The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion

Chapter 18: Team

Vana's POV

The pavement in front of the capital’s clock tower became crowded with people as the clock chimes at noon. I stood next to a pillar on the wall, shading myself from the scorching heat of the sun. I had been waiting here for almost an hour, waiting for my companions to arrive.

Today is the day we were to be sent to our mission as punishment for violating the academy rules. An engine cab had arrived at our guild to pick me up, driving me here where I was told that the meet up place is here.

I tapped my foot on the ground, arms crossed against my chest as I watch the world pass by me as I wait. Sweat dripped from the side of my forehead, and my body itched from the heat. Maybe I should not have worn a sleeve today.

I wore a white long sleeve topped with a brown, checkered-patterned sleeveless loose vest. Good thing I wore a pleated mini skirt instead of pants, making it bearable for me.

I listened to the crunching taps my knee-high black boots make, the sound of chattering and footsteps reverberating all around me. I wonder when they’ll arrive. I’m starting to feel hungry after standing here for almost an hour.

I crouched down, leaning forward as I balance myself to sit down on my feet. I’m starting to get tired in standing up. It’s about time they arrive.

“How long have you been there?” a familiar voice asked, a shadow casting above me.

My eyes turned into slits, recognizing who the voice belongs to. I lifted my head up, meeting my head up, meeting Jerome’s eyes who gazed at me from above. He leaned down on me, face inches away from me. I was startled by how close he was, leaning back out of reflex.

He was hunched over towards me, his hands buried underneath his pockets. He wore a gray turtleneck top and black pants, with matching brown leather shoes. He leaned back as he slicks his hair back, taking a glance around.

“It’s only me that has arrived. What took you so long?” I stated, wondering where he’s been.

“I was picked up an hour ago, and the city where our guild is, is an hour away from here,” Jerome answered. “Others?”

“I told you, I’m the first one. I’ve been waiting for an hour and my feet hurts,” I ranted, growling about my feet’s situation.

I stood back up to my feet, lifting my eyes up. The sunlight has begun to beam at our direction. It nearly blinded me. I should have brought my shades with me. I raised my hand up on my forehead, blocking the sun.

“There you are,” another familiar voice shouted. My brows furrowed, turning to the direction it came from. It can’t be, can it?

My eyes widened as I see a fairly tall man waving from afar. He wore a coat on top of his shirt, a smile plastered over his face. My mouth gaped in confusion and awe, dumbfounded as the man approaches us.

Professor Zander?

“I guess you two are the first ones here, huh?” Good afternoon, Vana, Jerome,” Professor Zander greeted, stopping in front of us.

Our jaws dropped as Professor Zander walked towards us. We were left speechless, eyes widened at his presence. Professor Zander will be part of our mission?

“P-Professor…” I called, fumbling in my words. “You will join us on our mission?”

“I don’t think you should be concerned about that,” Jerome mumbled, taking a step back with a gulp.

I flinched, realizing what Jerome meant with his words. Behind Professor Zander’s smile is not kindness but a grim expression. Oh yeah, we left the academy without permission… I believe another scolding is coming our way.

“You look fine for someone who is supposed to be guilty. You have me trouble by being here,” Professor Zander muttered, crossing his arms against his chest as his grimly smile widened.

“We’re sorry…” I apologized, lowering my head.

“You’ll be receiving double to work and training once we get back, both of you won’t be getting any mercy from me, are we clear?” the Professor warned, orienting us of his punishment to us.

“Yes, Professor Zander,” we both answered with remorse.

“Good. Its nice that the both of you are safe though. I had head of what happened from Dean Zerondale,” Professor Zander mentioned, finally back to his normal, kind self. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, adjusting it.

According to Mr. Zerondale’s words yesterday, there would three more in the team besides us. Professor Zander is here, bringing our count to three. So, who are the remaining two? Mr. Zerondale said it would be a wizard from Red Magus and a wizard from the Special Forces.

“Professor Zander, who else will be with us?” I asked, tilting my head to the professor.

“I believe Ms. Rosemary would be one of them. As for the other, I believe its going to be Ms. Angela,” Professor Zander said.

A vehicle rolled down on the sidewalk in front of us, halting the three of us in our conversation. Two ladies left the vehicle, taken aback by their appearance. An enormous aura surrounded them as they come out of the engine car, a chill running down my spine, followed by fascination.

I recognized them just as they leave, realizing they’re on a different level from us. It’s Ms. Angela and Ms. Rosemary. I recognize Ms. Angela right away, but its my first time seeing the woman named Ms. Rosemary.

Ms. Angela is obviously from the Special Forces. Does that mean Ms. Rosemary is from Red Magus.

“Ms. Angela, Ms. Rosemary, you’ve arrived,” Prof. Zander greeted.

“Professor Zander, its good to see you. I see you’re with Vana and Jerome already,” Ms. Angela greeted.

“Good afternoon,” I greeted, slightly lowering my head.

