Author's Note:
Author's Note: Yeah, I know I am at fault. I just developed a writer's block. I thought I had everything plan well but Elizabeth and Michael's appearance left me with doubts whether I should changed the original story's ending. Anyway, please enjoy! Sorry again 4 the long update!
Chapter 25:
They both diverted their attention from each other when they heard their names being called.
"Train! Rin! You guys are early!"
Train and Rin were immediately greeted by smiles which amused them greatly.
"Something happened?"
Train with a smirk, placed his hands on his hips and Rin could only stand there grinning madly. Jenos quickly ran and kneel before her in a comical way.
"There this crazy girl on my trail! Please help me! I'm not young enough to lose my sanity! At least, wait until I found my perfect match!! I'll go mad with her continuous foolish ramblings about me being her future husband. Help me please!"
Rin's eye twitched.
"Help? With what?"
"Anything! So long that girl doesn't bother me!"
Rin gave an exasperated sigh and kick Jenos away before anyone sees them like this.
"Oh get a grip already! You are a Chronos member for God's sake! Go solve the problem yourself!!"
Jenos reluctantly went to a corner and sulk and the others snickered in amusement.
Eve turn and noticed Train's appearance for the first time and, of course, blushed. Okay, she knew she was being immature, only a childish girl would blush like this. But Train looked different, no, not just different but very different and better looking. Not that she was implying Train is ugly or something, hell; he could even fooled guys if he dresses up as a girl for goodness' sake! Train looked so formal, important and professional-looking, just like a Chronos member, though he was originally one. Her attention reluctantly turned to Rin and noticed her clothes which is clearly not suitable for the party,
"Rin, do you want to change first?"
Rin noted her attire and grinned sheepishly.
"Sure! I don't feel comfortable in these clothes in this party! It would be great if you let me change now."
Eve smiled and gestured Rin to follow her.
"That's fine by me. Come on, lets get you change and perfumed."
"Perfumed? Uh, I don't think that's necessary. I mean, I don't really like perfumes…"
Rin's sudden nervous behavior brought evil snickers from the boys. She turned towards them with a murderous aura and back to Eve,
"Fine if that is the only way to keep them quiet."
Eve nodded understandingly.
"You don't have to worry about that."
With a laugh, Eve pushed Rin towards her room.
"They will be fascinated with you to the extent that you will hear a pin drop of silence from them.
Leaving the girls to get ready, Jenos pointed towards the table filled with refreshments with an indication of inviting Train who hesitated. Getting impatient, Jenos pulled him by wrist to the table. He offered Train a glass of drink which was taken, yet again by hesitation. The bandit stared at the drink dumfounded, debating whether to sip, swallow in one gulp rudely or better yet, deck out an open window on a usual basis but for the sake of manners, he took a sip. Jenos watching him sipping his drink and laughed in amusement.
"Don't worry, is not poison. It's sparkling juice and is quite uncommon, so try to drink as much as possible."
"I apologized for my rude manners but poisoning another person's food and drinks is a famous killing method for the bandits so you can never be too careful."
Jenos gave him a mortified look.
"You mean, I might have eaten poisonous food?!"
The bandit chuckled at Jenos' sudden nervousness.
"Don't worry. If you have eaten any of the poisonous food, you would be dead right now. Our poison acts swiftly and is dangerous to vital organs."
"My goodness, I won't eat when you and Rin are present then!"
Jenos shuddered and backed away from the senior who lift the foreign liquid in an attempt to drink.
After several moments, Train licked his lips in a happy manner for the drink had certainly done its job, as it had quenched Train's thirst and tasted wonderfully good. He looked at Jenos with a face of approval. Jenos could only smiled at the how naïve and childish the bandit was when it comes to discovering new stuffs, perhaps when a child discover he could walk. Though he was a cruel bandit who has earned respect from several men, Train can be such a Child sometimes! It was pretty cute! Deciding to have more fun with this so-called child, he leaned against the wall,
"Hey Train?"
