Chapter 65: A Familiar Stranger
"I didn't expect to see you here," William said, with a light voice, but clearly surprised. The person he was addressing turned around, with precise and controlled movements. He was someone William recognized, with the same neat black hair, gold glasses, and brown eyes, but there was something different about him. It wasn't the Klein he knew.
They stood in silence for a moment, with the hustle and bustle of the streets of Bayam in the background and the salty sea breeze. William quickly observed Klein, noting that his posture and demeanor had changed. He was stiffer, distant, like someone who had seen things, maybe more than before.
"You seem, different," William said with a slight laugh, breaking the silence. It wasn't a reproach or a question, just an observation, making it clear that if Klein wanted to share something, he would. If not, it wasn't his business.
Klein, or the man who looked like Klein, nodded slightly, and his gaze rested on William for a moment. Klein's brown eyes reflected someone who already had many things figured out. His current self was clearly a facade, although William didn't know exactly why. He just felt that Klein was trying on a new role, like when he had become Sherlock Moriarty back in Backlund.
There was no need to ask. William trusted his friend's ability to handle his own affairs, as always.
"Business or pleasure?" William asked, raising an eyebrow. It was a joke, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he already knew the answer. There was no trace of the old Klein's hesitation or casual curiosity. Instead, this version of him, whoever he was now, radiated purpose.
"Business," Klein replied, his voice calm and cold, as if it were a formality. He paused for a moment and then added, "And you?"
William smiled, shaking his head. "Same. I'm heading to the Southern Continent, but making a quick stop here." He didn't go into details. It wasn't the first time they had met under strange circumstances, and he knew Klein, or whoever he was now, didn't need or want explanations unless necessary.
There was something new in Klein's eyes as he looked at William, a flicker of interest. William could tell that Klein hadn't just changed his posture; he didn't look the same as when they met in Tingen or when he played detective in Backlund. There was something darker now, a coldness that didn't belong to the Klein Moretti he remembered.
Still, William didn't press. It wasn't his style to interfere. He trusted that whatever Klein was doing, it was something he had thought through. Everyone had their own path, after all. William's life had also taken unexpected turns, and he was sure Klein had his reasons for whatever transformation he was going through.
William casually remarked, "I'd guess you're hunting someone."
Klein's gaze became more intense for a moment, but he didn't answer, simply offering a small and tight smile, a gesture that didn't fit with his otherwise impassive face.
William didn't need confirmation. He already knew. There was something inevitable in the air, like a storm approaching. Klein had a mission, and it wasn't his place to interfere.
"Well," William said, stretching, "I won't keep you. I've got my own problems to solve soon."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air between them full of unspoken understanding. Then Klein, silent as ever, turned to leave, his coat fluttering slightly in the wind as he disappeared into the streets of Bayam.
William watched him go, a faint smile on his lips. Whatever Klein was up to, it was clear he was no longer the same person he had been before. But that didn't bother William. He had changed too, and the world around them had changed as well.
People grow, people adapt, and sometimes they have to act like someone else to get through it all. William understood that more than most, even if he didn't follow the same path.
With a sigh, he turned and began to walk back toward the main street. His thoughts briefly focused on his own mission to the Southern Continent. There were still many unknowns ahead, but for now, he was content to leave Klein to his own devices.
Somehow, he had a feeling their paths would cross again.