Details

In the following days, Gabriel had demanded his doctor prescribe him something stronger for his headaches. Now, he somehow found himself at his desk, staring at the unassuming bottle of white tablets, wondering if he had already taken a dose thirty minutes ago.

Because he could have sworn he did.

But it really didn't feel like it.

Ever since the incident at Ramenos block, the office had been plagued with a chaotic whirlwind. An operation of a monumental size was put forth to investigate the case. They hadn't been able to keep it away from media coverage, which only added another layer of stress onto everyone's plate. The knight's headquarters was swarming with people, lawyers, and reports pushing and prodding to see if they could get a chunk out a bit more information from official sources. The receptionists looked especially haggard, in their attempts to calm the masses.

Which was why Gabriel found himself hiding in his office, with only the insatiable throb in his head as an excuse to escape. unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who decided that finding refuge in the war zone that was the knight's headquarters was a good idea. And while he had no mind currently to be reprimanding his men from doing exactly the same as he'd done, using the High Paladin's office as a personal hang out spot was a whole different matter.

Luckily, Clovis was at least quiet, flicking through a tablet seated the ugly couch that occupied Gabriel's office. The only reason why Gabriel decided to tolerate it was because he didn't have the energy to yell over the music blasting through the younger knight's earphones.

However, it was only time that stopped Clovis for eventually speaking up, cutting into Gabriel's peace with his giddy voice, "Wow, it's that reporter that was here earlier. What's her name again? Viola Rubine? Solas she's hot!"

Gabriel looked up from the blurring words on his computer screen, frown pressed upon his face. That name was one he didn't want to hear because for one reason or another he'd yet to purge it from his memories.

The very day after their encounter with the monstrosity that was growing in the condo basement, the reporter pranced into headquarters with her ruby hair resting on her shoulder with waves. She wore a classy black dress, with a calculatingly short cleavage.

Gabriel had been unlucky enough to run into her in the lobby when going to the front to pick up the cheap takeout he ordered. He was cornered. And not by the extra flash of skin she carefully showed her but instead distracted by the vibrant hue of her hair. Their gazes locked, and Gabriel found himself disappointed that he was met with a sharp, sly gaze and not an innocent and vibrant one. Still, he unwittingly invited her to the reception room, with curious workers peering after them. There were rumors about the High Paladin later that day, and there was no way Clovis had forgotten.

Thankfully, the woman only interested in him for a story and he managed to recover from his blunder by spinning the tale in his personal favor.

"Solas!" Clovis exclaimed, jumping to his feel. "These are unreleased images from the crime scene! How did the press get a hold of this?" He rushed to Gabriel's side and showed him the flashing monitor of his tablet.

Earphones unplugged, Viola's voice echoed through the tiny speaker into the office, "Little is yet known about the cause of this horrific mutation, however, it's strongly believed that it stems from a new line of Oracle-brand ARC products that have recently made its way into the black market. There is a strong correlation between this phenomenon and the recent rise of demonic possession cases…"

The screen flashed to an image of the abomination, the grotesque figure mutilated by green sores and plant-like growths coming out of swollen orifices, making the thing's original identity difficult to identify. It didn't move and didn't pose a direct threat like possessed humans did, but the nauseating corrupted mana that spilled out was more than a little alarming. In his memories, Clovis had to run outside to throw up, and Kline, who endured the pollution for much longer only ended up passing out when they left the edifice.

Compared to the surprised tilt of his voice, the way Clovis looked at the High Paladin was almost accusing. Gabriel shrugged. "It appears they've been leaked."

Clovis hummed, head tilting innocently, "Wouldn't that be an issue?"

"Not particularly. It was a matter of time the information reached the public. We just have to make sure that the details are presented in our favor."

"Is that so?"

Gabriel didn't bother giving him any additional explanation.

The report on Rameros Block cut away almost abruptly, Viola replaced with a chirpy voice that introduced the Annual Silver Charity Event. The hostess looking suspiciously young in vibrant pink twin tails and black pleated skirt bounced on her heels as she listed highly anticipated celebrity guests. Her tanned skinned partner feigned surprise at the names, "Will Prince Aryon himself really make an appearance?"

"Who knows! I sure hope so! This year's Charity Event will include so many fun events like a cooking competition among our favorite nobles and celebrities as well as a treasure hunt as well as much, much more, so please stay tuned as more information will get revealed!"

Suddenly distracted from his earlier line of questioning, Clovis trained his eyes on the screen, annoying making himself comfortable leaning against Gabriel's desk. There were no hopes for concentration. "Lily Emeralda is participating this year," he hummed absently, "Maybe I should take some time off so I can participate. What do you think, Boss?"

Gabriel shot him a glare, "No."

"That's unfair! This could totally be my chance to woe her you know?" Clovis chuckled playfully, raising his arms in surrender as he finally backed away from the High Paladin's desk. What his boss decided to keep to himself was that Clovis was going to present at the event either way. Only he'd be stationed there as security detail, instead of a participant.