Postknight HQ, Maillie
Cassandra stood at the large window of her office, her gaze fixed on the bustling courtyard below. The sunlight spilled through the glass, highlighting her sharp features and the silver trim of her uniform. A knock at the door broke her focus, and she turned just as Tedric entered, holding a neatly bound folder in his hands. Without hesitation, he approached her desk and bowed respectfully.
"Commander Cassandra, here are the reports of all candidates who completed the assessment. Please take a look." Tedric's voice was steady, but his posture radiated his unwavering respect.
Cassandra sighed lightly, brushing back a strand of her auburn hair as she gestured for him to rise.
"Thank you, Tedric, for the data. But really, there's no need to be so formal here." Her tone was warm, almost teasing, as she accepted the folder.
"Uh... you know I can't do that, Commander," Tedric replied, straightening but keeping his gaze humble. "You're the head of the entire Postknight unit. This respect is what you deserve, ma'am."
Cassandra gave a tired chuckle, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she leaned against her desk.
"Oh, cut it out, Tedric. I just don't like all this... formality. It's been years since someone called me by my name without the title." She sighed again, her expression softening with a hint of wistfulness.
Noticing her mood, Tedric quickly cleared his throat, shifting the conversation.
"Uh... so, what are your thoughts about the candidates, Commander?"
Cassandra blinked, snapping out of her momentary daze. She chuckled softly and opened the folder, scanning the reports with a keen eye.
"Sorry, I got distracted again." She flipped through the pages, nodding occasionally. "Hmm... this year's candidates actually look promising. Almond and Ada are strong fighters, no doubt about that. Vaidya, despite his age, is a brilliant strategist. And Razille—her knowledge of magic, especially potion-making and crafting magical items, will be incredibly useful for a Postknight." She looked up, her emerald eyes gleaming with approval. "Besides them, the rest are average. What do you think of my analysis?"
Tedric smiled faintly, his arms crossing over his chest.
"My thoughts are pretty much the same, Commander."
Cassandra's brow furrowed as she scanned the list again, her finger tapping against the desk.
"Wait... something's off. There are only six candidates listed here. Weren't there seven during the selection process?"
Tedric's expression turned serious, and he stepped closer.
"Yes, Commander. I was about to bring that up. You've heard about the recent incidents, right? The strange behavior of creatures in certain areas?"
Cassandra straightened, her tone sharp and commanding now.
"Yes, I've been receiving complaints about it, but without clearance from the KPP, we can't launch an investigation. And as you know, Orsic will never allow that to happen. So, for now, it's a dead end."
Tedric nodded grimly, his voice lowering.
"Yesterday, Solis was caught up in a roblin attack. Pearl, that girl who's been taking the rank D exams for two years straight, was involved too."
Cassandra's eyes narrowed, concern flashing across her face.
"Pearl? The same girl who keeps retaking the exams?"
"Yes," Tedric confirmed, his voice heavy.
Cassandra leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled as she considered the implications.
"This is a bigger problem than I thought."
A voice broke the tense silence, light yet confident.
"How about I investigate it personally?"
Both Cassandra and Tedric turned to see Colins leaning casually against the doorframe. His relaxed posture belied the intensity in his steel-gray eyes, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
"Colins," Cassandra said, her tone a mix of surprise and exasperation. "Are you sure about this?"
Colins stepped into the room, his movements fluid and assured. He crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly.
"Yeah, I'm sure. It's been a while since I've had a mission. Sounds like fun."
Cassandra's lips pressed into a thin line, and she studied him for a moment before sighing.
"Alright, not like I could stop you if you've already made up your mind. But on one condition—you go undercover. This is an unauthorized mission, Colins."
He grinned, giving a mock salute.
"Got it, Commander. You can count on me."
Cassandra's stern expression softened, a trace of worry flickering in her eyes.
"I know you're responsible, but you're still my little brother. I'll always be concerned."
Colins' smirk faded into a genuine smile, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine, sis. Trust me."
With a respectful bow to Cassandra, Colins turned and exited with Tedric close behind. As the door clicked shut, Cassandra sank into her chair, staring at the reports on her desk. Her hand rested lightly on the edge of her desk as her thoughts churned.
"I don't know what's happening, but whatever it is, it doesn't feel right," she murmured to herself. Her gaze shifted to the crest of the Postknight unit etched into the wall. "Oh, Eolin, please keep everyone safe. If I weren't the commander, I'd take matters into my own hands."
Her voice grew quieter as her grip on the desk tightened.
"Now I understand why Seraphine never wanted this position."