The group returned to the hotel without wasting much time; the only reason they went out was because Basil was bored. He was also somewhat curious about the Prosperous Fountain, and certainly, he could confirm it was a quite beautiful monument.
Basil was peeling a tangerine while the sunset light reflected on half of his face. He divided the fruit into segments with a methodical movement and brought a piece to his mouth.
He scanned the room as the citrus filled his tongue. That place was quite accommodating for the situation of their "protectors," providing rooms with several beds. It was also helpful for Basil, who didn't want to hear Paul complain about sharing a bed with a man.
Now it will be Castian's problem...
Paul had just found out about this situation a few minutes ago. Although he tried to take it in stride, he couldn't help but bitterly remember those times when he slept in silk beds with beautiful courtesans. In contrast to those times, now he would sleep next to a man whose leg hair could compete with that of a bear.
Meanwhile, Castian was indifferent. He was a knight; if something like this were to bother him, he would never have risen to be a Gear Warrior.
Basil's thoughts were interrupted by a *knock knock* coming from the door.
—Come in.
The door opened with a creak, and Merlian entered with Kaely, who was holding a wooden box in her hands. Basil saw the woman enter and felt a shiver as he remembered that night when he saw her for the first time.
Hm, it feels like it was yesterday... in fact, it was yesterday.
—Good afternoon, it's good to see you full of energy. —Basil ate a segment of tangerine and continued—. Miss, I ask you that if you are here to ask me something, please avoid breaking my legs. If you give me cookies, I am much more cooperative.
—It seems that seeing the Prosperous Fountain has helped clear your mind, Mr. Basil. —Merlian spoke in an indifferent tone.
—Hm, it did. Although I'm not a believer in Celei, I must say that his statue in the fountain is beautiful. —He seemed to realize something—. But Miss, did it not bother you that I went out without permission? Even if Miss Aury is an empress, it's not wise to act without informing the leader.
—You say that because you don't understand our capabilities. Aury informed me before leaving the hotel. —Merlian didn't know if Basil asked out of genuine curiosity or if he wanted to know the extent of her ability, but she told him the truth anyway; she didn't plan to make it a big secret—. Do not doubt us. Anyway, we didn't come to talk about that.
She gestured to Kaely and she handed the wooden box to Basil. He looked at it curiously; the box seemed to be made of fine wood. He took it in his hands and smelled it slightly.
This smell... must be sandalwood.
Although he trusted his memories, the smell of wood tended to be generic. However, sandalwood was a tree whose aroma was somewhat different.
Merlian hurried him with a *hem* and Basil opened the box. Inside, on fine red silk, there was a revolver and three cases. Upon opening them, he realized there were two needles in each one; Basil looked inside them and was surprised. A slightly milky liquid was there, which was characteristic of liquid ivory.
He looked inquisitively at Merlian, who responded calmly.
—It's a last measure of defense. It won't do anything against an Emperor, but at least it will give you a few seconds of life. Sometimes that's more than enough.
He cautiously observed the box and noticed something peculiar about that revolver. There was a tiger surrounded by roses engraved on its handle; upon looking closer, he realized it was a symbol he recognized.
This is the symbol of the Algeri!
The Algeri were the fourth most powerful noble house in the kingdom. They were responsible for grape harvesting and wine processing, allowing for its exportation to neighboring kingdoms.
Basil sweated cold; the idea that those Errants worked for that family was quite dangerous for him. He glanced at Merlian from the corner of his eye and she noticed his gaze.
—It seems you recognize that symbol, Mr. Basil.—Merlian's eyes had a spark of amusement—. You seem quite informed despite being a commoner.
—Please, you flatter me too much.—He chose his words carefully—. Even the most ignorant commoner recognizes the symbols of the ten families. I am... well, I was the leader of a gang until yesterday; I have to stay informed.
»But I must ask, are you sponsored by the Algeri? It would be good to know which house I owe my life to.
—I told you before; we are an independent group.—Merlian's black eyes pierced through Basil's golden floors—. It's not difficult for us to steal from a noble house.
Basil didn't easily believe what she told him; however, again, he had no other choice but to follow them.
They don't seem reluctant for me to have my own strength; that's good.
Basil's face shone with gratitude as he put the weapon back in its holster and adjusted the cases on his belt.
—That would be all. —Merlian was ready to leave, but she was stopped by a question from Basil.
—Excuse me, how long will we stay here? —He had a genuine curiosity about it—. Are you planning to stay in this city until those "powerful demigods" get bored?
Merlian looked at him for a moment while she reflected.
—We can't. If it were just Mr. S, maybe. But Mr. O's Errant Law is focused on tracking.
Basil thought about how careful one had to be to invent such a detailed and crazy story at the same time.
—By Hex, how convenient. —Merlian's unfriendly look didn't stop his sarcastic attitude.
—I'll tell you a thousand times, believe it or not, you have no other option but to accompany us.
»To get back to what I was saying, we will leave in three days. The reason is that we are waiting for our allies. —Merlian's tone took on a hint of mockery—. Don't worry, you can also choose the next place; you can take this as a sightseeing tour... hehehe.
