Chapter 868: The Eye That Sees Fate (4)

The day after Lapis Falcia arrived in Vulcan.

Lennok had brought Lapis to the central district, the very heart of Vulcan.

“Good thing there were no further attacks during the night. Of course, that was a given, since I chose the safe house myself.”

“Such unnecessary remarks and self-praise. Do you really need to say that to Lady Lapis?”

“P-Partisha. You should thank him first.”

Over the course of one night, Lennok had listened to Lapis’s explanation of what it meant to “see fate,” but having already met Heavenly Sight, he was already aware of the concept.

Ultimately, the important thing was whose fate Lapis was supposed to see in this matter, but the City Council had yet to state its position on that part.

‘It’s not that I don’t have a senator in mind…’

As long as he wasn’t certain, there was no reason to explain it to Lapis first and cause unnecessary confusion.

More importantly, there was one thing that bothered Lennok about this deal.

“So you’re saying you didn’t discuss the method of contact with the City Council at all…”

“…The Council said they would announce a contact method I could recognize beforehand, but there’s been no signal yet.”

Contrary to their initial discussion, Lapis had been given no information other than the appointment time.

As soon as Lennok realized this while exchanging information with Lapis, he had dragged her to the very center of the city the next day.

Vulcan Megacity, District 5. Central City Hall Plaza.

Even though it was early morning, the number of people coming and going around the plaza was considerable.

The fact that there were so many people around City Hall when it wasn’t yet time for work was proof that the area was a core downtown district, even within District 5.

“There are so many people…”

Lapis, who had pulled her dark hood down to hide her conspicuous hair and face, muttered, somewhat flustered.

“This is one of the places that draws the most attention in all of Vulcan. Which, paradoxically, makes it the safest place for outsiders like us.”

Not knowing when assailants might appear as they had in the undeveloped district, they needed a place where they could meet the City Council while also ensuring their safety.

That was why Lennok had cast aside all other procedures and had Lapis sit right in the middle of the plaza, waiting for City Hall to open.

In such an open plaza, not only was an assassination attempt impossible, but even making a suspicious move was out of the question.

Even if someone tried to pull a trick on Lapis, they would be instantly subdued the moment they caught the eye of the numerous administrative staff and police officers scattered around.

“Yes, that’s true, but…”

Even while sitting near the plaza to wait for the appointed time, she looked oddly restless.

“If there are this many people with business at City Hall, our turn might not even come today.”

“…What did you say?”

Lennok, who had been observing the people coming and going in the plaza one by one with his eyes closed, retorted in a dumbfounded tone.

“Well, the other public officials at City Hall don’t know me.”

Lapis answered, looking slightly sheepish.

“If I pass the message through an external counter, won’t it take some time to reach the Council?”

“…”

He had wondered what nonsense she was spouting, but her worry wasn’t entirely without reason.

Did she really think it would take a long time to meet the Council, at this point when she had come all the way to City Hall in secret?

“I know what you’re worried about, but there’s no need for that.”

Lennok smiled, closed his eyes again, and put a cigar in his mouth.

“It’s impossible that there hasn’t been a case like yours among the outsiders who visit the Vulcan City Council. They must have a dedicated channel to welcome distinguished guests who wish to meet the council discreetly.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. If I had to guess, I’d say there’s probably a high-ranking official mixed in with the staff at the front desk-”

Tap.

The moment Lennok said that and turned his head, someone approached their bench.

A burly man in a security uniform was glaring at Lennok with a menacing expression.

“…Hmph.”

The man’s reaction was to stare intently at Lennok’s face, as if uncomfortable. Seeing his uniform, he was likely a plaza security guard.

But unlike the strangely anxious Lapis, Lennok remained composed even in this situation where he was being suddenly suspected.

His disguised face would hold for about three days even if his mana was completely depleted, and he was also suppressing any fluctuations in his mana pattern and presence.

Hadn’t he deliberately reduced his mana detection range to be cautious in a central urban area like this?

All precautions were perfect. There was no room for anyone to find Lennok suspicious here.

