As the ball drew to a close, the grand banquet hall gradually quieted. Guests departed in small groups, their chatter and laughter fading into the night. The ornate chandeliers continued to cast a warm glow on the polished floors, but the once-vibrant atmosphere now felt hollow and forlorn. Silent servers moved through the room, collecting empty glasses and plates, leaving behind faint traces of the evening’s splendor.Alia stood at one side of the hall, watching the last few groups of guests bid their farewells. Her gown cascaded elegantly to the floor, and her fingers absently played with an intricately embroidered handkerchief. A swirl of complicated emotions danced in her chest. Her gaze drifted instinctively toward Marcellus, who stood in the center of the hall. Engaging in polite conversation with a group of noble guests, his cold, chiseled features softened by a faint smile of courtesy.When the final guest exited, Marcellus approached her with steady, measured steps. He stoppe
Alia’s voice no longer held its usual gentleness; instead, it carried a tone of unwavering resolve. “Adrian, the world has no sympathy for the weak. You either stand at the summit or be crushed beneath it.”Her words startled Adrian. The sister he had always known to be soft-spoken and kind suddenly revealed an unexpected ambition, her tone brimming with rare authority. He opened his mouth, as if to refute her, but found no suitable words. After a brief silence, he finally absorbed the weight of her statement. Determination gradually replaced hesitation in his gaze.Lifting his head, Adrian looked at Alia with a newfound respect and a conviction that brooked no argument. “Alright. Trust me, I will make it happen.” His voice was low yet resolute, as though he were swearing an oath—not only to her but also to himself.Alia studied his expression, her gaze layered with complex emotions. There was a sisterly fondness in her eyes, but also an unyielding authority. She gave a soft scoff, wa
In the dead of night, Alia tossed and turned in bed, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Her once serene expression twisted into one of anguish, her breathing rapid. In her dreams, she was back in that dim and filthy alley, the cracked cobblestones reeking of decay, with distant, low murmurs adding to the oppressive atmosphere.Her small hand gripped a pouch of coins tightly. It was the treasure she had painstakingly stolen just days before—a small fortune that she thought could finally free her from the torment of poverty and hunger. But somehow, word had gotten out. Shadows emerged at the end of the alley, sinister and menacing.“Hey, little girl, hand it over!” The lead thug snarled, his face broad and greasy, waving a rusty dagger in his hand. A cruel grin spread across his lips.Alia bit her lip and backed away quickly, her eyes darting around for an escape route. She reached for a small pouch at her waist, quickly scattering its powdery contents into the air as the thugs adv
Alia held her breath, straining to listen to the faintest hint of footsteps. Her instincts screamed in alarm. She recognized that gait all too well—light as a feather, yet with a precise rhythm, characteristic of a thief in action.“This isn’t something a servant or guard could manage. It must be a professional.” Her brows furrowed as she swiftly reviewed the estate’s security arrangements in her mind. With Marcellus’s level of caution, it should be nearly impossible to infiltrate this place. Unless there was a mole—or this thief was extraordinary.Lowering her body, she slipped into the shadows cast by a nearby bookshelf. Her movements were fluid, a result of years of training. As she hid, a flicker of humor crossed her mind. “Why is it always the study? Seems like I’m here hiding more often than reading. It’s becoming a tradition.”In the darkness, Alia kept her breathing shallow and focused her gaze on the faint glow under the study door. The light was dim, but it was enough to cat
Alia held her breath, doing her best to minimize her presence. Her eyes were fixed on Eryx, as her heart pounded in her chest like a war drum. Each deliberate, steady step he took seemed to tread directly on her nerves, making her feel as if she could barely breathe.“No, I can’t let him find me.”Her mind raced. She could still feel Eryx’s sharp gaze sweeping through the study like a blade, ready to cut through any disguise or subtle movement.“The only reason he hasn’t caught me yet is because of the experience from my past life. If I hadn’t used my thief skills to lower my breathing to its absolute minimum, I’d have been discovered already. If he sees me, he’ll know I’m a ‘well-bred lady’ who somehow knows how to use advanced thief techniques. Everything will fall apart.”She couldn’t allow that to happen. It was clear that Eryx was no ordinary person. His keen awareness and precise movements marked him as a dangerous opponent. Alia knew her abilities, not yet fully recovered from
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, spilling into the room. Alia woke from a night of heightened vigilance, her mind still occupied by the events of the previous night. She slowly sat up in bed, massaging her temples as she took a deep breath. The discovery she had made only heightened her sense of danger—whoever the man connected to her mentor was, he had come with a purpose. She was almost certain that purpose was the Holy Grail.“If he dared to come once, he might come again. I can’t let this happen again,” Alia muttered, her gaze steeling with resolve.She quickly washed up, got dressed, and, under the pretense of having nightmares, summoned the estate’s head of security. For a young noblewoman to request additional security wasn’t unusual, but the level of detail in her instructions was surprisingly professional.In the grand hall, Alia pointed to a map of the estate as she outlined her directives:“These areas, especially the balcony on the north side of th
