Trizstan’s voice came off as an echo amidst her spiraling thoughts…

“Personally, though, I think it’s an urban legend designed to conceal that they used a nuclear weapon on a civilian target." His tone was as nonchalant as ever.

Trizstan’s clarification did little to ease her mind, but at least it offered her a plausible explanation for the clash of imagery surrounding that man. 

She tried to believe this theory, but… 

“But who am I to say? I certainly wasn’t there…” Trizstan added, shrugging like it was the least of his worries. 

Robin was torn. 

Either Gerald Aldrick was a man wrongfully accused of mass murder as part of a military cover-up.

Or Gerald Aldrick was a monster. 

The first was precisely the kind of man she could use to her advantage. His presence alone, and the fear it inspired, would keep people away from her without ever having to lift a finger.

The second, however… 

“Oh, but I wouldn’t worry if I were you, haha.” Trizstan must have noticed her discomfort as he added lightly, “I can guarantee he won’t be dropping anything but his common sense for you.”

Robin perked up at that, a small smile cracking through her facade despite the situation. She suspected what Trizstan was alluding to—certainly having seen it with her own two eyes a few weeks ago. Still, she asked for clarification, “What do you mean?”

“Mr. Aldrick…” Trizstan chucked at a distant memory. “Let’s just say he has always been rather … simplistic around pretty women.”

Robin shot him that curious glance. “Do tell…”

He shook his head, chuckling. “Did you know we were both in Thalondor? The blue faction was designed for students working up to leadership positions. But part of our mandatory education subjects were social studies—politics, basically. We had these weekly discussion circles…”

That amused smile lingered on his face as he no doubt remembered something from his student years. “Mr. Aldrick had some peculiar political opinions. Narrow-sighted if I’m honest. But he liked to argue his points—a lot.” He chuckled at that, but it sounded pointed, not natural. “If we weren’t saved by the grace of the bell ringing, we would be listening to him for hours no doubt.”

He motioned towards Robin.

“And yet—it would take any pretty woman asking him for a favour for him to drop everything, even a lifelong belief.”

He smiled from cheek to cheek, Robin smirked too. Though she mentally rolled her eyes at the political aspect. She sure as hell hoped Mr. Aldrick wouldn’t start monologuing about politics during that date.

She already had enough of that with Trizstan.

“Which is again—why I believe this will be a walk in the park for you,” he added with certainty.

They laughed together, but Robin doubted they were amused by the same thing. 

If what Trizstan said was true, then Mr. Aldrick was perhaps the perfect target—especially for her personal scheme. He was powerful, influential, and easily manipulatable. 

Potentially all hers. 

She tugged that rumour from the war to the back of her mind for now.

After all, if Mr. Aldrick was truly as malleable around women—then it was true regardless if he was a scapegoat for that tragedy or the orchestrator. 

Trizstan should enjoy himself while he can.

“Hm, perhaps…” Robin mused out loud, “I guess I’ll have to let him know that I accept his offer.”

Not like she hadn't decided that twenty minutes ago…

Trizstan nodded, clearly eager to hear her acceptance. “Do it in your own free time. There’s no rush, of course. But I certainly can’t wait to hear the updates on this.” 

Trizstan had the confidence of a man who believed all his chess pieces moved at his command.

He had no idea of the storm brewing from the front lines…

Robin grabbed his sharp chin, pulling him in for a quick but sensual kiss. Every fiber in her being protested, but it wasn’t like she was unused to ignoring her wants around despicable men.

And now Trizstan dropped to that level—just like everyone else.

Every man… Every single one…

That had been her experience her entire life. She had thought Trizstan would be the exception. She was wrong. He was never anything more than a clever actor, tugging at her weaknesses until she lowered her guard. 

Never again. 

Only time would tell if Mr. Aldrick could climb out of the very bottom of her expectations where he rightfully belonged.

“Anything for you, my dear Trizstan,” she cooed, pulling him into her. 

Like nothing ever happened.