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[Blade Master Model 42]

Shaelynn did her part in looking around this time, but there was simply nothing to find. "Why would they simply throw their water aside? They would have left other things here if they intended to return."

[CrimsonEon]

: "Hm..."
Jann paused, raising his hand up to his chin in consideration, glancing at Shaelynn.
: "My bet would be that this isn't just some bounty or loose request put out, someone hired these folk. And at the same time, they took pains to ensure that their help would cover their tracks. Someone really has it out for you, and doesn't want you to know who they are."
He shrugs.
: "Looks like you've got an armful of trouble on your hands."

[Haspen]

"Nothing remains for us but to continue to the University." Captain Astleich took a deep breath and turned towards Jann.

"Mister Jann, you shall accompany us for the time being. First, we need to investigate this attempt at our - yours included - lives. Secondly, we must if and what connection it is between our investigation and this attack. Thirdly, we can't be sure that there aren't others who might chance upon you and murder you in cold blood once you separate from us."

[CrimsonEon]

: "Just what I needed today..."
The axeman's gaze turns to the captain, with a mixture of suspicion and frustration.
: "...So, an investigation? You're going to have to fill me in before I let myself get dragged around. What are you Reichlanders doing that would draw this kind of attention?"

[Haspen]

Captain Astleich thought for a moment.

"I am willing to share details with you, but first let me ask: will you use this information against the Reich in any way?"

[CrimsonEon]

The axeman, in turn, did some thinking of his own as he gauged the various Reichlanders that made up the Captain's entourage.
: "..."
He shook his head.
: "Only on condition that whatever plans you're sitting on are not directed to harm the Troian people."

[Blade Master Model 42]

"Certainly not. The people of the Overseasland are subjects of the Reich as well. Their safety is chief among our concerns."

[Haspen]

"I would lie if I said that I know an answer to your question. Currently, we're investigating connections of those responsible for massacre at Abado, where many of your countrymen were brutally killed."

[CrimsonEon]

Jann's mouth slanted as the word "Overseasland" left Shaelynn's mouth, but he immediately shot to attention when the Captain mentioned Abado.
: "You're investigating what happened at Abado? I heard mention about it, but I didn't think the Reich was one to actually investigate."
: "...Fine, so long as this investigation doesn't end up risking Troian civilians, I'll keep my nose out of Reich business. If that's no longer true or if your superiors decide to pull you off, we go our separate ways. Good enough?"

[Haspen]

"It's might be more than Abado. It was a false flag operation that aimed at discrediting the Reich by planting Reich-like weapons on the massacre site. We've managed to foil that plan. Governor's agents found the workshop that supplied them, and was located in the Blumhart catacombs. It was destroyed, however, and now we're en route to Goveron Univeristy, for its current headmaster, Archibald Bonefaz, might be involved with the rebels." Captain Astleich rubbed his chin.

"Probably the faculty too... but why Reich's own high officials would plot against it? Who else is involved, and are there actual Overseaslanders behind this? Well, the Governor and I hope to find out. Are you with us, Mister Jann?"

[CrimsonEon]

: "..."
Jann glared at the captain for a few moments, as if sizing him up. After a few moments, he relents.
: "For a massacre like that, justice should be done, whether the perpetrators are Reich or Troian."
The axeman heaved a sigh.
: "So long as you're committed to finding the answers, whatever they are, I'll cooperate."

[Haspen]

"Pleases me to hear that, Mister Jann." The Captain turned to his team.

"It doesn't seem that we will find anything here. We should resume our trip to Goveron University."

[GiglameshDespair]

"It's a good thing you can always trust a random person you met in the woods being chased by murderers."
"Glad to have you onboard."

[CrimsonEon]

: "Murderers that were going after your own, no less."
Jann sighed and shrugged.
: "Unless you would've preferred that they had the time to properly set up their ambush."

[Haspen]

"Let's move."

Chapter 3: The Goveron University

Ah, the Goveron University! Centre of learning, enchanting, and manufacture of arcane items for this side of Overseasland! And, apparently, of rebel activity as well!...

It was quite filled with people at the moment, too. The gates were wide open, and pack mules and horses were being led in and out by, quite possibly, merchants of esoteric material. Happy and relaxed students were leaving in pairs and groups for the surrounding inns, taverns, brot- markets and shops. Those coming in looked like learned persons and researchers and sages of their own.

There was also a lot of militia keeping an eye on those coming and going. Captain Astleich approached one of them.

"Greetings, Captain Astleich of the Reich Army. I wish to inquire whether you could ask Lord Archibald Bonefaz for an audience, in my name? We have urgent matters to discuss, including report of an assault on the way here."

"Lord Bonefaz is busy at a meeting right now."

"I see... can you ask your superior to come, then?"

"Captain Oislef has left on a trip to his family home-"

"His assistant, then. Surely someone in charge is currently available." The maceman glared at Captain Astleich, smacked his lips, and then grumbled.

"I will get the Sergeant for you. Also get inside, don't block the passageways. We're busy." The maceman led the grup inside the main building.

The pillared hall was four-story high, and the balconies and corridors and staircases were flooded with people - students mingling up with noble-looking ladies and gentlemen, snobby scholars squeezed between merchants whose servants were carrying staves, heavy tomes, bottles and boxes in big heaps.

The tall statue of one of the Emperors, dominated the centre of the courtyard, however - a tall man in his thirties, supporting himself with a simple walking stick. A large plaque, with letters large enough to be read from afar, said:

'TO OUR BENEFACTOR, EMPEROR
MATIAS I, FOR HIS GENEROSITY
AND SUPPORT OF MAGICAL ARTS.
----ERECTED IN YEAR 350----'

A rather short line-up of busts of elderly-looking men stood on the right side of the courtyard, not far from the statue.

"Elegant statue." The Captain commented, which seemed to displease the maceman.

"Right. Stay here then, I will fetch the Sergeant." The Captain placed his hands at his belt then, and seemingly was content with waiting as ordered.