Chapter 13- Found her

The chapter with Veronica, closed last night. 

As Ed, he didn't feel anything for the girl. But when he saw the girl crying because of him last night, the remnants of the original Carl, shouted at him—complaining about why he made her sad. 

Well, Carlisle couldn't do anything about it. He really didn't want to waste his time on that girl. Not only does she have a loud mouth, she is practically useless to him. 

And not only Veronica, maybe almost every heroine is useless in Carl's eyes because of their nature to just follow the main character? 

What makes one useless and defeated is when they make someone else, their motive to live. 

The heroines only trained, or polished their skills just because they wanted to protect the main character or become his allies. 

'Pretty... passive in my opinion...' From what Carlisle thinks, each heroine had the ability to become an asset to humanity or the races they belong to. 

But well, the Professor thought things differently, so there was nothing Carl could do other than get rid of the main characters and build strength to fight whatever crisis he may face in the future. 

*Knock*

"Come in," Carlisle almost instantly responded upon hearing the knock. 

From the other side, his elder brother walked inside. 

He was wearing his three-piece suit, like always, even though it was a few hours past dinner. 

"Brother," Carlisle called out, as he remained seated on his working table. 

"You didn't sleep?" He asked as he approached Carl and pulled a chair for himself. 

Carlisle showed him what he was doing, "Finishing the pending work for school." Carlisle was in middle school, as of now. And because of his kidnapping incident, he hasn't been able to go to school recently. 

That's why he had to finish a lot of work. 

Victor frowned, "I will talk to them. Your teachers won't trouble you." 

Carlisle shook his head, "It's okay, I've got this. And not like I have been doing anything these days." 

Carlisle wasn't allowed to do housework, nor was he given any mission. Whenever he went to ask his mother if he could go out,

'Little Carl, the outside world is dangerous. Please don't make your Mama worried!'

—is what she always said.

And whenever he tried asking his other mother, she always delayed the request, telling him to wait for the right moment.

If Carlisle was orphaned in his last life, then it seems the divine ones compensated him with overly doting family in this life.

Victor released a long breath. Lowering his gaze, he spoke in a slightly heavy tone, "Look, Carl...I am not good at this, but I just want to say...if you are troubled about something. Maybe you are sad about something...you can rely on me more." 

Took a few seconds, but Carl understood what it was about. 

Veronica.

It was apparent in others' eyes that Carlisle was quite fond of his ex-fiancée. 

And suddenly breaking off from her must have left a deep impact on him—or so they thought.

Carlisle looked at his brother, not hesitating even for a bit, as he said, "Brother, I have gotten over it. Truth be told, I was just infatuated with her, so unless I see her, I know I will forget about her." 

Victor was slowly getting used to his brother's new personality. That's why he didn't drag the topic for long and took out a small floppy from his pocket.

Carlisle took the disk from the man before asking wordlessly.

"This...is the coordination of the church where the elf is imprisoned. I just know that she is there, but since it's against the law to meddle with the church business, I couldn't find out whether she is alive or not."

Churches here reign supremacy. Every human is dependent on them because of their ability to enhance one's vitality and save people from their demise.

Important figures, like the clan heads and the ruling Council Members, are all dependent on the church and its members. 

That's why the Ravenshade family cannot break the law that protects the church's status of being independent. 

That's why, they cannot send their troops and recover Shelly's sister, despite having the resources and men.

They cannot send their forces, or the rest of the four major clans would take action against the Ravenshade family. 

And that's not something Carlisle wanted.

That's why, "Brother, I will go save her." 

"I can't let you go alone." Victor instantly replied.

Carlisle sighed, "But you haven't informed Father, and taking troops without him knowing is next to impossible."

Carlisle already knew that if his father got to know about this, he would probably prohibit Carlisle from taking any action.

After all, if they get caught, the situation would become quite severe. 

Hearing Carl's words, Victor nodded, "That's why, only I will go." 

Carlisle crossed his arms, "If Dad gets to know about it, you know we both will get grounded right?" 

Victor's brows elevated, "Well, it's been a while since I got grounded. The last time it was when I went for a hunt in the forest." 

Carlisle asked, "And what was your age at that time?" 

Victor grinned, "Six."

*******

The wooden arms spun fast, cutting through the air with sharp swishes. Shelly's fists moved even faster. 

*Bam!* A quick jab sent the spinning log reeling, but she didn't stop. She flowed with the movement, twisting her body and striking again—a left hook, then a brutal right cross. The impact made the wooden beams tremble. 

The machine fought back, swinging its arms toward her ribs. Shelly ducked, her muscles tensing as she barely avoided the strike. Without hesitation, she drove her knee into the base, then stepped back, fists raised. 

The rotation picked up speed. A blur of wood came for her head. She blocked with her forearm, gritted her teeth, and countered with a sharp elbow strike. 

Her breathing was heavy, sweat trickling down her face, but she welcomed the burn in her muscles. Faster. Stronger. She couldn't afford to slow down. 

The machine spun violently, testing her reflexes. Shelly met it with relentless precision—punch after punch, strike after strike. Her knuckles ached, but she pushed through, slamming one final blow into the core. 

The rotation stopped. 

Shelly stepped back, chest rising and falling. She wiped the sweat from her brow, eyes locked onto the machine. 

"Not bad," someone stepped inside the training ground, and Shelly knew who it was without looking.

She wiped her face and turned towards the person before lowering her head, "Good evening, young master." 

Carlisle praised, "You have been progressing splendidly." 

"Your words are wasted on me, sir." Although she said that, the way she smiled made it obvious that she was happy to be praised.

Carlisle stopped before her, a heavy breath leaving his lips, as he said, "I found her." 

Shelly's expression turned stiff, her eyes adapting inhumane coldness.

Raising her head, she asked, "When are we leaving?" 

*******

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Add the book to your collection and drop some PS.