[NC] The Grail of Blood

8th August
9:21pm

It always felt generic when something bad happens on a dark and stormy night. But there was a reason why it was deemed generic. Because within the chaos of the storm that rages through the night, it's much easier to hide the true intentions of everyone in the darkness.

Lives have disappeared and was never seen again.

South Shropshire within England, the ancestral home of the Tempus family which lies at Stokesay Castle was one of the oldest knight families within the country. They have showed great courage and determination to meet challengers throughout their existence. As such their family has earned the respect of the country for many, many years.

But respect is useless as a shield.

And when the doors suddenly opened to the entrance hall of the castle, the only ones to greet the arrivals was two guards who collapsed instantly under the roaring thunder and the flash of lightning. Like a mist which seeped throughout the cracks of the walls and doors within the castle. Death seems to stalk the halls as one after the other the sound of metal clanging to the hard wooden floors echoed throughout the castle. Screams of young girls followed as brothers attempted to fight back only to collapse just the same as the knights that stood over them.

Everyone perished without no reason why and only one remained in the study who was the head of House Tempus. The door opened just liked all the others and despite what has happened the old man seemed to be prepared for a visit but hadn't moved or stirred from his seat. The glowing light of the candle and the flashes of lightning with the roar of thunder as he reads a hand written letter which had a broken seal from House Godiva.

"It seems despite your tricks and acts of murder. You failed to break Lord Godiva until the very end..." Lord Tempus said as he turns the letter around to see blood on it covering some of the words. "This was sent after your supposed visit and that means he survived only briefly to get word to me. And in response to his warning I've done the same by warning the others." Lord Tempus said who looked at the one who stepped further in his study. And in response the Lord rose to his feet heeding his own families words.  

"You can chop us down one after the other, you can bleed us dry and we will not falter. We are the old Knights of the realm and you will pay heed to my warning. House Tempus are not the only ones who will rise to the challenge. We only just more famous for it." Lord Tempus laughed for a brief moment before suddenly stopping. He started to choke as if something was stuck in his throat and then begun to stir erratically as the intruder finally left the study just as fire consumed the Lord and everything in the room with it. Silent like all the rest in the castle within the dark and stormy night they melted within the darkness like they was never there.

St. George's Cathedral.
9th August, 8:21am  

Within the grand hall of St. George's Cathedral Stiyl Magus remained sitting on one of the many benches looking towards the alter. Within his hand was a letter which from the broken seal had came from House Tempus. It would seem one of those they had warned was the church it self and none of them had they idea why they did it. The letter came late in the night as fast as it could from the seat of House Tempus and when it was brought to Stiyl's attention he sent a pair of eyes to see what had happened after the storm ended.

Bodies everywhere throughout the castle with most looking like their blood was sucked dry. With the study of Lord Tempus turned into nothing but ash and no further within the castle. With only the bodies of the burned Lord remaining as the only thing of substance in the room.

"We have fallen and so has House Godiva. The trials has come around again. " Stiyl said as she read the message from Lord Tempus. He turned his head as looked towards the many stain glass windows before continuing. "The Archbishop has left me to deal with a rather complicated matter here." Stiyl said to himself as he rose to his feet before heading towards the alter. He placed the letter next to what seemed like a blue feathered bird which was rather alive and aware while moving about on the alter peering at the letter the moment it was placed down.

Not showing any surprise to the actions of the small bird on the alter, Stiyl continued to speak.

"Not many are willing to help within Necessarius because of the tension between the church and the Knights of England. So tell me Tierney Bevin, why are you willing to help with what seemed just a Knight's issue?" Stiyl said who turned back to the benches to see the average sized twenty three year old women with silky blonde hair was sitting done here all this time. But before she could even respond in any shape or form a knock at the doors of the Cathedral echoed throughout the hall before they was opened.

