Chapter 77: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Lei En could understand Viola's anger.

Being sent assassins by one's own uncle over a dispute for profit — no one could calmly accept something like that.

Viola's current emotional state was already considered calm.

In fact, just moments ago, Lei En had guessed that the mastermind behind this assassination came from within the Silver Star Duke's family.

Today's autumn outing was a spur-of-the-moment decision Viola made last night; it would be very difficult for outsiders to get word of it and arrange an assassination overnight.

Only family members, because Viola needed to borrow the family's yacht, would have learned of today's itinerary, allowing them to plant that Elementalist and female gunner on the yacht in advance and strike once they reached the location.

However, there were several family members competing for the Dong Ting Bo Ju Ling, and Lei En did not know much about the other contenders, so he could not be certain it was Ga Luo Wei Na who had done it.

It was only when Viola recognized the Elementalist's background that the two pieces of information combined to pinpoint Ga Luo Wei Na.

Lei En also considered another aspect.

The Elementalist came from Mo Du; even riding a magic airship, it would be impossible to reach Longshande overnight. There was only one explanation — the Elementalist had actually arrived long ago and had been waiting for the right moment to strike.

This showed that Ga Luo Wei Na had long harbored a plot to assassinate Viola.

But there was still one thing Lei En did not quite understand, and he asked, "Did you get the feeling that the Shadow Warrior and the Elementalist were not on the same side?"

"I'm not entirely sure."

Viola carefully recalled the earlier battle and gently shook her head, somewhat puzzled. "If they weren't part of the same group, then who sent the Shadow Warrior?"

Lei En did not mention that the Shadow Warrior was a follower of the Lord of Storms, and merely speculated, "Could it be Feilis? Her motives are considerable too, but how would Feilis have known we were going on an autumn outing..."

"Maybe she's had someone secretly following me all along." Viola frowned slightly and said with a strange expression, "Speaking of Feilis, after that fake magic soul scam last time, there's been no further movement, as if it never happened. Given Feilis's temperament, she's not the type to swallow that grievance quietly, which I find very strange."

Lei En also agreed that Feilis was not the kind of person to take a loss in silence.

With that woman's background, strength, and status, plus the jealousy and resentment she harbored toward Viola, how could she just let it go?

He immediately thought of a possibility and said, "Could these two groups have colluded together?"

If that were truly the case, then Viola's troubles were enormous — beset by threats both within and without. Forget about competing for the Dong Ting Bo Ju Ling; her very life might not be safe.

Viola's expression grew even uglier, and for a moment she was somewhat at a loss for what to do.

She had few supporters within the family. Her current standing was largely due to her father, who had been deeply favored by the Duke in the past and had demonstrated outstanding management ability, and was thus entrusted with important responsibilities by the Duke.

To say the Duke placed great importance on her as a great-granddaughter would not really be accurate.

Her position was by no means irreplaceable.

If she were successfully assassinated and met an unnatural death, the Duke might be very angry, but that would be the extent of it — he would then send someone to take over the House of Violet and continue generating wealth for the family.

After a moment of silence, Lei En had a rough understanding of Viola's current situation and spoke to comfort her: "You don't need to worry too much. I'll stand with you."

Viola nodded gently, a smile blooming on her stunningly beautiful face. "Yes, I still have you. You're the person I trust most now."

She pressed close against Lei En's chest, feeling a sense of security, and quickly calmed down.

With her warm, fragrant softness in his arms, Lei En had not the slightest improper thought. He offered her advice, saying, "After you return to Longshande, don't leave the Silver Star District for now, at least until the end of the year. Under the Wu Shi Ta's watch, no one will dare to act rashly."

"I know." Viola gave a soft hum and said confidently, "But if they want to kill me, it won't be that easy."

"Anyone who dares to touch you will have to step over my corpse first," Lei En said evenly.

Viola trembled slightly all over but said nothing, simply pressing her face against Lei En's chest and tightening her jade-like arms around him.

Lei En felt the affection between them, yet his mind never stopped working, and gradually an idea took shape.

Late at night, the yacht returned to Longshande and docked at the pier in the Silver Star District.

The guards and servants on board had been badly frightened, but fortunately no one was injured. Now safely back, everyone felt as though they had been given a second lease on life.

Viola linked arms with Lei En as the two disembarked from the yacht. Her car was already waiting at the pier.

Once seated in the car, Lei En said to the driver, "Please take me to Keshem Street."

"Lei En, it's too late now. You don't need to go back to your apartment — come stay at my place for the night." Without waiting for Lei En to object, Viola instructed the driver to go.

The driver in the front startled, freezing for two or three seconds before starting the car.

