James

“Preposterous! What a load of nonsense!” The crimson-faced man brandishes his fist at the unwanted guests. "How dare you commoners level accusations at a nobleman without evidence. Are you prepared for the repercussions of your actions, Commander?"

James presents the dossier before the fuming Baron, relishing the satisfaction as the expression on his face transforms. "You're correct; I wouldn't accuse a noble without proper evidence. But I can't help but wonder... would the council trouble the agency over a mere baron when we possess solid proof of your crimes and more?"

The overweight man's eyes tremble as he averts his gaze from James's confident stare. Yet, James is aware it won't be as straightforward as it appears. This crafty weasel has maintained his position for a reason. Though he may seem rattled, there's no doubt his mind is already strategizing ways to mitigate the damage.

Not allowing him ample time to conjure up any nasty backhanded tricks, James gives the Baron another push. “How would the Count feel about the loss of his possession being your deliberate incompetence? How does one treat a dog who bites the hand that feeds him?”

The Baron's face reddens even further at the insult, but he refrains from an immediate retort, unlike his usual self. James has struck a nerve on one of his primary concerns.

James paces deliberately in front of the desk, letting his words settle before introducing another piece of news to disrupt the man's thoughts. "Have you heard? She's returned, and the Count is hosting a ball in her honor. It seems he holds her in high regard."

The nobleman's pupils contract at the news, and sweat forms on his greasy forehead. He eyes James warily. "What do you want?"

Success. James was waiting for those words. "Relax, Mr. Baron. We don't have to be adversaries when we share the same end goal. Both of us aim to locate the artifact and return it to its rightful owner."

"And how do you intend to achieve that objective? Surely, if you had the capability, the artifact would have been relocated by now."

“And that’s where you come in, dear Baron.” James presses his palms firmly against the desk. “You are one of the closest confidants of the Count. Surely, someone so important will possess additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the artifact’s discovery?”

The Baron subconciously raises his chin at James's words, regaining a semblance of his usual arrogance. Whether he genuinely devised a way to manipulate the situation or if it's merely a façade is challenging to discern.

"While I don't have the information at my fingertips, given that I was occupied with another task assigned by His Excellency, I do have access to the files. However..." The man leans back in his gilded chair. "What's in it for me? It appears that you need my cooperation more than I need yours, Commander James."

James straightens at the Baron’s words. “I suppose we can’t force you to comply if you refuse. If you believe you can appease the Count in some other manner, then I'll leave and prepare my apology. Despite his displeasure at our failure, he won't go too far with his actions against us. Let's go, Sam.”

“Yes, sir.”

One, two, three, four-

“Wait!”

James smiles but doesn't pause in the slightest. He swings open the door with the feigned indifference of someone who genuinely doesn't care about the meeting's outcome.

"I have the information you're seeking."

-

Donovan

"Hello... is Alice absent today?"

Donovan glances up at the door with an absent gaze. The customer's smile gradually wanes as he observes his, most likely, ghostly complexion with prominent dark circles.

“Are you alright, sir?” His black eyes beckoned for Donovan’s soul, sending a shiver down his spine. Donovan shakes his head. What am I thinking? It seems I might require professional assistance to clear the psychological side effects…if it’s not already too late. Everything feels different since that night.

{Donavan wiped his forehead after setting up the last of the wards and defensive traps. It’s been a while since he had to complete a complete offensive and defensive setup in such a short amount of time. Although exhausting, he had full confidence in his abilities. Not even a saint or a pope will be able to enter the room without triggering one of the mechanisms.

The unknown artifact lay on the sole table in the windowless room. He glanced at it curiously but didn’t take any further action. The organization hadn’t been fully clear about its abilities which was a first. They’ve never sent him an item to temporarily seal and guard without full understanding. After all, only a fool will prepare an artifact for use without complete comprehension of its ability and side effects.

‘Can’t be too dangerous’ he comforted himself. They would have sealed it deep within their main base if that was the case. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

‘They shouldn’t have involved Alice.’ Donovan frowned. He made it clear to them to always hand the item over to him personally. Picking up the note that came with the package, he scrutinized it for any clues. Nothing, but the note is unusually short…maybe because they don’t have much information on the item?

He hadn’t been able to contact the usual connection to the organization either for further information. Something is happening and he is in the dark about it. He returned his gaze to his setup, unease coursing through his body. ‘I should let Alice take a break until this item is retrieved by-'

*Riiiiiiiiiiiiing*

‘Again?’ Donovan pushed the setup to its maximum power to barely contain the magical leaks from spreading beyond this room specially designed for containment. Sweat beaded on his forehead and rolled down his face. Finally, the ringing stops.

Before he could fully be submerged in his relief, he felt it. The crushing sensation of overwhelming power and the triggering of an innate fear. His heart pounded in his chest as he turned his head slowly towards the single door that connected this room to the rest of the store.

There was ‘something’ there.}

“Mister?”

"I'm fine. My apologies. Quite a few things have been happening lately that have been a bit taxing on my mind, but I am recovering well." Donovan takes a deep breath to steady his thoughts before putting on his most professional service smile. "You were looking for Alice, sir?"

"Oh yes, I was hoping to respond to Miss Alice about an offer she made the last time I was here. Do you know when she'll be back?"

"Are you a friend of hers, perhaps?" Donovan scrutinizes the man, who exudes a serene confidence uncommon for someone of average societal standing. He couldn’t, for the life of him, associate this man with the cheerful but normal girl, Alice.

The man moves closer and places a book on the counter. "More of an acquaintance. She is a bright young lady with whom I've had the pleasure of a few conversations. This book is a gift for her. Would you mind passing it on to her?"

"Oh, of course." Donovan takes the book and places it under the counter, returning his gaze to the smiling young man who easily passes as a young master of some influential family. I should keep him away for a few days. I can't afford trouble with the possible forces behind him. 

"A friend of Alice's is always welcome. However, I'm not sure when she'll be able to return." It's not exactly a lie; he already sent her on an extended vacation to avoid potential chaos if his predictions prove correct. "If you'd like, I can pass on a message. If that's not convenient, you could leave a contact method, and I'll inform Alice you've been by."

The young man takes a moment to consider the options. "I suppose it's not a particularly sensitive matter. Just let her know that Allen has agreed to her invitation. And just in case, I'm the owner of the bookstore on X Avenue, not too far from here. You're welcome to come patronize the store as well, Mister..."

“Donavan. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Allen.” A bookstore keeper? Is that the new pastime for the offspring of the rich and powerful these days? "Do you plan on spending more time in the square, Mr. Allen?"

"Actually yes, I do." A curious gaze takes in Donovan's serious expression. "Is there something I should be aware of?"

Donavan straightens his posture and locks his gaze onto the spot between the young man's eyes. "I'm sure you've heard of the recent unrest, but I've received news from a trusted source about potentially dangerous events that might take place here soon. Alice won't return until the dust has settled. I highly recommend you do the same, Mr. Allen."

Allen nods and offers a relaxed smile. "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Donavan. I won't return here for the next few days after completing this trip."

“You’re welcome.” Donavan watches him leave. There is something oddly familiar about him. Have they crossed paths before? Perhaps during one of those high-society balls he attended. Well, he’s already done what he could; the rest depends on his luck.

StarrGaze

Been wasting too much time with a renewed obsession with a game. Let us all aim for more productive days! Enjoy the read:)