Chapter 229: Two Carriages
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 229: Two Carriages
"Holy crap, what’s going on?"
Muen had just stepped out of the darkness of the Dark Moon Mist, holding his Senior’s small hand, when the scene before him gave him a genuine fright.
As far as the eye could see, there were people.
Around the perimeter of this vast space—from the alleys to the rooftops, from the shadows where the sun couldn't reach to the hidden nooks of building windows—rows of Silencers in trench coats had already surrounded the area. Carrying an air of elite professionalism, they watched Muen and Anna emerge in total silence.
But in that moment, Muen felt a strange sense of awkwardness.
It was like being a giant panda at a zoo surrounded by tourists. Muen could even see a look of gossip and excitement in some of their eyes—an expression that didn't fit their pale, shut-in faces at all.
So, I’m the giant panda here?
What the hell? Are these Silencers really this bored?
I swear, I’ll report every single one of you for being useless, overpaid bureaucrats!
Muen cursed inwardly, but he reacted instantly. He pulled his Senior behind him and glared at the crowd, his expression turning grave.
"What do you want? Look closely—Senior is no longer a Snake Person. Besides, I have evidence to prove she wasn't the one who killed the Count’s son. You have no right to keep hounding her!"
The Silencers looked at one another, habitually choosing to remain silent. Finally, Jin Ze stepped forward.
"We aren't here to target anyone," he said. "We are simply here as a precaution."
"Well, the 'precaution' is no longer necessary. You can leave."
"But someone wants to see her."
"Someone? Who?"
"You’ll know when you get there."
The crowd parted, revealing a black carriage waiting silently in the shadows at the end of the road.
Muen scanned the carriage. Like most carriages used by nobles when they were up to no good, it was pure black and devoid of any markings. Even the horses had been specially trained; they were so still they hardly seemed like living creatures.
This only made Muen more vigilant. For a high-ranking Silencer like the one before him to be so respectful, the person inside that carriage was likely a heavyweight within the Silence Bureau.
And for such a person to want to see his Senior—who was inextricably linked to the Silent Moon—it was hard to imagine anything good coming of it, even if the Moon was already dead.
"No! Senior has nothing to do with the Evil God anymore. She’s no longer under the jurisdiction of your Silence Bureau..."
"It’s alright, Junior."
Muen was about to refuse, but Anna gently tugged on his arm from behind.
Looking at the broad back shielding her—a figure that looked as though it could block out any storm—Anna’s eyes instantly filled with tenderness and love.
Nevertheless, she interrupted Muen and said softly, "Let me go see them."
"Is that... really okay?"
Muen turned around, his brow furrowed with worry. "The Silence Bureau did those things to you before, and... well, it's the Silence Bureau. They have so much influence that even the Duke’s estate would find it hard to interfere."
Muen knew his previous words were mostly bluster.
Even though Anna’s Snake Transformation Disease had been cured, the mere fact that she had once been the perfect vessel for the Silent Moon’s descent gave the Silence Bureau the right to investigate and interrogate her again.
When it came to an Evil God, no amount of caution was considered excessive.
"Don't worry."
Anna brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, her gaze also sweeping over the black carriage. She gave a charming, gentle smile. "I think I have a good idea of who is looking for me."
"Who?"
"I’m not entirely sure yet, but you’ll find out eventually."
"But—"
"No 'buts.' I’m not a child, Junior. I don't need you to protect me from everything."
Seeing that Muen was still uneasy, Anna stood on her tiptoes and leaned in close to his ear. Her breath, fragrant as orchids, tickled him as she whispered, "Besides... though it might take me a long time to get used to it, the current me is much stronger than you think. From now on, it’s my turn to protect you."
"Very strong?"
The fragrant breeze was tickling and heart-stirring, but Muen kept a straight face. "How strong?"
"Well..."
Anna winked flirtatiously and gave Muen a light peck on the cheek. "Didn't you just feel it for yourself, Junior?"
Damn!
This little vixen!
Muen gritted his teeth, wishing he could "execute" this provocative little fairy right then and there.
"That was because I was injured and not in top form! Otherwise, how could I possibly—"
"Alright, alright. I know you’re very 'strong' too, Junior."
Anna flicked Muen’s forehead with her finger and smiled. "Rest easy. I’ll be fine."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then be careful. If anything happens, you must call for me. Don't try to shoulder everything alone like before."
Muen looked Anna in the eye and said seriously, "If there’s danger, no matter when or where, I will come to save you."
"Junior..."
Hearing those heart-fluttering words, Anna dithered for a moment. Staring at the handsome youth standing in the sunlight, her eyes shimmered like autumn ripples.
"Honestly... with you being like this, how am I supposed to ever let go?"
*
After a few more moments of sweetness, Anna finally walked toward the carriage.
Muen watched her the entire way, making sure she boarded safely.
As a big shot of the Silence Bureau, the person inside surely wouldn't be so classless as to personally attack a "weak and defenseless" young woman.
In other words, the fact that Anna could board the carriage safely meant there likely wasn't a trap.
"Is it really just a conversation?"
Muen breathed a sigh of relief.
It was only then that he noticed the atmosphere around him felt a bit off.
Turning his head, he found the large group of Silencers staring at him with vicious expressions, looking like they were about to choke on the "dog food" they had just been force-fed.
Recalling their previous actions, Muen naturally had no kind words for these Silencers. He let out a cold snort and said disdainfully, "What are you looking at? You bunch of single dogs!"
The Silencers: "..."
"Ahem... Muen Campbell."
Even Jin Ze, who usually prided himself on being emotionless, was now clenching his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. "Someone... is looking for you, too."
"Who? This Young Master is in a bad mood. I’m not seeing anyone!"
"Are you sure?"
Jin Ze’s tone was meaningful as he pointed to the side.
Muen followed his finger...
It was another carriage.
However, unlike the previous black one, this carriage was the epitome of luxury and nobility. Its gold-inlaid frame glittered in the sunlight, and even the exceptionally tall horse pulling it had an arrogant air, looking at everyone with a sideways glance.
But none of that mattered. What mattered was the family crest on the carriage.
The Dragon-Slaying Sword. The House of Duke Campbell!
At a time when Muen was away from the estate, and both the Duke and the Duchess were also not home, there was only one person who had the authority to travel in such a manner, announcing the Campbell family's presence to the world...
The Head Maid of the Duke's Estate.
An.
Muen’s legs turned to jelly, and his vision went dark. He nearly fainted on the spot.