Extra's Descent

Allowing everyone to discuss their next course of action, Brandon and Amelia returned to the forest under the gist of unpacking their camp.

"Carl, you'll go with Amelia. I'll set up a place for you to live and provide you with daily necessities."

"Uh…."

"No. You can't live with her."

Brandon solemnly stated with no hesitation.

Brandon turned his head and looked at the little elven girl–who looked back at him with her wide eyes.

"And you, Aurelia."

"....?"

"Can you do something about your ears?"

"...."

"We'll have to enter the human domain. If they find out you're an elf…."

"I think I can do something…."

Brandon was aware.

This was not the first time that elves descended in this plain.

'In another progression, that is.'

There, he could see some elven folks, morphing their figures. In particular, the color of their hair, eyes, and ears.

Most likely, Aurelia had done the same to her hair. This gave Brandon the idea that Aurelia had such abilities.

The ability was rare among the elven folks.

All of a sudden, magic energy began to gather around Aurelia.

Then, her ears began to change shape. The previous leaf pointed shape slowly decreased in size. Shortly after, it became comparable to human ears.

"Okay."

Brandon nodded his head and gently ruffled the little elven girl's hair.

"Hehe."

The little elven girl chuckled in amusement.

Brandon turned his head and looked at Amelia.

He opened his mouth.

"Amelia, can Aurelia stay with you?"

"Ah."

"Don't worry. I'll visit and help look after her."

"In that case. Don't you just want to move in with me?"

"...."

"N-No, that's not what I mean."

Amelia stammered, waving her hand around.

"You don't have anywhere to stay at the moment, right? Belle practically kicked you out."

"...."

Belle had told him that their mother was in a better state now. And it would do good for their mother if Brandon moved out and became independent.

It would make their mother happy, seeing her two children growing up to become such responsible adults.

However, this offer….

"But isn't this arrangement…."

Brandon halted his words. Amelia immediately knew what he meant.

She seemed to not have realized what she said at first.

Her mouth hung agape and her face was slowly turning red.

"Well if you're fine with it. Then I'll accept your offer."

"....Okay."

Amelia didn't know what to say anymore.

Then, Brandon looked at Carl.

"You, young cadet. About that place I'll set you up with, you'll be living in the Imperial Academy Dorms. You want to attend, right?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll tell my sister to assist with your admission. I'll be providing you with your allowance every week."

"...."

Carl was speechless and he lowered his head.

The look on his face gave Brandon the impression that the boy was about to cry.

Brandon neared him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

He pursed his lips.

"We need all the help we can get. You don't have to think about repaying me. After all, we're doing this for the Holy Britannian continent."

"....Okay. Thank you."

"Raise your head, young cadet. This is only the beginning."

Thump!

Carl stomped his feet, straightened his back, and flashed Brandon a salute.

"Understood, Sir."

"Mhm."

From behind, Brandon could hear Amelia whispering to Aurelia. 'He's not even in the Imperial Army….'

"I can hear you, you know?"

"Hehe."

Amelia chuckled.

Brandon shook his head.

"I've served the military before, don't worry."

"Eh…?"

Amelia tilted her head.

Brandon continued.

"A total of 260 lifetime's worth of service."

"....?"

"Heh."

Brandon smirked.

After finishing their preparations, the group trudged the forest and returned to where Belle and her subordinates were.

"All ready?"

Belle noticed their arrival as she turned her head slightly.

"Yeah. Let me introduce you to these two."

"Hm…?" MVLeMpYr-your-novel-source

"You've probably seen Carl from the picture we sent."

"Ah, so this is him. Hello there."

Belle gave a smile and waved her hand at Carl who stood transfixed.

Does this kid freeze up whenever he sees attractive people?

Carl didn't even look like a kid if Brandon had to be honest.

He was 14 years–old.

Just that, he was short. Especially when he stood next to Brandon—who was 6'2 by now.

"H-Hello…"

Carl stammered.

Then, Aurelia revealed herself—emerging behind Brandon.

"And this is Aurelia."

"...."

Brandon scanned Belle's expressions. She seemed speechless.

Did the disguise not work—

It was at that moment, when Belle rushed towards Aurelia and crouched down.

Belle's eyes seemed to sparkle as she stared at the little elven girl.

"Hello, there, little Aurelia."

Belle's lips curled up to a warm smile.

Aurelia seemed to have been taken aback.

"She's saying hello."

Brandon gently urged.

"H-Hello…."

"Ah~ She's so cute."

Belle gently ruffled the little elven girl's hair as her grin pulled up wider.

"Kuhum…"

Brandon cleared his throat.

"Ah, sorry."

Belle snapped out of it and stood up.

After their introductions, the group set off. They led Brandon, Amelia, Aurelia, and Carl, towards their wagon.

Aurelia sat first, followed by Carl. Then, it was Amelia's turn—seated next to Carl.

Brandon followed and sat next to Amelia.

On the opposite end were the rest of the officers. It was a small group, consisting of five members.

The one who drove was none other than Ivan Albarn. Next to him was Ray Arcadia.

The two agreed to take turns. After all, from where they were located, the human domain was significantly far.

Feeling sleepy, Brandon rested his head on Amelia's shoulders. Amelia did the same—resting her cheek on top of his.

"Kuhum….."

Belle cleared her throat.

"Ah."

"Ah."

Brandon and Amelia were taken aback as they gasped in unison, pulling away from each other.

"Old habits…."

***

Inside an office.

A man with brown hair was seated on his desk. In front of him were a bunch of documents–strewn all over the table.

"Haaa…."

Sighing tiresomely, he leaned back on his chair and looked up.

He was exhausted.

A task was given to him to involve himself in a criminal organization.

He had no idea what it was even for.

It was dangerous.

However, he had been doing this for almost a year now.

In particular, 11 months and 2 weeks.

That, and he was told of the rewards they would reap, once his partner was done on his side.

But that partner…

….He was dead.

For a year now.

But still, he was introduced to a man who was involved with the organization.

"Zed Alistar."

That was the name of the man.

And so, the two worked together for the past year.

It was for this reason that the company was still stable, despite the calamity that ensued.

The syndicate was a huge help.

He recalled certain words that Zed had told him a few months back.

—Keep your toes up. Things are about to get real interesting.

Brtt… Brtt….

Just as he was about to doze off, his phone suddenly buzzed.

Fixing his glasses, he leaned forward and retrieved his phone.

"...."

His eyes widened in shock.

"This…"

[Sir Locke]

Is this real…?

He asked himself.

But what Zed had told him back then…

Was this what he meant?

Is that man actually still alive?

Immediately, he accepted the call.

Shortly after, a familiar voice rang from the phone.

—Yo, how have you been, Deus?