Masquerades

Chapter 21 (Part 1)

Cali stood in front of the five feeling quite happy. Seeing them without bruises and cuts and with their clothes clean, also the genuine smiles on their faces, gave her a sense of satisfaction. Everything she had done last week was worth it, after all.

She felt Arcane’s presence behind her and was momentarily confused about why the guy decided to follow. But he just quietly stood on his spot, so she decided to leave him be. Though that’s not the case for the ones in front of them – they seem to be intimidated.

“Hey, glad to see you are all doing fine,” she greeted the five so their attentions would return to her.

The only girl stepped forward and did a full ninety-degree bow which almost made her step back, especially when the others followed suit. Calista can’t help but glance around and, as expected, everyone’s watching – even the Populars with their faces full of contempt.

“T-There’s no need—“

“Thank you so much for what you’ve done for us, Young Lady Song. The five of us owe you our lives, and swear to serve you from now on. We—“

“Wait, wait… calm down!” She hurriedly interrupted before Dorothea could finish this one-sided oath she was reciting out of nowhere. “And can you all please stop bowing, this is really unnecessary.” She then watched them stand up straight again, before continuing. “You don’t owe me anything, just live your lives in peace and without any worries from now on. You weren’t able to do that back then.”

She unconsciously looked up and saw William watching them intently. He caught her looking, and his gaze automatically sharpened even more.

“But we… we want to do something to pay you back,” Tommy shyly uttered, looking down at his fidgeting hands.

Ahh… what should I do with this?

“I don’t need any help as of the moment, but once I do, I will make sure to ask you. Will that be fine?” They looked at each other and eventually nodded. She then took her phone out of her pocket and handed it to Dorothea, who was standing closest to her. “Here, enter your numbers so I can call you if ever.”

Once they had all given her their contact details, they bowed again while repeatedly thanking her. She helplessly watched the five, giving up on stopping them because they actually looked so sincere and ready to pour their hearts out.

Arcane – who was formerly behind her, and whose presence she had almost forgotten – suddenly stepped forward and stood beside her. The bowing match seized as a look of undisguised horror masked Bentley and Dalton’s faces, while the other three instantly froze.

“I would like to apologize on behalf of the Masquerades.” His deep voice resounded throughout the hall as each being inside seemingly stopped breathing altogether – including her. A pin could drop and she’ll be able to hear it. “We’ve all seen how much the five of you suffered, but did nothing despite having the power to do so. To be honest, we just didn’t want to bother ourselves with such trivial matters and incidents caused by immature tantrums from a child who wanted attention that he couldn’t get at home.”

The devil then glanced in the same direction she looked at earlier. Cali almost laughed hearing his words. Of course, this emotionless guy could actually be savage if he wanted to. She can’t imagine the surprise everyone must be feeling right now… this must be the first time they've heard Arcane speaking in long sentences.

“I’m sure from today onwards, you’ll hear countless apologies from all the people who wronged you,” he looked back at the five again, his voice intentionally getting louder. “Especially the one who has caused you pain the most. Right, Li?”

Expectant eyes travelled to the west mezzanine where William Li stood. A couple of seconds passed before the latter’s voice was heard.

“Right.”

Arcane smirked, “it’s Penta. You all have the upper hand.” He then turned to her and his voice noticeably softened, “ready to go?”

She ignored the sudden change and smiled at the five, “remember what I said – live for yourselves from now on.” And without waiting for her companion, she started walking towards the cafeteria’s exit.