CHAPTER 2 Act 9

Upon receiving all the details yesterday, I was planning to take a break from now and leave the school for a couple of days. But that was the plan--

"Pardon for intrusion..."

"..."

My face appeared calm, but my mind began to believe that this was simply another bad day for me.

I'm standing at our front door, but to my astonishment, the man (Steve) I beat in the basketball match in P.E. class was standing right in front of me.

"Um, can you tell me why are you here?"

"Is that how you treat your guest?"

"In the first place, I have no idea who you are or why you're here. What was your real motive?"

As I said with a stern glance.

This is utterly vexing to see. This guy, whom I had only met the day before, was present without even introducing himself. It irritates me and makes me suspicious.

"May I go inside now? It's inconvenient to be here outside, isn't it?"

"I don't think so; you are, in a sense."

"Are you making fun of me, Mr. Seid?"

"Could you maybe get to the point about what you're doing here?"

My speech was monotonous in contrast, yet he opened his eyes in response. I was making an attempt to irritate him. Personally, I'm not kind towards strangers, especially those that exude a lively disposition.

"What else could it be? But yep, it's you to what I'm here for; my Mom sent me here to pick you up."

"What do you mean?"

"We knew you weren't going to come directly to school today, therefore we came to pick you up."

Deductively, I'm waiting for someone to take Ms. Eve's place because I knew she was going to send 'someone' since she was too busy. It's only a guess, but I don't think this man will come to visit me.

—Wait, did he say "Mom"?

"May I come in?" he said, widening his grin.

"Hans, how come you're still standing—"

"...Ms. Irene Seid, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, Hans, who is this 'strange' person addressing my name?"

She was literally pissed off.

"I'm not sure."

As my sister questioned me, I honestly had no idea who he was. My sister was going by and was curious as to why I was standing in front of the front door. Well, I'm here because the intercom rang.

"I realize it's a little impolite, but please forgive me; in any case, my name is—"

"Let's skip that; don't tell me, Hans, he's your friend?"

"Obviously not."

"—I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not his friend."

"Ah, I see..."

As my sister gave me a puzzled expression, I immediately shifted my attention to that person (Steve). In fact, he was producing a sham look, which was grating to witness. Why do people strive to look as if they want to be liked by others? I don't get it.

"Why don't you come in—uh no, First of all, why do you come here?"

My sister asked and had a scary grimace on her face.

"Ah, it's too late to say this, but Ms. Irene, we have to go as soon as possible."

"Please quit saying my name, it's creeping me out. Anyway, do you need Hans?"

"Ms. Eve was—"

"Is that so? Then please look after my little brother."

My sister promptly dragged me outside and locked the door. I'm not sure why she seemed so eager to push me away. However, I believe she understood the matter immediately soon when Ms. Eve's name was spoken.

"It's weird that you don't respond shockingly in this, Mr. Seid."

"Am I supposed to? Well, I knew it from the beginning. I guessed and knew some of the information and deduced it gradually."

...As a result, I came to this conclusion and decided what I should do.

"By the looks of you, you're not a typical guy, are you? You're not easy to read at all."

"I don't know what that's supposed to mean."

"Well, let me guess, you're waiting for someone to come and get you?"

"Didn't you say that earlier?"

"You're right; but is it true or not?"

"How naive..."

"Nn?"

I don't know what to say to him, so I simply put it out of my mind. He wasn't entirely wrong, but in retrospect, I think it was an apparent assumption as soon as I agreed to go with him.

"How can you prove you were sent by Ms. Eve?"

"Well, I don't have any proof that would satisfy you, but if you don't want to come, we'll force you to. I'm sure you don't want your house to be blown up." Again, he make a wide smile.

"Is that a threat?"

"Hm, I wonder..."

I no longer mistrust him since I can tell he wasn't lying. In contrast, the neighbors will be bothered if, by any chance, they make a sudden ruckus.

I thought this person was difficult to read, but it appears that he is being honest while still being cautious with his words.

So I get inside the vehicle, which is, by the way, a limouscine, and try not to speak while we're in it. It's not unexpected to see this sort of automobile because our Grandfather usually came to see us in this car. I haven't wanted to brag about it since.

And shortly after a while, we arrived at the place, and to my surprise, it was our school.

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"Um, you're confused as to why we went to school?"

He asked confidently, but I gave him a piercing, yet tranquil look.

"I guess you know, huh?"

"Um, speaking of which, we have a class right?" I abruptly asked.

