Chapter 121: Greetings to You
"Brother, let's escape."
Once she caught an opportunity, Cecilia wanted to help Lu Ze regain his freedom.
"Escape?"
Lu Ze couldn't help but smile bitterly.
How could they possibly get away?
The sensitive ears of a Listener allowed him to hear very clearly—in the underground corridor, beyond their field of vision, Leonard and Dunn's breathing and heartbeats were incredibly distinct. Claiming to let the siblings be alone was actually just to put his sister at ease, while they switched to monitoring from the shadows. With Dunn's composure, it was impossible for him to leave any chance of escape.
Besides... "Can you break open this cage?"
Lu Ze asked.
Seeing Cecilia frowning and unable to answer, he smiled. "Alright, Cecilia, don't think about these things anymore. It's already good enough that we survived that crazy woman's hands."
The Nighthawks in Enmat Port, Captain Edward, and those Southern Continent people who were trafficked and sacrificed... none of them escaped Madam M's hands. Only the two of them survived. Even if the days ahead might be a bit difficult, by comparison, it didn't seem unacceptable.
Just then, Madam M's meaningful smile before her death suddenly flashed through his mind.
Was it really that simple?
Lu Ze was stunned for a moment, then suppressed the unease in his heart and said to Cecilia with a smile, "Backlund is a metropolis; the things you can do and eat are much better than in Tingen. Once we settle down, I'll take you out for a few days to have some fun in the city..."
Clearly unclear about his own future, he could only say positive things to soothe his sister. Of course, Lu Ze hadn't been to Backlund either, so he could only rely on his imagination to paint a bright future of the big city for Cecilia.
"My sister is so beautiful; going there will definitely cause a sensation. Countless nobles will fall for you, with princes and dukes swarming around you..."
"I don't want to marry a noble; I want to stay by your side."
"That's fine too. You're so smart, you could easily graduate from any university, get a high-level diploma, and find a good job. Although I'm not as great as Emperor Rosell, I can still write some novels and come up with some inventions. Even in a big city, we siblings can still live a good life."
Lu Ze boasted irresponsibly for a while, while Cecilia sat beside him listening quietly, her large blue eyes sparkling.
"It's about time. Let's go."
A few minutes later, Dunn emerged from behind the corridor with Leonard and said to Lu Ze.
"Alright."
Lu Ze replied.
By now, Cecilia's emotions had stabilized. Seeing them open the cage and pull Lu Ze out, she didn't stop them but followed behind. The group left Chanis Gate, walked along the corridor to the spiral staircase, and climbed up to the first floor of the Blackthorn Security Company.
He probably wouldn't be coming back again.
Lu Ze's gaze swept across every corner of the company. He didn't feel particularly nostalgic, just somewhat sentimental.
In the breakroom, he met the Nighthawks from Backlund.
"These are the colleagues from the Backlund diocese: Madam Lorota, Al Hazen, and Borgia."
Dunn introduced them to him. Lorota was a black-haired woman in her thirties with a somewhat masculine style of dress. Al Hazen was an elegant middle-aged gentleman. Borgia had a scar on his face and a serious demeanor.
"Because the diocese takes this escort very seriously, we've sent quite a few people."
Al Hazen acted as the leader and explained as such, then looked Lu Ze up and down. "Is this Lu Ze rondall?"
"It's me."
"Cecilia rondall?"
"That's right."
His sister also nodded.
"The appearance of you two is truly impressive," Al Hazen said sincerely as he looked at their faces, then turned to Dunn. "Well then, Dunn, we'll be taking them with us."
"...I'll have to trouble you to take care of them."
Dunn said solemnly.
The group continued outside, leaving the breakroom, crossing the partition, and entering the main hall. Seeing them appear, the colleagues of the Blackthorn Security Company all stood up.
"Goodbye, Lu Ze!"
"Take care of yourself in Backlund."
"Take care on the road, Lu Ze. Frye and Royale went to patrol the cemetery; they asked me to pass on their goodbyes."
Everyone said their farewells in a bustle. Klein specifically mentioned the two who were absent.
"Goodbye, everyone. It's been a pleasure spending time with you all."
Lu Ze smiled, raised his shackled arm, and waved goodbye to them.
The colleagues followed, escorting the siblings and the Backlund Nighthawks out the main door. On the road outside, two black carriages without any insignia were parked. Beside the carriages, several Nighthawks in black coats watched them quietly.
Madam Lorota took Cecilia and another female Nighthawk into one carriage and departed first.
"Brother, see you in Backlund."
His sister said to him before getting into the carriage.
Lu Ze waved to her, watching the carriage gradually pull away. The sunlight outside shone on his body, allowing him, who had been underground for several days, to feel a long-lost warmth.
"Lu Ze, give my regards to Old Neil."
Dunn looked at him and said.
"I will, Captain."
Lu Ze said, "Also, I've always wanted to say thank you. Ever since that night, my sister and I have received so much care from you. It has been an honor to be your team member."
Upon hearing this, Dunn couldn't help but smile, his eyes filled with warmth. "Lu Ze, you've helped me a lot too. You've done many great things, saved the lives of several cities... It has been an honor to be your captain as well."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
"Alright, that's enough talk. You all can come find me when you get to Backlund in the future."
Lu Ze gave a final wave to the group, walked down the steps, and stepped up to the carriage.
Beside him, Leonard was handing over items. Madam M's box had already been sent off, and now he was handing Lu Ze's belongings to the Backlund Nighthawks, confirming them one by one.
"Three Beyonder items: the bone flute, the whistle, the dagger, and these materials..."
He might say each item as he placed it into a slot in the box provided by the other party.
As Lu Ze watched, he suddenly noticed something wasn't right.
It seemed... one was missing...
"Where is that Holy Scripture?"
He asked Leonard.
"Holy Scripture?"
Leonard looked up at him in confusion. "What Holy Scripture?"
"The Holy Scripture made of human skin, the one with stories and poems written in Ancient Hermes?"
"I didn't see it. It's not on you, and it wasn't at your house... and didn't you not mention it either?"
Leonard looked completely puzzled.
I didn't mention it... That's right, how could I have forgotten about that Holy Scripture...
Lu Ze's mouth suddenly went dry. All of a sudden, he couldn't recall when he had last seen the Holy Scripture, nor could he remember where he had put the book he had been reading all this time.
On the other side, the Nighthawks had finished chatting with Dunn and were preparing to lead the group away.
"By the way, Dunn, there's one more thing."
Al Hazen took a few steps, then suddenly seemed to remember something and turned back toward Dunn.
"What is it?"
Dunn was watching Lu Ze ahead, his eyes a bit somber. Hearing the other's voice, he asked without much concern.
"It's just... Madam M sends her regards."
Click.
A slight mechanical friction sound came from Al Hazen's sleeve. A mechanical structure installed inside his suit sleeve instantly popped a miniature revolver into his hand, which he gripped tightly.
Bang!
A crisp gunshot rang out. Al Hazen aimed at Dunn's heart and pulled the trigger.