Train reluctantly looked up from his drink.
"What is it?"
"Eve."
Train looked at him with a strange look.
"What about Eve?"
"Oh nothing much, I was just wondering how pretty Eve looked today."
"I guess so…"
Bingo! He spotted the blush that was slowly creeping up Train's cheeks and the bandit nervously looked away.
"Don't you agree with me or are you saying Eve is not pretty?"
Train shakes his head in a devastated manner. Jenos laughed at the poor victim he was having fun with.
"Who are you talking to, Jenos?"
Jenos' face paled slightly at the familiar voice as he turned around in a fake smile.
"I'm talking to my friend. Is there anything you need me for, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth shook her head.
"Nothing, I was getting bored talking to my friends so I wanted to pull you over so I can show you off, you know. But…"
Jenos gave a she-thinks-me-more-as-a-item-that-belongs-to-her-than-a-human look to Train who snickered in response. Both snapped back as the voice continue,
"It seems your friend is more interesting."
Train's glare went unnoticed by Elizabeth who saw him in a new light.
"Jenos, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Jenos shuddered at Elizabeth's suggestion.
"Um…right, Train, this is my cousin Elizabeth Charles Adolph…"
Elizabeth patted Jenos' hand in a flirty way.
"A hundred times! When are you going to remember?! I'm not your cousin but your future wife!"
Train smirked as he heard Jenos muttering,
"Been trying to forget you for my entire life."
Elizabeth took a fan out and fanned herself in a delicate manner and batted her eyelashes to Train who felt like going back to his headquarters immediately. Jenos noticed the exchanged looks between them and backed off a little,
"Um, Elizabeth, meet my friend, Train Heartnet, who I met recently."
Train nodded shakily towards Elizabeth and indicated to Jenos to make an excuse so they can leave. However, they were too late.
"Why is only my sister introduced to your new friend? Do I not have a part in this as well?"
They turned to meet Michael who instantly started circling Train to inspect him. The bandit now felt like a caged animal,
"So aren't you going to introduce me to your new-found friend, Jenos?"
Jenos glance at Train awkwardly.
"Train, this is Michael Charles Adolph, older brother to Elizabeth and another cousin of mine. Michael, meet Train Heartnet."
Michael looked thoughtful.
"Since he's wearing such beautiful clothes, he must be a professional fighter, yes?"
Jenos gave a smug look.
"Well, I must admit that he is a strong combat fighter. I went a round with him just now and we ended in a tie."
Michael didn't seem very impressed.
"Maybe that's because you're too weak."
Train was surprised when Jenos was still smiling.
"Perhaps. Maybe you want to have a round with him next time?"
Michael closed his eyes for a brief moment.
"That sounds good. These days I can't seem to find any strong opponents, perhaps I'm too strong."
Jenos and Train both exchanged a snicker. They both know the sayings, "Actions speak louder than words" and "Weak ones always barks the loudest".
"Hey guys!"
Everyone turned and saw Rin running towards them in the same dress as she had wore the other day but this time she seems more attractive than ever, in Jenos' case. Thus, Train had to rush for some cloth to cleaned Jenos' drooling. Noticing the two newcomers, she knew she had arrived at the wrong time and glanced towards Train for explanation,
"Elizabeth and Michael Charles Adolph, cousins of Jenos and Eve."
Michael took her hand immediately and kissed it lightly. Rin felt sick and Train smirked with amusement.
"Greetings, my exquisite lady, your beauty blind my eyes."
Train and Jenos exchange more snickers as Michael frowned when Rin pulled back her hand and muttered loud enough for everyone to hear,
"Well, I was hoping it blinded you permanently. That would have certainly saved me some trouble."
Michael stood up and brushed off imaginary dust from his coat.
"As what have you have been told earlier, my name is Michael and this is my sister, Elizabeth. For additional information, my sister and I are cousins to beautiful little Eve and Jenos. May I know your lovely name?"
