Meanwhile, Sol, Karisha and Haelas continued chatting but their topic went on a different way.
" The Captain is really extraordinary. Rumors say that his skills are more or less at par with a Commander. I also heard that he has three titles; Captain with the stare of death, Captain of Deception because of his impressive deceptive skills in combat, and the Captain with the god-like beauty. "
As soon as Sol heard the last title, she choked on her food.
" Captain with the god-like beauty? Really? Where did you hear that? " Sol asked as she pounded her chest to calm herself with the choking.
Why did I choke? I also thought that he has a god-like beauty. He had a very firm stature and toned shoulders. He really showed a vibe of dominance. Also, his eyes… they are both terrifying and hypnotic. When I first saw him before, I did think that he's an extraordinary aspirant and now he's a captain in the Bloody Cloaks Division- the division I want to get in.
"I'm going to get some wine. I'll be back," Haelas said, interrupting their conversation and quickly disappeared.
"I heard it from the rumors and now, I have confirmed that those rumors are not only rumors. They are facts."
"Don't tell me that you're into him."
"Did you just want me to die? Sol, that kind of man is not my cup of tea. Who knows, a ruthless man like him, can seize the breath of his family."
"Right."
After a while, Haelas came back with jugs of wine. He gave one jug to Karisha and one to Sol.
Sol took the jug and took a sip.
"What do you think?"
"It's a fairly good wine. Not too sweet, not too bland. Is this from the plums?"
"I don't know, I didn't ask. So, back to your conversation earlier-"
"It's already finished. Why don't we talk about you?" Karisha asked, interrupting Haelas.
"What about Haelas?" asked Sol, interested.
"When the guests were introduced, he kept looking at them. During our maneuvers and the duels, he still kept looking at them. Even though he's nervous about your duel, he kept stealing glances from the distinguished guests' area."
"Maybe, he knew someone among them," Sol responded and turned to Haelas, "Who?"
Haelas grunted and just gave up.
"He's someone I knew when we were children. But I don't know if he still remembers me."
"Why don't you go up to him and greet him?"
"I'm shy."
"What? You're shy? You shameless being," Karisha exclaimed.
"Is he the one that you want to protect? The reason you wanted to join the force?" Sol guessed.
"That-How did you know that?"
"I just guessed. You said that you knew someone from your childhood who entered the force. So, who among them?"
"Just leave it."
"Come on, tell us. Don't you know that it's a good thing to know someone from the higher-ups? It's good to have backups. Tell us his name and we'll greet them by ourselves," Karisha insisted.
"Come on, what's wrong with telling your friends? I can make him remember who you are," Sol said.
"Okay, just don't embarrass me."
"Wow, when did we embarrass you?" Karisha said.
"Hmm. That's true, you never did, " he said, sarcastically. "It's Sir Ka-el Braegen."
"Ohhh," Sol and Karisha exclaimed, teasing him.
"Wait, I need to relieve myself," Sol said and stood up.
"Do you want me to accompany you?" Karisha asked.
"No need," Sol said and went on her way, kind of losing her balance while walking.
"Hey, I noticed Sol's blushed cheeks. Is she already drunk?" Karisha asked Haelas.
"Now that you said, I think she's quite drunk. Do you think we should follow her?"
"Let's go before something happens."
XXX
"Captain Karsh!"
"Captain Karsh!"
Shouts of a drunk woman came outside the guestroom of Tobias.
Dorn opened the door. He was shocked to see a drunk Aspirant Moraii.
"Oh, there you are, Captain Karsh," said a drunk Sol when she saw Tobias sitting at the center of the room.
After relieving herself earlier, she unconsciously glanced at the feasting area of the officials. He noticed that Captain Tobias and Sir Allegros weren't around. She asked around and found out that he had already retired in his room.
"How insolent of you to visit me in this hour-drunk?" Tobias asked in a rather harsh tone.
He just calmed down with the help of the chamomile tea that Dorn prepared for him.
Sol let out a cheeky smile.
Tobias was quite shocked to see her smile. It is quite sweet compared to her nonchalant and charismatic look.
"I'm not drunk, Captain. I'm completely sober. Um Captain, I came here to set out things straight before you try to do something bad to me and my brothers."
