The Spiritus Husk was once a feared Husk that no Mail-Hunters can ultimately defeat him, not even Alastair himself--the Vice Postmaster-General doesn't know the biology and the physical appearance of the Husk so he can't just defeat it. Let alone Dr. Chamberlain, who can't make assumptions about the physiology of the ancient Husk creature. Some rumors implied that the Husk nestled inside the Artificial Light and some said it was slumbering in the tomb, the only possible outcome is the tomb due to the large tree that has pupas inside and where the Husks were roaming around.

There was a protest of the demonstrators, burning the symbol of the government and inflicted a resistance through supporting the National Postal Service. Even the nobles who defended the Warren Dukedom openly supporting the National Postal Service, because of Alastair's existence and Lloyd's influence while being the eldest son of duchess Yukiko Warren. Oswald observed them from the distance, he nodded a little before he checked his pocket watch--keeping the time tracked before they got started with the mission.

Gabriel's father--Gerhard Galbraith approached the scene as he was shocked by the protests, he saw his son Gabriel guarding them with the other Mail-Hunters; commanding to the others while keeping them safe from military's harm. He couldn't believe he saw him doing that and he saw his stepson Shintaro also controlling the crew from harm, he took a step forward and approached both of his children. "What the hell's going on here?" he questioned.

"Crap, we have to explain..." Shintaro said with a nervous smile, looking at his older step-brother who was explaining everything from the beginning until now. Besides, he was somewhat worried over Gabriel--he may have annoyed him when he was a youth and somewhat he has changed a little in the present. For him, he's a brother figure to him--he's very independent and learn how to deal with things by himself... maybe he shouldn't have underestimated him. "What...? Spiritus Husk?"

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, feeling guilty that he had to tell his father about this. However, they were given two months and they had to stop the Spiritus Husk. "Father, let us handle this--also please don't overthink it, everything is under our control," he reassured, making his father nodded and glanced at his stepson Shintaro. "Tell your mother about this, okay? Make sure she's safe with you," he reminded, Shintaro immediately agreed. "I will, uhm... father."

Meanwhile...

Sonata sighed as she finished her delivery, before she saw Oswald passing her and made her wolf ears pinned back in concern. She saw Claire was still working as usual, as for Gabriel, his progress with the training is smooth and that he enjoyed with Vincent's help. Sonata is now helping Suona who made some deliveries of the list in the branch office, she had encountered Lloyd earlier along with the conversation before...

After she was done with her work, Sonata wanted to the HR Director--hoping that Oswald is willing to talk to her. What does he meant by.. 'The world will never be the same after this'? Sonata can't believe that this is happening, almost all of Canaria will be evacuated and protected from the unknown evil; which was the form of the Spiritus Husk, right before the Artificial Light's decreasing supply of Melodic Scores and what was that earlier before, Oswald wasn't looking at Sonata's eyes like before, making her want to ask him but scared that he might not tell her.

She walks through the hallway after finding Oswald in his office, who happened to be busy with the documents of many lists for the branch manager and those for the people who will be the manager for the post office if something were to happen to him. He is, however, stopped for a while when he heard a familiar voice from behind his door. "Uhm... Sonata Nocturna here," she replied with her ears pulled back as her tone slightly wavered.

"Come in, the door is unlocked," Oswald responded as Sonata took a deep breath and entered the room. The Chief Human Resources General look up at her, before he folded his arms on his desk. He decided to let her sit on a chair, having a serious talk with her. After all, she isn't an Emissary for nothing and probably could trust her regarding this topic after what happened last time. "What do you need?" he asked.

Sonata gulped, before she nodded at him. "My apologies for being rude to ask, but... I heard that you're an Archmage, right? Master Lloyd told me about you that you have clairvoyance, a power that let you see the possible future events and something related to divination but I remembered, in one occasion... that he says something about one of your predictions is...?"

Oswald was quiet, he thought that Lloyd wasn't bluffing about him mentioning about the future events--provided with the right timing and so does that specific prophecy after him stating the latter that there were cases where he even realized that all the possibilities will come as of now. There were certain details that he saw while imagining it, but he knows what happened and how it affected the others, he only answered to the people Lloyd trusted--his co-workers and less likely, the one from the outside...

