"We found you sneaking inside our headquarters... what is your intention for all this?”
Claude stared at them lifelessly, before he answered. His words sounded raspy and rough in a sense, clearly disassociated that Lloyd would narrow his eyes down to him. "The chaos, pure and utter chaos... For the Reverse Organization."
Lloyd stared at him and began to ask in a rather quietly, voice that was not pleasant and soft--but firm. "Why did you become a Marauder? What happened to you?"
The former Mail-Hunter remained silent for a while, his eyes didn't shine with excitement or anger-just emptiness and darkness that is filled up from his soul. Claude didn't say anything else instead he stared at him with those lifeless eyes of his, Lloyd leaned back in his chair as he glanced at Oswald who confirmed that this indeed Claude who has been missing. He mouthed 'This is indeed him' to his colleague, making the Postmaster-General scrunched his eyebrows a little under his glasses. "I'm sorry," Claude responded, the silent began to evolve in the room.
Alastair had no idea what is he apologizing for, but if it has something to do with Claude's disappearance for two years--he had to be very objective when it comes to this case. He can't let his emotions get in the way or else he'd end up making a bad decision that could ruin not just the reputation of his family but the Mail-Hunter's name. "Before we're talking about your disappearance and your absence, who sent you to infiltrate the Headquarters?"
Lloyd questioned with calm but stern voice as he stared into his eyes to get an answer--but Claude just stared blankly back at him. His eyes were empty like it was never there before and didn't blink for long moments--it made him worried--something isn't right about him. The Masters looked at each other in disbelief, they knew that there is only one person who gave instructions to the Marauders. Lloyd nodded at his friend-subordinate, which he nodded back. "Dr. Chamberlain, inspect the collar around his neck," Alastair ordered.
Dr. Chamberlain carried the briefcase filled with several equipment such as mechanical parts and tools even others, as he inspected the chain around Claude's neck that connected to a key ring with several keys hanging from it--it looks like a musical note and a crown engraved onto it. After inspecting the collars on his neck with his hands, he nodded. "There're no traces of drugs or chemicals, he was brainwashed--it suppressing him from remembering things or doing things that he did before," he explained.
Lloyd sighed with relief after hearing his conclusion, he was hoping that it wouldn't happen again, especially on one of his subordinates whom he trusted the most.
"Good, take the chain off from his neck--it looks like a tapper claw."
Solvine ordered as Dr. Chamberlain can tell the chain has a mechanism that can be manipulated and turned easily. It was an intricate design, but Alastair knows for sure that it won't be easy for him to turn it. While Dr. Chamberlain took the chain from around his neck--he used his tool set to examine the mechanisms and wires embedded inside it--he pulled off the metal cuffs from around Claude's wrists and ankles--making Claude gasp loudly as he felt the chain released from his neck, it made him coughed hard while shaking uncontrollably.
He felt something foreign in his head, as if someone had messed him up inside and out by inserting some sort of... machinery. "Uh..." he grumbled, feeling a sharp pain while holding his head. "Stay still, don't force yourself just yet..." Dr. Chamberlain said, trying to calm him as Claude was starting to cough. "Urgh..." Claude groaned, he felt like he couldn't remember anything at all, his thoughts were trying to find any memory in him that was long forgotten and they started to click by themselves like a music box. It also made him trembling with anger that he's free from Reverse Organization's control.
He stared blankly at the table before his face morphs into a scowl, then it turned into a look of pure hatred and rage with tears on his eyes. "Tell us about the leader of the Reverse Organization and the locations of all of its facilities, starting from now," Lloyd ordered sternly, although he's glad that he's back to his normal self--well, almost.
"Simon... his name is... Simon Gallagher..."
Claude answered, he is still gasping for air while coughing lightly. "I..." he started to speak, before he stopped himself. He looked at the ceiling for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. He gazed down and examined his surroundings before looking back at Lloyd. "Where is this place?" he inquired. Lloyd stopped for a moment, before he smiled. "This is National Postal Service."
Claude looked at him incredulously, with brows furrowing. The interrogation went smoothly, even Mathilda confirmed that the intruder was indeed Claude, compared to when he was brainwashed--Claude was exactly a different person when he's no longer brainwashed and he seems slightly dazed from the effect of the collar. "Rest assured, your sister is alright, she turned twelve now right? I took care of her when you're not around, as for her paraplegic legs... it's a long progress."
Lloyd trailed off, he remembered that her little sister, Sylvette got her legs paralyzed when she was born. He has been taking care of her when Claude is away, which is why he reminded her so Claude won't forget who he is. "She had to stay on a wheelchair for unknown years, Sylvette hoped to receive her ability to walk--she remain optimistic, no matter what happens. Of course, she's been missing you but she always waited without thinking too much."
His eyes widen as a memory resurfaced from his mind--his little sister... she's hurt... his handcuffs slipped from him... Sylvette!
"Relax, she's still alive. We still exchanging letters every month and besides... even though she was paralyzed, she was really cheerful and happy--even though I send a few presents, toys and books..." Lloyd reassured him as he patted his shoulder—trying to calm him down. "You don't remember it, you were kidnapped and I believe the Reverse Organization must have used a memory-erasing method on you... but it's okay, I'm sure you'll be fine. Do you want to see her? We'll let her know."
After he calmed down enough and regained his composure, Claude slowly nods as he calmed down a bit, feeling relieved that his little sister is well. "Take me to her."
He says, shaking slightly.
***
"So, he's Claude huh... never heard of him before..."
Sonata murmured, she was standing with Gabriel and Claire while they were watching him in the infirmary treated by Dr. Chamberlain-he was examining his body thoroughly. It took them awhile to treat his wounds and heal his broken bones—it seemed like his injuries weren't severe and luckily he survived from the brainwashing by Reverse Organization. After his tearful reunion with his little sister, Claude returned back to the Headquarters in Welkin City and was immediately sent to the medical ward to be treated.
