Arcadia's Ignoble Knight: The Sorceress of Ashtown Interlude

Sitting in front of her was a report, one of many, which detailed several complaints from various factions about a certain Sorceress overseeing Ashtown. Many of the nobles disliked the way this Sorceress did things, which, of course, meant more paperwork for Sylvia.

Erica is causing me even more headaches than usual.

She had never liked Erica Demonica de Angelo. It wasn't merely because their personalities clashed. Erica had proven to be nothing but trouble ever since she became a Sorceress. Her debaucherous ways were a disgrace to the time-honored traditions that Sylvia had toiled for centuries to create. What's more, the way she went through Knights as if they were trinkets to be used and discarded was appalling.

It was even worse because Erica had no trouble butting heads with her. The number of times they had argued over one point or another were so numerous that she had lost count. In the past 100 years alone, Erica had argued with her on no less than 65 occasions—and in a public forum at that. Sylvia wouldn't have minded if the woman actually had a valid reason for doing so, but she got the distinct feeling that Erica was merely disagreeing with her to rile her up.

And Caspian is still acting as a temporary Knight for that woman—really, who's ever heard of a temporary Knight?

She had high hopes for Caspian. Thus far the young man had proven himself to be exactly what she'd hoped he would be; a young man with incredible strength, the skills to match, and the potential to continue growing. He would be perfect for their newest colleague, especially given their shared history together. Of course, he would still have to prove himself in the upcoming tournament, but she was sure he'd succeed.

That was why she would not allow Erica to sink her claws into him. Caspian was far too important to let some promiscuous female get their hands on him.

If Erica ruins Caspian for the Sorceress he's destined to be with, then I will have to make sure that she understands what it means to earn my wrath.

"Excuse me, m'lady."

Sylvia looked up in time to see her Knight enter her office. D'artagnan el Melloi was a handsome middle-aged man with sharp, angular features and a chiseled physique. Dark blue, almost black hair, framed his face, and eyes the color of burnished steel stared out ferociously behind a calm facade, making it look like his gaze was stabbing whatever he looked at.

The armor he wore was light. A leather jerkin, shoulder pauldrons, greaves and vambraces. Two swords hung from a pair of sheaths strapped across his back, forming an X as they crossed each other.

"Yes, D'artagnan?"

"I have another report for you. This one is from Erica."

The index finger on Sylvia's left hand twitched. If D'artagnan saw it, he did not say anything.

"Thank you." She took the report from her Knight and glossed over it. "It appears Erica has finally managed to pin Marco Truént de Picco with negligence to properly maintain his factories. She's sent for a member of the MSC to come by and inspect the rest for hazards." Sylvia leaned back in her chair. "That's one less issue to deal with, I suppose."

"Indeed." D'artagnan seemed to read her thoughts perfectly. "However, there is still the issue of the elves who are after Erica's life."

"Yes." Sylvia's lips shifted into a frown. "That is troubling. While I dislike that woman on principle, the mere fact that someone would try to assassinate one of our Sorceresses is cause for concern."

"Is that why you've had Elincia move into your manor?"

"It is. As our newest Sorceress, Elincia is invaluable. While there are many Sorceresses, very few possess the power that she does. And, given her heritage, she could be the key to achieving the goal that I had for myself set back when I first became a Sorceress."

"What should we do about Erica and her elf problem?" asked D'artagnan, shifting gears to another topic.

Sylvia sighed. "We shall trust that Caspian can protect her. If nothing else, this will prove to be a good test for him." She paused and, if only for a moment, allowed the worry she felt to show on her face. Then she squashed that worry and focused on other matters. "Has there been any more news on those attempted thefts?"

"None," D'artagnan answered. "There also haven't been any more thefts since the attempt to break into Karen Hildegarde's workshop. The nobles have also quieted down."

Sylvia resisted the urge to rub her eyes. Nobles were never quiet. She always had at least one of them complaining to the Sorceress Council about something. For them to no longer come to her with complaints was cause for concern—for them to stop complaining or acting out entirely was cause for alarm. She couldn't help but feel like something was going on. At the same time...

"There is nothing we can do about them right now. If the nobles are no longer going to pester me about some issue or another, then we can use that time to improve the daily lives of those we rule."

"It is as you say."

"Send a letter to Karen Hildegard asking if her latest invention is complete. With MagiTech on the rise, I would like a product that could tip the scales back in our favor."

MagiTech was a noble corporation that had, in the past five years, managed to rise to the top of the market in magical technology. Sylvia believed it was due to their new head, a young noble with a penchant for numbers and a ruthless business acumen. While it might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, having a man like him leading their greatest rivals for magical technology made her uneasy.

D'artagnan bowed. "I shall do as you say."

"Good. Oh! And be sure to let Elincia that I'm requesting her presence. There is something I would like to speak with her about."

"Of course, m'lady."

The door shut behind D'artagnan's retreating back, leaving Sylvia alone in her room. She glanced around the spartan interior. She had very little in the way of decoration—a few paintings of landscapes, a shelf filled with tomes, and her desk, which overlooked the city of Casadinia. Aside from a few papers and a rather ornate calligraphy pen, her desk was mostly clear of clutter. Only a single picture frame decorated the otherwise barren desk, the picture within showing an image of her standing with two other people; a young girl with silvery blond hair, blue eyes and long, pointed ears, and a little boy with hair the color of blood, green eyes, and slightly pointed ears.

Knowing that the paperwork wouldn't do itself, Sylvia went back to work.

The room's solitude was broken only by the sounds of a pen scratching against paper.
Sylvia de Floresca sat behind her desk, elegantly writing on a sheet of parchment. It was about the Sorceress's Knight Tournament. Five Year's ago, the tournament had taken place in Midgard Academy, the second highest ranked knight school in Terraria. This would be 25th tournament held at Arcadia's Knight Academy since its founding.

Standing beside her, one hand lightly resting on the hilt of his sword, faithfully keeping his silent vigil, was her knight. D'artagnan el Melloi was a middle-aged man with angular features. His face appeared to have been chiseled from stone, further hardened by his intense demeanor. Long bangs framed his face, and a light fringe hovered over eyes of burnished steel.

He wore light armor. His leather jerkin rustled whenever he shifted, dark brown and freshly polished. The shoulder pauldrons, greaves, and vambraces that he'd donned were made of steel, and they shone brightly underneath the light of the afternoon sun, which streamed in through a window at their backs.

She didn't have any duties for him to attend, so she let him stay with her while she worked. One of the things that she appreciated about D'artagnan was his ability to remain silent. Unlike her previous knight, who'd died of old age half a century ago, her current one only spoke when necessary, and he only said as much as was required to get his point across. He was an exemplary knight.

I hope Caspian can eventually become like him.

Thinking of the young man made her wonder what he was up to. Last she'd heard, he had returned home, back to Arcadia's Knight Academy. This pleased her. She didn't enjoy the thought of Caspian being with that wretched woman, Erica, any longer than necessary. She couldn't afford to have the loquacious sorceress sink her claws into him. Caspian belonged to another.

Speaking of which, I should call for Elincia and make sure she has packed everything. We'll be leaving in a few days.

Pressing a button on her intelecom—a new device created by Karen Hildegard—she spoke into the small speaker box.

"Lacy, can you please fetch Elincia for me?"

"Right away, My Lady," came a voice from the other end.

Sylvia leaned back in her chair. While she waited for Elincia to arrive, she returned to her work. Putting aside the report on the Sorceress's Knight Tournament, along with the addendum report about the Sorceress Festival and Parade, she grabbed another paper from the stack on her desk. Glancing at it, she frowned.

Another group of peasants have gone missing in the east. If I am not mistaken, that is near the city of Du'ugton, a rural town located in the mountains.

While missing people were reported in daily, the number of groups who randomly vanished was increasing. She'd had the Sorceress Council send someone to investigate, but they hadn't heard back yet.

Perhaps it would be wise to send another sorceress, but with the tournament fast approaching, I haven't the personnel necessary to designate someone for this task.

"My Lady Sylvia, Duke De'Faclo Genitore is here to see you," a male voice said from her intelecom.

Staring at the object with a frown, Sylvia eventually sighed and pressed the communication button. "Very well. Please send him in."

"Yes, My Lady."

As she waited for the count's arrival, Sylvia turned her attention to D'artagnan. "Tell me about this Duke De'Falco Genitore, please."

