>>6188344“I appreciate the offer, Miss Victoria, but I’d like to think it over a bit longer. I’m curious whether the other leaders might have something to say that changes my mind. No offense intended.” Calm. Composed. It was important to make that clear. You weren’t taking sides. Hell, you weren’t even sure if you wanted to ally with anyone. The alternative was still to escape with Shelly and Sora, but casting the White Fang aside so easily? That wasn’t your style. You’d at least do what you could to help them in the long run.
Victoria scoffed. “I seriously doubt the others have anything useful to add. Be warned, White Fang, I’m not known for my patience. This offer won’t stand forever.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I truly appreciate it.” A soft smile to ease the tension in the air.
Silence filled the room as the elevator doors slid open once more. This time, three figures emerged.
Leading them was a rugged man in a classic-style hat, his unkempt beard partially obscuring his face. Orange-tinted sunglasses hid his eyes, and a cast was wrapped around his left arm. In his other hand, he held a small, unfamiliar machine, its shape oddly reminiscent of an oversized ashtray. Flanking him were two floating drones, each with a single glowing orb, their frames reinforced with what looked like metal plating. Their design was obviously that of a modified scout drone.
No one spoke. Unusual. You didn’t recognize the man, but the drones were familiar. Nobles often used them as proxies when they feared appearing in public. Were these the Black Sheep other leaders? Most likely. Their description matched what Sora had detailed in her reports.
“I thought this was to be an in-person meeting. Or did the plans change last second?” You finally broke the silence, noting how no one else seemed inclined to speak.
“I’m afraid we had to take some precautions.” One of the drones responded, its male voice composed yet slightly robotic.
“Miss Victoria? You actually came in the flesh?” The other drone, its feminine voice filled with curiosity, hovered slightly closer.
“Of course. If danger dares to approach, I have the perfect solution for it.” Victoria rested her hand on Bayfor’s armor. He tilted his head against her shoulder, almost like a cat. A bit unsettling.
“I must urge you to reconsider your security measures.” The drone said in its usual monotone voice. “To update you on the matter, alongside our esteemed guests, I regret to inform you that one of the heads recently lost his life to the attack of the hunter, while the other was left in critical condition.”
Victoria whistled. “Two of us, huh? That’s surprising, considering how paranoid most of us tend to be. How did it happen?”
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