Chapter 479
Calliope didn’t hold back at all. She walked into Monty’s place and started picking things off the shelves like a kid in a candy store.
“I’ll take this one, and this one, oh and definitely this one too!”
Monty just stood there, his jaw practically on the floor. He tried to keep it together, but watching Calliope go on a spree through his treasured collection was like watching someone eat the last slice of his favorite pizza right in front of him.
“Callie, you know, that’s a lot to carry all at once. Why not leave some here? They’re all yours anyway, you can come back for them whenever you want. No need to rush, right?”
“Really?” Calliope glanced at Monty, her eyebrow raised.
Monty nodded so fast he almost gave himself whiplash. “Absolutely! I’m serious, all yours!”
But Calliope just chuckled, “I don’t believe you.”
And with that, she grabbed a few more things.
Monty watched helplessly as his cherished items dwindled down to a sad-looking, half-empty shelf. Calliope definitely had a knack for picking out the best stuff, leaving behind only the items Monty could barely muster any affection for.
“That should do it,” Calliope said, dusting off her hands. “For now.”
“For now?” Monty’s eyes widened in horror.
Was she planning a return trip?
“Why, is that a problem?” Calliope shot him a look. “I can just take everything now if you’d like.”
“No, no! That’s fine!” Monty quickly interjected, stepping in front of what remained. “This is plenty for now. We can sort out the rest next time! Hey, do you want this stuff in your room, or are you taking it with you?”
“Of course, I’m taking it with me. If I leave it here, it’ll be Lisette’s the moment she gets back!” Calliope declared, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.
She turned to Valerian. “Mr. Valerian, would you mind helping me pack these up?”
Valerian wasn’t thrilled with the “Mr. Valerian” title, but he obliged, gathering packing materials to help Calliope wrap up her loot.
Ulysses pitched in to help, while Calliope stood by, directing the operation like a maestro conducting an orchestra. Finally, everything was packed up and ready to go.
Zelda stood by the door, eyeing Calliope with a look that could curdle milk, like she was witnessing a vampire in the middle of a blood drive.
Calliope didn’t pay her any mind. She was content, her heart light as a feather, ready to head back home, a bandit with a successful heist under her belt.
Monty and the others watched her go, their emotions a tangle of confusion and reluctant acceptance. They knew they relied on her, and despite everything, there was a part of them that felt a little guilty.
“Oh, by the way, I’ll be back for dinner sometime soon! Today’s food was great, so don’t be surprised if I start showing up more often!” Calliope called out as she reached the door, her voice warm and full of genuine excitement.
Monty nearly choked on air. Zelda just blinked, speechless. Horatio and the others looked at each other in disbelief.
Calliope and the rest of them hadn’t exactly been on the best terms lately, and her sudden declaration of wanting to return often was the last thing they expected.
Even though she’d made off with a small treasure trove and rekindled some old grievances, she was still their sister. Her saying she wanted to come back more often, well, it made them feel a bit warmer inside.
Horatio smiled, “Yeah, you should come by more. And bring Mr. Myers along too, he’s family now.”
Calliope nodded, her grin as bright as a summer afternoon. “You bet, I’ll be around a lot more. I can tell you all missed me like crazy."