Chapter 64: Something is calling me

When the car came to a stop, Alia and Elise stepped out, taking in the sight before them. Alia was slightly surprised by what she saw.

Adrian's new home was located in the northern part of the city, far from the bustling downtown area. Although described as a "new home," the house itself had a modest exterior. There were no lavish carvings or extravagant decorations, nor was there a prominent family crest on display. The structure, built with deep gray stone, exuded a clean and understated elegance, carrying a steady and composed aura.

The yard wasn't large, but it was impeccably maintained. The neatly trimmed lawn bordered a few evergreen trees, creating a natural perimeter. A gravel path led to the front door, where a few guards stood respectfully, bowing slightly in greeting to Alia.

"At least my younger brother seems to have some sense. No unnecessary extravagance," Alia thought, feeling a rare hint of appreciation for Adrian.

Adrian personally came out to welcome them. Dressed in a simple brown jacket, he looked sharp and full of energy. His expression carried a trace of nervousness but was mostly filled with excitement.

"Sister, Elise, welcome!" Adrian stepped forward and bowed slightly. His gaze shifted between Alia and Elise, eventually resting on Elise, where a gentle warmth flickered in his eyes.

"Don't be so formal. We're here to visit, not inspect," Alia said with a light laugh, her tone playful but also easing the atmosphere.

Adrian led them into the house. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity yet didn't lack in taste. Several pencil sketches hung on the walls, and the furnishings, though sparse, were neatly arranged. Most of the furniture was wooden, emitting a faint, pleasant scent. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm, inviting glow.

"You've certainly improved your taste, Adrian," Alia remarked, her gaze sweeping across the space. She couldn't help but offer a rare compliment.

"This is my first step toward independence from the family. I want everything to begin simply," Adrian replied with a smile, his tone earnest.

Once seated in the dining room, servants brought out simple yet exquisitely made pastries and hot tea. Elise sat quietly, occasionally exchanging glances with Adrian, while Alia remained composed, waiting to see if Adrian had a specific reason for inviting her.

Finally, Adrian set down his teacup, his gaze turning serious.

"Sister, the family recently assigned me to oversee the city expansion project. During construction, we've come across something unusual, and I wanted to seek your advice."

"Something unusual?" Alia raised an eyebrow, her tone now tinged with caution.

Adrian nodded, hesitation and unease flickering in his eyes before he continued. "It's nothing, really. It's just that… I keep feeling like something is calling me, urging me to excavate. Maybe it's just a hallucination from being overworked."

Alia studied Adrian's expression closely. His eyes showed signs of exhaustion and confusion, but the word "calling" sent a jolt through her heart.

"Calling?" she blurted out, unable to hide her shock.

In that instant, countless images flashed through her mind—the legends of the Holy Grail, the mystery of their mother's death, and the "calling" Livia had once heard. Could all of this be tied to their bloodline? Or was the Holy Grail's influence far more extensive than she had imagined?

But she quickly suppressed these thoughts. She knew she couldn't let Adrian get entangled in this, both for his safety and to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Taking a deep breath, Alia adjusted her tone and gave a gentle smile.

"A calling? I think it's just a hallucination from being overly tired. The expansion project must be stressful, so it's normal to feel on edge."

Adrian nodded slightly, seeming to accept her explanation, though the furrow in his brow didn't completely disappear.

"Do you really think it's a hallucination, sister? Because it feels so real… like a voice whispering in my mind, drawing me toward something." His voice grew quieter as he spoke, tinged with uncertainty.

As Adrian spoke, Alia made a silent resolution. She couldn't let Adrian delve any deeper into the matter, nor could she let Marcellus or their father catch wind of this.

Gently patting her brother's shoulder, she spoke with a mix of reassurance and warning in her tone.

"You were right to come to me first. This kind of thing… don't tell anyone else, especially Marcellus or Father. They'd interpret it as a sign of weakness or incompetence, and they might use it to undermine your authority."

Adrian nodded earnestly, his expression turning more sincere.

"I understand, Sister. I haven't told anyone else. I only shared this with you because I trust you."

Relieved, Alia allowed herself a small sigh of relief, though her worries deepened. The gravity of this situation far exceeded her expectations, and she needed to act quickly to keep Adrian safe.

"You've done well, Adrian. This is your first major task since gaining independence. If you claim to be so overworked that you're hallucinating, people will lose confidence in you. Stay composed, and avoid going to that site too often."

Adrian frowned slightly, confused.

"Avoid the site? But…"

"I mean limit your visits. As a leader, it's important to inspect the progress, but you shouldn't be there so often that the workers feel you don't trust them. Show up occasionally, oversee the big picture, but delegate the day-to-day tasks to reliable subordinates. That's what a leader should do."

Her tone softened as she added, "Also, make sure to get plenty of rest over the next few days. A clear mind will help you make better judgments."

Adrian seemed persuaded, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"Thank you, Sister. I know what to do now."

Seizing the lightened mood, Alia casually asked, "By the way, which area are you overseeing for the expansion?"

Without hesitation, Adrian took out a map and pointed to his designated area. He explained the construction plans and current progress in detail.

Alia listened attentively, but her gaze subtly fixed on the marked location. She mentally noted the area, already forming a plan.

"Got it. I'm familiar with that area," Alia said with a nonchalant expression.

In truth, her mind was racing. That location was likely the hiding place of the Holy Grail or something equally significant. She had to visit it herself to uncover the truth. But first, she needed to ensure Adrian stayed far away from it.

"I won't let you down," Adrian said earnestly.

Looking at him, Alia's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. In a quiet voice, she replied:

"I trust you."

But deep inside, she added silently:

"And I'll protect you. No matter what it takes."