Tobias pinched both of his temples with his thumb and ring finger. It seems like he's going to have a headache with this.
"Why would I do that?"
"The thing that happened in the tavern Captain."
"Oh."
"Captain, me and my brothers deeply regret what we did at the tavern. We sincerely apologize for it. I will bring my brothers tomorrow to officially apologize to you and your friends."
"Okay."
Sol went closer towards Tobias. Instinctively, Dorn went towards Tobias' side.
"BUT! Captain," she exclaimed as she laid her hands on the table and stared right into his eyes, "my brothers already got theirs so don't touch them. And I.. I will take responsibility for what I've done. Whatever it is, I'll do it. But don't go overboard, Captain. Even though my skills are nothing compared to yours. Even if I'm just a mere aspirant compared to your officership, I will not let you cross the line. I will not let you put the law in your hands. Understood Captain? Remember, I will not let you make anyone bleed in my presence."
Tobias' eyes sharpened and darkened. Then he gave a one hell of a smirk. He couldn't believe what he's hearing.
"Aspirant Moraii, you shouldn't be saying such things to your officer," Dorn intervened.
"What's wrong with it Sir Allegros? I'm just speaking what's on my mind," Sol said, defending herself.
Tobias gave a look to Dorn to stand down.
"What made you so bold to say those things? Aren't you afraid that I will seriously make you bleed and seize your breath?" Tobias asked as he crossed his arms on his chest and leaned on his chair.
"Because, you wouldn't dare Captain. If you knew who I am, even if you desperately wanted to seize my breath, you would not be able to."
Dorn gulped as Tobias let out a sarcastic laugh while Sol just stared at him. He really is not in the mood to be joked around by a drunk aspirant.
"Is it because you are Adviser Moraii's daughter? Don't you know that I don't care about the status?" he asked, raising his voice.
"Adviser Moraii?" she asked and was quite confused for a while. "Ahh. Right. I'm the Adviser's daughter. It's not because I'm the daughter of Adviser Moraii, Captain. It's more than that. It's like if you don't believe me and you will still seize my breath, I promise you Captain, you will live like you are in hell."
Tobias let out a harsh sigh and stated sarcastically, "Wow. I'm shivering in fear."
Everything and everyone went silent. Sol is just staring at Tobias while Dorn couldn't think of anything to pacify the situation.
Sol's silence made Tobias look right into the depths of her eyes. Her arrogance doesn't seem baseless.
" Captain, do you want me to take her away?" Dorn finally asked.
Tobias raised his hand to stop him and turned towards Sol, "Okay, you say you'll take responsibility for what you did to me?"
"Yes, that's right Captain. I won't go back on my word."
"Why don't you pledge your loyalty to me?"
If what she's saying is true, then it would be good for me to have an untouchable ally.
"Loyalty, Captain? I don't know you very much, Captain. How can I pledge my loyalty to you?"
"Why don't you get to know me?"
"Oh that makes sense, Captain. Okay, I will get to know you before I pledge my loyalty."
"Then, you may go now."
"Well…Is that all, Captain?"
"Why? Do you want to bleed?"
"No, Captain! But can I have your word on not harming us?"
Tobias removed the Defenders of Largus pin from his robes and offered it to Sol. This pin is only given to the members of the Defenders of Largus. It symbolizes honor, integrity and courage as well as death for the motherland.
"Will this seal my word?"
"Hmm."
"Captain?!" Dorn exclaimed, disapproving. He couldn't believe that Tobias would just give away that precious pin. It would be a hassle to get one again.
Tobias just nodded at him to say that he knew what he was doing.
Sol grabbed the pin and pinned it on her robe. Just after pinning the pin on her robe, her head fell on the table-asleep.
"Now, what do we do with her, Captain?" asked Dorn.
"Ask one of her brothers to bring her to her quarters."
"Noted, Captain."
Dorn headed towards the door. As soon as he opened it, two aspirants were waiting with blushed faces by the door.
As soon as the door opened, Karisha looked up at the one who opened it. He has these sharp monolid eyes and mysterious look. Yet, his copper colored tresses and silver eyes made her freeze in awe.
