The Chimeric Ascension of Lyudmila Springfield

Chapter One-Hundred-Five: City Tourists – Part One

I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

A dozen maids or butlers? A lavish ballroom with food and drink? Perhaps even a battalion of soldiers?  

Logic told me the first two were more likely than the last. As it turned out, I was way, way off.  

Before the light faded, serene, comforting music filled the air. A soft whine of violins, layered with the steady, grounding beat of a drum, caused my ears to twitch. I turned, and my eyes widened at a full-fledged orchestra taking up much of the grand chamber we’d entered. The walls were lined with intricately indented plates designed to circulate sound so that the melodies seemed to emerge from everywhere and nowhere.  

Every instrument gleamed, crafted entirely from gold. Tris had already analyzed the material, noting the sheer skill and wealth it must have taken to produce just one piece, let alone an entire orchestra’s worth. Maybe this was chump change to someone like Gloria, but still… trying to impress me with such excessive opulence? The music was lovely— an unexpected surprise, so I couldn’t doubt the orchestra’s actual skill— but if she’d wanted to send a message, something humbler might have reached me more deeply.  

This was showboating—luxury for the sake of luxury.  

It was so gross.  

As the song neared its end, the rhythm grew faster, each musician pouring emotion into a finale even grander than I’d expected. Then, with a subtle spell woven into the sound, the music faded, creating a hush that deepened as a figure approached.  

It was a woman dressed in a maid’s uniform, as I’d anticipated—yet her stance was anything but that of a typical servant.  

She’s not strong enough to be a fighter. Her skills as an assassin leave much to be desired. Is it a misdirection, then?  

“Welcome to Requiesta, esteemed guests.” The maid bowed—her form slightly less than perfection. She continued, her voice changing to an apologetic tone. “I’m terribly sorry, but Lord Gloria is away on business. She has assigned me to look after your needs. If you’ll allow it, would you care to tour the city? Unfortunately, your rooms aren’t yet ready, but if you’d like to wait, I can escort you to the dining hall. Our chefs can make whatever you desire.”  

“Give us a moment to discuss.”  

“Certainly, Lord Springfield. Take all the time you need. I am here to answer any questions.” The maid bowed, then walked away to give us privacy.   

“You think Gloria planned this because she knows Vredis are awesome musicians?” asked Tilde. She rubbed Lei’s blubbery body as he sat in her lap.   

“I wouldn’t put it past her to curry favor,” replied Sera. “Did you feel the music, sister?”  

“I did. I refuse to call it talent because that implies they didn’t work hard. I can imagine the endless hours of practice to achieve their level. Gloria's ploy is not working on me, though. No amount of music can alter our course."  

"I agree, Mila. So, that begs the question… What should we do?”  

“Tilde?” I turned to my maid—the better maid.   

“I say take the tour. Requiesta is one of a kind. It would be a waste to come all the way here, wait for who knows how long for a meeting, and not see the sights or hear the sounds.”  

I asked Sekh, who agreed with Tilde. Tris and Yew were the same. Niva, who had her hood pulled up to hide her face, just nodded without me asking anything.   

I’m sure I know what she’s feeling. She probably wants to be as inconspicuous as possible.    

I turned the question to Quella.   

“You’re asking us?”  

“Why wouldn’t I? Your opinion matters because you helped us in our time of need. Besides,” I looked at the undercover idol. “Your thoughts? I know you like to sing.”   

“Umm, I do,” Elly replied. “It’s not my choice, though. It’s yours.”  

“It is, but I’m asking your opinion.”  

Elly eventually said curiosity clawed at her like a scratching post. Of course, a place like this would be like a festival for her. Ami shared the same. Mary and Melusine were neutral. Greggie couldn’t pass up the chance to taste a new culture’s cuisine. Keeth needed rest. I was sure Elly thought he’d work before his hands were healed if he was out of her sight, so, if nothing else, that was another reason to accept this offer.  

“There you have it,” I said, turning around. “We’ll take the tour. Oh, there is one thing I want to stress in case it didn’t properly come across in the letter.”  

“What would that be, Lord Springfield?”  

“These people helped when we needed it the most,” I said, gesturing to Team Quella. “They prevented a great tragedy from worsening, so treat them with the same respect while we’re here.”  

“Your concern is well-noted, Lord Springfield. Lord Gloria has explicit orders to do what you’ve asked. Rest assured; your entire group will not want for anything while under our care. We will do whatever we can to make your stay more pleasant, so please… If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to ask.”  

