Chapter 161

Emma suppressed her excitement. Under the assistant's guidance, they walked less than ten minutes before seeing a tall man beneath a towering pine. She strode forward, her pace quickening until she ran into his arms. "Liam," she exclaimed, "I knew you came to see me!"

Liam scooped her up and twirled her. He'd rushed to Charon Military School immediately after instructing Levi, eager for an opportunity to see Emma. Charon's strict security made this visit unprecedented. "I heard about today," he said. "If anything like that happens again, tell me, okay?"

Emma playfully stuck out her tongue. "I didn't get the chance. I was promoted to Hero Rank right after the duel. But how did you know so quickly? Did you send someone to follow me?"

Liam patted her head. "I'm just worried about you."

Another man spoke. "If it weren't for Liam, your emblem would've been taken. You owe him a debt of gratitude."

Only then did Emma notice Richard standing beside Liam. Embarrassed, she slid from Liam's embrace and greeted, "Hello, Richard."

Richard smiled warmly. "As expected, you only see Liam; you can't even see me."

Emma grinned. "I see you now, but Liam was in front."

Richard chuckled, shaking his head. "You have a silver tongue. What can I do with you?" His tone was utterly doting.

Liam, delighted by Emma's affectionate greeting, held her close, unwilling to let go. "You need to thank Richard for today," he said. "If it weren't for him, Jerome wouldn't be here."

As Liam finished speaking, Jerome approached. "Mr. Hall, please don't say that," he demurred.

Alone in the forest, Jerome's admiration for Emma was unconcealed. "It's been years since Charon recruited such an outstanding student," he remarked. "The last one was five years ago..."

Emma's heart sank. Five years ago—Justine? Suddenly, she realized she and Justine had trained in the same organization. Even though Justine lacked my combat experience, her skills were unmatched at Charon. She must have caused a stir back then, hence her selection for the Krot Competition. How could I have missed this?

Liam noticed the shift in Emma's gaze and narrowed his eyes. Emma stared at Jerome, who merely shook his head. "What a pity... Forget the past! It's our honor to have Emma join us!"

Richard understood the subtext. Emma had asked him to investigate Justine. Before he could question Jerome, Emma intervened. "Mr. Zahn, I heard you're Richard's teacher. Is that true?"

She felt this wasn't the time to alarm Jerome. Taking her cue, Richard remained silent. Jerome nodded. "Of course! He was exceptional, just like you."

"Mr. Zahn, you flatter me. Richard's a great hero. I wouldn't dare compare myself," Emma replied modestly.

"Work hard, and you'll have a bright future," Jerome encouraged.

Richard and Jerome then withdrew to discuss matters. Only Liam and Emma remained.

Emma hadn't directly questioned Jerome earlier because Liam was present. She hadn't fully disclosed her investigation of Justine to Liam, fearing misunderstanding. Initially worried he'd easily uncover her past, she now chose openness. "Actually," she began, "I'm investigating something."

She recounted the entire story, unaware Liam had already guessed. Unsurprised, he simply held her tighter. "I'm glad you told me," he said softly.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," she apologized.

He shook his head. It's enough that you're honest. I can wait until you fully trust me and feel safe. I didn't ask because I love you deeply!

Emma felt his profound love, a surge of longing filling her heart. Tiptoeing, she kissed his lips. Emma in uniform, Liam in a suit, kissed under the setting sun, deeply in love.

"Mr. Hall, as expected, Blanche was attacked," Josiah announced.

After Liam left, Emma focused on training. At night, she called Josiah. "We dealt with the attackers, even capturing one," he reported. "See if you can interrogate him."

Emma checked her schedule. The next few days were hectic. She considered asking Liam for help but hesitated, suspecting a powerful adversary behind the attack and unwilling to involve him. "Got it," she replied. "Interrogate him. I'll find time to slip out."

Three days later, Emma openly left school, applying for a three-day off-campus assignment. At the designated meeting point, she spotted a flamboyant rose-red car. "Josiah," she sighed, "how many times must I tell you not to be so ostentatious?"

Josiah emerged. "Miss Wilson, it's rare we're on a mission together. I brought my best car. We can reach the underground factory in an hour." He'd already investigated new clues, a process he described as "a little violent."

Emma donned sunglasses. "Let's go. Tonight's dangerous. Tell everyone to be vigilant!"

Josiah, previously jovial, instantly became serious. "Yes, Miss Wilson!"