ARCANUM

CHAPTER 25

LISANDRO MANOBAN aka PETER POV

Partner.

It turns out that having a partner again is not a bad thing. Especially, if you have a partner like Jennie Kim. A very competent, smart, extraordinary person. Not to mention a beautiful woman, inside out. I was very lucky to meet her. Only she can bring my old self back, after what I went through with Bambam.

Even though we argued a few days ago, but now I'm experiencing what it's like to work with a partner again. It's true that after Bambam's death, I still worked with Rattle, but that wasn't the same as the partner I was close to. All different. Jennie Kim is different.

What we did last night was beyond expectation. I didn't expect our anxieties and fights to be so intimate. I even opened myself up and told her what happened that time. The look in her eyes while listening to my story was so soothing. It allowed me to deal with the pain again as I dug into my memories. Her gaze filled with understanding, tenderness, and love strengthened me. Maybe mentioning love is too soon for both of us, considering we never talk about it and are only sexually involved. But I realized, deep in my heart, I felt something for her. That's why I'm annoyed with Valdo Bykov touching her with his disgusting hand. That's why I want her in The Arc, so nothing like this happens again when we face the bad guys.

But then again, what we went through last night made me glad she was here. Not because of our intimate activities, but because of the sense of having a partner. And being able to share with her makes me feel that I'm not alone. The feeling I experienced after Bambam died. Darkness and loneliness surround my heart. The hatred I feel for myself. All of that was erased under her eyes.

But our romance must be put aside first because the most important thing right now is to complete this mission and find Punpun soon. This is the least I can do for my ex-partner. For Bambam. To ease my guilt a bit. Guilt towards Bambam as well as Punpun, because I killed the only brother she had even though they didn't grow up together.

My feelings and heart right now aren't the most important, that's why I have to concentrate on this mission. Yup. That's what I have to do. Especially after last night, we had succeeded with our plan. Even though the process didn't go the way we planned, at least I managed to convince Valdo that I was interested in slavery and needed a woman for it.

Now I'm just waiting for the invitation to the Auction, which can come at any time. So, I emphasize to Prof Jessi to immediately complete my order, which is an invisible tracking device that I can attach to the transaction document of the sale and purchase that will occur after the Auction.

I'll be like the others, doing what I hate. Bought a poor woman. But maybe that way, I can save one of them. My heart aches at the thought of another woman I can't save. Because our goal is Punpun. I wish I could expand this mission a bit and pass the information on to Rattle to give to the authorities who are not corrupt and capable of eradicating Valdo Bykov's activities. After getting Punpun's documents, I wanted Valdo Bykov arrested. I have to discuss this with my partner. Ruby.

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