My lord, I’ve used [Skyview]’s scanning feature, but I would like to see more of Requiesta firsthand.   

Is there a problem? 

An unexpected issue has arisen. The scan has properly indexed the entire city, making it searchable, but nothing has entered my databanks. When I did it manually with your clones, I used [Deduction] on everything as I came to it. However, I do not have enough processing power to simultaneously use it on the entire city. Proper information gathering will take time. It is a matter of efficiency and time, my lord. Think of scanning as the ‘quick and dirty,’ with manual [Deduction] with clones as the ‘clean and proper.’   

“Incidentally, I will be your tour guide. Please give me a moment to change into something suitable. I shan’t delay you longer than necessary, Lord Springfield.” The maid left through a set of engraved double doors as the band resumed playing, this time performing a quiet number that softly vibrated.   

It was hard to explain. The music just ‘flowed.’ I couldn’t describe it any other way, yet the joy lasted thirty seconds because the door opened.   

The maid wasn’t a maid anymore. She had shed the stereotypical uniform for a dark green tunic. Silver thread accented the cuffs and helm, giving her a mix of elegance missing from her previous attire.  A gray leather vest cinched her waist, and her cloak, clasped at the shoulder with a silver crest of Requiesta’s emblem, marked her as an official guide. She wore polished boots, a slender belt with small pouches and scrolls, and a pendant enchanted for protection. Her arms gripped an itinerary of Requiesta’s most famous places, buildings, attractions, and restaurants.    

 Altogether, she looked both prepared and respectful. “I promise you all an excellent time with me at the helm, my esteemed guests!”  

I doubt she was ever a maid, my lord. I surmise Gloria predicted we’d take the tour, so she arranged for one of her guides to masquerade as one.   

To impress us with how quickly she changed clothes?   

Gloria would do anything to improve your perception of her. It is her way of softening our hearts.  

This amateurish attempt makes sense, given the short time she had.    

I have another report. Gloria is not in the city, but I found Arella Worzai, her personal bodyguard. She’s cloaked on a nearby building, using enchanted binoculars to see through the seals protecting the castle. She’s been watching since we arrived.   

Track her with a waypoint. Do the same for anyone else who’s invisible.   

As you wish. I found a few, but the most pressing is a Dragonfolk we’ve met before. We first encountered him when Gloria visited Ria’s guild shortly after Noelia’s death. His name is Glintfang Ironhide. Do you remember? He had [Essence Deletion] and bore the title [Shadowguard]?  

I do. If I recall correctly, he sat atop her carriage.     

Correct. He’s perched on the castle's spire with a spear. It seems more like a quirk of his than preparation to strike, so I do not expect him to be hostile. I presume Arella has been ordered to watch from afar and Glintfang from close. [Essence Deletion]-- while powerful-- cannot compare to [Status Cloak].  

What about Gloria’s Soul Warriors?  

They are not within the city. I theorize she has gone to fetch them. I doubt she intends them to attack us, so she must want them for another reason. I do not understand her psyche, so I cannot predict her exact course of action with any degree of certainty. It’s vague guesses based on fragments glimmered from Remy’s memories and our own personal experiences. 

“Sera, what do you know about [Essence Deletion]?” I asked in Ancient Elvish.    

“Are you referring to the Dragonfolk waiting for us to leave? Or the elf spying from a distance?” she replied in the same language. The tour guide did an almost imperceptible double-take before regaining her professionalism. She knew a few languages—this wasn’t one of them. “Your senses are sharp to pick them up.”  

“Anything to worry about?”  

“No. I cannot fault this country's Lord for the elementary precautions, even if they are the best she can muster while devising a plan. She can organize all she wants—she’s just delaying the inevitable.”   

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” I turned to the guide, speaking the common tongue. “We’re ready if you are.”  

“Ah—of course! Now, if you’ll please follow me…” The guide gestured to the door, marking the beginning of this tour. 

The meeting wouldn’t happen until tomorrow morning at the earliest—the evening at the latest. Yes, that gave Gloria time to prepare, but it was a double-edged sword because the delay offered Tris the same benefit.   

We might as well enjoy this at her expense.    

***** 

***** 

Requiesta was a beautiful city.   

It really was. For a place that almost worshipped the arts and music, you could find a melodic harmony within the very means of construction used to build the capital. It was the Susize within me that felt it. Sekh couldn’t quite grasp the feeling, but Elly did. She was stunned in awe. A place like this was practically a holy city for her.    

