Zyro returned to the Mine still startled of knowing Depter true gender and bothered by Depter whereabouts. Not because of the free benefits the mage gives which disappeared along her mysterious disappearance. Well, Zyro did feel it's a pity. However, what worries him the most is the fact that the ancient sage had been sealed there for a reason. Surely.
And her release might bring disastrous consequences.
That said, he didn't really know who Depter is nor bonded closely with her. Aside from extortive deals, their relationship wasn't that close. In fact, both were wary of each other, not even giving their name and only cooperating due to mutual benefits. Thus, whatever that mage is doing now were none of his business. Zyro better not concerned himself to her.
He stepped into the Mine from outside, blending into the slaves by covering his black hair with fabric. Most slave faces are dirtied by dust, so disguising oneself isn't that hard, especially for someone who possesses knowledge and experience concerning spy infiltration.
If there's anything unnaturally about him his unable to hide. That's his sickly state. The ashen orb was as frightening as it's the Great Serpent. It's already been a day since he consumed the Soul Core, yet its sickening side effects still persisted bugging his health. With a aching mind and weakened body, Zyro's condition isn't so good. But compared to his poor state previously, he did become better.
Fortunately, everyone's mind was elsewhere to notice his sickened condition. Furthermore, being ill isn't that uncommon to slaves. The unrest of his fellow miners do intrigued his curiosity.
He lived here long enough to know that a commotion like this can only be triggered if something huge transpired.
Zyro watched others talk about a certain topic, eavesdropping on their conversation as he passed by.
"Did you sleep well last night?"
"No! Did you? How could I sleep after hearing those cries from the mansion. Even now, simply remembering gave me nightmares. If you had just heard their scream yesterday."
"I feel you... Still, to think that Boss Boru was crippled just like that along his subordinates."
Zyro listened some more, eventually collecting enough clues to get the gist of what happened.
Yesterday, a red haired lady adorned by a hooded cloak came knocking at the Mansion's door. Everyone didn't think much of it until pained cries resounded form within. Followed by the mighty Boss Boru's losing his rights as the owner, for every subordinates he have was massacred. Zyro didn't know the specifics, but it is said that the fat boss can no more fight despite being a Gamma.
Of course, he figured Scarlet was the culprit. After all, she's the only one he knew with striking red hair and might to bring the Mine down. As for her reasons to do so, Zyro didn't care as long as Boru is alive. Because he had some questions for him concerning the project his doing beneath the Mine. Zyro still remembered the miners working blindly to reopen an underground passage which may caused outside monstrosities to infiltrate Foggy Ring.
The Mine would obviously be the first to be destroyed if that was completed, yet that deranged fat man still let it continue nonetheless.
Boru isn't that stupid, there must be a reason behind his insane orders. And Zyro is gonna find out before killing him.
But how will he do it? A mere slave had no rights to enter the Mansion where Boru is.
Then again, the fatty isn't the owner anymore. That's why everyone seemed so bothered by yesterday's event, because it changed who ruled the Mine. A different owner means new rules and regulations to follow.
It just so happens Zyro is in friendly terms with the Mine new owner.
A guard suddenly approached him, then whispered into his ears.
"Come with me, Boss Baron demanded your presence."
Zyro hesitated for a moment, before following the mine-guard. Which led him to the Mansion's door. He made his way inside, seeing modest furnitures and some maids cleaning the place. It was his first time entering the Mansion he frequently saw from afar as a miner, so he took his time appreciating the internal structures of the luxurious home. Even entertaining the idea of sleeping comfortably on a soft bed here, instead of resting on a hard stone floor. And eat proper meals served by maids.
In a wistful mood, Zyro ascended up the stairs soon reaching a room. The first thing he saw upon entering was Baron, the elderly man sat behind his disk as he dealt with piles of paperworks. His grey hair and beard are cut short while a decent tunic adorned his body. On his nose rest a pair of glasses.
"Old geezer, congratulations on your promotion."
Zyro greeted the new Mine owner. It was to be expected due to Baron connection with Scarlet who razed Boru's authority singlehandedly and background as the original heir of the Mine.
'Scarlet is probably too lazy to manage it herself.' he thought.
Only when he heard his voice did Baron pull himself from the trance of working busily. His eyes gleamed seeing Zyro, he laughed remembering how fast his position changed.
"Hahaha, I can't believe it either. I was merely a slave the other day, but look at me now! I even get to wear decent clothes. Come lad, there's plenty of clothes you might like." Baron merrily abandoned his work to get to his closet, midway, he added.
"Oh, where's Pert? Isn't he with you-"
His words was cut as Zyro shook his head with a dejected expression, preferring not to say it directly.
Baron is wise enough to understand. He fell silent for a bit, then smiled apologetically.
"My bad, please accept condolences..." Baron shift topic to not spoil the mood. "Anyway, you should try this new clothes I have, I think they will suit you nicely. Can you believe these treasures have been laying in the basement all this time?!"
Although, Baron status had improved tremendously. His still a slave at heart, simply having decent clothes bring him joy. Zyro was relieved that Baron was still the enthusiastic old man he knew.
"Thanks, but no need. I'm content with my garments. Anyway, what happened here?"
Baron's face darkened, his joyful tone was gone.
"It's the princess, after you left that day and didn't return by evening. Princess Scarlet go to the wilderness to search for you two. I didn't know what happened, but when she returned. Princess Scarlet wasn't the same as before, I could almost feel her killing intent when she asked me to guide her to the Mansion."
"After that, after that. Gods!... She began killing her way in. I'm too afraid to check what's happening inside, so I only hear screams coming from the Mansion."
It's just as everyone had witnessed, erasing his suspicion if what truly transpired. The question is.
"Where is she?"
Sure, Zyro wanted to interrogate Boru but his departure with Scarlet came first. After all, the three of them agreed to journey to her castle and escape from this harsh wilderness. Even though one had left, Zyro would still escort her highness back for Pert and himself. They dreamed of freedom, sadly, Zyro alone would have to fulfill that dream of theirs.
However, Baron reply wasn't what he expected to hear.
The elderly man hesitated to a moment, his face expressing pity and regret as he was reluctant to tell Zyro.
But in the end, he had to know.
"...She departed that night, too. Sorry lad, I'm too frightened to stop her after what she had done to all those guards."
Zyro frowned, finding it odd for Scarlet to leave without him. In the days he spent with her, he knew her enough to assure Scarlet isn't one to betray. She's a princess with a royal demeanor and a noble heart. Abandoning a comrade was below her principles. Furthermore, can she reach the castle despite the obstacles alone?
Judging her strength, it wasn't likely. She's strong but numerous enemies often triumph over lone warriors. Zyro recently learned that inhumane power is great, and how dangerous the arrogance it installed to one's mind.
She couldn't be that ignorant to head out alone, thinking she will manage. However, the fact remains that she already left.
Still, it's hard to believe Scarlet left him after all they went through. The days they spent in each other's company, and battles they fought side by side.
Was it worth nothing to her? Did he trust the wrong person all this time?
No, it can't be. He thought to himself she must have her reasons.
It took him time to organize his feelings, leading him to find hope in one idea. After a bit of hesitation, he asked Baron with an even tone that hid desperate desire for positive answer.
"Did she say anything?"
Baron respond after some thought.
"Well, princess mostly stayed strangely quiet that night. However, she did leave a few words before leaving."