Astrophos turned around only to see a frowning Cygnus. After the shock, the words finally sunk in. Looking at the other's expression, he immediately knew that he was not joking. He joined the journey because he thought that they were going to save Ezio but it seems that he was wrong.
"Aren't you going to the capital to save Ezio?" He asked to confirm his suspicion.
"Don't act like a hero. Do you really think we will go there to save him? Do you really think we will risk our lives and fight the magic tower for a brat?" Cygnus laughed while shaking his head. "What a ridiculous thought."
He finally realized that the person he was talking to did not have an ounce of compassion in him. Astrophos always thought that he cared for Ezio even just a little bit but now, he lost that thought. Never did this person cared for anyone and he was not even sure if he could do that.
With these thoughts in his mind, he walked past that man without answering. "If you are not going to save him, then I'll at least go and see how he's doing."
He intended to just walk away. His emotions were a bit of a mess that he even failed to notice that Cygnus was reading his mind. Astrophos could not face the man any longer. There were only a few steps left before he could reach his room when he heard the man speak again.
"You know, I'm not a caring person but I do hold grudges."
Astrophos looked back but he was no longer standing there. He straightened his back and instead of going to his bedroom, he went down to also eat his dinner. Never mind, he decided to just go with them and will part ways after they reach the capital.
The next day, Nina went out again and Cygnus was nowhere to be found. The butler left with Astrophos to buy supplies they would be needing along the way. "I heard that you confronted the master last night?" The butler suddenly asked.
Astrophos looked at him twice before he answered, even though he was not sure if their conversation that night could be called a confrontation, "I'm not sure. We only talked and that's it."
"Then, that's good because if you ever argue with the master, you won't be able to win so I advise that you avoid any kind of conflict with the master. If you can, keep it inside or come find me instead."
Even without the butler looking at him, Astrophos got the feeling that his words bear heavy consequences if he did not heed the advice. Unconsciously, he nodded his head with the butler smiling in his direction.
They departed from the town before the sun could even rise without much commotion. This time the inside of the carriage became a bit awkward as the three people who were inside haven't talked to each other ever since they left the town.
Cygnus had his eyes closed while Nina was glued to the book she was reading. Astrophos on the other hand was meditating since he was not going to start any conversation. Mr. C, who was driving the carriage, remained in a good mood because he was not with them inside.
They passed through the plains and entered a rocky path that led to the road that passes through a mountain. The ride suddenly turned bumpy which woke Cygnus and knocked over the book that Nina was reading.
"I'm sorry for the bumpy ride master," Mr. C apologized from the outside. He tried to make the carriage a bit steady but it was no use since it still rocked back and forth every once in a while.
Cygnus looked out the window but did not comment. He returned to napping instead while Nina picked up her book. They were not fazed by the interruption but the next stop was a little bit difficult to ignore.
Mr. C looked at the group of raggedly dressed people standing in their way. They haven't halved the journey on the mountain road yet but bandits already appeared in front of them. The bandits were sneering at Mr. C while brandishing their weapons.
"Master, what should we do with these people?" the butler asked without taking his eyes off from the bandits.
After asking that question, he heard some noise from the back and when he looked back, he saw that bandits also appeared behind the carriage. He returned his focus to the front and finally noticed a decent looking man standing behind the gruff looking guys.
They were already warned that the way traversing through the mountains was more dangerous because of the bandits. It was already a norm to expect bandits suddenly appearing to rob you if you decide to travel through these paths. There were even people who offered to guard them on their journey but Mr. C turned them down. They were even looked down on because they thought they were too arrogant for their own good.
"Why do you need to ask me, when you already know what to do?" Cygnus was now wide awake and had his head on his palms.
"It is just for confirmation, master. How about the mage should I leave him behind?" Mr. C asked again which only earned him a sigh from the master.
"Leave him be, as for the others," he looked at Nina who was looking at him with bright eyes. She was exuding this relentless aura that was a bit difficult to ignore, "you and Nina can deal with them the way you like."
After he gave the go signal, Nina kicked the carriage's door which effectively broke it off from its hinges and leapt out then gave a summersault in the air then she landed gracefully on the ground with her hands lifted up.
Cygnus massaged his head at what the woman did while Astrophos who finally opened his eyes had a look of shock on his face. They have to be grateful that Nina was not like any other ladies who always wore dresses or skirts. She was more into pants and short sleeves tops that hung a bit low but still stuck to her skin to show the curves of her body.
There were several whistles that followed after she revealed herself. Some of the bandits started to whisper and betted on who will get her after they kill the others. While everyone was celebrating their luck, the young man behind the bandits remained silent. His attention was on assessing the strength of the remaining people on the carriage.
"Should we start now?" One of the bandits glanced behind him specifically at the young man. This subtle glance did not escape the butler's eyes.