__________ POV Ashton__________
I left my student skulk around a bit whilst making my own tea. I don't want him ruining such quality tea.
I don't really think a thief by profession will have many accomplishments in the tea-making arts.
Although calling it art is quite strange, humans really love to call everything an art, I just go along with it.
"So, what exactly made you feel so down?" It's a bit strange to say this, but I guess I am a bit curious.
I may not be all that concerned for his health, but he is my one and only student. I won't include the Chimera Ants on that list by the way.
Formally showing concern isn't even expected of me from him. So I didn't really bother hiding the lack of sympathy in my tone.
"Well... Do you remember that Kurta Clan? The one with the scarlet eyes?" It seems his friends didn't get into the details of our conversations.
"I know that part. Two of you died, you got cursed. Now get to the point." Again, no need to pretend to show sympathy.
"... Another one of our members betrayed us. He's killed two of us, now he's somewhere on this ship... I want him to die." His eyes are as black as night, the murderous intent radiating off of him is also quite impressive for someone his age...
But still.
"I see... You do realise that embarking on this ship might've cost you the lives of every single one of your friends? And for what? Petty revenge?" I said that with a plain smile.
Revenge is a good enough reason I guess. But it surely won't do them any good in the end.
Besides, if this person was strong enough to kill two of them at the same time, then he will also be strong enough to endanger the rest of them. So pursuing him or her is foolish.
The best thing he could've done was to wait for an opportunity to hunt him down, with everyone at the same time. Now, they are scattered around the ship, like rats in a maze.
As for its destination... My student here isn't really informed about the Dark Continent. He's probably only heard the things that the Kakin Empire publicized. Which are more than deceiving.
And as expected. His eyes widened a bit.
"I-I actually have another reason to be here... I aim for the national treasure of the Kakin Empire..." Of course, you do. A thief is always greedy after all.
"But the situation on the ship is a lot more complicated than I first thought..." Oh, here comes the part that is actually interesting to me.
"This ship... It's nothing but the stage for a Succession War between the princes of the Kakin Empire... And we are caught right in the middle of it." His expression turned a bit cold.
That's interesting, it makes sense that Kakin Empire would have some hidden motives... But I don't plan on inconveniencing myself with a childish struggle for power.
I could sink this entire ship in minutes with a few well-planted explosions. Or in seconds with a really big one...
I won't be in any danger regardless of what a few brats wearing crowns are planning. Maybe the rest of the hunters are in danger, but that's not really any of my business.
Chrollo didn't seem too concerned either. I guess he must have his own ways out of this. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so nonchalant about it.
He must also have some plan to get their treasure too. And... It likely involves me. He's been... a bit too cooperative.
I was expecting him to be somewhat cooperative, but he's basically bending over at my every whim.
So I guess he needs my help with something. And it should be big, big enough where he thinks I wouldn't be convinced by any regular payment.
He's trying to get closer to me to turn this favour into a gift.
But life isn't so simple. And playing mind games with the oldest fox of these forests is certainly not a good idea...
I will play along for now. To see what he can achieve with my own eyes.
"I see. This piece of information is indeed quite useful. You must've gone through some trouble getting it..." I said, putting on my best smile. One that can't be faked.
I am sincerely happy to see my student grow to this extent... If only he knew how to pick his targets...
"Y-yes... It took quite a bit of digging..." He took a short pause. Here it comes.
"Can you please help me find the traitor? I... I want him dead, but he could harm my other friends too. It shouldn't be difficult for someone like you to take care of him..."
He placed a photo of a man with clown makeup on the table. A familiar face, someone I must've seen in passing.
Of course. But me helping with his traitor problem should be more of a cover than anything.
He's probably going to start actively making me a part of his plans if I accept. He would do that even if I refuse.
At least that's how I would be doing it. Manipulation is quite a refined tool. And I love fiddling with it.
Now I have some amusement for the duration of my trip.
"I see... I will keep an eye out." I said, looking at the picture for a few seconds.
He couldn't help the smile on his face. It was one of glee. But I could see the truth of it, he was happy his scheme had 'worked'. I know that face very well after all.
With a smile, I left the room.
As I said, he chose to take a certain path in life. One that I wouldn't have recommended him had I kept him to my side.
But he technically became scum, just like his teacher... No matter how much he values the lives of those around him, he will never be able to extend that same kindness to anyone else.
Maybe it's because I didn't set a good example for him, or maybe it was just meant to be. Whatever it is, I am curious about where his choices will bring him in the end.
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