Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

That morning, the small inn room in the town of Libentium was gradually filled with activity. Virginia opened her eyes slowly, blinking a few times to adjust to the sunlight streaming through the window cracks. In the corner of the room, she noticed Nina busy packing her belongings.

Virginia smiled faintly, feeling relieved. "She must have had a good night's sleep," she thought. There were no signs that Nina was aware of Virginia and the group's sudden departure to the domain last night. Perhaps that was for the best, considering the dangers of their mission.

After dressing, Virginia left her room and headed to the inn's dining hall. Catherine, always composed and tidy even upon waking, was already seated at the table, sipping warm tea. Thomas appeared shortly after, carrying a small notebook in his hand, seemingly jotting down something as usual.

"A quiet morning," Catherine remarked casually, her eyes scanning the dining hall. "I assume Pierre isn't awake yet?"

"I'm already up," Pierre's voice came from the staircase. The young man appeared awkward, trying to seem at ease among people who clearly had strong dynamics.

Virginia greeted him warmly. "Good morning, Pierre. How did you sleep?"

Pierre nodded slightly. "Quite well, thank you. This inn is more comfortable than I expected."

Soon after, Nina entered the dining hall with a light step. Her face was bright, but when her eyes landed on Pierre, she froze momentarily. "Oh! Who is this?"

Pierre immediately stood up, nervous, and bowed slightly. "My name is Pierre d'Arc. I... I'm a friend of Thomas," he paused briefly before continuing, "and I'm here to help, if possible."

Nina frowned slightly, then glanced at Thomas, who gave a small nod, seemingly confirming Pierre's statement.

"All right, Pierre," Nina finally said with a warm smile. "The more help, the better. Today, we plan to meet Lord Barthold, and I'll be your guide."

"Lord Barthold?" Pierre asked, though he clearly didn't want to sound overly inquisitive.

Catherine answered while placing her teacup down. "One of the key figures in this region. His information and connections will be valuable for our next steps."

The conversation continued as breakfast arrived at the table. Toast, warm soup, and a few simple fruits were served by the inn's attendants. As usual, Thomas remained calm and focused, occasionally adding a comment or two.

"What's the best way to approach Lord Barthold?" Virginia asked, her tone slightly anxious.

"A leader respects intelligence and strength," Thomas replied without lifting his gaze from his notebook. "If we show him that we can offer something beneficial, he will listen."

"Good, because intelligence and strength are things I possess in abundance," Catherine added with a smug smile.

Pierre felt uneasy at Catherine's confident remark but chose to remain silent. Instead, he focused on Nina, who appeared eager and determined to prepare for the upcoming meeting.

Once breakfast was over, Nina stood and looked at them enthusiastically. "All right, if everyone's ready, we'll head out to meet Lord Barthold. But remember, he's not a patient man, so try not to irritate him."

"That means you should talk less, Catherine," Virginia teased with a smirk.

"And you should talk more, Virginia," Catherine retorted, a sly smile on her face.

Virginia and Catherine, though used to each other's presence, seemed to engage in conversations filled with subtle barbs.

"You really like to make yourself the center of attention, don't you, Catherine?" Virginia remarked, folding her arms, her tone flat but meaningful.

Catherine gave a faint smile, her gaze assessing. "And you seem to prefer hiding in someone else's shadow, Virginia. Perhaps that's why you appear so... unnoticed."

Pierre, walking behind them, felt uneasy observing the exchange. He understood that group dynamics could be complex, but the tension clearly affected the atmosphere. Awkwardly, he tried to intervene.

"Um... maybe we should focus on the meeting ahead?" he suggested, his tone softer than intended.

Both Virginia and Catherine turned to him, studying him briefly before Virginia relented. "Sorry, Pierre. You're right. This isn't the time for bickering."

Catherine merely shrugged. "If that's what you want, Virginia."

Nina, walking ahead, glanced back and let out a long sigh. "Catherine, Virginia, I know you have your own way of talking, but please, not in front of Lord Barthold. He won't tolerate that kind of behavior."

"And what is Lord Barthold like?" Thomas asked, his gaze sharp as always.

Nina paused to think before answering. "He's like most other nobles. He values decorum and proper behavior. If you slip up even a little, it could mean losing his trust forever."

"A political game," Thomas concluded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "I'm quite familiar with those."

Catherine chuckled lightly at Thomas' comment. "A political game, indeed? I suppose I can handle that with ease. This is an area where I excel, after all."

Nina continued, ignoring Catherine's remark. "Even though he supports Prince Claudius' faction, it doesn't mean he'll easily endorse outsiders like you. The only reason we even have a chance is because he knows me. But Catherine, Virginia, Thomas, Pierre—you're strangers to him. If you want his support, you'll have to prove yourselves." 