When Sonata brought him the topic, Oswald let out a sigh and leaned on the chair. "So, you learned about my secret ability. I would appreciate if you leave this topic... why does everyone has a favor of discussing it with me? Time shouldn't be underestimated like this... we only have limited time as of now until the end arrives in my predictions, we should work as fast as possible and don't waste it on overthinking. Take the main subject as focus, then decide whether you want to proceed. At least this case is better than this one--"

"Wait, I'm not done yet!"

Oswald paused, feeling slightly confused but also irritated when she spoke about it. Sonata was still serious with her teal-blue eyes as if her focus hasn't been lost yet. "I didn't meant to rush things on you, you could take time. We only have two months left and... I still wanted to know that... you seems preventing something from happening, Master Oswald--like what you did in interrogating the Prime Minister and then Master Lloyd... you wouldn't tell us what's going on because you didn't want to make it obvious. That's... what father told me... I know it shouldn't be my business to pry into this matter but, just... I can't handle this myself, Alastair just say that 'Leave it to me'."

That's it, Sonata is not letting anything slip to her, she knows how to handle tough people such as him; even there were times that the man went overboard with the people in Welkin City. She was a witness, they were... no, THEY WERE friends. "Mind you, what I've saw is not something which some people could bare..."

"But I AM! That's why I came to the discussion, we can't just stay silent forever!"

Oswald tried his hardest not to lose his focus after recalling the two visions, he slowly realizes that what Sonata did with ripping off the government symbol from her compass... did changed the future of Canaria--an outcome that was the opposite of worst case scenario, the probability of his visions could lead Canaria to the era where everyone trusted each other once more instead of doubt and betrayal. Now everything falls on their hand--he can't turn back anymore, he understood about the fact. "Your actions... did changed something in my vision, Sonata Nocturna. Or perhaps you wanted an explanation, what I saw through my clairvoyance is unimaginable... to the point that I couldn't continue and no way is available to be changed..."

Sonata was glad to hear that her superior is not being awkward around her, even when he just met her when she was appointed as Mail-Hunter for the first time. Although, she wasn't the sharpest girl in Canaria... or was she? "A while ago, I saw a few things but now the odds are changing as of now. I suppose that you deserve to know my divinations so far; First--the day that the Artificial Light will die is around the same time the old monster will be awakened. The second one... do you seriously listen? You're lucky I am a forgiving man... the Mail-Hunters including myself will not be ready for this," Oswald told her as she was horrified.

"But if we joined Lloyd and be with him to his own path. The odds have changed, that will be the least and final decision that most of us decided."

Oswald decided to explain the truth of his visions, he can't explicitly described them but only obscuring them through vague words. Sonata only felt uncomfortable about this, especially when his predictions is frightening... and the prophecy that he claims about death must be terrifying. "I was the last of the Archmage clan, my real name is Kaido Seymour--Oswald Hughes is just my fake identity to obscure my identity and a safety-measure in case anything were to happen to me, it's not something unusual to have when you are an important person and in danger. Hid in the dark... or do whatever that you could find in the mailbox for anyone."

Sonata learned about Oswald's real name, no wonder that names seems... strange. But what could be his real purpose to be an Mail-Hunter? Who knows... although the answer is already said to her. "Also, in the prophecy... one could fall due to the circumstances regarding with what's happening right now. That day, I had a nightmare... or a vision. Your Postmaster-General being summoned to the city hall, being slandered and accused before his 'dismissal'... until there was a crash going on. I saw all of you were dead, the Fantastic Beasts being killed as well after the Spiritus Husk's awakening--there's no Artificial Light and there are flames around the NPS headquarters. I saw myself dead by Master Lloyd's hands, he was... different and somewhat... a psychopath in killing us--the Mail-Hunters for believing in his cause," Oswald stated.

"Then, I saw something weird and twisted in my vision--then two, three and hundreds as well... and it was chaos. Unspoken for the ears of such naive people, one could understand but the others couldn't--the endless darkness cannot be destroyed when there's no hope to bring it back, bringing Canaria the dark age that we have dreaded upon until the last remnants of our beloved government's power is destroyed through the revolution that the 'great majority' will overrule the government's power. Killing everyone under the Holy Night's regime, 'God blesses the souls who surrendered' and bringing the most horrific massacre, in which the angels had ever failed and they are trapped as the result."

