Bellamy began to make his way out of Alina's apartment building. Thankfully, before he had left Alina lent him a pair of black dress-up shoes that belonged to her father a bit worn down but still in great condition.
Walking down the pavement he noticed the Seraphic Aegis Enforcers (SAE) around two-three of them. Members of the SAE were followers of Aegis the God of Justice and Order. Unlike the rest of the Pantheon, to be a member of the church you would have to endure a series of tests and devote yourself to being an SAE no other career. Only a select few are chosen yearly.
However, one enforcer was standing out from the others if not for the glove with the sacred symbol of Aegis he would not have known he was an enforcer.
He wore a brown fedora, with a trenchcoat. Underneath the coat, they don crisp, white dress shirts. Paired with a suit matching his midnight blue trousers, tailored to perfection, which further enhances the enforcers' polished and professional appearance. Their shoes were polished black leather.
He looked as if he was a private detective, belonging to the special division that handled peculiar cases. Bellamy couldn't help but make that observation as he observed the enforcer's appearance and demeanor.
Continuing to walk down Dialous Street, the bustling heart of Viridium, Bellamy's attention was caught by the sound of heavy footsteps growing louder and closer. As he turned back, he witnessed a middle-aged man sprinting in his direction, desperately trying to escape from the approaching enforcers.
Bellamy's curiosity was piqued, and he decided to intervene, stepping closer to the unfolding scene. Just as the enforcers closed in on the fleeing man, Bellamy called out, "Hold on! What's going on here?"
One of the enforcers, a tall and stern-looking individual, turned his gaze towards Bellamy. With an air of authority, he replied, "This man is a suspect in an ongoing investigation. We are in pursuit under the authority of the Seraphic Aegis."
Bellamy's brows furrowed as he assessed the situation. "What is he accused of?"
The enforcer's gaze briefly flickered with caution, but he responded firmly, "We cannot disclose the details at this time. It is a matter of utmost importance to the safety and stability of Viridium."
Not satisfied with the vague response, Bellamy persisted, "But there must be some mistake. He doesn't seem like a criminal."
The enforcer's expression remained impassive, but there was a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Appearances can be deceiving, sir. Our duty is to pursue justice and ensure the integrity of our investigations. We have reason to believe this man is involved in illicit activities."
As the enforcers closed in on the suspect, the man's desperation grew. "Please, you don't understand! I'm innocent!" he pleaded, his voice filled with fear and desperation.
Bellamy couldn't help but empathize with the man's predicament. He stepped forward, determined to make a stand. "Wait! I can vouch for him. I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
The enforcer regarded Bellamy with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "And who are you, sir?"
"I'm Julius... Julius Vandar," he replied, his voice firm and resolute. "I'm just a performer, an entertainer." Bellamy knew he was lying, but he believed it was necessary to maintain his disguise and divert suspicion. He had to buy himself some time to figure out a plan. Seeing a crowd starting to grow around him and the enforcers. Bellamy acted on his feet as if what he was doing was natural to him.
"You see," Bellamy continued, pointing into the crowd, "you say this man is a suspect because he matched the description, yet he is just your average citizen, is he not?" He gestured towards a random person in the crowd, diverting attention away from the middle-aged man. "And what about that guy over there? He bears a striking resemblance too. Perhaps he is the actual suspect you're looking for, or maybe it's that one." Bellamy pointed at another man, creating doubt and confusion among the enforcers.
The enforcers exchanged uncertain glances, their attention shifting from the middle-aged man to the individuals Bellamy had pointed out. The growing crowd seemed to side with Bellamy's reasoning, murmuring in agreement and adding their speculations.
Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, the enforcers hesitated. They couldn't ignore the logic in Bellamy's argument, and the pressure from the surrounding crowd made it difficult for them to maintain their initial suspicion.
One of the enforcers finally spoke up, his voice laced with uncertainty. "We'll need to investigate further. For now, we'll release this man. But mark my words, if he's indeed involved, we'll find him again."
