Chapter 314: Suspicions

Noel's room smelled disgusting and Stella didn't want to stay here for long. She could tell that this person has done many evil deeds and will continue to do so since it is something he had done ever since. 

She could tell this easily with his recent behavior and how his bodyguards act according to his whims.

'It's your mistake for targeting us…' Stella said in her mind as she was ready to cut off Noel's neck…

Clang! Clang!

However, she somehow triggered an alarm after pulling out her weapon! It seems that she missed an Alarm Array!

It disrupted her momentum but she still has time.

"Who's there!" Noel noticed that the alarm that was triggered was the one inside his room!

Of course, Stella didn't answer as she ignored the alarm.

Anyway, it doesn't matter now since she only needs to kill this person… 

Whoosh!

She used the sword to cut off his head…

Unfortunately, Stella had to pull back quickly as the man decided to use the maid under him as a shield… If he used his guard as a shield, she wouldn't mind slicing the two of them. However, this poor maid doesn't seem to be willingly under him.

'Tsk!' 

Nevertheless, Stella's sword skills were at a master level… The sword moved like a snake as it sliced Noel's right hand!

"Ahh! Guards! Where are the guards?! Save me!" Noel shouted as he started panicking…

The commotion was already noticed by the servants and based on Stella's calculation, she only has about 7 more seconds before they arrive.

Luckily, those Arcanists were having a meeting so they would still be delayed no matter how good they are.

The nearest guys that would be here were only five normal guards so Stella regained her momentum.

'I can do this…' 

She had finally decided to trigger one of her Spectral's Vambrace abilities. She didn't really want to use her Arcana's ability since there could be traces of her being found. But she no longer has any other option if she wanted to quickly deal with this…

She activated her Vacuum Shield and targeted the spot behind Noel… 

"Ahh!"

He was trying to take his Magic Item, or perhaps Arcana, that was beside his bed when he was suddenly forcefully pulled down…

The Vacuum Shield not only creates a powerful shield against Arcane Magic but also disrupts the space where it was activated.

Noel was unable to do anything as he was pulled in the Vacuum! He heard the guards' rushing footsteps and regretted that he ordered them to stay away from his room after calling in the maid. 

He then looked at the assassin as he wanted to at least negotiate… Unfortunately, before he could recognize the person, he felt a slight pain in his chest as he started losing consciousness.

Bang!

He heard his room's door being destroyed by the guards to save him. This was his last memory as he dropped to the ground, lifeless…

***

"You're fast… Any pursuers?"

Lyrei asked after Stella silently entered their room through the window. This elf seems to be ready to fight at any moment.

"Don't worry… They didn't even bother chasing me." Stella replied as she removed her battle gears to finally have her rest. 

She glanced at Yasmin who's currently peacefully sleeping and smiled for a bit. Seeing the young lady relaxed somehow refreshed her as well.

She then looked at Lyrei and added.

"Anyway, even if they chased me, their skills are not enough."

If someone managed to track her, they would surely have an incredibly troublesome journey from here on out. So she had taken the task seriously. 

"Well… That's good. We still have to purchase some supplies later on."

Nevertheless, now that they will have an aristocrat in their group, they should be able to remove any suspicions from their group.

"Are you not going to sleep again?" Stella asked.

"Hmm… I'll sleep for at least an hour or two, don't worry."

"Fine."

Stella shrugged as she knows that elves don't require to sleep every day to have their bodies fully rejuvenated. 

At least, they can function normally even by staying awake for at least four days. Of course, it is no problem even if they sleep like normal humans. 

"Good night."

Lyrei smiled as she went to the window and watched the stars. 

Time passed and as soon as she noticed that her friends were sleeping, she brought out the Cryptic Energy Stone in her pocket.

***

Aria woke up early in the morning and read the incident in Faust's Mansion last night. 

"Hmm? That guy is finally dead." Aria had just taken a bite on her sandwich when she noticed the article in the newspaper.

She wasn't too surprised since she knows that these kinds of noblemen would have a short lifespan. 

The publisher probably printed this in haste which is quite impressive since it all just happened last night.

Anyway, Noel Faust does whatever he wants without being restricted by his parents. There was no way that he wouldn't offend someone powerful someday with his actions. 

If he was smart enough, he should've at least acted like a noble on the surface and conducted his evil deeds in secrets like many of the rotten nobles does.

"Mom… I'll be going out for a bit to prepare. I'm not sure how long would it take to meet with my brother… I can't meet him empty-handed. Do you want me to give something to him?"

Aria put the newspaper down and asked spoke to her mother.

"I already arranged something last night. It's in the box in my room. Do you want to take it now?"

"I'll take it after I return. I'll still purchase some stuff anyway."

Aria then finished off her breakfast before she headed outside. 

As expected, the security within the town had completely changed. There's a lot of guards patrolling and looking for suspicious people. 

'Wait…'

Aria squinted her eyes as she recalled something. Many people had seen Stella's group deal with Noel and his bodyguards yesterday.

The Faust Family's guards might actually be looking for them!

So instead of hurrying to purchase some stuff, she decided to visit the inn where they are staying and her suspicion was right!

She saw three hired knights from the Faust Family having an argument with Stella!