Chapter Thirty-Two: The Gilded Truth

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Gilded Truth

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I walked out of my meeting with three different concessions: a letter of safe conduct signed by the Duchess herself, which granted our delegation free passage through all of Walbourgs territories; Griseldas promise to hold an Estates-General assembly in three weeks time; and a renewed hope in the future.

The Estates-General? Marika asked me once she and the rest of the delegation were finally allowed through Riverstones gates. Duchess Griselda lent us a room for us Heroes to meet in, the Cavalier included. Whats that?

A very old Archfrostian assembly representing the three branches of the kingdoms society: the religious orders, the nobility, and everyone else, I explained. Walbourg created their own version when they seceded.

Archfrosts Estates-General was little more than an advisory body with no real power. Previous kings only summoned them three times in the kingdoms history. Walbourg, however, turned it into a true parliament that gathered once a year to settle internal disputes. It was this assembly that first declared the Duchys independence from Archfrost on the civil wars onset.

Duchess Griselda will summon them in an extraordinary session to decide on a treaty with Archfrost, if any, I continued. It shall be held in three weeks time, once every dignitary has made the journey. Coincidentally, the Reformist Council should take place roughly at the same time.

Walbourg will become a busy place during that period, Mr. Fronan commented. Especially if the Priest does indeed make an appearance.

She will, I confirmed. According to Duchess Griselda, she is already in Walbourg.

Soraseos hand tightened on her swords hilt. Our enemies will strike both events.

Naturally, I replied with a sharp nod. A treaty with Archfrost will not serve the Lord of Wraths aims, nor will a peaceful resolution to the Reformist crisis. The Knots will do their best to sabotage both.

They will fail, Captain Vernisla declared with confidence. Lady Griselda granted me the authority to organize the security for both events. No cultist will escape my sight, I can assure you.

And we will do our best to help. I smiled at our Cavalier. If Walbourg releases you from service after forming a peace treaty, you can always knock on my door.

You are pulling your cart ahead of the ox, Lord Merchant, she replied with an amused snort. First bring peace to these lands and then well talk.

I chuckled to myself. I could never turn down a bet like that. Challenge accepted.

Marika crossed her arms. Any news about Will and the golems?

Yes. I turned to Vernisla. Duchess Griselda said you let a group with three golems travel through Riverstone a week ago.

I did, she confirmed. According to their papers, they were commissioned by Count Stalh of Clearwater in order to help secure our southern border against a potential Everbright Empire invasion. We suspected him of collaborating with the Knots for quite some time, but denying this group passage might have resulted in Riverstone being breached, so we let them go.

Marika tensed like a bowstring. Was there a one-eyed redhead among them?

Yes, Vernisla confirmed. Marikas eyes immediately filled with quiet anger. You have a grudge to settle with that one?

You could say that, Marika replied dryly. Where is Clearwater?

It is a small town south of the Duchy, I explained before calming down Marikas ardors. Griselda gave us leeway to pursue our own investigation on said lands under Vernislas supervision.

Which means that you dont confront the Knots until I say so. Our Cavalier looked at Marika. Understood?

Marikas jaw clenched. The last time I met that man, he helped set a village on fire and nearly killed omy son. I cant let him escape again.

He wont, but we will apprehend him and his cohorts when we are ready. Vernisla held Marikas gaze without flinching. If you dont behave, Lady Griselda will have your letter of safe conduct revoked. Dont fight me on this one.

We dont intend to, I quickly said before quickly supporting Marika, who did not like this outcome one bit. But I agree with my friend. We should seize the initiative while we still can.

We have three weeks before the summit, Vernisla replied with a shrug. Well get your man.

Three weeks are a long time to wait for, Soraseo said. The Lord of Wrath may march from the north before then.

I shook my head. On the contrary, I think our foes will only make a move after the two congresses. Striking beforehand would risk uniting the factions against Belgoroth, so they will try to organize further conflict to divide us first. I bet theyll try to assassinate us or launch a terror attack like the one Florence commanded back in Snowdrift.

