Kiara was looking at Ash with deep concern and helplessness etched on her face. Her brows furrowed, and her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words. On the other hand, Liana remained impassive—her expression blank, like a porcelain doll that couldn't care less.
Ash glanced at her and thought, Is this girl an emotionless machine? Not even a flicker of sympathy for the old man and his skeletal wife in my story? He suppressed a chuckle at his own imagination. I should thank that old man and his cooperative skeleton wife. If they were real, they'd probably ask, "When did we cooperate? You forced us!"
His thoughts spiraled further into humor as he convinced himself: A self-doubting handsome boy with a broken smile? That's definitely enough to earn some sympathy points. Well, at least it's better than pulling a protagonist stunt like 'She don't deserve me,Thirty years in east ...and what not.' That would only provoke Celeste's wrath—and her father's wrath, her brothers' wrath, her entire fan club's wrath, and even her new love interest's wrath. It's not that I fear her or anyone, but why make unnecessary enemies?
Before he could dwell any longer, the aroma of food brought him back to the present. Plates clattered as servants served the meal. Conversations turned into whispers, eyes darting toward Ash. Some looked at him with curiosity, others with genuine sympathy. A few gazes were tender, bordering on love. But then, there were the fanatic stares—those made him shudder. What's with those crazed eyes? Do I look like a cult leader now?
After the meal, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms. Ash had just settled down in his own chamber when a knock echoed through the door. He opened it to find Kiara standing there, her expression unreadable.
"Big Sis? Why are you here?" Ash asked, puzzled.
Kiara raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Can't you at least invite me in first? Or do you plan to interrogate me in the hallway?"
Ash stumbled over his words. "Ah—of course! Please, come in." He stepped aside, motioning her in.
Kiara entered gracefully, her gaze scanning the room before she settled herself comfortably on his bed. She leaned back slightly, but her face was serious. "Now, tell me. What happened?"
Ash froze for a moment. Did she figure out I was bluffing about the old man and the skeleton? He cleared his throat, trying to appear calm.
Kiara's voice cut through his thoughts. "I mean your journey. You were gone for over six months—alone. Do you even realize how worried we were? We tried everything to find you."
Ash scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Ah... I didn't mean to worry you. I was just... looking for something. Something I don't even know myself. Maybe... clarification. Though I did return home before heading toward the academy."
Kiara's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you in this city? And why do you have so few knights with you? Did your family abandon you or something?"
Ash flinched at her bluntness, forcing a weak smile. "Abandon me? Haha... well, that's a bit harsh, isn't it?" He let out an awkward laugh, but the truth in her words stung.
Her face softened with guilt as she realized her mistake. But before she could apologize, Ash continued, "Actually, I was attacked."
Kiara shot up from the bed, her voice rising. "What?! When? Why? Who dared to do such a thing?"
Ash held up his hands defensively. "Calm down, Big Sis! It's fine now—"
"Fine?!" she interrupted, stepping closer and grabbing his shoulders. "Tell me everything. Now."
Ash sighed. "Before coming to this city, I was ambushed by assassins. Even my knights betrayed me."
Kiara's eyes widened in horror. She began inspecting him frantically, her hands moving across his arms and chest. "Did you get hurt? Are you injured?"
"No, I'm fine—"
"Truth!" she demanded, her voice laced with panic.
Ash held up his hands in surrender. "I swear, I'm fine!"
She exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. But the worry in her eyes didn't fade. "How dare they betray you? Do you know who was behind it?"
Ash hesitated. Should I tell her? I trust her, but getting her involved could put her in danger. Then again... in all those novels I've read, the MC keeping quiet about the villain's identity always leads to disaster for the heroines. Better safe than sorry.
"It was Valt," he said finally.
Kiara's expression darkened. Her jaw clenched, and her eyes narrowed into slits. "Valt," she repeated, her tone icy. "Are you sure they weren't lying to you?"
Ash nodded firmly. "I'm certain. I even interrogated them myself. There's no doubt."
She paced the room, her fists clenched. "That snake in human skin... I always knew he was scum, but why would he target you?"
"I don't understand his motives either," Ash admitted. "I mean, I know he's not exactly fond of me, but going this far?"
Kiara stopped pacing and turned to him, her eyes sharp. "It's not just about you. Do you know Meher?"
Ash blinked, recalling a petite girl with violet hair and matching violet eyes. She was from a Duke's family, like him. "Yeah, I know her. But what does she have to do with this?"
Kiara's lips curled into a smirk, though her eyes held a mix of amusement and exasperation. "It has everything to do with her."
Ash tilted his head, confused. "Why? Is she involved in the assassination attempt?"
"No," Kiara said, crossing her arms. "It's because..."