The idol couldn’t stay seated in the open roof, extended carriage we were in, which was pulled by six white stallions with flowing, sparkly manes.   

It was a hard sight to miss—even more challenging to ignore. My sensitive ears picked up excited whispers because these horses were only used for VIPs. 

No one seemed to know who we were, though. Our visit was probably a secret of the highest degree, but it wasn’t out of compassion. Gloria didn’t want rumors to spread.    

After all, why would two Vredis suddenly show up if not to investigate the Eagle Yew? From what we had gathered, the knowledge wasn’t widespread—Tris hadn’t heard a whisper of the truth from her initial surveying.    

How long would that remain the case? The Eagle Yew and Aetos Village were in Dirge. Logically, overseeing their safety fell to the one in charge.  Gloria’s failure couldn’t remain hidden forever. The truth would eventually leak even if I wasn’t responsible. So, her image, which was probably already shitty due to what happened in Ria, would be blemished even more.   

On the other hand…  

How exactly did Dirge’s political system work?   

Gloria was a Holy Lord, so did the city answer to her as if she were a dictator? I knew she had ‘advisors,’ but did they actually advise? Or was the council something she kept for appearances?  

How far could she push her rule and retain the citizens’ love? How negatively did Requiesta take the Ria incident?  

No one in the city was strong enough to take Gloria in a fight, let alone handle Arella and that Dragonfolk still sleuthing behind the carriage. Of course, that didn’t include the army or anyone else loyal to her, such as Hymn.   

The one solution would be to rile the masses—repeating what I had orchestrated in Atrix.   

That wasn’t in the plan, though.  I didn’t care about ‘freeing’ Requiesta. I just wanted to make Gloria suffer.  

“Our first destination is the Grand Orchestra Hall, one of Requiesta’s most defining and noticeable landmarks. We are scheduled to arrive within fifteen minutes,” said the tour guide as we passed the primary guild hall. Adventurers of all shapes, sizes, and strengths stopped and stared as we continued, with only a few ignoring us outright. My ears twitched after unintentionally catching their conversation. The part about us being ‘silver spoon-fed nobles who can’t wipe their own asses’ was ignored, but… 

A harp hidden in a tower?  

“Ms. Guide, a question for you, if you will.” I was curious.   

“Yes, my lord?”  

“What’s this about a Gilded Tower and a Golden Harp? Is that a dungeon and its unique item? I’m unfamiliar with it.”  

“Yes, my lord—it is. It’s a magnificent structure about six hours west of our fair city. It rests atop a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Rumors state that you can see the curvature of our planet from its apex on clear nights.”  

“Interesting…”  

The guide continued. “The Golden Harp refers to an item the bosses can drop upon defeat.”  

Tris, can you do a search?  

Already completed, my lord. I've many hits for 'golden harp' within the city, yet I found one that must be real. It’s an instrument with brainwashing capabilities.   

Where is it?  

Inside Gloria’s treasure vault below her castle. I detect many seals requiring her unique magical signature. A blood sample is also necessary to bypass a layer.    

The guide continued with the dungeon’s lore. “Long ago, a goddess of music tempted the land with a golden harp she played from the tower’s top. Its sound resonated with the soul and harmonized the body, making the listener more perceptive to follow commands. In truth, the harp was said to be a regular harp. It did not have the power of brainwashing or mind control—the goddess’s own skill made those who wanted to hear it follow her. Over time, people became resistant to its sweet melodies and mistakenly believed the goddess was evil when all she wanted was to spread happiness.”  

Someone changed the lore of Melusine’s dungeon after it became one, so it isn’t necessarily a 100% verifiable recant of the past. The harp has the power—not the goddess. Unless she somehow imbued the harp with it after the dungeon was made? There’s still a lot I don’t understand about them.  Then again, it’s not like it matters. This is to pass the time.    

“That’s sad,” said Elly. “What happened next?”  

“War. The people who once danced and sang to her music picked up arms. They marched upon the tower, cutting a bloody path to the top. A group of her most loyal followers held the line to let their goddess escape, who left behind the harp. They say the goddess never returned to get it. The love of music left her soul. From that day onward... She never sang or played the harp because her broken heart couldn’t take it.”  

“…” Elly kept quiet.   

“No one knows if the Golden Harp, as described in the lore, even exists. Many have claimed to have found it during their numerous expeditions, but none have been verified.” 

