SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 607: Balcony Meeting

Trafalgar’s steps led him back to his room, the Shadowlink Echo still clutched in his hand. Upon entering, he ensured the door was shut securely behind him before channeling mana into the artifact. This time, no ambient sound would carry; only his own voice would traverse the link.

"Caelum, make your way to my room's balcony. We shall rendezvous there. You'll recognize it as I'll be seated outside, enjoying a drink."

With the message delivered via the mana thread, Trafalgar dismissed the Shadowlink Echo. The item dissolved into a fine mist of mana, vanishing as though it had never been.

As expected, his room was already prepared. A small tray holding a warm beverage sat on the table, a courtesy intended to soften the inconvenience of travel for nobles. Trafalgar lifted the cup and stepped out onto the balcony.

Aurevane spread out below, a vibrant tableau of light and glass.

From the fourth floor, the view was expansive. Even at this late hour, the streets below teemed with activity. Numerous stalls remained open, their proprietors serving patrons with practiced smiles and weary movements. The city pulsed with life, unwilling to yield to slumber during this event. Merchants, students, scholars, guards, and affluent visitors moved through its thoroughfares continuously. Though nightfall muted the clamor, it did not silence it.

Leaning back in his chair, Trafalgar observed the scene below, the warmth of the cup seeping into his hands.

Other rooms also featured balconies, though each was separated by substantial dividing walls—a sensible precaution. No noble family would wish for their heir to step outside only to encounter another family’s offspring peering across the divide in night attire. Such an occurrence was a ripe catalyst for multiple scandals and, quite possibly, a duel.

A soft knock emanated from within his room.

Trafalgar rose, crossed the chamber, and opened the door.

Caelum stood there, presenting his customary demeanor: gray hair neatly combed back, keen golden eyes observing, his face a mask of unnerving impassivity. He wore his serene composure like polished armor, a facade so flawless it concealed the stone beneath.

Trafalgar immediately stepped aside.

"Enter. I prefer no one witnesses your arrival."

Caelum moved with practiced economy, entering the room without a wasted gesture. Trafalgar scanned the corridor in both directions before closing the door. The hallway appeared deserted. Most others were likely confined to their rooms by now, still recovering from the recent attack, the demanding arrival, and the inevitable heightened stress Aurevane’s festivities promised.

"Thanks to your conspicuous presence on the balcony," Caelum stated, "I easily identified your quarters."

Trafalgar offered a level gaze. "I could have simply provided the room number had I anticipated you using the door. I assumed you would materialize on the balcony using one of your characteristic leaps."

"If you desire, I shall employ that method next time."

"I meant out of concern for public visibility."

"Rest assured, Young Master, I would not commit such a trivial oversight." Caelum paused near the room’s center, hands clasped behind his back. "I also have a matter to report. I have informed Lord Valttair of the recent events."

Trafalgar showed little outward reaction, raising a hand slightly as if to preempt any apology.

"Do not trouble yourself over it. It was expected. Your loyalty is to him. Failure to report would only invite your replacement by someone else assigned to my side." He took a sip from his cup before adding, "Did he offer any commentary?"

"He merely stated you performed admirably. Assisting neutral parties post-attack will undoubtedly bolster the Morgain name."

"Naturally, that's his primary concern." Trafalgar lowered his cup, exhaling softly through his nose. "Very well, let us address the true purpose of this meeting. Have you gleaned any information during your reconnaissance of the city?"

"Negative, Young Master. Not within this limited timeframe." Caelum’s response was swift and unhesitating. "However, I have identified several locations that warrant further investigation upon securing appropriate access."

"I have a few in mind as well," Trafalgar noted. He moved back towards the balcony doors, pausing before stepping out. The city lights cast a glow on the glass panes. "The edifice resembling a castle serves as the venue for the primary event. Its role in showcasing various exhibits makes it a critical location by default."

Caelum inclined his head in acknowledgment.

"Furthermore," Trafalgar continued, "there is another place of interest: The Glass Atrium. I discovered it during my walk with Cynthia. It is protected by wards and guards, possesses a secondary entrance discreetly positioned off the main thoroughfare, and a rear section completely devoid of windows. This location merits a thorough examination."

