The discussion among the four went into the details of last night's event. The center of the conversation remained to be Nilan. The child on the brink of being consumed by his own Nightmare last night. However, what made his situation unsettling was the unnatural speed at which the Nightmare descends. Such an anomaly was unheard of and deeply troubling, even for Umbra.
Normally, the fewer dreams a person had, the quicker their Nightmare would consume them. This is a basic principle that should be understood. Four dreams were far easier to erase than a hundred. Though, the weight of the dream may vary.
Dreams are an innate part of human existence. It is a cycle found throughout one's life. The idea of someone having so few dreams was beyond belief. A Nightmare does not consume dreams of despair since they already clung to it ; rather, it feeds on those with signs of hope and happiness.
However, if one's memories were erased, their dreams would disappear as well. Even if the memories were later restored, those lost dreams would never return. The mind, having adjusted to its present state, would no longer hold the aspirations of its former self.
In Nilan's case, his memory loss had led to the total erasure of his dreams. The only ones left were those formed in the brief days since his memory loss. These small numbers of dreams were the reason behind the Nightmare's unnerving rate of descent.
But what if this was no mere accident? What if Nilan's memories had been deliberately erased? If that were the case, then someone was orchestrating these events from the shadows.
Duke Vein and Umbra arrived at this realization.
While Umbra thought of it as a mere possibility, Duke Vein was certain. The shadowy presence watching them from atop a distant tower made him sure that it exists. However, the identity of that presence was not someone the Duke knew. For now, Duke Vein chose to withhold this information from the others.
As their conversation shifted back to more pressing matters, a potential solution came.
"This brings us all to the Pavo Orphanage case." Duke Vein said and shifted his gaze on Umbra. "Can I ask you to handle it?"
As a Duke, his authorities came with its own limitations. His existence would bring alarm to others; thus, taking a lot of attention and rendering his movements. Subtly was the key, and it just came that Duke Vein believes Umbra to be the most suited for this task.
"I was already planning to." Umbra replied with an unwavering tone, as though his conviction had been set long before this moment. "I am someone who will save humanity."
The room fell silent. Everyone was caught in awe at his words. His personality does not resemble that of a savior, yet his conviction was undeniable.
Vicente stared at him for a moment before a small, knowing smile formed on his lips. It was a sentiment he too harbored—to save humanity.
Duke Vein remained composed but found himself momentarily impressed. "To think such words would come from you."
Umbra, keenly aware of their reactions, did not waver. Instead, a faint smirk crossed his lips.
"Well, as you can see..." he said with amusement. "I decided long ago to save as many humans as I could. Whether you, the nobles, or the dreamers approve—it changes nothing."
From the very beginning, Umbra had already chosen his path, with or without support.
"Now that I think about it, how long have you been saving humans, Umbra?" Vicente suddenly asked as his curiosity piqued.
Umbra had always operated in the shadows, making it difficult to trace where he began to make decisions for his crusade.
"Three months ago." Umbra replied, though something had been lingering in his mind for a while now. He turned the question around. "Vicente… how did you know that I could save a person cursed by Nightmare?"
Yeah, but I don't like killing. We have you as an option, right?
Last night, Vicente had spoken as if he knew of Umbra's abilities— specifically his capability to deal with the child who was facing the Nightmare's curse. Umbra had this lingering feeling that raised suspicions after hearing Vicente's words.
Despite the tension, Vicente remained composed. "As a child, I was fascinated by humans and wanted to help them. My grandfather does not fully know your ability, but he told me you possess the ability to save someone afflicted by a Nightmare." He paused for a moment to recall his grandfather's words. "He told me that if I truly wished to help humanity, befriending you was the first step.
Befriending? To Umbra, that seemed like a shallow act. He could not help but let his surprise show.
"You really are enthusiastic about saving humans." Umbra said with a tired tone. He was exhausted by Vicente's act, which he cannot fully understand. He found Vicente's attitude to be both perplexing and frustrating. Still… "I wonder how your grandfather knew about this."
"Don't worry about any leaks of personal information." Vicente assured him. "My grandfather also confirmed that he only told me." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "But as for how he knew about this… that is something even I do not know."
They were at a loss for answers, so, instinctively, both turned to the one person who might have an idea.
Duke Vein.
They had already assessed that he was a keen man. On top of that, he knew Vicente's grandfather. Maybe he had thoughts to share about him.
Duke Vein, caught off guard by their expectant gazes, sighed and then spoke. "I do not know how you will react hearing what he is called, but Vicente's grandfather was known in the world of humans as Farehands. That is all I can say—I don't know much more."
Duke Vein, despite knowing more about Vicente's grandfather mentioned this. Just having this information would get them to a conclusion: If he still had influence, he might have been able to gather that information. No matter how Umbra hides, there is always a possibility that he can be seen. Umbra already knew that fact.
The revelation of the nickname left Umbra stunned. Vicente, on the other hand, was simply confused.
"You do not know who Farehands is?" Umbra asked skeptically as his expression shifted into disbelief after he turned towards Vicente, who merely tilted his head in confusion. "Are you someone who was completely isolated from the world?!"
