Chapter 107: Another house

The house provided to them was quite different from the one they had stayed in at Blue Mountain.

Rather than the more traditional structure they had grown accustomed to, this one was a modern bungalow with an enormous front garden and a swimming pool along one side of the property.

The architecture was sleek, with broad windows and clean lines that gave the place a distinctly different feel from their previous accommodation.

As they walked along the paved path leading to the entrance, Jean glanced around the property before letting out a quiet sigh.

"Already the third house in a week."

Kai chuckled at her remark. "It feels more like we’re on a trip to decide which locality suits us best."

He glanced down at the baby in his arms and found her busy looking around with unrestrained curiosity.

Her little head kept turning from one side to the other, as though she were determined to take in every new sight before they reached the entrance.

Seeing her interest, Kai suddenly lifted her and settled her on his shoulders.

Elara flinched at the unexpected movement, her tiny hands instinctively reaching for his head as she tried to steady herself.

For a brief moment, she seemed uncertain about her new position, but the hesitation quickly passed as she realized how much farther she could see from up there.

"Careful," Jean warned, watching them with concern.

Kai nodded reassuringly. "I’ve got her. Don’t worry."

He held her little legs securely, making sure she was properly supported before continuing forward.

Judging by Elara’s reaction, she was thoroughly enjoying her elevated seat. She moved her head energetically from side to side, her small hands occasionally clutching at his hair as she eagerly explored the surroundings from her new vantage point.

Kai couldn’t help smiling at her enthusiasm. After everything they had been through recently, seeing his daughter so carefree was a welcome relief.

As they approached the entrance, Jean glanced over her shoulder and noticed that Liam was still following them at a respectful distance.

The man had been accompanying them since their departure, and his continued presence finally prompted her to ask the question that had been on her mind.

"Would he actually keep a guard outside the house?" she asked quietly, making sure Liam was too far away to overhear them.

Kai nodded. "Adam said it was necessary. The media could go to any length to get what they wanted."

He understood the reasoning well enough. With his recent achievements drawing considerable attention, there was no telling how far reporters might go to secure an interview, capture a photograph, or uncover details about his private life.

Having someone keep watch over the property would at least discourage the more persistent ones from trying to approach them directly.

Kai could fight monsters without worrying about consequences.

But those media reporters?

He would much rather avoid them altogether.

Jean couldn’t help recalling the days when she had still been a part of the Scarlette family. Back then, she had received extensive training on how to avoid cameras, handle persistent reporters, and politely decline interviews without attracting unnecessary attention. It had been an ordinary part of her life, something she had learned to deal with almost instinctively.

Now, after so many years, the threat of cameras had returned.

Yet, strangely enough, she couldn’t bring herself to feel entirely displeased about it. A quiet sense of pride kept stirring within her as she thought about how far Kai had come. He had accomplished something so extraordinary that people everywhere were eager to get a word with him, and no matter how much trouble the attention might bring, she couldn’t help feeling proud of the man beside her.

"Hmm? What’s that expression about?" Kai asked, catching the subtle change in her expression.

Jean shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not telling."

"Hey, come on now. You can’t just look at me like that and refuse to explain."

Jean giggled, clearly enjoying his curiosity, but remained stubbornly silent. No amount of coaxing could persuade her to share what was going through her mind.

Click.

Before Kai could continue his attempts, Liam stepped past them and unlocked the entrance with a card. He pushed the door open, allowing them to enter, before turning back and handing the card to Kai.

"This card can also be used to access the community entrance," he explained. "However, please let me know before you leave the property."

Kai accepted the card and nodded in understanding. "All right. But wouldn’t you like to have some water before you go? It’s quite hot today."

As if sensing that someone new was standing nearby, Elara suddenly turned her attention toward Liam. Her eyes landed on his glasses, and she immediately leaned forward, stretching out her little hand in an attempt to grab them.

Kai reacted just in time, stepping back before her fingers could reach the man’s face.

"No, I’m fine. Thank you for the offer," Liam replied politely. "Please make yourselves comfortable inside."

His tone remained courteous, though he seemed eager to see them safely indoors. Given the circumstances, Kai couldn’t blame him for wanting to finish his task and return to his post without any unnecessary delay.

Neither Kai nor Jean kept him waiting. After exchanging a few final words, they stepped inside and allowed the door to close behind them.

The house greeted them with a pleasant fragrance, something fresh and subtle that lingered in the air without becoming overwhelming. The entrance opened into a simple yet elegant foyer, its tasteful furnishings and clean arrangement giving the space a welcoming atmosphere. Nothing appeared excessively extravagant, but the care put into preparing the house was evident.

"The hallway is quite long and wide," Jean remarked, looking around as Kai closed the door behind them.

Clink.

The sight of something well arranged on the side caught his eyes as he turned. There, neatly arranged beside the wall, was a collection of new slippers.

"There are spare pairs of shoes here," he observed.

He glanced at them for a moment, then reached a reasonable conclusion. Adam must have arranged for someone to prepare the house before their arrival, ensuring they had everything they needed from the moment they stepped inside.

Even so, the realization left Kai slightly cautious.

He had no reason to suspect Adam of anything, but after everything he had experienced, he had learned not to take his surroundings for granted. A house could appear perfectly ordinary while concealing all sorts of surprises, and he preferred to make sure everything was in order before allowing himself to relax.

’System, would you mind scanning the house and checking whether we’re the only ones here?’

As Kai and Jean exchanged their outdoor footwear for the slippers, the system carried out a quick scan of the property.

A brief pause followed before it responded.

[Everything is fine, host. There are only three presences inside the house and no surveillance device except the one outside the door.]

Kai exhaled a sigh of relief. Now, it was better. At the moment, other than Jean, he only trusted the system

"Nhaaa...pa?"

And of course, his dear Elli too.