Stiyl had ceased all discussion the moment those big great doors had opened and that was only incase the person entering was somebody who wasn't qualified to hear the words spoken here. The person who entered was neither mage or Knight or anyone else that would even be remotly qualified to hear their words. No it would be something with one of the most seen uniforms in the delievery business.

This young man wore the uniform of FedEx and stepped forwards towards Stiyl.

«Uuuh. Is this…that’s the company name…? Uuuh…Necessarius?»

He was vexed, no one shouldn't really know that name within the public eye but at least this one has the wrong idea. The problem Stiyl was facing with his task was too complicated at the moment to waste time on a person who probably will never speak of it again.

"Sure." Stiyl answered briefly who took the electric signing board when the young man took it out his pocket and signed his name rather briefly before holding on his hand to take the parcel from him. The Archbishop wasn't around and techniqually he was the highest ranking offical here at the moment, so it was his right to take it and see what this parcel entails.

«Say…this doesn’t happen to be a…uuuh…how should I put it?...a porn shoot…?» When those words left the young man’s mouth, Stiyl was flabbergasted so much so the cigarette that was in his mouth fell out to the ground. What on earth could of lead this guy to this conclusion. Was there any cameras here? Was there any recorders? Make-up artists? Was there any other indication that this was a porn shoot? They was in a church if anything and you think anyone had the audacity to even have that thought in mind here of all places?

And to make matters worse the blue bird that was sitting on the alter had started to chirp in a way you thought it was actually laughing. This only angered Stiyl more as he clenched his free hand and shouted at the young man. "Get out of here before I chuck you out myself!" Stiyl said then suspiciously turned his eyes to the bird on the alter behind him. Before turning away from the man hoping he would leave and opened the parcel only when the young man was gone.  ”What have we got here then?”

(This is stressful...But still, those earrings and that barcode are the oddest things...)

Tierney, who was a newcoming magician having joined Necessarius a month and a few weeks short of a year ago, was about to reply to the more experienced Necessarius hunter, Stiyl Magnus until a postman showed up at the cathedral. Nothing particularly weird with that, you say?

«Say…this doesn’t happen to be a…uuuh…how should I put it?...a porn shoot…?»

Something was particularly wrong with that, she thought.

Tierney internally fumed as Stiyl shouted shouted at the young postman. Was this boy insinuated she looked like a porn actress? Did he have no respect for women, that sly bastard? Slowly and ignoring Stiyl who was turned around, she rose and removed her violin case from her shoulder. Then she approached the postman whilst holding the violin case in both hands. “Ahahaha, what did you say just now? Did you imply I was some kind of whore?”  Tierney's smile transmitted a single message: Death.

Though deep inside, as the postman received a violin case straight in the face, the kind part of Tierney prayed for God to lead this perverted and twisted soul towards the right path...


***

Tierney merely sighed as she brushed dust off her hands and violin case... however, the girl had forgotten a crucial thing. (...Geh! He's still there!) Slowly and with the most awkward smile a human could come up with, Tierney turned towards Stiyl slowly and asked. "...Hahaha, so... what's in that parcel, if I may?"

Cornelius hurried up the steps of St. George Cathedral, his breathing labored. "Shit, I'm late," he thought to himself dashing towards the doors of the Cathedral. Cornelius' hair looked unkempt as always, though he didn't try to brush it down as numerous as he would today since he appeared to be running late. He wore a black shirt that was relatively tight, as was a good number of his shirts. He wore a orange vest and a pair of shorts.

"I'm here," Cornelius shouted as he pushed the doors of the Cathedral open. He charged in only to see a fairly young woman and a red-headed tall man here. Was he....on time? To this Cornelius let out a soft sigh, his clock was prone to become wrong but to think that it made him rush all the way here. He swore to himself that he would destroy that damn bedside clock. Cornelius finally took notice of the barely alive man in the corner. Cornelius could've sworn that he saw the man's soul trying to escape his body, what exactly happened? He closed the Cathedral's door and started to walk towards Tierney and Stiyl.

