Chapter 158: Didn’t take any chances

"You knew."

Those were the first words Kai uttered upon arriving beside Adam.

"Hunter Kai... I did." Adam nodded, making no attempt to deny it. Given Adam’s position, it would have been silly to deny it.

For the Chief of Surveillance to remain unaware of the guests arriving at an event of this scale would either suggest a serious failure on his part or a rather convenient lie. Adam figured that admitting the truth was the better choice.

"You could have told me."

"You wouldn’t have come," Adam replied politely.

He paused briefly before continuing, "I understand that you’re unhappy about seeing Sir Scarlette here. However, Hunter, this gathering was arranged because we promised to give Arden an opportunity to thank you in person. Your presence here was quite important, especially considering our future plans."

Kai let out a sigh.

"I would have come even if you’d told me everything beforehand. The only difference is that I wouldn’t have brought my family along."

He shook his head, his displeasure evident.

"You know about Jean’s relationship with her family. And yet, you still allowed something like this to happen."

Adam lowered his head slightly.

"That... I am guilty of. Please forgive me. I simply didn’t want to take any chances."

Kai offered him a wry smile.

"So you aren’t even going to deny that you arranged this deliberately." He shook his head before waving the matter away. "Well, forget it."

Running a hand through his hair, he changed the subject.

"Tell me, who am I supposed to meet?"

"That would be us!"

A cheerful voice suddenly interrupted their conversation.

Kai turned towards the sound and found a pink-haired girl approaching alongside a tanned man with a broad, well-built physique.

The girl practically hopped over to him before extending her hand with an enthusiastic smile.

"Hello! I’m Mei. Judging by your expression, I suppose you’ve already forgotten about me."

Kai tilted his head slightly as he accepted her handshake.

"Have we met before?"

Adam stepped in to provide an explanation.

"She was with Hunter Hannah at the centre of the Void during the incident. You might remember seeing her there."

Kai gave it a moment’s thought, but her face still failed to ring a bell. He eventually decided not to dwell on it and shifted his attention towards the man accompanying her.

The man stepped forward and extended his hand.

"Hunter Kai, my name is Darren Waleski. I’m the Chief of Foreign Affairs."

Kai shook his hand.

"Hello. Nice to meet you."

Once they released their grip, Darren offered him a courteous smile.

"I’ve heard quite a bit about your accomplishments from Hunter Mei. And I must say, your contributions to society have been nothing short of tremendous. Words cannot adequately express just how much your efforts have-"

"Oh, enough with the pleasantries!"

Mei abruptly cut him off, apparently having little patience for the formalities.

She turned towards Kai, her eyes practically sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Tell me, Hunter Kai, wouldn’t you like to visit my guild sometime?"

Adam stepped in before Mei could continue. "With all due respect, Hunter, we’ve already discussed this. Arden has agreed not to make any attempts to recruit Hunter Kai."

Mei waved a hand dismissively.

"I’m well aware of what I’m not allowed to do. I’m simply inviting Hunter Kai for a visit." She turned towards him with a faint grin. "Besides, I believe you’d very much enjoy the Red Room once you see what’s inside."

"Cough!"

Darren immediately coughed upon hearing those words, drawing Kai’s attention. However, his reaction did little to discourage Mei.

"Don’t you want to work on your weaknesses? We have some rather interesting equipment in the Red Room that can help you identify exactly where you fall short."

"Miss Mei," Darren warned, his tone considerably firmer this time.

Yet, she seemed determined to get her invitation across.

"Not only that, but you’d also get the opportunity to fight someone who knows you better than anyone else. Or should I say..."

"I think that’s enough."

Darren finally stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder and pulling her back before she could reveal anything further.

Kai was rather grateful for the intervention. Mei had gradually moved so close that he could practically feel her breath against his face. Her enthusiasm was beginning to feel a little overwhelming.

Nevertheless, Mei didn’t seem particularly bothered by the fact that she had been interrupted. Nor did she appear regretful about what she had already revealed.

"I simply want to repay you for everything you’ve done, both for the world and for me."

She reached into her pocket and produced a card, holding it out towards him.

"Here. If you ever find yourself in trouble while in Arden, just contact me. I’ll make sure to respond."

Kai accepted the card, though his expression remained somewhat dazed.

The entire exchange had unfolded at such a ridiculous pace that he hadn’t even found the opportunity to properly process what Mei had been saying. From her sudden invitation to her rather suspicious remarks about the Red Room, everything had happened in quick succession.

Before he could think of anything else to ask, the two had already taken their leave.

Adam watched them disappear into the crowd before turning back towards Kai.

"Please don’t mind her behaviour, Hunter. Hunter Mei tends to become rather obsessed with anything that catches her interest."

Kai glanced at the card in his hand and offered a wry smile.

"I’d rather not guess what the latest subject of her obsession might be."

Adam chose not to comment on that.

Instead, he cleared his throat and continued, "If you don’t mind, there are a few more people who would like to have a word with you."

Kai didn’t immediately respond. His attention had already shifted towards Jean, who was currently engaged in conversation with a woman he didn’t recognize.

Judging by her expression, she seemed perfectly comfortable. More importantly, through their connection, Kai could sense that she wasn’t experiencing any particular distress.

He decided to check on her anyway.

Activating Link Click, he sent her a quiet message.

’I’m nearby. Just call me if you get bored.’

Jean seemed to hear him almost immediately. She raised her eyes towards him and, upon finding his gaze, offered a small smile before nodding.

Satisfied with her response, Kai finally exhaled.

"Alright, then. Let’s get this over with."