Oswald paused, deciding to grab his cup of coffee so he isn't stress talking to Sonata. That was only the first divination in his possession and so was the prophecy and his personal perception. "My kind has been killed by those anti-Canarian organization and even the government wanted us dead, the hatred that they harbor against us because of our potential--or our power had ended their lives, including the world... ever since. Why? Because of these 'Visions' and even I'm one, our abilities were made by the 'God' itself and using it in their capabilities, while others were too stubborn and refuse to obtain the clairvoyance and future-predicting divinations. They think it's something cursed."

"I finally realized something when I encountered a stranger without remembering when did I meet him and someone I know if I have to be honest. That was... when I learned that there are chances that all of us became the sacrifices, thanks to that 'foreigner' who makes me realized that and the chance of destroying that corrupted, dark future--along with the prophecy that we've been through was his idea."

Oswald seems... very kind in personality, in fact the only things that make him a different person is his expression and coldly-polite behaviour. Also, Sonata seems trust him... even it's merely impossible, unlike some things that he tends to make the girl and others worried. "The reason why I'm being harsh and cold towards you... is because I'm afraid that you will become too attached to the cause, because I was worried about the possibilities that you didn't stop relying on the Postmaster-General as much and yet... you see his true face that wasn't fully exposed, seeing you questioning his reasons and yet you do have the intention to 'stop his madness'. I guess my suspicion was correct."

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"Master Lloyd has been under the pressure for too long and has suffered a lot, not only this is affecting his work ethic and making him... going a little bit paranoid. He, by any false claims, being slandered and accused by the government officials--but he remained silent because he said this to me: 'Let the time strike'. His expression never falters--I know he's not a 'villain' in his head, his intentions were clear; he knew what to do and he spoke with the passion that he had hid as much as possible. He's very intelligent, a genius in fact when it comes to strategy--but he could potentially betray someone if they do... but the time goes on and changes everything. I really wish he wasn't that sane, if all of his family still alive--not just his mother and his younger siblings who were alive."

"There was no way I could convince the government to at least keep their tempers towards him, many can't understand what Lloyd had seen during his 'strike' and why did he insist on 'not doing it immediately'... there is a higher chance that the government do not share a mutual interest with us--in fact they might be too scared to even consider... considering for a favor like this, even I don't understand how they ran their politics. But, they were obviously scared of Lloyd... do you want to why?"

Sonata tilted her head, before she heard him answered with his usual calm voice. "He know the secrets of the government, he can betray them anytime and I know what his weaknesses are, that might be the reason. Don't worry, he isn't a bad man as he thought--he have noble intents and could influence the younger ones, the only thing that scares me the most is his mental condition after all these traumatic events," he added.

Hearing that made Sonata almost teared up by Lloyd's work behind the scenes, he must've work so hard to keep himself sane and not letting his composure became his weakness when she questioned him. That must be painful, for a leader to have their flaws found out by others especially when it involves their mentality is a shameful experience, in other words... a catastrophe.

Lloyd gave much weight on the words with what should and shouldn't be said, or should he add actions and words on the decision that he chose. In honesty, he could take the negative route and spread his own mistrust towards the people inside the NPS; using bribery and blackmail--also, information is a very dangerous weapon to be used with... if he's willing to damage other's lives and it should be his last resort before bringing their downfall, why did he continue?

"Do you want me to explain about Master Lloyd's past?"

Oswald offered, since Lloyd already trusted almost but mostly everyone in National Postal Service--he should've allowed to hear a fragment of his past from Oswald's tongue. "I have to say that the government isn't that open and the people are not aware with the news inside the city hall that they ruled... just like what you had dealt with the crime rate; the government are hiding their schemes and plan on taking over territories by going into a brink of civil war, the people became their own scapegoat and a poor defenseless, ignorant and powerless."

