Chapter 118: The Revealed Fangs and a bittersweet Farewell

Even from a distance, Yalin could discern that the abductor was, in all likelihood, Nokim.

The flaxen strand of hair visible, along with the identical ghostly silhouette she had displayed in his room, provided more than enough evidence.

‘Damn it, that thundering cat-girl maid truly harbored ill intentions.’

While she usually appeared clumsy and innocently naive, Yalin knew it was all a facade meant to deceive.

Her true self was ruthless and cold, colluding with Raymond, seemingly plotting something sinister behind the scenes.

Now, she had finally torn away her mask, revealing the dangerous fangs beneath.

“Yalin, are you alright?”

Luluti, her voice choked with tears, stumbled towards him.

When her gaze fell upon Yalin’s shoulder, her breath hitched.

There, his clothes had been torn by an arrow, and crimson blood welled from the wound.

Instantly, regret and guilt surged within her.

‘It’s all my fault…’

‘It’s all because of my momentary impulsiveness that things have come to this…’

“I’m sorry, it’s all because of me…”

Yalin sighed, rising from the ground, and removed his coat to cover his wound.

“It’s fine now, Young Miss. That person has already fled.”

He approached Luluti with a wry smile, gently resting his hand on her head and stroking her hair.

“Come now, don’t be so sad. Didn’t you want to create some beautiful memories?”

“But, you…”

“I’m fine, it’s just a scratch…” Yalin shrugged his shoulders, feigning nonchalance.

Truthfully, he was indeed unharmed.

“More importantly, isn’t today the Young Miss’s final act of capriciousness?”

“If that’s the case, then let’s see more smiles and fewer tears. Forget these sorrowful moments.”

“I only wish that when you look back on this day, Young Miss, your memories are filled with nothing but joy. That alone would satisfy me.”

Luluti looked up at Yalin, her gaze blank, and tears began to fall again.

Yet, amidst her sobs, a smile broke through as she continued to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

“Yalin, thank you.”

Yalin watched Luluti, alternately crying and laughing, his emotions growing complex.

Luluti was fortunate. As the Young Miss of the Astria family, she was born into a status far beyond others’ reach, never needing to worry about hunger or losing a place to sleep.

Yet, she was also unfortunate. Though merely a child, she bore the burden of an heir, forced to feign maturity even when it wasn’t her true nature or suited her at all.

‘She likely never had a single equal friend growing up,’ he thought. ‘Even worse, the only two people she trusted were meticulously plotting to kill her, yet she remained utterly oblivious.’

Perhaps, for Luluti, remaining ignorant of this fact was for the best.

A fleeting moment of complex emotion passed, and Yalin’s heart settled back into tranquility.

‘Though Luluti might be pitiable, what does that have to do with me?’

‘Frankly, Yalin was just a hired hand, doing his job for money.’

‘Luluti might have developed some affection for him, but it was likely just the curiosity of someone confined to her room, intrigued by a sudden outsider.’

‘Ultimately, their relationship was nothing more than employer and employee.’

‘As for why Yalin saved Luluti, it was purely because if she died by his side, he would undoubtedly face severe consequences.’

‘As for anything else, who cared?’

Moreover, it was highly probable that Luluti would be targeted again, but Yalin had no intention of interfering.

He had no desire to meddle in the internal affairs of the Astria family.

However, considering Luluti’s usual generosity, he would leave her with one last beautiful memory.

This was the only thing Yalin could do.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, but before Yalin could grasp it, it vanished.

‘How should I put it? It feels a little strange, doesn’t it?’

‘Have I become a bit too cold-blooded?’

‘What would my old self have thought?’

‘Ever since transmigrating to this world, I seem to have grown increasingly peculiar… Is this due to the influence of the Evil God?’

Yalin shook his head. ‘Forget it. There are too many things to deal with, and he couldn’t be bothered.’

The two walked towards the villa. Just as Yalin had said, they encountered no further attacks along the way.

However, upon their return, a large number of fully equipped guards had already gathered near the villa.

The ruse of impersonating the Young Miss had been exposed. Nomnom, still in her maid uniform, stood by the main gate with a tear-streaked, crestfallen face.

Suddenly, spotting the two figures approaching from a distance, she immediately cried out with joy.

“Ah, it’s the Young Miss! You’ve returned!”

Hearing Nomnom’s cry, the guards instantly stirred, looking around.

Their leader barked a few low commands, quickly quelling the commotion. Then, with a somber expression, he slowly walked over to the pair.

He was a strong Krokor. Though aged, with a whitening beard, his muscular physique showed no signs of deterioration.

Though a new face to Yalin, he knew this was Krokor, who had apparently come specifically from the capital to Ailanmia to protect Luluti.

Before he could even speak, Luluti quickly rushed forward, throwing herself in front of Yalin.

“I’m sorry, I ran away from home without permission… This has nothing to do with him. I forced him to stay by my side, and he even protected me…”

“Young Miss…”

Krokor’s lips moved, but for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words.

As an experienced warrior, a glance at Yalin’s bandaged wound, Luluti’s reddened eyes, and her dirty clothes was enough for him to quickly deduce what had transpired.

After personally inspecting Luluti and finding no serious injuries, Krokor, who had been frantic with worry, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although they had been attacked, only his worst fears had materialized. Fortunately, the Young Miss was unharmed.

“Tutor, you protected the Young Miss, didn’t you? On behalf of the Astria family, I extend our gratitude.”

Krokor looked at Yalin and bowed deeply.

“However, as the Young Miss’s tutor, you were aware of the great danger in her actions, yet you failed to report it to us in a timely manner. This constitutes a serious breach of our agreement. Therefore, please allow me to terminate your position as the Young Miss’s tutor.”

“Of course, we will pay your salary, and even offer you a substantial compensation. But in exchange, we ask that you no longer have any contact with the Young Miss. Is that acceptable?”

Although phrased as a question, his tone was unmistakably firm.

“Yes, I accept this request.”

Yalin did not stand on ceremony. Krokor’s actions were perfectly reasonable, and this outcome suited him well.

Luluti’s lips trembled, as if she wished to speak, but ultimately she pressed them together and lowered her head.

“Very well. I will arrange for someone to contact you regarding the relevant matters. For now, I bid you farewell. Young Miss, please come home with me.”

Yalin nodded, watching him lead Luluti into the courtyard. Suddenly, he noticed Nomnom standing by the main gate, staring intently at him.

Her lips moved slightly, yet her meaning was conveyed with striking clarity.

“Please.”