Elias sneered, a hint of self-mockery in his expression. “What, did you think I was just some useless playboy squandering the family’s wealth? Emma, Marcellus’ mother, treated me decently—or at least pretended to. And since they brought me out of the orphanage into this powerful family, I understood that I had to repay the favor. From a young age, I was sent to deal with unsavory characters in the streets, handling dirty work for the family.”His words carried both bitterness and an unyielding edge. “Eventually, I took control of the family’s underground network. Any threat or danger to the family? It was my job to resolve it. Do you think someone like me wouldn’t have built up my own resources and connections in such an environment? Naturally, I picked up skills that most people couldn’t even dream of, learning secrets that ordinary folks would never uncover.”Elias shifted the tone, his voice tinged with pride. “As for the diary—of course, I found it when he wasn’t around. He though
“Came to me?” Hearing Elias mention this part of the past again, Alia took a deep breath. She knew she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer and decided to face it head-on. “Tell me more. What exactly happened?”“Yes,” Elias said, his gaze suddenly turning tender. He held Alia’s hands tightly, his voice trembling slightly. “I love you. My feelings for you have always been genuine. For so many years, I kept them buried in my heart, never daring to hope you might feel the same. So when you came to me that day, seeking my help, do you have any idea how happy that made me?”Alia froze, stunned by the intense emotion in Elias’s words.“I fell in love with you long ago,” Elias continued, his eyes filled with bittersweet memories. “But I always held back because I knew your marriage to Marcellus was a contract, a transaction between families. At first, I even believed Marcellus truly cared for you. You seemed composed and rational, never revealing any feelings toward me beyond friendship.”He
Elias furrowed his brow, his voice low and tinged with helplessness. “I’m not entirely sure. Something happened back then, and the Grail vanished from everyone’s sight. I tried to investigate, but the trail went cold completely. What I do know is that Marcellus and Edgar haven’t given up looking for it. This city’s expansion project is just another of their tests. They’re hoping it will prompt you to sense the Grail’s presence again or lead to the discovery of a similar artifact.”“Sense it?” Alia’s eyes widened as she stared at Elias in disbelief. “If the Grail is so dangerous and ominous, why are they so obsessed with finding it? What are they planning to do?”Elias shook his head, his expression darkening with a trace of complexity. “I don’t know their exact motives. But there’s no doubt the Grail has some purpose we don’t yet understand. And you”—his gaze locked onto Alia’s—“are the key to their plans. Because you’ve sensed its presence before, they believe only you can find it ag
“Why did I marry Livia? “. The line pierced her heart like a blade. Her breathing grew rapid, her chest heavy as though a stone pressed down on it. The following words sent a chill coursing through her:“Our marriage was solely for family interests. More importantly, it was because of her ability to sense the Grail. That was the only reason. I had to keep her.”Her fingers froze on the page, her eyes drawn to the torn edges of some entries. The gaps seemed to silently scream of secrets more vital than the words that remained. Secrets that might tie everything to the Grail.On the final recorded page, a single line struck like a tolling bell:“No matter what it costs, I will never let Livia leave me.”Alia’s gaze lingered on the words, Marcellus’s tender, low voice echoing in her mind. She recalled his apparent care and affection. But was it all just a lie? If Livia had been nothing more than a tool to him, what could she be?“If he didn’t love Livia, how could he possibly love me?” A
When the car came to a stop, Alia and Elise stepped out, taking in the sight before them. Alia was slightly surprised by what she saw.Adrian’s new home was located in the northern part of the city, far from the bustling downtown area. Although described as a “new home,” the house itself had a modest exterior. There were no lavish carvings or extravagant decorations, nor was there a prominent family crest on display. The structure, built with deep gray stone, exuded a clean and understated elegance, carrying a steady and composed aura.The yard wasn’t large, but it was impeccably maintained. The neatly trimmed lawn bordered a few evergreen trees, creating a natural perimeter. A gravel path led to the front door, where a few guards stood respectfully, bowing slightly in greeting to Alia.“At least my younger brother seems to have some sense. No unnecessary extravagance,” Alia thought, feeling a rare hint of appreciation for Adrian.Adrian personally came out to welcome them. Dressed in
Alia took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between Adrian and Elise. Her eyes carried a hint of weariness but also relief.Ensuring no attendants were nearby, she spoke softly:“Let me be straightforward. The two of you being together won’t be easy, but I’m in support of it.”Adrian and Elise exchanged a glance, clearly unprepared for Alia’s directness. Their expressions betrayed a mix of tension and unease.But Alia pressed on, her tone unusually serious:“Adrian, I trust your character. However, I must remind you that Elise is my ‘sister’—my family. Her happiness means more to me than anything. If you truly want to be with her, you must treat her well and ensure she never suffers any harm.”Her voice was firm, slow, and carried an unspoken pressure.“If you want to be with her, you’ll need to
