Enough rest, his bottom. Well, if Antigone's going to be stubborn about it, there's nothing Henri could do. He pulled out his pocket watch, hovered it above Antigone's desk and then flicked its center with his other hand, shedding bits of glass and clockwork until only the rose-gold frame and the chain remained, dangling from his hand.

"Unusual for you to be unaware. I wasn't exactly trying to hide it." Henri said as he cast Inorganic Repair on the pocket watch. No visual or audible cue, for that is inefficient and needlessly indicative.

The scattered pieces of it slowly fly back towards it, filling their needed spots. The shattered glass too had its cracks just vanish. In no time, it looked more brand-new than when he pulled it out in the first place. Then, with Core Spreading followed by Telekinesis, the watch stayed suspended in mid-air even as he let go of it. He smiled as his hands hovered near the floating watch, as if presenting it. "Haven't you wondered how I've fixed every broken item in this castle without fail?"

Henri's smile dissipated quickly though, as he leaned with his elbow on the desk, his other hand pawing the floating watch to make it swing. "I can only this much, and I fear it wouldn't even get decent mileage due how niche it is... Am I overthinking it?"

During the whole meeting, Matilda was silently listening to the king’s debriefing. Listening to everyone’s inquiries, and rather disrespectful manners from some of the other group members. More specifically the elf who did not bow to the king, and spoke to the king in a disrespectful manner. The paladin however was more focused on the mission at hand, with the search for the prince being paramount. Although finding who tried to murder the king was equally as important. She had to agree with the man-bear, war with Meche would be a terrible idea. It would not only cause more suffering and losses for his people, but it would negatively affect the economy. Even though she was loyal to the king, she was close enough to the king to try and change his mind.

“If I may speak plainly milord, I believe that a war with Meche would only create ruin for your kingdom. There could be a possibility an outside force is responsible, but we should reserve such harsh judgement until we learn the truth.” She remembered that was exactly the word she said when His Liege Fredricus devised this plan. And still, to this moment, she hoped that drastic action would never come to fruition.

regrouped back in the main hall, Matilda's eyes for a brief moment looked towards the sitting man, he didn’t speak much and judging from his clothing he fit the description of masked warrior. The last time she had seen him was during the skirmishes in Mor’groot months ago. Having assisted her with the battle, and saving her life when an enemy was about to decapitate her.

The man proposed if he would be given some time to fetch his weapons and equipment, which Matilda dully permitted. “I will be supervising and heading the mission," she stated. "Giving any information that we find to the king. Please do whatever you need to do before we leave, after that all of you will meet me at the stables near the eastern gate. I am sure you have many questions, which I will try to answer to the best of my abilities.”

The orc turned around when someone mentioned her name. Immediately she exchange a look at Jazdia, who apparently was not with them when the king ordered them to leave. A surge of instinctual alertness almost overwhelmed her, but after seeing the elf having the papers with her, that anxiety subsides. They should focus on the task at hand.

Nodding her head to acknowledge the wave, the orc woman spared no time to fill her in. “I assume you would like to know what the first step is? Firstly, I want to investigate the last known area where the prince was seen. He went on a hunting party with the Vessier, along with some guards. I assume that Cedar and maybe Henri, could smell or find any clues the investigators may have missed.” She started to walk towards the stable. She didn’t need to purchase any supplies, she had brought what she needed earlier in the day.

“But perhaps with your elven eyes, you could see something the others or myself may have missed.” Matilda walked out of the castle, hoping that Jazdia would keep up with her. It was quite surprising that despite the heavy armour she was wearing, she was surprisingly quite fast

[NPC Post]

"Your magical nature isn't exactly subtle, Ser Henri." Antigone watched impassively at the destruction and reconstruction, her fingers interlocking in front of her. It was a highly unique application that even she had no chance replicating, but the way it worked was closer to innate abilities instead of the academical approach of the standard mages. "Far from either of us to question the King's intention but if a mage is needed, hypothetically speaking, then either myself or my circle would've been drafted. That was not the case, so do be confident in yourself."

