Chapter 127: Another Problem?
"I don’t want my water used by Narin," Gara declared firmly.
"She’s done nothing but try to drag me into trouble. Because of that, I won’t show her any kindness. Anyone who sides with her won’t have access to my water either."
Gara knew that what happened to Loka was partly due to Narin’s plan and instigation. However, the young woman herself hadn’t expected things to spiral this far.
Still, Gara had no intention of letting her act with impunity again.
...
Inside the captain’s office at Falopo’s town guard, Tristan sat behind his desk. Before him stood Madha, Mohan, and Emir.
"You two may return to the village," Tristan ordered, glancing at Madha and Mohan.
"But, Captain, Loka’s punishment is far too—"
Bang!
Tristan slammed his hand against the desk. Mohan’s words died in his throat.
"Do I need to suspend your position as investigation team leader before you remember your place?" Tristan’s voice was calm, but the threat beneath it was undeniable.
Mohan, who had lived his entire life cushioned by privilege, had never known the sting of being on the weaker side. His pride burned, but the man before him was a Cakra, someone he could not oppose.
What unsettled him most was that Captain Tristan had gone so far as to defend Gara, even handing down a punishment as brutal as rank demotion to a Liner.
The higher the rank, the harder the missions, and the more points required. For Loka, being demoted in rank was like throwing away years of effort.
How could a mere E-rank Liner from a village make Captain Tristan act this way? Just who was Gara, really?
"Leave. Now."
At Tristan’s command, Madha and Mohan exited the room, leaving only Emir behind.
"Keep it quiet that the punishment came from me," Tristan ordered.
"Yes, Captain," Emir replied at once.
Tristan would never forgive anyone who tried to harm Gara. If Gara himself hadn’t requested leniency, Tristan would’ve taken that vile man’s head without hesitation.
Speaking of the vile man, there was another wretch he still hadn’t uncovered, the identity of the devil who had entered this town ten months ago.
"Any news on that devil?"
Emir shook his head. "Not yet, Captain. But..."
Tristan raised a brow. "But what?"
"There’s a rumor spreading about Duchess Alterian, Lady Syela. Some say her husband is a devil. And her son, Professor Langga Alterian... is half-devil."
Tristan, being part of the nobility, was well aware of this rumor. It had begun when no young nobleman of equal standing was willing to marry into the Alterian family.
At that time, marrying into a woman’s family was seen as disgraceful, dignity was valued over wealth.
From there, the rumor spread that the young lady of Alterian had wed a devil because no human noble would have her.
But, that was just a rumor.
"And what does that rumor have to do with this?" Tristan asked.
"Ten months ago, the one and only time Gara left his village was for the Awakening Ceremony. The one presiding over it was Professor Langga."
"Langga Alterian... of the Duchy of Altas?" Tristan rubbed his chin. "Track his movements while he’s in town."
Even if it sounded far-fetched that Gara was tied to the young professor, Tristan refused to rule out any possibility.
"Yes, Captain."
Afterward, Emir reported on the druids they had been secretly monitoring. "After checking the mountain and confirming druids once lived there, they followed the trail we left behind. They’re already outside the county."
"And the next false trail?"
"Already in place, Captain."
Tristan gave a satisfied nod.
...
Several days passed with Madha still in town. Tristan eventually contacted Gara, telling him Madha was already on his way back.
Still, Gara couldn’t stop overthinking. More than once, he let out a heavy sigh.
Arion, nursing at his chest, peeked up at him with bright blue eyes. One tiny hand patted against Gara’s chest, whether on purpose or not.
That small touch snapped Gara out of his restless thoughts. He stroked Arion’s arm—the one with the druid’s trait—and smiled gently at his second son.
Despite his troubled mind, Gara had still made time earlier to take all three babies into the back forest. He even tried Woodland Camouflage while carrying Arion and Ava.
Then Ava’s panel had flickered.
[Ava’s Talent: Level 1 Whip of Fire -> Level 1 Whip of Invisiflame]
Arion’s Talent hadn’t changed, but his own panel had appeared as well.
[Arion’s Talent: Level 1 Beast Speech -> Level 1 Beast Speech]
Gara didn’t know what had shifted, but something surely had.
While his thoughts churned, Della quietly folded the triplets’ clothes. She had noticed her master’s unease, understanding it came from the recent incident that forced his friend into town for questioning.
"Master, everything will be all right," she said softly.
Gara turned toward her with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Della."
Her heart thudded at that breathtaking smile, but she forced herself to act natural. She had to ignore these feelings. Her master was too beautiful, admired by many men. He deserved the protection of powerful allies.
As for her, she only needed to be a good servant, caring for the triplets so her master could focus on what truly mattered.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The sharp rapping at the door snapped the quiet. Gara handed Arion to Della and stepped out. Wina also emerged from the kitchen.
When Gara opened the door, a young woman with straight brown hair stood waiting, several Liners gathered behind her. At the very back—though she tried to hide—he caught sight of Narin, smirking arrogantly.
Another problem? Don’t they ever get tired of stirring up trouble?
"What is it?" Gara asked flatly, his face dark. He was already weary of all these endless messes.
The young woman in front frowned at his expression. She planted her hands on her hips, lifting her chin high.
"As a representative of the Liners, I demand that you share your food with us!"
"...What?" Gara nearly blurted out, Are you insane?
...