女神归来的夏天

Chapter 269: Unlocking the Crystal Ball

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We make it to Kelly James' estate. We're greeted by a single butler at the front gate. She has some guards, but they are closer to the house. He fixes his monocle and clears his throat. "How may I help you, Slayer Zern." He knows my identity, which means he's probably out here to make sure that nothing happens to Kelly. I don't bother saying anything, and instead, I pull out the crystal ball from my inventory and show it to him. "Ohh, interesting. A magical storage crystal." He understands why we're here, but he's still very cautious. He must be aware of all the things Kelly's done.

I place it back in my inventory and take a breath. "We need someone who's a blood descendant or an override code. Since Kelly is the last living member of the James family, I'll need her to unlock the crystal ball. I understand her fear, and I'll come alone without these two if it makes her feel safer." I doubt it, but I don't think Kelly wants to be around Sally after the display she put on. I know I wouldn't. The butler takes on a thoughtful expression and places his hand on his chin in thought. After a brief moment, he nods his head.

I turn towards Sally and Hailey. "You two can go back to the city. I'll meet you at the only other in that's still accepting us. Since we already stayed at the other location last night." Hailey nods her head and turns around to walk, but Sally stays forward and stares at the mansion. She hates all James, female or not. I place my hand on her shoulder in an attempt to bring her back. "Go back to the city. I'll handle this. Once I'm done here, I'll meet up with you and Hailey." She looks at me, and after some internal debate within herself, she turns and follows Hailey.

I turn back to the butler, and I nod my head. He slowly opens the gate and motions for me to follow him. We walk up to the mansion, and it's finely decorated. The outside has the taste of a fine lady. We walk inside, and I can see the guards are very nervous around me. Each one bows in respect as I pass. It seems my identity as Slayer Zern is known, at least here on this property. She must've informed them that I'm indeed in the area and present a threat to her life. I do not need to kill her, and the world is better with her in it.

Sally would disagree, of course, but she's not here right now. Sometimes separating yourself from a situation is smart too, and that's why I send Hailey and her off. So she doesn't let her emotions take control. "I must say it's an absolute honor to meet you, Son of Michael. Your tales of adventure and actions are legendary. Lady Kelly is a lucky woman to talk to such an existence." He's very political with his words, but I know he's probing for any reasons that I'll attack Kelly. I respect how protective he is, but sometimes. It's out of your control.

I sigh, and I can tell he's waiting for a response. "We've already had this discussion, Butler. I'm only here for the information in this crystal. If Kelly James were to die, it'd be by Saliandra's blade. Not mine." I choose to use Sally's full name, so he knows what I'm talking about. I know he's informed about everything that's going on. There is no way he isn't. He was personally sent by Kelly to find a way to dissuade any violence. "I'm a killer, but I don't kill anyone who doesn't deserve it. Kelly isn't someone who deserves it." He squints his eyes ever so slightly. Before he can question anything else. A world announcement goes off.

[Worldwide Announcement: The Kingdom of The Dryads and The Kingdom of Zenith are currently on their way to a meet-up point for a fullscale invasion of Bellvia! This announcement is happening because war has officially been declared! Players can approach either side to participate! There are rewards based on contribution to the War and how many victories you ensure!]

[Worldwide Announcement: The Monster Horde is on the move and taking advantage of the conflict within humanity's society! Their forces will be bolstered, and new monster troops will be made because of this! Many cities and towns will fall and the captured about of Women will increase as breeding stock!]

It makes me sick listening to anything about the monster horde. When I get the opportunity, I'll help those poor women. I'll either free them and send them back home to their families. Or kill them out of mercy only if they ask for it, of course. I watch the butler cringe and scowl as he gets the NPC version from the church. "I'll admit, this war is going to be devastating for the future of the great war against the monsters. I wouldn't be surprised if the church steps in. Enough chatter. She's beyond the door ahead." It seems Kelly is going to be useful one last time before we leave.

She's got a long and tiring road ahead of her, and it's only going to get worse. After a while, it'll get better. That's how things work. You have a stretch of bad, followed by one of good. It can vary depending on the person of course. No one is exempt from this effect. The butler pushes the door open and I see Kelly sitting in her chair. She stands up and bows politely, recognizing that I'm still The Son of Arch-Angel Michael. "It's an honor to host such a guest. It's not every day that divine blood and literal godhood stand in someone's house." She begins speaking. In a way I don't like.

I don't want to be compared to gods. I'm still human and thinking of myself as a god is extremely arrogant and dangerous. I'm not going to fall into that trap. I walk up to the desk, and the butler stands at the door. Kelly drops the formalities and pleasentries. Looks at me with caution and fear. Instead of talking, I toss her the crystal ball, and she catches it. "I need you to open this for me, after that. You'll never see me again." She looks at the crystal ball and notices it's a magical storage device. One that holds all her father's secrets.

She notices it requires the blood of a descendant or an override code. "Just give me a moment." She pulls out a small dagger and takes off her white glove. She's in a nice white dress, fitting someone with elegant tastes. She cuts the tip of her finger and drops it on the crystal ball, it lights up, and many things flash throw the hologram that the crystal ball is projecting. She tosses it back to me. "You'll have permanent access to it, and be careful with that. It's a very valuable storage crystal about the world's illegal slave trade." I slowly nod my head and turn around to leave.

Before I can, Kelly asks me to wait. I turn towards her and wait for her to start. "I'm really sorry for what my family has done to Sally... She won't listen or take any apology from me... So you're the next best thing... Please tell her that if she or her friends ever need any help. She can ask. I owe her that much. The same goes for you, Slayer Zern. While our first meeting didn't go so well, I'm glad we met. It's led to this." She indicates to the celebration banners and other party equipment. She's celebrating that she's taken the barony from her dead brothers.

Kelly and Sally could've been great friends in a different life. One where Kelly wasn't the son of the man who enslaved Sally, and Sally being enslaved in the first place. Take away all that, and you have two similar people. Very strong and independent women who aren't afraid of challenges. Be they mental, physical, or emotional. Sally overcame hers, and I'm betting that Kelly had similar moments in her life as well. One where she had to overcome great pain. After all, I can tell her mother is dead. Anyone who's lost a mother has a certain look.

I know it because I had it every time I looked in the mirror before I made my wish. "I'll keep those words in mind. I know you'll do better than the rest of your family. Remember how many people you are helping. It'll help you sleep at night." She acknowledges my words, and I turn to leave. Finishing all the business with Kelly. We'll both hope never to see each other again.