ARCANUM

CHAPTER 19

LUCA BRUSCHWEILER POV

Maybe this isn't a bad decision. Letting her on this mission might be a good thing. It's true what she said. She had already met Valdo Bykov, and I knew how attracted he was to her. If she disappeared suddenly, he might think something bad and makes it harder for me to continue this mission. If she had given Valdo Bykov an excuse before she left, he could have done something even more terrible. He would not let Jennie go, or worse, he could have kidnapped her considering who he was and what he had been doing. Kidnapping another woman who was alone and far from her country was not a difficult thing for him.

Maybe she should be here. By being near me, I could at least keep an eye on her and protect her as best I could. I know she's capable, she's tough. But I don't want her to get hurt even a little bit. That's why I was scared when I found out she was here. Especially, when I know she joined the Arcanum. Not because I don't believe in her abilities, but because I know how dangerous every mission that Arcanum handles. And to what extent should we carry out the mission. What do we have to sacrifice. Even life.

So with her being my partner, at least I'm by her side and can keep her as far as possible from danger. That's why I want her to work from The Arc. Far from danger. And I accepted her as my partner so she wouldn't be sent on a mission with another agent. No. I won't let her partner up with another agent. She is my partner, and because she is one of us now, she must be my partner.

I'm starting to feel grateful because this is her first mission, and Uncle's decision to have her as my partner. I'm grateful he didn't give up on giving me a partner after the bad attitude I gave to my potential partner before Jennie Kim.

And for now, I have to bury those bad memories deep into the corners of my head and heart because the most important thing right now is to carry out this mission successfully while keeping my partner safe.

The porridge she made was delicious. The hot tea she prepared was soothing. And Irene's medicine is effective. I'm sure I'll be much better tomorrow. Even though my ribs are sore right now, but I'm sure nothing is broken. Those thugs just kicked me hard because I let them. Otherwise, their legs will be broken. But I'm a little thankful that they're weak and drunk enough that those kicks couldn't crack my bones or even break them. Maybe if I meet them again, I'll break their ribs. But that's not important. They are not important. The important thing now is to quickly find Punpun's whereabouts and my partner's safety. And to do all that, I had to be strong. I'll keep that pain tight and lock it up.

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RUBY POV

After I left Manoban's place last night, I went straight to sleep because it was a tiring day. This morning after breakfast, I was ready to go to his unit to check on his condition. But before I could reach my apartment door. Someone had knocked on it.

*Knock Knock

I was a little surprised to see Manoban standing at my door. His tall body stood tall in a sweater and sweatpants. He looks handsome and casual. His face was also not as messy as yesterday but still looked a little pale. I didn't expect him to come this early because I thought he would come a bit late after lunch.