Quoted By:
The trip was more quiet than usual.
To be fair it might've been because all were digesting their food. Everyone except your goddess of course, who refused to eat anything other than your 'protein', and the ghost that wasn't able to eat anything in general.
"Master." Herta said after some thinking. "When are we going to go home?"
"Tomorrow morning." You said, feeling like you'd mentioned this for the hundredth time.
Herta, Bertha, Ayane and even Yumi exchanged a few glances.
"Did we, like, mess up the plans?" Bertha said.
"It should still be doable." Herta didn't look worried.
"Huh?" Aila looked confused. "Am I missing something?"
"We'll explain it later." Ayane said.
And so they went on referencing that 'secret' party they were all planning for you. You overheard them say it would be held the day after tomorrow and that it involved something time-sensitive.
You asked Yumi what had been troubling her earlier, but the ghost girl feigned ignorance. This made you realize that you would likely need to spend some time with her to coax out how she fell or any worries she had.
The rest of the airship ride was peaceful enough.
===
The plaza matched your airship cruise, also more peaceful than usual.
By that, you mean to say that most crime was now concentrated on the outskirts rather than spread everywhere equally. The Order of the Jagged Sword had finished building a fortress by the center of the place— an imposing structure that hardly had any vanity to it, save for the emblem of the knightly organization that was proudly emblazoned for all to see. You could feel their influence even as you walked away from them, and found the clank you'd left here patrolling around the area. There were a few scratches on its plating but nothing serious.
It was relatively safe near said area. A similar thing could be said about the place where the Adventuring Party decided to set up camp. While not as openly feared as the Centrian Knights, many of the locals gave the adventurer's a wide berth whenever they moved.
Nevertheless you were thankful Ayane had her Merchant's Mantle to protect her from pickpockets, and Bertha bonked any thieves that thought you were all easy prey. It seemed like they didn't learn from last time you barged into this place.
Although the setting sun had a nice glow, it did nothing more than gild over the smells and sights of filth and decay and grime.
This was in contrast with the Centrian Knights' most recent fortress, which was almost pristine.
"Greetings, Lord Doe." A high ranking knight clad in mithril and holysteel acknowledged you as you approached. "Shall I prepare accommodations for thee and thy retinue?" He motioned to your wives and the small spirit flying above you.
"That won't be necessary." You replied. "I simply wish to know how things have progressed in my absence."
The knight, a Marcus Marius, was the local commander of these forces. He was 'a trusted officer' according to a missive sent by Justus himself.
