They spent the next fifteen minutes traversing through the districts, starting from the city center and eventually reaching the district housing the grand Observatory. However, their ultimate destination wasn't the Observatory itself, but a sizable office building adjacent to it, as per Theron's guidance.
After revealing their destination to the Observer, Theron fell silent, a troubled expression crossing his face. Periodically, he would grimace, seemingly disturbed by disconcerting thoughts. As they approached their final destination, he released a sigh and shook his head. The Observer pondered whether to inquire about Theron's apparent distress but decided against it, considering their limited acquaintance and past disagreements.
Upon arriving, they disembarked from the cab, and Theron settled the fare. While he did so, the Observer scrutinized the imposing building before them—a structure crafted from red brick adorned with intricate terra-cotta embellishments. Three towering structures rose, the central one being the largest, adorned with a circular stained glass depiction of a silver eye beneath a scroll.
In front of the building, flanking the path to the entrance, stood statues of stern-faced men donning elaborate uniforms matching those of the bustling individuals traversing the area.
As the Observer admired the architectural magnificence, Theron approached. "Come on, let's not keep my master waiting."
"Didn't you mention meeting him an hour before noon?"
"I did, but I know my master. He doesn't want to be disturbed before noon, not because he's busy, but because he's scrying on the entire city. Besides, if we wait until the appointed time, we'll be competing with countless others for his attention, and I'm not in the mood for that today. Also, I rarely listen to him and he knows that."
The Observer nodded, gesturing for Theron to lead the way. Theron did so without hesitation. As they entered the building, the Observer surveyed the opulence within. The interior matched the grandeur suggested by the exterior—numerous windows bathing the space in light, a majestic central staircase ascending to various floors, and seemingly the apex of the central tower. Looking down, the Observer also noted a marble floor.
With brisk steps, Theron guided him to the central staircase, suggesting their master's office might be atop the tower. Some of those in the building greeted Theron along the way, while others cast curious glances at the Observer. He nodded at them and most nodded back except for one woman who regarded him with disdain before turning away.
The Observer looked back at the woman, feeling a bit amused by her reaction. He was sure he had never met her before, yet she had given him such a dirty look for apparently no reason. If he had to guess, it would probably have something to do with Theron.
At the stair's end, Theron led him through a brief hallway to a single door. As Theron raised his hand to knock, the door swung open on its own accord.
Unhesitatingly, Theron entered, and the Observer followed suit. The office, though spacious, felt cramped due to an abundance of books, documents, and files. Near the large window opposite the entrance sat a handsome middle-aged man in a white uniform. On the table's other side were three chairs, where Theron and the Observer took their seats.
Theron's master sat with closed eyes and clasped hands on the table. Theron and the Observer remained silent as they observed him.
After waiting for several minutes without any reaction from the man, The Observer discreetly extended his divine sense to glean whatever information he could from the man. However, the moment his divine sense touched him, Theron's master's eyes snapped open, locking onto The Observer.
His eyes, silver and filled with stars, made The Observer feel as though all his secrets were laid bare before the man. Simultaneously, an unseen weight pressed down on The Observer. Were he weaker, he might have trembled, but he merely raised his eyebrows.
The Paragon of Secrets closed his eyes, and upon reopening them, they resembled those of a normal person. "Sorry about that," he apologized, "I've been very busy lately. Too many things I have to keep an eye on. Theron, can you give us a moment?"
Theron, displaying suspicion, sighed and left the room. As he departed, The Observer went on guard, having learned to be cautious around powerful individuals.
"Hello, Reynard. I'm Edward."
"Hello, Edward."
Edward leaned back, studying The Observer. "You know, I always thought you would refuse the aspect. Instead, you agreed to help her. Eidara truly does work in mysterious ways."
The Paragon's knowing tone set off alarm bells in The Observer's mind. The aspect referred to was likely Aeliana, though what she was the aspect of remained unknown. What got his attention, however, was the suggestion that Eidara had influenced his decision to aid Aeliana.
"You were expecting me?" The Observer asked for clarification, and Edward nodded.
"Most of Eidara's Devotees have their sight limited to this realm, but at my level, one can see beyond. Though, most of what I see outside the Realm matters little to me. You caught our attention, however, when you jumped realms to that backward place."
"Why are you telling me this?" The Observer inquired after a moment of reflective silence.
" 'Whoever wants to know secrets must learn to keep secrets, revealing what may be revealed, sealing what may be sealed, and not give dogs what is sacred.' That's from the holy book of Eidara. Hiding our prior knowledge of you will only lead to problems should you discover it later. Much better to build a relationship with honesty."
Despite Edward's apparent openness, The Observer remained skeptical, wary of potential manipulation. "Since you knew I would be coming, you must have decided to do something about me, correct?" The Observer asked.
"Correct," Edward confirmed with a small smile. "But, it was Eidara who decided what to do with you. Not me. I'm just her humble servant."
"And what did she decide to do with me?"
Edward leaned on the table. "That, unfortunately, I cannot say. I was only made privy to a part of her plans. I can say this with confidence, though—on your journey with the aspect, do your best to ensure she stays alive. You will be well rewarded if you do so."
A wave of unreasonable anger surged within The Observer at Edward's words. 'Another manipulator,' he thought. 'Another person trying to treat me as just a pawn, a tool to be used.' As he looked at Edward, he saw his master staring back at him.
Struggling to contain his anger, The Observer stood up. "Thank you for seeing me today. However, I have no intention of taking part in any of this any longer. I will be leaving this world soon anyway, so find someone else to manipulate."