I Know What You Did Last Isekai - Chapter 3

The rough draft continues!

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The Council Chamber was a large room directly beneath the atrium, sequestered away in the event the city came under attack.  The room itself was lit up by magical light bright enough to confuse it for being outdoors.  The polished marble floors reflected that light, amplifying the effect to the point that it was almost blinding. 

It made Kimbree want to reach out and smother it until the illumination was at a more comfortable level.  She knew the controls existed to do just that, but each and every time she attended the council someone ensured it was as bright as possible.  While none on the council knew the truth of the summoning, enough had been said to infer that her family had indeed attempted to consort with the Dark Goddess Lilim.

The light was an intentional snub, and one she refused to let bother her.

Several at the table had turned to regard her arrival with varied emotions.  Another thing that stood out were the hair colors.  Most commoners had hair similar enough to Earth, but the nobility often had bright and cheerful colors that were unnatural to her old sensibilities.  Her own hair had been black before she was reborn, now it was a deep blue.

One woman with bright pink hair glared at her with barely concealed disdain.  “Ah, Kimbree finally deigns herself to arrive.” 

Joanne was the resident Council gossip, and had never stopped being suspicious of Kimbree from the moment the council was informed of her survival.  At least two votes had been cast on whether or not to execute her, and she had voted in favor on both occasions.  Another had voted for her death, and he sat opposite of Kimbree’s own seat at the table.

The table dominated the center of the chamber, made of a rich hardwood that never failed to impress with the wealth needed to craft such a thing.  It had been shaped by magic in such a way that the grain of the wood formed beautiful mosaics depicting places within the realm of Arcadia.  It was a stylistic map of the realm, with landmarks exaggerated for effect.  Atop the table were silver trays lined with meats, cheese, and bread as well as a few cuttings of fruit.  Cups sat alongside pitchers as well, though her own would only contain water, she knew that several had theirs filled with wine.

The usual suspects continued to sneer at her, but she was well used to it.  With a simple bow she made her way to her place at the table.  Kimbree’s own seat sat in front of a depiction of the Cascadia Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that fell for so long that the waters disappeared into mist.  They could be found in the North-eastern mountains near the border with the Kingdom of Alvon and one day she hoped to see them in person.

“I was unaware we were starting early,” she said, pulling out a bound book and began to write. 

One of the kinder souls on the council, Gerard, offered her a soft smile.  “Still keeping your journal?” 

“Indeed,” Kimbree said, noting down the date and time of the meeting, as well as who had insulted her.  That part was just a bit of petty catharsis.  “Did I miss anything aside from updates on whose wife might be seeing whom behind their back?” 

A few chuckles came from those seated around the table, along with several scowls.  Kimbree knew that at least two members of the council were having affairs, but it didn’t really concern her over-much.  Blackmail was a bit unsavory, but she liked having the option tucked away for a rainy day. 

Henry scoffed, tousling his green hair.  “There isn’t much on the docket today.  The progress review of your school proposal, some discussions about expanding the gardens this summer, and a missive from Alvon about a coming delegation.” 

A delegation?  That was new.  Kimbree and Chandler shared a look from their positions at the table.  Either the letter only recently arrived or the council had concealed it from her for some reason.  It wouldn’t be the first time they had done so, mostly due to the fears of corruption from the ritual.  Even now, nearly five years later, people were still wary.  The worst part was that their fears did have some merit. 

Maester Chandler cleared his throat.  “I was not informed of this delegation.  Is there a reason the clergy were kept in the dark on this matter?” 

“None at all,” Henry lied smoothly.  “We only just received the missive this morning.  Since we’re on the topic, shall we have it read for the whole council?” 

Joanne grinned.  “By all means.” 

“Very well,” Henry said, standing.  “Hark, fair allies.  May the Creator smile upon the lands of Arcadia for all days!  Alvon entreats ye to welcome our honored guests with open arms as they continue their journey to attain the Holy Relics and slay Lilim; the Dark Goddess reborn.” 

“A herald?” Kirkland asked.

Vance seemed concerned by the news, his sharp mind no doubt racing through the implications of the news.  “The Holy Relics?  I thought those were a myth.” 

Kimbree sat completely still, schooling her features as she took in the rather short missive.  The Holy Relics were ancient tools used by the ancient hero that banished Lilim from the world.  She wasn’t sure how long ago that battle had occurred as accounts differed greatly from one source to the next, but everything she had learned pointed towards it being true history and not just myth. 

“Can we be certain these heroes are not impostors?” 

Chandler’s question stilled the fervid discourse almost immediately, inviting pensive expressions as the council considered it.  Alvon didn’t have the greatest of relations with Arcadia, but there hadn’t been open conflict in generations.  Unfortunately, there had been false heroes over the years which made the question a prudent one.  It was a common enough scam that rarely extended beyond a few small towns along the borderlands. 

It was the timing that made Kimbree pause.  Given Alvon was sending them on their way, it wasn’t a stretch to consider that they might have been active for some time.  Her own arrival in the world had caused aetheric ripples that continued to reverberate.  Had some group picked up on those signs and fostered an intrepid band with the intent of defeating the unknown darkness that had come to their world? 

There were too many questions, and Kimbree would be under renewed scrutiny the moment they arrived.  Her eyes flicked through the council, and her eyes met one who failed to hide the upturn of their lips.  As expected, it was a trap.  Someone was hoping to bait her into acting as the evil monster so they could finally have an excuse to put her down. 

