The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 139: The Lost Susie

Franca's complaints left Jenna, who had no romantic experience and was unclear on the truth of the situation, unsure how to respond.

Lumière, however, roughly understood the point of Franca's frustration and disappointment: *We're both here to infiltrate the "Iron Cross Society," so why, after just a little over a month, are you being tested, while I've been here for almost a year, practically about to give Gardener Martin a child, and still nothing has happened?*

This made her feel like a failure. After simulating Franca's possible thoughts in her typical choice of words and tone, Lumière responded seriously, "This might not be an opportunity but a danger. Deciding to test me after such a short time suggests the boss is more inclined to use me as a disposable asset. Or maybe it's because my supernatural path is particularly suited for something that's about to happen."

Jenna found this explanation reasonable and immediately tried to comfort Franca, "Maybe the boss doesn't test you because he likes you and doesn't want to put you in danger."

Franca's expression became strange, "That wouldn't be good."

It gave her a sense of guilt, as if she had misled someone emotionally.

When Lady Judgment assigned Franca to go undercover in Savoie and join the "Iron Cross Society," she specifically instructed her that there was no need to sacrifice herself by seducing the target—such tactics weren't the Tarot Club's style. But Franca, after being a witch for a long time, had wanted to try out what it was like to be with a man. And since Gardener Martin showed interest, she developed a casual relationship with him.

In Franca's mind, it was purely a relationship for mutual enjoyment, without any emotional attachment or real expectations. Once the mission was complete, both would part ways without any regrets. Of course, by then, the "Iron Cross Society" might have already been struck, and whether Gardener Martin could continue living a wonderful life would be an open question. If she were stronger, Franca would have mentally rehearsed a scene of the cold assassin killing her lover. After a few seconds, Franca spat, "Impossible, impossible. That guy is super chauvinistic and sexist. The reason he hasn't tested me is definitely because he thinks I'm just a woman who can manage the dancers, protect myself, and maybe have a child later. He probably doesn't think I'm capable or qualified to join the inner circle. Damn, am I going to fail because of my gender?"

What she was reluctant to admit was that her mission might fail because of her decision to try something new, leading to a deeper entanglement with Gardener Martin.

Cannon fodder didn't care about gender, and neither did a disposable asset in a secret organization.

Jenna and Lumière exchanged a glance, quietly pursing their lips, before looking at Franca with curiosity. "How were you able to tell that this mission was a test? Those two monsters were clearly terrifying and dangerous."

Jenna never saw herself as stupid, despite Lumière's teasing, but she knew she lacked experience in dealing with occult events and the complex scheming involved. She instinctively wanted to learn more.

Franca smiled, clearly pleased with herself. "It's all deduced from the process and the final outcome. Think about it—what in this task required Charles, Simon, and Kristol specifically? You could've found any two or three core members with a basic understanding of the situation. If they carefully followed the instructions, they could've successfully escaped from the monsters and retrieved the box without worrying about leaks. The fact that no threats from the darkness emerged suggests there were means and people in place to counter them. Someone else could've completed the trade just as well."

Jenna thought over Franca's analysis for a while and then praised her, "That makes sense! Damn, why didn't I think of that earlier?"

Hearing this, Franca and Lumière exchanged a proud glance, pleased that Jenna's mood was improving bit by bit.