Dwight's Concerns

"She's not in her room," Brian said.

Dwight's narrowed eyes softened as he asked,

"So? It's not like she's a prisoner who can't leave her cell. Maybe she just went for a walk."

"That's what the servants assigned to Miss Alice also thought at first," Brian said.

"However, the Head Butler received a message from the Personnel Control Room."

"What? The Personnel Control Room?" Dwight asked his voice filled with shock.

"Don't tell me?"

"That's right. The Androids assigned to guard Mistress Alice were found shut down." Brian answered.

"What!?" Dwight shrieked in horror.

That's impossible! Only four people including me have access to that control device: the Commander of our Barony's forces, the Chief of the Personnel Control Room, and my father, the Baron."

"Tell me everything you know!" Dwight ordered.

"Yes, Master Dwight. We've found the device used for this incident was the Baron's. The Head Butler has gone to the Baron's office room to inform him about the incident. The Baroness however, has not been informed yet." Brian answered.

"Good call not informing her," Dwight said with a nod.

"With her health already deteriorating, the stress could be dangerous."

"Haa..."

Dwight exhaled slowly, rubbing his forehead.

"It'll take a few minutes before we hear from the Baron. I hope—though it's unlikely—that he gave Alice the device. If not, things could get worse."

"Have we found out where Alice is?" Dwight asked.

"Not yet, Master Dwight." Brian a shook his head.

"Dammit! Just where did she go?" Brian slammed the desk in frustration,

"Haa... I just hope she's safe."

"It's impossible for her to have gone too far," he muttered under his breath.

"Inform the Mayor of our city. Tell him to find her—he has my permission to use whatever resources are necessary. However, he must maintain absolute secrecy," Dwight said, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out the window.

'If our enemies find out about this, then it'll be a disaster.'

"Will you not wait for the Baron's answer, Master Dwight?" Brian asked.

"I know my father. He wouldn't give such an important device to Alice. Even if he did, he'd let me know. So, instead of wasting time doing nothing. It's much more important to search for Alice." Dwight answered without looking back.

"Then I'll go and inform the Mayor about this. Please excuse me." Brian bowed his head before taking his leave.

"Haah... that girl. I hope she doesn't do anything stupid." Dwight sighed as he said to himself.

***

Meanwhile, inside Xavier's home.

Xavier was sweating like a pig about to be slaughtered. He had panic written all over his face.

"So, you're telling me that, you... ran away from your home without informing your family?" Xavier asked.

"Yes, I wanted to badly meet with you. But, if I told my family they'd never allow it. Hence, I had to take matters to my own hands." Alice answered as if it wasn't a big deal.

"They will come for you."

"Of course they will." Alice answered.

"No matter how busy my family is, once they find out that I ran away, they'll do everything in their power to bring me back."

Hearing this, Xavier regained his composure as he began to think about the matter.

If Alice decided she would stay with that'd create a lot of problems. With the worst case scenario being, he'd have to face off the Baron and his forces. That's right if Alice wanted to stay with him, he'd do everything he can to let her stay even if it meant going to war with the entire Barony of Dahaka.

But, if she wanted to leave, then he wouldn't force her either. After all, she'd be the safest with her family until he achieved his goals.

"Then, what do you plan to do?" Xavier asked.

Alice hesitated before answering, "I don't want to leave—I never did. But staying will only cause you more trouble, so... I've decided to go."

"However, it's only temporary so don't think you can get away from me." Alice said in a possessive voice.

"Don't worry, I've no intention of doing that." Xavier answered with a light smile

She wasn't dumb like politicians. She fully knew just how many problems Xavier would've to face if she stayed with him.

Xavier touched Alice's soft cheek and affectionately caressed it.

"Alice, if you want to stay, then I will fully support you, you know that right?" Xavier said.

"I do. But, I also don't want to see the love of my life and my family fight each other. That's why, I hope you don't mind this decision of mine." Alice replied.

"Why would I? I just never expected my wife to be so thoughtful." Xavier said with a smile.

"Fufu~ praise me more!" Alice smilingly said.

'Glad she calmed down.' Xavier thought.

A few hours back when he called Alice 'wife' for the first time, she began acting crazy. She started jumping up and down and kept saying things like 'He called me wife~!, He called me wife~!' repeatedly as if she were a broken record. Afterwards, she pounced on him and started kissing him as if marking her territory.

'She might be crazy, but she's still the loveliest woman I know,' Xavier thought, brushing at the lipstick marks. 'Still, I need to get rid of these before my sister starts asking questions. That would be a nightmare. If I'm not wrong she should be back by-'

"Darling." Alice called out.

"What is it?" Xavier asked.

"When are you going to be leaving?"

Xavier stayed quiet for a moment before answering.

"If possible, I'd leave today. However, I have to ensure my sister's safety before I leave. Otherwise, my future foes might use her to target me."

"Darling, do you trust me?" Alice asked.

"Huh?" Xavier was confused.

"I asked if you trust me?" Alice reiterated.

"Without a question." Xavier said in a resolute voice. 

 A faint smile blossomed on Alice's lips hearing his words.

"Then leave the safety of your sister to me." Alice said.

"What?" Xavier asked, disbelief etched on his face.

"You don't need to worry about her. So long as she is within the confines of Dahaka, no harm will come to her. I give you my word. So you go do what you need to." Alice said.

***