Secret observer

The Church has been aware of Darx for a few months now. Ever since he was training at the castle, people have been informing the clergy about a young adventurer with red eyes. While some of us hoped that he was sent to us by our goddess, some nuns and disciples were skeptical. His eye color could have been just a mutation. Like with animals that have albinism.

But yesterday, during the finals of the tournament, everyone saw evidence of Darx being the chosen son of Imris. Once the very rare rank upgrade happened to Darx, all of us understood his religious significance and that he was important to Imris. Some of us wanted to inform him of his significance right away, but the Priest informed us right now was not a good time. He did after all just get disqualified over a technicality. It would be best to let him process that and only contact him tomorrow.

That is where I and Sister Raina come in. Last night the Priest told us that today we had to contact Darx and convince him to come to the Cathedral for a meeting with the Priest. Both of us got up early today and took a carriage to the Dark Dragon guild. Usually, carriages used by the Church are marked with the symbol of Imris. But for this one we felt it better to take an unmarked carriage.

When we arrive at the Dark Dragon guildhall, we make sure to park a safe distance away to stake out the place. It’s not as if we can just go in and ask for an audience with Darx. The civilians employed by the guild would inform Aelbrecht that the Church has developed an interest in one of his highest-ranking guild members. It would be far better for us to approach Darx when he is by himself and then lure him to the Cathedral. With our bodies if necessary.

Staking out a place in such a way is not easy. Darx is taking his time to come out. I even have to step out and make use of a public bathroom. On my way back, I make certain to buy some food for myself and Sister Raina. I do hope Darx doesn’t leave the guildhall while I am away. In that case, Raina would have to follow him without me. Fortunately, by the time I get back, the carriage is still there. I get in and share the food with my fellow nun. More time passes and I am starting to feel like Darx is just not going to come out today.

Eventually, it is Sister Raina’s turn to make use of the public bathroom. Though a short time after she leaves, Darx finally comes out. Crap, just when my fellow sister isn’t here. Come on, Raina. Get back here. I check out Darx and I see he has 2 fellow adventurers with him. Both from the Dark dragon guild. That’s not a good sign. And he starts conversating with another girl. Could that be his girlfriend? She certainly dressed pretty for him. And then they start to walk away. I look outside the carriage in search for Sister Raina, but I see no sign of her. I can’t wait for her. I have to keep track of Darx.

I draw the attention of a child that walks past and say, “Hey, kid. Could you help me out?”

The child comes closer and waits for me.

“I have a friend, a fellow nun, who is going to come here to meet me, but I really have to leave.” I say. “All I need you to do is hang around until a blonde nun appears. Then you tell her that I had to leave because ‘the bird has flown”. She will understand what it means.”

Then I hold out three copper coins and ask, “Can you do that?”

The child smiles and says, “Yes, miss.” While holding out his hand.

I give him the three copper coins and then tell my driver to follow Darx.

While the driver is not a member of the clergy, he does work for the Church by driving us everywhere. He has been informed that I need to make contact with Darx and also that it has to be done discreet. He follows Darx to the post office and parks the carriage a safe distance away. Hopefully Darx won’t notice when he comes out. After he and his friends leave the post office, we follow him to the crafter’s guild.

The driver again parks the carriage a safe distance away. Back to doing a stake out. Except this time, I don’t have anybody to cover for me in case nature calls. I do start noticing it getting quite busy here. The crafter’s guild doesn’t usually get this many adventurers at one time. Then I notice the people gathering aren’t adventurers at all. They are commoners. But why would commoners flock around a guild that primarily caters to the needs of adventurers. Then I come to realize that they are here for Darx. The driver notices it too and asks me if he can move the carriage to a more advantageous position. I don’t only give him the green light, but also tell him that if Darx wants to avoid a crowd like this he will most likely escape through the back door. So, we drive around to the other side and wait for him there.

After a while, my hunch is proven right. Darx and his friends do indeed come out the backdoor. What’s even better is that they split up. Now it’s only Darx and his girlfriend. But what is strange is that they walk back to the front of the crafter’s guild. Did they forget there is a huge crowd over there? Or do they think there is a sideroad they can take to lead them back to the Dark Dragons? Whatever the case, they soon come running back as they are getting chased by the crowd. It is time for me to come into action. I tell the driver to get next to them so they can jump on board. Skilled as he is, he does exactly what is expected of him and Darx and his girl successfully get inside. Only then does the driver speed up and we leave the mob chasing Darx behind us.

I’ve done it. I’ve got Darx’s in my carriage. I take a moment to admire his eyes myself for the first time. They just as red as the rumors say. Oh, I think I’m going to swoon. Now, time to try and get him to meet with the Priest.

“You are quite fortunate I came by when I did.” I say. “A large mob like that can be quite difficult to deal with, even for an A rank like you.”

Darx cocks his head and looks at her with confusion. “How do you know I’m an A …” Then he rolls his eyes and sighs deeply. “Ufh, you mean I’m so famous now that even the Church has taken notice of me?”

Crap, I’ve been too forward. I should have known his newfound fame is a sensitive subject. Or maybe I can use it to my benefit.

“My apologies, mister Darx. I did not mean to upset you.” I tell him. “Tough I find it hard for anyone to be blamed about your recent development. Rank upgrades are incredibly rare. Not everyone receives the gift of being an adventurer from Imris, and even more rare are those who receive an extra gift from Imris in the form of a rank upgrade. It is only natural that people would spread the news when they see it happening.”

Darx places both his hands on his face and sighs. “I just HAD to upgrade in the middle of the final match.” His girlfriend is quick to comfort him, as expected. Though I can’t help but start laughing a little.

“I’m sorry, mister Darx.” I say. “If I had been blessed by Imris like you have been, I would be ecstatic. Yet, here I see you groan. It is quite the disconnection for me. But I do agree that a mob following me everywhere would be the worst. My name is Charlotte, by the way.”

I instinctively offer him my hand for a handshake. I was about to correct myself and pull my hand back, but Darx already takes a hold of it. I just touched the hand of Imris’ chosen son. By the goddess, I can already feel myself blushing.

“Yes, well. It seems that we are clear from the mob. It should be safe enough for us to take our leave and leave you to your business. Our apologies for disturbing you.” His girlfriend then says.

This is bad. I haven’t offered them an invitation yet, and they already want to leave.

“On the contrary. I am grateful that I could be of service to one so favored by the goddess.” I say, trying to make them feel like they are not bothering me. Then I also present them with the offer to meet with the Priest, I have found that simply asking usually works very well.

Darx and his girl look at each other, then the girl says, “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Darx then turns to me and agrees to meet with the Priest. Mission success.

I have no need to inform the driver to head to the Cathedral. He has already been made aware that is where we needed to bring Darx to. Now I just have to wait until we get there. Might as well keep Darx talking and get to know him better