"Who-"
"Good evening um Sir Allegros, my name is Aspirant Karisha Grasi and this is my friend Aspirant Haelas Aris. We dropped by to ask if our friend Aspirant Sol Moraii is here."
Dorn didn't say anything but he opened the door wider for them to enter.
Haelas and Karisha were about to enter the room when Ka-el called out to Dorn. Haelas, Karisha and Dorn turned around to see the owner of the voice. It's Ka-el and beside him is Commander Remus. The three stood in attention for the commander. Then, Haelas shyly went behind Karisha as soon as he saw Ka-el.
"Good evening, Commander!" They greeted the commander who nodded at them in return.
"To why do we owe this visit, Commander?" Dorn asked.
"The commander was concerned with Tobias' behavior earlier, so he came with me to check on him," Ka-el answered.
"Mm. Then, please do come in, Commander," Dorn said as he gestured to them to go inside.
Commander Remus and Ka-el entered first, followed by Haelas, Karisha and Dorn.
"Tobias-I mean Captain Karsh! The commander is here to see you!" Ka-el loudly announced their arrival.
Tobias' eyes met with the Commander's. He began to tremble and sweat. He clenched his fists as he could and tried to calm himself. He barely managed to keep his balance as he stood up to provide due courtesy to the Commander.
The commander noticed the person slumped on the table but kept his silence.
"Please have a seat, Commander. Sir Allegros, bring a cup of tea for our Commander," Tobias requested.
"Yes, Captain," Dorn obeyed.
Commander Remus took a seat.
"Sol!!" Haelas exclaimed as soon as he recognized the person slumped on the table in front of Tobias. With that loud voice, he brought the attention of all the people inside towards him. Karisha looked at him in disbelief as she pinched his side.
That voice actually cut off the tension Tobias is feeling as his focus on the commander was shifted to Haelas.
"My apologies sirs!" he said and made a full bow.
As he raised his head, he saw Ka-el staring at him. He turned his head away immediately.
"Haelas?!" Ka-el exclaimed as he approached Haelas and Karisha.
"Sir?" Haelas could only say as he was dumbfounded. Ka-el recognized him.
"It's you! It's Ka-el, your so-called protector. Oh! You've grown up so much. You've also bulked up. I'm overjoyed to see you again," Ka-el exclaimed as he gave him a tight hug.
Ka-el then released Haelas and turned towards Tobias.
"I've known him since we're children. I didn't know that I would see him again."
"Lovely," Tobias responded and looked at Haelas, "Are you here for Aspirant Moraii?"
"Yes, Captain. We do apologize if she did or said anything wrong," Haelas responded.
Tobias just nodded.
Haelas and Karisha then approached Sol.
"Are you taking her to your quarters?" Commander Remus asked.
Haelas and Karisha were startled. It's like they heard the commander's voice for the first time.
"Ye-yes, Commander," Karisha answered.
"Okay then," he said and went to Sol. He effortlessly lifted her up. The people in that room stared at him.
Why would a Commander take care of a mere aspirant? Even though she's the daughter of a respected Adviser, that is just too much.
"Kindly show me the way."
"Co-Commander, we can take her . You don't need to carry her, Commander," Haelas exclaimed.
"You both are intoxicated. It's not safe. Let's go."
"Ye-yes, Commander," Haelas said.
Tobias barely stood up as the Commander left with the aspirants.
"Haelas, rest well. I will catch up with you tomorrow. Expect me," Ka-el shouted at Haelas before the door was closed.
"Why shout at him when he's out of sight?" Dorn asked him as he stood there with a cup of tea in his hand.
"With my loud voice, he can hear me even if he doesn't see me."
"Really."
"That little one did grow up. He was so skinny with no strength back then that he was being bullied often. Look at him now, he can already defend himself."
Dorn let out a smile as he turned towards Tobias who is now seated and in daze. He also noticed the beads of sweat around his forehead as well as his trembling hand gripping the teacup.
"Captain? Are you okay?"
Ka-el also turned around to check on Tobias.
"Oh. Tobias?! Why are you sweating that much? Based on my personal temperature, it's not that hot today," Ka-el stated as he wiped Tobias' sweat.
