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Chapter 27 ~Memory~

  Acacia walked towards the guestroom with her newly acquired outfits. She set them up in the wardrobe, keeping everything simple. "I can't design the room since I don't really know what the girl likes."

  Acacia's hum was a low, almost imperceptible thrum as she sorted the clothes. She connected mentally with the butterfly she dispatched. The insect, an extension of her will, danced through the air, seemingly oblivious to its purpose. The creature, guided by her intent, fluttered after Elric and slipped inside the office as Elric knocked on the door.

  Acacia sat on the edge of the bed, her attention drawn to Elric's approach as he slipped inside the office. The man with the familiar dark blue hair, hunched over his desk, looked up, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. The butterfly stealthily crawled up the wall and stuck to the ceiling.

  "You have arrived, much later than I expected." The man dropped his pen and gestured to the seat opposite his desk.

  "I had a little delay." Elric replied and sat down.

  "That's fine, I wanted to talk about this woman....the one that Cerais keeps talking about." The man leaned against his seat.

  "Acacia?" Elric asked.

  "Yes, that one. I wanted to ask why you didn't give us the information of such an individual. Were you protecting her?" The man asked.

  "No, I didn't know she had such abilities. She kept it a secret." Elric shook his head in denial.

  "Surely you noticed she shares a name with Lucian's sister, and... a certain resemblance?" The man questioned

  "The name, yes, but I don't believe it's her. Lucian's sister was human. This one... she's something else." Elric shook his head in denial.

  "Your distraction during the mission compromised your objective. You were to investigate the beast-men and report everything." The man said with slight disappointment.

  "I didn't think it would be important." Elric was quiet for a few moments before he replied.

  "Well, this little thing you didn't think was important caused a captain's death, another captain's arm, the lives of others and fear. We came there thinking we were prepared for everything but no." The man sighed and spoke sternly.

  "I understand... my mistakes. If you wish to punish me, I won't—"

  "Lucian's actions were sufficient. We need to focus on that woman." His voice was firm, but not unkind. "Her presence has disturbed some people that assisted during the mission."

  'I have a name,' Acacia thought with a slight frown.

  "Yes, Captain Barachiel." Elric said, his gaze lowered.

  'He didn't tell them that I am dead? But then, I guess he would have to explain how he knew and ultimately about the orb and about Erla.' Acacia thought as she watched them.

  "Dismissed. And keep your focus." Barachiel's tone held a subtle edge.

  "Yes, sir." Elric replied and tightened his grip on the small box in his hands.

  'He's talking about me, isn't he? Acacia's grin widened. 'Too bad I intend to make him lose it entirely.'

  She watched as Elric left the office and she snapped her fingers, the connection and her butterfly disappeared instantly. Acacia sat up on the bed, her mind racing with ideas to torment Elric. A sudden movement in her peripheral vision snapped her attention. Mirkil, impossibly, stood in the center of the room, waving a hand with exaggerated impatience. 'He looks like a child in my eyes now....'

  "Hey, grumpy princess! Move it, we'll be late for class." His voice cut through the silence, sharp and clear. Instead of responding, Acacia closed her eyes, a slow, deliberate count beginning in her head. "One... two... three... four... five." When she opened them, he was gone, leaving only the lingering tension of his unexpected appearance.

  Acacia's words, "I'm not a child anymore," hung in the still air of the empty room. The silence pressed in, a heavy reminder of her solitude. She forced her gaze away from the place where the illusion was. A flicker of something....frustration? Sadness?... crossed her face. 'Distractions... I can't afford them now.' Dhe repeated, a mantra and stood up from the bed.

  Leaving the room, she positioned herself in the living room's heart. Her fists tightened, and with deliberate focus, the illusion shifted, Erla vanishing, Bella emerging. She examined her hand, her form, a small, approving nod. 'A little torment should suffice.'

  She waited, poised, until the door burst open. "I'm back," Elric declared.

  'Manual locks are useless,' she thought as she remembered the scanner. 'He can walk in anytime.' Turning, she faced him. "Welcome!" Acacia's smile was a burst of forced brightness. Elric recoiled, his back slamming against the wall, eyes wide with shock and the box fell to the ground. The lid came off and a silver wristwatch fell out. He rubbed his eyes, but the change was already complete: Erla stood before him.

  "Elric, are you alright?" Erla approached, her brow furrowed with concern. She extended a hand, but he flinched, recoiling from her touch. A flicker of hurt crossed her face, and she stepped back.

  "I don't know what happened," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "but you don't have to look at me like that." She wrapped her arms around herself, a picture of wounded vulnerability. 'How do those actresses maintain this? I'm fighting to keep from laughing.'

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  "No, I didn't mean to." Elric immediately stepped forward to hold her but Acacia pulled away.

  'I'm surprised he's swallowing this act.' Daemonis drawled.

  'Shut it.' Acacia snapped mentally, the irritation prickling beneath her feigned vulnerability.

  "Please I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I must've been tired from everything.' Elric stayed out, afraid of scaring her.

  "It must be because of this place, it all feels so boring and dull. No wonder you feel tired." Acacia turned around and sulked.

  "It's my work, it's not going to be fun like shopping but I'm sorry for hurting your feelings." Elric sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

  "....I forgive you but promise to never do that again." Acacia looked over her shoulder expectantly.

  "I promise to never do that again." Elric picked up the wristwatch from the ground and wore it, solidifying his promise.

  "Great! Now let's relax." She turned to face him and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the couch and sitting down on it. Elric awkwardly sat down next to her.

  She pulled his head down on her lap and gently ran her fingers through his grey locks. "So what did you talk about with that man?"

  Elric stiffened underneath her caress before slowly relaxing. "Nothing important and his name is Captain Barachiel." Elric corrected.

