Wide awake and anxious, last night's revelation didn't allow me to have a wink of sleep. Curled to my blanket like a giant worm, its comfort becomes my companion in these trying times.
"What in the world was that..."
A possible plan to kill my uncle? I know I dislike him for what he did, but my hatred doesn't extend to wishing for his death!
"But he is the Director of Eurus. The threat of being killed for the significance in his position is undeniably real."
I want to believe he’s consistently under the protective eyes of his subordinates, but like life itself, there’s still a chance for everything to go horribly wrong no matter how prepared a person is.
“Should I ask the two of them instead…”
Actually, no, that’s a terrible idea! Worst case scenario is that Master might request my uncle to forfeit my participation in exchange to remain safely at home.
“Ugh, I can't get this out of my head…”
To be the only person, a regular civilian even, to know about what might be highly classified information and do absolutely nothing about it grates my nerves. Now I understand when they say “Ignorance is bliss”. I’d have been much better if I knew nothing about this because the idea of knowing pushes my mind to act upon it.
Only three hours left until the event. Celebration will take place once the clock ticks during Twilight Hour as per usual Eurus custom. Until then, I have zero preparations, let alone thinking of a fit to wear.
"But what can a civilian like me do..."
It’s not like citizens are prohibited from doing preventive actions, but beyond that is the Keeper’s duty. As expected, the only thing I could do is to report both Master and Aide about this, then kiss my participation goodbye.
I exhaled a long sigh.
"A short walk might help me to relax."
Upon arriving at the soon commercialized Twilight Art Museum, I begin to understand why the building management is willing to go to great lengths by spending millions of Thalers to have Ariel the Prima Donna to star as tonight's artist.
For starters, the architecture style itself takes us back to a more classical time. I'm pretty sure 'gothic' is the appropriate word to describe it.Despite its ancient flair, it has a few modern touches adorning the entry pavement, such as a line up of mannequins wearing different poses, while donning in styles of fashion at various points of time in history. According to publicly revealed information, this art museum intended not only to display art installations, but anything that falls under the category of 'Art'. It can be anything; poetry, sculptures, fashion, and even music.
"Such a great ambition is worth celebrating with Ariel's voice."
With the Keeper being responsible for tonight's security, you would expect nothing less from them. At the front staircases, a simulation of a prediction for tonight's entry queue is currently underway. Judging by the practice of it, there seems to be a three layer identity check to enter the main venue; the entry pavement, entry staircases, and lobby doors. As far as I'm concerned, Keeper has never lost a Basileus' life, fortifying their reputation as Tellus' biggest fortress. With that in mind, it does wash me with a sense of relief, but not entirely.
"With security this tight, I wonder what I would do If I were to be told to assassinate someone."
If I want to know an assassin's tricks, I need to think like one.
For example, If entering the venue is impossible, then I'd have to do it remotely. Decorating the streets surrounding the museum, are a wide variety of red brick store buildings, and that struck me with an idea. I pay a visit to one of the buildings that serves as a utility tool provider store. Nothing seems amiss at first glance, until I ask the store owner, all the while pretending to be someone looking for a lease.
"Are you looking for a rent? For how long?" The store owner appears to be young. His hair is cropped, and as dark as ashes. Amber eyes fixated on me in a manner of confusion. "As it appears the rooms on the third and second floor are still vacant, but I've got other clients planning to lease it for a short time starting next week."
Vacant rooms are a priceless opportunity to anyone scheming something near the place of celebration!
"Oh, really? Is it alright if I check it out first?"
Exactly as he told me earlier, the rooms are completely vacant. The only source of air flow is the window at the corner of the room, facing directly towards the museum, providing a pleasant view of the building's side profile all the way to the back. The long hallway connecting the back wing, which could be a long corridor encircling the main hall. There has to be another on the other side. Since I'm no sniper or an archer, I can't possibly measure their success rate from this distance, but isn't it a little concerning how anyone can get a significant view of the museum? Not to mention the absence of towering outer fences in the perimeter is a bit worrying.
This is concerning, I thought to myself. The museum is too open. It can invite anyone into the party. This is worth telling uncle, at least for extra countermeasures.
"Thank you. I'll consider your offer for now——"
One minute ago, the owner was standing next to me. One minute later, a muscled arm seizes me into a headlock.
My pitch hikes, following the tightness in my breath. "Argh! Who——"
A wet towel covered my lips before I could say anything. A certain strong fragrance oozes forth from it, and within a matter of seconds, awakens my drowsiness.
"——are you guys..."
The next thing I know, my head is lying on the ground with my eyes rapidly drawing shut. There are noises above me, a conversation, a bickering, but I couldn't make out who is who and what is what.
However, one rugged voice, so full of himself, continues to blare inside my head until my mind shuts by itself.
"Triple layer security ain't going to push us back, little girl."
A woman with many "mistakes", Juliette Richter commits to build the most normal and standard life of a law abiding citizen so that she may pay for her "mistakes". One day, she came across as a terrorist target, becoming another addition to her "mistakes".
Will she be able to pay her "mistakes", whatever that is?
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