Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess - Chapter 269 - Behind the mask

Leaving the gallery, Scarlett wove her way through the bustling crowd as she exited the Emperor’s Forum with the weight of numerous gazes pressing upon her. The attention was far more palpable than what she’d experienced during the banquet, but that wasn’t particularly surprising given her recent brief role as the centerpiece of the proceedings. As she began navigating the extravagant corridors of Dawnlight Palace, the throng of people gradually dispersed around her, with most returning to the banquet hall for the intermission, while others drifted into ornate lounges that dotted the spacious hallways.

Palace attendants stood at attention here and there, their postures straight and expressions neutral as they were ready to cater to the guests’ whims. Scarlett veered down a less-traveled hallway, her footsteps echoing softly as she made her way to the ladies’ room.

The restrooms in Dawnlight Palace were a marvel of opulence, their walls adorned with intricate gold filigree that caught the warm light of crystal chandeliers, while wide mirrors polished to a fine sheen reflected the grandeur. Individual chambers, presumably fit for royalty and their esteemed guests, offered privacy to those seeking it, but Scarlett didn’t linger to admire the decor. She bided her time near the entrance, watching as a couple of ladies walked past, their curious and perplexed whispers not escaping her notice.

When she was sure there were no eyes upon her, Scarlett activated her [Charm of Expeditious Change]. In an instant, her attire shifted, and a hood appeared to obscure her face. Carefully, she peered back into the corridor outside, her gaze landing on a servant passage she’d noted earlier. A lone guard stood sentry, rigid and alert.

Invoking the ability of her [Garments of Form], Scarlett was enveloped by a swirl of mist. In the blink of an eye, she materialised inside the passage, leaving the guard none the wiser. Walking with deliberate slowness, she moved forward, her senses heightened as she listened for any approaching footsteps. Considering her distance from the banquet hall, though, there would likely be fewer attendants in this area.

Her recollection of the palace layout was hazy at best, not to mention mostly based on an outdated game map, but she had a general sense of her bearings. The unadorned servant passages proved more navigable than the main corridors, and she ascended several floors as she searched for her destination.

As long as she stayed clear of the imperial quarters and certain other heavily guarded areas, she should be fine. Worst-case scenario, she could probably talk her way out of any unexpected encounters, but it would be a nuisance.

After some educated guesswork and careful exploration, Scarlett found herself in a hallway that seemed more familiar than the others. She stayed close to a wall as two servants bustled past, their arms laden with polished silver trays. Once they were out of sight, she continued her search.

Rounding a corner, she spotted a door at the hallway’s end, flanked by two palace guards. Her brow creased in mild surprise. She hadn’t expected it to be guarded. That complicated matters somewhat.

After a moment’s deliberation, she decided a direct approach was the best option. Especially considering who she was meeting. With a thought, her clothes shimmered and transformed back into the elegant gown she had worn earlier. She strode down the hallway with purposeful steps, maintaining the air of someone who belonged there. The guards’ eyes tracked her movement as they spotted her, hands resting lightly on the hilts of their weapons, poised but not overtly threatening.

As she reached them, Scarlett briefly considered trying a polite smile, but quickly abandoned that idea. Instead, she fixed the guards with a steady gaze. “Is this room’s incumbent currently inside?”

One guard eyed her closely. “No, they’re not. Your Ladyship, may I ask what business brings you here?”

Before Scarlett could respond, a silvery voice interjected from behind. “I believe she’s here to meet with me.”

Scarlett turned to see a woman approaching with poised grace. The newcomer’s raven hair cascaded over a resplendent violet gown that glinted like dragon scales in the hallway’s light. An ambiguous smile played on her lips as she stalked forward, an elaborate silver staff clasped in one hand.

Scarlett frowned slightly. She hadn’t even noticed the woman’s arrival.

“Lady Blackwood!” Both guards snapped to attention.

Evelia Blackwood, the Imperial Advisor, came to a stop beside Scarlett. The woman’s gaze swept over her with undisguised mirth. “My, what an intriguing visitor I have this time,” she mused in an amused tone. “To think you’d trouble yourself to come all this way.” Her lips curled into a wider smile, revealing perfect white teeth. “A simple letter would have sufficed, you know.”

With a graceful flick of her wrist, the door before them swung open. Evelia stepped inside, leaving Scarlett to cast a final glance at the guards before following. The door closed behind them with a soft, gentle click.

The room beyond was a spacious and elegant office, dominated by a massive desk at one end, its surface adorned with neatly arranged stacks of documents and various instruments. Towering bookshelves laden with tomes lined the walls, and a single glass door led to a balcony, offering a full view of the night sky reflected in the frozen waters of Rellaria Lake, the ice glittering under the moonlight.

