Vision 18 - Should have known. (1)

Within the oak walls of the office, dimly lit by light crystal sconces, a sense of earnestness was there. Heavy wooden beams carved into the wall supported the ceiling, while tapestries adorned with heraldic symbols lined the walls. 

A massive oak desk dominated the room, organized with parchment scrolls, quills, and inkwells. Leather-bound books and scrolls were stacked on rustic shelves, the future lecture materials that I had prepared. 

A high-backed chair stood behind the desk, carved with intricate patterns. The air was fragrant with the scent of parchment and aging wood, invoking a sense of scholarly sense.

And blocking the view of it all, a man, with a handsome face, and slick-back brown hair combed nicely, with some strands on his forehead, and sides trimmed. His royal Legion uniform oozed magnificence and authority. It featured a deep blue jacket ornamented with golden epaulets and intricate braiding.

Crisp black gloves covered the hands, and polished black boots completed the regal getup. A symbol -A cloud, forming a crown with great detail, it almost looked real, that was the military symbol representing Cloud Continent- on each shoulder-straps symbolized power and reputation.

His sharp features, and muscular thick arms, were threatening, and his suspicious narrowed brown eyes, showed authority in his deep voice.

?: "Arthur Xanders resign now. You are coming with me."

He demanded, and I couldn't help but look at him as if he was stupid, annoyed by his words.

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "Oh? A new face." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "Interesting." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "He is not new. Just forgotten." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments "Who is he again?" ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "He is the officer from the shore. The one who came when Arthur saved those two women." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "Justice Boy.!" ]

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Messages kept appearing but ignoring them, I kept my head up, looking down at the person infront of me, directly into his eyes, Timothy. My face neither showed any shocked expression nor confusion, it was stoic. And although his eyes weren't showing any suspicion towards me, they were determined, determined of his own words.

My own black obsidian eyes were calculating, they didn't show the same uneasiness and rush that I showed when I first met him behind the mansion's shed, situated near the shore. At that time, I just wanted to get away without getting into any trouble by being involved with him.

Still, even though patient outside, my mind just mulling over thoughts. 

What? Resign? Is this freak going nuts? And go with him where? Is he going to arrest me? Throw me in a cell? How is he even here? How did he find me? I have already been through a lot and just got one day of peace, but the night was completely ruined, and I am still sleepy. Give me some rest. I kept grumbling.

My fingers itching to pinch the bridge of my nose with a deep breath, but I held it. Both my feelings and my thoughts. There is no use speculating, let's see what is all this about. 

Breaking the eye contact I moved slowly, without showing any negative indication otherwise it would go bad, and raised my hand, sticking out an index finger.

Arthur: "First."

Saying that word, I moved past him, his brown eyes focused on me, taking in all of my movement. If he finds any suspicion in my actions, I would be flat on the floor with my hands twisted on my back.

I moved towards the chair behind the desk, the usual chair where I sat every day, across from the chair where Timothy was sitting earlier when I arrived. I slid my finger across the desk as I was approaching the chair. I pulled at its high back and sat placing the full weight of my upper body on its back.

Arthur: "Tell me How did you find me here?"

My voice was demanding as well. If he thinks I would go along with his flow, then he is wrong. When I first met him, I had no identity to give, no past to speak of, and no one I could say to be my alibi. It was just after a few hours of waking up in this world after all. 

Timothy, still standing at the same place, as he was following my movement was already turned, facing me.

Even though I wasn't planning to go with his pace, he is still a ranking Legion. Military officers always tend to have a sense of showing superiority or equality, and the same feeling was oozing from him.

He moved towards the seat across me, where he previously sat, while intently looking at me. I could almost read him finding suspicion in my words.

Timothy: "Why? Are you trying to hide in here?"

He also pulled back the chair by grabbing the back of it, stepping infront as he took a sit. His one leg rested one above another. His eyes remained neutral and suspicious, but not serious enough to make me cautious.

Arthur: "Don't play with me. I already didn't sleep comfortably last night. Just answer my question."

