Chapter 117 Two Entrants

Chapter 117 Two Entrants
My mouth parted in quiet shock. Tabitha is already gone? A wave of sadness washed over me at the realization that I hadn't even gotten the chance to say a proper goodbye. I could only hope our paths would cross again someday.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kina..." Lady Yvaine stood up and bowed gracefully. "They were right. You truly are gorgeous. I hope we can spend time together sometime."

I stood up as well to return her polite gesture. "Likewise... Lady Yvaine. Of course. Please never hesitate to approach me. I hope you take good care of Master Nikolai."

"I certainly will, Milady..."

She seemed genuinely pleasant, polite, soft-spoken, and clearly timid. Her shy demeanor reminded me so much of myself when I first arrived here.

We resumed eating in quiet comfort. I mostly listened to Nikolai and Lord Maximus discuss the Junior Squad's recent evaluation, with Nikolai mentioning how Azi had stepped in to assist.

"How are the preparations for The Etril coming along?" Lord Maximus’ attention shifted back to me. "I heard that you and Mr. Kensington went out yesterday. Was it regarding the event?"

I swallowed my food before answering respectfully, "Yes, Milord. We are actively working on the arrangements."

"Excellent. This event will go down in history." A strange, subtle shift in his smile sent an unexplainable shiver down my spine. "I also heard that Azi plans to take you on his mission. Please remind him to return in time for The Etril. I want you to be present as well."

"I understand, Lord Maximus..."

I excused myself first to head back to my room. I needed to pack my essentials for the upcoming assignment. Despite the knot of apprehension in my stomach, I couldn't deny a faint flutter of excitement. I wondered what Azi actually did during his missions besides taking lives.

"Lady Kina!"

I turned around to see Emris approaching with a warm smile. "Oh. Do you need something, Emris?" I asked.

"Rough! Can't a guy just miss his friend?" He let out a soft laugh. "Actually... I can't find Azi anywhere. Did he leave?"

I nodded. "According to Lord Maximus, he stepped out. He probably won't be back until later tonight. Why? Is there a problem?"

He maintained his smile and shook his head, but he couldn't completely hide the uneasy tension written all over his face. I was about to brush it off when Ragnal suddenly materialized beside us.

"Are you free right now, Kina?" Ragnal asked, completely ignoring Emris. He was dressed in his usual stylish polo shirt. "You know, my feelings are hurt. I saw the flowers I gave you sitting in the trash."

"I-I'm sorry. I can't come with you today, Master Ragnal. I have things to prepare—"

"I can help," he interrupted smoothly. "I don't have anything pressing on my schedule anyway, so I can assist you with whatever you need."

"Mr. Kensington, we need to talk..." Emris suddenly grabbed Ragnal’s arm, his tone dead serious. "This is urgent."

Ragnal forcefully brushed Emris’ hand off his arm. "Later, Mr. Mortaine. Lady Kina and I have business to attend to." He turned back to me with a charming grin. "Shall we?"

"He's back..." Emris said, his voice dropping to a low whisper.

The smile instantly vanished from Ragnal’s face. He whirled around to face Emris. "W-what?"

Emris swallowed hard. "Keegan..."

In the literal blink of an eye, both men vanished. I was left standing alone in the hallway, completely bewildered. Who is back? Why was Emris in such a state of panic? Why did Ragnal react like that? And why was Emris looking for Azi? What on earth is going on?

I headed back to my bedroom, pulling out a small travel bag. I packed a few versatile outfits and carefully stowed a pouch of blood inside, just in case we needed it. I couldn't shake the strange interaction from my mind.

"Who the hell is Keegan?" I muttered to myself.

"Did I just hear my name?"

I snapped my head up to see a total stranger leaning against the doorframe of my room. He had bright crimson hair and was casually tossing a red apple in the air.

"I don't think I was hallucinating. I definitely heard you call my name."

With a sly smirk, he sauntered into my room and tossed himself onto my bed. He took a crisp bite of the apple, letting out a soft chuckle.

"I forgot to introduce myself." He chewed thoughtfully before swinging his legs over the bed to stand up. "I am Keegan. They call me Freak, but you don't have to call me that. Keegan is just fine. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, Lady Kina... finally."

"Get out," I said coldly.

His eyes blinked in surprise, his chewing coming to a sudden halt. A second later, he burst into uncontrollable laughter, falling back onto the bed and rolling around as if it were the funniest thing he had ever heard.

My expression remained completely deadpan. Every single instinct inside me was screaming that this guy was dangerous.

"Y-you are hilarious..." he gasped between laughs, sitting up to look at me. "Azekiel hasn't changed one bit. He still falls for this exact type, bold and fearless. It suits you well, though. You look feisty." He bit his lower lip playfully.

"I don't know who you are. Get out now," I repeated, my voice dropping an octave.

Before he could respond, Ragnal and Emris materialized in the room. Both of their faces were contorted in pure hostility toward Keegan.

Keegan’s playful grin instantly faded. "I just got back and I already have to look at your ugly faces? Give me a break, Mr. Kensington, Mortaine."

"Leave her out of this," Emris warned sharply.

"Uh, nah." Keegan shook his head, taking another bite of his apple before casting an amused glance at me. "She's interesting. She somehow reminds me of that jerk... Zachary."

In a flash, Ragnal lunged forward, slamming Keegan against the wall by his throat. Instead of showing fear, Keegan merely smirked, spitting the piece of apple out of his mouth.

Ragnal’s eyes flushed a deep, terrifying crimson. "You shouldn't have come back, Keegan. You should have stayed buried wherever you were," he threatened, his sharp fangs fully extended.

"Is this really how you greet an old friend?" Keegan taunted mercilessly. "If you have a problem with my return, why don't you go cry to Lord Maximus about it?"

"W-what?" Ragnal’s grip loosened slightly in shock.

Keegan shoved Ragnal off him effortlessly. "Rude. What's the matter, are you scared?"

"My father called you back?"

We all turned toward the doorway. Nikolai was standing there, his piercing gaze locked squarely on Keegan. "Is that true, Keegan? My father?"

Keegan cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "It's good to see you again, Leader."

"We can't say the same," Ragnal growled.

"It's payback time," Keegan declared softly.

I watched in absolute horror as visible panic washed over the three of them, Ragnal, Emris, and Nikolai. They were genuinely terrified of Keegan, who seemed to take sadistic pleasure in their reactions.

What is happening here?