Chapter 55

(Elus Pov)

After Justus intervention, Elu and the others were invited to his reception room. It was a calm room made entirely of wood, from the floor to the ceiling, including the walls. It didnt quite fit the image of a research center.

The room was also perfectly clean and tidy, and on the south side, there was a wooden sunroom where a few colorful flowers were growing.

How should I say this, that doesnt match the impression I got from Justus appearance at all. Those were Elus frank thoughts. Next to him, Lifa looked similarly surprised.

However, when Elu thought about it, Justus was only the research centers chief executive. It was unlikely that he would be involved with the interior design of the building, or that he would personally manage a reception room that had no direct relation to his research.

So the room was probably made based on the preferences and the original concept of the one in charge of the room. However, when Elu thought about it, Justus was the research centers Chief Executive. It was unlikely he would be involved with the interior design of the building, or that he would personally plan a reception room unrelated to his research.

So the room was probably based on the preferences and concept of the original designer.

So, whered you leave the tea cups?

Just sit the hell down. Whod want to drink that disgusting tea you make?

Even towards the man who, according to Elus information, was supposed to be Harolds direct superior, he had no mercy.

However, while his mouth said those words, his hands were skillfully preparing a teapot and as many cups as there were people. It was a surprising spectacle for Elu and Lifa.

Who said anything about you drinking it? I was just trying to entertain these ladies

(TLN: People tend to assume Elu is a woman, but we still dont know about that, he probably keeps it ambiguous on purpose)

Oh, so you want your guests to see your stinginess in all its glory, youre as vicious as ever.

Says the one who ensnared a girl while on duty. You want to get yourself a side wife?

Like hell Id willingly marry such a thin girl.

So youd consider it if it was a voluptuous woman. Good luck getting your fiance to approve of a mistress.

How ridiculous for a scientist to jump to conclusions so easily. If you judge everything with such extreme logic, then that astral body research you take so much pride on isnt all its cracked up to be.

And whos the one who benefited from that research? Careful what you say, youre being rude.

You better worry about yourself, bastard, your dementia is getting worse. Did you forget how many times I broke my engagement with that girl?

Their verbal war kept going without eye contact. The other two spectated the savage exchange in mute amazement. While they argued without interrupting each other, they inversely seemed to be in perfect harmony.

But even though the content of their talk was completely hostile, the atmosphere between Harold and Justus was surprisingly calm. Of course, there wasnt even a ghost of a friendly atmosphere between them, but despite the enmity they threw at each other, their exchange seemed more like a business conversation.

There was a very mysterious sense of distance to it.

Meanwhile, Harold had served them tea.

Elu and Lifa were on a two-seater Sofa, and Justus was sitting face to face with them, as for Harold, he alone sat down by a window at a distance.

Oh well. Please pay no heed to that eccentric man, you two which reminds me, I havent heard your names yet, have I?

I- I am Lifa Goodridge.

My name is Elu. Its quite an honor to meet the famous Dr. Freund.

Im Justus Freund. Please dont stand on ceremony.

It was quite abnormal for something like that to be said without a smile or any expression at all. Well, Elu thought, I dont quite fit in the normal category either.

Thank you for your concern.

So, why are you two here? I dont suppose you were invited by Harold, that would mean youve been through a cataclysm.

Well, actually Lifa is the one who...

Elu poked Lifas arm with his elbow. After that signal, Lifa started to speak.

Im interested in magical research and Im actually studying it myself. So I asked Harold to let me meet and speak to an expert of the field and...

With his reputation being what it is, we thought the one he worked for might fit the criteria.

I see, its quite unusual for that guy to accept a request like that.

Well, it seems he was interested in an idea of hers that could involve the use of astral powers, though its not really part of her research.

Oho....

Explained Elu, taking over Lifas conversation. Justus took a sip of his drink while looking at Harold with a stern face, as if he was telling him he had been too careless.

The setting they had agreed upon was that the two friends, Lifa and Elu, had been staying together in the town of Attis where they happened to meet with Harold, and since they were aware of his connection to Doctor Justus, the two kept pestering him to bring them along with him.

Elus first task had been to make an impression on Harold. When Lifa asked Harold to accompany her on her trip to mount Giran, she made a deal with him, a sort of trade-off statingIf you lend me your strength, Ill accept your terms. Though she hadnt expected the outcome of her words at the time, Elu believed that if he brought up that deal in this situation, it would be beneficial for Harold.

So, while having instructed Lifa to back up his words so that he wouldnt be exposed, Elu tried to read any information he could make out of Justus words and conduct. However, even though he had been careful about more or less everything, he made no progress.

Therefore, he focused on Justus research on magic or rather, on what he called astral bodies. But still, it was quite difficult for Elu to do much more alone.

Perhaps having anticipated that, Harold spoke to Elu beforehand Perhaps having anticipated that, Harold had spoken to Elu beforehand, saying,Im not expecting much. Ill consider any knowledge you achieve as a gain. Other than that, focus your whole attention on making sure that he doesnt notice any relation I might have with the Giffelts.

Even Harold himself was that vigilant. In other words, the man called Justus was extremely troublesome.

Elu thought back on the chain of events which surrounded Harold five years prior. He considered the all-powerful puppet master who was even able to manipulate the Tribunal, still hiding his identity.

Maybe that puppet master was Justus, or someone close to him.

Elus honest thoughts were that if Harold was going to make him confront someone like that, he should have told Elu everything he knew. But Harold refused to do it, or perhaps he couldnt, which led Elu to believe Harold still had some big secrets.

Well, hes obviously no ordinary man after all.

(For now, Ill concentrate on the problem before my eyes. I cant lose my focus when facing this one.)

Elu reined his thoughts in and put impregnable defenses on his mind, ready to resist any scrutiny, while he smiled naturally, challenging Justus so the two would sound each other out.

(Harolds pov)

But you sure do know a lot about Harold.

(Justus)

Thats probably cause someones been slyly spreading rumors around as they please.

(Harold)

I didnt know there were people like that. Theyre really the complete opposite of me, as Ive only been speaking the truth about you.

(Justus)

Yeah, thanks to them, I get gloomy looks wherever I go, its really annoying.

(Harold)

I didnt know you were that sensitive. That discovery should be written down in the record books.

(Justus)

Youve really been telling people whatever you want, thought Harold spitefully. He couldnt hide that resentment as it oozed out of his words and his facial expression.

Needless to say that the one responsible for spreading Harolds bad reputation and ruining his image was none other than Justus himself. His ulterior motive was likely to isolate Harold and put him in a helpless state to make it easier to bind him. There is no such thing as a person who would be benevolent