Chapter 28: The white rose
"Oh, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove."
-John Boyle O Reilly-
Light Nostrades bought a mountain in the East of Astraea to satisfy his frivolous taste. Though it was no match for Zoldyck's infamous Kukuroo mountain, the Nostrades territory was still far more decadent than other mafia clans in the neighborhood.
As the Nostrades Don said, "The underground world is full of filthy scums that love to judge. Ludicrous wealth proves supreme power. Let 'em judge!"
The Nostrades estate extended far beyond its luxurious mansion. Just one trip from the gate to the main building took a 30-minute helicopter ride over the luscious woods surrounding it.
There was a training ground deep in this forest, primarily used as a training ground for the family's soldiers.
Clandestia watched the leaves cascade to the damp ground. She could already detect more rain on the way.
Above her head, the sound of helicopters returning to the estate signaled the end of the day.
"Can we please have a break?" She panted.
"No, your highness! Not until you get it in one take." Basho scoffed, pulling his mistress up on her feet. With one flex of his finger, he pinned her hands behind her back and pulled her roughly against him.
"Again, pretend you're grabbed from behind which happens very often 'cause men love this shit," Basho snorted. "I know it's unpleasant but don't let yourself panic. Keep a cool head, princess!"
"For Christ's sake, can we just stop this?" She hissed, fighting for air while working her way out of his steel-like grip. Her hair rubbed against his traditionally bare chest. It tickled, which made him laugh a little.
"Hey, the more you tense up, the harder it gets. Relaxing will make it easier to free yourself."
"I'd rather put bullet holes in their faces. Can't we just use guns?"
Behind her, she could feel Basho's eye roll.
"If you'll recall, we tried that and your aim was pathetic," he said. "You'd be more likely to kill yourself instead of an enemy."
"If I'm so pathetic, what makes you think I'll be any better at this?!" Clandestia snapped. She twisted and pulled against his hold. So far, none of the moves he'd taught her seemed to work.
"You're learning this for your own good," Basho chuckled. "I mean, we'll be sticking to you like glue at the party, but all the same, you need to know how to defend yourself. SO come on, Missy. Just in case. You said it yourself."
Basho, 26 years old. Flirting was as natural as breathing for him. He flirted without even knowing he was doing it. But when it came to his taste for women, he was a lot more picky.
He had to admit that his mistress was quite a dish but she was not his type. His ideal would be mature and sexy, with a touch of a coquette, enough to ignite the fire within him but not too much to be slutty. Like Baise. Kind, funny Baise. Dead Baise.
Basho's face suddenly darkened. Without thinking, his grip tightened brutally until her cry of pain brought him to his senses.
"Holy shit, sorry!" He quickly released her. "Sorry! I was…kinda lost… Goddamnit!" Basho stuttered in horror.
Her glare burned holes through his face, but that wasn't nearly as bad as the sight of her swollen wrists.
He winced. Bloody hell.
Kurapika would be furious if he knew. Basho could already imagine the look on his face, and it was enough to break anyone into a cold sweat.
Basho reached for Clandestia, saying, "Let's get you he-…"
She recoiled and Basho's face instantly turned white.
"Call Lissen. Now!" Clandestia breathed. She'd had enough wrestling with the Hulk for one day.
Basho complied without another word.
Later, Clandestia leaned back in her seat and watched the jostle of metropolitan nightlife as they drove through the city's main highway.
Her hair was in loose braids that descended just above her shoulder blade, highlighting a fragile and innocent look. She wore a pristine white dress with a bow on the waistline that made her look a few years younger, which reminded her of the little quarrel with Light before they hit the road.
Her uncle had passionately insisted on her putting on Neon's mortifyingly short, lolita pink dress and putting her hair in a ponytail, all because Mayor Elio "liked a right mix of cute and sexy."
Clandestina had responded to this request by throwing the whole outfit into the dustbin.
Naturally, an argument ensued, and eventually, it was decided that Clandestia would not cosplay Neon to please Light's dirty old acquaintances, and instead wear what she wanted.
