Allowing everyone to discuss their next course of action, Brandon and Amelia returned to the forest under the gist of unpacking their camp.
"Carl, you'll go with Amelia. I'll set up a place for you to live and provide you with daily necessities."
"Uh...."
"No. You can't live with her."
Brandon solemnly stated with no hesitation.
Brandon turned his head and looked at the little elven girl–who looked back at him with her wide eyes.
"And you, Aurelia."
"....?"
"Can you do something about your ears?"
"...."
"We'll have to enter the human domain. If they find out you're an elf...."
"I think I can do something...."
Brandon was aware.
This was not the first time that elves descended in this plain.
'In another progression, that is.'
There, he could see some elven folks, morphing their figures. In particular, the color of their hair, eyes, and ears.
Most likely, Aurelia had done the same to her hair. This gave Brandon the idea that Aurelia had such abilities.
The ability was rare among the elven folks.
All of a sudden, magic energy began to gather around Aurelia.
Then, her ears began to change shape. The previous leaf pointed shape slowly decreased in size. Shortly after, it became comparable to human ears.
"Okay."
Brandon nodded his head and gently ruffled the little elven girl's hair.
"Hehe."
The little elven girl chuckled in amusement.
Brandon turned his head and looked at Amelia.
He opened his mouth.
"Amelia, can Aurelia stay with you?"
"Ah."
"Don't worry. I'll visit and help look after her."
"In that case. Don't you just want to move in with me?"
"...."
"N-No, that's not what I mean."
Amelia stammered, waving her hand around.
"You don't have anywhere to stay at the moment, right? Belle practically kicked you out."
"...."
Belle had told him that their mother was in a better state now. And it would do good for their mother if Brandon moved out and became independent.
It would make their mother happy, seeing her two children growing up to become such responsible adults.
However, this offer....
"But isn't this arrangement...."
Brandon halted his words. Amelia immediately knew what he meant.
She seemed to not have realized what she said at first.
Her mouth hung agape and her face was slowly turning red.
"Well if you're fine with it. Then I'll accept your offer."
"....Okay."
Amelia didn't know what to say anymore.
Then, Brandon looked at Carl.
"You, young cadet. About that place I'll set you up with, you'll be living in the Imperial Academy Dorms. You want to attend, right?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I'll tell my sister to assist with your admission. I'll be providing you with your allowance every week."
"...."
Carl was speechless and he lowered his head.
The look on his face gave Brandon the impression that the boy was about to cry.
"Ah, sorry."
Belle snapped out of it and stood up.
After their introductions, the group set off. They led Brandon, Amelia, Aurelia, and Carl, towards their wagon.
Aurelia sat first, followed by Carl. Then, it was Amelia's turn—seated next to Carl.
Brandon followed and sat next to Amelia.
On the opposite end were the rest of the officers. It was a small group, consisting of five members.
The one who drove was none other than Ivan Albarn. Next to him was Ray Arcadia.
The two agreed to take turns. After all, from where they were located, the human domain was significantly far.
Feeling sleepy, Brandon rested his head on Amelia's shoulders. Amelia did the same—resting her cheek on top of his.
"Kuhum....."
Belle cleared her throat.
"Ah."
"Ah."
Brandon and Amelia were taken aback as they gasped in unison, pulling away from each other.
"Old habits...."
***
Inside an office.
A man with brown hair was seated on his desk. In front of him were a bunch of documents–strewn all over the table.
"Haaa...."
Sighing tiresomely, he leaned back on his chair and looked up.
He was exhausted.
A task was given to him to involve himself in a criminal organization.
He had no idea what it was even for.
It was dangerous.
However, he had been doing this for almost a year now.
In particular, 11 months and 2 weeks.
That, and he was told of the rewards they would reap, once his partner was done on his side.
But that partner...
....He was dead.
For a year now.
But still, he was introduced to a man who was involved with the organization.
"Zed Alistar."
That was the name of the man.
And so, the two worked together for the past year.
It was for this reason that the company was still stable, despite the calamity that ensued.
The syndicate was a huge help.
He recalled certain words that Zed had told him a few months back.
—Keep your toes up. Things are about to get real interesting.
Brtt... Brtt....
Just as he was about to doze off, his phone suddenly buzzed.
Fixing his glasses, he leaned forward and retrieved his phone.
"...."
His eyes widened in shock.
"This..."
[Sir Locke]
Is this real...?
He asked himself.
But what Zed had told him back then...
Was this what he meant?
Is that man actually still alive?
Immediately, he accepted the call.
Shortly after, a familiar voice rang from the phone.
—Yo, how have you been, Deus?