Claude was wearing his old signature Mail-Hunter uniform, a dark bluish-black collared jacket with pale yellow stripes with underneath the jacket is a white, button-down shirt and a matching dark blue tie--he wears a matching dark bluish-black pants tucked into his black knee-length riding boots and wears black fingerless gloves. He also has musical note pendant keychain strapped and hanging beside his black belt around his waist, he also wears a light cream scarf around his shoulders.
Sonata, Claire and Gabriel gazed at the man silently, they saw how he looked like before he was captured by the Reverse Organization when they captured him and brought back safely. His eyes were dull and empty, his smoke-white hair was messy with dirt and dusts on top of his head--but now his violet eyes were shining bright again even his hair was clean from being showered. His skin was glowing healthier than before too, they noticed he gained weight since they last saw him--his muscles are toned and defined, his shoulders broadened and his biceps bulged outwards--even his fingers and toes are longer compared to before. He regained his health and grew taller too, he was now almost six feet tall and more lean.
"How old is he now, Doctor?" Xinglan asked, folding his arms while he examined him from a distance. "At least twenty-one," Solvine replied to him as he also heard from them that he disappeared at around eighteen and then disappeared from one year ever since. "He looks good now," Claire commented, looking at him from head to toe. "Yeah, he does..."
Gabriel replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the situation. "Maybe he's going to tell us something soon..." Sonata nodded, still observing him. "He was going to be promoted in becoming a Captain, so he need to perform health check-up and rest before he can become one--but at this point... he need to take a full-time rest before he can enlist his position."
Amaris hummed, observing him for a moment before she realizes something. "Wait, I thought Gilbert is in charge of captaincy or something?" she asked, Dr. Chamberlain shake his head. "He was actually an Assistant-General in Human Resources Department while proctoring Claude during his promotion exam, but due to his absence--he became an Acting Captain to keep his position fulfilled until his return," he explained the reason, seeing him sighed. "How long have you been in Reverse, Mr. Oak?" Dr. Chamberlain asked.
"I don't know... maybe a few weeks? Months? A year? I lost count..."
Claude whispered softly, looking down at his lap in recollecting his thoughts. "How long your sister has been paraplegic?" Sonata asked him while her wolf ears twitched, the young fellow hummed while looking forward. "From when she was born, during the Day of Disappearing Stars..."
Sonata was surprised about the Day of Disappearing Stars, she remembered the day that the children would born with handicap disability and some either born half-breed like her and Suona--but they have superhuman ability like speed and extraordinary senses. Dr. Chamberlain nodded, remembering about that day since he grew up in Canaria.
"That day is when the city's government tried to hide its citizens and the whole world about this event, they didn't want anyone to know about the existence of the disabled children, they believed they have a curse and cursed to death by this day--it has been the darkest event of Canaria where the Artificial Light; the man-made sun and moon that created to shine the endless dark night of Canaria disappeared suddenly with no explanation--which made the world panic and fear to the skies above. The whole city became pitch-dark and gloomy--people started blaming the government for hiding something from them and making them suffer from their ignorance. The Artificial Light is the sun and the moon that shines the dark night of Canaria--it's unknown how did the light became so dark after the invasion of the Husks."
Sonata, and Gabriel was surprised to hear this as well. Suona listened while standing beside Xinglan and Amaris, she nodded at Sonata who agreed as Vincent remained distant as he was listening to them. "Does the Reverse Organization know about the Cabernet Husk and Spiritus Husk?" Sonata asked Claude, he nodded. "Yes... Cabernet Husk is the king of all Husk creatures, it's the dangerous Husk that not all people can defeat. As for Spiritus, I have no idea yet..."
He remembered the times when they were trapped underground and forced to fight until his last breath. "The Marauders are trained from a young age to become Marauders--to be their soldiers and mercenaries, to overthrow the government of Canaria--it was cruel to see the children to be purged by the Husks and taking their Melodic Scores--so their eyes were technically dead and they have no soul anymore, turning into Hybrids."
Dr.Chamberlain placed a stethoscope around Claude's chest, he listened closely to hear his heart beat after listening to his explanation and it was disturbing enough. Sonata gulped, remembering her past that made her shudder and Suona choose to not remember that again--let alone their former friends who's still in the incubator rooms. "Do you feel any pain anywhere in your body?" he asked, but Claude shakes his head. "Do you have medical history of disease or sickness?"
Claude shook his head, still looking down. "Your vitals are good, your lungs sounds clear and strong," Dr. Chamberlain stated as he stood up, placing the stethoscope back into its case. "You have a healthy heart and lungs... you're lucky that you didn't get hurt too badly during your mission. Master Oswald and I will be keeping tabs on you until you recovered. Mr. Oak, I think you're ready to return to the field."
Claude nodded back at the doctor, as he stood up from the bed and walked towards the exit--he glanced back at them with his violet eyes briefly--but he smiled shyly upon seeing them staring at him. "Oh right, Postmaster-General Lloyd summoned you to his office--he want to talk to you regarding your career at the National Postal Service, we have some concerns about your return and I also want you to discuss this issue after this with them."
--Tenth Day of of the Festival of Lights--Second Week--
Zhilan Hastings or Lady Hastings; the twenty-eight years old President Director of Stardust Express station was entering the Festival of Lights with her husband, she is the wife of Xingfa Hastings--the Chief Commander General of Canarian Royal Military. Her long black hair is tied in a sidebun while leaving her bangs loose on her cheeks and dark magenta eyes, with purple-black, jade and silver hairpins on her tied hair and a red-purple moon orchid ornament on the side; with the golden dangles hanging and she has alabaster complexion with a red-purple eyeshadow on her eyelids. She wears a black dress loosely resembling a Hanfu style dress; a floor-length dress, with long sleeves wide at the cuff embroidered with a swirling pattern, and a v-neck, frilled collar. She also wears a thick, outer gown over her shoulders with a small back train. She wears earrings resembling Chinese lanterns, and a wedding ring.
Zhilan is a gentle and kind soul despite her authority, but she can be terrifying if she wanted to be--she owned the orphanage known as ‘House of Symphony' where she seek solace for children whom are abandoned in the streets and provide them food, clothes, shelters and entertainment through music instruments.
