Winter arrived early as snow had started to pile up while flowing rivers began to form icy chunks. A large bon fire was dancing in the middle of a camp where many gathered to stay warm and cooked meals.
"Heh... that's quite the scary adventures; to think that you almost died 3 times when you've just arrived at the Ponterim County." Catherine finished her bowl of warm chowder. "I still remember when the news reached the city where I was staying at that time of my journey... I forgot the name of the city, but there was quite a huge commotion. Many were buying things in bulk, fearing that they may have to evacuate or that the price of goods will soar."
"It is precisely because they are buying things in bulk that resulted in the price hike. It's simply demand and supply: with high demands due to them purchasing in excess, the supply can't keep up, resulting in cost increase."
"That is a merchant's daughter for you." Marion praised Scarlet's knowledge.
"Marion, that's the basic of basics you know."
"Ahaha, the study of economics is famous for boring me to death."
"Perhaps I should be teaching some of that sense into you." Scarlet smiled menacingly towards Marion who shuddered. "Throughout our stay in the capital, you will be learning from yours truly, so be prepared to stay up all night."
"Ahaha... Please have mercy..."
"Do not worry lady Marion, I will be there to help as well." Alfred pitched in with glee. "The capital is filled with many books and scrolls, the conglomerations of knowledge from all corners of the world. I can bring you to the best locations to study and getting all the needed materials for your studies. Just tell me what the topic is and I will bring you the things you need."
"Hie... sir Alfred, you are kind of scaring me in a different way."
"There seems to have been no news of those monsters after the destruction of Roantar." Catherine decided to ignore the conversation between the 3 and continued her story with Aria. "Where do you think they disappeared to? Did they returned to their own world?"
"Unlikely, they may have migrated elsewhere. Barioth would most likely have went up North since summer was coming to the Ponterim County. The Tigrex however, is the concerning one; it can travel vast distances and survive in various biomes. Combined with its ravenous appetite for violence, I worry that many ecosystem throughout the continent will be decimated, not to mention, the large number of casualties when encountering it."
"Oh, I thank the Lord that I did not encounter that kind of monster during my travel to the capital. Otherwise, I would probably have joined my sister."
"If all else fail, running away is a viable option. There is nothing wrong in that. As long as you are alive, you can grow stronger and face the formidable beast again."
"I don't think I would want to face the monster again if I was found half dead when facing against it. Just think about it, do you want to face against that tempest dragon again?"
"It is not about wanting to or not, but I must. In order to ensure that the world does not descend into chaos, these monsters need to be purged. The power that Kushala Daora wields can easily wipe out cities or even countries. If it was to ever invade any civilisations, the casualties will be mountainous. That is why we must grow stronger, strong enough to at least repel monsters of such threat level."
"Such noble cause... Alright, I am going to grow stronger as well. I will carry on my father's and my sister's legacy. My first goal is to surpass that Pouncing Shadow. I am going to grow stronger and hunt it down, ensuring that nobody else will fall victim to it and to avenge my sister."
"That monster is a 5 stars threat level, but is actually on the upper edge, it is more than capable to take on a 6 stars monster. In order for you to have a fighting chance, you will need to be able to take down 5 stars monsters with ease."
"Hehe, I will keep that in mind."
"By the way, why are you out here Catherine? On a mission?"
"Yes, I was on a quest to eliminate those Red Skull Tigers... Well, I should probably say thank you for the help."
"You are welcome." Marion intruded to escape Scarlet's and Alfred's lectures. "I am Marion Els Savion, the daughter of Marquis Savion."
Catherine suddenly bowed. "I am so sorry for being so casual with the daughter of the prestigious Savion family!"
"Eh! Why are you bowing so suddenly?! It is fine, I would rather that you treat me the same as before!"
"Ah, I remember this..." Aria reminisced their meeting back in Lapis.
"Umm, will she be shocked to learn that I am the son of Earl Bisconti or that Scarlet has royal linage from a kingdom in the Southern continent...?"
