The Chimeric Ascension of Lyudmila Springfield-Chapter One-Hundred-Seven: The Meeting – Part Two

The Chimeric Ascension of Lyudmila Springfield-Chapter One-Hundred-Seven: The Meeting – Part Two

Yew sat between Sera and me on a couch embroidered with shiny jewels around the armrests. The overindulgent, flashy wealth spread to the crystal-encrusted chandelier above us and a coffee table separating us from an identical couch.
Sekh, still in her armor, and Tris, still holding a perfect posture, were behind us.
“I expected something like a round table,” I said. “Like what they had at the Heptarchis in Orchta. This is a bit less informal than I would've thought. Not that it matters, mind you. It’s just a small observation.”
Tris discovered a proper meeting room on the floor above us, but it was being remodeled. This was the best Gloria could offer. Again, it was okay, I guess. I was looking for something to nitpick. Anything to ruin Gloria’s self-esteem.
Sera sighed as she crossed her legs. Yew copied her, but she stopped, choosing to look around the room for the fifth time. “When do you think she’ll show up? We’ve been waiting a while.”
We’re being observed, my lord. I’ve detected trace amounts of thinned mana and followed it to a rat-eared mage. It’s a long-range reconnaissance spell extensively modified to work with the castle’s barrier.
Leave it be. Let the fools think they have something we can’t figure out. That’ll instill false confidence we can capitalize on later.
My thoughts exactly, my lord. As you wish.
“Are you nervous?” I asked Yew. “You keep fidgeting.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She stopped looking around like a meerkat. “It’s my stomach. The butterflies are back. I’m trying not to be… hesitant? But it’s hard."
“Everything’s going to be okay,” said Sera as she rubbed Yew’s head. “I assume you’ve completed the plan?” she asked Tris, who nodded. “Okay. Remember, you and Mila are leading this discussion. I trust whatever you decide to do. Oh, about that other thing…” Sera swapped to Ancient Elvish, using the Vredi Dialect. The only ones who understood her were in this room. “Niva can be teleported at any time. Just give me the signal.”
It’s almost time, my lord.
A few seconds later, Sera’s and my ears twitched as the faint echo of footsteps crept into the room. A breath later, the doorknob turned…
In she came… The Holy Lord of Shadow who ruled this land, Gloria. Her presence wasn’t so imposing because everything she displayed was a front to mask her subtle nervousness. It wasn’t visible—for most, that was—but her heart rate? Her blood pressure? They were almost off the charts.
Her hair was dyed white by mana, which matched her whitish, grey eyes. She wore a long black dress with an angled split. The top and hem of the dress were accented white—so were the long sleeves extending far past her wrists. They almost reached the thigh strap of her high heels.
If nothing else, this selfish woman was proud of her physical appearance.
Her Dark Elf bodyguard followed behind, wearing something like an armored skirt to match her breastplate, except it didn’t even reach her knees, which were almost covered by those steep, heeled boots made of steel. Arella used firearms, but I didn’t see any. Her only weapons were the two curved swords on her back. She knew [Gunblade], so those weapons could be swapped to the machine pistols I’d seen her use in the dungeon near Ria.
There were three more after her. Bart Barclay, Thaddeus Mesalitos, and Glintfang Ironhide—the ‘sneaky’ Dragonfolk who had stuck to us like a shadow.
Only this time, he was visible. He didn’t have to hide his presence. Gloria sat across from us. The others stood behind the couch.
Perhaps etiquette dictated we should've stood when she entered, but to hell with that. She wasn’t worth it.
“Forgive me for the delay,” said Gloria, her voice surprisingly steady. Its structural rigidity didn’t match her nervous biometrics. She sat, crossing her legs while keeping her back straight. Perhaps she saw leaning as disrespectful? I didn’t care, but I’d have taken offense for the hell of it.
“It was last-minute,” I replied. “It’s hardly something I can blame you for. However.” I eyed Bart and Thaddeus. “Why are they here? I understand why you’d bring your guards, but what do they have to do with this?”
“These two advise me in matters I’m unfamiliar with.” The reply was practiced. “Many know more than I in one aspect or another. To turn away or refuse their help would be the height of folly.”
