"I won't let you go unless you tell me," Luis said with an adamant expression that wouldn't take no for an answer, and his embrace became even tighter. As they were both sweaty, he didn't mind it at all.
Alicia wanted to push him away, but feeling the warmth of his embrace, she immediately lost her resistance. She turned her head sideways and asked with slight annoyance in her tone. "Why are you being so pushy today?"
"I must do so, otherwise you are going to be sulky all day. Then you will keep thinking about whatever is troubling you in your heart, worsening your mood."
"... Sigh... Fine! I'll tell you. Now let me go."
"I will, but only after you share everything," Luis said, while secretly sniffing her natural body odor. 'Even after sweating so much, she smells so good.' Although surprised, he hid it well under his serious expression.
Unaware of his thoughts, Alicia, who also felt comfortable in his embrace, didn't care anymore and started recalling everything with a subtle expression.
"It was around half an hour ago that Sera came here, disturbing my sleep. At first, I was surprised and wondered if she wanted to see you, but she told me she came here for me."
Luis, who quietly listened to her without disturbing, thought, 'Does that mean she knows Alicia is living with me? Well, we aren't keeping it a secret. So, it's not surprising.'
"She asked me if we could go to the academy together. However, I told her I'm on leave today so I can't go with her."
"She asked me why. I said it was for personal reasons. Then, out of politeness, I invited her in. She gladly did so, as there was still quite some time before she left for the academy."
"Wait, stop! Alicia, leave those other details and just tell me what she said to you that worsened your mood?"
"I was just getting to that." Alicia pouted. "Well, I tried being friendly with her." She stopped speaking as she saw the doubtful expression on his face, and her expression became dark. "I'm not lying." She said with gritted teeth.
Her chuckle turned into angry laughter, and her eyes became fierce. "I barely resisted the urge to beat her to death and sent her away."
"..." Luis' expression became solemn, and he separated from her, letting her out of his embrace.
"Luis?" Alicia called out in confusion, wondering if her violent behaviour repulsed him.
"Alicia, do you think Sera knows who the killer is?" Luis asked with a contemplative expression.
"Huh?" Alicia reacted. "Wait! Do you mean she knows about it and that's why she wants me to change my mind? Is she also somehow involved?"
Luis shook his head. "I don't think she, herself, should have been involved with the incident, considering she was still a little girl at that time. However, we can't be too sure about the Dennis family. They may or may not be directly or indirectly related to the incident. It is also possible that they just had the information and didn't want to go against the king."
"Then, what are we going to do about this, Luis?" Alicia asked with a serious expression. Her previous irritation had already vanished as she understood the consequences if Luis' doubts were proven correct. It would mean that their enemies would have another major family as their support.
"The first thing we must do is to confirm whether Sera truly knows about it or not. I want you to have several conversations with her and try to incite her into revealing flaws. Can you do that, Alicia?" Luis asked with some hesitation.
Alicia understood his worries. She knew very well how hard it would be to control herself and act friendly with Sera.
However, she also understood the importance of this task, and this was something she had to do. Which is why, firming her mind, she assured him. "Don't worry Luis, I will do it. You just have to coax me afterwards if my mood turns bad."
"Leave that to me," Luis said with a chuckle. "Also, I'll be there to help you, so it shouldn't be a problem."
After hearing this, the corner of Alicia's lips rose into a faint smile.