"Hiee... I am actually the only one without any blood of nobility or royalty." Catherine had apparently heard Alfred whispering to Aria.
"Sigh, right now we are all just adventurers, so please treat us as you would with a fellow adventurer. We are much more easy-going than you'd imagine, especially this fellow here."
"Scarlet, I feel that your attitude towards me has been getting more nonchalant..."
"As you have heard, please be comfortable around my new companions, Catherine."
"Y, Yes!"
***
The caravan arrived in front of the imperial capital city just as the sun reached its zenith. Snow had piled up considerably around the city and the Great Lake of Cor Stella had began to develop a thin layer of ice on its surface. The residents of the capital were busy preparing for the incoming winter, surprised by the early arrival of the dreaded season.
"The wall is huge..." Aria stared in awe of the stone walls that stood 40 meters above ground. Several vertical slits were dotting the entire upper portion of the wall, where archers would shoot out arrows whilst remaining within the safe confine of the wall. "Looking at this, the enemies would have given up in trying to invade this city. The walls stretches as far as the eyes can see..."
"The city of Elsyrium is the largest in the entire Coronamars Empire. It is made up of 3 distinct areas: the outer, middle and inner domains." Alfred searched and took out a book from his bag. "Here, it is said that each layers speak volumes on the history of the Empire where it had to expand its reach due to the growing populations and the countless wars that it had endured. As of today, the entry to the inner layer is limited only to certain people; they are either nobility, those who are employed by the royal families, royal knights, and those invited by the royal families or high-rank nobles."
"Does that mean the original size of the city was just that of the inner domain? How big is that?"
"Before the founding of the empire, the settlement of Elsyrium was under a lot of pressure from wars and raids. They essentially bult a fortress of different elevations with winding roads to slow down the incoming enemies; remnants from that era can still be seen within the inner layer. In terms of size, the area of the innermost layer is an estimated 60 km square."
"That is... pretty big...?"
"That reaction is kind of lukewarm..."
"? What do you mean Scarlet?"
"We are only talking about the innermost region of the capital and it's already of that size." Scarlet came closer to Aria while on her steed. "Are you perhaps unknowingly influenced by your past life? Are the cities from your memories gigantic compared to the capital?"
"Hmm... I am unsure about it myself... I do not actively remember about any city in my previous life, but perhaps subconsciously, I do."
"... Anyways, you need to understand that thousands of years ago, the populations was smaller and yet, Elsyrium managed to reach that size; that feat alone was impressive, proving why that civilisation conquered the entire Lacus region. As years passed, the population grew from prosperity, warranting the need to expand their city, birthing the middle area, where the construction of the middle wall was completed during the conquest of the Kemet region. Finally, after the unification of 5 regions under the leadership of Emperor Mars the First, the outer-most wall's construction was completed."
"Wow. Truly, a city that tells the whole history of the empire."
The entire caravan group, including Catherine who was tagging along, entered the capital through 2 large gates, each thick enough to withstand large impact; they were built on the outer and inner side of the wall with a 10 meter empty space in between, showcasing the thickness of the wall. Knights on heavy armours patrolled the area, keeping things in line as well as intimidating those who tried to cause trouble. Count Ponterim, being a noble, had an easier time passing through the gates and was treated with respect while his entourages were inspected and registered.
"The security is tight."
"That is a given, Aria." Marion don her gears and hopped back on her horse. "Elsyrium is the epicenter of the Coronamars Empire, the central government that rule over a vast stretch of land. Wealth and powers accumulate beyond this wall."
As soon as they passed the gate, the bustling metropolis entered their view. The wide roads were built to accommodate carriages and carts, with people walking on either sides of the roads. Wooden and stone buildings lined up along the roads and alleys, some were open for businesses with foods and goods lined up for customers to see.
"As usual, the place is packed with people." Alfred reminisced about his previous visit. "The bustling life of the citizens pave the way towards economic prosperity."
