[Elsword] - Masked Renegade

15 - Disputed Deals

...

Ara blinked, the doorbell had rang so abruptly. It couldn't have been Aren; he was out accomplishing whatever business there had to be done for the entire day, and Aisha had already left for her personal events regarding Elesis' passing. She glanced at Add, though the boy had remained completely motionless; his face was as blank as ever. Knowing that it was rude to keep guests waiting, she vigilantly ran down the stairs, urging Add to follow. She opened the door, and yet again, the duo of blues had paid another visit so soon.

It almost appeared that Lu was excited to see the pair at the door for once, her eyes were almost dazzling. "Huhuhu! We meet again, Ara and Add!" she exclaimed, grinning.

Considering how she ended their last meeting, Ara wasn't expecting for the them to return so quickly. "Oh, um, g-good morning, Miss Luciela..!" she politely greeted with a small smile. "I-I didn't know you had already met Add already! U-Unless... it was a 'lucky guess'?" the Sakra Devanam added, considering how the others had known the albino's name without a formal introduction.

Lu huffed. "Eh?! You dare question a noble like me?! Th-That's none of your beeswax!" she scolded, turning to her side while crossing her arms in anger. She puffed childishly for several seconds before turning back to the Chinese female. "Hmph, but since you did refer to me with my full name, like you should because you're a lowly peasant, I'll let it slide this once. Treat higher-ups with respect!"

Ara felt alarmed at her brimming confidence, it really did seem like she was an important figure of some sort. She quickly bowed, muttering millions of apologies under her breath. "I-I'm so sorry, Miss Luciela!"

"Good, you've learned your place." the Noblesse shot her a smug smirk. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering why we have come here today. I am aware that Aren has business to attend to, which is why Ciel and I will be here to take care of you two. Be thankful, we've come here on our own will! But, I refuse to stay in that home of yours for this so-called babysitting. As a friendly gesture, I shall take both of you out to explore. Surely that is far better! I can safely assume that you two accept my one-of-a-kind offer, no?"

She pondered before responding. "Ah... It would be nice to go out once in a while, what do you think, Add? But, where are we going? And, what if Aren and/or Aisha return before we get back? I don't want Brother to worry..."

"It sounds fine to me..." he nodded in approval.

The petite demon giggled, her lips curving into a wider simper. "Don't worry. I guarantee that we'll be back before nightfall, so Aren is out of the equation. As for Aisha, do you recall what I had told you the other day? We're investigating just that; we're going to stalk that purple-haired girl. It'll be a new and... enjoyable experience."

Lu's words echoed, a sense of wrath suddenly rising to the tips of Ara's mind. She was unhappy about the seemingly untrue statements about one of her beloved friends.

"I wouldln't trust that girl, if I were you."

She clenched her fists. "Wait, Lu! I didn't agree to this! Aisha has her own personal stuff to deal with! You shouldn't be meddling!"

Both the silent Add and Ciel opened their mouths in surprise. Ara was usually known as a gentle individual, after all.

"Me? Meddling? You make me laugh, child! You dare say that?! No... you're the one that's wrong! I'm trying to get both of you to understand that witch's true motives and intentions! Why won't you believe me?!" she spat, stomping her feet as she glared.

"Because I trust Aisha more than I trust you...! This whole time, Aisha has always been such a good friend... but all you do is order us around! I won't betray a friend, especially not for the likes of you! You can't buy friendship, Luciela..." she shot back, a sudden rush of energizing adrenaline circulating into her body.

The Noblesse bit her lip, she was slightly baffled at her sudden bravery to stand up for Aisha, though she simply grinned, as usual. "Is that so? Humans are so stubborn. But, how about we make a deal? I'm sure that I can buy something from you. If you come with me, I'll tell you everything I know about that phenomenon of yours; and I certainly know much more than you currently do. Starting with your... red eye."

As if magic had occurred, the eye-patch that was neatly wrapped on Ara's face had flown off, gracefully landing on the ground. Her bloody-red iris shone, sticking out from all the rest. Her eyes dilated in shock.

"'Humans'. Th-The way you said it, made it sound like you weren't human..." Ara stammered.

"Exactly. I'll even tell you about myself, if that's what you must inquire about. For the low price of following Ciel and I, you'd be an idiot if you declined~"

Ciel cleared his throat, pitching in. "We have cookies."

The Diabolic Esper dashed over to the blue team. "We're going, Ara."

...