Making his way through the road, Edward made his way to the military centre. He was still uncertain about the circumstances at the centre.
" The attack must have already commenced."
That was the answer, Edward was carrying in his mind but the answer would only come when he would reach the place.
On his way to the centre, Edward encountered various people, asking them for directions and making sure he was on the right path.
As Edward continued moving he saw the first sign of military presence,
"..."
A party of military uniformed messengers riding on their horses moved right by Edward.
Edward paid no heed to their presence and kept moving ahead, his destination was near.
Soon, the building was right in Edward's sight,
" It quite matches a mansion in looks."
The building was large, covering a vast area and having multiple stories.
It was painted red and white and the flag of the Old Ethereo, a Tree with a background coloured white. Hung at the top of the building.
It was quite captivating and glamourous to look at but Edward had seen much bigger buildings in his travels.
As they approached closer to the place, the density of the people suddenly went up high.
The military centre was as busy as ever, people were standing in long lines outside the building, while soldiers went in and out every second.
Soon, Edward reached the gate of the building, he jumped off his horse.
He tied the horse to a nearby tree, so it could take shade from the sun and have its fill of grass.
"You did good work today. Enjoy your time."
Edward swayed his hand over the horse, appreciating its hard work.
He moved from the resting horse and made his way to the gate of the building.
" Wait."
Edward was stopped by a soldier with a stern look.
" Excuse me, before you enter. Can you tell me your identification and entry purpose?"
Edward handed the envelope Lucius's men gave him to the guard.
" I am here, in concern to the adoption matter of a young girl."
"I see, please make your way to the room, left to the entrance. You will meet the right person for the job."
Edward got back his envelope and walked towards the pointed room.
He was certainly impressed by the bureaucratic system working along with the military, a genuinely rare case.
Edward made his way through the rush of the crowd, getting pushed left and right, he entered through the door of the large room.
" Well, this is awkward."
The room was filled with people sitting on desks and running around here and there with just paper in hand.
"It's just paper and paper everywhere."
It felt as if the people were slaves of the paper, and the paper was a master hungry for their attention.
Edward found it difficult to breathe, more air was available at war grounds than in the room.
"Hello."
A man approached Edward, which he did not recognize but knew what purpose he served.
" Hello, I am Edward. I am here for the adoption of a young girl."
He said in a formal tone while handing the envelope to the person.
"..."
The man took a good look and read the letter in seconds,
" I see. Mr.Edward. Please follow me, I'll guide you to our destination."
Edward nodded and the two began to walk,
" This is a bit nostalgic for some reason."
Edward felt like he was finding a treasure, finding one man and then another to extract information or making them an ally to reach the treasure.
But this journey was about finding something worth far more than gold or silver.
"Can you please explain to me, how this... Building functions?"
Edward was piqued by the building's function and wanted to learn more.
"I sure can. Many people have the same question as you. The management even has a book published about the workings of the building."
He smiled and began explaining as the two approached a staircase.
"The military centre works as 4 story building.
Each floor serves a different purpose." He paused.
"The lower part is a canteen and government office, official work like letter management and history records are done there."
" Well, it certainly seems hectic working here. The people working downstairs looked like tied slaves to me." Edward made a small remark about the situation he saw earlier.
The person laughed at the prospect and began speaking,
"Well, it's quite true for the people working down there." He paused and smiled again, turning his face towards Edward.
"We are slaves to something, you, me even King Lucius are chained down by the something. Working for it tirelessly."
Edward wasn't surprised by hearing those words it was a simple reality but,
"..."
It was the remainder. A remainder that Edward had chained himself with burdens.
Burdens of the past and the future, for those who died fighting against and alongside him and,
The biggest chain placed on their throat was the remembrance of the lady, he smiled at his face remembering the happy times, but the pain in his heart was making his skin numb because he lived in the present.
" I well the difference between them and me is that. I wish to be the slave of my desire."
" Very well.."
The person was very amused,
".. Then there lies your burden, good sir."
The two stopped in front of another door,
" She should be staying in the room, I'm sorry I suppose the rest of the explanation of the building is due for another day."
" Well, that's a shame. I'll read the book instead. Thank you for your work."
" My pleasure."
" Also, what is your name? You quite young and new to me."
" My name....."
The man took a good pause before he spoke again.
"....Rage. It's Rage. I have recently started working here. Please contact me if you need any help."
The young man bowed and walked away from Edward.
Edward faced the door knowing it was the moment of truth.
" Jennifer, what does she look like?"
Edward thought to himself placing his hand on the door handle.
" Wait, I should knock instead."
Edward knocked at the door and waited for a reply.
"..."
The door moved in response and an old-looking lady peeked from it.
"Hello, I am Edward. I am here for the adoption of a girl named Dia."
The lady smiled in response and introduced herself.
"I am Mary. Dia's caretaker, please come in."
He opened the door for Edward and he walked right in.
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