We wont let things get that far, Vernisla declared with a smug smile. Milady runs a tight ship when it comes to her lands; tighter than the Knight.

Not tight enough to prevent demonic rats from climbing onboard, I thought. A remark I kept to myself.

Half of an ambassadors job involved knowing when to shut up.

----

A three-day ride and two military checkpoints later, our delegation finally reached its final destination: the city of Walbourg.

For a while, I thought we had taken the wrong turn and found ourselves wandering back to the Riverland Federation. The further we progressed inside the duchys heartland, the more we left behind Archfrosts plains and mountains for woodlands and streams. The main roads were maintained and duly patrolleda far cry from what we had seen on the other side of the borderwith no hints of monster activity.

Walbourg itself proved just as impressive. I knew it used to be Archfrosts second-largest city back when it still belonged to the kingdom, many times larger than Snowdrift, but it seemed to have made good use of its fifteen years of quasi-autonomy. I could see the various steps of its development in its architecture.

Built at a confluence of rivers, Walbourg was split into two halves: the old town, a crescendo of cobblestones standing on an impregnable island; and its suburbs, a set of new districts encroaching on the woodlands around it. The former area housed the citys famed cathedral, a towering marvel of marble spires and arched colored windows that we could see from leagues away, and the Duchess own castle.

However, for all of the old citys history and importance, it was the forested suburbs that impressed me the most. Hordes of workers toiled on unfinished houses lined up near walls of wood and patches of pine trees, not all of them humans; I saw flying birdkin deliver packs of straw to ratkin completing a small homes thatched roof. We rode past bustling markets brimming with the scent of fresh produce and the call of merchants calling for clients in Arcadian, Archfrostian, Riverlandian, Everbrightian, and even Erebian. The whole place breathed activity.

In short, I immediately felt right at home.

I see someone is happy, Marika mused as we rode through the organized chaos, the Duchess guards forming a security cordon around us. The citys people didnt yet know of our identities, but word of the Heroes coming would no doubt spread quickly in the near future. We could visit the markets later.

We will do more than visit, I replied with giddiness. Aw, how Id missed the sweet scent of commerce in the air. Well peddle our wares.

While Id worked tirelessly on helping Snowdrift bounce back from its depressing spiral into poverty, the city was still far from a commercial hub. Opportunities were scarce and all resources were directed towards repairing public infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Walbourg clearly had nothing to envy from the merchant ports of the Riverland Federation. Id learned long ago that the number of tongues spoken in a citys markets was a good indicator of its prosperity. The fact I heard five of them meant traders from all of western Pangeal came here to do business. I was bound to stumble upon good deals.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

I admit Im surprised to see so many foreign merchants, I informed Vernisla. I knew the Duchy was richer than northern Archfrost, but I thought other nations did not recognize its independence.

They dont, Vernisla conceded. But since Walbourg stands between Archfrost and the Arcadian Freeholds, southern nations have no choice but to pass through the Duchy if they want to do commerce with the kingdom. The other way is through the Erebian mountains or by sea.

I see, I replied. As always, politics bent to cold, harsh economic realities. I assume the lack of royal taxes paid to Archfrost also loosened the pressure on those same traders purses.

Youre the Merchant. You know best.

This prosperity explained why Walbourg was in no hurry to rejoin the rest of Archfrost: the Duchy could do well on its own so long as they kept the northern border secure. This might complicate the treatys signing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fronan appeared less than impressed with what we saw. Our Druid looked at the newly built houses with sorrow. It didnt take me long to realize that since he could understand plants, riding so close to deforested areas probably seemed like waltzing through a cemetery.

Can you turn off your power? I asked him with slight concern.

I wish I could. Mr. Fronan did his best to avert his eyes from the pines and flowers along the road. I have heard of monks in the east who refuse to eat meat because they do not wish to kill animals. I wonder how many people would do the same if they could understand the beasts we consume.

Maybe, I replied. It wouldnt surprise me if the Ranger had become a vegetarian after gaining her power.

