Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two - Peace Through Overwhelming Friendpower

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two - Peace Through Overwhelming Friendpower

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two - Peace Through Overwhelming Friendpower

Evalyn led us out of the washrooms with a sweep of her long robes and a flutter of her wings. This way, she said. Im certain that some of my comrades at least will be welcoming, more so than some harpies, Im sure.

That sounds nice, I said as I skipped along. So, whats it like having wings? I asked.

She glanced over her shoulder at me, then down to her wings. I never gave it too much thought. Were born with them, you see. Most of us are flying about before were even a year old.

I guess you wouldnt really think about it, then, I said. I hope that my next class evolution gives me wings. It would be super neat.

Evalyn made her laughing noise and nodded. Im certain that youd enjoy the freedom of flight. Its one of the greatest things about being a Sylph. We rule the airs, and have for a very long time.

I was pretty sure someone like Amaryllis would have something to say about that.

She brought us up a floor onto the topmost balcony, then moved towards a shadowy corner that was even darker than that table where I'd gotten my food. At this point you probably would stumble into a chair. It was also behind a few awkwardly placed pillars. Do sylphs have good night vision? I asked.

No more than humans or buns, Evalyn said.

Then why are your tables all in the dark?

Petty harpy politics? Evalyn wondered aloud. Or maybe they just want to keep us out of sight and mind as they bask in their own glory? She didnt sound all that happy there.Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Well, thats just rude, I said.

She nodded. I wont disagree.

The tables in the back all had a few sylph sitting or standing around them. There seemed to be an order to them. The more decorations they had on their chest, the more likely it was that they were sitting down with a few less-decorated sylph standing behind them.

Those who werent in uniform likewise had those standing behind them, but the difference there was made more obvious by the appearance of their dress. The prettier the outfit, the higher the station, I guessed.

Do the sylph have a, uh, caste system? I asked.

Hm? No. We pride ourselves on being a meritocracy. Though Ill admit that even with actions taken to subdue nepotism, its still something that appears quite frequently, Evalyn said. I wasnt born a countess. My father was merely a soldier at the start of his career, and I began as a lesser diplomat a... rather long time ago, lets say.

Neat, I said.

Come, we can skip the business people. As useful as they might be, theyll only bore you with numbers. We crossed the first few rows of sylphs and headed towards the middle tables. They were occupied by some of the best dressed and most medal-festooned sylphs around.

There were three groups occupying the centremost table. A male sylph in a well-tailored suit with two guards behind him, a woman in black plate armour over what I suspected was leather (who also had a pair of equally-armoured sylph behind her), and a sylph that looked like he was dressed like a military dictator out of a satire. That last one had to be a noble.

Youre back, Lady Sunshrike, the noble in the bunch asked.

Lord Winterfall, she replied with a gracious nod. I am. And I found some interesting companions while I was away. It seems as if our kind hosts might have extended them the same courtesy they gave us.

Ah, I said. It wasnt that bad. Just a bit of a slip-up with some wine, I said before grinning to the table. Hi!

Awa, hello, Awen said before she dipped into a curtsy.

Always saving innocents, huh Evalyn? the military guy said.

Bastions eyes went wide and his genial, polite look faded into shock for a moment before he tore his hand back, reached for his belt, and pulled out a knife.

I was caught entirely flat-footed as the sylph stepped up into my guard and placed the edge of the knife against my throat in a motion so smooth and fast it looked straight out of a movie.

What? I asked. The word alone was enough to make the cold steel tickly my throat.

Who are you? Bastion asked.

By then, Storm and Commodore Autumngale were on their feet. Bastion! Storm rasped. Explain.

She... this woman has committed more crimes than the worst scoundrel I have ever met, he said. Her record is as black as pitch.

Please back away from Broccoli, Awen asked. She looked like she was torn between staring at Bastion and his knife and looking for one of her own on the tables around us.

We were gathering a fair bit of attention from them. Um, Mister Bastion, I said. I dont know what youre talking about?

Evalyn slowly, carefully, brought her arm up between us and placed it on Bastions hand. Sir Bastion, she said. Miss Bunch isnt of or in our nation. Im afraid that she isnt beholden to our laws.

Bastions face contorted. I understand, Lady Sunshrike, but her crimes... they, theyre awful.

Uh, I said. Can anyone explain?

Lord Winterfell shifted in his seat. He, of all those at or around the table, looked the least uncomfortable. I think I can enlighten you, captain. Its rather simple: The Royal Order of Paladins of the World has a rather unique ability to tell, by touch, whether a person is guilty of a crime. Not the exact crime, mind you, but the level of... I suppose criminality they have committed. It is one of the ways we keep things nice and tidy back home.

But, but I havent done anything wrong, I said. At least, I dont think.

The interpretation of what is or isnt a crime is based on the paladins understanding of the laws. Most are quite well educated and could recite entire law books from rote, he said.

Um, Awen said. Maybe Broccoli did something thats okay here but not in Sylphfree? she asked.

Oh, like that time I kidnapped you?

Now I was getting looks again.

Captain Bunch, Inquisitor Storm asked. Would you mind if I touched you? Im certain that Sir Bastions interpretation of the law is accurate, but perhaps I can lend a bit more nuance to the situation.

Sure? I said as I extended a hand towards the woman.

The sylph, who as it turns out was probably the smallest member of the race Id yet seen, took my hand in hers and frowned off into the air. She hissed between her teeth and locked gazes with me. You... dont make sense.

Uh.

Your criminality is... impossibly high. Its as if you went around breaking dungeon cores while on dragon-back. But your morality score is exceptionally high as well. On the latter alone you would be considered a paragon of good citizenship.

I shrugged. Okay? I can probably explain most of the, uh, laws I broke? Maybe?

Yes, she said. Yes, I think wed all really appreciate an explanation.

Then, because the world clearly had it in for me, that was when the Albatross sisters arrived.

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