Chapter 347: Spies (1/2)
Arthur arrived at his house, where a bunch of people waited for him. Seeing his arrival, they tensed up as if they were going to be executed. In their lead was Gala, who was talking to her disciple while pointing around.
”That's what you did wrong!” Gala said while shaking her head. ”You need to add the Kenza Grass at the beginning, as it would prevent any overheating.”
As she lectured, the man that Arthur saw back at the workshop took notes with a zealous attitude. But, unlike before, it seems that Gala tamed him well.
”Well, you sure are busy.” Arthur was surprised to see her so hardworking. Gala paused and turned to him with a smile.
”I can't leave you with an empty department after I leave.”
Arthur halted his steps when he heard her words. His eyes widened as he turned toward her. Gala met his eyes with a knowing, melancholic smile.
”Let's talk inside.” Arthur clenched his fist as he entered the hall, Gala following after him in a relaxed manner. As they entered, Arthur turned toward her. ”What are you about?”
”It's time to hold your end of the bargain.” Gala grinned at him. ”Soon, it'll be a month since we had our deal in the duke's house.”
”No,” Arthur shook his head, but Gala continued talking regardless.
”It's time that you kill me inside the Spirits Realm.”
”No.” Arthur shook his head. ”Why do you want to leave?”
”Remember what you said, Seika.” Gala sat down as she swung her legs in the air. ”We are destined to be separated.” She said with a grin.
”Your case is different.” Arthur gritted his teeth. ”You are choosing to leave for the hope of meeting someone who might never return.”
His words fell in the hall without being answered. Gala stopped moving as her mouth turned into a thin line. She stared at Arthur silently.
”He'll return.”
Her voice was devoid of any doubt or emotions. She let the words out as if they were already out there, an indisputable truth that no one can deny.
”You can keep waiting for him.” Arthur rebuked. ”There's no need for me to kill you. Wait for him until I...”
”Until you no longer need me?” Gala stood up and walked up to him with a sly smile. ”What am I to you, Seika, other than a tool you keep for your benefits? Do you crave my spirits and potions that much?”
”You know it's not about that.”
”Then you just want someone to sing you praises. You want me to stay here and shower you with care and validation. Every day you wake up, I'll be there beside you, telling you that you are doing the right thing. Is that it?”
”That's not it,” Arthur answered coldly. ”You know that I want you here because I care about you.” He tore the words out, even though they hurt him to say.
”If you care about me, then let me rest.” Gala looked at him with tired eyes. Arthur saw hundreds of years of waiting behind them, countless sufferings, and endless disappointments. His lips pressed against each other.
”I understand.” Arthur nodded, knowing that there's nothing else he could do to convince her.
”Thank you,” Gala said sincerely. ”I'll call for the first one to enter.” She said and walked out.
Standing there in the empty hall, Arthur laughed helplessly. He sat in his chair as the first person walked into the room and stood in front of him.
”Have a seat.” Arthur gestured toward the chair in front of him, trying to hide the slight tremble of his hand
The first person was none other than Ma, who sat down in front of Arthur with a calm expression.
”I'm glad that you are becoming more level-headed.”
”I need to act the part if I want to represent your city, Seika,” Ma answered with a thin smile.
”That's great.” Arthur smiled, his eyes glowing eerily. ”However, I'll have to tear down the facade. Tell me the truth: are you a spy?”
***
By the time that Arthur was done, it was late at night. He leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He interviewed everyone using his Art of submission to weed out any spies.