Acknowledging the knight's correctness, the other members of the Triumvirate dispersed to their offices, deciding to continue monitoring the mage but taking no further action.
The trio headed to Kas, of course, not counting the guards. Besides Olga and Konstantin, Dasha, Maria's new assistant who was to actively familiarize herself with artifact makers, accompanied them to the capital. The girl was chosen for her artistic talent and her remarkable ability to capture what she saw with astounding precision using pencil and paper.
This talent was to be used for the benefit of the vampires, transferring human knowledge onto paper. The only issue was their status as travelers. No, there were no problems with their belonging to the lower strata of society; all three flaunted mage badges, and thus were considered part of the noble class by default.
The hitch was with Kostya, who proudly held the position of headman of a free village. In this role, his task of hiring people for Sir Blood appeared to the locals as relevant as a fifth leg on a hare and was about as fitting, but he had to keep a stiff upper lip and hope for the best.
The first day in the duchy's capital brought surprises. All three were summoned by the dowager duchess, and the nature of the invitation did not allow for refusal. Puzzled by why the woman wanted to see the humble headman, the vampires promptly went to the castle and were received without delay. After warmly welcoming her guests and inquiring about their affairs, the duchess invited them to sit and immediately got to the point.
— As I understand it, you didn't come to the city for pleasure?
— That's correct, Your Grace, — it was Konstantin's turn to stretch his neck, and how much he had mocked Alexander about it in the past!
— May I ask the reason for your visit, my dear?
— There's no secret about it, madam. The archmage's rebellion and the orders given by your son in connection with it prompted us to appear in this wonderful city. I came on behalf of Sir Blood to hire mercenaries for the expedition.
— Does this mean that you yourself will not be joining the campaign against Zalon? — The duchess appeared noticeably nervous; while her outward appearance did not reveal it, the vampire sensed that the woman was sweating excessively, and her voice trembled slightly.
The subject was close to her heart, although she tried to conceal this from her interlocutor.
— Instead of us, the mercenaries will go, Your Grace.
— It is very disappointing to hear this, — the duchess fell silent for a moment, then gathering her composure, continued, explaining her words, — The victory at the Cursed Bridge, which my son supposedly achieved, was entirely due to your people. The campaign to the pass was also successful, thanks to you and not my son's talents, regardless of what various sycophants might say. It troubles me to know that in the campaign to Zalon, you will not be in the duke's army. Tell me, why do you not wish to participate?
— None of us sees the point in dying there, Your Grace, — the vampire replied straightforwardly.
— So you also consider this venture a lost cause?
— To be honest, we haven't considered all the options, but an assault on the archmage's fortress with an ordinary army seems like an exotic way of committing suicide.
— Damn Elos! — the duchess exclaimed in frustration upon hearing the response, — He had everything! What's the point of this foolish rebellion?
— Someday we will learn the answer to that question, — Konstantin diplomatically responded to the clearly rhetorical question from the woman, — And may I inquire, whose bastard is the archmage?
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