"Is that another way of saying that the labours of the citizens are what created a prosperous country?"
"Indeed, miss Aria. The mighty Coronamars Empire is held upon by the people who work tirelessly to ensure that the domestic and international markets are running smoothly. This in turn, brings wealth and resources that support the military, allowing the empire to maintain its vast land and protect its citizens."
"In other words... 'Enrich the country to strengthen the armies'."
"Excellently summarised!" Alfred was surprised and delighted that he peeked his upper body out of the carriage window. "Perhaps we should propose that to the emperor and it will become a national slogan that unites the entire country regardless of hierarchy."
"Calm down, Alfred. Pull yourself back into the carriage, it is dangerous." Riinol chastised Alfred upon his behaviour. "We are in no position to meddle in the discussion of the national policies. Only selected officers who have passed that series of difficult exams can voice their opinions."
"Ah! My apologies. It seems I was a little bit too high-spirited." Alfred retracted back to his seat. "My dream is to become a member of the parliament and I have been studying hard to become the very officer that regulates the affairs of the empire."
"Hahaha, that is great ambition! I wish you luck and all the blessings of this world to let it come true."
"I thank you for the well wishes."
The caravan travelled through the lively settlement where myriads of people and buildings were popping as far as the eyes could see. The roads were unexpectedly clean and well-maintained despite the large volume of businesses fruiting everywhere. Aria was fascinated at the booming economy as the citizens adorned high quality clothes with some showing off their jewelries. The presence of patrolling knights on horses kept the area safe.
As the group traversed south across the bustling city, the number of buildings dwindled while the sizes increased. The people who roamed the area wore expensive clothes and carried themselves with pride and elegance; some were carrying books and scrolls while discussing some esoteric topics with their fellow companions. Carriages and horses were seemingly decorated with clothes and arts pasted with myriad of colours and patterns.
The traffic had considerably reduced after passing the housing district and the scenery was replaced with snowy grassland where knights were training despite the cold. At this point, the second wall had peered out of the horizon and several military buildings were erected nearby, serving a checkpoints and resting area for the patrolling knights. Several trees and shrubs dotted the land and over in the distant left and right, they could spot some frozen fields where they once bore bountiful produces.
The second wall loomed over the caravan with as much height as the outer wall. They were once again inspected, with their goods being thoroughly checked, shocking the knights who saw the frozen monsters' parts. All of their identities were recorded and some were briefly questioned about their purposes and origins, but with Count Ponterim's presence, they were all allowed to enter without much issue.
"The middle layer is where nobles, wealthy merchants and skilled artisans reside. That is why they are much more thorough, requiring us to register whenever we enter." Catherine hopped on a cart while explaining to Aria who was getting on her steed. "It is a pain for me at first, but I have gotten used to it."
"I am still surprised that you managed to find residence in the middle layer, considering that only those with considerable wealth and influence reside here."
"Hehe, it is all thanks to this bow you've crafted for me; I was earning fame as a lightning archer and that caught the eyes of many, especially the guild master of the main branch."
"I am surprise that you still held on that Pulsar Bow; the attention would have warrant some greedy hands to steal it."
"Ahaha, there were those bold enough to attempt though." The horses started to pull on the carts. "However, it isn't accurate to say that this is the whole reason. Afterall, I came together with the blacksmith team led by sir Lucio. At first, we lived in the outer district, but when this bow became well-known, and that only sir Lucio and his team can make them, we caught the attention of the nobles and the royal family. The monsters that your father had brought for the emperor and, believe it or not, that Rathian arrived and was presented as well."
"The one that we hunted?"
"Yeah! It is insane! The reports from the adventurer's guild back in Lapis was also submitted to the main branch here and behold, my name was included, earning me praise and rank up to iron-rank as decreed by the emperor."
"Does that mean that sir Lucio is crafting a weapon from those monsters? Or has he completed them?"
"I think he has completed them and presented them to the emperor just several days ago... What happen to those equipment afterwards... I have no idea."