Xingfa Hastings; the thirty-years old Chief Commander General of Canarian Royal Military, he's the husband of Zhilan was walking beside her, heading into the lobby of National Postal Service. His eyes always closed and always seen smiling, regardless if it's sincere or a mask to his darker side. He has a shoulder-length black hair that slightly neat but wavier to the end on his right shoulder--similar to wolf's cut but has streaks, with bangs almost covering the side of his forehead to his closed eyes and cheeks as he has alabaster complexion and wears frameless spectacles. He happens to wear a high-collared black uniform similar to Chinese robe under his long white trench coat with black furs draped over his shoulders and wears black knee-length boots and black pants, it's unknown about the true color of his eyes since he always closed them.
His personality is mysterious despite being a gentle-mannered and humble man, but deep down he has a grandiose of ambition that nobody can predict and when he opened his eyes; all hell will break loose. But when he's with Zhilan, he was a kind and gentle man-who often show concern and care towards his wife even though he never showed it in front of anyone else. He's also a very intelligent and skilled individual, the type to see through your soul with his eyes--and no matter what it is, he is the kind to exploit anything he sees and use it to his advantage.
"Master Lloyd, you have two guests."
Lloyd lifted his head when he heard Mathilda informed, while Alastair and Solvine still busy typewriting their documents while their desks are facing each other--with the tip 'held' by Lloyd's office desk, in which they occasionally asked for advice from him. "Guests?" he answered, sounding bored and pouty like usual. "Chief Commander General Xingfa Hastings of Canarian Royal Military alongside his wife, the President Director of Stardust Express, Lady Zhilan Hastings."
Alastair stopped typing when he heard that title, the ungodly title above their ranks--Chief Commander General, made him looked up in the same time when Solvine stopped typing. Lloyd narrowed his eyes, he knew that Xinglan might not going to like this. He glanced at them before exhaling sharply, what is his superior is about to come up with right now. "They're here," Alastair stated. "Solvine, guard the office. Alastair, open the door for them," he added and they both nodded, following the direct order without any arguments.
Zhilan politely greeted them in a polite, graceful demeanor but firm and firm attitude. Xingfa was smiling with his eyes closed like usual, the last thing they needed is his eyes were open--since he only kept it close. In an instance, Suona can tell right away he's definitely a high-ranking official like no other--it made her terrified that she hid behind Suiren's coat. Like an instinct, he puts himself in front of his daughter as he made eye contact to Xingfa who smiled with his face seemingly genuine and had his gaze turned to Lloyd.
Sonata watched everything as she stood between Claire and Gabriel, this... doesn't look like what the hell Suona had told earlier. The trio were peeking out from the corner of the wall, while Amaris was pretending she talk with Cordelia and quietly observing the closed doors. "So..." Xingfa opens, but as usual keeping it light and casual. "Lloyd Warren, I've heard of you in passing," he continued, catching the young Postmaster-General's attention completely.
"I heard that the infamous Xinglan Hausen has join your postal organization."
"He was interested and wanted to be an Emissary to get out from his comfort zone and try, but I welcome him warmly since a lot of Emissaries here accepted every people's races," Lloyd answered, Xingfa lets out a small laugh. "Oh, how amusing..." he answered, adjusting his frameless spectacles. "In any case, what brings you here?" he asked him. "If you don't mind."
Xingfa quickly put his hands down, while a slightly but polite smile makes its way up to his lips. "I wish to meet Xinglan Hausen, in private. I need to talk to him, regarding the issues he had in Canaria and we haven't been fully introduced yet since I have to return to my duties on the front," he responded as Zhilan narrowed her eyes at him, keeping a straight posture.
Lloyd narrowed his eyes, what the hell was the relation between the Huaxian and that nobleman who chose to leave Canaria and never returned? Xinglan accidentally stepped into the moment, making him blinked before his eyes widened at the sight of infamous Xingfa Hastings--the man who was his worst nightmare since the man came into the house and married Zhilan, scaring the wits out of him. Xinglan frowned at him, he couldn't believe that he was here.
"Lad, I hope you enjoyed your first working day?"
Xingfa greeted, walking over to him. More worse, the Hausens and the Hastings are enemies-at-the-stake relationship so their alliance is always questionable and they can't trust each other for a second.
"Xingfa Hastings.”
Xinglan grumbled, walking to him with his arms folded. "If you dare to give me that damn fake smile of yours like you used to, I am going to shred you to pieces," he added, making Xingfa smiled with his eyes still closed. Lloyd whispered to Senja that he need to check the things for a minute, which Senja went into Lloyd's office at the back and he'll be coming back soon. "Alright, both of you need to calm down--all right?" Lloyd reassured them, he need to tone down the heated atmosphere before it turns out into a disastrous ending.
Xinglan nods at him, while Xingfa just shrugged his shoulders. "Of course... why should I look away from this young lad? After all, we have so much history, Xinglan..." he replied, staring at him with his eyes remained closed; it's like they're having a staring match.
If they even stand together for a second, the two families will create a massive storm because of their powers that given to their bloodline--until they clash in a heated battle with their weapons and their powers. Zhilan stepped forward, before he gently pulling her husband from shoulder--almost scolding him.
But Xingfa only laughs it off, smiling at her before giving her a hug on the shoulder while the latter sighed. "My deep apologies, Master Lloyd," Xinglan apologized, bowing politely--not realizing Xingfa was trying to hold his laugh after witnessing the young man's reaction to that. "It's alright, Xinglan.”
Lloyd said with a smile, patting his shoulder and reassuring him with his eyes to not give it another thought--they were disbanded as Sonata, Claire and Gabriel were in the festival outside the HQ now.
Xinglan slightly frowned, if this year will be his first time experiencing the festival--the National Postal Service's schedule to have their festival holiday would begin now. "Xinglan, do you want to get something to eat?" Suona asked with a smile, now that both of them were gone (for now) and she should pick him up before things got crazy. Suiren watched his daughter Suona manage to keep him safe, before he approached him.
"Are you alright, Xinglan?"
