Blue Mask stared back at him silently before turning around and walking to the door.
When they paused by the door, Raelis realized they wanted him to follow, so he did.
The two walked down the stairs, then out of the apartment and back into the narrow alley.
I wonder if that's enough?
The way he understood it, this test was meant to determine whether or not he was a spy, or someone who didn't have the guts to affiliate themselves with the Black Lotus.
Simply, Blue Mask just wanted to test my control to see if I'd let emotion or bias cloud my judgment. At the same time, they wanted to test my maturity, and obviously, discernment.
So, based on those few facts, he was sure he had done quite well.
But as the two continued walking in silence, he couldn't help but bring one point up.
"Do you want your mask back?" Raelis asked.
"You can keep it," Blue Mask replied flatly, causing Raelis's eyes to widen.
The only people who can get these black masks are the official members...
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to join your organization. I'm only here for the request."
"And the request is what you will get," Blue Mask stated. "Whenever you have acquired the materials necessary, visit the usual location, and ask the man at the desk for a blue ribbon. I'll personally carry out this request."
Blue Mask stopped, turning to face him. "And if they don't believe you, show the inside of the mask. My signature pattern is there."
"I see... I guess we'll meet again in a year or two. I'm sure you understand that these materials aren't easy to acquire," Raelis said.
"Take your time, Amon." Blue Mask chuckled, then faced forward. "The mask has a hidden feature. If you press the topmost petal twice, it will turn into a magnetic earring. Just place it on your ear, and it will stay there no matter what. You can even be at war, and it will remain attached."
Blue Mask paused, then continued. "And don't worry about anyone recognizing these earrings. They are enchanted with distortion and recognition magic, so only those who know about the existence of these earrings will be able to see them."
Raelis nodded, then took the mask off.
He searched for the topmost petal and tapped it twice. Just as Blue Mask had said, a single black earring appeared.
It was rectangular in shape, like a miniature banner, with a single black lotus flower on it. When he placed it against his ear, it actually stuck.
Yet when he finally brought his attention back to Blue Mask, they were gone.
Raelis took a look around, then let out a relieved breath.
This was the first time in a very long time he had felt so tense.
In the span of 30 minutes, he had encountered one of the highest-ranked assassins and had also killed a man.
His hands slightly shook at that thought, but he tried his best to remain calm.
I'm done here for now. I'll have to prepare some things for when I'm back at the manor. But most importantly, I'll need to make Lydia a double agent.
What he had in mind was that while he was in the academy, she'd join the ranks of one of his siblings. She'd feed them false information about him, and in return, Raelis would get direct information about his siblings.
That's the best use I can find for her at the moment... Though I'll also need her if I want to open a private guild bank account.
Despite those thoughts, he made his way back to the Mana Core shop. When he arrived, Lizbeth was already there with a sack of money.
He raised a brow, walking closer. "Just how much did you get?"
Lizbeth grinned. "A whopping 3 gold coins."
"..."
"That's it?"
"Huh? It's a lot," Lizbeth replied with a pout. "We get a couple coppers per mana core, and since we had hundreds, it added up quite nicely. I kept the exchange at coppers though because this guy doesn't have any silver or gold."
"Right..." Raelis sighed. "Do I get a portion?"
"Of course, right there," Lizbeth pointed to the side where another sack was placed against the wall.
It was much smaller, but it was full.
"I'm giving you a third of what we made. I'd give you half, but then you'd think you're special since I did most of the work," Lizbeth remarked with a giggle. "Anyhow, ready to head back?"
"I am," Raelis replied, and picked up the sack.
But just as he thought they were about to leave, Lizbeth coughed, getting his attention.
She still wore that same grin, though it seemed a little more menacing now.
"I like your new earring," Lizbeth said softly. "Also, you have a bit of blood on your collar. Should probably get that wiped off before we head back, yeah?"
He paused, staring at her for a few moments, but just as he was about to speak, Lizbeth continued.
"I don't care who you mingle with, Raelis. Hell, it's not in my job description. All I was tasked with was protecting you while you're at the manor," she said, tossing the money sack over her shoulder. "As for what happens outside the manor? That's not my concern. But you do realize who you're dealing with, right?"
"Of course. You don't have to worry about me," Raelis affirmed with a smile. "Should we get going then?"
"The collar."
"Oh, right..."
Raelis swiftly wiped the blood off his collar, and with that, they headed back to the manor.
For the time being, he was free, and with the way things progressed, he'd be free until the academy started.
Or rather...
The academy entrance exam... Raelis thought with a sigh.
There was a reason they called the Academy The Furnace. Every year there was an entrance exam, and it was by no means easy.
He had only heard rumors, but the acceptance rate was pitiful with only 1 in 200 candidates making it in.
Since there would be tens of thousands of candidates, the competition would be fierce.
But until then...
Raelis was going to put his all into training.