Chapter 82 Ch 80: No Conclusion Was Reached [Pt2]
Horas returned to the academy once Jack was finished making preparation. He had dragged Howard back to the academy as well, even when the younger had not wanted to come.
So obviously, the younger had tried ignoring Horas and pretending like he was mad at Horas. But he had given up soon and came back to do what he did best - annoy Horas.
“So, do you have any idea who could be behind the attack? Do you think someone wants to frame Duke’s mother? Or do they have another motive? What about-”
Howard had not stopped asking questions as soon as the car started moving. Horas was thankful that the car was soundproof so no one could hear Howard talking.
“I think we need to keep our mouths shut for now and allow things to happen as they are happening. Jack will inform us about what he found sooner or later.”
Well, that was not true. There was a solid chance that Jack would never tell them what he found and they would be left in the dark. But Horas had a feeling Jack would not do that to him.
And just because of this feeling, Horas was able to maintain his confidence and trust in the elder.
“By the way Howard, you do know that you need to pretend like you know nothing once we reach the academy, right? You cannot talk about what happened to anyone, not even your friends, alright?”
Horas stressed these words to Howard. Knowing Howard, the news of the incident would reach everyone by tomorrow.
So, Horas needed to take precautions to ensure that did not happen. And to do that, he needed Howard to be aware that this was a possibility.
“Not telling anyone what happened? Alright, I got it. I will keep this a secret from everyone, even Emma for now.”
Thankfully, Howard did not ask useless questions and got off the car as soon as they reached the academy. It fell on Horas to thank their driver and finish other necessities.
“Do not worry about it. Young master Howard is a little excited to be back here and it is nice to see him this excited about anything. I do not think I have seen little Master as excited for anything in my life before.”
The driver waved Horas’s concerns off and conveyed that he was used to Howard’s behavior quite well.
Horas was about to go back when the driver opened his window and took a searching look at his face. It felt like the man could see through his soul if he tried hard enough.
“You! You look a lot like Master Howard. Do you have some kind of relationship with his family or-”
“It is a coincidence. I am sure you are tired right now and that is why you are saying such ridiculous things. There is no way I am related to Howard.”
Horas should not be denying this small conversation so harshly but he did not want to unnecessarily flame the sparks of any rumors. He did not know how trustworthy this driver was but he must be quite highly regarded by Jack.
Not only had he been left relatively alone with Howard, but he had also been given enough authority to take Jack’s beloved cars out on the ride. It was such a big leap of faith for someone like Jack.
The driver looked startled by Horas’s sudden defense and he looked taken aback as well. The driver had expected to be denied the truth, but he had not expected to be shut down this hard.
But somehow, this strong denial caused the driver to believe that what he had thought initially was correct. This man, Horas was somehow connected to his young master but he did not want to reveal how or why.
And if that was the case, then the driver would not push forward for the young man to reveal his secrets. Some things were better left unsaid than to be aired out in the open.
…………………………
Horas’s heart was still beating harshly as he walked away from the car. He had not expected anyone to ask him if he and Howard were related. That was why, the harsh answers poured out of his mouth one after another.
In the end, he was not even able to make any satisfying denials to the driver’s questions. He was also sure that he had given himself away.
‘Let us not think too much about it. Jack will take care of any problem his people cause anyway so I do not need to worry.’
Horas did not want to trust Jack too much but he was not sure if he had enough mental power left inside himself to care at this point. He was too tired and worn out anyway.
“Instructor Horas, are you on your way to see the Headmaster Marble? She is out right now so you might want to delay your visit.”
Horas was stopped before he could enter the teacher’s wing by a student. He did not even have to ask how or why the student knew he was here to meet Principal Marble.
It was a well-known fact that if Horas was going to step into the teacher’s wing, there was an 80% chance he was going to the principal’s office.
‘Well, that is great. This was just what I needed on top of everything else I am going through.’
Horas sighed as he nodded to the kid’s question. He did not care much for what would happen next but he did decide to go back to his room and rest.
He passed through the hallway he always took but there was something wrong with it. There was a tense feeling in the air that made Horas’s insides turn in a weird way. Something was urging him to hurry up and reach his room.
He instantly opened the door to his shared apartment and the black of his surroundings was reflected in his eyes. It was a dark and tangly mess that could not be contained.
“Mark! Mark, what is this? What did you do?”
Horas questioned as he tried to navigate his way through the mess. But try as he might, he was not able to find any solid leads.