Published at 21st of February 2024 11:04 pm

Chapter 2.74 A Hero's Funeral

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Kris’ funeral was a somber but public affair. The university and council named her the City of Ygg’s savior and hero. They officially published a report of how she had fought and killed an evil archmage corrupting and manipulating Terrrastalia through the dungeon. It told a tale of how she replaced the old god with a friendly mutant dungeon-borne she raised and rescued. It felt like a tall tale with a lot of room for doubt, but the public didn’t seem to think so.

The council also named Ernest Beaufort as a hero. They claimed he held back an army of adept and expert aether warriors while Kris dealt with the archmage. He survived long enough to retrieve her corpse and evidence of her actions before perishing. It painted the Beauforts in a positive light. Since the Imperium had recently made a big deal about absolving them of all crimes, making an apology, and Michelle had accepted their gift, the Beauforts counted as Imperian citizens. The City of Ygg won favor with the Imperium for the act.

The politics sickened Nox. He believed Ernest deserved to be honored just for his actions and not to please a political ally. Pudge told the party about the Beaufort man’s final moments of valor. He successfully kept the Wellspawn away with minimal assistance from empowered farm animals. Then, he unleashed his monster parts when more powerful aether warriors and mages emerged from the portal. Using all of his nonhuman organs had left his phylactery exposed, and he kept going despite Michelle begging him to retreat.

Anyone who knew Kris likely guessed Nox and Joey were involved in the mission. Several prominent figures tracked down the pair before the funeral, thanked them for their contribution to the city, and shared condolences.

All who mattered in the city were invited to the event. The rest of Nobles Quarter showed up anyway to honor the fallen heroes. After the event, a carriage took the coffin to the crypt at Ygg’s base. It sat between the delving department and the dungeon below. Dean Woodson read a handful of tear-punctuated sentences for her dead apprentice before the burial.

“Kris was the brightest little thief I ever met,” Myrina Woodson said. “My soul companion, Raven, caught her trying to cut my purse straps. The constabulary wanted to arrest her, but she put up a fight. Kris was eight but full of rage and fire.

“She had already awakened her core when we met. Her mana control and absorption rates were low, and I didn’t think she’d make a great mage. My nest was empty, and I just wanted someone to fill the emptiness. Kris proved me wrong. As she grew, she compensated for her shortcomings with her Spell Weaver and Ward Wright talents. I thought she’d stop at Brilliant Investigator and spy. Kris surprised me again and became one of the city's best siege mages ever seen.”

Dean Woodson pressed her index and middle fingers against her lips before running them over the coffin. “You kept surprising everyone until the end, little girl. I hoped you wouldn’t be another apprentice I outlived. At least, you’ll be the last.”

Only the deans, a handful of mages, assistants, and a few background figures attended the more intimate funeral. Everyone looked to Nox expectantly, and he felt pressured to say something.

“Kris found me during a desperate time. I wanted to escape the Trade Empire and the classic evil step-parent from every fairy tale ever written. Everyone besides my aunt told me I was broken. They said I’d never be anything more than a lowly assistant alchemist. Anyone who disagreed kept silent to avoid the Gedge’s ire.

“Kris didn’t. Even though her personal projects, classes, and investigations kept her busy, she found the time to give me a chance. We only knew each other for ten months and had several ups and downs, but there are few people who have had such a big impact on my life. I’ll always be thankful for what she did for me. Perhaps I’ll find the strength and knowledge to complete her quest and ward research. It's the least I can do for the woman who gave me a chance at a better future.”

Joey’s final words to the fallen professor weren’t too different. It wasn’t a competition, but she had a greater impact on his life than she did on Nox’s. The junior apprentice almost broke down crying and retreated into Caitlin’s arms afterward. Nox believed if he had Aria to fall back on, he’d end up in a similar state. Professor Wolfhammer and a couple of others honored Kris before they entombed her. Dean Woodson personally sculpted the grave, a statue, and a message by Shaping stone.

The mourners were slow to leave the crypt. The morose atmosphere changed as people shared tales of Kris’ investigations and antiques. Dean Woodson had the most entertaining stories from when she was a child and teenager. After graduating from university, she spent a short while as a dungeon cult hunter, but none from her past had shown up for the more intimate ceremony. As a result, they knew nothing from the period of her life.

A pair of familiar faces surprised Nox when he exited the university’s central building. Mou ran to him straight away and threw her arms around Nox, pulling him into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry for your loss, baba,” she said. “Kris was a good woman.”

“She was,” Queen Lydia Mercer said, drying her swollen, blood-shot eyes. Kris never discussed her relationship with his mother, and Nox didn’t ask. He knew they were university friends and had known each other for a long time but not much else. “Kris and I always joked that she’d suffer the misfortune of living to old age and die surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Your father called us morbid and hated it.”

“I didn’t expect to see you,” Nox said.

“We, of course, came when we heard the news.” Mou looped an arm around Nox’s. “Your mother thought you might need us.”

“I already know the answer, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.” Queen Mercer fidgeted, looking away from her son’s face. “But would you like to have a meal with us? I’d love to hear how the last few months have been for you.”

“Why don’t we take a carriage to the store?” Nox asked. A funeral felt like as good a time as any to mend bridges. After losing so many important people so suddenly, Nox wanted Mou close. Unfortunately, that meant spending time with his mother, too. He also needed a good relationship with the Trade Empire for his new venture to succeed. “I want to show the two of you around. I hired an amazing cook. She can whip up something special for us?”

