A man dressed up in a Roman centurion outfit followed by two milites – Norito soldiers, quickly made his way towards the Erito forces encampment. The Eritos’ always deployed a makeshift base whenever they were deployed as it helped them coordinate their movements more effectively.

“LET ME THROUGH!” The man shouted out as he pushed past the two white uniformed soldiers of Erito. Beyond the centurion outfit, this man’s appearance resembled a Greek or a Mediterranean – fair complexion and artistically perfect looks and muscles.

The soldiers gave way as they knew this man well; he was the Commander of the Norito forces – a very impatient, impudent and irate man. Although their own commander; Vanessa had issued them strict soldiers to let none of the Norito forces past them – these men did not want to incur the ire of such a high ranking officer; at best they could hold back his body guards.

The Nortio forces commander didn’t stop even though his bodyguards had been held back; this sort of treatment was normal when visiting rivals.

The commander stood outside the tent flap of Erito’s forces HQ. Vanessa who at the time was speaking to Ramona; quickly lowered her voice upon seeing the Norito forces commander.

“Ramona get out of here.” Vanessa whispered.

Ramona gave her a baffled look but then noticed the ‘other person’ waiting by the encampment.

“Then, I’ll resume our search.” Ramona replied as she took her leave. As she crossed by the Norito’s Commander she gave a quiet ‘Hmph’ of disapproval and walked away.

“Welcome honoured Primus Pilus – Stalsbourg Von..” Vanessa began with a formal greeting but was quickly cut out.

“Drop the formalities and pretences.” The man snapped. “You know very well why I am here!” He spoke quickly; his voice was sharp and conveyed his anger.

The smile from Vanessa’s face disappeared. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“I am afraid I do not.” Vanessa knew exactly why this man was here; however pretending to be dumb was the best way forward.

The Stalsbourg was now tomato red in colour. “YOU WERE THE ONE WHO CALLED HIM HERE!”

His outburst took Vanessa by surprise.

“Called who?” Vanessa was still calm as ever.

“…”Stalsbourg Von faltered; was it possible she did not really not know? Stalsbourg simply assumed that Vanessa called in the Cardinal after he refused her intel / help. It could well be possible that the Cardinal had decided to intervene.

“This wasn’t a ploy of yours?”

“What ploy?”

“For not listening to you?”

“Are we talking about this mission? If we are, I only gather intel – I have better things to do than interfere in your mission.”

“So you aren’t getting back at me?”

“Stalsbourg! I have no idea what you are talking about!” Vanessa exclaimed. “If you are here wasting my time then be gone! I have more important things to take care off. But if you must, calm down and explain to me the situation…I am not aware of our latest imbroglio; but if you explain; I am sure we can come to a mutual understanding….”

Stalsbourg took a step back as Vanessa approached him – did she really not know anything?

“Stalsbourg…?” Vanessano called out his name while watching his body language; he was confused. On a side note his armour; was wet and slimy – most likely he was fighting on the frontlines and he rushed here as soon as the slime had been killed.

“You did not call for the Cardinal?” Stalsbourg asked; his anger had dissipated.

“I did not.” Vanessa lied cooly.

“So the Cardinal suddenly decided on his own to fight the slime monster?” The Cardinal had a reputation for not wanting to fight or working – it would surprise anyone if he were to suddenly become sincere about his work.

“I have not spoken to or seen the Cardinal all day, Stalsbourg.”

Stalsbourg looked at Vanessa suspiciously.

“Stalsbourg…you speak as if you don’t know the Cardinal.” Vanessa scorned Stalsbourg. “The Cardinal moves about as he pleases, does as he pleases and fights whoever he pleases. No one can make him decide whom he should fight or not fight.”

“I gues…I guess you are right.” The crestfallen commander said as his shoulders drooped. The Cardinal’s appearance was nothing more than unfortunate luck.

“I am right.” Vanessa added as she reinforced her lie. “You know it better than me – having served the Cardinal longer than me.”

There was subtle flattery in her voice.

“I guess an apology is in order.” Stalsbourg added.

“Oh it absolutely isn’t.”

“Why I must! I completely doubted my colleague and even falsely accused you.”

“If you put it like that and insist….I guess an apology is in due order.” Vanessa’s smile only conveyed her false sincerity and masked the excellent act she pulled off. Stalsbourg was an idiot and easy to manipulate. For every bit of confidence Sora had knocked off Vanessa – dealing with Stalsbourg helped Vanessa gain some of it back.

Stalsbourg knelt down on one knee with his head bowing, he spoke, “Then on my honour as a primus pilus – Stalsbourg offers his most humblest apologies for his own ignorance.” – the Nortio had a certain formality for doing everything including apologizing.

“Please get up Commander…It is most embarrassing that you do such a formal apology.” Vanessa moved forward ….

“Hey Vanessa! You lied to me again didn’t you! The slime never attacked the inns and pubs!” The Cardinal shouted out as he stood outside by the tent flap drying his wet hair with a towel.

There was an awkward moment of silence in the air.

The Cardinal peeked inside to see two of his students – both commanders. One a man kneeling and the other extending her hand forward.

“This one time I am letting you off for lying to me but there better be booze at the wedding.” The Cardinal said as he looked at Vanessa.

He could be heard saying “Ah! youth…” as he walked by.