“Any leader worth their measure must know their limits. You and I are not dissimilar. Tris is my advisor. I heed her counsel at every turn.” I gestured to her.
“Might I ask that you remove your helmet?” Arella asked, addressing Sekh, who swiftly responded with one word.
“No.”
“It’s rude to conceal your identity,” Arella said firmly, standing her ground. “Some might see it as a threat.”
“That speaks more to their fears than my intentions,” Sekh replied without hesitation. “The helmet stays. I will not remove it.”
Gloria interrupted Arella, her voice a mix of apprehensive wariness. “Come, Arella. We must ensure our guests are comfortable. I’ve no issue with the warrior keeping her helmet on if that is what she wants. Anything to enhance the quality of your stay.” Most of the time, someone like this bitchy Holy Lord would not have approved of her guard being so ‘blatantly’ rude to a guest she was sweating over.
This was a tactic—a common negotiation strategy used to influence your target. By ‘holding’ back Arella, Gloria was willing to talk down her closest guardian to ensure we were happy or satisfied. Or to proclaim that we’d get special treatment. Even something as insignificant as keeping a helmet was a boon.
Perhaps that would’ve worked on a dunce. Not us, though. We knew her game. We knew her aim. We’d act like we didn’t to falsely convince Gloria her strategy had worked, only to pull the rug from under her later.
Arella relented, remaining silent—as rehearsed. “Now,” Gloria addressed us. “I know you, Lady Vredi. I’ve heard much about you, Lord Springfield. However…”
“You don’t know me, do you?” asked Yew.
“I’m afraid not. You're a High Elf, but that’s all I can tell.”
“I’m not really that well known. I like to hide in plain sight, but I can’t always do that.  My name’s Yew Vredi.”
“Vredi? So, there’s another one?” Gloria’s shock was genuine. “It’s a surprise, but it’s a wonderful blessing!”
What a kiss-ass.
“Before we begin, I must know if you enjoyed yourself. I take pride in Requiesta, Lord Springfield.”
“You should be proud. It’s a beautiful city, Lord Gloria. The music was inspirational, the gardens breathtakingly gorgeous… And the food at the hotel. It was, frankly, phenomenal.”
“It pleases me to hear that!”
“The tour guide was nothing less than excellent, so please give her my regards. Should I find myself curious about anything else, I ask that she be the one to escort me.”
“That can certainly be arranged.”
“I’m glad. While I would love to fondly recollect yesterday, the time to do that can’t be spaded. We have business, Lord Gloria. We have important topics to discuss. It is a lot, mind you. There’s much I want to say, so I’ll begin in order, starting from the earliest.”
“Er—Earliest, Lord Springfield?” Gloria pathetically disguised that stutter. “What exactly does that entail? I was certain this had to do with…” She avoided the topic.
“It does, Lord Gloria. Rather, some of it does. First, I’d like to talk about Ria. It was my ‘home away from home’ because I had nothing. At the time, I saw my Vredi name as a curse. Of course, I’ve come to appreciate it. It brings me joy. Yet I won’t deny that I wasn’t in the best mental space. I’m unsure how I would’ve turned out had it not been for a family of onis. They took me in. They treated me like kin—fed me. Gave me a roof to sleep under. One taught me how to better fight with a spear. The other helped me cook. The last instructed me in forging. Everyone assisted in teaching me to love, not hate."
“…”
Sera didn’t wince. She knew I had initially harbored a dislike of my ‘heritage.’ We’d already spoken about that in Orchta—when we first met. Even now, my feelings weren’t a curtain to conceal my true intentions. I really did value my identity as a Vredi. It was a great source of strength—prideful strength. I’d never turn my back on it for as long as I could help it.
“That means I was there when the ‘powers that be’ thought it prudent to shut down the Mines of Gamor. That was a mistake. Perhaps it’s because I’m a High Elf who thinks decades, if not centuries, ahead, but many unpleasantries transpired that didn’t need to happen. I’m certain you know what I refer to?”
“I…believe I do.”
There it was—that unsteady, shaky voice. One that quivered like a frigid human on the cusp of hypothermia.