Suiren asked, while he rubbed his arm. "No... it's just that... he's here," Xinglan replied hesitantly, before looking at him. "Both of us are the last remaining members of our respective families, my family is part of the Four Dynastic Houses and his family is part of the Heavenly Flagship Quintet. They are destined to be rivals from the war, so this is a rather awkward situation between us. But as for her husband... they're already married and they're happy together, not until our families get in their way."
Lloyd pondered silently for a minute, their rivals are those bloody nobles? Of course there would be rivalries... but it isn't against the different people but it's all about power and greatness amongst all of them. "What happens if the rivalry occurred... right here in the city?" he questioned him.
Xinglan closed his eyes in sorrow, he continued the history of their feud. "A full-blown bloodshed of all canvases, architecture and historic places if they got in their way," he replied, Lloyd sighed softly upon hearing that. "I'm sorry to hear that, from what I know--these two family alliances really hate each other like water and fire."
He apologized, but he shake his head a little. "It's true, also what make things worse is... one of our clansmen and theirs fell in love to each other, which resulted more disaster from them since it has broken the truce between the two alliances," Xinglan continues explaining, clearly feeling very uncomfortable as if there's nothing he could do to solve it.
"I'll be real with you guys, the Huaxian people’s politics are terrifying than Canaria's politics--sometimes, bloodshed is sometimes necessary. So, alliances always on a change when dealing with their issues, but at the same time it is expected for them to have temporary truces or even get married to those who their clan like someone from the opposite gender. If one of them fell in love with their clansman, well... their in-laws will order something beyond imagination like either murdering the husband or wife... or simply killing the husband's side of their clan or wife's side of the clan."
Lloyd seems surprise and wide-eyed upon hearing the explanations, he knew each tribes in Canaria that has royalty and nobility have the political systems that revolve around their bloodline and traditions. "Xinglan, that was..." he trailed off, but Xinglan shake his head as he wasn't forced to explain--it's just comes off naturally and somewhat 'normal' for him. "It's alright, guys... I just want to let you know about this history to prevent confusion."
After that, they were dismissed and Xinglan decided to forget that image of Xingfa... for now.
***
Lloyd sat on the chair behind his office desk, facing Xingfa and Zhilan who were seated comfortably--he was thinking of why are they here for? Is it because the well-known Prime Minister; Alden Walker's scandal going on, or it is Xingfa's reason of gathering the Mail-Hunters to the Legal Affairs Bureau--the Enforcers' base of operation in Canaria that NOBODY wanted to visit?
"Commander Hastings, what can I help you with?"
Lloyd stated curiously, seeing the man tilting his head slightly in the form of 'curiosity' with his closed eyes and smile. He doesn't have the aura of high-ranking military officer when you've gotten used to him, but a lot of Huaxians believed that he's more likely the devil who lures people to fall in hell. No wonder Xinglan refused to interact with him for a long time, to everyone who've encountered him--he's the 'King' of the chessboard, or literally the 'Grandmaster' of the game.
Xingfa laughed off slightly, still keeping the smile intact.
"You see, regarding the scandals that being discussed... about Prime Minister Walker? The politics in Canaria has been chaotic and unpredictable since the previous government came to power, which means they are up to something. Then, this whole Cabernet Husk creature issue... and Reverse Organization--I understand that some of you were dealing with the Marauders and Reverse Organization at the same time, and not to mention... the Husk's attacks on the civilians? I don't exactly understand what kind of powers we are facing in the midst of chaos."
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Lloyd was sitting there, like a dumbass when he looked at Xingfa--his brain suddenly stopped working from whatever he just heard from the chief commander general, he was not certain whether the man was so straightforward to the point no one is able to comprehend. Lloyd reminded himself that no matter how good or bad your opponents are, keep a smile on your face--
"To be honest... I have no idea where and when we are gonna die.”
Lloyd murmured, before he sighed deeply. "I'm not interested nor invested in politics, because one; it's not my speciality and two; the fact there's so many politics within the country, so I'm not that experienced for that. Therefore, please let the legal officials handle those stuff."
Lloyd suggested to him, smirking while leaning forward and giving him the glare which made Xingfa smirked back. "Ah, I see... but, do you mind if we can borrow some of your Mail-Hunters; who are trained by you all, to add fuel to our investigation to all of Canaria without exceptions of our territories?"
He look down for a moment, letting this man... TOUCHING HIS POSTAL EMPLOYEES WILL BE A CHALLENGE!
Lloyd sighed deeply, folding his fingers on the desk. "Like what I said earlier, Commander Hastings... we Emissaries had a duty to bring news, help and give joys through various sorts of... activities. Aside from delivery, so I am pretty sure you know about it."
Xingfa tilted his head, still smiling. "Who say that your official titles and duties are the only thing you can do at the time, Lloyd Warren? We just want to inspect the possible sources behind all of this," he responded before he sighed, as Lloyd exhaled sharply--this time, it's quite different when he first had to face Prime Minister Walker. Lloyd is very meticulous and clever when it comes to negotiation and a human mind manipulation, and he's far above your average people.
Xingfa narrowed his eyes, he can tell something is up but he can't dig his way into Lloyd's mind--meanwhile, his wife was watching the interaction at the side.
Alastair was typing on his typewriter across them but his eyes remained fixated on them (in case they're not looking), while Solvine also working on his paperworks on his typewriter but his enhanced hearings sense allows him to hear what they're saying (while keeping his stoic expression)--as to how much Xinglan will NOT to lose his mind the moment he see them here with Commander Hastings.
Lloyd held both of his arms folded, observing and analyzing his next statement--it seems like, despite him having to face the Military Police unit through his life (even though he, Alastair and Solvine are part of the military as well); they're not much experienced and smarter people like he was... but the big boss' words... are the only words.
"Listen (you rat), let me remind you this, Enforcer and Legal Affairs Bureau have same responsibilities and that is the truth. But if this has something to do with the previous government issues, shouldn't the Government HQ in the Capital be responsible for the crime and not us? There's not a single hint of an investigation over there, so should my emissaries handle every criminal without proper guidelines just because of that?"
