Disclaimer: Noblesse isn't mine.
Coming of Age (Part 2)
"What is the range on this rifle?" Lifting the weapon to his shoulder, Takeo aimed it at the target and pulled the trigger. It shot far to the left. "The cross-hair must be off. Adjusting seven inches to the right." He reloaded and shot again. Perfect. "I don't know. Maybe about twenty feet?" The clerk swept a pile of shredded cardboard into a dustpan. "And, sir, if you're going to take it out of the packaging, you need to buy it first.""Ah, sorry." Tao seized the toy from Takeo's hand and dropped it in the cart. "We'll take them all and the ammunition, too.""These are foam." Takeo held up a package of orange bullets. "This will not be effective.""The children in the commercial enjoyed being attacked by it." Tao pushed the cart to the cashier and unloaded the arsenal at the cash register. "Takeo, keep a look out."Becoming invisible from outside, Takeo pressed his back against the wall and watched the street from the corner of his eye. "All clear.""Let's go!" Tao called, grabbing the bags and bursting through the door."Uh," the clerk held up a paper, "you forgot your receipt."
"Mission accomplished!" Tao happily marked off another task from his list. "Now to check on M-21's progress."
"M-21 refused to participate." Now holding most of the bags, Takeo weaved through the crowds as he followed Tao home. "He walked out before you finished suggesting your idea. I would have as well if you hadn't stolen my wallet."
"He'll do it anyway."
[-] [-] [-]
The letter.
It's still unopened.
On the coffee table.
Unattended.
Frankenstein stared at it. He couldn't read it without master's permission.
The letter wasn't an invitation to the coming of age ceremony. The invitations would be much more elaborate to impress the guests of honor. How did Gejutel invite him without Frankenstein's knowledge? Was it while in Lukedonia?
Regis' letter, he hated to admit, was a reasonable response. If enhanced humans suddenly appeared at the ceremony, especially after the recent attack from the union, it would cause an unnecessary ruckus. Such a thing would not bode well for Regis. Even master and himself would be difficult to explain. The lord and the clan leaders knew, of course, but it would come as a surprise to the rest of Lukedonia. For a race that lives so long in such close quarters, it would be unfathomable to see someone they had never heard of. Or worse, someone they believed to be a traitor.
Master's letter.
It could be important.
He could open and seal it without leaving any visible signs.
Master wouldn't know.
Master would know.
"Frankenstein?"
"Yes?" Frankenstein immediately rose to his feet. "What is it?"
"About the coming of age ceremony." M-21 stood in the kitchen next to a coffee mug on the counter. "What makes it so important?"
"It isn't a simple birthday party as you suggested before. Nobles do not track birthdays as humans do. Many stop counting once they are of age. This will be the only celebration one will ever have."
"Oh, I see."
"But that is not why it is important. After the ceremony, one will serve the lord as an adult. For Regis, this means he will study under Gejutel to become a clan leader."
"And he'll stay in Lukedonia."
"Yes, and Seira as well."
"Seira, too?"
"Of course. She was here as Regis' guardian. It's only natural that she would leave as well."
"I suppose we may never see them again."
"Is that what you're curious about?"
"No. It's just that-"
"Ask me."
"I know I can't go the ceremony, and I don't have any right to ask this. But, the mansion. Would it be alright to see him off from there?"
"Is Tao planning to hide in the cargo hold of my jet again?"
"Yes."
"Alright."
"We can go?"
"As long as you stay on the mansion grounds, it should be fine."
"That seems reasonable." M-21 curled his fingers around the mug and brought it to his lips. The tea tasted sweet… too sweet. Who made this?
Frankenstein glared from the living room. "Is that the drink I made for Master?"
"I-It was just sitting there." He quickly set it down and pushed it across the counter. "He's not here, and it was cold."
[-] [-] [-]
Gejutel K. Landegre,
I have asked you before not to send messages by letter. I am aware someone as set in his ways as you will find even the simplest of changes difficult, but if you wish to contact Master or myself, use the cell phone I have provided for you.
Sincerely,
Frankenstein
[-] [-] [-]
Frankenstein,
I have contacted your master through his cell phone before. If I need to contact you, I will be sure to write.
Sincerely,
Gejutel K. Landegre
Frankenstein glared at the text. What could he have said to Master?
CoA