Caelum’s placid expression remained unchanged, yet his focus intensified beneath the surface calm. "You wish for me to investigate The Glass Atrium?"

"Indeed. I have a strong intuition that it will prove significant."

"Understood. I shall place it high on my list of priorities." Caelum paused briefly, carefully selecting his subsequent words. "Prior to that, however, I wish to traverse the streets and discreetly observe conversations. The city hums with activity tonight due to the ongoing event. Individuals tend to speak more candidly when they feel shielded by the crowd. I also need to make preparations. If you grant me this evening, I will be adequately prepared to proceed."

"Very well," Trafalgar assented with a nod. "I too will be conducting my own investigations. My position affords me greater latitude than most, allowing me to move about without attracting undue attention. Furthermore, should we encounter any areas inaccessible to us, Director Selara might be of assistance."

"That is a valid point," Caelum acknowledged. "However, there may be locations even she is forbidden to enter. Aurevane is not Velkaris. Authority here is dispersed among too many individuals. It would be prudent to secure alternative solutions before relying solely on her."

Trafalgar accepted this with a slight inclination of his head. "Excellent. Keep me apprised."

"I shall." Caelum began to turn toward the balcony, then halted. "And, Young Master?"

"Yes?"

"You should cease your labor for the night. You have exerted yourself sufficiently today. It would be best to rest while the opportunity arises."

Trafalgar regarded him for a moment, his cup still held loosely.

The suggestion sounded disconcertingly close to concern. Coming from Caelum, of all people. Yet, the man delivered the words with the same impassive countenance he might use to announce a train schedule, which, paradoxically, made it all the more unsettling.

"Until then, Caelum," Trafalgar murmured.

Caelum offered a single, deep bow. "Good night, Young Master."

This time, he eschewed the use of the door.

He moved towards the balcony, stepping onto its railing with astonishing agility, and vanished into the darkness before the chill night air had fully permeated the room.

Show-off.

Trafalgar gently closed the balcony doors, remaining alone in the chamber for a short interval.

His gaze drifted, drawn inexorably toward the bed.

The bed seemed to meet his gaze, radiating an almost immodest allure.

"Yes," he muttered, "I understand."

Setting his cup aside, he proceeded towards it. Any ordinary individual would have likely collapsed into slumber after the day's events. However, an ordinary individual would not be Trafalgar du Morgain, a circumstance that was increasingly proving to be a most inconvenient condition of existence.

He divested himself of his attire, less for comfort than for practicality. Mana permeated his being more effectively without the impedance of fabric layers, and his body had long since cultivated the habit of passive absorption. Even when engaged in other activities, or merely resting, mana would converge upon him, accumulating gradually within his Core.

The Ascend Core was not a goal to be achieved swiftly.

That was acceptable.

Progress did not necessitate a dramatic leap every single night. Sometimes, mere continuation was sufficient.

Trafalgar settled onto the bed, allowing the ambient mana within the room to caress his skin and seep into him progressively. The city outside continued its ceaseless motion. Somewhere within Aurevane, Selara's former mentor might be in hiding. Elsewhere, Merisse Varn remained under strict surveillance. The Glass Atrium stood concealed behind its crystalline facades and protective wards, a secret cloaked in opulence.

For this night, he allowed his breathing to deepen and slow.

Beyond the confines of his lodging, Caelum navigated the rooftops, his passage utterly unnoticed.

He did not return to Trafalgar's vicinity. Instead, his path led him towards a more modest district, several streets distant from the Academy accommodations. Here, the edifices shed their ostentatious grandeur, becoming narrow, utilitarian, and easily overlooked. His rented chamber awaited him above a quiet shop, unassuming enough that no significant figure would likely recall its existence.

Caelum entered through the window, securing it behind him, and abstained from lighting any lamps.

He had no need for illumination.

Caelum removed his outer coat and commenced the arrangement of his instruments with unruffled precision.

Tonight, his work would begin.

In the ensuing chapters, I will be dedicating some segments to Caelum's perspective. I believe you may find these enjoyable, offering a glimpse into the true nature of Trafalgar's right-hand man and his operational methods. :)