My voice was clear to hear, but it was hoarse and exhausted, completely showing the effect of my troubled night. But within my stoic face, my eyes spoke of how annoyed I was.

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "Woah. He is grumpy." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "Certainly." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is looking at you with concern. ]

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I was just annoyed by his appearance. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he exists in this world. His sense of justice is overly blind, but necessary when the Main script starts.

I want him to remain alive and grow, but I do not want to be near him, for my own sake. How can someone like me be with him? Someone who questions everything. One right question and me answering truthfully, I am behind bars.

He still seemed suspicious of me, but he decided to answer my question. Maybe the exhaustion in my voice made him convinced that I was speaking the truth, which I obviously was.

Timothy: "It wasn't certainly easy. No, that's not it."

His words were vague, I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. I didn't say anything, just waited, since his words indicated that he wanted to say something else. He remained silent for a second, seemingly thinking about how to explain things better.

Timothy: "Right. Truthfully, I wasn't even searching for you."

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "Maybe, this is just coincidence." ]

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'As if. He wouldn't be in my office by coincidence. He was waiting for me. I am certain.' I tapped my index finger over the desk, as my both hands rested on it.

His words confused me greatly, I kept looking at him in silence, blinking once and then twice. We stared at each other, he didn't say anything, and I didn't know what to say, but his silence was still annoying.

Arthur: "What? That's it? That doesn't explain anything."

I grumbled out loud. The bafflement and annoyance were there in my tone at which he sighed visibly. 'What the hell are you sighing about? I should be the one doing that?' I grumbled again, but only inside. I swear, this prick gets on my nerves.

Timothy: "It seems you want a thorough explanation. It would be time-saving if you just do what I tell you. But fine... A month back. I was returning from Ipritus with my squad, almost everyone was exhausted."

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "Story time.!" ]

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He began his story-like monologue. I really wasn't asking in such detail, but I let him be, since in a way, I insisted on him explaining. I masked my annoyance well behind my neutral expression as he went on, without showing any reaction.

Timothy: "It was already almost two months, that was spent on the mission, so I somewhat understood their condition, given the circumstances."

His eyes narrowed a bit, and there was a hint of gravity in them. It made me feel that there was something about the 'circumstances' that he spoke of.

Then his eyes went normal, and he progressed the story 'his journey of returning from Ipritus.'

Timothy: "As I was returning. I was informed of some information from Central Castellum. An incident, that happened in a town named Brigains."

I almost flinched hearing his words, there was a slight suggestive tone in his voice that made me uncomfortable. 

An incident in Brigains? That is the name of the city, where Bob lives, where I cleared my first hidden script, and where I blew up the church. Is he?...

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "Woah. This might be interesting." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is listening. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' is listening. ]

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Timothy: "Months back, The church of Brigains was attacked."

Oh My God.! He IS talking about the church. I felt my sight blurring slightly, as I tried not to let my body shake, as my body was threatening to do. If he finds out it was me, then-

A vision of Timothy, with an evil smile, came to mind. 'HAHA. So it really was you. I knew you were a criminal. Now live your miserable life in this cold cell. Soon your execution notice will come out. HAHAHA-' The scene was almost comical but definitely not acceptable.

'NO.! I can not let it come to that.' I kept the most passive expression I could make. 'I don't know anything about it.' I looked at Timothy with completely non-threatening neutral eyes.

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' is laughing. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "It was sloppy escape. You should have covered the incident." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "It is impossible to cover the rumors.!" ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "I could have done it." ]

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Timothy: "I received a draft, stating that when it happened. The church didn't engage with the Legion. They asked for a proper amount of time for restoration before reporting us with any information. And since the restoration was completed, also I was nearby, I was ordered to take the briefing."

Arthur: "Is that so?"

I almost shuttered, but fortunately, my voice came out only just a little hoars, which closely gave the impression of exhaustion. It seems the church didn't engage with Legion because the part of the building I destroyed leads to the basement, which they would want to cover.

His hand raised, pinching his chin with his fingers, as his eyes shifted, thinking intently.