After traveling through the suburbs we crossed a bridge of white stones and entered the old town proper. Its streets were far better organized than the more chaotic new districts, and far less active. The air carried the scent of old books rather than pines. Cobblestones covered every speck of ground, while the houses were a tapestry of brick estates, white marble temples, and red sandstone fortifications.

Griselda graciously agreed to lend us Heroes a walled mansion near her home until the Generals-Estate; a home so close to the cathedral that we could hear its bells. A dozen guards protected its iron gates and the red brick courtyard behind them. A fountain adorned by finely trimmed edges and statues of the Four Artifacts stood before the mansions sturdy brick facade. It was quite the beautiful place, if ostentatious.

Too ostentatious.

After climbing down from Mudkeep, I noticed Soraseo studying the place with the sharp, thoughtful gaze of an experienced warrior. She was already considering how to establish a defensive perimeter.

What do you think of this humble estate? I asked her.

Easy to find but difficult to attack. Her distaste clearly showed on her face. The iron gates are too quick to She quickly caught herself. Too easy to climb. I would trade them for stone walls.

I concurred. Marika and I can build a few more on short notice.

An attack? Mr. Fronan frowned in confusion. Who would be mad enough to attack a fortified mansion in the middle of a city?

Chastel was, when he massacred Mersies family. Thinking of her name alone filled my heart with melancholy. I wonder if she managed to track her target down.

What the Knot of Wrath lacks in subtlety, Mr. Fronan, they more than make up for in fearlessness and brutality, I said. The men who helped kill your predecessor belonged to that branch of the organization. I wouldnt mind if you could, say, plant a few ivy spies around the perimeter.

I see. Mr. Fronan glanced at the hedges with interest. I intended to stay at my companys local office rather than this mansion, but if you need my assistance, I will do my best to help you.

Only Vernisla wouldnt be sticking with us. Lady Griselda ordered me to assure her protection until the Generals-Estate, so I must stay at her side, she warned us. I will lend you a hundred men for your protection, and I shall fly to your aide if need be. She chuckled to herself. Though I do not think you will need any with Princess Mizukiya by your side.

Soraseo shifted uncomfortably in place. Please call me Soraseo.

As you wish, Vernisla replied respectfully. I suppose someone of your rank would want to travel unnoticed.

Soraseo did not answer. From the look on her face, I suspected she didnt wish to travel incognito as much as she disliked being reminded of what she had lost or the crime she blamed herself for committing.

Perhaps I should use our time in Walbourg to encourage her to open up. I tried to give her her own space in the hopes that she would come out of her shell on her own, but I was beginning to think she might need a little coaxing.

After a short tour of the manors grounds the servants helped us settle inside. Our new lair proved as luxurious on the inside as it was on the outside, its corridors carpeted with soft Arcadian rugs and decorated with ebony wood. I ascended spiraling staircases and walked under the bright light of golden chandeliers until I reached my personal solar on the third floor. The living room alone matched the size of Alaires council room.

Will milord require anything? A butler asked me after placing my belongings on the ground.

Quills and paper, please, I replied. I had the feeling that I would be writing many letters this month. You may leave me for now.

The butler excused himself with a short bow and closed the door behind me, leaving me alone in my new apartment. I quickly set out to take a look around. I had to admit that Duchess Griselda did not do things halfway. The bed was large enough for three, the study was staffed to the brim with rare books, and the wardrobe would shame a Riverland noble.

Then I found her sitting behind a table near the balcony.

Surprise! Eris greeted me with a smile.

I knew my favorite nun was in the city, but I admit I didnt expect to see her here. For a brief second, I found myself standing in place as I considered how to react.

Whats wrong, handsome? Has the sight of me left you speechless? Eris winked at me. I didnt remember you being so lovestruck with me.

Her mischievous smile was meant to reassure me. It did the opposite. Now that I recalled Daltias smirk, I could no longer deny the uncanny resemblance between these two. The eye and hair color didnt match, but the facial features

Eris raised an eyebrow. Whats wrong, Robin?