As the turn events happened in the holy St. George Cathedral, the presence of the red haired attack dog, Tomokota Renavin, was sitting two benches away from the impulsive Tierney. With a well trained familiar by his side, he stroked the wolves thick fur, as it sat our of sight behind the long wooden seat. Renavin was grinning all the while, partially from enjoying the lovely blonde girl release the soul of the mere commoner. Whether it was done mysticaly and elegantly he wouldn't say. "Now now, Tierney, someone has to clean your messes you know, so be considerate next time." Renavin can't say he knew the recruit well, despite being here for around a year now, but he is at least aware of her name and abilities. "Though if you're that impatient to get your hands dirty, I can relieve you with a duel. But I'll probaby be the one needing to wash their hands.~" He smiled innocently, as he was still itching for a fight, being on standby for too long.

Renavin would register the atmosphere later as the music box suddenly played with a familiar cute voice he came familiar with in the year before. "Ohoho, if it isn't Birdy! How've you been?" He couldn't help but give her a nickname, even though he is begging for a death wish, he wants nothing more than defeating a powerful enemy far stronger than him. He believed one day it would either be her or Stiyl at the very least. The wolf barked once at his excitement as it quickly moved around the bench and toward the box to sniff at it instinctively. Renavin stood up and stood by the others in order to listen to it himself. Although Birdway used the words 'taskforce' to label the group, especially now the beef cake arrived late. "By taskforce, you mean a bunch of rag tag magicians brought together at the last minute, then yes. We are it."

Sitting among the pews, watching all this go on with a mildly exasperated expression was a certain blonde haired empress, Vita Vesta Caesar. When she'd heard about this job, she'd jumped on it like starving dog on a food stand. It wasn't often that the magicians of Necessarius got the opportunity to interact with the knights in even semi-civil circumstances, so she was hoping that she'd be able to make a connection or two among their ranks during the job. And even if she didn't, well... Work is work. She hadn't anticipated this scene, though. A FedEx deliverymen mistaking a church for a porn shoot?

Not wanting to get involved with all that, she just sat on the sidelines, holding out hope that they'd finish with their antics before her (or perhaps Stiyl's) patience gave out. But then, as she was watching the creation of a murder scene, the package fell to the floor and its contents spilled out from within. Her first thoughts were of confusion, but as the music box that was contained within began operating on its own and projected a voice that was clearly not recorded beforehand, they changed to ones of caution instead.

«Hello Mr Pornstar~! I take it that I’m currently talking to the taskforce that has been created to investigate an incident involving the deaths of a few knights?»

"Ohoho, if it isn't Birdy! How've you been? By taskforce, you mean a bunch of rag tag magicians brought together at the last minute, then yes. We are it."

There were so many things to retort in just that short exchange, that she could hardly decide where to begin. But she had to start somewhere.

"...Birdy? What kind of a cutesy nickname is that?"

Stiyl heard it all what happened to the delivery man, but didn't bat an eye and turn back to see as he was more interested in the package. Not being the only one "...Hahaha, so... what's in that parcel, if I may?" and much to their surprise a magical musical box was the contents of the parcel and it started to turn followed by a voice.

«Hello Mr Pornstar~!»

He suddenly felt like punching someone when he heard those words and while he was angry he was sure that voice sounded familiar. He knew it was young from the tone and there were few who can perform the magic here at such young age.

«I take it that I’m currently talking to the taskforce that has been created to investigate an incident involving the deaths of a few knights?»  the voice continued to which Stiyl was going to respond but was interrupted by a late arrival. Cornelius shouted "I'm here," who entered the room who only got a slight glare from Styil.

"Now now, Tierney, someone has to clean your messes you know, so be considerate next time. Though if you're that impatient to get your hands dirty, I can relieve you with a duel. But I'll probably be the one needing to wash their hands.~" Renavin said which only got an awkward stare from Stiyl as he felt he knew something was coming next. "Ohoho, if it isn't Birdy! How've you been? By taskforce, you mean a bunch of rag tag magicians brought together at the last minute, then yes. We are it." Renavin continued which only made Stiyl grind his teeth in response and took a deep breath in response as the wolf of his howled which he remembered once telling him to keep them out of the Church. He wasn't wrong though, this group was brought together rather quickly in response to the deaths of two knight families.