In the living room, the atmosphere lightened significantly after Alia’s departure.Adrian looked at Elise, a warm smile spreading across his face. Taking her hand gently, he led her to the window, where sunlight poured through the glass, casting a soft glow over the young couple.“She really gave us her blessing,” Adrian said, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement. “I thought she’d be more hesitant.”Elise gazed at him, shaking her head lightly. “Livia only wants me to be happy. She’s the type to have a tough exterior but a soft heart.”Adrian chuckled at her response, his eyes softening as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice full of affection:“I know how much she cares for you, but from now on, you won’t have to let her worry anymore. That responsibility is mine to bear.”Elise let out a small laugh, tilting her head playfully. “Can you really handle it? You still act like a child sometimes.”Adrian feigned a dramatic sigh, pretending to be hur
The conversation in the grand hall ended quickly. Elias and Adrian made an excuse to leave, giving the space to Alia and Marcellus. The atmosphere instantly grew subtle. Sunlight streamed through the towering floor-to-ceiling windows, falling between them. Despite their close proximity, an invisible barrier seemed to stretch between them.Alia was about to speak when Marcellus suddenly approached her. Without warning, his hand gently cupped her cheek, and he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.His actions were decisive, tinged with a hint of urgency, as if emotions pent up for too long were now spilling over. The warmth of his touch conveyed a tumult of feelings—possession, hesitation, and a faint trace of tenderness.Alia froze for a moment, her heartbeat accelerating rapidly. But she quickly regained her composure. She neither resisted nor pulled away, yet her response lacked enthusiasm. Her posture remained stiff, and though her lips parted slightly, she didn’t truly reciprocate,
The atmosphere in the meeting room fell into a brief silence after Eryx took his seat. It was as if everyone was waiting—waiting to see how the newly appointed lead would begin, and whether she might make some kind of “misstep” that could be dissected, interpreted, or used as leverage.Livia slowly rose, her gaze sweeping across the room. She didn’t raise her voice, but the confidence and composure in her tone naturally commanded attention, drawing every pair of eyes toward her.“First, thank you all for taking the time to attend tonight,” she began, her voice gentle yet poised, carrying the refined grace of her noble upbringing alongside an unshakable firmness.She glanced toward the man in uniform beside her, offering a slight smile. “And a special welcome to General Eryx. Your presence here is undoubtedly critical to the success of the upcoming expansion.”Eryx showed no change in expression—only a faint nod in return.Livia continued, “As for the expansion plan, I will be followin
Night had fallen deep and heavy. The stars outside were obscured by thick clouds, and a soft wind passed through the tall firs surrounding the conference hall, making the branches tremble with a faint rustle. Deep within the hall, the amber glow of a dignified chandelier spilled softly across the round table, illuminating the solemn faces gathered before it.This was the nighttime session of the regular expansion project briefing. The venue was set in a side hall on the rear mountain—remote, heavily guarded, and ideal for dealing with matters not meant for public eyes. Representatives from various departments arrived one after another, quietly exchanging words, nodding greetings, or sitting in complete silence.Livia had been present for some time. She sat at the head of the table, beneath a banner of white and platinum—simple in design, but symbolizing the highest authority presiding over the project.She waited quietly, her long fingers resting on her knees, eyes sweeping over the f
Livia sat on the soft couch in Adrian’s office, her gaze resting on the neatly stacked technical drafts and progress reports beside her. She nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with her younger brother’s efforts on the front lines.“I can see that things are progressing well on your end,” she said softly, her tone unusually relaxed.Adrian set down the documents in his hands and gave a bashful smile. “We’re just following the plan Marcellus laid out before. Everyone’s doing their best.”Livia looked up at him, her eyes gentle but filled with unwavering resolve. “Starting today, I’ll be taking over everything Marcellus was handling. He’s already organized all the materials I need to know, and I’ll familiarize myself with the pace as soon as possible. Don’t worry—I won’t be a burden to your team.”Her voice shifted slightly, and her expression grew more solemn. “This afternoon’s regular meeting—I’ll be attending as the lead of the expansion project. Starting today, I’m officially taking
