Preparing for the Coming Storm


    Downstairs, As had already set the table, but I didn''t see anyone delivering the meal.


    As soon as I saw the delicious spread, I felt invigorated, almost unable to control myself. I was eager to dig in right away.


    As seated me and skillfully sliced the steak, cing it before me. I wasted no time and started eating. The lobster here was exquisite, and I indulged in its vors.


    While eating, I looked at As and asked, "Do you think it''s possible to find clues about Gemma?"


    It had been a wish of mine to find my parents'' biological daughter.


    As shook his head. "It''s hard to say since we''re not insiders of Navi''s organization. But I''ve already instructed Dn to get close to the senior members around Navi. However, this requires careful negotiation, and we can''t rush it, or it could be dangerous."


    "Is Navi''s headquarters here?"


    He shook his head. "No, I just came back from there this morning."


    I caught onto something. "You''ve been there before?"


    "Yeah. I went straight there afternding. He has a production base there, and it''s a well-hidden ce with tight security. The conditions are quite tough there, too." As emphasized.


    "Are you afraid I''ll go there?" I asked.


    "Not really. Navi returned to Trestlewoodst night," As said casually. "He went straight to the base, probably to arrange something."


    "Does he usually stay at the base?"


    "No, he mostly stays in Trestlewood. His trusted aides manages the base here, which is even more secure than a prison." As wiped his mouth with a napkin, then said, "No one can even get close."? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I paused with my fork in hand. "What about Dn and the others?"


    "They''re also working tirelessly to infiltrate. The environment there is extremely harsh. Even Navi isn''t there all the time. And the mosquitoes there are as big as golf balls. Until we have urate information, we''ll stay here." As exined.


    I almost burst outughing. "Don''t exaggerate. Mosquitoes as big as golf balls? I''ll only believe that when I see it."


    He nced at me, disdainful. I was sure he said that on purpose, fearing I''d rush to Navi''s base.


    Though I knew it wasn''t as exaggerated as As made it sound, I could imagine the secrecy there.


    But the thought of my dad being imprisoned there made the food taste nd.


    "Is Arnold''s ce far from here? Do you know where it is? After dinner, let''s take a walk and check out his ce." used the walk as an excuse. Otherwise, I could see him settling in here and bing sedentary.


    swno


    I didn''te here for a vacation. I couldn''t just sit still.


    "Sure." He agreed. "But you need to eat more."


    I nodded obediently, reluctantly feeding myself more.


    As noticed my subdued mood. "While we wait for news, we need to rest and enjoy life to the fullest. That''s the way to go."


    Then, his gaze locked onto mine. "Clear your mind. Got it?"


    "Got it." I nodded even though I didn''t know what he meant.


    But then again, I couldn''t believe that he asked me to enjoy life when he was the one who slipped away without a word.


    As if he could read my mind, he added, "Waiting is also an action, you know that?"


    I copsed on the sofa,ughing at his words while he pulled me up. "You''re going to choke. Sit properly."


    "How do you know exactly what I think like a mind reader?" I stared into his eyes.


    "If I can''t even do that, how can I be your husband?" he asked seriously.


    "You sneaky guy, when did you


    be so good at sweet-talking? How much practice did it take? How


    many people have you


    sweet-talked?" I teased him.


    "It''s self-taught. It''s my life''s mission to sweet-talk you. I never get tired of it, and no practice is needed," he dered.


    I finally ate until my stomach bulged.


    No matter what, I couldn''t stay.


    cooped


    l


    up in the room any longer. I


    d on going out. Conte