¦¦Specter¦¦(DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 4

TW: None! Just brief mentions of guns and sadness.

-Cinna

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Clotted walked ahead, well, he was practically speed walking at this rate. The events of the hour prior played fresh in his mind, he couldn’t believe the audacity of the pair but similarly he never imagined that he would actually try and shoot someone. His gun had always been on his person since he properly became a politician, while a gift from Elder Custard, it was a rather decent defense tool. He never used it, merely showing it off in hopes that any enemy would fear him and any complications would be avoided.

“Clotted, dear? Are you alright?” A voice called out, causing the ex consul to jump out of his skin. He swung around only to be face to face with Elder Mille Fueille. He tenses a little, he wasn’t in the bestest of moods, understandably. But he also wasn’t aware whether the elders had been informed of his.. demotion, if you will. He held onto Financier’s cloak once again, fidgeting with it as he analysed her expression. It was seemingly caring, nurturing, motherly in nature.
“Yes, I am fine.” He responded cooly, trying to keep up his typical cool tone. Unbothered by anything, young and ambitious as he had been described by Oyster in the past.
“I.. heard about the.. incident with Elder Custard. I am so sorry, my dear.” She spoke softly, going to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, only for him to step back.
“It is fine.” Clotted responded with a nod of his head, gripping tightly onto his sister's cloak. His eyes distrusting of the elder in front of him.

“I understand how hard it must be.. as a mother myself, please don’t forget I am here for you. House Mille Fueille will always have its doors open for you, young one.” She spoke carefully, before continuing once again.
“I hope Mansion Madeleine treats you well.” She added, an underlying unknown tone could be heard when she said that.
“They do. Anyhow.. Who will be elected consul now?” He questioned, despite his distrust he had to admit he was rather curious about the outcome of it all. At least he had braced seeing one of the elders, albeit awkward and out of his control. He knew people were inspecting the gunshots and the bullets and he had to get inside and quickly.
“We will elect a new one.” Mille Fueille responded rather bluntly, taking the ex consul off guard yet he merely nodded.
“Understood. Your time is appreciated. Anyway, I have to go.” Clotted spoke politely, bowing his head to show respect and starting to walk off, only to feel her hand grab his shoulder.

“Please, remember what I said.” She spoke with a weird eeriness to her, her face seemingly covered with a dramatically timed shadow.
He jumped back, nodding quickly and swallowing the rocks in his throat. This was absolutely bizarre, he found the entire situation just.. odd, it didn’t feel right at all.
“Y- yes of course, ma’am. But I truly need to go now.. have a good day. Send the others my regards.” He quickly dismissed, rushing off as quickly as he could. He sighed in relief when he noticed Madeleine who must’ve been watching the incident unfold, relief had flooded over the ex-consul’s face as he approached the Knight Commander.

“Are you alright?” Madeleine questioned, placing a gloved hand on Clotted’s back and giving Mille Fueille a confused look. Quickly changing it to a smile when she smiled at him, he shuddered as he rushed both himself and Clotted inside.
“What in the divines was that?!” Madeleine questioned, he hadn’t seen her ever act like that. It was weird, it seemed so out of character and desperate. It was so unnerving to imagine the usually sweet elder so, crazy looking, for lack of a better word.
“I.. haven't a clue.” Clotted Cream responded quietly yet truthfully, patting himself down before rubbing his face.
“I am glad you were there, goodness knows what she may have done if you weren’t watching.” He sighed once more, before noticing the scratches on Madeleine’s usually polished armour.
“..What happened? If I may enquire?“ It was now Clotted’s turn to question the paladin, inspecting the armour before his eyes widened.
“Did.. he did do this?” He questioned quietly, Madeleine merely shrugging.
“He didn’t want to part with your things I suppose. Alas, it didn’t affect me! Your belongings are yours and yours alone!” Madeleine chuckled, ruffling his hair.