It was already evening when Tobias came back to the Healer's Center. He looked much better than earlier that morning.
"Sir Allegros, why don't you escort Aspirant Grasi here back to her camp after our dinner?" Tobias suggested while they are having their dinner.
"Uh. No, it's alright Captain," Karisha chimed in, "I can go back alone."
"Though the recent attack was purposely against Wishbones, it is still dangerous for people who are not Wishbones. So, go back with Sir Allegros," Tobias seriously said as if there's no retorting.
"Okay, Captain," Karisha could only say as she glanced at Sol who's smiling teasingly at her.
XXX
After about 2 hours, Karisha and Dorn arrived at the Amethyst Training Camp.
"Sir Allegros, please have some tea before you go. It's going to be a long night for you, " Karisha suggested when Dorn was about to leave. As Karisha had said, it's going to be a long night for him since he will drop by at the Bloody Cloaks Training Camp before he will go back to the Capital. It's because Tobias asked him to deliver an instruction to the Training Camp Head.
"Mm. Would that be alright?" he asked as it's already late at night and the kitchen and the dining hall might be closed already.
"Yes, sir. Not to brag but I have access to the Kitchen and the dining hall," she said as she unconsciously winked at him.
Dorn let out a smile.
Karisha then led him towards the stable. After she got down from her steed, she immediately went towards Dorn getting down from his own steed. She then requested for the lead rope of his steed so that she could bring the steed inside the empty cubicle.
After securing their steed, Karisha then led him towards the kitchen. As they neared the place, the door opened and a middle-aged woman came out from it.
"Auntie!" Karisha immediately called out to her.
"Oh, Karisha dear, what are you doing here late at night?" she asked. She's one of the cooks who prepares their everyday meals.
"I should be the one asking that Auntie."
"Well, we have just finished preparing the ingredients for tomorrow's meal."
"I bet that we'll have a delicious breakfast tomorrow."
"Of course, so, would you finally tell me why you're here late at night with a handsome Bloody Cloaks defender?" the Auntie asked as she stared at the defender behind Karisha.
"Oh, I totally forgot. Auntie, this is Sir Dorn Allegros from the Investigation Bureau."
"Good evening, Auntie," Dorn greeted her, who smiled at him sweetly in return.
"He was asked to escort me back because of the recent attack at the Capital. And I asked him to have tea first before he will leave," Karisha continued.
"You should, Sir. Come in, come in. I can prepare a fried sweet potato for you," the Auntie said as she led them inside the kitchen.
Karisha then urged Dorn to follow her.
In a while, Karisha served Dorn with tea and the Auntie brought them a heartful plate of fried sweet potato drizzled with cinnamon.
"I will have to leave now as it's already late. Sir Allegros, if you have anything you want, just ask her. Karisha, make sure to properly lock the door," the auntie instructed before she left.
Karisha let out an awkward chuckle, "It feels like my mom is around whenever I talk to her."
"So, how does that feel?" Dorn unconsciously asked, then he took back his word when Karisha stared at him with a quite stunned look, "Uh. Never mind that. It just came out of nowhere."
Karisha suddenly remembered the rumors about Dorn being an orphan.
"Um, having a mother is, if I have to put it in one sentence, it would be like having this one person who cares and loves you the most," Karisha said in the most gentle manner she can.
Dorn smiled.
"That must have felt wonderful."
It's been a long time since I've felt it that I started to have forgotten what it feels like.
"Certainly, sir. If you want Sir… Do you want to meet my mother? I bet you'll like her. And you can call her 'Mother' as well. She will not mind."
Dorn let out one small chuckle that stunned Karisha more. She couldn't believe that she has seen how Dorn smiles and has heard how he chuckles. It is making her heart burst. What more if she will hear him laugh?
"Mm," he just said in response to her suggestion. Karisha can't figure it out if that is a yes. She decided not to confirm it or else he might say no.
"By the way, I want to ask you something. It's okay if you wouldn't answer it," Dorn said before the conversation fell silent.
"Yes, Sir. What is it?"
"Aspirant Moraii said that you're learning to play the lyre harp so that you could play it infront of the one whom you cherished."
