Well, I've been surrounded by Templars for half an hour now and I'm still alive, so I'd bet they can't sense I'm a Soul Thief just by looking at me. Pinta's alive too, so all in all, this trip has been going pretty smoothly so far.
Pinta, Penelope, and I were resting in the carriage when I noticed with surprise that it was being pulled by two Templars instead of pack animals. Our group included a full squad of Templars: eight identical soldiers and a captain whose helmet looked even fancier. The high-ranking Templar, Lady Gladra Karthala - or whatever her full title was - was walking alongside the carriage.
"Penelope, how do you know that strange lady?" I asked.
The young woman shifted in her seat, raising an eyebrow at me.
"You just called 'Destroyer' Gladra a 'strange lady'?" Penelope asked.
"Oh, how many titles does she have anyway?" I asked exasperatedly. "Who is she, and why is her name so long?"
Penelope blinked at me slowly, as if I were some kind of bizarre creature. Well, I supposed I was, but...
"Why have you never heard of 'Destroyer' Gladra?"
"Simple. I've never paid attention to such things, so I remain blissfully ignorant," I replied irritably. "Just tell me already."
Penelope shook her head but sat up straighter to begin explaining.
"Well... she's probably the most powerful intellectual mage in our country, possibly even on this island," she said succinctly. "She's a hero."
"She's a madwoman," I countered.
Penelope frowned.
"Well... she might be both. I'm surprised she's so willing to destroy Litia Village at the drop of a hat. Her personal involvement in this mission might have private reasons... or maybe I'm overthinking it. Either way, spreading rumors about noblewomen isn't wise."
"By the way, what's with all these titles like First Lady, Third Lady, etc.?"
"Do you actually live your whole life in Skyhope City?"
"Skyhope City is huge," I said, narrowing my eyes. "The place I'm from is different from yours."
She sighed.
"Fine, fine. The politics of Valca basically revolve around—"
"Wait, what's Valca?" I interrupted.
She blinked at me again.
"That's our country's name, Vita," she said slowly.
"Oh."
"Our island is called Emerald Summit - Emerald-Summit."
"I - I know that!" I insisted.
"Thank heavens. Now then... Valca's political structure is such that Skyhope City is our capital, with the royal palace at its center where the king and his family reside."
"Why not a queen?" I asked.
"What?"
"Why not 'the queen and her family'?"
"Well, sometimes it is a queen," Penelope explained patiently. "But in this generation, a male inherited the throne, so we have a king. The king has a wife who is the queen, but not a ruling queen. If the king designates a female heir, she would eventually become queen, and her husband would become king - but not in the monarch sense. Clear?"
"No, this is confusing."
Penelope sighed.
"Listen, none of that actually matters. What matters is we have a king who can nominate male and female councillors. Once nominated, they become nobles, and their entire families remain nobles for two generations. Many years ago, due to wartime achievements, the current king ennobled Gladra as a noble, granting her the Karthala surname. Thus, she's First Lady - or more commonly, since she was personally ennobled by the king, True Lady. If she had a husband, he'd be First Lord, and their children would be Second Lords, Second Ladies, or Second Nobles, and so on."
My head spun trying to process all this information.
"Uh, okay."
"It's quite rare for Templars to also be nobles, but not unheard of. There are usually several in each council. The current king values martial prowess, so we're seeing more of this lately."
She seemed somewhat disgruntled about this, but hey, she had issues with Templars, which didn't bother me - at least she seemed to have finished explaining. The journey was quite boring, with nothing in the forest seeming interested in attacking such a large group. I needed something to do.
Exhaustion from the journey and Penelope's political lecture soon had me making a decision. I settled into the bumpy carriage as best I could and quickly drifted into a restless sleep. My sleep was fitful, as any sudden movement from the Templars would wake me - even the regular soldiers were quite skilled. My groggy brain would mistake them for threats... which, to be fair, they probably were. At some point during my nap, Gladra leaned against the outside of the carriage, her soul brushing against me through the wood.
