[NR] Ref-ref - Chapter 784 (Patreon)

The rodent kin man, royal Inspector and Philosopher, glances around the room and nods. He hadn't exactly expected to be called out to the Church of Truth, but then again, they almost seemed to specialize in surprising him.

He walks across the room, going around the table on Alexander's side. The man didn't believe the two witnesses would try anything, but you didn't become a Royal Inspector without a moderate amount of suspicion.

Then, after sitting in his seat, he clasps his hands in front of him, “Well, Alexander, I assume you have a significant reason for me to be here. Let's get the introductions out of the way. Shall we?”

Alexander nods, “Allow me to introduce the Royal Inspector and most honored Philosopher, Sir Ref-ref Dunereader the kangaroo mousekin. 

“Sir Ref-ref, allow me to introduce the representative of the small merchant firm, Jackel of All Trades, Robby. And next to him is the representative of the adventuring group, Odd Ones Out, Rosha. Their two groups experienced an attack from a third group, another merchant firm.”

Ref-ref frowns, “That is troubling. Though not worthy of my attention. I assume the full story has some worrying details?”

Alexander nods and goes on to give a detailed retelling of the event, directing Rosha and Robby to tell specific parts. All throughout, Ref-ref's frown grows deeper. He clearly thought this was quite a messy and problematic situation.

Ref-ref sighs and looks over to Alexander after Rosha finishes up the last bit of the story. “And it's all true? I mean, obviously what you said was and I have to assume you confirmed things beforehand, but I have to ask.” 

Alexander nods, “It is the truth as far as my abilities can confirm.”

Ref-ref, “The city lord isn't going to be happy.”

Alexander, “I can not comment on how the city lord may or may not react to what is to come.”

Ref-ref shakes his head, “At the very least, he is going to be burdened with hiring a bunch of additional guards. A normally easy task, made harder by the fact that everyone will be watching over his shoulder for any sign of corruption. Which yeah, not being corrupt isn't exactly a common trait for low-level guards.”

After that, the meeting ends, and Ref-ref orders them to follow him. The group files out of the Temple and are met with quite a sight.

Ref-ref sighs and gestures towards the middle of the street. “Behold, the required ride of a royal inspector.” 

Alexander can't help, but laugh. Out in the middle of the street is a crowd of people surrounding quite the carriage. It isn't made of gold. Which might be more because they needed to save the weight for all the gems.

Because damn, that carriage was blinged, bedazzled, and whatever other word you want to use for sticking gems on every possible surface.

Rosha whistles, “Trying to blind your enemies?”

Ref-ref sighs, “Maybe my official inspector headdress didn't clue you in, but the royal family has a thing for gems. Which yes, they might not be magical, but they still aren't dirt cheap. 

“The royal family has a coven of ritual witches specifically to supply them with a never-ending supply of gems. I don't even think they're all that cheaper than sourcing in other manners. They simply apply them to everything. 

Like, if I was here to deliver a message? It would be on vellum, whitened with diamond dust. The ink used? The current queen enjoys the look ruby dust adds to it. And you better believe the ribbon that held the message closed would be stiff with whatever gem was popular that week.”

Rosha, “Why haven't we really seen that? The Kingdom looks pretty average?”

Ref-ref laughs, “They don't have That many gems! Not even the entire capital city has gems over the entire area. Though the noble district has them all over the place. You can actually follow trends and who is doing well by what gems they have encrusting their houses.

“Now lead my carriage to the scene of the event. I'll need to have my men interrogate the bodies.” And he jumps into said carriage.

Rosha and Robby glances at one another and shrug. It was still early enough that they could easily make it back out to the campsite. Especially since they wouldn't be held up at the gate.

Then they find out how fast the carriage is. Because now the guess that there is not gold because of weight limits seems all the more true. The two are forced to walk, and not even a fast walk. Rather, their speed could even be considered a bit slow. All so the carriage could keep up with them.

From up on the box seat where he had joined the driver, Alexander laughs. “Royal Inspectors never arrive late. They always arrive exactly when they intend to.

“Mostly because their carriages in this kingdom are so slow, getting places takes a lot of planning. That and people aren't going to call the representative of the crown late. Mostly that second one, though.”

Robby looks back over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow, “That can't be the limit? Oh sure, a normal horse isn't going to do much better, but neither of those are regular horses!”

And he isn't wrong. The two steeds pulling the carriage show clear signs of some sort of bloodline or heritage. Their general physiques are too refined, their eyes a bit too forward, and worst once you notice it? Their teeth are too human. Not as in it looks like someone put human teeth in a horse’s mouth.

Rather, they have omnivore's teeth with a setup that closely mimics a human’s layout. The flat teeth in front almost hide it, but the two horses have incisors. They unnaturally keep their mouths more closed and lips tight, but the pair easily notice it after paying even the most minor amount of attention to them. And once they do notice it? Well, horses shouldn't have that, and combined with the more forward eyes? Ooh boy, it really adds a creep factor to them.