While the military institute is in an unusual state of gloominess, Westdenn is still going on as how it was. The business inside Crescent Moon was still going smoothly even without Dreigh but the family's situation was not that good. Ever since Mr. Mazir informed them of the news, Levhon has become anxious while waiting for any news from the institute. His anxiousness has been piling up every day that passes by without any news and Dreigh was not able to write them any letters ever since he left.
It was even more concerning when no news was released about the military institute or about the battle that happened against Luelia. 'Is the government covering things up?' Levhon can't help but think of this possibility. He could only look at the door every once in a while in agitation.
"Father, are you okay? You've been restless for the past few days, did something happen? Is it about my brother?" Everleigh did not hold back her curiosity. Ever since Mr. Mazir came, his father have been anxiously looking at their door for some time now but his father did not say anything to her. She waited and waited but Levhon refused to talk and now she can't take it anymore and directly asked her father.
He looked at his daughter and can't help but feel guilty over not telling her what had happened but in his opinion it is better to not let Everleigh know what Mr. Mazir relayed to him. "I'm fine. I'm just waiting for Mr. Mazir to come so we can talk about the new business deal he had proposed to me the last time he came."
Everleigh gave her a father a stern look while silently admonishing him in her heart. "Do you think I'm that dense to not notice that you have been worried about something this past few days and don't you make excuses now, the only matter that can make you this restless are things that involve me or my brother." She angrily talked back. She was tired of always being treated as a child.
Levhon frowned, "Ever –" he was not able to continue what he was about to say when she saw his daughter's glare.
"Stop! Father I only wanted for you tell me what has really happened. It's been more than a month when big brother left but not even a single letter came. I'm also worried and I want to understand what is happening instead of also worrying about you. The both of us can share the worry we have for big brother." Everleigh was frustrated, she wanted to shout but her words came out pleading. She would throw temper tantrums once in a while and act childish but in times like this she could also think maturely.
The man who spoils his children too much softened at his daughter's words. He could see that she had grown up well and he was proud of it. "Okay, I'll tell you."
Levhon carefully explained to Everleigh the news brought by Mr. Mazir and her first reaction was shock then deep worry. She doesn't believe that her brother would be gone and so was her father. They both expressed their hope to each other that Dreigh was alive and well and that there must be a reason why he was not able to send them letters.
--
At the Emrys estate, Commander General Emrys has just received the letter from Captain Mathis. He can't help but feel apprehension at the content of the letter, if what the captain has said a possibility of infighting would happen inside the military institute. If all the remnants inside that place dies two possibilities might happen. The government would say that the remnants had rebelled against the Kingdom of Glasfale which will push the remnant to fight back, since most have been dissatisfied of the people for a long time now or the people will condemn the government that might lead to coup d'etat. Both outcomes can very might as well destroy Glasfale.
A fight that includes the common people was a taboo to any nation or kingdom, especially if that fight was incited by the governing body that was supposed to protect them. General Emrys massage his head, he could feel a head ache coming. Mathis even asked for the help of the fifth battalion regarding this matter. The fifth battalion was the army portioned to Commander General Emrys, it was well known for their brutal way of handling things. They would slaughter their ways into the enemy ranks and seize victory with brute force. It was the reason why many enemies did not dare to fight them or confront them. Mathis was part of this battalion but he was mainly in charge of a small unit that specializes in reconnaissance, it was the reason why he sent him to join the military institute. To ask for assistance from the fifth battalion only means that Mathis has deemed the situation very dangerous but Emrys cannot easily pull out a group from the battalion even though he was in charge of them or else the Supreme Commander might notice. He fell in thought before he replied to Captain Mathis.
--
The day remained the same for the remnants and the soldiers inside the institute, there was the usual silent treatment between each party but nobody was openly hostile with each other, it was like they were waiting for something to happen. The only thing that seems to be out of place was that nobody from the general's side had commented or asked questions about the remnants who were not present. They were sure that the guards who were making their rounds have already noticed that some of the remnants were missing and have reported it to their superiors but not one of those superior came to inspect.
They waited but no one came. The remnants who saw this situation also decided to leave since no one cared whether they leave or stay. They bid their goodbye to Dreigh and the others who decided to stay.
"What do you think Dreigh?" Vira can't help but ask. He was tempted to go also and leave that place already. The living conditions were already bad and if they had the chance to leave then he will leave but in consideration with Dreigh and his friends he remained.
"I'm not sure. Honestly, I'm concerned right now, I kept on feeling that something is wrong but I can't just base it solely from my gut feeling," Dreigh explained. Captain Mathis has clearly explained that they can't leave this place without the general's permission because he was the person tasked to look after the institute. According to the general's personality, he will not let this matter slide because it was a challenge to his authority and General Rozen doesn't want his authority being challenged especially by remnants like them.
"Why don't we check it out, if we found that nothing is amiss we can leave but if we find that something bad has happened we could always return and pretend like nothing had happened," Rond suggested, the other remnants nodded in agreement.
Rond had a point, they could always return if they felt in danger so Dreigh nodded in agreement. "We need to inform Captain Mathis of this matter before we go."
"No need we are just going to check it out and return immediately,�� Vira urged, he wanted to immediately ascertain if they could really leave even without permission.
Dreigh could understand Vira's distress and the other's uncertain looks, they all wanted to leave this place but still he felt that it was better to inform the captain first.
"Let's do it Dreigh besides we are not even sure if the captain is sincere in wanting to help us," Endo's voice rang above the whispers inside the room.
Dreigh could only reluctantly nod in acquiescence. They made some preparation before they set off. Dreigh divided their group into three teams, each team consists of five members. They were each tasked to check out three possible routes the other remnants could have taken to leave. After checking each route, they would return meet again at a spot a few meters away from the old dormitory building.
As they were leaving the building, Dreigh let his gaze roam around the area and saw that even though there were soldiers scattered around the place they did not take any notice of them, it was as if they were acting blind and deaf. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion but other than that he did not notice any unusual movements to them. Although this was a little bit alarming, their priority right now is to know if they can really leave the military institute.
He didn't give them any more attention and followed his group to the assigned place they were going to check. It would take them at least thirty minutes to reach their destination. While walking, Dreigh instructed his group to be careful and observe their surrounding in case they spot something out of the ordinary. He just said this when one of the remnant with them suddenly froze in total fear, his face became pale as he slowly lifted his hands and pointed in the direction before them.