21 Paths and Fate

Aaron made sure to remember his partner's order in his mind to gather more information about the old lady named Elois Ingram.

Indeed, she is quite mysterious. Anyone who sees her name would definitely be curious about her past as well. How can she have a last name? If she was truly a noble from a House named Ingram, why do they not know that the name Ingram exists?

It was suspicious, that was for sure. He can understand why Vasillis wants to have her investigated.

Who knows, she might be connected to Alexandria in some way. It is a place where anyone who lives there can pass by each other. The place in the Middle was not too big like the others, so it was possible

"Continue your report," Vasillis ordered with an authoritative tone.

Aaron rolled his tongue backward and put it to the side, pressing it to the back of his cheek. The tone of his voice annoyed him, he speaks as if he was one of his men, but he is not. He helped him many times in his investigations, they are partners.

'If I do not consider you as my friend, I would have left you immediately once you irritated me.'

He did not say it out loud. He did not want to start an argument, knowing that he will not win against Vasillis who only has his mind focused on his 'best friend' that has not even done anything for him. Aaron let out a sigh and suddenly pulled the papers on the desk that Vasillis was reading closer to him.

He put his finger to the paper, "This one is Stella Saville. She is the first daughter of the Baron, Andres Saville." he said, introducing her.

"She went to the Middle with someone dressed in black, it was their family's painter. Stella Saville decided to go to that place because she found it a perfect spot for the background of her picture." he continued.

Vasillis nodded, and waited for the next one.

"Vanessa Lanstone, the only daughter of Marquess Calliwell."

Vasillis looked at him, "Daughter of the King's brother? What could King Cadell's niece be doing in a place like that?" he asked with a tone of curiosity.

"It was said that she went there to visit a little girl named Nyssa. The two of them are close and treat each other like siblings."

"The little girl lives there?"

"Right, and I heard the Lanstones are planning to welcome the girl into their family."

'So Lady Vanessa just went there for a family related business…' Vasillis thought.

It did not seem like a lie or anything to be suspicious about. Marquess Calliwell has always been kind to the citizens of Antares, even more so to a child. Unlike his brother, the ruler of the Kingdom of Antares, who only cared about power and his rules, not minding if the kingdom drowns in the sea of red.

Lloyd Vasillis raised his hand and gestured for him to continue. Aaron explained every paper and Vasillis listened carefully, trying to think of how they could relate to Alexandria's disappearance and the lady itself.

The number of papers decreased until it went down to the last one. The lady that Vasillis knows well. His gaze was nailed to Clauzia Millington's name written on the paper.

"Lastly, Clauzia Millington. She is the daughter of Count Claude Millington that the Marquess considers as his partner in different kinds of businesses. As you said, she is the fiancee of Anthony's son."

Vasillis felt his patience getting shorter and he spoke, "Why did she go to that place?" he asked, trying to hurry him up.

That must be why she knew where Alexandria's special place was, because she herself has been there.

"Lady Clauzia owns a flower shop that her brother gifted to her. I discovered that their family owns the flower fields near the tree, and the lady is very fond of it."

Something deep within Vasillis hoped that it was only that. He hoped that Lady Clauzia was only in that place for their shop and her fondness for flowers.

His grip on the paper tightened, 'I do not want to think that you are involved...I hope not.' he thought.

He cannot imagine himself being suspicious of the lady that reeks of purity and innocence. How can someone as angelic as Clauzia Millington be involved in a bloody crime?

He remembered how Clauzia comforted him by the loss of his best friend back in the Midford Manor.

But if she really was…

What was all that pity and affection she had shown him? The comfort, was it all not sincere?

It is difficult not to doubt that one would forever be kind, especially when they come to a point where they have to decide which path to take.

He did not want to judge her or make an abrupt assumption on her connection with Alexander's twin but if he finds out that it was all a pretend play by her…

'I won't be merciful, Lady Millington.'

~~~~~~~~~~

Before the chaos,

How do people's paths cross?

It could be intentional or by coincidence. Two people could bump into each other and sometimes that is where it all starts. Two people could meet at the same place, from strangers to acquaintances. The acquaintances will gradually grow closer to each other until they can consider each other as friends.

And most of the time, the love you have for your friends...will evolve into the love you have for someone that you treat more than 'friends'.

As for now, Alexandria and the lady she saw were nothing more than complete strangers who met each other once. The thought of them becoming friends lingered in Alexandria's head up 'til this day, she wondered if it was possible for both of them.

Lloyd Vasillis has been her only friend since she was a child. She could not imagine herself making friends with anyone or having friends other than him, especially since people hated her and they barely knew she existed.

She did not realize that she had been staring at the lady for long and she was still there, not vanishing from her sight. Her heart kept beating faster than normal when Clauzia met her gaze, the lady's eyes lit up and a smile spread across her face as she waved at Alexandria.

Alexandria realized that she was really there, in the same place as her, she thought she was only imagining it as the image of the time they met near the tree did not leave her mind, but she was wrong.

Clauzia was indeed there, waving at her with a smile.

"My Lady, is something the matter?" Bastien Cross asked when Alexandria was still standing, not following the two of them.

Clifford Lockhart did not say anything since the butler had already asked. Both of them followed the direction where she was staring but before they could look to see what it was, Alexandria turned to them, "Excuse me for a moment," she said.

"Oh, go ahead, Lady Alexandria."

They watched Alexandria turn around and leave. Alexandria went to where she saw the lady, when she came out, she stopped in her tracks and their eyes locked as they stood across from each other.

She was only thinking of what chance they could meet and be friends, but who would have thought that their paths would cross again?

Perhaps this was planned by Fate, for them to meet again.

But is it planned for their happiness or planned for the start of chaos?