Crownless: The Fallen World

Chapter 6: The Man Before Her

Sebastian gradually regained his senses as he tried to regulate his breathing. He couldn't help but laugh at himself. It has been a while since having a nervous breakdown. After all, this was the first time that he was doing this. Even though the feeling was painful, he admitted this was a good learning experience.

He just had to do better next time.

Hale was the students' representative for questioning. The others had already gone and boarded the ferry to Epoch Isle. Of course, Sebastian had to stay behind with Hale to accompany her. He already felt suspicious of people lingering outside. There weren't any dangers inside the security office, so he excused himself for a bathroom break. The people who noticed him move were already following him. As he descended the stairs, he equipped his combat clothes over his regular clothes. He risked arousing suspicion if others noticed his clothes had changed after a mere visit to the bathroom. That was a risk he couldn't take.

Sebastian picked the most isolated place in the building and went to do his business there--without leaving any traces behind. Since the act of killing needed to be swift and efficient, he finished them before Hale came out of the interrogation room as a witness.

"Here," Sebastian offered her a bottle of an ionic drink for her to replenish.

Hale just exited the room and felt relieved that Sebastian was still there. Also, the questioning became fierce in the end, but she managed to get through. After all, the local security offices didn't go by the rules of the Central Security Association. That was why they could do whatever they wanted during the investigation. The majority of them would accept bribes and manipulate the verdict given to them. It could take a lot of time before they move to escape the area of the CSA. Even though the advance in human civilization sharply inclined through the graph, it didn't mean everything was already smooth sailing. Corruption will never end unless all humans disappear on the face of the Earth.

They could finally leave the office to go to the pier. Sebastian already readied his ID along with Hale's approved screening process. It enabled Sebastian to go with her through this journey.

Hale suddenly widened her eyes when the steward only gave her one key.

"I'm sorry, Sebby. I forgot that I only reserved one room."

Sebastian nodded and went to the reception.

The woman standing behind the counter was intimidated by the sheer atmosphere of the man. He was alarmingly tall. His countenance was fierce and cold. She attempted to hold eye contact but found herself unable to, her face draining of color.

"Excuse me, ma'am?"

"Yes?!"

"Are there any free rooms?"

"Yes? Let me check for a moment, sir," she said as she pressed on the computer screen despite her hands trembling. She typed something on the holographic keyboard, muttering, "I'm afraid that the only remaining free room here is the suite on the top floor. The reservation got canceled just recently. They also didn't ask for a refund for the reservation deposit, so you'll only pay KN 154,800."

"I'll take it," Sebastian said as he fetched out his wallet and handed her a black card.

The woman, who had just calmed down and was proud that she managed to get through the initial stage, was nervous again. That was a black card... the man was younger than her, but he already owned a black card? How was that possible unless he had very wealthy parents? She comforted herself with that thought.

"Understood, sir," she smiled and politely took the card to swipe for payment.

"Sebby... do you have that much money?" Hale asked, dumbfounded.

"Mhm."

Hale didn't dare ask anymore. She felt that Sebastian didn't want anyone to question him about it. However, it was saddening because they weren't on the same floor. The room she reserved was only through the student budget. She would never ask for money from her parents since she vowed she would be an independent woman. Hale thought it was necessary because she would take a husband in the future. Well... she only had to pursue the man. If not, they would get nowhere at this rate.

Minutes later, the ship took off as Hale insisted she wanted to see the suite at the top of the ferry.

They ascended from the ferry's deck to the highest level, where a grand window stretched from floor to ceiling greeted them. The scene of the sea with the beautiful colored clouds exudes a romantic air. That was what Hale thought.

She glanced at the man walking a few steps ahead of her. From what she could estimate, Sebastian would be at least 6 foot 5 inches tall. His gait was silent but powerful. Maybe it was because of his aura that he was unconsciously emitting. His broad shoulders and the contour of his back muscles were evident despite the armor hidden under his attire. His hair was cut short, and that combing seemed unnecessary, causing it to stick out haphazardly.

Hale resolved that she would style his hair once they were in the academy. She couldn't just leave the man a mess.

When they reached the ferry's upper deck, there was a swimming pool midship and people using it. It was luxurious and designed for people of the upper class.

The ferry that left before them was more for the middle class, so most students already took it. The lowest price for that ferry would be around KN 550. The highest would be around KN 3,500. The architects and engineers had efficiency and comfort in mind when they made it.

Meanwhile, the ferry they were on had the lowest price of KN 10,000, and the highest would be the suite for KN 250,000. They made this ferry with the highest efficiency, comfort, security, and luxury in mind. This one would only hold around 260 passengers, not including the staff operating and maintaining the ferry. The other was sturdier and could have 800 passengers, excluding the staff.

The bow of the ferry cut through the waves like knives, and from the engine's speed, they would arrive at the academy tomorrow evening.

The suite only had one king-sized bed with a bathroom and shower room. There seemed to be a kitchen and also a refrigerator. There was a 32-inch nanopixel TV with a subscription for international and local movies and series. There were also exceptionally sturdy glass windows that could withstand any penetration, be it from human attacks or forces of nature. There also seemed to be bottles of wine in the fridge.

Hale stared at Sebastian, who was busily setting up his laptop while seated on the soft, inviting sofa.

"What...?" Sebastian slowly turned toward Hale, a questioning gaze meeting the intense stare directed at him.

"Can I get some bottles?"

"Pardon?"

"You don't drink alcohol, right?"

"Yes, according to the policy, you can receive a maximum of five bottles. If you exceed that number, you will be responsible for paying for the additional ones."

Hale's eyes crinkled into a smile as she swiftly took the wine bottles, renowned for their disinfectant properties. She stowed them in her Holowrist, a device issued by the academy to all students, implanted within the wrist and partially worn on the skin. Once she affirmed the safe storing of the bottles with a satisfied nod, an unexpected force gripped her hands, yanking her body forward.

"What is this?" Sebastian's face was dark as he questioned her.

"What... what do you mean?"

"This... where did you get this?" He tightened his hold on Hale's hand as he pointed at the device on her wrist.

"Sebby, you're hurting me..." Hale's voice was a soft plea as she attempted to wriggle free from Sebastian's firm hold. As she felt his grip slackened, she chose not to withdraw but tenderly enveloped his coarse hand with hers.

"Thank you," she whispered as she responded to his question, adding, "I've had it since my admission to the academy."

"... did they operate on you?" He murmured, enough to be heard by Hale.

"Oh, my? How did you know?" 

Happy reading!

© credits to the original owner of the photo