Chapter 42: Carano

As a family that had flourished for decades, the Carano estate was grand, with even its interior decorations receiving considerable thought.

Aside from Italian architectural style, British design dominated the interior, perhaps due to the region’s inclinations.

After all, America and Britain shared deep ties.

Yet the Carano family carried strong black affiliations; their servants were few, and the most common figures were burly men armed with guns.

Louis walked through the estate until reaching a grand hall, where Gold and Khorne were left behind, forbidden to enter further.

Soon, Louis arrived at the central room; upon entering, he felt an immediate sense of spaciousness.

“Louis?”

The speaker was an elegant old man with speckled white hair, deep wrinkles, and gold-rimmed glasses; beside him stood a middle-aged woman and a monster munching popcorn—the very peculiar life-form Louis had seen before at André’s place!

Karl smiled, opened his arms, and embraced Louis. “Good boy, you’ve finally returned.”

“Grandfather.”

Moments later.

Sitting before the fireplace, Karl recounted to his grandson the events of recent days.

The Mexican drug cartels had been driven off, but their return for revenge couldn’t be ruled out; as for those who harmed Louis…

“We’ll deal with them ourselves soon.”

Karl spoke this as if he had no doubt Louis would understand his meaning.

“What are your thoughts about the future?”

Louis shook his head.

“Good. I know you have feelings for that foster home—stay there for now. But when you graduate from university, you must return. The family’s future needs you.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

Enjoying benefits naturally demands sacrifice—that’s only right.

Besides, once I grow up, my cultivation base will have transformed completely; perhaps that’s when I’ll need the family’s full support—this is purely advantageous!

Karl chatted with Louis for a long time, from trivial matters to recent gunfights; the topics gradually shifted from childish and minor to mature and serious.

Karl’s tone also grew increasingly solemn, as if he no longer regarded Louis as a child.

Louis appeared oblivious, answering each question calmly.

At this moment.

The door opened again.

Max, a man with a thick beard and dense hair, walked in. “Hey, little Louis.”

He instinctively lifted Louis into the air. Louis’s mouth twitched. “Come on, let Uncle see how you’ve grown!”

His massive palm squeezed Louis’s arm. “Huh, impressive. In just over a year, your body’s gotten much stronger—you’ve clearly been training.”

Louis, like a doll, endured the handling, casting a pleading glance toward his grandfather.

Karl coughed twice. Max immediately stopped.

“Dad?”

“Max, are those men ready?”

Max hesitated. “Dad, Louis is still too young. Couldn’t we…?”

Karl shook his head. “Max, you must understand: some are born extraordinary.”

“Alright, Dad. They’re all prepared.”

“Good, Louis. Return to your room. It’s been kept clean.”

Louis stepped out, and the door closed behind him.

Karl turned his gaze to the middle-aged woman who had been silent. “Illes, what do you think?”

She was none other than Illes, the medium whispered about in hushed tones.

Illes shook her head. “Your grandson shows no signs of possession by evil spirits or demons.”

Karl’s trembling hands finally steadied.

Correct—he was an old man who had personally encountered supernatural events; he feared his grandson might be possessed.

Especially after his agents investigated the witch named Emilia’s estate—what lingered there was deeply strange. That witch must have lived for centuries. Coupled with legends of witches possessing hosts…

Add to that Louis’s recent peculiar behavior—the dog, the deity worshipped as Zao Shen—and he couldn’t help but worry, so he summoned Illes.

Now, that worry seemed lifted.

“It must be from his mother’s side…”

He knew well what lineage Louis’s mother came from—on that ancient land, mysterious forces arose endlessly. Perhaps Louis’s blood carried something unusual.

That was a good thing. Don’t be fooled by this so-called civilized society.

We old men who survived the war years know better: times never change. Those who hold power are the masters.

If the future Carano family has a powerful figure who wields mysterious forces, everything will be more secure!

Karl’s lips curled slightly upward.

“To survive a witch’s capture, fight back, and emerge so mature and rational—this kidnapping wasn’t entirely without benefit.”

Still, he had no intention of letting those bastards go.

A flash of killing intent crossed Karl’s eyes.

The monster on the floor sensed it instantly, dropped its popcorn, leapt forward, and stood before Karl. Its spine-like tail twitched gently, as if awaiting orders.

Karl patted the monster’s bald, skull-like head and smiled. “Alright, Bob, go back to your popcorn. You don’t need to handle those men.”

“Squeak!”

The monster named Bob returned to his popcorn, even opening a bottle of cola.

Beside them, Illes suddenly spoke. “Mr. Carano, I must warn you—this monster’s origin is unknown. Monsters are typically cruel and terrifying. You…”

“Mrs. Illes, it’s late. You should leave. Your payment has already been transferred.”

“...Alright.”

Watching Illes’s retreating back, Karl suddenly said, “Mrs. Illes, my grandson may have some talent in your field. I hope you’ll assist him in the future.”

Illes looked at the man who seemed gentle but was in truth domineering, and sighed. “Alright, as long as you’re willing to trust a fraud like me.”

Karl smiled.

After Illes left, Karl coughed several times, feeling his body’s decay, and sighed.

In truth, he had another question about himself he hadn’t asked Illes.

He opened a drawer sealed with multiple locks. Inside lay a monkey’s paw. His eyes flickered with horror, then he shut it, opened the drawer beneath it, and there, clearly visible, was a scroll inscribed with the incantation of the Sin-Eater.

“Hell… sin… they all exist…”

His gaze grew more tormented—but after a moment.

Thud!

The drawer slammed shut.

The old man coughed and walked toward the door. Now, it was time to judge those damned addicts!

Behind him, Bob grabbed a handful of popcorn and hurried after him.

(End of Chapter)