Chapter 153- Getting One Obstacle Out of the Way

Chapter 153- Getting One Obstacle Out of the Way

[Keeno POV]

It took a few more days before I was really able to move around as I wished. The temperature also continued to plummet as each day passed until I basically became the only beacon of warmth in the area. Pram had needed to change into her old clothes and I shared some of mine with Freya and Mostima, even if they looked a bit baggy on them. Luckily we were also about to exit the city, or at least that was the plan.

“HALT!!!”

Our wagons came to a stop at the gate of the city, stopped by who I was assuming to be guards. They walked up to the other side of the wagon I was riding in and began talking to Margaret.

“Due to recent events, all people leaving the city must be questioned and searched. State your names and reason for departure.”

“We are the envoy from Lokir. Due to said recent events, we must leave at once to ensure the safety of our charge.” (Margaret)

“Envoy of Lokir...Understood. Your wagons are still subject to search, but it will be quick.”

“Very well, but I ask that you not disturb this wagon too much, our Lord’s favorite is in there and she needs rest.” (Margaret)

“......Understood.”

My ears twitched in annoyance. I knew what she said wasn’t true, whatever it meant, but it made me very upset. I then turned my attention to the flap on the wagon as someone poked their head in, looked around, and moved back to Margaret.

“Lady Knight, this wagon is fine...but I must ask...judging by the kitsune in there, is it true they are highly sought after in Lokir?”

“Only by the nobility, but yes.” (Margaret)

“I see...thank you for the information. It will be valuable in the future.”

I didn’t like the sound of that at all.

‘Huginn, have some of your underlings watch this guy. Find out who he serves and kill them.’

After a silent ruffle of feathers, Huginn disappeared. After another half an hour the wagons started to move again. When that happened and we were outside of the gates and a ways away from them, Margaret stepped into the wagon.

“I assume you heard all of that earlier?” (Margaret)

“I did, and I’d like an explanation.” (Keeno)

“*Sigh*...A recent trend has started recently among the Lokir nobility. One that involves kitsune...I’m sorry, it’s difficult for me to find delicate words for this.” (Margaret)

“Then don’t. Just say it.” (Keeno)

“They use them as prostitutes. At first it was just like any other, but now it’s getting to the point where they are basically being sold as livestock. From what I’ve heard, the nobility is is buying them up from brothels or paying off debts, but in doing so giving them no choice but to use their bodies to pay them back while earning a pittance to the debt they owe the noble that helped them.” (Margaret)

“I know what indentured servitude is, Margaret.” (Keeno)

It seemed my tone was harsher than I realized as Margaret flinched slightly and the heat in the wagon increased.

{When did this start!? If I did, would have known about this and warned you if I knew!}

“When did this start happening?” (Keeno)

“Shortly after Lady Fiametta left. A few of the kitsune in our order had been hearing strange rumors or noticing lingering gazes from nobility they are hired to guard. A bit later they started getting solicited or blackmailed, though the ones trying that met less than pleasant ends.” (Margaret)

“*Sigh*If it’s not one thing it’s another. Why does EVERY country with a Dead Zone have some sort of problem like this? Every single one. I’m getting tired of it.” (Keeno)

“I can’t say anything for other countries, but I feel like I should apologize for this.” (Margaret)

“No need. It’s honestly something that I shouldn’t get involved in, but I feel compelled to since it has to do with other kitsune. How well trusted is your night order in Lokir?” (Keeno)

“While there is no real ranking for such things, ours is one of the most requested in the country when it comes to guarding, transporting, and small-scale skirmishes, not that there have been that many recently.” (Margaret)

“Ok. When we get there and meet up with the rest of your order we can plan, but for now I’m going to not worry about it.” (Keeno)

“I understand.” (Margaret)

She turned to leave when I stopped her.

“Oh, I should let you know I have thought of a way to deal with that guy that you’re guarding. What would you be able to come up with if he got locked in his carriage for the entire duration of the journey back? No way to open it, no way to hear him. We just conveniently forget to feed him.” (Keeno)

“...No skin off my back. In fa-” (Margaret)

“MARGARET NEARL!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?”

Our wagon and assumingely the rest of them stopped as well.

“No time like the present. I’m tired of being cooped up.” (Keeno)

Though it was very missable, I saw Margaret smirk as she stepped out of the wagon. Looking around I saw several people wearing armor and mounted on horses. My friends were standing next to the other knight that was present that night we met Margaret while several others were dismounted and standing next to a short man. Though lanky, he had a potbelly that made it seem like he only ever ate food and sat around. At his back, swishing around was a tail made of thinning, wiry hair and atop his head were long ears almost reminiscent of a rabbit’s.

‘Pffft. He’s an ass, literally.’

That’s perfect then. Now, let’s get the fun started.

*A bright light shines, causing everything to be seen in negative for a split second*

*Once the light fades, two dragon girls are seen standing in the middle of a magic circle*

*Both of them look exactly the same, though one seems to be slightly older than the other*

Reed: Eh?

Loughshinny: Huh?

*Both look around confused before seeing each other*

Both: Ah!? *Point*

Both: Who are you? Why do you look, and sound like me? Why are you copying me? Stop! STOP!! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!!!

Luna: Pffft!

Keeno: Ahahahahahahahaha!!

Atmos: THIS IS GLORIOUS!

Heh.

*Both dragons continue to eye the other suspiciously until Luna and Keeno are sent into the barrier around them and begin explaining the situation*

Both: So, this is my doppelganger from a different world?? Interesting. Would you stop copying everything I’m saying, other me!

*Both dragons looked like they were about to pounce at each other and soon enough did so, only pass through a strange portal before falling back to where they were before they leapt at one another*

Luna: Now, now, we’re not gonna have you two fight each other, neither of you are fighters to begin with.

Keeno: Just relax, treat this all as a strange dream.

Reed: So, why are we even here?

Luna: Because a god in an even higher position than us thought it would be fun.

Both: ...

Luna: And we thought Loughshinny here needed a friend. She’s been dead for a long time after all.

Loughshinny: *Blushes in embarrassment*

Reed: Eh?

Loughshinny: I got better.

Luna: Pfft.

Keeno: ...I feel like that was a reference to something, but I can’t quite recall what it was...just that I know it was funny.

Luna: I need to get you to watch Monte Python with me at some point. Refresh that memory a bit.

Keeno: Sounds fun.

Luna: Anyway, we’ll leave you two to get acquainted for a bit before you wake up. Before that happens, we’ll let you know about any other things that will happen from here.

Both: *Nod their heads before staring the other dragon down*

Keeno: No fighting!

Both: Awww.

Luna: Is this something I’m too fox to understand?

Keeno: Yeah.

Luna: Meh. I’ll make sure they won’t actually be able to do much.

Keeno: Space magic is so broken.

Luna: And it’s the most enjoyable feeling to use it at its fullest potential. Just like you want to do with Runes.

Keeno: It’s gonna be so fun messing with them.

And we all look forward to seeing what you do with them.