Xingfa explained that the previous government in Canaria is involved with the Cabernet Husk conspiracy, something about the forbidden power of the former 'Head of State' of Canaria is beyond terrifying if it is unleashed to the publics. Lloyd disagree with this, conspiracy of Cabernet Husk? Do they not believe in Husk creatures' existence, he was right! This man can't use this kind of excuse to be suspicious of the current prime minister's doing and make connections like this, even if the Prime Minister is on their side.
Solvine adjusted his glasses, Lloyd is too fierce and strong to take him down.
"Commander Hastings--no, Xingfa Hastings. Let me warn you one last time, ONE LAST TIME: If you ever think you can just force your commands like a general, I will not hesitate to put you in checkmate.”
Lloyd replied sharply, and he knew the stakes were getting heavy for the deal to turn into a dangerous territory. "Also, stop defending the Prime Minister--I'm tired of dealing with his excuses, do you think he is interested in a conversation with civilians that is beneath him? Do you actually believe it is, him?" he added.
Xingfa stared at the young man for a minute or so, before nodding. "Alright, I'll take your word for it. Next time, do not treat his words as mere speculation," he replied, narrowing his eyes slightly. "And you know who you're talking to, and we're always in war zones all the time."
Zhilan's eyes widened when Xingfa stand up and take out his flintlock at Lloyd, before Alastair grabbed his left arm and Solvine snatched the flintlock with his other hand while restraining Xingfa's other hand with his left arm.
"Ah ah, what did I tell you about 'assassination scenario' for politics again?"
Lloyd said with a smile, waving his finger before Xingfa laughed--trying to pry himself away from Solvine and Alastair. "You know me so well, Lloyd. You should've been staying as a full-time chief of staff in the military, instead being on the Civil Service."
Lloyd retained his smile, deep down he's actually raging as hell--basically Lloyd passed the exam of becoming a chief of staff and he was offered either to take full-time (by resigning from his position Postmaster-General) or part-time (retaining his position as a Postmaster-General). But, he choose part-time and declined the offer. "Part-time, full-time--whatever it is, I'll remain a Postmaster-General. Thank you very much," he answered with a smug, before he gestured both of them to release him.
Sighing, Xingfa felt both of them releasing him and handed back his flintlock. Zhilan sighed in relief, if his subordinates weren't here--then he would've been a dead meat and that's not what she wanted. "I never realized you got guards from the Royal Military Command," he remarked, surprised upon both Solvine and Alastair standing in the front of his office desk and bowed with his arm crossed on chest.
"Actually, we are senior lieutenants as well. However, we chose to work in the civil sector.”
Solvine answered his question as Alastair did the exact same thing, which Zhilan was surprised. "If you're in the military--you would've lose a great chance of knowing the darkest side of the government, that's unfortunate because all of you know them.”
Xingfa said nonchalantly, the truth is that when he wanted to get out of the political schemes in Canaria--he would go to a temporary vacation at Canarian Royal Military and work, no doubt. "Honestly, I wanted to resign from the military--but Prime Minister Walker forbid me."
They were surprised, from what they've heard from Lloyd's discussion before... they've been pressured by those corrupted individuals while the new government in Canaria have no experience but were kept prisoners--either they die, or leave the scene like this one. Xingfa wasn't joking... right? To understand the truth, is to know and predict the consequences before you make your move.
"What are you talking about, Xingfa?" Lloyd asked, why is the military commander choose to resign but someone like the Prime Minister--now wants him to stay in the army? He doesn't understand. Xingfa laughed it off, before saying he apologized for his 'foolishness'. "I always wanted to spend a peaceful life with my wife, and made peace with my rivals--especially with Xinglan Hausen. I'm aware that lad still avoiding me, but give him a chance--we need to have a chance, even if you aren't related to us."
This is... unexpected, all of them have fallen silent while Lloyd and the others remained conscious of the commander's presence.
Xinglan listened from outside the office of Postmaster-General, he was slightly wide-eyed and the atmosphere completely turned silent for some reasons. Why are they seeking for a chance with him, this doesn't feel real that his rivals would want him to forgive them for their previous sins. 'Forgive them? I can never forgive what they've done to us...' he thought, thinking deeply as he didn't realize he was clenching his hands until they tightened.
Few hours later...
Xinglan was walking in the park and gazing on the clear sky that night which was always the time for the festival. He looked peaceful at the silence and the scenery, even his gloomy feeling is kept silent.
Though, the beautiful sight only managed to remind him about the bad memories he has as he's dealing with some problems regarding himself. He manage to get his social skills to have much more improvement ever since he got into National Postal Service and Stardust Express and became an Emissary... but the path ahead of him is... in fact... lonely, as he often preferred to keep his distances with his fellow colleagues. Those smiles on their faces, he realized that all of them were happy and positive... unlike him, who grew up in a sheltered life--until he meet Suona who taught him how to smile genuinely.
Zhilan approached him from behind, she was worried about Xinglan ever since he meet her husband. Seeing him trying to become like an actual normal Huaxian noble isn't necessary for him, in fact his attitude makes him and his clan being outcast and unwanted from the Canarian people since he had lived in Canaria. "Xinglan," she called him, making Xinglan turned around to look at her. Zhilan gave him a small smile of encouragement, she always cared about children than the adults themselves and no matter what it was; there was always a gap of experiences and socialization. "Do you mind having a conversation?"
Xinglan nodded reluctantly, he didn't mind talking to Zhilan--the problem is her husband Xingfa who went on mission to deal with the Marauders near the seas, but will came back at the last second of the festival. "Talking to Lady Zhilan of House Hastings," Xinglan greeted accordingly, it isn't rare for people to ask questions from his family--but everyone had feared and disapproved him from his family clan in a slightest; like a true outcast, until the year that Huaxian Households has been disbanded and no longer exists (and probably the reason that both Xinglan and Xingfa are enemies and rivals in their different perspectives).
