"Everyone…please listen to me. I know they aren't the only ones who take issue with Mizuki. Some of you think he doesn't deserve his ranking. Others of you probably think that, regardless of what Gerard said, the Empire would have left us alone if it wasn't for Mizuki. Am I right?" (Levi)
Almost a third of the adventurers either nod or grunt their assent, though they look embarrassed doing it. Levi nods back empathetically.
"I understand, I do…you've heard that he can't use magic, and the Empire left Elmesia alone for centuries before Mizuki's party massacred their Emperor. You're thinking…how could he possibly have earned an S-rank when he's so weak? How could he not be responsible if the Empire suddenly invades? Why would Levi and the others join the party of someone like that?" (Levi)
This time more adventurers voice their assent confidently…almost half. Levi nods thoughtfully.
"Well, let me tell you…we joined his party because we know the truth. First, Mizuki's not weak. If you're not convinced by what he did to a B-rank in front of you just now, then ask my party. That wolf-kin girl, Zara, beat us all at once today singlehandedly, and she insists that she's the weakest member of Mizuki's group." (Levi)
Murmurs of disbelief circulate among the adventurers. After a moment, Sylvia steps forward slightly, and they quiet down.
"I think you all know that I call things how I see them, and I'm not the most patient person." (Sylvia)
That solicits a round of tense laughter and sarcastic comments from the other adventurers.
"Yeah, yeah, shut up you morons. The point is, you should know that I mean it when I tell you…Levi's not messing around. Everyone in Mizuki's party, including the man himself, is the real deal. Since Mizuki's weakest party member just beat my ass today, the next time I hear any of you say he doesn't deserve his ranking, I'll assume you think you can take me one-on-one." (Sylvia)
I see a lot of wide eyes following Sylvia's statement, and it's clear her words carry a lot of weight with the other adventurers. In this regard, at least, she's perhaps even more trusted than Levi.
A contemplative silence falls over the guild, and Levi capitalizes on the less tense atmosphere.
"The second thing I can assure you is…the Empire was coming for this place eventually with or without Mizuki. If you're wondering how I could know that…it's because…" (Levi)
Levi seems to hesitate, and he looks about as nervous as I've ever seen him. What the hell is going on?
The other adventurers notice his strange behavior as well and seem to listen more intently. Sylvia steps forward and places a hand on Levi's shoulder comfortingly, and nods at him to continue. Levi gives her a light smile.
"…it's because…I'm a soldier that defected from the Empire years ago. I was part of an elite squad for reconnaissance and assassinations that reported directly to Belmod's father. Spying on Elmesia, talk of invading it…these were all common. Belmod was especially reputed for such things. I'm certain that he would have invaded this place within the next few years, even without Mizuki's intervention." (Levi)
Holy shit…Levi's apprehension about anything involving the Empire makes more sense now. They don't seem the type to treat defecting lightly.
Also, didn't Belmod mention something about a spy with an invisibility spell affinity going missing while investigating the Elven Kingdom? That had to have been Levi…what are the odds of two invisible men going missing from the Empire around the same time? Plus, I always thought it was strange that someone with that skill could be caught by the elves. I wonder why he abandoned his mission…
The other adventurers seem to share my surprise at Levi's story, even Leo and Rikard, and they all begin whispering intently. Levi's face seems to grow more apprehensive. I direct a thought message to him and all the other members of our parties.
[Levi…I think I can guess some of what happened, assuming you're the spy that was sent to investigate the elves. I respect that you didn't sell them out. I also appreciate you sharing your history just to help me. To be clear, I won't let the Empire or anyone else harm people in my party – that includes your group.] (Mizuki)
All the members of my new party look to me in surprise, and I see Levi smile gratefully. Alto seems to draw some inferences from my comment and looks at Levi curiously. I guess she's increasing her opinion of him, since he protected her people without even asking for a thank you.
I turn my attention back to the adventurers in the guild and step forward to gather their attention. They all look to me expectantly. Thankfully, while several of them seem nervous and conflicted, I don't see any more hostility towards me…that's a good start.
"Levi and his party have done their best to put your minds at ease, so let me follow their example. It's beyond unfortunate that this man Lark lost his life today. However, while his motivations were tragic, he still tried to kill me without warning – I won't apologize for or regret how I handled that. My only hope is that we can avoid unnecessary violence or distrust between one another going forward. To that end, if anyone has issues with or concerns regarding my party, let's address them now." (Mizuki)
The room is silent for several moments, as the adventurers look between one another nervously. Eventually, one adventurer stands up calmly and looks me directly in the eye.
"I've always felt that adventurers need to look out for one another, so I can accept that Kent and the other three brought their fate on themselves. My only question is this…is your party really willing to take on the Empire's army if it comes to that?"
I don't flinch from his gaze.
"My face will be the very first one they see, I assure you." (Mizuki)
As the man studies my face, gauging my sincerity, another man stands up.
"Yah really think we can drive the Empire's army back if they come for us?"
I turn towards him and smile viciously.
"Fufufu…you should know that Belmod had sixty-eight guards, all of which were alteration class with power levels around three. While they're dead, my party left without a scratch. So, understand that I don't pick fights I can't win…that's why Gerard and the rest of the council sided with us." (Mizuki)
The guild hall grows morbidly silent for several minutes. I decide to press on.
"Well, it seems like we've said our piece…all that's left is for you all to decide. I'm not asking you to be our friends, or even to like us. I just want us to have enough professional courtesy that the only violence Elmesia's adventurers face is from monsters or the Empire. What do you say?" (Mizuki)
The room is quiet at first, then…
"Justified or not…I'll never forget what you just did to Lark, and I'm not sure I can forgive you either. Still, I won't be coming after you or your party…I can at least agree that there's been enough violence." (Tate)
The man who watched me kill his friend earlier, Tate, stares at me with a bitter but resigned expression. Then, he goes to retrieve Lark's body and leaves the guild quietly. I know it's insensitive to wonder, but…can he just take that dude's corpse like he owns it, no questions asked?
"Well, if Tate can put the past behind him, I don't think the rest of us have any right to hold a grudge."
My thoughts are interrupted by another adventurer's comment, and a chorus of assent follows his statement. I bow to them briefly.
"Thank you all…I'm glad to know we won't be at odds going forward. Please let me or another of my party know if you hear anything about the Empire, and we'll make sure to keep our promise." (Mizuki)
There are several nods of acknowledgements around the room, then a tense silence ensues. I turn to face my party, and they all stare back at me expectantly. I sense sympathy from Nina.
I smile at them all softly.
"This day turned far more serious than I was expecting, but I'm glad that everything seems to have worked out. I appreciate everyone's support, especially you two, Levi and Sylvia. There's still more we need to do, I'm sure, but…for now, let's call it a day." (Mizuki)
My new collection of party members nods briefly in sequence, and I breathe a sigh of relief. The next couple weeks are going to hold many challenges, so I'm thankful to have friends that I can count on.
I'm ready to go home and spend time with them.