Chapter 28 - Sweet Traces Part 28: Rumors on the Zeus

While others get drunk, Filia indulges in blood.Awakening as if from a deep slumber, Filia's mind was heavy.Struggling to rise from the plush bed, the first thing she noticed was an electronic photo frame on the bedside table, cycling through images of a strikingly beautiful woman—herself.Rubbing her eyes, Filia finally fully awakened.Taking in the room, filled with pristine white military uniforms and shelves lined with books on astrophysics, she realized this was Luciano's quarters.Recalling recent events, Filia felt off-kilter.How could Luciano let Athena, not Filia, feed on him? Was he becoming infatuated with Athena?Or was Luciano looking at Athena in a different light? After all, how could a commanding officer allow a soldier to draw his blood so easily?Lost in her thoughts, Filia sat on the bed, pondering. Just then, the door opened.Entering, Luciano carried a fresh set of combat gear."Awake?" Luciano's expression was aloof, his usual demeanor."Commander, I..." Filia was unsure of what to say—Should she offer thanks?"I've dealt with her using the prohibited substance on you. Don't worry too much about biting me; after all, you saved my life."With those words, Luciano placed the new combat suit on the bed, alleviating Filia's embarrassment."So, are we even now, Commander? I saved you once, and in return you saved me?""Even?" Luciano hesitated for a moment before chuckling."We're not even. You saved my life, whereas I merely wasted a bit of blood. Any debt owed to you, I will repay in time. Now, change into the uniform. Walking out in your current attire from my room to the ship won't reflect well. I'm heading out."As Filia processed Luciano's words and his meaningful smile, she realized she needed to change. Hurriedly donning the uniform and shoes, carrying her dress and heels, Filia left the room.However, just outside, she unexpectedly encountered Cole.It had been five hours since Filia vanished from the banquet. Cole had searched for her for quite some time, only to have her emerge from the Commander's room, changed."Athena, you and the Commander?" Cole's expression shifted to one of self-reproach—a realization that the commander, out of interest for Athena, had forbidden him from pursuing her.This sudden disappointment gradually morphed into heartbreak.He had lost, and his rival was the Commander. But hadn't the Commander already been married?Watching Cole's expression darken, Filia quickly approached, patting his shoulder."Cole, don't misunderstand. There's nothing between me and the Commander.""I understand now. You don't need to explain, Athena." Pushing away Filia's hand, Cole sniffed and then looked back at her."Athena, understand this: the Commander is married, and werewolves do not divorce. Take care of yourself."With those words, Cole turned and walked away.Filia stood there, unsure of what to say.Take care of herself? What was she supposed to do?Sighing, Filia began to regret not using a portal to leave the situation. Damn Luciano, clouding her judgment.Gritting her teeth, Filia decided to leave. However, as she turned, she noticed several onlookers, both men and women from the Zeus's civilian staff.Despised gazes followed her hurried departure.Just a few hours later, rumors spread throughout Zeus about a scandal involving the Commander and Athena.By the time the gossip reached Filia's ears, the story had evolved."The Commander has divorced his new wife for Athena.""Due to Athena, the Commander has risked offending the heiress.""The Commander and Athena often rendezvous at the observation deck in secret..."In a final sensational twist, some claimed Athena was pregnant and planning to force the Commander into marriage!Upon hearing these absurd rumors, Filia was at a loss.What madness was this?!She wanted to set the record straight but feared the gossip would only intensify if left unaddressed.On the third day of spreading rumors, Filia received a top-secret mission—Level R.Following instructions, Filia arrived at the third hangar, where a small combat spacecraft awaited her with its doors wide open.Upon boarding, Filia found herself alone.Initially assuming she had arrived too early, she soon realized the cabin door was closing, followed by the launch of the spacecraft.Was she really on this mission alone?Due to the restricted mission level, details were only disclosed upon landing. Moreover, pilots were often kept unaware of specifics. Therefore, Filia settled into a seat and contemplated contacting Luciano via her Star Alliance bracelet.The call connected swiftly, and Luciano answered."Hello.""Husband, what are you up to?""In the office.""I've been having recurring dreams lately." Filia's tone hinted at displeasure."What have you been dreaming about?""I dreamt you were having an affair and divorcing me.""Dreams are reverse; why would I have an affair? Stop worrying.""True, as you've said, werewolves are known for their loyalty. Even in death, I would not remarry.""Vivi, what's wrong?" Luciano chuckled, his voice tinged with jest."I..."Just then, with the spaceship descending, Filia bid farewell, "I'm fine. Let's talk later; I need some rest.""Alright."The call ended as the spacecraft landed.After composing herself, Filia stood and exited the craft.What she saw outside left her utterly stunned—towering plants, irises reaching up to three to four meters, with cascading purple blossoms resembling giant tents.