Chapter 24
Ambasha liked Franklin.
She was like an older sister, someone she spent the most time with, and also a mentor who taught her everything from A to Z.
However, separate from this closeness, there was always an uncomfortable feeling buried deep in Ambasha’s heart.
The more she got to know Franklin, the more certain she became.
Deep in Franklin’s heart lay feelings of “admiration” for that man.
Though others may not have noticed, being by her side all the time made it easy to see.
The subtle flush on Franklin’s cheeks whenever she saw him.
The excessive joy she showed at his smallest acts of kindness.
And… even the look of pure happiness on her face as she stayed up all night, mixing chili powder and cabbage for him.
These behaviors stirred unease in Ambasha, but she had done her best to ignore them until now.
It was a crucial matter, yet her friendship with Franklin was also precious. She didn’t want to create conflict with her beloved “sister” over such things.
However, the discomfort she had tried to suppress never disappeared. Instead, it left a bitter residue in her heart.
A desire burned within her—a desire to someday surpass Franklin.
And now…
In the midst of an unplanned argument…
Faced with an unexpected clash against Franklin…
Ambasha’s feelings began to ignite.
‘I won’t lose… Absolutely not…’
Though she was young, she had her ambitions. She wanted to earn her father’s praise—and go even further from there.
This desire, combined with the emotional turmoil brewing within her, drove Ambasha to strive for the calm demeanor Franklin had always taught her, as she observed the ongoing debate between Magellan and Elkana.
“Your point about using Arcroyal is valid—it offers greater benefits. But avoiding unnecessary risks is better. And it could interfere with the Pirate King’s plans.”
“I doubt the Pirate King would falter because of this. Besides, how do you expect to climb the ranks if you keep holding back? If you want to succeed here, you have to grab opportunities and move up quickly.”
“Hmm…”
Though opinions were divided, it was clear that Magellan was losing ground in the debate.
However, regardless of Elkana’s persuasive arguments, Franklin was still the leader of this mission.
Ultimately, the final decision rested with her.
Ambasha realized that overturning the situation required more than just swaying opinions—it needed something decisive.
After careful thought, Ambasha proposed her solution.
“How about this? Since we can’t completely ignore the original mission, let’s split into teams. Franklin, you’re uncomfortable with Arcroyal, so you and Magellan can stick to causing a commotion outside as planned. Elkana and I will quietly slip inside, grab the treasure, and leave without attracting attention.”
“Oh, that sounds good. Even if this turns out to be Arcroyal’s trap, as long as we stay quiet and unnoticed, they won’t have enough evidence to arrest us.”
“Hmm… That does make sense…”
Magellan hesitated, weighing the merits of the compromise.
Meanwhile, Franklin, though still concerned, voiced her cautious approval.
“It… It does seem better than storming in as a group. But I’m still worried. If anything happens and Ambasha gets hurt…”
“!”
Franklin’s genuine concern felt like a sharp stab to Ambasha’s chest.
While Ambasha had been burning with competitiveness and stubbornness, her “sister” was only worried about her well-being.
Though pangs of guilt surged within her, Ambasha knew she couldn’t back down now.
“I’ll be fine, sis. Even if we’re caught, Elkana and I can claim we were coerced and stall for time. We’ll hold out until ‘then.’”
“…That may be true, but…”
“Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll make sure to protect Ambasha.”
Elkana’s confident voice filled the room.
Reluctantly, Franklin gave her approval.
“…Alright. But don’t let your guard down. No matter how friendly she seems, remember that Arcroyal is still the enemy.”
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind, sis.”
With Franklin’s permission finally granted, a broad smile spread across Ambasha’s face.
***
Early morning.
Auriel rose from her bed, having gotten no sleep.
The man’s words from the previous night replayed endlessly in her mind.
She couldn’t bring herself to believe the things he said, yet the seeds of doubt he had sown continued to take root in her heart.
‘It’s all the devil’s lies… Such things couldn’t possibly be true…’
She tried to console herself repeatedly, but eventually, unable to bear the frustration any longer, Auriel got up.
Cautiously, she opened the door and began walking further into the hotel.
‘I’m just checking… That’s all. It’s not that I distrust Bishop Juda, but… if I leave it alone, it might negatively impact the performance…’
Auriel scolded herself for being so insincere.
At the same time, she felt burdened by her growing doubts and her still-weak faith.
According to the words of Lady Magdalene, faith was about believing in unseen truths.
Her pitiful faith, which drove her to verify such outlandish claims—ones she knew were merely the devil’s deception—with her own eyes, left her feeling pathetic.
Moving carefully through the darkness, relying on the sense of Aura, she advanced slowly.
-Whisper, whisper.
“!”
She began to hear faint voices.
The sound carried down the corridor, prompting Auriel to quickly hide behind a large potted plant nearby.
A voice inside her asked why she was even bothering to hide, but she ignored it, focusing on the faint light and the growing sound of voices approaching her position.
“Is it true Marquis Zavanni is already there?”
“Yes, that’s correct. He’s eagerly awaiting the birth of the relic. You should hurry.”
“Haha, of course. Do you know how much money is at stake for this?”
‘…Bishop…?’
The bishop, who usually wore a gentle smile, now seemed like a completely different person.
In the faint light, his face betrayed neither warmth nor kindness.
Instead, it was filled with pure greed and intense satisfaction.
As she watched him, Auriel felt the doubts she had been suppressing grow into certainty.
Her heart pounded with unease as she began trailing them cautiously.
Using Aura to suppress her presence as much as possible, she followed them.
Oblivious to her pursuit, the two men continued their eager conversation.
“Who else is attending?”
“Marquis Reit, Count Mista, and about twenty others. Almost all of Bennessa’s prominent nobles seem to be gathering.”
“Of course, why wouldn’t they? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not just about creating the relic; it’s the first—and last—chance to freely use that Auriel.”
“…!”
Even as she heard the words with her own ears, Auriel couldn’t believe them.
Dizziness overwhelmed her.
Her vision dimmed, and her breathing grew labored.
The agony of her suspicions transforming into certainty was far more excruciating than she had imagined.
The sensation of everything she thought she knew crumbling was suffocating.
Barely able to take another step under the weight of the harsh reality, Auriel sank to her knees.
“But it is a bit of a shame. That woman brought us so much money until now. Thanks to her, you even bought that new villa.”
“Well, considering what we’ll gain from this event, that’s—huh?”
Suddenly, the priest came to a stop.
“What’s the matter?”
“Who’s there?!”
“!”
Her Aura, momentarily disrupted by the shock, had given away her presence.
The priest’s sharp reaction sent chills through Auriel’s entire body.
Without thinking, she turned and ran as fast as she could.
“Damn it! Go after them! We can’t let them tell Auriel anything strange!”
“Yes, sir!”
The darkness hid her identity, but the priest—now brandishing a blade—chased after her with deadly intent.
The man, once so calm and composed, was now rushing to kill her.
Overwhelmed by fear and despair, Auriel ran toward the hotel exit.
‘This can’t be real… It’s a nightmare… This can’t possibly be happening…’
Denying reality, lost in despair, Auriel fled.
Disoriented and aimlessly wandering the unfamiliar streets, she ran without a plan.
“Ugh!”
Suddenly, searing pain shot through her.
A dagger embedded itself in her ankle, sending her sprawling to the ground.
As Auriel writhed in pain, the priest approached her with heavy, deliberate footsteps.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment