'What the?'
Though the sudden commanding tone annoyed him, knowing that was just how this person was, he only furrowed his brow. Leonardo scanned from Meterion's feet to his arm draped over the backrest, and then his profile staring straight ahead.
Setting aside how he suddenly sat down next to him pretending to be friendly, his timing was so exquisite it was as if he had read Leonardo's thoughts. As if he had been watching for an opportunity and appeared when Leonardo was alone.
'Wait.'
Suddenly feeling a sense of déjà vu, Leonardo's eyes twitched.
"Was it you? The one who was on the rooftop?"
At his blunt words, the gaze that had been fixed on the Commander slowly turned sideways. Though his tone seemed to irritate him, Meterion narrowed his eyes but made no particular response other than casually gesturing in the air.
At that, dust particles that seemed impossible for the day after rain surrounded the bench. Though not enough to completely hide their figures, it seemed they wouldn't be noticeable from the other side even if someone jumped up from their seat.
Since he seemed determined after saying he wanted to talk briefly, Leonardo asked in an annoyed tone:
"Why do you keep lurking around me?"
"I see Agrizendro hasn't corrected that speaking habit of yours."
Meterion recited in his characteristically calm tone. At the unpleasant remark that seemed like he had come to pick a fight again, Leonardo tried to ignore him and move away.
There was nothing to gain from being seen talking with someone who was already hostile to the Commander. He also didn't want to create any issues that could be used against him when his release was so close.
However, the moment he hurriedly stood up from the bench, Meterion grabbed Leonardo's forearm.
Pat–
"Don't touch me."
Leonardo's pupils contracted instantly as he struck away the hand.
For a mere warning, his gaze and voice were fierce. Strength also entered Meterion's lips.
"Sit."
Leonardo's eyebrows twisted severely. He couldn't understand why the other was being so overbearing when he had merely snuck up while avoiding the Commander.
Just as he was about to leave anyway, Meterion, who had shaken off his hand, brought up a story that seemed completely unrelated to the situation.
"This morning, a member of our 3rd Battalion named Felix Montero received a medal and reward leave in the Commander's name."
Leonardo, who had been about to take a step, froze in place. Felix Montero, an unforgettable name.
Hadn't he seen it on the nameplate of that person whose face Nero had borrowed? Turning around with a tense expression, he saw Meterion quietly staring at him with a face that seemed to ask if he would still leave.
When the Commander had left Fidele territory, Felix Montero had come to the large tent where Leonardo was alone. That guy had clearly said he came to find the backpack because of the 'Battalion Commander's' orders.
'So this bastard was the one who created that situation.'
Otherwise, there would be no reason to bring up that name in front of him. Leonardo glared at Meterion with furrowed brows.
The other asked leisurely:
"Shall I continue?"
Leonardo, who had sat down at a distance, replied coldly as if telling him to get to the point:
"Just say what you mean."
Seeing room for dialogue, Meterion tapped his cigarette pack and put one stick in his mouth. He offered another to Leonardo, but Leonardo didn't accept. He had promised Hugo he wouldn't smoke until his condition improved.
"...That medal is awarded to those who made great contributions during the peninsula subjugation and survivor rescue operations. When a member receives it, not only their direct superior but even I, as Battalion Commander, receive some benefits."
Understanding the rejection, Meterion withdrew his arm and lit his cigarette, exhaling a long breath.
"But I know my battalion members best. Felix Montero is not someone who would achieve such distinguished merit."
"..."
"He's not the type to raise his voice in a gathering of commanders, nor is he capable enough to take the lead in finding survivors trapped in barriers."
Leonardo's heartbeat gradually quickened. Those must have been Nero's actions, not Felix Montero's.
This idiot, why did he do so many conspicuous things? And he had only committed major acts that ordinary members wouldn't attempt.
"You understand what I mean."
Meterion drew on the filter and blew smoke straight ahead. The cigarette smoke he exhaled mixed with the dust particles, making visibility even hazier.
"..."
Leonardo contemplated how to respond to this situation. This person wouldn't have sought him out simply because of someone impersonating another. He must have come personally because he had found something that could be used as leverage. And given the circumstances, it was reasonable to assume he suspected Nero's existence, his ability to change appearances, and his relationship with Leonardo.
However, Leonardo acted brazen:
"So what?"
If he had been found out anyway, he shouldn't show a submissive attitude from the start.
Meterion smirked.
"Do you know why the Commander gave him the medal?"
Leonardo didn't answer. Because he didn't know the reason.
"It means to keep your mouth shut if you know anything. In exchange, he's proposing a deal to turn a blind eye. To me."
"...A deal?"
"Yes. Not to touch you. That he won't tolerate it if I interfere with your release."
Meterion flicked off his cigarette ash. Leonardo, who had been staring at the falling embers, asked with a puzzled expression:
"Not to touch me? No, wait, what do you know, and what is he turning a blind eye to?"
Meterion turned to look at him with an emotionless gaze.
"Well. You should know that better than I do."
A moment of silence followed his final words. The dust particles seemed to cut off not just visibility but sound as well, as no ambient noise could be heard.
Leonardo's mind became utterly confused. He would know better? All he knew was that the 3rd Battalion Commander was 'that person' who had been backing the illegal mining team.
As that thought occurred to him, he suddenly felt the blood drain from his fingertips. Did this person know that he knew about the illegal mining team? Even that Hugo Agrizendro knew Meterion Clinder was involved, and was deliberately turning a blind eye to it?