Well, she wasn’t going to rise to the bait.  Getting a second chance at life wasn’t something she would squander, now or ever.  Besides, Kimbree liked to think of herself as a good person, which was why she needed to get the meeting back on track. 

“We can figure out an approach to these heroes once we’ve taken their measure tomorrow.  For now we should focus on the current issues that can be addressed today.” 

“Like your commoner school?”

Kimbree nodded, though she was a bit annoyed that several council members were outright ignoring her to continue discussing the coming heroes and what festivities would be appropriate.  “Already we are seeing a marked increase in literacy among the students chosen.  Common birth does not mean they are incapable of learning.  They just need the opportunity to excel.” 

Kirkland pulled his attention from the discussion on a festival for the heroes’ arrival and gave her statement some consideration.  “Hiring tutors versed in the mystic arts is a fair step beyond simple literary tutors.  The cost alone would be extraordinary.” 

“Most likely,” Kimbree agreed.  “Not every student will make it, just as not everyone here could shape clay into a passable bowl.”  A few scoffed at the comparison, but it served to get them paying attention again.  “Talents come in many forms.  I just want to ensure we don’t lose out on something wonderful just because the next archmage was forced to work as a cobbler.” 

Joanne waved dismissively.  “It’s your money to waste.” 

“I don’t see it as a waste,” Kimbree said, keeping her growing irritation in check.  It would work, but she couldn’t just tell them it was an idea from her old world.  That would be all but admitting that the ritual had worked and summoned something it shouldn’t have.  “I know I’ll see results.”

Gerard popped a grape in his mouth, offering her a grin.  “Then you can reap the benefits.  If this truly does excel as you think, then the benefits will reflect on your family for generations to come.” 

Henry was swirling his wineglass in a clear show of disinterest.  “Yes, while the little rodents being able to recognize their letters is admirable, it is not proof that we should invest so heavily into educating them.” 

The blatant classism of the nobles was something that she had grown to tolerate, much in the same way she had to tolerate the assholes back on Earth.  Dealing with them remained one of the few times she felt the itch to take off the veil and use her abilities to their fullest.  Nothing productive would come from it, and it would mean the end of her new life as she knew it.

“We all have our vanity projects,” Gerard said.  “My grandfather pushed for the atrium to be constructed and look at how that legacy has endured.  Where will your trained peasants be in a decade?” 

Showing entire generations that they too can be more than the nobility insist.  That they too can claim something better for themselves.  Too much progress at once could invite backlash, which was why Maester Chandler had insisted she use her own funds for the project.  It was also why she kept bringing it up to the council despite getting minimal support from them. 

She wanted them to see the progress, and know that they had a chance to reap some of the benefits for themselves.  Maybe that was a bit malicious of her, but she was trying to do right by her new home.

“Oh who cares about that,” Joanne said.  “We need to prepare an appropriate greeting for the coming heroes!” 

“Even if they turn out to be false prophets?” Maester Chandler asked. 

The woman grinned wide.  “Especially if they do.  If Alvon insists on such mummery, then we can demand reparations.” 

“Not that they would agree,” Vance said, adopting a sinister grin. 

Kimbree’s stomach dropped.  Surely they weren’t suggesting war so casually? 

“It won’t come to that,” Maester Chandler interjected firmly.  “We are all servants of the Creator.  If these heroes turn out to be imposters, then surely Alvon will thank us for uncovering their deception.” 

“You aren’t wrong, honored Maester.” Joanne frowned, puffing on her pipe.  “Kimbree, why don’t you be the one to greet them?  Actually, we should make you the council’s liaison for all their dealings in our lands!”

“Is that wise?” Maester Chandler asked.  “Kimbree was only recently cleared to assume her family’s seat on the council.” 

Henry waved him off.  “If she can sit on the council then she can perform this duty for us.” 

“Quite right.” Gerard said, surprising her. 

Usually he wouldn’t be one to go along with such a blatant farce, but he just shot her a smile and wink.  Clearly he knew something she didn’t, and unfortunately this wasn’t the place for her to question him.  After the meeting adjourned they would need to have a discussion, and hopefully he would have some answers as to what the hell had just dropped into her lap.

Henry rapped his knuckles on the table, drawing all eyes to him.  “What of when they leave Arcadia’s walls?  Surely their journey will venture far and wide.  Would it not be best for our liaison to accompany them?

“It would allow the council to keep an eye on these potential pretenders,” Joanne said, lighting up a pipe before taking a slow puff of the sweetgrass.  “If they are to run about our lands, it would be best if one of our own were to keep them in check.” 

“That is a brilliant idea.”  Henry turned, regarding her with a triumphant expression.  “Just think, all those accusations that continue to hang over your family, what better way to dispel them than to assist the heroes in vanquishing the Dark Goddess?”

“Very well,” Kimbree said with resignation.  “We can discuss resources and escorts after we’ve met them and confirmed they’re not imposters.” 

“Very good,” Kirkland said.  “Now, on to the next order of business.  The summer gardens will soon be planted.  Is everything in order?” 

The meeting moved on, but Kimbree was left reeling.  She had so much that she needed done before the heroes arrived, and so little time to do so.  There were so many ways for that situation to spiral out of control, but she couldn’t think of a way to refuse that wouldn’t make her look guilty by default.  

It was so obviously a trap, and yet, what choice did she have but to step into it?