CHAPTER 7 Act 3
Zei Wyte.
I've known of her existence for a long time, and if I needed information, she was the first person I went to. Usually, I have no idea where she is, so it takes me a while to find her.
Previously, I had come to her to find out who Mr. Hans Seid was after hearing his name from Ms. Frey. So I secretly made contact with Ms. Wyte, knowing nothing at all, including herself. And after that encounter, I discovered that Mr. Seid had a dark past, which has stayed with me till now. His life is certainly awful and heartbreaking.
Although I failed to get Hans Seid in the Aqua Family, if I think about it, approaching Zei Wyte in the first place wasn't entirely pointless.
I never imagined the plan of taking Mr. Seid would be so tough. When I meet with Mr. Seid personally, he gives me the "stay away from me" impression, and again, he is not interested in the organization thing itself. I know he's adamant when it comes to making decisions, however, there's nothing wrong with beating him with persistence as well. So I'm not turning my back on him.
And because I haven't known what's been going on inside the school for the last several days, I'm surprised to learn that a lot has occurred while I've been gone.
"For real?"
"That's right, nobody knew about Principal Eve's daughter until recently."
We've arrived at Aqua Family's office to discuss our necessary plans. I'm here with Mr. Oaes, and we're presently discussing what transpired over the previous few days.
"...Does she currently attend our school?"
"Apparently."
"W-what? I had no idea; I obtained information from her several times and she never said a single thing."
"Ms. Hollows, let me tell you, the problem is definitely yours. I guess you asked her name numerous times, but you didn't question who she is and what it is she genuinely wants; think about it, why is she going to tell you her name from the start?"
I went silent on the second thought. I felt as if a sharp pin had been thrust into my heart, causing it to hurt, and making me realize something.
"...T-that's," I bite my lower lip, feeling the pain of regret.
That's the thing—I didn't ask.
I didn't ask anyone including "her."
This was entirely my fault. I didn't even ask Hiram Frestia whether she was okay or what her problem was. I've been so busy lately that I haven't noticed what's going on around me. I didn't dare to look back or put my eyes on her for just a second.
"Anyway, now that you know, I must warn you to keep away from that woman," he stated sharply, staring me in the eyes.
"...Huh, why?"
"She's the reason why Organizations, including us, are on the brink of destruction; many secrets have been exposed, and we're not far away from imploding."
"What?" I exclaimed, but he didn't move since he expected it from me.
Hold on a minute, so Ms. Leyand was correct in this matter earlier. Every organization was in jeopardy. If things go wrong, it may lead to a bloodbath.
"Calm down, Ms. Hollows; anyway, Aqua Family is now attempting to contact our intel and other Families in order for them to be less wary towards us."
"Hold it right there, I'm confused if she's the reason, why is she still here? Revealing your name and brazenly made a move to put down every Organization."
I understand she is the Principal's daughter, but that does not entitle you to do anything you want.
"Good question. She isn't even a member of the Light Family, so what is she attempting to pull off? I don't understand Principal Eve at all, but I know it's kinda tough for her. Her daughter has recently been acting erratically." He continued, "But one thing is for sure, Zei Wyte wants to get rid of the Organizations."
"Wait, she no longer had any Family?"
"Yes, she left Light Family a few days ago after revealing herself to us, Representatives, and the Student Council; formerly, she's been referred to as the mystery individual lurking around the school but then later ultimately disclosed herself in front of us."
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
"Oh, she's that person, huh? She did conceal her identity well and left a mark on our minds, but why now? Does she seem to have a purpose, don't you think?"
"Oh, sure... but I don't have any clue further than that."
I have nothing to say back to him. My mind right now is not in the right place to think. I'm at a loss as to what to do at this point.
"Are you making any plans by now, Ms. Hollows?"
Mr. Oaes questioned, but I stood up and spoke incoherently and cluelessly.
"I don't know."
I stood up and was about to leave the office to clear my mind when someone barged in.
With my soft tone, I speak in surprise, "Fred?"
"...Lisa?"
As soon as he caught my eyes, he promptly held me firmly, as if we hadn't seen each other in years.
"Uh, Fred, I've only been gone for about a week, but why are you—"
"I'm glad you're okay..."
"Um, why wouldn't I?"
He hugged again, but this time he loosened his grip gently, as if relieved.
Needless to say, Fred Arios is my friend and one of my subordinates. I can count on him anytime and I fully trust him.
"Ehem..." Mr. Oeas cut in, "Ms. Hollows, didn't you know Mr. Arios stopped by the office every time simply to see whether you were finally here? It's annoying for me, but I admire his tenacity."
"Is that true?" I asked Fred out of curiosity.
"Erm, I can't deny that..."
