Chapter 64. The Reunion (4)

William managed to escape him. He ran through the back alley. He wasn’t really familiar with the intricate streets of the city, though.

Hannah’s testimony, however, lead him to a certain direction where a pickpocketing incident happened. Of course, with that information alone, he couldn’t locate Amelia. That much was obvious.

Nevertheless, William continued to run—he wondered why.

Yes—it was because William knew that not all hope was lost. Finding Lewis meant the same as finding Amelia herself. Finding Lewis was quite easy, too.

“Oi—where is he—!?”

“Not here!”

Several times along the way, William spotted a soldier, but he managed to hide from them. Then he called Lewis in his heart—

—Lewis, I’m here, appear!

Although William couldn’t hear Lewis, nor know where he was, Lewis, on the other hand, knew.

As long as William allowed it, Lewis could hear his mind. As such, William beckoned to Lewis through his mind—

—come out. I’m here.

Lewis would surely answer William’s call and appear—it had always been the case.

After making sure that the soldiers were gone, he started running again. No doubt, Lewis had heard William’s voice. It was only that the farther their distance was, the longer it would take to reach him.

He had to be as close to Lewis as possible. Despite so, William went as far as possible towards the straight road ahead so Lewis would follow him.

Lewis emerged from the back of the alley, just as William predicted. After confirming it was indeed William, Lewis once again hid behind the narrow alley. William also hid there to get rid of his pursuers.

“—Lewis, where’s Amelia—!?”

The narrow alley was dark. The sun should still be high, but most of the area between the walls were shaded even during the day. William lined up next to Lewis, inquiring about Amelia’s safety.

“…as far as I know, she’s safe.”

“—?”

Lewis’ voice wavered slightly. He was disturbed. William felt uncomfortable and stared into Lewis’ face. Lewis’ forehead drew sweat, his mouth was distorted, and his shoulders were trembling. Not to mention, he referred to himself with I(boku).

Usually, Lewis only referred to himself as such whenever things got unbearable. William, who was aware of such fact, frowned in surprise.

“—Lewis, you…”

“…I’m alright, it’s just that, I used too much power…”

Lewis muttered to block William’s words and forcibly raised the corners of his mouth. Perhaps, he was trying to smile, but from the side, it only emphasize how distressed he was.

“…why would you go to such lengths…”

William narrowed his eyes, blaming Lewis. It was his way of showing his concern to Lewis. If it was a person he didn’t actually care about, William would never take such an attitude.

Whenever he didn’t care, he would always be calm and smiling. Lewis knew that side of him well, too.

Lewis took a deep breath and peered at William’s face with his deep jet-black eyes between his fallen bangs.

“…I would protect you—didn’t I promise you so? For that reason, I need that girl.”

“—!! That, what do you mean by that!?”

William had no idea what Lewis’ words meant. But Lewis kept interjecting him.

“More importantly, let’s hurry to Lady Amelia. The soldiers have been wandering since a while ago. I smell something troublesome…”

“…that’s right, just before, Conrad attempted to stop me from running after her. He said that it was by Arthur’s instructions. I ran away when I saw the chance.”

“Arthur-sama?”

Towards William’s words, Lewis’ eyes widened in surprise, revealing his thoughts. Immediately, his mouth distorted, as if he had realized everything.

“—that Idiot Prince, I’ve warned him about this…”

“What? What are you talking about? Explain in a way that I can comprehend.”

“There’s no need for that. It seems that he really wants to turn me into an enemy.”

Lewis bitterly grit his teeth. He looked like he was about to vomit.

Upon hearing Lewis’ tone, William started to ponder.

“What have you guys been doing behind my back this entire time—!? Did Amelia’s disappearance also happen because of you guys—!?”

William seemed a bit agitated. Lewis lowered his gaze for a moment.

“—no, that happened because of a coincidence. There’s a high chance that he’s trying to erase us all.”

Listening to his words, William became utterly astonished.

“Erase—!? You, and also me—!?”

“No, not you, but Lady Amelia and me.”

Lewis’ expression became dire. Something resembling conviction reverberated in those eyes—William went out of his way and ask.

“…What, why?”

Arthur… wanted to kill Amelia and Lewis? How could he believe that? For what reason would Lewis make such an outrageous claims? William didn’t know.

At William’s stunned expression, Lewis deliberately shrugged.

“…well, that’s the worst case scenario. Don’t take it too seriously.”

“…worst case, you say…”

“In fact, could I suggest us to deport abroad?”

Lewis jokingly said so. William was confused by the situation.

“—even if you say so, everything still doesn’t make any sense…”

“Well, you’ll soon figure it all out. Now, our first priority is to protect Lady Amelia—let’s hurry!”

Lewis turned his heels and started running, saying nothing more.

“—oi!”

William rushed after Lewis, who ignored him.