Timothy: "It was supposed to be just a report collection of what happened, but looking at the brief there were some concerns, some pieces of information that weren't adding up- Ah-"

He suddenly came out of his thoughts, his eyes focusing back on me. He seems to realize that he discussed something, that wasn't necessary for this conversation, it must bugging him inside. I didn't show any reaction to it, why would I? But I still spoke. One looking someone losing focus like this ought to make some remark.

Arthur: "You seem to have some suspicion towards the church?"

It was a statement, but I made it sound like a question. His eyes narrowed at me, for a second, before turning passive, but vigilant.

Timothy: "There are some unknown sources..."

Oh, I bet, it must be those anonymous letters and messages. Just like there are always some immoral people like heretics and gangsters, there are also people in the shadows playing heroes.

Timothy: "...which are irrelevant to this conversation. Anyway, After briefing the report. I heard that the town folks were razzing about yet another incident that happened in another town, not far from Brigains."

I didn't like what his words entailed, but I knew perfectly what he was talking about.

Timothy: "I travelled to Brimos then. After meeting with the assigned Legion on the Garrison Castellum of the city, they briefed me about the incident."

'Why does a police station have to have a name so complicated? Garrison Castellum.' I complained inside. His eyes narrowed at me.

Timothy: "The one that is named and recognized as the 'Silver winged protector who protected the city'."

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is grinning. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' is laughing madly. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' is sighing. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is sighing. ]

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My stoic expression broke, and I could feel my brows twitch.

Timothy: "The situation was very chaotic, so all the short staff that was available were busy getting citizens to safe places, so no information was available. Even the picture taken by someone, that they publish in the 'Brimos DailyInfo' newspaper, was from quite far away. But I admit, it looked very majestic."

Arthur: "Did you now? And how does that lead you here?"

My brows twitch uncontrollably, but I manage to hide the annoyance just barely.

Timothy: "One heretic was captured if you remember."

I realized. 'Right there was one, but they still have him here?!' A bulge formed on my forehead. I did remember that the leader of the heretics was alive when I fainted, but do they still have him under custody?

Timothy: "He was quite stubborn but it wasn't that hard to convince him to give me some pieces of information."

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "He flat out threatened him.! While beating the shit out of him.!" ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' is frowning. ]

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I looked at the message with one eye and focused back on him. Well, I don't care if he beat him, but how did he threaten him? I still remember that person was unwilling to show any defeat even when all of his accomplices were taken out by Ducas, as he was kneeling in front of me.

Timothy: "Like the person they targeted was from the academy, also he was very cooperative in describing the appearance. In this case your appearance. The Assistant Professor, Arthur Xanders."

Crack.

I heard something crack inside me. The thread that was holding my hope of keeping this man far away from me seems to be broken. I felt the suspicion the man infront of me had towards me taking root inside him, suspicion about my identity.

Arthur: "Will you not refer to me by my name so casually officer? I don't remember ever giving you my name."

He must have asked about me at the reception, maybe it was some guard or some student. With information about my appearance, Inside Trivia many could have at least said, "Doesn't that match Sir Arthur?" My dark black hair sticks out like a sore thumb since the most common hair is light brown hair in the two land Continents.

But I haven't introduced myself to him. And the suspicious gaze of him, who seemed to want to know about me, felt uneasy.

Timothy: "Do you not want to let people know you deeply?"

He began his art of deflection and persuasion, trying to get some information from me. And Well, my answer to his question is, Obviously I don't. But I can't say that, it will arouse more suspicion.

Timothy: "Being polite and forming a relationship is the first step towards friendship."

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "That friendly face felt familiar, for some reason." ]

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'Does it remined him of Kafziel?' I thought.

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "It feels unsettling." ]

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Even if his expression turned friendly, his posture oozed smugness, and his eyes suspicion. His words sounded good and approachable but-

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[ The lower existence 'Timmothy Sullivan' has activated 'Word Detection Lvl.2' ]

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Tch.