It was time to press the advantage—to see how far I could take it before delivering the…
Ultimatum.
“I saw your carriage. Glintfang rode atop it.” I met his eyes.  “You looked as vigilant as ever—much like when you observed us. You are skilled— there is no doubt. But the eyes of a High Elf see through all.” I made them flash with waypoints for added effect. Glintfang didn’t react, though. He was as stoic as stone, with an added gaze, too.  “Were you displeased, Lord Gloria, to handle the death of your Soul Warrior?”
She flinched—just a hair. A slight grimace in her eye encouraged me to continue.
“It was the talk of the town. I mean, how could it not be? You couldn’t walk a dozen steps without hearing hushed whisperings of the latest rumors.”
“Her death… It…”
“Why shut down the dungeon?” I suddenly asked. “Why bring ruin to a city like Ria? A city, mind you, that brought in much money. Ria was popular. It was thriving. Plymoise of Parthina depended on it for trade, and I’m sure other countries did the same. Did you want to punish the city for what was ultimately Noelia’s fault? I may prefer Lord Springfield, but I’m not a Holy or Dark Lord. I cannot relate to what Lords like you feel.”
“It is a unique feeling. No, it’s more of a foreign sensation, yet familiar. Familiar, yet strange.” Gloria ignored my question about the dungeon—probably to buy her some time.
I wouldn’t let it.
“I’ve heard rumors,” I suddenly blurted, throwing her off guard. “Some unsettling. Others not-so-much. They say you can find diamonds within the Mines of Gamor at midnight during a full moon.”
You couldn’t.
“Noelia’s mouth… She never knew how to keep it closed when sober, but drunk? The bar you had built for her was an unfortunate investment. May I ask why?”
"I didn’t want my Soul Warrior to feel homesick. I try to make the adjustment period as smoothly as I can. The sweet treats your companions are eating were baked by my Soul Warrior, who hails from a world with many extravagant bakeries.”
“I’m sure he does. Infinite worlds surround our own, so some may specialize in food more than armaments. But I say it was a mistake because I overheard some troubling things. Tell me, have you heard of Hymn?”
Her heart rate jumped to 212 bpm, my lord.
Arella’s eyes almost flashed, so I wondered if she had incorrectly deduced why we were here and how it related to the destroyed Aetos Village. Gloria hadn’t even brought that up. Nor did she offer condolences.
Maybe she was waiting until the opportune time? No doubt, she had a strict conversational schedule to follow.
Well, if she had done any amount of prep, that was.
“My ears picked up an interesting little blurb about Hymn. A sober Noelia was loud, but she often babbled about any and everything when a drop of liquor drenched her tongue. Much was garbled nonsense not fit to filter through a corpse’s ear, but a few things piqued my interest. As I’ve come to understand the odd hearsay here and there... Hymn is within Dirge. It’s an organization where the rich and famous can pay to hunt tracked people like cattle.”
I paused for the dramatic tension to grow.
“I recall Noelia having a slave. A blind halfbreed cyclops with blue skin? Her name was Niva, yes?”
“That’s right.” Gloria’s voice cracked. She failed to cover it with a cough.
“Her last name was…Mesalitos?” I stared at Thaddeus. “That’s yours, isn’t it? I’m curious, you know. What compelled you to adopt her?”
He looked to Gloria for guidance, but I kept speaking, dropping a bombshell.
“Better yet, why was Hymn interested in her? From what I gathered, she’s nothing special.”
Niva was special. She really was. Even lying about that to this bitch’s face felt like a sword cleaving my heart.
“That… I…”
“You arrived in the city with a compass. Somehow, you tracked Niva with it. I know it’s an object from Hymn, so answer me, Lord Gloria. You may be asking why this matters, but it does. I’m certain Arella has almost figured it out. You won’t be far behind. So, tell me.”
Gloria tensed her legs, stressing her muscles as she subtly dug her heels into the floor. I almost heard them chip, but she relented at the last second. Her focused eyes, however, betrayed her blisteringly alarming biometrics.
“Have you heard of Mt. Kindle?”
“It’s a volcano,” answered Sekh without delay. “It erupted centuries ago, giving rise to the Ashlands that occupy Dirge’s midsection.”
