Crimson tide rippled in front of Selina.
It engulfed her by the second, before receding afterwards.
At this moment, she found herself back in the hospital, now being tended by a female volunteer.
Seeing the beautiful lady waking up. The volunteer quickly retracted from the bed and said. "Oh! Y-You're finally awake!"
Selina turned to glance at the woman, clad in a plain white garment and blue loose pants. Her hand was holding a damped towel, presumably used to clean her.
In a frantic, the woman stuttered. "I-I'll go g-get Mr. Mitchell. He's currently the official tasked to monitor you. I-I'll take my leave."
Mitchell... Who is he?
Moments later, a young police inspector walked from one of the entrances. He had a medium long hair and green pupils, a fine man that had a poet's romantic temperament.
He walked toward Selina, who is nestled on bed and asked with a smile. "How are you feeling?"
Selina's guard slowly rise from his presence.
"You look tensed." The man said, fixing his posture. "My name is Leonard Mitchell of the Awwa County Police Department, pleasure to meet you."
Seeing this, she hesitated for a moment. Ensuring to herself that it's alright, she replied. "Selina Roy... A pleasure as well."
Leonard gave a soft smile, to somewhat lessen the lady's wariness. "The department would like to ask a few questions from you after you've fully recovered. For now, let me brief you and confirm whether the documents are true."
He then took a seat on the bed, left of Selina. After deliberating his words, he asked. "You're Selina Roy from Constant City in Midseashire County, correct?"
I guess this is a firsthand interview to prepare me for the actual one? Selina thought to herself before simply replying. "Yes."
Leonard continued. "You've moved here in Tingen City because of family matters."
Wait... Was that my background? Selina paused for moment, before responding hurriedly, "Yes."
Leonard quickly caught on to her expression. Regardless, he maintained his facial for the next question. "There were no traces or evidences in your document. May I ask bluntly, how did you managed to get associated with such creatures?"
At this moment, he closed his posture toward Selina, intending to limit their conversation from leaking out.
The Mandated Punishers must be going in circles now after this... Selina mused inwardly, then replied. "That can be detailed once the interrogation arrives."
She hoped that the Mandated Punishers would take notice of this as her fake identity came directly from the dioceses, stated in the letter.
Leonard didn't pressed further. Instead, he propped himself from the bed and said. "Alright, that will be all for now. Rest well."
Selina subconsciously knitted her brows. Watching the man with a poet demeanor walked out of the room.
Will the Mandated Punishers really attend to my interrogation? She sighed.
Seeing the room's quiet atmosphere, bathed in golden glow. It gave her the mood to review the recent Tarot Club gathering.
I only have a minimum of two days until I attempt Mr. Fool's given ritual...
I also need to give a lead to the whereabouts of the psychological alchemists. If this request from Miss Justice solve itself again, it would really damage my image.
But do I even have an image in the first place?
She recalled her escape and the eventual discovery of the Tarot Club that Miss Lovers and her as the sole survivor, the vessel, are one. This, added with her first failed task meant she's the member who is both resourceful because of her allies and ill-informed.
There's also my departure for Backlund... Selina fought the urge to knit her hair in frustration. This is basically the same back in Earth!
Well... at least now I can properly schedule my sleep.
She raised her eyes and gazed blankly at the ceiling. The Second Slate... The meaning of acting... The Ancient Families dating back from the Fourth Epoch... The war of the Four Emperors... And Mr. Fool's honorific name.
In her mind, she rehearsed the first three lines that Mr. Fool had disclosed as it was the only sentences that seemed to weight more than the subsequent prayer.
Selina reminded herself. Let's write those three lines once I've recovered...
...
A day later.
Selina finally managed to regain her strength. Recovering from the severe large claw-marks from her back.
It was faster than I had expected... Selina muttered.
Clad in a plain, white corset dress, provided by the officials. She walked out of the bathroom and headed down the first floor.
From there, she saw multiple seats arranged by the side, being occupied by people with conditions, intending to get treated.
She proceeded towards the counter and said to the lady. "My name Selina Roy from Room 002. Since I've finally recovered from these three days. I would like to request my itemized bill."
I can just visit the local bank first for a deposit... Maybe they accept insurance? If there are any...
The receptionist looked toward Selina. Upon hearing her name, she quickly took out a receipt from the drawers and said. "Miss Roy, your medicals have been fully paid beforehand."
What? Selina asked. "Can I know the person who paid?"
The lady took a one last look at the receipt and replied. "By the Awwa Police Department."
Mr. Mitchell mentioned this as his workplace... Selina paused before saying. "Then I'll take my leave now."
Upon exiting the establishment. She was met with a trackless carriage, seemingly awaiting for her arrival.
Behind its glassless window was a man with a receding hairline. He had a stern and refined features with a deep set of black eyes.
Seated next to him was Leonard, with his poet-like demeanor. Expecting her dismissal from the health-care facility.
Selina quickly understood what is happening and proceeded along with their will as any actions could be used against her.
Inside of the carriage, she occupied the seat facing the two officers.
They began to pace as the coachman tugged the lead connecting to the horses.
During the time she spent in the travel, Selina quickly recognized the man beside Leonard.
He had an aquiline nose, light brown hair, appearing to be in his thirties with sharp gray eyes that felt like a serene lake under the moonlight, secluded by the forest.
This gentleman must be their captain, Selina took note of this as she recalled how the man had authority over Leonard and the others during the battle with the vampires.
Seeing the lady's eyes glued to him. The man promptly greeted and introduced. "My name is Dunn Smith, Captain of the Seventh unit, Special Operation's Department of the Awwa County Police Agencies."
