The day remained the same as the tense conversation in the Guild Hall between Canis, Grell, and Aron. Snow fell lightly, covering the rooftops of the small town in silence. In the distance, the soft sound of horse hooves echoed, drawing closer to the old guild building that stood firm despite its unassuming appearance.
Two figures in military uniforms dismounted from their horses. The contrasting black and white colors, along with the red star emblem pinned to their chests and caps, immediately set them apart from regular soldiers. They were members of the Red Star Corps—the most mysterious independent investigative unit in the northern region.
The woman in front wore a long coat and black gloves. Her eyes were sharp and alert, barely blinking as she gazed at the old building. Beside her stood a burly man, his cloak open and hood down—Bruto, her blunt-spoken deputy.
"This is the place?" Bruto asked, squinting.
Shina Mariposa gave a slight nod. "I'm not mistaken. The energy that appeared today… it's the exact same as the Bloodminers'."
No more words were exchanged. Neither of them knew who was inside the building, or what was happening. But Shina was certain that the answer to many things that had troubled her for months might be waiting just a few steps ahead.
They pushed the old wooden door, which creaked slightly. Inside, the warm glow of the fireplace lit the main room. Three people were speaking—two men and a young man. But Shina's eyes locked onto one figure instantly.
Canis Majoris.
Though dressed in civilian clothes, his posture and aura were unmistakable. The same man she had encountered in the forest. The same figure who left a faint, cold impression, full of questions. The one now standing calmly between the other two, as if nothing had changed since their last meeting.
Shina stepped forward without hesitation, her long coat billowing slightly. Bruto followed a few steps behind. As she closed the distance, she said his name in a cold, firm voice.
"Canis Majoris," Shina said.
The sound made Aron turn reflexively. Grell narrowed his eyes. Canis didn't move, only stared back with eyes as calm as a winter night.
"Are you the owner of this place?" Shina continued, her tone unchanged—not accusatory, but clearly not a greeting.
Silence fell over the room for several seconds.
Grell glanced at Canis, as if about to speak, but held back.
At last, Canis replied, his voice quiet but firm. "I manage it, if that's what you mean."
Shina gave a curt nod. Her expression was hard to read, but her eyes remained full of caution.
In her mind, one question echoed: Are you one of them? Or worse... their leader?
She stood still for a few moments, her gaze never leaving the man before her. Her dark eyes probing, as if trying to see through the layers of masks worn by Canis Majoris.
"Do you still remember me?" she asked suddenly, without preamble.
Canis didn't answer right away. He simply looked at her with a blank stare, then the corner of his mouth lifted slightly—not a smile, but a faint, mocking smirk.
"How could I forget the person who nearly left me to freeze to death in the middle of the forest?" he said sarcastically, his voice cold but tinged with bitter humor.
Shina didn't take the bait. She remained calm, her expression hardening only slightly.
"I know your name, Miss Shina," Canis continued, his tone settling back to neutral. "And no, I didn't guess it. Your sister told me."
One of Shina's brows rose. "Lucy?" she asked, half-disbelieving.
Canis nodded slightly.
Before the silence grew too heavy, Shina turned sharply to the other two people in the room.
"I remember you," she said, pointing at Grell and Aron. "Sorry, I don't recall your names, but… I remember your faces from the forest. How have you been?"
Grell replied first, his tone polite but puzzled. "We… are doing well."
Aron nodded, though his eyes still watched Shina with curiosity. "Yes, we're fine."
"That's good to hear," Shina said. Whether sincere or just small talk, none of them could tell.
She raised her right hand to her chest in a formal salute.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Shina Mariposa, Captain of the Red Star Corps. Apologies if my visit is unexpected. But… I hope you don't mind if I request a moment to speak with Mister Majoris in private."
Her tone was polite, but left no room for refusal.
Grell exchanged a look with Canis, then bowed slightly. "Of course. We'll wait outside."
Aron followed without a word. Shina gave them a brief nod.
Before they fully exited, she turned to the burly man beside her. "Bruto. Wait outside. I'm sure Mister Majoris will be more comfortable without too many ears in this room."
Bruto nodded obediently, though his eyes remained wary as he glanced at Canis before stepping out and gently closing the door behind him.
Now, only the two of them remained. The room felt even quieter, with only the faint crackle of the fire audible in the corner.
Without changing his posture, Canis raised a hand slightly and gestured to the chair across from him.
"Please, have a seat, Miss Shina," he said flatly.
Shina pulled out the chair without comment. She sat, maintaining an upright posture. Their eyes met in silence, and for a moment, time seemed to halt.
An old tension—left unspoken—now filled the space between them.
Both briefly recalled the fight that was halted before it began on that day.
{Chapter 10 end}