Chapter 162: Marcellus Without His Mask

Livia looked at Emma with a gentle gaze. Though her tone was soft, it carried a subtle firmness that left no room for objection. "Thank you, Emma. Don't worry. Right now, your safety is the most important thing. I believe in you—but not everyone in this world will be able to trust you like I do. For now, it's best if you rest properly here in the castle."

Her voice dropped a little, laced with caution and vigilance. "We need to make sure your identity remains a secret—especially from those on Eryx's side. Only step in when it's absolutely necessary. Your presence will matter most when the time is right."

Emma raised an eyebrow, about to speak, but Livia continued before she could.

"And there's something more important… I need you to watch over the study for me."

Livia's expression grew a touch more serious as her eyes flicked toward the far end of the corridor. Her voice lowered further. "Eryx once tried to sneak in. His target was that file. Now that Marcellus is injured, he might try again, hoping to take advantage of the situation."

The words dropped like a stone into still water. Emma's calm composure was instantly replaced by sharp alertness. Her pupils contracted slightly. "He really went that far? He's already broken in once?"

She looked up at Livia, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and admiration. "I'll protect the study, but… I didn't expect you to have picked up on so much."

Emma stepped a little closer, curiosity in her gaze. "What surprises me more is that when he came, you not only saw through him—you even managed not to let him know you did… Livia, just who are you really…"

She didn't finish the question, as if realizing she was probing too far. Livia caught on too, and a slightly mischievous, helpless smile tugged at her lips. She shrugged lightly. "Well—after all, I am Celesta's daughter."

She raised her chin with mock pride, as though stating something perfectly obvious. Her tone was relaxed, almost joking, as if the vigilance and composure had been a natural instinct all along.

Emma chuckled at her act and didn't press further. As a military officer, she knew what to ask—and what to leave unspoken.

She nodded slightly. "Alright then. I'll follow your lead."

The two exchanged knowing smiles. In that brief moment, the bond between them became quietly but unmistakably stronger.

Night had already fallen. At the far end of the hallway, the lights cast a soft, warm halo. Livia gave Emma a gentle nod. "Good night."

"Good night, Celesta's daughter," Emma replied, half-teasing, half-earnest, her gaze full of sincerity.

Livia smiled faintly and turned to leave the room. Her steps were calm and measured as she walked down the quiet corridor of the castle, but in her heart, she felt more grounded than she had all day.

She had gained much—regained her sense of control over the situation, and reaffirmed one truth: even in this treacherous world, there were still people she could trust and rely on.

—

Early the next morning, just before dawn fully broke, the cool morning breeze carried a faint scent of antiseptic. Livia and Elias headed together to the hospital to visit Marcellus, who was still undergoing treatment.

As they walked down the corridor, Livia unconsciously rubbed her fingers together, emotions churning inside her. She was still angry about the events of the previous night. Logic told her to keep her distance—but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't suppress the worry that lingered deep down.

"It's mainly just to hand over some work," she told herself. "And… to check on his condition. That's all."

Inside the room, the soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow. Everything was quiet except for the distant chirping of birds outside the window. Marcellus lay half-reclined on the hospital bed, still wrapped in bandages, but already looking much better than before. He appeared to be reading a file, and slowly lifted his head when he heard movement.

Livia immediately looked away, her expression cooling as if the temperature had dropped several degrees. She deliberately strode over to the window, her posture guarded, radiating the air of someone who had been forced to come.

Elias stepped in smoothly to ease the atmosphere, walking up to the bedside with concern. "How are you feeling? Any better?"

Marcellus chuckled lightly, and his expression—so often serious and restrained—carried a rare hint of ease and mischief. "You two keep showing up like it's a surprise inspection. How could I possibly recover that fast? But… knowing your side's mission was a success, I finally feel like I can breathe a little."

His voice was relaxed, even playful—completely different from the usual calm and unyielding Marcellus. Those eyes, always deep like the night, now shimmered with a trace of warmth. The curve of his lips was no longer stiff, but softened by weariness and something gentler.

Livia was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected the man who was always so rigid and stern to show such a… cute expression while lying in bed.

Has he changed? she wondered. Is it because he's sick? Or because… he's finally let go of something he used to carry?

Whatever irritation she'd been holding onto seemed to quietly dissipate. She instinctively turned to glance at him—only to find him already looking at her.

He held her gaze with a faint smile and a hint of curiosity. Livia felt a flush creep up her cheeks and quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the scenery outside.

She still hadn't said a word, but the chill in her demeanor had noticeably softened. Even her stance, once guarded, now appeared more relaxed.

Elias noticed the shift, pressing his lips together but saying nothing, though a dull ache stirred in his chest.

The room fell quiet, but the atmosphere had taken on a new softness. Sunlight spilled through the window, catching in the tips of Livia's lowered hair and spreading across Marcellus's bed—like a silent thread weaving a warmth neither of them spoke aloud, yet both quietly felt.