I went home and burst into my room, eyes locking on Shinji's knife—the same one Clarissa handed me before.
I wanted to prove her wrong. Shinji wouldn't be so foolish as to fall for emotions.
I opened my drawer, grabbed the knife, and held it tightly. Taking a deep breath, I sat on my bed and examined it.
Closing my eyes, I traced my fingers along the blade and handle, feeling for anything unusual. Then I felt it—a small carving on the handle. My eyes opened, focusing. The name was tiny but clear.
"Megan."
I whispered it, scoffing in disappointment. My fingers tangled in my hair.
"So it's true… he really had a lover? But when? How?"
I stared at the knife in my hand, gripping it harder before hurling it against the wall.
"Foolish brother of mine! How could you tell that girl but not me?!"
Panting, I slumped back onto my bed and covered my face. Footsteps stopped outside my door.
Mother: "Rika?"
She entered with her usual elegant demeanor. Seeing me with messy hair and my face buried in my hands, she glanced around. Her eyes caught the knife stuck in the wall, and she smirked.
Mother: "Didn't I warn you not to dig into that traitor?"
She traced my jaw, tilting my head up to face her. Her red eyes pierced me, sending a shiver down my spine. I looked away and swallowed.
She smirked, letting go.
Mother: "You wouldn't dare follow his footsteps… right?"
Cold sweat ran down my neck. I cleared my throat.
Rika: "Mother, can you at least—just for once—tell me the truth?"
Mother: "Hmm? I'm amazed you still don't remember."
Rika: "MOTHER!"
She twirled her hair slowly.
Mom: "If you really want to know… then be ready for your Sanguis Luane Imbrem."
I stood and steadied myself. She crossed her arms, smirking as I met her gaze with a cold expression.
Rika: "Then I'll do what you want."
I walked past her. Outside my room, Marlon was eavesdropping. I sneered at him before heading downstairs.
Marlon: "Are you… gonna do it?"
I stopped, glancing over my shoulder.
Rika: "Isn't this what you wanted?"
Without another word, I walked away. Marlon sighed, scratching his head.
In the training ground, Dad was coating his needles with poison. I grabbed his black envelope and turned to leave.
Father: "Hey! That's my mission!"
Rika: "Now it's mine."
He stared at me in disbelief, shaking his head. Looking up toward the stairs, he saw Mother smirking down at me as I left with the car.
Father: "You really know how to push her buttons, huh?"
Mother leaned on the railing and shrugged.
Mother: "Of course. She's my daughter. I won't let anyone cloud her mind."
Father grinned at her words, raising his wine glass. Mother nodded, eyes drifting to the gate where I had left.
Mother: "Marlon."
Marlon: "Yes, Auntie?"
Mother: "I hear Rika is surrounded by pests. Can you take care of them for me?"
Marlon: "Consider it done."
She patted his shoulder before walking downstairs.
Marlon: "Great. Now the real mission begins."
---
I arrived at a tall building—the target from Father's mission. Leaning in a nearby alley, I jammed all communications inside. Checking security footage, I studied the guards' movements.
"Fifteen guards. Eight armed. Nine with tasers."
Taking a deep breath, I untied my hair, ripped off my sleeves, and walked toward the entrance, flicking my hair and putting on a shy expression.
Rika: "Excuse me, sir?"
The man guarding the door eyed me coldly.
Guard: "What do you need, kid? This isn't a place for teenagers."
Rika: "I… I'm sorry, but I really need to use the bathroom."
Guard: "What do you think this is? A public restroom?"
Rika: "Please, sir… I really need to pee."
I lifted my shirt slightly, catching his eyes. He glanced around, then nodded.
Guard: "Fine. Follow me."
Inside, I bowed shyly, scanning the area, memorizing corners and cameras.
Rika: "Sir? Isn't the girls' restroom that way?"
Guard: "Our locker room has a private one. You can use that."
I nodded, following silently.
"Ugh… disgusting man."
He opened the door and shoved me in.
Rika: "Sir?"
I acted terrified. His grin widened as he locked the door.
Guard: "Let's have some fun, shall we?"
I stepped back. When he lunged, I dodged, covered his mouth, and snapped his neck.
Rika: "Shhh… thanks for the safe entrance."
Opening a locker, I changed into an employee uniform, stuffed his body inside, and slipped out, blending in with the workers.
Taking the stairs, I reached the right floor. I lit a piece of paper with my lighter, triggering the fire alarm.
Panic erupted. I joined the chaos, moving with the crowd until I spotted the target—Mr. Chen—running. Still disguised, I offered to help him.
He grabbed my hand. I led him away from his guards.
Mr. Chen: "Where's the fire? Why can't we take the elevator?"
Rika: "It's full of panicking employees. But don't worry—I know a faster way down."
Mr. Chen: "Stupid humans… they should prioritize me! Where's this way you're talking about? I'm tired! You're fired!"
I stopped, smirking.
Mr. Chen: "Why'd you stop? Fool! What if I get trapped in the fire?"
Rika: "Welcome aboard, sir."
Mr. Chen: "What—"
I kicked him hard, sending him through the window. Fifteen floors down, his body hit the ground. Screams erupted.
Rolling my eyes, I leapt to the next building and vanished.