Sonata immediately nodded, her curiosity even gets the better of her. Oswald seemed to think for a moment before nodding back, standing up for a moment as he puts the cup down. "You probably know that every Mail-Hunter must sign an agreement within few days in the contract stating that a certain information would not reach the outsiders, or that we swore on a promise to never speak or write down the internal affairs or any valuable things when you still are a Mail-Hunter as long as you stayed for the year--and don't worry, people such as your friends and the other Masters were given the same rule and restriction; the agreement will only applied if you are a former or retired Emissary, no longer serve our country or a person related to the topic."

Oswald was well-aware about ALL of the confidential issues that existed inside the National Postal Service as the human resources general after the establishment; the new rules from the old Postmaster-General had provided them the confidential agreement when they agreed to discuss about the future. He took a deep breath, as much he didn't want to described Lloyd's darkest past; however, there was a high possibility that he would regret his decision for choosing to keep the young man's past stay concealed. If Alastair already knew... then it is indeed a matter of time before others figured it out.

"Lloyd Warren... he was a noble heir of Warren Dukedom, his family is very powerful and intelligent in terms of politics. Even some of them has more authority than the noble who became rulers, his ancestors even helped established the former monarchy that was later reigned and abolished in our country and took the prime minister's position from another country. They were feared by the corrupt governments and families, because of his grandparents' political dynasty and noble inheritance, they were blessed with these; one being the highest intelligence that is known as the gifted knowledge, the second is the emotional control and mental capabilities... while the third is their intuition and strategic abilities, if he wasn't insane due to trauma... his ambition would help him rise up in the government rank."

"It started during his childhood as a lad--Lloyd saw the horror of his 'country's kindness' which later turned to a crime, he has to watch his relatives executed by them--one by one until he brought his mother and his younger siblings away and staying here in Canaria. Not too long, Lloyd observed the public uproar and everyone is starting to find them and branded them as heretics; his father betrayed his own... family--making Lloyd loathed him by the fact that their marriage is to secure the power of the Warrens. As for Lloyd's younger siblings... I don't remember their names, maybe you can ask him--they're still alive so does his mother until now."

Oswald know how it felt to lose something so dear in life... he once had his own family when he was five before he loses them too--and then again due to a death, he is alone... watching others happy families around him, he can't bare seeing someone as the same species as he does would suffered under the hands of their own family. Sonata had to listen, his past... makes her understand how much an awful truth was told to her, the government seems not to be too simple--that they would plot against people even their own family and making the innocent suffer for many sins.

"At the age of ten, he manage to regained his noble status back on his family--reclaiming their dukedom under his name along with his mother and siblings which some had succeeded, they become extremely rich. Back then, Lloyd is good with his social intelligence--but his trust? Far from it, he wasn't a good child that he seems. His 'charm' is only to raise his influence and power in Canaria, his 'cold nature' only for the money and his 'enthusiasm' was only a farce... an 'act' that can fool some people such as you."

Hearing all these makes Sonata paled and the color of her lips turned blue, it hurts so much to hear about Lloyd's life and past all of this time... due to his harsh background that made him like this. "Until he met me, I was the only person to keep his sanity after we had reached into adulthood. If I was still not very powerful, I would've die by his hands and he was to be assassinated by his enemies. That's why he is glad to found his new safe haven... to enter the National Postal Service and secure his position as a Postmaster-General in the branch office. To you see... Lloyd is originally a kind and trustworthy man in mind, that's why he hates the government for ruining his life and he was very patient... he could easily manipulated others and kept it hidden."

Oswald once more, glancing towards Sonata--who was sitting in silence, slowly he explained about Lloyd's abilities in his childhood and it turns out that was a miracle of his nature. She never thought Lloyd was a genius and that made her had a lot of questions to him. The young noble child still have his future to look upon, his noble intentions to continue his bloodline, his passion and determination to become more... stronger for that. For Oswald, being deceived by Lloyd is a difficult task to do, such a shame that so many people see him as a 'good man' and not as a 'broken but cunning evil.'

"Also, thank you for making Lloyd happy, Sonata Nocturna. You really made him went back to his old self, that smile is... better than anything before," Oswald added with a small smile formed on his lips, turning his expression somewhat enlightened. Sonata nodded silently before she heard a knock on the door, making both of them jump in surprise. "State your name," Oswald said, that was the usual reply that he told to his friends or anyone who would knock on his door without getting permission first.