Just as Lennok, having finished his assessment, was about to ignore the guard’s gaze, the man who had been staring intently at Lennok’s mouth spoke.

“City Hall Plaza is a no-smoking area.”

“…”

“The smoking area is located by the back gate parking lot. Would you please move there?”

“My apologies. It’s a habit.”

Lennok obediently bowed his head and put the cigar inside his coat.

“I won’t smoke it, so could you let it slide this one time?”

“No. You’ll have to pay a fine. Please state your phone number.”

“…”

In the end, Lennok obediently paid the fine to the City Hall administrative staff.

Shaking his head, he returned to the bench to find Lapis and Partisha staring at him with surprised expressions.

“What is it?”

“No, it’s just… that…”

As if speaking for the hesitant Lapis, Partisha muttered.

“No matter how you look at it, you don’t seem like the type of person to obediently pay a fine.”

“Ah, is that what this is about?”

“P-Partisha! That’s not it!”

As the flustered Lapis hugged Partisha’s neck and rubbed against her, Lennok let out a small laugh and sat down next to Lapis.

Held in Lapis’s embrace, Partisha asked with a stoic expression.

“You’re a surprisingly law-abiding citizen. I’m shocked.”

“I believe I told you I have no desire to be lectured about human laws by a spirit beast.”

While Lennok and Partisha bickered, Lapis spoke with a sheepish laugh.

“Haha, well… I think I might have had a misunderstanding of you, Mr. Evan, since I’ve only seen you in dangerous situations. Of course, you must normally be an excellent, law-abiding citizen.”

“I just don’t want to cause a scene. If necessary, I am prepared.”

Lennok gestured toward the City Hall building, where the lights were turning on in the distance.

“If it takes too long to meet the council, just as you fear, I’m prepared to cause a little commotion around here.”

“T-touching civilians is-”

Lapis raised her voice in slight surprise, then quickly lowered it, glancing at Lennok.

“Unless it’s absolutely necessary, could I ask you to refrain?”

“…I wasn’t talking about killing citizens. What do you take me for?”

He didn’t think he’d acted that way when working for the Eyes of Blue, but in Lapis’s mind, Evan seemed to be treated as an extreme radical.

Considering the things he’d done to help Lapis as Evan, it was understandable that she considered his methods cruel, but still….

“Of course, I plan to handle it in a way that causes no casualties, but draws enough attention that the City Council can’t ignore it.”

Lennok looked at the people coming and going in City Hall Plaza with a strange smile.

“A very large fireworks display in the plaza should be enough. The people will surely love it.”

“…”

“You have a talent for saying things in the most ominous and unlucky way.”

Partisha muttered, turning her head slightly, while Lapis moved her lips with a strange expression before choosing silence.

Casually ignoring their non-rebuttal rebuttals, Lennok dusted off his hands and stood up.

“Looks like City Hall is open, so let’s get moving. If we’re unlucky, we might have to stand in line.”

“Ah, yes!”

The moment Lapis energetically stood up and was about to follow Lennok with Partisha.

“Hold on.”

The same administrative staff member who had just collected the fine from Lennok grabbed his shoulder again.

He looked Lennok up and down with a stern expression, then pointed behind Lennok this time.

Pointing at Partisha, who stood behind Lapis, the staff member said.

“Pets are not allowed in City Hall.”

“…”

In the end, Lennok could only enter City Hall after taking Partisha elsewhere and disguising her appropriately.

Partisha, her body hidden by a pure white cape draped from below her neck, grumbled.

“Beastkin with animal heads on their shoulders walk around just fine, so why discriminate against a spirit beast like me?”

“That’s not something you should say just anywhere. Watch your mouth.”

Lennok looked back at Partisha with a pathetic expression.

“Weren’t you lecturing me about etiquette? You don’t seem to have any manners regarding other races.”

“You don’t understand. Etiquette was created for those who deserve to be treated with respect.”

Partisha replied nonchalantly.

“There aren’t many rules of etiquette to be observed for servants like us.”

“…”

Contrary to her seemingly proud demeanor, her words were strangely self-deprecating.

“Ah, Mr. Evan. It’s our turn.”

