucking away the oxygen inside, exposing the cold winters day with merciless flames, melting and evaporating the snow within seconds.

Tasiannas and Masters spells clashed against mine, growing the steaming fog as it rose into the sky, blanketing the nearby admin building in its misty, lung-scorching veil. The earth and wind moved upon Ellaines command, almost as if she was trying to imitate using her whipsword with spells, but without [Aerokinesis] or [Geokinesis] for fine control, it felt more like the usual terra and storm spells. Too bad those skills werent available in her SP shop.

The magical elements assimilated into one single chaotic symphony even I couldnt properly describe, outside of maybe comparing it to Giuseppe Verdis interpretation of the Dies Irae requiem. A sense of foreboding created through arcane might, ravaging the area, almost too similar to a fight to the death. You could hear people crying out as if doomsday was happening.

It alarmed people to the point the knights were called in, at which we stopped the sparring just before they could actively stop us. I blew away the steam while my friends fixed up any destruction we left behind. Lastly, we also planted some macula plants to suck the mana out, before we donated everything to the local mages.

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [All-Damage Enhancement Lv. 2] [Water Resistance Lv. 7] gained

Thank you very much for allowing us to train here! I smiled at a group of baffled, jack-slawed white-robes.

T-that was supposed to be training? You werent having a dispute? You were casting all those advanced magic elements, though!

Why would I want to kill my maid, my knight, and my mentor?

[Banishment Beam], [Azure Blade], [Bedrock Blades], and all those explosions! That doesnt even include the many others. You even spat out l-lava from your mouth as if you were a dragon!

Oi! Another mage smacked him on the shoulder. She is a dragon! Didnt you listen to our seniors?

I only came here for the training and research under the professors before returning to Aleistunum. Why in Istaris name would I concern myself for church matters? Why didnt anybody introduce me to her? Who is she even aside from the fact shes a dragon.

Does this guy live under a rock? Sorta cute reaction, though.

Do you live under a rock, Kuunick? One of the white-robes just read my mind! Champion Hestiathats really all that fulinoe-addled mind of yours can remember anyways, to Istaris chagrin. Shes the one the professors mentioned yesterday. The one who was supposed to listen with us.

Listen? Listen? She should be teaching, Istaris chagrin. All of them have [Chant Revocation Lv. 10], and none of them even used a catalyst. We got four master mages with the potential to be archmages, and all our professors can think is to have them listen to some lecture? Kuunick, as he was called, praised me with widened eyes, pointing at the training field. If this is how a Champion and her companions spar, then I should forget about ever reaching the rank of master! Young mistress, you have to come to the seminar. The church could use some spice, some new blood!

Without my tears it feels like my chest is holding everything back (I feel tired)

Until it blows upon the e-e-edge. (Darkness is here)

People were instantly captivated by her singing voice. Although she wasnt a professional performer, she admitted to having sung quite a lot in choirs for the church, which was why her voice sounded like it was fit more for an opera than anything. Unlike me, the intonations of each word sounded far more articulate, as she dragged each note, as if she was boasting about how well she could maintain these notes.

Well, it wasnt that different to me, but I also delivered my lyrics with more emotions. Fleindia was used to the grandeur of a choir, dedicating the song to the heavens alone, while my songs usually appealed to a story or to have fun. I was energetic and adaptable due to my training with a wide-range of genres, while Fleindia could hold higher notes far longer than I could, while interpreting songs in a slower and calmer manner. Perfect for studying music!

As I fall into my sleep, the cold water pulls me down with it

But the warmth returns as my soul glows hot as my dream re-ignites!

I thank the star for this chance to show this world my song

Id punch the sun to keep on singing just to see all the cheers and smiles (Cheer and smile!)

Laugh at me all you want, but I will cry all this hate away

Just to champion this light until my soul burns out!

And that was exactly what she did with [Champion of The Light]. Presuming Aureolis was more used to choir music, than those from bards or random bands, I decided to have Fleindia sing first before joining her. Joining up with her tempo caused the guests and even the owner to take a break and take a prayer, almost as if we invited the atmosphere of a church to this place.

Seeing their reaction made me question if this was the right move, considering it disrupted everybodys meals. I expected the guests reactions would be stunned marvel, but it honestly looked like they were just praying. My fears became true once it was done, and instead of clapping, they thanked us and threw praises to Aurena.

This is the wrong direction. I told myself. I didnt like how this happened. I wasnt even sure if the guests enjoyed the song for the art of it, or for the church-like grandeur of Fleindias singing.

Seeing me frown, Fleindia asked me if something was wrong, prompting me to tell her I was a bit disappointed in everybody's reactions. I did reiterate that I loved her interpretation of my song, but decided we should leave it at that. I would keep my [Aerokinesis] on to play some background music, all while helping Fleindia with the white graces.

