Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra

Chapter 178: Who?

The bustling streets of Andelhei were filled with the vibrant energy of the city, but Valeriaʼs thoughts were fixed on the inn as they made their way toward it. Lucavion, walking beside her with his usual carefree stride, seemed more curious than ever, and Valeria couldnʼt help but wonder what he was expecting.

Soon, the familiar sight of the inn came into view—the same place where the tense confrontation between the Cloud Heavens Sect and the Silver Flame Sect had unfolded. The sign bearing the innʼs name swung gently in the breeze as they approached, and Valeria could already feel the lingering tension of the previous night.

As they neared the entrance, Lucavionʼs eyes gleamed with interest, his usual smirk widening. ”So, this is the place, huh? Doesnʼt look like the scene of a grand battle.”

Valeria rolled her eyes. ”It wasnʼt a grand battle. Just a lot of tension and one ruined meal.”

Lucavion chuckled. ”A shame about the meal. But I guess weʼll see if the legend of the Iron Matron holds up.”

With that, they stepped inside the inn. The atmosphere was quieter than the night before, with only a few patrons seated at tables, enjoying their meals. The warm scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of fresh bread.

Valeria scanned the room briefly, her eyes landing on the same innkeeper who had diffused the situation the night before. The Iron Matron stood behind the counter, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room as if she were silently assessing every person who entered.

Despite the relatively peaceful morning, she still carried herself with the same commanding presence that had sent shivers down Valeriaʼs spine the previous night.

Lucavion followed her gaze and let out a low whistle. ”So, thatʼs the infamous Iron Matron, huh?”

Valeria nodded slightly. ”Yes, thatʼs her. Be respectful.”

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, a playful grin dancing on his lips. ”Iʼm always respectful. But I canʼt wait to see if she lives up to her reputation.”

As they approached the counter, the Iron Matronʼs eyes flicked toward them, her expression unreadable but her presence unmistakable.

”Well, well,” she said, her voice steady but carrying a weight of authority. ”Back again so soon? And with company this time.”

Valeria straightened while looking at him with a side glance.

ʼCompanion?ʼ

The way how it was worded certainly bothered her to quite an extent. The fact that he was regarded in such a way as if they were close….

”That…..He is not my comp-”

Just as Valeria began to protest, Lucavion, ever the opportunist, smoothly intervened.

”Ah, she told me all about this place,” he said with a grin, gesturing around the inn. ”Valeria was curious, and I figured, why not come along? Thought I might see the famous Iron Matron in action myself.”

His words rolled off his tongue with such ease that, for a moment, Valeria could only stand there, slightly stunned. She glared at him from the corner of her eye, but Lucavion, ignoring her frustration, turned his attention to the innkeeper with an air of casual curiosity.

The Iron Matronʼs sharp gaze remained fixed on Lucavion. There was no warmth in her expression as she assessed him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if to say she wasnʼt easily impressed. She didnʼt seem to be someone who enjoyed idle chatter, especially from people like him.

Without missing a beat, she spoke, her voice calm but laced with a subtle edge. ”You know, itʼs rude to look someone directly in the eyes like that. Particularly when youʼre in the presence of another martial artist,” she said, her words cutting through the air with authority.

Lucavionʼs grin didnʼt falter, but for a brief moment, something in his gaze shifted. It wasnʼt his usual playful look; it was as if he recognized something in her that few others could see. The tension between them felt different, something unspoken passing between their eyes.

”My apologies,” Lucavion said, raising his hands in mock surrender again. ”I suppose I got a little carried away. I didnʼt mean any disrespect.”

The Iron Matron held his gaze for a few more seconds before letting out a small, dismissive snort. ”See that you donʼt,” she replied curtly. ”This isnʼt the kind of place where you can afford to misstep.”

”Ahahaa….I can see that.”

He smiled shaking his head, but at that moment she had read his lips.

ʼShe is just as Master had talked.ʼ

There was no voice that reached her ears, but she still was able to get a little bit of information from those lips.

ʼMaster?ʼ

She asked herself.

And then, as she stood beside Lucavion, her thoughts began to wander back to the strange aura that surrounded him, so similar to the other martial prodigies she had encountered recently—Lira and Varen. There was something about Lucavion that felt… off. Not in a malicious way, but in a way that hinted at depth beyond what he let on.

His playful, laid-back demeanor was just a mask, hiding something far more dangerous and complex underneath.

She remembered their duel—the casual way he had disarmed her, the unsettling intensity that had flashed in his eyes for just a moment before he masked it again with that infuriating grin. Even though she hadnʼt gone all out in that duel, she couldnʼt shake the feeling that if it had been a real fight, she would have lost. The realization stung, but more than that, it intrigued her.

ʼWho is he?ʼ Valeria wondered.

It was strange for someone so young to be so talented, so in control of his abilities while projecting such an air of carelessness. His skill with the sword was undeniable, but beyond that, there was the mystery of his origin. He had mentioned a ”master” just now, but who could that be? If Lucavionʼs teacher was anything like him, then whoever trained him was someone remarkable.

She had been planning to do some background research on him for a while now. Even the moment they met she decided to order the men in her family to do it.

But now that she had decided to leave her knights behind and come here, that plan was naturally prolonged, and she was left here like this.

The more time she spent with him, the more suspicious she became. He was too talented, too mysterious. Even when she thought she was getting a read on him, he would do something unpredictable that threw her off balance.

ʼHe acts like he has no responsibilities,ʼ she thought, frowning slightly as she recalled all their interactions. ʼBut no one with that level of skill gets there without intense discipline. Heʼs not a mercenary, thatʼs for sure. So who is he really?ʼ

That question was a mystery that needed to be answered, but it was not the time right now, as she felt like if she were to ask the question all she would get would be a bunch of teasing remarks.

As Valeriaʼs thoughts continued to swirl around Lucavion and the growing mystery of his identity, she didnʼt notice the faint glow that began to emanate from his eyes. A soft, ethereal purple light flickered in his irises for a brief moment—barely noticeable, but unmistakable to anyone attuned to mana.

The change was subtle, yet sharp. The Iron Matronʼs eyes widened ever so slightly, her usually calm demeanor breaking for the briefest second as she caught sight of it.

Valeria, feeling the sudden shift in the air, turned her head just in time to catch the fading glow in Lucavionʼs eyes. She blinked in confusion, her instincts immediately sharpening. ”What was that?” she asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

But Lucavion, as always, played it off with ease. His playful grin returned full force as he leaned casually toward her, clearly unfazed by what had just happened. ”Oh, come now, Valeria. Youʼre being awfully rude. You bring me to this fine establishment, and you donʼt even let me sit? How cold of you,” he teased, his voice smooth, brushing away her suspicion with his light-hearted tone.

”What? I was not the one who brought you here, you wanted me to do so.”

”So what? In the end, werenʼt you the one who brought me here?”

”...”

Valeriaʼs scowl deepened, though she couldnʼt deny the growing sense that something was off. Before she could retort, the Iron Matron, now composed once again, straightened herself and offered them a smile—one that was far warmer than the one she had given earlier.

”Please,” the Iron Matron said, gesturing to one of the empty tables near the window, her tone suddenly much more welcoming. ”Feel free to sit. Iʼll have someone bring you a drink.”

Valeria blinked in surprise, her eyes flicking between Lucavion and the Iron Matron. Something had changed, but she wasnʼt sure what.

Just a moment ago, the Iron Matron had been stern and authoritative, but now… it was as if she had shifted, offering them hospitality.

…..as if Lucavion were m vl _emp y,r the story platform

Someone she knew?