Chapter 56: The strongest pt.2
Maesto Sushiki. The origins of the mysterious admiral were unknown. Nobody knew where he came from except the fact he received the admiral title only a measly year after his enrollment in the marines.
Once the door opened wide a man standing 2 meters tall, broad-shouldered and his toned muscles showing clearly under his thick marine attire above. Graded with a expensive gleaming black pelt around his collar that seemed to cost a fortune judging by quality alone.
Having several different colored medal's attached to chest he was obviously a high figure for those who weren't aware of marine status.
***
"I thought that guy was on a mission". Was Sarah's first thought as she suspiciously gazed towards Maestro. He had left Soldat for about 12 years ago headed towards a long-term expedition with his division known as the 'blade' division. Now that he was here... could it mean he had completed whatever he was after?
"The palace looks the same as I remember it" his deep voice echoed through the hall. There was a soothing and gentle undertone to it that could attract any women if he tried. Not forgetting his battle-hardened look he had a sharp jawline and his skin was white pale probably due to the fact he stayed in the Northern region were winter continued all year long.
Once he turned to look at the people who were eyeing him their gazed turned to away to not get eye contact. He was scary just by the looks of it, the stoic and cold expression that spoke danger and uninterest in anyone who tried to approach him.
Turning to a certain direction his eye's widened slightly by surprise. An overly familiar face standing amongst the crowd. "Cain Verdanski? what an unexpected face to see". The tall man said calmly before making his way slowly towards Cain and the others.
"...It's been a while admiral Maestro...". Benedict said cautiones and suspicious.
"You have aged awfully". Maesto said coldly, his stoic expression remaining. Looking up and down Cain he also happened to notice Darren who stood by Cain's side.
"You don't say... You haven't changed at all... It must've been your vessel that has kept your youthful appearance". Cain said with a slight chuckle yet he didn't hide his cautions. If there was one person Cain hated more than the grandmaster it was this guy.
"...You know this guy grandpa?" Darren muttered, terrified by the man's appearance.
"...You have a grandson?" Maestro asked.
"...Yes, let me introduce you to Darren, he'll be the next captain of sentinels once I retire". Cain said, his hand rested on top of Darren's shoulder as he made the remark.
"...I see... Darren...". Maesto m uttered to before introducing himself. "My name is Maestro, but you can call by my admiral title".
[Admiral Maestro Sushiki: The strongest man of the marines]
No matter how Darren looked at it his grandfather and this man seemed to have a long story together as they met each other speaking almost casually. Darren was sure he wasn't the only one seeing the danger beneath the man's skin. Turning slightly to the other 'anax' captains in the distant they watched in shock and... almost horror.
From an vessel's user point of view there was almost a golden royal light that radiated from his body. One that seemed to seek justice yet held an absolute danger to it.
"I heard that you left for an expedition 12 years ago, how come your back?" Cain asked, curious.
"...It's nothing of your concern, I came back because I received a important letter recently". Maesto turned to see the crowd of people still watching him and gestured off the pair of family members.
"It's good to see that your not dead old man Cain, must you and your grandson enjoy the social party". Maesto said before waving them off turning to walk towards further into the palace ending the conversation with a cold shoulder.
***
"Who is that sister?" Amongst the tables that were laid out a family sat, wearing beautiful dresses and attires. It was the Kritanta household.
Samira who sat with her family seemed suspicious yet almost carless. "you don't know Esori? that's the 1st admiral Maestro... He used to work with our father".
Beside Samira sat a young beautiful lady, her hair standing out amongst the crowd. Long symmetrical azure hair that was well kept and almost shining like. Eyes shining bright as the blue sea, it was the eyes that belonged to the Kritanta family.
[Esori Kritanta: Youngest daughter of the Kritanta house: age 16]
"He looks oddly terrifying" The young girl said scared yet watched in awe.
"Oh please Esori, I know you've met more scarier people then him". Samira exclaimed. Esori have always been a clueless girl, she might look like a dumb beauty but she's good at judging people. She has good eyes and can tell what people think about her just by a few seconds of eye contact. After all she's my little sister and was also trained father to a certain degree.
"Hm? the most scariest guy I've met was probably Solan". Esori said chuckling lightly to herself thinking about the past encounter when she met him during a commotion between locals some weeks ago.
Joseph who sat across from his daughters stood firmly up once he noticed Maesto approaching their direction. With a hand on rested on his chest Joseph nodded — showing a gesture of respect.
