Chapter 48
The question of the day was left unanswered, but those who were a part of this new reality abandoned their carefree existence in favor of being disregarded. Anybody who has just suffered trauma would typically behave like this: they would merely put the experience deep into their subconscious and move on with their lives, rarely even taking the time to reflect or weigh the effects on the wider community.
The Siegert family estate was eventually reached by Ethan and Katarine. Staff members greeted them as they left. With Ethan trailing behind, Katarine exited the vehicle. so the staff was happy to see him again. The order was given for Katarne's guards to keep an eye on the pair at a safe distance and never reveal their presence if she was with Ethan, as he has proven time and time again that he was capable of protecting Katarine and even died in the process.
The guards were now more intent on learning as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding the two. Katarine needed to talk to her father about what had happened, so she asked Ethan if he could wait in her room. She was well aware of his family's lack of morality and their history of engaging in criminal activity. Her father's rise to prominence and wealth did not come from always acting morally.
After taking over as corporate president, she began to learn the truth about her family's business activities. Even if it meant defying her own father, she was determined to clear their name and put things right. However, her father never once refuted these actions, telling her that tough choices must occasionally be made in order to keep ahead in business, where nothing is ever clean. Her father's comments made sense in reality; no company structure was flawless.
Leonhardt Maier Siegert admitted this and swore as soon as Katarine became president that he would step down and just focus on other matters concerning the well-being of his family. Leonhardt Maier Siegert became lost as soon as his wife passed away and left Karatine at a very young age. Her father just became distant and remained emotionally unavailable, leaving Katarine to navigate the complexities of the world on her own. Despite this, she grew up to be qualified to be the president of her father's business empire.
She never anticipated seeing him socialize with others because Mr. Ross was the only one he often interacted with. She saw as soon as she grew up that Mr. Ross seemed to be treating her father more like a master than a friend or an old confidant, which made their friendship extremely difficult to explain.
Her father's continued youth, in contrast to Mr. Ross's advancing years, is one of the many unanswered concerns she has regarding her family's history. She figured her family just looked younger because they had good genes. Even her grandmother appeared to be in her mid-sixties. Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert, whom she remembered as a youngster, already appeared to be sixty years old; Katarine is currently 21 years old; and her father has not changed.
Because the past was so confusing and complex for anyone who might be interested, Katarine becomes irritated when she remembers these things and chooses to ignore it. She didn't even tell Ethan about this because she didn't want to get into all the dubious specifics. She would want to bury it deep inside her as a family secret.
Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert had not gone back to her remote castle; she was still residing at their house. She felt like a mirage, even though she was there. She exuded a light presence and never sent off any kind of feeling. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts and recollections, emotionally and socially absent even if she was physically present. She never did anything to interfere with her day-to-day activities; she would only consult her for counsel on problems of the heart.
It seemed as though they were engaging in an avoidance dance, going around one another in circles without ever really connecting. Maintaining the appearance of normalcy while carefully avoiding the unsaid tension that hovered between them required a fine balance. Nevertheless, in spite of everything, there was an odd solace in their mutual quiet, a tacit comprehension that expressed a great deal without ever exchanging words.
She discovered a peculiar sense of comfort in the anonymity and seclusion that came with her opulent lifestyle, even though she lived in a massive home with an unknown number of staff members and maids moving about without being seen or observed. Feeling both alone and surrounded by others at the same time was an odd combination.
Katarine questioned her father where he was now as she made her way to the main living room, where she saw one of the maids serving her every morning. The maid informed her that her father, Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert, and a few other family members were in the private study talking about significant family concerns. She greeted her and responded to Katarine. With a twinge of curiosity, Katarine made the decision to go with them, excited to be a part of any family conversations that might touch on the experiences Mr. Thomas had just given them.
Since he had once seen her father during a dinner party at their house, she was certain that Mr. Thomas was regretfully related to her father. In addition to learning more about the significance of their previous encounter with a hellhound, Katarine sought to shed light on the enigmatic relationship that existed between her father and Mr. Thomas.
Katarine strolled in the direction of her father's study. The dim glow coming from the crack beneath the door was the only light she could detect in the somewhat dark hallway. She could hear muted voices inside as she drew closer, and she knew they were discussing something very important. The sound of the name Thomas stopped her in her tracks. She strained to hear more of the conversation as she put her ear against the door. Though she was aware that there was still a great deal to learn, the puzzle was beginning to fit together. She became aware of her uncle's words.
"Mr. Thomas assured us that this test would never inflict any harm toward the participants."
"But hearing the backlash from the family members is a bit concerning; most of these people are influential and rich, and some of them are directly connected with some of our businesses."
"This assessment test was foolish , as if it were planned out by a child; imagine ochestrating this in a way that we never heard about."
" I never expected that many of our young adults would be that naive and lack critical thinking skills."
"This new generation seems to be that shallow and lacking in basic reasoning abilities. It's disappointing to see such a lack of depth and analytical thinking among our future leaders."
"We need to address this issue immediately before it impacts our reputation and success in the long run."
"We just answered the government's request to fund their so called reeducation project for those who are physically and mentally capable. "
"I never expected they would do this stunt; we rely too much on humans."
"We all became complacent and just got lazy."
"Honestly, we can't blame them for not trying. "
"We have been living in this world for many years; we have all seen dynastis rise and fall, and we have indulged in the affairs of men many times."
"Until we all got bored and isolated ourselves from the one thing we truly loved doing."
"Like the rest of you, how many times have you impregnated a mortal woman just to convince yourself that your Hafl breed offspring would open the gates back home?