He gave a wry smile, yet was embarrassed.
"Is that so? Ah, Fred, does the soccer club do practices?"
Even if I question everything, the soccer team is always on my mind.
Eventually, Fred Arios is our Vice Captain on the soccer team, meaning he will succeed the team when the seniors graduate. I know he's worried about me, but first I must ensure some things regarding the club.
"Of course, as usual."
"I'm relieved..."
"Ms. Hollows and Mr. Arios, this is not the place or time to flirt. Do this when no one is around," Mr. Oeas said.
"What makes you believe that?" I shouted, feeling embarrassed, "In a sense, I'm just asking him..."
Making such assumptions made me feel uncomfortable and, at the same time, sorry for Fred. We're not a couple to begin with.
"Kidding aside. Ms. Hollows, where are you planning to go? Are you trying to avoid your responsibility?"
"...No, that's not it."
"Hmmm...fine. And since Mr. Arios has arrived, are you now getting back to yourself again?"
"Hm, what do you mean?"
"Never mind; Mr. Arios, now that you're here, I'd want you to have a seat as well."
"Eh, me?"
"Who else is here that I'm referring to?"
In the end, we just settled into our own seats, and so Mr. Oaes began speaking. I sat next to Fred, and Mr. Oaes was in front of us.
"First of all, Ms. Hollows, do you happen to pass by Ms. Leyand?"
"Uh, yes. I went to the Student Council Room before going here. I took a test there actually."
"I see. Were you aware of her plans?"
"Plans?" I asked, and I got a glimpse of Fred, who was also bewildered.
"Yes, she had a plan which she introduced to all Representatives, and that plan was to dethrone the President and subject him to suffering," Mr. Oaes explained.
I couldn't speak because I was in shock, but Fred quickly sprang up and became enraged.
"What?" He said.
"It is what I say."
"But... I cannot believe it."
"That's true. If you don't believe, it is fine, Mr. Arios."
"I believe," with insincerity, I blurted it out.
I guess it was all connected about why Organization was falling apart right now. My mind continues doubting it, but it makes sense if I think about it.
"You do understand it right away, Ms. Hollows."
"..."
"Wait, can you tell me why I'm here in the first place? Is it okay for me to be here?" Fred abruptly asked.
"Ah, you're here because I wanted Ms. Hollows to know that nobody but a few students knew that Organizations were tearing apart right now. Additionally, you're here to see and support Ms. Hollows, right?" Mr. Oeas answered.
In response, Fred didn't say a single thing since he was still puzzled by the situation.
As Mr. Oaes mentioned, I finally understand what was going on.
Ms. Leyand approached me and informed me that Mr. President had betrayed the Organization by no longer supporting any of them. Ms. Leyand desires urgent action on this matter, so she devised a strategy.
Still, however, it makes me think that Zei is covertly linked in some way. No, all of what is happening right now is probably connected.
"I see..." I murmured as I rose to my feet. I made the decision to go to Ms. Leyand by myself.
"Where are you going?" Fred stopped me.
I replied, "I'd want to talk to her," but he got up and gently grabbed my face. Slowly, he placed his fingers on my eyes and said, "Your eyes; you've been through a lot, aren't you Lisa?"
He stared down at my eyes, but I immediately averted my gaze. He probably knew about it; he perhaps was aware of Hiram Frestia. I'm pitiful, and I don't want him to see it directly from my eyes.
"...You dummy," I mutter, "you're worried about me, but why didn't you ask my parents where I was?"
"Ah, that? You didn't ask for my help, Lisa, so I knew you needed some time, and I waited; in fact, today I'm planning to pay a visit to your house."
Gradually, my eyes widened, but I was unable to comprehend his reasoning. And I suddenly realized that he's that type of person I know.
I'm not sure if I'll be grateful or not, though I don't care anymore. I'd like to talk to him about this matter alone, but I have responsibilities that I must fulfill first.
I walked away from them, but not before saying a few things.
"Thank you for worrying, Fred. See you later; and Mr. Oaes," I instantly changed my tone, "you still have something on me; I'll speak with you later."
Following that, I left the room.
That was my personal request from him since I do want to know the truth behind Hiram Frestia.
I left my bag there, but I got my phone in my pocket, from which I planned to contact Ms. Leyand, when suddenly I felt that there was something inside. A note from where I couldn't tell when it got here. However, I immediately realized who this letter was from. It came from Ms. Leyand. Presumably, she put this in my pocket when she kept tugging me over to her earlier.
"What a sneaky woman."
I quickly opened the note and it said:
{If you open this, I know you're looking for me. Fufu, am I right? Well then, you'll find me at the Library. See 'ya! (⌒.−)}