Being over one-thousand years old, Silvia could scarcely remember the names of nobles anymore. In truth, she didn't particularly care to. The time of the nobles had ended. Now it was time for the people of Terraria to rule over themselves, and it was the sorceresses job to help oversee the continued peace and prosperity of this continent.

D'artagnan didn't speak at first, but Sylvia had grown used to this. Knowing him, her knight was reviewing all of the information he possessed about the duke before he spoke. It was another reason that she appreciated this knight in particular.

"Duke Callisto De'Falco Genitore is currently one of the highest ranking members of the nobility; a duke who was given his own dukedom two years ago. However, his family originally belonged to the lower-class nobility. After the untimely death of his parents, Duke De'Falco swiftly rose through the ranks, using a combination of ruthless cunning, inspired political tactics, and accruing favors from other nobles. He is not to be underestimated."

Lacing her fingers together, Sylvia silently contemplated what she'd been told. She would admit to being impressed by his history, though she'd make her own estimation of the man when they met.

He sounds like a person to be wary of, but he could also prove to be a powerful ally. The doors opened, and a figure walked in. I suppose I shall see where this man stands with my own two eyes.

Callisto De'Falco Genitore looked every bit the immaculate prince. Short wavy hair shimmered as if freshly washed, and his matching trimmed goatee lent him a certain roguish air. Keen eyes of the brightest blue shone with a sharp intellect, and his smile was almost deceptively friendly.

Trousers made from the finest fabrics rustled as he confidently strode up to her desk. His tabard ended below his knees, and it was colored a dark crimson. It complimented his black mantle, trimmed with chinchilla fur and pinned at the shoulders with a silver brooch that had a blood red gem in the center. A sword hung from scabbard at his side, lazily swinging back and forth.

Sylvia sensed no hostility from the man, so she let him approach. Beside her, D'artagnan studied the duke with eyes that were sharper than any blade.

"Duke De'Falco Genitore," Sylvia greeted in a polite, if detached, tone of voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I have heard that you were not one for small talk," the duke said with an amiable smile. "I can see that the rumors were true, as were the rumors of your unparalleled beauty."

So, flattery, is it?

Sylvia recognized her physical features for what they were. Indeed, many men throughout every era had complimented her appearance. She didn't understand why. Unlike Erica and her salacious ways, Sylvia did not require the company of a man to make her feel whole, nor would she ever. Sex, love, attachment. These were distractions that all sorceresses should avoid, lest they end up like that loquacious witch.

"As the head of the Sorceress Council, I am a very busy woman. Pleasantries and banter are for those who have the time and desire necessary to devote toward something so banal."

"And your tongue is quite sharp as well." If the duke was bothered by her words, then he did not show it. "Very well. As you are no doubt strapped for time, I shall get straight to the point. This year is the twenty-fifth Sorceress's Knight Tournament to be held in Arcadia. It is a momentous occasion, where all five nations of Terraria come together. There will be many foreign dignitaries coming to support their candidates, who are striving to prove themselves worthy of being a Sorceress's Knight. This means that Arcadia is in the unique position to increase our economic growth."

This man... he is quite ambitious.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes, thoughtfully studying the man before her. Behind that handsome face and affable smile, there definitely existed a keen mind. She would, indeed, have to be wary around him. For now, however, she would hear him out.

"I am listening."

"As you know, MagiTech originated with Karen Hildegarde, who resides in Helheim. It was this technological advancement that allowed Helheim to gain a seat on the Sorceress Council, and it also made their standing as a country rival ours. While Sorceress Hildegarde only seems interested in her own devices, we have continued to churn out invention after invention to keep our economy stronger than all of the others."

Such was the way of the nobility. They were always worried about the standing of their country among other countries, each one vying to raise their countries banner and expand their power base, while cementing their own power within their country. She supposed it was the way of the ambitious and platitudinous. They strove for something greater than themselves, perhaps as a means to ensure that their names lived on after they were gone.

Sylvia didn't understand it, but having lived for so long, she found the thoughts of those whose lives were far shorter than hers were incomprehensible.

"I take it you have an idea?"

Smiling what Sylvia imagined was supposed to be a charming smile, the duke spread his arms wide in a grand gesture, his cloak flaring out behind him.