"Uhh..yes?"
"I would like to ask about what it felt like to have someone that you cherished. Sir Braegen said that when you have someone like that, you smile for no reason; everyday is a clear blue sky and even if you have problems, the world still looks bright. Is that true?"
"Oh. So Sir Braegen is a romanticist. Well, that's right. You'll be smiling for the whole week even if you just caught a glimpse of that person. Even if that person just smiled at you, your heart feels very light. And just because you are with that person, you can endure the heat of the sun and enjoy the pour of the rain."
"Mmm. Is that why I saw you smiling a lot of times while staring at a blank space, is it because of that person that you cherish?"
"Haaa?"
"Nothing."
"Oh."
Awkward Silence.
"I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
"I'm sorry that I didn't show up that day."
"It's okay Sir. I figured that you might be busy."
"But still, I should have informed you beforehand. I'm sorry once again."
"It's really fine, Sir."
"Thank you."
"Mm."
"Would you like to meet again this weekend?"
"Oh sure, sir."
Awkward silence.
"Then, I think I need to be on my way now," Dorn said as he emptied his last cup of tea.
"Yes, Sir."
Karisha then led Dorn towards the stable and watched him as he galloped away.
He certainly said that he saw me smiling while looking at a blank space. WHEN?!!! So embarrassing.
XXX
Back at the Healer's Center, Tobias is arguing once again with Sol as the latter is stubborn about going back to the camp tomorrow.
"Captain, I am already feeling fine. It would just bore me if I lay here for several days."
"But still, you need to heal those bruises and wounds before you go back to the camp."
"I don't want to bother your people anymore. I am ordering you now as the Young Miss, let's go back to the camp tomorrow," Sol sternly said.
Tobias harshly sighed as he circled the room to vent out his frustration. Sol just watched him triumphantly.
XXX
As what Sol has reiterated, they went back to the camp the next day. The sun was already setting when they neared the camp. Sol suddenly halted her steed.
"What is it?" Tobias asked in concern.
Sol fished out a luxurious box from her pocket and gave it to Tobias who received it with pure curiosity.
"Open it, Captain."
Tobias carefully opened the box and it clearly showed how shocked he was when he saw the content of the box. It was the necklace that they requested at the jewelry shop before. It is silver in color. It is adorned with stars as well as precious jewels engraved on them.
"Stars, Captain. Whether you fall for me someday or not, like the stars in the night, I will be there for you even in the darkest times. Even when things make you feel lonely, when you look at this, I hope you remember that I will always be beside you."
Tobias let out a smile.
So divinely gorgeous. Sol muttered. She then threw one last glance at the man, lovingly adorned by the warm colours of the sunset and then she galloped towards the entrance of the camp.
Tobias closed the box and secured it in his pocket before he followed suit.
XXX
The aspirants were having dinner when Tobias and Sol arrived at the dining hall. The aspirants immediately stood in full attention and greeted the Captain. The Training Camp head then went to have a talk to Tobias while Sol went to find her friends.
"Oh. What happened? Why do you have bruises and cuts?" Reicha asked as soon as Sol was seated, "Is that related to the case you are working with Captain Karsh?"
"Case?" Sol innocently asked.
"That case. Sir Allegros came here late at night and informed the Training Camp Head that you and Captain Karsh will be arriving late since you two are caught up in investigating a case involving the attack on one of the Wishbones there," Serga explained.
"Ah."
"So, did you catch the culprit?" Reicha asked.
"Oh. Five of about fifteen people were caught but the leader who was slain was missing. So, we left it with the Investigation Bureau to continue tracking them down."
"Is it true that Captain Karsh was the one who slayed the leader?"
"You also knew that?"
" Of course, rumors worked very fast.Wow. He is really a skilled defender."
"So, do you also know who the Wishbone that got attacked?"
"Mm. Thinking of that, it was not revealed who. They said that it is for his personal safety. The only piece of information that we got is that he's a young Wishbone," Serga replied in return.
"Young Wishbone only? I heard he's handsome as well."
"Is he? Then, all he has is a good physical appearance and is not very skilled. How can he let those people who are not Wishbone to hurt him?" Reicha stated.
