“I appreciate the reminder, Mr. Bates, but we still have an important mission to accomplish. Since the sooner we locate the territory of the Phangrottom Clan the better, we’ll only be staying the night! We’ll leave at dawn!” replied Gerald in a gratuitous tone as he looked at Mr. Bates.
Upon hearing that, Mr. Bates said nothing. Even so, if one paid close attention to his reaction, they would be able to see his face twitching slightly in response…
It was late into the night before Gerald and his party finally decided to sleep. To ensure that they wouldn’t get sneak attacked in the night, Gerald suggested that the four of them take turns keeping watch.
After agreeing, Gerald was elected first to stay on guard whereas the others headed to bed.
Thankfully, even after his shift ended and he swapped places with Rey, nothing much really happened throughout the night.
The party of four awoke early the next morning and instantly began packing up. Gerald himself walked over to the door to check on how things were looking outside…
To his surprise, he was immediately greeted by the sight of Mr. Bates standing right in front of their door!
Definitely not expecting to meet Mr. Bates in such a way, the wide-eyed Gerald then stared at the calm-looking man for a while before asking, “…Is… there something I can help you with, Mr. Bates…?”
“Tell me, are you really sure that you want to look for the territory of the Phangrottom Clan? Is there no way to deter you?” asked Mr. Bates in a serious tone.
Upon hearing that, Gerald quickly shook his shock off before nodding and determinedly replying, “Indeed, Mr. Bates. We absolutely must go!”
“…Very well, then. Since you’re so adamant, I’ll lead you there. However, I must remind you that in the end, everything depends on your fate!” declared Mr. Bates, surprising Gerald once more.
“…Different in what way, Mr. Bates…?” asked Gerald in a curious tone.
“Hah! The earlier party who came looking for the clan were only interested in robbing the tomb! With how blinded by greed they were, it was pretty much impossible for them to locate the Phangrottom Clan in the first place! Them dying only makes sense!” replied Mr. Bates in a calm tone, almost as though he was unfazed by their deaths…
Growing even more curious now, Gerald then asked, “…How… exactly did they die, Mr. Bates…?”
“Hmm? I killed them of course,” replied Mr. Bates.
The second he heard that, Gerald’s expression instantly darkened. To think that Mr. Bates would confess to something like this so casually!
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