Chương 313: Chapter : 313

"Hey! We meet again!" Ken cheered, giving her a goofy, relaxed wave.

"Are you taking the train too? Or are you just hanging out behind the vending machine to enjoy the cool breeze?" Elma jumped, nearly dropping the iced coffees. She clutched the carrier tighter.

"I... I am not hanging out! I am on a highly sensitive reconnaissance mission! Princess Hestia sent me to... to scout the transit patterns for potential threats! It is a very serious Royal assignment!"

"With three iced coffees?" Ken asked, peering at the drinks.

"That's a lot of caffeine for a reconnaissance mission. Are you planning to stay awake for a week?" Elma's face turned even redder. She shifted her weight, looking everywhere except at Ken.

"These were on sale! Two-for-one! It would have been fiscally irresponsible to leave them! I simply bought them for my squad, and I happened to be standing here when they got here!" Naomi, Sayma, and the rest of the unit rounded the corner and stopped in their tracks. Naomi's eyes went from Ken to the blushing Elma and back to the three cups of coffee. She let out a soft, knowing laugh.

"Stalking us with iced coffee again, Elma? That's the third time this week."

"I AM NOT STALKING YOU!" Elma shrieked, her voice echoing in the terminal. Passersby turned to look. She quickly lowered her voice, though she was still vibrating with embarrassment.

"I just... I have extra. If you want one, fine! Take it! Just stop looking at me like that!" Ken reached out and plucked one of the cups from the carrier with a lazy, satisfied grin.

"Don't mind if I do. I love caramel drizzle. You're a lifesaver, Elma. Really." Elma stared at him, her blue eyes wide, her face burning. She was clearly torn between wanting to yell at him and wanting to stand there forever.

"Eat your coffee," she muttered, shoving the remaining two cups toward Naomi and Sayma before spinning around and marching away, her boots clicking frantically against the stone as she fled the scene.

"She is getting really bad at her job," Ken noted, taking a loud slurp of his iced coffee.

"She forgot to ask me if I liked the caramel." Naomi watched her go, a small, genuine smile on her face.

"She's just flustered, Ken. You're a lot for anyone to handle."

"I am a very simple guy," Ken corrected her, leaning back against the pillar and closing his eyes to enjoy the caffeine.

"I am just a lazy boy who likes snacks. If people get flustered, that is their own problem."

"Sure, Ken," Naomi laughed, taking a sip of the drink Elma had left her.

"Whatever you say." The train whistle shrieked in the distance, a long, lonely sound that cut through the station noise. It was time to go. The 13th Unit gathered their gear and moved toward the platform. Ken followed behind, scuffing his shoes, his empty plastic cup held loosely in his hand, looking entirely unbothered by the fact that he had just successfully flirted—or at least, survived—another run-in with his favorite rival. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

The train arrived in the Inner City. The doors hissed open. The 13th Unit stepped out onto the polished white stones of the Diamond District. The air here smelled like expensive perfume and fresh flowers. The streets were perfectly clean. Tall buildings made of white marble and glass sparkled in the afternoon sun. Wealthy nobles walked down the sidewalks. They wore fine silk clothes and sparkling jewelry. Ken took a loud sip of his iced coffee. The ice cubes rattled in the plastic cup.

He looked around and slouched his shoulders.

"This place is too shiny," Ken complained casually.

"It hurts my eyes. Everything looks like it costs a million Bels. If I accidentally drop my cup, I will probably have to pay a fine."

"Just hold onto your cup, Ken," Naomi said with a small smile. She walked beside him. She looked at the street signs.

"Sayma, which building is it?" Sayma pushed her glasses up. She checked her notes.

"It is the tall glass tower at the end of this street. Building number seven. It is an incredibly exclusive address." They walked to the end of the block. They stood in front of a massive, lavish apartment building. A doorman wearing a crisp black suit stood by the glass entrance. He looked at the 13th Unit. He noticed Princess Iris's dark blue uniform. He quickly stepped aside and bowed deeply.

"Welcome, Your Highness," the doorman said politely.

"How may I assist you?"

"We are here to see Anny," Princess Iris stated softly.

"Which floor is her residence?"

"She occupies the entire top floor, Princess. The penthouse suite. You may use the private elevator." The team walked into the lobby. The floors were covered in thick, plush red carpets. Gold fixtures lined the walls. They stepped into the private elevator. The doors closed softly. The elevator zoomed upward without making a single sound.

"A whole floor to herself," Laxmi muttered. She crossed her arms.

"Carrion really liked spending money on her." The elevator chimed. The doors slid open. They stepped directly into Anny's lavish apartment. The living room was absolutely massive. Huge windows offered a perfect view of the entire capital city. White leather couches sat in the center of the room. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. A large, fluffy white rug covered the floor. Standing near the window was a woman. She was incredibly beautiful. Anny had long, flowing blonde hair. Her skin was flawless.

She wore an elegant, pale blue silk dress that draped perfectly over her figure. She looked like a famous actress from a movie. When she heard the elevator chime, she turned around. She looked at the six elite girls and the messy boy holding a plastic coffee cup.

"Can I help you?" Anny asked. Her voice was smooth and melodic. She looked mildly surprised, but not scared. Princess Iris stepped forward. She offered a polite, gentle bow.

"Hello, Anny. I am Princess Iris Belmontia. These are my servants. We are deeply sorry to intrude on your home. We are investigating the tragic death of Dr. Carrion." The moment the name Carrion left the Princess's lips, Anny's entire demeanor changed. Anny gasped softly. She brought a delicate, perfectly manicured hand up to her mouth. Her beautiful blue eyes instantly filled with sparkling tears. Her shoulders trembled. She looked like a woman totally broken by grief.

"Carrion," Anny whispered. Her voice cracked perfectly.

"You are investigating his death? After a whole year?" Naomi watched her closely. The fierce vanguard leader did not drop her guard.

"Yes. We believe it was not an accident. We believe he was murdered. Derek the gardener sent us to you. We need to know what he told you before he died." Anny let out a tragic, dramatic sob. She walked slowly over to the white leather couch. She sat down gracefully. She pulled a small silk handkerchief from her pocket. She dabbed her eyes. She did not ruin her makeup. She just let a single, perfect tear roll down her cheek. It was a masterful, tearful performance.