—Well, I'm glad to hear that. —He let out a dry laugh—. But if that guy has my traces, how come I haven't died? Did that other Emperor nicknamed "Lan" also impose some all-powerful restriction or something?
—You are very creative, Mr. Basil. —Merlian also responded with a dry laugh at Basil's condescending attitude—. But contrary to what you might believe, it's due to something simpler. Before coming here, Mr. O used his Errant Law to track Mr. S, the same person who was able to approach you and implant a dream.
»It's prudent to assume that Mr. O could follow Mr. S's traces, finding his previous location. Under that logic, it's even more prudent to assume that in the course of the last few hours... he may have already arrived there.
Merlian spoke with a grim tone, and Basil felt his back freeze. The implications of her words became clear to him.
—That means... that... Mr. Wiry could be...
She simply nodded in response.
—You... could have told me! At that moment I could have sent a message with the hummingbird; maybe then...
—Ms. Merly has her reasons. —It was Kaely who interrupted him—. Mr. O is an Emperor of tracking; it only takes a small object for him to find his target.
Basil could only grit his teeth at this truth. He really didn't care about Mr. Wiry's life; in his view, he was just another man following him out of convenience. The problem lay in what would remain after Mr. O's arrival. In the hypothetical case that Basil managed to survive that situation, he would have nowhere to return to. However, the more he thought about it, the calmer he became.
In any case, handing over power to Mr. Wiry had been a gamble from the start. It wasn't improbable that he would flee with the money. The real loss is the reason I came here. Without Magenta Seraph, it won't be possible to put pressure on Sanma right now.
Merlian and Auryn saw Basil's sour expression but said nothing; they just left in silence.
—Oh... poor Mr. Wiry... —Paul lamented; he had heard everything from a corner.
Basil could only sigh as he brought another segment to his mouth.
Meanwhile, a man stood out on the commercial street of Promise City. The crowd of customers cautiously parted ways, allowing him to pass smoothly. With an upright posture and white uniforms whose fine red embroidery made them look stained with blood, that member of the Great Headquarters walked without delay.
The Errant arrived at the Gaustin headquarters. Arno looked at that building with regret. Since the tragic death of his friend Hall Gaustin, the building had closed down. There was no one left to take care of it, so dust had accumulated quite a bit. The man stopped in front of the door; there was someone familiar to Arno there.
—Young Dan Gaustin.—He was Hall's first son. Contrary to what Arno expected, he liked laws and graduated in Law School. He thought he would follow in his father's footsteps, but it was his late brother who did so.—I'm sorry I couldn't attend the funeral; I was on a mission outside the city. You have my deepest condolences.
—Yes, don't worry.—Dan's response was automatic and monotonous. The grief from losing his family only intensified upon seeing company.
Arno looked at him with an empathetic expression. The young man's life had changed in just a few days. His brother had taken his own life and with it their father too. However, he needed to warn him about his actions.
—I'm here as you requested. Let me tell you in advance: even if grief clouds your vision, it's not wise to go to the Great Headquarters for a simple criminal case.
The part about the "criminal case" was a conjecture. It was rumored to be a conspiracy because not only did the Gaustin fall, but so did the Graytonne, Difial, and Dris, all textile companies. But the investigations led nowhere, concluding it was merely a coincidence. Of course, this was what was apparent; behind the scenes, Basil and Gurad bribed those in charge of the case.
—Don't worry, although my lack of trust in the police forces is one reason, the main reason is that there are Wanderers involved.
Arno was surprised. He then spoke cautiously.
—Do you have proof of what you've said?
—I have my father's words. —He pulled out a crumpled letter from his pockets and handed it to Arno.
March 23, 2229
My son, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I regret not being able to visit you; I have been busy fixing your brother's mess. I am very curious about that essay you wrote, but above all, how has little Luka been? Tell him that his grandfather will bring him those delicious chocolates he loves so much.
Additionally, in your letter, you mention that you have been having trouble with your case. I would like to give you some advice, but I am just a retired salesman. I can only remind you of Celei's words, "The fool falls in love with the shineof gold; the wise man falls in love with its value." Your client seems not to understand this; perhaps those words will make him reconsider.
You are a wise man; I know you will handle the situation well. What worries me is your brother. That guy, Basil, has filled his head with stupid words. The power he has acquired in the company drives me crazy. For now, his Wanderer is usefulfor getting rid of companies, but I cannot let my guard down. I have gathered evidence and witnesses; I don't trust the latter much; a threat and they will keep their mouths shut forever. As for the evidence, I have left a hidden device in one of the carriages that transport goods. More specifically, the A-10. In case something happens to me, use this information and take care of your brother.
Love, your father.
Arno saw Hall Gaustin's familiar signature below the text and turned to Dan, who had a tired expression.
—Well done, young man. If what this text says is true, then the Grand Headquarters can intervene. —His gaze was filled with gratitude but mixed with a bit of fury—. To think Hall would orchestrate such a plot... he has always been this way; it's a shame.
Before Dan could say anything, Arno continued.
—Don't worry; your father was a great friend; I won't implicate his son in all this.
Dan nodded roughly. He didn't like the idea of getting his hands dirty in all this, but if it was for avenging his family, he would do it time and again.
With nothing more to say, both moved toward the bank.