Though Marcellus was absent from the castle, Alia wasted no time. She understood that this world was filled with unknown challenges. Whether it was facing potential enemies or protecting herself, she needed to remain vigilant. She channeled her focus into rigorous training, aiming to unleash the potential and flexibility of this new body.In the early morning mist, Alia donned a lightweight training outfit and stood in the upgraded practice room she’d refurbished days prior. The room was spacious and bright, with a specially designed floor that absorbed shocks and facilitated agile movement. It had become her most frequented space of late.At first, her movements had been stiff; after all, this body was different from her original one. But through relentless practice, she gradually adapted to its unique traits. While it lacked raw strength, it boasted exceptional agility, with natural advantages in flexibility and speed.“One more time,” she murmured, taking a deep breath as she assum
Autumn deepened as sycamore trees lining the streets turned shades of gold and crimson. Fallen leaves scattered on the ground danced softly with the breeze. Though the sun shone brightly, the crisp air carried hints of the approaching chill. Central Plaza was bustling, its elegant fountain surrounded by lively cafes. People strolled or hurried along, wrapped in seasonal clothing, while the rose statue in the plaza’s center glimmered under the sunlight, adding a romantic warmth to the cool day.Alia walked gracefully, her burgundy heels clicking lightly against the pavement. Her emerald-green long-sleeved dress, tailored to accentuate her slender waist, swayed gently as she moved. Over it, she wore a beige trench coat, slightly open at the collar to reveal a delicate necklace, lending her an air of understated elegance. A light breeze swept by, prompting her to pull the coat closer as she quickened her pace toward the meeting spot.On the other side of the plaza, Lianna arrived in a pa
Marcellus looked at Livia, his voice tinged with concern. “Alright, go get some rest.”But Livia did not move. Instead, she frowned, a trace of unease in her eyes. “No, I’ll stay here with you. What if someone attacks you again?”Her gaze was unwavering—she was clearly unwilling to leave.Marcellus let out a soft sigh, a fleeting hint of helplessness flashing across his eyes. Still, his tone remained gentle. “They won’t. I’ve already told you—if someone is targeting me, they won’t take my life. At least, not yet.”He paused, his deep gaze fixed on her. “It’s you who should be more careful. Besides, you’ll be facing Edgar tomorrow. You need rest to be at your best.”Livia pressed her lips together before finally nodding. “Fine. I’ll go back for now.”Her voice regained its usual calmness, and her speech quickened. After all, at her core, she was still Alia—the thief she had always been. Once she pulled herself out of the whirlpool of emotions, she had no desire to linger on them. She p
Marcellus frowned slightly as he looked at the resolute Livia before him. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. “But you have to convince your father.”Livia’s status certainly gave her an advantage, but Edgar was not someone easily swayed. Moreover, he likely had his own considerations and plans.Livia, however, did not hesitate. Her eyes were unwavering. “I will. I don’t believe he would refuse.”Marcellus fell into brief contemplation, his tone becoming more serious. “You know what our goal is, don’t you?”He didn’t say it outright, but Livia knew exactly what he was referring to—the Holy Grail. This coveted artifact was far more complex than it appeared, shrouded in secrets beyond imagination. More importantly, there was an unspoken scheme between Edgar and Marcellus, one they had no intention of revealing to outsiders.Marcellus was always cautious. His words were both a test and a final reminder. He knew that both Livia and Elias were already aware of the Holy G
The room fell into silence. Marcellus’ deep gaze locked onto her, his voice low yet resolute. “Livia, I feel like you’ve changed ever since your last coma.”Livia—no, Alia—startled awake.A chill crept down her spine, and her fingers clenched unconsciously, trembling slightly at the tips.She had almost grown accustomed to being Livia—accustomed to everything around her, to her role as Marcellus’ wife, to being the object of Elias’ affection, to being the key figure entangled in the Holy Grail’s secret. Yet now, hearing Marcellus pierce through her pretense so directly, she suddenly realized—she had sunk too deep into this web of secrets and emotions.She had told herself countless times that she was just Alia, just a petty thief, someone who didn’t belong in this world. But every time she tried to distance herself, something unexpected would drag her back into this identity—forcing her to accept feelings and a fate that were never meant to be hers.But this time… perhaps this was her
