Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 69 •

The keys glimmered under the light of the lantern, and Cecil blinked rapidly. She was hesitant, bending down to pick the keys up and it jingled noisily.

"Veau, th-this is..."

Veau had already laid back down on the bed, and he waved his hand in the air, as if telling her to move on. “You need me to say it out for you? They are the keys to your freedom.” 

“No, that’s not what I am--why are you helping me?” 

“No reason.” 

Cecil was bewildered, nevertheless, finding Hana was her priority now. She hastily unlocked the door, pushing it open and stepping out. She stared at Veau, opening her mouth to utter words of gratitude. 

She suddenly recalled Veau saying he hated hearing the words “thank you”, making her shut her mouth.

“You are still here?”

Cecil cleared her throat, turning around and walking on, until she heard the weak voices behind her, imploring her. 

“He-help me, please.” 

“Someone save me.” 

“Save us.” 

“Save me, please. I don’t want to die.” 

Cecil turned back around, her eyes growing wide. They weren’t the only ones locked up in the dungeons. 

***

Hana stared blankly at the dishes on the table in front of her, her hands remaining at the side, not moving to take the utensils to eat. 

“Hana? What’s wrong?” Leonaut asked, chewing on his food and he nudged the dishes closer to Hana, swallowing the food in his mouth. “Eat.” 

Hana crossed her arms across her chest, looking away. 

“You are not eating?” 

“Not hungry.” Hana harrumphed. 

Leonaut sipped on his drink, smirking. “Are you afraid we poisoned the food or something? Our cooks aren’t like that, they wouldn’t dare do that if they wanted to live.” 

“You are the bad guys, you kidnapped me and Cecil,” Hana huffed. “I am not hungry, and I will not listen to you.” 

At that moment, Hana’s stomach growled in defiance, and Hana glanced down at her tummy, pouting. 

Leonaut leaned in, resting his chin on his hand as he observed Hana. “The Hana I know would eat because she is hungry.” 

“I will only eat if Cecil is here with me,” Hana pouted, unhappy. “If my best friend isn’t here with me, I will not do anything.” 

“But if I bring her here, the two of you would try to escape again.” 

“Of course!” Hana nodded.

Leonaut laughed at Hana’s honesty. “Too bad, I don’t want that to happen.” 

“Why?” Hana questioned, blinking innocently. “Why do you want to keep us here so badly?” 

Leonaut leaned back, stunned at the sudden question. The smirk dropped from his face, and he frowned. 

“Or is it Cecil that you want to keep here so badly?” Hana probed, leaning in this time. 

The frown on his face deepened. “Wh-what?” 

“Because Xue likes Cecil,” she stated, standing up and pointing at Leonaut. “And you are Xue as well! So, you like her, and you want to keep her here!”