Chapter 285


    "Carlys? What brings you here?" vin was both surprised and delighted, realizing it had been a


    good two or three months since hest saw her.


    "Is this a bad time?" Carlys pouted, letting out a huff as she cast a wary nce at E.


    vin stood up. "Allow me to introduce you to E from the Bloodlore. E, this is my fellow


    apprentice, Carlys."


    "E? What''s she doing in your chamber?" Carlys was taken aback, her gaze still filled with


    hostility. Lately, the talk of the Order had been all about vin and then E – one the most


    unexpected attendee of this year''s championship, the other the most fearsome. Carlys never


    imagined she''d actually meet E in person, much less find her sitting cozily with vin. Their


    demeanor was suggesting more than just friendship.


    "She''s here as a guest."


    "A guest sitting on your bed?" Carlys'' anger red. Had she note, who knows if the two of them


    might have ended up with less clothes on.


    E giggled sweetly. "Together? I wouldn''t mind that."


    "You... vin,e over here, don''t stand so close to her.” Carlys puffed, causing her cheeks to


    redden with irritation. If Carlys wasn’t aware of how dangerous E could be, she would have loved


    to grab her by the hair and give her a piece of her mind.


    vin chuckled and shook his head, walking over to her. "Who escorted you here?"


    "I came alone. Aren''t you going to exin?"


    "Exin what?"


    "Exin her!" Carlys was genuinely upset.


    E''sughter tinkled. "What''s your rtion to vin? A little sweetheart, perhaps? Does he need


    to exin to you?"


    Her words turned Carlys'' face crimson.


    vin quickly ushered Carlys outside, knowing he himself struggled to handle E, let alone


    Carlys. "The woods are treacherous ofte. How could you dare toe alone?"


    Carlys red at vin, huffing after a long moment. "Two girls apanied me."


    "Has something happened?"


    "I just came to see how things were. It''s been three months since the Commander pardoned the


    Mallister family, and I hadn''t visited yet."


    "Is that all?"


    "I also came to summon you back."


    "Whosemand?"


    "The Commander sought me out personally, asking for you to return for a discussion." Carlys'' anger


    began to wane, perhaps realizing she had misunderstood vin and E’s situation. She had


    grown up with vin and knew his character well.


    "He didn''t say what about?"


    "Just that you''d find out when you return, and he assured your safety."Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    vin nodded slowly, a hunch forming in his mind. It likely had to do with the Kings'' eptance. It


    seemed Mari had consulted with the Botanic Haven Elder, who in turn had spoken with the


    Commander. vin just didn''t know the oue of Mari''s negotiations or any decisions made.


    "Before I left, Mari had a word with me... She said you could return." Carlys couldn''t grasp the full


    meaning, but she sensed an underlying danger. "Have you stirred up trouble again? I''ve felt a


    strange tension in the Ordertely."


    "What''s strange?"


    "I can''t quite say. It just feels... off."


    vin joked, "Is it because I left, and you''re not used to it?"


    Carlys rolled her eyes yfully. "In your dreams."


    Sensing the mood lighten, Odaughed and linked arms with Carlys. "Let''s go see Helna. She''s


    been asking after you."


    "Alright, I brought some gifts for Helna." As Carlys turned to leave, she couldn''t help but whisper a


    warning to vin, "Don''t be bewitched by that woman. She''s dangerous. Be careful."


    vin stood in the courtyard, pondering for a moment before ncing toward the window.


    There sat E. Her graceful figure and fair legs were on disy, and a half-smile yed on her lips


    as she watched vin. "The maiden’s jealous, yet you im there''s nothing between you? In this


    world, there''s love at first sight and affection that grows over time. Instant love is passion, but the


    affection that grows with time is attachment. Of course, if you''re not charming or strong enough, no


    amount of time will foster affection."


    "Will you apany me to Cobalt Strike?"


    "Aren''t you worried about the maiden''s jealousy?"


    vin spoke inly, "If you''re with me, I can ensure I leave unscathed."


    He had to consider all angles, since a careless move could end in death. If E apanied him,


    Cobalt Strike would be wary of her status and dare not overstep.


    E understood his intentions but didn''t rush to answer, merely watching him with a smile.


    vin waited patiently for her decision.


    "I look forward to the day you can confidently face danger without relying on anyone," she said.


    "And I hope that day isn''t too far off."


    "Surviving is my goal right now!"


    "You''re missing my point. You''re already outstanding, with potential, strength, and resilience. But


    something is diminishing these advantages in the eyes of others – your background. If you had a


    stronger backing, your talents wouldn''t be discounted. They''d be amplified."


    "I can survive on my own without a background."


    "I''m not pressuring you. Take your time to consider." E truly hoped vin would join Bloodlore.


    With Bloodlore behind him, he would be formidable, and no one would dare provoke vin without


    first weighing the consequences of crossing him. With such support, vin could live more freely


    and easily.