Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 323: Lolita

Chapter 323: Lolita

The walk to the park was quite silent and indeed, long as Arthur walked slowly, seemingly savoring each step he took with the briefcase in his right hand.

Regardless, once he did arrive, he made his way to a familiar bench and upon sitting on it, placed the briefcase on his lap and opened it up, gazing upon the two porcelain pots that lay within.

Others might be astounded by the rather unique design used in the makings of the pots, designs that were exclusively used by the Beastmen of Aragon.

Of course, Arthur was hardly focused on that as his thoughts were rather on what was inside the pots.

"Stupid Alejandro, was there a need for such extravagance?"

He sniffled as he reached out and touched one of the pots, feeling its cool exterior with his warm hands.

"Even now I can still perceive your scent. I told you it was unique." Arthur muttered softly as he rubbed his palm against the pot with memories flooding back into his mind.

The memories told of a bold woman, one that caused Arthur to feel less of a man.

She was strong, stronger than most in Aragon and she carried herself with a demeanor like none other.

Arthur could still recall how they met... on the battlefield amidst corpses of mutants.

She had saved his life and in that moment as she stretched out her hand to help him up to his feet, he had fallen hopelessly in love with her.

Like a dog he chased and like a cat, she rejected him but he never gave up and continued until... She gave him a chance and that was all he needed.

Their days together were the most beautiful part of Arthur’s life and it was also when he began to realize the horrible things he had done.

It was then he realized how badly his brother must have felt to be deprived of his love.

Then, his son arrived and everything went downhill from there.

Letting out a sigh as a teardrop slid down his left cheek, Arthur shifted his gaze to the pot on the left side.

As much as he was upset, he knew he had a part to play in why his son went down the path he did.

It was in line with the curse his brother had laid upon him when he was sentenced to death.

’Just like you have betrayed me, you shall be betrayed by your offspring!’

Those words still echoed in Arthur’s mind till today and even more so at this moment as he had to admit that his brother’s words had rang true.

As a melancholic smile settled on his lips, Arthur was about to speak when a voice inquired from behind.

"What was her name?"

Arthur hardly reacted as he replied. "I thought you’d keep watching this old man mourn his dirty past. I was about to ask how many dirty things you find pleasure in."

Alex chuckled as he came to sit down beside Arthur. "I thought to give you some time to yourself. Also, it isn’t like that with Victoria."

"Hmmph, only a guilty man would immediately know what I’m talking about." Shaking his head, Arthur added. "I should have known you had such peculiar tastes."

Rolling his eyes, Alex remarked. "Give it a rest."

"I should inform Nadia. I’m sure she’d be able to live up to your tastes if you give her a chance."

"You still won’t give it up with the son-in-law talk?"

"Of course not!... You are the perfect one. Leader of a secret organization with mysterious origins and unfathomable powers, what else could I ask for?"

Silence persisted for a bit before both men burst into laughter.

"You really are something else." Alex intoned. "I’m glad I got to meet you and even though we didn’t spend much time together, thank you for everything you did for me."

"Bah, I did what I did because..." Arthur trailed off as his eyes shifted to the porcelain pot holding his son’s ashy remains.

"Because I remind you of him, right?" Alex finished with Arthur slowly nodding in response.

"Alejandro told me about him, but his remarks were mostly bad. What can you say about him?"

"... Andre was a good boy when he was born. A loyal greyhound desiring to conquer the world. He was just like you, with a knack for trouble and the crazy goal of uncovering the mysteries of the world. But then, he grew twisted. His knack for trouble caused him to be disliked by other Beastmen and because Aragon had no mysteries to be uncovered, he decided to create his own. I saw him going down that dark path but... I never stopped him and no matter what excuse I give, the truth is that I don’t know why I didn’t stop him. I hate that I allowed it to happen but there’s no medicine for regret and so I have to live each day questioning why I allowed it to happen."

By the time Arthur was done, tears were trailing down his cheeks, revealing the vulnerable man beneath all the quirkiness.

Alex reached out and patted his back, offering as much solace as he could at the moment.

Sniffling, Arthur cleaned the tears from his eyes as he remarked. "I don’t think you are here just to listen to the cries of an old man like me. So tell me, what do you need?"

"Nothing," Alex replied, leaving Arthur stunned for a moment. "I came to say my goodbyes to a friend. Alejandro has given me what I need and going forward... I may not have the time to visit so... I thought I’d come over one last time."

"...I didn’t know you were so sentimental." Arthur joked as he cleared his throat.

Alex smiled. "Well, I try not to be but it’s necessary at times."

"I’m glad you came," Arthur remarked, causing Alex to go silent.

Chuckling, Arthur inquired. "Where are you off to?"

"Cance."

"Ah, the famed academic city of the Empire. A fine location."

"Have you been there?"

"Not really, but not because I can’t but because there’s hardly any work for a man like me. Can’t go where no profits would be made."

"I see."

"You should be careful over there. Unlike BoneHaven, the nobles closer to the capital are more aware of the mystical world, with entire families indulging in it and even students learning about it."

"Don’t worry, I don’t plan on causing trouble... too much."

Arthur chuckled, knowing that Alex was being truthful with his words.

Just then, Alex inquired. "Tell me something."

"Hmm?"

"Why did you help me so much despite having suspicions about my identity?"

"Is it important to know?"

Shaking his head, Alex replied. "Just curious."

"... I guess I was scared to face the truth that yet again, I’d failed to protect someone I regarded as a son. So just like Nadia, I found myself ignoring the obvious signs just for a few more minutes of peace."

Silence persisted between them before Alex remarked. "Don’t worry, I promise, nothing will happen to Nadia and as for Alex’s legacy, I promise to uphold it as much as I can."

"... That’s more than I could ask for," Arthur muttered as he put the briefcase aside to embrace Alex.

Seconds passed before Alex broke away from the hug and got to his feet. "I’ll be leaving."

As Alex turned, intent on taking his leave, Arthur calmly intoned. "Lolita."

"Hmm?" Turning back, Alex regarded his benefactor.

"You asked for her name. My wife’s name... was Lolita."

With a smile on his lips, Alex remarked. "It’s a beautiful name."

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