Myths Reawakened

Mona and Juno joined forces and became a detective duo with zero chemistry. Since both of them were playing dumb, the investigation saw little progress.

Princess Elizabeth, who was pulling the strings behind Juno, didn’t protest. She wasn’t in a hurry, and Wayne couldn’t do anything even if he were in a hurry. Every day, he took the information Mona had collected and discussed it with Auston. Based on what they had gathered, it seemed that the Princess intended to work with the Lando family.

More precisely, while Auston had pledged loyalty to the Queen, the Princess wanted Wayne’s allegiance.

“Auston, this isn’t consistent with what you said...” Wayne said, puzzled. “According to you, Prince Edward stands no chance of ascending to the throne, and the Princess will become the Queen without doing anything. However, she’s not acting like a predetermined victor at all.”

Both her search for dirt on the Prince and her premature appeal to the Lando family made it seem like the Princess was insecure, like she was employing underhanded tactics because she lacked confidence.

“Don’t overthink it. I’ve asked Her Majesty.” Auston ended the conversation.

“What did Her Majesty say?”

“No comment from her.” Auston fiddled with his silver coin. “Her Majesty made no statement, but the Princess’s investigation continues, which means that Her Majesty knows about the matter. As for why the Princess has chosen the Lando family... I haven’t a clue at the moment.”

The Lando family was loyal to the Queen and would be so to the next monarch. The Princess had no reason to be anxious; she only had to wait patiently. Moreover, with the Queen being in the know, the Lando family wouldn’t notice even if the Princess batted her eyes until they were twitching.

If she was looking for a scapegoat... No, the Queen already knew. Based on Auston’s understanding of Princess Elizabeth, she was capable, competent, and shrewd, making her an excellent heir to the throne. It wasn’t like her to do something foolish.

“What did I tell you? The Princess must know about your biological connection and is testing whether you can be depended on!” Wayne insisted stubbornly.

Auston ignored the nonsense and said, “Silvia must have told you that the investigation team sent by the Church of Nature had left Londan. You’re confirmed as a candidate. Once the headquarters completes the necessary procedures, you’ll be heading there and staying for a while.”

“Master told me, and she said that Flora used her annual leave to take her student out of Londan. They must have gone to headquarters to make use of Flora’s connections.” Wayne huffed, picturing Flora flashing her thighs to different people. Outside of being the previous Holy Maiden, what other bargaining chips did she have?

“I remember you saying that the investigation team included two members of the Order of Nature, and they didn’t know about each other beforehand,” Auston said slowly. “Be careful. The Vice Captain might be here for the Death Knight.”

“I say he’s here for the Darkness Knight since he’s on the top of the wanted list.”

Wayne was looking forward to the show. Garvin would charge into the Western District Great Cemetery, facing the Death Knight in the front and the Darkness Knight in the back, unable to do anything but tremble behind the cover of a tombstone, all weak, helpless, and pitiful.

“The Vice Captain of the Order of Nature couldn’t have come to test the candidates alone. He must have another goal...” Auston frowned. He suspected that the Vice Captain had met with the Queen, or it could be someone else, like the Church of Heavenly Father.

His goal was most likely to show support for the Church of Nature by making an appearance, warning the Church of Moonlight, their ally, not to encroach on Nature’s territory.

Auston shook his head, deciding not to dwell on the mess. “Keep a low profile when you get to headquarters. Don’t let the Darkness Knight show up once you’re there. Deal with Flora’s student the normal way. I hope she’ll make Silvia change her mind.”

“Don’t worry. I know Ottilia well. She won’t escape my grasp.”

Auston didn’t deem that a response. He pointed at the door, kicking Wayne out.

***

It was February eighth. Mona’s investigation made a substantial breakthrough. She learned from Juno that Prince Edward was holding a birthday party for his lover at a suburban castle. The venue was rented by Mayor Angelo, and the celebration was quite extravagant. Even Wayne had received an invitation.

In his office at his detective agency, Wayne had just received intelligence from the mustachioed man and contacted Solar, handing over information on the Tulip Families personally. His method was simple and crude, like he wasn’t afraid of being exposed.

Solar, on the other hand, was anxious. She specified the mailbox they would use to exchange information next time and told him to put the document in a trash bag and leave it there next time; there was no need for them to meet in person.

Wayne readily agreed. Next time, he would have the mustachioed man bring the document to the mailbox; he needn’t be involved at all.

