Lion Obsession

Huh? Send me paintings? Paintings are fine but not these paintings, please. I might never be able to sleep at that point.

Sigh!

I looked at him all while assuming a sincere smile, "Then, I'm looking forward to it, Mr. Carlos." I cringed inwardly as soon as I said that. If truth be told, I'm surprised that I am getting good at blatantly lying all while maintaining a calm composure as days pass. Only, I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing.

Does it even matter, Sean?

Our conversation went smoothly after that. Soon enough, Alicia and Dominick also joined. And finally, it came to an end.

"Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Carlos. I hope we meet again in the future."

"No, it's really nothing. On the contrary, you just did me a favor, Mr. Jack. I will send the paintings as soon as I get my hands on them." he said as he waved the piece of paper in which I've written the address of the apartment I'm staying at.

As much as possible I didn't want to give away any information about where I am staying to anyone, but how can I possibly refuse him in that situation? Not only will it be rude, but it can also arise some suspicion. That was the very last thing I ever wanted.

Should I move? Ha! No way.

And so, we finally left his house. I feel as though at long last, the restriction in my lungs was lifted. I haven't realized it until now, but I was unconsciously holding my breath almost the entire time. It was an unpleasant feeling.

"Mr. Jack! What the hell is wrong with you a while ago?" And here it is, the barrage of questions. Alicia asked me as soon as we walked quite a distance, enough for our conversation not to be heard.

"Nothing in particular."

"No! I don't believe you! You were acting weird the whole time!" And here I thought my acting skills were improving. She saw through me after all. I wonder if Mr. Carlos also noticed.

"I'm just not used to having tea with a big shot. That was my first time, so I was kinda nervous." I lied. It's not that I could just tell you about the paintings, right? You won't even believe Haru, how much more if I tell you.

"LIE—"

"Alicia, that's enough. I don't think that was a big deal. Mr. Carlos don't seem to mind it at all. Don't force the person if he doesn't like to tell you. Besides, we're still yet to finish our job." Dominick cuts her.

Phew!

You're a lifesaver man.

"But—fine!" She glared at me before picking up her pace. With how she reacted, I realized something. She seems to have a habit of needlessly poking her nose into someone else's business. Not to mention, she's quite observant too. I think I needed to be careful around her from hereon.

After a short discussion, we have come into a tacit agreement that we would next proceed to Mr. Logan's manor. Since it was only next to the area we're at anyway.

It was still 8:03 p.m. when I checked my pocket watch. We still have the whole night to go.

A gigantic metal gate painted with black stood in front of us now. Four bronze lion statues are lined on either side of the concrete wall. Each lion has a different pose and expression. But one word to describe the entrance. Intimidating.

"It's nice that we're here and all. But how do we get in? Should we just circle the area and leave?" I asked, trying to be cooperative. But though I said that, I actually wanted to get in. Curiosity is part of it but in truth, I wanted to learn more about the 'crying lady phenomenon'. I haven't forgotten the real reason why I accepted this request in the first place. To gather information about the peculiars.

As much as possible, I would like to do it now. Who knows if these two would just up and decide we'll do it separately. I can't guarantee my safety while investigating alone.

"I don't think we need to worry about that." Dominick said while pointing from the slit of the metal gate. I followed his finger and saw a lanky man of tall stature carrying a lamp walking to where we are.

"Good evening! Are you perhaps Mr. Jack, Mr. Dominick, and Miss Alicia?" he asked as soon as he got close to us.

"Yes, we are," Alicia answered straight away while me and Dominick studied him first. I only noticed it now that he's up close, but he only has four fingers in his one hand. He doesn't have a thumb!

"Good! Mr. Logan tasked me to bring you three to him. Please, follow me." Without further delay nor waiting for our response, he turned his back on us and started walking away.

And he didn't even introduce himself to us!

It hasn't been a month since I started living in this strange world, but I already realized that the people here don't value proper etiquette the same way the nobilities do back on earth.

Sigh!

When am I ever gonna get used to all these, huh?

Silently, we followed him. Or more like, we haven't had any choice.

Soon, a castle-like mansion caught our attention. With the lamps and the moonlight illuminating its surrounding area, it has become quite a magical scene.

Somehow, it reminded me of those stories about a dark lord living in an isolated mansion.

There was a large fountain by the center. And yet again, another lion. Twin lion statue standing back to back spouting water at the very top of the fountain.

Mr. Logan seemed to have an obsession with lions. That's the only explanation!

"This way, please." The lanky man said but didn't even pause and just continued walking.

He brought us to the patio area and in there, Mr. Logan was waiting—sitting on a cushioned armchair. And again, the armrests are lion head.