When asked, I claimed it was a nightmare scream.
As the day wore on, I'd managed about five or six hours of sleep - not bad for my first nap in enemy territory while riding in a carriage.
After disembarking, I felt the need to stretch my legs and relieve myself. While squatting by the roadside, the Templars politely averted their gazes, unconcerned about slowing the group since the two Templar horses were walking at a human pace anyway - presumably they switched drivers hourly, though they all looked identical, so I couldn't be sure.
I soon rejoined the group, deliberately staying on the side of the carriage farthest from "Destroyer" Lady. She still unnerved me. However, to my dismay, she soon circled around and walked beside me, her soul brushing against my arm. I subtly moved away.
"Uh, High Templar, is there something I can help you with?" I asked hesitantly.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked with a smile.
"I... slept a bit, Lady Karthala. Thank you for letting us rest in the carriage."
"Oh, you're welcome. We need to keep these lazy horses... I mean, soldiers in shape. You understand?"
"Ah... so they're pulling the carriage as training?"
"Yes, and they're much easier to train than actual horses," she said, leaning in conspiratorially.
I edged away. Was she teasing me? What should I say?
"Are you mocking me?" I asked, wrinkling my nose.
She laughed but didn't answer. Great, now what? If I stayed silent, she'd just pester me more.
"...How do you know Penelope?" I asked.
"Hmm? Oh, not really. But I'm well acquainted with her grandfather, Lord Vesuvius. We fought together forty years ago. That old coot became a noble before me - I still haven't forgiven him!"
She laughed again.
"Other than that, I've probably seen her at social events and recognized her easily enough."
"Oh," I said quietly. "How did you become so powerful?"
She snorted.
"Oh, everyone asks that. 'Oh, Destroyer Lady, please tell us the five easy steps to becoming an invincible warrior goddess!' What do they expect me to say? 'Oh, well, I eat my vegetables daily and practice diligently!' I'm the pioneer of thermal magic theory in my generation - damn it, I'm stronger than you because I'm smarter."
"Oh, so you're a thermal mage?"
Her helmet turned toward me as if studying me seriously.
"You... really have never heard of me, have you?" she asked.
I shrugged.
"I grew up in the slums. No one famous there. A few months ago, I got lucky and awakened a pretty impressive scouting talent. Before that, I was just a nobody."
"Hmm," she snorted. "Typical. Just because I'm strong, everyone treats me like some great hero, but I'm still considered 'untalented.' As if only gifts from the Mist Watchers count as real talents! Some people are just different - that's how the world works."
I frowned.
"Isn't it strange how the Templars denigrate the Mist Watchers?"
She laughed.
"You don't go to church much either, do you? Honestly, I'm not sure that counts as denigration. Why do you think we worship the Mist Watchers anyway?"
"I have no idea," I admitted honestly.
"Hmm," she said softly. "Have you ever seen it?"
If not for Pinta's timely intervention, I would have started shivering at the mere thought, silently thanking her in my mind.
"... How could I have?" I asked.
"Well, growing up in the slums, right? Well, this journey gives us a chance to remedy that - our route will take us along the edge for quite a stretch."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Wait, really? Isn't the edge a long way off?"
"Yes, quite far, I think. Right. Don't you know where Litia Village is either?"
She chuckled softly, reaching out to pat my back, but when her soul brushed against me, searing pain shot through my entire body like fire.
I forced a fake smile, trying to ignore the pain, wanting to scream. Her soul was pure power incarnate, and I was genuinely worried that standing too close to her might kill me.
Her hand moved away, and I nodded politely, finding an excuse to climb back into the carriage, only then realizing I'd been holding my breath.
"Enjoy your chat?" Penelope asked expressionlessly.
"Uh... it went okay, I guess," I said, gasping for air.
"Rather than gossiping about me, you might use this journey for something productive."
Oh, she'd heard?
"Just curious," I defended. "We weren't saying anything bad about you."
"Of course. Regardless, it's always good not to waste time. You should practice blocking commands."