Im sulking, I replied playfully as I sat in front of her. Now that the surprise had passed, I managed to hide my thoughts behind a facade of composure. I knew we agreed on nothing serious, but it has been weeks since you last visited me.

Aww, did you miss me? Eris let out a small sigh. The feeling is mutual. Alas, I am swamped with work lately.

Well, first of all, a great many things wouldnt make sense otherwise. Eris had tried to dissuade me from bypassing my class anti-corruption safeguards, helped us fight the Knots, and offered assistance at every turn. Even a deep cover agent wouldnt go so far to hide their allegiances. I cant imagine that the Fatebinder, the holder of the very Class meant to oppose the Demon Ancestors and who possesses more knowledge than all of us Heroes combined, wouldnt have ferreted you out earlier.

Everyone makes mistakes, Robin, Eris replied with a small sigh. Even a Goddess.

But how can I explain yours then? I retorted with the same tone. You teleported in right after I triggered my marks safeguards, gave me a book with hints on your true identity, and left breadcrumbs about the truth in our conversations. Someone so experienced wouldnt give hints unless they wanted to be discovered. You wanted me to figure out the truth by myself.

She didnt deny it. I do not believe people benefit from being told the truth, Robin. It is the journey to obtain answers that teaches us to value them.

I couldnt disagree with her way of thinking. Months of purchasing skills taught me the difference between knowing something and understanding it.

I had the misfortune of witnessing a demons birth, I confessed. The Devil of Greed purchased a mans soul and emptied the body. She took the conscience, the mind, the will, leaving only the fools darkest desires behind to fill the husk and twist it into a fiend.

Eris sipped from her cup without a word. By now, I was convinced she would neither fight nor flee. Her fingers were still trembling however.

Which led me to draw a conclusion: that a humans self can be fractioned. Which explained why I could buy skills, memories, and even personality traits. Our soul and the part of us that can create a demon are two parts of a whole. They can exist independently. One inside a Devil Coin, the other inside a body of flesh and blood.

Eris sad smile reminded me of a tired teacher happy that a student had finally stumbled on the correct answer. Interesting theory.

The demon usually takes over the body and the soul becomes trapped with the Devil of Greed inside her coins, but in your case, I suspect it is the opposite. Though the reason behind it still escaped me. And then, theres a final piece of evidence I cant ignore.

Let me guess. Eris scratched at the Wanderer mark on her cheek. My Class.

Ive already failed to purchase and sell Classes. Even assuming someone can bear marks belonging to different sets at once, I can only see one way you might have earned yours. I glanced at the coin-shaped golden tattoo on my hand. The same way I gained mine.

Because it chose me. Eris chuckled to herself and relaxed in her chair a little. Congratulations, Robin. You figured it out.

I smiled slightly, but did not lower my guard just yet. After all, she hadnt confirmed much yet; she simply didnt deny my points.

Is Eris even your real name?

Eris took a deep breath. I watched a thousand thoughts quickly flash in her eyes. I caught a glimpse of fear and hesitation. From the way she subtly shifted on her chair, I could tell she briefly considered teleporting away rather than answering me.

Why havent you asked me to sell you back my ability to lie? she suddenly asked me.

Besides the fact Ive faced people who could work around it? I scoffed. I figured that as your very good friend, I owed you the benefit of the doubt.

Eris scoffed, then chuckled, and then laughed.

And I could tell it was all genuine.

Are you serious? she asked, giggling like a hyena. This is your reason? Because were very close friends?

Well, yes? I smirked back at her. I mean, my last girlfriend turned out to be a professional killer. I would say Im pretty open-minded as far as relationships go.

You sure set a low bar. Eris shook her head and looked away; not because she wanted to hide anything this time, but simply because she couldnt face me without laughing. Youre impossible

I waited for her to calm down. While I put on the charm, I meant every word I said; and I could tell Eris knew it too. She finally eased up a bit.

Enough to return my trust.

My full name, she said, is Daltia Eris Belarra.

Her sentence hung in the air like a curse. The tension between us returned stronger than ever before, yet somehow, I felt no fear. In fact, I was somewhat relieved.

