Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 318: Something’s wrong

Chapter 318: Something’s wrong

Something’s wrong.

That thought had been at the back of Lucius’s mind since the incident that led to a portion of Aragon’s sturdy wall collapsing.

The Beastmen had told him that the situation was resolved but Lucius was never one to doubt his instincts.

He was a man who believed that there was no such thing as being too careful.

Others might call it cowardice but he didn’t care, after all, his careful nature had allowed him to survive where many others had lost their lives.

He’d considered leaving Aragon ever since the thought came to mind but knew that he couldn’t leave without offering a response to his superiors in the Order.

Making the mistake of escaping without getting an answer on the Thebes operation would surely lead to his death which made leaving Aragon a hopeless endeavor.

Of course that didn’t mean Lucius would leave himself to fate as he took extra precautions to ensure his safety.

His entire bedroom was covered in traps with his spirituality active as many times as he could allow it.

He’d lost several nights of sleep because of this but considered it to be worth it as long as he managed to leave with his life.

He couldn’t even trust the Beastmen as they, who were always so straightforward, had been acting strangely ever since the incident and now, they even kept watch over him, an act that further heightened his worries.

The news that the Rey returned was meant to be good for him since it meant he would be leaving soon but Lucius’s gut said otherwise.

And so, even as fireworks exploded outside, heralding the start of the festival, Lucius didn’t dare to make a sound as he remained in bed with the lamps off and the window slightly open.

At the first sign of trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to make a getaway.

At least, at that time, if his superiors asked, he’d know what to use as an excuse.

Taking deep breaths, Lucius remained alert which was why he noticed someone approaching his bedroom.

Immediately tensed, Lucius prepared to transform into his Cryptid form only for the person to stop at the door and knock.

Hesitant at first, Lucius decided to answer as not answering would be suspicious.

He got out of bed and made his way to the door, tiptoeing while making sure not to trip any of the trap wires he’d installed in the room.

Once at the door, he closed his eyes and utilized his enhanced hearing to get a feel for the person on the other side.

It was a Beastman.

Then slowly, Lucius opened the door, leaving just enough space for a portion of his face to show while ensuring he’d be able to quickly close it in case of a surprise attack.

The lighting in the hallway illuminated Lucius’s light brown skin as he regarded the Beastman.

"Is there a problem?" He inquired in a rather hoarse tone, feigning weakness.

The Beastman frowned as he inquired. "Are you not feeling well?"

"... Unfortunately not, I feel fatigued from the stress I have to experience every day." Lucius knew lying to the Beastmen was offensive so he mixed in some truth as he was indeed quite exhausted.

Nodding in understanding, the Beastman remarked. "I see."

"Is there a problem?"

"Ah, not at all. As you know, the Rey has returned and a festival has been thrown in his honor. A party is currently taking place in the main hall of the palace. I was sent by the Rey to inquire if you’d be interested in joining the celebration?"

"... Oh, that’s quite thoughtful of him but as you can see, I’m not feeling well. Please inform the Rey that I won’t be able to attend."

"Mn, no problem."

"Also, please inform him that my superiors are still hopeful about a response. We need one soon."

"Ah, yes, of course, of course. Do not worry, an answer will be provided soon."

"Alright, then, you may leave."

Obliging, the Beastman turned and left with Lucius letting out a relieved sigh as he closed the door and leaned against it.

Letting out a tired sigh, he glanced out the window, his mind already running simulations on the best ways to utilize the window to his advantage in the case of an attack.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t get to that, though if it did... he would be more than prepared.

***

Just as much as they loved fighting, the Beastmen loved to party as their festivals were quite the show.

Currently, Alex found himself entranced by the fiery display of the War Dancers performing in the main hall.

Their routine, which involved the use of rugged and firm movements with pyrotechnics mixed in, was quite the intriguing show which left many thirsting for more even after they were done.

Alex was the first to clap once they finished with the others following soon after.

It was indeed a brilliant display.

With the War Dancers exiting the hall, the next portion of the party began with neatly dressed chefs bringing in trolleys filled with an assortment of meat dishes.

The Beastmen loved their meat and they were not afraid to show it.

With Ana and Victoria tasked with keeping an eye on the enigmatic proxy, Alex waited patiently for Alejandro to call out to him.

Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wait long.

"My people, we have come a long way to get to this point right now. We have fought adversaries and experienced trials like none other but despite all that, we emerged victorious and for that, I am grateful to all those who helped us in this endeavor. At the forefront would be a human who though slightly deceitful, has earned his place to sit amongst us. So I toast; cheers, one and all!"

"Cheers, one and all!"

As they downed their goblets of mead, Alex raised his small glass of fruit juice in a toast before downing it in one gulp.

As the fanfare continued, Alejandro excused himself, leaving his regent, Joan, to handle affairs while he headed to his training quarters with Alex following closely behind.

It was time for the exchange.

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