In a quaint, nameless town on the outskirts of Nightshade duchy within the Edinburgh kingdom, two high-ranking individuals were enjoying a delectable meal.
Despite their elevated statuses, they had concealed their ranks to avoid alarming the low-ranking townsfolk and mortals. The table before them was adorned with an array of mouthwatering dishes, and they savored each bite while engaging in casual conversation. However, to everyone's surprise, their words remained unheard by any eavesdroppers, leaving spectators perplexed.
"Speaking of which, why don't you return to Fort Fenris, Sirius? I'll manage just fine on my own," Eren suggested to Sirius as he skillfully sliced into a tender piece of slow-cooked beef cheeks. He delicately savored the morsel before washing it down with a sip of red wine, using a napkin to wipe his mouth. He then turned his gaze towards Sirius, awaiting his response.
Sirius smiled and surveyed their surroundings before replying.
"Hehe, nice attempt, Eren. You already know I'm not overly concerned about your well-being. My worry lies in what you might do to someone from Demonmir's faction if they decide to follow you.
I don't want them to meet their demise at your hands and disrupt the Last Blood Bastion's plans of utilizing both you and Demonmir to our advantage. I apologize for being straightforward, but that's the reality," Sirius explained, sighing as he continued enjoying his meal. His plate featured succulent Lamb Shanks, complemented by a glass of rum.
Eren chuckled upon hearing Sirius' genuine response. "Well, I appreciate your honesty, so no hard feelings. I understand your concerns when I put myself in your shoes. But what can a lone man do when attacked over a trivial disagreement? I must defend myself, don't you agree?" Eren questioned as he took another bite.
Glancing around discreetly, Eren extended his Soul Sense to survey their surroundings before sighing, "Fortunately for you, there's no one tailing us. I even attempted to provoke that Mael fellow by using Sedating Gaze, hoping he would be incensed enough to seek a private conversation with me," Eren shared, disappointment evident in his voice.
Eren had purposefully employed his Ability to manipulate Mael's psyche, intending to provoke him into launching an ambush. It appeared that Sirius was well aware of Eren's penchant for seeking conflict and manipulating others. Shaking his head, Sirius voiced his perspective.
"I'm here merely as a precaution in case they do show up. However, I highly doubt anyone would make that mistake. Demonmir knows how to control his hounds and how to utilize them effectively.
He understands whom to release his hounds upon and whom to confront personally. Besides Mael, I don't think anyone in Demonmir's entourage would be foolish enough to act on a personal vendetta against you. Your fame as Grimdawn has made you too notorious for them to fall victim," Sirius smirked, his gaze fixed on Eren as he swiftly downed a glass of exquisite rum, the town's sole restaurant offering.
"Hey! Don't paint me with such a negative brush, man. Am I really the villain here?" Eren protested.
"Yes, you most certainly are," Sirius responded without hesitation. "In some cases, you surpass even Demonmir. Honestly, I'm surprised you two haven't become friends yet. You two share so many similarities."
Eren chuckled in response to Sirius' accusations. "Well, let me offer this perspective to help you see me in a better light: that guy started it. I'm simply ensuring that things unfold in my favor," Eren remarked, shrugging his shoulders.
Sirius nodded in acknowledgment of Eren's statement before sharing further information.
"Eren, my sources have informed me that Demonmir has made secret contact with the kingdom of Layos. Saisha Goren is involved in their dealings.
Although we don't have all the details yet, it's highly likely that Demonmir is seeking to establish his own production of Hex Artifacts using Layos' resources. It seems Layos intends to secure its own supply of Hex Artifacts through this arrangement."
Sirius spoke in a grave tone, reclining in his chair. He swirled the rum in his glass before continuing, "If things unfold as Demonmir plans, and I believe they will, he will soon have his own production of Hex Artifacts for personal use and for the Last Blood Bastion. Can you imagine the implications for you if that becomes a reality?"
Eren smiled, appearing undeterred by the potential consequences.
"The Last Blood Bastion will no longer have a need for me. This means they will no longer protect me from Demonmir's pursuit. He won't even have to take direct action.
All he needs to do is expose my half-blood status to the Anfang Alliance and provide evidence of my ties to your group. That would be enough to shatter my foundation and place me in the same category as him—a wanted criminal in the eyes of the Anfang Alliance.
If that occurs, the Anfang Alliance will stop at nothing to hunt me down, considering my significant contributions to the Last Blood Bastion and the audacity of conducting them right under their noses," Eren stated matter-of-factly as if discussing someone else's predicament rather than his own.
Impressed by Eren's astute analysis, Sirius pursed his lips before responding.
"Eren, House Fenris is committed to ensuring your safety, as well as the safety of your allies and assets. However, if the Last Blood Bastion finds an alternative source for Hex Artifacts, our ability to protect you would be severely compromised.
You must exercise caution from now on, Eren. In the event that things take a turn for the worse and a bounty is placed on your head, you can always rely on us and seek refuge in the Fenris province within the Last Blood Bastion. But I must be honest with you—we would face significant challenges in countering Demonmir's threat, especially if you are beyond our sphere of influence," Sirius said in a grave tone.
Eren paused in his meal, his attention fully focused on Sirius. He straightened up in his chair and stroked his chin, contemplating the situation.