"Yeah... but I'm skipping it for a day, just like you." He gave me a strained smile.

I see, that wasn't his decision. He was being ordered directly so he can't refuse.

"Why? To pick me up?"

"Not really. Uh yeah, here we are."

We proceeded to the back of the school gate, as he had instructed. And we headed directly to the Principal's office. I'd probably wear the school uniform if I knew this is where we would be meeting.

"If you're wondering why there are so many people outside the corridor, it's because we have a special announcement to make."

As he mentioned, there was a brimful of people who initially looked at us while we were passing by.

"What's the big announcement?" I asked.

But, before he could react, we arrived at the random door, which was, as far as I could tell, the Principal's office. From the outside, it appears to be large enough to be classified as an office room.

"Ms. Eve will respond to all of your questions."

He knocked on the door for me, and we entered. The place is huge, and I am astounded by how everything are arranged here. To some extent, it was clean and pleasant.

"Hans is finally here, Ms. Eve."

"Ms. Eve?" I mutter.

It's strange since he was his mother. So, why does he address him as Ms. Eve?

As I was pondering what it meant, someone just called my name.

"Are you Mr. Hans Seid?"

She was sitting on the couch, reading a book with a silent expression on her face. She appeared serious, based on her manner.

Because the place was so quiet, I didn't answer right away. The thin air encompassing the entire room, was unrelenting, though I wasn't intimidated by it. I was silent for a bit since I was watching her from a distance.

"What do you want?"

That man's (Steve's) eyes were at a loss, and Ms. Eve's attention finally met mine. They were actually taken aback. While, I know she's a friend of my parents, but that doesn't mean I can completely trust her.

"It's funny to think that you look like Owen."

Owen was my Dad. Somehow, I didn't mind or care that someone compared me to my parents.

"Um, are you making a joke?"

"No, not all. Do you see it that way?"

"Please get to the point of why I'm here."

That man (Steve) didn't make a single sound since he was perplexed by the unprecedented interaction between me and the Principal. I'm guessing he didn't expect me to be that forceful.

"That's right. I just wanted to welcome you to this school; you're not having any trouble, are you?"

"Don't treat me like a fool, Ms. Eve. I'm not sure whether you care about me, but it appears you're hiding something."

"—Hm? You're rather certain of your assumptions, Mr. Hans."

"It's simply a strong hunch."

"Wasn't it rather useful?"

"Yeah, so can you kindly expose it right now?"

"Well, if you're wondering, your parents have accepted you into our Family."

For a little period, I was deafeningly quiet, but then it hit me.

"I see. Family, huh?"

"Are you not suprised enough, or can you guess it from the start?"

"Er, no, but I'm not going to get away from this, am I?"

"Of course."

"How can my parents make such a choice without consulting me?"

"Come to think of it, you don't have any friends, do you?"

"Hn, I suppose you dig at my background information."

"So, what makes you believe your parents didn't talk to you?"

"..."

I don't want to say anything out loud, but I'm guessing my parents want me to progress in life--in making friends.

"You're a bright student, so I'm sure you'll figure it out."

I can't dispute with her because she was correct and knows some of my information. However, I have decisions to make and things to consider before joining and participating in this unusual venture. I don't really trust or comprehend what this organization is all about.

"I'm not, but I am an honest student; to be fair with you, I don't care whether such a thing exists, and I don't want to associate myself with anybody; thus, please take my refusal."

"You know that's not going to be simple, Hans, because your parents have already filled out the necessary forms."

"My parents? Does it imply that all the youngsters aren't free to join whichever group they want?"

Sensibly, I know it doesn't fit because of the way she stated my parents filled out the form. If this is the system in which parents decide whether or not to engage their children in the organization of their choice, what is the point of joining for free?

"Hmm, is this about joining an organization? You're not entirely wrong either, but have you considered the higher-ups who want to recruit you? Basically, your will isn't free at all since you have a 'Blue Blood.'"

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Joining is a free decision, but it depends on the Organization, right? That means, if the Organization wants you, you have no choice but to submit. That's how it works in our world. Once you have a Family Blood (Blue Blood) running through your veins, you cannot resist instructions."

"Then, basically you're free, yet you're chained. How horrible."

"That's right, being born in this world will wreak havoc on your life."

"Seems like you are quite experienced yourself?"

"Is that how it looks?"

"Seems so."