"You–"
"Oh, did I say anything wrong? Your stare is so hostile."
"Nothing. Just eat."
XXX
Commander Osiros arrived at the heart of the mountain on the west. As soon as he arrived, Karlos was fuming as he walked away from his companions. Karlos is the leader of the Old Blood. He even ignored his presence and walked past him. Osiros glanced at the entrance of the camp, he could see a body wrapped in white cloth.
"Where are you going?" Osiros asked Karlos as he grabbed his hand.
"It's none of your business."
"It is my business. So, is it true that it is your people who have been attacking the Wishbones?"
"Even if that's true, what is it to you? Now those Wishbones had slain my brother, they need to pay back a hundred fold!"
"Why have you done such useless acts? You are only bringing attention to your people!"
"Well. well, look here Commander. When do you have the right to question my movements?"
"Since, we became partners!"
"That's right. But since we became partners, nothing has happened. Where is that promise that you would help us attain justice? None! I see nothing! So I let my brother do what he wanted."
"And see what happened to him!"
"The slayer only got lucky but I'll make his days unfortunate from this day on."
"I will not let you do that! The slayer is on our side."
"I don't care if he is on your side. He slayed my brother, I must return it," he said and started walking away.
"Then you will die and all of your most coveted goals will perish!" Osiros shouted at him.
Karlos abruptly stopped. His decisions wrestled in his mind. He then marched back towards Osiros.
"Who is this slayer that you think can kill me?"
"Captain Tobias Karsh."
"Ah. That defender who is related to a traitor?"
"Yet. A very skilled defender. Also, for your information, the Wishbone that got attacked that night was the Young Miss herself. The young miss hushed up the investigation but do you think the Supremo will do nothing when he finally finds out about it?"
"The Young Miss?"
"Yes. For now, be with your brother and prepare his burial properly. Start your training once again. Don't do such useless acts again. Just stay low. It will not be long before you will gain the justice that you yearn for."
With that, Osiros left without any further word.
Karlos could only stare at his retreating back. He then glanced at the body of his brother.
Even now, I cannot even avenge your death. Brother, I am sorry for my powerlessness.
Not far from them was Dorn.
As he tried to re-track the clues that were left behind by the attackers, he arrived at the foot of a mountain in the West. He is currently contemplating if he would search the mountains or not when Osiros appeared right before his eyes. He watched as he entered the mountains. Out of curiosity, Dorn followed him and they arrived at the heart of the mountain.
He saw the commander talking to a group of men. Based on their get-up and firm body structure, it seemed that they were warriors. Daggers and bolos were fastened on their belts.
When Osiros left, he stayed for a while and he watched them carry out the burial of the dead body in their custody.
He was conflicted on what to do next. He then decided to go down the mountains. As soon as he arrived at the foot of the mountain, he journeyed towards the Bloody Cloaks Training Camp.
XXX
Tobias was watching the special training of Sol when an aspirant came to call on him. He informs him that Dorn has come to visit him. Tobias then immediately went to meet Dorn after instructing Sol that she can stop after finishing her last set.
Tobias then invited Dorn to the dining hall but Dorn requested that they talk in his quarters.
Thus, Tobias instructed one of the staff to bring food to his quarters.
"What is it that you spare the time to journey here? Is it related to the case of the Young Miss?"
"It might be, Captain."
Dorn then proceeded to tell the story of what he discovered upon following Commander Osiros.
"Can we conclude that the Commander is raising a private army? By the way, you said that they held a burial, did you have a good look at the dead body?"
"Not really Captain. Though, I still prepared a sketch of his face."
Dorn then handed the sketch to Tobias.
"It's him," Tobias muttered after staring at the sketch for several minutes, "He is the one who attacked the Young Miss."
"Then, that means, Commander Osiros has a hand on the attacks?"
"We need further information before concluding that. However, he's not to be trusted for sure. I could not seem to think of a motive why he would be partners with those thugs and if ever, he really has a hand on the attacks, Why? "
"Then, what should we do next?"
"Track those thugs. Find more solid evidence of their connection with the Commander. If ever they make a mistake, we can get Commander Osiros."