Lapis, who had been waiting, clutching a ticket nervously in her hand, stood up, pointing at the electronic display floating on the lobby ceiling.

The sight of Lapis quickly rushing towards the desk staff who was gesturing in their direction.

Who would think that this person, who looked so rushed as if someone might cut in line, was the leader of the Eyes of Blue?

As Lennok thought this and stood up to follow, Partisha murmured quietly.

“Lady Lapis may be intending to give something up through this ritual.”

“…”

“There isn’t much a mere beast like me can do. I am not permitted to stop her, nor to persuade her.”

Partisha said.

“So I ask you. If a moment comes when a choice must be made….”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Cutting her off, Lennok stood up and approached Lapis’s side, speaking.

“That’s for me to see and judge for myself. This is unnecessary meddling.”

“…You’re right. I misspoke.”

Taking Partisha, who said nothing more after those words, Lennok stood before the counter with Lapis.

Lapis, seated in a simple chair, was earnestly explaining something to the staff member beyond the glass window.

“So, you’re saying you’ve come to Vulcan after reaching an agreement with the City Council.”

“Yes, that’s right. I’d like to meet with a council member to discuss specific matters with the Central Council…”

“There seems to be some misunderstanding. I’m sorry, but the Vulcan City Council does not conduct consultations with specific individuals.”

The staff member sitting beyond the counter replied with a smiling face.

“If you’ve made a personal appointment, that’s a matter of the council member’s private life, so we can’t help you with that.”

“It’s not a personal appointment. Can’t you at least forward my name through the Council’s channel?”

“Our City Hall does not report directly to the Central Council. It will take some time, are you okay with that?”

“Ah…”

Having heard the explanation, Lapis looked back at Lennok, somewhat dejected.

A faint disappointment that her initial worries had come true.

Lennok shook his head and stepped forward.

“He’s just talking in circles to refuse you. We won’t get anything by waiting.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking abou-”

“I know you don’t have the authority, so can you call your superior?”

Arguing with the desk clerk was pointless.

It would be best to use the most effective means against the City Hall staff here.

Even without resorting to rough methods, Lennok had collected over a dozen business cards from city council members.

Just as Lennok was about to grab a random senator’s business card and set the mood.

A familiar voice came from behind the glass window.

“Eugene, would it be all right if I took care of these people?”

An old man who looked particularly aged among the staff bustling around the desk.

Leaning on a small cane in one hand, he stood behind the staff member, supporting his stooped back.

His face was hard to characterize, aside from his intense gaze.

But the staff member who looked back at the old man shot up from his seat as if propelled by a spring.

“S-Senator…!!”

“Shh.”

The old man smiled and placed a hand on the staff member’s shoulder, shaking his head.

“I have something to handle quietly. Just erase these friends’ names from the entry log.”

“Ah, I understand…”

While the extremely tense staff member quickly searched the database, the old man walked out into the lobby through the door on the other side of the desk.

Walking leisurely up to Lapis, the old man slowly grasped the cane he had been leaning on with both hands and bowed his head slightly.

“It is an honor to meet the Lighthouse Keeper who has inherited such a great mission.”

“…”

Lapis’s face was expressionless as she closed her mouth, while Lennok stared at the old man with a peculiar expression.

Because Lennok also knew very well who this old man who had just appeared from behind the desk was.

Lifting his gaze after the brief formality, the old man gave Lapis a benevolent smile.

“I am Meyer, a senator of the Vulcan Central Council. I will now guide you to the appointed location, if that is acceptable.”

“This way.”

As soon as their entry passes were issued, Meyer led the three of them out of City Hall.

A new model black sedan that had been waiting out front opened its doors, and he naturally ushered the group into the car.

“We are going to the hospital located in District 10.”

Meyer, sitting opposite Lapis, explained the destination matter-of-factly.

“There, I intend to explain how the terms of our deal will be established.”

“…”

Lennok silently observed Meyer’s pale complexion as he leaned wearily inside the car.

The last time Lennok had met Meyer, he had given the ailing man the address for Yakson.

Afterward, Lennok had made contact with her to scout her, but he had never heard any news about Meyer.

