"Maladin, why would you do such a thing, bringing a portentous boy with you back to the neighborhood, where your cherished ones are?" Kapel repeated the question after the king's presence was no more, disregarding that he could be offending the "portentous boy" in question.
The Commanders, along with Jogrin, accompanied by the Royal Knights, had covered quite a bit of distance while only sounds of steps pervaded the air. No one dared to speak a word after the exchange with the king just now, until Kapel finally calmed down and queried Proxer.
"Father," Proxer replied with a word that one would only use to call another who has a special bond with them.
Upon catching that, Jogrin, yet again, was hit with another instance of shock. If he were to be frank, Kapel didn't look much older than Proxer. With his brows blatantly scowled while making stepping noises along with others, he observed the interaction between the dual.
"Do you remember that time, when the 'Telestrophe' occurred? And those comrades of mine that... I was reminded of that..." Proxer paused after that, with a somber look as if lamenting.
'"Telestrophe" again... I've been hearing this word so much that it's starting to become unsettling. From the way it's been presented, I believe it's something that's extremely influential to these military people, especially to Proxer and Kapel.'
But frankly, he didn't know whether that was a topic he should be touching on, notwithstanding the fact that there was also the issue regarding him currently.
"Still... are you certain about this? Putting the dangers aside... To put it bluntly, you cannot change the past even if you do something of such recklessness now."
Somehow, their exchange sounded more intimate. Even though there were increment in their intimacy, they couldn't help but acknowledge how grim their topic was. The contrast could be said to be quite eerie.
"I'm aware of that... But I just can't get over it, and I have been ruing it this whole time... not until I at least do something to repent. I know I'm being selfish, but please... I have to do it right this time..." Proxer's voice was stern and stable, unlike his wavering eyes and stooped posture.
Other than Proxer and Kapel, the Knights also felt "melancholic" when this topic was brought up. They were only able to hide it thanks to their helmets.
"As foolhardy as this is, I have no choice but to give it my acquiescence, since it is the king's order." Knowing that protesting was pointless, Kapel let out a sigh. Then he shifted his attention to the taciturn Jogrin, who was quietly observing the father and son.
"You..." Kapel paused.
"Jogrin," Jorgin promptly replied.
"Jogrin... the incidence may have turned out unexpectedly, and it may mean you are safe for the time being, but I shall warn you: act discreetly, any suspicious acts, and I will apprehend you, even if it costs my life." Kapel claimed sternly with a glare.
Jogrin merely returned him a gaze, without speaking any words.
'Hmm... Does he know about my intention back in the throne room?' Dubiously, Jogrin wondered.
"While it is true that I do not trust you, I shall discuss with you further details regarding the bombardment at the hospital."
It seemed he understood after all. Jogrin silently nodded in response. Proxer and the Knights wondered what Kapel exactly meant by that, but they didn't ask for an explanation. Much like Jogrin, they too were aware of the shrewdness Kapel possessed. He could see things they couldn't.
In the meantime, Captain Ryov was also putting on a dubious look, but for a different reason.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but I'd like to speak up regarding the escorting of Commander Maladin and... Jogrin to the neighborhood."
Everyone's attention turned to Captain Ryov as soon as he raised his voice.
"I see. It is late after all."Kapel, who checked his phone which displayed a time indicating the evening, immediately anticipated what Captain Ryov was about to say.
"Um, yes, Grand Commander Kapel... Because there is a lack of lighting at the flat lands close to the neighborhood, it would be wise to postpone the journey until tomorrow morning."
It was a reasonable decision, but the next problem was: where would Jogrin stay overnight?
"So... As for where you'll be staying..."
It appeared that concern was also on Captain Ryov's mind. He looked at both Jogrin and Proxer as he pondered. While Proxer could easily return to his home with a portal, Jogrin couldn't go through it. That was why the escorting was required in the first place.
"Just keep me captive in a prison for tonight." Jogrin nonchalantly suggested.
Everyone else widened their eyes in response to such an absurd suggestion. While it was true that letting him stay in one of the guests rooms in the Palacial wouldn't exactly make anyone feel secure, the thought of putting him in jail for the night never crossed their minds.
Now that Jogrin'd mentioned it, they couldn't think of any other way.
"Are you sure about this?" Proxer hesitantly queried.
"Yes, I believe that'll at least make you all feel a little safer."
Jogrin had hit the nail on the head. Because of that, it was promptly decided that Jogrin'd be held captive for the time being.
"Then, we'll need to take turns-"
"I shall take the first shift to oversee him during his time in prison."
While Captain Ryov was going to delegate the watch duty to some Knights, Kapel volunteered himself to watch him for the entire night.
"Grand Commander Kapel, perhaps it'd be better to-"
"My apologies, but this is a prime opportunity to gather information from Jogrin."
He wasn't even asking for permission. Captain Ryov was a little nonplussed at his forceful attitude and couldn't think of a way to retort.
'Looks like I'll be answering those questions sooner than I anticipated.'
With that, Jogrin was brought to a higher floor using an elevator, into a prison cell.
Kapel put down a stool right outside of the cell and sat on it. After a moment of silence, he turned his gaze at Jogrin, who'd been expecting a barrage of questions from the man with a mustache.
"You're not bringing a weapon with you?"
"Unnecessary. You will be answering my every question in detail, undoubtedly."
While what Kapel said was probably true, he didn't seem the grasp the hidden meaning behind that question, despite his shrewdness, not that it really mattered, since Jogrin didn't plan to make a fuss.
"I'm listening." Without showing any change in his usual countenance, Jogrin responded.
"Then... the incident at the military hospital. What had happened exactly?"
"How much do you know already?"
"It does not matter. What I am asking is the story from start to finish."
"I guess..."
Jogrin, who shrugged his shoulder, shut his eyes and began piecing the puzzle pieces that were the memories of the incident together. With his vision out, other senses, especially 'emotional perception,' was relatively amplified.
While he could perceive Proxer's presence walking back and forth behind a door some distance away, as well as the Knights awkwardly watching Proxer, there was something that he'd been feeling ominous about.
'I've been sensing this powerful, yet dormant presence emanating from the bottom of this building...'
An unknown presence. It didn't feel alive, but it certainly was... imposing. What mattered the most was that it currently didn't seem to pose any threat. Perhaps, the true identity of this peculiar presence shall be unveiled in due time.
'The fate of my home planet and its people, the shuttle that came here with me, 'mind tampering', this powerful presence I'm perceiving... Will I be able to find the answers?'
With an uncertain, unforeseeable future, Jogrin couldn't help but wonder what kind path was paved before him.