Chapter 1627 (1/2)
As someone who had been the frequent victim of a parent attempting to set her up in awkward forced proximity with someone of the opposite sex, Helen immediately recognized the ingratiating smile on the spiky-haired man’s face. Except there was something particularly chilling about the generous expression from this man, considering the fact that every instinct Helen possessed urged her to lay down and submit to him.
Helen glanced sideways at Claudette, the target of the expression who Randidly had so casually rescued earlier. Is this bitch some sort of a princess…?
At the powerful man’s words, a teenager stepped forward from the group behind the man and raised his chin proudly. They had exactly the same spiky yellow hair. Helen snorted, drawing some glances from the group behind the powerful man, but she couldn’t help her reaction. Heh, truly, shameless parents are the same in every world. How the hell are these two a similar age? If that boy is a day over sixteen, I’ll eat my fucking spear.
The woman in question, Claudette, smiled politely as the boy stepped forward. “Truly, Seeker Thunder Wing, it is a pleasure to meet Eashen; he is as heroic as I have heard. However, I am currently honor-bound to assist my companion. He rescued me from the Engraving Guild earlier today. As soon as I am finished, I will gladly come to visit the Thunder Wing headquarters.”
Claudette continued to offer a smile that dripped honey, while casually gesturing at Randidly next to her. As Seeker Thunder Wing looked from Claudette to Helen’s superior, the Pinnacle Seeker’s gaze accumulated an overwhelming amount of mass. Although the man didn’t manifest his image, it was clear that he was casually pressuring the man that Claudette was using as an excuse to test Randidly’s depths. Such a meddling parent wouldn’t allow Claudette to avoid spending time with his young son easily.
And beyond even that central figure that looked balefully forward, Helen could sense that none of the individuals that had come over to investigate their group was weak. From their expressions, it was clear they didn’t take kindly to outsiders. Without Claudette’s presence, it was difficult to say that the Pinnacle Seekers’ reception wouldn’t have just killed them outright.
Helen clenched her fists and fought to keep her spine straight as the pressure against them mounted. Meanwhile, the Ghosthound didn’t even bat an eye, simply meeting the gaze of the Pinnacle Seeker in front of them.
Cheh, acting cool, even now… Helen thought sourly. But even so, she drew strength from Randidly’s resistance; he was the most reliable support that Helen ever had. Which was the reason she had followed him for so long.
The silence became heavy as five seconds passed without anyone saying anything. Claudette continued to smile, but Helen could recognize that her expression was becoming brittle. It was clear that Claudette had some influence, perhaps because she belonged to a Pinnacle Seeker organization, it would be insufficient to stop this Seeker Thunder Wing if he truly wished to push the issue.
We pay our debts, Miss Claudette, Helen thought sourly as she continued to resist the significant pressure. Had she not spent five years training with Vualla within Randidly’s Alpha Cosmos, it would have been impossible to remain standing. You might be the reason they are willing to talk to us amicably… but if you have just drawn a heap of trouble onto our heads, we won’t forget.
At ten seconds of escalating pressure, as DiOrtho Vant next to Helen began to tremble, Seeker Thunder Wing smiled and all that oppression vanished. “Oh indeed? Since that’s the case, maybe we can assist. What’s your name, friend?”
What the Seeker didn’t say was that if Randidly had faltered even slightly underneath his aura, he wouldn’t have received this chance. His gently smiling face hid a callous heart.
Randidly stepped forward and nodded at the surrounding individuals. “My name is Randidly Ghosthound. I’m here in pursuit of a few specific individuals from the NLC who attacked a subordinate of mine. I can sense at least one of them in that retreating force.”
A thoughtful expression came across Seeker Thunder Wing’s face. He looked more closely at Randidly’s figure. Based on his expression, Helen guessed that the man recognized the name; apparently the Head Drill Sergeant was important enough of a position to reach this man’s ear. Which meant that he likely also knew that they were from Military High Command.
Yet just as the Seeker was going to say something, Claudette interjected. “Any assistance in fighting against the NLC forces would be appreciated, Seeker Thunder Wing.”
As the powerful man considered that, Helen’s eyes flashed as she spared another glance for Claudette. By framing it as a private vendetta against the NLC, it will be easier for the Pinnacle Seekers to accept we wish to run counter to our organization's interests. And in the end, what do they care about infighting amongst the orthodox forces of the Nexus?
...but truly, this Claudette is too deft. Martial might isn’t the most frightening aspect of a woman like this… tsk, hopefully we can get rid of her as soon as possible.
“...indeed? If that’s the case, why not allow my son Eashen to ensure your safety on this dangerous battlefield?” Seeker Thunder Wing returned to his original goal without missing a beat. Helen’s mother would have nodded in approval. “In addition, I’ll send word to Mynway, who coordinates the right flank. He will help you assault the NLC lines and locate the individuals you are seeking.”
Claudette didn’t didn’t attempt to struggle any further. She nodded and smiled demurely, the very picture of a maiden who was honored to receive the assistance of a capable elder. While Seeker Thunder Wing turned back to the battlefield to issue some orders, some of the sundry other individuals who had accompanied him stepped forward and enthusiastically introduced themselves to Claudette Beigon. They even were polite enough to greet Randidly.
However, Helen didn’t miss the way that Claudette gave Randidly a pleading expression exactly as the Seeker turned to the battlefield or the way Randidly’s lips twitched in a way that meant he was both amused and exasperated. She clicked her tongue. Do you think Lady Vualla would like how friendly you are acting with your new lady friend…? Forget it, she’s strong enough to kick your ass without my help…
Hehe, I’ll just keep this little secret up my sleeves for when I finally decide to take a vacation...