Gilgamesh is silent with his triumphant grin while Lanling glares at him, seemingly cursing him at the back of his mind. The tension suffocates me in the chilly confines of the car. I must be glad we secured a place to stay, but I can't sit through the ride in relief. Lanling has been a polite and nice person toward us. Now, he must be thinking Gilgamesh is an opportunist for taking all Shikoutei and more. I want to clear that bad impression of my Servant - or as what Gilgamesh introduced me - of my king as his attendant.
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Ah! Right, the application Shikoutei mentioned. That could be a good way to break the ice.325Please respect copyright.PENANAh4JxVkrkax
"Um... Lanling? Could you help me with the app your President talked about?"
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His irises flick to my direction and he replies in a monotonous voice. "Ah yes. I nearly forgot about that." He slips a hand into his coat's breast pocket and pulls out a card, showing it to me. Written on the face looks like a network name and its password.
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His voice is as cold as his eyes. But I think the warm demeanor he has when we first met suits his delicate features better. Maybe this could be a subtle display of his other side, that even someone comforting like the spring breeze can turn into a winter's blizzard. I feel both nervous... and amazed.325Please respect copyright.PENANAv0qcsouY3e
"You care about the President so much. If not, you wouldn't mind his agreement to an outrageous deal."
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"Of course! Most Gracio-- The president chose me for the role of executive secretary. I am honored to serve by his side, and in return, I must fulfill the task to the best of my capabilities and aim to exceed his expectations," he replies passionately.
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I beam at him. "I think Shikoutei is blessed to have you as his secretary."
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His eyes widen and trail away from me. I could see his cheeks blushing lightly though his face is colored by the sunset rays from the tinted car window. "T-Thank you for the compliment."
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My terminal, which I will call a smartphone from now on, chimes. Various notifications pop up on the screen which become the key to lessen the tension between us for the whole trip as Lanling and I tinker with my phone. I only came to realize the time when the car stopped in front of a skyscraper.
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Stepping out of the car and into the building, the place screams the word 'luxurious' and I feel like an outsider. The decor, the chandelier, even the tiled walls and floor are all sparking clean and sophisticated. However, the simple outfits -- nearly plain-looking -- of the people inside comforts me that even a nobody can stand inside this tower. I could hear Gilgamesh's voice, probably praising the place, but I am captured by the beauty of it all. Bursting my bubble is Lanling's call to follow him to the elevator.
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Riding the elevator brought back memories of the Holy Grail War matches. Without a battle to expect, now I can grieve for their defeat.
If only the effect of losing was a lie, I would find a way to save everyone.
...Please be a lie.
I want to believe they are alive on Earth.
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"Despite how ludicrous the deal is to me, you have immensely aided us with the company's pressing matter. The president is in a great mood today," Lanling's voice wakes me up from my wishful daydreaming.
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Gilgamesh replies though Lanling's words aren't directed to him. "As he should be! My treasures are exceptional. He may as well sing more praises of me for bestowing him part of my treasury!"
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Oh King of Heroes, you might as well be called King of Pride.
"Please excuse my king. That's how he is when his negotiations become favorable."
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Lanling nervously laughs. "Haha... I guess emperors and kings are not so different after all."
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Before Gilgamesh could retaliate, the elevator chimes and its doors slide open. Lanling walks down the carpeted hallway leading to another set of steel double doors. Potted ornamental plants give the futuristic urban interior a breath of fresh air (pun not intended). He taps a keycard onto a panel resting beside the right door jamb, and we step in as soon as the doors are hidden within the walls.
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The scent of lotus wafting in the room and a gray-haired man in red Chinese robes and round shades welcome us. With only a meter apart, I can tell he is of old age but his stance contradicts my impression of elderly men. His posture reminds me of military men awaiting orders from their leader.
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Lanling turns on his heels and presents the man to us. "Allow me to introduce the current caretaker of this penthouse. This is Mr. Li Shuwen, head security administrator of the company, and he will serve as your guide within the premises of this hotel throughout your temporary stay."
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Li Shuwen? Why does he share the same name as Julius's Servant? But the Li Shuwen I know is young with red hair and driven by the thrill of competition and bloodlust, characteristics that I don't see and sense from this man. Could it be coincidence?
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The man called Li Shuwen has his mouth ajar. Even with shades on, I could feel his eyes fixated on me. I wonder why, but I must play the part of an attendant named Francis Xavier for now. I lower my head and bend forward to show respect.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Li Shuwen. We--"
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Li Shuwen bursts into a loud laughter. "What are the odds of us meeting again, here of all places and as a guest of honor of Most Gracious and Majestic Emperor to boot? Hakuno Kishinami, is this what you have wished for -- a new life?"
