The insatiable little girl was so fierce that Adam couldn't handle her. He retreated with a hasty "Let's fight another day!" and fled to save himself.
When he emerged from Betty's Forbidden Library, the sun was setting and darkness was falling.
Nursing his sore waist, he walked toward the kitchen. His earlier words must have truly angered Ram, as she hadn't prepared lunch for him or even for Betty.
Before he could voice his displeasure, he noticed Ram pacing anxiously in the kitchen, looking unusually uneasy.
What could make the typically composed twin so agitated?
He approached with concern, "Ram, what's wrong? You look panicked — did something happen?"
"...Oh, it's just you, Adam." Ram's initial excitement at hearing footsteps quickly turned to disappointment, and she sighed.
You're really hurting my fragile heart .
"What's wrong? You seem even more displeased to see me."
"Rem and the others haven't returned yet." Ram replied quickly, her voice heavy with worry.
"What? They haven't returned?!" Adam's brows furrowed, "Did something delay them?"
"I don't know." She shook her head.
"Don't worry, they're probably on their way back. Even if Subaru might fool around, Rem wouldn't." He paused thoughtfully while comforting the anxious girl, "Well, I'll go look for them."
Ram straightened, "I'll go too."
"No, you can't go! Ram, stay and guard the mansion." Adam insisted, "Roswaal isn't here — if both of us leave, someone might take advantage of the weak defenses. This could be someone's plot. We can't leave ourselves unguarded."
Ram hesitated to speak.
She knew his analysis was sound and agreed with his logic, but she still worried for her sister's safety.
"Don't worry, I've got this."
Those few words gave her great reassurance.
After a moment's pause, she said softly, "Be careful, and safe travels."
"Oh, leave it to me!" Under her concerned gaze, Adam turned and started running.
She didn't see his expression as he turned away.
All according to plan!
When Adam reached Arlam Village, he found a crowd gathered at the barrier between the village and the Wolgarm Forest — also known as the Beast Forest.
The villagers held bright torches aloft like beacons in the darkness. Their faces were etched with worry as they stared into the forest, wanting to enter but knowing that venturing into the Beast Forest at night would mean certain death.
"What's going on here?" Adam called out as he ran up to the crowd.
"I am the village chief." An elderly woman approached, leaning on her walking stick, "May I ask who you are?"
"I'm a Knight from the lord's mansion, searching for some people."
"Looking for people?"
"Yes — Subaru, Rem, and Emilia." Adam replied, quickly describing them, "A black-haired young man in butler's clothes with fierce eyes, and someone in maid's clothes..."
"Ah, it's Subaru!" A child called out before he could finish.
It seemed he had gotten along well with the children — the plan was proceeding smoothly.
"Oh, that young fellow." The village chief's face grew grave as she frowned, "He emerged from the Beast Forest earlier, but then ran back in."
"Yes, likely to save those two young ladies."
"I see..." Adam nodded, then turned to the village chief, "I'll go search for them. If they come out first, have them wait here — don't let them go back in."
"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Sir Knight."
"It's nothing — this is our problem to begin with."
With that, he turned and ran into the Beast Forest.
Adam's Skill activated the moment he entered the Beast Forest.
The 〔Perception〕 Skill consumed significant mental energy, forcing him to use it in intervals rather than continuously.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, something felt wrong. His brows furrowed.
Silence. Complete, unnatural silence!
Though the Beast Forest grew quiet at night, there should still be sounds — the breathing of animals, rustling leaves, distant calls. Now, only the whisper of wind through the trees remained.
Drawing his Nichirin blade, he stayed alert.
Just then, a dark shadow struck from behind, its concealed blade aimed at his lower back!
But with his 〔Perception〕 Skill active, Adam remained calm, his blade already in position.
Sparks flew and instantly dissipated.
After the failed sneak attack, the assailant retreated, circling him in the dark forest — moving and tumbling with near-invisible speed, their movements barely audible.
◈ Water Breathing, Slayer Mode ⫸ Demon Slayer Mark ◈
Adam silently activated his Marks, solemn and elegant patterns appearing once again on his face.
As if taking this as a signal, the assailant materialized before him, blade slashing.
Blocked again, the assailant pulled back — but this time, they pressed forward relentlessly, finding new angles after each block, their attacks coming faster and faster.
Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!
The dense sounds of clashing blades echoed through the dark forest like a swift percussion performance.
Hidden killing intent made each move potentially fatal, their deadly dance too swift for most to follow. The speed increased, blade clashes growing more frequent, building to a crescendo!
Suddenly, the assailant stopped attacking.
What should have been another Ting became an off-beat swing through empty air, the broken rhythm making Adam's brows twitch with discomfort.
Though he should have slashed at the assailant appearing behind him, he sensed no hostile intent and allowed the embrace.
A familiar, poppy-sweet fragrance filled his nostrils as a warm, smooth body pressed against his back, making his already straight posture stiffen further.
Such fatal allure could easily become addictive to the unwary.
"My, I thought you would slash at me."
The seductive voice whispered beside his ear, warm breath tickling the sensitive skin and making his shoulders twitch involuntarily.
The movement only made him more aware of the smoothness pressed against his back.
"Mmm~ How naughty." Another suggestive moan.
Adam sighed to himself.
He removed her jade-like hands from his waist and turned to face the enchanting tall woman.
"Long time no see, Elsa."
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