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[My Lord...] Balamore

Hearing the voice of his retainer, Vier slowly opened his eyes.

[My Lord...please lay down properly if you wish to take a nap] Balamore stated simply as she knelt outside at the entrance where the door was slightly opened. She said as such as Vier slept in a sitting position against the wall, holding his sword firmly in his hands, ready to reflexively react to any malicious intents and attempts.

[Ah...force of habit] Vier replied, his stoic expression remain unchanged. Balamore smirked at the sight.

[Hmmph, Your Lordship only warms up when Lady Ellen is around~] Balamore said with a playful tone as she stood up and crossed her arms on her chest.

Vier furrowed his eyebrows and frowned as he gave his retainer a side long glance. His retainer always manages to get on his nerves every once in a while. While she's a trustworthy spirit whereby she and her predecessors had served his family for generations, true to her duties and assumed serious behavior when necessary, he can't help but wonder where did her playfulness came from. He ought to pity Ellen as well as she became quite the target in Balamore's eyes.

"Well, at the very least her presence brights up the depressing atmosphere we always had before. And I have to thank her for always keeping me in check than letting me act on my impulses,' Vier thought silently as he recounted the days where he was engulfed in sadness, anger and despair.

[And? What brings you here to disturb my nap?] Vier asked. According to his biological clock, he had only closed his eyes for close to half an hour.

[I have a report] Balamore said as her expression returned to a serious one.

[Speak] Vier urged her to continue, his eyes glistening with a cold light. If it is something related to the recent attack by the spirit beasts and the abnormality of their behavior then...

Vier had ordered Balamore and her team of scouts to investigate the perimeters to find any sort of signs that may lead to the perpetrators. Of course, to clean up the area as well. Though it was a bit too fast than expected, Vier expected some good information nonetheless.

[My apologies, I would have to disappoint you in that regard, My Lord] Balamore did not beat around the bush and quickly deny any findings.

[Sigh, if the enemy was able to control that many spirit beasts and orchestrated such a grand invasion at multiple places at once, it is not that surprising that they are able to cover their tracks meticulously. Regardless, continue the search. Presently we are left on the blind side, and I don't like it] Vier contemplated.

Even if they can simply trample on anything that comes their way with their strength, Vier realized that they are strategically at a disadvantage. Their enemy seems to know them quite well while his side does not have any clues on them, their numbers or their strength. Which is why gathering information is presently a priority.

There were plenty of things that they needed to investigate, such as how the spirit beasts were controlled to such an extent. Such capabilities spells disaster if not chaos.

[Yes, that is so....however, this matter is...] Balamore trailed off for a bit before she continued.

[The troublemakers have returned, My Lord] Balamore finally said, her mouth gradually contorted into a grin as she could not help herself seeing how her master stiffened and his face darken at the news.

[......I see] Vier said darkly as he supported his head with his hands.

My. Head. Ache. If this continues.... I might as well contract a brain tumor....Sigh.

Author's Note:

Chapters are a bit shorter...slowly getting back on track.

Also, feel free to check out my other story in Royalroadl: http://royalroadl.com/fiction/7703.