Grounding one foot on the ground and the other still in the carriage, Adrian looked behind his shoulder.
The man was also rising from his spot as he raised his hands in mock surrender.
"No need for violence, sir. I come with greetings from the First Seat."
Now completely out of the carriage, Adrian faced the man and with evident surprise, he replied back.
"I see..."
"Then why is it that you are here? As per the last message I was able to send, I said him for reinforcements at Rimrock...not here." He asked back.
The man rolled his moustache, as if pondering over something in his mind and came out of tey carriage as well.
"Actually they are currently at Rimrock waiting for you. But the First Seat sent me here which he believed a step for precaution in case your plans go awry and you come here."
Adrian stood there, letting the words roll in his ears as he counted the coins for his fare. He paid the driver 20 coppers.
Robin bewildered rushed forward to stop him. "Sir, why are you paying for me? You don't need to do that, I have money."
Adrian chuckled slightly and lightly slapping Robin's extended hand, said in a nostalgic voice.
"It's just a sign of gesture. Once the First Seat used to pay for me and my subordinates, he is almost a father figure to me. So don't worry about it."
Then without giving the man to say anything in reply, he instructed him.
"The reason I sent for the reinforcements was for something different. But now the plans have changed."
Robin nodded as if expecting that.
Adrian continued. "Send the Eighth Seat to this city. I might need her help."
Robin gave a slight bow as he disappeared in the shadows of the racing carriage.
Adrian's initial surprise had already died down. He was used to such sights where the First Seat would always 'calculate the probability' as he would often phrase, and it has mostly worked.
Along the way, Adrian had also picked up the same trait. In a way, it wouldn't be too wrong if he also called the First Seat as his first and only teacher ever.
There was a reason why he was the Second Seat and 'he' the First Seat.
The First Seat deserved his title and for a good reason at that. He didn't even interfere in the affairs of any other Seats. That was Adrian's duty and now that he was currently 'busy', the others have gone unruly.
'I think I have met this Robin before, he was a low ranked subordinate back then.
Good thing the First Seat found another trustworthy subordinate.'
It was a safety measure but the Seats didn't know their own names even among themselves. Heck, only the First and the Eighth Seat knew his actual name.
'Now that guy woldn't have bothered to travel all the way here to check on me. He loved to have a lazy and a peaceful life. Though he is a lifesaver...'
Adrian already knew they had a branch in this Woodrock City from Sykes. He would have eventually found them out but now that was no longer needed. The First Seat made it easy for him.
As he walked to the restaurant named 'Cafe de Delicis' sprayed in bold letters on a name plate, Evelyn's voice returned.
[So...Second Seat huh? All this time, you were one of those goofy carrier of goodness or whatever they call you guys...haha, colour me surprised. No wonder the Temple of Truth has turned out to be so corrupted!! ]
Adrian sighed in relief. He was much thankful to Robin that he didn't call him as Seat 2. That would probably have freaked out Evelyn.
Who knew if she would rat him out to someone?
[So, can I ask why are you still not replying to me now?]
Adrian sighed again. He was getting tired of all this. Her drama, her facade in the name of entertainment...and her unknown intentions, each of them a gnawing irritation to Adrian. A reminder to himself of the problems to be solved and ...fixed.
He was a man thriving in manipulation, treachery and deception. You pick up those skills naturally when you have already been a slave once and even escaped from the clutches of the slaver.
Evelyn...people like her would have already earned his hatred. He might be hypocritic in his way of thinking, but even then he didn't care. He should have already been plotting to enact his revenge upon her...
But then he stopped. Even though it might just be his delusion but he felt as if there was something missing. He could feel the emotions regarding his past events but whenever he tried concentrating on the events themselves, the pain came back and broke his focus each and every time.
Thus, he held off from doing anything that might make him regret later.
"Let me figure out my feelings before I talk with you." He replied in a cold tone and added,"As for the Temple, don't worry about it. Once I return back there, I shall make sure the lower Seats learn their lesson."
Evelyn didn't reply back. Adrian expected that.
He continued, "So for now, it would be a good thing if you don't bother me, and contact me only when it's something important.
You are an unnecessary burden."
A low voice whispered back to him.
[Your words...d-did you--]
Adrian cut in.
"Yes."
Making her go completely silent.
Adrian felt her presence vanish, and he soon felt at ease.
He then pushed the glass door and entered the newly made restaurant with a smile pasted on his face.
He glanced around the interior of the place. In few words, the place radiated warmth and the aesthetic vibes that could attract people in crowds.
The walls were painted in sober colours, soothing the customers and making them feel at ease. Glass embroideries glittered across the centred sections on the walls, adding a touch of fragility.
Circular, polished tables were kept uniformly around the space with plush,thickly upholstered chairs surrounding it from four sides. Glass windows gave access to the pure sunlight to enter, giving both light and warmth to the interior.
He approached the receptionist.