Lazarus Peirsaly

17. An Ending Beneath the Stars

Before I confront Lurinyo, I need to grab my weapon. I make a detour to my room to do so. The receptionist has a look of worry on her face as she sees me walk in.

"Miss! Are you alright?! There's blood all over you and you're soaking wet... I did hear an explosion and panic in the streets. What happened?"

"A true demon appeared and caused chaos in the town."

"A demon?! Were you caught up in it and hurt?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I just don't."

"I see... And what happened to the lady you were on a date with?"

I just look at her. I don't need to speak. She takes my silence as my answer.

"I'm sorry... Was it the work of that demon?"

"Yes."

"Please go wash up and rest then, dear. The Xias Knights will handle it."

"I have something to do."

"What could you possibly want to do when you're in a state like that? Plus the loss of a loved one... Trust me dear, you need to sort your thoughts out and rest."

"My thoughts are in order, don't worry."

I leave her behind and walk up to my room. I hope I didn't just sound edgy. I wasn't trying to be. I'm not an emo, I just don't want to get into an argument with her for no reason. She's right though, I am a mess. Fighting in this dress wouldn't be right. 

I take it off and slip on the dress Hiev gifted to me way back when I stayed with her. I hoped it would spark some determination and hidden power within me, but I still feel the same. Oh well. Sorry Hiev, I'll have to ruin this a little to avoid tripping up. I grab the dagger I keep stashed under my bed and cut the hem of the skirt. It still doesn't provide full optimal movement, but it's better than nothing. The blood and dirt has begun to dry, so it doesn't seep through the dress. There's no point in washing myself off, I'll get bloody again when I arrive at my destination.

I grab a sheathe given to me by Synlie and fasten it to my waist, sliding the dagger inside. I stand at my door and look around the room. This could be the last time I see it. I didn't particularly enjoy it compared to how Synlie's place was, but it was still mine. I haven't missed out on any daily rent payment either. I'm a good tenant. I shut the door and walk back downstairs.

"Are you really going out?"

"I have to."

"Well... Make sure to come back in one piece. It's a pain to clean up all the stuff deserters leave behind in their rooms."

"No hospitality this time?"

"That's for good guests who listen."

"I think I was pretty good. Goodbye."

I walk away and leave her be. Outside, I find Synlie. Small cuts run through her arms and clothing. Some of the silver armor has fallen off. Nothing too deep or threatening, but it's evident that her battle was tough. Her purple hair is messy, and she hangs her head.

"Miss Ansietria... I am terribly sorry. If us Xias Knights acted with more haste, we would have been able to slay that demon before she could harm anyone... If we were more proactive, the demon wouldn't have been able to get in to begin with..." She speaks through gritted teeth, the shame seeping through her words.

"The fault is mine alone, don't worry. That much I can be sure of."

"I do not believe that the case. You are but a civilian, your duty is not to ward off foes." She raises her head and curiously looks at me.