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By his words, he must be THAT Li Shuwen! For him to manifest in a different form, his class might have changed as well. Who knows, maybe he is a Berserker now and charge at me at any moment!
But no, I should pretend I am not Hakuno Kishinami. Gilgamesh gave me a faux persona in a spur of the moment back there, maybe to hide the fact that I am his Master. I am Francis Xavier until we are sure we didn't enter another Holy Grail War. I shouldn't let my cover be blown and waste his effort!
"You must be mistaken. I am no--"
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"Where is that swordsman in red? Have you severed your contract with that blade-wielding Archer?" He continues to ask.
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A blade-wielding Archer? Well, Gilgamesh is an Archer upon entering the Near Side of the Moon and has swords in his arsenal, but I never made him wear red.
"Again, sir, you must be mistaken. The glorious ruler before you is King Gilgamesh, and I am his attendant, Francis Xavier. It is a pleasure to be acquainted with you."
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Li Shuwen closes the distance between us with a lean forward and pulls his glasses down. I blink quickly as he scan me from head to toe. Beads of cold sweat start to form on my forehead as I feel his irises bore holes through me. Did he see through my facade?
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A firm hand holds me by the shoulder and pulls me backwards until my back hits metal. Gilgamesh speaks up, his face and voice filled with contempt. "Cease this foolishness at once! Not only do you mistake my attendant for some mongrel and invade her spatial boundaries, but you also fail to recognize the presence of a king first and conduct yourself in the manner rightful to the throne."
He shifts his gaze to Lanling. "Secretary, this insolence before me shall not be excused. Replace this guard at once, and the new one be stationed in that hallway, never to set foot within this quarters unless beckoned! It won't be long until this becomes my new throne room. Boundaries must be established and respected."
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Gilgamesh, you have taken so much already. Now you order Lanling around?!
"My king--"
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Lanling lets out a quiet and short sigh. "It is as you say. We deeply apologize for our misconduct. I shall let the President know of your woes immediately."
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Li Shuwen bends forward until he is folded in a right angle. "I apologize for my behavior, Your Highness, Miss Attendant. I have left the keys of the rooms and the keycards to the penthouse on the center table. Please make yourselves at home."
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As soon as Li Shuwen raises his upper body, he follows Lanling in exiting the room. They bow once more as the metal doors slide shut. I take a step forward to see them off and apologize for the abrupt request, but Gilgamesh holds me firmly in place and glares at the distant door. I hear faint footsteps soften beyond the door, the elevator chime, and the two men likely stepping into the elevator. A few seconds later, Gilgamesh releases me.
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With only us in the room, my legs suddenly surrender maybe out of nervousness, but Gilgamesh catches me before I drop to the hardwood floor.
"Are you alright?"
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"Yeah. I must be tired. But that man..."
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Gilgamesh brings me to the sofa to let me sit. He takes the spot across me and crosses his arms. "He knows you're a Master. Are you two acquainted?"
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I nod my head. "When Lanling introduced him, I wasn't sure because the Li Shuwen we know is a young Assassin. You know him as the Berserker of Julius's ghost. If he knows my name, then he could be the same Heroic Spirit."
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"Ah, that darkened crimson maniac," he comments after crossing his arms. "We have given the corrupted hero his peaceful slumber, and the dead will remain in the underworld. I surmise he was summoned again but manifested in his older days."
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"Summoned? Then that would mean..."
The possibility of placing ourselves in another war of any form causes my chest to tighten. I don't want it. I don't want to be the reason for more people's eternal rest.
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"That conclusion in your mind is still uncertain until we learn more about this civilisation we landed on. Ease your worries, Hakuno."
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That is the first time I heard Gilgamesh's voice low and soothing. I can tell he is trying to comfort me, and I don't want to fail him as his Master. I have to cheer up!
I take a deep breath once, then another, then I give him an assuring nod.
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He replies with a grin. "I commend you for being quick to pick yourself up from the rubbles of your mind." He tosses a set of keys to my direction which I catch in reflex. "Now explore our new abode and choose a room of your own."325Please respect copyright.PENANAazrbudB6aW
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"Any room? Even the one with the largest bed?"
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"Should that be what your frail body longs for, then shall be it. Your body must be aching after a long time resting in that pitiful bed of the room." He then chuckles. "Know your greed, Hakuno, but I trust you are aware of that by now."
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Oddly in a bright mood, my king. That rare opportunity must be grabbed and taken advantage of! Now filled with excitement to have my own room, I dash to the flight of stairs, run my way up, and check the rooms in the second floor.