“You’re well-informed, Sekh. However, the volcano is inert. It will pose no more trouble than an abandoned house if left alone.”
“…”
“Your words tell me it isn’t deserted,” I said.
“I wish that were the case, but… Mt. Kindle has a new resident. We don’t know their name.” Gloria crossed her legs. Her voice also deepened by a hair. “We do, however, know they’re a Fire Lord.”
That’s the spiritual or demonic equivalent of a Holy or Dark Lord, my lord.
Is it limited to fire?
No. It can be any element. I’m unsure why those in the Mortal Realm are restricted to Holy and Dark. That’s a mystery I cannot yet solve.
“Is this Fire Lord dangerous?”
“Their rage could turn upon us at any moment. We try to restrict access to the Ashlands to lessen the chances of it targeting us, but the enemy will eventually turn its flames towards the rest of Dirge once it grows tired of lording the ashy desert.”
“Why bring this up? How was Niva involved?”
“Years ago, we summoned a spirit to destroy the Fire Lord. As you may have guessed, that was a Lord of Water. Their power? Immense. However… The spirit was unwilling to work, even though they answered our calls. It escaped under the cover of darkness.”
“Hymn was your answer? They’re tracking experts, after all.”
“The path took the expedition group to the frigid lands of Barbil.”
“The far north? That’s…four or five countries away.”
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, Lord Springfield. Truthfully, we’d been better off leaving the Fire Lord alone had it not suddenly become active within the last few years.”
“You still haven’t answered my question about Niva. How does she relate to this?”
“The mana we used to track the Water Lord… Trace amounts were found within and around her body. Upon further discovery… We realized he had granted her the power to speak in the language of mana and summon spirits.”
Okay, that answers a few questions…
“I believe he didn’t do it to save her life. From what I know, Niva was close to death. Hypothermia would’ve taken her at any moment, but the Water Lord imparted power upon her to give him time to escape. She was nothing more than a shield. Even now, the Water Lord is nowhere to be found. They’ve severed the connection to their summoner.”
“They don’t need a source of their elemental mana, do they? No. Not when they’re that powerful. I surmise that being near the ocean is enough to sustain them. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. The area is much too large for something, comparatively speaking, so tiny. Okay, let’s switch topics while my mind stews on what you told me. I may have a solution to your little problem. Not the Water Lord—but Fire Lord.”
I then spoke about Ria a little more, detailing some of the fun I had before abruptly discussing its eventual demise. “I believe the city’s destruction resulted from many conspirators' mishandling a situation that required a delicate touch. I was there when the chimera attacked. I saw the initial fight with my own eyes. It wasn’t just the citizens who were trapped when the barrier manifested. It was me, too. Like a rat in a cage, I might add.”
“… You were there?” That was all she asked in a quiet, almost child-like voice.
“I understand why a chimera must be extinguished whenever one is discovered. They’re vile creatures, aren’t they? Ruthless and despicable—walking corpses, you could say—amalgamations of those who should be dead. But tell me, Gloria. Why sacrifice a city to kill a chimera? Why kill tens of thousands? Was it for revenge?”
“We have, on good authority, enough proof to blame the chimera for Noelia’s death.”
The false verity of her statement was so ironic that it went past absurdity into the realm of comically insane. It was like using an advanced graduate math theorem to solve a problem suitable for little children.
The correct answer—but the wrong method.
“Revenge, then? Was it worth it? I was there throughout it all. I saw the city deteriorate before my eyes, day after day, as the realization of abandonment set in. It was like rats scurrying to abandon a sinking ship. But, you know… Even someone like me is considered expendable should the result outweigh the cost.”
“What are you implying?”
“The chimera took me hostage, Lord Gloria. It was its final effort. The monster didn’t care that they were faced with Bellerophon’s might because they thought the life of a High Elf eclipsed the need to kill them. Do you know what happened? It’s probably what you think. Sir Flaf, the detachment’s leader, said I was a worthy sacrifice if it meant killing just one more chimera. His opinion didn’t change after I revealed my name, either. Bellerophon claims to be the bane of chimera. To me? They’re a scrappy little group of amateurs. I will never not hate them.”
