Chapter 278: Looks like we’re late

Silas barely had time to register the movement.

Vivienne’s hand was already reaching towards his neck, her fingers moving to seize him before he could even think of escaping.

But just before her hand could reach him—

Her eyes flickered.

In the same instant, her body abruptly snapped backwards, only for her to see a wide blade strike through the space where she had been standing just a moment ago.

KRAANG!

A massive sword slammed into the ground, sending wide cracks spreading across the already damaged floor. Dust and shattered pieces of stone flew into the air as the impact shook the surrounding ruins.

Vivienne landed several steps away, her red hair swaying gently as she regained her balance.

Her eyes sharpened as she looked at the man holding the enormous sword, who stood between her and Silas, his grip firmly around the weapon.

He had similar brownish-red hair to Silas’s, though his overall appearance was considerably more imposing.

The man’s eyebrows rose slightly as he slowly shifted his gaze towards her.

"You dodged it. Surprising."

Vivienne frowned.

"Who the fuck are you? His daddy?"

The man’s lips twitched, but before he could say anything—

"Amazing, baby Scarlett. As expected of you..."

A woman suddenly appeared beside the man, looking at Vivienne with an expression of amusement... and... observation?

"You knew our plan already, didn’t you?"

Vivienne looked at her blankly.

"Do I know you...?"

She felt like she had seen her before, but she wasn’t exactly sure.

The woman’s expression didn’t falter. Instead, she looked even more amused by the redhead’s words.

"You’re just like your mother. But worry not, I’ll introduce myself.

I’m Grace Sinclair... and dear, I want you to get something from your mother."

Vivienne’s brows furrowed, but before she could speak—

She twisted her body, narrowly avoiding another sword strike from the man holding the massive sword.

Her expression immediately turned cold.

A fireball rapidly erupted from her hand. The blazing projectile shot towards the man, illuminating the ruined surroundings with its brilliant orange light.

He reacted quickly, raising his massive sword to defend himself while shifting his body to avoid the attack’s direct path.

The fireball struck near him, sending flames scattering across the ground.

But just then—

BAAM!

The man’s body was forced backwards by a step as Vivienne’s fist punched straight into the wide blade of his sword.

"Ah! If you want to know who he is, then he’s my personal general!" Grace spoke cheerfully from the side.

"I don’t give a fuck!"

Grace simply smiled at her words.

Her gaze lingered on the redhead for a moment before slowly shifting towards Silas, who immediately understood what had happened.

’The plan... didn’t work...?’

He hadn’t expected that.

How had they discovered the trap?

Was it because he hadn’t seemed too convincing? Or had he done something wrong?

Was there a mole who had told them...?

Perhaps—

"Son..."

All those thoughts in Silas’s mind disappeared as his mother’s voice echoed in his ears.

But the moment he looked into her eyes, his body stiffened.

"Looks like you failed terribly."

His body began trembling violently as he saw that look on her face and felt those cold eyes on him, looking at him with something worse than disappointment.

"M-Moth—"

"Silence," Grace coldly interrupted him.

"Let’s proceed with what I tell you now. Right now, stay put along with all the soldiers."

She turned away from him completely.

’It’s good that she didn’t bring anyone else. As expected from the arrogant Scarletts.’

***

"Master, you can sto—"

"Huh? Who are they?"

Lucian frowned slightly.

His gaze remained fixed forward, and before Selthia could finish her sentence, he suddenly tightened his grip on the brakes.

SKREE—!

The motorcycle jerked forward sharply, its front wheel lifting off the ground and throwing it into an abrupt, awkward motion.

Lucian remained seated despite the sudden jerk.

Selthia, unfortunately, wasn’t as fortunate.

Her eyes widened.

"Eh—?"

Before she could even tighten her grip around him, her body had already been launched straight into the air.

"Ahhhhh!!! Master, you fuck—!!"

Her scream cut off abruptly as she entered a portal that appeared midair, her body sinking into it before appearing beside Lucian, a few feet above the ground.

Then—

She emerged from another portal a short distance away from Lucian, just a few feet above the ground... with the same momentum as before.

But just before she could hit the ground—

Her body landed in a pair of arms.

Selthia slowly opened her eyes, sighing softly at having avoided falling flat on her face from that height.

But the instant she saw the man holding her, especially those crimson eyes staring at her with amusement, her body stilled.

"What did you say just now...?"

She swallowed as Lucian tilted his head slightly.

"I-I said... Master, you a fuc—I mean, funny! You’re funny, Master!"

She smiled brightly, innocently.

"But rather than dropping a joke, you dropped me off."

Shaking his head at her antics, Lucian lowered her to her feet before releasing her.

Selthia immediately straightened her clothes, brushing away the wrinkles that had formed during the ride.

Lucian, meanwhile, turned his attention elsewhere.

His crimson eyes narrowed faintly as he looked towards some people standing at a considerable distance from them, dressed in pure white.

And oddly enough, none of them seemed to have noticed Lucian and Selthia’s arrival.

"Who are the—"

BOOOOM—!!!

A distant booming sound suddenly interrupted him, causing Selthia to jump slightly before her gaze snapped towards the source.

Despite the distance, they could see flames dancing above the ruins. The brilliant glow caused by the explosion was visible even from where they stood.

"Looks like we’re late."

Lucian let out a soft sigh, then glanced at the maid before speaking.

"Your fault. It was your plan to go on a ride."

"Eh?! Master, you’re the one who agreed!"

"Because you looked like a cute, poor puppy."

Selthia narrowed her eyes, but before she could come up with a response, Lucian had already started walking towards the group of men.

She hurriedly followed him, a thought running through her head.

"Was that a compliment?"

"Nope, an insult."

Selthia’s cheeks puffed into an annoyed pout, though her expression turned slightly... sliiightly serious as they got closer.