"General Ackerman," Slifer began, his voice smooth and measured, "it's been quite some time since you graced the world with your presence. Well, I'm sure you'd prefer to just be called Mr. Ackerman now."
Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Commander Aporro," he replied, his tone equally composed. "Time has a way of slipping through one's fingers, doesn't it?"
"Indeed," Slifer agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Especially for those who vanish without a trace."
Rayleigh chuckled, a low rumble that resonated in the chamber. "Retirement has its perks, Commander. One of them being the freedom to come and go as one pleases."
"Retirement?" Slifer questioned, raising an eyebrow. "A decorated general like yourself, retiring in his prime? It seems... unlikely. Especially when your very own kingdom had no idea about it."
Rayleigh shrugged, his demeanour nonchalant. "Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, Commander. Sometimes, the path less travelled leads to the most interesting destinations."
Slifer leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Rayleigh's face. "And what destination has brought you to Avalon, General?"
Rayleigh met his gaze unflinchingly. "Curiosity, Commander. A thirst for knowledge. The world has changed much in my absence, and I'm eager to catch up."
"Curiosity?" Slifer scoffed. "I find that hard to believe, General. A man of your calibre doesn't simply wander into a foreign kingdom without a purpose. These things could lead to misunderstandings."
Rayleigh leaned back, his smile widening. "Purpose? Perhaps you're right, Commander, I'm impressed with how the guardians of Avalon carry themselves these days. Those lesser and equal to you could learn a thing or two."
Slifer's eyes glinted with a hint of pride. "The Round Table is indeed a force to be reckoned with," he said, his voice laced with a subtle arrogance. "We are the protectors of this realm, the shield against the forces of chaos."
"Chaos?" Rayleigh repeated, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Such as the chaos that befell the Fourways Kingdom?" 'How about this slifer' Thought Rayleigh.
Slifer's frowned, his composure momentarily faltering into one of sorrow as though he were deeply worried about something.
"The Fourways Kingdom was a tragedy," he said, his voice clipped and formal. "But it is not your concern, Ackerman. I mean you are retired after all."
Rayleigh leaned forward, his eyes boring into Slifer's. "Hmm Not my concern? I beg to differ, Commander. The destruction of an entire kingdom, the slaughter of innocent lives... that is everyone's concern."
Slifer's mused, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair. "The Round Table is investigating the matter," he said, his voice colder than before. "We will find those responsible and bring them to justice. Even with that, we are still weary of those who may be in the kingdom under questionable circumstances. Retired or not, it wasn't official. To be frank it's desertion. Invictoria would owe us a large favour if we bring you in." 'Here's a little something for you A.c.k.e.r.m.a.n' mused Slifer.
Rayleigh nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Slifer's face but then Rayleigh chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's true I just hope I don't go missing during the hand over to Invictoria that said I trust the Round Table will bring the perpetrators that destroyed the Fourways kingdom to justice, Commander," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "After all, the Round Table is known for its unwavering commitment to justice. But then again questionable circumstances? I merely sought refuge after a long journey. Surely a weary traveller deserves a warm welcome in Avalon? Especially an old man such as me."
Slifer let out a sigh. "Ackerman what do you want in Avalon? Why show up here after all these years."
"It's simply a coincidence. I would've left here like I came, and the Round Table would be none the wiser" Rayleigh looked at him honestly.'You know this to be true' Thought Rayleigh.
Yet Slifer's instincts were tingling.
"Still..." Rayleigh continued. "I find it interesting that a powered force could walk in and murder your neighbours while you sleep. Isn't that veil of yours supposed to be able to detect active powers as far as the eye can see? "
As Slifer stayed silent, Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, a calm smile playing on his lips, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Commander Aporro," he began, his voice smooth as aged brandy, "it seems we're at an impasse."
Slifer returned the smile, though his was thinner, more guarded. "An impasse? I wouldn't say that, General Ackerman. We're simply exchanging pleasantries."
"Pleasantries?" Rayleigh chuckled softly. "Is that what we're calling this... spirited discussion about the Fourways Kingdom?"
Slifer's eyes narrowed slightly,'Lets add a bit of a face' though Slifer, a hint of irritation flickering beneath the surface. "Let's call it a... difference of opinion," he amended, his voice carefully modulated.
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze. "A difference of opinion regarding the sudden and brutal annihilation of an entire kingdom? That seems a bit... understated, don't you think?"
Slifer leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. "General Ackerman, you were a renowned tactician in your day. Surely you understand the importance of discretion, especially when dealing with sensitive matters of national security."
"Discretion is a virtue, Commander," Rayleigh conceded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But so is honesty. And I have a feeling you're not being entirely forthcoming with me." 'Come onn...' Rayleigh was getting impatient.
Slifer's smile widened, a hint of arrogance creeping into his eyes. "Perhaps I'm simply exercising the same discretion you're so fond of, Ackerman. After all, you've been remarkably tight-lipped about your own activities in Avalon."
Rayleigh shrugged, feigning indifference. "My activities are hardly a matter of national importance, Commander. I'm simply an old soldier passing by your peaceful land."
"An old retired soldier with a keen interest in the destruction of a neighbouring kingdom," Slifer countered, his voice sharp as a dagger.
Rayleigh's smile didn't waver. "Curiosity is a natural human trait, Commander. Especially when it comes to events that could potentially threaten the stability of an entire region."
Slifer leaned back, studying Rayleigh with a scrutinizing gaze. "Curiosity is one thing, Ackerman. But meddling in affairs that don't concern you is quite another, I mean you are retired after all. And I must warn you, the Round Table does not take kindly to outsiders who overstep their bounds."
