"Well, I don't really care if they had any grudge or hatred against the magic tower or the mages or the magic users. They should know that what's more important right now is to capture whoever or whatever it is that took those people away." Astrophos gave the three of them a warning glare. if they won't cooperate then he can always report them to the lieutenant and kick them out from the group.
Cygnus covered his mouth with a hand as he hid the smirk that appeared on his face. This was interesting since it was the first time that he saw Astrophos showing blatant dislike to other people aside from him. It seemed that the army and the magic tower had a deeper grudge with each other than what was portrayed on the surface.
"You don't have to worry Grand Mage, we will prioritize the assignment over the misunderstanding between our organizations," one of the soldiers answered. He was the tallest of them and had tanned skin with black eyes.
"That's good to know. Your name is Hwaquin right?" Astrophos asked. He looked at the man and could already tell that he had a good temperament.
The man simply nodded at the question. Aside from that, he did not speak anymore. Since they did not want to say a word, Astrophos could only sigh. He even looked at Cygnus but the other man only shrugged.
"Then I'm looking forward to working with the three of you." No reply so Astrophos could only wave his hands. "Let's meet here again after an hour, then we'll talk about what we are going to do tonight."
Cygnus went up to his room followed by the three. Since Astrophos has accepted the job for them, he should take responsibility.
"I was supposed to enjoy our stay in this place, so why did you even accept that job?" Nina glared at the man who always likes to do whatever he likes without even consulting them. She walked up to the man and pointed at him, "You even dragged the master in this nonsense!"
Astrophos grabbed the woman's wrist and slowly pushed her back. "So that I can keep an eye on him." His voice was cold and even the look he gave to Cygnus was freezing.
"Hah!" Nina shook her head, "Keep an eye on him!? Are you crazy? What, you think the master has something to do with those ignorant people suddenly disappearing?"
"I can't be sure since your master has the tendency to create chaos wherever he goes," Astrophos did not back down. He was still looking at Cygnus who was calmly sitting on one of the couches. Mr. C even handed him a book that he can read while waiting.
"And why would my master even kidnap people? Yeah he is crazy but he is not that crazy to go to such lengths!" Nina was ready to burst now and she was only holding herself back but every word that came out from the man's mouth was setting her off.
"I don't know. Why don't you ask him? Because, I'm pretty much sure that he can do those things." Astrophos was so sure with his words and yet the man himself remained silent. Nina on the other hand was already pissed. A magic circle suddenly appeared below Astrophos.
"I've tolerated you ever since I met you, but this time you are going too far." The woman was enraged. What she disliked the most was someone accusing her master of something he did not do.
Astrophos tried to step back but to his surprise his feet did not even budge. It was like he was glued to the ground and the moment that the magic circle began to light, his movements became frantic. He very well knew how dangerous Nina's magic was and he did not want to be at the receiving end of it.
Before the magic could activate, the circle broke into pieces. Astrophos was free but the unease in his heart became worse. He looked at the direction of Cygnus and the butler with wide eyes.
"You should have already known that humans are quick to judge someone with just a look." Cygnus was still focused on the book he was reading but the atmosphere inside the room was already dark.
Mr. C who always remained calm and collected in every situation they faced was now looking at him with no smile. His gaze was enough to give fear to anyone who would look at him.
"Mr. Astrophos, I suggest that you watch your words, or else you'll experience a miserable death," the butler's voice deepened.
It was a warning and Astrophos knew it. He would have not spoken hastily if he knew that these people would react like this.
"I suggest that you leave now, Mr. Astrophos. We will see you later." Cygnus lifted his head from reading and sent a smile towards the surprised man.
Astrophos did not think twice and left the room. He silently berated himself for suddenly speaking like that even though he clearly knew that he was speaking with people who have insane personalities. He vigorously shook his head to get rid of those thoughts in his mind. He decided to take a rest for a while to calm himself from that encounter.
After he left, Nina looked at Cygnus while gritting her teeth. "Why did you stop me? You should have allowed me to kill that person!"
"Nina," Cygnus sighed. He closed the book he was holding and handed it to Mr. C. "I've told you so many times before that we don't just go around and killing people. Instead we should remember and let them pay it back later."
The woman stilled as her body was unable to move. She trembled as she watched the master slowly walk towards her. Her mind was screaming for her to run and hide but the force that was holding her down cannot be broken.
"Ma-master..." Her voice shook but Cygnus only smiled at her.
He then reached out his hand and gently stroked her cheeks and her hair. The smile on his face and his silence made Nina more nervous.
"Haven't I reminded you already that you should reign in your temper? I don't want something bad happening to you just because you can't control your emotions." Cygnus's dark eyes slowly turned red, like the color of blood, as he looked at the woman's eyes. "I still view you as useful, so don't fail me."
Nina wanted to scream but she knew that the master didn't like it. She tried to hide her fear but the red eyes staring at her stopped her from doing so.
"I understand, master, ple-please let me go," she pleaded.
Cygnus took a step back. "Alright, I'll let you be for now but remember what I told you." He returned to where he was sitting and continued with his book like nothing happened.
Nina slumped on the ground soaked with her own sweat while breathing hard. She did not want to experience that again.
"I'll escort Nina to her room," Mr. C crouched and helped the woman stand up. They then left the room and Cygnus in peace. Mr. C knew that it was better to let him be for now than to continue staying with him.
