Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 602 133.4 - Kieran

"Though I am curious. How did the two of you meet?"

As Astron asked his question, Maya's expression softened, and she glanced in the direction Kieran had disappeared. "It was thanks to my brother that Kieran and I met," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Astron raised an eyebrow slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Your brother?"

Maya nodded, her gaze returning to Astron. "Yes, Alden. He introduced Kieran to me a few years ago. Back then, my brother was already working on a few projects of his own. He would not be at home for a long time. But then suddenly, he took me out one day, and then he brought me here."

"Here?"

"Yes. Even when I was a young child, Kieran was in this place working over some things on his own. And then brother brought me here and that's how we met. Kieran's been a trusted ally ever since."

Astron's thoughts churned as he processed the information. It made sense that Alden, with his sharp and methodical nature, would have seen Kieran's potential early on. In all likelihood, Alden had discovered Kieran, recognized his talents, and provided the necessary resources for him to flourish. Perhaps it was even through their family's influence or financial backing that Kieran had managed to establish himself here.

'Alden likely funded him,' Astron speculated, his mind piecing together the potential dynamic. 'It's possible that Kieran's success was in part due to the resources provided by the Evergreen family. But Maya… she doesn't seem to know the full extent of it.'

It was evident from her earlier words, the way she spoke fondly of her brother but with a sense of detachment from the deeper machinations that might have been at play. While she understood the connection, Maya didn't seem to be aware of the full scope of what Alden's involvement might have been.

Astron glanced at her, his calm expression betraying none of his internal thoughts. He knew that the real answers wouldn't lie with Maya but with Alden himself. Whatever arrangements or agreements had been made between Alden and Kieran, Maya was likely kept in the dark or at least unaware of the finer details.

"You didn't ask about the specifics?" Astron inquired, his voice measured.

Maya shook her head lightly, her smile soft but carrying a hint of mystery. "No, Alden never really told me much about it. He's always been like that—keeping certain things to himself. I was young then, and I didn't question it." She paused for a moment, then added, "But I trust him. Whatever arrangement they had, it worked."

Astron nodded slowly, his suspicions confirmed. The true depth of Kieran's connection to the Evergreen family—and the role Alden played in it—was something only Alden could clarify. For now, though, Astron kept his thoughts to himself, knowing that digging further would have to wait.

"I see," Astron said, his voice calm.

With the lingering questions now tucked away in the back of his mind, Astron glanced toward the door and made a silent decision. They had spent enough time here, and the longer they stayed, the more unnecessary details might emerge. He had other priorities to focus on, especially with the upcoming banquet tomorrow—a time that would demand his full attention and meticulous preparation.

"I think that's enough for now," Astron said, his voice calm but resolute. He turned to Maya, his violet eyes meeting hers with a silent understanding. "We've already spent quite a bit of time here, and I need to make some final preparations before the banquet tomorrow."

Maya's expression shifted, a small smile tugging at her lips as she nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should get going." She gave a brief glance toward the backroom, where Kieran was already hard at work, before turning back to Astron. "He'll be busy for a while anyway."

Without further words, the two made their way toward the exit of the shop, the soft chime of the bell marking their departure. The energy of the city streets greeted them once again, bustling with life as they stepped outside.

Just like that, they returned to the mansion.

*******

Sitting in the quiet of my room, I opened the thick file folder from [Horde] and spread its contents across the air using the projection of the smartwatch.

Now that today is the final day before the banquet, the people attending there will be finalized. And it is better to be prepared about who would be attending so that I would not let any slip ups. Too many eyes would be watching, and any misstep could lead to suspicion.

I leaned back slightly, flipping through the profiles of those who would be attending the event. High-ranking officials, influential nobles, a few guild masters… all names that carried weight. I couldn't allow myself to be caught off guard by anyone.

'These people aren't just here for pleasantries. Each one of them has an agenda, and I need to know exactly what I'm walking into.'

I scanned the first profile. Argen Delvora, a name that was prominent in political circles, known for his ruthless ambition and close ties to the Valerian Federation. His wealth was built on mining operations, but his true strength lay in his connections with various influential figures in the capital.

I moved to the next file. Vivienne Althea, a renowned socialite with a reputation for her wit and charm. She was the center of gossip, a woman who could control the flow of rumors with a single word.

'Not to be underestimated. She'll notice any small slip in behavior or etiquette.'

Now, why were these people important?

It was because they also had businesses that were showing contacts with demons and shady deals, and it was highly likely that they were here to make a deal tonight.

I turned the page to the next profile, my gaze narrowing as the host's name came into view: Cox Family—more specifically, Gerald Cox, the head of the family. The name had been cropping up a lot recently, and it was a small family that had gained sudden influence in the southern territories. Their recent rise was swift, almost unnaturally so. They had formed alliances with several local merchant groups, and their business ventures had seen unexpected success.