However, neither Ms. Eve nor her son have my whole trust. They appear to have been lying the entire time. It's only a supposition since I don't have any proof. Ms Eve was difficult to persuade. She's aware that I'm pressuring her to confess.

Then, when it comes to this, I'll go with my gut instinct and be honest.

"But it appears you're deceiving me, Ms. Eve."

She didn't budge an inch and gazed at me intently without giving a hint.

"How can you say?"

"I told you it was simply a strong hunch."

"..."

She didn't reply to my insinuation, but then a woman other than Ms. Eve appeared right off my back.

"There's no need to force it, Ms. Eve; he's made his own decision."

As she moves towards the couch, we notice her elegant propensity. She sat there and cast a straight gaze at me.

"After a time, you ultimately show yourself."

"Do you realize I'm hiding?"

"It's clear—No, nothing."

I was about to add that I can smell her perfume in this room. I know that seems weird, but I recall her characteristics after meeting her. The perfume was really powerful and had a fruity scent. In this situation, though, I'm certain she was here.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

She is the woman I met the day before. As I showcase her, she remains a mystery. She was both mysterious and elusive to me.

"Why not? I'm here for my Mother."

"Mother?"

"Er, she was speaking the truth, Mr. Seid."

That person (Steve) who spoke to me scratched his head and made an uncomfortable look.

This, on the other hand, was unexpected.

Mainly, if she was her daughter, it 's possible that individuals circulating stories about the mystery person were actually referring to her? Or if I guess correctly, she was here not long ago due to the Principal's authority? Is there something else going on?

"You are siblings?"

"K-Kind of."

Kind of?

Even though it was unforeseen, that guy's words stuck with me. It appears that there is more to it. Either way, I shoved this issue to the back of my mind.

"Again, Mr. Hans, you're not even surprised?"

"Same to you, right?"

"Hm, no."

She stares at me simply, as if she had anticipated this all along.

That's why she starts talking to me right away and, strangely, doesn't identify herself. It's certainly aggravating, but I don't mind.

"Hm, now you disclose yourself, what am I expected to do with this. I granted your request to listen in on our talk, and yet you interrupt?"

"I'm sorry to disturb your discussion, Mom, but I need to tell you something."

"Hn? Is it unusual? This is the first time you've opened up to me, Zei?"

Her name was Zei?

"Well, forgive me Mom, but I'm going—no, I'm leaving the Family."

"—Hm?

"—What? Are you serious?"

They were baffled.

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"B-But, Zei?"

"I'm sure you know why, Steve."

He fell silent, and Zei continued, as her Mom was confused.

"Mom, I'd like to start my own Organization."

"You're brave enough to say it to me?"

"E-Eh, Zei, are you insane?"

This is quite uncomfortable. I'm stymied by their familial situation.

"Indeed, this is my selfish request."

She made an expressionless face from the outset, indicating that she was dead serious.

I'm convinced that this isn't the announcement they've been waiting for.

"But do you understand the process, Zei?"

"I am aware."

And then all of a sudden, she reveals a pair of scissors in her hand, and immediately cuts her hair. She was now fortifying her resolve.

A bold woman with a strong determination. This was the first time I met someone with this personality.

For a brief while, the two were at a loss for words as they saw Zei's actions. It is hard to believe, yet that has been her decision up to this moment.

"You're grown enough, Zei, so do what you want, albeit I have high expectations of you."

"Thank you for taking care of me for all these years," she bowed her head and continued, "Please look forward to it."

"But first, I apologize to Mr. Seid for seeing my daughter's appalling behaviour."

Ms. Eve then glanced at me with a slight contrite face.

I didn't answer to Ms. Eve, but Zei was gazing at me intensely, as if she was unconcerned with her behavior.

"And you knew that was a lie, didn't you? It is. Your parents called me and told me about your situation, so I'll attempt to assist; but it was pointless, huh?"

"Fair enough. So you're all lying up to now?"

"You know the answer. Joining an organization requires a signature of that person, you know? However, it is not always simply a signature, of course, it all depends on the organization if they are willing to take you in."

In the grand scheme of things, this piece of knowledge was a waste. I can't get away from the Organizations after all.

However, Ms. Eve's Family is the first thing that comes to mind. She did not appear to be the leader, as it seemed

"Um, Mom, are you finished? May I borrow Hans?"

This woman, she keeps calling me by my name as if we're close. Is she trying to get my attention?

"What do you want to talk to him about?"

"It's just a secret."

Zei then grabbed my arm and led me out of the room.