CHAPTER 115: CH 115: RELAXING TIME? - PART 2

Kana sat at the edge of her bed, legs drawn close as the soft golden glow of the late afternoon sun streamed in through the curtains.

Her gaze rested on the elegantly designed invitation resting in her hands.

The smooth texture of the card felt strangely heavy, as though it carried more weight than mere paper should.

"Happy Summer Memories Resort."

The words were engraved in delicate gold along the edge, curling into soft floral designs.

Kana traced the letters absently with her thumb, lips pressing into a faint line as her thoughts churned.

She hadn’t made this decision lightly. Days of tension and incident after incident had pushed her toward it.

Every time she got dragged into trouble, Lysera and Irielle were the ones to shield her.

They were always there, stepping in without hesitation, carrying burdens that weren’t theirs to bear.

But she couldn’t keep letting them do that.

She exhaled softly, gripping the ticket a little tighter.

This trip was work-related—or at least, that was what she kept telling herself.

A harmless delivery to a resort, nothing complicated. Still, she knew it was more than that.

Deep inside, a quiet, stubborn part of her longed for answers, for a chance to do something instead of being protected all the time.

Even so, breaking the news to Lysera and Irielle hadn’t gone smoothly.

"So, have you decided to go alone?"

Lysera had frowned, arms crossed tightly, her tone sharp enough to slice through the silence.

"To a private resort, no less?"

Irielle didn’t speak right away, leaning against the wall with that unreadable look she always wore. Her presence alone was heavy enough to make Kana hesitate.

"I’ll be fine. It’s a work trip, that’s all. The place is private and secure. Nothing’s going to happen."

Kana had said, forcing a smile she didn’t entirely feel.

Lysera’s frown deepened, but Irielle finally sighed, pushing away from the wall.

"If something happens, you call. No hesitation."

She said simply.

It was as close to approval as Kana was going to get.

That conversation had replayed in her head several times over the next few days, each repetition leaving her with a lingering weight on her chest.

But in the end, she stood firm. If she backed out now, nothing would change.

The following morning, Kana arrived at the café earlier than usual, sliding behind the counter where Penelope was busy organizing a stack of papers.

Kana approached carefully, invitation in hand.

"Penelope, about the resort trip... I’ve decided to go."

She started softly.

Penelope didn’t look up right away, flipping through the stack with calm precision.

Without missing a beat, she reached into the drawer beside her and pulled out a slim, neatly wrapped package. Setting it on the counter, she finally glanced at Kana.

"Good. You’ll deliver this to the resort owner’s secretary when you get there. Not the owner herself."

She said simply, tapping the small box once.

Kana blinked, surprised.

"The... secretary? Isn’t it for the owner?"

"It is. But the owner is clumsy. She forgets where she puts things, misplaces important documents, and has a habit of... signing the wrong contracts."

Penelope replied, sliding the papers neatly into a folder.

Her tone grew faintly exasperated, though her expression remained flat.

"If you give this to her directly, I might never see it again. The secretary handles these things properly."

Kana hesitated, glancing down at the package.

"Alright... I understand."

She tucked the box carefully into her bag, adjusting the strap over her shoulder. As she turned to leave, she glanced once more at the shimmering gold invitation.

Happy Summer Memories Resort.

For the first time in weeks, anticipation stirred faintly beneath the anxiety. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.

She allowed herself a small, quiet smile.

But far away, at the Happy Summer Memories Resort, the air was far from peaceful.

Inside the owner’s lavishly decorated office, Emma, the resort’s cheerful yet notoriously clumsy owner, sat trembling in her chair.

Her knuckles were white as she gripped the edge of the polished desk, her wide eyes locked on the tall figure standing before her.

The woman’s long ceremonial robes shimmered faintly under the soft lamplight, intricate patterns embroidered in silver thread. Her presence alone carried an oppressive weight that made Emma’s throat tighten.

"High Priestess Lumine..."

Emma’s voice came out as a shaky whisper.

"I-I just don’t understand... is all of this really necessary?"

Lumine’s gaze, sharp and unyielding, fixed on her.

The faintest flicker of irritation crossed her face as she stepped closer, each footfall silent but heavy, pressing into Emma’s chest like a physical force.

"Do you want to see your secretary again or not?"

Lumine asked quietly, her voice even and cold.

Emma froze, her breath caught in her throat.

Her silence was answer enough.

"Then, everything we are doing here is necessary."

Lumine continued, lowering her voice to an almost dangerous softness.

Her gaze swept briefly over the papers scattered across the desk before returning to Emma, sharp as the edge of a blade.

"There are forces here... things lurking beneath the surface that do not belong."

Emma’s trembling only worsened as Lumine leaned closer, her shadow stretching across the floor like something alive.

"This resort has been compromised. Evil has seeped into these walls, Emma. And I..."

Lumine said, her tone leaving no room for argument, her voice fell into an icy whisper, her golden eyes narrowing.

"...I will remove every last trace of it."

Emma swallowed hard, nodding weakly even as her body refused to stop shaking.

Emma’s trembling hands clutched the edge of her desk as she lowered her head.

"I’ll... I’ll do anything you ask, High Priestess. As long as you promise to save my secretary... I’ll cooperate fully."

A slow, satisfied smile curved beneath Lumine’s veil, her presence radiating an icy authority that made the air grow heavier. She leaned closer, her voice low and controlled.

"Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear, Emma. Obedience will be rewarded... and your secretary’s safety depends on it."

Emma nodded quickly, forcing herself to stay composed, even as her heart pounded violently in her chest.