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Done with checking all the rooms the penthouse has to offer, I now sit to the right of Gilgamesh who currently owns the chair by the short side of the rectangular dining table. It seems Li Shuwen left us with sets of beverage, fresh produce and home cooked meals in the fridge along with complete condiments and powdered drinks in the cupboards. I made myself a glass of hot chocolate while Gilgamesh poured himself a glass of wine from the mini bar, which we are enjoying at the moment.
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"Not the best, but palatable," Gilgamesh rates.
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Taking a sip of my first ever prepared food jolts me. I burnt my tongue, but I could tell it was sweet and truly chocolatey. How long has it been since I last had sweets? That doesn't matter. I am drinking cocoa without worries for my life, and that's all I care about for now.
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"Why the big smile? Are my candies not enough to satiate your taste buds?" Gilgamesh inquires.
"That candy and this are different. Like how you discern every wine in the world. Besides, I earned those candies from hard work in labyrinths."
"Chocolate, huh. Then you have your fondness with cakes. If it weren't for your digital body, you would be a walking ball of sugar!"
"Now that's impossible! I would have burned those sugars for walking and running a lot. I'll throw that back to you. If you weren't a Servant, you would probably have a huge belly with all the wine you drink daily."
"Wine improves digestion, you fool! A large lump of fat around the stomach is the aftermath of neglect in one's physical health, not by drinking liquor every waking moment!"
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I stay silent for a short while not because he is correct, but because I suddenly realize we are bickering over small things like normal friends. I start giggling at the abrupt inflection.
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"Laughing now? Are a few screws loose in that mongrel mind of yours?"
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I shake my head with a smile. "I never thought a time like this would occur to me. Debating with drinks on hand, relaxing in a posh place like this. Something this normal feels alien to me. An unexceptional human that finds normal unnatural -- it's funny."
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Gilgamesh swirls his wine as he stares at me. His lips stretch thinly into a smile. "Let this be the last time you make me repeat myself. Set aside your skill in worries and cares. This is a place where you can learn the joy of living. May it be the strange, the unknown, and your so-called normal, enjoy it all for it is the meaning of life, Hakuno!"
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"I wish this would last long, not a calm before a storm."
He huffs. "Then you should make haste with the investigation tomorrow. I expect tremendous results."
"What do you mean me? Aren't you tagging along?"
"A king cannot leave his fort except when the tides of battle calls for him," he explains. "Furthermore, I cannot take the emperor's word about your mark simply contradicting your demeanor. He must have known your left hand bears a Command Seal and not an ordinary tattoo."
"You mean to say he was humoring my excuse?"
"Exactly. To remain true to our fabricated story, I must remain here within the mechanical sight of the emperor." He shows his palm to casually point to one of the security cameras installed in the penthouse which is facing to him.
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While Lanling and Li Shuwen were leaving, he activated an audio recording jammer by sneaking his hand between my back and his torso, leaving the security with only visual feed from this penthouse.
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"Wouldn't they be troubleshooting the audio right away?"
"I believe not. As they watch over us, all they would hear is music. They might as well think we are holding a party with only us two."
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So that's why he can address me as normal and we can hold this conversation. I really hope his countermeasures work. "Then I should act like I know nothing."
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"Hoh? Seems like you developed a good head on your shoulders. How amusing of my Master." He sips his wine shortly. "Though I will let you off alone, I shall not let you walk into death's door. Wear this."
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A small ripple of golden light appears beside my left hand on the table and immediately disappears to thin air. A gold ring remains rested on the table that I soon pick up. When I turn the ring between my fingers, the light reveals an engraving of some foreign script.
"Should your life be in danger, tap this ring against metal and a Bounded Field will surround you. If I remember correctly, it can withstand an explosion of one grenade."
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I try the band ring onto my fingers on my right hand. It then fits my little finger. "That is weaker than a Servant's Noble Phantasm, but enough for me to make my escape or hide." I follow it with a sigh. "If only I had my Mystic Codes, my chances of survival might be higher."
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Gilgamesh starts chuckling on his seat. Before I could ask, a door bell chimes throughout the living room. I leave the dining area to walk to the living room and check who our visitor is.
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The screen of the door security panel shows Lanling along with a female in suit and twin bun hairstyle behind him waiting at the hallway.325Please respect copyright.PENANAEOmgAzENl3
"Ms. Xavier, may I speak with King Gilgamesh?"
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I turn to Gilgamesh to see his response.
He shakes his head. "Entertain them outside."
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After pushing a button on the panel, I step to the doors and escort myself to the hallway when the metal panels slide open.
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With the doors closed, Lanling, his companion, and I exchange bows.
