Chapter 269: Real, Fake (4)
Johanna arrived at the Aerial Garden. She had practically flown there, but the only thing that greeted her was a goddamn message left by Zia.
[Sister... Ive been so busy lately... I have to go down right away... Ive become the president in charge of a new business... Im sorry we keep missing each other... Ill be right back... Im sorry we keep missing each other...]
...This fucking bitch.
Johanna glared at the message until she felt dizzy. More than irritation, questions surged within her.
"Why does this bitch use ellipses even in her letters?
She deliberately left those '... in her written lines.
Its as if shes intentionally mocking me.
"Whats this new business?
Johanna asked her maid.
"She received the coffee bean distribution rights from Lord Jade.
...Jade?
"Yes. It seems to be an exclusive supply contract for the coffee beans to Cafe Balance.
For some reason, Jade and Zia always seemed to get along well.
It had been that way since they were young.
The one who was more Libra than anyone, who looked more like a Libra than anyone else, Zia.
Some idiot taking a liking to a moron.
Johanna clenched Zia's note in her hand. Crinkle, crinkle. The crushed paper fluttered down like particles.
These bastards are testing the limits of my patience, but I must hold back.
She must
She wanted to hang her upside down and whip her, but she couldnt do that.
If she lets her rough behavior show, if she did anything cruel to Zia, Shion Ascal wouldnt be pleased.
Hes stubborn enough as it is; he might be disappointed in her.
Zia is probably counting on that, playing hard to get like this.
Johanna dialed Zia's number again.
Ring-ring- ring-ring-
-...Hello?
Thankfully, she didnt ignore the call.
Johanna asked, holding back the surge of anger.
...Where are you? I'm in Aerial Garden.
Ah... Sister... I was... about to... speak...
"Never mind, just speak a bit faster.
Fucking bitch.
Johanna swallowed the curse inside her and forced a smile.
Im handling the business of... supplying the coffee beans... and will soon... be back up...
"No, its fine. Stay there.
Johanna leaned against the wall.
Ill find you."
From now on, shell deploy more people to search more aggressively.
Shes been holding back because of Derek's direct surveillance' nonsense, but now she's done with it
-Ah...
"Wait for me. I have a lot to say to you.
-Yes... Sister...
Johanna smashed her seventh phone in half. Then she turned around in the corridor.
"Oh.
She ran into Belingham Kantar.
Sherlocks Balancer, in other words, her father's trusted aide.
Johanna raised her eyebrows.
It's been a while, hasnt it?
...Yes. You seem to be in a very bad mood.
At Belinghams inquiry, Johanna waved her hand.
It was a gesture telling him not to ask.
"Ha ha. Understood."
He smiled as he wiped his hands with a towel.
Johanna asked him.
"What were you doing?
"What... Ah, I was seeing Sophie."
I see. More importantly, Im curious after such a longtime. What is the head of the family doing?
"Oh, are you?
Belingham widened his eyes.
"Whats with the act of surprise? You see him often enough, don't you?
"No. I dont see him that often either. Its been about 3 years... I suppose. The head of the family also extremely refrains from showing himself.
Someone had taken after this characteristic of Sherlock.
It was Zia.
It wasn't for nothing that the family elders called Zia 'the most Libra of the direct line.
If its been 3 years, youve seen him ten times more than I have."
"Ha ha... No. Anyway, the head of the family is currently waiting for a successor. Someone to whom he can pass on his entire legacy.
Successor.
Johanna had been running towards that goal all this time. The one desire she had ever harbored in her life was that
If she couldn't become the successor, she would be no different from the senile elders of Libra.
...How about you, Miss Johanna? Right now, it seems your mind is elsewhere.
Belingham asked with a rather serious tone.
Her expression soured.
"Don't cross the line. My mind is none of your business."
"Ah, my apologies. It seemed as if you were playing a game of tag recently.
Its all for the sake of obtaining the successorship.
Shion Ascal is a definitive Balancer. Making him hers would be a clear advantage.
Therefore, all her efforts are for the sake of becoming the successor.
Its not that shes being led by Shion Ascal...
Probably.
Ill be going."
"Yes. I will prepare the vehicle right away.
Johanna strode out of the mansion.
Early in the morning, a clear sunlight settled down like paint on an ordinary day.
For the first time, Soliette visited the communal cemetery.
The resting place of her brother, not in Arknes hometown, but buried in the capital.
