In about two days, the team finally exited Mount Arcanus. As they learned from their first time experiences, they've been careful and respectful all throughout the journey back. The spirits might have been a little graceful this time as they did not encounter any mishaps.
At the foot of the mountain, the Supremo was anxiously waiting and was finally relieved when he saw his daughter emerging from the team and that she seemed fine. The Spiritual leader then performed a ritual to rid the team of any spirits that might have latched on them. They then offered a thanksgiving offering to the spirits.
They then journeyed to the capital. The Supremo then invited them as special guests at his Manse. Also, each container of the dragon blood tree sap was given to the Supremo for safe keeping.
At the Manse, they each had their medicinal bath and they were given expensive clothes to change into. After which, they were ordered to have a banquet with the Supremo and those who have been part of that mission.
At the dining hall, almost all of them were there – the Spiritual Leader, Commander Osiros, Adviser Moraii and the three senior Wishbones. Entering are Sir Allegros, Aspirant Aris and Captain Karsh. The seat of the Supremo, the Young Miss and Commander Remus is still empty.
After minutes of waiting, they finally arrived. Both the Supremo and the Young Miss are dressed in purple with gold accent robes. Their tribal patterns were embroidered in their robes. Also, in their braided silver tresses were elegant hair accessories. Behind them is Commander Remus dressed gallantly in wheat robes with golden accents.
As Sol entered the hall, Tobias stared at her. She walked gracefully in slow motion. She has this charismatic posture, nonchalant face and intimidating eyes. But as soon as Sol saw him, she smiled widely and beautifully like the sunrise.
The Supremo and the Young Miss took a seat at the table that was prepared for them. Meanwhile, Commander Remus took a seat in front of Adviser Moraii and beside the senior Wishbones.
"Tonight, I want to thank you for the efforts you've put into achieving this mission. I hope that this will be kept a secret. Your services will be remembered forever. For now, have a feast. This banquet is for you all. Cheers!" the Supremo said as he raised his cup of wine. This signaled his guests to start eating.
"Sol looked so different with those robes and hairstyle," Haelas commented.
"Aspirant Aris, be careful with how you address her. We are at the Manse, address her as Young Miss," Dorn whispered to him.
"Oh yes, sir. I totally forgot."
In the middle of the feast, Tobias suddenly stood up and faced the Supremo.
"First of all, we are grateful for this banquet Supremo. With that, I would like to raise a question."
"What is it? Go on."
"Supremo, I am just wondering about the purpose of the sap that we got from Mount Arcanus."
The cherry banquet suddenly went silent. Even the Supremo stopped eating. His jaw twitched.
"Mm. We are going to use it to produce a medicine that could heal a lot of illnesses. However, we are still not so sure of the success of this project. So, I hope that you will keep it a secret for the time being."
"I understand Supremo. I wish you success for that project," Tobias said and took a seat.
The Supremo exchanged meaningful gazes with Adviser Moraii and Commander Remus. It is evident that the Supremo didn't take the question well. He wants the Commander to keep an eye on the Captain.
The banquet still continued even after that awkward interaction. After some time, the wine was brought in and everyone started drinking. Sol left her seat and walked towards Captain Karsh.
"Good evening Captain. Good evening Haelas. Good evening Sir Allegros," she greeted them.
"Good evening, Young Miss."
Sol let out a smile.
"Young Miss, here," Haelas said, nudging the cup of wine to Sol.
"Well, I don't really drink."
"But I've seen you being drunk, twice ," Tobias said, " and you've barged into my room twi-ce."
The last word on his statement trailed off as he remembered what happened on the second time that Sol barged into his room. That was the time that Sol's lips accidentally landed on his. His ears went red.
Meanwhile, Sol also remembered that time. She unconsciously glanced at Tobias' lips. She then also remembered their kiss at the Lonely Woodland. She remembered how warm and moist Tobias' lips was.She suddenly shook her head to remove those thoughts on her head. She then grabbed the cup of wine and drank it all.
"Sir Allegros, why did they suddenly become silent as if they remembered something?" Haelas whispered to Dorn.
"They might really have. Tobias' ears went red and the Young Miss' cheeks were so flushed as if she drank a jar of wine. Something might have happened between them that they are blushing so hard."
"B-Blushing sir?"
Haelas glanced at the Captain and the Young Miss. There is this awkward atmosphere between them.
"I bet the Young Miss did something embarrassing sir," dissing his friend.
"Well, I don't think so."
"Then, what do you think it is sir?"
"You're running your mouth again there Sir Allegros. I hope you're not feeding the kid with falsies ," Tobias called out to Dorn when he noticed them whispering to each other.
"I dare not, Captain," Dorn said and grinned as he drank his wine.
After glaring at him, Tobias then returned towards drinking his tea as he does not fancy the wine.
Sol let out a smile as she watched the captain enjoy his tea.
XXX
After the banquet, every one of them were guided towards their rooms. Meanwhile, Tobias asked a private conversation with the Supremo who had no choice but to indulge him and ordered Commander Remus to wait outside.
"What is it, Captain Karsh?"
"Supremo, I know that you are going to concoct the Luminous."
The Supremo immediately froze as soon as he heard about it. Even though he is a son of a Wishbone, everyone -the original Wishbones-is still forbidden to talk about Luminous with their children.
"Why do you think that I would do that? And where did you find out about that?"
"I am an investigator Supremo and if you really have plans on concocting it, please think a million times again. That concoction will bring chaos."
"But you see Captain, I am the Supremo and I lead this land. I won't make decisions that can harm my people. My decision right now might be vicious to you but it is a decision that will protect this land. Why don't you give me a chance and view my decision in a positive light? What you are fearing will not come as long as I am the Supremo."
Tobias sighed. He is confused as well. The concoction is clearly vicious but … can the Supremo turn it around in a positive way?
"Then, I hope that what I fear will not come, Supremo," Tobias said and bid the Supremo a good night. He then walked away and left the room.
The Supremo immediately called for Commander Remus.
"Keep an eye on that man. If ever he will do something that will threaten my plans, take him down. Also keep an eye on him and my daughter. I don't want my daughter to be associated with that man who is related to a traitor," he ordered when he noticed earlier how close his daughter is to the Captain.
"Yes, Supremo. I understand."
"Go on then," he said, dismissing the Commander.
I can't let him ruin my plans. More so, be associated with my daughter. Who knows what lies he will feed to my daughter? If he's not a skilled defender, I would have taken him down a long time ago.
XXX
It was already midnight, yet Tobias couldn't sleep. He decided to take a walk. However, after taking several steps away from his room, a golden shielder went to him saying that he shouldn't roam around the Manse and he should just go back to his room. As he was trying to argue that he just wanted to take a walk in the garden, Sol came. She then ordered the golden shielder to let Tobias walk around which the golden shielder reluctantly did.
"What brought you here, Young Miss?" Tobias asked as they started walking towards the garden.
"Oh please. Just call me Aspirant Moraii, Captain."
"Okay, Aspirant Moraii."
"Well, I couldn't sleep so I went to the guest area thinking that I would find someone who can't sleep like me. Fortunately, you are there Captain."
"What if I wasn't there?"
"Well, I would have forcefully woken Haelas up," Sol said, grinning, "Just kidding. If you are all asleep, then I would have taken a walk in the garden by myself."
"Mm."
After several minutes they arrived at the garden wherein it houses a small lake with a gazebo at the center of it as well as rare trees, plants and flowers. Several lamps lit out the place.
As the gentle breeze passed by them, flashes of childhood memories appeared before Tobias. He saw the young Risus and young Caia playing around the garden and staying up late with their parents as they watched the red flare lilies bloom during the full moon.
Sol on the other hand felt a strange happiness. She felt as if she had more memories of that place- happy memories- and yet she couldn't remember. While being confused, she notices Tobias who is being silent and is just smiling as if reminiscing a happy memory.
"Captain.." Sol said, nudging him.
"Oh. Yes?"
"Does this place bring you happiness as well, Captain? You are smiling widely."
"Well, I just thought that I was lucky to be taking a walk with the Young Miss in a beautiful place."
"Captain, come. I'll show you something," she said as she ushered him towards the gazebo.
"Captain, here are the red flare lilies. When their blooming season starts, I always visit it at midnight during full moon in order to watch all of them blooming together. It's just magical."
"When does the blooming season begin? I don't seem to see any red flare lilies blooming."
"Um. During summer, we can see it as early as one month before the summer. Would you like to see it with me, Captain?"
"Mm," he said, staring right into Sol' eyes.
