บท 154: My Organization
(3rd Person POV)
Several masked figures converged on the rooftop where Arthur and Sylwen's trail ended.
"The footprints stop here," the man in the dog mask observed, studying the roof's surface.
"Our investigation shows the elf operative codenamed Lala wasn't alone," another figure reported as they landed.
"Evidence suggests Lala was taken against her will," a third masked operative added.
The dog-masked man straightened. "With no traces leading down or across other rooftops, her captor must possess flight capabilities." He paused thoughtfully. "To subdue Lala, one of our most competent operatives, and possess the power of flight... This individual cannot be taken lightly."
The other masked figures nodded in agreement.
Flying techniques, after all, belonged to the realm of ancient magic - a rare and powerful art few could master.
***
Arthur descended onto the hotel rooftop with Sylwen, his wings dissolving as he slipped through his room's window with practiced ease.
He set Sylwen down unceremoniously, like placing a lightweight package.
"What do you plan to do with me?" Sylwen's eyes darted around the room, her imagination clearly spiraling toward darker possibilities.
She feared Arthur intended to... take advantage of her position!
Reading her expression, Arthur decided to tease her. He lifted her suddenly and tossed her onto the king-sized bed.
Sylwen swallowed hard, watching Arthur's intense gaze. "You'll regret this..." she muttered.
"Regret what?" Arthur asked innocently.
"For... for taking advantage of me!" Sylwen burst out. "Now I understand why a demon - a royal demon no less - would act so caring! Your true intentions are clear! You're despicable!"
Arthur's smile widened. "What are you talking about? What intentions?" He shook his head. "I simply thought you could use some rest. Are you perhaps misunderstanding something?"
"You're not... not going to take advantage of me? My body?" Sylwen's disbelief was palpable.
Arthur studied her for a moment. "Take advantage of your body?" He paused thoughtfully. "Hehe, I'll admit you're beautiful with a stunning figure. But I'll pass."
His tone softened. "I have a beautiful girlfriend, remember? She's more beautiful than you."
Sylwen's face tightened at the mention of his girlfriend. She bit her lower lip, defiance flashing in her eyes. "No way she's more beautiful than me!"
"Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder," Arthur shrugged casually. "Perhaps you are more beautiful objectively, but I find Firfel more attractive." Then, with deliberate gentleness, he added, "Sorry."
That simple 'sorry' sent color flooding to Sylwen's cheeks. The casual dismissal stung more than she expected.
"Here, so you don't bite your tongue," Arthur said, securing a handkerchief around her mouth.
"Hmm!" Sylwen's protests became muffled.
"I'll be back." Arthur left her to stew in her thoughts.
In the hotel's dining area, he spotted Firfel and Vivienne at their usual table.
"Where have you been?" Firfel asked as he approached. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
Arthur settled into his chair with an easy smile. "Just handling some business."
The women accepted this with quiet nods. Arthur ordered from the menu, enjoying a peaceful meal with them before carefully broaching the subject.
"Firfel, does the name Sylwen mean anything to you?"
The question visibly startled her. "Where did you hear that name?"
"Met an elf woman earlier," Arthur explained. "She introduced herself as Sylwen. Asked quite a bit about you."
"Really?" Firfel stood abruptly. "Where is she? Can you tell me?"
Arthur sighed softly. "She left. Asked specifically that you not look for her."
Firfel sank back into her chair reluctantly. Vivienne watched the exchange with quiet interest.
"What did she want to know about me?" Firfel's voice carried an edge of tension.
"Simple things," Arthur kept his tone casual. "How you've been lately, if you're doing well. That sort of thing." He added carefully, "I answered her questions. She seemed satisfied with what she heard."
Firfel released a weighted sigh, her expression a complex mix of emotions.
"You know her, Firf?" Vivienne probed gently.
'Perfect timing, Vivienne!' Arthur silently approved, turning his full attention to Firfel.
Firfel's shoulders sagged with a heavy sigh. "Sylwen is my half-sister." Her voice softened. "Mother's firstborn... from another man..." The words seemed to catch in her throat.
Vivienne nodded encouragingly, sensing the weight of the revelation.
"Father accepted mother despite everything, but Sylwen..." Firfel's expression darkened with old pain. "She received nothing but cold treatment from both of them." Her voice carried years of guilt. "When I turned thirteen, she finally left. Said she'd make her own way in the world."
"That's heartbreaking," Vivienne murmured, genuine sympathy in her tone.
Firfel nodded slowly, memories clearly playing behind her eyes. The casual cruelty her parents showed Sylwen, their utter indifference when she left - they hadn't even attempted to search for their eldest daughter.
Arthur absorbed this information with growing discomfort. 'So the sharp-tongued woman has her own wounds,' he reflected. The pieces of Sylwen's personality began falling into place.
"Well, I'm full," he announced, rising from his chair. "See you later, girls."
Both women nodded, barely registering his departure as they remained deep in conversation about Sylwen.
As Arthur walked away, fragments of their continued discussion drifted after him, painting an ever more complex picture of his captive's past.
***
(Arthur POV)
Returning to my hotel room, I found Sylwen still on the bed, the handkerchief across her mouth. Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling, tears streaming silently down her face.
I sighed softly, settling beside her. Gently, I wiped the tears from her cheeks.
She barely reacted to my presence. I continued dabbing at her tears with careful movements. "Everything will be fine. Don't worry too much about your organization. They pose no threat to me."
Sylwen shook her head at my attempt at reassurance.
She struggled to speak against the cloth, "Hmph-"
I quickly removed the handkerchief.
"I have nowhere to go," she said, voice raw with emotion. "The organization I served for years will hunt me down. I'm completely alone."
My heart tightened at her words. "What are you talking about? Nowhere to go?" I challenged gently. "That's not true at all. After all, I'm here."
Sylwen shot me a skeptical look that clearly said 'you?'
"Don't look at me like I'm unreliable," I protested. "Didn't you witness my power firsthand? I'm more capable than you think."
"Sure," Sylwen chuckled, clearly humoring me.
"You still don't believe in me?" I asked, noting her continued doubt despite our earlier confrontation.
Sylwen just gave me that same skeptical look.
"I'm being completely honest," I insisted. "I have my own organization. If you want, it could become your new home."
"Really?" Sylwen's tone remained playfully doubtful. "What's the name of this organization of yours?"
"Name?" My mind raced frantically - I hadn't expected to invent an organization on the spot.
Hellfire Organization was out of the question - far too obvious.
A secret organization needed proper distance from my public ventures. Any clear connection to my companies would instantly expose my bluff.
"My organization is called 'Hellsing Organization'," I heard myself say within seconds.
Not bad at all. It had the right mysterious ring to it.
Sylwen's thoughtful expression suggested she was buying it. "Hellsing Organization... Never heard of it..."
"Naturally," I cleared my throat with practiced confidence. "We operate in absolute secrecy. Our members are exceptionally powerful, all masters of advanced martial arts. They command techniques like the one I used to shatter your mask's barrier."
Sylwen fell into contemplative silence. My fabrication seemed to be taking root.
"So joining your organization means learning these martial arts and secret techniques?" She asked, genuine interest creeping into her voice. "The ones capable of breaking through powerful shields?"
I nodded firmly. "Absolutely. I'll personally oversee your training if you wish."
Sylwen weighed her options before speaking. "Alright. I'll join your organization... I hope this isn't a decision I'll regret."
"You won't," I assured her, internally sighing with relief.
At least I'd given her something to live for.
[Hidden Quest: You successfully created a secret organization and recruited one member!]
'Well,' I thought, eyeing the notification. 'This just got interesting.'
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