The journey to Emma's estate was a mix of oblivious slumber for Ethan, veiled irritation for the manager, and diligent work for Emma as she sifted through documents.
Emma, burdened with familial responsibilities, managed her duties even as her father's illness demanded more attention.
As the car came to a halt, Ethan, though half-asleep, noted the distance from the city. The estate revealed itself, exuding opulence. Ethan's interest piqued as he pondered the source of such wealth.
Emma, gracefully alighting from the car, led the way into the impressive estate.
Ethan, reluctantly following, observed the antique architecture and the staff's outdated attire. The scene defied the modern era, leaving Ethan puzzled.
"Is this still 2023? Still a modern city?" Ethan questioned in his mind, grappling with the anachronistic surroundings.
Entering the mansion, Ethan encountered a grand hall with an ancient ambiance. Emma's home was a haven of bygone elegance. Maids and servants regarded Ethan with curiosity, discerning his presence as more than mere happenstance.
Emma, accustomed to the scrutiny, asked the butler about the elders' location. The butler, with a presence almost negligible, confirmed they were in the meeting hall. Emma proceeded, and Ethan, with newfound manners, followed suit.
The meeting hall unfolded before them, spacious enough to challenge Ethan's estimation of the estate's size.
Elders occupied four chairs around a round table, flanked by bodyguards. The elders, at levels 17 and 18, were unremarkable. However, the bodyguards, ranging from level 30 to 33, exhibited prowess.
Ethan, hidden by the system's concealment of his energy, remained an enigma. Emma took her seat, and Ethan, alongside other bodyguards, stood behind her. This unexpected addition puzzled both the elders and their guards.
Emma, addressing the gathering, acknowledged the recent attack by a Night Rover member.
Elders expressed relief, but their demeanor suggested underlying tensions. When queried about Ethan, Emma's response hinted at a strained relationship between her and the elders.
"Sorry for calling this meeting, but as you all may know now, I was attacked once again from a member of Night Rover a few days ago," Emma announced with an air of authority.
One elder, dressed impeccably, expressed relief but remained guarded. Another elder, sporting a goatee, questioned Ethan's presence, revealing the unspoken discomfort.
"Emma, it's good that you are safe. But I am curious about the young man behind you. Will you introduce him? I'm sure everyone wants to know," the elder with the goatee inquired, his words concealing skepticism.
Emma, with subtle assertiveness, responded, "He's my protector. So you don't have to think too much into it. And one protector can be brought into a meeting, so I brought him. No one should have any issues."
Silence engulfed the hall, echoing the unspoken tensions and veiled alliances.
The elders, accustomed to Emma's assertive nature, found her composure unusual. Ethan, her newly appointed guard, inadvertently stirred echoes of her earlier, unyielding self.
The elder who inquired about Ethan's identity realized the magnitude of his presence, prompting a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Ahem..." A gentle cough from the 5th seat elder sought to ease the tension, calming both Emma and the elders.
"As you all may know already, the Young master of CSS company came again for this land and that cave. I rejected his offer again," Emma declared, her voice unwavering, devoid of fear. Her confidence irked the first elder, who harbored an ulterior motive.
"Emma, you're not doing things the right way. The household master also wanted the deal to proceed. But now you are making things difficult for the family," the first elder spoke with feigned concern, attempting to sway Emma's decision.
Emma, undeterred, shook her head, paying little heed to the elder's words. Ethan, standing behind her, observed the subtle conflicts but maintained his silence, focused on his mission.
"I hope you elders don't push me too hard as I'm not going to sell land until father is alright," Emma asserted, making her stance clear. The other elders sighed, acknowledging her decision, while the first elder simmered in silent fury.
"That's what I wanted to say. The meeting is concluded by me. Sorry for disturbing you," Emma politely announced, rising from her seat. The elders offered no objections as she left.
In the aftermath, the first elder stewed in anger, frustrated by Emma's resilience. The covert dealings and alliances within the household remained veiled, hidden from Emma's scrutiny.
---
Hotel Red-roller:
In a luxurious hotel, a malevolent atmosphere surrounded the assassin known as [Dark Moon Chopper]. Seated at the top floor, he savored the view with a cup of wine. His manager, a gloomy figure, inquired about the impending attack.
"So when are you going to initiate the attack?" the manager queried, his sly grin hinting at shared malice.
"Soon. What's the hurry... hehe, the young master will increase the price," the assassin replied, his hoarse voice echoing. The manager's silence affirmed their ominous collaboration.
Emma remained oblivious to this looming threat.
---
Macloy Family Household:
With the meeting concluded, Emma sought solace in her room, pondering her father's ailing health and the elusive [thing] she sought. Unaware of the conspiracies at play, she sighed, contemplating her responsibilities.
A knock interrupted her reverie.
"Yes?" Emma responded lightly.
"Young miss, lunch is ready," the maid announced.
"Okay, I'll be there. Send uncle to get Ethan too," Emma replied, preparing for another engagement. By "uncle," she referred to the long-serving butler, a constant in the household.
Guest Room:
Ethan, directed to a guest room after the meeting, marveled at the antiquated décor. The room exuded an old-world charm that captivated him. Lost in thought, he reflected on the peculiar dynamics within the household.
A knock broke his reverie.
"Yes, come in," Ethan welcomed.
"Lunch is ready. You may follow me," the butler politely announced.
Ethan nodded in acknowledgment and followed the butler to the dining room.
---