Chapter 29: Queen’s Gambit

In order to keep Perci safe, this is something I must face alone. 

Ever since he got involved with me, there were many moments where he’s had to risk his life for my sake.

Constantly saving me from zombies, gangsters and my ex-boyfriends.

I was a burden to him.

But that time he was about to kill himself, that was the last straw.

I can’t let him be with me anymore. It’s too selfish of me to ask him to stay by my side.

After contemplating on my thoughts for the rest of the morning inside the womens' restrooms, I finally decided on my next move.

When lunch came, I decided to sit next to the person I wanted to talk to.

“Oh? Hello, Ori. What are you doing here sitting next to me?” Lucio said. “Shouldn’t you be sitting next to Perci?”

“That’s none of your business. There’s something I want to talk about.”

“So, what is it that’s bothering you?”

“Let me cut to the chase. You were behind Bryce’s death, weren't you?”

“Hmm? How could you say that?”

“There’s no way Bryce could have opened my door that easily. He could only do it if he had a master key card. Normally, only the staff would have access to those cards. Assuming that you’re the owner of this resort, then it’s possible that you ordered them to give Bryce a card.”

Lucio kept his smile.

“It could be possible that he stole it from us, don’t you think?”

“I don’t think your staff would be so careless. Isn’t it a given that the resort would prioritize the security of its residents? I doubt a high-rated hotel like yours could make such a mistake.”

“Then, how could you connect this with me? It could be that one of my staff had disobeyed our policies and worked with Bryce. Perhaps due to extortion. It’s something I still have to investigate.”

Lucio sighed.

“Sorry, this is an oversight on my part. I’ll take responsibility for our incompetence. Is there something you’d like to compensate for your troubles?”

“Hey…..are you serious?! Don’t just push it aside!” I said. “A genius like you…..blundered just like that?”

“Geniuses make mistakes, don’t they? We’re not perfect human beings. I’ve accepted my faults, isn’t that enough for you?”

Lucio rested his elbows on the table and gave me another smile.

“Besides, it was Robin who shot Bryce in the head. It’s not like I told him to do it, you know?” Lucio said. “But I would rather that you don’t blame him for it. He was only doing it to protect you.”

“I…….”

“If you have nothing else left to say, then I’ll be taking my leave. I still have other matters to attend to.”

Lucio walked away but I grabbed his hand.

“Wait!”

“Hmm? Grabbing my hand like that, do you want to get back with me?” Lucio said.

“Um…..”

“Ori….” Perci and Agnes witnessed the scene with shocked expressions.

“Guys…..”

Lucio put my hand away gently and grinned at the both of them.

“See you later!”

The three of us looked at each other with a sense of tension.

“Ori! I don’t understand! How could you just let go of Perci?! That’s too cruel!” Agnes said.

Perci closed his eyes and just looked away.

“Agnes…you don’t have to..” he muttered.

“No! This isn't right! Ori, you like him, don’t you?! What’s the problem?!”

I grasped my fist and bit my lip.

“I don’t like him! At all! I’m not interested! I don’t care about Perci!”

Agnes slapped me in the cheek.

“You…..liar. Tell us what’s going on! Is it because you haven’t lost your feelings for Lucio?”

“Shut up! You don’t understand! Just get away from me!” I walked away.

“Come back, Ori!”

“I told you once, just leave me alone already,” I glared at Agnes.

“But-”

“Agnes…let’s just stop this. We can’t force her,” Perci said with a smile.

I left the scene after that.

They can’t be involved with this….

Out of all my ex-boyfriends, Lucio is the kindest. But he’s also the most dangerous.

……………..

I have to keep my eye on Lucio. So I decided to follow him to watch his every move.

As of this afternoon, he was simply talking with all sorts of people. It was mostly the typical friendly conversations.

“Nothing unusual….”

He was also talking to some staff members, giving them directions on what they had to do. 

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Lucio sure seems like a busy man.

“Ori, what are you doing?” Alex said.

“EEEEK!” I let out a faint yelp.