Or maybe it's because the Duchess' expertise was needed elsewhere. She certainly hadn't been idle. Nevertheless, Antigone reached for a drawer and took out what looked like a tome with metal spine bound by iron rings. There's only a handful of pages for how thick it was, bulky parchments with arcane pattern filling most of the space with some scrawl depicting what exactly it'll do.

"I cannot in good conscience hand over spell formulas to someone with no license, you know how badly a flawed construct can go. These are pre-made. Tear a page out, point the diagram outward and channel some raw mana into it to achieve the effect. You have three uses of ward, three flash, and three arcane bolts." It's a disproportionately expensive set of consumable compared to the effect, usually given to prized initiates for some modicum of self-defense. In this case, though, that's the best she can hand out without prior notification. Resource weren't infinite, it was actually quite strained these last few days. "Now I wouldn't presume your schedule, Ser Henri, but I believe some people will be very cross at your lack of presence somewhere. Is there anything you need of me?"

Cedar frowned. (An expression that those not accustomed to his face might not have found noticeable, but a subtle alteration of the posture of his bottom and top lips curled subtly in response to his consternation. The posture of his ears were probably more discernible, but likely not easily told apart from anger or vexation.)

He turned to Matilda, and muttered almost inaudibly--

"I uh.. Hmm... I need some things firs', unless you're wantin' ta be waitin' round all day while I rustle em up.. an'... Well... 'his majesty' says he would rather I be discreets.. and well...."

He motioned at himself, nonverbally pointing out how "discrete" his appearance was.

"Could ya help a feller out?"

Yvonne had been itching to get a word in with Mattie at least, as the only individual in the team that she's remotely familiar with. The knight didn't seems to want to waste time though, and... what's that elf doing? Was that some documents from the king's desk? Well, guess that's one individual to pay attention to. Since the chamberlain rushed back in and hadn't came out screaming "the king is dead!" she probably didn't take the chance to murder ol' Freddy. Some old acquaintance, probably. Cant tell the knife-ears' age by their look.

"Whoa, hold your horses a bit there Mattie." Called out the diminuitive mercenary, clapping quickly twice to gather attention. "I'm sure you've got good idea about everyone here and all, but the same ain't true yeah? We'd do better if we all know what to expect of each other."

An idle hand went down to rest on the pommel of her sword, except that it wasn't there because they're temporarily confiscated before meeting the monarch. Yvonne smoothly changed the motion to rest akimbo at her hip. Unless everyone had received briefing but she somehow missed it, the sentiment should be shared by the rest of the hirelings.

Cedar scratched his head at the tiny woman's anxious questions, looking up at the ceiling with his head cocked to one side absently.

"OH---Well... Miss uh.... Whass-yername?.... "

He looked at her and scratched harder, as if stumbling over some half-remembered lesson in interpersonal etiquette, before his ears popped forward as if remembering something suddenly.

"Oh, er-- Right-- Muh name's Cedar, and I's is half-bear-- and I's can talk ta lil' woodlan' critters, and get plants ta grow real big, real fast an' such. Got a good nose too. Paps says I's a good tracker, an' has me help 'im hunt down sick an' injured critters to help makes em better again-- OH-- yeah-- I's can help fix up cuts an scratches an stuffs like 'at there."

He made a friendly motion toward the woman less than half his posture for her to introduce herself, and her skills.

"An, You are, Miss?...."

"Ah, rude of me not to introduce myself first innit?" Yvonne took a good stock at the hulking bear of a man, who somehow managed to make himself looks tiny despite being twice her height and probably four times as heavy. Really, if you want people to take you seriously then half of it was the way you present yourself. As it stand now, anyone remotely unsavory would hardly think twice before trying to take advantage of this Cedar, the number would've dropped dramatically if he carried himself with a wee bit more confidence.

