The murderers and accomplices who caused her family's downfall—no matter who they were, no matter the reasons behind their actions—she would never forgive them.
Only blood could wash away the injustice.
Veil leaned lazily against the headboard, arms crossed, and spoke with casual indifference. "So? What do you want to do now?"
"I want you to help me kill Caden Voss and his master. No matter what the cost—I'm willing to pay it."
As for her biological father, she was prepared to handle him on her own. Even if he belonged to one of the great families in Luxhaven City, she didn't flinch.
Those kinds of families might be able to deal with someone like Harvey in a direct confrontation, but against a hidden assassin like her, they had no real way to defend themselves.
But Caden Voss… and that mysterious master of his who had never revealed himself—that was a different story entirely.
Caden alone had already noticed her presence while she was lurking in the shadows. As for the man behind him… she had no way of estimating his strength.
The only person she could think of to help—the only one strong enough to take down both master and disciple—was Veil.
Veil rolled his eyes. "Cost? What cost can you possibly offer me now? I already told you—I'd give you clues. That was the deal. Now that your enemy has been identified, you want me to do the killing too? What, you think this world hands out favors for free?"
Blood Mandala dropped to one knee.
"If you're willing to eliminate Caden Voss… then I, Blood Mandala, swear to serve you for life. I'll follow you as my master and never betray you."
In the original timeline, Blood Mandala was a fiercely proud assassin—fiery, stubborn, and unyielding.
It was because Veil had killed Roy before she could that she'd pursued him across half the continent.
Assassins had their pride, and she had more than most.
For her to kneel now, to speak such words of subservience—there was no doubt they came from the heart.
"Ah… was that really necessary?" Veil sighed, shaking his head. "I don't have any personal grudge against Caden Voss."
This was the critical moment—he had to make sure to completely distance himself from Caden.
Even if he very much did want to kill him, he wasn't about to say it out loud.
The more detached he appeared, the stronger his negotiating position. And the higher the price Blood Mandala would be willing to pay.
Blood Mandala lifted her head. The cold glint in her eyes was gone, replaced by quiet confidence.
"Your bodyguards are strong, but none of them can match me. And you… you're cunning and ruthless. There are many things those straight-laced types can't handle for you.
But me? I can do them without hesitation.
Like the people you asked me to drug—every single one has been taken care of. Even the Chandler family's old patriarch. One burst of anger from him now, and the backlash could very well kill him."
"Ah… well, when you put it like that…" Veil stroked his chin, nodding thoughtfully. "Can't deny your efficiency."
Blood Mandala didn't press the issue further. She lowered her proud head and said clearly, "From now on, I'll follow your every command."
"Alright then. It's settled. Go back and tell Harvey to find a way to release Caden Voss within the next few days. Make it happen before the weekend."
Veil's voice turned cool and commanding.
This weekend, the Chandler family patriarch was hosting a birthday banquet.
Caden Voss would definitely show up.
And during that event, he and Lyra—the main heroine—were destined to clash in a major way.
Originally, this conflict was meant to be a thread that tied them closer together.
But now, thanks to Veil's intervention, that minor disagreement would evolve into a full-blown disaster.
Heh…
The landmines had already been planted.
Blood Mandala had handled the Chandler patriarch.
The trap was set.
If the protagonist didn't step into it—well, that would be a waste of effort, wouldn't it?
Blood Mandala didn't question the plan. She simply nodded once.
Then she stood in silence, not saying a word for a long while.
It was as if something still needed to be done.
"…You're still here? Waiting to stay for lunch or something?" Veil shot her a pointed look.
What was she staring at?
The way Blood Mandala just stood there with that faintly aggrieved expression was starting to make his skin crawl.
Urged along by his words, she finally turned and left.
Veil watched her shapely figure disappear through the door, eyebrows furrowing in thought.
Why did it feel like he hadn't tricked her into submission—
But rather, she had found an excuse to draw closer to him?
Before anyone realized it, the weekend had arrived.
At the Chandler family villa, the place was lavishly decorated, brimming with festive cheer.
Today marked the 70th birthday of Old Master Oliver, and nearly all the younger members of the Chandler family had returned to celebrate the occasion.
"Wishing Grandpa good health and happiness! I've brought you a golden bowl—please accept it with a smile!"
"Wishing Grandpa peace and prosperity! May every year be like today. I present to you a piece of white jade—please accept it!"
"…"
"Wishing Grandpa longevity and wellness. Your granddaughter humbly offers a copy of The Classic of Virtue and Morality. Please accept it."
On the birthday banquet stage, Old Master Oliver sat at the head of the hall in a bright red robe, his face glowing with joy as he received blessings and gifts from his grandchildren.
But suddenly, when it was Lyra's turn to present her gift, a single sentence caused the entire room to fall awkwardly silent.
While everyone else had offered items like gold or jade—gifts rich in auspicious symbolism—she, of all people, presented a book? And not just any book, but The Classic of Virtue and Morality?
What was that supposed to mean?
Was she insinuating that Old Master Oliver lacked virtue?
"Lyra, what's the meaning of this? Today is Grandpa's joyous birthday celebration, and this is the gift you bring?!"
"You don't have what it takes to be part of the family business—fine, no one forced you. You chose to become a university professor, earning a measly salary each month—fine, no one cares. But on such a grand occasion as Grandpa's 70th birthday, you bring a book? And of all things, that book?!"
