Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

CHAPTER 324: News and Gossip

The next day my friends and I were doing some homework outside in the park. It was late autumn by now but the temperature was acceptable and it was nice seeing the colourful leaves. I was practicing multitasking by conjuring a water shield while I was reading a textbook. My ever helpful feline guardian was poking, licking and pawing the shield I had conjured in front of me.

Cassie and Kaito were discussing modifications to the Iron Beaks, Hatsumi and Skadi discussed better ways to use their spellblade runes and Helena was practising her ice magic, by conjuring a cat tree. Kasai tried to melt it while Yoru was napping on it. Ivy was curled up nearby with one eye open to watch the spectacle.

"I bring news."

I looked up from my book and saw Garm walking towards us.

"News? What news?" I asked.

"It appears that the fiend called Archibald has been released and will not go to prison." He stated.

"Where did you get that news from?" Helena asked.

"I am a great investigator." He replied.

"He walks up to other students and lets them pet him." Kaito clarified. "Despite knowing that he is an intelligent undead, people talk rather freely in his presence."

"So what happened with Archibald?" I asked.

"It seems that he is cooperating with the guards. He is also the son of a duke, which complicates matters. They let him go in the end, although it is unclear what deal they have reached." Garm summarised.

"Is he coming back to the academy?" Cassie asked.

"I do not believe so." Garm replied. "His betrothal has not been restored either. It seems that his reputation is tarnished and Florence is seeking to distance herself from him and his behaviour."

While Garm was talking he levitated a small bag from his back. It opened and he retrieved some pieces of dried meat. The cats looked at him as he floated the treats towards them.

"What's with the food?" Skadi asked.

"People like to give me stuff and I share it with the pack. Since I am often uncertain if it is edible for living creatures I only share it with the cats. Hatsumi and Kaito seemed uninterested in those treats."

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"I prefer liquid treats." Hatsumi said.

"I do not consume much, however the cotton candy I had was nice. If we ever visit another fair I would not mind indulging again." Kaito added.

It made me feel bad for Kaito. While he was an undead capable of devouring, the unattached head seemed to have an effect when it came to eating things. Perhaps I could find another fair…

"So, do we think Archibald will be a problem?" Cassie asked.

"If he is not coming back I don't think we will see him again." I said.

"He does seem petty and vengeful, he might try something, if he is free to do so." Kaito said.

"His father does not have a problem with my father. I doubt that Archibald has any support, especially with Koyuki's growing power." Helena pointed out.

"That will make Archibald even angrier though." Skadi pointed out. "He picked a fight with us, made stupid mistakes, got arrested, lost his betrothal and lost his place at the academy."

"His contacts at the thieves guild got arrested and his father won't give him a lot of money. I do not believe that he has the assets to be a true threat, but it is always good to be prepared." Hatsumi stated.

"Is there any other news you have heard, Garm?" Helena wondered.

The left head nodded. "Indeed."

"Beige and light blue are trendy colours right now." The right head said. "I personally believe that you should choose colours based on your preference, and based on what compliments your features, however it seems that the nobility follows the whims of certain designers."

"I don't think we need to hear any news on clothing." I tried to change the topic while eying Helena warily. The last thing I needed was more clothes shopping.

"I also heard rumours that Count Lupenia has an affair with one of his maids. Quite scandalous, apparently." Garm added.

"Oh, isn't Valeria friends with his daughter, Bridget?" Helena asked.

"I believe so." Garm replied.

"We met her at Valeria's birthday party last year, right?" Skadi asked.

"Her birthday would be a great time to forge closer ties to Valeria and House Barkworth." Kaito suggested.

"That is still a few weeks away." I said.

"Which means it is a great time to start planning. Perhaps we can create a nice gift for her?" Hatsumi suggested.

"Another Iron Beak!" Cassie proposed.

"That went so well last time…" I muttered.

"Hey, it did lead to Archibald's downfall. It was a great success." Cassie stated.

"Maybe not an undead. Why don't you create a potion for her?" I suggested.

"Hm. Do you think she would like a bomb?" Cassie mused.

"Young ladies do prefer beauty products." Kaito stated, then looked around our group. "Most young ladies, at least."

"I can report that she likes fluffy things." Garm added.

"A fluffy bomb?" Cassie pondered while tapping her chin.

"I believe a sword, or any kind of weapon, would be more appropriate. But we do not have an enchanter or a smith among us." Hatsumi stated.

"What about an undead horse? We are already planning one for Derrick, let's just raise two." Skadi suggested.

"Derrick is family, I don't mind making undead for family but I would prefer not to give them to everyone." I replied.

"An undead mount would be a gesture of support, while not having the troublesome implication of an exploding undead." Kaito pointed out. "And your core is big enough to spare a tier two. You might even further impress her by adding some commands."

He did make a good point, however there was the usual problem. "We would need a corpse."

"It's a good thing that we are discussing this a few weeks in advance then." Kaito replied, with a smile.

I would have to give it some thought but on the bright side, it would be a great excuse for more necromancy!