"Uh, wasn't I supposed to avoid learning magic?" I whispered.
"As long as you're not channeling mana, it doesn't violate any rules. I think you should also work on your physical training - you mentioned wanting to improve your physical skills, and I'm sure the Templars would be happy to offer advice."
"I guess I'll take their advice," I replied. "I'm pretty bad with this spear."
"Suit yourself," Penelope muttered.
I picked up the weapon and jumped back down, positioning myself on the side of the carriage farthest from Gladra. A few Templars glanced my way but nodded approvingly when I began practicing spear drills. Too intimidated to approach them for guidance, I just continued practicing the movements Lynn had taught me, hoping someone might eventually correct me if I was doing it wrong.
After a while, I found a rhythm. The carriage wasn't moving fast, so practicing while walking was simple - except for myself, my lousy spear, and my ever-active soul perception. The forest creatures left us alone, Gladra didn't bother me, and while I wouldn't say I enjoyed the training, I'd grown accustomed to it. It wasn't the torment it had been at first; back then, running a few blocks left my body protesting violently. I hadn't realized how much stronger I'd become in such a short time.
Eventually, the squad leader approached me.
"Miss, perhaps it's time for a new training exercise," he suggested politely, his voice sounding familiar.
"Hmm?" I replied.
"You've been doing this exercise for hours. Letting your muscles rest and switching exercises might be better."
"Oh," I said. "I hadn't noticed the time. Do you have any recommendations?"
His face was obscured by his helmet, but he seemed satisfied.
"Well, I'm more proficient with swords, Miss, but if it's acceptable..."
I handed him the spear, watching his movements and asking questions as he demonstrated. If I recognized the voice correctly, this was the man who'd hired Rowan - strange. I guessed he'd been promoted, though I couldn't be sure if he remembered me. My cheeks weren't as sunken as before, but I didn't think I looked much different.
I wanted to ask why I was encountering him so suddenly - once could be coincidence, twice might be chance, but three times would suggest a pattern. However, if he didn't recognize me, I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that two months ago I weighed half of what I did now and was now a hunter accompanying a high-ranking Templar on a mission. Yes, I was still the weakest here, but I was improving rapidly, and I didn't want the Templars asking how I'd progressed so quickly.
Thankfully, he didn't ask. Overall, he was a very polite and kind man. His soul felt like the bathhouse Pinta had taken me to - warm, expansive, calm, and comforting to immerse oneself in. His strength was second only to Penelope's, making him the third strongest here. No need to guess who the strongest was.
Honestly, I needed to reassess just how powerful Penelope really was. Even after encountering so many formidable individuals recently, both literally and figuratively, her ranking remained high. Perhaps I should find an opportunity to compliment her.
"She'd like that," Pinta whispered.
"Hmm? What did you say?" the squad leader asked, turning his helmet toward me while correcting my stance.
"Just talking to myself," I told him. Pinta squirmed indignantly in my mind. What was she doing? Lately, she talked too much! It could get us killed!
"I'm bored out of my mind," she muttered.
Then don't be so casual with the Templars! I thought you were focused on survival!
She didn't respond, and I sighed.
"Do you want to take control for a bit?" I asked.
Instantly, my body stopped responding to me - that was her answer. Pinta stretched, slowly moving each joint until it cracked, then took a deep breath.
"I think I've had enough spear training," she told the squad leader.
"Oh," he said, slightly surprised by the sudden decision. "Well, that's fine. I hope I could be of help."
"Very helpful," Pinta replied enthusiastically. "Your professional guidance is invaluable. May I ask your name?"
"Ah! My apologies, that was rude of me. I'm Templar Dathiel, glad to assist, Hunter Vita."
He nodded politely, and Pinta returned the gesture. My, she was polite!
She hopped back into the carriage, immediately lying down and stretching, savoring the sensation.
"Did you train well?" Penelope asked expressionlessly, holding a book and lazily reading.
"Quite productive," Pinta replied primly.
Penelope narrowed her eyes, instantly becoming serious.
