Reincarnated as a random race, of course I got goblin.

Chapter 81 - A Heart to Heart

I call upon the Wightingale, my only undead capable of flight. The plan is to have it guard these Sky-Fish eggs. They're self sufficient once hatched, but before then, the male defends them against predators. With their father now dead, the least I can do is ensure his children are born.

Whilst waiting for the Wightingale, I reach towards the minds of the two Harmekian soldiers. Shadow is much better at the whole 'keeping an eye on the big picture'-thing, so I've more or less got no clue as to the situation with these two. 

Ah, I see. Although slightly disorienting, my mind is surprisingly adept at sorting through the memories of those connected to me via Hivemind. Seems that after the last time Shadow was in contact with them directly, they've been traveling to the capital of Harmek. 

And now... They're both in a gloomy room, tied to chairs. I take control of the body of the woman, who seems to rapidly blink her eyes before my control is absolute. Their agreed-upon secret signal to tell the other that they're not them anymore... I'm unsure if it's for their own benefit, as my access to their memories means I'm aware of its meaning.

The man, Vasper, situated opposite the woman, pales when seeing her signal, and beads of sweat start forming on his brow despite the temperature of the room being low. 

Through some experiments I've done on the three Aurellium members, I've learned that I can channel certain Skills through the bodies I control. Most of them are of the cognitive kind, such as Predict Movement and Keen Hearing. I'm glad to find that Sense Presence also works this way.

The only drawback seems to be a cost of MP that increases as the distance between me and the other body grows longer, so the cost of using Sense Presence is rapidly draining my MP. I scan the room, spotting the human man standing a corner. His shape seems misty, as though he's using a Skill to conceal himself, but I can see him all the same.

"I see you. Why are we here?" I address the shadowy man. Ever so briefly, the hint of a surprised expression appears on his face. 

"Ah, pardon me, I'd hoped you'd converse among yourselves in the belief you were alone. You'd be surprised how often people spill their shared secrets if they think they're the only ones listening." The man steps out of the dark, the misty aura fading as he does so. 

Recognition, then horror. Those are the emotions of both the soldiers. Spymaster Jax, the Queens' loyal spyglass, all too keen to ensure the secrets of her enemies are laid bare. 

"I'm sure you're aware of why you're here. Her Highness refuses to believe your story." He walks over to a plan wooden table, some parts of it seems to be stained with a dark brown substance. I'm unable to see what's on the table from where I'm sitting, but the unmistakable glint of steel when Jax next raises his arm makes it clear what's there.

A small dagger, its edge most likely able to cut skin like it was paper. He caresses the knife theatrically as he turns around to face us. I grit my teeth, knowing full well his intentions. If he's going to force my hand, so be it. I will not let these two be tortured. "So I will be requiring you to tell me what really happened during the fight with the Monarch." Jax flashes a sadistic grin.

Briefly, I release control of the female soldier, Faye, in order to move away from the vulnerable Sky-Fish eggs. I'm in need of more MP regeneration, and Manaphagy set to drain living entities is the most effective. Once I'm out of range, I once again reach my mind out to those of the soldiers.

This time, however, I'm controlling both at once. 

Although it's slightly dizzying to have the viewpoints of two people sitting opposite each other, I'm somehow able to make it a split-screen view of sorts. Jax seems to have noticed something is off with them, as he hesitates, raising the dagger he'd been bringing down onto the tip of Faye's index finger.