“Really?” Queen Mercer looked and sounded shocked. When he didn’t rescind the offer, she nodded enthusiastically, and the trio departed campus in her personal carriage. The retinue of mounted guards following them annoyed Nox, but he kept his thoughts to himself. He was nowhere near ready to forgive his mother, but she had taken several steps for the better over the last handful of months. Queen Mercer was trying, and he thought it would be nice to do the same for her. More importantly, he wanted to show Mou everything he had achieved since their last meeting. The funeral and the brief speech had left Nox feeling a touch emotional. He didn’t want to make things more sour by rejecting his mother’s olive branch. Aria would say it was a nice thing to do. She’d encourage him to spend time with the woman and at least acknowledge her steps towards fixing past mistakes.

The staff was shocked when royalty walked through the doors. They had met several lords, ladies, barons, and a few princes and princesses, but none as powerful as one the ruler of one of the continents’ three major powers. They were even more surprised when Nox introduced them to Queen Mercer, and she shook hands with all of them.

Afterward, Leana prepared a special lunch while Nox, his aunt, and his mother sat together in the lounge. Awkwardness hung heavy over the room at first, but then they started asking Nox about the past few months and the business’ performance, and things got easier. He told them about the rough start, the vandalism, the Singhs, and also Terrastalia.

Mou hugged Nox when he showed them the worsened mana burn and shared his current predicament. He sensed his mother wanted to do the same but restrained herself. She looked at him, teary-eyed, and squeezed his hand. Then, Queen Mercer broke down in tears when she discovered what had happened to Ratra’s Bow. It was Nox’s turn to reassure his mother. He settled for a quick sideways hug.

Afterward, Mou successfully extracted information regarding his past and new relationships. They provided unsolicited advice, and Nox humored them. Then, both women's mouths fell agape when he revealed the results of his meeting with the city council.

“How in Yggdrasil’s name did you start with this tiny building and end up owning the Round Table?” His mother demanded. “It's been one of the most prestigious venues in the city since before I was born.”

“I traded my services and Clementine Wagner’s cursed throne for the estate and a significant tax discount. It’s possible they’ll get more out of the relic than I can from the Round Table, but its magic felt wrong, and I bet there were multiple curses attached. I didn’t want to use it or deal with the people who would want to. Sure, it would be nice to study the runework, but it's the council’s problem now, and I can expand my business.”

“I’d say that’s a sound decision,” Mou said. “Most ancient relics are best left alone. Runes and arcane scripts have changed, and the old languages are beyond accurate comprehension. In my opinion, it's better not to use what we don’t understand. They almost always appear to have hidden costs and penalties. Real estate is a safer and more valuable asset.”

“Especially real estate in the City of Ygg’s Market Ring. There is no better place outside of the Imperium capital’s commercial district.” Queen Mercer swiveled in her seat to face Nox and crossed her legs. As she leaned forward, Nox struggled to recall the last time he’d seen her adopt such a casual position. “How do you intend to run this place? It won’t be easy, you know.”

“I was planning on asking you, the Oakhearts, and the Edelweisses for help,” Nox replied. “I want to lease sections to other parties and collect rent. My friends and allies get first priority, of course. I plan to use all the workshops and one of the front sections for a shop. The rest is up for grabs.”

“You’re thinking too small, son,” Queen Mercer said. “Have you heard of the alchemical bath houses in the Imperium?”

Nox nodded. “I don’t know whether there is any demand for that—”

“There is! Trust me. I know these things. Build the baths, and they will come. They’re not easy to construct or operate, but you’ll have the rich flying in from far and wide to patronize the business. If you’re willing, the Trade Empire will partner with you in the endeavor.”

“It’s not the kind of partnership I was hoping for, but if you’re willing to subsidize the reconstruction costs, I don’t see why not. There is one other thing I’d like.”

“Anything, Nox. Just name it—”

“No. This a request for Mou.” He faced his aunt. “I know this is a big ask, but I need someone to help me run things. Would you be willing to move the family out of the Golden Isles and move them to the city? I’ll give you one of the suites and name you as the overseer of the workshops. If I have someone like you in charge, I can focus my expertise on research and other fields.”

“I don’t know,” Mou replied, hesitantly glancing at her queen. “Your mother would need to release me from my service first. Then, I need to ensure Edmund and the kids are okay with this. I’d love to, baba. It sounds like an amazing opportunity. However, the decision isn’t mine alone.”

Queen Mercer’s shoulders drooped when Nox looked at her expectantly. “I can’t answer your request right now either. Mou runs one of our top trade houses, Nox. I need to find a replacement before presenting the issue to the court.” She smiled. “I promise to try my best, though.”

“Fine. Let's start with the alchemical bathhouses. It’ll be a big hit with the city’s ladies if we provide skin and hair treatments. The men’s will be a harder sell.”

“I’ll talk to contractors and arrange supplies,” Queen Mercer said excitedly. “In the meantime, why don’t you talk to Aria Edelweiss and her father? They’re famous for their cattle and produce. An eatery specializing in ingredients sourced from their lands is bound to rake in the profits.”

“I don’t know why I didn’t think of that,” Nox stated. “Thank you. Perhaps the Oakhearts will—”

“How serious are you about this girl?” His mother asked, interrupting him.

“I think I love her.” Nox surprised himself with his lack of hesitance. “Why?”

“I think your mother wants to say that it's best if you minimize your former lover’s family in this endeavor,” Mou answered. “Keep them as suppliers unless they approach you with an undeniably excellent deal. It’ll be better for your future and relationship.”

“Thank you,” Nox told the pair. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

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