GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 16: Back to Alnus

Forgive the author for he is half-witted nincompoop, He has revisioned this chapter 4 times

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Formal Family Castle, Italica

April 2, 2028, 06:02 (2nd day of the Blood Moon 638)

The early morning sun bathed the courtyard of the Formal Family Castle in a soft, pale light. The air was still cool, and a row of vehicles stood lined up, their engines idling. The rhythmic hum of machinery filled the otherwise quiet morning.

Adam, Itami, Caldwell, and Kuwahara huddled in conversation near the lead vehicle, finalizing seating arrangements.

Itami: So, where are they going to sit?

Adam: Let's keep them with the four of us, plus Lelei, Tuka, And Rory. Considering Rory is a demigoddess in their Empire, it might make them more comfortable.

Caldwell nodded in agreement.

Caldwell: Good call. What's our ETA, Kuwahara?

Kuwahara did a quick check on the map.

Kuwahara: We should be there in about three hours, give or take, depending on the roads.

Adam: Now for our driver...

Adam turned and spotted Kurata chatting animatedly with Persia, one of Myui's maids. He called out to him.

Adam: Kurata! Hey, Kurata!

No response.

Adam tried again, but Kurata was still too absorbed in his conversation to notice.

Adam: Oh for—

Frustrated, Adam walked over, grabbed Kurata by the collar, and yanked him away from the conversation.

Adam: You're driving, Romeo. Let's go!

Kurata stumbled slightly but managed to regain his footing, shooting a sheepish look at Persia as Adam pulled him toward the vehicle.

Kurata: Sir, I was just talking—

Adam: Yeah, yeah, talk while driving. Get in.

As Adam and Kurata passed Andrew, Adam leaned in, lowering his voice to ensure only Andrew could hear.

Adam: Keep the kid as far away from Pina and Bozes as possible... You know why.

Andrew nodded, understanding the concern. He glanced back at Kurokawa, who was playfully interacting with Red, a wide smile on her face.

Andrew: Kurokawa!

Kurokawa looked up, curious.

Andrew: Put Red in the rear vehicle, Make sure she's not too close to the VIPs.

Kurokawa's expression shifted to one of understanding, and she gently nodded.

Kurokawa: I'll take her back there now.

She moved over to Red, kneeling to her level with a bright smile.

Kurokawa: Hey, Red! How about we go for a little adventure in the back of the convoy? You'll get to see all the cool stuff from behind!

Red's eyes lit up at the mention of an adventure. She nodded enthusiastically, reaching out for Kurokawa's hand.

Red: Yay! Adventure!