"Are you sure it's okay for me to sit with your majesty?" Jain asked, her voice hushed as she glanced around the resturant. "I know titles aren't supposed to matter in this city-state, but you're still a queen."
Vionette and Noa snapped back from their private, low-voiced conversation in their minds. Their eyes drifted toward Jain, who stood there like a stiff reed in a shifting wind, caught between her ingrained etiquette and the lawless air of Cirelith.
"It's fine, really. Don't sweat it," Noa said, offering a smile so sweet he looked like the most innocent man to ever walk the earth. "Whether we're here or back in Crimvane, we don't really stand on ceremony."
Jain blinked, her gaze shifting to the man beside the queen. "And you are…?"
"This is Noa Ravel," Vionette said, extending a hand toward him as if presenting a rare jewel. "My partner."
"Ah! I've heard the rumors about you. It's a pleasure to meet your majesty," Jain said, bowing her head.
Internally, her mind was a whirlwind of calculations.
Ravels… I've never heard of a noble house by that name. He must be a commoner. But why is a commoner with no visible aura her partner? He has to be hiding it.
"We're here to dig up some info on… well, certain things," Vionette said, her chin dipping slightly as her eyes sharpened into obsidian needles. "Since we're sharing a table, would we have the chance to know what brought you all this way?"
Jain stared at the two of them for several long seconds, her silence a heavy curtain. She was weighing the risks. She knew the history — how Crimvane had effectively swallowed both Aurelyth and Eryndor in a single, terrifying gulp. The architects of that upheaval were sitting right in front of her, eating a casual meal.
If they decide to help, we can end this investigation in half the time and save so many more people, Jain thought, her heart hammering against her ribs. It would be perfect if they decided to help just out of the goodness of their hearts.
With a long, weary sigh, she closed her eyes and made her choice.
"About a week ago, in the northern kingdoms that follow our goddess Liara, we started getting these reports," Jain began, her voice trembling with suppressed revulsion. "Civilians vanishing into thin air, people suffering from strange emotional distortions… a dozen different nightmares. We searched everywhere, hunted every shadow, but we couldn't catch them."
"And then the problems stopped there and started popping up here in Cirelith," Vionette interrupted, taking a calm, methodical bite of her meal. "So you followed the trail, hoping to catch the bastards responsible before they vanish again."
Jain's eyes widened, sharpening with a new layer of respect.
She got to the point immediately. She's way sharper than the stories suggested.
"Yes. I'm here representing the church, and the knights are here for the kingdoms. We have to find the cause before more lives are thrown away on whatever altar these people are building."
"Could it be like what happened in Crimvane?" Noa asked, turning in his seat to look at Rose, who was standing behind them. "You know, that monster business from before."
Rose, who had reverted to her 'maid form' — a mask of perfect, professional neutrality — shook her head.
"I doubt it, my lord. Those monsters are like a fire that can't be contained. If it were them, this city would already be screaming. This feels… quieter."
"Aha… I guess you're right." Noa turned back, looking almost disappointed that his guess was off the mark.
"We'll help you out," Vionette said with a sudden, breezy smile. "We're here anyway, and it's not like we can just sit back and watch innocent people get slaughtered while we're on vacation, right?"
"You… you will?" Jain was stunned for a heartbeat, her face suddenly illuminating with a bright, genuine smile. "That's perfect! I'd really appreciate the help, your majesty!"
While Jain was swept up in relief, Rose remained a statue of icy skepticism. Her face was a blank slate, but inside, she was practically vibrating with exasperation.
Kekekek — she's such a pushover. Inside his own mind, Noa was wearing a wicked grin. Even I can see how easy it is to lead her along. She's practically begging for it.
"Don't worry about it," Noa said aloud, his voice dripping with warmth and faux-heroism. "Helping the innocent is basically the first rule in my personal handbook."
Like hell it is! Rose wanted to scream the words, her hand tightening its grip on her dress until the fabric groaned.
"Anyway, if we're done here, we should probably get moving," Vionette said, standing up as she finished the last of her meal. "We'll see you tomorrow to talk shop. We still need to find an inn to crash in. And Jain… when I see you tomorrow… leave the 'your majesty' at the door. It's annoying."
"W-wait!" Jain shouted, reaching out toward them. "I know it's not exactly what a royal is used to, but if you come to the inn we're staying at, we can offer you protection."
Vionette and Noa stopped mid-step, the word echoing in the air like a punchline to a joke they hadn't heard yet.
"…Protection?" Noa turned around, his sweet, innocent smile returning in full force. "Hahah — that would be just great. We'd feel so much safer."
***
The group of five made their way toward the inn, a strange parade through the cobblestone streets of Cirelith. Jain led the way, her posture straight and purposeful. Noa and Vionette walked side by side behind her, looking more like two tourists than conquerors. Kaelen brought up the rear, his hand never far from his blade, while Rose carried the luggage with an effortless, terrifying grace. The knights moved in a perimeter around them, their armor clanking like a rhythmic heart.
If civilians are disappearing and emotions are being warped, it's either a very specific kind of human trafficking or a cult using high-end drugs. But why Cirelith? This is a city of information, not petty crime. If someone is here, they're hunting for a secret. A place they aren't supposed to be. That means I can ignore the general public and focus on anyone with access to the restricted archives. But just to be sure… Vionette looked at the knights. Perfect. Most of them have their helmets on.
"Jain, I need you and your knights to do something for me," Vionette said, her voice a smooth purr. "Don't worry, it's nothing personal. It's for the case."
"Of course, Lady Vionette," Jain said, turning around. "If you're helping us, we'll give you our full cooperation. Just tell us what you need."
