The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 48 The Shining Beacon (6)

"Please take a seat."

The words were spoken rather cordially, but Archer could notice the underlying anticipation in the tone that urged him to hurry.

Archer was currently in Ozpin's office, and across him was Ozpin seated on the headmaster's seat. Files and scroll data were spread out in front of him, but he'd made room to fit in a set of mugs and an activated heating platform for a kettle filled with water.

Across from Ozpin was the seat Archer was gestured into taking.

"Would you like any tea, coffee perhaps?" Ozpin asked after seeing Archer get settled.

By Archer's side was the duffle bag he'd been carrying and set down.

"Coffee," Archer answered.

Ozpin nodded, carefully pouring the coffee into a mug before raising his voice again.

"Milk, sugar, cream, or maybe black? Bart, another Beacon professor, always did like his coffee strong. I'm much the same."

"Black is fine," Archer answered, taking a small sip, and putting the drink back down.

He made better coffee, but that was irrelevant.

Watching the steam waft off from the offered drink, Archer collected his thoughts and considered how he'd go about this meeting. Ozpin was certain to have many questions, and possessed the wisdom to see through deceit from numerous years spent living from host to host.

Ozpin was the one to start the tempo of the meeting.

"To begin, that was quite an informative lecture, was it not?" He spoke.

"I suppose," Archer answered dimly.

"Ah, humility. That's where you're cutting yourself short," Ozpin answered with more enthusiasm than Archer expected. "Moving past pretenses, we should feel free to speak honestly in our capacity as fellow magic practitioners. It's all the more important as this is our first actual meeting. Therefore, introductions should be in order."

"Archer. I'm well known enough to just go by that," Archer said, noting that Ozpin didn't seem to mind. Instead, he looked as if he was about to reveal some stunning secret, like a child who couldn't hold in their excitement.

"I, am Ozma." Ozpin declared solemnly, looking for all the world as a mysterious and all-knowing wizard. How dramatic.

"...I think I'll take my leave." Archer did not hesitate at all, playing hard to get to solidify the act.

Ozpin's features twitched violently. He coughed. "I am not joking. I can prove it."

"How?" Archer entertained.

"Give me my sword."

Ridiculous.

"I'm really leaving." Archer pushed his chair out.

"Wait, wait!" Ozpin lunged over the desk and used the reach of his cane to push Archer back into his seat. "I'm serious!"

Oh, Archer knew that Ozpin was being completely serious, but just believing without a fuss would bring far too much doubt and suspicion.

"And this isn't just some underhanded scheme to get the sword of Ozma in your hands, and then never return it, is it?" Archer snorted; his eyes derisive when Ozpin partially stilled as if he'd hit the hammer on the nail.

"I am not such a crude man." Ozpin coughed between his answer, not giving anything away. "Trust me." 'Though if I prove the sword is mine, then that opens up another avenue for debate...'