"How many did we raise and eventually succumb to the hand of Thanatos."
" Leonhardt had multiple daughters. You, Adanir, how mang childrean did you create out of you lush for women?"
"Mother, is that even relevant now?"
"Have you forgotten that I and your father are not foot soldiers? You four came from us; we are pure."
"As you could see , I am no longer the old version of me; interacting with these very frigile beings became our weakness."
"We gradually became like them."
"Seeing Katarine power our long numbing wait finally gain a small chance,"
"She can finally open."
"What is wrong, mother?"
Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert stopped talking and pointed at the door. She snapped her fingers as the door opened, and with this, Katarine fell down on her knees, Anger was seen in her eyes.
"Grandmother, I don't understand what the hell is going on."
Gazing up at Grand Matriarch Helena, Katarine's eyes are filled with perplexity and wrath. With a simple shake of her head, the Grand Matriarch motioned for Katarine to follow her through the open door and into a chamber brimming with antiquated treasures and enigmatic symbols. She was escorted to sit down as her family—all four of them—explained everything, including her father, the oldest of her three uncles, and Grandmother Helena Felicie Siegert.
Ethan was dozing off on the sofa in the Katarine room as all of this was going on. His body was weary and exhausted, and after venturing into the dreaming realm and exploring its icy embrace, he at last found calm. Ethan felt a warm body next to him after sleeping for almost several hours, despite the fact that many more things were happening. He simply stopped caring. Ethan remembered Katarine's scent when he gave her a firm embrace as she sobbed after hearing the truth from her family.
After all those years of wanting to be loved and cared for, she felt wretched. Now that her destiny had finally been made clear to her, she had to decide whether to save her entire family—there were almost sixty of them—or to be the one to give her the love she had been longing for.
A hundred miles away from civilization lies a hidden gem that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fairy tale. This enchanting landscape is adorned with majestic castles, their towering spires piercing the sky and reflecting the grandeur of ages long past. Nestled amidst lush, rolling hills and craggy mountains, each fortress tells a story of nobility, intrigue, and the relentless passage of time.
As tourists from every corner of the globe flock to this serene sanctuary, they are transported to a world where history comes alive and the whispers of ancient legends fill the air. The cobbled pathways that lead to these impressive structures are lined with vibrant wildflowers, creating a breathtaking contrast to the stone architecture and inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of culture that thrives in this remote paradise.
Each castle is a testament to the skill and artistry of its builders, boasting intricate detailing and breathtaking vistas that capture the imagination. Tourists wander through grand halls adorned with tapestries and artifacts, while others venture outside to take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of wonder as visitors imagine the lives of those who once roamed these storied halls.
With guided tours featuring captivating tales and legends, guests leave with a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and history surrounding them. The allure of this secluded destination lies not only in its breathtaking visuals but also in the way it connects people across cultures, weaving together threads of curiosity and admiration that transcend borders. In the presence of such historical splendor, every visitor feels a part of something timeless and extraordinary.
Under a ton of solid bedrock, an unground castle was created. Even though this land had life on it , it was a place where the two forces waged war until the very moment they lost connection with their world as they were abandoned. As the two opsin groups stood on the ancient and young earth, the war suddenly became pointless. Some continued to feed the feud until the down on man came and pushed them aside, as the connection between the world was severe, so thus their power slowly swindled to the point where the other side decided to have a truce and set ground rules until they heard the voice once again.
In a world shaped by divine factions, the 12 powerful warriors known as the Acolytes stand as stalwart guardians of virtue, each supported by hundreds of devoted followers. These Acolytes embody the twelve virtues praised in sacred texts and serve as beacons of hope and guidance for humanity. In stark contrast, the Zealots, representing the seven sins, exude an intimidating presence—violent and fiercely passionate, they find power in chaos and discord.
Although these two groups are often at odds, their existence is interwoven with the fabric of humanity's evolution, observing the rise and fall of civilizations and subtly influencing the choices made by the human populace. The Acolytes and Zealots, though bound by their respective mandates, ultimately share a profound appreciation for the free will inherent in humanity, even as they navigate the complexities of their own predetermined paths.
Despite the celestial tension between them, both the Acolytes and the Zealots obeyed a final, mysterious command from their creator, binding them to the intricate machinations of fate. Each acolyte is tasked with fulfilling a unique purpose within the cosmic balance, functioning as a custodian of virtue, while the zealots harness the raw force of sin to challenge and unsettle.
This delicate interplay fosters a realm where the freedom of human choice reigns supreme, a precious gift that remains untouched by their ethereal observers. As time unraveled, the once vibrant legacies of these warriors receded into the background, their descendants now existing as myth and legend, hidden from direct sight yet influencing the course of human history.
As centuries turned, these erstwhile protectors and adversaries gave rise to a new breed known as the 12 Apostles—an enigmatic power that emerged from the intermingling of Acolytes and Zealot with mortals, creating a lineage of half-breeds. Under the guise of benevolence, the 12 Apostles pursued their own ambitions, shrouded in secrecy, while operating from the shadows. Their insidious tactics allowed them to manipulate global affairs, rewriting the narrative of history according to their whims.
Over generations, the original members of the 12 Apostles shifted, their ranks replenished by the merging branches of their family trees, creating an expanding web of power and influence that lay dormant yet ever-vigilant. Though hidden from view, their impact on the world was profound, a quiet storm brewing beneath the placid surface of societal norms. The eternal dance between virtue and sin continued, with each faction, in its own way, vying for control over humanity's destiny.