Chapter 39: Test of Faith II

The path back to Eisenbran passed far more quickly than Alicia remembered. Perhaps the earlier journey had only felt so long because Rian needed to stop every few minutes and catch his breath.

But that hadn’t been a problem with Nadine, who looked less like she was walking and more like she was gliding on ice.

Alicia had to use her own magic to catch up, continuously using the shade created by nearby trees to zip in and out of the darkness.

Eventually, they made it back to Eisenbran in what seemed like thirty minutes, maybe even less due to the pace they had been going in.

Upon seeing the Witch of Black Ice in person, the guards at the entrance had no choice but to let her through. Though at the corner of Alicia’s vision, she could see that a few of them were already relaying the information, presumably back to Felix.

Nadine knew exactly where the Ruby Merchantry was, and the two of them made their way there. Everyone’s face was filled with shock, wondering why someone as important as the Witch of Black Ice was here, when they had been explicitly told to stay away from her.

Stares bore into her, but Nadine seemed like she was used to it. Both of them made their way up to Rosalia’s office.

When the doors opened and Nadine stepped inside, Rosalia nearly spilled her coffee all over her desk while Charlotte had already stood up to greet her.

"Lady Nadine," Charlotte started. "If you’re here, does that mean—?"

"Alright, alright," she waved her hand, interrupting Charlotte. "I’m going to help the kid out. He’s got a letter for you, we need to hurry."

Both Rosalia and Charlotte glanced at each other, clearly having no idea what was going on or how Rian managed to convince the Witch of Black Ice. But they weren’t about to question it.

Alicia silently brought the letter up before placing it softly onto Rosalia’s desk. Gingerly, Rosalia took the letter and opened the seal clean before reading aloud the message.

"If you’re reading this, I’ve already entered the mines."

"Rosalia, find the foreman who first discovered the tunnels. Question every worker involved in establishing the mine. I don’t believe the missing citizens ever reached the port, which means they may have been transported beneath the city. Find out whether your miners are complicit...or something had been done to them."

"Charlotte, use the Lowenhardt name to seize the city’s property records before Felix’s officials can destroy them. Focus on warehouses, abandoned buildings, and estates between the riverside district and the mines. If underground passages exist, one of those properties must contain another entrance."

"Alicia, go directly to Baron Eisenbran’s estate. Felix’s entire operation has depended on the Baron’s cooperation...or his silence. If Felix believes he is about to win, he won’t leave anyone alive who can expose him."

"Save the Baron."

"..."

Everyone in the room went silent at the same time. Though Charlotte was the first one to recover, sighing softly into her hand.

"Rian believes the missing citizens were transported through the mines?"

Alicia nodded, reading the letter closer. "It’s possible. Though we would need to confirm it like Young Master said."

"My miners aren’t kidnappers!" Rosalia protested immediately.

"He didn’t accuse them of being kidnappers," Charlotte shook her head. "They may have witnessed something without realizing its significance. Or someone may have threatened them into remaining silent."

Rosalia frowned, crossing the office and pulling on a cord beside the door. Instantly, one of her employees entered.

"Find Foreman Klaus. Then gather everyone who helped establish the crystal-mining operation. I want them brought here immediately."

"At this hour, Mistress?"

"Did I stutter?"

The employee bowed and hurried away.

Charlotte was already fastening her cloak. "I’ll have the Lowenhardt knights secure the city records. Felix’s officials will attempt to delay us, but they won’t openly refuse an order bearing my family’s name."

Alicia’s eyes widened at what Charlotte said. She had felt a small presence following them the entire time on their way from Rosenheim to Eisenbran. She had deemed them non-hostile so decided against doing anything.

’Turns out it was her private force all along. Lady Lowenhardt truly is terrifying...’

"Is it appropriate for you to do so, my lady?"

Charlotte simply shrugged. "Now that all the cards are on the table and everyone’s pulling out all their weapons, I might as well use mine to the fullest."

With a simple nod, Alicia acknowledged Charlotte’s statement, but she was already heading towards the door.

"I’ll be leaving first."

As soon as Nadine saw her movement, she spoke up instantly. "You’re going alone? You seem quite capable but..."

"Speed means very little if Felix already has men waiting at the estate," Charlotte argued. "Take some of my knights with you."

Alicia shook her head. "The Young Master assigned each of us a separate task for a reason. Your knights need to secure the records before Felix’s officials can destroy them."

"And what about me?" Nadine asked. "Your master neglected to include my name anywhere in that letter. Should I just sit here with my feet up?"

"That is because he didn’t know you would be here."

Alicia looked between the three women. "But your presence may be the most important of all, Lady Nadine."

"No one would dare mess with you in Eisenbran. Both Lady Charlotte and Rosalia’s tasks would be much harder if you weren’t here."

Alicia continued singing her praises. "Your presence would cause both guards and city officials to have to think twice before interfering."

Nadine, who obviously knew that Alicia was trying to flatter her, couldn’t help but fall for the trick. She simply plopped herself back into the seat and poured herself a cup of tea.

"Very well then, I’ll just sit pretty here."

Alicia managed a small breath of relief after managing to convince Nadine. Her true purpose was really to get her to sit still. If the Witch of Black Ice had been strolling around, it would’ve caused even more commotion.

Commotion that they very much did not need right now.

As she placed her hand on the door, a voice rang out. It was Charlotte, in a half-teasing, half-worried way. "Be careful out there. If your Young Master sees his maid injured, he might relapse!"

It was quite an insensitive joke, but Alicia knew Charlotte meant well.

She simply bowed deeply, like she had been taught to all those years ago by the Second Lady, before finally exiting the room.

"I’m off."