Having dealt with the trivial tasks, Wayne rubbed his hands together, anticipating the last familiar’s performance. The first familiar had died as soon as he arrived in Londan, while the second familiar had become a mysterious man’s puppet. Each was more laughable than the last, ending up creating two new jokes in hell.

This familiar had been hiding the best. The name Juliette suggested a female body.

Wayne looked at the invitation on his left and the document on his right. Pointing at Chante’s picture, he said, “I’ve seen this woman. Didn’t expect her to reel in the Prince so quickly.”

Mona nodded enviously. If only she were as efficient as that woman, she would’ve been eating her fill.

“Is the information accurate? I observed the lady at the time and didn’t sense any demonic energy from her...” Wayne said hesitantly. He didn’t know about demonic energy, but he did know that Chante was beautiful. He suspected that he had allowed his lower head to dictate his upper head and fallen for the demon’s beauty.

“Boss, Juno’s information came from the Princess. It should be accurate.”

“How incredible of the Prince to have a demon as a lover. He can call himself the Demon Knight in the future.” Wayne made a sarcastic remark before handing the invitation to Mona. “Go to the party on my behalf. You don’t have to prepare a gift. Just bring a bouquet. The Prince and I aren’t that close.”

He then sent her a telepathic message that he would check the castle as the Death Knight tonight. He couldn’t possibly do nothing when the demon familiar had gathered so many people.

“Boss, Juno doesn’t have an invitation. She knows that you have one, so she asked to be your plus one.”

“No thanks, you go with her.”

Wayne frowned. Taking two beautiful women to the party would make for an impressive entrance, and he could establish a playboy persona like Auston had done. Nobody was perfect. He would be announcing to the world that women were his weakness, and anyone who wanted to come after him should use a honey trap; he promised that he would be easy to seduce.

Unfortunately, Wayne couldn’t do it, at least not this time.

The Prince and the Princess were involved, and the Queen was watching from behind the scenes like a predator. The party involved too many complicated factors, so he couldn’t make a direct appearance as the heir of the Lando family.

It was just right to have his secretary attend with a bouquet.

***

Londan suburbs.

At night, the cold moon hung alone in the sky with thin mist permeating the air. Dense forest covered the low mountains far from the city’s bustle. Layers upon layers of canopies prevented the hazy moonlight from shining through. From a bird’s eye view, a broken mountainous road could be seen.

A gust of wind swept across the forest, parting the fog and shaking the tree branches like a giant hand, making rustling sounds. Deep in the dense forest, an ancient castle stood quietly. Gentle music drove away the silence and barely suppressed the eerie atmosphere.

Headlights cut through the darkness. A black sedan crossed the stone bridge and passed through the tunnel, slowly approaching the castle. Inside the car were two well-dressed women. Mona and Juno had both put on a white evening gown and a coat that covered their elegant curves, showing their similar taste.

All that was missing was a man to carry their bags, drive, and hold them both.

“Incredible,” Juno said in surprise while driving. “Your boss actually let a beautiful secretary like you attend the party without him? Isn’t he worried?”

He’s on his way, riding a horse.

Mona kept the correct answer to herself, smiling slightly. “Juno, my boss and I have a solely contractual relationship. You’re imagining things.”

“Really? That night, the two of you...” Juno raised an eyebrow. “Both of us use holy light magic, and we’ve known each other for days. We’re at least friends if not sisters. Be honest with me. What’s your relationship with Sir Wayne?”

“There’s none.”

“I don’t believe it. You have to be his girlfriend.”

“Not interested.”

“Then lover?”

...That would be nice.

When Mona didn’t talk back, Juno said regretfully, “Sir Wayne is the heir of the Lando family and will marry Mr. Lando’s daughter sooner or later. You’re quite a catch yourself. You don’t have to waste your youth on him.”

It’s none of your business! Mona groused silently.

“I’m being serious here. Are you interested in switching jobs? Her Highness needs talented people like you. Perhaps one day, Sir Wayne will have to bow to you when he sees you.” Juno offered an olive branch, trying to poach Mona.

As expected, it didn’t work very well. Although Mona hadn’t been reshaped by Wayne, she might as well have been.

“Juno, don’t talk while driving. Eyes on the road ahead. And you’re wearing high heels, aren’t you?”

“Huh?”

“Next time, remember not to wear heels while driving. It’s too dangerous.”