“I empathize with your pain. However, no one told me a Vredi was in the city. I’ve heard s of a High Elf, but those were rumors. Believe me. Please, believe me when I say this, but had I known now what I didn’t know then… I’d have called it off. You’re worth more than a city, Lord Springfield.”
“A city, huh? I’m worth more than all of Ria? Should you have a choice to put every man, woman, and child to the sword to prolong my survival… You’d do it? No.” I raised my hand. “Don’t answer that. You might utter something you’d come to regret. The fact of the matter is this, Lord Gloria. The life of a Vredi means nothing to Bellerophon. A city? Even less if it meant justifying their reason for existence. It’s not even a matter of letting bygones be bygones. I  will never forgive that corrupt organization. You know, I’m aware there’s an office in the city. It took so much self-restraint not to ‘introduce’ myself. Doing so, however, would’ve left a trail of corpses.”
“…”
“You didn’t know I was in Ria. Honestly? Almost no one did except a handful. That I can forgive you for.” Gloria’s face softened. She’d been too tense for too long, except this wasn’t the relief she desired. The conversation was not about to turn her way. “But only me. I still don’t think Ria’s sacrifice was worth killing a chimera, even if you remove me from the picture. However, I cannot forgive your lack of attentiveness towards Aetos Village immediately following Ria’s destruction. The magic that broke the barrier also struck the Eagle Yew’s bounded field.”
Arella spoke without delay. “We sent messengers to the village immediately,” she replied. “Supply caravans, too. Sir Barclay?” All eyes turned to Erin’s grandfather, who retrieved folded documents from his coat pocket.  “Please, look at them.”
I gave them to Tris, who had already worked on her magic an hour before the meeting started. This ‘surprise’ wasn’t some ‘gotcha' moment Gloria thought it was.
“The papers appear to be in order,” said Tris as she had rehearsed it.  “It says Aello, the village elder, rejected the supplies. I see a signed statement confirming that she said: ‘Others need these more than us. We have Lord Aetos and the Eagle Yew to provide for us.’”
“Lies…” Yew suddenly whispered, frowning slightly. “That’s a lie. No one visited. No one even sent a messenger. No one arrived but bad people with awful intentions! Help never came. It never did.”
“The—”
“I don’t care what the paper says. I know no one came because I was there! I’m the Eagle Yew’s reincarnation! I used to be the tree! I know everything that happened. What you’re saying happened? It never happened!” Yew’s repetitious rant ended with the poor girl slightly heaving.
However, Yew had dropped a bombshell that didn’t go unnoticed. For an Elf—even a Dark Elf—learning a new Vredi was born via reincarnation
thousands of years
after the death of their forest’s namesake?
The knowledge was worth hundreds of thousands of gold—maybe even more.
Stammering, Gloria stuck to a practiced defense. She was adamant that she had done everything. “Multiple delivery attempts were made, Lord Springfield. These documents show how many times Aello sent the same reply. The village’s chief refused to accept—”
“Forgeries exist, Lord Gloria. You may think you’re buying a golden ring, but it's cheap metal overlayed with inexpensive paint that’ll last long enough for the swindler to leave town. Of course, it doesn’t extend to jewelry. The Status Menu cannot be fooled, so it’s difficult to counterfeit identification documents if you have [Scan]. Paperwork, though? What you call proof is a statement and a signature. That’s not even Aello’s handwriting. She’s a Harpyfolk, but her writing is far more legible than that chicken scratch.”
“…”
“Why not show up? Why not visit and verify these claims for yourself? You’re a Holy Lord, Gloria. What stopped you? Requiesta? Clearly not. You left the city in your advisors’ hands when you saw fit to ruin Ria for an egotistical fit of madness. Just one visit. It wouldn’t have taken the entire day— send a mage ahead of time and have them prepare teleportation magic.”
I paused for a moment.
“Then pop in, say a few words, talk to the children, greet Aello, and ask Lord Aetos what you could do to help. That was the least you could’ve done. They’d have told me you tried to ensure their safety even if they had genuinely denied your assistance. However, it seems common decency for people other than your close-knit circle does not exist. You rarely visited. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t foster a symbiotic relationship. Lord Aetos is wise beyond his years. I’m certain he’d have made time for you—especially since the village lies within your domain. But no. Your last visit was…decades ago?”
