CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 178- SUSPICION

Annabelle sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the man in front of her.

The last time she saw him at Ruby’s place, she barely paid attention. Back then, she was too happy—her Darling had finally started chatting on the server again. That was all she cared about.

"So they took down the Light User to stop you from interfering," Adrian said, piecing things together.

He was surprised the attack happened on the same day Ruby visited the academy. But then again, the attackers waited until she left—clearly planned.

Ruby nodded. "Despite Ariana’s warning, the Tower didn’t act." Her voice carried frustration.

Adrian let out a sigh. "Well, what’s done is done. For now, we’re focused on protecting the students and improving security." He glanced at the woman with raven-black hair.

"Adrian," Ruby spoke up, "I’ve talked to my father. He gave me permission to help fortify the academy."

Adrian blinked in surprise, then quickly waved his hands. "No, you’ve already done so much. I can’t take more—"

Ruby cut him off. "It’s not about you this time, Adrian. Before, I helped to make up for my niece’s mistakes. But now, I’m investing in the academy—and I expect something in return."

She was being clear.

When Elizabeth destroyed Adrian’s workshop, Ruby had replaced everything he lost and even gave a large sum of money. She handed it to Ariana, knowing Adrian wouldn’t accept it directly.

But this time, her intentions were different.

Adrian frowned slightly. "The Vermillion family can provide a lot, but I’m not sure if this academy can offer anything in return that you don’t already have."

A slight smirk touched Ruby’s lips. "Well, Runebound has you."

Annabelle raised a brow, glancing at her friend who was now openly flirting.

Adrian looked flustered for a moment before replying, "Jokes aside... what exactly are you expecting in return?"

"I’m serious," Ruby said, her expression calm. "I want to learn about the Second Thread. That knowledge could help me protect my people someday. So yes, it’s a great return."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, frowning.

A hundred thousand in exchange for knowledge he was already planning to share?

Before he could overthink, Annabelle finally spoke, her voice cutting through the silence.

"Don’t dwell on it."

Both Adrian and Ruby turned to her.

With a calm, firm tone, she added, "Ruby doesn’t trust easily. If she’s offering help, it means you’ve earned it. So don’t hesitate."

The woman sitting before him now felt nothing like the silly, attention-hungry girl he chatted with on the server.

Right now, she was the composed and powerful First-Ranked Warden.

Adrian stayed quiet for a moment, then mumbled, "I’ll have to talk to Ariana first."

"That’s fine," Ruby agreed easily.

A moment later, Annabelle stood up. "If we’re done talking, how about we take a look around?"

"Sorry?" Adrian asked, a little confused.

Ruby explained, "Annabelle wants to investigate. If it’s okay with you, could you show us where the ambush happened?"

Adrian blinked in surprise, then shifted his gaze toward Annabelle.

Her face was unreadable—calm, expressionless.

So... she didn’t suspect anything, right?

"Come with me," he said, rising to his feet. He led them to the back of the school.

The garden behind the building still bore the marks of battle—scorched grass, deep cuts in the stone, and faint blood stains scattered across the ground.

Annabelle slowly scanned the area, her eyes lingering on the signs of destruction.

It was clear that a fierce fight had happened here.

"Only one person was defending against the monsters?" she asked, frowning.

"Yes," Adrian nodded. "The headmistress was the only one in any condition to fight."

Annabelle hummed, then looked toward the gymnasium nearby.

"And the summoner? She was inside the gym the whole time... and no one noticed?"

Adrian stayed silent. But before he could respond, a voice came from behind.

"No, we didn’t," Allen said as he stepped forward, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. It looked like he’d been wandering the area too.

Annabelle’s eyes narrowed as he walked closer.

"The instructors were focused on guarding us," Allen explained. "They didn’t realize what was happening. As for me... and the other students..."

He paused, his voice low. "It was our failure. My failure."

Annabelle didn’t soften her tone. "It was," she said plainly. "Summoning monsters takes constant mana flow. The magician has to keep feeding the portal. And yet, none of you sensed her?"

Ruby gave a small, awkward smile.

"But Anna... they’re just students—"

"So what?" Annabelle cut in sharply. "Weren’t you working as a mercenary at fourteen to gain field experience?"

Ruby lowered her gaze, silent.

Allen clenched his fists, then nodded.

"You’re right. It was my mistake. I should’ve noticed her sooner."

Annabelle crossed her arms on her chest before asking Adrian, "And what about the anomaly you fought?"

"Oh yes...he appeared before as well. He introduced himself as Abraham." Adrian added the name because it would help her investigate better

Truth be told, Adrian would be thankful if Annabelle dealt with that bastard.

If it’s her, Adrian was sure she would fold him.

"Never heard that name." Ruby muttered under her breath, "Was he strong?"

Adrian was about to answer but Allen jumped right in, "Extremely strong. If not for Professor’s golem-"

"Ah, Allen. Why don’t you leave things here for us now? Don’t you have to check on Sylvie?"

Allen blinked in surprise but then he nodded and left them.

Adrian glanced at Annabelle ...and undoubtedly, there was a frown on her face.

’...this is bad.’ Adrian thought.

He had asked for the golem from Forgelet a few days ago, and from the chat, Annabelle must have realized that her ’darling’ had engaged in some sort of battle.

He was thinking about what he should say, when suddenly,

"So you used the golem I gave you?" Ruby called out.

Annabelle hummed, "What do you mean?"

Ruby shrugged, "I gave him a golem the last time I visited."

Annabelle ooh-ed before she directed her gaze towards the gym.

Adrian exhaled a sigh of relief before looking at Ruby with gratitude.

The redhead winked at him before following her friend to the gym.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.