Today is the seventh day.
Meaning, it's the day of our Ordinance.
"...Care to explain the meaning of him being here?"
A voice implored in an unceremonious tone while pointing at a figure, standing a couple of metres away from her. She was having a hard time maintaining her semblance after the sudden visit of this uninvited guest.
"Is there something to explain, Isn't the meaning obvious behind his presence?" I questioned back, constructing a facet of 'Why are you alarmed, Isn't everything according to plan?'
"You can't be serious right now! You do know who he is, and what consequences we had to face if he got out of here."
"Consequences... yeah right! That is something you had to face if we can't execute the plan... The Way We Planned."
I said, putting a lot of emphasis on my words, which were certified facts.
"But we never planned this!!!"
Alishia cried out, She can't help but argue.
"Yes we didn't... but, so what? Does it change anything? And wasn't it you to begin with? The one who agreed to put her trust in me? The one who had no means to infiltrate Calvin's guard? On the other hand, wasn't it me, who offered his assistance in such a crucial matter? The one who stands to gain nothing after signing that contract with you, not just one but two of those? And here you are, still questioning me, doubting the legitimacy of our newfound ally."
"But... you never mentioned that it would be him."
"Even if I didn't? Does it even matter? What we need to do is execute the plan and be done with Calvin... Once And Forever!"
"Again... what's the proof he won't betray us."
Alishia asked, both conflicted and sceptical at the sudden intervention of this newfound ally.
"Do you even have the right to ask that? Or a choice other than this?"
Hearing my argument, Alishia turned silent. How can she argue when she didn't have words to refute my proclamation?
While this was transpiring, the person mentioned in the context was looking at us with a deep smile on his face, he seem to be enjoying our conversation, even though he didn't... or can't partake in it.
The person was none other than... Niktus Valric, the closest aide to Calvin.
Now, the question is how did we end up here?
....
A few days ago.
—Knock, Knock!
"Yes, come in."
Tak. Tak. Tak.
Hearing the answer, I walked into the compartment which had [The Head Office] nameplate hung exquisitely at its entrance door.
Walking into the compartment office, I was able to have glimpse of two figures, one standing at the side of the other, who was seated behind the desk which was covered with organised documents.
"Did you summon me, Brother Calvin~?"
I asked with a hearty smile.
Why was I so cheerful?
No particular reason, I just wanted to portray myself as the same clueless brat, who didn't have situational awareness, someone who is unworthy of his attention, which was a necessity for the success of our plan.
"Yes. I have something to discuss with you."
Calvin spoke, leaving aside his paperwork, looking at me from top to bottom as if he was scrutinising me for a possible reason.
"Do tell, Brother Calvin~. I am excited to hear the piece, my older brother has to offer."
I continued with my act, this time putting in a lot more effort, trying to be respectful to the provisional head of the clan.
I even tried to appear a bit over the top... making him believe that I was trying to amend for the adversity I created at the dinner table, and is now afraid of his retribution.
A simple act, which was in line with the personality of the former Lykus.
Just from my bootlicking, Calvin seem to have lost half of his interest in the ongoing conversation, but he still asked:
"Have you heard any rumours these days?"
'This must be the same stuff he asked Alishia.'
The reason for my summon was pretty self-explanatory, he wanted to be on the safe side regarding me. It wasn't like he was suspicious of me, more like, he just wants to make sure that I am out of the picture.
'I am certain, he doesn't even doubt me in actuality.'
"What rumours...? I was busy these days with my training, so I couldn't hear anything interesting. Is there a rumour going on around our vicinity?"
I went on with my oblivious act, just the way I planned.
"Oh, you haven't heard anything?"
Calvin was a bit intrigued at first, hearing about my training, but it didn't take long for him to lose interest after we continued with our talk.
While this was transpiring on the surface, I was actually not a tad bit interested in this Idle talk and was solely focusing my attention on his Status Window.
__________________________
Name: Calvin Ulfred
Title: The One In Search Of Power, Caution Of A Heinous Strategist, Callous Hindsight.
Age: 23
Rank: B
Class: Spearman
[Stats]
Strength: 61 (B) / Potential B
Agility: 39 (D) / Potential D
Stamina: 43 (D) / Potential C
Magic: 31 (D) / Potential D
Endurance: 22 (D) / Potential D
Magic Resistance: 14 (E) / Potential C
[Special stats]
Luck: 16 (E) / Potential E
Charm: 27 (D) / Potential D
[Skills: {Tap to view}]
[Traits: {Tap To view}]
[Equipment: {Tap To view}]
[Favourability: -35]
[Loyality: 0]
__________________________
'Nothing interesting to look at.'
A thought which roamed in my mind, after looking through his Status Window, struggling to find uniqueness. But in the end, I got nothing but disappointment. I was surprised at the absurdity of how basic his Status Window was.
[ Checking the Status Window and Potential of the character— Niktus Valric.]
Without wasting any time, I shifted my attention to the Status Window of the other individual.
__________________________
Name: Niktus Valric.
Title: Calm-Analyst, The Preacher Of Ill-will, An Honourable Member Of Acheron, The One With Least Authority, The Lost Child.
Age: 28
Rank: C
Class: Stealth
[Stats]
Strength: 21 (D) / Potential D
Agility: 42 (C) / Potential C
Stamina: 28 (D) / Potential D
Magic: 12 (E) / Potential E
Endurance: 07 (F) / Potential F
Magic Resistance: 05 (F) / Potential E
[Special stats]
Luck: 22 (D) / Potential D
Charm: 15 (E) / Potential E
[Skills: {Tap to view}]
[Traits: {Tap To view}]
[Equipment: {Tap To view}]
[Favourability: 0]
[Loyality: 0]
__________________________
'Ohh! He sure is an interesting one.'
I thought, even though his stats were trash compared to Calvin, but his titles make up for it.
Niktus Valric, the closest aide of Calvin, his most trusted advisor.
And just like Calvin, I don't have much information regarding him... or should I say, I have even less information.
But, I knew one thing...
[ An Honourable Member Of Acheron. ]
That he was a member of the heretic cult, long before glimpsing at his Status Window.
How?
From the enraged comments, which were contending against the author.
It was one of the spoilers I got that day, but since it wasn't anything major, I let it slide. But to think it would come in handy in this situation is just unprecedented.
Now, he became one of the important pieces in our act of ordinance against Calvin.
At first, I just wanted to use him, and throw him away, but looking at his titles, I seem to have a change of mind.
'It would be a waste to throw him away just after this.'
I thought with an inner smirk, which was well hidden from the eyes of Calvin and Niktus.
"Is that all you have to discuss, Brother Calvin~?"
"Yes, that was all, now you may leave."
Calvin replied after having lost all his interest in me.
But, how can I leave without accomplishing my objective.
So...
"But before I leave, can I have a talk with Niktus~, what do you say Brother Calvin~?"
I asked the desired question with an innocent smile.