“Good afternoon. This is Rosemary, by the way. Rosemary Fernandez. She came from the same guild as me and we’re both be joining you in this mission,” Ms. Angela introduced.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Rosemary,” Jerome greeted, extending a hand for a handshake.

They shook hands, bother plastering a smile at each other.” Nice to meet you too, Jerome. You too, Vana,” Ms. Rosemary greeted.

Her name rings a bell in my mind. I’ve heard of her before and its probably something my brother once mentioned. Ah! That’s why. If she’s from Red Magus, then she must be my brother’s friend, Mr. Reiki’s, sister. They have the same last name.

“I guess you two came from the same place,” Professor Zander mentioned.

“Rose had to ask Alfred to teleport her here. I waited for her to arrive before we get going,” Ms. Angela stated. “Anyways, we’ll be driven there by the same vehicle we rode, so why don’t we all hop in now.”

We exchanged glances, wondering if its already time. That turned quick. A few minutes ago, I was waiting here for almost an hour. And now, its time for us to leave and head to our destination.

Ms. Angela ushered us inside the vehicle, making our way to the seats inside. I sat next to the other door, on the side of the window. Jerome, on the other hand, sat next to me, in the middle. The rest hopped in, the Professor sitting next to Jerome, while Ms. Angela and Ms. Rosemary sitting across from us.

The vehicle drove off and in seconds, we are gone from the clock tower. The engine car crossed the river that served as the border around the capital, marking our leave from the capital. The capital arc loomed above us for a second, dissipating the father the car drove away.

“So, does the two of you know what our mission would be?” Ms. Angela asked, referring the question to me and Jerome.

My attention snapped at her, moving my eyes away from the window. “Ah yes, Chairman Zerondale had explained it to us the other day,” I replied, tilting my head to face them.

“Then, you also know that it is connected to a robbery case, right?” Ms. Rosemary asked this time.

“Yes, they mentioned that an artifact was stolen,” I answered.

“A living artifact. How is it connected to our mission?” Jerome corrected, asking a question.

“The stolen artifact was the dragon egg. The last dragon egg to have ever existed. It is believed to have not yet hatched for over fifty years. Experts are not sure why the egg has not hatched up until now, which is why its being kept and protected in the museum,” Prof. Zander stated.

“Why is the egg in the museum instead of a magic sealed vault?” Jerome asked, raising a brow in distress. “Would it be better if its kept in a magic sealed vault to prevent it if it ever hatches?”

“That’s what we also believe, but Mr. Zerondale convinced the Magic Council to keep it in the museum. It’s fine though, since the museum has a magic sealed vault on the basement floor of it,” Ms. Angela said in dismay, shrugging against the idea of putting the dragon egg in the museum.

But to think that a living artifact is stored and presented in Ashern’s National Museum. Of all things, its also a dragon egg. It has been over 75 years since the last dragons existed. I don’t know what I should be impressed about. A dragon egg exists and has not hatched for so many years, or a museum holding a rare living artifact that could hatch at any given time.

“back to the mission, as you already know, our mission involves solving a murder case that took place in the same location of the robbery. We were told that if we ever find evidence that is connected to the robbery, or vice versa, our teams should let each other know,” Ms. Angela explained.

“There’s another investigation team?” I wondered.

“Yes, one that investigates the robbery,” Ms. Angela answered.

“But all other details about the murder case will be disclosed by Duke Glyndel once we arrive at his home,” Ms. Rosemary added.

We were informed that details we need to know for our investigation will be given to us by the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the current in-charge of the initial investigation, Duke Glyndel.

“Where is the duke’s manor exactly? I know his territory is near the east,” Professor Zander asked, propping his head against his clump fist.

He had made himself comfortable on his seat. He leaned his body on the window, elbow pressed against the seat’s armrest, and his legs crossed to the knee. He is the epitome of charisma and elegance despite his brawny look. How does he not have at least one girlfriend yet?

“He rules the province of Glymoke, where most of Ashern’s rice fields are located,” Ms. Angela answered. “Also, the place where the Clove and Ashern meets.”

“If I’m correct, Duke Glyndel’s name is Castiel Glyndel, right?” Ms. Rosemary asked, wondering if her recollection is true.

“Yes, he was known to be a remarried man after his first wife died in an accident,” Ms. Angela replied. “A year later after his first wife died, she married his second wife, Even Morosuke, also a noble lady and now a duchess.

“Currently, they live with the duke’s only daughter, Whitney Glyndel.”

“That happened how many years ago?” I asked, curious to know the story.

“Five years ago,” Professor Zander muttered. “Isn’t the duke’s first wife, Dean Zerondale’s daughter?” he asked.

“Yes, the first duchess’ name is Zeraphine Cronil-Glyndel. Chairman Zerondale’s only daughter,” Ms. Angela answered.

“Anyways, Duke Glyndel will inform us of everything we need to know about the murder case that took place,” Ms. Rosemary stated, leaning back on her seat as she slumps back. “So, sit back for now and enjoy the scenery. It’ll take us a long time before we arrive.”