"If it is weapon made from Rathian, then it will be poisonous, inflicting poison on the enemies will chip away their health bit by bit."
"According to sir Lucio, when he tested it, the poison is strong enough to nearly bring a horse towards death just from a small stab wound. Imagine if, during that hunt, we did not have the antidote while poisoned, that somehow send shivers all over my body."
"Well, Rathian is at the peak of a 4 stars monster, capable of fighting off against some 5 stars beasts. We are very lucky to have survived that hunt."
"Well, me and mother prayed everyday in gratitude for allowing me to survive... Speaking of which, my mother now work under a ducal house as an assistant accountant."
"Whoa, that is incredible, which house if I may enquire?"
"Hehe, it is the great ducal house of Charme."
"Charme ducal house!" Marion was little surprised and led her horse closer towards Catherine. "That is the house that the previous late empress belonged to. That is quite the connection."
"Uh... well, my mother was not working in the main house, rather, she is working in a boutique store owned by the ducal house. Otherwise, I don't think my stomach will survive..."
"...I see. Still, Charme ducal house, huh..." Marion distanced herself and muttered under her breath, not knowing that Aria noticed the distant gaze she had.
The middle district was decorated with colours and luxuries. The streets were cleaner and wider compared to the outer district. Aqueduct that ran all across the entirety of Elsyirum was beautifully decorated with statues and several workers were seen, cleaning and maintaining the structure to ensure that the water being distributed reached their intended destinations. Mansions with flower gardens were a common sight and more opulent horse-drawn carriages were seen running along the sunken paved road, carrying nobles and the wealthy around the area.
The caravan continued before stopping at a large plaza where a stage was being propped up for a winter performance. Riinol informed the driver to park near the central square before stepping out on the raised pavement meant for pedestrians. The Count tidied his coat and faced his entourages. "All of you have done well in this journey! For now, the journey has ended and I give you all my gratitude! All adventurers, please collect your belongings including your personal steeds and the contracts of completion! Head to the guild in order to receive the remainder of your rewards!"
The adventurers lined up in front of the expedition's knight captain to collected their stamped requests before gathering their belongings and scattered towards their own individuals' destinations. Aria, Marion, Scarlet, Alfred and Catherine remained to help the Count with transporting the materials to his mansion. A bunch of workers, called by the Ponterim knight vice captain, gathered around after the adventurers had left.
"Who?" Aria tied a cart to her steed.
"Those are carters who specialised in transporting items on land." Alfred helped Scarlet to secure the harness of her horse to a cart. "Since the capital is huge, and that goods come in and out of the city all the time, there is demand for a job in transporting items. Thus, carters linger around the plazas scattered throughout the city, waiting for opportunities to aid in moving things around the capital. They know the layout of the city more than most residents and they even have knowledge on shortcuts or the latest updates on the roads."
"Latest updates?"
"That means they have information on whether certain roads have been blocked or built in order to lead the carts and carriages through the safest and most efficient routes." Scarlet hopped on her steed and Alfred followed suit, sitting behind her while holding onto her waist. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. There are even canals and waterways built in all over Elsyrium where boatmen, similar to carters, transport goods or people all over the city."
"Now that you mention it, I did see some boats moving at a distance as we were travelling to this plaza. I thought some fairies played a prank on me... but I think it makes sense since the imperial capital is huge and water is abundant."
"Hahaha, fairies... Well, the cities in Fjall have yet to catch up with the technological level of the capital." Marion steered her horse and moved along the road towards Count Ponterim where he proceeded to board his carriage after giving instructions to the knight captain. "However, you do notice that almost all of the major cities have this sunken pavement with gaps in between the stones for carriages and carts while pedestrians walk on either side of the road. That system originated from this very metropolis, allowing the waste from animals to not stain the walkway and flushed down with water to the underground sewage system. Laviron also has this system and is in the midst of building more aqueducts to stretch the entire city."
