Chapter 92: Toussaint
38 Imbolc 1217
Toussaint is a small autonomous duchy under the banner of the Empire of Nilfgaard, famous for its wines, made possible by the region's volcanic soil and the ideal combination of sunny and rainy days. Toussaint does not maintain a large standing army, relying instead on a few regiments of knights errant, guarding the borders and roads in collaboration with the Ducal Guard. Toussaint is also one of the few countries on the Continent that does not have a Secret Service.
Despite being a vassal state of Nilfgaard, Toussaint maintains high autonomy. The Nilfgaardian Empire does not tend to impose imperial authority on its internal affairs or violate its borders for the most part.
While the surface of the Duchy may be fairy-tale and serene, beneath the wine cellars, it hides a vast underground system of related ancient galleries, mines, and dungeons, as well as natural caverns and lava tunnels, allegedly connected to the center of the earth.
Toussaint is between three mountain ranges: Amell, Tir Tochair, and Fiery Mountains. The volcanic soil left here by the region's hot past has allowed for the cultivation of vines. Other remnants of the past are the now dry lava tubes which, together with caves and humanoid dungeons, form the Duchy's underground system.
The Duchy is currently ruled by Carolina Roberta, the daughter of the late Adela Marta, who consolidated the power of All Saints. Carolina, now elderly, has invited Saibus to the wine festival to celebrate once again the commercial partnership between the League and the Duchy for several years.
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Saibus is located in the beautiful city of Beauclair, the capital of All Saints. He has been invited by the monarch Carolina Roberta, also known as Caroberta. Saibus and two assassins Aguilar and Aya go there.
Aguilar is a young man in his twenties. He has short black hair shaved on the sides. He is six feet tall and athletic like all assassins. His dark eyes can be frightening, especially with his earnest, determined, and dedicated personality to the League. He also has a keen perception that is useful for combat and reading people. He has a vertical blue tattoo across his right eye.
(image Aguilar)
Aya is a twenty-five-year-old woman, tall and robust. Her caramel skin color suggests that she comes from the Southern Kingdoms, which, unlike the Northern Kingdoms, it is common to see this skin color. Her long hair is braided. Her brown eyes show a strong will and relentless patience.
(image Aya)
The two assassins wear traditional outfits showing that they are assassins, not apprentices or masters. Youan sees two curved blades on Aya's Hi Withith. Her companies also have a bow on her back. In comparison, Aguilar has no visible weapons, suggesting he fights with his secret blades and throws knives.
Aya and Aguilar silently follow Saibus into the aptly named city of Beauclair. The streets are paved with blue stone. The houses are beautifully structured. The architecture of the city is sublime. Saibus leads the two assassins to a somewhat secluded place in Beauclair, a place of passions, a brothel called "Horny'claws." Aya and Aguilar look at each other confused and surprised. They know that Saibus is a severe person who never goes to brothels. Nevertheless, they enter despite their questioning and see several scantily clad women sitting at tables with men or women chatting happily.
One of the single girls approaches Saibus, moving her breasts. Then, advancing sensually, she speaks to Saibus seductively.
"Hello, handsome young man. What can I do for you?" The girl of joy leans over to Saibus.
"I wish to speak to Lady Isabella. She must have told you that she was expecting a man named Saibus," replies Saibus with no sign of attraction to the woman.
On hearing that Saibus wants to speak to her boss and that he is the man, she is waiting for. So she breaks away from him.
"Yes, Lady Isabella warned us of your visit. Follow me; I will lead you to her chamber." The woman leads the way for the Assassins. She strides, moving her hips more, her buttocks rippling under her tight shorts. The woman leads them upstairs. As they walk through the first floor, they can hear moaning from the various closed doors signifying that a girl of joy is with a man. Finally, they arrive at the second staircase, which takes them to the second floor reserved for girls.
The second floor is a set of restrooms for the girls. At the end of the corridor, there is a door. The girl knocks on the door and waits to be answered. Her wait lasted no more than three seconds.
"Come in." A soft old voice gives permission.
The girl shifts to the side, making way for Saibus. She smiles at him, "This is where we part ways, sir. But feel free to come to me if you need any care; I will be happy to do so." The girl then leaves, leaving the Assassins to their own devices. Saibus opens the door and enters a luxurious room. The room looks like a nobleman's chamber with carpets on the floor, massive furniture, many candles, and chandeliers. Lady Isabella is sitting on a chair reading a book with a red leather cover.
The woman looks young and very beautiful. Her long, wavy black hair falls over her shoulders and ends on her back. Her green eyes give Aya and Agular shivers. They feel a sense of danger coming from the woman. The woman is wearing a long black dress that falls to her feet.
(Image Isabella)
Her eyes fall on Saibus, and her face lights up. Her indifferent and cold expression becomes joyful. She gets up from her chair and approaches him.
"Hello Saibus, how have you been since we last met?" asks Isabella happily. Her eyes shine with a light inexplicable to Aya and Agular.