“It…has been some time. I… Lord Aetos represents a time…long ago that…I feel like I don’t deserve to know. I often felt I lacked the merit to stand in his presence.”
“That’s an ugly look. Talking yourself down won’t change the way we feel. We do not pity you, Lord Gloria. Regardless, I won’t continue this conversation because we have more pressing matters. We still haven’t discussed the initial reason for this visit. That being, of course, the destruction of Aetos Village. I was there when it was attacked. My allies fought back, but the Eagle Yew was too weakened from being repeatedly bombarded without a chance to recuperate. Corrosive magic… Acid… The tactics were specifically designed to harm the Eagle Yew.”
Gloria remained quiet. Yew slightly quivered. I knew this wasn’t easy to hear—me talking plainly about her earlier death. Sera gently squeezed the trembling elf’s hand. “It’s okay,” she whispered.
“The ones responsible… They’re dead. I know torture isn’t the best way to get information, but what they told me was later confirmed via my own research into the matter.”
“You have my condolences. What—”
“Shut it. Your words mean less than cow dung. No, cow shit has uses as fertilizer. Your meaningless babble is just that—meaningless.”
Gloria was caught off guard. Even Arella was shocked at my bluntness, but her expression recovered. It was slight, but her neck slightly twitched. Was that an anger vein on her forehead?
If that pisses her off… Time to go for the kill.
“After all… Why would I want to hear empty words from the faction leader responsible for the attack? It was, of course, orchestrated by someone within Hymn’s upper administration. Your prior words have confirmed the organization exists, so don’t you dare deny it. The group answers to you. So, shouldn’t the punishment fall upon your shoulders? This is tantamount to a declaration of war, you know. Your people launched endless attacks upon Aetos Village. People died, Gloria. Innocent people. Sweet children. They suffered. For what?”
“I—I—I” The cornered bitch stammered, sweating like a whore at confession. Her fists were clammy. “I was not aware of it, Lord Springfield. It all happened without anyone informing me! I can summon the upper leadership immediately for further questioning. You—”
No.” I raised my hand, stopping her breath cold. “That’s not needed because I have better ideas. More…optimal solutions to this pressing issue.” Arella intently observed my gaze. Maybe it was instinctual, but she shifted her weight as a hand flinched towards her weapon.
The ‘fight or flight’ instinct was very real—very genuine as she internally measured her options.
“Don’t do anything stupid to accelerate your demise,” warned Sekh.
“You’d best listen to my companion,” I added. “We are not in the most forgiving mood.” A smile etched across my lips. “Now, it’s time for the punishment. Rather, a list of punishments from which I will choose one. But before we get into it… There is someone I want you to meet. Steady your heart, Gloria.” I dropped the appellation. Those pleasantries were useless now that our distaste was laid bare.  “Sister, I think it’s time.”
Sera raised her staff, flourishing it unnecessarily for theatrical drama as a magic circle appeared beside me. Arella’s unblinking eyes waited for the worst—prepared for it, too, as that gaze kept a stern look on Sekh.
A second later, Niva and Primrose appeared, with the former still wearing her hooded cloak. “It’s your time. I trust you’ve heard what’s been discussed so far?”
“I have.” Niva’s voice was…almost unguided as she lowered her hood. There, she stood resolute. The spirit summoner never looked away from the ones she despised the most, that red eye unblinking as a crimson sun. The magic circle depicting [Mana Perception] was as intricate as ever. Perhaps even more so than it had been before.
Gloria’s shocked expression could’ve awoken the dead. Thaddeus’s eyes? They’d have jumped off his face if they could.
“As you can see… Niva is alive, well, and under my protection. She’s recovered. I even removed the illusion spell you cast on her. You know, the one empowered by the mana generator you embedded under her skin? It’s since been repurposed to fuel her [Mana Perception].”
