Gavin's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying?" he questioned, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Adam shrugged, a slight smirk hidden under his mask. "If you doubt me that much, perhaps you should deal with the Kol family on your own. I'm leaving."
Adam turned to walk away, his steps slow and deliberate, each one echoing Gavin's doubts. Shocked by the boldness, Gavin took a step forward. "Wait!" he called out.
Pausing, Adam glanced back, his expression unreadable.
Gavin sighed, "Alright, I trust that your goals aren't meant to harm me, but I can't say the same for the city. I don't know if your intentions will really benefit it."
Adam tilted his head slightly. "Then why not give me a task? Something that will prove my intentions toward the city."
Gavin's brow furrowed as he thought it over. Finally, he nodded, an idea taking shape. "There is something. Recently, the City Guard received intelligence that members of a criminal organization are relocating systematically. Your job is to find out where they're going and, more importantly, why."
Adam's gaze sharpened. "If I uncover the truth, will you trust me completely?"
Gavin replied with confidence. "Yes, these are the words of an heir."
Adam gave a faint nod. "In that case, I've already gathered information from that very source."
Gavin blinked in disbelief. "What?"
Without a word, Adam handed him a paper he'd taken from the Kol family—bearing their insignia and stamped with an ominous message.
Gavin looked over the paper, his confusion growing. "Gather in District 4... But why would the Kol family summon everyone there?" He looked back up at Adam, the tension in his voice palpable. "What did your investigation reveal?"
Adam's gaze grew darker. "You're not going to like what I'm about to tell you."
Gavin scoffed. "A lot of unexpected things have happened lately. Try me."
Adam's voice remained cold. "The Kol family is planning two large-scale events in the city within the next few days. First, a riot in District 4. And second, an elimination of City Guard officials loyal to the Arthur family."
Gavin's face turned pale, shock seizing him. After a moment, he stammered, "Are you exaggerating to scare me into trusting you?"
Adam's tone grew steely. "I don't need to exaggerate. Arthur's family's indecision has only made things worse."
Gavin's jaw clenched. "What are you implying?"
Adam didn't hesitate. "Because of your family's reluctance, people are suffering every day. If the Arthur family can't protect the city, perhaps it should let the Kol family take over and bring some semblance of order."
Gavin's eyes blazed with fury. "How dare you talk about my family like that! I should—"
Adam cut him off. "It's not just me saying this. The people of the lower districts think the same way."
Gavin froze in his tracks, the anger in his eyes dimming into a hesitant realization. "So you didn't just investigate the Kol family—you were looking into the whole city?"
Adam gave a single nod. "You catch on quickly."
Gavin took a deep breath. "Then who are you really, and why would you even want to help us?"
Adam's response was blunt. "You're mistaken. I'm not here to help you; I'm here to help the people of this city."
Gavin's gaze softened slightly, his pride and defensiveness fading. "Can you tell me the ground reality of the state?"
Adam shook his head. "It's better for you not to know. And besides, I'm your only hope in this."
A somber expression crossed Gavin's face. "For so long, my family upheld the state as a beacon of prosperity for all. But now…we're failing the very people we swore to protect." He clenched his fists, determination filling his eyes. "I understand now. I'll trust you completely. Just tell me what we need to do."
Adam smirked behind his mask, his thoughts hidden. 'The job is done.'
"You don't need to do anything," Adam replied. "Just keep feeding me critical information—about the Kol family, the underworld, any threats to the city. I'll handle the rest."
Gavin nodded, agreeing. "Alright. But we need a place to meet. You won't be able to sneak in every time."
Adam tilted his head. "Fair point."
Gavin suggested, "How about we meet in the park in District 3? Every two days?"
Adam gave an approving nod. "That works. I'll see you in two days."
With that, Adam turned, slipping out of the room and leaving Gavin standing alone, deep in thought about everything he'd learned.
Adam exited the mansion as stealthily as he'd entered, heading toward his temporary home. After a while, he reached a secluded alley, where he altered his disguise, shifting into his "Eli" persona.
As Eli, he casually strolled into the restaurant. Lily was waiting by the entrance, and the moment she saw him, she narrowed her eyes.
"Where have you been all day?" she asked, her tone holding a mix of concern and annoyance.
Adam, as Eli, gave a slight smirk. "Just somewhere quiet, away from everyone."
Lily hesitated, then, as though steeling herself, she spoke again. "Look, Eli…I know I was rude to you before. I didn't like how Mom suddenly brought you into the family." She took a breath, her gaze softening. "But now, I… I really feel like you're my sister. And I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?"
Adam looked at her, surprised. 'Why is she apologizing to me?' he thought. 'I ignored her words anyway.'
Managing a gentle smile, he replied, "You don't need to apologize. I was never mad at you. And as far as apologies go…they're just things sisters do."
Lily's expression brightened, and for a moment, they shared a quiet understanding—one sisterly, and the other a bit more secretive.
Hearing this, Lily becomes very happy and says, "Really, will you teach me magic?"
"I'm hungry right now. I'll teach you after I eat." Adam
"No problem, I will cook food for you. Tell me which is your favorite dish and I will cook it" Lily