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"The President extends his apologies to your king," Lanling begins. "As such, he has sent me to bring a new guide." He steps aside and gestures toward the female behind him. "I'd like to introduce Ms. Qin Liangyu, one of the most trusted bodyguards of the President."
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The lady guard covers her right fist with her left hand at chest level.
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"Kin... Riyan..." I struggle to follow with Lanling's pronunciation of her name.
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"You may call me Shin, Lady Xavier," the lady cheerfully greets.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Shin." I shyly imitate her hands.
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"We have informed her of King Gilgamesh's request to have her stationed in this hallway," Lanling continues.
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Gilgamesh's demand was sudden, but having no strangers while we rest is a good decision. Who knows what would happen in our most vulnerable state.
"Umm, about that. I will be leaving tomorrow for a short walk. Could Ms. Shin stay here to guard the king?"
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Lanling glances at Liangyu, then reverts his attention to me. "We have particular orders to provide security for both of you."
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I wave my hand side to side and smile nervously. "But the king's safety is my top priority. That is why he agreed to send me alone tomorrow to survey the area for delicacies. His Highness should have Ms. Shin's aid."
If I am to gather information, I should be alone when going out.
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Lanling places a hand on his chin contemplating my request. But after a while, he straightens his back and nods. "Very well." He turns to Liangyu and nods at her.
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There is one more thing I should ask. "Ah, Mr. Lanling. How about that ALNavi app? We weren't able to install it back then."
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Lanling's face lits up. "Thank you for reminding me!" He slips his hand to his breast pocket and hands a small memo to me. "Here is the penthouse's wi-fi access. Then, search the name in the app shop."
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I study the memo held with both of my hands. Ten devices available to connect huh.
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"With all matters sorted now, I must return to my station," Lanling bids as he beams a smile.
"Thank you very much for all of your help! Let's have some tea on your day-off."
"Ah, that would be nice. See you again, Ms. Xavier." Lanling bows before turning to the elevator.
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Now I'm left with Liangyu. I can't let her stand all night long. "I'll take out a chair from inside for you, Ms. Shin." Then I hurriedly open the door and dash inside without waiting for her reply.
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With Gilgamesh's help, I brought the table and chair in my chosen room outside for Liangyu to use. I gave her drinks and snacks from the kitchen to keep her full and refreshed. Though we consumed a few drinks, we were uncertain if the food in the fridge were safe to eat. He was worried about poison while I thought Li Shuwen prepared them for someone else. We headed into our rooms without eating dinner.325Please respect copyright.PENANAdXCIp2t4Ra
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The two rooms upstairs both have a balcony, Gilgamesh's room facing the northern half of the city while my room facing the southern half as stated by my phone's compass. I enjoy the cool breeze and the nearly authentic sky of this new place. What kinds of people will I meet? What opportunities will I discover here? Would I be interested in schooling or working? Are there animals here? There's so much to find out, and I hope this peace would last.325Please respect copyright.PENANAnxmjfmRsoN
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[ PLACE: UNKNOWN ]
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Numerous screens in a five by five grid line up in front of a man in suit. This pairing repeats three more times in a well-lit room, an old gent and a youthful man standing behind one of the suited men.
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"That young girl... How should we put it..."
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"What about her?"
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The youthful man with hair close to touching the floor exhales. "We have seen all things odd in this land. But that pair is one of a kind. Not that we judge, but a king in full body armor to have such a young girl in school uniform as a secretary... Is this what the humans call worry?"
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"Please let me hear your thoughts, Your Majesty."
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"Could the girl be forced to work under him?"
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The old man's jaw hangs ajar. With a fist covering his mouth, he clears his throat. "Most Gracious Majesty, for you to bother yourself with a stranger, your kindness knows no bounds."
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"We like her humility and manners. The air around her feels welcoming." The younger man turns to the old gentleman in red. "Are you certain she bears a different name? That she has lied to us?"
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"If she is who I believe to be, there must be a valid reason for her coverup. It is not in her nature to do evil or succumb to it."
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"Hmm... Then we shall send you on a mission. Identify her reason for working under an egoistic king. Ah, but do not spy on her or employ drastic measures. She shall not be harmed."
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"Is there a particular manner on which I should commence this mission?"
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"You seem friendly with her as we have observed from the footage." The long haired man hands the older one a leather wallet. "Find her and spend time with her!"325Please respect copyright.PENANAEdlKKBiOqj
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The old man in red stares at the other, reluctantly accepting the wallet. Shortly, he begins to chuckle. "I understand, Your Majesty. I shall present myself to you with news tomorrow."
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~~~~~~MUNDANE BEGINNINGS - CHAPTER END~~~~~~
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