Edmund Sinclair The III

Upon entering, the newcomer casually unbuttoned his coat, an act that, rather than soothing, sent a ripple of unease through both Chris and Adrian.

'What is this feeling? What is this strange aura? Its so similar to-'

"Good morning, sirs. I was under the impression that the bar would be devoid of patrons at this early hour, but I stand corrected," Edmund observed as he approached the bar counter and selected a seat. "Bartender, might I trouble you for a Negroni, please? And, young man, would you fancy a drink as well?" Edmund inquired, his genial countenance exuding a palpable sense of warmth and hospitality.

Both Chris and Adrian couldn't help but simultaneously muse, 'He converses with an air of antiquated refinement.'

"Coming right up for you," Chris replied, then retreated to the far end of the counter, as if instinctively putting some distance between himself and Edmund. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about this man unnerved him. His cores quivered in Edmund's presence, and the bartender couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding.

Adrian sat there, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Ah, no. I was just about to take my leave. You enjoy yourself," he stammered, hastily getting up and buttoning his coat. As he picked up his cane and started walking toward the door, he heard something that almost made him stumble. "A nice soul you have," Edmund remarked, slowly turning back to look at Adrian with that same friendly smile.

"I don't think I fully understand what you mean, but yes, well, thanks." Adrian replied awkwardly, eager to exit the bar as swiftly as possible.

"Haha, I used the term 'soul' to refer to your refined taste in clothing, the suit, the long coat, and the cane. Quite sophisticated. Young men nowadays often lack such a soul.' They wear a mishmash of attire and expect to attract attention. You, on the other hand, have a discerning style. May I inquire about your name if you don't object?" Edmund remarked as Chris presented him with his drink, saying, "Here you go, sir."

"It's Adrian." Adrian didn't stop to hear Edmund's reply and left quickly. As he stepped outside, he couldn't help but take some deep breaths. 'What was that feeling of suffocation? I have never felt this, not even during my childhood.' Somehow, Adrian, without knowing the old man, labeled him as the most dangerous entity in his life. Saying he was dangerous might be an understatement. It was as if he had just walked by a certain death.

'Wait, what was I thinking before?'

What Adrian failed to notice was that, in the presence of that man, even the persistent gaze had vanished. He didn't wait and decided to call it a day. He wasn't in the mood to do anything else.

…..

"Are you acquainted with that young man? He appeared rather rushed," Edmund inquired of Chris, driven by his curiosity. 

"No, not that much. We've seen each other a few times, that's all," Chris stammered. He couldn't even speak properly, as his soul was in intense pain. The agony was so unbearable that he contemplated jumping to another location. However, he knew he wouldn't be able to, as his soul was not in good condition. His powers required him to be in the right state, which is why his kind was not suitable for battles.

"I see. I would recommend establishing a favorable rapport with him. He appears to have a potent supporter. I sensed a vigilant gaze upon him, likely someone who watches over him," Edmund concluded, downing his drink in one swift motion and offering a chuckle.

Seeing the old man mistaking the life-threatening situation Adrian was in as his guardian felt really comical to Chris. However, he decided not to say anything, and he used this misunderstanding to his advantage.

"It's rather unusual to spot someone frequenting a bar so early in the morning. I know it's not my business to pry, but I can't help my curiosity," Chris inquired with a mischievous grin, keen to learn more about the mysterious man.

"I am Edmund Sinclair III. Freshly returned from an arduous mission, I now find myself in pursuit of serenity and contemplation. While you might expect me to be sipping coffee in some charming café, my well-worn bones crave a different kind of solace," Edmund mused, a warm chuckle punctuating his words as he retrieved his wallet.

Edmund silently placed a handful of coins on the counter, rose from his seat, and departed without uttering another word.

Chris examined the coins with a perplexed expression, muttering to himself, "Did he just leave me these weathered, ancient coins? He must have been a con artist all along." All the while, he continued to slip the coins into his pocket.

....

"Hey, I'm back, Emilie. Please don't tell me you've been glued to the TV all morning." Adrian inquired as he returned home, his absence brief but seemingly eventful. He spotted Emilie in her familiar spot, surrounded by a multitude of empty chip bags, a testament to her ongoing TV session.

"You've returned earlier than expected. Where did you go this early in the morning?" Emilie inquired, her focus divided between her potato chips and Adrian's sudden return.

"Well, the errand I set out for didn't unfold quite as expected, so I decided to return home. You may not be aware, but I find solace in spending most of my time here, embracing a tranquil and contemplative lifestyle," Adrian explained, his tone reflecting the peaceful rhythm of his daily life.

"There is no need to adopt such an air of sophistication. We both know you for who you truly are—a mischievous troublemaker," Emilie retorted, her tone laced with playful mockery.

After indulging in playful banter with Emilie, Adrian couldn't deny the improved mood that had settled in. However, the lingering, scrutinizing gaze remained fixed on him, leaving a subtle unease in its wake.