Aside from sickness and some rather nasty-looking scratches, Fleindia also told me we sometimes had to do home visits, as some patients wouldnt be able to attend these healing sessions. For example, she had three planned, so I volunteered to help her out.

She would attend two of them while I would take the one farthest away from the eatery. As she didnt have any knights with her, the saurians decided to guard her as she left, despite the city being relatively safe. Well, unless you remember there were demonkin around.

As I was leaving, Saori, Midirn, and the twins decided to accompany me, telling me I shouldnt be going out alone either. I didnt need the protection, but I guess having some company would make the walk more enjoyable.

[Master, I missed you!] Rajah shouted in my head. My poor cat hadnt been able to exit the shadows once during our stay in the city, since he had to stay hidden and help Saori with scouting.

I wanted to cuddle with him quite a bit, but my room just wasnt large enough for him to fit inside. As such, I gave him a telepathic image of me patting his head to soothe him, all while listening to Saoris report.

[Tasianna managed to learn that the papal mansion is barely visited nowadays, effectively isolated after you and your mother fled it,] she started, pointing at the large building in the back of the church area. [No servants may enter the place, and only the vicar was allowed to bring the pope his meals. If you ask me, I suspect the Prince of Envys retinue is properly taking care of the majority of the princes demands, but the vicar comes and goes with the meals to assure everybody hes still alive.]

[So the vicar is without a doubt an enemy,] Midirn concluded. [All right, then I have to ask once again, why arent we attacking the mansion? Frankly, Ive had enough of all these condescending, judgemental humans, my princess.]

[I know, but you have to endure it. Like we said, exposing the pope isnt our only goal. Getting Aureolis and its populace on my side is the priority,] I replied.

However, I was quickly met with resistance from the twins. Shay was extremely vocal about it. [Cut off the head of the enemy and that is how you make sure everybody follows you. Strength! Do not forget, my princess, that as a Champion, your strength is what matters. And if you require help, we are at your command.]

[I just want to bite the head of that Royce off ] Beth morbidly added.

[You might, you may get the chance to try soon,] Saori answered. [However, unless we want Hestia to drop a [Heavens Sword] on the mansion to obliterate it completely, we do have to make sure we arent killing anybody innocent within it. Dont forget what Vifi said; to turn into another person, the prince needs to kill and consume the person.]

That was a valid point, but we also needed to figure out how many people were supporting the prince. In fact, we didnt even know if he was inside the mansion at all, or if the vicar was just putting up a farce. We needed to confirm our enemies number and location, as well as gain any other information we could; as such, the next target was the vicar.

[We should ask him. Ill have Fleindia or Rasheid get us an appointment,] I said. [Although, after day one, I think doing that will be quite h]

Oh, there you are, missy!

My head snapped around for a moment for a moment as I detected somebody running up to us, followed by a womans voice. I saw a slightly chubby middle-aged woman appear from the corner of an alleyway, before noticing she wasnt addressing us but a cloaked person sitting on a stack of crates while eating a plain bread. I shrugged and continued.

[Sorry, so I think it might be hard for us to do anything since the vicar knows we are his enemy. As such, we should get some information from the other cardinals. Saori, can you try to get information on them? After what happened today, I think I managed to make some friends with a few people at the admin building who I could]

No, its all right!

I snapped my head around.

No, please, I insist! Goddess forbid me from thanking my savior! If you hadnt caught me, I would have fallen into the river with all my produce, please, please! It was the lady from before, but she wasnt the person my ears caught. That familiar voice came from the cloaked figure.

It was then that I also noticed the cloaked figure raise her head a bit, only to turn around to shake her gloved hands. She wasnt talking any longer, prompting the woman to come closer and insist even further, trying to hand over a basket full of freshly-made bread. She was jumping up, trying to hand her it.

I stopped everybody and began walking towards them, clearly causing the cloaked figure to panic. As she was about to run away, the woman suddenly tripped, falling backward.

Maam! I shouted as I dashed forward trying to help her, only to stop on my heels as I saw the figure jump down and catch her, saving the basket full of bread in the process. As altruistic as that was, it all confirmed who this person was.

Her voice, her way of moving, and the way she was eating her bread. She was inconspicuous when we passed her, but my hearing was pretty good. I remembered voices pretty well especially from people I was used to hearing every day.

I walked up to the awkward duo, smiling as I looked down at the cloaked figure. The latter helped the lady up and was about to turn around, only to be stopped again as the old lady tried to thank the hooded figure once again. The hood was deep, hiding everything but her neck, but I didnt need to know her face to know who she was.

He

But before I could say anything, something once again interrupted me.

Alarm! Alarm! I could faintly hear somebody shout through the noisy city before the sound of a bell rang. Intruders! Intruders!

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A note from AbyssRaven

Yes, Hestia, meals do attract flies. Very, very annoying and probably dangerous flies.

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