'Oh what is this? Outsiders huh Lets poke some more ' Rayleigh's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Outsiders? Interesting. You are right, I am an outsider. I like that you used that word Commander. The Round Table surely has a lot of matters it deals with that outsiders should not be involved with or be privy to. But given our conversation. Something happened recently. That if outsiders knew they would try to get involved in the round tables matters yes? "
Slifer smiled "You are really good." 'You're reaching Ackerman but this isn't bad' mused Slifer.
The chamber's magical hum settled into a low thrum as Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. He admired the craftsmanship of the table before him, its intricate carvings a testament to Avalon's artistry. "This is quite the setup, Commander Aporro," he remarked, his voice smooth and measured. "The Round Table certainly spares no expense when it comes to... hospitality."
Slifer, seated across the table, met his gaze with a cool indifference. "Only the best for our guests, Ackerman," he replied, his tone laced with a subtle irony. "Ackerman no more games. I grow tired of this what are you doing here? Guests like you have a past, A past shrouded in mystery."
'Lets try this again' thought Slifer
Rayleigh shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "The past is a burden best left behind, wouldn't you agree, Commander? It's the present that truly matters."
"Perhaps," Slifer said, his eyes narrowing. "But the past has a way of catching up with us, doesn't it? Especially for those who have... unfinished business."
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. "Unfinished business? Such an intriguing phrase. Care to elaborate, Commander?"
Slifer leaned forward, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "Let's just say that the disappearance of a renowned general doesn't go unnoticed, especially one with your... reputation. I'm so curious to be honest."
Rayleigh chuckled, his voice laced with a hint of self-deprecation. "Reputation is a fickle mistress, Commander. It can be both a blessing and a curse."
"Indeed," Slifer agreed, his gaze unwavering. "And yours, Ackerman, is a complex tapestry of valor, cunning, and... a certain ruthlessness that had never, not gone unnoticed by the Round Table."
Rayleigh leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You flatter me, Commander. But as I mentioned before, I'm just passing by."
Slifer's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "An old soldier with a keen interest in the recent events at the Fourways Kingdom, I presume? I mean everyone is talking about it after all why wouldn't you be intrested. Still you questioning me about it makes one wonder. "
Rayleigh's eyes narrowed 'is he on to me?', a flicker of wariness replacing the amusement. "I already said, the destruction of a neighbouring kingdom is a matter of concern for all who value peace and stability. " he replied, his voice carefully neutral.
"A noble sentiment, General," Slifer said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But one that rings hollow coming from a man who served a kingdom known for its expansionist ambitions. Invictoria is so militaristic. Its hard to think that you don't share the same values. Now that the fourways kingdom is gone. It makes sense to me that those of Invictoria would show interest in all that land."
Rayleigh's jaw tightened,'I feel instulted to be even associated with those greedy brutes' but he quickly regained his composure. "Times change, Commander," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Even old soldiers can learn new tricks." Rayleigh thought 'I also grow tired of this how about this…'
Slifer leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Rayleigh's face. "I'm listening, general. Enlighten me."
Rayleigh paused, as if considering his words carefully. "Let's just say that I have a... vested interest in the Fourways Kingdom. A personal connection that compels me to seek answers."
Slifer's curiosity was piqued. "A personal connection?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. "What kind of connection?"
Rayleigh hesitated for a moment, then, with a calculated risk, he revealed a single detail. "My grandson lived there."
Slifer's eyes widened in surprise, a brief moment of vulnerability before his composure returned. "I see," he said, his voice barely a whisper. 'He had a grandson? It's obvious what he wants now.'
Rayleigh seized the opportunity, pressing his advantage. "He was a good boy, Commander. A bright young man with a promising future. But that future was stolen from him, along with countless others, by a force of unimaginable cruelty."
Slifer shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his gaze averted. "The Round Table is doing everything in its power to bring the perpetrators to justice," he muttered,' We are stretched thing but this is complex' his voice laced with a hint of guilt. Indeed there was something he knew.
Rayleigh leaned forward, his eyes boring into Slifer's. "Everything, Commander? Or are you withholding information? Are you protecting someone? I mean you said something about outsiders being involved in your affairs."
Slifer's let out a sigh. 'Well since you gave me a bone, let me give you something to think about.'
"On the day of the Fourways kingdom attack. The Veil was blinded for some time." Said Slifer. Carefully watching Rayleigh's reaction.
"I see, that's very interesting." Said Rayleigh contemplating these words. 'Whoever did that could be my lead.' he thought to himself.
Slifer stood up and left the room. He walked for a bit before turning a corner into a room where. a petite Anya was standing with a knight with light armour and a scarred face. Aside them, a human like form in a golden colour was standing staring at the room where Slifer and Ray were.
From this room you could see the interrogation room. When Slifer walked in and saw the ethereal figure he made a slight bow.
"My lord, what do you think?" A different conversation began at this point.
Rayleigh while he sat in the interrogation room deliberated.
'It was a circular dance there for a moment but someone messed with the veil, and I have a motive to find the people behind this. If they're smart. They'll want to use me. Secretly, my past proves my competency, plus I'll be expendable once done. Those details don't matter at the moment. But, if they can go for this…I'll have a place to start. This is the first step. I'm hoping they go for this without me having to make it obvious that i want to. The Round table has been stretched thin for decades but they would be exposing state secrets to me. What price will i have to pay for this. What will they want?'
At that moment, Slifer walked in and said as he sat down.
"Ackerman, The Round Table has a proposition for you."
And Rayleigh smiled.