Sol stared back. She instantly regretted it. Now, she can't look away. Standing in front of her is one of those rare people blessed by the gods. The light from the moon and from the lamps glowed on his face and they further illuminated his turquoise colored robes.
What should I do? He has become my euphoria.
Meanwhile, Sol' expressive and hypnotizing eyes pulled Tobias to stare at her. As her silver hair and white robes danced with the breeze, she looked like a celestial being sent from the stars. His heart rate started to increase.
Why am I being sick again? My heart is racing again.
Sol, on the other hand, finally managed to collect herself and thus, she let out a chuckle and looked away. Tobias was able to breathe normally as he let out a warm grin.
XXX
In the morning, after they had a hearty breakfast; every one of them started to journey back home. The senior Wishbones and the Spiritual leader went South, accompanied by a dozen golden shielders. Meanwhile, Dorn went to the headquarters of the Investigation Bureau. As for Haelas, he was accompanied by Captain Karsh , Sol and Commander Remus.
XXX
Arriving at his quarters, Sol was immediately interrogated by Serga and Reicha. They asked again if her family matters were settled well. That was her reason for taking a week off from the training. Well, she had no choice but to lie again.
XXX
"Senior Historian," Commander Osiros called out to Senior Historian Gracias when he saw her at the bookstore.
"Commander," she greeted him.
"You need to work double time. You said that they have the recipe of the Luminous and they just got back from that secret mission. I think that they will concoct the Luminous soon."
"But I'm bound. Even a slight mishap could seize my breath."
"Don't worry. I'll send Probitas there," he said and went away.
Senior Historian heavily gazed at the disappearing figure of the Commander.
Yes, she is part of the Secret Council along with the Commander, Probitas and Chief Healer Sapiensa. And their mission right now is to stop anyone who tries to concoct the Luminous. And as it was the Supremo who was doing it, they also needed evidence to incriminate him.
Half a year after Osiros became the Commander, he finally found out that the person who murdered the victims in his first three cases was the Commander of the Golden Shields- Commander Remus. Behind him is the Supremo. Thus, it is inferred that the Supremo ordered the murder.
When Senior Historian Gracias found out about this, she was conflicted as she was close to Commander Remus. He even tried to keep her alive and to continue her job as a historian at the Manse when the current Supremo tried to replace all of the staff of the Manse.
One day, she asked Commander Remus what she should do if someday she needs to do what is right but might sacrifice her love.
"Because you've always been upright. Continue to do so. But as for me, I am a selfish person so I will still choose my love," he said.
Senior Historian Gracias then painfully took her steps back to the Manse.
In the end, I guess I should do the right thing…even if I'm gonna lose you.
XXX
In a few days, Probitas was able to enter the Manse.
They kidnapped the real painter. When Commander Remus asked Senior Historian Gracias if she knew any painter, she said that she doesn't know anyone but he might try to look for Probitas as she heard that he's quite popular.
And that's how Probitas entered the Manse.
Probitas is the one who painted the 'Happiness' and 'Eternal Sorrow' displayed at the 'Butterfly' arts shop.
XXX
After re-investigating Tobias, Commander Remus didn't find anything new from the information he previously got when he first investigated the Captain.
He doesn't seem to be close with Commander Osiros…so, what is his motive in attempting to assassinate me? As the nephew of Vice Commander Assos, does he know of something that happened 14 years ago?
Commander Remus harshly sighed as he threw the documents he was holding towards his table.
I think I should just confront him.
XXX
Tobias is going back to the camp when he feels someone following him, so he decides to confront that person. He decided to hide behind a bulky tree and waited for that person. As soon as that person appeared in front of him, he quickly galloped towards him and blocked his way. He immediately unsheathed his sword and pointed to that startled person.
"Who are you!!" Tobias sternly asked.
He stared at the person in front of him. He has loose tresses and in his civilian clothes. But as soon as Tobias gazed into his eyes, he faintly trembled.
"Commander Remus?"
"How are you, Captain Karsh? Are you not going to lower your sword?"
"You must answer me first Commander. Why are you following me?"
"What made you so sure that I'm following you?"
"Don't make me a fool, Commander. I am a defender."
The commander suddenly unsheathe his sword and was about to point it to Tobias, but the Captain was able to block it.
"I would love to know why a Captain like you would seize my breath. Is there something I should know?"
"What do you mean, Commander? I never attempted to do that."
