Rise of the Lustful Evil Monarch (Re)

Third Person's POV

"...who quite clearly don't belong in this city, would naturally only stop here briefly to rest before resuming their journey toward the Abyssal Sanctum.

Considering that the enrollment and induction of new arrivals are scheduled to take place within the next few days, that served as the final piece of evidence pointing me in the right direction.

Altogether, these signs made the conclusion evident in my eyes."

Ethan's expression remained unchanged upon hearing her analysis, as he had already concluded that this woman was anything but foolish.

He gave a small nod before asking with casual curiosity,

"I understand your intentions but you still haven't answered why you are helping me instead of trying to capture me or at least attempting it.

Judging by your demeanor, I can already assume you are most likely a member of Duke Vord's family."

He held no reservations in voicing his thoughts as he was driven by genuine curiosity to understand the true position of this enigmatic woman.

The veiled lady's gaze didn't even flicker as he returned to his earlier question.

"Mister Eryndor, is it? It would be better if you kept your nose out of other people's personal affairs.

However, to answer your question, be assured, I won't become your enemy... unless you give me a reason.

If you displease or attempt to harm me or my interests, then I will have no choice."

Her voice was calm but laced with a quiet and unmistakable threat.

Ethan raised both hands slightly in a mock gesture of surrender and sighed with exaggerated grievance.

"Miss, there is no need to be so reactive. I have no interest in prying into your private matters.

I merely wished to better understand my future partner, her motivations, and whether I can trust her words.

I would rather not be misled by honeyed promises only to be betrayed in the end."

His tone lost its earlier levity while his expression turned steady and unreadable.

Sensing his sincerity, her cold gaze softened a touch as she replied,

"You needn't worry, Mister Eryndor. I won't stab you in the back.

In fact, to reassure you, I will tell you something. No one in the Duke's household likes that young master, except for his mother and the Duke himself.

So when you cut off his hand and sent him fleeing in terror, many in the household were secretly thrilled.

That's one reason why the search for you hasn't been all that intense or well-coordinated.

Only the Duke's lackeys have ordered this citywide hunt. I merely wished to warn you not to linger here too long.

The Duke is expected to return soon from the capital city, Ignisfel, and that changes things."

Ethan's expression stayed composed as he listened and then calmly asked,

"You still haven't told me your name, Miss. And how exactly should I contact you in the Abyssal Sanctum?"

Hearing his question that showed his agreement, her eyes crinkled slightly, and even though her face remained veiled, Ethan could sense that she was smiling in response to his subtle acknowledgment.

"I am Adeline. Remember that, Mister Eryndor. Also, take this..."

With that, she tossed him a small object, which Ethan caught swiftly.

Glancing down at it in his palm, he saw it was a simple and dull wooden emblem.

Etched into its surface was the image of a black tree beneath a Blood Moon.

"This represents me, and it can be used to contact me through the channels I will tell you next.

Present it at an inn called The Drunk Rabbit Inn in the Northern District of the Abyssal Sanctum. That will lead you to me."

Ethan nodded silently at her instructions and was quietly impressed that the emblem bore no magical or mana-based traces.

No expert would suspect this unassuming trinket to hold any significance, yet it marked a connection to this mysterious woman.

"Alright then, Mister Eryndor, you may go.

I wish you a safe departure from this city. We will meet again in the Abyssal Sanctum, and there, we will begin the next phase of our plan."

Ethan was intrigued by the "plan" she had mentioned, but he didn't press further.

It was clear from her demeanor that this alluring woman had no intention of revealing more—for now, at least.

Then, as if something amusing crossed his mind, he suddenly asked with a dark smile tugging at his lips,

"Will that idiot of a young master be at the Abyssal Sanctum as well?"

Her eyes sparkled faintly at the mention, and for the first time, she let out a soft chuckle.

The sound of her soft laugh was so sweet and melodious that Ethan found himself momentarily stunned.

A sudden and a strong, fierce desire surged within him.

It was a desire to make this woman his own, to hear that voice again, to gaze into those gem-like, soulful dark eyes, and to finally see the face he was certain must be breathtaking beyond words.

His crimson eyes glinted with that fire he was smart enough not to let a single trace of it surface outwardly in his expressions.

"Yes, he will be there," she replied, though her tone was lightly amused.

"And it won't be his first time. He is already something of an old hand in the Sanctum."

At her confirmation, Ethan's smile grew more genuine. Without any extra words, he held out his hand.

Adeline tilted her head ever so slightly and was confused by the gesture at first, but then she seemed to remember something she had once read.

Knowing that this partnership was immensely important to her goals and that such an opportunity would not present itself to her again, she hesitated briefly before extending her own gloved hand toward his.

Their hands met in a soft handshake.

Even through her dark velvet gloves, the softness of her skin and the delicate coolness of her touch seeped through, and Ethan took a moment to savor it.

Meanwhile, Adeline was inwardly taken aback by the immense cold chill of his palm.