Clearly, Vicente had no idea. His knowledge of the world—even the Dream Realm—was lacking. In response, he simply smiled, waiting for someone to explain.
"Listen, Vicente." In exasperation, Umbra said. " Your grandfather, Farehands, is the previous Grand Duke of the Noa Empire."
…
The air in the room shifted as Vicente came to process what he had just heard.
What?!
A shock came through him. Those words truly shaked his mind.
The title of Grand Duke was a rank of near-unquestionable authority, second only to the Empire's ruler. Even the imperial family, other than the highest authority, would hesitate to challenge such a figure. And yet, his grandfather, though previous, had that title hanging around.
Vicente had no recollection of his grandfather uttering such words. Had he kept it a secret? Vicente found it hard to believe, yet doubting his grandfather was something he was unwilling to do. The old man had been his inspiration, a guiding light in his life.
"Who are you really?" Umbra's voice cut through the silence, intrigued about Vicente. "I do not doubt your ideals, but your grandfather sounds insane."
"To be honest, I do not know much about him either. I am also not part of his lineage." Vicente admitted. "We lived in the Dreamer's World, but far from where Dreamers usually gathers. Grandfather never concerned himself with the affairs of the world. But the moment I had interest in saving humanity, that was when he said it."
Umbra's gaze darkened. "Now, I kind of want to meet your grandfather."
"We can, eventually," Vicente replied. There was no need to rush into such an encounter, not yet. He also added. "It takes about days to go there, it would be bad if in that time, a Nightmare would appear."
Umbra could not help but sigh in agreement.
As the conversation unfolded, a presence in the room, who was talkative earlier, remained silent, though his discomfort was evident—Duke Vein. The man who despised Vicente's grandfather and was forced to hear something about him.
"Enough about that." Duke Vein finally spoke, but his voice was mixed with impatience. "We should wrap this up."
Despite his composed demeanor, a feeling of unease passes through him. Vicente could not help but wonder what was up.
"I will keep this brief." Duke Vein continued. "You two will investigate Pavo Orphanage. Nilan will stay here for the time being for monitoring and safety. That is all. Now get moving before the demon awakens." Duke Vein suggested as they concluded their conversation.
At the mention of a demon, Vicente narrowed his eyes. The fact that Umbra's presence was enough to draw Charles—who was always looking for a fight—was concerning. The fact that Umbra is here would truly attract the crazed-fighting Charles like last night. This would result to a disruption of the plan.
"I have a question." Vicente said, crossing his arms. "Why don't you stop him?"
He was referring to Charles, Duke Vein's own son. Surely, as his father, Duke Vein could restrain him? He might listen if his own father, who raised him, told him so.
Duke Vein chuckled. "Oh, I could beat him up if I wanted. But restraining him? That is another matter entirely. He needs to learn things on his own
The sheer irresponsibility of the statement was almost laughable. All three listeners had the same thought: So irresponsible.
"So, I can't stop him." Duke Vein said and pondered as he thought of last night. "But I'll admit, I was surprised he actually listened last night."
"Given his condition after the fight with that Dreamer, he was beaten to a pulp." Umbra interjected. "He simply followed my suggestion."
Vicente and Vein exchanged questioning looks. Suggestion? What promise had been made?
Umbra elaborated on the situation.
Last night, just as Charles was pinning Umbra to the wall, Umbra suggested something.
Deal with him first and come to me. By the time this nightmare releases the child, I will recover my powers.
Charles had agreed. But the battle had been far more grueling than expected. The enemy had turned out to be more powerful than anticipated.
After the fight, at some level, Charles knew he couldn't defeat Umbra in his current state. The only reason he pursued to ask Umbra for a fight was because he was fulfilling the suggestion made by Umbra. So, he had been waiting—waiting for someone to intervene, to stop him from a pointless battle.
"But I had planned to flee from him regardless." Umbra said with a casual shrug. "I don't enjoy meaningless fights."
Vicente smirked. "Ah, so that's how it was?" He leaned in slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Why don't you people just be honest with your feelings?"
Though Vicente's words were directed at Charles, they held a secondary meaning—one aimed at Umbra. He had noticed how the man always kept his emotions tightly guarded.
However, Umbra chose to not understand the implication entirely and left him be.
"Children are really bashful, aren't they?" Duke Vein said just before his expression shifted. A sudden, overwhelming pressure filled the room.
"He is awake." Duke Vein murmured. "By now, he is probably searching the room you stayed in last night. Soon, he will come barging in here."
Vicente's heartbeat quickened. "This is bad. Should we leave now?"
…
The moment Charles stormed into the Duke's office, he found only two people inside—Nilan and Duke Vein. Vicente and Umbra had already made their exit as the group had planned.
"Where is he?" Charles demanded towards his father, brimming with a voice of irritation.
Vein leaned back in his chair and a smirk was playing on his lips. "I don't know. They said they were going for a walk." He chuckled as he saw this moment amusing.
Charles clicked his tongue. "Tsk. Don't butt into my business, old man."
Vein let out a laugh. "You know, that is how I met your mother, Mr. Battle Freak—chasing after her all the time."
Charles' expression twisted in fury. The room trembled under the force of his rising anger.