Chapter 69
As the escort prepared to leave, Mr. Ross noticed the fatigue etched into Katarine's features. She appeared utterly exhausted, the weight of the ordeal visible in her heavy-lidded eyes and slumped posture. In contrast, Ethan stood nearby, appearing more resilient despite the circumstances.
The difference in their energy levels was striking; he possessed a natural reservoir of Mana within him, a gift that not only energized him but also granted him a remarkable ability to endure adversity. While both young adults were emotionally drained, it was clear that Ethan's innate strength provided him a buffer against the overwhelming fatigue that seemed to envelop Katarine. Mr. Ross made a mental note to keep a close watch over both of them, ensuring that they received the care and rest they desperately needed as the world around them slowly began to settle.
Ethan lounged comfortably in the back seat of the sleek Lamborghini Urus, his fingers gently stroking Katarine's hair as she slept peacefully on his lap. The plush interior enveloped them in an aura of luxury, but the weight of their recent experiences felt heavier than the car itself. Up front, Mr. Ross maintained a steady grip on the wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead while engaging Ethan in an easy conversation.
There was an undertone of concern in his voice as he broached the subject of Ethan's newfound reality, hinting that the supernatural world they had stumbled into was not foreign to him. He explained the significance of Katarine's unique abilities, revealing a truth that struck Ethan—the reality that Katarine had been shielded from dangers that came with her extraordinary powers, dangers that had cost her father his life.
Ethan listened intently, absorbing the gravity of Mr. Ross's words without a hint of panic. Unlike many, he wasn't one to overly react to startling revelations; rather, he approached the news with a calm acceptance. The journey they were on was fraught with uncertainty, but Ethan felt a surprising sense of clarity amidst the chaos.
There was a distinct realization that this was not just a mundane ride through the city; it was a passage into something profound that would irrevocably alter the fabric of their lives. While the nature of the supernatural world both intrigued and unsettled him, he remained resolute, determined to understand the depths of his connection to Katarine and the powers that intertwined their fates.
Mr. Ross adds,
"I think by now you notice that Katarine power is related to fire, this was the reason she never had a normal life socially growing up,"
"She had to keep her emotions in check, she focused on her studies and excelled on it beyond what her father assumed,"
"Her bloodline is special; I could only share a few details about her, and I am so delighted to see her finally feel a human touch."
"Many dare to risk their lives just to have someone by their side as a leverage,"
He continued, "And I am simply thrilled to witness her finally experiencing a human touch." The gravity of those words weighed heavily upon Ethan, who felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to protect and support Katarine.
As Mr. Ross elaborated on his observations, Ethan's heart raced. "You are special too, Ethan," he said, his eyes piercing through the veil of uncertainty.
"From the moment I saw you, it was clear that you were born with an abundance of mana coursing through your veins. That's why you can endure Katarine's raging fire."
"You are special, Ethan. The first time I saw you were orn with vast amounts of mana in your body , that is the way you can outstand my goddaughters raging fire."
The confession ignited a spark of realization in Ethan's mind, lending credence to the peculiar bond he felt with Katarine.
"And my informants told me you two were indulging in hunting these creatures as a nightly and secret date activity , but I know you were purposely doing this so that she can control her powers effectively."
"But unlike the rest, you are a born hunter, Ethan; you have that particular calm look in your eyes."
These words echoed in Ethan's mind as he remembers those moments as he sat alone in the dim light of the forest, his senses sharpened by the whispering wind and the distant rustle of leaves. Unlike his friends, who thrived in chaos and reveled in the thrill of the chase, he possessed an innate tranquility that set him apart. It was as if he moved to the rhythm of a deeper, timeless beat, one that only a true tracker could hear. This calm demeanor was both a shield and a tool, allowing him to think clearly even when the world around him spiraled into disarray.
"the eyes of a hunter."
" I am sharing with you this because you are already a registered knight,"
"So you already knew about it?"
"Don't worry, Ethan, I won't divulge one of your secrets."
"My main task was to protect Katarine, but look at me I am getting old."
"I could manage small matters like information gathering and support."
"But now that you are here, I am relieved that I made the right decision in selecting you."
Mr. Ross continued, his voice steady despite the moment's weight. The man revealed his own weariness, bound to a family secret that had become a heavy burden.
"I am telling you this because I am tired, Ethan. I am bound to this family secret, but certain information fell into my lap,"
Mr. Ross confessed, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and regret. "I trust you to handle this with care and discretion, Ethan," he added, passing a sealed envelope across the table. Ethan accepted it solemnly, understanding the weight of the responsibility now placed on his shoulders.
"Meeting you wasn't an accident, Ethan; you are destined to meet Katarine as you are the person that started all this."
Confusion flickered across Ethan's face as he questioned,
"What do you mean by that, Mr. Ross?"
A brief hesitation filled the air before the elder guardian encouraged Ethan to speak to his parents. As disbelief tangled with curiosity, Ethan was staggered by the familiarity that Mr. Ross seemed to possess about his true identity.
"Better talk to your parents, Nethaniel Abelard and Haniel."
"Huh! How did you know my real full name?" Mr. Ross simply smiled knowingly and replied, "There is much you have yet to learn, Ethan. Your parents will have the answers you seek." Ethan's mind raced with questions as he realized there was more to his identity than he had ever imagined.
He wondered aloud, grappling with the implications of this unraveling narrative.
With a hint of nostalgia, Mr. Ross revealed his role as the head steward of the Siegert family for many decades, and just as Ethan absorbed that information, the elder cautioned him to consider the depth of connections they shared.
"I will soon turn 100 shortly, but thanks to my ability to cast illusions, I appear much younger," Ethan's eyes widened in astonishment as he tried to process the revelation. The idea of Mr. Ross being almost a century old yet appearing so youthful seemed surreal to him.
He divulged, showcasing the bizarre world they were already into. Ethan wasn't sure how he would react to this; he and Mr. Ross were not that close; he was his former employer, and his interactions with him were purely professional. Mr. Ross did seem to be too kind toward him; his actions make it look like he favors Ethan a lot.,
Ethan just assumed that the fifty looking man was hip, somewhat unconventional, and slightly strange. Mr. Ross's kindness towards him, something beyond just a former employer showing appreciation. As he observed , his unconventional behavior had deeper motives than he initially thought was true.
" I have no qualms concerning the information you just mentioned, Mr. Ross,"
"Thank you for sharing this with me."
" I am not the perfect person you think ,"
"But I appreciate your understanding and support. It means a lot to me."
With a grateful smile, Ethan realized that Mr. Ross saw beyond his exterior and truly valued him as a person.
"As per your advice, I did plan to travel back home and stay there for two days.,"
"Why not just take Katarine and stay there until we clear up the situation that just happened at the main building?"
"A few days will be enough to sort things out. after everything is settled its time to come back."
Ethan nodded in agreement, knowing that taking a break and getting some perspective would be beneficial for both him and Katarine. she too was bothered by the drastic changes they were experiencing; she wasn't that open but, personally she was irritated that these things were happening , when she finally found happiness. she was aware of what was happening around her she just like the feeling that she was resting her tired head on Ethan lap.
Ethan suggested, "Let us notify Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie M. Siegert and Chairman Leonhardt Maier Siegert since they are the ones that are more concerned about what just happened."
" This way, they could ensure that the situation was properly addressed in their absence. "