Chapter 634 - 243: He Shouldn’t Know, Right?

’But how did these two know I was here?’

’How strange...’

"Investigator?"

Wei’en tilted his head, looking her directly in the eyes. With a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, he said, "It’s been a while since I’ve heard that title. I actually kind of miss it."

"R-really?" Mitra instinctively averted her gaze, looking out beyond the railing. "I also miss my days in the Caster City State."

"Nocturnal City? I remember Marco saying you were in charge of it."

"Yes. It was the liaison point for the Desire Sect and the Glory Society. I’d been stationed there ever since I became a Favored One."

Mitra had no intention of hiding her identity. At this point, she couldn’t imagine any way to escape—unless that hideous Lord of Desire itself descended to possess her body.

"I see,"

Wei’en gave a noncommittal nod. He was somewhat surprised by how cooperative this Favored One of the Desire Sect was being, but then again, he had come here fully prepared.

’Besides, I have Tina and the clown with me...’

"Lady Mitra, I trust you won’t mind chatting with me a little longer?"

"Of course," Mitra managed a bitter smile. She took a deep breath and gestured to the side. "There’s a reception area downstairs. The drinks are pretty good."

"Thank you very much."

Wei’en mimicked Horant’s earlier actions, offering a bow. Then, ever the gentleman, he took Tina by the hand and followed Mitra downstairs.

"Mr. Wei’en, if I may ask, what brings you to Aleksey Island?"

Once they were seated, Mitra seemed to relax considerably, and that alluring smile returned to her lips.

’If you can’t avoid it, you might as well accept it.’

She had seen plenty of situations like this back in Nocturnal City, which made it easier to accept her current predicament.

"Repairing my ship. Getting some rest." Wei’en raised his glass, took a sip of red wine, and smacked his lips a couple of times. "It’s average."

Mitra’s smile froze. ’A bottle of wine worth eight thousand gold pounds is just... average?’

’Even with the Desire Sect’s numerous followers and staggering wealth, not just anyone could afford to drink wine like this.’

"My apologies. It’s the best I have here."

"It’s no matter. I don’t really care about these things."

Wei’en set down his glass. He wasn’t being deliberately dismissive; compared to the wine he’d shared with the clown, this one was sour and astringent, with no discernible sweet finish.

"Lady Mitra, could you tell me about the events before that night?"

"What is it you wish to know?"

Mitra had been expecting this. On the way downstairs, she had already guessed that Wei’en would ask about what happened in the Caster City State.

However, she wasn’t sure what this young Wizard wanted to learn, and what he already knew...

"Everything you know. For example, the Core Array, the Glory Society, the Noble Committee, and... Director Ales!"

"Ah."

Mitra’s eyes went wide. ’I knew the Secret Investigation Department had visited the Core Array in the Caster City State, so it’s not surprising they discovered the hidden power of desire within it.’

’Many nobles also knew about the relationship between the Glory Society and the Desire Sect.’

’But Ales... impossible!’

’I never once met with Ales face-to-face. All our contact was through highly secretive channels. How could anyone have possibly found out?’

"Is this difficult for you?"

"No!"

Mitra quickly shook her head. Compared to her own life, past events were nothing more than an open storybook; there were no secrets worth dying for.

’It’s just, Ales...’

’Does he know that Ales is coming to this island too?’

’Hmm... He probably, possibly, doesn’t know, right?’

PS: Apologies, tonight’s update is late again. After I woke up, I got completely hooked on "Cataclysm Card Emperor" and couldn’t pull myself away. I only started writing after I finished reading it.