Chapter 125 - 19 - Preparation For The King’s Game, Part 2 (1)

Zeruel's POV

It had been three days since the incident, and I found myself standing amidst the ruins of the sanatorium, or what remained of it—a charred, blackened structure stood as the only testament to the devastation that had occurred. The fire had claimed many victims, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.

Yet, the truth behind the fire remained shrouded in mystery, with no one able to ascertain its origins.

I knew exactly what had transpired, but the fear of repercussions against my family kept me silent. I refused to speak or cooperate with the investigation, fearing the consequences.

As I wandered through the park surrounding the sanatorium, I spotted Doctor Natasha attending to the survivors still in need of care. Beneath a large canopy, the injured and sick were gathered, their beds arranged in rows, each filled with people in various states of recovery.

As she approached me, I could see the sorrow etched on her face. "I see you're doing better," she remarked with a sad smile.

"Yes, thanks to your help," I replied gratefully.

Her tone turned melancholic as she offered her condolences. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Oh right. I hadn't told anyone yet that my mother was still alive. Her life support had been terminated during the incident. I hadn't confided in anyone, but it seemed Doctor Natasha assumed my mother was among the deceased.

I forced a smile, though it held little warmth. "Thank you," I murmured. Then, extending a small sack I'd been carrying, I added, "Before I forget..."

Curious, she accepted the sack and peered inside. "What's this?"

"It's the total amount owed to the sanatorium for the fees we incurred, along with the 30 gold coins you provided," I explained.

"What...? But we gave you those coins to help, not to burden you with debt," Doctor Natasha protested, concern evident in her voice. "You didn't have to repay me."

"It's okay," I insisted. "I'd feel guilty if I didn't try to repay the kindness somehow."

She met my gaze, searching for any signs of wrongdoing. "You didn't obtain this money through... questionable means, did you? Like selling yourself or stealing?"

I shook my head adamantly. "No, Doctor. I would never do anything like that. These coins were earned honestly."

"Alright..." she relented, her expression softening. "Regardless, I'm relieved that you made it through."

"Thank you," I murmured gratefully.

After our conversation, I cast one last glance at the charred remains of the sanatorium before making my way back to where my mother was currently being cared for.

***

Three days earlier...

"Dominance, you say...? So, you're just like every other man! Treating women as mere possessions to be conquered, aren't you?!"

"I don't see them at all," I replied firmly, redirecting the conversation back to its original topic. "Let's focus on the matter at hand before we venture further into unknown territory. So, let me ask you again: will you accept my offer or not? If you suspect there's a catch, feel free to think whatever you like, but I assure you, I won't do anything untoward to you."

I couldn't say for certain whether this man was trustworthy or if his words held any truth, but at this point, I had few options other than to extend my hand, even if it meant grasping for a knife. Compared to the alternative of becoming a prostitute with a meager salary of two to three silver coins per night, the prospect of staying with him seemed far more appealing. So, I made my decision.

"Okay... I accept your help," I declared.

Leon's smile widened at my acceptance. "Good," he said. "I'll come to you tomorrow with Miss Shredica to retrieve it. However, if for some reason Miss Shredica isn't available, I'll send my Shadows to collect it."

"...Shadows?"

I couldn't help but inquire, my head tilted in confusion. Was he referring to literal shadows? But Leon chuckled softly at my question. "They are my personal bodyguards," he clarified.

***

As the women began to carry my mother away from me, I couldn't help but wonder if they were the Shadows Leon had mentioned. Perhaps I could entrust my mother to them. But as Shredica eyed them suspiciously, she voiced her doubts.

"Shadow?" she questioned. "What does that mean? Is it some kind of organization?"

"We are not obligated to tell you anything," one of them retorted.

The other woman then sniffed the air around Shredica. "I smell the scent of our master on her."

"Shh! Don't say such things!"

"Oh... Sorry," the woman who had sniffed the air apologized, backing off a little. Her admission confirmed my suspicion that their master was indeed Leon.

Since Leon had mentioned that both he and Shredica would come to retrieve the ticket, and seeing Shredica present, I assumed Leon must be nearby. Circumstances must have led him to delegate the task to his "shadows" or whatever he called them.

The atmosphere grew tense as Shredica, oblivious to the connection between the term "master" and Leon, shot a puzzled glance at the women. She then gave herself a quick sniff, her expression turning incredulous as she found no scent to justify their claim.

"I don't smell at all, so what are you talking about?" she retorted, her voice laced with skepticism.

As she spoke, her glare intensified, her eyes narrowing as if daring the women to challenge her further. Sensing her hostility, the women exchanged weary glances before one of them suddenly vanished into thin air.

"...?!"

Both Shredica and I were gobsmacked at that. Then, in a flash, the woman reappeared behind Shredica. She tried to spin around to block the attack, but it was too late. With a swift chop to the back of her nape, Shredica slumped to the ground, unconscious.

I watched in awe as the woman effortlessly caught Shredica and gently placed her on the floor. The entire sequence unfolded in the blink of an eye, showcasing a level of skill and precision that surpassed anything I had ever witnessed. These were the "shadows" Leon had mentioned. They were formidable, far stronger than myself.

In that moment, a realization dawned on me. Perhaps Leon was more than just another student at our school.