Two-men conversation(1)

[So why do you think that my uncle already knows what happened?]

[I don't know; I only assumed so judging by the flow of your conversation. So how did he find out? It doesn't look like that young knight or that maid told him. So the only answer is that you were secretly followed by someone very skilled in hiding.]

[Um, but what was the reason for my uncle to send someone to follow me secretly?]

[I assume that is because he is suspicious about your recent behavior. And it can explain why your recent conversation felt like interrogation.]

[What!?!]

'Uncle is suspicious about me, and the conversation was interrogation? But I didn't do anything wrong!'

[Then I should return to him and explain everything!]

Ethan said with determination, turning towards the door to his uncle's office.

[No need to rush. So calm down a little bit.]

[But!]

[Haa, it only makes things worse, and you already did a good job to alleviate his suspicions.]

His words helped Ethan to calm down a little.

[Um, but when?]

[Just recently, during your conversation.]

[But I only behaved like always.]

[Yes. And that was how you was able to alleviate his suspicions. So you should continue to behave as always. Play with kids like usual, learn, and get stronger.]

[Um, okay. But, um, I think that I should tell him about you.]

Ethan said it quietly, and instead of answering, his teacher became silent. It made Ethan slightly nervous, so he thought that he should explain what he meant.

[Um, uncle is a good person... Um... so if I tell him about you and how you were helping me, he should definitely understand... And, um, maybe he can even help you.]

Muttered Ethan, hopefully.

[Heh, it might turn out as you wish, though I'm not as hopeful as you. But you're right. You should tell him about me, though not right now. Because my situation isn't very believable. So first, we should make it more believable, and I already have some ideas, but to make them work, I need to learn more about this world and souls. Also, I need to achieve some results to show my goodwill.]

[Um, like what?]

[Like results that positively affect you and the Anselm family.]

[Um, aren't you already doing so by teaching me?]

[Yes, but it's not enough.]

[Then what should we do?]

[Your duty is to study and become stronger; leave this issue to me. And let's go to your room; I'll teach you some spells. Besides, you was standing for too long in the hallway.]

[Ah shoot!]

Ethan went towards his room.

***

After James come in and took the tray with tea utensils, only Karl and Captain Siegfried were left inside the office.

Karl stood up and went toward the window.

"Are you satisfied now?"

He asked without looking back. And Captain Siegfried scratched his head.

"I don't think that you need my opinion, my lord."

"True. But I appreciate your thinking about the safety of my family."

To which Captain Siegfried just shrugged his shoulders.

"So Ethan was able to shoot off that burglar's ear?"

"Yes, but with how lop-eared that guy was, it was an easy job for such a skilled shooter as Ethan."

He stopped and seeped the tea, and after placing the cup and stroking his moustache, Captain Siegfried continued.

"But let's not forget that Ethan is only eight years old. And he behaved as such when he was blocked in that alley with the kids. But everything changed in the moment; he became strangely calm, which very surprised me. And you know what happened after that. I believe if that little robber didn't run away after his ear was blown off, next would be his head."

"I see."

Karl nodded.

"So anything else strange happened there? Like someone else was watching after Ethan, besides you?"

Captain Siegfried lowered his head in contemplation. And after some moments of silence,

"No, I didn't notice anyone else."

He looked at Karl, creasing his brow.

"I thought you sent me to observe Ethan because you were suspicious of him. But it looks like I was mistaken. So Ethan was the bait, and I was the rod. Who do you want to catch then, my lord?"

"I'm still not so sure, but it should be someone with ties to demons or the church, not that little burglar. Though such a result is still good."

"Demons? I never thought that I would deal with demons again. But shouldn't we check on that robber? He might have ties with one of those two groups."

Karl turned towards Siegfried.

"It's very unlikely."

He returned to look out the window after saying so.

"It's highly likely that he's from Bartof County, like other little robbers who appeared recently."

"Huh, it looks like former Count Bartof still can't accept that he lost."

Siegfried said, remembering the past.

"Yes, it looks so. Though I always thought that the decision of the new Count Bartof was too merciful, I am thankful that the former Count is still so petty."

"Hehehe, so his fate was already decided?"

"Yes, soon former Count Bartof will be sent to The Wall, and a package with apologies from new Count Bartof will be delivered."

Karl looked at Captain Siegfried because something was bothering him in his tone.

"Why have you stopped pretending to be a good old man?"

If Ethan were here, he would see that the usual kind Captain Siegfried was nowhere; instead of him, sat the sharp-eyed solider who went through many hardships in his life. He twisted his lips at Karl's question.

"'Cause I don't need to pretend in front of you, my lord. I only do so because my face can make little kids cry."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, and it has already happened several times."

"Heh, how scary! Thank you for your consideration about kids mental health."

In his words, Captain Siegfried stood up and bowed with a cynical smile on his face.

"It's my pleasure."

Karl was slightly baffled at first after seeing Siegfried's reaction. But soon he smiled.

"Heh, I can understand now why Helen chose James instead of you."

"Eh? Really? Your words really hurt my feelings, my lord."

Shock was written on Siegfried's face, and he exaggeratedly put his hands over his heart. To which Karl just rolled his eyes. Siegfried just smiled at seeing his reaction and sat down.