Chapter 447: Rude and tired

"I see…" The mistress muttered, her eyes wandering across the calm, nightly cityscape. "Did you have anything else to say about the matter?" She asked, her tone keeping its thoughtful traits, not showing any annoyance, or displeasure over the almost hour-long report of the elderly servant.

"Nothing Mistress. The boy, just as you expected, had some sort of method to bypass the device's magic. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out anything else."

"Oh?" At the butler's response, the Mistress revealed a genuine surprise. "Even with your specialties, you found nothing? Hmmm…"

The servant didn't respond immediately but gave a deep bow once again.

"I apologize, My Lady. I was unable to, that boy is rather unique… Whenever I tried to use it, the effect was abruptly cut off. The only thing I can advise is not to anger him."

"I know, Sebas. I know." The Mistress answered, her gaze wandering towards the famous Guild Hall. "Luckily my daughter seems to be genuinely interested in him, we needn't do anything."

"My lady, please do not forget that your sister-"

"Enough." Before he could finish, the Mistress raised her arm, stopping him and freezing the words before he could voice them. "She is…" For the first time, since probably forever, her voice cracked, the Masked Mistress actually needed a moment to collect herself before she could speak up. 

Her calm, collected outward appearance, seemed to crumble and shatter for a moment, her usual aloof, nonchalant attitude showed genuine emotions. Clearly, even if she tried her best to not show or act otherwise, the state, and more importantly the unknowns about her sister's condition was eating away at her.

She sighed a few times before she could continue.

"She is currently in good care…" Her words trailed off, pondering about the scenes of just a short while ago.

"Sebas." She called out as her eyed wandered towards the empty back alley. "I have an important task for you."

"At your service, my lady." Sebas immediately bowed, keeping the subservient posture this time around, waiting for the commands of his mistress with a calm look.

"Go to that tavern and collect the rest of the kids. I will let my daughter know, she will be waiting for you by the time you arrive."

"As you command." Sebas answered, before standing back up, turning around, and swiftly leaving the room. A moment later, his presence completely vanished from the entire mansion…

—

Before anything, Aiden made his way towards the Adventurer's Guild. Although it was quite late in the night, he wanted to at least try reaching out to Sara, as she is his Master's niece… She was the only other relative he had knowledge about.

Although they never really talked, nor did they seem to acknowledge this seemingly simple matter, they kept their relationship vague, ambiguous, and strictly professional.

Maybe it was because there seemed to be some lingering issues between the twin sisters, shadows of their past that to this day, neither side could completely process. 

Still, family is family. At the very least, Aiden felt she had to inform her that her aunt suffered because of his mistake, and as though she was now safe, she would be missing for the foreseeable future.

Regardless, as he made his way towards the guild's huge building, lording over all other shops and stores in its vicinity, Aiden had a feeling that this journey of his wouldn't be fruitful.

Knowing that the Mistress was present and was obviously waiting for him to visit, he had a feeling that she had collected everyone already.

Still, he pushed on the large double door, watching as the unique sight of the mostly deserted, empty front hall revealed itself in front of his eyes. Only a handful of figures -mostly masked, shady-looking men and women-, were the only others present along with the two unlucky Guild Attendants that were forced to do this graveyard shift.

Ignoring the gazes of what his sudden presence had caused, Aiden made his way towards the front desk, towards the closest, currently free and bored-looking male Guild Attendant.

Leaning against the back of his chair, the young man was currently doing his best to fight against the drowsiness that was slowly but surely overcoming his vaning resistances and gaining ground.

Large, long yawns showed the continued progress as he was steadily drowsing. Each blink was slowly turning longer and heavier than the one before, he was barely holding up by this point.

Between two of these long blinks suddenly a peculiar, unique-looking youngster appeared in front of him, causing him to jump up on his seat with the sudden startle he felt.

"Ehrm, hruhm" He grunted as he fixed his posture and sat up properly. He quickly rubbed his eyes, causing them to turn red, he took a large gasp of air and exhaled before trying again. 

"*Khm* Excuse me, sir. How may I help you tonight?" He asked as he forced a smile on his face, masking the slight annoyance he felt. He was just about to fall asleep after all! It was quite rude to ruin his rest!"

"Hello. Do you know if Sa-… *khm* if the Head Examiner is still in the office?"

"Ehrm…" The receptionist thought for a second, showing an expression as if he was deep in thought. Unfortunately, he wasn't paying attention at all, and it was sure as hell he didn't want to walk all the way back just to check it in the middle of the night… 

"No, why would he be inside? It's already late night. Go away, and come back in the morning, stop wasting time here!" He grunted, shedding his friendly mask. He was eager to get back to his rest and not waste time here with this young man pointlessly.

"He? Why would you refer to the Head Examiner as a 'he'? Do you perhaps know that figure's identity?" Aiden asked as a smile began to emerge on his face. Normally he probably wouldn't bother with such snide remarks, but his growing tiredness, adding to the annoyed, displeased tone of this attendant… he couldn't help but ask.

"The boy's questions caused the drowsy, annoyed-looking attendant to frown back. His annoyance was swiftly growing, transforming, he was becoming disgruntled, he wanted to end this waste of his remaining sleeping time as fast as possible. 

"Eh… Yeah, whatever kid. What more do you want?! The person you are looking for is not here, and even if HE or she were, a nobody scrub like you would never get the chance to schedule a meeting. Go back to whatever pit you crawled out from and let me re-, let me attend to other matters. You are holding up the others!" He exclaimed.

Bewildered by his words, Aiden took a look behind him, wondering what he was actually talking about, before turning back and looking at him. 

For a moment, his tired face flashed into a cold, chilling look. A golden glimmer flashed across his eyes, as the stress of the day almost took over him and ruined his mood. For just a brief moment, the entire hall was instantly filled with a cold, killing intent.

Instantly, the attendant's face paled, he fell off his chair, landing on the ground…

***

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