Fucking Hypocrite. I knew it, I already called it when I first saw him, he is a Hypocrite.

but-

Arthur: "Even though I agree with you, one's name can be a very personal thing. Wouldn't you also agree, Timothy Sullivan?"

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[ The 'Word Detection' skill have found manipulation in your words. ]

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'Yeah I don't care.' I was more confident now. Still what I said was not manipulative words but facts.

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is smiling proudly. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is smiling.]

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I saw his eyes go dead, his expression turned neutral, and his posture guarded. Just like I never gave him my name, he hasn't given me his.

Arthur: "Stings, doesn't it?"

My expression threatened to turn smug. His eyes remained dead, yes feel the frustration you have given me, the annoyance you have given me. I felt like laughing like a villain.

Persephone: "Won't that make him more suspicious towards you?"

HA-? My inner self that was laughing, had his laugh stuck.

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[ Lower Existence 'Timmothy Sullivan' is suspicious towards you.]

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'fuck.' I got carried away trying to get one on him, he just annoyed me so much.

-You are right... Thank you.

Persephone squinted her eyes at me, her eyes seemingly replying to me but, ' why does it feel like she is being distant? did something happen? ...I'll ask later.'

I looked back at Timothy, Focusing on Persephone made me calm down somewhat. I tried to change the subject of conversation.

Arthur: "Anyway, what do you mean resign? And come with you where?"

That is something that is concerning. Since he said he was returning from Ipritus, then he must have found the Viscount's daughter.

Now that he had found her, she would be sent to her household. So now is he here to get me? Is it like, 'The deal was to let you go only on that night, there was nothing about coming back and arresting you. Now tell me what were you doing on that night with those women?'

Sigh.

I sighed inside, am I being paranoid? Timothy let out a breath, a serious deep breath.

Timothy: "It is about Viscount's daughter."

Viscount's daughter? What about her? He must be on his way to drop her off at her household, but he said he went to Brigains in the middle while returning. Is she with her? Does she want to meet the one who gave her whereabouts? Am I toasted?

Timothy: "We didn't find her."

Hearing his words, my mind went blank for a second. All the questions went away, and all the paranoid thoughts as well. My eyes narrowed at him, seriousness apparent in them.

Arthur: "What did you say?"

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "Woah. He seems angry." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "Good. Let the hate flow through you. Haha." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments "Don't be angry." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "Well it is understandable. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "He looks hot even like that.!" ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is sighing. ]

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Now I felt like interrogating him while grabbing his collar, but I didn't, still my eyes gave away my feelings, and that was enough, but I still complained inside.

I gave you the information on the silver plate, and you even had Charlotte with you. What do you mean you didn't find her? That is the stupidest thing I have heard. That thing should not have changed. I hadn't even been to Ipritus, nor I have made any connection with Viscount's daughter or anything of the sort.

Seeing the seriousness in my eyes, Timothy seems to become serious as well.

Timothy: "When you told me that viscount's daughter is on ipritus. I assembled everything as soon as possible to head there."

And the story continues.

Timothy: "The slaves from that shed were taken by us. Oh, and the women who were with you. They were taken as well."

He pointed out, telling me like he was giving me assurance, 'But I knew you would have taken them whether I asked or not.' I kept the thought inside as he was still speaking. I just nodded to show I was listening.

Timothy: "Even though there were many unregistered slaves there. Those women were marked slaves, but since they were the victims, fighting there for a long time, their slave's marks are lifted. They are now lower citizens and are now trainees as a low-level legion squad."

Well, at least that went how it was supposed to happen. 

Timothy: "You should be glad."

I am glad, at least one thing went how it was supposed to, lately things have been deviating and it is making me annoyed.

Arthur: "What happened on Ipritus, Officer?"

I spoke, getting him back on the topic, from which he deviated before.

Timothy: "Right Ipritus. We only find traces of Viscount's daughter there. Since it is Ipritus, unexpected situations were already expected. I wanted a capable squad. The girl who was with you, she surprised me by becoming a historian. Her capability led us to where we find the last traces of Viscount's daughter."