“It’s rude to stalk people, you know.”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“Perci and Agnes…they’re worried about you. I would say it’s best to apologize to them when we go on our next run.”

“I’m quitting the Hunters. I don’t care anymore.”

“Sigh, what a pain. Not really my problem, but you should really consider their feelings.”

“.........”

“You aren’t going to get anything out of stalking Lucio, he’s a good boy. I won’t even bother to stop you, you’ll just give up on your own,” Alex said and left.

Of course, that’s because you only see that side of him….

I continued to follow Lucio for the rest of the day.

“Ugh…this is so draining…”

Lucio went over to Dustin and spoke with him. Apparently they’re having some sort of therapy session after dinner time.

“I can’t help but feel so pathetic. I’m always afraid of doing anything. I can’t talk to anyone, so I don’t have friends. I’m too afraid to fight back if I get bullied, so I let myself get beat up. I’m such a weakling,” Dustin said. “Because of that, I lost the person I loved. If only I could be braver….”

“Don’t worry about it too much, Dustin. Nobody is born brave. Confidence is something we develop overtime. As long as you take small steps, you’ll get there eventually. ”

“But, I’ve been dealing with my anxiety for years now, and nothing’s changed! I’m still the same old Dustin!”

“Fear is a huge obstacle, so of course it’s not going to be easy to get over it. It takes patience and determination, you see. But, you’ve made some progress. Look, you do have a friend. Me. One friend is better than no friends, right?”

“That’s just because you’re so friendly, Lucio….”

“Of course, I’m happy to help you with your journey to becoming a better man. Believe me, with my guidance you will become a man you can be proud of. Even someone Ori can be proud of.”

I feel like I’m getting too tired to listen to all of Lucio’s conversations. It's giving me a headache….

“But, I want to improve as fast as possible. I don’t want to be weak anymore! It sucks!”

“I already said it takes time-”

“Surely there’s another way you can think of. You’re a genius, right?”

Lucio thought for a moment. Then he smiled.

“There is a way….to lose your fears overnight. To turn a cowardly weakling into a brave and strong hero.  But it’s not something I recommend!”

Huh? A way to get rid of your fears instantly? How can you become strong overnight anyway? Is that even possible?

I ended up paying more attention to the conversation and listened intently.

“I’ll do whatever it takes!”

“Well, then. Just follow me.”

W-woah, seriously….I need to know about this. How is Lucio going to work wonders for that sissy Dustin?

Curious, I decided to continue following them.

They walked all the way over to a secluded alley at the side of the resort. 

Where the hell are they going? 

I would have overlooked this passage if I never followed them….I probably would have never realized it existed due to its unpopular location far from the main areas like the swimming pool, the restaurant or the rooms. The gloomy empty atmosphere didn't help either. That was how insignificant it was.

The alley led to some stairs going down towards what looked like a door etched on the side of the wall with a sign hanging from it.

"What is this place….?" Dustin muttered.

"This was my latest project. Merlin's Cafe," Lucio said.

"A cafe? Why is it built here of all places? Wouldn't it be better if it was next to the swimming pool or something?" Dustin asked.

"I wanted to create a secretive and mysterious vibe to the place, away from the spotlight. A peaceful quiet haven for people to unwind, relax, drink coffee and read books. It's basically a place you can go to if you're sick of all the partying and cheers."

"Woah…that sounds like something…for me."

"I guess, but it's also for me. It can be quite exhausting to be around people all the time, you know?"

Lucio thinks of the strangest ideas….but I liked it.

"Before we go in, let's welcome our other guest, shall we?"

Other guest?

I felt two men come from behind and drag me towards Lucio.

"H-hey!"

"Huh, what's Ori doing here?" Dustin said.

"How lovely! It looks like she will be joining us from here on out, right?" Lucio looked at me smugly.

Damn….it's like he completely expected me to be here.

"Don't be so scared, Ori. I'm just here to show you how Dustin will turn from zero to hero!" Lucio said.

Lucio whispered into my ear with a more serious tone.

 

"But, from here on out, there's no turning back now."

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