"Fine, Bella, it's only been two months since our last meeting."
"Yes, but two months too long without you," says Bella with annoyance.
"You're not alone. You have Lana to keep you company." Saibus says as he sits down on a
Saibus sits down on a seat around a table. Belle follows suit and sits down next to him. Aya and Agular, unsettled by the behavior of the Lady and their mentor, stand around, not knowing what to do.
Saibus sees his apprentices frozen and beckons them to sit before him.
"Please don't talk about her. She's untenable, worse than a teenage girl who's experienced her first love." Bella complains, waving a small fan in front of her face.
"Exactly. Isn't this the time for her? After all, you are the expert on your race, not me." Saibus with a smile.
"Ah, very funny, my dear, but no, we vampires don't have a teenage crisis like you humans. We remain who we are biologically, only our minds can change, and unfortunately, the assistant you gave me seems more human than a vampire. Poor me." Isabella complains to Saibus.
"Bella, do you know why I'm here?" questions Saibus softly.
"Of course, my dear, I know you are here because the Duchess invited you to the celebration. And you took the opportunity to come and see me. How nice of you to come and see poor me." says Isabella with a smile behind her fan.
Saibus smiles wryly. "You want Yennefer and me to visit you more often. So understood, I'll see if I can do with her."
"Perfect, it's been so long since she and I have discussed our respective progress. I can't wait to hear if she's succeeded with her lightning spell." Isabella stated happily with a smile.
"To return to what you were saying, the Duchess celebrated Saovine's day as usual, and she invited you to thank you for saving her all those years ago from a blood-drinking lesser monster."
"That you're still as knowledgeable as I see it," Saibus states.
"Always when it comes to my friends, my dear," replies Isabella with a smile.
"Well, how about we find something for you and your apprentices? You're not going to get into Beauclair Palace dressed like that."
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1 Saovine 1217
On the evening of 1 Saovine, three people can be seen climbing the stairs to the magnificent Beauclair Palace during the same name festival.
(Image Palace)
All three are wearing beautiful, noble outfits made from the finest fabrics. Saibus walks in front with Aya and Aguilar on either side a few steps behind him. Greeting the people he passes, Saibus arrives at the top of the actions of the Palace.
"Sir, your invitation, please," the doorman asks politely.
Saibus takes a letter from his coat and hands it to the doorman. Reading the invitation, the doorman steps aside. He raises his arm, presenting the castle.
"Mr. Blood, I wish you and your guests a wonderful stay in his majesty's castle," the doorman says respectfully.
"Thank you, good evening," Saibus replies politely as he enters the castle, followed by his ex-apprentices.
The reception hall is a large, long room. Chandeliers inlaid with precious stones hang from the ceiling, illuminating the place with a soft light. On the sides are long buffet tables with luxury products, and the alcohol is particular because only wine is grown here on All Saints' Day. Young ladies and gentlemen are already on the dance floor, waltzing. The nobles watch the young people dance and discuss business, nobility, marriage, products, and his majesty. The atmosphere is festive and warm, worthy of a Saovine party.
"You can enjoy this evening. Not much will happen tonight," says Saibus to Aya and Aguilar.
The two nod and leave, enjoying the all-you-can-eat buffet provided for the guests. Meanwhile, Saibus discreetly goes to the back of the reception hall and unseen takes the stairs leading to the flats of the Duchess, Karolina Roberta. Then, using his skills as an Assassin and a little magic, Saibus arrives at the door to the royal apartments without any problems.
Using a small Axii sign on the three guards, Saibus enters the Duchess' flats without a sound. The interior is luxurious, with much gold, woodwork, and gilding. On the right is a large canopied bed that hides the interior from view when the curtains are drawn. On the left a large dressing table with a boudoir and a dressing room for changing clothes. A large bath for two people and a screen are in the dressing room. Opposite is a French window on a balcony with a small table and chair to enjoy the sun's warmth with tea in hand. The view over the town of Beauclair is magnificent.
(Image View)
Saibus can see that the Duchess is sitting at the dressing table. She seems to be finishing preparing for the party. Saibus approaches the four-poster bed and sits down on it. The sudden sight of a man walking behind her in the mirror startles Karolina. She turns around with a knife in her hand to see Saibus sitting comfortably on her bed.
"I know I invited you, but please don't do this again. Next time do what everyone else does, knock on the door," says Karolina as she resumes her preparation.
"We are not everyone, Duchess. That's why you invited us, by the way," replies Saibus, looking at Karolina through the mirror.
"I'll grant you that you are unique in your way. But I did not ask you to come here to talk about your rarity in this world. I came to call you to ask for your help," Karolina says, putting down her make-up tools. She stands up, her long dress dragging on the floor.
Saibus does not respond to the Duchess's statement. "I wish to obtain the help of the League of Assassins for a simple matter. I wish to find my little sister, who disappeared many years ago."
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