“This…Water Lord granted me my power, and you…what? Is that why you beat me? To try to lure them out to save me? Did you force me to summon because you desired the Water Lord’s mana to summon another Water Lord? But because I failed…you killed the ones who answered me… You… You slaughtered them all…” Niva clenched her teeth now that she knew the truth behind her being sold like cattle and passed from family to family. All the horrific abuse was different measures to summon a replacement Water Lord…
Gloria didn’t reply. Not because she couldn’t—but because I didn’t let her gain momentum. I was in control. This conversation was mine to do as I pleased, so directing the flow fell to me.
“I hope you’re not so proud as to not realize how unmatched you are. Sera and I could kill everyone in this room. Arella, you and Glintfang may be formidable warriors, yet your strength, even if added to those Soul Warriors, would not be enough to turn the tide. Our brawl would undoubtedly lead to the city’s destruction. Thousands would almost immediately perish. That would lead to a humanitarian crisis. Alas, that’s not what I desire.”
Usually, when confronted with a clear threat that suggested they’d be no issue to kill... The person would take offense. Most would believe the other is gesturing—puffing their chest, perhaps, to make themselves seem tougher or more powerful.
We weren’t compensating for anything. By all accounts, Gloria knew we were over 1,000 years ago.
That was a long, long time.
Especially since this dumb bitch wasn’t even half that. I was sure Sera could evolve to a Lord of her choosing had she the desire. It was a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if.’
“I know about your treasury. You have multiple layers of advanced security seals guarding the corridor, not even mentioning the dozens on the vault door itself. Except…”
Snap!
A golden harp manifested between my hands.
“This is the one said to be blessed by that goddess. It’s also your most prized possession.  In fact, I’m so certain it’s the only one in the world because I know how you value its scarcity. You had dozens of safeguards. As you can see? Safeguards are only preventive if you don’t know how to bypass them. You are not magically inclined enough to craft a barrier I cannot impregnate.”
“This is going too far! Even a Vredi has a limit to the disrespect they can show without being confronted!” Arella barked.
Sera merely smiled. “That’s your aim, Mila? It’s an interesting approach. This foolish woman does value her arts. I doubt nothing would hurt her more than emptying the treasures she holds near her heart.”
“You’re right,” I replied. “In fact, I could be doing it right now. I’ve been known to use wooden puppets to do my bidding while I’m busy elsewhere. Unfortunately for me—the opposite for you—you have nothing of value that interests me. Petty theft is beneath me when there’s far more I could do to hurt you as you’ve harmed our trust.”
"My lord is right,” said Tris. “Theft is only temporary. Another harp may drop from that boss. Valuables are materialistic objects we cannot take into the cycle of reincarnation. Instead, we’ve devised another punishment. It’s bound to hurt so much worse.”
“Worse in more ways than one,” I added. The predator within me found manipulating the tide of events euphoric. Seeing that fear spread across Gloria’s face… Hearing the thumping of her heart… Observing her anxious machinations… Seeing those frantic eyes dart between Sera and me…
“Our revenge shall be different. Hymn. I want the organization. You shall tell me where I can find their headquarters. Do not lie to me, Gloria.” I flaunted the harp. Gloria’s eyes were attracted to it like metal and a magnet. “I’ve bypassed your defenses for this. You should safely assume I have access to areas you believe to be private.  So, tell me the truth. We will know if you are lying.”
“…”
“Unless you want me to break it. I’ll cut the strings. Maybe I’ll turn it into an ingot. Better yet, why not give it to someone who doesn’t value the arts? That would irritate you more than anything.”
Gloria had no other option but to answer. The odds were hopelessly stacked against her-- no matter how she looked at it.
“There’s an ash storm within the Ashlands,” she began explaining, her voice bordering on monotonic apathy.  “The base is hidden within it.”
“That aligns with the information I acquired. Continue,” demanded Tris. “I wish to verify the rest.”
“An ash obsidian golem is responsible for creating it.”
“Is this golem your secondary answer to the Fire Lord?” I asked.
“It is. The Fire Lord can manipulate the ash from its home in the depths of Mt. Kindle’s ruins. The golem can do the same. Progress is slow, but it’s gaining more authority over the Ashlands. Soon, it won’t be a stalemate.”