The knight vice-captain was busy issuing orders and the knights under his command were working together with the carters to transport the materials. They all headed east towards the mansion of the Count, weaving through passages and crossing stone bridges as recommended by the carters.
They soon reached a decently sized mansion with a front garden hosting several fruiting trees that had turned bald from the season. Servants greeted the Count and his entourages before helping the carters to unload and directed them towards the underground storage area. Riinol directed his butler to handle the horses, including the 3 belonging to Aria, Scarlet and Marion before leading them into his mansion.
"Catherine?" Aria turned back after noticing Catherine clutching her stomach.
"I... My stomach seems to be acting up..." Catherine face turned slightly pale. "I've never been to a noble mansion before, so..."
Aria grabbed Catherine's hand and pulled her in, much to the horror of the latter. "Get over it. The Count does not mind at all."
"Ahaha, she is quite amusing." Alfred approached Catherine and grabbed her other hand, dragging her in as well. "I really want to drag you into the royal palace and see your reaction."
"Please don't..."
Scarlet stared with a pouted mouth and pinched Alfred's sleeve. "Hey, after this, let's go sight-seeing. It has been a long time."
"With pleasure, my lady." Alfred beamed a smile.
***
The mansion was equipped with warm bath where the tired travelers washed away their fatigue. As promised, Alfred and Scarlet went out on a date while Aria decided to accompany Catherine to the adventurer's guild before visiting the Hearth of Forge where Lucio was operating. Marion decided to rest in her room where she slept after a minute of laying on her bed. The Count was busy dealing with some paperwork and asking the butler for the current situation including about his son.
The bell tolled, indicating that evening had arrived and the sun was etching closer to the horizon. Catherine submitted her contract of completion after handing over the proof of subjugation of the Red Skull tigers to the guild staffs and collected her rewards of 2 gold coins.
"This feels a little weird... I know that 2 gold coins are a lot, but after knowing how much that Rathian cost, it almost feels too little."
"Catherine, just a reminder, that Rathian will squash those herd of Red Skull tigers in a blink of an eye."
"I know, I know... Let's go and meet with sir Lucio."
"Please, lead the way."
Catherine and Aria walked further south beyond the adventurer's guild and the residence area arriving at a relatively wide clearing where a lone building, with smoke bellowing out of its chimneys, stood alone in the middle. A single road led towards the entrance where carts of materials were hauled in by people whom Aria presumed to be carters. As the 2 girls neared the building, familiar scents and noises mixed into the air, colliding with sparks that reminded them of their time in Lapis.
"Young missy?" A voice called out to Aria who was standing in front of the entrance. "You have made it to the capital!"
"It has been a long time, sir Lucio."
"Hahaha! What are you talking about!? It's only been several months!" Lucio walked out and greeted Aria with enthusiasm. "I see that you have made something nice throughout your adventures!"
"A glaive. It is called the Steel Blade."
"Hahaha! That is a neat weapon you've got! Come in! Let's talk over a cup of tea!"
"Much appreciated."
"Hey, is it just me or am I relegated to the background?"
"Ahaha, I think sir Lucio is just excited to see me after a long time while he has been seeing you for more than half a year, Catherine."
"Still... I am a little hurt..."
Aria, Catherine and Lucio exchanged their stories. Lucio mentioned the crafting of equipment for the royal family using the Rathian and Velocidrome, following the guide that Aria had written for him. They discussed the collapse of Roantar in the North and the dangers that the new monsters posed. After a while, Lucio was informed of guests visiting the smithy by his worker.
"Guests? I do not remember having an appointment at this time." Lucio stood and walked out of the room to greet the guests. "My apologies, I was...!"
"Hmm?" Aria was curious and stepped out to see. "Who is... Oh, it is you."
"To think that you survive that brutal winter at Ponterim County." Among the guests, a girl walked closer towards Aria. "Even after being banished from your birthplace, you live without a care, free to explore the world. How envious."
