Let's Give Them A Show!

"What about the opposite? Can you lock doors with magic? Or, if it's only about unlocking...are there any other things you can unlock? Would you care to demonstrate?"

"I can lock and unlock many a thing. I'll show you both, if you'd like. You just have to be...Patient~"

"I would indeed. Even if I'd argue that, thankfully, I'm familiar enough with them to be able to handle most issues that may arise. Many years of using them to sneak around does that to a man."

"But. All I'm saying... Is if you need a witches' touch, I'm here for you! At least, for these sewers... I can unlock the doors with magics and whatnot."

"A shame this isn't Bareahard," he snorted. "You wouldn't need bracers there, having the perfect guide next to you already."

Lifting a hand, she gently ran a finger under chin. Cute. "Well. If you ever feel there's something wrong with the sewers in Bareahard and you need a witch... You know where to find one~"

"Have you considered reaching out to the Bracer Guild? Coming up with a good reason to be escorted into the sewers is likely the most difficult part, but..."

"...I've thought about it. But I'm not sure how to explain the whole 'sensing mana' thing. I've thought about just going down there myself..."

"Hmm... That is peculiar. Had it been the island, I suspect it wouldn't have been quite as odd, since that's what you're here to observe in the first place. Were you ever able to pinpoint a more specific location or source within the city that may be responsible?"

"Would you believe me if I told you it was around the sewers? I just don't know why. There's an entrance and I've investigated it, but nothing is sticking out to me. And I don't think it will for me."

"But what's this about a well of mana? Is it not coming from Bryonia Island?"

"It's not," she murmured. "It's coming from inside the city. I've never felt anything like it before. It's... So strange."

"I will just keep watch here, then. Notice if there's anything strange besides the big well of mana I keep feeling now and then."

"I couldn't agree more. Thankfully, as you rightfully noted, he reeks of incompetence-- meaning he'll be a perfect, easy to manipulate tool for the Ironbloods and His Excellency."

"Does the Excellency have a plan yet? Or is it still in the working stages...?"

"In other words, you think men willing to get their hands dirty is attractive?"

"Of course I do! I think ANYONE who is willing to get their hands dirty is attractive. I don't discriminate. Duke Cayenne is just...Icky."

"That's me, yes," he chuckled. "But it's more that you're clearly picking up on him being a scheming slimeball, while I just happen to be much better at charming others into thinking I'm sweet and couldn't possibly be plotting anything nefarious."

"I think it's because I know you're competent," Rhea said, threading her fingers together. "You're competent and you are nefarious. You are always plotting something... And I know that you will succeed. The new Duke Cayenne? He's a slimeball... But he's incompetent. He won't lift a finger. He will make other people do it for him. ...Then he will reap the rewards when it is all said and done."

"Hah. Well. I should like to recommend that you trust your gut. It just amuses me that your gut would consider me trustworthy."

"That's all. There's no big secret to it. Rufus is Rufus."

"Since arriving in Ordis? Just the one, in truth, but it is unfortunately every bit as bothersome and yawn-inducing as you might guess, considering it concerns the new Duke Cayenne. I'd argue it was mostly harrowing for my poor brother-- the Duke kept asking him questions, and etiquette normally demands that one politely take or feign interest in return, but thankfully the Duke is obnoxiously self-important and didn't notice how unsure Jusis was. ...What about you?"

"I'm sure that doesn't make any sense... As for me? Much of the same. My shop is doing really well and I'm happy with how things are going. ...Besides the weird feelings I get here sometimes."

"I thought I would spare you the trouble," he chuckled. "Even if I'm well aware it's not much 'trouble' to begin with. Do you have a preferred blend?"

"I imagine you've been attending so many meetings."

...In fact, he even went and helped himself to her orbal kettle so he could dig through her drawers and start making tea.

"Oh! You're already starting on the tea. You didn't have to, Rufus."

"I've missed you too," he answered, his voice soft. "Might I potentially convince you to return to your shop together? Or, at the very least, anywhere else that you consider 'private'. Given the presence of my family in Ordis right now, I would prefer to avoid drawing their attention, or that of anyone who might gossip within earshot."

"Head up the stairs," she murmured. "I'll be right behind you."