CHAPTER 428: Questions

Lady Nanami was quiet for a while as she looked at me. "That's a difficult topic. I have looked into it from our side but I have also gathered information here in Nethena. Officially you were the survivor of an attack on a caravan and having no relatives, or money, you were handed to the academy as a slave." Her eyes darkened as she mentioned that part. "However, they seemingly recovered enough information to know your first name and birthday."

"I don't remember anything before I was six years old. I only ever remember being at Rossalyn." I felt Hatsumi's hand on my shoulder giving me a reassuring squeeze.

"I don't trust any of Nethena's records to be honest, and as an outsider I assume a lot has been hidden from me." Nanami paused, while looking at me. "I suspect it has been hidden from you as well. You awakened late during an incident, correct?"

I nodded. "I tried to flee and ran into a death cloud during an auction…"

"The death cloud might have destroyed, or weakened, some form of curse on you. It's hard to say at this point. However, your past is still a mystery to me. In Kitara the news of your existence has caused a bit of a stir." She smiled. "At least after your talent was mentioned. Suddenly a lot of clans seem to be missing someone. How about you show me some of your creations, while we talk?"

"Uh, sure." I said and called for my crawler to step closer. "This Andy. We made him from different crawler parts and he has two chambers to spit liquids. I was thinking we could do two different types of infused water, or perhaps some infused blood? I can load him with liquids and then put a spell on them before firing."

Nanami touched the crawler. "Fascinating. That's some advanced creation you have here. I think Nyx might really be some sort of a pack-type, or even a horde-type."

"What's the difference?" I asked.

"A horde-type focuses on a large number of lower tier undead while a pack-type is more about a few higher tier undead." Nanami replied.

"You were mentioning some clans and their desire for Koyuki, I believe?" Kaito interjected.

Nanami sighed. "I did. I suspect that a few clans will send someone to interview you. The problem is that the Himura Clan, the strongest among the dark foxkin, is involved. They haven't officially claimed you but there was a significant reaction and they are spending resources to look into you."

"What clan are you from?" I asked.

A provenance note for this page: the author's chapter was copied without approval from the place where they publish it.

"A small clan, the Sonkei. We have a proud tradition of providing some Necatari though. My clan specialises in direct combat which is rarer for necromancers." Nanami replied.

"The centre of the pack needs to be protected." Garm's left head said. "We wouldn't dream of letting Koyuki just charge in." The right head added.

"We protect our Mistressss." Kyan added.

"Nanami can take a punch and can hold her own in stabbing range." Kotara said.

"How is your clan related to the Himura Clan?" Kaito asked.

"We are simply a small but respected clan and have a good relationship with the Himuras." Nanami replied.

"The real problem is, if Koyuki is related to them they are unlikely to let it go." Kotara said, while Nanami stared at him. He ignored her and continued: "They are rather important, you know. They influence imperial politics and are close to the emperor himself when it comes to powers. Kai Himura is the highest military leader and only answers to the emperor. If you are a close relative he is going to make a fuss."

"If." Nanami emphasised. "While your talent increases the likelihood that you are from a notable clan it doesn't guarantee it."

"It would be nice to meet some relatives, or my parents…" I said, then I looked at Hatsumi. "But my home is here and I am going to marry Helena."

"Just tell them you are here to enact divine retribution on the Samitsu Clan and can't leave until they are destroyed." Kotara suggested.

"We certainly have a grudge against Ilestria but I don't believe our Mistress plans on invading their kingdom." Kaito stated.

"That's fine. Just tell them you are working on it to get them off your back." Kotara suggested.

"It's not that easy, stop giving her such ideas!" Nanami protested.

"Eh, I like her and let's not forget that Garm has opened the door to a whole new world of fashion. We should stand behind Koyuki." Kotara said.

Nanami sighed. "Why don't you show me more about your undead? What's with that group of shamans who move curiously?"

"Oh, they are a linked group." I replied. I would need a lot of time to digest all the information she was providing. While she hadn't really given me any direct answers she had given me things to think about. And somehow it felt nice being in her presence. I almost felt like showing off to an aunt, or something? I wasn't familiar with having relatives, or family.

"What do you mean by that?" Nanami asked.

"We raised them together and they can share their mana and use it for their inborn abilities. They have a nice blood enhanced death cloud shield!" I said, then I ordered them to form one.

Nanami stared at them for a while. "This is…"

"Nyx is certainly some form of pack-type guardian." Kotara noted, while poking the death cloud with his paw. "It's a shame that I don't have the blood element. I feel like there is potential in this cloud. Although mine devours."

"Your cloud devours?" Hatsumi asked.

Kotara nodded, then he asked: "You are aware of devouring in general?"

"Yes." Hatsumi replied.

"Good. I have managed to add a devouring aspect to my death cloud. I still have to consume the remains of what it kills but it helps to preserve some of the mana of my prey. It doesn't feed the cloud itself though, it only feeds me." He said.

"Meow." Nyx looked at him and licked her lips.

"It's a personal ability." Kotara said, while Nyx looked disappointed.

I spent a bit more time with Nanami and Kotara and showed them my undead, without telling them how I made them. They seemed rather impressed and I felt proud. Overall it had been a nice conversation and I felt I had gotten a bit closer to learning about my past.