"Of course. My company, Harmonix, has created several new inventions, which I would like to showcase at the Sorceress's Knight Tournament. Particularly, I would love to show them off during the Sorceress Festival that begins one month before the tournament. With so many nobles from other nations coming, it would be the most quintessential opportunity for our country."

"I understand. You are seeking my permission to open stalls and display your inventions during the festival," Sylvia said.

"I am."

Pondering his request for only a moment, Sylvia made her decision. "I do not see the harm in this. You may do as you please."

The duke swept into a low bow with a flourish. "You have my most sincere gratitude, My Lady Sylvia."

Sylvia nodded at the proper showing of gratitude. This man was a bit over the top, but he clearly knew how to show respect, and he did so impeccably. He was a frightening man indeed.

"I assume that you have already written up a business proposal?"

"You have assumed correctly."

From within his cloak, the duke produced a scroll, which he set on the table. Sylvia took the scroll—a beautifully made thing composed of pure white parchment. It was clearly the new processed parchment that had been created by magical technology. Keeping it from unfurling was a wax seal bearing the Genitore coat of arms.

The Genitore family had once been in charge of sanitization. Their job had been to ensure the continued cleanliness of the Casadina, and their coat of arms reflected that. It was a pipe cleaner surrounded by a kite shield. Below the shield was the family motto: Rester propre. Stay clean.

"I shall read this over when I have the time," Sylvia said, setting the scroll to the side. "Expect to have it signed sometime within the coming week."

"Your promptness is appreciated, My Lady," the duke said, bowing once more.

Just then, the door to Sylvia's office burst open, and a flustered blond woman with her hair wrapped in a tight bun, wearing glasses and a maid outfit, hurried in.

"M-My Lady... Sylvia..."

Sylvia's frown was the only sign of her displeasure. "Lacy, what is the meaning of barging in here like this?"

"I-it's Elincia, My Lady," Lacy gasped. "She's gone!"

Sylvia actually needed several seconds before she could form a proper response. "I'm sorry. I must have heard you incorrectly. Did you just say that Elincia is gone?"

"Y-yes, My Lady. I went in search for her just like you bade me to, yet she was nowhere to be found. When I went to her room, to see if she might have decided to rest there instead of in the gardens, I found it empty. The only thing I found there was a note."

Another pause.

"Please hand me the note," Sylvia said.

"Yes, My Lady."

Receiving the note from her maid, Sylvia saw that it was folded into the shape of a flower. The only reason her maid had even determined that it was, indeed, a note, was likely due to Sylvia's name being written on one of its petals.

"Is that origami?" the duke asked.

"It is. Elincia is rather fond of creating origami," Sylvia absently replied as she unfolded the flower.

"Hm, she is quite impressive. That's a very complicated pattern."

"Indeed."

After unfolding the note, Sylvia held it up so that no one but her could read it. The note was quite short. It only contained four words:

Gone to see Caspian.

Below the note was a rather cute drawing of a chibi Elincia, holding up her left hand and creating a v-shape with her index and middle finger.

Sylvia resisted the urge to sigh.

That girl...

She could already tell, this girl was going to be giving her another headache.

***

Smiling as she sat in a small train compartment, Elincia hummed a soft tune to herself.

Several people passing by stopped upon hearing her voice and stared at her through the window. She would've normally been embarrassed at being gawked at by so many people, but at the moment, she hardly noticed them. Her joy was such that, even if someone had come in and sat down beside her, she wouldn't have minded.

I'm finally going to see Caspian.

The thought made her heart swell. It had been so long since she'd last seen her most precious friend, so long since she'd last heard his voice—too long. So many years had passed that she wasn't even sure of what he looked like anymore.

He's probably all grown up.

She conjured an image in her mind—of a man with messy red hair that lent him a dashing air. Eyes like jade peered beneath a set of bangs. She tried to picture how his body would have matured, but the very thought made her heart race like a frightened mare, so she gave up halfway through. It would have ruined the surprise anyway.

I hope he remembers me.

She pressed a hand against the glass. Staring out at the passing scenery, which moved by in streaks of green, Elincia thought fondly of the boy that she had known from so long ago, and of the promise that they had made.

"Caspian..."

Chapter end