Before we proceed, I feel like an important detail of the Hermes was omitted from his previous description. All Hermes are born without a singularity, and in order to be able to stand above all, they are given the remains of the Vitality. This gives them the ability to see the energy of life within living creatures, also known as the souls of all beings. In short, I may be screwed.

“So, Cassandra, is it? What are you doing with him? You must know what is going on at this point.”

“You're one to talk, Otto. I'm here to look after little Max here. What else does it look like?”

“You know how I operate. You people can't stay under the radar any longer. I may forget, but the one who sees all truths will always prevail.”

“Cut him some slack. He isn't my doing. Can you see why I’m putting myself on the spot now?”

He stared at her in silence, as if trying to determine if what she was telling was the truth or not. It turns out it was, because he looked shocked.

“Is there an explanation to all of this?”

“If there was, we wouldn't be talking to each other right now, would we?”

“Does the Phoenix know?”

“He will figure it out. Why not give the old man a chance to keep up with the youth? If not, I'll give him a heads up.”

“What about... him, then? I’m not a Bazarov; I can't tell you what his memories hold.”

He was definitely taking about me just now, wasn't he? Are they planning on searching my soul for answers?! Most importantly, why is Cassandra suddenly on this guy’s side?!

“Don't worry about that, and leave the poor kid alone. He hasn't done anything to break your little societal norms. Besides, I have everything under control. When have I ever failed you?”

“I can't be sure. If you did, I probably died.”

“You got all the information you needed about this kid, right? How about you go on then? You're no longer needed.”

“I am indeed no longer needed regarding Milanovic's new member. You, however, need a visit from me, apparently. How about you leave us alone for a bit, Maxim? Cassandra won't take long.”

Now they're throwing me out? If anything, they can take their little quarrel somewhere outside of the residence I live in! Even so, his threatening look makes me run out of there as fast as I possibly can. Any excuse to leave that suffocating room is welcomed with open arms.

As I step out, however, I realize that eavesdropping on their conversation wouldn't be a bad idea. Totally reckless, but a useful way to get information. I gather the courage to go back, yet find myself hiding behind a wall as Lord—Lord Bazarov?! What is he doing here?!

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“Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Lord Bazarov.”

“Please, Mr. Milanovic, call me Theodor.”

“How could I possibly! Your honor is of such importance to me as yourself. I dare not diminish it.”

“You're far too kind.”

He pauses right at the door, which leads to the room where Cassandra and Otto are having a conversation, as if slightly perturbed by something beyond it.

“Excuse me, Mr. Milanovic, what kind of meeting is going on through that door?”

“Oh, it's just Otto. He’s such a brilliant young man, doing such a dutiful job.”

“Indeed. Well, if you'll excuse me, it was quite the pleasure seeing you again, Milanovic.”

He gave Lord Milanovic a small hug and left, or so I thought. He came back again and opened the door, through which Cassandra and Otto were having their passive-aggressive chat.

The Hermes, Cassandra, and Lord Bazarov are all in one room? How could I not eavesdrop? Even in the original novel, Lord Bazarov was known for having a knack for triggering the Hermes.

I search for a good spot in the room right next to the one they're in and use a glass that I found on my way here to make up whatever they’re saying through the wall.

Lord Bazarov seems to be stepping into the room really loudly. His steps can be felt through the vibrations of the floor, to the point of slightly shaking all of the hanging portraits and decorations.

“Otto, long time no see.”

“You haven't changed one bit, Fedya.”

He huffs in a burlesque tone, as if he were expecting Lord Bazarov to burst through the door. Lord Bazarov stands in front of the couch where Cassandra is sitting, and yet Otto starts talking again.

“How has the Psyche been treating you?”

“Is that even a valid question? I would be more surprised if the Hermes didn't know of the current state of things down here.”

“Sarcastic as ever, and apparently, also as overprotective. What brings you here?”

“Same thing could be said about you. Aren't you supposed to be watching Maxim Milanovic instead of pursuing a cold case?”

“My job here is finished already, so I stopped to have a friendly talk with an old friend. Aren’t you the one who’s currently having an issue separating private issues from business, dear Rook Bazarov?”

“I, too, enjoyed our little discussion, Otto, but I believe it's time for you to leave. We don't want to worry Lazlo too much, right?”

“I suppose you're right, Cassandra. I shall respect our previous arrangement as long as you keep your nefarious activities out of my sight.”

He exists through the way he came, leaving only Lord Bazarov and Cassandra in the room.

“I should be going now, and I apologize for my outburst from before. As said previously, I didn’t mean to intrude in your affairs.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure the capable Mr. Bazarov will take care of it, isn’t that right?”

Lord Bazarov opens the door but hesitates as he is about to leave, almost as if he wishes he could stay a little longer. He eventually leaves without saying anything to Cassandra.

“I know you’re there, Maxim. Why don’t you come sit here with me?”

Her voice startles me. How long has she known I was here? Defeated, I walk into the room and sit where Otto was sitting merely seconds ago. Even so, the seat is surprisingly cold.

“Before you ask how I knew, I put a sigil on your back when I first entered the room. Now, do you have any questions?”

While I do have questions about the meaning of a lot of things they talked about, I admit that I feel the urge not to ask anything. I’ll leave this question for another day.

“I won’t intrude in your dealings.”

“You won’t? What a shame. If you happen to change your mind, though, don’t hesitate to call for me. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go tell your father that Otto is gone now.”

She was ready to leave but stopped midway and looked me straight in the eye, as if assessing something.

“Before I go, I'll give you a small piece of advice. Take it as a reward for your slight politeness regarding my affairs.”

What she said next came from a voice I didn't know she had, as if the infinity was reaching towards me. Dragging me to the void.

“A tree’s leaves may wither, but the roots stay the same.”