Chapter 18 - Sweet Traces Part 18: Newlyweds, A Slightly Clingy Wife

"Luch...," Lorsey attempted to say more when she noticed Luciano's lack of response.However, at that moment, Luciano's Star Link Bracelet chimed. As he took out the bracelet and looked at the screen's reminder of his wife's incoming video call request, a spark of light entered his otherwise cold eyes, softening his tense expression.Before Lorsey's eyes, Luciano answered the call. "Darling." Filia, in the restroom of the banquet hall, had activated the portal back home. She quickly unraveled her hair and donned a light purple sweater, the sunlight from the window casting a warm glow upon her."What are you up to?" Luciano smiled, revealing a side unseen by many while conversing with his beloved wife."Just got up. It rained yesterday, and your flowers have bloomed again. Look." Filia adjusted the camera, revealing the vibrant roses blooming downstairs in the garden.Indeed, the roses were in full bloom, accompanied by hyacinths, lilies, and a yellow jasmine bush swaying gently in the breeze."Beautiful. Thank you for your hard work.""Just tending to some flowers, nothing too difficult," Filia replied before switching the camera back."Darling, are you not busy right now?""Nothing too pressing, just entertaining a guest," Luciano replied boldly, engaging in a video call with his wife amidst the crowded hall, even purposely raising the volume a bit."Oh, then carry on. I'm fine, just missing you."Once again, her expression of missing him struck a chord within him.Last time, he couldn't get the words out before the call ended abruptly. This time, Luciano was determined not to miss this opportunity."I miss you too. Wait for me to come home.""Okay." Filia nodded with a sweet smile, her eyes slightly teary. "Well then, I'll hang up. Bye.""Goodbye."The video call ended, and only then did Luciano glance around the table at the others.He rarely smiled, and the senior officers at the table began to doubt their own eyes.Without embarrassment, Luciano put away the Star Link Bracelet and casually remarked, "Newlyweds, a slightly clingy wife. Pardon the spectacle.""Ah, well, that's lovely. It's good to be attached, especially when you're both still young!""Yes, Lady Zhun's flowers are thriving. My wife also enjoys gardening; perhaps they can share tips in the future."The ambiance around the table shifted from discussing military matters to anecdotes about their respective wives.On the sidelines, Lorsey, her face drained of color, felt a surge of jealousy. The smile she had longed for flashed so generously in front of that mongrel. Even when discussing the very person she despised, Luciano did so with an air of warmth and friendliness.Why? Her mind screamed in protest as Lorsey, with a cold expression, stood up and left.Seeing Lorsey depart, Luciano felt a renewed sense of ease.The phone call from his beloved wife had been timely indeed.In high spirits, Luciano, rarely mingling with others, made his way to another table.Observing Cole, who seemed mournful, Luciano approached him. As soon as the officers noticed the Commander's arrival, they quickly offered him a seat."What's the matter? Why the long face?" Luciano inquired with a smile as he looked at Cole."Oh, Commander, I-I was just telling them about Athena," Cole sniffed, dabbing at his eyes with a napkin."Athena, what about her?" It was only then that Luciano realized Athena's absence in the banquet hall; had she not arrived?"She...sigh." Cole let out a sigh, unsure whether to proceed. Nevertheless, he continued, "Commander, you'll never believe it. Athena's upbringing is exceptionally tragic. When she filled in the family section upon entering Alpha, she stated that she no longer had any family in this world. If she dies in battle, her compensation would go to an orphanage. Back then, I already admired her valor for pursuing her ideals in joining Alpha."But today, I found out she's already married. Her husband, another soldier, unfortunately, perished in combat. She is now a war widow."Upon hearing this, Luciano's expression turned somber. This revelation was truly unexpected."I see.""Commander, I've decided. I'm going to pursue her. Despite what others say about her wearing a mask due to facial scars, I don't mind. A woman like her, scars or not, exudes immense charm. Commander, if I succeed, would you officiate our union?" Cole's tone was earnest, moving Luciano with his sincerity."Of course." Luciano readily agreed without hesitation."Fantastic, I'll give it my all.""Go for it!" Luciano encouraged, giving Cole a reassuring pat on the shoulder.As he retracted his hand, Luciano caught a faint whiff of a rose-scented perfume, reminiscent of his wife.But how could this scent be emanating from Cole?Luciano dismissed the thought, trusting that his wife was at home; Cole must have unwittingly picked up a similar fragrance elsewhere.Meanwhile, as Filia exited the restroom, she unexpectedly encountered Lorsey. Their gazes met head-on.Lorsey, with heightened sensitivity to bloodlines, immediately identified Filia as a half-human, half-vampire hybrid.She abhorred mixed-blood specimens the most, her expression turning to one of disdain as she glared at Filia.Filia returned the stare, and if not for the constraints of their current positions and circumstances, she might have rushed forward and confronted the detestable woman.However, vengeance could wait; after the battles were fought, she would teach her a lesson in humility.Rolling her eyes in contempt, Filia said nothing and walked away.Clenching her fists, Lorsey redirected all her hatred towards Luciano's wife, the half-human, half-vampire soldier."Go, gather information on this woman."With a brief word to her secretary, Lorsey held her head high before departing.This time, in addition to bringing numerous biochemical weapons, her company had developed a substance capable of triggering the bloodthirsty instincts of vampires.Once sprayed with this substance, vampires would uncontrollably crave blood—not synthetic blood, but the real deal.Though still in the experimental stage, this substance could be tried on that mongrel from earlier, showcasing its true impact on a half-human, half-vampire being.