Just as he was aware of the Demoness's conspiracies, Alaric clearly knew more about what was coming in Backlund than Medici did.
Medici's gaze shifted back to Klein. This kid, tied to Sefirah Castle and thoroughly fooled by Alaric, was genuinely worried about Backlund's future, while his all-knowing teacher had no intention of cluing him in.
"How nasty!" Medici muttered, then grinned. "Why should I tell you anything? Unless…" His eyes locked onto Alaric. "You beg me!"
If you want to play the innocent lamb, keep playing!
Klein froze for a second. He didn't mind pleading with the likely angelic Mr. Red, but it was clear the comment wasn't aimed at him.
Glancing between Alaric and Medici, Klein realized something... Mr. Lucifer and Mr. Red might actually have a bad relationship.
Alaric raised an eyebrow, meeting Medici's blood-red eyes for a moment before smirking. He grabbed Klein's arm, huffing, "Beg? Not a chance, Sherlock, let's go. If he doesn't want to talk, fine. I'll just write to Teacher later!"
He wasn't playing the docile sheep but a stubborn goat ready to butt heads.
Alaric shot Medici another look, adding, "Mr. Red, I don't know what's between you and my teacher, but if you think you can take out your grudges on me, you're mistaken. If you don't want to live with us, I'll write to Teacher and ask you to leave."
The subtext: Don't stir trouble, or get out.
"Ahem, Mr. Red, don't mind him. Jack's just blunt, no offense meant. But if you really don't want to live with us, we can discuss it with Mr. Lucifer." Klein said, smoothing things over while clearly siding with Alaric.
"Tch, the big one's as tricky as the little one." Medici grumbled, not entirely disappointed. He'd only been testing the waters, and now he confirmed that Alaric, even in his idiot persona, wasn't easily provoked.
Stepping forward, he said, "Alright, don't get mad. Just a joke. If it bothers you, I'll give you a hint as an apology!"
Medici paused, then lowered his voice. "The Augustus family. If something big's happening in Backlund, it's tied to them. If you're curious, look into it yourselves... but I wouldn't recommend throwing your lives away."
Klein's heart skipped a beat. He knew the Augustus family... the royal family of Loen.
So, Backlund's next big event involves the Augustus family? A Loen version of a royal rebellion?
Klein's mind raced with possibilities, giving him a headache.
Alaric, unhurried, snatched Klein's luggage and, along with his own, handed it to Medici, who trailed behind. He smiled and said, "Thanks, Mr. Red."
Medici raised an eyebrow at the pile of bags, muttering, "You're really treating me like a nanny, huh?"
Alaric just smiled, his eyes saying, Well, you're the professional.
Everyone knew the Red of the Red Priest wasn't just the red of war but also of nannying. Medici, who'd raised Amon, was a certified expert in childcare.
"Hmph!" Medici sneered but picked up the luggage anyway.
Not because he feared Alaric... he was enduring this for his Lord.
"See, Mr. Red's actually a good guy!" Alaric turned to Klein with a grin.
"Uh…" Klein didn't know what to say. He sensed some kind of clash had just occurred between the two in that brief moment.
Given Jack's personality, it wasn't surprising. Jack might lack social caution, but he was sensitive to malice, so it was natural he'd clash with Mr. Red, who clearly harbored some ill intent.
Jack was never a pushover.
Klein shook his head, deciding to let them be.
The trio took a trackless carriage to Alaric's Backlund residence... a three-story villa.
Alaric unlocked the door, stepping inside while gesturing to the others. "This is my place. The master bedroom on the second floor, far right, is mine. Next to it is Teacher's room. Sherlock, you can pick one of the two rooms on the left."
He looked up at Medici, smiling. "Where would you like to stay, Mr. Red? If you have special needs, we've got a basement."
Medici caught the sarcasm but brushed it off with a cold laugh. "I'll take the third floor."
"Great, there are four rooms up there. Pick one." Alaric said, nodding nonchalantly. He took the luggage from Medici and began explaining the house's layout. After finishing, he swiped a finger across a table, noting the thick layer of dust, then turned to Klein and Medici with a serious look.
"Before we settle in, we'll need to clean the place up."
"You're so broke you can't afford a maid?" Medici said, arms crossed, dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, feeding an extra freeloader does strain the budget. Maybe Mr. Red wouldn't mind chipping in?" Alaric replied, smiling.
"Hmph!" Medici sneered, saying nothing.
Alaric pulled a broom from somewhere and handed it to Medici. "If you're not pitching in cash, let's get to sweeping."
"…Ten minutes from now, someone will come to clean." Medici said grudgingly, eyeing the red broom.
"Thanks!" Alaric said politely.
"Sherlock, come on, I'll help you pick a room." Alaric said, pulling Klein along. They headed to the second floor, where Klein chose the leftmost room as his bedroom.
After picking his room, Klein hesitated before saying, "Jack, if you really don't like Mr. Red, we can tell Mr. Lucifer."
Klein could see the mutual dislike between his friend and Mr. Red. Jack's usual lack of sarcasm had even spiked.
"Don't like him? Nah!" Alaric laughed, looking at Klein. "Sure, he talks tough, but who'd turn down an extra nanny? Haven't you noticed, Klein? Mr. Red grumbles, but his actions are honest. He's clearly great at taking care of people."
"Uh…" Klein fell silent for a few seconds, forced to admit Alaric had a point.
Maybe Mr. Red was a softie at heart despite his sharp tongue?
***
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