[TIDK] 127 – Vestina’s Aircraft

"Andrei?" Scarlett queried.

"Yes," Viktor confirmed.

Before Scarlett could grant permission, her bedroom table had been meticulously set. Adorned with vibrant roses, the centrepiece was accompanied by an array of Scarlett's favourite foods.

Taking a seat, she reached for a warm pie nestled on a rose-patterned plate and transferred it onto her own. The Dumfelt estate was known for its abundance of roses, and as Scarlett gazed at the blossoms in the vase, Viktor remarked, "I've never had much interest in flowers, no matter how much you removed the thorns."

Surprised by his observation, Scarlett inquired, "How did you know?"

"By chance," Viktor replied.

"Do you find it strange?" she asked.

"To me, you've always been inexplicable," Viktor mused. "And I'm sure I appear perplexing to you as well."

Scarlett offered a faint smile in response to Viktor's playful remark. "That's true."

♔♔♔

After enjoying a warm and sumptuous breakfast, Scarlett ventured outside and was greeted by a landscape blanketed in snow. She approached Andrei, who patiently waited on the lounge in the grand lobby on the first floor.

"There's a lot of snow," Scarlett remarked, taking in the wintry scene.

"Enlighten me,” Andrei responded; his curiosity piqued.

"It's quite beautiful," she replied, her gaze sweeping across the vast Dumfelt estate. In a soft mutter, she added, "There was a spy."

Puzzled, Andrei asked, "A spy? Who do you suspect?"

Scarlett turned to face Andrei directly, seeking his opinion. He replied with a subdued cough, his tone cautious, "I believe it might be none other than the esteemed Sir Viktor."

"It must be quite challenging for him. He can't catch a moment of respite," Scarlett sympathised.

"Well, it's his burden to bear," Andrei replied calmly, acknowledging the weight of Viktor's responsibilities.

While engaged in conversation on the first floor, Viktor emerged from the front door, preparing to bid them farewell. Scarlett's expression morphed into one of bewilderment upon seeing him.

Viktor, typically known for his rigid demeanour that left no doubt about his military background, now appeared as if he were a character from the theatre. Scarlett stood frozen, her world coming to a standstill as she beheld his transformed and captivating presence.

Facing Scarlett, who stared at him with anger and confusion, Viktor turned his attention to Andrei.

"Ensure her safety. That's why I keep you alive," Viktor commanded sternly yet resolutely.

"Yes, sir," Andrei responded dutifully.

Viktor and Andrei exchanged a handshake, but Viktor's gaze remained fixed on Scarlett's, seemingly lost in contemplation.

Shortly after leaving the mansion and putting some distance between themselves, Andrei began sharing his insights with Scarlett.

"He's truly formidable. Sir Viktor would have become an admiral if it weren't for the interference of the royal family..." Andrei's words trailed off.

"Really?" Scarlett's expression revealed her ignorance on the matter.

"I believe so.”

“But Andrei, you and my brother are also quite strong," she added.

Andrei chuckled softly. "Ah, you can't make a fair comparison like that."

Curiosity sparked within Scarlett as she asked about Isaac. "What about Isaac?"

"He possesses remarkable skills," Andrei confirmed. "As for where he learned them... I'm certain he honed his abilities on his own."

Scarlett awkwardly mentioned her growing familiarity with her daily routine. "Isaac... Is he strong, too?"

"Yes, he's incredibly skilled," Andrei replied, affirming Isaac's prowess.

Curiosity piqued, Scarlett inquired further. "Where did he acquire his skills?"

"I believe he mastered them through self-discipline," Andrei responded.

Scarlett turned to Andrei, seeking answers. "How so?"

Andrei shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. I was with you the whole time."

Perplexed, Scarlett and Andrei continued their walk home, only to come across Isaac standing in front of their store.

"Scarlett."

Startled by the commotion, Scarlett questioned Isaac. "What's going on? Why are you causing such a fuss all of a sudden?"

With a nervous expression, Isaac replied, "They discovered an aircraft in the north."

"What?!" Scarlett's eyes widened in shock at the news.

The revelation left her momentarily stunned, trying to process the implications of an aircraft bearing the flag of Vestina.

Beyond the rugged Saliantian Mountains, no country dared to invade Salantier. The southern coast, the only accessible entry point, was well-guarded by Viktor Dumfelt, a fact that had been ingrained in the minds of the people. However, this morning, the Vestinians shattered that belief by showing they could breach the mountain range and enter Salantier illegally.

The sudden appearance of the Vestinian aircraft sparked panic among the Salantian population. Scarlett, now aware of the reason behind the empty streets, felt a surge of determination. Andrei swiftly opened the store, and Scarlett, accompanied by Isaac, hurriedly entered.