Overlooked Detail of the Past II

At that very second, Seraphine gets to recall one notorious individual in the past.

During her second life, there was this nefarious criminal who committed a number of heinous crimes. Ranging from murders to kidnappings, this person was called a monster for his wicked deeds. As far as she remembers, he used to deal and trade people who possessed extraordinary talents, special traits or exotic beauty.

'C-Clement… is that Clement Evans…!' Seraphine bolted out inside her head, aghast shock surfacing on her expression.

Just now, she finally recognized Clement as the younger version of that criminal. She was not able to do so earlier because she only saw him once before. What's more, he looked all beaten up back then, so it was hard to bear his appearance in mind.

For now, Seraphine decided to keep calm despite her disconcertment. That's still a far-off future, after all. Also, she knew that Clement has been good to her so far. Not once did she sense any trace of malice from him –

At least not until now.

"Really, what's wrong, Clement? We should be going home now, you know. Stop stalling around," she started again, trying not to let her nervousness creep up in her voice.

That's when Clement curls his lips into a devious smile out of nowhere.

Caught off guard, Seraphine drew back carefully while he proceeded to reach for his jacket and unbuttoned it, revealing a plain black fitted shirt underneath. A chill streaks down her spine as she finally figures it out.

Now, his appearance somewhat resembles the dark apparel that those shady-looking brutes before them are wearing.

"C-Clement, w-what are you doing?!" she stuttered in confusion and trepidation.

He only snorts at that, finally getting rid of every facade he's been using up until now. She never expected that he actually had an underlying intention the whole time. He has always been kind to her, after all.

"What's with the look, Sera? You're looking at me as if I'm no longer a kid in your eyes. Rest assured. I'm not gonna do anything to harm a precious friend…" he trailed off before spreading a devilish smirk, looking like he was enjoying himself thoroughly.

"I was actually worried, you know. During these past few days, you suddenly began avoiding everyone. It was hard to keep your trust until the end, but I guessed I managed to do well. It seemed that my friendly approaches were good enough to fool you-"

"Just what is it you're trying to say?! What're you doing?! Clement, snap out of it! Stop playing around!" she bolted out once more, cutting him off.

Fear consumed her crimson orbs right then. She couldn't help but gape at him in utter shock and disbelief. Everything is just escalating too quickly.

Wary enough, Seraphine backs a few steps away, but at that moment, Clement is already reaching into the knapsack that he is carrying behind his back. Within mere seconds, he pulls out a black cloth from the bag.

"Playtime's already over, though. I'm not messing around…"

The cloth then drapes around his skinny yet firm shoulders. Underneath it was another one that she could see clearly. Only then did she realize what kind of attire he's wearing beneath the entire time. He has a long trench coat on, a pair of black pants, and boots with buckles on them.

They don't have those garments in the orphanage.

'H-How… Just how did he get all those clothes? And when? I never realized. Of course, I won't. I stopped paying attention to people ever since I came here. All I had been doing was steering clear of them…' Seraphine grimaced as her face drained out of color.

'I should've learned from that one with Historia. I did not pay enough attention. Now, all of this is happening.'

"We have our fair share of secrets, Sera. I'm no ordinary kid at all. Yes, I've been orphaned, but I already have a home. I'm only staying at the orphanage for one single reason…" Clement confessed, spreading his usual friendly grin.

Those soft emerald irises that she had been drawn to was now inducing panic within her. Indeed, he looks a lot older than ten – he acts older, rather. It's as if a completely different person has possessed him.

"I've always had my eyes on you ever since we were younger. When I first met you, I knew that we'd be good friends – much closer even. However, circumstances changed…" Clement continued before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle.

"You're pretty smart yourself, Sera. I take that you've already figured out what I wanted to do here. Those men right there? They're with me… And the reason I remained in the orphanage was you."

"C-Clement, no… Don't do this-"

By the time her word came out of her mouth, he had already opened the lid of the bottle, scattering a strange white powder towards her. She ended up freezing mid-sentence, her eyes filled with horror before they slowly started to shut.

Clement only continues grinning as he strides over to catch Seraphine before she falls on the ground. She then collapses with ease into his arms, drifting into an unconscious state.

"Let's get you to your new home now, Sera."