[35.3] A Late Night Stroll

I walked down the empty hallway away from the laughter and the judgmental stares. My heels clicked on the floor, echoing off of the marble. I ended up going to the main entryway where Chief Gonza came in still wearing his uniform. He looked like he was in a rush, but when he made eye contact with me, his expression brightened.

He walked over to me and gave me a hug, "You look beautiful today, my darling niece."

I gave him a hug back, "Why are you in your uniform? Don't they have a dress code?"

"I didn't have time to change." He let out a sigh and brushed his hair back, "I doubt they will get upset at me for not dressing appropriately. I promised security as a donation for today's event... Although, I am a bit late."

I looked at him a bit concerned, "You aren't the type who is usually late."

"The bureau was dealing with an incident. A rich merchant was found-"

His words halted abruptly.

I stared up at him with expectant eyes, "Yes? What happened?"

He pursed his lips, "I can't tell civilians that."

I elbowed him playfully, "Pleassse?"

He shook his head, "No."

I made puppy dog eyes at him, "Uncle… Pwease?"

He held his chest while trembling, "T-That won't work on me."

I crossed my arms in irritation.

He's just as immovable as the Headmaster is.

Which means…

A sly smile crossed my face, "If you don't tell me, I will tell Caldwell that you're interested in him."

His mouth dropped, "You wouldn't dare."

I nodded smugly, "I will also tell him where you live. I wonder what he would do with that information?"

Chief Gonza's face went pale.

An annoying voice spoke up, "The man was murdered."

Chief Gonza looked at Captain Lou, "Captain! You can't tell civilians that!!!"

Captain Lou crossed his arms with a grimace, "Civilian? She's not a civilian. If anything she's responsible for it."

Chief Gonza glared, "Watch your mouth."

Captain Lou clicked his tongue, "What? Isn't it a coincidence that his mana was extracted before he was killed? The last time we saw that was when she was at the orphanage. I don't think that's a coincidence."

I let out a scoff, "I can't believe you."

I walked past him, shoving my shoulder into his body.

Captain Lou turned to shout at me, "Rude girl! You're going to pay for that!"

Chief Gonza smacked the back of his head.

"OW!"

Even though Chief Gonza smiled at him, there was a trace of a bloodthirsty aura behind it. He spoke in a low voice, "Did you forget whose niece that was? Hm?"

Captain Lou gulped, "N-No."

Chief Gonza grabbed him by the collar and started dragging him, "Let's go have a chat with my brother and see what he thinks about what you said."

I left the two of them behind and wandered through the large building. Once I got bored, I found the nearest balcony and walked out on the terrace. I let out a sigh and looked up at the night sky feeling a bit lonely.

Even though I am surrounded by people who love me, I still can't get this suffocating empty feeling to leave me.

I mumbled to myself, "Isn't this what you wanted? Idiot."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone wandering into the garden below.

Is that…

My eyes lit up, "Moni?!"

He paused from below and looked up in surprise, "Oh, hello my dear."

I leaned over the railing, "What are you doing in the back garden?!"

He laughed awkwardly, "I hate to admit it, but I forgot my invitation at home and they refused to let me in. I would have been on time, but I was forced to sneak in."

"Just stay there. I'm coming down."

I hopped on the railing and put my legs over. I jumped down and elegantly used my wand to create a snowbank to soften the landing.

Moni rushed over to the snowbank and helped me stand up. His orange eyes twinkled as he admired me, "You look stunning tonight. That dress really suits you."

I brushed the snow off of me while I smirked, "And I am surprised you managed to find a tuxedo that matched my dress when you weren't going to come."

"I deserve that." He laughed, "Perhaps I teased you too much in my letters. I really did intend on coming tonight."

"I didn't think you would show up. I almost didn't come myself because of that." I gave him a stern look, "You shouldn't have done that."

He scratched his head, "I promise I won't do it again."

"You better not."

"Well. Since we are already here." He took me in his arm and motioned to the garden, "How about a late-night stroll?"

I shrugged, "Why not."

__…__

Zephyr and Cyrus met in the hallway.

Cyrus spoke, "Did you find Reika? I can't find her anywhere."

Zephyr spoke in a sarcastic tone, "Duh. Can't you see her beside me?"

Cyrus's face twitched, "Well do you know where Felix went?"

He shrugged, "I'm not his bodyguard."

Hazel leaned against the windowsill and looked out with indifferent eyes, "It seems Reika is with a man outside."

Zephyr and Cyrus scrambled to the window to look out.

Zephyr abruptly shouted, "OH F*CK!"

Without explanation, he started sprinting down the hall to find a door that went outside. Cyrus panicked and ran after him, "What is it?!"

Hazel didn't have any intention of joining them and continued to watch from above. She clicked her tongue, "So you've finally shown your true self… Idiot."