novelraw Chapter 49: Conversation with the Sorceresses
Chapter 49: Conversation with the Sorceresses
Four sorceresses with distinct characteristics sat before him.
Kiriman felt an itch in his heart but still performed a gentleman's bow quite politely, revealing a kind and handsome smile to the red-haired beauty Triss as he said:
"Miss Triss, my name is Kiriman Germann, a witcher."
"I've come to discuss the commission posted in the square."
Triss stood up, equally polite in her self-introduction, also introducing the three sorceresses beside her.
Indeed, the petite short-haired beauty was Keira, the black-haired, purple-eyed mature beauty was Yennefer, and the last one—the sexy beauty in revealing clothing whom Kiriman hadn't recognized—was the current headmistress of Aretuza Academy, Margarita.
After brief introductions, Triss warmly invited him to sit on another separate sofa in the living room and had a young maid serve pastries and tea.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kiriman."
"I'm surprised a witcher would accept my commission—truly astonishing."
"You might not know, but no witchers have appeared in Vizima city for several years now. Even throughout Temeria, there's been little news of your kind."Their courteous conversation made the other three sorceresses present show slightly astonished expressions.
In their impression, witchers were a bunch of rude, ill-mannered, strange-looking fellows. Though quite capable, they were generally difficult to communicate with.
Due to witcher mutations, few could maintain normal human appearance and personality, which was one reason many common folk regarded witchers as freaks.
After all, the witcher population was extremely scarce throughout the Northern Kingdoms—even rarer than sorcerers and mages. Though all four sorceresses here were quite experienced, the number of witchers they'd encountered could be counted on one hand.
Their impressions of this profession mostly came from specialized texts.
Yennefer, who knew witchers best, had lost her memory—her current memories were from before meeting Geralt, back when she had just graduated from the sorceress academy as a somewhat naive and romantic apprentice.
The other most familiar with witchers was the smiling Triss.
It had only been over half a year since the famous Rivia massacre. Besides Ciri, who was escaping the Wild Hunt's pursuit, and the amnesiac Yennefer, no one knew whether Geralt had truly died.
The red-haired sorceress was still immersed in grief over her friend Geralt's death, feeling somewhat novel about meeting another witcher.
However, since this was their first meeting, everyone remained relatively reserved. Though curious about each other, they avoided presumptuously asking sensitive questions.
After briefly explaining her commission requirements, Triss looked at Kiriman with her bright cornflower blue eyes and said:
"I originally planned to recruit a five-person mercenary team for protection."
"But judging by Mr. Kiriman's dragonhide armor and meteorite iron sword, you must be an exceptionally skilled witcher."
"Very well, could you tell me your current address?"
"I plan to depart in three days, targeting a small village near Flotsam—the first place where the plague broke out, now reduced to ruins."
"The operation should take about a day and night. After completing the investigation, we'll likely visit other villages or towns."
"So the reward is tentatively set at one hundred orens. Additional payment will be provided for dangerous combat encounters."
"Please wait for now, Mr. Kiriman. I'll send word before we depart."
One hundred orens for a day and night's work—this was quite generous compensation. Even the most popular women in brothels rarely commanded such prices.
Kiriman's gaze swept over the four sorceresses before finally resting on Triss's beautiful face. His handsome features broke into a magnanimous smile as he nodded:
"That arrangement works, Lady Triss."
"I'll be staying at the Hairy Bear Inn in the Temple Quarter these next few days. Please notify me before departure—I'll be fully prepared for combat."
He avoided mentioning the Night House partly to avoid making a bad impression on the sorceresses, but also because he didn't plan to stay there these coming days.
Though the vampire beauty was tantalizing, she was also overly clingy. Continuing to stay there would leave him without energy to battle monsters and improve his skills.
With the commission discussion concluded, Kiriman politely took his leave.
This meeting was just the beginning of future friendly relations—being too abrupt would only create poor impressions.
However, just before departing...
Kiriman suddenly remembered Berengar, still recuperating in Ammonite Village, and his friend's crippled arm.
He turned back, smiling at the sensually dressed Margarita, who radiated mature womanly charm like a Greek goddess, and said:
"Lady Margarita, I've heard you're an exceptionally outstanding high-level healer."
"I have a friend who suffered arm injuries from a Bonecorrode Arrow spell during bandit combat."
"If time permits, I hope you can treat him."
"We'll pay whatever reward satisfies you."
Margarita, who had been leaning against the sofa in a rather unrestrained posture, met Kiriman's gaze with slightly dazed yet meaningful eyes before chuckling delightedly:
"This matter can be discussed after you complete Triss's commission."
"I'll be staying in Vizima for some time."
"By the way, remember to collect multiple plague samples during your investigation."
"If time allows, I'll conduct research on them too."
"Ah, though I lack specific ideas, any unexpected discoveries might help with this plague situation."
Just after Margarita finished speaking, the always proud-looking Keira, who rather valued her status, also spoke up:
"Triss, Mr. Kiriman, if you happen to discover plague maidens, please halt operations and notify me."
"I wish to capture a plague maiden alive for research purposes."
"Of course, I'll provide compensation according to the commission rates."
Neither Triss nor Kiriman refused this request. Plague maidens were extremely powerful, quite bizarre spectral monsters capable of causing large-scale plague damage across regions—even causing hundreds or thousands of deaths within short periods.
Even a powerful sorceress and witcher combination couldn't take them lightly. Having additional sorceress assistance would naturally be the best option.
"Triss, perhaps I should join you too. Maybe there's something I can help with."
Hearing Keira's suggestion, even the amnesiac Yennefer offered to help.
Though she'd lost her memories, her relationship with Triss remained strongest—almost best friends and closest companions, which explained why she'd been staying at Triss's residence lately.
Margarita however shook her head:
"No, Yen. I came specifically to Vizima to help with your memory recovery treatment."
"You should accompany me to places you still have impressions of—revisiting old haunts."
"Your memories haven't returned, and your magic usage isn't as proficient as before."
"Joining Triss might actually create more trouble than help." Read complete version only at novelFɪre.net