Permission Requested
Back at our room, Rayla explains the situation to John.
“So, what do you think?”
“I’m not interested in working for the church-”
“I agree with John, ane. Those guys hate him for no reason! They’re no good to be around.”
“But!”
“But?”
He grins, “Don’t you think it would tarnish the reputation of the church if a gay Half-Elf is wielding a ‘holy weapon’. The very same institution that tried to keep both Human supremacy and suppression of queer people alive having to acknowledge someone like me? I’m sure it would cause them much pain~”
“We could also use an upgrade for our weaponry…” Sher Aka says.
I protest, “Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea! We shouldn’t help people that are doing bad things! Especially not when they want people like John not to exist…”
Putting his arm around my shoulders John smiles widely and says, “Thank you my friend. I genuinely appreciate the concern but this is something I want to do to spite those fuckers. So how about it?”
“Best friend…”
“What?”
“I’m your best friend, not just your friend.”
“Hahaha, that’s right. So? How about it bestie? Why don’t we annoy those bastards together?”
“Only if you promise that you won’t put yourself in danger for it…”
John theatrically goes down on one knee, “I swear to you, your Highness, that I will not value my mission over my life.”
“Good…Now stop doing this pose. I don't like it when you make fun of me.”
“Ahaha, sure, sure, my bad.”
“So, we got three yeses so far. How about you Scarlet?”
“I’m opposed. I don’t think it is a good idea for Rose or me to have any affiliation with the White City whatsoever. Even if it’s just for a job.”
“Why do you say so?” Rayla asks.
“Because Blaze is not on good terms with them. They’re a big reason for why we are not considered people. It could be seen as us submitting to them if it becomes known we worked for them.”
“Hmm… I think I understand the situation. Does that mean it’s an absolute no?”
“No…But I’ll have to talk about this with my mother before I decide…I’ll be right back.”
“Wait, are you going to contact your mother right now? How?”
“With the guild crystal. Rose, you stay here for now. It’s not time for me to tell her about you yet.”
“Why? Because she won’t accept me?”
“No, because she’ll make sure you come home when she finds out and I know you’re not ready yet.”
“I see…Thank you for protecting me, manya.”
“Don’t thank me for something obvious. I’ll always protect you, Rose.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------
After pulling some strings with her noble status, Scarlet is now alone in a communications room of the guild.
“Blaze, Royal Castle 2413095678.”
The crystal begins to glow and shortly after shows a projection of a well dressed official in a military style uniform.
“State your name and por- Eh!? Your Highness!? My apologies I was unaware-”
“Connect me to my mother.”
“Yes, right away!”
The projection then changes to the flag of Blaze before shortly after changing again, now showing an angry looking queen sitting on her throne.
“Scarlet Lucia Elena Resplandor, do you have any idea how worried your father and I have been!?”
“Why? There is no need to worry.”
“No need to worry!? You should have been back here months ago! You have completely left us in the dark about you all this time!”
“I sent you letters.”
Getting even more pissed she holds up a bunch of letters saying ‘I’m still alive, not sure when I’ll come back but I do have a surprise when I do. Love Scarlet.’
“Those aren’t helpful whatsoever! Tell me, what are you still doing out there!? I saw you signed up as an adventurer for who knows what reason but Carmilla refuses to give me any info about you.”
“That’s because I asked auntie not to.”
“For what reason?”
“I can’t tell you yet but I swear to you it’s extremely important.”
Seemingly calming down a bit she grinds her teeth as she asks, “Are you safe?”
“Mostly, yeah.”
“Mostly she says…You are going to make me have a heart attack one day…Fine, what do you want? You obviously didn’t call just to make your poor mother feel better.”
“I wanted to ask if I can work for the White City in my capacity as an adventurer.”
“Why would you do that?”
“They personally asked my party for aid in protecting the transport of Sunsteel-ore. I don’t think they know I’m in this party.”
“Then why did they ask for you?”
“Most likely because we took part in uncovering the Tennison Steel cult.”
“You were part of that sting operation!? Scarlet, what are you doing out there?”
“Like I said I can’t tell you but it’s really important.”
Tapping her fingers on her armrest the Queen thinks for a bit and answers, “Alright, I’ll allow it, provided you don’t act in your function as princess or representative of Blaze at any point during this quest.”
“I won’t. Can I ask you something important, mama?”
“Don’t be stupid. Of course you can, I’m your mother.”
“I need you to keep at least ten death row inmates alive until I return and I need you to find a dark mage that knows how to perform a sacrifice to his Highness Nox.”
“Alright. Can you tell me why?”
“No, I’m sorry but I can’t.”
“I see…Is there anything else?”
“Yes. Mama, what would you do if it turns out that a child of yours you didn’t know about was found and brought to you?”
“I’d obviously raise it. Don’t tell me that child survived…”
“No…It didn’t. But I did find out who smashed their egg.”
“What!? How did you-”
“I can’t tell you yet but I know who killed them and why. I promise I’ll tell you everything when I come home but I can’t tell you yet.”
“When will you come home?”
“I don’t know yet but it will definitely be within the next nineteen years. Let’s make it fifteen to be safe, no…Five years. If I’m not back in five years, come looking for me.”
“Allright.”
“There is one last thing. Mama, I need you to answer this honestly and give it genuine thought.”
“Allright, speak.”
“If a child of yours you didn’t know about was raised by Tera Flora and they demanded it back after I recovered it, what would you do?”
“...”
“I’d do anything in my power to protect my child from those monsters.”
“Even if it means war?”
“Of course.”
“Even though you didn’t know about the child?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Thank you mama…I’ll make sure to come back as soon as possible. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
—----------------------------------------------------------
After about thirty minutes, Scarlet comes back to our room, “How did it go?” Rayla asks.
Seemingly completely ignoring her, she walks up to me and asks, “Can you change into your male form for a bit?”
“Uhm, sure?”
Closing my eyes I turn into my small form and manya picks me up, hugs me tightly and sits down on a chair with me, “We can go on the quest, I got permission.”
“Allright, in that case I’ll go and accept. We’re going to leave tomorrow so let’s rest-”
Watching Scarlet hug me tightly and lick my face, Rayla asks, “Are you even listening to me?”
“Of course. Go do your thing, I’m spending today with Rose.”
“You say that as if you don’t do that every day.”
“Yeah, but today I’m going to give her some special attention! How about we have some cake, Rose?”
“I’d love some cake!”
“Then let’s get a really creamy and expensive one and spend the entire day next to the fire place all cozied up in a bedroll~”
“Okay!”
“Oh!? Look at who’s excited, your tail’s gonna get sore if you keep wagging it like this, Rose.”
“Okay! I’ll try calming down.”
Humming a happy tune Scarlet carries me outside and we spend the day just as she said.