By the time Alex left the library, it was close to nighttime.
His back was sore and his lips were chapped.
Talking to a dragon for a whole day was quite exhausting.
Stretching his back, he made his way down the hall only to bump into Arnold.
"Ah, it's you again," Alex remarked.
Arnold smiled. "And I was just coming to check on the discussion. How did it go?"
"Quite well actually. Lady Ana was an excellent host." Alex said.
"That's good, very good. I'm glad things went well."
Exchanging a few more pleasantries, Alex attempted to leave only to be held back by Arnold.
"Please… I have no idea what you are or what you plan to do but I beg of you… do not hurt Lady Ana." Arnold remarked softly. "She may be a thousand years old but she is still only a little girl seeking the thrills of this world."
Alex pulled his hat down a bit. "Would you trust the word of a man you just met?"
"For Lady Ana's sake… I will." Arnold frankly replied, his gaze solemn.
"Then let me tell you facts," Alex said as he turned to meet Arnold's gaze.
His eyes had turned a deep black color reminiscent of the night sky.
"If she met with any other, they would surely use her. Anastasia is naive, foolish, talkative, and can't hide her emotions."
"I know that but…"
"But she is also kind, sensible, has a sense of responsibility, and possesses an identity no one would dare to easily slight." Alex continued. "My goal does not involve killing or destruction."
"Then what is it?"
"It is a mission you would never be able to understand."
"So she is bound to be hurt?"
Alex shook his head. "I would never harm a subordinate neither would I force them to do anything against their will. I will use her appropriately and she can use me as much as she wants."
"Alright… I understand." Arnold nodded. "I hope she is always happy."
Alex looked Arnold over before speaking up. "You love her…"
Arnold's eyes flickered briefly before he managed to calm his surging emotions.
"I don't deny that my heart once held a deep affection for Lady Ana but I realized early enough that I would never be able to help her experience the excitement she craves…"
Noting the sadness in Arnold's eyes, Alex reached out and placed his palm over Arnold's own.
"Do not worry," Alex said. "She will return to you unharmed."
Arnold released Alex's arm before muttering a low thank you.
Watching the middle-aged man walk toward the library, Alex shook his head before turning to leave.
***
Today had brought a bountiful harvest for Alex.
Not only had he gotten his first official subordinate, but he had also learned about his mission… completely this time.
"So Nyx is regarded as the Absolute One," Alex muttered as he rode a private coach home.
He had expected something like that but learning about it did leave him a bit in awe.
But then, it caused Alex to wonder about a few things.
If Nyx was the Absolute One, what happened that his hearts were separated from him and divided into what is known as the Branches in Eventide?
Alex wondered if it was some sort of betrayal related to other gods or maybe even the angels in the Church of Angelica.
Also, why was Nyx scared to be noticed by the Will of the World if it's technically his lifeblood?
Maybe those that betrayed Nyx were using the Will of the World to prevent Nyx from entering Eventide and retrieving his hearts?
Alex got the insane thought that maybe Nyx was just a shadow of the true Absolute One, a shadow imbued with the Absolute One's consciousness.
However, these were all speculations and Alex couldn't figure out anything concrete with the information he currently had.
It was tempting to learn more but Alex had to restrain his curious mind.
Else, he could end up wasting longer time while trying to solve the questions he had.
In any case, if answers happened to spring up on his journey, he won't be resistant to learning about it.
Leaning against the window, he sorted out the information regarding each of the known Branches before making up his mind on his first target.
Sighing heavily, he remarked with the corners of his lips curled. "I should check on my investments."
***
It was past 7 pm before Madeline was finally able to leave the precinct.
Sighing helplessly, she knew how stressful it was to work whenever Ambrose was angry and unfortunately, today was one of those days.
In any case, she felt disgusted by Melvin's actions which were why she was happy with the beating he got.
She knew it had nothing to do with Ambrose feeling for the western district but at least, punishing the fool made her feel a bit better about her day.
She stopped a private coach and boarded it.
Making herself comfortable, she planned to nap for a bit but couldn't upon realizing there was a presence in the carriage with her.
"Madeline."
"... High Priest," Madeline replied, slightly fearful.
It was the same bandaged man she met the last time in the tunnels.
The self-proclaimed mouthpiece of the Eye of Truth and the leader of the Evil Eye brotherhood.
Seating crosslegged away from her, he remarked. "You seem quite tired."
"... I am," Madeline replied.
"Understandable." High Priest nodded.
Madeline remained silent even though she had questions as she had no way of asking them.
High Priest noted this as he remarked. "Speak."
"The Hunter…"
"No." High Priest said without allowing her to finish her statement.
Madeline was left speechless.
"You wanted to ask if the Hunter was related to the brotherhood?... He isn't."
Madeline noticed a slight trace of hostility in the High Priest's hoarse voice but choose not to comment on it as she remarked.
"The western district considers him a hero."
"He isn't." High Priest harshly replied. "Only a fool harboring hopes that with his actions, he would be able to change things but unfortunately, he is wrong. The only way to salvation is through the Eye of Truth!"
Madeline pursed her lips. "There is no need to deride him for saving innocent people."
"...Hmm." High Priest sighed. "That is not why am I here. So tell me, do you have it?"
"It's harder to get than I initially thought."
"But progress has been made, no?"
"I…"
"Madeline." High Priest called out softly causing the lady to flinch. "Is your faith in the Evil Eye wavering?"
"It's not like that."
"Then do not hesitate to complete the task I have assigned to you… else."
Madeline pursed her lips. "...I understand."
"Good." High Priest nodded. "Have a good night's rest, my child. May the Eye guide you."
"...Thank you." Madeline softly replied before adding. "Ambrose thinks that the rebels are somewhere in the city's underground tunnels. He's currently seeking entrance. Be careful."
"Is that so?" High Priest muttered.
Suddenly, his figure began to distort until he completely disappeared.
However, his voice remained.
"About the Hunter… his actions are not completely bad… However, do not think that his pathetic acts would change anything. As for Ambrose, don't worry, I'll handle it."
With that, the High Priest left allowing Madeline to heave a sigh of relief.