Rin glared at Michael and Elizabeth with distaste,
"Rinslet Walker. Pleased to meet you."
She then stood between Train and Jenos. Michael didn't know how to put the feeling to words but Rin's actions unconsciously states: If you want me, you have to get through them for I don't go kindly on those whose words speak louder than actions.
Michael backed away quickly and shuddered at the threatening glare send to him.
Eve is much better than this fierce girl! At least Eve doesn't glare at me!! His thoughts were quickly interrupted.
"So what do you think? Don't you think Rin is beautiful?"
They all turned and faced Eve who had her question answered upon seeing Jenos' drooling and Train nod.
"You have done a good job, Eve. Rin looked gorgeous."
Eve flashed a smile at Train.
"No need to thank me. I didn't need to use much make-up to further enhance her already beautiful face."
"All the same, an excellent job. Well done."
Eve's smile grew wider but disappeared instantly when someone advanced quickly towards her. Eve gritted her teeth impatiently and waited for the worst.
"Darling Eve, I haven't seen you in the longest time. I missed you; I hope you feel the same."
Eve avoided his hug given to her perfectly,
"Forgive me but I don't."
Michael then took her reluctant hand forcefully and kissed it with so much passion that it was making Eve sick. Train glared heatedly at Michael and wasn't surprised that the idiot couldn't see Eve's discomfort. The princess roughly pulled her hand back, causing disappointment for Michael.
"Well, if I am not wanted here, please excuse me…"
Michael walked away, jealous. He had saw how Eve had communicate with, what was his name again, Train Heartnet, was it? Eve had smiled and willingly start a conversation with Train while she had not even bothered being friendly with him.
He grew angrier each second when he thought of Train with his beloved Eve. No matter how hard he figured, he knew he is much better than Train in looks, the style of talking and greeting. Although he had to admit his coat is cool but Michael was sure he could dressed much better than that stranger.
As for personality, he was positive that Train is a brainless goof, after all, he stay dumbfounded silent throughout the conversation and Jenos had to answer for him. Combat, on the other hand, is an entirely different aspect because he had never seen Train and Jenos fight before. However, he is certain that he is stronger than both of them, for his, sword, Protection, is made with the strongest metal, Titanium. With his excellent skills, Michael Charles Adolph and Protection is a perfect match.
He spotted some nobles close to his age and eagerly went over. He would deal with Train some other time.
On the other hand, Elizabeth had taken a great liking to Train, of course, she hadn't forgotten about Jenos. There was something about Train that defined mysterious and Elizabeth simply 'Luvs' mysterious men. They were much easier to break and wind around her little finger, no matter how cold they are. She had seen countless men succumbed to their own lust and would do anything for her. Elizabeth recalled a man who was once cold-hearted, had willingly sold his house for her after Elizabeth had spend enough time to messed up his mind. She had dumped that man and left him to rot after a few more days.
She loves toying with men; playing with their feelings and after making sure that they couldn't live without her, Elizabeth would dump them. Yes, she was a sadist since she finds joy and entertainment in doing this. However, it seems Elizabeth's 'flirting' on Jenos had not worked and the results which were never appearing was taking such a long time that she was beginning to doubt whether she had lost her touch.
Nonetheless, she had a feeling that Train would be a much, much harder target but Elizabeth enjoys a tough challenge anytime. However, she needed to get rid of the competition, Eve and Rin. She is certain that both of them often hang out with Train enough to become his good friends.
She is positive that dealing with Eve would be difficult but about the other girl. She was altogether another problem. Rinslet will be extremely difficult as she seems to be an experienced combat fighter and Elizabeth knew she is weak. Despite all the reasoning, Elizabeth is convinced that everyone has their own weakness. In other words, if the boys fall in love with her, with a few threatening words for the girls, wouldn't her plan be a success? Only time would tell. She would observe them for now.