Zhilan gives him a slight nod, he doesn't seem to be happy that the rival family member was marrying her; a daughter of an outcast from one of the Four Dynastic Houses. The Hastings used to be in poverty, and the Hausens PROVIDED them hospitality in the past until both families started to wage war with the alliance between Lóng clan (main family) and Shé clan (secondary branch). "It's good to see you again, Xinglan," Zhilan greeted him with a small smile.
Xinglan heard the twenty-eight years old noble lady greeted him, he was just sixteen now and he tried not to be moody whenever this happened. "What do you want to talk about, Zhilan?" he asked, not addressing her formally (because he hated that and she doesn't mind) Her long, silky straight black hair is tied in a sidebun, with orange-red lotuses ornaments on her hair and red-purple eyeshadow on her eyelids; with a golden lotus dangle from the petals. Her complexion is alabaster, and her face is an adorable and feminine one. She wears a black Hanfu-based dress slightly loosely with a dark purple long shawl draped over her shoulders, with several gold earrings resembling Oriental dragon scales on her left ear. "I want to check if you're alright, because I'm worried about you."
Zhilan felt sympathetic towards Xinglan, he chose his road and walked on--to live on and having a path to do his life. "Thank you for your concern but... I'm fine, my life is my life so does yours. I want to move on, even though both of you still here," he said, she was surprised that Xinglan was... so changed and mature. "Not really, as long the nobility is gone. Everyone will have to adjust the changes no matter how they'll make it, it's about time for the people to choose to their fate no matter the cost."
"So, you hated my husband is because of...?"
Xinglan snorted, folding his arms. "I don't hate him, I just don't like being around him too much," he explained, but smiling with an endearing yet cold half-smirk on his face. "I would like to invite you to the Legal Affairs Bureau where we worked, I want to invite you for some tea and talk," she explained, as Xinglan lowered his head on the ground before he raised it again and looked at her straight in the eye. "If there's any particular reason why... there's no need to force it," he answered, knowing the Legal Affairs Bureau is quite a governmental office for them--knowing that her husband is also part of that. 'Those Enforcers who keep interrupting the Mail-Hunter's delivery activities are nothing but government's dogs at them, but some of them are quite okay...' he thought.
Zhilan's voice suddenly became serious and solemn, speaking to him. "Today, the Canarian Royal Military managed to defend the civilians from the Marauders for a while before they finally retreated... my husband already returned so please keep your attitude in check."
"I already know that, but thanks for the reminder..." Xinglan replied back, a slight of fear and surprise flashed on her eyes--but she nodded. "Why are you doing this, Xinglan?" she asked as Xinglan narrowed his eyes, she noticed a spark within his brown orbs; he looked obviously calm and indifferent. "The only person who'd understand and love me the most... is my late parents, if I want to find meaning and clarity within myself; I'll try to prove that not all Huaxian people are like him. Now, where's the place?" he asked.
Zhilan led the way, still curious why he wanted to prove himself but she'll support him so that he can do his task.
Hours Later...
There's no doubt that Lloyd's charisma and great negotiation skills could stand on equal grounds with Xingfa, Lloyd even got respect by Xingfa on the end after their arguments were ended and the dinner was coming to an end. While it's true that Xinglan decided to walk in spite being respectful of him and his wife (it's common for Huaxian Nobles to be frightening and intimidating despite their appearance); the most powerful families in Huaxia.
Xinglan entered inside the main hall of Legal Affairs Bureau where there were so many city hall workers and clerks doing some works on typewriters and documents at their own table, with the occasional passing by clerks that having tea and chatting with each other; the most quiet and organized working place for a while. Oh well, at least it wasn't bad to be a spy--by pretending to being a clerk, the Canarian people have rather peaceful and calm experience than Huaxian people. 'What's that?' he thought, upon noticing a hand signal from them--which seem to indicate a private meeting that not supposed to be disturbed unless a proper permission is given.
Zhilan watched her husband Xingfa returned from his mission with his Enforcers, with a smile and eyes closed like usual on his expression. His looks are very youthful, he never changed while wearing his formal black clothing of white formal undershirt with necktie; long dark purple coat along with black ceremonial cloak with several scarlet and gold decorations. On his black trousers, he's wearing military-issued black high-knee boots.
He wears his chained frameless spectacles, it is unclear if his vision is clear. His silky black shoulder-length hair seems a bit rough and unkempt to the touch--his bangs went loose in a slight wave and some parts of his hair pulled loosely behind his ears with a golden-colored hairpin, but Xinglan cannot even bring himself to fix it. He also wears his dark black fingerless gloves, resembling the one as his Enforcers wearing one.
"My beloved," Xingfa smiled when he approached her to her, folding her hand to his--bringing to his lips and placed a quick kiss on her knuckles without breaking their eye contact. Xinglan shuddered as he squinted his eyes in disgust, Xingfa can see that clearly with a smile in return--on his devilish mind to make him uncomfortable.
"Xinglan, you know that I do not want to make trouble with you and please be more courteous to my wife, alright?" Xingfa asked, smiling mischievously at him as he kept that frown with dark aura seeping out of him.
'What. Did. I. Do?' Xinglan cursed on his mind, before he was met with the most spoiled-ass Executive Enforcer who's literally Claire's cousin who was Ruka. Good god, Claire must've been so done with her. "Good evening to you, Xingfa," she greeted him before looking away in disgust. "If you wish to take the lad, go ahead. Just don't drag me into this, because you are absolutely nuts..."
Xinglan wanted to die right here, right now. 'You know what? Please slay me with your damn weapon, I beg you.'
"Why did you make him look unhappy?"
Xingfa noticed her distasteful behavior, her pale purple orbs never leaving him--staring at him sharply and cold gaze. 'I think I prefer Suona's better,' he thought. "Ruka, please don't disturb him too much--remember, you are a lady but you are bolder. Although you won't argue, am I wrong?" Zhilan reminded her, making Ruka immediately obeyed and calmed down. No way in hell she meant to anger his wife, so the best that she could do is nod and looked away. Xingfa chuckles when he walked forward to him, looking at him with his eyes opening and look at him with concern.
