Of course, Brandon didn't let the opportunity slip.
He had never seen that woman before. With so many suspicious individuals roaming the city, sneaking into the heart of society, even they had managed to get an instructor job in the academy.
For that reason, he surmised that the woman might've been one of them.
Immediately, he stood up, alerting the cadets around him.
"Where are you going?"
Raven, who sat beside him, glanced up.
"Bathroom."
If he wasn't too late, surely, the woman was still in the lobby.
As soon as he arrived at the lobby, his conjectures were correct.
"...."
There, he could see the woman, walking towards the exit. This aroused suspicion even more, the awarding ceremony had yet to end, but it seemed like the woman had lost interest.
And also,
Who invited her?
Brandon took a good look at her back. Her figure, akin to an hourglass, most probably honed her body to perfection.
Amelia was quite the same in that aspect, and of course, Brandon found it quite arousing. For that reason, conjectures pile up one after another.
This woman must've had extensive training.
"Hello?"
Brandon called for her.
"...?"
The woman halted in her steps, turning her head to his direction.
Brandon met her crimson gaze, her platinum blonde hair swayed to the side. Their gazes locked in a stand–still for a brief second until the woman's lips parted open.
"Yes? How may I help you?"
Her voice, a perfect blend of low and high pitch, a bit captivating if he had to be honest.
"Where are you going? The awarding ceremony hasn't ended yet."
The woman's head tilted sideways, a question mark spread across her features, a look of confusion.
"I didn't know we weren't allowed to leave until the ceremony ended?"
"Well, no. You can. I was just curious. I was actually heading for the bathroom when I saw you."
"Ah, are you here for directions then?"
The woman's fingers traced her lips, a blend of innocence and allure.
"Yes."
Brandon nodded his head.
"Take that corridor over there. Turn left, then right at each end. You should see the bathroom from there."
"Ah."
Then that meant she was aware of the venue's blueprints.
Was he wrong then?
Was this woman simply just trying to leave after losing interest?
No, he couldn't shake off his suspicions.
"Thank you, Miss....?"
"Ah, it's Lianna."
"Miss Lianna. Okay, thank you."
"Mhm, I'll be going now. I've got some important matters to attend to. Keep up the good work, cadet."
Just like that, Lianna turned around and left.
Brandon stared at the slowly closing door for a second, trying to surmise his conjectures.
Since he knew he shouldn't push too much, he had only left the conversation like that.
Lianna....
Lianna....
He had no idea who that was.
But maybe someone did.
Bellion.
He had to ask him later.
"Haha. Field Marshal. Apprentice of the famous Lightning Emperor. Imperial Academy's Headmaster, and next in line for the Grand Marshal position. But he can't even find his own sister's murderer"
".....Reinhard."
"Just shut up and let me do my own thing."
Slam—!
Reinhard left the room at that moment, slamming the door.
Bellion massaged his temple shortly after that encounter.
"You think I haven't tried?"
He felt frustrated.
"You think I didn't put in as much effort as you?"
Thump!
He smacked the table.
"You think I don't care about my sister?"
He clenched his fist.
He might've warned Reinhard several times. But this was the first time they had argued in a long while.
And Reinhard had tugged his heart strings, telling him words he didn't want to hear.
"Tsk."
His fest clenched even more tightly as he felt his nails dug deeper in his palm.
***
Brandon had received the call stating Zeke had woken up.
It was the fourth day since Zeke had been held captive. And not once had he given any important information.
But regardless, Brandon needed the guy to talk.
For that reason, he returned to the Primordials base.
It was the best time to return as well since most of the members were busy around this time.
It was a group that would only gather together when the need arises after all. Asides that, they would take on contract jobs on their own volition.
For who was hiring them, Brandon had no need to find out.
After all, these guys would never take on jobs that would bring harm to humanity.
Ah, no.
There was someone here.
A woman, with lustrous peach hair and captivating pink eyes.
"Hey, Illya?"
"...."
Illya just nodded her head without saying anything.
Right, this girl was a quiet one.
"Is he there?"
Brandon pointed at the door that led to the chamber.
"...."
Illya nodded her head once more.
Good talk.
Brandon entered the chamber soon after.
The familiar sight of Zeke, with mana shackles. Artifacts that suppresses mana, ensnared around his arms, as he sat with dead eyes.
His lips looked dry, showing signs of cracking.
After all, Brandon had told them to deprive him of basic necessities, such as; water, and only a little amount of food. Just enough for the guy not to pass out.
Shortly after, Zeke spoke with a hoarse voice.
"Bra–ndon Locke..."
As Brandon stepped forward, narrowing his eyes, he soon halted his steps upon noticing a presence looming behind him.
Flicking his head, there, he could see Illya once again, adorning an elegant black dress.
"...."
"...."
He knew he had entered the room alone, and not once had he heard the door open for Illya to enter.
Creepy.