Even so, this hadn't stopped Light from not-so-secretly scowling at her since she'd entered the car. Clandestine ignored each disapproving look.
They arrived just in time for the convention to start, where a crowd had already gathered. Clandestine immediately spotted a number of policemen and guards supervising the venue and the attendees. A gaggle of reporters and other members of the media roamed around too.
Clandestia linked her arm to her uncle's with cold indifference as they walked toward the entrance. The Nostrade bodyguards followed along closely.
The security team at the gate robotically made a bow at them, and one said, "Good evening. May I see your invitation?"
Clandestia caught sight of the invitation as Light flashed it at them.
I cordially invite you to my humble home.
Please bless me with the honor of your presence.
Elio Gonzales.
She repressed the urge to shake her head. That was interesting, coming from the city leader who'd plunged the mafia world into chaos.
"Welcome, Mr. Light Nostrades and Miss Neon Nostrade. His Worship Elio Gonzales is expecting you!" One of the guards said as if he was on autopilot.
Light nodded with disinterest. He would not reveal his niece's identity. Not yet.
As the Nostrades proceeded to the entrance, the guards abruptly blocked the path.
"Excuse me, Sir? These gentlemen will have to wait outside." a guard said, motioning towards Basho, Lissen, Melody, and the other bodyguards.
"Why?" Light asked.
"His Worship has instructed us not to receive anyone else outside the guest list, Sir." The man explained.
"They're my personal guards."
"Please rest assured, Sir. This is His Worship's home. Nothing unpleasant could take place here. We'd put our lives on the line to ensure that you enjoy your time here and leave safely!" The guard added with a frozen smile.
"This is ridiculous! I'm not going anywhere without my people." Light snapped.
"Then we have no choice but to refuse your entrance, Sir."
Just as the guard finished talking, Light's phone started ringing.
He answered immediately.
"Hello? Yes, Sir?"
He paused. "But I…"
But he did not have a chance to finish the words. Instead, Light turned to Clandestia's
The Nostrades Don turned to his niece and nodded at his highly alerted bodyguards with a spent look.
The Nostrade bodyguards promptly backed away.
"Milady?" Senritsu asked, anxiously waiting for her mistress' order.
Clandestia was not surprised. Everyone knew. No matter the risk, her uncle would still go in. He was too desperate to meet Elio Gonzales.
The young professor shook her head, signaling Senritsu to stay put.
Clandestia's eyes lingered on the music Hunter as she delivered her message via telepathy.
Just stay close to the gate. You can hear us well,
She had taken a look at the venue. Not too massive. Just an average bungalow suited the taste of a "humble man" like Elio Gonzales. Senritsu could distinguish her heartbeats and listen to their conversations as clearly as daylight.
On the other hand, her uncle was no fool. He knew as well as Clandestia that Elio Gonzales would not touch him, not with all the media reporters here. Not only did the mayor want to gain profits from the underworld but the man also had to hide his "special guests" identity from the media. They were regarded as merchants or businessmen here at this party. There would be no room for messy commotions.
Light trusted Elio's judgment on this so he believed he'd be safe, at least for now.
Tonight, the mayor would have to play the role of a peace ambassador if he really wanted some benefits out of his esteemed guests.
Guests lined up at the entrance, surrounded by guards and even police officers. As expected, party attendees had to be scanned for weapons. Except Light Nostrades.
Clandestia calmly watched her uncle grudgingly handed over two pistols and three daggers. She couldn't resist a wisecrack.
"It's not too late to go home now, uncle."
Of course, he just pretended deaf and grumpily strode ahead.
Clandestia rolled her eyes. However she felt about her uncle, she understood how his psychology worked.
Ironic that his greed is just as bad as his cowardice. One would be bad enough.
"I'm a little worried." Bash admitted as he watched the Nostrades vanish inside the gate.
"Miss Clandestia can handle her own. Sir Light is not even their target." Lissen said calmly. "And I prepared some good toys for the lady."