So, Even Charlotte became a Historian, so things are going according to my dreams, but some things are not. It is a problem, but there was something in his words that I caught.

Arthur: "Last traces?"

Timothy: "We reached deep into the forest. The whole place was wrecked, there were signs of a fierce fight. There was blood everywhere and of different kinds. We took samples, and one matched with the Viscount's blood, and... nothing else."

My eyes moved from him towards my desk, as I tried to compile everything in my head, trying to come up with theories in my head.

First, Ipritus, it is a kingdom of dragons, it is also known as 'she who hides'. There are many things that are known about Ipritus. A few things that are known are, that it is where dragons reside, and there are many unknown things one can encounter there.

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "Rumor expert. You know something." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "Um. I have been focusing on him, so." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' is blushing. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "If it is a fight. It could be a dragon." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "That is not possible." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "Yes.! Dragons don't fight thoughtlessly." ]

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Right, if there is a fierce fight. It could be with a dragon. But that is not possible. Most dragons don't fight, they rather just make themselves disappear. 

Even if Viscount's daughter is an adventure seeker, and likes to fight, She can't fight a dragon. And dragons don't fight the weak. Would even some normal person fight an ant? No, that is just how it is, there was no need to fight with insignificant beings.

So why was there were signs of a fight? Timothy continues with a serious expression.

Timothy: "So now an official notice has been issued. The whereabouts of Viscount's Daughter is a priority mission, and you are coming with me."

Arthur: "I won't."

I spoke without even need to think twice. My words brought silence inside the room. Go with him? I definitely won't. Some things are already going astray from how it was in my dreams, but it still within my grasp. Things are only happening early, that much I can deal with.

I am not going out of way, getting involved in some situation changing its course. I didn't make any contact with Ipritus or Viscount's daughter, but something unexpected happened. Now if I go, things could change even more. I should just let things flow at its natural course.

Two minutes of silence resided in the room, it was heavy. Since I know that he is not here to arrest me, I know he wouldn't be forcing me. His eye lingers on me before he opens his mouth.

Timothy: "If I may ask, what do you want? What is your purpose in life? What do you look forward to after you wake up?"

A confused expression turned on my face. What is this sage-like question?

Arthur: "A comfortable life, without getting involved with others."

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "He is joking. right?" ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "Doesn't seems to be going that way even once, hero boy." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments "That is just because of how his heart is." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "That is true." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "But That is what creating some of the voids in the perfect implementation." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "Still, there is no need to change it.!" ]

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Even his face gave me the impression that he found my words baffling.

Timothy: "If that is so, I advise you to come. As someone who gave me the information on the whereabouts of Viscount's daughter. And reaching there we found, not her, but her blood stains all over the place, with signs of a fierce fight. If that fact reached to Viscount Stelmar. You understand that you won't have the comfortable life that you desire."

My eyes went cold. So he is blackmailing me now. 'With the strong sense of Justice, you think you have, you resort to blackmailing? Hypocrite.' I threatened inside. 'I know you must think with Beako at possible danger, you believe you are doing justice.' My lack of response gave him the result of his words.

Timothy: "I will talk to the Acting Headmaster, informing you that you will be resigning."

He raised his legs, which were one above another, placing them normally. With his both hands on his knees, he pushed his body from the chair, standing straight. His eye shone looking down at me, and I met his eyes with mine own dead cold ones.

Timothy: "There will be a carriage ready for you, infront of Trivia tomorrow morning at Eight O'Clock. You would be traveling in a Horse Carriage."

Saying so he turned on his heels, stepping towards the door, and went out, closing the door behind him.

Tak.

Silence lingers inside the room. After a while, I muttered under my breath.

Arthur: "People piss me off."

***

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[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is showing concern towards your words. ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments "He is having it rough." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Who Like Cigars And Candy' comments "You should have just punch him the face, Hero boy." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments "That would be hilarious." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "I don't like that Military Man." ]

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[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "But he went with his own desired result. That is a good tactic." ]

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