"Does it always have to be like this? With those being the first thing you say to your sister who endured a harrowing journey." Aria locked her blood red eyes with Alfina's golden eyes. "With you being here, it means you are starting your first year at the academy when spring arrives, am I right?"
"Yes, a great deduction from my dear sister." Alfina stepped back and motioned her hand towards another lady. "However, you should greet her highness first before we continue our sentimental reunion, lest the Sultier House be judged for our inadequacy to instill manners."
"There is no need for any formality. Afterall, I am here as a customer, not as royalty." A beautiful girl of similar height to Aria, with short golden hair and black irises, stepped up with a dignified aura. "It is nice to meet you. I am the fifth born of the current emperor, the third princess of Coronamars Empire, Lilium Sekhmet Tyr Mars."
"I, as your humble subject, greet your highness the princess. I am one called Aria, I was once part of the Sultier House."
"I know who you are. Alfina told me about you: the one who subjugated the Rathian." Lilium placed her hand on Aria's shoulder. "Worry not, for I have no interest in the affair of your noble house and will remain neutral. I would much rather judge you based on your competency, and that is why I recruited Alfina to be part of my entourage."
Aria stood back up after the shoulder pat, keeping her eyes low in order to not appear rude.
"You must be the owner of this smithy." Lilium turned towards Lucio who bowed in respect to royalty.
"Yes, your highness. I am one called Lucio. Welcome to my humble forge."
"Raise your head. I am here as a customer, and I would like for you to inspect my equipment." Lilium raised her right hand and a female knight placed a box on the nearby table, opening it to reveal its content. "I took it out on a hunt yesterday and I seem to have damaged one of its limb. Can you fix it?"
"I cannot guarantee it, but I think it is very doable."
"Thank you for your service. Do inform the royal palace once it is ready. I shall return at a later date. Let us go Alfina; as you senior, I have much to teach you about the academy."
"Much appreciated your highness."
"Hehe, you are still as stiff as when we first met. Just call me Lilium."
"We are in public."
"I am unbothered by it. The royal etiquettes are suffocating enough, so I would rather that you act relax around me." Lilium took Alfina's hand and walked out of the smithy.
"Right, your sister is of the same age as you are. I almost forgot about that. Make sense why she is in the capital." Lucio motioned his worker to take the equipment to the backroom. "Also, the third princess was gifted that bow, huh."
"The Princess Arrow. A bow that exude the regalness of a queen."
"The Princess Arrow, huh. That is oddly suitable." Lucio returned to the room and pointed. "Anyway, what should we do about this frozen fella?"
"Catherine, snap out of it. Stand up. The princess has already left."
The plazas across the entire capital started to light up bon fire for warmth and lighting when the sun had touched the skyline. Scarlet and Alfred was watching a public stage performance from a wandering theatre group that had garnered enough fame to secure large audiences. As the play reached the end, the crowd stood to applause the brilliant performance; they started to pour in coins as a show of their gratitude. Those with enough wealth gave out more coins as a way to show off to others who could only saw in envy and jealousy.
"That was quite the performance. I love the songs and dances performed by the 2 main characters; their harmony and fiery movements stirred the heart."
"I am glad that you like it, Scarlet. I was pleasantly surprised that they make a stop here in the capital during winter. Normally, they would have travelled South where they originated from."
"I guess we are lucky for this serendipitous timing."
"Indeed. Perhaps they decided to endure the cold in order to earn more... or it may be due to some sort of disturbance back in their hometown... or the unnatural weather that resulted in early winter... Whatever it may be, it is serendipitous for us-!"
A well-adorned carriage stopped abruptly right next to both Scarlet and Alfred, surprising them. The door of the carriage opened and a well-dressed young man came out towards the pavement and stood in front of the couple. He gave off a strong presence of authority and pride, smiling with a mocking gaze.
"Well, well, look at you. To think that the 3 of us meet again after more than 9 years." The young man stroked his dark purplish hair while arrogantly looking down on his addressees with his equally purple eyes. "The second son of the Bisconti family and the sole daughter of a fallen merchant. I have not forgotten that time when the 2 of you irked and humiliated me, especially that fire shot that burnt my hand."