"Noted, Captain."
After several minutes, the food came.
"Have a meal first before going back to the Capital," Tobias said to him when Dorn told him that he will not spend the night there.
"Mm. By the way Captain, I have some secret information that you might want to know."
"What is it?"
"The Corpse Shield is withering, Captain."
"What? That is serious. Where did you get that?"
"While doing the investigation, I realized that I was near the Corpse Shield so I decided to drop by. There, I overheard the effectiveness of the Corpse Shield will last for several months or a year. "
Dorn lied. He found out about it way back when he went to shoot an arrow towards the land beyond the borders.
"Why haven't we heard of this?"
"Captain, I heard that it is being kept secret right now as it might cause panic to the public."
Tobias became silent for a while.
Is that the reason why Supremo wanted to concoct the Luminous again? To prepare for an impending war?
"If our superiors still haven't heard of this, keep it a secret for now."
"Mm."
An awkward silence came.
"Captain…I…" Dorn started and yet he trailed off.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Uh nothing," he said, taking it back.
Maybe, some other time.
"By the way, the Young Miss seemed to improve from the last time I saw her and her figure became more toned."
"Yes, she's been working very hard even though she made minimal changes."
"That medicine really hurt her cultivation."
"Mm," he can only respond, pain is evident in his gaze. His heart goes out to Sol every time that her skill is being talked about.
If she doesn't have those nightmares, then she won't have taken that medicine. Then her skills won't be limited and she can protect herself very well.
"She could have been the strongest of her batch," Dorn commented and added, "worthy of being the Young Miss."
"Even with her current strength, she is still worthy to be the Young Miss," Tobias said in his low voice.
Even when there was no anger in his voice, Dorn felt the coldness that crept up his spine as he said those words.
The Young Miss really has a special place in his heart.
"Mm. I didn't mean it in a bad way."
"Mm."
XXX
In the dining hall...
"By the way, Sol, do you happen to have a problem with the Captain?" Reicha asked one time while they were having dinner.
"What do you mean?"
"He has his eyes on you since you came back from the Capital."
"That's right. But his stares don't seem hostile," Serga chimed in.
Sol unconsciously glanced at the Captain who is having dinner with the Training Camp Head. And at that same time, Tobias also glanced at their table, meeting her eyes. Their eyes locked for seconds.
Recently, she also noticed and felt that she's being watched. And from time to time that she glances at the Captain, she always catches his eyes on her and the Captain would just simply look away.
What's the use of those stares when it doesn't mean love? She said to herself, pouting.
"I don't think that he has a problem with me. It might just be coincidence. He might just be monitoring me if I made any improvements after doing his special training."
"But it also happens when you're not in the training ground," Serga said.
"I wonder why," she just said as she chuckled awkwardly.
"Or…you might have suddenly become pleasing to his eyes, that's why," Reicha randomly said.
"What kind of analogy is that?" Sol retorted.
"Well, isn't that right? People stare at you because either there's something wrong or good with you?" Reicha justified and then looked at Sol, "You should be glad that I chose the better reason."
"Alright. Alright. It might just be nothing. Just eat," Sol said.
After resting for a while, Sol returned to the training field to continue her training. After a while, the Captain showed up. He usually doesn't show up regularly; but this week, he regularly came to check up on her and waited for her to finish.
"Captain…" Sol called out to the Captain after she finished her training.
"Yes?"
"I have a question. I don't know if I read it correctly but… Captain, why have you been keeping your eyes on me? Did I do something wrong or…," she said and stepped closer to the Captain, "have you finally fallen for me?"
"Wha-what?" Tobias reacted as he looked away from Sol.
Sol let out a chuckle.
"Ha-ha, Seriously Captain, did I do something wrong?"
"I don't know about that. I might've unconsciously done that. Anyway, when are you going to show me the first bloom of the red flare lilies in your Manse?" he asked, changing the topic.
"Mmm. The first bloom can occur in the second week of this month, Captain. When are you going to visit, Captain, so that I can prepare?"
"Let's see. I can't name a day as of the moment. When I'm free, I'll be there."
Sol just shook her head.
"Okay, Captain."