"Well, I better get going. It was nice talking to you, Jenos. It was also a pleasure to meet you, Train. I hope I can meet both of you some other time. And yes, how could I forget you girls. See you later."
She batted her eyes at the boys and left. The group shivered at her actions.
Rin glared at her in hate and Eve noticed her look,
"It won't give you any benefit in hating her, Rin. Just ignore her when she comes and she won't bother talking to you. Her hobby is focused-boys so you know what is always in her mind."
"Ignore her? Boys? Whoa, she is one strange creature. How can you ignore 'something' like that for such a long time? A secret skill? Teach me!"
Eve smirked.
"Is called patience."
Rin smiled.
"Sounds useful. How did you learn it?"
Eve indicated a finger at Jenos.
"Ask him. He thought me."
The boys glanced at the girls, wondering what they were talking about. Rin sighed.
"You're lucky. I won't have the chance to learn that skill."
"Why not?"
Rin shrugged.
"Because Train is the one always being patient with me!"
And they both laughed loudly, and this causes the boys to twitch. The girls saw their faces and laughed even louder, causing some guests to stare at them. Jenos hurriedly brought them to the refreshments table and they eagerly grabbed their respective plates.
"Train, don't forget about having a little 'chat' with my father."
Train looked up at Jenos from his food.
"Yeah, I haven't forgotten. It's been bothering my mind at the start of the party."
"Well, loosen up. My father won't eat you so you should be fine."
Train blushed and gritted his teeth.
"I didn't ask whether your father will eat me up, Jenos."
Jenos burst out laughing and placed his arm on Train's shoulders.
"But it was written all over your face. Admit it."
"Whatever. I'll see him after this. Where would he be by then?"
"Well, considering he is the King. He would still be entertaining his guests, no doubt."
Train looked at him with a horror-stricken face.
"You mean I have to go straight up to him and his guests to talk to him?"
Jenos, once again burst out laughing at Train's expression.
"Good luck!"
Train stared at him dumfounded and cursed.
"What?! Jenos get back here, you dammed moron!!"
Train did go straight up to the King and the guests in the end but thankfully, when the King saw him, he gave a childish wave and politely broke away from his guests. Upon seeing the King, Train muttered,
"That's the King? He's like a child but I can't deny the fact that he is loved by the people, nationwide."
The King beckoned Train to a small room and with a sigh, Train reluctantly followed.
Inside the room, Train took note of his surroundings. A private room with a table at the center and four chairs. The rooms were decorated with the expensive-looking curtains and portraits which show the royal ancestors were hung upon the wall. Train felt oddly out of place in the room with its' luxurious furniture.
The King offered a seat to Train who didn't forget his manners and surprised both of them by bowing. The bandit didn't know what had suddenly come over him. He is a person who hated bowing or kneeling to another person and didn't care whether he was being disrespectful to someone who had higher rankings than himself. This, however, is the second time he bowed for another but surprisingly, it didn't feel so bad bowing to this man though.
"Please, you don't have to bow. You are not one of my subjects and I don't have the right to accept your trust and loyalty so please make yourself comfortable."
Train looked at him in a strange way.
"Is it all right for me, a stranger, and a bandit no less, to sit at the same table with the King?"
The King just laughed gently.
"You surprised me. Although you are a bandit, you are well-mannered like my children. I must say I'm very impressed. Please don't be offended but I have yet to encounter a bandit in my life and my parents only taught me the natural behavior and ways of a bandit. You must be special."
Train nodded and sat down.
"Indeed the knowledge bestowed upon you by your parents is true. Bandits are a group of individuals who have unruly behavior. However, only the current leader, I and some others are different. Presently, I'm considered the right-hand-man among the bandits.
Sven nodded, impressed.
"As I had said earlier, you must be special. Yet you are here with your friend, attending a formal party for the first time. What do you think?"
Trains gave a small smile.
