"What are you doing here?" Han Shuo couldn't make out Emily's intentions. Although his expression was the same as usual, his heart was in a panicky mess as he smiled apologetically at Emily.
"I'm just here to discuss with you how we should deal with the head of the Gryphon Legion." It was unknown if Emily was doing this on purpose, as she didn't even look at Han Shuo after entering, but rather gave an expectant look to Phoebe while talking to the other two.
"Eh, aren't you Madame Emily? How do you know Bryan? What exactly is going on?" Phoebe found the relationship between Emily and Han Shuo quite interesting, and she was much more intrigued by it than by the Gryphon Legion. Since the person in question was here, she couldn't resist the urge to bring it up.
Phoebe slyly glanced at Han Shuo after uttering these words. Her handsome face blushed all over, and she even extended her hand towards Han Shuo's arm, trying to look good in front of Emily.
If this was yesterday, Han Shuo would still be able to give Phoebe no face and declare that the relationship between the two of them was fake. But because of last night's flirting and her charm, he wasn't sure how to explain it now. All he could do was look at Emily with an awkward expression on his face and not say a word.
A pair of clear eyes sparkling with complicated emotions, Emily watched Han Shuo carefully. However, this look only made Han Shuo feel even more guilty as he resolutely made up his mind, took a deep breath and said to Phoebe, "Actually, the relationship between me and Emily is..."
"We are that of subordinate and superior in the same assassination organisation. We just happened to be assigned to the same target this time, so please do not think too much about it, Miss Phoebe!" Just as Han Shuo was about to make a thorough explanation, Emily, who'd been staring at Han Shuo, suddenly interrupted Han Shuo's words, covering up the original words he was about to say.
Han Shuo was stunned. He had no idea why Emily was saying all this, but as he looked at Emily in surprise, he saw Emily giving him an understanding smile. It was as if Emily only wanted to be recognised by Han Shuo, and his actions to reveal the truth was what she wanted, instead of competing with Phoebe for a title and gaining a momentary victory.
Since Emily had put it that way, Phoebe felt a little uncomfortable. It seemed more like she was being petty. It was a good thing that Phoebe was a superwoman in charge of a guild, so she only felt awkward for a moment. Phoebe immediately let go of Han Shuo's arm and made her way to Emily's side. "I apologise, Sister Emily. It was just me thinking too much. Considering your position and identity, it's hard to imagine that you look upon this villain with any kind of favour!"
Phoebe's condemnation of Han Shuo as a villain met with Emily's approval. However, Emily's heart sighing slightly, said that unfortunately, she'd already jumped on this villain's pirate ship and was so deeply entrenched that there was no way to get off now.
"Indeed. I would never want an illiterate and ill-mannered fellow like him. Besides, I'm already married, and that would make it even more impossible. Please don't think any wild thoughts," Emily sighed in her heart, a smile still on her face as she reassured Phoebe.
"I should have known when I saw how secretive that idiot was. To think that he is actually part of the Dark Mantle! We should have suspected it earlier." Candice looked at Han Shuo with interest and spoke with a gentle laugh.
Contrary to Han Shuo's expectations, both Phoebe and Candice didn't seem particularly surprised after his identity was revealed by Emily. It seemed that they had long suspected that his actions were the result of a secret organisation, and Emily's revelation only served to confirm their internal suspicions.
"I told you, didn't I? He really is very mysterious. As part of the Necromancy major at the Academy, he's always doing strange things on the side. It turns out that he has another identity within the Dark Mantle, so that explains all his strange gestures so far." Phoebe also laughed. She glared at Han Shuo from Emily's side, apparently accusing him of keeping everything a secret.
Han Shuo shrugged his shoulders and said, "All right, now is not the time for this. We should see how we can help Phoebe shake off the effects of this matter and take down Gryphon Legion Chief Bob Ascher. Is that supposed to be the last thing on our minds?"
The two girls decided to drop the subject of Han Shuo's identity after he had spoken. Since Emily did not know how much Han Shuo had told the two girls before, he was still the one to explain things this time, and he also explained a few things about his identity to the two girls.