As for the other half? Why, that's simply the ability to crush anyone who stand between you and whatever your goal is.

"Yvonne, some fellas call me Mad Blade but dont take too deeply into it yeah?" She didn't pick fights unprovoked. Usually. "I'm good at putting things down, man and beast alike. One of the best you can find these days if you'd excuse a lil' bit of bragging. If there's a fight to be had point me that way and it'll be settled nice and dandy, yeah?"

Cedar turned his head the other way, and his ears went forward, with a bewildered expression on his eyes.

He looked down at her. Appraised her size. Looked again.

"Ya know-- Some critters is pretty durn big... I don't doubt ya, but fer the most parts, critters jus' wants ta bluff ya into thinkin' twicet-- Dont really proper want ta start up a fight unless yer messin' em up, or screwin' round wit' der kids or summat... --Then you better watch out-- Mama'll fuck ya up... Why you go around killin' critters fer nohow? They usually ain't doin' nuttin' ta nobody anyhoo..."

Hmm, okay. That's better. Looks like the critter talk was more in Cedar's element than whatever's going on in the castle. Yvonne shrugged at the inquiry, it's supposedly obvious but then again Cedar sounded like he'd been living in the middle of nowhere for his entire life before stumbling in here somehow.

"To be fair, it's mostly men." For every job involving wild beasts, there's at least ten that involved brigands and whatnot. "I ain't get paid to ask questions, but if someone's willing to fork the coins to have them dead they've probably caused an issue somewhere."

Cedar's face seemed to become rather sad and withdrawn.

"Aww... Dat's a shame... Lotsa people seems ta think critters is just simple things as just does whatever likes they don' gots feelin's nor wants, nor dreams a dere own or nuthin... But they does.. They does... "

His expression became a little sterner, and cheekier shortly after though.

"People's a diffren' story though. Lots a people is right assholes at gots 'der heads jammed up betwix der damn legs, smellin' there own farts all day. I's has had ta deal with more an' muh fair share o-em muhself, but is usually them darn logger fellas as thinks I's dumb or summat. Might be young, but not born yest'rday-- thinkin theys can pull a fast-one on me. Paps says not to bean em in the head with muh stick, as that'd knock em dead as hell-- just wrap em up real good and remind em that we's aint playin' no games with em, and that they's needs ta stay on their side an' such..."

He scratched his chin, and looked up at the ceiling again.

"Though, I s'ppose em fellers 'd be willin' ta pay a person like yaself ta try an' do a feller like me in, now's I think about it...."

He looked at her with a sparkle in his eyes, and a bit of a wry smirk.

"If'n I's ya, I'd be a bit more keen on askin' questions, afore sayin' "yes" on some o' dem jobs people's wants done, if'n ya knows what I mean. I's can fuck a kid up what good, if'n they tryin' ta cut up muh hide--- A fair bit more dang'rous than yer normal bear, if'n ya gets muh drift."

"That... does make sense. Thanks." Henri felt slightly more confident about his position in the group.

He made sure not to visibly display his disappointment as Antigone pulled out what could be considered disposable. Essentially, these are magic scrolls, aren't they? He could already feel how much longer it'd take for him to reverse-engineer this and add it to his spellset.

Unless... Is it as easy as just redrawing the diagram itself?

Henri carefully took the tome out of Antigone's hands, shook her hand and stood up. "Ah, nothing else. Thank you for assisting me, Your Grace. I'll be going now."

Just before closing the door... "Please take care of your health."

---

Disassembling the book into its rawest parts. The metal parts, melted and absorbed into him; the bound leather shredded and fused into his clothing. Then, he placed the sheets of parchment into his torso cavity, save for one of the Ward scrolls. This should be the safest to analyze on the way, although, this ink... It could be seen glowing in the shadowy parts of this hallway. Damn. He hoped he wouldn't have to procure this unknown special ink just to cast this spell beyond these scrolls.