Bellamy's eyes met the enforcer's, his expression filled with genuine sincerity and a touch of charisma. He knew that to gain the enforcer's trust, he had to present himself as a valuable asset rather than a potential suspect.
"I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your commitment to justice," Bellamy began, his voice carrying a note of diplomacy. "As a performer, I have the privilege of observing a wide range of events and interactions within Viridium. I see the nuances, the hidden truths that often go unnoticed. If there's anything I can do to assist in your investigation, please don't hesitate to reach out to me."
Bellamy's words were carefully chosen, emphasizing his unique perspective as an entertainer and his ability to notice details that others might overlook. He wanted the enforcer to see him as an ally, someone who could provide valuable insights and aid in their pursuit of the truth.
The enforcer studied Bellamy, assessing the sincerity in his eyes and the conviction in his voice. The enforcer's initial skepticism began to waver, intrigued by the possibility of having an additional resource at their disposal.
"Your offer is noted, Mr. Vandar," the enforcer replied, his tone less guarded. "We appreciate any assistance you can provide in shedding light on this case. Should we require your expertise, we will not hesitate to reach out to you."
Bellamy nodded, acknowledging the enforcer's response with gratitude. He understood that he had successfully positioned himself as a potential asset, someone who could bring a unique perspective to the investigation. However, he knew that he had to tread carefully and maintain his disguise as Julius Vandar, the performer.
"Thank you for considering my offer," Bellamy said, his voice carrying a blend of professionalism and warmth.
As the crowd slowly dispersed and the middle-aged man retreated to his shop, Bellamy found himself standing amidst the remnants of the moment, his mind reeling with a mix of shock and bewilderment. The surge of confidence that had propelled him forward now evaporated, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"I just lied to an enforcer," Bellamy muttered to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief. The weight of his impulsive actions settled heavily upon him, and he couldn't help but question the wisdom of his choices. He had acted without thinking, driven by a desire to help, but now he grappled with the consequences of his deceit.
"I can't be a performer," Bellamy thought, a trace of self-doubt creeping into his mind. "Besides looking the part, I lack the innate spark that captivates people's attention. Who even is Julius Vandar?" The name felt foreign on his tongue, a mere fabrication conjured on the spot to maintain his disguise. In that moment of vulnerability, Bellamy wondered if he had truly lost himself in the role he had assumed.
His thoughts drifted back to the enigmatic letter he had received the previous night, its cryptic words now resonating with eerie clarity. "It's time for this act to end," the letter had proclaimed, foreshadowing a departure from his life as an entertainer. Bellamy pondered the deeper meaning behind those words, contemplating whether his unintended masquerade as Julius Vandar was merely a manifestation of the path he was destined to follow.
"I suppose that's where the performing part came from," Bellamy murmured, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and reflection. Perhaps there was a greater purpose to be found beyond the confines of the stage, a role he had yet to discover. The realization settled upon him, a simultaneous acceptance of his limitations as a performer and a quiet determination to embrace the unknown that lay ahead.
Bellamy took a deep breath, steadying himself amidst the tumult of his thoughts. While his encounter with the enforcers had shaken him to his core, he understood that it was merely a pivotal moment in a much larger narrative. He would learn from his mistakes, adapt, and continue forward, driven by the desire to bring about justice and unravel the mysteries that plagued Viridium.
As Bellamy stood there, lost in his thoughts, a serendipitous interruption pulled him back to the present. A carriage, drawn by a pair of majestic horses, came to a halt by his side. The coachman, with a curious glance, awaited Bellamy's command.
"Alsfield, please," Bellamy replied, his voice carrying a hint of determination. He had made up his mind, It was time to venture to Alsfield.
Without hesitation, Bellamy stepped into the carriage, the door closing behind him with a resolute click. As the horses began to trot forward, carrying him away from the bustling streets of Viridium.