“I believe this is our first face-to-face meeting,” Blackwood remarked casually, her back to Scarlett as she crossed the room. She released her grip on the silver staff, which remained upright on its own. “I’m curious what could have brought Baroness Hartford to my door at such an hour.”

Scarlett’s eyes followed the woman as she paused by an ornate cabinet, picking up a delicate porcelain cup. Whatever liquid was within began steaming gently, its exotic aroma filling the room.

“You may dispense with the charade,” Scarlett said. “I am not here to speak with Evelia Blackwood.”

The woman’s head turned, eyebrows rising as she locked gazes with Scarlett. For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, a lilting laugh escaped her as she set down her cup with a soft clink. “Alright, have it your way.”

A bright aura enveloped her form, melting away the illusion to reveal a tall, lithe figure clad in golden yellow robes with stark red lining. The upper half of her face was obscured by a white marble mask, its edges traced with golden inlays and its eye sockets holding gleaming scarlet rubies. The visible skin beneath the mask was unnaturally pale, practically white, and a knowing smirk played across a pair of bright red lips.

“Come here often, hmm?” Mistress almost purred, regarding Scarlett. “It’s been quite some time since we last met, hasn’t it? You’ve certainly been keeping yourself busy. I’ve been following your escapades closely, particularly what happened in Crowcairn. Riveting stuff, that.”

“I am not here for idle chatter, Mistress,” Scarlett replied curtly, striding across the room towards a granite stand in the corner. Atop it sat an object resembling a bronze armillary sphere, its intricate rings gleaming in the dim light.

“I’m sure you aren’t, darling.” Mistress watched with unconcealed interest as Scarlett touched different spots on the sphere’s poles and rings with practiced movements. Suddenly, the device blazed to life, and the office around them seemed to blur and twist, colors bleeding together before resolving into a vast, underground stone chamber. The transition was so smooth and seamless that it felt as if reality itself had shifted around them.

This new space was a veritable wonderland of arcane artifacts and paraphernalia, looking every bit the secret laboratory of a master mage. Scarlett’s eyes moved from one magical contraption to the other, Thainnith’s legacy whispering in her mind to offer hints about their purposes and powers.

“Now that’s curious,” Mistress said, her tone a mixture of amusement and fascination. “Unless I’ve let something slip during some drunken revelry I can’t recall, that device is supposed to be a closely guarded secret. One that fewer than a handful of people would even have any idea exists, let alone know how to activate. And you, Baroness, are most certainly not on that very short list.”

Scarlett turned to face Mistress, her expression carefully neutral. “Are you truly surprised?”

“I am, actually,” the masked woman replied. She studied Scarlett in silence for a few moments, her piercing ruby eyes seemingly delving into one’s very soul. Then, with a casual snap of her fingers, her silver staff, which hadn’t joined them in the underground chamber, materialized in her hand. Its appearance shifted as the metal darkened to a deep, smoky grey, its head transforming into an intricate arrangement of curled bronze, crowned by a small, pulsing azure gem. “And that’s me being honest, as utterly repugnant as the notion may be.”

With graceful steps, Mistress approached the center of the chamber, where a complex array of runes and sigils was carved into the stone floor. She placed her staff at the heart of the array, leaving it standing upright as she returned her attention to Scarlett. “So, what’s given me the honor of your seeking me out tonight?” A note of genuine curiosity crept into her voice. “I’d ask how you knew of my little alter-ego, but that’s hardly a tenth as surprising as what you just did, frankly.”

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Scarlett’s gaze drifted to the array, studying it. She wasn’t entirely sure, but it appeared to be some form of sophisticated arcane infrastructure, perhaps designed to channel and distribute mana throughout the hidden chamber. The faintly glowing sigils pulsed with an otherworldly rhythm, and the staff practically resonated with energy.

After a few seconds, she looked back at Mistress, assessing her. “Before I offer you my answer, there is something I would like to know.”

“I imagine so,” the woman said, her tone turning dry. “And I’m the unfortunate soul who has to enlighten you, I take it?”

“If you would be so kind.”

Mistress exhaled in a dramatic sigh. “Only if you swear not to breathe a word of it to anyone. I can’t very well have my reputation sullied by people thinking I’m developing a conscience or any such nonsense.”

“You have my word.”

“Then, by all means, proceed.”

Scarlett studied her for a moment, then spoke. “The proposal to establish the magical barrier preventing the Cabal’s teleportation across the empire — was that your design?”

The woman’s mouth curved into a more pronounced smirk. “What makes you think that? Is it simply because I vouched for its effectiveness? I was far from the only mage to do so — though admittedly, I was by far the most competent.”

“Your endorsement is not my only reason for suspicion,” Scarlett said.

