The fire crackled in the quiet room. Ran sat on a couch, his right arm bandaged, shirt half torn.
Dawn rested on the opposite end, her pale skin still bruised and her stomach was wrapped in fresh white cloth. She hadn't spoken much since waking up. Not until now.
Ynnefer entered with tea in hand, her usual composed face visibly stressed.
"Careful, it's hot."
She said, handing a cup to Dawn.
"Thank you"
Dawn replied softly, then glanced at Ran.
"And for saving me. Both of you."
Ynnefer forced a smile.
"Don't mention it. We just did what anyone would do if they found a half-dead man barging into their manor carrying a bleeding woman like some dramatic scene out of a play."
Ran chuckled.
"You make it sound less heroic."
"It wasn't"
Ynnefer said flatly, then shot a look at Dawn.
"You could've died, you know."
Dawn's gaze locked on Ran with faint smile and affection.
"But he didn't let me."
Ynnefer coughed, almost choked on her tea.
"Ahem. Right. Before someone starts writing love poems, maybe we get to the point?"
Dawn nodded, looking serious.
"I'm Dawn Montello. Second daughter of the Montello family. Acting under the direct order of our patriarch, I was sent to Osiris's manor to confirm suspicions regarding the Von Kaizer group."
Ynnefer's eyes narrowed.
"The merchants?"
Dawn nodded.
"They've been demanding more coin lately… and giving trash in return. Weapons breaking during training. Armor cracking after one hit. My spies discovered Osiris has been dealing with them in secret. No paper trail. No witnesses. Just meetings. Late at night."
Ran leaned forward, frowning.
"And you think he's planning something bigger."
"Yes," Dawn said.
"But our family needed proof, so I was sent to investigate personally."
Ynnefer crossed her arms.
"Why you? You're not exactly… disposable."
"My family is a powerhouse. Producing someone like me is a no big deal. I was ready to die, if necessary. I am just their tool."
She paused, then looked at Ran again.
"But he treated me like a person. Like I mattered."
Ran chuckles nervously and added.
"It was you who healed by torn stomach with every ounce of strength you had. You sacrificed yourself for me. You are the reason I m alive, Dawn. thank you!"
Dawn looks down embarrassed stroking her white hair.
Ynnefer's face twitched.
"Alright settle down, no more love talk."
Ran grinned.
"Jealous?"
"H-huh? O-of course not. W-why would I be j-j-jealous?"
Ynnefer said quickly, straightening her coat.
'What an excuse?'
Dawn said internally.
"Anyway, Dawn. About Osiris. He's been bothering me too."
"What do you mean?"
She sighed.
She said everything that happened until now. From meeting with Ran to the assassination and conference.
Dawn's eyes sharpened.
"Osiris is quite sharp. A cunning strategist. I must say he is pretty clever."
She sighs then turns her attention to something she deemed more important.
"Ran...."
She holds his hand as a comfort.
"Ahem!! Please we are still discussing more important affairs."
Dawn quickly retreats her hands.
"Due to the auction incident, Osiris is quite furious. He also postponed our marriage. He is planning something big."
Ynnefer says in serious tone.
Ran stood up, pacing slowly.
"For now, let's lay low. Observe. Let him make the next move. If he's planning a big play, he'll slip somewhere."
"Agreed" Dawn said.
Ynnefer narrowed her eyes at the two of them.
"And you"
She added, glaring at Ran.
"Maybe save the heroic rescues for me next time?"
"Huh?"
She didn't answer. She just sipped her tea, then muttered under her breath.
"…All bloody and carrying another woman in his arms… Like some fantasy novel scene…"
"Did you say something?"
Ran said still confused.
"No,"
Ynnefer snapped.
"Just strategizing. Strategizing real hard."
Dawn smiled faintly. The tension broke for just a moment.
Then Ynnefer set her cup down.
"We'll mobilize a few of our hidden agents. Quiet ones. No flashy stuff. Let's gather everything we can before Osiris makes his move. If he's really after a full takeover, we'll need every piece of info we can get."
Ran nodded.
Dawn stood up.
"I should write a letter to our patriarch informing him about the situation."
Ran and Ynnefer noded
"When the time comes, we strike back.", Ran says clenching his fist.
Dawn leaves the chamber. When Ran was about to stand up Ynnefer stopped him.
"I have something important to discuss."
She was serious. Sipping the tea she added,
"For the past few weeks while you were away, I had been working hard to know the whereabouts of Kelt and Geld."
Ran locked his eyes on her waiting for her to respond.
"They are working as mercenary on Borgouis territory."