Wondering what was going on, Leonardo rolled his eyes busily. Just as he was trying to manage his expression while his lips moved, Meterion, who had taken a long drag on his cigarette, suddenly spoke:
"How much does the Commander know?"
"...What?"
"Don't try to deny it."
His dark eyes scanned Leonardo from head to toe. The gaze seemed to be appraising his worth, which made Leonardo feel unnecessarily irritated.
"I'm asking how much you told him about what you saw."
Meterion asked almost assuming that Leonardo had seen the mining team's site.
While maintaining a calm face, Leonardo carefully considered whether this person was testing him or if he had been caught somewhere.
But soon, one concerning moment came to mind. When dealing with the mother body, hadn't he smashed the artifact and taken out the etaide to amplify the destructive power?
Actually, he had hoped everyone would miss it in the chaos, but Meterion Clinder had been spreading the sealing magic circle below him, so if he had seen it, there was enough reason for suspicion.
'Damn...'
Leonardo, grinding his molars hard, thought quickly. Whether the other had certainty or had come for psychological warfare, it was better to respond appropriately as if he also held cards rather than looking foolish.
Leonardo let out a fabricated laugh and answered:
"What are you talking about? I haven't said 'anything' yet. You must have acted suspiciously."
"..."
Meterion's eyes narrowed. It seemed half irritation, half intent to confirm the truth.
A tense atmosphere flowed through the silence. Leonardo's words weren't lies. He actually hadn't said anything, and he himself was confused about what the Commander knew and how.
As the confrontation with hidden intentions continued between them, the burning cigarette was thrown to the ground and a shoe ground out the ember.
"Fortunately, you're not stupid. Yes, it's better to keep your mouth shut. If you want to be released without problems in two days."
Leonardo's mouth corner twitched. Even if this person knew about Nero's existence, it was absurd that he would try to threaten him when he must have his own weaknesses.
Leonardo, suddenly heated, asked accusingly:
"What does my release have to do with you? Anyway–"
"Didn't Agrizendro tell you? That senior commanders also have voting rights regarding your release."
"..."
"There will certainly be opposing votes from the council members' side, so you need unanimous approval from the commanders at least. Well, if you don't interfere with my business, the Commander seems to be handling the rest, so it should pass without problems."
In other words, if he wanted to receive approval votes, he should continue to remain silent regardless of what he knew. That seemed to be the main point he wanted to make, as Meterion slowly stood up.
"By the way, how did you cook the Commander? The person I know would never make such a messy deal."
Meterion, who had been muttering to the air, turned his head and sneered.
"I hear you spend nights together too, did you offer your backside?"
"You crazy bastard."
Leonardo, turning serious, glared at him with murderous eyes.
"Watch your tongue. Do you think I can't kill you right now?"
Leonardo's mana rose eerily, mixing in the air and wrapping around Meterion's neck. It was a warning that he could kill him right now. Since he was actually capable of doing so, Meterion withdrew his sneer while keeping his hands behind his back.
"If not, that's fine. If you had developed feelings, I was thinking of nullifying my previous proposal."
"What, proposal? That one about joining your side?"
Leonardo twisted his lips as if dumbfounded.
"Why would I when I'm almost free? Ah, will you offer your backside if I join?"
The comment must have been quite insulting, as Meterion's expression instantly froze terribly. However, though a vein stood out on his forehead, he didn't show much anger.
"Consider it if the situation were reversed. Anyway, the offer stands, keep it in mind. It wouldn't be bad terms for you."
"Get lost, before I can't hold back from killing you."
Meterion, narrowing his brows, shook his head and muttered:
"I'll have to do something about that mouth before enjoying."
Finally, as if finished with his business, he turned without lingering. The hazy dust gradually dissipated, and the bright sunlight shone down again.
Meterion, walking leisurely through the veil, disappeared from view as all the dust cleared.
Leonardo sat on the bench, staring intently at where his figure had shimmered. Then he twisted his jaw so hard it made a cracking sound.
"That seaweed-like bastard..."
Unpleasant guy, he hadn't liked him from the start. It was beyond absurd that he still thought there was a possibility of cooperation with him – it made Leonardo want to hit him.
As he regretted not being able to strike that dark green back of the head, Leonardo immediately buried his face in his arm and smelled his clothes.
'Damn, did the cigarette smell stick? I didn't even smoke...'
He had deliberately refrained since Agrizendro seemed to dislike the smell of cigarettes, but it was frustrating that someone who came secretly would deliberately leave traces.
At that moment, the voice he had been waiting for came from far away.
"Leonardo–"
Leonardo immediately raised his head with a start.
Having finished his conversation with the members, Hugo could be seen walking alone towards him. At his figure casually raising his hand as if to say he was done, Leonardo created a gentle breeze to erase the traces of the one who had left with good timing.
While cursing that guy who had suddenly appeared and stirred up his mind like a storm, Leonardo hurriedly stood up and roughly dusted off his clothes. Then he picked up the crumpled gelato cup and approached Hugo.
"Are you done?"
"Did you wait long?"
Leonardo shook his head vigorously and grabbed Hugo's arm, leading him in the opposite direction. Hastily leaving the vicinity of the bench where the cigarette smell still lingered, he smiled with his eyes as if he knew nothing.
The fierce expression from earlier was nowhere to be seen. Shaking the empty cup, he changed the subject with an unconcerned air:
"This is delicious. I want another one."