Chapter 105: I Am Here to Protect You

Alia inwardly rolled her eyes.

Why was everyone speaking in riddles? They always stopped halfway, as if afraid of revealing too much and giving away the upper hand. But in the end, what truly mattered was never what the "Grail" could do, but rather—who would find it first and claim control over it.

"You don't seem surprised at all about the 'Grail.' Looks like someone has already told you about it." Emma raised an eyebrow, choosing not to answer Alia's question directly.

Alia nodded calmly. "Elias once mentioned some things about the 'Grail' to me. I knew it was important, but I didn't expect… that they would go to such lengths and pay such a heavy price for it."

She hadn't stated it too definitively, but her words were enough to make Emma realize that she wasn't entirely an outsider.

Emma paused briefly, then let out a low chuckle. Her gaze darkened slightly, as if recalling something, and there was an almost imperceptible weariness in her tone. "Yes… everyone has gone mad, willing to sacrifice everything to achieve their own goals. Myself included."

Alia keenly caught the trace of emotion in Emma's voice. She suddenly felt that Emma's obsession with the "Grail" might not be driven solely by ambition—there was likely something deeper behind it.

But instead of pressing further, she smoothly redirected the conversation. "So, you came to the castle for the 'Grail' as well? If you're hoping to get any information from me, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

Her tone was light, neither overly defensive nor too interested, as if she were merely an observer—detached, as though this battle for the 'Grail' had nothing to do with her.

Emma studied her, a hint of appreciation flashing through her eyes, but she still shook her head. "No, I didn't come here for the 'Grail.' If it were truly in this castle, do you think Marcellus would have gone to so much trouble? He would have already used it to achieve his goals."

She paused meaningfully before adding, "Besides… he wouldn't have told you."

Alia narrowed her eyes slightly, watching Emma with growing curiosity.

Lowering her gaze, she asked blandly, "Then why are you here?"

Emma's expression flickered. After a brief silence, her lips curved into an unreadable smile. "Do you really want to know?"

Her sharp gaze softened slightly, and the edge in her eyes faded. This time, when she looked at Alia, there was no more probing—only quiet sincerity. "First of all, I won't deny that Marcellus's castle is a place where I can gather more clues about the 'Grail.' But more importantly—I am here to protect you."

Alia froze for a moment, her brows knitting together.

"Protect me?" She sounded almost incredulous.

She had assumed that, at best, Emma wouldn't turn against her out of respect for Celesta. But now, Emma was saying she intended to protect her? That was far too bizarre. Could Emma be trusted? Was this so-called "protection" genuine, or did she have ulterior motives? Alia couldn't tell.

Sensing her hesitation, Emma remained composed. "You don't have to believe me. You can call for the guards right now—I won't go down without a fight. But if you do, you'll lose an ally willing to stand by your side."

Alia didn't respond immediately. Instead, she fell into deep thought.

She quickly analyzed the situation, considering Emma's motives and the possible implications behind her words. The bond between Emma and Celesta was real, and it was clear that Emma held deep feelings for Livia's mother. Perhaps that was reason enough for Emma not to harm her. Besides, Emma's presence might actually be a valuable card for Alia to play.

And more than that—her instincts told her that Emma was telling the truth.

At last, Alia lifted her gaze and met Emma's eyes. Slowly, she said, "I believe you."

For a brief moment, Emma's eyes flickered with surprise, though she quickly masked it with a faint, knowing smile.

But then, Alia's next words made her pause. "However, how long can you keep up the disguise? Others might not notice, but Mark and Marcellus won't be so easily fooled."

Emma let out a soft chuckle. "Marcellus is away from the castle most of the time. As long as I avoid him, it's not a problem. But Mark…" She trailed off, frowning slightly. "He could be troublesome."

Alia studied her, thinking for a moment before saying, "I have an idea."

Emma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

"In a little while, change into men's clothing. I'll take a photo of you and register your details in the castle guards' records. That way, at least the patrol soldiers won't question your identity too much," Alia explained calmly.

Emma's pupils constricted slightly, clearly not expecting such a move from Livia.

"You?!" A flicker of shock crossed her eyes.

Alia's expression remained unchanged, her voice steady. "Since I've chosen to trust you, I will help you. And I believe… this is also helping myself."

Emma gazed at her, her expression unreadable. She had expected Livia to be reluctant at best—wary and distant, even if she tolerated her presence. But she hadn't expected Livia to take the initiative to help her.

This girl… was far more decisive than she had imagined. And smarter, too.

A slow smile played on Emma's lips, tinged with admiration. "You're bolder than I thought."

Alia didn't respond to the remark. Instead, she said coolly, "We shouldn't waste time."

The two exchanged a few more words before Emma quickly changed into men's attire. She adjusted her hair slightly to give her face a more masculine edge. Once everything was in place, Alia snapped a photo and registered her information in the guards' records.

With preparations complete, Emma straightened her collar, ready to leave.

But just as she reached the door, she suddenly stopped. Turning back, she looked at Livia—her usual playfulness absent, her gaze filled with rare seriousness.

"No matter what happens, trust me," she said quietly, her voice carrying a resolute certainty. "I will do everything I can to keep you safe."

Alia met her eyes, silent for a moment before she finally nodded. "Alright."

As Emma's figure disappeared down the corridor, Alia exhaled softly and pressed her fingers against her temple.

She knew full well that the decision she had made was driven both by instinct and by the reality of her situation. She needed a reliable source of information—and for now, Emma might be her best option.

As for how much she could truly trust Emma…

That, she would determine with time.