Golden Melody

Chapter 178

Chapter 178

Dom Mansion – Underground Basement

Steel doors lined the walls.
Dim lights hummed overhead.
At the center—
Marie sat at a long metal table.

Plates.
Stacked.
Empty.
Refilled.
Gone again.

Three of Ashel's clones stood nearby, moving in silent coordination—serving dish after dish without question.

Marie didn't slow down.
She just ate.

Because she had to pay the price for the sin of gluttony.

Across from her, the real Ashel sat calmly, hands folded, watching her eat.

Only when Marie finally paused—just for a breath—
Did she speak?

"Wayne Mansion is full of stinky Zenips," she said flatly.

Another plate was set before her.

She continued eating.
"I don't see any of my auntie Sarah's men."

Ashel's gaze sharpened slightly.
"...You're certain?"

Marie didn't even look up.
"I don't guess," she replied.

A brief silence.

"And the boy?" Ashel asked.
"The one Jayson selected?"

Marie's eyes flickered, annoyingly surfacing.

"Dangerous," she said simply.
She set her fork down for a moment.

"He's the Sebastian heir, yes. But that's not what matters."
A pause.
"If he's sided with our enemies."

Ashel leaned back slightly, absorbing it.

Marie resumed eating.

"You should pull Miexha out of that mansion permanently," she added.
"Tonight wasn't an accident."

Ashel nodded once.
"She and you can stay here," he said.
"The situation is escalating faster than expected."

Marie glanced at him briefly.
"spill."

Ashel exhaled quietly.

"Ruzia is no longer stable," he said.
"The war there is... slipping beyond control."

His voice remained calm—but the weight was there.
"Amerina is requesting reinforcement as well."

Marie slowed.
Just slightly.
"Damian and Zaren are moving tonight," Ashel continued.
"They'll reinforce both fronts."
A pause.
"And Silver Island..." his expression darkened, just a fraction,
"...I've lost contact with Soria."

Marie's hand stilled for a second.

"We're short on forces," Ashel said.
"Across all fronts."
Another pause.
Longer this time.
"We're losing ground."

The words settled between them.

Marie sighed quietly.
Not panicked.

Just... accepting.

She took another bite.
Then spoke.
"I'll handle the capital."

Ashel looked at her.

"And the Academy," she added.

Her tone wasn't dramatic.
It was certain.

"I won't let a single enemy harm the students," she continued.
"That's my responsibility."

The faintest glow flickered in her eyes—
Then disappeared.

Ashel studied her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Good," he said.
"Then I'll focus on the shelters."