Sagitta beckoned for Callis to follow him, and together they distanced themselves from the group, making their way to a secluded corner of the dungeon.
-Cousin, what I'm about to share with you must remain within these walls, and sealed by your lips,- the Young Ensis said hesitantly. He was aware of Callis's alignment with the traditionalist party, but he hoped to sway him towards a different perspective.
-Of course, young Mes Canes,- agreed the Beast Blade. -My lips are sealed.-
Sagitta sighed before proceeding to reveal what he knew. -Following your duel, my brother, who oversees the development of Scripti Arcane Science, was deeply troubled. The weapon Arcanist Igneus displayed was not part of his research and development. This suggests that there is someone aligned with the traditionalist party, clandestinely crafting and distributing these weapons to common criminals.-
-That is deeply troubling, Mes Canes—extremely so,- responded Callis, visibly concerned by the gravity of the accusation.
-I cannot comprehend the recklessness of placing such potent weapons in the hands of the populace. It could transform the city into a war zone if not controlled,- continued Sagitta, laying out the facts as he knew them to Callis.
-Arcanist Igneus mentioned that these weapons only unleash Wind Spell Formulas, correct?- Sagitta asked, realizing another crucial detail.
-Yes, one of them hit me, and it felt like a well-crafted Spell Formula,- nodded Callis, slowly grasping the implications.
-Whoever designed them not only crafted an intricate Spell Formula but also strategically chose Wind, minimizing evidence,- reasoned the Young Ensis. -Other Elemental Core Spell Formulas would leave more noticeable arcane and physical traces.-
-You're right. Fire, Earth, Water, Lightning, or any other would likely leave distinct evidence,- acknowledged the Beast Blade, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Suddenly, Callis felt a pang of discomfort, realizing how much he had confided in Sagitta after their earlier altercation.
-Mes Canes, I... I want to apologize once again for my earlier actions. I wasn't myself,- admitted the Beast Blade, feeling awkward but acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Sagitta made a pause and looked at Callis, also realizing how strange was their current pleasant interaction after the nastiness from before.
-I… I understand, and I accept the apology cousin.- His brother had talked about Callis in high regard, but after knowing him for just a few days he could empathize.
Similar to Callis, Sagitta belonged to the category of -Mixed Blood.- Although his lineage was not as exotic as Callis's, he too faced discrimination and societal pressure due to his low-born mother and the scandalous circumstances of his birth. These were vulnerabilities that could be exploited by those who sought to harm him, making his reliance on his brother's protection crucial.
In an effort to repay his brother for the kindness extended to him, Sagitta diligently pursued his studies and training. He recognized the monumental effort Callis had invested to secure his position within the Canes family, overcoming significant obstacles. The Beast Blade, facing similar pressures, had undoubtedly reached a breaking point. Sagitta acknowledged Callis's remarkable self-discipline in managing the challenges posed by his mixed blood heritage.
Breaking the awkward silence, Callis, always focused on the next step, queried, -So what is our next step?-
-I need to report everything to my brother, and I'll require the weapon Arcanist Igneus obtained from them,- Sagitta explained, pensively scratching his chin—an unconscious habit he had picked up from observing his brother.
-I understand that, but without your authority, we can't impede the Inquisitors. Their activities seem suspicious, lacking proper paperwork and official announcements,- Callis voiced his reservations about Flos and her motives, despite his respect for the Inquisitors' position and holy work.
-It seems unlikely their intentions were pure and noble,- the Beast Blade admitted, surprising even himself with those words.
-My brother would have shared the same sentiment,- Sagitta confessed, noting the odd actions of the Inquisitors, which had reached his brother's desk through various rumors.
-We need a place to hide the criminal with the Tattoo from the Inquisitors. The fact that someone in the traditionalist faction is developing Scripti clandestinely can't be a mere coincidence. The entire order of Inquisitors appears to align with the traditionalist faction,- Sagitta asserted, contemplating their next move.
-I know of a place on this side of the city, in the Old Upper District. It's almost deserted, and very few know about it,- Callis suggested confidently, having discovered the location since his arrival in the Capital.
-Then, you'll relocate the criminal and keep watch over her. Take Igneus and Paeoniis Medela with you,- Sagitta instructed, seeking assistance. -Where is this place? I need to inform my brother.-
-Advise him to head where Grandfather would,- Callis instructed Sagitta urgently. -Go now; we need to expedite this if we want to evade the Inquisitors.-
Sagitta nodded and swiftly departed from the dungeon. Meanwhile, Callis rejoined the group, prepared to convey the situation without divulging any sensitive information. Novus and Berula had dedicated their time to deciphering the script on Rixa's arm during Sagitta's absence.
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