Chapter 152: Chapter 152
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Arthur's Point of View
Helmsforth Temple
"Yes! Something must sound enticing to have as a reward!" Elincia said with a smile.
Shaking my head with a small scoff, I turned away from them. "No need. There's nothing I want." Then I shrugged after putting Defiance on my back. "If you want to give me a reward, do so, but there is nothing I would ask for."
The two sisters looked at one another. "How about you and I go out to eat for a private dinner?" Arceana commented, which surprised both me and Elincia. "We can go over what might interest you during that time, and I would also like a chance to just chat."
My eyes darted over to Elincia to see what this was about, but her eyes were focused on her sister. If anything, she seemed just as confused as I was. If this was some manner of move, it was beyond me. While I admit that I was lost, it was still amusing.
"Very well." I pointed at her with a wagging finger. "You're on. You set it up. Get me the time and place, and I'll be there." Rotating my shoulder, a portal opened beside me. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to check in with Cassidy and Augustus. Need to explain some things to them."
Arceana nodded. "Very well. I will keep you informed."
Elincia then spoke as she moved next to me. "Do you mind if I accompany you? Typhon is with them. He asked to help explain things that had happened during your trip, and Cassidy agreed to watch over him."
That got me to quirk a brow at her. "I thought for sure he'd be in trouble."
Patting his head, I noticed Cassidy was watching me. "Can I tell you a secret?" I asked him, and he nodded. "I was scared too." Kneeling put me on eye level with him. "I was afraid for you and the others. How could I explain that to your grandfather or Cassidy?" I asked him.
"I don't know." Was his unsure response.
"Neither do I." I told him before resting my hands on his shoulders. "You made a decision to sneak onboard the Drunken Cloud, and I treated your decision as I would an adult's. I believe in letting people making their own choices and facing the consequences of their choices, but that was never a position you should've been put in." Turning to Typhon, I focused on him for a moment. "Neither of you."
Austin hugged me and whispered to me. "Thank you. Thank you..."
Returning the hug more gently with just my hands, I patted his back. "You are welcome, but don't expect such an adventure again." He chuckled at that. "Otherwise, your sister might just strangle me, and Grandpa Reed might just smack me with his cane."
"Ya got that right." Cassidy confirmed with a smirk, which made Austin chuckle some more.
Augustus waved the cane around playfully. "Ah'm confident Ah could break this on that thick skull of yers." He told me.
Austin let go, and I leaned in. "I don't know which is worse..." He laughed, and I looked up to Cassidy. "You deserve an apology. Both of you." Turning to Augustus, he eyed me. "It was not my intent to take them with, but I was persuaded otherwise. Breaking the trust you have in me is something I do not wish to happen."
Cassidy rubbed her brother's hair as Rennal moved back beside her. "Ya haven't. Typhon and Austin told us ya wanted ta send em back. Apparently, Lady Lucia and Alwin convinced ya not to."
Elincia stepped next to me. "Typhon pleaded with Lucia, which is what led to these events, but perhaps the fault lies with my sister and I. Had we given them more freedom, they likely would have never been put at risk." She then bowed. "Please, on behalf of Arthur, accept my sincerest apologies."
Everyone, aside from Augustus and I, looked at her in shock.
However, there were several alarms going off in my head. "The game is afoot!" I whispered to myself.