Not far from there, there was a hill closest to where Alfrore was entrenched. The hill has a denser pine population than the others. It wasn't difficult for Laureen to climb the tallest tree, which she could use to observe Candramawa and Markus. She opened the aisikla in her palm, like a sharp fingernail. Then the woman crawled vertically—up. At the top of the tallest, greenest pine tree, Laureen stood with one foot on a branch. She bent her other leg behind her. She leaned her shoulder against the side of the main trunk which is thick and dry skin. From her bag, her hand clutched a bottle of katnip extract. While occasionally sipping her drink, Laureen kept an eye on Candramawa and Markus.
Even if you can't hear their voices from a distance now. Laureen could still clearly see the movements of the two of them. Indeed, Laureen did not have any expectations regarding the conversation between Candramawa and her uncle. Laureen can't read Markus's plan. So she just waited, studying the expressions of the two.
And if things look suspicious and threaten her life, Laureen might be able to help. She had to be patient until their conversation was over. After that she would wait for Candramawa's next plan for Felis. Maybe there was an argument, a fight that caused Candramawa to get hurt. Maybe Felis was also injured. But Laureen was sure that Candramawa would not just turn around and turn her back on Felis.
Yes. Felis. This is not only a matter of the Quartz Bell, the Divination and the future of the nation of Lumons. Laureen didn't know anything about the bell. She does not care about objects whose form is not necessarily there.
Despite living in the town of Este since birth, Laureen feels she never has enough time to get used to everything here. Same with Felis. Lumons and humans, only magic separates the two. Humans have brought sorrow and joy within themselves. And Lumons, it's no different. But not evil or good nature, nor fate. Loss, happiness—Laureen didn't do the math. All he knew, she had lost too much.
She had felt too sad, too happy. And now she was starting to learn, that 'too' is not a simple word to deal with. Now Lauren is alone. There is no more love to chase. No friends to share, nothing but two girls can make this town peaceful or vice versa.
Felis and Candramawa could easily turn this city into a blood bath. Being indifferent may be the only way to survive. Until the katnip extract is no longer produced.
Laureen believes that Candramawa is quite capable of protecting herself. Often she proves it. But Markus, ah, Laureen was so suspicious of that man. How could that man be so tough, his twin brother was killed.
If what he said was true, of course a normal person wouldn't be able to shower and change clothes at a time like this. And if what he said was a fact, Markus shouldn't have just left the house. As for Markus, he still manages to shave neatly—Laureen can clearly smell the vanilla from his shaving cream. How would he have escaped the massacre unharmed if he was there?
Laureen was still considering what might happen next, when a Weesa man appeared silently. A new coalition official named Oscar. The man had been waiting for the right time to accompany the drunken woman. He wanted to show himself, but was worried that his appearance would startle Laureen and attack him instead.
"Can I join in?" Oscar asked softly.
Laureen turned quickly, looking at the face of the man in front of her with narrowed eyes. When a name popped into her head to classify her interlocutor, Laureen automatically brushed her hair behind her ear clumsily. And realizing how much she had gone too far, Laureen took another sip of the katnip extract.
“Oh…” Lauren mumbled. Then nodded.
Oscar approached Laureen, now they were both facing Candramawa and Markus. They were silent for a few minutes, searching for topics of conversation that might be of interest to the other person.
Then at the same second they opened their mouths, then silence again.
"What were you going to say?" she asked.
“It doesn't matter, forget it,” Oscar said shyly. His face was down, his smile faint.
Laureen kept her disappointment, nodded, then pretended to concentrate on the same scene.
The man was said to be a member of the new Coalition. His job is to replace Garg's position. He's a Weesa, he's young. He doesn't smell like a human. Her eye color is normal. Her nose is normal. His mustache is thin. The clothes are simple. A diorama pendant hangs from her long and sturdy neck. Has he married?
From her seat Laureen stole occasional glances. He didn't want to seem too observant. He doesn't want to be misunderstood and seem intimidating. The man's name is Oscar. Laureen idly read the man's thoughts.
Books, books, books.
The Weesa man only knows which book to use for what, what page to look up the definition of what. Laureen laughed inside, until the man turned to her. Her normal eyes stared gently, Laureen held her breath.
Can he hear my laugh? thought the girl. Then Lauren tried to be quiet. She made a fog in her own mind. But the man kept looking at her.
Lauren looked away. But, it couldn't be too long, Oscar stole a smile. Laureen accidentally replied. Two hours after the inauguration was over, Laureen escaped from her awkwardness and found Alfrore. Her mood suddenly improved. Without apparent reason.
"Have you heard of Gregora?" asked Oscar.
Laureen snapped out of her reverie, she shrugged. "Already. Also about Marlon.” Laureen hid a sad tone in her sentence.
"Marlon?"
“Marlon and his future wife. Candramawa is there, thankfully she is safe."
Confusion was evident on Oscar's face. It had never occurred to him that the Coalition would be this dangerous. Possible.
"This news, if possible, don't let it get out of the Coalition just yet," said Laureen.
Oscar nodded. He studied Laureen's enigmatic face. “The air is good enough for tea.” Oscar tries again, now an invitation. Unfortunately it sounded doubtful.
"Excuse me?" Laureen couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"I mean, are you busy?" Oscar smiled. Compared to five minutes ago, now he looked more confident.
"Me, not really, just—so what?" Laureen forgot how to flirt with boys. And this one in front of her, might be more suitable to be her nephew.
"The weather is nice, perhaps you would like some tea." Again, the invitation sounded like an ambiguous stiff sentence. Oscar cursed himself for being a coward.
Lauren furrowed her brows. Oscar scratched his head.
"You mean, let's have some tea?" Lauren picks up the ball.
“Yes…” The boy looked the girl straight in the eye. "But I'm not forcing it. I'm not…” Oscar was at a loss for words.
Lauren was silent. She raised her eyebrows. Her lips pursed. During this time, Laureen was so miserable. Now that a man appeared before her, would it be wise for her to accept right away?
Marlon just died, maybe she should face this as a sign of good nature.
"I don't like tea," the woman added.
"Whatever you like, I'll drink too." Oscar responded with a laugh.
And just like that, Laureen forgot about Candramawa and Markus.