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''How did it all go?''
''Well...'' Adam leans away to look at the night sky. ''...Pretty good, now that I think about it.''
''I remember the queen mentioning you. She sent you here through a portal, right?''
''Mmhm. That's when I met the twins, well, their dad first. I wasn't in any good mood after that stunt the witch pulled. It didn't occur to me that a random man covered in a full metal suit coming out of a portal wouldn't be trustworthy.'' He chuckles. ''Leena became the voice of reason, and after a few hours of talking, their chieftain finished examining her and...'' He paused to drink, his voice imprinted in bitterness. ''...Confirmed everything that witch told us. Natsumi and Natsuko insisted on accompanying me for some reason, which motivated their dad to come along. Dunno how they convinced their mother 'cause that woman was a real hen lemme tell you.''
''Better not let Tomiko hear that.'' No chance of that happening now that she's sitting with her family. ''People here are of good souls. It takes a special type to follow a stranger.''
''Yeah, I was too fixated on Leena's short time to see that. Without them, I wouldn't have accomplished anything, especially Rikard.'' His face softens in a smile. ''My companions knew the lands and had connections to make our travels quick until we reached the south.''
''Where things got complicated.'' That trip must have been when bonds began to form.
''Yup. I'll stay light on details. I'll take the whole night otherwise.'' He cleared his throat and refreshed himself. These birds were downright magical with the refills.
''Mission was simple: access the magical southern garden kept hidden by the Onis and amazons. Queen Ame believed me enough to grant me her royal seal, a powerful artifact that help her channel magic.''
Whoa! That fox is... rather shrewd now that you think about it. She knew something heavy was going on in Muribel. Adam's arrival confirmed she sent her beloved husband and the eldest daughter of the Demon Lord into grave peril. Even if he were a charlatan, she knew he would find it challenging to abscond with the artifact in the middle of her ally domain.
Again, here you are, lost in thoughts during a conversation. Bad habit!
''...Onis are separated into two main clans, Reds and Blues because most of their species share those colors.'' Good, he suspects nothing. ''So, our only option was to be taken seriously.''
''Meaning a fight.''
''Two.'' He nods with a smile. ''Mamono politic deserves a little credit; family, reputation, or money aren't the only things that can help you climb a short ladder into meeting leaders. Rikard suggested we went to the Onis first, which proved wise.'' Adam momentarily redirects his attention to one of the sneaky waitresses to ask for water on the side.