"Oh, that's good then."
"Don't be so cold," Pinta said with a laugh. "We're teammates, right?"
"Don't push it," Penelope warned. "I can tell."
Pinta's smile froze.
"I was just... wondering if you'd made any progress in... certain areas."
Penelope snapped her book shut.
"You've trained enough. Why don't you go cool off outside for a bit, hmm?"
Pinta swallowed hard and sat up straight.
"Right, sorry."
"Yes, you've said sorry quite a few times."
Pinta quickly slipped out of the carriage, avoiding Penelope's murderous gaze. At least I didn't sense her using her talent - I'd been keeping an eye out for that. It would be useful in combat to know when her perception talent activated. There weren't many places to go since we needed to stay near the carriage for safety. I sensed Gladra slowly approaching from the other side, circling around. Pinta wisely moved in the opposite direction, using the carriage to keep us apart. Gladra seemed to notice and they both quickened their pace, engaging in a complex, slightly competitive walking game.
Unfortunately, Gladra was simply being competitive.
"Vita, aren't you avoiding me?" she called directly.
Pinta sighed, walking around the carriage toward Gladra.
"No, High Templar," she said sullenly. "I just wanted to stretch my legs more."
"Ah, I see. Did a breakup go badly?"
She patted my shoulder, and a searing pain coursed through our bodies. Pinta stepped back, her smile forced.
"Uh... I wouldn't describe it that way. It's not like that."
"Ah, what a pity. Too many straightforward nobles these days."
"Then perhaps you should pursue some of them," Pinta replied irritably.
Gladra laughed loudly.
"Ha! Unfortunately, I'm straight too, and over sixty years old with too much on my plate to bother with such matters."
The heavily armored mage flicked the front of her helmet's visor, the scale-covered visor emitting a soft "ding."
"No, I look better in armor, young lady. Romance is for the young."
"Then why do you care about it?"
"Because gay nobles are more likely to do interesting things - like legally adopting friends to get them government salaries! Quite interesting. When a man and woman marry, they usually just have crying babies. Anyway, you're both young. I'm sure you'll reconcile."
"Well, I neither want nor agree with your advice, but I understand your stance now," Pinta said.
I supposed this was what happened when you spoke too casually to a Templar. However, Gladra didn't seem to mind her cheeky attitude. With nothing else to do, I took the opportunity to observe Gladra's soul more closely. It was beautiful, if a bit intimidating - like a raging inferno with subtle artistic beauty, complex patterns dancing within the swirling flames, captivating me.
I wanted it, that soul. If only I were stronger. But as things stood, I clearly knew my limits.
I sighed and examined my own heart again, vaguely sensing their conversation continuing. Pinta was still boldly arguing with one of the strongest humans in the country. Fine, let her have control for a while. I needed to understand what was happening with my soul.
Well... more accurately, I needed to understand what was happening with me, because I am my soul. The pitch-black shell around it had cracked even more than last time I'd perceived it. Although I'd decided not to release what was inside, my soul perception usually didn't focus on depth - it perceived the soul's overall state. But trying to perceive within my own black shell seemed beyond my capabilities; I could only glimpse inside through the cracks. Something was moving, preparing itself.
I was ready. I had to break free! It was time! This miserable prison could no longer contain my growing soul! This disguise only made me weak! I didn't need this pitiful human disguise! I! Must! Break—
Pinta suddenly extended my arm and waved at Gladra, patting her pauldron. The woman's soul's fiery power surged toward me, the indescribable pain snapping me back to reality.
But whether conscious or not, I could feel my soul churning, and I was churning with it. I couldn't wait any longer.
"I need to poop," Pinta said quickly, then ran toward the forest.
"Have fun!" Gladra called after her. "But don't overdo it! That would be troublesome!"
The shell hurt so much, it constrained me. I wanted to move, to be free...!
"What the hell are you doing!?" Pinta hissed, lowering her voice. "We're standing right next to 'Destroyer' Gladra, and you're doing this now! Stop