Chapter 90: Pure Loath (2/2)
It was pure loath.
It didn't come from Jizo's will, neither did it come from Arthur's personality, but it came from something far more fundamental. A difference in existence that Arthur felt he couldn't co-exist with this creature.
It was late at night, after a dinner that tasted bland in his room, Arthur decided that he would pay Tyrin back and find out what that creature was. As he has determined his mind, Arthur dialed someone that he has been relying on lately. Someone who was the best to uncover information among the people Arthur knew. It was Si.
***
Emma came down from her room and entered the restaurant where Arthur was waiting for her, rhythmically clanking her heels, pulling Arthur's attention from his breakfast. She wore a simple green robe that seemed a bit oversized, extending to her knees. Under it was a white shirt, black jeans, and leather boots. Her blonde hair was made into a bun with a hairpin holding it together. With her green eyes, more than one head was turned her way.
”Ready to go?” Emma smiled as she slid into the chair in front of him. Arthur had to fake-cough to distract himself from her dazzling appearance, before nodding.
The two left the hotel and headed toward the hills with the workshop. There was a private car that picked them up and cut through the capital's street. It was a bit of a distance from the hills with the workshop on them, but the way felt short with Emma keeping him company as she introduced the workshop to him.
It was called Twilight Workshop, specialized in the research of artifacts and production of artificial artifacts. It couldn't be called a factory since the runes were inscribed manually, but its production output was among the top in the Yalen kingdom. Just to put that into perspective, the Yalen kingdom was known for its artificial artifacts in the Anera continent.
As Arthur felt the car stopping, he peered through the window to see the workshop. A giant rectangular building with surrounding parks presented itself majestically. It wasn't adorned with unnecessarily extravagant decorations, but its simplicity was classy. The walls, painted with shades of beige and gray, were inscribed with what seemed like mana gathering runes judging by the amount of mana Arthur felt as he left the car.
”Welcome to the Twilight Workshop, where only your skill would hold you back,” Emma said as she stretched her arms and made a turn dramatically like she was welcoming Arthur to a new world. Arthur was baffled and laughed at her antics.
”I have no worries about my skills,”
”Oh! We have a confident newcomer; everyone should be careful!” Emma placed her hand on her mouth as if she was surprised and Arthur played along.
”What can I say, nothing can stop me,” Arthur said while shrugging, earning a laugh from Emma. The two stopped fooling around and entered the workshop.
”Before we present you to the staff, let's get you dressed!” Emma said as she walked excitedly.
”What? What's wrong with my clothes?” Arthur narrowed his eyes. He tried to pick up the pace to walk alongside her as she walked through the reception. She greeted the employees and they stole curious glances at Arthur while bowing respectfully.
”Don't be that sensitive, there's nothing wrong with them. However, we'll have you wear our workshop's formal attire!” Emma said as she made a 360-degree spin as if she was showing Arthur the attire he'd be wearing.
It was the beginning of a hectic day.