A detour. Instead of taking the stairs, Henri instead came out of the window and began sliding down the wall at a safe pace, casting Telekinesis on himself and maintaining friction with the wall with his left hand and shoes. He placed the Ward scroll along with the rest of the parchments in his torso. None of the diagram made sense to him anyway, he could only rely on how the mana is being converted during usage.

Wait, is that Matilda? The rest, as well. He was correct to intuit that they'd be heading towards the stables, but he didn't quite expect it to be this soon. Henri hopped off the wall once he got five feet near the ground, and briskly walked up to them then matched their pace. "Hello. Are we heading out already?"

I assume you would like to know what the first step is? Firstly, I want to investigate the last known area where the prince was seen. He went on a hunting party with the Vessier, along with some guards. I assume that Cedar and maybe Henri, could smell or find any clues the investigators may have missed.

Matilda was about walk towards the entrance, but realizing that Jazdia was not following her, she turned. "Well?"

The elf sighed. This orc woman apparently was a stranger to a saying that patience is a virtue. When Jazdia heard her uttering the word 'prince' she wondered what in the Terra she was thinking. Prattling about the plan on her way to the stable so every unfriendly eye and ear can see and hear? So far there had been too many elements being overlooked and it was rather concerning, but for the sake of decency, and solidarity of this motley crew, she did not bother to explain.

"That was an astute plan. Madam. But could I offer you my view about how we organize this event?"

This event. Organize. Jazdia reread the documents and tried to remember as much as she can. Then, in an effort to put another failsafe, she continued. "I agree that Mister Cedar would be a great help to design a venue that will meet the standard for ecological sustainability. Also to ensure that any undesirable 'animals' are to be kept out or handled in a proper manner. Mister Solomon can provide medical assistance for both the organizer and... those who are already there."

Jazdia shot a glance toward the young woman who seemed too occupied with flaunting her killing ability to the bear-man. Not sure if they could hear her, but she continued anyway.

"For security details, you can entrust that task to young miss Yvonne as well as giving her the responsibility to provide questions and answers should our contestant have doubts. As for mister Henry, I am sure you have your own consideration."

Jazdia flipped the documents again down to the most decorated one. "To ensure the success of this event. I offer my service to survey possible guesthouses for our contestants. For that, I will need Mister... uhh... Chounan's assistance to aid me in navigating the Rascade, and also his position as the representative of the Adventurers Guild will prove useful for security details. With the current situation, I am sure you understand we need that now more than ever."

Throwing another fake smile, Jazdia lowered the document and made a mental note of what she just said, expecting Matilda to do the same. "Needless to say what we discuss here is confidential. It would be unfair if some contestants got wind of our plan and have an early start".

That was all of her plans. And Jazdia emphasized that she would do her part in her own way.

"We will meet at the Village of Hdur. Assuming everything went smoothly. What a lively bunch of misfits we are." Jazdia tapped Matilda's pauldroned shoulder and immediately regretted it. Despite a bit of pain in her palm, she still maintained her cordial attitude, for now.

"Mister Henry! Glad you could join us!"

"What, you think critters cant be assholes? Not as often as men, yeah, but they could be." There's this particularly infuriating donkey that just didn't like her, not long after she started bashing heads in. Kicking and even tried to bite once and whatnot. She took great relish watching the men butcher it after the literal dumbass broke its leg on a rough terrain. "Your pap is wise there. So long as no one's dead or maimed, people's only gonna think business. They'd grumble and try to reach for more anyway, cuz people are greedy, but killers for hire are expensive yeah? And they dont always succeed. Ain't gonna waste months of saving on a gamble."

The good mercs were expensive, whereas the dubious ones tend to run away with the down payment if things get rough. Yvonne grinned at the bear, giving a thumbs up at the humblebrag. This kid's alright. They can get along juuust fine.

