Ria was making her way to Hikari's chambers. She was carrying a bagful of fan mail for her. Her
It was right down the hill from the RazenHeir mansion and comparable in size.
Along the way, she overhears the maids.
"Did you hear about the ball? Looks like our lady had no luck again."
"Really? That's a shame, I spent an entire day preparing her dress and her make up. But on that day, she was in Hikari's chambers until well after lunch. And then I had to rush to bathe her. And then I did some last minute paint over. Gosh. I don't think Lady Ria has smelled so bad before. "
"Oh my, what in the five realms are they doing in there. Yeah, I imagine she'll smell bad. Hikari's socks smell so strong that I swear I could smell them from the mansion balconies. I pray she did not smell like that when she showed up to the ball?"
"I hope not either. I dropped three bars of soap into her tub and scrubbed her thoroughly twice. Though, I imagine some beastkin with their hypersensitive noses could still pick up some traces."
"what of the other young men? Lady Ria is actually not bad looking. I wish I had that pretty skin, those blue eyes and lush red hair. What might have been the cause of her chronic lack of success?"
"Well, hush now. You might get the cane if she hears you. "
"Oh? Is it some kind of illness?"
"Not so. It's not really a secret even."
"Do stop speaking in riddles."
"Well, she's too flat."
"Flat?"
"Yes. (Tapping sounds)"
"Ah! I get it. Poor Lady Ria. I feel sorry for her. I guess even those well educated men are nothing but pigs after all."
"There you go. I said nothing. You heard nothing."
"Aye. By the way, did you hear about Hikari going to the ball?"
"I did. She caused quite the scene, didn't she? All those men crawling at her feet."
"Yeah, I kind of saw that coming."
"Me too. She looked absolutely stunning. Those muscular bare feet in those gorgeous sandal heels. That Blood crystal ankle bracelet. The way men would rather look at her feet. It must be quite humiliating for Lady Ria to stand beside them."
"Hush. The cane is waiting."
Ria reached Hikari's chambers.
Hikari was drilling with her sword.
Ba dum! Ba dum! Ria's heart pounded in her chest.
"Greetings, my lady."
Ria slapped both of her cheeks.
"Greetings, Hikari. I hope I'm not disturbing your training."
Hikari leaned her sword against the wall and picked up her tankard. Her shirt was completely drenched.
"Here's some mail from your, I suppose, fans."
Hikari gave her a confused look.
"Oh you know, those men at the ball. Looks like you have gained quite a bit of popularity."
Hikari gulps down the water in her tankard.
"Shall I lay out the letters for you to read?"
Hikari wiped off her sweat with her towel.
"There!" Ria began opened the letters and laying them out on the ground neatly.
"Hmm.." Hikari scanned the letters.
"... I want to worship you… grovel at your feet ... Step on me, so that I can't breathe... Cover me in your sweat … Smother me under your feet … Drown me in the milk from your life giving blossoms … "
Ria's face grew red. She scrambled to keep the letters back into her backpack.
"I'll handle the replies. They are still young men of status, we can't just burn the letters."
Hikari took another gulp of water.
"Interesting. Are they for real?"
"Obviously not. When a man hounds after you just for his pleasure. You should always turn him away."
Hikari drank.
"Oh, there's a special assignment for you. We'll be going into town after lunch. Have a good rest."
Ria begins making her way to the door.
"Where are you going?"
Ria flinched. "Umm… I need to get back to writing.. umm… the replies to all of these men… "
"Crawl"
Ria dropped to her hands and knees.
They set off.
Ria looked on at the troops marching past them with apprehension. They marched in their grey uniforms with their muskets.
"Scout master. You mentioned that there are these flesh abominations that the cultists create that are impervious to both musket fire, shrapnel and flame."
The scout master had a thick beard across his face.
"Just run if you see one. Their clumsy bodies make them slow."
They arrived in town. It had turned into more of a military outpost than a trading town.
Plenty of guards and soilders marching in and out.
As Hikari stopped infront of the town gate, the sentries stared at her dazed.
"Can we come in?"
A pause.
"Ah! Yes! Open the gates!" It was the old town guard who is familiar with Hikari.
They marched into town.
The shops were closed down safe for the forges, the tannery, the runesmith. They reached the center of town.
A statue of a voluptuous woman in blindfolds sits atop the town church.
"Silora" Hikari thought.
The sick and wounded being shuttled in and out of the church.
Ria and her escort dismounted. They approached a group of officers.
"Greetings, I'm Ria RazenHeir."
"Greetings to -" The pipe dropped from the officer's mouth as he turned around.
An awkward pause ensued.
"Oh forgive me. The giantess Knight Hikari that we were told about. I couldn't believe the reports when I heard that a single knight caused the surrender of an entire holdout. I sure glad you're on our side." He quipped.
"So? Where is the cultist stronghold?" The officer jumped, he hadn't noticed Ria until now.
"That's why we called Hikari here. You see, there is this abbot we captured. We tried to interrogate him but he's as silent as a dummy. However, he did mention that he would spill everything if he gets to meet the giantess knight"
"You think this is alright? What if he corrupts her?"
"We have him chained down. Sliced those runes on his body and drain him of his mana."
"But he can still speak, can he not?"
"Of course. And we need him to."
"I'll go"
"But Hikari? I'm afraid of what he might tell you."
Hikari's eyes shifted towards Ria.
Ria froze from the gaze.
"Alright. Be careful."