A few knight deaths, sure there was something more to it or none of us would bother. And now the empress who has been rather silent up until now had spoke.

"...Birdy? What kind of a cutesy nickname is that?" regards Vita and that is when Stiyl stared at the wolfs while putting a new cigarette in his mouth and lighting it. Before pointing at the wolf with his free hand before mumbling. "Ash to ash..." Stiyl said as suddenly the familiar burned into flames before turning into ash itself in a blink of an eye. "Renavin I warned you before I would burn them if you bring them in the church again. Now silence all of you and allow me to speak." Stiyl saying angrily who's patience had indeed ran out. Before turning his full attention to the musical box and finally responded to the voice.

"A few knights isn't the right way to put it. Those knights were of two of the oldest families in this country and had records of old magic dating back to the dark ages. They had knowledge not only of old powerful magic and rituals. But they also house some powerful artifacts from those ages long ago, the replicas they also created are some of the finest magical tools in this country from countless years of refinement. " Stiyl said who noticed the blue bird that was on the alter fly towards the open window on the other side of the church disappearing from sight. "So it's not just a few knights, but I must ask before I continue into any actual sensitive information. Who is this may I ask talking beyond this musical box?" Stiyl said who had a few ideas.

«The meaning of blood in Magic surely is interesting, wouldn’t you agree~?»

Without a second thought something came across to Stiyl to which he immediately headed back to the alter. Where he placed the letter which also had a report of the condition of the remains. "The remains look like their blood was taken from them." Stiyl said as he placed the musical box on the alter. "Blood and magic. This could mean a lot of things you know, there is hundreds of situations were blood has been involved in magical practice in English history alone."Stiyl has said once more as the time of civil wars in the country, the dark ages, medieval ages and the witches trails were some of the cases.

"I understand you're not our ally, but we here have reason to believe more Knight families are going to be attacked. So if there is anything more to share with us, then this will be the right time." Stiyl said looking at the musical box.

The musical box had fallen apart and so did Stiyl's patience with this whole affair. Dealing with the knights was a problem within it self. They had some grudge against magicians, not all of them but most of them had and it made possible teamwork between the two groups almost impossible. Though something had occurred to Stiyl in that moment and that is why the knights contacted the church for help? Surely this goes against a show of strength of the knights to keep the magicians on their toes.

Not all the Knights was the same and that was true in the sense of their distinction of heritage. While the old Knight families weren't all friendly to the church, they knew when to ask for help and when to admit defeat. That is why you saw the Tempus family showing general respect towards Magicians. But they're one in the few, though there is another who is rather tolerant of magicians and actually sees them as allies as long they put the country first. Speaking of that person there is one whos in service to that family who may know exactly who was behind that musical box.

Turning towards the others he was ready to explain the next step.

"Right as you all should know now. Two old knight families have been slaughtered in the span of two nights. We have no idea of who the enemy is or what they want, but according to the mysterious voice it's believe that they may of had a skeleton locked away to explain why this had happened. While the location of the attacks are currently under investigation by over groups, both house Godiva and Tempus have estates in London. Their bodies have been transported to their estates for review by us and the undertakers. So scour both of their estates for any clues of what may spurred this attack and find out what skeletons they're hiding. There are two locations and four of you, so please go in pairs and choose one of the two locations to head towards. Also don't forget to use the communication talismans, specially now since time isn't on our side..." Stiyl said who begun to hand out documents about what they currently known on the two murdered families. "So any questions before we begin?" Stiyl asked to ensure if there was anything else to be covered.

