Chapter 262 - 261. Unshackled (2)
Around a day later, Lyall arrived at my quarters with the fake crest carefully wrapped in cloth. I took it from him without hesitation, my fingers unfurling the fabric slowly. My eyes skimmed over the insignia, scrutinizing every detail with the kind of precision that only comes with familiarity.
"It’s as you ordered it to be," Lyall said, his voice betraying a hint of caution as he observed me carefully.
I nodded, my lips curling into a small but satisfied smile. "Yes, it is. Good work." The words left my mouth with a cool confidence, but there was something about the way I said them that made Lyall pause.
He stared at me for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if reading between the lines of my expression. I caught the slight hesitation in his gaze and raised an eyebrow, curious.
"What’s wrong?" I asked, my tone light, but with a trace of suspicion.
"N-Nothing," he stammered, clearly trying to hide his unease. "I was just... wondering if you had any more instructions for me." His eyes flicked to the insignia, then back to me, his posture just a little stiffer than usual.
I tilted my head, sensing his wariness but not immediately pressing him. "Nothing for now. Just keep an eye on the places I told you."
He nodded, but the tension didn’t seem to lift from him. Before I could press the matter further, there was a sudden knock at the door. Lyall moved toward the window instinctively, but I raised a hand, signaling him to stop.
"Meet the child," I said, not giving him the chance to question me. His frown deepened, but I could tell he was more confused than concerned as I walked toward the door. I heard him freeze in place as my words registered.
When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of two priests, their expressions a careful mask of polite smiles. Between them stood the child, his bright, wide eyes glancing around with a curiosity that was almost too innocent for the grim reality he had found himself in.
"Come inside," I said, my voice firm yet warm as I extended my hand to the boy.