In the past, she didnt have the means to come here. Nor did she want to.
Looking at the grave felt like acknowledging death.
She didnt want to accept the death of someone already gone.
...Brother.
Now it's different.
Soliette can accept his death.
He is already dead, and the living cannot be with the dead.
All she can do is cherish the memories she had with him while holding him in her heart.
Jared. I came to see you. I came to visit you.
Of course, he wasnt the real Jared, but it must have been Felixs consideration for her healing.
Still, his voice lingers in her ears.
I love you too, okay?
Words she had never heard in her life.
Words she had never been able to say.
To say and to hear "I love you.
It was indeed a blessing.
...It was thanks to Felix.
Soliette murmured as if she was about to cry, kneeling on one knee. She placed flowers on Jared's tombstone.
"And... there's still work left for me to do."
Perhaps Jared himself wouldnt want revenge, but still.
Because there might be other victims in the future.
Soliette will cut off that sprout herself, no, together with Shion Ascal.
...But."
Suddenly, Soliettes expression hardened.
She quietly closed her eyes.
...Jared. You shouldn't have died.
Strange scenes kept haunting her mind.
Soliette unable to let go of Jared, and Jared forcibly detaching himself from such Solietti
Memories that she did not understand.
"What are these memories?
Just a simple imagination, or some kind of cinematic deja vu?
Sigh... Anyway, Ill come again later."
Just as Soliette sighed and turned around.
I love you.
Suddenly, a blood-soaked voice whispered in her ear.
A throbbing pain at her temple.
"Ah!
Soliette clutched the side of her head and closed her eyes.
Some shape was projected behind her dark eyelids.
The land all around her was ablaze.
A badly wounded Shion Ascal.
He placed his hand on her cheek, and pressed his forehead against hers, the words escaping him on a trembling breath.
Im sorry. For someone like me to love you...
A moment of sheer desperation.
Soliette abruptly opened her eyes.
It was still, just an ordinary communal cemetery.
Her mind was momentarily dazed, but she shook her head to clear it.
Rubbing her throbbing temples, she walked on.
In the dim night.
I got into Jeff Garner's car.
My car was bugged by Bell Moore.
. It seems Linked Form is somewhat operational.
But the car was pretty shabby. Actually, not just 'pretty' - it was a wonder it moved at all.
Its probably about 20 years old."
"Youre very thrifty.
"Thank you.
That wasn't a compliment.
"Anyway, heres the file."
I handed him the file. Before my regression, Jeff Garner had a remarkable talent for assassinating agents.
It was likely still the case.
Is this a mission?"
"Unofficial. Just read it first."
"Yes.
Jeff opened the file.
[Operation: Strike on Future Strategy Room]
Future Strategy Room
"Vern also runs an information team. They call it the Future Strategy Room."
But let me repeat, Vern is no pushover. In fact, if handled incorrectly, he could be a bigshot capable of going down with Derek.
"Theyre known as agents. They travel across the continent, stealing Derek's vulnerable information and engaging in sabotage. Among them.
I pointed to the face of a man with a thick neck.
[Maorge]
"This Maorge is becoming a nuisance. Hes been causing quite a stir.
"Should I kill him?'
Jeff asked.
"Yes. As discreetly as possible."
He pocketed the file into his inner jacket. Then, he suddenly turned to look at me.
"But Mr. Shion. May I ask you one thing?
"Anything."
"Why did Team Leader Bell Moore choose me?"
Hmm."
I leaned back in the seat.
I needed to think about what to say and how to say it. If I got it wrong, Jeff might run to Bell Moore and mess up the plan.
"Dont be mistaken. You haven't been chosen yet."
Not yet?"
"Yes. This is a test from that person."
I replaced Bell Moore with the title 'that person.
It would make him hesitate, and hesitation would keep him from approaching too easily.
"Moreover, that person is more meticulous and strategic than anyone else. Do you think that person would have recruited you on a mere whim?
Jeff wore an expression of half-belief, half-doubt
Jeff Garner. 173 cm. 70 kg. A graduate of Gorgoa University. You work out every morning from 6 to 9 before going to work. Breakfast is curry with a chicken breast salad. Lunch is a sandwich with a suitable protein. Dinner is always beef. The reason your weight has stayed the same for over a decade is because of this routine. You also lived with just your mother, but she has passed away now."
