Hey guys. Been a while. No, this novel is not dropped. Should have mentioned this sooner but I am preparing for Exams on the 25th of this Month.
So until then, I have to concentrate for good grades.
This will probably be the last update till then. Ad I'll probably spend a day, two or three after to get the writing vibe and pick up from where I left off.
Hope you understand.
In case you don't see where I am going with this chapter, just know that I have stuff planned.
Enjoy.
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The streets of Orvud District were quiet at this hour, save for the occasional echo of boots against cobblestone.
Lanterns flickered dimly in their rusted sconces, struggling to keep the creeping darkness at bay. The scent of damp earth lingered in the air, carried by the crisp night breeze that whispered through the alleyways.
Tucked away from the bustling main streets, a modest tavern sat at the corner of a narrow road. It was the kind of place that catered to weary laborers and nameless drifters—those who preferred their business to go unnoticed. The wooden sign above the door had long since lost its lettering, the paint stripped away by time and weather. Few inside spared a glance at new arrivals; here, a man could drink in peace, so long as he didn't ask too many questions.
It was For this reason that at a shadowed table near the back, a lone figure sat, fingers curled loosely around the handle of a simple pewter mug.
He hadn't taken more than a sip. His body shape best described with the words Fat and of average height.
Few took notice of him, Much to his liking as he fixed his eyes on the door. Watching, waiting.
The tavern was far from full, yet the noise within was enough to drown out soft conversations.
A group of gamblers played a game of dice at one end of the room. A barmaid lazily wiped down the counter, feigning interest in a half-drunk patron's ramblings.
The fire in the hearth crackled, casting unsteady shadows along the wooden walls.
He's here for a reason. A personal reason.
'Not Much Longer now ...'. The woman— Alma—should arrive soon.
It's a risk. Quite a dangerous risk, but one he's willing to take. An urge similarly shared among unfaithful Men.
Even a man of status such as himself was No different.
The man at the table exhaled as his fingers tapped Impatiently.
Four Years.
It had been That long since he last saw her. Throughout that time, the weight of his Family secrets had never been heavier. Nevertheless, he had persevered for his own safety.
That was until Today, when a Perfect opportunity arrived. Finally, the Old Noble couldn't resist.
He, a grown man had to sneak out of his home like a child disobeying orders From his parents. It had been Many years since he last experienced The sensation.
Nevertheless, he had done it. Deep down, he knew he shouldn't be here. It was reckless, but some things couldn't be helped.
Glancing at The entrance and still seeing no sign of her, he sighs and raises a glass of ale to his thick lips when. ..... Just as he's about to take another sip, a shadow falls over the table. Someone slides into the seat across from him without so much as a greeting.
'Huh?' he turned to look at the Newcomer, then froze as he realized who he was.
"Tch. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to make my job harder, Lord Reiss ..."
The familiar voice fell into his ears, more irritating than Normal due to the circumstances.
The air around them experienced a sudden shift. Thick with something unreadable.
Instantly, The man felt his heart sink. As sitting right Next to him was a Tall, slim Middle aged Man with shoulder length brown hair, sideburns and a thin beard along his jawline.
One he was all Too familiar with.
Head of The Anti Personnel Control Squad, One of The Last few of his kind alive, and a man with a spot on The Council.
"Kenny ..."
The Man called out, exhaling as he realized he was followed ever since leaving The residence. Nevertheless, he didn't Panic. His True feelings masked under the Facade that had been driven into his blood as a member of The Council, as a Noble born of royal blood, and as The Father of The True Ruler Of The Walls.
Rod set his glass down, showing no reaction to his identity being revealed.
He doesn't flinch, doesn't look around. It's not like anyone here would recognize him anyway. However, he could no longer be as calm as before.
"Why are you here Kenny? I don't recall Inviting Company..."
"I feel I should be asking you The same Thing."
In a simple white shirt with a black vest overtop, black pants and a dark fedora hat, kenny responded indifferently.
"Last I checked, you were supposed to be in hiding." "And you were supposed to be overseeing The Trap ..." Rod replied.
Kenny chuckles, leaning back in his seat.
"Who knows if the target will even take the bait? Maybe they're smart enough to realize something's off. Maybe they'll track down the real thing instead."
The chuckling tone soon disappeared as he muttered, Just loud enough for Rod next to him.
"And wouldn't that be a damn shame? After all, you and your Family were nearly killed once. I'm not so sure you'll be spared if a second time arises."
Listening to this, the expressionless Rod finally had a reaction.
It was four years ago, That night at The Chapel ... He and his Family had been confronted by a man ... An Eldian from beyond The walls.