Throughout the entire scene with the talking music box, Vita simply continued watching from the pew as she had earlier. There was no reason for her to interfere; Stiyl was the appointed leader of their group, and he had the first and final say in all things regarding their current job as a result. That included, of course, their mysterious informer. If she had tried to butt in, chances were she'd have been silenced. Whether Stiyl or the girl would have gotten to her first, though, she couldn't say.

"Right as you all should know now. Two old knight families have been slaughtered in the span of two nights. We have no idea of who the enemy is or what they want, but according to the mysterious voice it's believe that they may of had a skeleton locked away to explain why this had happened. While the location of the attacks are currently under investigation by over groups, both house Godiva and Tempus have estates in London. Their bodies have been transported to their estates for review by us and the undertakers. So scour both of their estates for any clues of what may spurred this attack and find out what skeletons they're hiding. There are two locations and four of you, so please go in pairs and choose one of the two locations to head towards. Also don't forget to use the communication talismans, specially now since time isn't on our side... So any questions before we begin?"

After carefully going over the documents, she had to say she was quite pleased with herself. Both of the victims were ostensibly reputable families, so the chances that she'd come across people of similar levels of authority over the course of her investigation were quite high. Accepting this job seems to have been one of her better decisions since joining Necessarius.

Since neither of the families seemed to be superior to the other in terms of their political influence, the deciding factor behind her decision of which estate to investigate would be the probable ease of ingratiating herself with them. So with that in mind, she chose...

"I don't really have any questions at the moment. If that changes later, I'll get back to you then. Anyway, between the two estates, I'd prefer to investigate house Tempus. With that in mind, who's coming with?"

Renavin overall was still smiling, but it wasn't of the glee and joy he usually carried, nor the lust to draw his blade, but rather it was uncertainty. Blood magic that involves emptying the targets vital fluids completely. There was some Aztec related magic to such an incident, but he couldn't place his finger on why the Aztec Cabal would bother coming here and starting trouble, so it certainly had to be originating here. Meaning he is at a disadvantage considering his magic requires his own blood, while his mysterious opponent is able to steal it apparently.

"An enemy I can't fight...this is so troublesome..."

Renavin kept silent when the asking for questions was requested. There was most likely little knowledge to gain and they've already been gotten probably all the information they needed to launch a proper investigation. Though what concerned him the most was the simple fact: Two houses. Two nights. He wondered if there will be another incident very soon. One house every 24 hours. No wonder they were so pressed on time. At least that's what he believes.

"I think I'll take my leave with Empress-chan, and aid in her half of the investigation on Tempus." Renavin smiled as he looked down toward the young blonde.

Tierney silently listened to the other two who had made their choices as she pondered. Two entire Knight families being drained of their blood in only two nights, no matter the reason behind why it was done, simple made her own blood run cold for the beginner she still was. She thought she might've bitten off more than she could chew, but whatever the outcome was she would use as additional experience.

That being said, she would've enjoyed tagging along with Vita for good company, however if Renavin was going to be there then Tierney would most certainly stay away.

In which case her choice would certainly be collateral damage...

“In that case, we'll...” Tierney suddenly grabbed Cornelius's arm, taking advantage of the fact that he hadn't said anything yet. “be going to the Godiva House! It's best if we split up rather than just all stick to only one place.” She justified as she let go of the poor collateral damage of her hate of boredom that was Cornelius whilst kindly smiling at him.

"I don't really have any questions at the moment. If that changes later, I'll get back to you then. Anyway, between the two estates, I'd prefer to investigate house Tempus. With that in mind, who's coming with?"

"I think I'll take my leave with Empress-chan, and aid in her half of the investigation on Tempus."

“In that case, we'll..be going to the Godiva House! It's best if we split up rather than just all stick to only one place.”