Shed finally decided to come clean.

Or at least it was a thousand years ago, Eris said as she slowly finished her coffee, when the Witchcrafting Church took me in.

The Witchcrafting Church? Id never heard of that institution.

The Arcane Abbey and the Cult of the Four Artifacts did not exist when the Goddess still walked the earth, nor was there a difference between priests and witchcrafters. Eris set her cup aside. As I said, Robin, Ive never lied to you. My father was a priest and my mother a priestess. They simply conceived me a thousand years ago in very different times.

That was a pretty big detail to omit. I have to say, you dont act like how I would expect a thousand-year-old person to.

My comment seemed to amuse her. Have you met any other thousand-year olds yet?

I scoffed. Point taken. I just cant tell how much of your previous behavior was a mask.

None of it was. I am all of me. Eris locked eyes with me. I dont wish you to spend centuries trapped at the bottom of a lake, Robin, but if you do, believe me: youll want to make up for old times once you get out, and you will stop caring about how others perceive you.

So she did spend time trapped in the Lake of Greed. Part of the legend was true. Interesting. I didnt think she was entirely truthful, however. She was definitively afraid I might reject her upon learning the truth.

I still cant believe you were brazen enough to use your middle name, I said after shaking my head. I cant tell whether it was bold or mad.

Most people forget information they learned five minutes ago, so imagine a thousand years. I dont think theres anybody alive who remembers Bels surname besides our party. Eris expression darkened again. Even himself.

I assume you speak of Belgoroth? I finished my coffee, the bitter drink leaving a lump of sugar at the bottom. Were the two of you close?

We were friends. All seven of us. Eris claimed back her pipe and inhaled some dreamshade. I noted her hand was no longer trembling. Bel used to be the perfect knight, Robin. A chivalrous warrior who put Roland to shame. He was the last to lose his way.

And you were the first? I guessed. Her grim silence was an answer in itself. Did it start with Critias?

No, of course not. Do you think Bel woke up one day thinking he should burn down a kingdom to the ground? Eris shrugged her shoulders, her eyes full of sorrow. Corruption is a gradual process, Robin. It starts with little concessions that slowly build up into very big moral compromises. Critias was the culmination of a very long process; the moment when I decided that the world would be better with me in charge of it.

Then it started with those? I pointed at the Devil Coin. Is that why the safeguards triggered when I tried to seal a soul in an object? Because that was the first step you took off the right path?

I originally tried sealing souls into objects to save people I cared for from death, Eris confirmed. The raw shame in her voice sounded genuine enough. Greed isnt about collecting wealth, Robin. Greed means to never let things go, even when they must. I bought my first souls out of necessity, but somewhere along the line I began purchasing them out of convenience.

Until life became just another commodity. I supposed slavers probably operated on the same moral framework. Once a man could own another person, it became easier for him to degrade others. How did the seven of you become the Demon Ancestors? I dont think immortality was part of the original Hero package.

My experiments on souls taught me how to overcome death. Eris played with the Devil Coin, flipping it between her fingers. Do you know why Soulforged Adamantine is indestructible?

Because it was forged in a place sacred to the Four Artifacts? I recounted.

But why would that make an object unchanging? Eris pushed, before telling me the truth. The Four Artifacts helped the Goddess create the world. They are the physical avatars of the sun, the earth, the ocean everything that makes up our reality. Objects of Soulforged Adamantine cannot be altered because their construction process turns them into the very incarnation of a concept.

My heart skipped a beat as I figured it out. The sins.

Eris confirmed my hypothesis with a sharp, thoughtful nod. She handed me her pipe. I accepted it. Shed been right. I did need it in the end.

Bels sword, my coins we each used a relic to tie our very souls to fundamental aspects of human nature, Eris explained to me. So long as mortals experience that emotion, the relics fueling our immortal life will remain unchanged.

The pieces fell into place as I inhaled the sweet dreamshade. The source of the Demon Ancestors immortality was as simple as it was effective. They used the Merchants power to bind their souls to invulnerable objects. If a Soulforged Adamtantine relic was indeed inviolable, then not even the Heroes power could affect them.