"People do get irrational when it comes to their life. Village would endure brigands harrassing them every other week, then one farmer dies in an accident and suddenly whole place dig out their family heirlooms to pay off the mercs. Common story, really."

As the talk went, Yvonne kept an ear open to the elf who took to organizing the motley band so smoothly that she must've done it dozens of times before. Fancy code words too. She wont remembering all that, but Yvonne's job description was "security". She can do security. The only other important bits was the location. Ain't heard of Hdur before, probably should take a peek at the map before the day's over.

Cedar looked up at the tall woman with the pointed ears, and picked up that he was being mentioned.

Something about designing a venue, or something. Sounded like she was being needlessly cryptic-- but then the notion of being 'discrete' about their activities 'clicked', and he got it-- she was subtly trying to suggest that everyone should keep their yaps shut.

"Guess we'll pick this up la'er, when we aint in town.." he gruffed at the small lady without looking at her.

He frowned again.

He still hadn't gotten the stuff he needed... who did he have to bite to get the point across, without causing a scene by simply shouting it?

Henri's eyebrow raised. It feels exceptionally long ago that anyone was this friendly and upbeat, upfront. Especially not an elf, if stereotypes would dictate. "It... Yes, glad to be here, miss...? Forgive me, I know not of anyone's names."

He noticed the man-bear's mumble. Seems he has a need to procure something. But, before that, the document in the elf's hands. He glanced at Matilda, then back at the elf. Guess she's in charge? "Is there anything you'd have me do?"

"Suppose you need some special supplies, Ceddy? For that plant growing of yours, yeah? Cant just sprout bushes out of nothing." And he's probably shy or something. Or just out of his depth. "The castle should be covering for that, ain't got time waiting for you to dig some out of the wild. Heyo, blondie!" That was to the elf, if anyone wondered. Not like there's another blondie in the room. "Our big friend here need something unusual to function best, yeah? Got anyone to run a small errand nearby?"

"Bout time sumbody 'gets it'---" he grumbled under his breath, before leaning over to the short but smart girl.

"Hey uh--- I needs seeds... an a water barrel-- in case it's dry.... "

he fumbles around in the front of his robes, then withdraws 3 gold coins, and holds them out for her on extended fingers, arched like he was picking cherries. (the coins being very small compared to his hands)

"I don care WHO gets em, but I needs all the seeds- Like, all kinds o em-- 's many as ya can get-- ain't got time ta be stoppin, lookin at matur'ty, pickin-- and all that dumb stuff, if we's in a hurry-- Specially if ya dont wan' people talkin' bout seeing a big assed bear in a robe a rummagin on the roadside-- If'n ya caint get seeds-- gets me ripe whole fruit an' nuts and stuff. All kinds. "

---

Intriguing. It wasn’t hard to see the king was conflicted by the on going. In a way, one would think the world should know the prince had gone missing. At least in that way, more eyes would be out looking for him. But then the pressure of war would increase exponentially. Solomon had seen enough of the struggles between Kindeance and Meche to know that war would lead to ruin on either or both sides. Solomon understood the balancing act the king was forced into.

Once the meeting was over, the group of now investigators were released from the confines of the king’s chambers. With the knowledge of what was expected of them, everyone was in thought about how to proceed. Like his entrance into the chambers before, Solomon was one of the last to leave. He paused to give note that the elf woman had stayed behind. The king seemed receptive of her at least, so he paid it no mind as the doors shut behind him. It did not matter what they wished to discuss. Solomon had learned two bits of information that was important to him. He was more or less restricted to the discretion of the guard, Matilda. Solomon had no issue with it, as it did provide more freedoms from the court itself. The second was that they had managed to kill some of the assassins. If Solomon could have access to their corpses, then just maybe he could accelerate the investigation. Though, that might fall into one of those few conditions needed authorization if the corpses are stored somewhere within the castle.

