CHAPTER 795: SAME OLD, SAME OLD

Well aware that Kaeria was infatuated with Alexander, Arwen didn’t hesitate to use that to her advantage though she found the situation odd.

"Sir Smith sent me."

"You better not lie to me, I can tell," Kaeria warned with Arwen replying.

"Honest, I wouldn’t be here if not for him."

Kaeria stared intently at Arwen for a bit before ultimately letting out a sigh.

"Two hours, no more than that." Kaeria said before adding. "Also, you absolutely can’t leave without letting me know. Last time you did that and I’m not about to let it happen again."

"Yes ma’am," Arwen replied with a sheepish smile.

"Good." Satisfied with her response, Kaeria leaned in closer and asked. "So how’s Sir Smith these days?... I’m sure he’s working on helping someone like he always does, right?"

"Ahem, yes," Arwen said, her toes curling at the thought of having to engage in conversation about Alex with Kaeria.

"Ah, he’s such a good man. Tell me, what’s his favorite dish?"

"Well, I wouldn’t know."

"You don’t?" Kaeria appeared skeptical.

"Maybe you can ask him when you next meet."

"Alright, that’s fine."

Just as Kaeria was about to continue the conversation, Arwen intoned. "Well, you see, Sir Smith sent me here on an urgent message so maybe we can talk some other time."

"Hah, fine." Kaeria stepped out of her seat. "Follow me."

Together, they walked into the mysticism section at which point Kaeria asked. "So what exactly are you looking for anyway?"

"Honestly... I don’t know." Arwen said and she wasn’t lying.

All she knew was that she was looking for a creature that could be related to the music she and Alex had heard.

Of course, it was easy to cancel out those that didn’t fit the bill like Devils, since they didn’t have Authority over any domains related to Sound.

As for the culprit being an Otherworldly, she couldn’t be a hundred percent certain, considering the Abyss did have a denizen with Authority over Sound, how it worked, though, was lost to her.

Even with that, the possibility of it being an Otherworldly was low since their Powers usually had a visceral effect on anyone that experienced it.

Then, she took into account Cryptids, especially the Banshees, considering they were the only Cryptids with Authority over Sound.

Perhaps the Wailing Peaks had gotten a new leader and they were out for revenge.

If that were the case, there was cause for alarm.

In their current state, they were ill-equipped to face Banshees, especially ones out for blood.

Finally, she had to take into account other entities like Mutants, Mystics and the like that could be responsible.

In any case, she has her work cut out for her.

Perhaps, it would have been best to come with a snack considering she might be here the whole day.

"... Arwen."

"Yes?"

"You looked lost."

"Ah, sorry, uhmm, quick question, have you by any chance heard music while sleeping within the last, I don’t know, two weeks?"

"... No."

"How about two weeks ago?"

"... No. Why?"

"Nothing." Arwen shook her head. "Also, one final question; any dreams about a disembodied voice chasing you?"

"You’re kidding, right?"

"... Maybe, maybe not."

Rolling her eyes, Kaeria turned to leave. "I don’t have time for this."

Once she was gone, Arwen let out a sigh. "Well then, where to begin?"

***

It was the same as yesterday with the people of the lower districts greeting Alex in friendly tones while he responded in kind.

But for some reason, Alex couldn’t help but feel like something was off.

"Has that building always been like that?" He would ask a passerby with the individual nodding in response.

"Of course!... Most of the buildings in the lower districts are poorly made so it’s not surprising that some would collapse after a few years."

"What about those living in the building?"

"Huh?... What are you saying, no one has stayed in that building in a long time? We all knew it was a hazard waiting to happen."

"I see."

As the beggar continued on his way, Alex watched his back with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Not only did it seem like the population had reduced, but it seemed like no one else noticed this.

Though he could just chalk it up to him overthinking, Alex understood that his gut was hardly ever wrong about things.

Something was wrong somewhere and he would surely figure it out.

Just as he turned a corner, he bumped into Madam Dolope and her lovely daughter, Philo.

"Oh my, Sir Smith, it’s you," Dolope said with a warm smile.

"Fancy seeing you here," Alex replied. "Where are you headed?"

"Ah, I’m off to meet with my grandmother. I’d like her to speak with our ancestors to bless Philo. You know I told you I planned on enrolling her in boarding school. I just want to make sure she’s protected."

"Understandable." Alex nodded before taking the time to wave at Philo, with the nine-year-old waving back with a grin.

Alex asked with a friendly smile. "What about Hermione?... I presume you kept her with a neighbor since she’s a bit too young to stay home alone."

"Hermione?" Dolope displayed a confused look. "Who is that?"

Alex’s expression fell upon hearing her response, unsure of what to make of it.

"Hermione, your younger daughter." He said after a few moments of silence.

Dolope furrowed her brows, slightly amused as she replied. "What are you talking about?"

He couldn’t be sure if she was joking, after all,. joking about such a thing was considered inauspicious and Dolope was a rather spiritual woman from a spiritual lineage.

Pursing his lips, Alex asked. "How many daughters do you have, Miss Dolope?"

"One of course," Dolope replied. "What sort of question is that?"

"Are you sure?" Alex probed.

"I’m sure I’d be able to recall how many times I’ve visited the midwife. Unless you are saying that there’s a young lady somewhere claiming to be my daughter." Dolope remarked, this time, sporting a slight frown.

"Of course not," Alex said.

"Hmm, I see," Dolope muttered with a suspicious look in her eyes.