NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3.26
"..." Julia sat quietly, staring at Margreth with a neutral expression, while floundering internally.
Margreth didn't seem put off by either the silence or stare. She merely went about her business, accepting a cup of tea from a tray offered by Edith and stirring in some sugar. Julia absentmindedly accepted a cup as well and took a sip. She vaguely noted hints of lemon.
What is going on here?
"Forgive me for my silent contemplation, Miss Margreth. I merely wish to consider your words carefully. To that point, may I ask what you mean specifically when you request that I 'join you'?" she asked, struggling to speak politely without understanding what 'polite' even meant in this context—for now, she simply resolved to speak slowly and not swear.
"Of course, I appreciate your consideration. Take all the time you need. As for my meaning, I wish for you to work for the Lords—for the city.
"I understand that adventuring can be rather freeing—possessing the ability to go anywhere, do anything. However, it comes with a certain degree of unreliability, does it not?
"Most adventurer jobs are rated in the Iron to Steel range, which means that it can be, ironically, as difficult to find work for an Adamantine as it can a Bronze. There simply are not many city-ending threats that would require such a powerful figure, and it is looked down upon for an Adamantine to take jobs that could be accepted by a lower rank, yes? This is seen as poaching or some such.
"And, while the Guild will do its best to keep Adamantines happy, it has no control over which jobs are offered, only which are posted. If there are no Adamantine jobs, there is little they can do to offer you compensation.
"Which is why I would like to extend you this offer: on behalf of Vazreth, please come work with us. We would offer you fair compensation for both your rank within the Guild and your personal power.
"We are always looking to add capable people to our military ranks, and your rank of Adamantine would ensure you start as a Knight. You would join as a Knight-Apprentice for a probationary period, where you would learn the ins and outs of the city and its organization but be promoted to Knight upon completion of that period.
"Knights are…hmm. Well, we do not have a traditional system of nobility, but Knights are very close to the 'nobles' of other cities. The only position above you within the military would be Knight Commanders, Knight Lords, and the Lords themselves," she finished, looking at Julia expectantly.
Julia turned the information over in her head for a few seconds before speaking.
"Could you expand upon the hierarchy? I also note that you have not mentioned 'guards' thus far."
"Indeed," Margreth said with a smile. "Vazreth's military is a separate entity from its guards. The Overlord believes that the people of Vazreth should be responsible for policing themselves—for the most part. Thus, the city guards are an independent guild, though they work closely with the government.
"This was proposed to ease tensions between government and citizenry, as the peacekeepers would be the criminals' neighbors.
"Knights, being part of the formal military, are directly under command of the Lords. Knights are also themselves commanders. Below them are the levees, though we have none at the moment. In times of crisis, peasant levees will be organized under Knights, while Knight Commanders will command the individual Knight units.
"The highest position within the military is that of Knight Lord, and there are only seven of those at any point, as they serve directly under one of the Lords of the Council. This is what I am proposing to you. Although you would start as a Knight Apprentice, my hope is that you would eventually become my own Knight Lord."
Julia nearly choked on her tea—why would Margreth want her as a Knight Lord? They hardly knew each other! Before she could ask for clarification, Margreth plowed forward.
"Of course, reliable pay is not the only benefit to working with us. You would also gain citizenship immediately upon completion of your Knight Apprenticeship. This would make you a full-fledged citizen, allowing you to move about the city and work as you please, even should you decide to leave the military.
"As a Knight, you would also be above most in the city. When it comes to military matters or orders you are carrying out on the military's behalf, no one can hinder you. There is a great deal of respect afforded to those in the higher ranks of this city.
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"Once you became my personal Knight Lord, there would be no one save another Councillor that would have authority over you, and even then, they couldn't interfere with you while carrying out orders. The most they could do is complain to me afterward," Margreth chuckled, taking a sip of tea.
Julia understood the obvious appeal to narcissism. Many would relish the opportunity to be lauded and held above others.
