The historian
In the afternoon they went back to the guild to look around for more jobs. They found one more from the Phoenix family. It was a ruin exploration job, where they ned to defend the client while he went through the place and explored the depths of it.
Emilia wasn't sure about giving the job for them.
"Maybe if you would take someone else with you, I would allow it."
Joseph was really annoyed by the whole place.
"This guild should have some entrance exam or something. You don't even know how capable we are!"
"We had one. But it required to much time and could only held it once a month. We did not get much applicants because of it. So we just cut it out."
"So now you take in everyone and you don't even know what they can do."
"Yes."
They sighed.
"Alright. Is there anyone you would suggest we take with us?"
She looked around.
"Maybe take..."
She paused and looked at someone. Joseph turned around and looked at the person she was glaring at. It was a woman with clothing that suggested she was an explorer. Comfortable and easy to move in cloth shirt and pants. A cloak around her back and she weared a pair of weird googles. They were bigger then any Joseph ever seen.
She was reading a book alone in the corner of the inn with a cup next to her. She seemed like someone, who did not like people around.
"... Maria. Though she does not like partying up, but if it's about ruins, she would know more about them, than anyone."
"If you say so. I'll go talk to her."
Catherine stayed and talked to Emilia, while Joseph walked over.
The book Maria was reading seemed to be in english. As far as Joseph remembered, that was the ancient written language of this world. As he walked close enough, he saw the title of the book. It was a history book, called History of the Herian empire.
He walked to the table and sit in front of her. She did not look like she noticed him. Joseph waited around five minutes, when Maria put down the book.
She looked at Joseph and closed the book.
"What can I help you with?"
"Good day to you! I'm Joseph Smith and I want to ask for your help."
She put down her glasses.
"Sorry but I don't like partying up. Why would I help you anyway?"
Joseph smiled at her.
"We are going in a ancient ruin for a job. Emilia said you know a lot about ancient civilizations. Also as I saw you are reading about the Herian empire empire. Is it about some long gone civilization?"
Her eyes brightened up.
"You understand the ancient language?"
"Yes. I can understand it pretty well. But I'm not familiar with history."
She stopped for a second and looked like she was lost in though. Then pulled out a book from a backpack under the table.
"Can you read the cover of this book?"
Joseph looked at it. it was called Stars of the Five Nights, written by Niegel Sint.
"It is called Stars of the Five Nights, written by Niegel Sint. What about it?"
She smiled for a moment. Then cleared her throat.
"If you help me translate this book, I'll gladly help you!
Joseph looked back at the bar. Emilia and Catherine was still talking with eachother. He turned back to Maria.
"What if I say, I'll help you today and get as far as we can. Tomorrow we go explore and then when we are finished with the job, we return to translating this book?"
She thought about it for a moment.
"Deal!"
"Alright. Then just a second. I'll speak about it with my partner."
"Alright."
Joseph walked up to Catherine and spoke about the deal with her. She was fine with it, so he returned to Maria.
She gave him the book and he opened it up at the first page. It was written with a beautifull handwriting. He started to read it out loud for Maria and she started to write it down on papers she had already preapered on the table.
The book was about five mages, who absorbed the powers of the stars and made five tribes, that ruled over the northern part of the continent. They had lot of conflicts and wars.
That is how far they got until night. They agreed to meet up here next day in the morning and they would go to the Phoenix mansion together for the job.