It does. Gloria has it. I wonder why there’s only one? No, you can probably get multiple, but I bet the bitch destroys the rest. I wouldn’t put it past her to have spies posted around the tower. If she’s so crazy about music, I guess she wants to be the only owner.  

“So, the bosses are the ones who held the line?” asked Greggie.    

“Correct, sir. Their spirits still stand valiantly against all who wish to plunder the tower. It is a group fight, so it is more dangerous than dungeons of comparable level. Yet the loot quality is high. I recommend a day trip to the dungeon if you have the time. Even if you do not wish to enter, the tower is beautiful.”  

“It’s not on the schedule,” I said. “That may change because you’ve intrigued me. Are there any other dungeons nearby?”  

“The Whispering Caves lies beyond an underground maze an hour north of the city,” replied the guide without missing a beat. If nothing else, she was adept at her job. “Its notable equipment is the Lute of Whispering, an instrument that makes no noise when played. It is an item primarily used by mages to cast without speaking.”  

“An item like that can bridge the gap by giving the user the most powerful form of casting, but I do not recommend it,” commented Sera. “It is a crutch designed to make you complacent because you learn to rely on the item—not your own efforts-- which can negatively impact progress. It’s difficult to divorce the accessibility once you’re used to it.”  

“That sentiment is agreed upon by most, Lady Vredi. The lute is a rare drop. It’s believed that less than twenty exists within Dirge.”  

The guide is right, my lord. I’ve found 6 lutes matching the item she described.   

Does Gloria have one inside her vault? 

She does.   

“The Whispering Caves differ from the Gilded Tower, might I add, in that it has a restriction on who can enter. You must have a stringed instrument in your possession before entering the maze. You cannot lose it during the initial delve before entering the dungeon’s lobby. The Whispering Caves’ lore has nothing to do with the requirement. Scholars debate to this day that something must’ve been overlooked. There’s even a bounty if you can solve this mystery.”  

“What if there’s nothing to be solved?” asked Tris, who was already crunching theories.    

“That’s one interpretation,” replied the guide. “The scholars will accept that reasoning if you provide ample proof of your theory. Now, as for the history… Long ago, a siren was said to whisper windy echoes across the land. Her voice cut deep into the mountains, creating paths upon paths that intertwined with her whims. The siren used her voice to navigate, but one day, she suffered an illness, became mute, got lost, and could not find her way out.”  

“There’s nothing about a lute,” commented Quella.   

“Indeed. That’s why researchers have been stumped. Every dungeon with a requirement or restriction must make sense with the dungeon’s lore. The Whispering Caves is home to many vital materials used in constructing lutes. It’s where many of our businesses acquire their supplies. Therefore, many believe the answer is hidden in plain sight.”  

Everything is until it’s not. Rules of this world can be broken. They can be altered. I'm proof of that. 

“I take it the dungeon’s been investigated from top to bottom?” I asked.   

“More than once, Lord Springfield. Are you interested?”  

“I’d be lying if I said no. Maybe I’ll visit after we’ve taken care of business.”  

“I wish you well in your endeavor. Perhaps you’ll be the one to solve this mystery.”  

Tris?  

I’ve found notes relating to investigations into the dungeon, but it’s all theories. I won’t have anything concrete until it has been indexed.   

Okay. It’s not a huge priority for us.   

Of course, my lord. We have more important tasks to focus on. I believe our destination is approaching quickly. We should see it after we round this corner.   

The Grand Orchestra Hall came into view a few seconds later.  

“Woah…”  

“It’s so big…”  

“It’s certainly very grand…”  

Elly, Ami, and a quiet Melusine voiced their awe at the sight of the gargantuan building rising at the end of the street.  

“It never fails to impress me,” added Tilde. “Been a while since I last saw it, but it’s as beautiful as ever.”  

Our carriage slowed as we neared, and the structure’s imposing silhouette filled the horizon. Golden spires rose high, piercing the skies like holy lances, glinting beneath the morning sun. Rows of cascading steps led up to a series of massive, arched doors, each framed in intricate, gilded metalwork.  

The hall’s white stone walls shimmered—their glow echoing the radiant aura of the spires above. The stone facade was divided into partitions, each adorned with elaborate stained glass windows, with a peculiar, almost rhythmic positioning that felt… familiar somehow. I didn’t know why, so I asked.    

“Are those carvings in the glass?”  