  "Wow, you treat him with so much importance even though you both look the same age." Acacia wondered as she brushed her fingers through his hair.

  "....well he is two years older than me." Elric hesitated before he replied.

  "Is that so? Then perhaps you'd make an excellent captain yourself. You certainly seem more than capable," Acacia offered, her tone light.

  "I lack the necessary experience," Elric replied, shaking his head dismissively.

  "Experience...something easily acquired. Your captain is hardly your senior, what does he have that you lack? I simply believe you deserve recognition for your abilities. Or perhaps you're content to remain a subordinate indefinitely?" She tilted her head, a hint of challenge in her eyes.

  Elric fell silent, his gaze fixed on her. Acacia maintained her smile, a gentle, unwavering pressure.

  "No," he finally said, a sigh escaping his lips. "These things take time, unless you're exceptionally gifted. He earned his place. I... I don't believe I'm suited for such responsibilities."

  'Should I push further? No, it will seem too suspicious if I'm pressing on the topic. I will let the thought marinate for a while.' She thought.

  "That's fine, I was only suggesting since you are amazing." Acacia shrugged and turned her attention to his hair while he was lost in thought. Elric said nothing but a small hint of blush was evident on his cheeks.

  'Gross,' Acacia's thought with disdain. 'He was always so stoic before. Was it just a professional act? No, that's just how he is. He is only capable of feeling around Erla.' A wave of irritation washed over her.

  "Your cheeks are so flushed! You're just too precious!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness, as she cupped his face. Elric's eyes widened, a flicker of bewildered shock in their depths.

  "Stop that." Elric tried to turn his face away but Acacia didn't allow it.

  "Why should I? You are cute." Acacia grinned and caressed his cheeks.

  You're still the same." He muttered, his voice low, before he suddenly surged to his feet, leaving her lap empty. He vanished into his room, the door clicking shut with a sharp finality.

  'Good grief, he can't even take a little teasing. Aren't you supposed to be happy I am acting the same as your beloved? At least it's in tune with Erla's personality but how long can I keep up this act before I lose my grip?'

  She closed her eyes and shifted her focus inward, tracing the flow of mana through her veins. The insidious poison, the raw power of her blood, pulsed within her. She meticulously guided her mana, a silent exercise in control. Acacia shook her head as she stared at the closed door. 'I could be honing my butterfly abilities, but that dolt could appear at any time.'

  She persisted, weaving her mana through her body, reinforcing the illusion that cloaked her form. The effort sent her heart hammering against her ribs, and a sheen of sweat slicked her skin as she finally paused, gasping for breath.

  "Exhausting," she murmured, closing her eyes and sinking into the couch, surrendering to the need for rest.

  The next morning, the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air. Acacia, now awake and dressed, found herself watching Elric as he prepared to leave. He was clad in a form-fitting black top, matching trousers, and polished boots. She was eating the pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup, he made for her.

  "Where are you going?" She asked while taking a small bite from her pancakes.

  "Training." He replied and put a water bottle inside a green bag.

  "For how long?" Acacia asked while chewing.

  "A couple of hours." Elric glanced at her. "Don't talk with your mouth full."

  "I'll be bored." Acacia ignored his last comment and took a sip of water from her cup.

  "It won't take that long." Elric sighed and zipped up the bag.

  "Liar, a couple of hours is not short." Acacia set her glass back down and huffed. "I want to follow."

  'And I am curious about how they train. I never checked when I was younger out of jealousy.' Acacia thought as she looked at him.

  "Absolutely not," Elric stated, his tone firm.

  "Please, Elric," Acacia implored, her voice laced with desperation. "I just want to observe your training. Perhaps seeing you in action will trigger a memory."

  Elric hesitated, his resolve wavering. "You must promise to stay clear of the training itself. I won't risk you getting hurt."

  "Of course! I have you to protect me, don't I?" Acacia's smile was bright, almost blinding.

  Elric fell silent, his gaze lingering on her before he abruptly turned away, adding another water bottle to his bag.

  'I think I'm getting good at this.' Acacia smirked and finished eating her pancakes. She took the plates to the kitchen and quickly went to him.

  He held the door for her, then followed her out, closing it behind them. They walked to the elevator and, where a gold light scanned them and Elric pressed a button before the doors slid open. They both stepped inside and the doors closed. Stepping out onto the next floor, they headed outside.

  She trailed him into the training facility, her eyes wide with curiosity. The vast, echoing space buzzed with activity. Heroes sparred in pairs on different big circular mats, their movements a blur of practiced precision, while others honed their skills against battered training dummies. The air crackled with the energy of unleashed abilities, flashes of light and bursts of sound punctuating the rhythmic thuds of combat.

  "You sit over there." Elric gave her his bag and pointed to a corner with a few benches. She nodded and walked towards the benches. Taking a sit and watching them with interest.

  "Cutie!" Ian called out as he waved at Erla and some people stared at her but she didn't care about the little attention.

  "Stop that." Elric dragged Ian away from her line of sight.

  Her gaze landed on Cerais, locked in a sparring match with a younger woman. The girl's movements, while quick, lacked finesse, betraying her inexperience. But it was the seamless way she wielded her prosthetic arm that drew Acacia's attention. The articulation was so fluid, the response so natural, that only the faint, telltale seams gave it away. "She is adaptive." Acacia murmured, her eyes narrowing in assessment.

  "You have a sharp eye." A voice, both familiar and unsettling, cut through the training room's din. The sound of approaching heels punctuated the air. "Are you a recent arrival?"

  "No, ma'am. I followed a friend." Acacia responded, her voice steady despite the sudden tension. She turned her head to face the woman. 'Or should I say, Mother?'

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