Chapter 28

Matthew just had a long and quite fascinating day today. Many more questions piled up in his head where he had not yet solved many others.

“What was that dream? Vision? Memory? Who was that girl? Familiar? A coincidence?” All of it seemed to be related but how, and why? What did have to do with Matthew?

“Remember who you are…” Remember what? What did he have to remember? How can he remember? Who or what was that shadow? So many questions jumbled up in Matthew’s mind that it confuses him. His head was still slightly aching as he walked back to the mansion.

“Maybe I should tell the others?” Matthew asked himself which he also denied himself. “No, this is just about me. No need to tell anyone else. But still, thinking about it makes me exhausted.” Matthew stretched his arms up high as he yawned.

After a few more minutes of walking, Matthew finally arrived at the mansion. He was greeted by two maids at the front door, which only nervously waved. The maids opened the doors for him and he walked inside before closing it back.

Matthew looked back at the door and scoffed. “Is it wrong for me to feel comfortable like this?”

He kept walking until he reached the lobby of the mansion which was the first room of the mansion after the front door. The lobby had a fireplace and furniture meant to keep guests who are waiting to feel comfortable.

At this moment, the room was occupied by three figures who were talking to each other. Matthew did not take any time to recognise them and he approached them. The girls kept talking until Matthew got close when they noticed him coming closer.

“Ah, Matthew you’re back,” said Yuki.

“Yup. Did you all have fun shopping?” Matthew asked, standing behind the couch Yuki was on.

“Sure did! Tell him Rose.” Cecilia elbowed the person she mentioned.

Rose rubbed her arm that hurt a little while saying, “there was an arcade there.”

Matthew almost could’ve flipped in surprise. “An arcade? For real? Like ‘that’ arcade?”

Rose only replied with a smile and nod. Matthew paced around the room while grabbing his head in frustration.

“Man I should’ve followed you guys. I missed the chance to finally play some games!”

“Relax, we can go next time,” Rose said.

“What, really?” Matthew instantly brightened up.

“Next time.” Rose said again.

“Alright!” Matthew could’ve jumped with joy as he said it.

“Or, you could go by yourself.” Yuki added suddenly.

“Yeah, I could but, it’s much more fun to go together.”

Yuki could do nothing but smile. “Well said.”

For a moment there was an atmosphere where everyone agreed.

Then Rose spoke up, “that said, where have you been Matt?”

“Oh, I was just walking around in the city. Taking in the scenery. Lovely people too.”

“Mhmm,” Rose nodded, then she glared at Matthew with sharp but non-threatening eyes. “That’s it?”

“What do you mean?” Matthew asked.

“I know you better than anyone else in this world. You wouldn't look like this from 'walking around'. What happened?"

Matthew silently swallowed his saliva. "Well, there was this shopkeeper that got robbed."

"Robbed?" Rose glared even more intense. "What was stolen?"

"Apples."

"Apples… Go on."

"Yeah, so I chased the robber, but I didn't catch the guy. So I ended up paying for the apples." Matthew explained.

Rose continued to glare while Matthew was about to break in sweat. This went on for a few seconds.

Rose finally let up. "Credible enough." Rose said as she stood up. "I'm heading to my room now."

"O-okay, just come back down for lunch, okay?" Cecilia advised.

"Sure." Rose said lastly before going. As she passed Matthew, she stared sideways at Matthew.

After Rose was gone, Cecilia said to Yuki, "Rose sure is scary huh?"

"She really has her bad side. Matthew, you good?"

Matthew flinched when Yuki asked since he was unconsciously staring at the hall Rose walked through.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. Just maybe a little mentally tired." Matthew walked around the couch to sit, Yuki inched aside to give some space.

'Should I tell her after all? How do I tell her though…'

"You do look tired Matthew," Yuki said.

"Chasing that guy took a toll on me. And I haven't eaten since breakfast."

"Oh, so you're hungry? Me too actually. Lunch will be served soon, don't worry." Cecilia said happily.

Matthew held back his laughter. It's rare to see a girl confess her hunger. "I'd appreciate it."

"Welcome back Sir." A unity of maids' greeting slightly echoed.

"Ah, dad's back." Cecilia quickly got up and went to the front door.

Matthew and Yuki looked at each for a second before also standing up and joining Cecilia.

As Cecilia had said, Gustav had just entered the front door. He was quite surprised to see Cecilia and the others came to greet him as well, but a welcomed one.

"Welcome back dad!"

"Lia! Did you have fun with your friends?"

"Yup! We went to the shopping mall this morning."

"Shopping? How nice. Speaking of, Miss Yuki, I have personally custom ordered a pair of boots from a trusted friend."

"Ehahaha… Please don't call me miss. Thanks anyway. Ordering boots sounds lame though." Yuki scratched her head in embarrassment.

"I believe you will be especially satisfied with the boots I ordered. It might be finished in another two or three weeks." Gustav showed two and three fingers in order as he said.

Yuki put her hands on her waist and awed. "Oho~ I will be waiting for it then."

"Hmhm, I also surveyed a few clients regarding the catalyst for the pink haired one, Rose was it?"

"Yeah." Matthew answered.

"I believe I have a few very good selections, but I was wondering what kind of catalyst would she like to use. A book, a staff, a pair of gloves and a crystal ball. Speaking of which, where is she?" Gustav stretched his neck a bit to look.

"Oh, she's in her room." Yuki said while pointing her thumb behind her.

"Oh well then, could I ask for any of you to ask her regarding it?"

Matthew saw this as an opportunity, perhaps. "Leave it to me," he said.

"Thank you Matthew, I would like know the update tomorrow." He bowed slightly. Then he turned to the maid on his right. "Get lunch ready soon. I am going to head back out by evening."

"Yes sir. Shall we also prepare dinner for you?" Said the maid with red hair, Marie.

"No need, I will be having dinner at the Cranes' House."

"Yes sir." Marie said before heading off.

After Marie left, Gustav then turned to Cecilia. "Lia, can I have a moment?"

"Eh? Uhh sure dad." She replied.

"Then the two of you, if you would please." Gustav said to the other two.

"R-right. See you at lunch then Cecilia." Matthew said before leaving with Yuki.

Gustav and Cecilia could be seen talking to each other as Matthew and Yuki were walking away.

"I wonder what they are talking about," Yuki said.

"I don't really wanna poke in a Noble's business." Matthew replied.

"Are you at least interested?"

"Of course, but it doesn't concern me right now." Matthew looked at the floor as he walked.

Yuki bent over a little to look at Matthew's face with a curious one on hers. "Something on your mind right now?"

Matthew looked back at Yuki with a tired expression. "A lot of things are, but I can only focus on one if not a few at a time."

"... So you were hiding something else?"

"Oh, did that slip out?"

"You should get some rest Matthew. And I think you should tell her." Yuki said as she sped up her steps, or rather Matthew slowed down.

Matthew was temporarily awed until he stopped. "As expected of a Seasoned Hunter."

Yuki only glanced at him with a smile for a second before turning back. "Good luck." She said as she walked.

Matthew only smiled. "I wonder if I can be like that."