CHAPTER 7 Act 2

Regrets that will remain with me, and sadness that has shattered my heart. I can't go back in time and undo what has been done.

How come I didn't know about that?

Is Hiram deceiving me? Is that her intention all along?

...No, I don't believe those smiles were staged to trick me. That was genuine, and I'm sure about it.

Considering many things are happening inside the Organization over the last few days, I assume Aqua Family is on the verge of collapse.

Is Mr. Oaes also aware of this? This will undoubtedly cause a big mess, especially if anybody outside the Aqua Family is aware of it.

There's too much to think about, so I need to figure out my next step. I can't continue in this state.

"How's your chat?" Ms. Leyand suddenly voiced out, jolting me out of my reverie.

I was already outside the Student Council Room when she grabbed my arm provocatively. She kept tugging me over so I wouldn't go. With her clinging demeanor, I instantly felt uncomfortable around her.

"Uh, w-what? Why are you here? Are you eavesdropping?"

Definitely, she left, but I assume she stayed outside the door. It would be impressive if she stayed for an extended period of time and waited for me to complete answering my exam papers.

"Excuse me?" Her eyes gazed intently into mine.

"No, nevermind," I answer back, quickly turning away.

I felt that I needed to end this conversation since there were more important things I needed to do.

Regardless, she brought her head close to mine and said, "You cry a lot, don't you, Ms. Hollows?"

"Huh? W-what?"

I stepped back, not letting my guard down, but she grabbed my arm forcefully to prevent me from walking away. Following that, she held my hand and led me so that we distanced ourselves not far from the Student Council Room.

"In your eyes; I can see it all," she remarked, though, pointing her own eyes smugly as if she was right on the mark.

In response, I didn't answer her assumption and remained ignorant.

But then I asked her, "I know you heard a lot, but did you know something from the start?"

She furrowed her brows but felt surprised, "What exactly does that question mean?"

"I'm sure you're familiar with the girl who transferred out?"

"Oh, that's what you mean, huh? Fufu, Hiram Frestia, isn't it?" she giggled, going on, "Basically, school let her off, and that's not a very good move in my opinion. Letting wild animals roam freely still poses a threat, you know? I'm against their decision, but there's nothing I can do about it now. Haah... I hope she never comes back here."

With that, I sank in fury and exasperation. I still preserved my calm while keeping my emotions disguised, but my voice leaked in a deep tone.

"Ms. Leyand, can you hand me off?"

"Oh... fufu, okay if you say."

She let go of my hands, but since she sensed my ire, she grinned and never took a step back.

"So you were aware?"

"Listen, Ms. Hollows. Honestly, back then, the Student Council knew the details from the Principal. However, the Principal gave orders that we should not tell anybody about this. So, at least just stay quiet as well, okay?" Derisively, she smiled.

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This woman was obnoxiously getting on my nerves.

"How can you be so cheery, Ms. Leyand?"

"Cheery, you say? No, I'm not. Did you know that every Organization is crumbling apart right now? Currently, I don't think anybody will be happy."

"So what's your deal? Are you here to make fun of me?"

"Hn? I don't know what you're talking about, Ms. Hollows. Though I'm merely interested in the details of your conversation with the President."

"Is that so? Then, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to tell you whether you're here for that."

Nonetheless, I know she's there behind the door the entire time, listening in on our conversation. There's no point in telling her.

"No, I'm kidding; that's not what I want," she responded, instantly changing her tone.

"Seriously, what's the matter with you?"

She instantaneously lightly handed me a piece of paper with the words:

{Please act normally after reading this; basically, the President may hear us, so keep your voice as low as possible.}

I stared over at her eyes, but she quietly put her index finger in her lips, as if she was trying to keep me quiet.

Continuing with the note:

{I'd want to inform you that the President intends to eliminate all of the Families. That is something that none of us want to happen. If you trust me, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxx. Burn this letter after you've finished reading it.}

Again, slowly, I put my eyes on her. She has this flippant grin on hers, contrary to my thought that she was nearly not joking.

"Are you insane? Do you think I could easily believe this?" I asked, keeping my voice aplomb.

"Fufu probably. Well, I'll go now. There's so much work to do, and the President missed me, so bye!" She hugged me and waved right after.

She appears clingy but this is not something I should think about right now. I'll have to think about what that note means.

As she swiftly left, I decided to leave as well and rethink what she meant. But after a few minutes, I came across a specific individual that inadvertently captured my eyes. I've known her since I acquired information from her in the past. And the thing is, she didn't give me her name up to now. Besides, I'm curious as to why she's strolling in public; I assumed her identity was concealed because she said it to me before.

I made eye contact with her, but she quickly averted her gaze, breaking the discomfort between us. And so, she approached, although she was staring ahead on her way, and simply bowed to me gently.

"I'm glad to see you're doing well, Ms. Lisa Hollows," she said, speaking into my ears as she quickly passed by my side.

She never glanced at me before, therefore I assume she's an elusive sort of person.

"How unusual to see you here?"

I shift my head towards her, hoping to catch her attention.

Luckily, she halted, though still not turning her back, she said monotonously, "Is that so?"

Not wasting any seconds, I asked her, "I have a quick question for you, and I'd want your answer."

"Hmmm, are you buying information again?"

"Yes."

"I see... So, what exactly is it?"

"Do you know Hiram Frestia? What happened to her? Where is she now?"

I'm not sure whether she has what I'm looking for, but I'm eager to find out.

"All I know is that she left."

Her quick answer makes me more curious.

"Oh, that's unfortunate, but do you happen to know why?" I asked again to see if she had any other information.

"Not exactly, but I know she's guilty of something, isn't she?"

And with that, I'm certain she knew something.

"Can you tell me?"

My question clearly penetrates her. She waits a few seconds before speaking again.

"I'm not sure," she says.

"Oh..."

My expectations were promptly destroyed by her reticent response.

"Are you waiting for me to say something, Ms. Hollows?"

"Uh, well, no, I'm just curious," I reasoned.

"Your eyes..." she starts, instantly making me embarrassed, "have something to say..." she adds.

"...T-that was your imagination."

"I'm certain you cried, but in any case, Ms. Hollows, I'll go ahead."

"But what about pay—"

"You don't have to; it's fine, considering I'm not helpful. I'm looking forward to working with you sometime again."

She began to walk away, but I stopped her by calling her again.

"Um, hey! What's your name? Could you tell me this time?"

In a sprang of silence, I was left inquisitive, then she replied.

"After this meeting, you'll know," she answered softly.

She again quickly escaped as she rapidly increased her distance from me.

I don't really get her, like actually.

Anyway, in the past, I noticed she wore the same uniform as mine, and I guess back then she was also a student here, so until today. Even so, after some thought, I think she wears the uniform in a way to blend in with the school to gather information.

"Ms. Hollows?"

Immediately after, Mr. Oaes called out my name. He was standing behind me.

"Uh... Mr. Oaes? Erm, before that, please accept my apologies for my absence."

I lowered my head, knowing it was my fault that he was left behind to manage the Aqua Family. It is a significant loss to think if one representative is not there, thus this is my way of apologizing.

"Don't worry, it's all right; but what are you doing here with her?"

"With her? Ah, we simply happened to cross paths."

"Do you know Ms. Zei Wyte?" Mr. Oaes said, giving a serious expression.

"Is that her name, Zei Wyte?"

"Yeah, she's also the Principal Eve's daughter."

"..."

In disbelief, my mouth gaped wide open. I immediately turned my head back, hoping to see Ms. Zei Wyte again, although I knew she was already not there.

It's no wonder that her surname was Wyte.