I appreciated the dreamshades soothing effect as I mulled over the monumental task ahead of us. No wonder our predecessors resorted to sealing away the Demon Ancestors. If Belgoroths sword would continue to exist as long as anger and hatred did, nothing short of worldwide enlightenment or destruction would shatter it.

The process works in reverse too, Eris clarified. The seven of us became living incarnations of mankinds sins. For a time, I was greed. You should have seen how I looked back then, all golden and pretty.

I couldnt stop myself from teasing her. I prefer you without wings.

Does my old self still carry a scroll around? Eris covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. I thought it would make me look smarter.

She did leave an impression. The other Daltia was as ostentatious as this mansion. Are you two still connected?

Somewhat. She exists as a disembodied consciousness inhabiting the Devil Coins. I can feel their presence or when my old mark triggers, and I believe she can catch glimpses of what I do. Eris squinted at me. Killing me wont destroy her, Robin. Seriously, dont try.

I didnt intend to. I assumed the Fatebinder would have already done it if it could work. How did the two of you

Split? Eris took a long, deep breath. This might sound strange to you, but seven centuries of solitary confinement is a long, long time to reflect on your mistakes.

I thought back to the Lake of Greed wed visited on our way to Walbourg. If it had indeed been Daltias resting place for seven-hundred years I dared not imagine the impact it would have had on her psych. Perhaps all the prayers channeled through the Sanctuary reached her heart buried underneath all the greed and ambition.

The Devil the world wanted me to be and the person Id become started to diverge, until one day, the seal keeping my body imprisoned broke and we split, Eris continued. I dont remember everything. Some of my memories are still with my other self, not to mention my mark.

Unfortunately, the demon half was the one who kept the corrupted Merchant Class.

Perhaps that was why the Wanderers mark chose Eris. I remembered hearing once that it represented the beginning of a new journey in Fatebinding readings. A fresh new start.

Why are you the only one to split from your inner demon? I asked, before quickly realizing Id asked the wrong question. Are you the only one to have done so?

I knew better than to expect good news on that front, so Eris answer did not surprise me. As far as I know, Im the only one who decided to turn my life around. I suppose Im the exception that proves the rule.

Why? I asked. Is it because of their connection to their sins?

If I could change, so can they. The reason they havent is much simpler, Robin. Eris pointed at my mark. Would you surrender your Class?

No, I conceded. And I only possessed a fraction of the power she once wielded. Come to think of it, it must have taken extraordinary willpower to even consider it.

Do you believe someone nicknamed the Curse of Pride would consider being wrong? Eris teased me before quickly regaining her composure. Youve met Bel. Centuries of watching human atrocities have only embittered him.

And now, it fell on us to stop him.

The person in front of me helped shatter the world. She had killed thousands, if not millions, collecting their souls for nefarious purposes. I now understood the reason behind her earlier questions; there might be some crimes no amount of atonement could make up for.

But if a divine mark decided to select her as a Hero again and grant another chance, who was I to deny a chance at redemption? I couldnt be certain whether or not Eris indeed told me the entire truth, and I still had many, many more questions to ask her but I could at least grant her the benefit of the doubt.

Why? I finally asked. Something bothered me with her tale. Why did you leave hints to your true identity for me to figure out? Wouldnt it have been easier to start anew if you kept it all for yourself?

Because I have a crush on you? Eris smiled sadly. More seriously I cant tell.

I raised an eyebrow. Cant, or wont?

Stop teasing me, Robin. Its more amusing when I do it. Eris boldly snatched the pipe of my lips. If I had to say as fellow Merchants, I hoped we could get along. Its not easy to keep secrets all the time.

So you tried to break the news in a way that wouldnt make me hate you on sight? I couldnt help but smile. I hadnt expected that answer. There are easier ways to win my heart.

Give me a break, Robin. I am seven hundred years out of practice. Eris shifted in her seat. Where does that leave us now?

I was asking myself the exact same question.