Jain had already realized that Vionette's mind was a tactical engine. She was more than willing to follow the lead of someone who actually seemed to have a plan.
They stepped into the first floor of the inn, a space that managed to be both luxurious and intensely practical. The dark-wood floors were polished to a mirror shine, gleaming under the soft, white glow of Aether lights. The walls were decorated with understated paintings, and plush chairs were arranged in cozy clusters for private conversations.
Noa looked at Vionette, trying to figure out what game she was playing now.
"I need you to split your men into groups. Have them go to the corners of the city in disguise and start spreading some rumors," Vionette instructed.
"…Rumors?" Jain asked, confused.
"Trust me. As long as they don't actually hurt anyone, we're good," Vionette said with a lazy wave of her hand.
"Hahahah… you worry too much, Jain," Noa added, his tone light. "We would never do anything that puts the innocent in harm's way."
"I'll trust you, then," Jain said, offering a small, tired smile before turning to the reception counter. "Four more rooms, please."
"Certainly, please wait a moment," the clerk said, scanning the ledger. "You're in luck, we have more than enough space. Please en—"
"Ah — make it three," Noa interrupted, holding up three fingers. "Vionette and I will share one."
"Yes, one is plenty for us," Vionette agreed. Suddenly, her eyes locked onto the receptionist, widening in surprise. "Wait… have I met you before?"
The employee looked up, her face a mask of polite confusion.
"I don't believe so, madam. Perhaps you're thinking of someone else?"
"My bad. I must have the wrong person," Vionette said, though her eyes lingered on him for a second too long.
Behind them, Kaelen had seemingly turned to stone, his face pale with shock at the casualness of the sleeping arrangements. Rose, who had already seen far too much of the 'lovebirds' and their antics, simply patted the knight on the shoulder and gave a long, mournful sigh.
"So… are you two married?" Jain asked, her eyes going wide as she tried to piece together the social standing of the pair.
"N-no! What are you talking about?" Vionette snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. "Do I look old enough to be married? Give me a break."
"I mean… it's hard to tell age here since we age so slowly," Jain said, her voice dipping as she leaned in, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So you're just… having sex without being married?"
"MOTHERFUCKER, WHAT?!!"
The scream from both Noa and Vionette was so loud and synchronized that it felt like a physical shockwave. The sound echoed through the rafters, waking sleeping guests and causing the drunks in the corner to faceplant into their tables.
…
The room inside the inn was dominated by a massive bed, dressed in crisp ivory sheets that looked like fresh snow, topped with a plush white throw that practically begged you to sink into it. The furniture — all dark, polished wood — consisted of an elegant dresser, a writing desk, and two high-backed chairs. Heavy curtains in deep red and slate filtered the outside light, casting the entire room in a warm, amber-tinted glow.
Vionette stood in the center of the room, a vision in white. She was barefoot, her toes curling slightly against the cool wood floor. She was idly running her fingers through her hair, which had just been dried by a series of quick, simple heat spells. The soft fabric of her white, long-sleeved tunic hung loosely on her frame, the sleeves folded back to her elbows to show off her smooth forearms. It was long enough to reach her mid-thigh, the neckline slipping just enough to bare one of her shoulders. A slim sash was tied loosely at her waist, giving her some shape without actually being tight.
Step.
As she shifted her weight and smoothly got onto the bed, the thin fabric moved with her, outlining her lithe, balanced build. From the right angle, the dark edge of her tight black shorts could be seen beneath the tunic — a subtle, fleeting glimpse that felt more like a promise than a fact.
Creak.
The door opened, and Noa stepped in. He was drying his hair with a towel, his movements slow and unbothered as water droplets flew off the strands. He was wearing a white shirt that he hadn't bothered to button, leaving it hanging open. It exposed his well-built chest and a set of firm, defined abs—the kind of physique that wasn't overly bulky but radiated a quiet, solid strength. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and his black trousers sat neatly on his hips, making the contrast of the open shirt even sharper. A few stray drops of water trailed down his collarbone, catching the dim light before disappearing.
"The water here is actually warm. Way better than that in Cerma," Noa said, tossing the towel aside.
Vionette, who had been lying down on the bed with her legs crossed, one arm on her belly, turned around to answer him. The words died in her throat. A deep, soaking crimson blush raced across her face as she took in his bare torso.
"W-why are you naked?!" she sputtered.
"Fym naked?" Noa asked, looking down at himself with a confused grin. "Only the top is exposed."
Vionette didn't look away. She stared at him for several long seconds, her mouth hanging open just a tiny bit. Her eyelids drooped, her expression shifting into something almost gluttonous. For a moment, she was lost in a very vivid dream of rubbing her face against those abs before he snapped back to reality just as her brain was starting to overheat.
"Like the view that much?" Noa asked, closing the distance and sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I didn't even really train for this. It just kind of… built itself this way naturally."
Vionette rolled on the bed, now lying on her stomach and crawling toward him like a curious cat. After she stopped, her legs tapped against the mattress in a cheerful, rhythmic beat. She propped herself up on one elbow, resting her chin in her palm as she looked up at him.
"I'm not even surprised. I mean, you were getting stronger just by sitting on your butt for four years, right? Whatever it is," reaching out with her free hand to give his chest a light tap, "I like it."
"Is that so~?" Noa smiled, his eyes warm as he looked down at her. "So, what are the details of 'that'?"
"I actually haven't read the full breakdown myself," Vionette said, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's check it out together."
Show the analysis on [Crown of Accumulation].
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[Character Illustrations]