"Count on me." Lissen briefly raised the corners of his mouth.
"That's not what I'm worried about," Basho gave his colleague a sideways look. "I'm worried about what Kurapika would do to us if he sniffed out something."
Clandestia deliberately adjusted the heart-shaped choker hugging around her neck.
To anyone else, it looked like an ordinary piece of jewelry, but she knew about the camera hidden inside.
Lissen was efficient.
The camera was just the beginning. She was equipped with many other…functional accessories he'd created for the occasion. Just as well, since Clandestia preferred to avoid using her mind control unless absolutely necessary.
"My greatest pleasure to receive you, Mr. Nostrade and Miss Neon." An old man in a black tuxedo greeted them. "I am Cain Heinbert, the head butler. His Worship is currently having an emergency conference call. So please let me guide you to your table first, Sir and Miss."
Light briefly nodded, and they were promptly led to a table near the balcony. The eager Nostrade Don did not take the seat but quickly left to join some acquaintances of his after throwing Clandestia a look. She responded with a withering look of her own.
Her uncle sure placed a lot of trust in her kinship with Neon. He knew she wouldn't mess up when it came to Neon's interest.
Clandestia took a look around the buzzing room filled with expensive suits and gowns. Leisure and aristocratic manners. Formal and polite discussions.
On the surface, these people were big-timers from all walks of life but that was only hald the story. The mayor's guests sure knew how to blend in well. Any unsuspecting newcomer would never guess that plenty of Mafia members were among the guests.
"Good evening."
A huge shadow appeared before her, temporarily shielding her from the light.
Clandestia frowned at the bald and short man in front of her.
"Forgive me for the sudden interruption. I'm Zenji Kata." He bowed briefly. "This is the first time I see you here. Would you mind if I keep you company for a bit?"
I'd rather not, Clandestia thought as she fought back a frown.
He was polite enough, but Clandestia was heavily put off by his half-lidded eyes and buttery attempts to hide his true, jarring tone. His paunchy figure was still showing through his black suit which clearly cost at least a few luxury cars.
Her eyes darkened. He's a hoodlum, like Light Nostrade.
No politician would show off like he did. They'd dress formally but hide their wealth enough to demonstrate a certain sense of integrity.
She would politely turn him down.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr Zenji." She smiled and stood up. "But it's such a pity that I have an urgent matter to relay to Mr Nostrade over there for now."
She made a hand gesture at her uncle who was across the room and swiftly whirled around.
"I hope you enjoy the evening."
"What's your relation with Light?"
His jarring tone, unhidden this time, made her halt. The gentlemanly act from moments ago was gone as he continued, "You're not Neon Nostrade."
Clandestia threw him a baleful look over her shoulder. "That doesn't concern you."
"Are you his mistress? A new toy, perhaps?" He took a step closer, looking her up and down through those heavily lidded eyes.
Clandestia gritted her teeth in both disgust and disbelief.
Unbelievable.
There was absolutely an unspoken, fundamental understanding that the underground world members must lay low tonight. The mayor was originally a government intelligence agent so there was a police force and his undercover agent acquaintances acting as security among the party attendees. Was this ruffian so eager to get caught? Or was he hating the fact that he had lived too long? Given Elio Gonzales' position, he would not hesitate to eliminate the troublemakers who jeopardized his public image.
This crazy pig!
Mingling with him any longer would only exacerbate the situation. There was no more time to stall. She should make it neat and quick.
Her violet orbs started changing into a quixotically vivid hue.
Zenji's smug look vanished. All of a sudden, he no longer wished to maintain eye contact.
Who's this damn bitch?
Beads of sweat started to appear on his flabby skin, along with a sense of deja vu.
Just one peek into this brat's eyes reminded him uncomfortably of Kurapika in Yorknew, and it scared the shit out of him.
This girl shouldn't be a threat. So why did he briefly feel threatened from a single glare?
Now he was fucking pissed.
He clenched his fists in preparation. Those Nostrades always knew how to get on his nerves…
A placid but peremptory voice interrupted Zenji before he could make a move.