For now, he awaited what plan Matilda had in store. They had mentioned the forest in which the prince was abducted had been isolated in order to preserve any clue that might have been left behind. Though, the forest animals might not have bothered to listen to those demands. The statuesque person had wandered, and the oriental knight requested to visit the blacksmith. It was a time to prepare. Though the road was laid to start investigating, only moments ago was the news broke for what that was. Shortly after having these thoughts, the elf woman returned. And Matilda intended to leave. It seemed the forest was the most urgent matter, and Solomon agreed to some degree. A corpse well preserved would last well enough, but the nature of the crime scene would not.

While the group was still separated, it seemed though the statuesque man, and the oriental knight had not returned. Solomon trusted that they knew where to go. Some history must of existed between several of his now colleagues. Not a lot of words were exchanged between arriving at the castle until now, but he spotted several of them giving each other knowing looks. In any case, it probably meant that Matilda need not wait for them. So, Solomon intended to follow along.

It seemed that the two of opposite statures were getting along, introducing themselves, and talking about their lives. Unsurprisingly, the more druid-like of the two was more gentle, and cared for nature, comparing it to the fierce disposition of the little one. At least now, Solomon knew of their names. Cedar the bear, and Yvonne of the collapsed House Rosenving. Solomon stayed close, not all too interested in joining the conversation. However, that wasn’t to say he wasn’t interested in what was being said. In the short time they had known each other, they were already bantering. At least of sorts. Both of them were confident in their skills. Which Solomon wouldn’t put past Yvonne. He was familiar with her work, and just how dangerous the girl could be.

Solomon turned his attention away from the conversing individuals when the elf woman spoke up. She had a different yet similar plan in mind. The forest was still going to be investigated, but she wanted to separate the party to investigate something else. Her choice of words was odd, but for secrecy, he understood.

“You have no objections from me. Though it seemed to me that the King’s guard was to be leading the, hmm, appraisal. If this is what you spoke to the king privately about, I won’t question it further.” Solomon finally spoke up now that everyone’s attention was focused back to each other. “I suppose for the matter of introductions and ease, I am Doctor Solomon Sparrow. You may all refer to me as simply Solomon as our elf friend has done.”

"What-"

The golden glint was unmistakable, and Yvonne for a moment was struck dumb. Not about the amount of wealth, which to be fair wasn't a small sum but nothing major to her, no. It's the casual, guillible ease of which Cedar pulled them out. Recalling an earlier thought, she wondered how many times he'd gotten scammed on his way here.

"Put that away, you big lug. I ain't the one to ask for supplies, I can point you out to vendors out in the market but that'd be the opposite of discreet. The kitchen should have most of what you need, ask either of them." Yvonne gestured at Mattie and the elf, not far off from the door. "Shouldn't be flashing gold everywhere, that's how you get either robbed or scammed. Those coins of yours? You'd get a wagon of seed and fruit with that."

And then came the introduction of the hooded old fella that lurked surprisingly close without her noticing. That's some talent right there. And the name. Yvonne heard some wild tales of the man. Didn't actually think the fella existed, but here he stood. "Why, a legendary figure ain't cha? We'll be in your care, doc."

Is it due to Henri being soft-spoken that this elf hadn't heard him amidst the voices of these other three people? He sighed in exasperation then raised his hand. "I think I know how to solve this problem. Let me swing by the Royal Garden for a bit. No need to spend your coin, Mister Ceddy... Cedrick?" He then skated away. A constant application of Telekinesis on his body allowed his shoes to just glide along the ground without taking an actual step.

---

The Royal Garden... Yes, this should do nicely. Assortments of odd-looking plants you would rarely find from the market. Although, how would you extract the seeds from this... Henri approached the Royal Gardener. "Hello. It's a bit urgent, but could you get me seeds from these plants? Yes, just all of them. All of them. Let me water the plants for you. Actually, do you also have a water barrel I could use?"