Mistress hadn’t invested years crafting her ‘Imperial Advisor’ persona for no reason. While perhaps not as malevolent and straight-out dangerous as the Hallowed Cabal, Mistress was still pursuing the Seals of Thainnith for her own purposes, without consideration for others. Her role as an advisor to the emperor was simply a means to her final goal.

“Tell me,” Scarlett pressed, “will this barrier truly function as Lord Withersworth and the others claimed?”

Mistress tilted her head, the rubies in her mask glinting ominously. “My, my. Is the word of several esteemed mages—myself included—not enough to convince our illustrious Baroness?”

“It is your word in particular that gives me pause.”

It would have been easier to trust it if Scarlett had heard about this in the game, but she hadn’t. Perhaps if she could examine whatever ‘blueprint’ existed for the proposed barrier’s array, she might be able to at least partially confirm it with the aid of Thainnith’s legacy.

A low chuckle escaped Mistress. “How charmingly insulting. I’ll try not to feel offended, but there’s little reason for deception here.” She began to pace, her robes touching the floor. “Blocking the Cabal’s oh-so-impressive teleportation trick is, in fact, remarkably straightforward. It always has been, even for the empire’s…” She paused, tapping a long finger against her chin. “Shall we say, less gifted practitioners? Dawnlight Palace has long employed such defences. The real challenge lies in applying the same principles on a wider scale, and the Kilnstone affords a rather convenient solution to that.”

“I see…” Scarlett’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then, suppose that I take you at your word. Were you the architect of this proposal or not?”

Even if Mistress wasn’t outright lying, it was entirely possible she had manipulated Lord Withersworth and the others into pushing for the motion during the conclave.

“Believe it or not, I wasn’t,” the woman answered casually, turning to face Scarlett once more. “And before you ask — no, I don’t know who was. Judging by the configuration of the array I was presented, I’d have wagered on our mutual acquaintance, Warley Godwin, but I find that unlikely.”

“Even if you did not set these events into motion,” Scarlett said, “surely you recognised the opportunity they presented.”

A beat of silence followed, and Mistress’ smile took on a dangerous edge. “This, Baroness, is why you’re my favorite. While other troglodytes flounder around in blissful ignorance, you consistently manage to pierce that veil. But knowledge, darling, can be a double-edged sword. Not to mention awfully inconvenient.”

“I will take that as confirmation.” Scarlett did not let herself be affected by the unspoken threat in those words.

A palpable tension hung between them for several seconds before dissipating as Mistress gave a light shrug and turned away. “What can I say? The opportunity practically presented itself on a silver platter, and I’ve always had a weakness for easy opportunities.”

The woman strolled over to a large pillar near the wall, where a set of intricate metallic frames was set up. Scarlett recognised those as a Zuverian artifact meant for establishing communication networks, though it seemed to have been altered from what she knew to expect of its original design.

As Mistress began making subtle adjustments to the device, her fingers dancing over a set of intricate controls on its side, she continued speaking. “Naturally, the final decision rests with our illustrious emperor.” Her tone practically dripped with sarcasm. “That man is perpetually mired in caution, as if the sycophants surrounding him weren’t shield enough. How much simpler it would be if he’d just dance to my every tune like a good little sovereign.”

“His Majesty is not your personal plaything,” Scarlett said sharply.

Mistress paused, turning back with an amused quirk on her lips. “Well, that’s a surprise. You’re quite the loyal subject, aren’t you? It’s almost endearing. Though I’m not quite sure a truly loyal subject would dabble in Vile-summoning and backroom deals with the Hallowed Cabal.”

Scarlett’s features hardened, her eyes glinting like steel. “…Neither of us is in a position to speak of loyalty.”

“No, perhaps not.” The woman returned her attention to the artifact.

Scarlett observed her for a few moments longer before speaking, her voice low. “I will not interfere with your plans for the barrier, but you would do well not to compromise its primary purpose.”

She found herself conflicted on the topic. Part of her was tempted to help overturn the proposal, but she also recognised that it could bring about a lot of good. The inability to use the Kilnstones and the unpredictability it would create would be inconvenient, but it could be a worthwhile trade-off if it allowed the empire a chance to stabilise and recover. And if Mistress wanted to piggyback on its implementation for her own ends, Scarlett wouldn’t stop her. Nor could she, at the moment.

Mistress waved a dismissive hand, not bothering to look back. “Don’t fret your pretty little head about that. Though I can scarcely fault you for your concern. After all, you stand to benefit more than most from that endeavour.”

Scarlett’s brow furrowed. “What exactly are you implying?”

“Come now, you don’t think those pylons Withersworth droned on about will manifest from thin air, do you?” Mistress finished whatever adjustment she’d done to the metallic frames, stepping back as arcs of dark, ethereal lightning suddenly started dancing between them, forming a shimmering arch-like construct. The eerie light cast strange shadows across her mask as she continued, “These pylons are hungry beasts — they will require mana and rare materials like you wouldn’t believe. Their placement is crucial, and while most cities only have their mage towers to offer, Freybrook just so happens to have a hidden gem.”