After that, Sonata now understand why Lloyd acted the way he is... is the inevitable ending of the kindness that he has received in his entire life, and his hatred and fear were not fully focused onto the wrong people. While Oswald's respect for him became more significant after witnessing the event that his visions failed. 'He must've suffered from overcoming the tragedies, at the same time too...' Oswald thought as Lloyd would've lost it if he only focused on his thoughts and plans for years on end, without anyone supporting him.

"I'm going to look for Master Lloyd, I'm glad that I've finally know what happened and about his conditions," Sonata thanked before leaving the room after hearing the name of the person who knocked. Oswald was glad that he had finished his explanation about the Postmaster-General, he believed that not everything can be concealed by Lloyd and to tell the truth to his only apprentice was an important thing. "She truly can go as far as seeing the whole truth, the cause that could change the post office forever."

Later...

"Master Lloyd!"

Lloyd heard Sonata as he snapped out of his thoughts, hearing her cheerful personality brings them joy; along with the progress of her maturing process, he can't help but chuckled lightly. Lloyd turned his head and noticed Sonata standing near the garden, smiling at him. "Look who's here," Lloyd said, to start a small conversation between them and she realized that Lloyd's voice was slightly... melancholic. After seeing the girl's face, he smiled at her gently. "So, you have finished your shift, have you?"

"Yes, Sir! Uhm... can we talk somewhere?" Sonata requested with a serious expression on her face, making Lloyd to nod in agreement and escorting her. "In case I got caught by those people, you could ask Oswald for it if he is willing to--"

"No!"

Lloyd now blinked twice, what did he just heard from her? Sonata seems to calm down, because she don't want to keep arguing with Lloyd about himself. "Look, I understand that you think that I might become insane by staying here and I have to live with the fact that there are things that I couldn't help myself... but what can I do, I still have a life to live. Every day... thinking that the darkness is probably the inevitable outcome of something, in fact that was something that is causing lots of paranoia and hopelessness... but I couldn't afford it. I..."

Sonata frowned, before she hold his hands which surprised him. "You wanted to see the sun, right? All I ever wanted was to be my own person, living as a person who respected you--not just the person with power, but a 'person'. Making you smile was the meaning of my existence after so long being controlled and lived in fear due to all of the accidents I've been through."

Seeing how pure the child is, made Lloyd feel bad and guilty; as of now he realized that his heart is attached and to lose something so important will likely caused him to have regret in his whole life. He, knowing that Sonata truly is different... she was almost the mirror and the symbol of forgiveness and kindness. The spirit in her had remained true, she have had many troubles in her life but she tried so hard to make him and her friends in the National Postal Service proud. "You really are a good child... there is a saying that 'good things come in small package' is something that most people seemed to not understood and all of us can only wish for it, am I correct?"

Lloyd asked, getting a nod from Sonata. In the end, the NPS and its people gave a huge impact in Lloyd's life, now he have to repay his debt. In exchange for a protection for Sonata, he would be responsible for them even Oswald stated that the girl is under his protection--so everyone could breathe a sigh of relief once Sonata is removed from the 'unsafe' zone where other government officials could accused him. Or worse... kill her as a response for creating a problem for everyone including himself and no one wants it to happen... especially Sonata herself--she just hope that Lloyd doesn't fell into another mental traumas. "Sir..."

"Please, Sonata--just refer to me as Lloyd, okay?" Lloyd stated, in which Sonata nodded before he hold her closer into a hug and whispered something in her wolf ear--knowing her past and so does the others, they probably will be able to cover the girl from getting harm. "You are... great."

'Ah, can she be smarter than this?' Lloyd sighed with a fond smile, before letting her go to face him. He shook his head, still finding her still her same old self. "Looks like you still managed to make me happy and how you did this makes it harder for me to understand... but yes, I appreciate your thoughtfulness about my feelings and the words that came from your heart. Also, I wish that when the sun in Canaria has formed... perhaps we can meet again and spending the after the war--like a family."

"Right..."

Suddenly, his subconscious said in his mind. 'Oswald's prediction, is this 'determining fate' too? Was that what had stopped me to consider turning this dark future?'

Lloyd snapped out of his thoughts, before he look back at the Artificial Light in the sky from the distance.