Legacy of Hatred

Chapter 394: Decision

Obviously, the Crege family couldn’t possibly possess the same wealth as a Sect. The hall’s alchemical ingredients were abundant, but mostly in the first rank, as expected of an inferior force.

However, Liam had no real ownership and limited freedom in the Roaring Thunder Sect. He had spent most of his time there concocting for the Sect and issuing alchemy lessons.

That had been a limit to how much Liam could concoct for himself. He also had to account for Grace’s shelves, but none of that existed now.

The inheritance had given Grace plenty of alchemical products to sell, meaning Liam could use all those ingredients for himself.

Of course, Liam had little use for the rank 1 products. Some rank 2 recipes still needed them, especially if he altered them a bit, but his level was getting too high for that practice.

Nevertheless, there seemed to be enough rank 2 ingredients to last Liam three weeks if he went overboard. He could finally resume working on alchemy, as well as focus on his other projects.

Moreover, that was the first batch. If the partnership with Mairis’ three families continued, Liam could hope to gain access to a steady stream of ingredients.

Erika also didn’t hesitate to improve that outlook.

"This is one of two warehouses," Erika revealed. "At times, the Crege family has the opportunity to unload ingredients in great quantities, but nothing steady. We are often forced to use them in their raw form to avoid them going to waste."

Raw ingredients still had beneficial properties. They were nothing compared to complete alchemical products, but they could have their uses, especially in desperate times.

Still, two things stood out from that revelation. The Crege family had excellent means of production, enough for their stocks to risk expiring. Also, they had ways to protect them.

’They must have backers,’ Liam concluded, letting go of Grace’s hand to head for the shelves.

That idea intensified as Liam browsed the shelves. Every ingredient was of good quality. Some were slightly old, but still usable. That wealth wasn’t something rooting experts could defend on their own, meaning that they didn’t.

Either the three families had powerful deterrents somewhere outside Mairis, or the stronger forces were in agreement not to touch it.

’Guilds?’ Liam wondered as his inspection continued. ’Sects? Demonic Sects?’

With how little Liam knew about the border, he couldn’t find a straight answer. Chances were that everyone was in on keeping Mairis as a source of additional income, just like Liam and Grace were pretending to do.

And as the inspection continued, voices began to reach Liam’s ears.

"If you are satisfied with the ingredients," Erika announced, "We’ll issue the auction in a week, giving time for the news to spread and other clients to reach Mairis."

"You don’t have to worry," Grace chuckled. "As I said, we’ll show our goodwill first. You do what you have to do to keep up with appearances."

Issuing a private auction would be no different than making direct sales, so the three families needed to add other clients to the equation, mostly to preserve their reputation. Like that, they could hide the fact that the event was for Liam and Grace.

"The Crege family is grateful for your understanding," Erika politely replied. "However, if anything catches your eye, we’d be more than willing to handle the sale on the spot."

"Already with the private offers?" Grace mocked. "The Creges have their alchemical ingredients. What should we expect from the Pitkers and the Surons?"

"The Pitker family deals with Qi-enhanced alloys," Erika explained. "The Suron family has an inscription master instead."

"Mairis exists because of the Suron family," Grace immediately understood. "An inscription master in such a backwater place. The Kingdom must hate him."

"This area has unique advantages," Erika remained vague.

"Which is why we have come here," Grace exclaimed. "Though I’ll have to request a comprehensive map. I believe you don’t want what happened to the Brigade to repeat itself."

"We’ll be happy to provide," Erika agreed. "However, Mairis’ facilities are-."

"Abandon any idea of keeping us here," Grace interrupted. "We will return for the auction and to pursue additional business opportunities, but we won’t stay in Mairis."

"Fellow Daoist," Erika cleared her throat. "I spoke out of concern, not distrust. Much of these areas is unpredictable and dangerous."

"I can’t suppress my voice when my beloved embraces me," Grace stated, "And he doesn’t like others to know how I sound."

Erika didn’t dare to argue any further after catching the couple in the act. Mairis had private areas that would suit the couple perfectly, but she understood that insisting would be pointless.

Naturally, all that was part of the act, but Liam couldn’t help but consider it after the previous cuddling. He might have used the reward as an excuse to allow himself some leeway, but a whole week alone with Grace, with nothing specific to do, sounded dangerous.

’I have to be honest with her,’ Liam decided.

It took a while for the thorough inspection to end. There was simply too much to go through. By the time Liam was done, it wasn’t night anymore, and Grace and Erika had long since finished their last arrangements.

A swift departure followed. Liam and Grace didn’t purchase anything privately to stick to their act, so they left Mairis with technically nothing done, but with promises that a lot would change in the next week.

Actually, Grace had obtained more detailed information about the area, allowing her and Liam to find a suitable place nearby. It was a barren mountain less than a day from Mairis, scarred by countless battles, but perfect as another temporary hiding spot.

