At that moment, it was as though someone stopped time in its tracks, not letting it move forward in this dim, remote and dilapidated corner of Shield District.
The three of them stared at one another in silence. The stagnant atmosphere caused those unspeakable emotions in their hearts to become even stronger inside them.
Until…
"What is going on?" Thales said loudly and questioned the other two in disbelief. "Hicks, and you... What in the world are both of you talking about? Both of you know my mother?"
The prince's face was filled with surprise under the moonlight. He stared straight at the veteran who was still trembling slightly, and at the old man who supported himself with his walking stick with his head lowered in dejection.
"When? How did you know her? Where?"
But they did not answer.
Hicks sighed and said slowly, "How about that, Drew? Is this reason enough?"
The trembles in Gleeward's breathing finally subsided.