Stiyl nodded in response to their decisions and while it didn't have agreement of one party that one really didn't have the choice. There was no reason for them reason to wait any longer and time wasn't exactly on their side. "So Vita and Renavin will got to Tempus which isn't a surprise. While Tierney and Cornelus will go to Godiva." Stiyl said as he turned to the two going to Godiva. "You two don't have the most experience, so I'll make sure someone goes with you to the Godiva Estate in East end.  You two on the other hand are on your own, but I can escort you two to the Tempus house in the City of London...." Stiyl said who went to the alter to gather the papers and when he finished the red hard mage turned round with one final thing to say. "Also don't ignore the blue bird."

---

Outside of the House Tempus Estate,
The City of London, 10am

Stiyl leaves both Vita and Renavin as he takes care of other business within this small city inside the London metropolis. The estate they was looking at looked like an old Victorian house without much elegance you expect of an old Knight family. With white stone stairs leading to the open door, you can see inside the open doors to the entrance hallway which had wooden and the tradition central large stairways which lead to the upstairs. Expensive looking vases with exotic plants dotted the entrance hallway corners, while bookcases about six of them and old paintings of Tempus members dotted the plain colored walls. And there above the stair case was the large symbol of the house, the raising phoenix.  

They had rose to every challenge and now that was no longer possible. With six body bags laid across the floor of the hallway, two royal knights not belonging to House Tempus or anyone you recognized had stood by the entrance side by side. They probably know that magicians was coming, since they paid no heed or any surprise to your arrival with Stiyl who was known to them more then yourselves.

The investigation had begun and though before you even thought of beginning you can hear strange chirping from within the hall.

Up above the staircase, obviously placed so that all could see it, was the emblem of the household. A rising phoenix, the symbol of the house of Tempus. And below it lied what were once members of the esteemed household which held that reviving bird with such reverence. If you were a superstitious or paranoid sort, you might suspect that the bodies would light themselves aflame and arise good as new at any moment.

But even though they lived in a world of magic, reality was not nearly so fanciful. Unlike the immortal phoenix which they had taken up as their symbol, this ancient family of knights would never again rise. With those thoughts in mind, she walked up to the knights who were guarding the entrance. Judging from their lack of reaction, they had likely been informed of their arrival beforehand, but it was only polite to introduce oneself when trespassing upon another's territory.

"Hello, we were dispatched by Necessarius to investigate the recent massacres of the knight households. I am Vita Vesta Caesar. You were informed of our arrival beforehand, I hope?"

@Vita

"Hello, we were dispatched by Necessarius to investigate the recent massacres of the knight households. I am Vita Vesta Caesar. You were informed of our arrival beforehand, I hope?" One of the knights sneered as the others seemed more friendly responded in kind. "We don't exactly appreciate you people snooping around. But we been informed to let you guys through, just don't expect anyone of us to help willingly." The knight said as they seemed to walk past both Vita and her companion, they didn't go to far and were just standing on the pavement behind them. Leaving you both alone with the strange chirping coming from inside.

---

It didn't take long for Stiyl to reach his destination. The household was in the same area of the small city of London and with similar outside look as House Tempus' place. The symbols on the two knights that stood at the front entrance told you of the identity of this house.

House Beathen, it was clear the Lord wasn't in residence because the flag wasn't raise and Stiyl took notice. He also knew that this house was rather friendly with the Anglican church and so even without informing them of his visit they wouldn't actually mind. Though he had to be honest one person had seen him coming back at the church. This was proven as Stiyl was let in after a brief chat with the knights outside and entered without out a problem into the Beathen Estate. No one had to tell him where to go, since this wasn't the first time he had come here. But knowing that the Lord wasn't in residence only meant she was in charge at this place and entering the Lord's study there she was sitting at the desk waiting for Stiyl's arrival.

"I think you should begin explaining what you know Martha, since there is no time to play games when lives are at stake." Stiyl said who didn't both to sit down on the other side of the desk had remained standing and continued. "Does Lord Beathen know of these incidents?"  Stiyl asked as Martha nodded in response, but it wasn't only Lord who knew about what was going on. They had long got the letter from Godiva house about the warning, that is why Martha has been on the move gathering information.

And she wasn't alone.