And once the underground hall came to be, the moment arrived. The atmosphere instantly shifted. While there had been similar interactions throughout that relationship, the last had been mutual, which changed everything.

"The auction will be our first real move in the area," Grace announced, bumping against Liam’s shoulder before walking away. "Master Liam, I’ll have to use your finances, too, but I’m confident we’ll make everything back and more."

Liam already considered his wealth to be Grace’s wealth. They were on the same page, so he didn’t bother reacting to the matter, instead crossing his arms to focus on the main issue.

"We have a decent initial capital," Grace sighed, "But it’s worthless without channels to invest it into. As we are, we also need it to grow continuously to keep up with our expenses."

Liam remained silent even now, his gaze following Grace’s sensual back. She felt the staring, so she eventually stopped, elegantly brushing a few strands behind her ear while peeking at him.

"Master, you sure like this attire," Grace shot a devilish look, "I’m happy you can’t take your eyes off of me."

"It’s not just your attire," Liam responded.

Grace arched her eyebrows in surprise, turning as Liam approached. He stopped right in front of her, his intense gaze putting her on the spot, making her lower her head and peek up at him timidly.

"Master Liam, your words are getting more insidious," Grace muttered. "I’ll have to collect rewards more often. I’d be a poor creditor otherwise."

Grace was trying to put up her usual strong front, but Liam saw her vulnerability slipping out, so he responded with a gesture.

As many times before, Liam lifted a hand toward Grace, but didn’t interrupt himself now. He reached for her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb.

Grace inhaled sharply, surprised, but slowly looked up, her green eyes full of hope. Liam had once held Melissa in the same way, and the feelings he felt now confirmed that dreaded issue.

"Grace, to make you happy," Liam said, "To take care of you... What do you want me to be for you?"

Liam wasn’t making much sense. It was his first time taking the initiative like that. Part of him believed Grace felt the same about him. It was probably too late for her to refuse, too, but Liam wanted to do right by her.

Grace recognized her previous doubts in that question. She lowered her head again, this time leaning forward to rest her forehead on Liam’s chest.

"I sold myself to you," Grace explained, "Even as a woman. Do you understand?"

Liam understood, which was why he couldn’t tread carelessly.

"I know it’s unfair," Liam said, "But can I ask you to wait?"

Grace didn’t reply but brought her hand to the one on her cheek.

"This stuff is hard for me," Liam continued, "And I want to understand myself and where I stand better before making a decision. I don’t want to burden you with my regret."

Grace knew that part of Liam. She had understood it would have been a problem ever since learning about it, but it was also what had allowed their relationship to develop to that point.

"And if you decide otherwise," Grace mentioned, her face still on Liam’s chest, "Will you leave me? Will you give me to someone else?"

"I’ll never leave you," Liam reaffirmed that promise, forcing Grace to look up at him. "You hear me? Never. I just want to do right by you."

Grace’s dark lips curved into a small smile, her temptress act returning.

"Master, can you truly stop me if you decide otherwise?" Grace wondered. "If you surrender now, we’d have more time for what you are refraining yourself from doing."

"You are terrible," Liam laughed, shaking his head, but also rubbing Grace’s face more. He knew she was troublesome, but he had come to adore her witty remarks.

"Since it’s a request from my dear, handsome Master," Grace sighed, "I’ll be patient. I’ll wait until my greed says otherwise."

Something rang in Liam’s mind at those words. Melissa had said the same back then, and he had to leave before telling her how he felt about her.

The similarity with Grace felt ominous, as if warning Liam to stop delaying his confession before something tragic happened again, before he missed his chance once more.

Yet, that wasn’t right. Liam knew as much. Merely considering what he was thinking was already a betrayal for him, so he had to be certain. He had to finish what he had started during the fight against Dominic before making such important decisions.

Still, that didn’t mean Liam would do nothing. He couldn’t kiss Grace, at least not yet, so he aimed for her forehead when he leaned down, pressing his lips there.

"Thank you," Liam whispered as his lips left Grace’s forehead. He even let her go altogether, heading for an empty mat she had arranged earlier.

As for Grace, she saw a change in Liam’s steps and stance, as if a new conviction had joined his being.

Even now, Liam was transforming. He was growing, especially when it came to his heart. Despite the difficult predicament, he was facing it head-on, accepting the unfairness of feelings, choosing to shoulder them rather than opting for the easy way out.

And Grace licked her lips. She could almost see Liam’s potential increasing alongside that shift in mentality. The mind was one of the main requirements for greatness, and Grace wanted to own it. She desired those arms to be glued around her forever.

Before Grace knew it, she was already strolling happily toward Liam, her desire for a brushing session overriding the previous conversation.