Chapter 2061 Another Variable

"The gypsies?"

Luca quirked a brow, frowning. "Those mongrels that trapped us here in the first place? Weren't they Jacob's servants?"

Adam nodded, turning toward the window and gazing east.

"It's them, alright," he murmured. "Sandra all but said Jacob wasn't the greatest threat inside this secret plane. My gut tells me the same. I have a feeling it's those gypsies. Or more accurately, the gypsy leader."

Luca did not outright dismiss him. Instead, he grew solemn.

If a newly advanced Magus or Paladin went around saying words like "gut feeling" and "instincts," then it could be considered a laughing matter.

But if a Magus or Paladin with years of experience gained from the precipice of life and death said those same words, then it was a different matter altogether.

Those words could not be dismissed.

"Alright. Alright." Luca nodded. "But the plan stays the same, Constantine. It's just that we'll have to factor in another variable after killing Jacob."

"Indeed." Adam nodded, eyes narrowed.

Something felt wrong. Like something was missing. But he could not quite put a finger on it.

Luca noticed it too, and couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter?"

"I don't know…" Adam shook his head. "Just feeling a little uneasy."

Luca had a knowing look in his eyes. "Ah. Genevieve."

Adam wrinkled his nose, feeling slightly annoyed. He turned back to Luca and said, "Why do you keep saying it's about her? It's not."

"Isn't it, though?" Luca scoffed. "It's clear as day. You are smitten with her."

"No, I'm not!"

Luca snorted in ridicule. "Yes, yes, good man. Whatever helps you sleep at night… wait."

Suddenly, Luca's brows furrowed together. And then his eyes slowly widened.

"Don't tell me…" His voice dripped with disbelief. "Constantine, you… you've never been with a woman, have you?"

"Fuck off with you!" Adam looked away. He at least had the grace to hide his blush.

Luca was silent for a brief moment. Then he let out a deep, thunderous belly laugh.

Adam gnashed his teeth in annoyance as he saw Luca unable to hold his laughter.

This piece of shit! He thought, embarrassed.

But…

Luca's words held a kernel of truth.

Adam may not have been entirely smitten with Genevieve, but he did have some feelings toward her. Feelings that he had never held for anyone else. Feelings he did not even recognize.

When did it happen?

He slipped into contemplation as his thoughts returned to Genevieve.

It was not her flowing auburn hair that caught his attention. It was not her cerulean eyes that reminded him of a gentle summer morning. It was not her beautiful features. Or her graceful manners. Or the way she dressed herself in impeccable fashion. It was none of that.

I see…

Adam realized what it was.

It was Genevieve's dream.

It was also his dream.

A far-fetched dream. A dream that most would laugh at if they heard it.

Yet, somehow, Genevieve believed in it.

Just like him.

For the first time, Adam had found someone who looked toward the same distant horizon he did. Someone who dreamed of something that seemed almost impossible to achieve.

And that was what drew him to her.

He had spent so long walking alone. He had always assumed that if he wanted to reach his dream, he would have to do it by himself. He had never expected to find someone who wanted to walk the same path.

But Genevieve had appeared.

Someone who understood that dream. Someone who shared it.

The thought warmed his heart.

Not because she was beautiful. Not because she was kind. Not because of any of the other qualities she possessed.

But because, for once, Adam could imagine someone walking beside him. Side by side. Pursuing the same impossible dream.

My dream, he murmured inside his heart.

Her dream. Our dream.

For someone like Adam, who had spent so much of his personal life relying only on himself, that simple thought was strangely comforting.

Perhaps that was when his feelings for her had begun.

Perhaps that was when he had started falling for her.

Adam's distant eyes hardened with resolve.

I have to save her, he thought grimly.

I must not let her die.

No matter what.

Knock! Knock!

Adam's thoughts and Luca's laughter were interrupted by the sudden knock on the door.

Adam adjusted his voice as he canceled the barrier.

"Come in," he said in the deep, gravelly voice of Bucca.

Moments later, Michael stepped inside with a bag.

Seeing that it was him, Adam relaxed. He had already revealed his true identity to the youth. Or rather, Luca had. Adam simply confirmed it afterward.

"It's here," Michael said, dangling the bag. "All of it."

"Kesha agreed?" Adam's eyes lit up.

He grabbed the bag from Michael and opened it. Inside were Genevieve's artifacts — the ones her grandfather had gifted her.

These items meant a lot to Genevieve, so Adam had to retrieve them.

"Yes, but not without some warnings," Michael said, sighing.

"What did she say?" Luca asked with a raised brow.

"Oh, you know. The usual threats," Michael said casually. "She said the other councilors, especially Aramen and Umlo, are very dissatisfied with you forcing the war upon us. Said that if the adventurers lose, then the two would be coming for your head."

Luca scoffed in ridicule. "Those rats are getting more audacious by the day. Instead of thanking us for finding a way out — an actual way out — and Adam for culling down enemy numbers, they threaten us in the dark."

Michael sighed. "Kesha and Gregor hold a different stance, though. They seemed to be with you."

Luca sneered. "Because the cravens fear Adam more than Aramen."

Michael nodded. Suddenly, he thought of something and turned to Adam. "By the way, I looked around for that missing person while you were busy. Sadly, there's nothing. Not even a clue. I don't understand how a person like that simply vanishes."

"Missing person?" Adam frowned.

"Are you… serious?" Michael was dumbfounded. "Adam, do you remember our mission? The one Master Greene gave us."

"Ah!" Adam ran a hand through his hair. "So much has happened I almost forgot about that mission."

Michael resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He retrieved the old portrait of the woman that Esmond Greene had given to them, and handed it over to Adam.

"I don't have much hope, but did you see her in your travels? Maybe in the human settlement you visited?"

Adam held the tiny portrait. It was of a man and woman. A young Esmond and the love of his life. He closely studied the woman's facial features.

"No, I don't think I…" The words trailed off.

And his eyes widened.