"It is an eye-opening experience. Rin and I humbly thanked you for your generosity in inviting and allowing us to attend the formal party despite our identities."
The King shook his head slightly.
"No, I should be thanking you and your friend for gracing us with your presence, as a result, a chance for us to talk. I admit I didn't expect both of you to come as I presumed both of you would have a disdain interacting with the royalties."
Train held an understanding smile.
"To tell you the truth, we personally have no grudges against anyone, including the royalties, only against those who opposed and betray us, as well as, enemies that have laid a hand on my comrades. However, the current leader has mood swings constantly if you get what I mean. I, however, asked that you need not treat us as royalties. From the past few minutes, it seems that you hold us in high regards. Bandits, I assure you sire, are individuals who are just trying to survive and finding a sense of belonging in this big world. As a bandit myself, I have no place to say this but there's no need to treat us with such honor. It might be destructive for bandits who are long broken."
The King unconsciously rubbed his chin.
"I didn't think the consequences of my actions will affect this much. I would have thought that the broken and lonely men might be comforted but I'm afraid I was doing the opposite. Although I'm apologetic for my acts, I still must thank you for sharing this piece of knowledge. Do you now understand why I hold bandits in such high regards? That is because you understand reality better than us. We may be better in ruling a kingdom but through this way of life, we learned a limited amount of knowledge, bandits on the other hand, gain more experience than us."
Train chuckled.
"It seems that we bandits might have something to learn from you too. We may have more experience but bandits must learn to know the proper attitude and manners in dealing with life. It is impressive that you still remain in high spirits even though you have the weight of the kingdom on your shoulders. If I was in your place, I would probably make life a living hell for everyone."
They both chuckled lightly.
"It seems I was right in looking forward to this meeting for the entire night."
Train was surprised.
"And why is that so, Your Majesty?"
"Please address me as Sven. My subjects are allowed that privilege too but they think it is not right to call the King by name."
"Isn't that obvious?"
Sven nodded.
"Of course but I can't help feeling distant from them. I want my relationship with my subjects to be treated as friends but it isn't working. I hope that in the near future it will be done so."
Train looked surprised but nodded.
"Then allowed me to start this habit for your subjects, Sven."
Sven smiled gratefully.
"That would be a great help. My humble thanks to you. Before I continued, however, is there something you would like to ask me? You looked curious."
And indeed Train would like to question a matter that had raised his suspicion.
"Do you trust us that much?"
Sven looked surprised.
"I beg your pardon?"
And Train repeated the question.
"Do you trust us that much?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"There are no guards, Sven."
"What?"
"There are no guards outside this room. It mean's something, don't you think? You know better than anyone that without your guards, you are defenseless unless you're underwent some secret combat training and is more than capable in stopping me. Moreover, we both know that at this very moment, your life and fate is in my hands. It would be so easy to just take my gun and complete my duty as a right-hand-man for my fellow bandits. Furthermore, this room is sound-proofed, isn't it? Wouldn't that have made my task easier? Do you understand what I am trying to say, Sven? I can and not afraid to kill you right now."
Sven couldn't help but laughed at Train's seriousness.
"Again, you amazed me with your sharpness. Your questions tell me that I still don't have your complete trust yet. But why should I not trust you? You are friends of my children and I will not hesitate placing my family's lives in your hand. I confessed when my eyes laid upon you; the first thought that went through my mind was that you are clearly not an evil man. Not only that, I know from instinct that you are not that kind of wicked person. You have hid your emotions and thinking so well that, any sensible person can read your feelings and thoughts easily just by looking at your eyes. Ironic, isn't it? Hence, it would be natural to trust you, yes?"
Train gave a small smile.
"Thank you very much. I'm honored that you have such great trust in me."
"You're welcome. Now let's get to the point of our meeting tonight, Train. I would like to talk to you concerning your childhood memories."
"My childhood memories?"
Sven looked at him with a serious look as Train was shocked.
End-of Chapter
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