Elias looked at Livia, his gaze flickering slightly. He wanted to refute her, but her analysis was almost flawless. Indeed, if Livia took over, Eryx’s plans would be completely disrupted, and Marcellus wouldn’t truly lose his power.But…“Are you sure?” Marcellus finally spoke, his deep voice carrying a hint of complexity as he locked eyes with her. “Do you understand what this means?”Livia nodded without hesitation. “Of course, I do.”She took a deep breath, her tone softening slightly. “This isn’t just about your safety. It’s because…I don’t want Eryx to get his way.”Marcellus’s gaze darkened, a trace of unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes.For a moment, the air in the hospital room seemed to freeze.Marcellus stared at Livia in silence, struggling with something within himself. Then, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying an unusual trace of concern. “But what about your safety?”Unlike his usual composed self, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible worry in his voice. “If you
The atmosphere in the hospital room was heavy and tense. The dim lighting cast soft shadows, but it couldn’t dispel the suffocating pressure hanging in the air.Marcellus leaned against the hospital bed, his head lowered in deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, “This is what I wanted to tell you—if the explosion was truly aimed at me, then the enemy, having gone to such lengths, wouldn’t have let me escape at the last moment.”His gaze darkened, as if playing out every possible scenario in his mind. “If this was an assassination attempt, they had the means to ensure I died beneath the rubble. But I survived, injured but alive. What does that mean?”He let out a quiet sigh, his eyes growing even more profound. “If this was really meant to kill me, then it’s highly possible… they spared me on purpose.”Livia’s breath hitched slightly, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Spared you? Why?”“It could be a warning,” Marcellus replied, his tone devoid of emotion, as if merely stating a
Elias was just about to step out of the hospital room when Marcellus’s deep voice sounded from behind him.“Don’t go.”Elias paused slightly and turned back. Marcellus’s expression had grown even more solemn, his gaze deep and intense, as if it could pull someone in. He glanced at Livia, then subtly gestured toward the door. Elias understood and casually locked it, ensuring that only the three of them remained inside.“This incident… there’s something off about it,” Marcellus said, his voice low, carrying a suppressed chill.Elias frowned, immediately catching the underlying meaning in his words. “You’re saying… this wasn’t an accident?”Livia’s heart clenched, and she unconsciously tightened her fists, her eyes filled with shock. “What? Not an accident?”She had assumed it was just a construction mishap. Given the scale of the expansion project, even a slight oversight could lead to danger. But if it wasn’t an accident… that meant someone had deliberately caused the explosion.Marcel
Elias stood at the hospital room door, hesitating to step inside. Marcellus had fallen back into a deep sleep after his conversation with Livia.Through the narrow gap in the door, Elias could see Livia sitting beside Marcellus’s bed, her expression heavy with complex emotions. In her eyes, there was concern, heartache, and… perhaps even a deep affection she herself might not want to admit.Elias’s heart clenched.He didn’t want to acknowledge it, but the truth was undeniable—she had always loved Marcellus.He should have expected it. He should have realized it long ago. Yet just hours ago, he had still believed he had a chance. At the top of the Ferris wheel, when he held her hand, she hadn’t pulled away. He had even come so close… so close to kissing her.But then, the explosion shattered everything in an instant.A bitter thought crossed his mind—if that explosion had come just a few minutes later, would things have been different?But reality didn’t deal in “what-ifs.”His gaze fe
The night sky was torn apart by a sudden explosion, its fiery glow illuminating the darkness. The shockwave rippled through the ground, shaking it ever so slightly. Livia’s heart clenched, her mind racing through countless possibilities, but the one that terrified her most—was Marcellus or Adrian caught in that explosion?Screams and frantic cries echoed through the streets as people fled in panic. The once-quiet night was shattered beyond repair. Livia instinctively moved toward the explosion, but Elias grabbed her wrist, his brows tightly furrowed.“Don’t be reckless. At least confirm the situation first.”Livia took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She quickly pulled out her phone and contacted Adrian.“Are you both okay?” Her voice carried a trace of urgency.A few seconds later, Adrian’s voice came through. “Elise and I are fine. The explosion happened far from us.”Livia let out a breath of relief, but her heart remained lodged in her throat. “What about Marcellus? W
Livia’s mind was in turmoil. She was still trying to figure out what Eryx’s sudden interference meant, whether Edgar’s arrangements were intentional or had hidden motives, and—most pressing of all—what Marcellus’s situation was at that moment…But Elias nonchalantly interrupted her thoughts. “Thinking about all that won’t change anything. Today, I’m taking you out—to eat, to have fun. Let’s take a break.”Livia looked up at him. His expression held an unusual seriousness, as if he had planned this all along. There was no urgency in his gaze, no command—only a quiet expectation, like he was waiting for her answer.She hesitated. It was true—these past few days, her mind had barely had a moment’s rest. Problems tangled together, suffocating her. Maybe, just maybe, taking a break would actually help her sort things out.In the end, she gave a slight nod.Seeing her agree, Elias’s lips curved into a relaxed smile. “Then let’s go. I’ve planned everything for today.”—As night fell, the to