"My elder brother Lawrence is also in Valen City?" As soon as Han Shuo mentioned Lawrence's existence, Phoebe seemed surprised as she exclaimed softly.
Nodding his head, Han Shuo said, "Indeed. He will help us this time as well. He came to Valen City because of his cousin Lisa and her family affairs. Her family's downfall was entirely caused by the Gryphon Legion. Lawrence wants to avenge her and will help us wholeheartedly.
In their previous conversation, Han Shuo understood that Lawrence had come with a primary motive not only to avenge Lisa, but also to kill the chief of the Gryphon Legion and support his own man. However, Han Shuo could not reveal Lawrence's identity to the two girls, so he could only say that Lawrence was only willing to help for Lisa's sake.
"As for the siege weapons, I've already secretly added some of your blood essence to one of the siege weapons. We will continue to escort the shipment until it reaches the western part of the city, before handing it over to the Gryphon Legion. I think the Gryphon Legion's armoury is definitely there. We can look for it there." Phoebe spoke after Han Shuo and reported what she had done after Han Shuo had left.
"Very good. That place is definitely where all of the Gryphon Legion's weapons are stored. I will visit the place myself so that we can get an idea of the direction. As long as we can get proof that the Gryphon Legion bought these siege weapons, as well as the shipment itself, we'll be able to pin the crime of rebellion on Bob Ascher when we report it to the leaders. Han Shuo immediately said excitedly after hearing Phoebe's words.
After saying this, Han Shuo and the three women discussed things a bit more and then left with Emily, using the excuse of carrying out the mission.
"I feel that his relationship with Madame Emily is a bit off. The way they interact and talk to each other is a bit too intimate." Candice said with a furrowed brow immediately after Han Shuo and Emily left the room.
"Hehehe, don't think too much about it. Madam Emily is a widow. Besides, she is a member of the Betteridge family, nothing will happen." Phoebe spoke with a satisfied smile and reassured Candice.
"Um, have you two gone from putting on an act to doing this for real? Why else would you have that look on your face?" Candice suddenly spoke in astonishment as she saw Phoebe's face change to that of a young woman in love.
Hearing this, Phoebe blushed even more and stammered in embarrassment. "Last night... last night we already..."
"Goodness, Phoebe, you are too easy! How could you sleep with him so quickly?" Candice exclaimed in surprise, her mouth agape, without even waiting for Phoebe to finish her words.
"Peh! What are you talking about? We just... just confirmed our relationship last night!" Phoebe's face was now a deep shade of red as she scolded Candice in a low voice.
"Oh really, I don't think it was just confirming your relationship. Your expression is obviously trying to hide something else. Spill it now!" Candice watched Phoebe intently, having waited for Phoebe to say those words before effectively checkmating her with a ruthless demand for an explanation.
After Han Shuo and Emily left the room, they didn't immediately go to carry out their mission. Rather, the two of them went to the hotel room where Emily was staying.
The two of them entered the room, and Han Shuo immediately hugged Emily and asked tenderly, "Why?"
"I know you have me in your heart. That is enough for me. The age difference between us is too great, and I also have the identity of a daughter-in-law to the Betteridge family. If you try to expose our relationship, the consequences will be drastic for both of us. Emily buried her face in Han Shuo's chest, speaking in a soft voice and recounting with great sadness.
Before Han Shuo reaches the full peak of his powers, exposing their relationship would have drastic consequences. Especially for Emily, it could not only affect her brother's career, but also tarnish the family's reputation. There was no other way, so all Emily could do was complain and keep quiet about the matter.
"Phoebe is a good girl. She's not very high-born, but she's pretty and clean and doesn't have a lot of baggage. You should be with her. Her merchant guild would be of much more use to you. I would understand!" Emily dug deeper and murmured softly.
"I promised you we wouldn't have to sneak around for long. One day, when there is no one left in the empire to tell me what I can and cannot do, I will give you what you deserve!" Han Shuo had a firm expression on his face as he said this in a low voice, kissing Emily's body fiercely and carrying her towards the bedroom. Emily responded to him with a degree of warmth she had never felt before, perhaps wanting to erase the bitterness she had felt with happiness.