"We're very well aware of the situation and while we not clear in what context of why these murders are happening. The Heir apparent has taken to the field and I'm surprised you missed him on the way here."  Martha said which made Stiyl rather surprised. Because if they knew what was happening, then why did they allow their heir to run about so freely?

"Hmmm..." Renavin kept his eyes on the door as he was fixated on the chirping noise coming from inside the building. While normally you wouldn't be able to hear it at first, a trained hunter would be able to make out even the subtlest of sounds. Though even as a hunter, he couldn't identify whether it was some bird or piece of equipment making that noise. He then looked over to see the guards had moved away to give them some privacy while looking around.

"Empress Caesar, I as you humble servant through this task, will proceed with the investigation without putting your delicate hands at harm." Renavin took a knee, putting his hand to his chest, and making a slight bow. Around Caeser, he couldn't help but play the part as the servant, it was kind of fun to use his politeness on such a 'royal' figure, though he did it rather often enough to forget if he started it to make fun of her, or just wanted to change paces on certain individuals. However, does Caesar take him seriously, or does she think he's belittling her? That is the real question. Regardless of her reactions from before, he continues with this style of treatment.

With that Renavin stood up and stepped up toward the large wooden doors leading inside the building, and kindly opened it for her to come in first, and would fall in behind her once she would be inside.

@Birdway

In the busy east end lays the old Victorian home of House Godiva in London. Despite knowing that Stiyl had sent two capable magicians to investigate, it would seem they have gone silent almost immediately followed by a strange sense of power you was able to pick up through exterior sensory means. And when you approach the abode of House Godiva, it would seem despite the two dead knights not belonging to Godiva outside the front doors, no one had noticed.

Which was odd as the pavement in front of the Victorian establishment was rather busy with public passing, you would think somebody would had noticed by now and the sense of thick air surrounding the home. Was this some type of magic? That some person cannot see what actually happened? You wasn't sure straight away as you looked up the stairs to see one of the two doors wide open. There was no light inside and the sense of killing intent can be sensed within.

There was no sign of the two magicians sent here, but you can hear the sound of chirping from above the doorway. There on top was a blue bird acting strangely staring intently at Leivinia birdway. Strangely enough despite the reports of the other murdered knights having a lack of blood, the two here was clearly laying in the pool of their own blood.

"We don't exactly appreciate you people snooping around. But we been informed to let you guys through, just don't expect anyone of us to help willingly."

...Judging from their reactions, it didn't seem that her politeness had scored any points with them. Well, they were likely just peons anyway. Even if she got in their good graces somehow, it was unlikely she'd be able to make the acquaintance of anyone with actual power through them. As a result, she didn't let herself be bothered by the cold reception and simply allowed them to pass by her without giving them any further attention aside from a terse nod. As she no longer had reason to expend her attention on the knights, Vita turned her gaze back towards her partner. And just as she did so, he began with the usual spiel that he seemed to do whenever they were around each other.

"Empress Caesar, I as you humble servant through this task, will proceed with the investigation without putting your delicate hands at harm."

Having never actually met another legitimate royal of real power or servant thereof, there was no way for Vita to know whether Renavin's actions were grandiose, theatrical, and fake, or legitimate gestures of respect. Partially because of as well as in addition to that, Vita was also unsure of whether Renavin was acting with seriousness, jest, or sarcasm, which made it difficult for her to decide how to react at first. Eventually, though, she decided to just take it at face value and play along, regardless of Renavin's actual intentions. If she couldn't figure it out, then there was nothing to gain from dwelling on it.

"My thanks for your thoughtfulness."

With that, she walked through the doors that Renavin had so kindly opened for her and went straight to the corpses. Before anything else, she had to see the state of the bodies with her own eyes. She had heard about their condition secondhand, but that was all. If she didn't see them for herself, then there was the possibility that some important detail would go forever lost to her. So, without a moment's hesitation, she removed the covering from the corpse. What she saw was...