The Arks

The door creaked as it swung open, revealing a large table for luxurious eating. Food was set out, seemingly like a buffet style. From seafood to poultry and even to pasta, the whole table was fit for at least 20 families to eat.

Mavislin did a quick scan of the room. The windows were as tall as Bryan and there were six of them. Velvet curtains decorated the giant windows, with them being parted to let light in. Across the hall, opposite to the door they stood at was another door.​​

The glare of the windows did a great job in hindering Mavislin's sight of the people at the back of the alley. But it could not deter the foul smell of humans starving.

"That's so much food! Is this how much you present for only two people?!" exclaimed Bryan, eyes sparkling.

"Usually, not so much. But Mavislin struck me as a person who can indulge a lot at one time, so I've decided to get extras for this time. Do you not like these, Mavislin?" asked Clement, gesturing at the food.

"Are you calling her a glutton?!" protested Bryan.

"I can finish all this now," said Mavislin, drooling.

Bryan swung his head to turn towards Mavislin.

"Boss! Hey, why did you have to prepare so much? How about saving some for the other folks?" asked Bryan, still exasperated.

"Other folks?" asked Clement, raising an eyebrow.

"Yea, there were several starving people at the back alleys, how about giving some to them?" asked Bryan.

Mavislin could not help but made her way to the piles of food. But before that, she decided to give another whiff of the area. She walked towards the few windows and touched the windows' sills.

"I can guarantee that they are free of dust," boasted Clement.

"I can tell. I just like the design of the windows and the curtains. My home doesn't have such beautiful things."

After the inspection, Mavislin plopped down onto a cushioned seat, with a smile on her face.

"They aren't my concern," replied Clement, unaware of Bryan's sense of compassion.

"Aren't you human? Aren't they Albion's people? Why can't you spare some food for them?" asked Bryan, slightly annoyed at this man.

Clement widened his eyes, a mere commoner was trying to lecture him? He smiled as he saw Mavislin drooling at the lobsters.

"Go ahead, Lady Mavislin. Those are all for you," said Clement.

The Valkyrie took a lobster and ate the thing whole, shocking and impressing the two gentlemen.

"Don't ignore me."

"Give me a solid reason why I should give those sewer rats this food. They are nothing and they can do nothing. I'd rather throw it all away than give it to those good for nothing," challenged Clement with a terrifying smile.

That expression, that smile, those words... They held no ounce of compassion or care to the people Bryan was fighting for. He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth.

Yan was a sewer rat. Bryan knew about his story. As a child, fending for himself and his mother, Bryan's heart burned with passion to slap the person in front of him. And it made him furious to know that people like Clement existed.

"Humanity."

The two men broke eye contact as the Valkyrie spat out that word.

"You are human, right? That should be a good enough reason."

The Valkyrie gave a smile of confidence as she got up from her seat.

"With the words you've just said, I'm beginning to suspect that you were the one behind the disappearing incidents," said Mavislin, walking towards Clement.

"Don't be a fool! Why would I harm my own girls?! They are the only source of income for me!" protested Clement.

"Oh really? Then riddle me this, why are they at the back alley?" asked Mavislin, tilting her head to her side.

"What?" asked Bryan, blinking his eyes rapidly.

"I commend you for catching me off guard. Placing the decoys around the area and the rooms near here... You really are sly, Clement. But your act is up."

Mavislin snapped both her fingers, causing the candlelights to go out. The room was still illuminated so she decided to take it a step further.

"You were worried about the powers of the Butterfly Girl. Rest assured, my powers are nothing like hers," said Mavislin, stopping at the middle of the room.

Raising both her hands, thick tree branches began to grow from each windowsill. The seeds she had placed were a gift from Raiyen, in case of an emergency. She inwardly thanked the Time Boy.

"I never thought it would be this effective."

"I won't make you worry. I will make you fear me," bellowed Mavislin as the room was engulfed in darkness.