"I'm okay," Tobias said as he gulped the tea.
"By the way, I couldn't imagine Commander Remus to be so kind. He even volunteered to carry a drunk aspirant back to her quarters," Ka-el commented.
"He's not kind. He maybe is just doing his duty," Dorn answered.
"What do you mean?"
"If Aspirant Moraii is just an ordinary aspirant, he could have ordered you or me to carry her back to her quarters. BUT, he got involved."
"Well… maybe because we're both quite intoxicated and Tobias is not feeling well?"
"Maybe because she's the daughter of Adviser Moraii; that's why she gets a special attention from the Commander of the Golden Shields…" Tobias chimed in.
As soon as he said that, Tobias exchanged looks with Dorn. They both know that a Golden Shield Commander wouldn't be involved with the offspring of Advisers and Ministers. He should only be concerned with the Supremo's family.
So, why did he get involved? Does he have a special connection with that Aspirant?
"Oh, now I get it. It does make your life better when you're privileged, right?" Ka-el said.
Tobias just nodded. He then stood up and went towards his room.
"Is Tobias sick?" Ka-el asked Dorn as they watched Tobias' retreating back.
"Mm."
"Of what?"
"I don't know. Don't pester him for a while. Let him rest," Dorn said as he also walked towards his room.
"Wow, I'm always left alone."
XXX
Meanwhile, Haelas continued to lead Commander Remus to their quarters while struggling to walk properly. Behind them, Karisha follows closely while also struggling to walk properly.
"Commander, we are really sorry for this inconvenience," Haelas continued to apologize.
"Mmm."
In a while, they arrived at Karisha and Sol's quarters.
"Please," Haelas ushered Commander Remus.
Commander Remus gently laid down Sol as he covered her with her blanket.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
"Yes, Commander. Thank you so much."
XXX
After sending Aspirant Moraii towards her quarters, Commander Remus went to his own room. He threw a glance at Captain Karsh's room as he passed by. He was curious about what made the Captain unwell.
It felt quite different to see him in that state as he knew him to be someone strong and ruthless. Knowing him doesn't mean personally. When the Supremo ordered him to investigate the Captain, he found out all about him and got to know him.
The Supremo ordered the investigation because Captain Karsh championed the Grand Duel during the culmination of their training and that's a miracle for everyone because he is a half-Wishbone. The Supremo got curious about him but he was soon disappointed when the result of the investigation stated that he's the nephew of the previous Vice Commander of the Golden Shields, Assos Karsh, who is marked as a traitor.
Commander Remus harshly sighed and went to sleep.
XXX
Meanwhile, Tobias stared at the dark sky filled with the bright moon and shining stars through his window.
Uncle Assos, years of waiting is finally paying off. I think I finally met the one who killed my mother. I only saw his scarred hand back then, now I can clearly see the face he covered that night. If I'm not mistaken, that murderer is the youngest officer of the Largus force- the Commander of the Golden Shield.
Sinister thoughts made the once innocent stoic face of the captain grim. He smirked disdainfully as his eyes emitted a blazing fury. But that lasted for a moment as he suddenly realized that Commander Remus is the Supremo's loyal dog.
If Commander Remus is the one who killed my mother…then there's a high chance that the order came from the Supremo.
Tobias' heart fell. He refuses to believe such a conclusion.
The Supremo wouldn't do that. Uncle Augustus wouldn't do that. He is best friends with my father - my father who kept bragging about how great Uncle Augustus is.
*Augustus is the name of the Supremo.
'You should also find someone who has your back in times of bliss and in times of turmoil.' His father often said to him.
Right. Uncle Essos narrated that Uncle Augustus begged for the proper burial of his parents; though, he couldn't prevent them from burying his parents at a barren land. Uncle Augustus also begged the Ministers not to slay his Father but the Minister of Justice still slayed and beheaded him.
*Previous Adviser Essos is the older brother of the Vice Commander Assos who is marked as a traitor. He is also known to the public as the father of Tobias.
Yes, those ministers might be behind all of it. They also might have put Commander Remus near Uncle Augustus in order to keep watch on him.
Then, I need to know how Commander Remus started his work at the Manse.
XXX