He knew what Kenny was implying. If the target was sharp enough to see through the decoy, then he—the real Rod Reiss—becomes the liability.
It was a chance, but Rod knew Kenny wasn't The type to take chances.
He folded his hands, his expression unreadable. "That's what the trap is for. More reason for you to be there overseeing It."
"You think so? 'Cause from where I'm sitting, you're making a whole lot of dumb choices."
Rod said nothing.
Seeing this, The Ackerman clicked his tongue. Shaking his head before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping into something lower—something colder.
"Tell me something, Reiss. Is she worth it?"
Rod's fingers tighten against the table.
Kenny smirks.
"Can't say I got a soft spot for love stories. But this little habit of yours? This sneaking around for a woman? It's real inconvenient."
Rod doesn't rise to the bait. "I don't see how it concerns you."
"Oh but It does. Especially when I'm the one Meant to Make sure The Reiss stay alive. In simpler terms, I'm hear making sure your ass isn't caught instead of being where I'm supposed to be."
The Ackerman raised an eyebrow. Then, with deliberate slowness, he gestured around the tavern—at the people, at the walls, at the city outside.
"This? This is your playground. Not mine. My job is to clean up after the royal family's messes, but I ain't much for babysitting a man who can't keep his damn pants on."
Rod scowls but still doesn't react.
Kenny huffs out a laugh before leaning forward again, the amusement in his voice fading into something more dangerous.
"Here's a warning, Lord Reiss. If your little adventures start making trouble for the Council, then one day they'll send me to clean up. And you know me—I clean up thoroughly."
Rod's jaw tightens. The Man beside him didn't seem to care.
"So how about you learn some self-control, yeah? I'd hate to get more innocent blood on my hands 'cause of your philandering."
There's a long silence.
Then, Kenny pushes back from the table, standing up with that same casual ease. He doesn't wait for a response. He doesn't need one.
With a grin, he takes a swig of Rod's ale and utters. "Enjoy your drink, Lord Reiss. I'll be seeing you."
Those were his last words before his tall, athletic build walked away Towards the exit.
A moment later, he was gone. "Damn you, Kenny."
Rod Reiss watched him leave before letting out a breath, pondering over the discussion. He had thought he could leave for a few hours while Kenny was busy. Now it seemed he couldn't have been more wrong.
"Perhaps, It's truly time I end this ..."
Meanwhile, outside the Tavern,
"Captain .... How did it go?..." a female voice inquired, seeing Kenny approaching from the Tavern.
"You Moron, how did you expect it to?" Kenny responded as he looked at his Second In Command.
It was a female officer, blonde hair, aquamarine eyes and dressed in a full black cloak.
Caven.
"Troublesome nobles, always giving me a headache ..."
Caven responded apathetically.
"It's not the only Trouble you'll experience Tonight Captain. The operation must have already started, we need to Catch up ..."
"Oi, what's the rush? It's a full Squad with More than Three dozen soldiers. I bet they can handle their own."
"Not if the enemy is the same one who attacked The Reiss Four years ago ..."
Kenny paused for a moment before replying.
"Yeah, I guess you got it right there. Nevertheless, Alma's already been informed of what he looks like. It's Three dozen soldiers. I don't believe More than Thirty-Six soldiers can't handle a single Titan ..."
The attack on The Reiss Family years ago was Fresh on his mind. Alongside the Fall of Wall Maria, Kenny knew that the world was a lot bigger than he thought it was.
Perhaps one day, he'll have the chance to see it.
Caven didn't reply at first. Her attention drawn elsewhere as she noticed a carriage arriving near The Tavern.
"She's here. ..."
Her words had barely fallen when a Female stepped out of it. Dressed in a Pink feather coat, with blonde hair and beautiful features.
Kenny watched Rod's Lover, Alma who had the same name as one of his subordinates and chuckled.
"I'll admit though, she's a looker."
"Indeed. Will we have to get rid of her?..."
Caven replied emotionlessly.
The Ackerman contemplated for a few moments before coming to a decision. "Nah, not yet. He is still royalty after all. Eventually, the council will decide how to handle it. Until then, I'm not permitted to interfere. Just keep a few eyes on him to Make sure he doesn't get killed."
He said before turning to Leave. "Come on, let's go catch ourselves a possible Titan..."
Caven nodded.
Taking one last look as The female stepped into The Tavern before turning to follow Kenny.
Their destination? The Reiss Chapel.
'I wonder how The situation is over there For em Now.'
______
Alma's POV
'Dammit! Things have Gone very bad.