Chapter 59
Bonds
Sylas sat in yet another eting, this one determining the final preparations for their trek toward the east and the camp. They got the exact location from Tebek, and even the rough estimates on the number of n thereso eighty able-bodied n and so twenty-thirty cripples, won, and even a few children.
As always, Sylas took no part in preparationsrely minding his own business on the side. By now, he'd cald down considerablywas a rabbit, in fact, compared to the first return. Recalling the few things that he said, he truly wanted to reset the loop but felt it was a waste. After all, he had further worked on his body, even testing out the Heart's Ripple ever so often.
What made him squeal in joy werent the skills apparent applications in the battle itselfbut outside of it. As it stood, he could easily hear how soones heart behaved if he concentratedespecially if he pulled a bit of energy he was able to muster and maintain into his ears. Though this in and of itself said practically nothing, with his lifeti of experiences, he was easily able to read the aning of whichever song the heart was singing.
Leave it to to turn a magical ability into yet another tool for conning, Sylas sighed, shaking his head. Beyond the attack on the east, which Derrek was also participating inexcitedly so, from the look on his facehe was yet to confront the man about Dyn and try and earn his trust. Derrek was another key figure Sylas wanted to bring overeffectively for the role he wanted Dyn to have initially. He wanted to build the Princes estate slowly but surely, polluting it with quality n and won who knew what they were doing.
Though Derreks general personality was suspect, as the man seed to have an ego of a hundred others combined, his knowledge, position, and likely strength were more than enough to make up for that deficiency. Ah, I can delay it for a bit. I really dont wanna deal with him just yet
Sylas counted back, realizing that Valens group was growing quite considerablywhat started with just him turned into an experienced Captain in Tenner, a talented, up-and-coming Exorcist in Ryne, and potentially Derrek who was sothing. A Knight of an Order, and likely more. Perchance quite magical, Sylas mused. There was also Baron Cyrs in charge of the castles logistics, who seed to have sowhat recovered his spirits by tossing his all into work.
All in all, the camp, though small, was concise and diverse. In fact, it seed too concise and diverse. Once again, Sylas grew suspiciousthe timing and the place and the circumstances within which he was dropped it was like they were all tailor-made. After all, an Exorcist just happens to walk into the castle and happens to have so serious daddy issues? A corrupt Baron just happens to have a soft heart ridden with guilt and happens to be easily exploitable? A Moon Knight just happens
Sylas? You there? Sylas focused back on the eting, realizing that all eyes were on him for so reason. The one who spoke was Valenwith the Princes odd gaze at him, Sylas smiled sheepishly before replying.
Here, here, my dearest Prince, he said. Whats wrong?
Do you have anything to add to the plan? Valen asked with a bitter smile. Hed long since realized that Sylas checked out of these etings imdiately, but still felt compelled to ask. After all, there were many faces herehe wanted to let them all know to respect the slightly strange and offbeat advisor by the Princes side.
No, its a majestic plan, befitting of your majestic countenance! Tsk, Valen clicked his tongue and looked away. So, are we done?
Yeah, yeah, were done, Valen said, despite not being even halfway done. Go see Ryne and ask her if she can make so quick talismans for us. Just quality ones, if possible. If not, its fine.
"At once!" Sylas stood up happily and left. He was beginning to doze off, and though he knew he likely should focus during the etings and start learning it was too boring, and he was but a one man. If his listening and learning mattered, he wouldn't be hellbent on gathering a nice camp for the Prince.
He hastily went over to Rynes workshop. Ever since his initial outburst, the young girl was a bit reserved around him. Sylas had to constantly remind himself that it wasnt strangeafter all, though in his mind hed known the girl for over a year, shed known him for a few weeks. Though he adjusted to the imbalanced relationship with othersincluding Valenrather quickly, it was difficult with her. It was mostly due to the fact that no matter the loop, her treatnt of him was usually the sa. Except for this one.
Rather than busting down the doors and heading inside, he held himself back and knocked a few tis. So seconds later, Ryne opened the doors casually and smiled lightly when she saw it was him.
C-can I help you? she asked.
The Prince sent ! all else aside, Sylas still knew the perfect combination of words to imdiately win her over.
T-the Prince? P-please, co in! Ryne, blushing as always, quickly opened the doors and stepped inside. What what does His Highness want?
A favor, Sylas said, walking in as though he owned the place. Youre aware of the khm, hike were planning toward the east?
