Lukas stood proud and tall on top of a roof, surveying the land before him. His intense eyes swept through every corner, slums, and the most hidden parts within the capital. He didn't let any minor details escape him nor let some distractions get to him. He was like a hawk in the night who vigilantly oversees his territory.

The moon behind him cast shadows on his face, hiding him from the eyes of others and made him inconspicuous. No one would notice him there as his presence was completely erased. Yvan and Ylmer appeared right beside him and brought news.

"We didn't notice anyone suspicious while patrolling but we sensed a powerful force pushing us back when we tried to infiltrate the bookshop,

" Yvan informed him.

"Yes, it's similar to the Arcane Tower's magician but slightly different as well,

" Ylmer seconded.

As soon as the master of the tower left, or that's what they assumed because they couldn't feel his presence anymore, the two tried to get into the said bookshop. Lukas ordered them to do so to gather information and to observe the shop owner that for some reason, had a strange air around her..

He wanted to know what's her deal and if the establishment holds secrets and it turns out that there really is something there. Else, why would his subordinates be driven back by the said powerful force?

Lukas's brows knotted. The twins said that Janus left the shop or it could also be wrong and that he knew he's planning to infiltrate inside, which is why he purposely bait them by hiding his presence.

But Ylmer also said that it was a different power, one that is only similar to the magician. If it's not Janus, then who would it be? The shop owner?

Lukas recalled the woman's face. He prided himself on having great perceptions and that he could easily appraise someone or something as long as he lay eyes on them. Yet he couldn't see through the woman's facade. He was having trouble figuring her out either and that added to his already strange misgivings to her.

He was reading her yet it felt like she was the one doing it to him. She was the one who could see through him and it irked Lukas more.

'She's not simple.' That was what he thought to himself.

"Are you sure it's not the tower magician?

" He inquired.

"Yes, master. The force that pushed us away wasn't as condensed as the magician's but it was really strong,

" Ylmer answered just as immediately.

Yvan nodded,

"It was rather fierce as if it's from an anima. Probably a beast type.

"

The twins are skilled assassins and are the best when it comes to spying and invading. There are no places in the entire empire that they couldn't infiltrate. Even the palace itself, they can come and go as they please if they want to. So when they tried to come inside the bookshop and found themselves being unable to get close, it certainly surprised the two.

They didn't give up easily, of course, but the second time was even fiercer than the first. And it felt like the one who was driving them off was giving them a warning. Like a lion bearing its sharp fangs…

It even made the twins feel cold sweat dripping down their backs.

Lukas was intrigued.

"An anima, you say?

"

"Yes, but we're not entirely sure,

" Yvan replied.

Lukas hummed as he thought to himself. His eyes then swept towards the direction of the bookshop, glinting with a strange emotion.

"Leave it then,

" he said--

"Let's go back.

"

The three jumped off of the roof and were about to disappear into the night when they sensed someone unfamiliar. On cue, Aisha appeared and saluted to Lukas who only stared at her coldly while the twins brandished their weapons in a blink.

"Good evening, master. I am Aisha from the guild. I apologize for holding you back but I must give something to the master immediately,

" she said in the most courteous tone, feeling rather nervous.

She knew of their master's temperament after all so might as well be direct as possible. Even though she was thrilled to meet the boss in person, and at such a close distance nonetheless, Aisha reined her emotions back.

'It's the master! And the Greywolf twins!'

She never imagined being able to see the master face to face because she only works on the front end as a lowly courier. So when Elric himself ordered her to send a letter to the master, she was anxious and excited at the same time.

Without waiting for his instructions or whatnot, Aisha whipped out the letter that Elric ordered her to deliver to the master earlier. She didn't dare to raise her head and continued bowing, maintaining eye contact on the ground while her arms extended forward, holding the said letter.

Lukas wordlessly took the letter and opened it in nonchalance, not hurried at all. He only scanned the contents for a quick second and had already grasped the essence of it.

"Go back and tell him to come to the mansion,

" he declared, and afterward, swiftly disappeared out of there with the twins.

Aisha released the tension off her body as soon as they were gone. When she's sure that she had calmed her nerves down, she did what Lukas told her and went back to the guild to inform Elric of the master's response.

As soon as he got the command, Elric departed towards the von Brandt's mansion. He arrived after an hour or so and invited himself in. Ylmer appeared in front of him out of the blue and escorted him inside, only to disappear again. He saw Yvan brewing tea and cleared his throat.

"Good evening, sir Yvan,

" he greeted.

Yvan glanced at him,

"You don't have to call me sir.

"

Elric didn't answer immediately for he was not sure what to reply with that. Yvan didn't wait for him though because he's already on the move, carrying a tray. Elric silently followed him behind, discreetly looking around at the same time.

Yvan knocked on the door to notify their presence and went inside with him in tow. Yvan set the tray down at the side and poured tea on one cup before placing it in front of Lukas who was busy reading some papers.

"Master,

" Elric bowed his head towards the man sitting behind the table--

"I came just as you said.

"

"Mmm,

" Lukas hummed and flipped through some documents before setting them back down.

"About her request, send your most efficient people.

"

Elric blinked upon the command and nodded,

"Yes.

"

It was only a guess on his part but it seemed like the master really pays attention towards the red-eyed woman. He didn't even ask him the full details of her request and already came out with an order. It's truly the right thing to accept the mission and send that letter.

"You can leave now,

" Lukas said and picked the documents up again, ignoring him.

Elric bowed his head even though Lukas wouldn't get to see it.

"Then I will take my leave,

" he remarked and exited the room.