Next, the mystic guided us to a larger but still simple residence in the center of the barracks.
It seemed the warrior clan didn’t have a culture of sitting in chairs. The interior of the wide space was floored with planks of wood, and we were prompted to sit on beautiful, embroidered cushions. This made me want to take off my shoes at the entrance, but it seemed that was unnecessary.
At the back of the room hung a tapestry of massive, threatening birds with their colorful wings spread wide. It was the warrior clan’s coat of arms.
“I am a warrior clan elder, Eads.”
“I am Caraon.”
“I am Dalegilo.”
The three elders sat, their backs to the tapestry. The mystic sat on her knees in a higher position than the elders, facing the tapestry.
The elders were not the geezers I’d imagined. They did show signs of aging, like thinning hair and crow’s feet, but all three had maintained strong physiques. They were wearing loose, dark red robes, like monks. While they did bow their heads in respect to us, the dignity in their eyes was that of seasoned war veterans.
“I am the wizard and lord of Castle Getaeus, Geo Margilus. Thank you for your invitation.”
I remembered how to act humble, and somehow got through our introductions in a dignified manner, even if I was a nervous wreck inside. At least, I think I came off dignified. Reyha and Sedam seemed uncomfortable behind me.
“Now, Margilus. Getting straight to the point, there are a number of things we want to confirm with you.” Elder Eads began speaking, but a soft voice interrupted him.
“Wait.”
“Yes, Oracle?”
“What is it?”
“What is it, you ask. But this wizard has suffered a great deal of inconvenience due to our disdain. Not only did he generously forgive me for this, but he also traveled a great distance to be of assistance to us.”
“Er…”
The mystic continued to scold the three elders (albeit in a kind and gentle voice). “Should we not start by providing refreshments and expressing our deep gratitude to him? Should we not also ask his forgiveness before stating our requests? When did you forget your manners? When you were young you were most conscientious. My heart aches, wondering if perhaps my teachings of love were insufficient.”
“Eh…eh heh heh. Excuse us.”
“Oracle, w-we humbly beg forgiveness…”
We sat silently.
Just as a reminder, the mystic looked like a beautiful, black-haired teenager. This seeming girl was scolding battle-hardened elderly warriors, and the elders were cowering and bowing in apology like schoolboys.
It was extremely awkward for us. Canberils and Lade were likewise sweating bullets.
In all, the scolding took about five minutes.
The elders did what the mystic said and dropped their posture very low while serving us tea and sweets and apologizing profusely.
“Hmm. Now…may we get started, Lord Wizard?”
“Let’s,” I said. “You’ve been very welcoming. I am quite interested to hear what you have to say.”
“Most kind of you. Now, before we get to the point… I am very sorry, but I would like to try just one more time to see if you have a reaction to daemons. We would like you to undergo another inquisition.”
“What?”
In fact, I had expected this.
Previously, Canberils and the diviner he’d brought to my castle had conducted an inquisition. They’d used a crystal ball with daemon blood sealed inside to judge whether the holder was influenced by daemons based on its reaction.
In other words, the elders still suspected me. Naturally, when the mystic heard this, she raised her green eyes and was ready to scold them again. The elders saw this and desperately tried to appease me.
“Granted, we know it is impolite! Please, indulge us. This is our way!”
“You’re right. It should be done, just in case. I will feel more at ease, too, if you inspect me carefully.”
I’d never intended to refuse, so I quickly agreed. I had to defend them from another tongue-lashing!