.｡.:✧ Chapter 65 ✧:.｡.

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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Mikael Portren courteously requested the mansion’s staff to prepare some tea and snacks, a gesture that highlighted his good nature even as he interacted with his servants with a familiar smile.

Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder why he would involve himself with the Tudogs, especially given he had a daughter like Michelle.

Was it truly necessary to create a murder hotel and supply victims to the Tudogs?

Watching Michelle, who was holding her father’s hand tightly, I felt an urge to confront Mikael then and there. However, clenching my fists, I had to restrain myself.

Mikael led us into the mansion’s stately living room, with Heaven Len appearing confused as to why he was being treated on equal terms with us ‘kids,’ or rather, seemingly disregarded.

“…”

“It’s okay.”

Hayun leaned against me, gently gripping my clothes, and I whispered back reassuringly. Rin, sitting across from us, also held onto my clothes, smiling contentedly.

“Can we keep the romance to a minimum?”

Sen poked my back with her finger from behind, warning that our situation might be too lax given we were essentially in enemy territory.

“Please, take a seat.”

However, as curious as I was about why Heaven Len would bring us here, given there seemed to be some secret dealings between him and Mikael, I followed along trying not to appear out of place.

Mikael seated Heaven Len beside himself and indicated for us to sit opposite. Michelle, sitting on Mikael’s lap, was visibly happier than when she was with us, clearly enjoying her father’s company.

“So, you’re from Aios Academy, here in Bethel for your holiday?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And what year are you all in?”

“We’re all third-year students.”

“Interesting. Heaven, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

Heaven Len, taken aback by Mikael’s sudden invitation to join the conversation, hesitantly began to sweat as he spoke.

“They allow such young students to travel alone?”

A rather mundane question, which likely didn’t earn Heaven Len any favor in Mikael’s eyes.

“Our guardians encouraged us to broaden our horizons with this journey.”

“Indeed, it’s true that letting children out into the world fosters growth, though parting with them is fraught with fear of loss.”

“I’ll always be with Daddy!”

“Heh, and I won’t let you go, my princess.”

Mikael embraced Michelle tightly, a picture of familial love that brought smiles to our faces, despite the underlying tension.

“But Heaven and this young lady seem to share a resemblance.”

Glancing between Hayun and Heaven while holding Michelle, Mikael probed further, his confident demeanor making me feel uneasy.

‘Does he know everything?’

While I was momentarily confused, thinking Mikael Portren might already know about us, a calmer judgment prevailed.

“That can’t be.”

Perhaps he was only aware of the relationship between Heaven and Hayun, having come across her information while investigating Heaven.

‘He must think Hayun was following Heaven.’

Thus, his casual demeanor made sense; he believed we were targeting Heaven Len, not him.

‘This could be a stroke of luck for us.’

Our encounter with Heaven Len was purely coincidental.

‘Coincidence?’

With these thoughts, I cautiously sipped the tea provided by the maid, wary of its contents, though it seemed harmless.

Amid the ongoing interrogation-like questioning of Heaven Len, Michelle yawned, signaling our time to leave.

“Sorry for boring you with adult talk. Hopefully, we won’t have such conversations next time.”

His smiling farewell carried an implicit warning not to delve further.

‘Is he protecting Heaven Len?’

The atmosphere suggested Heaven Len was somewhat subservient to Mikael, yet Mikael seemed intent on shielding him, indicating Heaven’s utility.

“Yes, don’t worry.”

We emerged from the mansion with smiles, despite the underlying tension.

Rin subtly clung to my side, seeking confirmation, “That was a veiled threat, wasn’t it? Telling us not to dig any deeper.”

I nodded slightly in agreement, “It seems so. But it feels like he doesn’t know he’s the target. He’s under the impression we’re after Heaven because of Hayun.”

In effect, we were manipulated into testing Heaven for them, even though we ended up playing right into their hands. It did, however, allow us to confirm the nature of their relationship—a cooperative one, albeit with Heaven bending to Mikael’s will. Given Mikael’s affiliation with the Tudogs, it seemed Heaven sought to use us to forge a connection with them.

“Ugh.”

“Why didn’t we just take care of them right there?” Sen spoke bluntly.

Rin and Hayun exchanged looks, not sure if they had always known this side of Sen, but I couldn’t find it in me to respond.

‘Michelle’s the issue here.’

The fact that this girl was his daughter made things complicated. Considering the life she’d lead without her father, Michelle’s innocent smile haunted me.

“Let’s head back to the hotel.”

We had no choice but to return to the hotel without a clear resolution. The murderers, under tasks assigned by us, were not present, likely too afraid to even contemplate escape due to Rin’s control over her forces.

“Pick any room you like; there are plenty.”

As the sky darkened, we concluded our simple dinner and decided to take some personal time.

‘We don’t know when they might attack.’

The hotel, at this point, was a double-edged sword for us. Staying here too long might draw unwanted attention from Mikael or the Tudogs, considering the lack of fresh bodies for their operations.

But, staying also meant we were bound to be attacked eventually. So, I decided to loosen up in the hotel’s spacious lobby, swinging my sword to awaken my senses when Hayun descended from the stairs, her expression betraying a mix of emotions, likely coming down to train as well.

“Care to move around a bit?”

“Yeah, too many thoughts.”

“Hmm, how about a light sparring session?”

“Alright.”

Hayun drew her beautiful blade, a gift from her uncle Heaven Len, designed for the eastern swordsmanship she practiced. I too drew the sword gifted by my sister, and we engaged in a lengthy bout.

After cooling down, I noticed Hayun wiping off sweat and offered some advice, “Your swordsmanship becomes unstable with your fluctuating mental state, you know?”

“I know.”

Her performance always suffered when her emotions were in turmoil, a reflection of how the eastern swordsmanship she practiced valued not only physical strength but also mental fortitude.

“Do you find it difficult dealing with your uncle?”

“Yeah, more than I expected.”

She divulged her vulnerability, believing her parents were harmed by her uncle’s machinations, fearing his reach could still affect her, especially after being disowned.

Unveiling the markings that could discern truth from lies, she expressed how they reminded her of her precarious position under her uncle’s influence.

“I’m sorry for venting like this.”

As she prepared to retire to her room, I continued, “Your skills are hampered by fear and confusion. It’s a significant issue for a swordsman.”

“But if you find a way to steady your mind, you could become the strongest swordsman in the academy, excluding me.”

“Annoying.”

She smirked slightly before heading to her room, leaving me pondering the tragic circumstances surrounding us—Hayun, Sen, Rin, and Michelle—all bearing their burdens.

‘Despite everything, I’ll try to do my best for them.’

As I laid down to ponder our next moves, a knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Ah, just as I was getting comfortable.”

Expecting to ignore it, the persistent knocking made me reconsider. Opening the door, I found Rin in pajamas, clutching a pillow.

“No.”

Predicting her request, I attempted to close the door, but she had already wedged her foot in.

“I want to sleep here.”

Her pleading tone made it harder to refuse, highlighting the depth of her need for companionship and security amidst the unfolding events.

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