At the end of the day, Krishna dropped Missio off at his home. The guards opened the gates, letting him inside. Missio walked through the front yard with a blank face and halted at the door which was also opened by the guards. He entered the lavish living room with high-ceilings and sat down on the couch. Lilla approached and told him with a bow.
"My lord, Victor is waiting for you."
Missio tapped his headphones and sighed. "I'll…be there."
Lilla nodded and turned away to do her work. Missio leaned, swinging his arms back. He stared at the ceiling while soft music played through his ears. After a few minutes, he groaned and stood up. He strolled towards a door and opened it. Inside was Victor sitting in usual attire.
"Yo, Champion! How are you feeling?"
"…Fine." Missio replied, sitting down.
"So…" Victor turned on his digital pad. "Let's get started, shall we?"
Missio nodded. Victor leaned back.
"So, is anything bothering you?"
"…No…not really…"
"Really – really?"
"Well…it's kind of sensitive information."
"To you or…?"
"To the public."
"Got you – got you. Don't tell me. I don't wanna be a part of this mess."
Missio chuckled lightly, showing a bit of happiness. Victor smiled slightly and continued talking with him. After a few hours, the therapy session ended.
"So? You feeling light?"
"Yeah…" Missio replied, standing up. "Thanks…"
"Don't worry about it. Anyways, have a good night sleep!"
Missio closed the door and only Victor was left in the room. He sighed and wiped his glasses with a cloth.
'Dante…your brother is a piece of work…but I'll help him get back. He as much a responsibility to me as he is to you.'
Victor stood up and stepped into the hall. He waved at Lilla who was across the room.
"Miss Lilla! I'll be out for a while!"
Lilla turned around and smiled, waving back.
"Okay, Should I prepare you dinner?"
"No, I'll be pretty late. Don't mind."
"Have a nice trip."
As Lillas words echoed, Victor closed the front door. He walked past the guards and headed towards the garage. He entered and walked up to a smart car. The car unlocked as soon as he approached. He got into the driver's seat and activated it. The car revved as the garage doors opened. He sped onto the road and headed towards his destination, through the glowing city filled with skyscrapers.
***
He departed from the city and the outer districts, making his way to the country side. His car drove on the newly made road the passed the fields. After a while, he parked his car and exited. He moved towards a house on the side of the road, fenced by wood. He made his way towards the back and called out.
"Mr. Alaric! I'm here!"
He shouted the elders name and after a few moments the door opened.
"Victor! You're here." Alaric said with a smile. "Come on - Come inside."
Alaric invited him inside with a kind gesture. Victor stepped inside the farmer's home and sat down on his couch. In the kitchen, Alaric began making tea for his guest.
"You don't have to make tea."
"I must. It's etiquette."
After a few seconds, Alaric brought over two cups with biscuits. Victor took a sip and smacked his lips.
"Did you grow or buy these?"
"I grew them here. How are they?"
"It's good. It feels more rawer than the ones I get at mansion."
Alaric laughed. "I'm glad you enjoy it. By the way…how's Missio doing?"
Victor took another sip. "He's slowly recovering. Faster than last time but…"
"But?" Alaric urged him to continue.
"He seems to be tired. I don't know why nor is he telling me but I feeling he's getting lazier by the day or something like that."
"Really?"
"Yes! Even his friends are telling him, he's sending them on more of the missions instead of going himself."
Alaric had to nothing to say – actually, he couldn't say anything. He sighed heavily and put his tea down, taking a biscuit and dipping it.
"I'm glad you became his therapist. I really do appreciate it."
"Don't worry. I've always wanted to work in this profession. I wanted to help people like my father who had PTSD from the great eastern wall."
"Even so, I'm extremely grateful. You've been a great friend to Dante since his younger days and now…you're helping his brother recover. God bless you."
"Don't worry about it. He's helped me many times. I'm just trying to repay the favor. As Missio's therapist, I have just as much responsibility as him to care of Missio."
Alaric chuckled. "I guess."
The air became awkwardly quiet. Victor and Alaric didn't speak anything for a few moments, delving into their own thoughts. Suddenly, Victor asked Alaric in a calm manner.
"Have you seen Dante?"
Alaric lifted his head. "Of course, He's visited me multiple times across these two months."
"What did he talk about?"
"At first, he ranted about not being able to go on the expedition. Then, it slowly switched to his brother."
"Yeah…he's visited Missio quite a number of times but Missio doesn't seem to budge even from Dante erratic personality." Victor dipped and ate another biscuit.
"We should be grateful that he's taking so much time to meet us even though he's so busy." Alaric took another sip.
"Being the supreme commander of the REOC is not an easy job, I tell you. He's told me so many times about the things he has to do."
"I understand or maybe not…" Alaric finished his tea. "I was once the commander of the REOC and the Apex forces but…that time is behind me, now."
"It's as they say 'Never underestimate an old man in a job where people die young.'."
Alaric chucked and leaned back. "That is true but I've lost my edge."
"Still, you're quite powerful with your attribute." Victor finished his tea.
Then, they continued to talk, happily as the full moon lit above them like a mirror.