Too much success.

'The Cox family… their business rivals didn't just lose. They were taken down, one by one. Silently, without public scandal, without a trace. This kind of precision suggests something is at work.'

I scanned through the history of the family's growth, noting the suspicious patterns. Rivals collapsed under strange circumstances, contracts mysteriously voided, and deals fell apart just when the Cox family needed them to. Everything pointed to something operating in the shadows. No one in the Federation would admit it, but I had seen this kind of pattern before.

'Demonic influence.'

The thought brought a deeper understanding of why this banquet was so important. The Cox family was clearly looking to cement their newfound status, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this event was also a way for them to showcase their connections.

Since they were involved with demons, then this would be the perfect time to bring those underworld figures into their fold.

'That is also why Silas is showing himself in this banquet.'

The other two names are on the top. Vivienne and Argen. Most likely, they were there to conduct a business deal that regarded the two when it was safest.

While hosting a banquet just for this reason would not be efficient, it was also a good cover for them to meet, most likely requested by Silas himself.

I leaned back in my chair, the faint glow from the projection casting shadows across the room as I continued to piece everything together. Now that I had a clear understanding of the players at the banquet, the next step was to decide how I would present myself. The right persona could either mask my true intentions or create an opening to gather more information.

'First, I need to consider the circumstances,' I thought. 'Maya is attending, and her presence changes everything.'

Silas would undoubtedly take note of her attendance. The young lady of the Evergreen family, known for staying out of political affairs, suddenly appearing at such a significant event would raise flags. If I were Silas, the possibilities would be clear: either the Evergreens had suspicions about something, or they were trying to ease Maya into the political scene, using this banquet as an opportunity.

'But, there is no reason for them to think the first one since if Evergreens were suspicious, they would have sent someone else and not their own inexperienced daughter, who is still attending the academy. Therefore, most likely, they will think of it as the second reason.'

Considering that this would be the case, it meant one other thing.

'Which means my presence has already been noted as well,' I mused. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

My connection with Maya wouldn't be ignored.

'Maybe an attendee or a person who is entrusted by the Evergreens to watch over Maya?'

This would most likely be what they would think. There was no way that Maya, who had been sent there to learn more about the political world and such gatherings, would be left alone.

From a logical viewpoint, this would be how it looked.

'And it is the perfect cover.' I thought, a slight smile tugging at the corner of my lips. My connection with Maya, coupled with the assumption that I was entrusted to watch over her, provided a solid pretext. No one would suspect my true intentions as long as I maintained the facade.

Now that I had a clear plan, it was time to finalize the details and ensure that Maya understood her role as well. After all, her behavior tonight would be just as important as mine. If we weren't on the same page, it could raise suspicion.

I made my way toward the door, my footsteps steady as I left the room to find Maya.

It didn't take long to locate her. She was standing near the balcony of the guest wing, gazing out at the view beyond, her expression thoughtful. The soft breeze stirred her hair, and for a moment, I considered the weight she must be carrying tonight.

"Senior," I called out softly, approaching her. She turned at the sound of my voice, her eyes meeting mine with a flicker of curiosity.

"Junior," she responded, her tone calm but with a hint of expectation. "Is everything ready?"

I nodded. "Almost. But before we go, we need to discuss how you'll present yourself at the banquet."

She raised an eyebrow, though there was no surprise in her expression. "You mean how I should act in front of them? I've been thinking about that, too."

"Good," I replied, stepping closer. "Since you are from the Evergreen Family. They'll be watching your every move, and Silas will be particularly interested in your presence. We need to make sure that what he sees matches the image we want to project."

Maya's gaze shifted slightly, her composure unshaken, but her lips pressed into a thin line. "And what image should I project, exactly?"

"The one that makes the most sense," I said. "You're here to learn, to familiarize yourself with the political landscape. They need to see you as someone stepping into this world for the first time—curious, but cautious. You're observing, not engaging too deeply. Don't try to assert yourself too much tonight. Let them underestimate you."

Maya's expression softened, and she gave a small nod of understanding. "So, act like a student, eager to learn but still inexperienced?"

"Exactly," I confirmed. "That's the narrative they'll expect, and it's the one that will allow us to operate without drawing too much attention. If they think you're here purely to gain experience, they won't scrutinize you as much."

Maya's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "And what about you? What role will you be playing tonight?"

"I'll be the one they expect—a guardian of sorts, sent by the Evergreens to watch over you. Someone who's close enough to ensure your safety but far enough removed to avoid drawing too much attention. I'll be there, but I won't overshadow you."

Maya's smile widened, a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes. "You've thought this through."

"It is necessary. That way, Silas will also think of you as a small fish and will most likely approach you with his guard lowered."

She nodded, her gaze steady and resolute. "I understand. I'll do my part."

Everything was ready now.