"Don't make me a fool as well, Captain. I know what you did near that cave at Mt Arcanus."
Tobias froze.
"Then…let's just say that I am making a bully pay for his wrongdoings," Tobias finally answered, "Now, that you got your answer Commander; I would appreciate it if you stop following me. I might really do what I attempted to do during that time at Mt. Arcanus."
Commander Remus stared at him in confusion. He still hasn't understood the reply that he got.
"Then, I'll be on my way Commander," Tobias said and galloped away.
Commander Remus just stared at the Captain's retreating back. He remembered their conversation back at the plateau.
"Captain Karsh, I just noticed your eyebrow scar. How did you get it?" he asked.
"A bully gave it to me, Commander," the Captain answered.
He also just said that his attempt to assassinate me is just him returning the favor to his bully. Does he mean that I was the one who caused that scar? How? When?
XXX
The days passed by so quickly that the New year is fast approaching. The training camp then gave its aspirants the last week of the current year and 2 days of the new year as vacation time. Sol immediately rode to the Fort Amethyst Training Camp to pull her friends and tour the Capital with her.
They visited famous restaurants, entertainment places and gardens. While eating at a newly opened restaurant near the headquarters of the Investigation Bureau, Karisha suggested visiting the headquarters.
"Why does Aspirant Grasi want to visit the Investigation Bureau? Do you have something to report?" Sol asked, teasing her.
"Well, I will report that my heart has been stolen," she said riding the tease.
Haelas and Sol shivered with the cheesiness.
"Do you know who might have stolen your heart, Aspirant Grasi?" Haelas asked, imitating an investigator.
"I know who the culprit is. It's no other than Sir Dorn Allegros. You have to punish him."
"What punishment do you want, Aspirant Grasi?"
"To live his life with me!" she said laughing as she clapped her hands in victory.
Haelas and Sol laughed heartily with her as they had a tea toast for her.
"I can't believe how confident you are," Sol commented.
"Sol, you don't know. She's only confident to express her love for him when she's with us. But I doubt that she could say it in front of Sir Allegros."
"Let us see. She has been so outspoken. Maybe she can."
"Yes, Maybe I can. You know, he'll be lucky to have me. I'm beautiful. I'm quite a skilled aspirant. I can play the lyre harp and I'm friends with the Young Miss here."
Haelas and Sol let out a laugh again.
"Hey, how come you are laughing at me? You should show some support to your friend here," she said, pouting.
"Yes, Yes. Miss Karisha, you have the full support of the Young Miss here."
"Also mine," Haelas said as he fed her with the chicken meat.
XXX
After a while, they arrived at the headquarters.
"What can I do for you?" asked the Female Information Officer.
Haelas and Sol looked at Karisha but she suddenly shied away and hid behind Sol.
"Um. Ma'am, I would like to ask if Sir Dorn Allegros is inside. We would like to visit him."
"Yes he is. Unfortunately, his friends Captain Karsh and Sir Braegen are with him. I think it'll take a while before he will be available. Do you want to leave a note for him?"
"Oh. Captain Karsh is also here? Ma'am, He is my training officer. Is it okay ma'am if you inform them that we are here?"
"Yes. What name should I say to them?"
"Aspirant Sol Moraii ma'am."
"Then, kindly take a seat on those benches and wait for me," she said pointing at the benches near the wall.
"Yes. Thank you ma'am," Sol said and they went to take a seat at the benches. She can't help grinning with Haelas.
"I told you. Karisha can't," Haelas said.
As soon as Tobias and Ka-el heard that Sol came with her friends, they immediately went to see them, pulling Dorn with them. As soon as Karisha saw Dorn, she immediately partially hid behind Sol; to which, Sol pulled her in front and gently held her shoulders to show her that she was there for her.
"Aspirant Moraii, what brought you here?" Tobias asked.
"We were touring around the Capital, Captain, when we stumbled here. So, we thought that we should visit Sir Allegros and Sir Braegen," Sol explained.
"Mm. You must have missed us right," Ka-el asked cheerfully, "Do you want to have a tour inside the Investigation Bureau?"
"We would love to," Haelas immediately answered.
"Then, let's go," Ka-el said and put his arms around Haelas. They then started walking towards the different rooms inside the headquarters. Tobias then ushered Sol and Karisha to follow. Karisha gripped Sol' arm to which Sol let out another teasing grin. Tobias and Dorn followed.