Xinglan froze when he opened his eyes, those silver-like pale purplish-gray eyes revealing itself. But from what's he heard from his wife (though, they got married not so long ago) he was indeed the man who have a few quirks himself. "Close your eyes, please," he demanded, because when Xingfa opens his eyes--bad things even omens will happen. Xingfa close them again, and Xinglan exhaled sharply and relaxed. "Sorry... I just need to calm down and relax," he replied, trying to defend his own actions since all of it was mere the fact.
After an hour, he was brought to the pavilion belonged to Zhilan--he ordered Oolong tea with red bean cookies in tray and a small garden on the lake, he watches them having conversations without him being noticed yet. 'Of course, his face was too recognizable,' he thought as he frowned, slowly moving closer to the garden that is a bit far away from the pavilion. Why did the two invited him here?
Well, regarding what he remembered about Zhilan... not even once, he never answer anything about National Postal Service (because he signed a contract saying he should not answer anything) and its Emissaries. If they were to knew, at the very least its managers themselves--he'll risk his job, career, his pride and entire life.
"Hmm... you didn't answer my question, Xinglan, do you like tea or no tea at all? You know, if you don't want to... I won't get offended. Because it isn't some sort of test about whether you like it or not, understand?"
Xingfa asked him, yet the problem is just simply because--he was quite hesitant to admit it to him because he KNOWS them; especially since he hated the man that was part of the Hastings bloodline as the man was inching closer while his eyes are closed. Zhilan hold his shoulder and that alone stops Xingfa from attempting to intimidate him, since both of them have the same amount of height and similar frame build.
Zhilan sighed softly when she hold her teacup, still remembering something that Xingfa told her from time to time to respect other people regardless of their gender and not to spill the truths to anyone because when they're alone, he would try to understand or argue with them--trying to understand them because his life experience. "We want to apologize on behalf of our clan, Xinglan... for what we have caused with Huaxia. Unlike my husband's family clan that is full of war with the others and so on, we're a peace-loving clan," Zhilan reassured softly, trying to force the sweet smile of hers.
"It's.. understandable, after all... they did destroyed them for quite a while," Xinglan agreed, knowing that Huaxia wasn't exactly his home back in the past. He took a sip of the jasmine tea, only to feeling nausea with grimacing as he lowered his head. 'Great, I should've brought a drink and not stay here in first place...'
There are two different tea pot; one is fine Huaxian and white decorated with puffy clouds, while the other is earthenware that seem to have a familiar symbol and design. Xinglan watched Xingfa was a bit... clueless when his eyes opened for a split second, the teapot must be extremely old. His aura is strong, even Xinglan's cold, solemnly aura gave up while he tried to maintain his stern frown.
Zhilan looked at her husband worriedly and Xinglan watches the tension between them with silence, so still and silent that almost too cold to hear footsteps from the side. "Tell me, what is the best thing that you have gone through after joining the delivery services?" she asked.
Xingfa suddenly asked, noticing the amount of light that has shown to him--almost warming to be comforting like the ones those Mail-Hunters have given. "... I meet a lot of people, kind and helpful in the end... which they gave me peace that I seek and a ray of light that had finally been revealed and helped me to proceed the path," he replied softly, albeit hesitating while trying to reply calmly and quietly due to trying to control his cold voice.
But, Xinglan doesn't feel lonely anymore--not when Suona have taught him how to cope with sadness by teaching him how to comfort and accept his flaws since he wasn't like them. He learned how to be much kinder, a genuine smile and learning to interact with some employees from everyone--along the way since the Postmaster-General hired him--in order to prepare him with joining apprenticeship program for three months before becoming an actual, full-fledged Mail-Hunter.
No matter what, he realized that despite having some quirks that she cares about--she made him happy to be open more to his surrounding.
Xingfa understood his explanation in spite of himself and what he's endured and gotten through--Huaxian people that always pressuring him into having a high, noble blood along with an unusual cold personality that others afraid of him; realizing that he isn't entirely that cold deep down, he's just a normal boy who seek to live.
"I realized that... pride isn't what I'm seeking for, it is something that my late-parents forced me to... don't get me wrong, I'm really grateful. It’s just the overwhelming fear what I will be. What do I want? For now... I want to seek my own path. I will stay as an Emissary, without forgetting the fact that I'm the young lord of Hausen--" Xinglan hesitated when he is about to reveal the clan itself, but the Hastings already known about it and they won't tell anyone else.
There was a moment of silence, until he takes the plunge. "And, the problem is... why are you appearing in my life?" he asked both of them, snapping it rather aggressively because for all this time, he kept those feelings of hatred until he have finally gotten the freedom.
Both Xingfa and Zhilan looked surprised and astonished when they heard it, he noticed the dark purple petals that shown up between his fingers. "Xinglan, it's been a long time since--"
Xinglan stopped, turning around for a moment before he took a deep breath and exhaled it. "It doesn't matter now... as for my late-parents, I know they're not perfect--they're much worse than they were said. So, I won't repeat the same mistake and starting again as myself, as the future head of my clan. So, Xingfa... don't get in my way--no matter how many Enforcers you brought along to hinder my work," he challenged him for the duel. If Zhilan is surprised, she would find that herself--but it isn't unexpected to him.
"Zhilan, if you want to make a resolve... do it in a fight--not words. I know you're not weak, so don't hide your strength--fight him yourself and it may change the outcome of this marriage," Xinglan instructed.
Everyone around them including people who barely knows them stood silent when they saw them being confronted from each other like fire and water. Xinglan turn around and walk away from them, only stopping in the middle to turn around and look at them.
"Challenge accepted, Xinglan."
Xingfa accepts the duel with a brief nod. Xinglan merely nodded at him and glared at them for a few moments before walking away from the scene, not looking back at them.
Ruka was wide-eyed while standing across Rin, Shintaro, Nico, and Alice--they didn't expect a Mail-Hunter like Xinglan is daring enough to fight their leader. "He sure is determined and doesn't seem to be backing out," she mumbled, covering her lips while staring at him without being noticed. "You know, even so... no matter how many things that they've done. Even his own people didn't like him because of what he had and grew up with--" Rin cut her off, with her eyes glancing to Zhilan who looked troubled.