"Apologize to Grandpa right now! Otherwise, this incident won't just blow over!"
"…"
Cousins, aunts, uncles—even elders from the family—began stepping forward one after another, their voices sharp and accusatory.
They didn't care that there were guests present, outsiders from other families, standing nearby. Those guests had already offered their gifts before entering and weren't part of the Chandler clan's proceedings.
And now, in front of all these guests, the Chandler family members were ganging up on Lyra, bombarding her with scorn and criticism, practically jabbing fingers at her forehead.
Her dignity? Completely ignored.
Even Old Master Oliver, seated at the head, seemed visibly displeased. His face darkened, like someone who had just lost their appetite after hearing someone spit beside them during morning tea.
In stark contrast, Lyra, standing at the center of it all, remained calm. Her expression was tranquil, untouched by the accusations or scolding. It was as though none of this concerned her.
"Lyra! Are you not going to apologize?!" barked her eldest uncle, his voice cold and domineering.
The tone was harsh, nearly violent. Even Lyra's own father, standing nearby, didn't dare utter a word.
She glanced at him and found it a little funny.
This was her father—weak to the bone, utterly useless. Not even capable of speaking a word on her behalf.
Just then, a new voice broke through the tense atmosphere.
"I believe there's been a misunderstanding. Ms. Lyra is a university professor, after all—her level of education far surpasses most. I'm sure she has her own reasons for gifting The Classic of Virtue and Morality."
"Don't underestimate this book. For someone of Old Master Oliver's age, reading it could bring great benefits—calming the mind, improving health, enhancing memory, and even nurturing the spirit."
It was the protagonist of fate, Caden Voss, recently released from detention, stepping right into the heart of a dramatic confrontation.
There wasn't much choice. The Davenports were busy these days—the father preoccupied with business, the daughter tangled up with those Murphy sisters—so the task of bringing a birthday gift had fallen to him.
And as luck would have it, he arrived just in time to witness Lyra being publicly humiliated.
How could he possibly sit by and do nothing?
In terms of beauty and elegance, Lyra was hands-down the most dazzling woman at this entire banquet.
If he could shield her from this storm, surely he'd win her favor!
As Caden strode toward the center of the banquet, one of Lyra's aunts narrowed her eyes at him and snapped with hostility, "Who are you? This is a family matter—what does it have to do with you? Don't stand here spouting nonsense. A book as a gift, and now you're trying to talk it up?"
Caden shot a glance at Lyra. Her expression was calm as ever, so he turned his gaze back to the woman and introduced himself with a polite smile. "My name is Caden Voss. I represent the Davenport Group, and I also serve as a personal bodyguard for the Davenport family."
Upon hearing that, the aunt's heart skipped a beat. The Davenport Group wasn't someone to mess with. If he was truly part of that group, she'd have to show some restraint.
But the moment he added that last line—that he was just a bodyguard—her face twisted with disdain.
"Oh, a bodyguard?" she sneered. "This has nothing to do with you. Why don't you stay out of it and take a hike?"
"What's next, huh? You getting cozy with that shameless girl?"
Caden's smile twisted into a smirk. He was laughing—coldly—on the inside.
What a bunch of snobs.
Clueless fools.
If they knew even a tenth of what he was truly capable of, they wouldn't dare speak to him like this.
The only reason he was putting up with this humiliation was for Lyra's sake.
Just as he was about to respond, Lyra interrupted him.
"This has nothing to do with you. Don't get involved."
Her voice was distant, emotionless. Though she appreciated his kindness, she wasn't about to drag him into this mess. After all, her reason for gifting The Classic of Virtue and Morality wasn't at all what he had claimed.
"Lyra! Are you out of your mind?! You refuse to meet the gentlemen the family arranged for you, and now you're clinging to some nobody with no status at all? Are you just shameless to your core?!"
"You're a disgrace to the Chandler family!"
"I don't understand why Grandpa hasn't thrown you out yet. You're an embarrassment!"
Her eldest uncle, second uncle, aunt, cousins—everyone joined in, pointing fingers, hurling insults, demanding she be cast out.
In that moment of despair, when Lyra stood alone and vulnerable, the doorman at the entrance glanced at the invitation in his hand and announced in a booming voice:
"Chairman of Lancaster Global Investments, Mr. Veil, has arrived!"
All eyes turned at once.
Veil entered the hall dressed in a tailored suit, a calm smile on his face. Each step he took felt like a deliberate stomp upon the hearts of everyone present—imposing and unshakable.
"Veil? He's the Chairman of Lancaster Global? Isn't that the company started by the direct heir of the Lancaster family in Luxhaven City? Is it really him?"
"Shh! Don't speak recklessly. That kind of background is way above our pay grade. If someone hears you, we're all dead."
"This is strange. Why would the Lancaster heir personally come to a Chandler banquet? Sure, the Chandlers are a respected family in Veyport City, but compared to him… they're ants before an elephant."
"There's something going on here. Definitely."
Under the weight of everyone's stare, Veil walked straight over to Lyra and casually placed his arm around her shoulder.
Smiling, he glanced at the crowd of relatives still fuming with anger and asked softly,
"Just now, I thought I heard someone at the door shouting that my Lyra was shameless?"
He tilted his head, his voice steady yet commanding.
"Would that person mind repeating it to my face?"