Chapter 259 Clan Varran II
Canna let out a massive yawn, stretching his arms as he glanced around, still waking up from his nap. He blinked a few times before his gaze fell on Maggi, standing at his side, clearly more alert than him.
"Maggi, I didn't know you were here," Canna said, his voice louder than intended.
Maggi instantly stepped closer, his face a mixture of urgency and panic as he whispered, "Canna-sama, there's a lot I need to report, but for now, please play along with me. I'm undercover."
Canna blinked, then grinned, understanding the situation immediately. "Oh, okay. Well, where are we going?"
Maggi gave him a respectful nod, whispering back, "To the carriage, master. We're supposed to escort you out of here. I have a ton of questions, but I'll ask them when we're in the carriage. Just follow my lead for now."
Canna's eyes lit up with amusement. "Perfect! I've been practicing my acting lately. Let's show them what we've got!"
The doors of the Adventurer's Guild swung open, and Maggi appeared, gripping Canna by the collar, pretending to drag him along. "I got him," Maggi announced, loud enough for all to hear. "Let's go. I've got a sparring session with the elders soon."
The guild members looked relieved to see Canna in Maggi's grasp, assuming the matter had been dealt with. With that, the others from Clan Varran climbed into their respective carriages and departed, clearly uninterested in further conflict. Maggi made sure to announce that he'd be riding in the same carriage as Canna to keep an eye on him.
As soon as the carriage rolled off, Maggi's indifferent, smug façade shattered completely, his expression turning frantic.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Canna-sama!" he exclaimed, though it was more of a whisper. "Why are you here? Also, why were you sleeping on the guildmaster's couch? And that sword—where did you even get that?"
His exasperation and wide-eyed look were enough to make Canna chuckle. "Relax, Maggi. I was tired, and the couch was great. I think I'll take it with me when we leave. I'm here because this kingdom looked interesting. As for the sword, an old hag gave it to me."
Maggi's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "Old hag? The one with..." He described Varya quickly, using sharp gestures and a hint of dread in his tone. "That woman?"
Canna nodded casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Yep, that's her. Long story. But what about you guys? How's everything going? Where's the diplomat I sent?"
Maggi let out a long sigh, trying to regain his composure before recounting the events. "This kingdom was one of the places Noctis flagged as worth checking out. We arrived here after hearing about its reputation as a stronghold. The diplomat is safe, last I checked. He's in the slums with two of our shock troops. The other two, like me, are operating undercover to gather information.
We've managed to blend in well. Most of the people here are arrogant and act tough, but there are a few who've caught our eye—people who could thrive in the sanctuary."
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Maggi paused, thinking over the past two months. "There's definitely talent here, but a lot of them are just putting on a front. They crumble under pressure. But I think we'll find a few good ones who'll fit in with the sanctuary."
Canna grinned. "That's great news, Maggi. You've done a really good job. Now," he leaned in, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "got a girlfriend yet?"
Maggi's face flushed red at the sudden shift in conversation, and he stumbled over his words. "Canna-sama! This isn't the time to—"
"Come on, Maggi. Don't dodge the question. Found someone you like?" Canna teased, a smirk playing at his lips.
Maggi sighed, trying to regain his composure. "Canna-sama, we're about to reach the Clan Varran base. Do you realize how hard it is to even enter this place? Yet on your first day here, you're already causing a stir. I can only assume it's one of your crazy coincidences."
Canna chuckled, clearly enjoying the way he'd thrown Maggi off balance. "Stop dodging the question, Maggi. We can talk about coincidences later. Now, are you interested in anyone or what?"
Maggi opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, the carriage came to a stop. His expression instantly changed, shifting back to the professional mask he wore while undercover. "Just play along with me, master. I'll figure something out. I'll let the others know you're here as well."
Canna nodded, stepping out of the carriage after Maggi. As he straightened, his eyes fell on the massive structure before them.
Clan Varran's base was nothing short of a fortress. The building was enormous, constructed from dark stone that towered over the surrounding area. Massive banners adorned the front, each bearing the clan's emblem—a clenched fist gripping a blazing sword. The symbol stood proudly in the center of the building, flanked by two towering statues of legendary warriors from the clan's past.
The entrance gate was lined with guards, each one dressed in armor that gleamed in the light, their posture straight and imposing.
The courtyard in front of the base was bustling with activity. Warriors, clad in dark and regal clothing, moved with purpose, some sparring, others tending to their weapons, and a few simply standing watch. Unlike the regular adventurers, the members of Clan Varran exuded an aura of strength and authority.
Their presence was palpable, and it was clear that this was a place where only the strong thrived.
As Canna and Maggi walked through the courtyard, Canna couldn't help but notice the stares they received. He and Maggi stood out—their clothing different from the typical uniforms worn by Clan Varran members. Canna's attire, casual and unassuming, contrasted sharply with the sharp, formal armor and robes that surrounded them. Yet no one said a word.
The presence of Maggi, a rising prodigy in the clan, ensured that no one dared question their arrival.
They walked in silence until they reached a large door at the back of the courtyard. Maggi stopped in front of the door, his eyes narrowing as he gathered himself.
"I'll handle everything from here," Maggi said, his tone returning to the harsh, no-nonsense attitude he'd adopted. The other members around them nodded in acknowledgment and went off to tend to their own tasks, leaving Maggi and Canna alone in front of the door.
Canna could sense the weight of the moment as Maggi squared his shoulders and prepared to report to his superior. Whatever came next, it was clear that Maggi's role within the clan and his mission here were about to become even more complicated.
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