>>5381459>“Were they perhaps meant for some other experiment?” You muse. “The Demonic Beasts themselves gave the impression that they were a last resort for defense. Before they appeared, Echeverria…or the man posing as him rather, had cast some sort of spell. That was likely the trigger that caused those humans to transform. They were separated into two separate wagons, likely so that when the transformation occurred, they wouldn’t get in each other’s way. But none of the other humans had been experimented on or turned into beasts. They were packed together, too. It’s possible he had something else in mind for them. Something he couldn’t do until he reached Ordelia.”Claude taps his fingers on the crowded desk, staring off. “About as good a guess as any, I’d say. Though, it is just purely speculation. We know the Empire isn’t above utilizing such methods. Though if experimenting with creating Demonic Beasts is just one thing they’re working on, I shudder to think what else is on their agenda. I’m reminded of Remire Village. I wasn’t there myself, but I understand you were.”
>How could you forget. The way you understood it, Solon, one of their “Seven Sages”, had done something to the village’s inhabitants. He had somehow caused them to lose their minds, leading them to commit numerous self-destructive acts, including burning down their own homes and attacking their neighbors. You saved as many as you could, but in the end, almost the entire village was put to the sword. “It was…not pleasant.”Claude sighs. “In any case, we don’t have much to go by other than a vague connection to Ordelia. And given that it’s well-situated in Pro-Imperial territory, it’s not like you can just go take a look for yourself. Because of its location near the border, Ordelia has always been in the shadow of the Empire. The Count there is a good man, but in the face of Imperial interference, ongoing raiding from bandits, and his own poor health, there’s not much he can do to stand up for himself. Hell, he doesn’t even govern much himself these days. Most of that is left to his minister.”
>“So…you’re saying there’s nothing we can do?”“Afraid not, my friend. At least not until this truce between both factions is over. And when that day comes, we’ll have much bigger problems on our hands.”
>“I understand some people think that day is coming soon.”He smirks. “Ahh, have you been talking to Hilda? Or just listening to those insane Orthodox preachers?”
>“I noticed they’re more numerous since the last time I visited…”“Can’t do anything about that, I’m afraid. I’ve already got one war on my hands. Can’t add a holy war on top of that.” He studies you closely. “That being said, you probably shouldn’t walk around alone while they’re here…”
>Inquire on the state of:>A): The Alliance>B): The Kingdom>C): The Empire 