As he drove, he couldn't help sneaking a glance at Lei En through the rearview mirror, feeling an indescribable envy.

Lei En did not overthink it, though he did not refuse Viola's kindness either.

Before long, the car drove into a stately old estate.

The estate covered an enormous area, with a large lawn in front, several fountains and covered corridors, and a big garden surrounding a three-story villa. Shaded by greenery and enclosed by high outer walls, it was like a small castle.

Lei En looked west from the car and saw a massive dark silhouette looming in the night — it was the Wu Shi Ta.

Viola's estate was situated almost at the foot of the Wu Shi Ta, only two or three hundred paces away, right next to the Silver Star Academy. It would be hard to find a safer place in all of Longshande.

Of course, the price of this estate was also beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

Viola said softly, "This estate is actually an inheritance left by my parents, and it's the most valuable asset under my name. Many wealthy tycoons have offered to buy it, but I've turned them all down."

Lei En nodded. Only a fool would sell a premium asset like this.

The car came to a smooth stop outside the tall, solemn entrance hall. A housekeeper standing on the steps opened the car door for Viola and said respectfully, "Miss, you're back."

"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Ms. Abigail." Viola greeted the housekeeper warmly; the two had a very cordial relationship.

"It's my duty." Abigail asked with concern, "Miss, you weren't hurt, were you?"

She had learned what happened on the yacht through a voice-transmitting watch.

"I'm fine, I'm perfectly well." Viola did not want to discuss it further. At that moment Lei En also got out of the car, and she introduced him: "This is Lei En. Ms. Abigail, please arrange a guest room for him on the third floor."

A flash of surprise crossed Abigail's eyes — it was Viola's first time bringing a male friend home, and in the dead of night at that.

She quickly appraised Lei En without showing excessive curiosity, and replied, "Of course. Welcome to Weige Estate, Mr. Lei En."

"Thank you." Lei En smiled at her and habitually activated his Soul Eye.

This housekeeper was actually an Awakened as well, a Ranger by profession, though only Level 3 — relatively ordinary in strength.

She appeared to be around fifty years of age, still quite attractive and retaining her charm. Judging from the color of her soul, she bore no malice toward him, though there seemed to be a hint of scrutiny — rather like a mother-in-law meeting her future son-in-law for the first time.

Additionally, like Viola, she was a follower of the Longhaired Lady.

The three entered the villa and passed through the entrance hall, where an elegant and grand living room opened before them. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entire room as brightly as daylight.

Several attractive maids stood waiting in the living room, greeting him in unison.

Each of them was well-trained, showing not the slightest panic from being suddenly roused in the middle of the night.

Lei En could sense that everyone in this Weige Manor was deeply curious about him.

Steward Abigail moved briskly, bringing two servants to quickly tidy Lei En's room so he could settle in.

He had already noticed that this was not actually a guest room, but one of the master's suites.

The entire third floor had only three suites; Viola lived in another one, while actual guests stayed on the second floor and the servants on the ground floor, not allowed to come up without permission.

In the still of the night, Lei En washed up, lay down on the soft luxurious bed, and emptied his mind of thoughts.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, he heard faint footsteps approaching from outside the door.

So he quickly got up and opened the door.

Viola appeared before him, wearing a casual silk robe.

"Lei En..."

Viola was startled by the suddenly opened door, then a hint of shyness showed in her eyes.

Lei En's heartbeat sped up uncontrollably, but on the surface he pretended to be calm and asked with a smile, "It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Viola tugged at her collar nervously and said earnestly, "I came to thank you for everything you did for me today, especially shielding me from that bullet with your body. Thank you."

"Protecting you is my responsibility," Lei En said, as if it were a matter of course.

Viola, however, was unconvinced. She shook her head and sighed, "Many men say that all the time, but the men who would actually do it are very few. In this world, those willing to give their lives to protect a lover or even family will always be a minority."

She looked at Lei En, her eyes growing ever brighter and more moving. "And you are one of that rare few. I never imagined before that someone would be willing to give their life for me."

Lei En found it hard to withstand such an ardent gaze.

He hadn't expected that his instinctive lunge would move Viola so deeply.

He scratched his head and said honestly, "I actually wasn't thinking much at the time. The reason I dared to shield you from the bullet was because I knew I wouldn't die."

"What you were thinking doesn't matter. To me, what matters most is that you did it."

Viola said softly.

She stepped through the doorway, one step at a time, and rose slightly onto her tiptoes.

Lei En caught her in his arms.

Viola suddenly let go and stepped back, her face flushed red.

"What's wrong?" Lei En looked bewildered.

Viola hesitated for a moment, then said, "Lei En, before this, there is something I must tell you. After you learn of it, whatever choice you make, I will accept."

(End of this chapter)