SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 588: The Wardens in Motion

Upon seeing the headline, Trafalgar's mind immediately turned to Garrika.

If the Concordant Wardens had indeed commenced their operations, she was likely in some perilous situation, undertaking the path she had chosen. He also hadn't forgotten her words from two months prior; they had lodged themselves in the back of his mind since their encounter at the shop that day.

He was uncertain when they might cross paths again.

The news report detailed the disturbances that erupted near the borderlands separating Vaelion and Nocthar. Rifts had manifested in that vicinity approximately two months ago, and the resulting chaos proved far more problematic than the initial accounts suggested. The Wardens had decisively intervened, with a significant portion of the credit in the article being attributed to Eldric au Veyr.

Eldric was undoubtedly a professional in such matters. The media was already beginning to position him as the public face of this new entity.

Cynthia observed the shift in Trafalgar's expression.

Leaning in slightly across the table, she lowered her voice.

"What are your thoughts on them? As a member of the Morgain family, one of the Eight Great Families, I presume their establishment must have had an impact on the prominent houses."

Trafalgar lowered the newspaper a little.

"You are not mistaken," he replied. "The families have accepted their creation, and frankly, I believe establishing them was the correct course of action. If they can prevent loss of life by acting when no single family is willing to take the initiative, then they serve a valuable purpose."

Cynthia listened intently, offering no interruption.

"However, it also carries risks," Trafalgar continued, meticulously folding the edge of the paper with one hand. "They are not a conventional force. One cannot equate them to the private forces of a single Great Family, as they answer to the Council and possess the authority to operate in areas that most families cannot easily access. Neutral territories, smaller cities, cross-border incidents. Such power can save lives, but if mishandled, it can also sow discord."

Cynthia remained silent.

From his tone, she discerned that he did not regard the Wardens as a mere guard group established to assist those in distress. This was something far grander. The academy had presented the world as orderly, almost contained, yet Trafalgar's words occasionally served as a stark reminder of the vast expanse that lay beyond those structured confines.

Politics, influential families, neutral city-states, clandestine organizations, territorial disputes, and the exercise of authority.

All these forces had been in motion long before they became apparent to ordinary people.

'This is the world Trafalgar will eventually have to navigate…'

Selara broke the spell, drawing both of them and the entire carriage back to the present moment with a single clap from the aisle.

"Alright, everyone. You are free to move about the train as you please. Keep in mind what I said about not touching anything hazardous. Though, to be perfectly honest, most of you wouldn't be able to breach the sealed areas even if you attempted to." She gestured languidly towards the front of the car. "There are areas for sleeping, dining, seating, passing the time, playing cards, feigning an interest in reading, or actually engaging in it if that's your inclination. Conduct yourselves as you wish, but do not give me cause to regret bringing students along."

Several students stood up immediately.

Cynthia glanced back at Trafalgar. The newspaper was still in his hand, but his thoughts seemed to be wandering elsewhere.

She contemplated suggesting they visit the dining car.

While she had already had her breakfast, that detail felt rather insignificant.

Her mind drifted to a recent conversation with Aubrelle and Mayla. The subject, quite obviously, had been Trafalgar. It was then that Cynthia acknowledged her attraction to him, her fondness for him. It hadn't been an instantaneous realization. Initially, she might have even said she disliked him.

He had placed Bartholomew in harm's way, or more accurately, he had driven Barth to take actions he would never have considered independently. Trafalgar was perceived as dangerous, manipulative, and often excessively secretive.

Yet, another facet of his personality existed.

He demonstrated kindness towards those he held dear. He never coerced Bartholomew into unsavory actions to serve his own interests. He treated the children at the orphanage with a level of care she hadn't anticipated. He had undertaken extraordinary measures for individuals who mattered to him.

Cynthia recalled what Mayla had shared regarding a sensitive matter, something she indicated was best left unmentioned.