The hospital room returned to its quiet calm.Marcellus leaned back against the pillow, his eyes still fixed on the direction Livia had left, long after she was gone. Sunlight filtered quietly through the gap in the curtains, landing on his chest—where the warmth of her gentle kiss still lingered. He slowly closed his eyes, as if he could still feel the softness of her lips, and the tenderness she couldn’t quite hide when she spoke those parting words. A sigh escaped him, but the corners of his lips curled upward in a faint, helpless smile.Her decisiveness, her unwavering drive, and the unexpected gentleness that slipped through now and then—it was impossible not to fall deeper. But he knew all too well that this was not the time to bask in such feelings. His wounds had yet to heal, the game had yet to reach its conclusion. And she—she had already chosen a path she must walk alone.He shut his eyes again, gently pressing down the stirring emotions in his heart, as his mind began meth
The two of them shared another round of playful banter, their laughter filling the cool morning air of the hospital room, carrying a gentle atmosphere that lingered with a tinge of reluctant tenderness. Livia gradually softened her smile, gently smoothing the stray strands of hair from her forehead, and then turned serious.“I have to go now. I’m visiting all the key sites today to inspect the work, and I have a meeting with all the main leaders in the evening.”Marcellus’s expression immediately stiffened, his gaze sharpening. “So that means… you’ll have to confront Eryx head-on?”Livia shook her head slightly, though her eyes remained steady and unwavering. “I’m not sure if I’ll run into him. According to your schedule from yesterday, today is the time for your routine meeting, and most people won’t expect me to join so soon. So, the attendance might be light. I want to use this opportunity to familiarize myself with the situation and see if there’s anyone worth gaining over to our
Morning sunlight streamed through the narrow gap in the curtains, casting scattered flecks of gold onto the crisp white sheets. Livia stirred, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes. The warm light made her squint slightly, pulling her halfway out of sleep—but it wasn’t the sun that fully woke her.She felt it—a quiet, steady gaze resting on her.Turning her head, she met Marcellus’s eyes. He was already awake, watching her with a look that caught her off guard—soft, unwavering, and tinged with an intimacy she wasn’t yet used to.For a second, she panicked.She tried to sit up quickly, but her arm brushed against something warm and firm beneath the blanket—something that made her freeze mid-motion. A beat passed. Her cheeks flushed bright red. Before she could say a word, Marcellus gave her a familiar, slightly mischievous smile—the kind that made her heart skip and her patience thin.“You’re still misbehaving, even while recovering,” she muttered, giving him a glare that
Livia’s eyes lingered on Marcellus’s hand—still gently wrapped around hers, firm yet reassuring. Her heart skipped a beat. In the soft light, their shadows stretched along the wall beside the bed, wavering slightly as if echoing the tremble in her chest. She exhaled slowly, almost soundlessly, and stepped closer. Every movement she made was featherlight, like she feared even the quietest sound might shatter the fragile stillness between them.She loosened the outer robe draped over her shoulders and let it slide down, the fabric rustling faintly against her skin. One hand unfastened her sash with quiet precision. She moved slowly, with the care of someone unsure if they were allowed this moment. Her every motion—removing each layer, folding her clothes, placing them neatly on the bench beside the bed—carried a sense of reverence, as though this small act of undressing held weight beyond its simplicity.With a breath held, she lifted the blanket’s edge and eased herself into the bed. T
Time slipped by quietly, unnoticed. As the conversation between the two deepened, they grew more engrossed, the warm golden light in the hospital room spreading between them like a soft, tranquil embrace.Livia was leaning over the final map, her voice low and focused: “If we reroute through the East Corridor, would that—”She stopped mid-sentence.It suddenly dawned on her that Marcellus, propped against the headboard beside her, looked pale and exhausted. A sheen of sweat clung to his forehead. Though he was clearly forcing himself to stay alert for their discussion, his body had long reached its limit.She frowned slightly, frustrated with herself. Closing the file folder, she murmured, “…Sorry, I got too carried away. I forgot you’re still recovering. I should’ve let you rest earlier.”With that, she stood up and quietly walked over to the simple spare cot on the side of the room, ready to let the night pass in silence and pick up their unfinished plans tomorrow.But just as she l
Elias was just about to stand up, brushing down his cloak as he prepared to leave the room with Livia. But just as he moved, Livia’s voice rang out—soft, even-paced, but carrying a quiet firmness that left no room for doubt:“Tonight, I’ll stay with you.”The air seemed to freeze for a moment the instant those words left her lips. Elias and Marcellus turned to look at her almost simultaneously. Marcellus frowned, a flicker of surprise and instinctive concern in his eyes. Elias, meanwhile, froze in place, a look of stunned disbelief flashing across his face.Livia didn’t shy away from their gazes. She looked directly at Marcellus, her tone as calm and rational as ever. “There are still things I haven’t figured out. No matter how quickly you try to explain them verbally, it’s better for me to ask directly and clear everything up. Let’s settle the rest tonight—so there won’t be any loose ends in the handover.”“No,” Marcellus said at once, shaking his head, his expression unusually urgen