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CARDS HEADQUARTERS

—  turkey; 16.7.2017, 15:00

  "You called for me...sir?" As soon as she closed the door behind her, the light emitted from the hallway was shut out; no amount of squinting could help her distinguish the fuzzy silhouette leaning against the far wall, whether it was that of a female or a male.

  Not that it mattered, however.

  "Ah, yes. Lee Saebin. Come in; do sit down." Another round of squinting was carried out, though perhaps it was the summer heat getting to her, because Saebin found her mind working rather slowly today. Heading to the chair that was offered to her, the girl slowly took a seat. 

  "Do you know who I am?"

  "You're...Carroll," She replied cautiously. "Whom they call the Head of this organization." 

  Soft laughter. "Ah yes, they tend to say that very often. Which, is true, of course, but my powers extend far beyond than that. However, we are not gathered here to talk about that. Miss Lee..." And here Carroll trailed off slightly, as if waiting for something. Indeed, not a moment afterwards, there was a knock at the door, and in came a man pushing a cart in, on which sat a tea tower, with a tea set accompanying it. After serving the two, he bowed curtly, before leaving again.

  "Perhaps some tea?" After a brief silence, Carroll offered, a small twirling of fingers which then pushed the teacup more insistently towards her. Silently, Saebin reached for the cup, and touched her lips with the warm liquid. "Excellent. I do love tea-time, you know. There is simply no greater pleasure than willing away idle hours with a cup of tea in hand and decandent sweets in the other." Another pause as the person in front of her seemed to take a sip of tea. "Do you know why I asked for you today, Miss Lee?" 

  Dutifully, Saebin shook her head as she rested her hands on the edge of her plate, still spotless due to a lack of pastry placed on it. Seemingly noticing that, another twirl of fingers caused an eclair to land gracefully on the porcelain.

  "Oh, don't be shy; help yourself. The reason I called for you, Miss Lee," And here there was a delicate cough. "Is because of a certain group that I'm interested in you joining." Another painful silence ensured, safe for the sound of silver cutlery clinking against porcelain. "No questions? Mmm, you're a quiet one. Well then, don't mind me if I start rambling on." There was another sip of tea before Carroll deemed it appropriate to start.

  "The 'group' I am to invite you to, is called Wonderland. Perhaps you may scoff at the name. It does not matter. This group will be consisted of elite fighters whom I have personally handpicked from the ranks of players, and will be under my direct command. You will carry out special missions of which I give you. Any questions thus far?" Silence. "Excellent. I'm glad we got this out of the way. Now, about certain...ah, relations..."

  There was a meaningful note on that word, and Saebin suddenly realized the implication of that word, and started. "Yes, I'm glad you understand my words. We are, talking, of course, about your mother." A wistful sigh. "Such a wonderful dear. But nonetheless, a bit of a disappointment that she decided to never contact me. However, I'm glad that she decided to finally send me a message. Through you." 

  At that, Saebin swallowed, nervousness starting to creep along her fingertips. She could feel herself being studied, sized up, whether she was worthy, at that single moment. Then Carroll chuckled, and the tension eased up. "At any rate, I have high hopes for you. Try not to, ah, let your brother down, mm?" 

  And it was then that she knew what true fear felt like.