Realisation dawned on Scarlett, her eyes widening slightly. “You are referring to my mansion.”

“What else?” Mistress replied. “That quaint little Icon-infused detritus of yours might as well have been tailor-made for this. Using it instead of Brook Tower could save the empire tens of millions in solars and magical materials, not to mention manpower. No doubt you’ll be ‘generously encouraged’ to offer your humble abode for the illustrious safety of this glorious empire. And the best part? You’ll barely have to lift a finger. The countless fortifications that’ll be used to safeguard the pylon? Consider it a gift with the purchase. How fortuitous, wouldn’t you say?”

Scarlett fell silent, mulling over this information. Would they really try to use her mansion as one of the pylons for the barrier? The prospect was both intriguing and concerning. Sure, if she was rewarded for it, that might be a good thing. But what if it limited her freedom or made her a target? What were the benefits and the risks? Did she even have a real choice if it concerned the empire’s safety and such vast resources?

She’d need to look into that further later on.

Suddenly, Mistress snapped her fingers once more, and the shimmering arch construct before her expanded, now towering at nearly twice her height. Scarlett’s brow arched in light perplexity, her eyes darting between Mistress and the imposing phenomenon. What was the woman up to?

“You know,” Mistress hummed, “if you’re interested, I could whisper a word or two in the emperor’s ear to secure you certain…additional perks.” She fixed Scarlett with a calculating look. “Lucky for you, Auntie Mistress has been viewing you in a rather favorable light ever since learning what you did with that squalid excuse for a Vile.” Her mouth curled into an almost predatory grin. “I do wish I could have witnessed it firsthand, but alas, fate is a fickle mistress.”

“Indeed,” Scarlett said, her attention now focused on the shimmering gateway—if that’s what it was—studying it warily. “…What is that?” she eventually asked.

Whatever Mistress had done with the device, it clearly wasn’t doing what it was originally designed for.

“You can consider it a wake-up call, if you will,” the woman answered. “Or bait. Nothing to worry about, though you’re certainly welcome to if you’d like. We’ll have to wait and see if something bites.”

“I see…” Scarlett remained silent for a moment, continuing to examine the magical construct before refocusing on Mistress. “Regarding your generous offer to whisper my name in the emperor’s ears — I would prefer if you did not.” She’d rather not get involved with Mistress’ other persona more than necessary. “Though I must admit, I am surprised that you would offer at all. It was my understanding that my actions in Crowcairn directly interfered with your plans for Anguish.”

Mistress shook her head. “Hardly. That was, at most, an amusing side project. It would have been entertaining to see her reduced to a gibbering wreck devoid of any Authority, but I’m a pragmatic pessimist at heart. Or at least in what remains of it, I’m sure. I barely expected much to come of it, so this outcome is satisfactory enough.”

“A side project? I somehow doubt that Malachi shared that sentiment regarding your involvement.”

“Should I be held responsible for whatever fanciful notions those around me conjure up?” Mistress asked, her tone mockingly innocent. “I’m inclined to say no.” She cocked her head somewhat. “Though I will grant you that Malachi did disagree rather vehemently at first.”

“You have been in contact with her since then?” Scarlett asked in mild surprise. She’d heard nothing at all from Malachi or the Blazes in general since Crowcairn, but she supposed Mistress did have ways of interacting with both that she didn’t.

“On occasion,” Mistress replied. “It pays to keep lines open with the new ruler of one of the six Blazes, fledgling and quasi-Vile though they may be.”

“I would not have thought Malachi to simply forgive and forget.”

“Forgive? Oh, far from it.” The woman laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls. “It took more than a few attempts just to keep her from trying to reduce my existence to leftover effluvia on mere sight, but I am nothing if not resilient.”

Scarlett folded her arms. “Resilient, perhaps, but not a dependable ally. How did you convince her?”

“Malachi and I were never allies to begin with,” Mistress said indifferently. “Occasional collaborators, at best. I provided the woman what she desired, and whatever might have transpired because of this if it weren’t for your involvement wasn’t much of my concern. She’s no fool, so she saw that as well, eventually.”

“You are as callous as always.”

“You flatter me. But that’s beside the point. While I’d love to engage in witty repartee all night, time does happen to be of the essence. So, let us cut to the chase.” The woman fixed her with her gaze. “I’ve indulged your curiosity about the barrier and our dear Vile friend. Now, what’s the real purpose behind this little visit of yours?”

Scarlett eyed her, then let her arms fall as she activated her [Charm of Expedient Exchange] to bring out her [Pouch of Holding]. From its depths, she produced the [Firefox Charm] and [Sacred Flame]. “I require your expertise.”