POV (Point of View)

Chapter 87: Farce or Fact

It takes approximately an hour and a quarter to reach Berlin from Paris. At around 3 o'clock in the morning, Purgatorio together with Bonten arrived in the Schreiber Manor found deep in the mountains. It wasn't yet the peak of sunrise yet most of the jaws of the Asians dropped at the sight of one of the most luxurious mansions they have ever laid their eyes on.

Before them is a vast and high, royal estate with three floors, decked with gold accents, castle-like exterior, and tall cathedral ceilings. Looking at it puts El Palacio Poderoso, Ira Poderoso's huge mansion in Madrid, into complete shame. It is the second time of Bonten to feast their eyes on the beauteous capital of Germany, but they hadn't had the chance to come and pay the royal manor of the Schreibers a visit. And now that they do, they sure don't want to leave.

But they're not here to go on a vacation nor stroll around. They're here...because they want to bring Abel home. Now that she is, everyone is feeling extremely heavy. Most especially the bereaved family of Isabella Thomas, who are now sobbing nonstop in front of Abel's coffin. Aurelia ordered the preparation of the funeral service beforehand so when they arrive, everything will be arranged. But no one could really prepare anyone for this level of devastation of losing a loved one.

Now, they are in the chapel inside the property of the manor, watching everything unfold. Purgatorio were all looking down, refusing to gaze at the scene of all of Abel's family letting out their emotions to grieve for their youngest daughter. Gisela tried to fight her emotions become so visible on her face. But listening to the cries of her dead friends' family, she just starts to tear up. Meanwhile, all the boys were all just quiet and serious, as if to lament and take in the sorrowful screams and sobs of anguish in complete silence.

Seeing this, Bonten just decides to keep quiet from the back, observing and further realizing that no matter how much they kill and take the freedom of people around them, they always go back to being who they are—humans—capable of feeling hurt, suffering, and pain.

Rindou, who has been one of the quietest ever since they left Paris, couldn't help but gaze at the direction of...Aurelia. From a short distance, he watched how her expression didn't change. She just remained blank and serious while quietly gazing at Abel's family. In complete and utter silence, he waited. He waited for her to express her grief and pain. But she showed none of that. 

"Gisela." Aria called out lowly. Her subordinate, despite being hurt, tried to seem professional. "I know you're hurting. But there's something you must do."

"Yes, Dame. Anything."

"I want you to prepare the financial aid to Abel and Aida's family by tomorrow. I want to gift them the ranch that Abel has been working on to buy for years. Can you do that?" The silver-haired nodded while tearing up at the same time.

"Of course, Dame. I'm sure Abel will be so happy."

"Good. Thank you." She turned to Wilbert this time. "Please escort Bonten to their rooms so they too can take their rest." Her male associate bowed.

"Understood, Dame." She looked at the Bonten men and tried her best to smile.

"Please make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen."

"We'll do, Miss Schreiber. Bonten offers our sincerest condolences." Takeomi answers and she nods before turning to her team.

"I will go freshen up and rest for a bit. Please tell Aida that I'll be back later when the sun is up." She no longer waited for anyone else's reply. She just walked away in the direction of the main door that lead to the mansion. And even though she has already left, two pairs of orbs are glued to the direction where she went off to.