“Tris?”
“She speaks the truth, my lord.”
“Good. Suppose I shall return this to its vault.” The harp vanished. “Then that’s the punishment. Hymn… The organization shall be destroyed by my hands.”
“You…aren’t serious, are you?” Gloria’s anxious voice reminded me of an abused child suffering rightfully deserved consequences. An unrepentant juvenile—an unruly brat who falsified a mask of acceptance and was caught in the act—who now felt the full brunt of their foolish actions.
“I am.  This unyielding rage must be answered. I’ve lost far too much to let this go unpunished. Unless you’d offer your head? What about Arella’s? Glintfang’s?”
“…”
“That’s what I thought. Alas, do not misunderstand me. I’m not asking you to command Hymn to die needless deaths. They may fight back. They may struggle. You may send anyone you want, be it Arella, Glintfang, those sickening rejects at Bellerophon, or your Soul Warriors, but know it will be vain.”
“…”
“Hymn will be wiped out. Everyone associated with that disgusting organization will face my judgment. They know full well the sins they’re committing by continuing to serve, so I don’t consider them innocent. How much you want to lose is up to you. You’ve already lost Noelia—as weak as she was—so do you want to lose anymore?”
“…”
“I’m giving you ample warning—warning you did not give the good people of Ria before trapping them like livestock to slaughter. The choice is yours, Gloria.”
“…”
“We won’t depart for quite some time because we still have business.  Oh, and speaking of business... You will gather a list of Niva’s previous abusers. I want names and addresses to be delivered by tomorrow morning.”
Gloria swallowed so nervously I could’ve heard her anxiousness over a rowdy concert. “What…do you intend to do?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” I glanced at Niva.  “Thaddeus, you are a part of this. You hurt Niva, and you shall not escape the light of justice. Leave the castle, return to your mansion, and stay there. We are watching the estate, so do not think you can slip away under the cover of darkness. You.” I stared at Bart. “You are also not innocent.”
“What have I done to displease you?” he asked.
“You’ve not faulted me, but I cannot say the same for the ones I cherish.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will. Return home and await my arrival. Don’t even think about escaping.”
“Of course, Lord Springfield.” Bart accepted it. He was a fair bit older than Thaddeus. He probably thought he was about to die, but was he really ready to face his death?
No. Erin might not want him dead. It’s not up to me. It’s up to her. I won’t supersede her decision.
“With that… I believe we’ve concluded our business.”
“Lord—”
“I said we’re done, Gloria.” I cut her off sharply with words of venom and spite. “There are only a few things you must do. First, decide who will stand in defense of Hymn. Just know that whoever you send will die. Secondly, don’t think you're obligated to send anyone. No matter what, the organization will crumble. Thirdly, you will send a message commanding them to immediately cease all activities. Hymn is, henceforth, ordered to remain on standby. They are also to stop the horrible treatment of their victims. Should I arrive to discover that they have continued even after our meeting… I will direct
every
ounce of power to exterminate you. Not even your soul will enter the cycle of reincarnation.”
“I—”
“I’ve given my orders, Gloria. Follow them. The sole reason you remain breathing is because the power vacuum created by your death will be more trouble than it’s worth. Only slightly. Not doing what I ask will push it
just
over the edge. But I will throw you a bone. The Fire Lord... You won't have to worry about it for much longer. That's all I'll say."
“Lady Vredi?” Gloria looked to Sera as one last-ditch effort…that birthed no fruit.
“I have nothing to add. Nor do I have anything to take away. Mila’s much more lenient than I am. Because if I had it my way… Your corpses would be the fertilizer to bless whatever land safeguards the new Aetos Village. Don’t you dare look at me for clemency because I have none.”
“Well said,” I replied, standing. “Come. It’s time to leave.” The rest followed me to the door, with Sekh looking sharply over her shoulder. For a moment, I recalled Noelia’s hammer. Gloria probably put it together and realized I was her killer. Then again, maybe she was so surprised that the fact passed her by. Anyway…
Should I leave it on her bed? Maybe in the bath? Or should I keep it? Suppose I could find a use for it.

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Chapter One-Hundred-Seven: The Meeting – Part Two