Selina smiled and returned. "Selina Roy."
Dunn nodded briefly before saying. "We have already been informed about your background from other agencies under the jurisdiction of the Church of Storms.
"However, what we require now is further confirmation and information about your identity from the local Church of Storms that had provided your background. This will need you to be present as well during the meeting."
He added, "Afterwards, you will be free to go."
Of course by what he means as "free" is actually the unconsented monitoring of her daily actions and behaviors by the officials.
Selina knew this but remained silent.
...
The carriage drove past the streets and finally halting at 36 Zouteland Street.
After alighting, Selina saw a building with its front entrance laid in ruins and are now undergoing reconstruction.
Is this the Blackthorn Security Company? It's... Almost unrecognizable...
"You're quite the painter for making this art." Leonard praised with light sarcasm as he walked pass Selina.
Dunn Smith was the next to leave the carriage.
He stopped beside Selina and said. "If it wasn't for Klein, preparations wouldn't be made and the worst outcome might even become the result."
Klein... Selina ruminated over the name for moment.
"Let's head to the underground." Dunn ordered.
She stayed silent as the two officers accompanied her along the corridor. Passing the lounge and reception area and finally arriving at a trapdoor.
Leonard pulled open the wooden panes and said. "Watch your step."
After arriving below. They were met with another passageway that connects to an inner area.
Upon arriving at the hall. Selina saw a grand gate, carved with seven sacred emblems. It stood there, heavy, cold and domineering.
"Don't get close to it Ms. Roy, follow us." Leonard advised with a smile before proceeding with his captain.
Selina nodded and adhered to his word. Curiosity can kill a cat after all.
Soon, they arrived inside of another room. By the opposite of the door was a desk, its interior wasn't too grand, just enough to exude formality to others.
This must be Mr. Smith's office... Selina murmured to herself.
Dunn walked over to the desk and took out a paper slip from one of the drawers below.
After scribbling a few texts in Loenese, he handed the note to Leonard and said. "Here, tell Old Neil that we'll be needing the alchemy room."
Old Neil? Wait... He works with the officials as well!? Selina couldn't hide her shock from forming.
Seeing the lady's sudden expression after Leonard exited the room. Dunn simply said. "Old Neil already disclosed that you two had met already."
"It's in the Evil Dragon's Bar correct?"
Oh... Selina nodded in confirmation.
"He told me about why you're there and your traits during his acquaintance with you. Needless to say, you're a person clearly rooted from an aristocratic family."
Was it really that obvious? Selina mused to herself.
Dunn took his seat and gestured for the nearby chair. "Ms. Roy, please take a seat."
Selina occupied the chair, turned to Dunn Smith, her nerves becoming tense by the second.
At that moment, as if the environment became gloomy, the wall lamps suddenly lessened its illumination, allowing the darkness to advance.
She felt her consciousness drifted for a moment, like a wind.
Dunn fixed his posture and asked. "Who are you? What are your connections with the creatures that chased you?"
So—So blunt? Selina was caught by surprise.
She'd expect for the interview to start off with trivial question, then working their way up to the essential matters.
But instead, this procedure was thrown into the saying of wasting time.
Don't you feel skeptical about what I might answer? How are you so certain that I will tell the truth?
At that moment, she realized something from herself. But... will I be able to hide it?
The lady in question was after all. A terrible liar.
Okay, this is like with the Heath family! I should just use what I have at the moment to construct a believable excuse!
Selina organized her thought and deliberated her words, saying, "I am Selina Roy, from Midseashire County, Constant City."
Uhh... She paused for a moment, with an expression seemingly in contemplation. "An ally of mine was associated with those monsters. I was only caught in the crossfire."
This ally refers only to herself as Ms. Lovers.
Dunn kept his quiet demeanor, his thoughts a mystery. By the next three second, he added with another question. "Who is this ally of yours?"
Selina tried her best to compose herself as she replied. "She had already left Tingen."
"Give me a name. How did the two of you met?" Dunn pressed.
How... Did we met?
Her thoughts raced to piece a convincing reply, and after a few second, answered deliberately. "In Midseashire County. And her name..."
She paused once more. The image of her identity document swept through her mind.
"Ah right! Angel! That's right, Angel!" She exclaimed as if finally figuring out something.
After hearing this, Dunn fell silent for a moment.
Seeing Dunn immersed in thoughts. She teased herself. What will Ms. Lovers tell to Selina after hearing this?
"Angel... How did the two of you ended up here?"
Selina recalled the document once more. "F-Family matters?"
Dunn narrowed his eyes at her response. Clearly unconvinced by the answer.
A few more question arrived to confront Selina. And each time, she used the identity document forged by the Church of Storms, after all, it already had necessary regulations etched on it.
By the time Dunn had reached a dead end, he sighed and pressed on his temple, massaging it.
P-Please, bought my excuses! Selina prayed dearly from the bottom of her heart.
If she associated with officials anymore than this, it would make her attempt at joining the high circles much more difficult.
After awhile, Dunn looked at Selina and said with a stern voice. "Alright, that will be all."
H-He bought it! Good job me! Selina fought the urge to express as she praised herself inwardly.
The room that was dimmed more than before suddenly opened a few cracks.
This startled Selina, her instinct was to immediately stood from her seat and look at the calm Dunn.
Her vision shattered like a glass of globe before suddenly, she found herself waking up from her chair.
Dunn was now scribbling a few texts on the paper that previously wasn't there before.
Seeing this, Selina's face became paler as her expression turn frantic.
Dunn glanced at her with a serene face of indifference and said. "Head to the alchemy room. Mr. Moretti should be waiting outside to guide you."