"Mr Zenji, would you kindly step away for a moment? The young lady and I have important busines."
Zenji shot a glare at the newcomer, but the moment he realised who the speaker was, the colour drained from his face.
"Mayor Gonzales!" He squeaked, and gave a deep bow. When Mayor Gonzales did not even spare a second look, Zenji like a dog with its tail between its legs.
The Mayor focused his comely smile at Clandestia.
Elio Gonzales.
Clandestia could not deny that she was astonished. From what she knew, he was in his 40s, but he could easily pass for mid twenties.
Deep black hair. Warm hazel eyes that looked straight at her with a constant light of amiable delight even when he did not smile.
Not only his look, his demeanor, authoritative but gentle and welcoming, was totally out of her expectations. But this was his own house and looking at all the guests' attitude to him, she was convinced that his identity was authentic.
For the first time, Clandestia could not read into a person's aura, making it all the more troublesome.
"Good evening, Mayor Gonzales," She dipped into a bow. "I'm Clandestia Ellis from the Nostrades. My cousin Neon could not make it today so I took this chance to have an audience with you, Sir."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Ellis," he said. "I apologize for one of my guests' behavior earlier. My security team failed to notice the situation in time. As the host, I should be held accountable for your discomfort!"
He gave her an apologetic look and she was deeply puzzled by how she could not find any hint of fabrication in his words. As if he was…genuinely valuing her as an esteemed guest.
But…why?
She was just a young girl he barely knew and he was a political figure. Wasn't this humbleness a little too excessive?
If this was a facade, it would be truly frightening!
"No, Sir, not at all," she replied. She was a little relieved not to have to use her power on Zenji and cause a scene.
"Allow me to make it up to you," he motioned to the balcony door. "Would you care to accompany me outside? The fresh air would be welcome, and I'd like to show you a spectacular view of my small garden."
Of course, Clandestia could not say no. This was exactly why they'd come. And, Melody would have an easier time picking up her heartbeats away from the crowds.
"It'd be my honor, Sir."
Elio gave her another amiable smile and made a hand sign for the waiter to follow them with drinks.
A bed of white roses greeted Clandestia as she stepped out onto the veranda.
"Quite a view, isn't it?" Elio inclined his head at his young guest with delightful curiosity.
"It's splendid," Clandestia smiled. She recognised many different rose species, and they shone beautifully under the moonlight. But really, she was quietly probing the man beside her. Elio Gonzales, in his dark blue tailored suit which was neither humble nor fancy, fitted so well with the pristine hue of the roses in his veranda's little had to admit that he was skilled at presenting himself as a benevolent political figure, and staying in character.
Until now he had not given her any pressure as a man of his position but at the same time, he had a way of making her feel like she should choose her words carefully.
If he had been a psychic like her, Clandestia thought, he would either be an amazingly helpful one or a dangerous manipulative mastermind.
What irked her more was that Elio had not asked about Neon at all and it did not make sense. According to Light, the Nostrades were only invited because of Neon. On the other hand, he had not shown any inappropriate interest in Clandestia.
Even if they were standing side by side, he kept a respectful distance between them. He was almost being perfectly polite and hospitable.
Again, this could all be an act.
"Say, Miss Ellis, do you love roses?" He asked, gracefully passing Clandestia a glass of drink.
She took it into her gloved hands without any intention of consuming it. Out of her expectation, Elio did not mind her not touching it.
So the drink did not seem to bear any problem.
"They are not my favorite but I absolutely find them lovely."
"They said white rose means innocent kind of love." Elio said "But do you know that in the World War, it was used as a symbol of resistance? Those in Neizi (*) occupied territory used white roses to contact each other in secret."
Clandestia could not take her eyes off the single rose that Elio picked from the bush.
"Perhaps that's why I'm so partial to them… because I like the story behind it," Elio said. "So for me, it is the symbol of hope for freedom in the face of oppression."
