The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation

Chapter 178: Chapter 175 — Suit

Zephyrion stared at his reflection in the full mirror.

He wore a classic black suit, fitted to a tee, a dark inner shirt, golden cufflinks and embroidery, and dark, elegant shoes. With his hair tied back neatly into a single ponytail and purple eyes, he bore the full weight of his devilishly handsome self.

’Hm... it actually looks nice.’

His eyes lingered on the suit.

At a glance, he could tell the quality of each piece. Ingrid must have gone out of her way to acquire the best. Ultimately, it brought a frown to Zephyrion’s face. The fact that he still wasn’t certain what went through her mind irked him.

Still, his current appearance was one that surprised even him. Zephyrion had never really bothered with his appearance.

There had been times when certain appearances were necessary for certain missions, and times when his mother insisted on dragging him to social events. She always seemed to know exactly how to handle him. Yet all he remembered from those days was endless reluctance and frustration.

Back then, he had hated every bit of it. Now...

What he wouldn’t give to have it again.

Zephyrion clutched his silver pendant tightly and exhaled. Reminiscing would only bring useless pain and distract him.

’Focus.’

Tonight was an important event. It was the first time he would be interacting with the heads of the South since his return. His impression could not be anything less than perfect.

He felt a persistent gaze on him and turned.

Lumi sat there staring with wide, puzzled eyes.

”...what?”

She immediately gestured at him from head to toe before spreading her hands, her expression asking why he was dressed so strangely.

”I’m attending a banquet.”

Lumi tilted her head before giving a small shrug, making it clear she had no idea what that meant.

Suddenly reminded of just how little she knew about the outside world, Zephyrion decided to explain what a banquet was.

A moment later, Lumi’s eyes brightened. She jumped off the bed, hurried over, and repeatedly pointed at herself.

Zephyrion frowned.

”...you want to come?”

Lumi nodded so hard her hair bounced.

”...why?”

He understood wanting to follow him around. That much was normal. What baffled him was that she seemed genuinely excited about the banquet itself. He had spent less than a minute explaining it, yet somehow she already looked invested.

Lumi pointed at him. Then she spread both arms dramatically and flashed a bright smile.

”Because they’re celebrating me?”

She nodded immediately. Zephyrion stared at her for a moment. His mother had been the only person who ever seemed genuinely excited by his accomplishments.

Now... Lumi.

He crushed the budding feeling in his chest.

”...you can’t come.”

Such things could not be allowed to fester. They were distractions. He could not afford distractions.

Lumi frowned. She blinked once, then twice. After that, she narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him.

Zephyrion met her stare without the slightest intention of backing down.

A moment later, Lumi nodded.

”Good. Glad we understand each other.”

Just as he thought the matter was settled, she walked over and planted herself directly in front of the door.

Her tiny back straightened. Her chin lifted. Her arms folded. She clearly intended to look intimidating, instead, she resembled a kitten guarding a fortress.

Zephyrion sighed. Unfortunately, he recognized that look.

Whenever Lumi made that face, it meant she had already made up her mind. No amount of reasoning, persuasion, or outright refusal would accomplish anything. Even if he left without her, she would simply follow behind him.

Still, Zephyrion shook his head.

”I’m not changing my mind.”

...

Minutes later, Zephyrion changed his mind.

Most people would probably assume it was because he was somehow weak to her. Naturally, they would be wrong.

He was already dressed, and the last thing he wanted was someone ruining the effort that had gone into it. The only realistic solution was locking Lumi inside the room, and she would almost certainly attempt to escape. In the process, she would likely alert half the estate and create an unnecessary commotion.

Zephyrion had no interest in dealing with that, and that was the only reason he changed his mind.

At least, that was what he told himself.

Moments later, after a request was sent to the maids, Lumi emerged dressed in a rather cute white gown. For the sake of the occasion, she had even allowed her hair to be neatly braided.

The moment he saw her, Zephyrion paused.

He didn’t seem to notice the proud looks the maids were exchanging around him. Rather, his gaze settled solely on Lumi, who stood quietly twisting the edge of her sleeve while sneaking occasional glances his way. Waiting.

A moment later, he nodded.

”...you look good.”

Lumi’s entire face brightened.

She immediately straightened her back and puffed out her chest, looking absurdly pleased with herself. After enthusiastically nodding her thanks to the maids, she hurried over and took her place beside Zephyrion as he left the room.

”M-my lord, holy—!” Tobias stared with wide eyes. ”You look incredible! No, wait, that’s not enough. You look... you look—”

His gaze landed on Lumi.

”Lady Lumi too! You both look amazing!”

The ward was also dressed in a black suit, though of noticeably lesser quality. It was the best Zephyrion had been able to find given the circumstances.

Lumi folded her arms and lifted her chin proudly at the praise. Zephyrion simply nodded and continued walking.

”Oh, this spot here... and right here... oh, and there too...”

As they walked, Tobias followed closely behind with a deeply serious expression, attacking Zephyrion’s suit with a lint roller whenever he spotted the slightest imperfection.

Eventually, Zephyrion exhaled.

”...what are you doing?”

”Hm?” Tobias looked up. ”Protecting your reputation, my lord.”

The lint roller resumed its duties.

”There was dust.”

”...dust.”

”A dangerous amount of dust.”

Zephyrion gave him a flat stare, but held his tongue. The last thing the ward needed was feeling useless again, so a less blunt approach would be best.

After a brief moment, he spoke.

”Carry a light source and light the way. Ensure I don’t step in any dust.”

Tobias froze. Then his eyes lit up.

A new mission.

”Understood, my lord!”

The lint roller was discarded without hesitation. Moments later, the three of them made their way toward the banquet hall.