-Royal’s Gate-
Rel Er’anum, first son of the Human Realm’s final king, was a tall man with a dominating presence. Despite his age, he was very well built, with large muscles clearly visible through his tight shirt. He was older than Oroske, and his head was full of gray hairs.
The trip to the First Lord’s house took a fair bit of time, as it was at the West edge of the city, mere steps away from the Royal’s Gate. Kuro and Jarou had walked there at a leisurely pace, allowing Kuro to take in the sights of the city. They passed through the central plaza, which featured countless market stalls, haphazardly set up between and around an impressive set of nine statues of the eight Lords and their father, the final king. The king’s statue stood proud in the center of the plaza, and was by far the largest. It depicted the king as he was when he took the throne: a young man, barely twenty years old. A plaque on the statue’s base told of how he ascended to the throne after his mother, the previous ruler, passed away due to a mysterious illness. A section that was added later, told of his final decree, which resulted in the splitting of the royal family into eight families, each led by his children. He would die days after giving this decree, reportedly to the same illness that claimed his mother.
The other statues depicted the various lords and ladies at the same age, with Onn’anum’s having been completed within the last few months as the youngest just barely became of age. These statues had them kneeling towards their father, heads looking toward him. Each was made by a different sculptor, and had its own unique features. Uin Kats’anum’s statue was easy to recognize, and stood out as it featured an overly artistic rendition of their unique disposition and identity. It almost looked like two separate statues, cut in half and joined together, with one side depicting a beautiful woman in a flowing dress, and the other a stern man in a military uniform.
It was another thirty or so minutes of walking from the plaza to get to the lavish manor that the Er’anum family lived in. The top floor of the large house was visible even over the seven-foot stone fence. Beyond the fence was an expansive garden, with a greater variety of flowers and plants than Kuro had ever seen elsewhere. The lush greenery provided a striking contrast to the dark brown wood that covered the house. It seemed like a fairly typical house, with a styling similar to that of Oroske’s house. It was just bigger. Two or three times the size, for that matter.
Lord Er’anum opened the door himself, which surprised even Jarou. “Good morning, Hunters. How can I help you?” He asked, his voice deep and growly.
“Good morning, Lord Er’anum,” Jarou greeted, “We’re trying to gain information about the Necromancer that has recently made threats against you and the other Lords. We’re making our rounds to each Lord, and seeing if they have any information.”
“Ah, you two are the ones who got that job? Well, if your goal is to speak with all of the Lords, you’ve come at a good time, Ama Onn’anum is currently visiting. Please, come inside.”
Er’anum led the two to a sitting room near the back of the house, with large windows looking out at another expansive garden. The interior of the house was simple, yet elegant, with hardwood floors, clean beige walls tastefully decorated with paintings of various people and landscapes. Most doors in the hallway they walked through were closed, though Kuro caught a glimpse of what he guessed was Er’anum’s study, with a cluttered desk and bookshelves lining the walls.
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Ama Onn’anum, the youngest of the Lords, gave a stark contrast to his eldest brother. Ama had long, red-purple hair, and golden eyes that matched his earrings. He had a slim build and soft features. If Kuro didn’t know who he was looking at, he would have guessed he was a girl at first. Ama also contrasted his siblings in the style of clothing he wore, opting for a casual and comfortable look with loose fitting pants and a jacket probably a few sizes too big. He was also short, barely a few inches taller than Kuro was.
“Please, sit,” Er’anum said with a gesture towards some seats facing towards where Ama was sitting. After seating himself, he motioned for Kuro and Jarou to begin.
Kuro introduced them both, and gave Ama the same explanation Jarou had giving Er’anum.
“I see,” Onn’anum said, taking a moment to think with a hand on their chin, “I’m sorry to waste your time, but I’m afraid it seems you already know more than I do. My house and I have been busy with our preparations for our end-of-year festival, I’ve not had much time to look into this sort of thing.”
Kuro and Jarou nodded in unison, then looked to Er’anum. “I’m unfortunately in the same boat, though for different reasons. I’ve asked Aes to keep me posted on his investigation, but he hasn’t reported to me in a couple days. I would be lying if I said his silence didn’t make me worried.”
“That does sound concerning,” Jarou said, “Do you have any guesses as to the necromancer’s target?”
Er’anum shook his head, “There are reasons for all eight of us to be targeted. Despite us doing our best for our people, there are bound to be people unhappy with our rule. If I had to narrow it down at all, I would say the oldest four would be the most likely, as we often stepped in to fill in for our father when he was ill.”
“That does help, at least a little,” Kuro said. He and Jarou exchanged a look, before both nodding. Kuro continued, “Thank you for your time. If you gain any new information, please send it to the Tsumi embassy.”
“Thank you both for taking this job on,” Er’anum said, before getting up to walk them out.
“Another dead end, huh?” Kuro complained as they walked out onto the main street.
“It’s about lunch time, how about we take a break and get something to eat?” Jarou suggested.
“Yes, please. Know anywhere good?” Kuro was grateful for the mere idea of getting to sit down and enjoy a nice meal.
Jarou thought about it for a moment, “I know a few. There’s one I think you’d like in particular. Come on, it’s near the central plaza.”
Jarou led the way, but they were stopped not long after entering the plaza by another face Kuro recognized. Uin Kats’anum was leisurely strolling through the marketplace, dressed in a red suit that went nicely with his orange hair, which was tied in a low tail at his neck with a black ribbon. He’d spotted the two Hunters and approached them.
“I thought I recognized the two of you,” he said in a cheerful voice, “You’re Jarou, chosen of the Tsumi, right? And if I recall, your name is Kuro? We met during the Peace Party last year.”
Kuro was shocked he remembered him at all, let alone remembered his name. “Yes, that’s me,” he said, “I didn’t expect you to remember me.”
“I make an effort to remember everyone as best I can,” Uin said, “besides that, you gave me a good first impression. So, what brings the two of you to the Royal City?”
Jarou gave him their spiel, and explained they were on their way to lunch at the moment.
“I see, I see. Well, I don’t have much information about that whole deal, but I will suggest you make the Ten’anum household your next stop.” He paused, motioned for them to come closer, and whispered, “I don’t know if it’s related to the necromancer business, but there is definitely going on over there.” He pulled back, “Besides, if anyone knows anything it’d be Aes. He can’t help but stick his nose in every little thing that happens. You two enjoy your lunch, and rest assured if I learn anything new I’ll send the information over.”
“Thank you, Lord Kats’anum,” Jarou said, with Kuro echoing the sentiment.
The eccentric lord walked off, inspecting a stall that seemed to catch his eye. Jarou motioned for them to continue, and walked in the opposite direction.