Had Meyer received any meaningful help from Yakson to improve his health?

“I didn’t expect a senator from the Central Council to be present at such a meeting.”

Facing Senator Meyer, Lapis’s voice had become calm.

As she threw off her hat and hood, her blue hair cascaded down, revealing her sky-blue eyes.

Staring at Meyer with a deeply sunken gaze, Lapis spoke.

“Considering the watching eyes, wouldn’t it have been better to decide on a more definite method of contact?”

“It would not have made much of a difference.”

Meyer shook his head slightly.

“In fact, it is perhaps because we did not set a method that you were able to arrive here safely.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Did you not already suffer an attack near the undeveloped district?”

“…”

“The information is leaking from our council’s side, not the Eyes of Blue. It was obvious things would turn out this way the moment it was decided that the entry rights to District 19 would be transferred to you.”

The wrinkles around Meyer’s eyes twitched faintly.

“Information about the restricted zones is that much of a taboo within the Central Council. Even a senator like myself has yet to gain proper authority over it.”

“…That is strange.”

Lapis, who had been listening quietly, retorted.

“You may have offered the non-aggression pact with the Pilenom Autonomous Region as a condition, but are you saying you can grant me authority that even a Central Council senator does not yet possess?”

“Hoho, you point it out immediately. One might think you’d just ask and move on if you thought it was to your benefit.”

“…”

Meyer smiled.

“It is precisely because our consensus aligned on that very point that you were able to receive this council’s invitation.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“It will be much faster to show you directly than to explain it with lengthy words.”

Screech!

At the same time as those words, the black sedan stopped in front of a huge hospital’s main gate.

The Municipal Central General Hospital, located in the center of District 10.

It was one of the seven largest municipal hospitals in Vulcan, and the second largest among them.

Over a thousand patients received treatment here daily, and the emergency room was so crowded that it was never empty, 24 hours a day.

In terms of sheer bustle, it felt even more chaotic than the City Hall where the group had just been.

“This way. It’s not far, so we’ll walk from here.”

Meyer unhesitatingly got out of the sedan and led the three to a VIP-only private ward located in the deepest part of the hospital complex.

A beautifully sculpted ivory tower, built relatively close to the Sanctuary of Healing located in the center of the hospital.

Inside and outside the tower, over a hundred security guards patrolled the ward entrance and corridors, politely greeting everyone who came and went.

“Senator Meyer. It’s been a while.”

“Senator. I owe you for the last audit. If there’s a chance next time, I’ll…”

Every patient and doctor who encountered Meyer in the ivory tower’s hallway greeted him, but Meyer merely gave them a slight nod and passed by immediately.

He quickly took the elevator to the upper floors of the ivory tower.

They had just barely gotten their entry passes, but with a senator present, they weren’t even given a chance to present them.

Following Lapis, who quietly boarded the elevator, Lennok looked out the window and muttered to himself.

“The state of separation between the floors…”

“Hmm, did you see something?”

Meyer, hearing Lennok’s mutter, turned his gaze with a rather interested face.

“Don’t hesitate. If you’ve sensed something, speak up. I’m curious about the discernment of the magician entrusted with the Lighthouse Keeper’s protection.”

“Discernment?”

“I know a magician who is devilishly sharp about these things.”

Meyer said with a bitter smile.

“His eye for detail is so sharp that even after working with him for a long time, I’m afraid to bring him to a hidden place like this.”

“…”

“When I first met that friend, I thought all magicians were that kind of breed, but having come this far, I see that’s not the case. I don’t know if I should call that a relief.”

He seemed to enjoy talking about ‘that friend’, as he suddenly seemed to have become a bit more talkative.

Somehow, Lennok felt he knew which magician he was talking about, so he remained silent.

Lennok, who had been silently gazing out the window, shook his head and replied.

“This ivory tower… it’s not a space that exists as a single physical entity, is it? Each floor of the tower is arranged at different spatial coordinates, and this place just acts as a hub to connect to them.”

“…Mm.”

Meyer’s expression, which had been relaxed the entire time, subtly hardened for a moment.