At that, Jeff trembled as if shocked, then his face turned slightly angry, probably because of the mention of his mother.
It might be sensitive information but
Im 177 cm."
Excuse me?
I asked back.
He chewed his lip and then quickly corrected himself.
Im 177 cm tall.
"Uh-huh...
I glanced down at his feet. The heels of his shoes were quite high.
"Ah, yes. Anyway. I also know that you have a half-brother.
Huh.
This time, his expression was genuinely surprised, and a little angry.
"Theres no need to be upset. It means that person has been keeping an eye on you."
"Me... you mean?
"Yes."
I crossed my arms with a nod.
Im offering you a lifeline. Of course, its a rather thin lifeline, so the skill of the person grabbing it is crucial.
Jeff fell silent, lost in thought.
"Make your decision carefully. But if you decide to grab the lifeline, you must hide yourself as much as possible. Even if you dont, youll need to keep todays matter to yourself.
I whispered the threat softly, but well.
After all, Jeff is already a Chaser without a leash. And hes not without ambition.
It means hell certainly accept.
Ill take hold of it
Jeff answered heavily.
"Yes.
I smiled inwardly.
Jeff Garner has the talent to become a formidable weapon in the Intelligence Agency with just a little nurturing.
"Then, from now on, all matters will go through me.
"Yes. I understand."
Until Bell Moore becomes the director, Bell Moore's influence must remain under the surface.
To deceive not only Director Gedley but also Bell Moore himself.
"Now, please give me your Chaser code. Ill invite you to the hotline..."
How long did you think you could run, you bitch.
...In the end, Zia was caught. She had been staying at Jades mansion, but she was ensnared by Johanna's cunning ploy.
Zia muttered sullenly.
"To think youd bring... the broadcasting station...
"Hahaha.
Johanna had bribed the station to interview Jade, under the pretense of wanting to feature an article and interview about the meteoric rise of the cafe balancer.
Jade, who secretly enjoyed the media spotlight, naturally accepted, and Zia carefully fled.
All of Jades direct family avoided the press, but Zia, in particular, was an extreme reclusive.
Johanna took advantage of this and captured Zia.
She tied her up and made her kneel in her own mansion.
...Sister. But its not like I avoided it on purpose. I was just busy with work. I've even acquired a new business venture...
"You sure talk fast when you're caught. Over the phone, you were as slow as a sloth.
Zia pouted her lips.
"Enough. Look here.
Johanna handed her a certificate.
Uh...
"Shares of the Golden Casino. And on top of that, shares of OMS Broadcasting and Herald Press.
Zia scanned the certificates with her eyes.
2% of Golden Casino, 3% of the broadcasting station, 3% of the press company.
Certificates that would be worth hundreds of millions of Ren if cashed in immediately.
"You could retire right now and live comfortably for the rest of your life."
Johanna looked at Zia with a seductive smile. Zia pretended not to notice and swallowed her saliva.
"Sister, why are you giving this to me...
"You know why, dont you?
Johanna lifted Zias chin with the tip of her foot.
"You ran away because you knew.
Of course, Zia knew too.
There was only one thing Johanna wanted from her, one thing worth desiring.
I... dont have the authority...
"What authority are you talking about?
The authority to send Shion...
I know. It ultimately depends on his will anyway.
Johanna squatted down and looked into Zias eyes.
"All you need to do is give your permission with that mouth of yours. Ill persuade the rest.
Zia then puffed her cheeks in displeasure.
"Where do you think...
Johanna grabbed her cheek with her fingers and shook it back and forth.
"Aah... Aack... Ack...
"Eventually. Itll be fine once I become the successor. Ill make things convenient for you then.
She tormented Zia, pinching her cheeks over and over. She couldnt do anything more extreme, or she might give others a reason to fault her.
She pinched her cheeks mercilessly.
"Ask him yourself, sister.
Finally, Zia spoke.
It's okay... for me..."
Her tone was almost tearful, and tears welled up in her large eyes. It was probably an appeal to Johanna's sympathy, but Johanna burst into loud laughter instead.
"Good. Youve clearly given your permission. Dont say anything else.
...Shion probably wont agree.
"Well see when we see.
With a snap of her fingers, Johanna released the ropes that had bound Zia.
Zia glared at Johanna with a sulky expression, then stealthily gathered the certificates Johanna had scattered.
Im leaving. We'll see each other later.
Johanna left Zia there and walked out.
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