Perhaps I can turn this into a good learning opportunity. If that guy is one step below the big commander of his outfit, surely... You've seen many monstrous communities, from villages, towns, and cities. Eichenwald case is growing more and more odd by the day.

''Fine, only if I keep my sword.'' I have my Focii and two of mom's magical arrow-wands, too.

''Rey!?'' Augustine and Shigeko speak over one another.

''It's okay.'' You quickly turn to face them, grabbing your pink friend's hand in the process. ''This shouldn't be too long.''

Jules doesn't comment on your remark, remaining listless.

''Late night is the proper time for... my promise.'' You continue, releasing Augustine's nervous hand and handing her your bag, where Usha sleeps. ''I'm just taking a little detour, getting a look for myself why men here seem to be eager to make the village people miserable.''

A few dismissive scoffs from nearby listening mercs make you grimace.

''Rey, I've promised your parents...'' Shigeko seems almost ready to leap into battle, but the reality is that'd be suicide: there are a dozen well-armed men here, and they aren't random thugs who crawled out of the street.

''Move already.'' Jules boyish voice comes out hoarse from impatience, becoming almost inhumanly warped by the metal covering his face.

What a detestable man.

With a hand on the handle of your sword, you fiddle with the white cloth covering it, tempted to remove it to display your intention, but ultimately, you follow Jules creepy back.

''There's a fire in this girl.'' You hear Aryel comment as you leave your friend's protection.

The men inside the headquarters appear to exhibit a modicum of discipline in their duties as peacekeepers. You catch a glimpse of a large group of men gathered around a big map of the city, and you're led past several bookkeepers, an infirmary with a man being treated for a cut. Everyone who acknowledges your existence is surprised to witness you following the automaton that is Jules.

He leads you on the second floor, into a lonely room with a table, two chairs, and one window giving an appreciable view of the northern houses. A few more men are lingering in the nearby rooms, their discussions creating faint echoes of activities... and giving you some amount of comfort because you're not wholly isolated with this creepy marauder.

''Sit there.'' He gestures with his free arm toward the seat on the other side of the table.

Does he think I'd try running away? While you do walk toward your seat, you remain standing, staring into his empty blue eyes.

Jules grows impatient and walks to let his heavy axe drop on the table. It slams loudly upon landing, causing a few alarmed men to peek inside and leave as quickly as they came.

''You have me where you want.'' You break the silence once the onlookers leave. ''Be quick about it.''

''You claim to have met our baron?'' He says while closing the door.

You didn't answer the priest's comment. There was a long, uncomfortable silence as everyone's attention inevitably shifted toward the comatose patients and the dutiful nuns keeping them alive. The sharp smell of medicine almost stung your nose as the nearest nun opened a bottle of unguent.
What in the world is this ''song'' supposed to be? How can this be tied to Risen dogs and more than 100 patients?
A song that kills dogs and puts people into comas, chanted by an ''It"?

This new development needed some mental fortitude from you. Belmont cared about this, and your experience yesterday certainly heralded dangers; perhaps working on this with him was the wisest thing to do for now. Feeling safer again in your own house would certainly have been a boon.

''Let's return to your study,'' you said after what felt like a minute of silence.
''Alright, follow me.'' The older man took point and directed your group back toward the stairs; the nuns tried not to show it, but they were undeniably gladdened by the departure of your Mamono friends.
Ubi es?
''Hm?'' You turned midstride to look back. Shigeko looked deep in thought and nearly bumped into you; Seyraphal's bandaged face gave her a perpetually shocked expression that made it impossible for you to discern her state of mind, but she looked fine. ''Did you girls say something?''
Both looked at each other and shook their heads.
''Sorry, let's continue.''

--

''I hope you don't mind me discussing this situation with my family,'' you said after the priest closed his door. His changed demeanor made the atmosphere in the small study a little more breathable.
''Of course.'' His large eyes briefly hovered around your monstrous companions. ''Thankfully, we managed to avoid a general panic during the worst of the crisis. I want to avoid doomsaying until we have a better idea about this affliction that, I must insist, is barely active right now.''

While speaking, Belmont searched the small library in his office, opening one leather notebook after another and returning most of them back.

''Yesterday my house came under a crisis that nearly killed me.'' The girls tensed at your words, and the priest returned his attention to you. ''Risen dogs and one humanoid attacked my house in the early afternoon; if it hadn't been for my friends, I'd be dead.''
You crossed your arms, doing your best to avoid looking nervous. Looking at the desk instead of his eyes is a better idea.

''Risen...?''
''Yes, Seyraphal was able to discern glimpses of their last moments.''
An unnatural movement in her silhouette betrayed a twitch of her concealed wings when you looked back at your druidic friend.
''All the dogs heard a hypnotic song that lured them into a deadly sleep,'' said the moth, and with a nervous glance your way, she continued. ''That wasn't the case for the humanoid; she was dragged into the forest by a handful of men and killed in the forest.''