Capítulo 56: Chapter 56 - The Undercity
"Can I see it if you don't mind?"
The man said, holding out his hand and motioning to the weapon, naturally, Seraphina allowed the man to see the weapon. It wasn't like he could steal it and run away; they were in a public location with many eyes around.
"Like I thought, it's not suited for you. You practice a method suited to speed and agility right? I can tell from the way your muscles are shaped."
Seraphina was quite surprised with the man's observation skills, she thought he was just a normal street vendor, but it seemed he had some skills. He could discern her training method, even with her cloak concealing most of her form.
"You're right."
"Thought so, this weapon doesn't have the correct weight distribution and shape to work properly for you, it's a bit lacking. If anything it'll hinder you."
"So do you have a weapon that would work better?"
Seraphina knew the man was probably just trying to make a sale, but she didn't mind getting a new weapon, especially since she'd found her current one lacking lately.
"Not on hand, but I can make one for you, come back here in a week, and I'll have something for you."
"You don't want payment?"
The man handed the sword back to the girl, returning it to her side.
"No, just come back then."
Seraphina nodded and thanked the man, then walked away to rejoin the others.
As she walked, she thought about the news she had learned. If her father's actions were drawing the Emperor's ire, it meant the situation was more volatile than she'd anticipated.
His desperation to find her was affecting not just his estate but the entire Empire— and while it was comforting, she couldn't help but think it was stupid.
After regrouping, the trio continued their exploration, moving from the market to quieter streets where the air was thick with whispers and unease.
They stopped at a dimly lit tavern tucked into an alley, its sign barely legible against the weathered wood. The Wooden Barrel was a stark contrast to The Amber Hearth, with its dark interior and patrons who eyed newcomers warily.
Edwin ordered drinks and led them to a secluded table near the back, close enough to eavesdrop on nearby conversations. The room buzzed with low voices, and Seraphina focused on picking out pieces of conversation.
"They're recruiting in the undercity again."
One man muttered to another as they both drank.
"Fighters, thieves— anyone desperate enough to sign up."
"They have Knights backing them now and have been training new apprentice knights."
His companion replied.
"The undercity's not what it used to be. It's getting dangerous, has been since that new boss took over."
Seraphina leaned in slightly, her violet eyes narrowing, as she whispered to Edwin and Samuel.
"The undercity's growing more organized. Whoever's behind it has resources— maybe even connections with the nobles."
Samuel nodded, his expression grim.
"Makes sense. Gangs don't usually have knights unless someone powerful is pulling the strings."
Leaning back, she pretended to take a sip from her drink as she listened closer again.
"Did you hear though, apparently someone blew up a warehouse. The Council didn't like that in the slightest, got tons of people out looking for them."
"Sounds like trouble, a fight might be brewing."
"Fight? More like a war, the undercity is gearing up a war, weapons coming in. One of my mates at the dock mentioned seeing a magical artifact, do you know how much those things cost?"
At the mention of a magical artifact Seraphina's eyes shifted— magic something she had wanted the second she had learned about it. She had absorbed that weird thing in the forest, apparently it was related to magic, but it hadn't done anything yet.
Maybe this could give her a clue— but getting her hands on a magical artifact would be hard.
"Cost? Forget cost, just getting one is impossible, they're so rare that only high-ranking nobles could even afford to encounter one. I hear the Empire only has a few."
The conversation dragged on from there, mainly the two arguing back and forth about magic, and politics— it got to the point where nothing they said was useful to her anymore.
So the group decided to leave, however, before leaving the tavern, Seraphina approached the bartender, sliding a silver coin across the counter.
"Heard anything about bounties?"
The man pocketed the coin smoothly, his tone measured.
"Depends on who you're asking about. But there's been a lot of talk about a certain noble's runaway daughter. Pink hair, big reward."
Seraphina's heart quickened, though she kept her face calm.
"Who's looking for her?"
"The Duke of Willows, that tyrant. Seems he's pulling out all the stops. But you didn't hear it from me."
"Of course, anything else?"
"Locally, a burglar's been going around stealing jewels, small reward but a pretty coin."
"Thanks."
She said softly before rejoining Edwin and Samuel.
By the time they returned to The Amber Hearth, the sun was dipping lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city. The streets were quieter now, with merchants packing up their stalls and fewer people wandering about.
"The Duke's actions are reckless."
Edwin said, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.
"Recalling knights from the borders is a dangerous move."
"He's desperate, but that shows he cares."
Seraphina replied, pacing near the window, she was actually somewhat happy to see that the Duke cared that much, even going so far as to anger the Emperor for her.
"And the undercity?"
Samuel asked, sitting on his bed.
"Seems like there's a lot happening down there."
Seraphina nodded, her gaze distant.
"It's a risk, but it might be worth exploring. If someone's building power in the slums, they could be an ally— or a threat. Either way, we need to know more."
Edwin watched her carefully, his silver eyes thoughtful.
"We can't rush into anything. Let's rest for the rest of the night, and tomorrow we can make a move.
Seraphina sighed, sitting on the edge of her bed; when she heard a knock on the door.
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