"Damn, this is going to be rough. I wonder how will Zhilan able to go along with them," she stated. Shintaro tapped her arm to calming her, they should never underestimate Xinglan Hausen--son of both late infamous Shuolan Hausen and Meiying Hausen.
"Do you know how creepy our boss can be?"
Ruka asked her guardian Shintaro, while he was serving a cup of tea for her--she was having a tea time in a balcony. Shintaro hummed at her question before he replied to her. "Well, I used to be terrified when he was smiling in the battlefield and I can't even recall that smile he did. I wonder why Lady Zhilan and the others don't even seem to get scared of it at all."
Natsuki hummed, before he pointed out.
"Oh right, Lady Zhilan is his wife. But, I don't know... she looked so off when she was next to him, just like she's scared to him despite not showing her behavior on his presence. It's unsettling... and she can't even stand for him when he's being bad. I know she's a noblewoman and also a matriarch of Hayek Family, and our commander is a patriarch of Hastings Family, but... it seems like she was under her husband's mercy. And I thought we're supposed to stop someone's tyranny, but Xingfa is beyond to be called 'Demon Warlord of Canaria'."
That's right, Xingfa has killed several anti-governmental protesters including commoners and nobles by crushing their rebellion. He even let the Husk creatures killed those anti-rebellion supporters, and Reverse Organization was their main enemy. Ever since he was being declared as warlord and leading war against them, he brutally murdered his opponents as blood was painted on the field of war. He didn't spare them by trapping their enemies and left to be devoured, killed or eaten by those wild beasts and monsters--it's horrific.
He also burned Enforcer Command Centre that time, the same when he made an infamous speech:
"Mercy is valuable and often priceless in matter of judging the condemned. People hate some of the innocents they love, and love some of the criminals they hate. They always believe in each wrong you correct, there will be a man who believe that the work is evil. A new tyrant is only created when old one is killed. What is madness but nobility and a beast defamed? Today is our celebration: we have slain the beast and no one will threaten our lives or families once more."
Rin and Nico listened while Alice is sitting across them, still holding her stuffed rabbit doll on her embrace. Henriette was waving her fan at herself, her mask still covering her face as she rolled her eyes. "Even though I don't trust that man, his wife is tolerable for me..." she said, Henriette noticed them when she turn to glance at them.
All three of them were sitting and watching the sight of Henriette, when she sighed at them.
"Lady Zhilan is a perfect lady, everyone love her personality and contribution to save Canaria has given her reputation that everyone loved her. But, I don't like how she believed her husband will change, well yes--some men can be like that but men like Xingfa will get worse.”
Rin added as she leaned back to the headboard with a small smile and fold her hands, while Jilian and Natsuki agreed. Henriette didn't even try to like him, but she has a point--he wasn't normal in that sense (for the difference of standards of normal).
'Damn right... even the Mail-Hunters seems to hate him, but why Lady Zhilan would risk it?'
Few hours later...
Sonata and her friends were still in the festival, before she saw Xinglan joined the group.
He thinks that he should join his friends, his loneliness makes him suffered enough through the depression and isolation in general--but now he has his friends alongside him in Canaria and they're also his coworkers and that's made him smiled.
"Xinglan! You're here!"
Suona greeted him, hugging him due to her short height which he ruffled her hair slightly. Sonata can see him being less wary when it's his friends, slowly but surely this man still has some hope to trust other people if they're genuine and kind to him as always. "Can you teach us how to play Xiangqi, Xinglan?" Amaris asked, which the latter blinked before smiling slightly.
"Please wait for a moment..." he answered, he has the pieces and the board in the employee's mess--which he still kept them and he brought them today. "Wait, you brought the pieces and the board?"
Suona asked with a blink and impressed smile. "Yeah, basically it's a strategy board game for two players. The chess pieces on the board is moved in the specific way, the player is seeking to capture their opponent's chess piece," he explained, which his friends went 'ooh' and 'ah' at the explanations. "You guys need to use your strategic mind to find the checkmates in this game," he added, chuckling.
"Anyone wants to be Xinglan's opponent?"
Sonata asked with a smile, making Claire and Gabriel pointed at Suona which made her puffed her cheeks at her best friend's friends. "Sheesh, you guys are mean!" she protested before she folded her arms while looking at Xinglan, while Claire and Gabriel waved their hands as they wanted to see how his skills were at. "Oh yeah, this is going to be fun!" Sonata said happily, learning about the strategic game and she was curious about the stratagems that Xinglan mentioned earlier. He can be a lot to take in, as Suona can attest to that. Suona closed her eyes, looking confident.
Xinglan nodded, before he began to teach her while demonstrating the game. "In Xiangqi, the pieces are placed on line intersections, not squares like Western Chess. So, please be mindful when making your moves..."
Sonata, Claire and Gabriel nodded before she realized Xinglan's friends--especially Suona were surprisingly very competitive which make her realized this one looks very 'homely' and 'trusted'. However, the game becoming even more 'interesting' because Suona was flaring up while the spectators can't help but trying to muffle their laughters and even Xinglan knows about the game like the back of his head, that Suona never won the chess game against him.
"Looks like we got a chess prodigy and half-serpent dragon kid that needed some training, huh..."
Amaris spoke that made Suona whined, she never wins the match no matter how hard it was. "Just make your move, Suona. If this chess prodigy is indeed a match for our 'little dragon girl'..." Xinglan teased, lifting his eyebrows as the young lady pouted before she moving her piece. "Hey, are you calling me a little dragon?" she protested. She was wondering why did he always call her that pet name, her cheeks flushed pink a bit in embarrassment as it took her and her father a while, since no one call her as such--only her father calls her that!
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
Suona shouted at him, but her action only caused them to almost laugh before she blushed more in embarrassment as she flaring up while placing her folded arms. Sonata bursted into laughter, Claire also trying not to laugh too loud and Gabriel smiled. Amaris was laughing playfully as well, Suona's face were getting redder before pouting and mumbled: 'I hate you Xinglan...' to him who was trying not to laugh--but she was having fun with them.