The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 170: "Hela"

The Little Cow Café caters to the small office workers in the nearby districts, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable prices. Even during the busiest evening hours, customers can enjoy a filling, diverse meal for just 1 Felkin. Many hotel waiters, restaurant workers, and cleaning ladies, with monthly incomes of 60 to 80 Felkin, treat themselves and their families here every few weeks.

When Lumian arrived, the busy breakfast period had already ended, and the café was nearly empty, with the waitstaff looking sluggish and unenthusiastic.

After ordering a cup of Makar coffee made from crushed beans, Lumian sat at the designated table, patiently waiting for "Hela."

As the cuckoo clock on the café's wall chimed, a woman entered.

She wore a unique black robe, giving off both a mysterious aura and the appearance of a widow's everyday attire.

Seeing her walk directly toward him after orienting herself, Lumian sat up straight and carefully observed her: her skin was pale, unnaturally so, like someone who hadn't been exposed to sunlight for a long time; her hair was light blonde, naturally hanging down, smooth but lacking shine; her eyes seemed to absorb all light, making them appear deep and dark, concealing her original eye color. Although each of her features was individually striking, they failed to leave Lumian with a clear impression of her appearance. It was as if the coldness in her aura obscured any coherent overall image.

The cold aura surrounding this woman wasn't the type that repels others; rather, it was a bone-deep chill that seemed to lower the temperature around her.

Before Lumian could observe any more details, the woman sat across from him and asked in a cool voice, "Muggle's brother?"

Although he had already guessed that this woman was "Hela," Lumian was still a little surprised.

He hadn't expected her to show up without any disguise, as if she had no concerns about being betrayed.

At the moment, Lumian wasn't using the "Face of Neath" or the "Seeker's Glasses," but he usually had basic disguises on—thanks to his black-tinted golden hair and simple makeup—keeping a notable difference from the wanted poster of Lumian Lee.

Perhaps she *was* disguised, but I just couldn't tell... Lumian smiled and nodded, "Hela, I presume?"

The woman gave a slight nod, acknowledging her identity.

"Would you like something to drink?" Lumian politely asked.

"Hela" didn't hesitate, "A glass of absinthe, and a triple shot of espresso."

Drinking hard liquor at ten in the morning? She's on my level... and she wants a triple shot of Liman coffee, too...

Was she up all night, or maybe drank too much and is using absinthe to wake herself up? Lumian raised his right hand and snapped his fingers to call over a waiter.

When the pale green liquid and the triple shot of espresso arrived at Hela's table, Lumian scanned the surroundings to ensure their conversation would be secure.

Gulp... "Hela" downed half the glass of absinthe in one go, and a slight flush finally appeared on her unnaturally pale face.

She put the glass down and used her left thumb and forefinger to pinch a ring on her right middle finger.

The ring was simple, with a plain silver base inlaid with a black, multi-faceted gemstone.

As "Hela" gently rotated the ring, Lumian suddenly felt the surroundings grow quieter, and even the light seemed to dim slightly.