“An excellent eye, Lord Springfield,” the guide replied, smiling. “Each panel captures a pivotal moment from a beloved play—a tribute to Lord Gloria’s boundless passion for the arts. Fortunately, we’ve arrived just in time to witness the secret they hold.”  

I was about to ask her to explain when it happened. 

A light behind the glass flickered and began to move along some hidden track, illuminating the windows from within. Through each panel, the light transformed still images into a living story. It was like an ancient form of animation, the shifting light bringing scenes to life in a style reminiscent of an old-timey cartoon.  

The guide gestured to the nearest window, its rich colors casting flickering patterns across the ground. “That’s from The Storm and the Stars, a famous tragedy of love and sacrifice. Here, you see Prince Arlan standing atop a cliff with his lover, gazing toward the heavens as a tempest swirls around them. It symbolizes undying love and the price of forbidden desires.”  

She pointed to another window, where a hero with a flowing cape and sword faced a darkened figure. “And this is from The Rise of Galadien, the tale of a humble bard gifted with magical song. In the final battle, his voice alone defeated the Dark Queen, bringing peace to the land. They say the song he sang that night is still performed each year in his home village—though its location has long been lost to history.”  

We watched in awe, captivated by the artistry, as the moving scenes continued to play for several more minutes. When the light finally flickered off, leaving the glass in silence...  

I felt genuine wonder.  

“That was impressive,” I said honestly.  

“Beautiful, too,” Ami added, her eyes still wide. “The colors were so vibrant.”  

“It pleases me to hear that,” the guide replied warmly, a hint of pride in her voice. “Now, would you like to see inside it?”  

“If you don’t mind,” I said. We disembarked before following the guide up the stairs. Two doormen in uniform greeted us with confident nods. They pushed the doors open, allowing us to enter.   

The outside didn’t disappoint, and neither did the inside. Immediately, my eyes went to the gigantic installations hanging on the walls. They were like the art you’d see painted on buildings for some advertisement, yet…  

“Those caught your wandering gazes, yes? Each is handcrafted by a master of the artistic technique most fitting the theme of whatever play it represents. That one,” the guide said, pointing to one that looked like it leaked smoke. “The style is called Ebonmosaic, crafted from shadow stones. They’re designed to look like moving silhouettes, so their position depends on your angle. In many ways, the viewer sees what they want, representing a denial to see the truth or a desire to visualize failure.”  

The one beside it was Celestial Ink Weaving, which involved drowning crystal threads sewn via a unique method in a heavily secret mixture of different inks. When viewed closely, the patterns can form swirling galaxies or constellations, hence the name. Sera said artists using this method attempt to capture specific moments that can’t be explained other than being caused by a force from beyond the outer limits of this world.   

Whispered Wood was a form of sculpting that used enchanted lumber to ‘remember’ sound.  Artisans shaped the branches and trunks to produce gentle resonances when touched, like playing an instrument. The guide said some Whispered Wood sculptures played stories or ancient songs, and they were highly regarded in temples where seekers listen to the wisdom of the ancestors in wooden form.  

“That’s three… So, what’s the fourth one? Why is it covered?” I asked.   

“The answer is this way.” We followed the guide across the ceramic floor, down a corridor, and stopped at another set of large doors. It had windows, but they were covered. She unlocked it with a key. 

We entered, and I heard…construction?  

“Renovations?” I asked.   

“That’s correct. The main hall is undergoing alterations to suit the new play representing the covered scroll. Have you noticed how empty the building is?”  

“Now that you mention it, I thought it was odd to be so quiet.”  

The guide continued explaining. “The citizens know something is happening, but that's it. It’s to be a surprise when all is said and done. You won’t find any advertisements until the finishing nail has been hammered.”  

“That’s an interesting method,” I said.    

“I’ve heard the local bars are taking bets on when and what will be announced.”  

“You don’t know either?”  

“I’m afraid I don’t, Lord Springfield. Only Lord Gloria, the crew, and a few others are aware. The construction is vague on purpose to 'set the stage,' if you will, for further assembly when the announcement date is close at hand.”  

We talked amongst ourselves while returning to the lobby, our voices echoing. Tilde admitted it had been a while since she saw a play. I didn’t remember the last time for me. I suppose I was vaguely interested in catching one, but—like with the two dungeons—attending one wasn’t on the docket until after our business had concluded.   

Even then… Hymn is waiting. We probably won’t stay here past the day after tomorrow.   

The tour didn’t end here. The guide had a list, so we were off again after returning to the carriage.