''I hope this... arbitration isn't going to be too dramatic; it'd be nice if we could enjoy the city since we're all together.'' Eichenwald's sprawling buildings on the horizon aren't so intimidating now that friends and family surround you.

''Events will only be as unpleasant as that nobleman decides to make them,'' your mother responds. With nobody else on the main road, your group allows itself to take all the available space.

''I'm unfamiliar with official 'arbitration' in the Allied Kingdoms despite having spent almost my whole life here.'' Seyraphal looks as emboldened as you; she speaks without timidity. Her large, white, fluffy wings spread behind her like a blanket, stretching around you and Augustine. ''Is it going to be a tribunal?''

''Doubtful,'' answers your dad. ''Harming an elf goes far enough to attract the attention of kings; thankfully, Rey escaped unscathed, so our baron or his heir will be the one to see what's happening. Especially since the militia put the entire district on lockdown.''

''I'll wager the little lordling would very much want to end our grief with the mercs.'' There's a distinctive sadistic edge in your mother's tone. ''Words have likely already spread; hopefully the bad rep of the mercs will finally bite their asses.''

You chance a look at Augustine, and the way she tenses her grip on her bag convinces you not to ask anything. Such an intense hatred...

''With luck, things might finally improve for the villagers,'' Shigeko says gently; her height and blue skin stand out significantly despite her position in the back. ''I'll admit to holding a bout of pessimism in my heart. I doubt the militia has enough people to spare for governing the Mamonos.''

''Better to avoid any preconceived notions,'' Canaan answers without turning away from the road. ''Trying to take an entire arm will result in our loss. Nobody died, so it's no blood crime.''

''I'd say putting the squeeze on those hirelings would be perfectly ethical.'' There's a dangerous, dark edge to your father's amused tone. ''Kicking a fool in the head somehow motivated them to try imprisoning my daughter? I've half a mind to remain unreasonable.''

The situation with the village cannot be allowed to continue, but how wise would it be to thoroughly antagonize the people employed with keeping the peace in Eichenwald?

''Darling?'' Augustine speaks gently to Seyraphal. ''Do you truly need to insist on hiding yourself once we near the city?''

''Y-yes.'' The moth timidly answers, her red gaze lowering to the ground as her myriad legs thread the treated dirt. ''It'll be better that way.'' Her fuzzy antennae droop lower, and her second set of arms nervously thread into her long white hair.

''Tell us when you're ready,'' you quickly interject. Little steps. She is already walking the road without covering herself in bandages. I'll call that a good improvement.