Mayla had been rendered comatose due to her proximity to Trafalgar. Trafalgar had retaliated fiercely because of this incident and was still committed to the day he could exact his revenge. Mayla had also recounted to Cynthia how Trafalgar had extricated her from that perilous situation and, despite her lack of family name or status, had married her.

Aubrelle had conveyed a similarly compelling account.

It involved how Trafalgar had plunged himself into a swarm of Void Creatures solely to rescue her.

He was, to put it mildly, an enigmatic individual.

Often slow in matters of romance, not due to a lack of perception, but because he possessed a profound understanding of himself and the significance of his name. Having someone close to him meant that individual would invariably be exposed to danger, whether they grasped the full extent of it or not.

Trafalgar was acutely aware of this reality.

Aubrelle and Mayla were aware of this too. Yet, they remained by his side.

Two months prior, after witnessing certain events at the orphanage, Cynthia had finally understood her own feelings. Once clarity struck, she wasted no time. When Cynthia desired something, she moved towards it directly rather than pretending the longing didn't exist.

Being friends with Aubrelle, she confided in her.

Aubrelle didn't react poorly, nor did she seem surprised. She offered her full support.

Cynthia pushed the thought away, wanting to prevent it from becoming an unbearable weight.

"Let's head to the restaurant," she suggested. "I haven't eaten yet."

Trafalgar cast a glance her way.

"You mentioned having breakfast earlier."

"I can eat again. We should make the most of this opportunity, just as Director Selara advised."

"Fair enough."

He secured his luggage properly and rose to his feet.

Navigating through several train cars, they transitioned from the academy's private section to the more public areas. The restaurant car was unmistakable even before they entered. The mingled aromas of warm bread, roasted meat, fruit, coffee, and exotic spices wafted through the doorway.

Inside, the dining area resembled a high-class lounge more than a space typically found within a train.

Though the tables were permanently affixed to the floor, the elegant design effectively concealed this feature. Crisp white tablecloths graced each surface, accompanied by crystal glasses and gleaming cutlery. Expansive windows lined both sides of the car, offering views of the platform and the distant figures of workers preparing for departure. Soft mana lamps cast a warm glow over the tables, and discreet stabilizing runes embedded in the floor ensured a smooth, tremor-free journey.

The car was already occupied.

A dwarf, impeccably dressed in a formal vest, was engaged in a quiet negotiation with a slender human merchant over a sealed container. Nearby, two aquatic humanoids with pale blue skin sat by the window, conversing softly over cups of tea. A demonkin woman, sporting a sharp dark red suit, perused a document with an air of detached patience, while a beastkin guard stood sentinel behind her chair, motionless as carved stone.

Every individual present exuded an aura of importance.

16:19

Trafalgar and Cynthia selected a table in the central area.

A waiter approached them with remarkable speed.

He wore the train staff uniform flawlessly: a combination of dark blue and silver, complete with gloves, a neatly pressed collar, and a subtle Council emblem adorning the chest. His ash-brown hair was cut shorter than usual, and a pair of thin-rimmed glasses altered his features just enough to avoid easy recognition.

Trafalgar discerned his identity instantly.

Caelum.

It had to be.

Unaware of the waiter's true identity, Cynthia watched as Trafalgar maintained a neutral expression.

The disguised Caelum offered a polite bow.

"Good morning. May I take your order?"

Cynthia consulted the menu. "Juice, toast, eggs, and something light with fruit, please."

"The same for me," Trafalgar added. "And a coffee."

"Certainly."

Caelum meticulously jotted down their order, his movements suggesting years of dedicated service as a train steward.

A short while later, Cynthia rose, lightly touching the edge of the table.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to the restroom."

Trafalgar gave a slight nod.

Caelum moved away to relay the order, then returned just as Cynthia was departing the car. He stopped beside Trafalgar's table, maintaining the professional demeanor of a waiter, his face a mask of composure.

His voice dropped to a near whisper.

"Young Master. All is proceeding according to your instructions."

Trafalgar continued to study the newspaper, his fingers tightening almost imperceptibly around the page.