"Why do you want me specifically? I have been in this city less than a week—we have only just met. How could you know anything about me that might convince you I am a worthy Knight Lord?" Julia asked.
"Besides being Adamantine? Well, word of your bout with the other, Cassandra, has reached my ears. I hear you held your own—even managed to injure her before the bout was called?" she asked, leaning forward with gleaming eyes.
Julia nodded. The spectacle was public by design, so she felt no inclination to hide it.
"Impressive. Cassandra's prowess is well known, despite only being in the city for a year. It is not every day that an Adamantine passes through the gates, after all," she chuckled. "I hear she even praised your performance, that is impressive work. Word is she is rather… abrasive—one of the reasons we did not extend her the same offer.
"Your spar drew the Overlord's attention, which is what drew me initially—the Overlord's attention is not something most get. However, what really has me interested is your second exam. Word about it has been slow to reach me, unfortunately—hence this sudden invitation.
"The Guild is an independent entity, you see, and they are not legally required to share details of adventurer jobs, so I only have hearsay to go on. It sounds like you resolved a dangerous situation not only functionally by yourself, but also while keeping others—including children—safe? I would love to hear details about that."
Julia sat with her arms crossed, mulling over the plethora of information Margreth had just revealed. She was speculating about a great deal, but at least one reason for this invitation had become clear: Margreth wanted information. Braden had always said that interrogation was most effective when disguised as friendship.
"Unfortunately, if the Guild has not disseminated the specific details, I will have to abstain as well. However, since you already know, I do not mind confirming that the situation ended up being far more dangerous than the job described—though it was no fault of the client, as they had no way of knowing," Julia explained carefully.
"Of course, of course," Margreth nodded with eyes closed, wearing a serious look. Julia was beginning to suspect that this entire conversation was a performance for Margreth. "Loyalty is an admirable trait, and it only affirms my desire for you to work with us.
"Surely, from this little information, you can infer why I wanted you specifically? A powerful combatant, a capable leader, good decision-making under pressure, a staunch protector—need I go on?"
Julia shook her head, both to indicate she needn't and to clear her mind. Ideas and speculation were whirling around, bouncing off the inside of her skull. She needed to focus on the present.
She finished her tea and set the cup down on the saucer in front of her.
"While I certainly appreciate the offer, I simply cannot decide something so significant hastily. I hope you understand that I must request time to properly consider your offer," Julia said with a small, polite smile.
"Yes, that would be best. I appreciate your unwillingness to make snappy decisions when the opportunity for careful consideration is present. You would be an excellent Knight.
"This is my private residence. I believe you are staying in the West Quarter, yes? Feel free to stop by any time. Even if I am not present, any of my staff will be able to get a message to me, and we can arrange a time to meet again.
"I will instruct the guards at the gate to allow you entry next time," she said, standing up and extending a hand. "I very much look forward to our next meeting."
"As do I," Julia said with a smile, shaking Margreth's hand.
Edith opened the door, somehow knowing the meeting was concluded—surely she wasn't listening from the other side.
As she was led out, Julia's speculation was running rampant.
The duel in the arena.
The Etherium.
The Nashiin.
The Overlord.
Margreth.
She felt there was a thread connecting them, but it was so painfully thin. Sure, the Overlord could be the leader of the Nashiin. Their attention could've been drawn by the duel initially, and they might have sent Margreth to investigate further after their meeting in the Ether. However, there were too many 'ifs' and 'maybes'.
For all she knew, Margreth herself could even be the Nashiin's leader.
She, of course, had no intention of accepting the offer. Still, the fact remained that she would almost certainly need to investigate the source of Etherium directly. It would be in a controlled location within the giant floating fortress, and they would not allow just anyone inside. Perhaps this could be an avenue worth exploring.
She would have to investigate further, which—as she exited the property, the guard closing the gate behind her—led her back to her original intention for today: scoping out the docks.