"They're so eager, so let them join. It's not a bad thing," Alaric said, scanning the list thoroughly before nodding. "Going through the fires of reform together will help them integrate into the new era."
Originally, Alaric hadn't planned to force City of Silver or Moon City residents into the reform. After all, their struggles in the Forsaken Land of the Gods had little to do with the outside world. Having finally reached a brighter world, thrusting them into war right away would be too cruel.
If the war turned dire and they were at a disadvantage, Alaric might consider conscripting them. But if things went smoothly, there was no need to make them fight.
Still, he wouldn't refuse their voluntary participation.
"You know I don't get hands-on with these things, so I'll leave the arrangements to you," Alaric added, glancing at Sasrir.
Sasrir, unsurprised but mildly exasperated, nodded. "I'll handle it."
They discussed business for a bit longer before the room's colors shifted. Three figures appeared in the small study.
"Hey, back from your brawl?" Alaric said, his gaze landing first on Amon.
Amon looked as nonchalant as ever, as if nothing had changed, though he wore a new outfit. But Alaric sensed something was off.
After staring for a few seconds, he exclaimed, "Where's your main body?"
By "main body," He meant Amon's iconic monocle.
Amon's carefree smile froze.
"It got sealed," Antigonus piped up gleefully. "Don't let his act fool you... he's faking it. Bethel roasted him so bad his Worms of Time nearly burned to a crisp."
Alaric turned to the gloating wolf, then paused oddly before saying, "Puppy, what happened to your ears?"
Antigonus' smugness halted. Indeed, his fluffy ears were gone, leaving his wolf head oddly round and fuzzy. Alaric couldn't resist, reaching out to rub the smooth head.
No ears is weird, but this sleek feel is kind of fun, Alaric thought.
As he petted Antigonus, Amon pinched his brow, casually saying, "His ears are over there," gesturing toward Bethel.
"What?" Alaric blinked, turning to Bethel. He noticed Bethel not only had new clothes but was also sporting a hat.
Meeting Alaric's curious gaze, Bethel sighed and removed the hat, revealing Antigonus' wolf ears perched atop his head.
"That's so bizarre!" Alaric said, eyeing the ears and Bethel's resigned expression. "Bethel, you don't pull off cute."
Bethel's sharp features carried an innate authority, especially when he frowned. Even his current helpless look made people avert their eyes. Topped with wolf ears, it was jarringly odd.
"I'm not trying to be cute," Bethel said, glancing at Alaric, who was clearly enjoying the chaos. "Amon did this. It'll take a while to undo."
"Figured as much," Alaric nodded, scanning the three dukes again. "So, who won?"
"It's hard to say," Bethel replied diplomatically. "Amon was too provocative, so I teamed up with Antigonus to thrash him. Then Amon ganged up with Antigonus against me."
"So you're the only one who didn't get beaten?" Alaric asked, glancing at Antigonus.
Antigonus slumped. "No, I got pummeled both times."
It's common knowledge: in a group fight, you target the weakest link. Unfortunately, Antigonus was the least powerful of the trio, so whichever side he joined, the other went after him first, aiming to knock him out early.
"Poor pup," Alaric said, piecing it together. He sighed, patting Antigonus' head again before addressing the group. "Alright, since your group brawl's done, let's talk serious business."
"What's up?" Sasrir asked.
"Planning how to free Tolzna from the Mother Goddess of Depravity and dealing with the Rose School afterward," Alaric said bluntly, no beating around the bush. He glanced in a direction, smiling. "Ah, our Miss Reinette's here."
As he spoke, the room's colors shifted again, and Reinette's eerie figure appeared.
How could they discuss saving Tolzna without his student, the Rose School's Temperance faction leader, Reinette?
"Let me introduce Miss Reinette Tinekerr, student of Tolzna and former Rose School leader... currently being hunted by them," Alaric said, giving a brief rundown. "No one here knows the Rose School better than her. She might not be much help in combat, but she's crucial for the cleanup."
Alaric didn't plan to wipe out the Rose School entirely. Though many members likely deserved it, killing them all would be wasteful. Better to use their remaining value... say, as fodder in the coming reforms.
Plus, given the Mother Goddess of Depravity and Mother Tree of Desire's influence, Alaric couldn't rule out other unwilling pawns like Tolzna among them. Killing such beings without offering a chance would be a pity.
***
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