Hike? Ryne looked at him oddly. Im young, but Im not stupid.
could have fooled , Sylas joked with crinkled lips. Ryne stifled a laugh, purposefully putting on an annoyed expression. Khm, that aside.
That aside?
Prince asked to ask you whether youd be able to write up so talismans for us. Just a few of quality. If not, dont worry about it.
When when is this hike?
You you dont know? How how could you possibly not know?! she asked, appalled.
I anits in the few days, weeks tops! Look, I I tune out, alright? Those etings man, they get boring. And long. And boring.
You already said that.
Because thats how boring they get! Sylas exclaid, sitting down. Lets say a few days. Cold Snap should be 10-15 days from now, so considering the ti to get there and back yeah, lets say a few days. Is it possible?
Hmm maybe, Ryne said with a complicated expression. But only a few if I dont sleep or eat
Theyre not that important, Sylas said. Valen values your health far more than a few talismans. Or a lot of talismans.
R-r-really?
I wouldnt know. But its nice to see youre really good at hiding your crush, Wow, that was an even by my standards
E-e-ehh?! My myhow did you know?! Ryne shot past the an part quickly and quizzed.
I have eyes? Sylas scoffed. Anyway, believe it or not, I know a thing or two about talismans. Only basics, reallylike rudintary inscription and paper preparation. Maybe I could assist you a bit so to speed up the process?
Huh? You know how to prepare the paper? Really? Ryne asked, clearly not buying it.
Really, Sylas noddedafter all, that was the thing she always taught him first and had him do for hours on end just so she wouldnt have to. I an, Im not fast, but I can prepare three-four papers in an hour. Should save you so ti at least, I think.
"Y-yeah! Yeah, of course! Wow, so you know how to clean the papers who taught you? Or did you just pick up on it sowhere? Waitwas it the God?! Did did God teach you so you can help ? Does the God"
Oi, oi, oi, slow down, slow down, seeing that the girl was sprinting toward the places she shouldnt, Sylas interjected quickly. Do you really think the God would be so bored as to teach so basic talisman inscription?
no?
No.
Oh, no. Okay.
What? My help isnt welcod unless its facilitated by a God?
No, of courseI an, yes, yes, of course its welcod. Sorry, I got excited. I Ive never t a Prophet before. Well, I an, I t themits just that they werent real. But youre real.
Aye, I certainly am not an illusion, Sylas said. As the Prince would testify each ti he went to the bathroom after .
Ryne rolled her eyes for a mont, unimpressed by Sylas fourth-grade humor. You know what I an. You see things. Hear things. My Master used to tell that anyone claiming to hear God's voice was a liar and a cheat and likely wanted sothing from . And, each ti before, whenever I'd test these 'Prophets' they'd crumble. Show themselves as liars. But you you're different."
Im hardly different, Sylas said. I just happen to be a ssenger. Doesnt make a better person. I Im usually not like that, he said. Angry. Cruel.
No, no, its fine
Im not, he interrupted. But Im still human, and sotis things get to . Im just sorry you were there to see it.
no, its alright, Ryne nodded lightly. The vision it must have been scary. Painful. Did you see soone die?
Ah, soone always dies, Sylas kept that to himself, however. Anyway, where do you keep the papers so I can start while you go get us sothing to eat?
Why should I get us sothing to eat?!
Its cause youre a girl and young people should always listen to their wise elders, Sylas said.
the papers are there, Ryne sighed, pointing at the nearby cupboard. Be careful. Even with the Princes generous supplies, theres still a limited amount. If you screw up any, Ill Ill
If youre gonna threaten soone, Sylas said. At least do so with confidence and flamboyancy! For instance: you damned dog! If you so much as wrinkle one of my papers, I shall have you eat cows dung for days in the cold snow! See? Now you try.
Im not
Try.
Khm y-you damned dog! If, if you so much as wrinkle one of my papers, I shall have you eat cows d-d-dung for days in the cold snow!! Ryne exclaid, red in cheeks, but feeling sowhat empowered. Shed never cursed so boldly before, after all.
Damn, that was good kiddo, Sylas nodded in approval. Youve got potential. Stick by and learn. One day, in the future, you too shall beco a class-A bullshitter. Now go fetch us sothing to eat.
Y-yes! Ryne exclaid, running off. Wait, why did I sound so excited about becoming a bullshitter?! I dont want to beco a bullshitter! Alas, it was too late.
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