"Admiral... It's good to see you again" Joseph spoke, his voice showing a hint of respect yet slight suspicion. Knowing the admiral he never attended social parties as this — showing no interest in socializing or the higher society.
"You too Mr.Joseph...". Maestro said simply. Turning slightly to his family sitting at the round table behind him he acknowledged their presence. "Those two girl's must be your daughters, they look awfully a lot like mistress Elaine".
"Ah your too kind admiral" The wife Elaine said with a smile rising from her seat, her arm wrapped around Joseph's arm affectionately.
Joseph looked over his shoulder taking a good look at them. It was true, their facial appearance resembled his wife's. "They do, the two are my greatest pride".
Joseph had noticed the way Maestro was looking at his elder daughter Samira. A hint of familiarity going through his mind.
"...It's an honor to meet you admiral". Samira bowed down, her little sister Esori following right behind.
"Your an vessel user?" Maestro asked. The sudden remark shook the family slightly. He could tell that Samira was a vessel user at just a glance — that in itself told the years of experience admiral Maestro had. Spending almost 20 years on the sea creeping of Leviathans — judging and observing was one of the most important factor to a sailor.
"Yes, I inherited it from my father a few years back...". Samira spoke with a sense of security and respect.
"...Well congratulations, then I presume the Kritanta family wont end their legacy any soon". Maestro said, though the question seemed curious it sounded almost threatening coming from Maestro himself.
"....".
There was an awkward silence following shortly after but was broken quickly when another approaching voice spoke.
"Admiral". Approaching from the end of the palace room came the grandmaster and Sarah.
"Grandmaster". Lowering his head his hand reached out for her hand once in close distant kissing her hand in a chivalrous way. "Your beauty still remains". He remarked.
"...It's shocking to see you here, how did the expedition go in the Northern?" Lumine asked, curious as to why he had suddenly appeared. Because knowing him he prioritized his personal missions above anything.
"...I received a message through a bird 2 days ago. It came from admiral Benedict who expressed his situation in the city of Komod".
So that was it. The situation regarding the mass execution in Komod. Lumine too had heard of it but was unsure if she had gotten any letter herself regarding that knowing it probably fell down the endless sea of papers on desk.
"Apparently there's a criminal organization that deals with human and sex trafficking. I've sent a request already to you to hold a official meeting between the higher ups to you but I guess you were to busy to check it". Maestro said, his tone turning to a slightly sarcasm knowing how busy Lumine had it in her office room.
"What about your expedition?"
"The blade division stayed behind in the northern outpost. They know what they are doing so they're fine with me being away for the needed time required". Maestro explained.
Lumine was still curious as to why he'd take his time away from his expedition but didn't question it as the admiral meeting was something that was needed. Meetings between the admirals was a rare occurrence that happened almost once a decade. A gathering where everyone attending shared their information from their missions and findings from the admiral's perspective.
"There are only a few admiral's gathered in Soldat at the current moment — the only one's being Katama, Sarah and Préton". Lumine said. "Though I can presume admiral Benedict and Melaine are on their way back".
"Yeah, It would be great if you could attend too grandmaster".
Just thinking about it too was a hassle because the paperwork's that kept on pilling up on the desk was increasing by the day. Just by being here at the social party would result in 10 new documents on desk.
"I'll see what I can make of it". Lumine exclaimed.
***
[North of the Komod seas]
"Heave-ho!"
Onboard the sky division the members were throwing off the executed bodies into the waters. Two members on each side, one holding onto the arms and the other one holding onto the legs as they got thrown off-board.
"Why are we throwing the bodies?" Solan asked, standing by the bridge of the ship he watched as the members got to work. Instead of having a proper funeral the marines resulted to this.
Benedict who leaned into the fence of the railings watched the members making sure not one person was lacking.
"It's tradition after every criminal hunt. We believe that throwing off the bodies into the sea serves as a passage way for them to enter the abyss and suffer for all eternity in the after life". Benedict explained.
Following right after Benedict then said "Having been an executioner half my life we believe that we're the ones creating a bridge between the living and the abyss".
The abyss. I still remembers my encounter with the being that called itself the 'abyss'. The abyss is a known as a concept of the afterlife for those who have ever sinned and died a deserving death. Though the origins of this 'abyss' still make's me wonder how it came to happen. Because... what even is the abyss to begin with.