Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 281: An open book

Chapter 281: An open book

A peal of laughter echoed in the otherwise silent forest occasionally disrupted by hoots, chirping, and howls.

Seated around a campfire were Alex and Alejandro, engaging in what was turning out to be a rather amusing affair judging by Alex’s smile and Alejandro’s guffaw.

"You would make for a rather intriguing comrade to converse with if not for your repulsive need to always hide things. Isn’t it tiresome?" Alejandro remarked after he’d regained himself well enough to continue the conversation.

Alex shrugged. "I have my reasons."

"Hah, well I guess I cannot fault you considering all men have secrets, but such things can only lead to mistrust and other unsavory vices. Look at my people, we are as open as a book, we do not hide malice, nor do we try to fake our feelings. And it is for that same reason that we are as tight as family." Alejandro spoke with a tinge of pride, even gesturing as he spoke about his people.

It was clear to Alex that he thought well of his people, perhaps it was the same for all BeastMen, they were proud of who they were and they wore it on their sleeve like a medal.

Of course, that didn’t mean he’d miss a chance to take a jab at Aragon’s black-and-white view of the world.

"I do not doubt that being an open book had its merits but as we both know, that didn’t stop what happened to Arthur from happening, yes?... Or may I remind you of the acts Arthur carried out against his brother for the throne?"

"Ahem." Alejandro coughed awkwardly as he turned away. "Well, that was regretful but regardless, I believe that being an open book is better than deceit. How do you hope to build trust?"

Chuckling softly, Alex commented. "You’d be surprised."

Seeing as Alejandro was still slightly embarrassed, Alex decided not to make things harder for him as he carefully changed the topic.

"So what can you tell me about the Supreme Order?"

Alejandro regarded him for a moment, secretly thankful the human was tactful enough to switch topics.

However, he wasn’t about to let go of information so easily.

"What I can share right now?"

"Mn." Alex nodded in response.

Taking a deep breath, Alejandro glanced at the fire crackling before them, its orange glare reflecting in his brown irises as he began. "The Supreme Order... from what I know about them, they are an enigmatic bunch that somehow managed to gain the backing of both the Empire and the Great Families."

"Why would the Great Families support a cult?... Isn’t it their duty to curb such things to protect the Empire?" Alex inquired, not out of naivety that he believed the Great Families to be a flawless bunch, after all, his discovery about the creation of Homunculus had successfully killed off any such thoughts, if there were any in the first place.

But he was curious, curious as to why they did the things they did.

Considering the possibility of facing off against them someday, he had to at least understand their mentality a bit.

And this was an angle to start with.

Alejandro chuckled at the question, his gaze shifting to Alex for a moment before returning to the campfire. "I didn’t take you to be one of those who believed the Great Families to be a group of chivalric knights."

"Don’t worry, it’s not what you think." Alex calmly replied.

"I see," Alejandro muttered, reaching down to pick a stick before he began. "I don’t know much but what my ancestors have gleaned from the circumstances speaks of two things they are sure of; one, that the Great Families are hiding a secret, one that has been the driving force behind most of their decisions to this day."

Alex pursed his lips, pondering Alejandro’s words as they held endless possibilities.

It told as much as it told very little.

Though vexing, he would have to take what he was given for now.

Letting out a sigh, he inquired. "And second?"

"That the Supreme Order isn’t a cult, at least, they don’t give off the vibe of a cult."

"Cults have vibes?" Alex couldn’t help but ask as his lips twitched slightly.

Alejandro shrugged. "More or less, my people’s sixth sense allows us to sniff out when people have divinity about them which is something most cultists have. If the Order happens to be a cult, then they don’t serve a god."

"..." Alex was tempted to ask what they would serve if it wasn’t a god but decided against it.

He wasn’t sure he’d get a good response in the first place.

"If you wish to go against them, you have to be sure of victory. I won’t say anything for now but if you truly help me save the Wandering Forest, then I would be inclined to help you deal with them. If anything, I’d rather save the future generations of Aragon from having to listen to humans."

"It must be difficult." Alex joked.

Alejandro sighed. "It took all my willpower to not beat up the idiot they sent as a proxy."

Both chuckled in amusement before Alejandro decided it was late and gave Alex permission to leave which he did, allowing the latter some respite.

It was tough holding a full conversation with Alejandro while navigating the landmines of telling the truth and lying.

At least, they’d focused on talking about Arthur, a topic Alex was more than willing to share without hesitation.

Adjusting his shoulder as he entered the tent the BeastMen had prepared for him and his group, Alex felt slightly lightheaded causing him to decide to retire early.

With the thought of communicating with Ana and Victoria successfully skipping his mind, Alex fell into a deep slumber.

***

"Daddy, daddy, wake up."

Alex’s eyes fluttered open just in time to see a young girl who was barely 9 with dark hair, brown eyes, and slightly dark skin, leaping into bed and bouncing excitedly on him in a bid to wake him up.

"MJ." He called out weakly, his eyes revealing a longing emotion.