Let's Give Them A Show!

"I believe you are right. I do not tend to get worked up over this stuff... But it is terrifying. All on its own. They are an omen of what is to come."

"Hmm... I admit to not being overly worried. The sound of 'war' is rightfully frightening, but I expect His Excellency will either have a plan on how to minimize casualties...or he's the instigator, and I will follow his will."

"This country's history is mired in blood and ash. His Excellency knows that more than anyone. We will just have to see how it all plays out. I will keep watch here... Wait to see if there is an Awakener who comes to take the trial."

"They only appear in times of war. And we are not at war. So something is accelerating their awakening or...I... I don't know what this means?"

"...My interpretation is that we are not at war yet, but its specter is nevertheless slowly approaching. Most likely, the Hundred Days War with Liberl a couple years ago was only the overture to what's to come. ...I'll have to inform His Excellency."

"I believe you are right. I do not tend to get worked up over this stuff... But it is terrifying. All on its own. They are an omen of what is to come."

"This symbol," she said, shoving it at Rufus once she was done. "This...The mana I've been feeling, Rufus. There's a Divine Knight sealed here. I don't know when... Or why... But they're waking up."

"A Divine Knight... You'll have to report this to your Elder, won't you?"

"They only appear in times of war. And we are not at war. So something is accelerating their awakening or...I... I don't know what this means?"

"Rufus..."

"...What scared you?" he asked quietly. "Who hurt you?"

"This symbol," she said, shoving it at Rufus once she was done. "This...The mana I've been feeling, Rufus. There's a Divine Knight sealed here. I don't know when... Or why... But they're waking up."

"They're waking up," she croaked.

Plink!

"Rufus..."

"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."