Chapter 2067 Explanation
"Bandit, Don't you dare to move!"
The tension in the air was palpable as the Utopia city guards stood firm, their weapons raised, and their expressions unyielding. Klea couldn't shake off the shock of being accused of being a bandit, especially given the suddenness of the accusation.
As she glanced towards Annara, she could see the surprise mirrored in her expression. It was clear that neither of them had expected this turn of events. Yet, Klea couldn't shake off the suspicion that Annara might have had a hand in this somehow, although she couldn't fathom why she would resort to such tactics.
Remaining composed despite the chaos unfolding around her, Klea addressed the guards with a calm yet assertive tone. "Sir, there must be some mistake. I am no bandit,"
However, her words seemed to fall on deaf ears as one of the magus among the guards stepped forward, his demeanor stern. "We will be the judge of that," he declared, his voice brooking no argument.
As frustration and confusion welled up inside her, Klea couldn't help but frown, her gaze shifting between the guards and Annara. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on her. Just moments ago, she had been the one threatening Annara with the authorities, and now she finds herself on the receiving end of accusations.
The atmosphere grew even more tense as the guards called out to someone behind them, "Is this the bandit?" seeking confirmation. To Klea's surprise, a young girl emerged from the shadows, her fear palpable beneath her silvery hair.
With a quivering voice, the girl confirmed to the guards, "Yes sir... she is the one... she suddenly attacked me and my aunt..."
"...."
Klea felt a wave of shock wash over her. She had come here out of concern for the girl, but now, seeing her standing there accusing her, she was rendered speechless. The girl turned to Klea, tears streaming down her cheeks as she pleaded,
Once Shinta had departed to return to the academy, Heorgar and Annara engaged in a private conversation. "You should stay in the outpost," he suggested, offering her a role in handling Zodiac matters. He believed that Annara should no longer need to remain in hiding. However, her response caught him off guard.
"Senior, while I was attempting to gather information about the academy, I stumbled upon something disturbing," Annara began, her tone serious.
She explained her familiarity with the political intricacies between the factions, and she discovered traces of her old organization within the current academy. While it was still only a minor suspicion, she felt compelled to delve deeper into the matter. Consequently, she believed it would be wise to keep her distance from the Zodiac Outpost for the time being.
Heorgar felt uneasy with this information. He was ready to interrogate Annara for further details, but despite his reservations, Heorgar's longstanding relationship with the Ouroboros faction ran deep. They had been his primary supporters in advancing his genetic enhancements for decades, and he held a certain level of trust in the Ouroboros queen.
However, being the one in charge of Zodiac security, he understood the importance of handling any information carefully. As long as Annara was willing to provide continuous reports on the matter, he was willing to let her proceed, and he even offered her any assistance she might require.
As Heorgar prepared to depart, his mind weighed heavily on another matter. "Shouldn't you tell Emery the truth?.. about the girl?"
Annara let out a deep sigh, "I have my oath, and Senior, you have yours," she replied. "We can't say anything... and honestly, I hate being caught in the middle of this awkward father-
daughter relationship." She was silent for a moment and added, "Beside, I believe he will figure it out soon enough..."
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Author Note
I have read your comments and understand your concern, but please be patient for a little longer. It was never my intention to drag out the story or separate the father-daughter relationship. As a father with two young daughters myself, I find it depressing. However, I feel that both Emery and Shinta need a little space to grow between them and their new tasks; one as a student and one as a teacher. More chapters are coming soon, Thank you for your patience.