Lorevil let out a sigh of relief, hoping that Mahina wouldn’t dwell on the topic any longer.
However, after a moment of silence, Mahina spoke up.
“Since that’s the case, Lorevil, let me support you from now on.” Mahina’s dark eyes sparkled with hope, as if she had found a life goal more worthy of her struggle. She clenched her fists in encouragement.
“Mahina, there’s no need to go to such trouble.” Lorevil didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She immediately waved her hand in refusal. “I receive blood crystal coins from my family every month. It’s enough for me to live on for now. I don’t need you to support me.”
She still had more blood crystal coins from her family than she could spend; she didn’t need Mahina’s wages at all.
This was all because the original owner of her body had been far too stingy with Mahina. It had given Mahina the false impression that Lorevil was at the end of her rope.
“But you said before that you were living under someone else’s roof and were often bullied by aristocrats?” Mahina blinked, her pupils dimming slightly.
Mahina remembered that whenever Lorevil mentioned her host family, she always looked aggrieved. She had said she lived cautiously, bullied at every turn by the Vampires, and only found a moment of peace when she went to the Holy Blood Academy.
‘Mahina is doubting me!’
In that instant, Lorevil felt an indescribable, eerie chill, but she quickly recovered from her shock and Panic. The original owner had truly portrayed herself as being too miserable just to gain Mahina’s sympathy.
“That’s all in the past,” Lorevil said. “The family found out about my situation and has already arranged a new place for me to stay. They’ve also provided me with plenty of money.”
Lorevil didn’t dare go into too much detail, fearing that saying too much would lead to mistakes, which might cause the girl to catch a loophole and completely darken.
“Really?” Mahina’s eyes lit up again, but then she frowned. “Then why didn’t you tell me sooner? I’ve been worried that you weren’t doing well.”
“I… I was afraid you’d worry.” Lorevil spoke vaguely.
The original owner was truly stingy and loved playing the victim, leaving Lorevil to rack her brains to dispel Mahina’s suspicions. Lorevil secretly rejoiced that she had followed Mahina’s lead earlier and sacrificed the original owner’s parents. Otherwise, if Mahina had continued to press her, Lorevil really wouldn’t have known how to cover up the lies.
Lorevil’s words made Mahina trust and depend on her even more. Mahina gave a happy smile. No matter what Lorevil did, it was because she didn’t want Mahina — who didn’t have the ability to bear everything — to worry.
As expected, Lorevil was the best!
Then, the smile on Mahina’s face gradually faded. A deep sorrow surged in her eyes, and her fingers stroked the edge of her coffee cup. She seemed to have made a decision as she spoke.
“Actually, there’s one more thing I haven’t told you.”
Lorevil asked gently, “What is it?”
“I told you before that I stayed in a blood slave workshop for a while, right?” Mahina’s voice trembled with pain as she described it. “There, I met a girl named Mary. She escaped with me. But… a few days ago, she passed away.”
When she reached the words “passed away,” Lorevil clearly saw crystal-like tears welling up in Mahina’s eyes, though they didn’t fall.
“Her funeral is in a few days. Could you… could you come with me?” Mahina bit her lip, looking at Lorevil with pleading, tearful eyes.
“Of course. I’ll find a carriage to pick you up when the time comes, Mahina.” Lorevil looked at her as she endured her grief, knowing she was once again trapped in painful memories. She made the decision without much hesitation.
She had previously only known that Mahina had been in a blood slave workshop, but she hadn’t known she had such a friend who had gone through life and death with her. Mary’s death was undoubtedly adding insult to injury to Mahina’s already unstable emotions.
Lorevil didn’t ask about the cause of Mary’s death, fearing she would touch a sore spot. It was likely that the inhumane torture in the workshop had left Mary with a chronic illness.
“If we are going to pay our respects, we should prepare some condolence gifts,” Lorevil said softly. “Mary’s family probably doesn’t know us yet, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to go empty-handed.”
“I’ve already prepared everything. I’ve bought the flowers and the funeral money.” Mahina’s attention was indeed diverted by Lorevil’s words. “Although this month’s wages haven’t come in yet, I still have a little bit of savings.”
“I’ll wait for you at the entrance of the café then, and we’ll go together.” Lorevil stroked the girl’s soft black hair, soothing her emotions. “Alright?”
If Mahina saw the deceased Mary, her emotions might fluctuate too much, causing her Blackening Value to rise. Lorevil didn’t want to see that happen. Aside from that reason, Lorevil was personally willing to accompany Mahina.
“Okay.” The girl could feel Lorevil’s pity. She slowly moved her frail body closer, leaning into Lorevil’s warm embrace and nodding obediently.
—
Just as Lorevil was about to get up and leave, the communication blood crystal in her pocket suddenly vibrated. Ira’s name was displayed on it.
‘Has something gone wrong with Thorns?’ Lorevil murmured to herself.
For Ira to take the initiative to contact her, there must be some trouble with the task of gathering ordinary members. Since she had finished talking with Mahina, Lorevil patted Mahina’s back to comfort her and walked to a quiet corner of the café to answer.
“What’s wrong?” Lorevil asked calmly.
“Lady Lorevil,” Ira said urgently, “I’ve travelled through the southeast districts of Holy Blood City today. There has been progress in gathering the members of Thorns, but there’s also trouble. I must report to you.”
“Get to the point. I have things to do here.” Lorevil glanced at the resting Mahina, keeping an eye on her mood.
“The good news is that among the Tier 2 members on the list, three old members are willing to return. After learning that you’ve restarted the organization, they also took the initiative to reveal the whereabouts of four other companions.” Ira spoke rapidly. “Additionally, I found the member who was in charge of materials management back then. She still has a small batch of blood crystals and intelligence records, which is enough for initial operations.”
Lorevil felt a surge of joy. She was currently short on manpower, intelligence channels, and even startup capital was a bit lacking. Ira finding the member in charge of materials management was a huge help.
“Now that the good news is over, what’s the bad news?” Lorevil asked.
“The bad news is that five members have already joined the intelligence networks of other minor families.” Ira hesitated for a moment, then continued with a tone of frustration. “And three others moved to the suburban settlements. Their leader is now an awakened Tier 3 Vampire, and he says if we want to see them, we have to pay a referral fee.”
“Don’t pay the referral fee.” Lorevil snorted coldly. Did they think she was an easy target just because they were trying to rob the Thorns while it was being rebuilt?
“Understood,” Ira replied.
“As for those who have joined other families, don’t force them. Just keep a record. If they come looking for trouble, use violence to resolve it,” Lorevil added.
“Then their wages…” Ira seemed to know that Lorevil was short on funds and spoke with difficulty.
Lorevil instructed, “Use that batch of blood crystals. Have them stay at their current posts to collect basic intelligence first, and wait for a unified call later.”
After hanging up, Lorevil rubbed her temples. The mess left by the original owner was indeed tricky. It wasn’t just a matter of people being scattered; it also involved some small factions.
However, everything was moving in a positive direction, and there were at least some initial gains. Once everything was settled, she would find time to meet the member in charge of materials management to express her thanks.
“Sorry, I had to handle a small matter. It’s settled, then — I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.” Lorevil turned back to the table and put on a gentle expression.
Mahina didn’t ask further. Shortly after, Lorevil left Mahina’s café, intending to head to the Holy Blood Academy.