Princess Fischl

Chapter 49

I sat with Lisa and Jeanne until almost lunchtime, listening attentively to their advice on governing the country, while this peculiar lesson was periodically diluted with Lisa's jokes, thanks to which we began to have a nice conversation on abstract topics, and tea from the librarian's personal supplies constantly filled our cups. Until finally the moment came when it was time for Jeanne and me to go to a meeting with Cyrus, the head of the Mondstadt branch of the guild. It's a pity that Jeanne's vacation is almost over and we won't be able to sit like this for a while longer.

Having left the headquarters, we headed straight to the guild, greeting Katerina along the way, who was in her usual place. We entered the building and headed to the head's office.

As it turned out, this hyperactive man was already waiting for us and even before we had time to knock, he opened the door for us.

- Greetings ladies, to be honest I was hoping to see you yesterday and immediately conduct an exam at the training ground, but since you have some important information that does not tolerate extra ears, my office is at your disposal! - the head of the guild greeted us enthusiastically.

- Hello Cyrus, sorry I had to put everything off until today, but the information is really important. - Jeanne apologized, which, frankly, made me feel a little ashamed, because if I hadn't distracted her and Lisa with things from another world yesterday, she wouldn't have had to apologize.

- Hahaha. Don't worry, Jinn. If you say the information is important, no one in this city will doubt your words. - The man laughed before becoming serious and asking. - So what's so serious happened?

- Amy, show him, - the girl turned to me.

Nodding at her words, I pulled out the heads of the readers of the abyss from my inventory, seeing which Cyrus was clearly shocked.

- These are the messengers of the abyss! - immediately exclaimed the man, clearly familiar with what he was shown.

- Yes, yesterday morning, when Fischl went on a guild mission to eliminate the Hilichurl camp, they attacked her, as you can see, unsuccessfully. - Jeanne explained.

- So that's why you still haven't reported how the mission went to Katerina? - the man asked, looking at me.

- Well, partly. Before reporting to the guild, I decided to consult with Jeanne, and then, to be honest, I forgot. - I admitted, my cheeks slightly flushed.

- And you dealt with them alone?

- Well, yes, to be honest, they turned out to be weaker than I thought at first.

- If they really seemed easy to you, it is not because they are weak, but because you are too strong. - Cyrus said seriously, and then turning his back to us, he said sadly. - When I was still an ordinary adventurer, my squad was unlucky to encounter one of them. There were four owners of the eye of God in our squad and none of them survived that battle, and I survived only thanks to the stranger in the mask, who after a fierce battle was only able to drive away this abomination. Note that he did not injure or kill, but only ensured that this creature decided not to waste time on us and their battle was amazing.

Turning back to us, the man asked.

- Do you know why I was promoted to the head of the adventurers' guild?

"No," we answered honestly.

- During the time that I was an adventurer, I defeated three dragons without the eye of God, using only my body and sword. Yes, they were not the legendary elemental dragons that are equal, and there are rumors that they are even stronger than the archons, but nevertheless, they are not so easily considered S-rank creatures and believe me, those dragons are like children compared to the readers of the abyss. - Cyrus said with an incredibly serious look.

- Wow, how come you didn't get the eyes of God? - I asked.

- Because when the turning point came, I couldn't overcome my fear. No matter how great a person is, if at the turning point of life he can't overcome himself, then he won't be able to get the attention of the gods. - the man explained bitterly.

"Sorry," I immediately apologized, realizing that I had touched on a sore subject.

- No big deal. So, I suppose I should start training adventurers so they'll be ready for more frequent encounters with the minions of the abyss? Is that why you came?

- It will certainly be very useful, especially since the master is planning the same thing, but that is not the only reason for our visit. Fischl wants to join the guild and considering her strength, it would be wrong for her to start from a lower rank. - Jeanne took the floor.

- Oh, so you're joining us after all?! - Cyrus asked me happily. - Ha-ha-ha, after I saw you with the Deputy Magister of the Ordo Favonius, I already thought that you had joined the knights.

- Um, no, I liked a freer life before, and now, taking into account some personal moments, it would be extremely wrong for me to become a knight.

- Hmm, I see. Well, considering your victory over such strong opponents, I propose the following option: we will now conduct a small combat exam, where you will need to defeat the guardian of the ruins, and then I will assign you an A rank. I can't give you an S rank, I'm sorry, for that you must be an adventurer for at least a year.

- And my words are not enough to confirm it? - Jean was surprised.

"Enough," Cyrus agreed easily before explaining his point of view. "However, I think it would be best for everyone present to avoid rumors of bribes and the like."

- Yes, you are right. I really should have taken that into account. - the girl admitted.

- Then we should hurry? Tell us where we need to go and Oz will take us there in no time. - I said calling Oz.

- Milady, although your words are undoubtedly correct, I must remind you that although I am a raven, I am still a man, and therefore if I am ready to allow Lady Djinn to fly on me, then Mr. Cyrus will have to be content with claws. - Oz expressed his opinion.

- Ahem, forgive me for my doubt, but how will your raven deliver us to the place? - the man looked at Oz with skepticism, while Genie also waited for the answer with curiosity.

- Let's go outside and you'll understand everything, - I said, leaving the office with a disgruntled Oz on my shoulder. Coming out to the square in front of the adventurers' guild, I turned to my faithful friend.

- Oz, show them how majestic you can be.

- Of course, my lady. - Oz answered and began to increase in size, and I felt how part of my energy began to constantly leak out to support the raven outside. Although no, it leaked out incorrectly, rather as if part of my mana became reserved for supporting Oz outside and while he was materialized, this part of the energy was not available to me.

Oz only stopped growing when he became the size of an entire house, causing shocked gasps from passersby and causing the guards to worry.

- So that's what you meant? - said the approaching Genie.

- Yeah. - I confirmed with a satisfied smile, and then looking at Cyrus I asked. - So where should we fly?

"We need to go to the Temple of a Thousand Winds," said the man, who was looking at the huge raven in fascination.

- Can you give us a lift to Oz?

- Of course, my lady. - Oz confirmed, and then, slightly pressing himself to the ground, he extended an inviting wing. - Lady Genie.

"Sorry for the inconvenience," Genie said before climbing onto Oz's back, who, after making sure the girl was holding on tightly, stood up and grabbed Cyrus with one paw and flew up.

- You have to warn them! - the man shouted, not expecting this, while those around him could not understand what they had just seen.

"This is the first time I've seen Ozu dislike someone," I said, looking at the raven's retreating silhouette before removing the bandage from my left eye and catching up with the others in an instant.