"Of course," Thomas replied calmly. "However, we're not here to grovel. If he needs proof of our competence, we'll provide it." 

Nina nodded. "I just hope you're ready for whatever he asks. Lord Barthold isn't someone easily convinced." 

They continued their journey in brief silence. Pierre felt the pressure mounting, but he was determined to do whatever he could to help. 

When they arrived at Lord Barthold's mansion, they were met with an imposing structure guarded by two armed sentries at its iron gate. Nina stepped forward, presenting a letter with an official seal. After confirming its authenticity, the guards opened the gate and directed them inside. 

As they entered the grand hall, Pierre couldn't help but admire its exquisite architecture. Yet, he also felt a palpable tension in the air. Catherine seemed as confident as ever, while Virginia scanned the surroundings warily. Thomas remained composed, his sharp eyes noting every detail. 

Nina stopped before a large door and turned to them. "Remember to mind your manners. I'll introduce you one by one. Don't speak too much unless asked." 

They all nodded, except for Catherine, who merely gave a small smirk. The large doors opened, and they stepped inside to face Lord Barthold. 

Inside the opulent drawing room, walls paneled with mahogany gleamed under the warm light of a crystal chandelier. Lord Barthold sat in a high-backed armchair, dressed in navy-blue noble attire embroidered with gold. His face bore the fatigue of a man too long embroiled in political intrigue. Standing stiffly in front, Nina appeared to steady herself. 

"Lord Barthold," she said, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for receiving us. I am Nina, as you may recall, and these are Thomas, Pierre, Catherine, and Virginia." 

Barthold nodded quietly, his eyes scrutinizing the unusual group before him. "And what is the purpose of your visit?" 

Nina exhaled deeply, then explained the situation cautiously. "We've come to seek your protection and support, my lord. The situation in the kingdom is deteriorating. Prince Calius has begun mobilizing troops and rallying the royal knights. Worse, he's imprisoned Prince Claudius, raising fears that Claudius' faction will be completely incapacitated." 

Barthold steepled his fingers, narrowing his eyes in thought. "This is grave news. However, supporting you is a difficult decision. While I may stand with Prince Claudius, trust is a very expensive currency in politics. How can I be certain you're worthy of it?" 

Catherine, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. Her voice was soft yet commanding. "Lord Barthold, trust cannot be purchased with words alone but through action and understanding. In a time like this, your position is invaluable. Prince Claudius needs the support of those who understand that politics is the art of survival, not merely a battle of factions. If Prince Calius triumphs, what will happen to the kingdom's structure? Every decision carries risk." 

Barthold fixed his gaze on Catherine, intrigued. "You seem to grasp the intricacies of politics well, madam. Where does such knowledge come from?" 

Catherine offered a faint smile, concealing her true background with finesse. "Experience, Lord Barthold. I've seen enough to understand that stability is the foundation of any strong kingdom." 

Barthold's eyes sharpened, probing deeper. "Can your experience assure me that Prince Claudius can avoid the grip of the Mephisa Church's influence?" 

Virginia, sitting quietly in the corner, looked startled at the mention of the Mephisa Church. Her eyes widened as she interrupted. "Wait," she said, cutting into the conversation. "What do you mean by the Mephisa Church?" 

Barthold frowned slightly, surprised by her question. "Are you unaware? Mephisa is the goddess worshipped in the Kingdom of Esverita. The Mephisa Church wields significant influence—perhaps too much—over the kingdom's decisions." 

Virginia looked genuinely shocked. "The goddess Mephisa? I've never heard of her. Is she truly the deity worshipped here? And why is the church's influence a concern?" 

Barthold sighed heavily. "The Mephisa Church is more than a religious institution. They have deep networks and sway over political decisions. Some nobles, including those in Prince Calius' faction, appear bound to them. This isn't just about faith, madam. It's about power wielded under the guise of religion." 

Virginia turned to the others, uncertainty evident on her face. "Navigator," she whispered in her mind. "Do you know anything about Mephisa?" 

The Navigator's calm voice replied within her thoughts. "No. The name is unfamiliar. This is intriguing—there are no records of an NPC or quest involving a goddess named Mephisa in Astral Point." 

The revelation left Virginia visibly unsettled, but Catherine swiftly steered the conversation back to Barthold. "Lord Barthold," she said, "I understand the Mephisa Church's significant influence, but isn't now the time to demonstrate courage? Without your support, how can Claudius hope to withstand Calius' faction? Every move you make matters—not just for us, but for Esverita's future." 

Barthold fell silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on Catherine, whose conviction seemed unshakable. "You make a compelling argument," he said at last. "However, I must weigh these risks carefully. I will give you my decision after further consideration." 

The conversation ended on an uncertain note, but they knew their words had left a strong impression on Barthold. As they exited the mansion, Virginia remained shaken by the discussion of Mephisa.