"You... You are that arrogant heir to a ducal family that almost drowned me."
"Finally, remembering me. Although, I should correct you that I am merely teaching you a lesson with my magic, for trying to go against me, even though you are just a nobody compared to me."
"It seems that you have not learnt your lesson. Want me to burn you again? I'll make sure to aim at your face."
"Woah, keep your violent little red pet on the leash peasant. Otherwise, the knights will have to put her down." His right hand performed a cutting motion on his neck.
"This is just a little greeting from me to you." The young man turned and boarded his carriage. "Enjoy your time while it last. I will be sure to savour every last bit of the moment when you die."
As the carriage rode fast into the maze of houses, the couple let out a sigh.
"Well, that is a way to ruin the evening. Are you alright, Scarlet? Do not worry, I will not let him lay a hand on you."
"That's my line. Still, thanks for your concern." Scarlet let out an embarrassed smile. "Let's go back to the Count's mansion. I am starting to feel hungry."
"As you wish my lady."
As the dark dominated the sky, stars twinkled to light up the night. The mansion of Count Ponterim in the capital was busy preparing dinner and the head of the house was tapping his fingers on the dining table, impatiently waiting for someone. As the final dish was laid out on the table the door opened and a young man entered with a cheery smile.
"My apologies father! The experiment went off a little and I had to clean up the mess!"
"Arne, please be more mindful of your manners! We have guests here! You should have known better to return early! Did I not pass on the message to the academy, informing you to come home early today?!"
"Ah my deepest apologies, honourable guests. I am Arne Rune Ponterim, the eldest and only child of the current head of Ponterim House." Arne bowed with elegance before sitting down on his designated seat. "Someone brought in an interesting material to the academy for research and I just jump right into it."
"Sigh, and you lost track of time... Never mind that. Let us begin the feast!"
After a brief prayer, the diners began eating the lavish and rich meal. Aria, Scarlet, Marion, Alfred and Arne delighted themselves with the various stews and breads. Catherine and her mother, who were invited by Aria after asking permission from Riinol, were stiff as a board. However, after being told to relax by the host, they eased up and began enjoying the meals. Cheerful chatters filled the dining room as the food dwindled to dessert.
"I have read the letters that father sent and the reports from adventurer's guild. I am still a little surprise with the appearance of these new monsters." Arne finished his second helping of fruits ice-cream. "Maybe the material that I am investigating may belong to a new monster as well."
"If I may be permitted, can you describe the general appearance of that object?"
"Absolutely, miss Aria! It is reddish brown in colour similar to the colour of a rusty iron and it has a needle-like shape with some unknown poison within. It is also tough and flexible, capable of piercing thick hide. It is currently left in the academy alchemist workshop where some curious professors are also documenting its characteristics."
"A poisonous stinger... reddish brown...."
"Anything comes to mind, Aria?" Scarlet finished her cup of milk.
"This is just a speculation, but I think I might know what creature it belongs to. If I may ask, where was that material being discovered?"
"Umm... Some adventurers found it in an underground cave within the Stella Forest just slightly northeast of the capital. They were apparently hunting some animals that fled towards the cave and found it by accident."
"Sigh... So, it is recently found in the chilly cave near the capital, huh..."
"Indeed. You seem to be wearing a troubled look."
"Well, the possibility of it belonging to the monster that I am thinking of just shot up, and it is a really annoying and dangerous monster to fight."
"Umm, is it worse than the Rathian?" Catherine raised her right hand slightly with a worried expression.
"It is about the same... or slightly worse, depending on personal opinion." Aria took a gulp of water. "It is most likely a stinger from the monster's tail that it flung to poison its prey and it is a subspecies of a monster we have fought before."
"Eh, a subspecies we have fought before... is it..."
"Viper Tobi-Kadachi. The Flying Poison Wyvern."