He extended the rose to Clandestia,
"And it never fails to remind me of my goal. To free this city from its current state."
Clandestia didn't take the flower.
This man…
In this setting, he came across as courteous, clever. She couldn't deny how captivating he seemed either.
No wonder he had so many loyal supporters. No wonder his influence was so rampant within the political world.
He almost made her want to believe that all the rumors about him were false. But she had not forgotten that he had links with all the biggest faces from the underground world. And his connections did not seem superficial.
How sly.
"You're really benevolent, Mayor Gonzales." Clandestia replied with a soft smile. "But the fact that my uncle and some …other esteemed guests like him are present here tonight…view things a little differently."
"You're questioning my sincerity. Most interesting."
He chuckled and took a sip of his drink.
"You have to understand that there are different ways to solve a problem, Miss Ellis," he continued. "The method might not be conventional, but as long as we have a noble cause, does it really matter?"
"Am I not ahead of myself to understand that you're ready to make an alliance with the Nostrades or other mafia families?" Clandestia asked,
She watched carefully to see his his reaction but found nothing. He just politely held her gaze with his soft hazel eyes.
"I can assure you that if your aim is to restore Aestrea, you should put your trust in the Nostrades rather than in the other clans because we have the same noble cause." Clandestia continued. "The Nostrades have the most manpower and other resources to make it happen…unlike some gentlemen that you invited here tonight."
Shock flashed across his face for a moment. He didn't look accustomed to being taken off guard, but instead of anger or embarrassment, he merely looked at her with interest.
"I can understand why Light brings you here," he said in amusement. "You haven't failed to surprise me…very well! I'd love to hear more at another time. But for now, I'd prefer we just enjoy the evening and…get to know each other."
Clandestia sensed the finality in his tone. It was not wise to push further.
"You might've been speculating why I was eager to see your cousin today," Elio said, giving the young girl a gentle smile.
"I'm curious indeed."
"Dahlia was…an old friend of mine…"
Dahlia? As Neon's mother?
"...so I was hoping I could take this opportunity to have a little chat with my late friend's daughter."
Clandestia frowned. Was this another brazen lie? But as he took a step towards her, she couldn't detect a trace of deception.
"And…" Elio continued, "Clande Nostrade…"
Maybe because the name of her father was not spoken by others for far too long, Clandestia was momentarily speechless.
"You look a lot like him, Miss Ellis." He added, now gazing dangerously at her.
Before she realized her mistake, his thumb was already at her lips, grazing as swiftly as the wind.
"Clande Ellis!" Clandestia jumped back in alarm. "If you want to speak of him, you should get his name right. And DON'T touch me again!"
Humiliation and irritation flooded through her. How could she have let her guard down like that?
Stupid! So stupid!
"Unlike my cousin, I don't take orders from Light, Mayor Gonzales," she snapped.
"Ah, my bad, there was something on your lips," Elio replied brazenly. "I shouldn't have been so rude."
This time Clandestia glared at him. He didn't even bother to come up with better excuses.
Thankfully, Elio did not make another move. He just quietly held her gaze with a soft smile.
"There's something else I was dying to tell you…" Elio added with a deliberate pause.
Clandestia's eyes shot up in shock.
How? When did he…?
But it was too late. Her head has started swirling in a sick vertigo.
Ah, Melody! She thought in agony before everything faded to darkness.
Elio's arm neatly caught her limp body before her knees completely buckled. Like a spider finally caught its prey.
"Another meaning of this bud..." Elio whispered, pulling out the rose he had picked earlier and tucking it into her hair.
"A single white rose means "farewell, it's the end"." He murmured to her slumped form.
"The white rose, my lovely drug suits you well. Fleeting and colorless like its name... Say, did it taste good on your lips?" He hummed softly. "Clandestia, hmm?"
I have no interest in laying a finger on you but I can't promise for the others!
A/N: (*) In HxH, Gelman was the equivalent term for Germany. So here in this chapter, I mentioned Nazi-Germany as Neizi Gelman. Hope it did not sound weird to you lol.
