CHAPTER 32: WHAT IT TAKES

It didn’t take long to gather everybody into the highest room in the vast mansion, a chamber with walls painted to resemble the many continents of the fantastical world. In the center lay a table with a detailed map, structured to resemble the region of Vagrant.

From the four maids, three butlers, and the guards of the mansion, also welcomed to the meeting were additional guests–the witch, paladin, and adventurer, along with the nervous merchant.

"Alright, everyone’s here," Leon said, surveying the room with his hands on the table. "Sorry for calling you all here without warning, but I think it’s pretty important that I did."

Charlemagne leaned against the left wall, resting his elbow on the table that supported a silver antique, "Is this to do with those monsters found around the area? I handled one by the river this morning on the way here, didn’t think they’d actually try to invade this place."

"Yeah, about that–it’s just the start, most likely," Leon said, looking over at the old butler.

Thorgul stepped forward, clearing his throat as he addressed the room, "As many of you are aware, the Nebula Eclipse is soon to arrive."

The confirmation brought the witch to sit up, holding her hand above the table as she mumbled incoherent incantations. From the will of the weaver of magic, a projection of the sun was shown, with a looming shade closing over it.

"By my estimations, it will begin in three days," Beatrice said, dispersing the projection as she looked over at the lord at the table.

Leon nodded his head, "Thanks, Beatrice. " He continued, "When the Nebula Eclipse is set, we can’t risk operating alone. We’ll need to work together in order to survive this upcoming threat."

"What about the people of Newfard? I don’t imagine a small town like that can survive the Eclipse without many casualties," Aurora asked from across the table with a look of concern.

"I considered that," Leon said before turning his attention to the merchant standing nervously in the corner of the war room. "Frederick, I want you to go to Newfard yourself."

"M-me?" The moustache-bearing merchant pointed at himself.

"I’m sure even now, the roads are likely dangerous. I’ll have Salvatore and Ruby accompany you there," Leon acknowledged, looking over at the assigned servants, who nodded their heads in agreement. "I need you to tell the mayor to send everyone over to the Schoeller estate. We will protect them."

"Everyone–? Are you sure about that, Lord Schoeller?" Karl spoke up in surprise.

"There’s a few hundred residents of Newfard...Being responsible for that many lives is a big task," Phoenix chimed in, leaning against the bookshelf on the right wall.

"I understand that. Still, there are a few dozen adventurers among their population, so they’ll be able to chip in as well," Leon said, turning his focus to the witch. "Beatrice, can you create a barrier around the estate?"

"I can, but for the scale needed during the Eclipse, it won’t be able to completely keep monsters out–at best, it will mitigate their approach only," Beatrice explained.

"That works," Leon smiled.

"What about food? If you’re going to support an entire town, you need to be able to feed them," Frederick asked worriedly.

"That’s part of what you will be doing in Newfard, Frederick. Convince the other merchants operating in the town to transport enough food for the three days. They’ll be compensated, assuredly," Leon relayed the plan. "Any objections to this approach?"

The room was devoid of any rejections to the plan, leaving only resounding support for the lord’s strategy. It left him with a feeling of success, though he buried that triumph as the event had yet to begin.

"Alright, the preparations will start now," Leon said, clapping his hands together.

As everybody took their leave from the room, with the assigned servants following the merchant, much to the plump man’s nervousness, a sigh of relief left Leon’s lips. He sunk into his chair, feeling a weight off his shoulders.

Phoenix approached with a small laugh, patting the young lord on his shoulder, "You really thought this through, eh, Boss?"

"That’s sorta my job," Leon said, looking down at the map for a moment. "You’re from Newfard, aren’t you?"

"Not exactly, but I stayed there for a good few months before I met you. It’s a nice place, with good people. So, I’m glad you’re reaching out to help ’em," Phoenix smiled, giving a thumbs-up in approval. "Of course, I’ll be here to help out with anything you need, Boss!"

"Well, actually..." Leon said, looking up from his seat at the adventurer.

"Uh-oh, I don’t like the sound of this already," Phoenix remarked nervously.

–

Beyond the boundaries of the estate into the open, verdant fields, he walked with his sword sheathed at his hip, accompanied by the fiery-haired adventurer. There wasn’t much of note along the road, only trees that loomed over, discarding their emerald leaves like spring snowflakes.

Phoenix sighed, looking around, "Remind me...Why’re we out here again?"

Looking over at the experienced adventurer, Leon perceived his status for himself, not having checked it in recent memory:

["Phoenix Embrose"] [CLASS: Blazing Swordsman] [Designated Level: 20]

"You’ve gotten stronger lately, haven’t you?" Leon asked, grabbing a leaf out of the air amidst their hike through the quiet road.

"Yeah, well–hey, that doesn’t answer the question!" Phoenix brushed off the compliment, though clearly taking it to heart as much as he tried to hide it.

He laughed, discarding the leaf as he set his sights forward, "Just trying to gauge how close monsters are lurking to the estate. Also, if we run into any–I’d like to test out some things."

"Y’know, the way you talk totally creeps me out sometimes. Normal people don’t go out to fight monsters to test themselves–that’s what sparring is for," Phoenix laughed.

"Don’t act like you’re not the same. It’s a whole lot different in life-and-death combat," Leon explained, waving his finger.

"True, I can’t deny that," Phoenix agreed with a bashful laugh.

"Do you remember the last Nebula Eclipse?" Leon asked, looking towards the trees as he watched an azure-furred squirrel climb the branches.

Phoenix crossed his arms while walking, tilting his head as if it helped slide his thoughts forward, "Well...It’s a bit hard to forget, honestly."