The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation

Chapter 346: Chapter 341 — I’ll Show You

When he did, a deep ache settled in his chest.

’...oh.’

He’d definitely had it rough, with Frost blocking his power, his estranged relationship with his father, losing his mother, and the torturous years he’d spent in the Order, but Ingrid had also had it rough.

While he’d at least had his mother growing up, Ingrid had basically had no one. Their father was useless, while their mother spent most of her time handling the affairs of the South, and what little time she had left was often spent with him, helping him refine what she liked to call his gift.

The only time Ingrid ever got to spend with their mother was usually during family gatherings, training that involved both of them, and perhaps a few other moments Zephyrion couldn’t place.

And then there was him. He could vaguely remember playing with Ingrid when they were much younger, but at some point, even that had stopped.

He’d begun noticing something strange in the way she behaved around him, an almost constant need to prove herself, and rather than question why, he’d simply pulled away.

Then the ambush happened, and he and Senerith vanished. Kastor entered seclusion, and Ingrid was left all alone to fend for herself within a house of wolves for seven long years.

Now, considering everything she’d said, along with her complicated relationship with their parents and even him, the reason for her strange behavior made a lot more sense. It hadn’t been hate, or even jealousy.

She’d simply been neglected by everyone around her for so long that she’d developed a constant need to prove herself capable to them. That was why she’d been so happy when she finally got the chance to teach him.

And now, the consequences of his lie and pretense were painfully clear.

’...I basically took the one thing she was proud to do for me and told her I never needed her to do it in the first place.’

The revelation had ruined something she’d genuinely treasured, and even worse, he’d basically told her that despite all her hard work and everything she’d accomplished, he still thought so little of her capabilities that he’d felt the need to pity her.

Reaching that conclusion, Zephyrion slowly exhaled.

’So... that’s what she meant.’

Now he understood, and it was only then that he realized just how right the ancestor had been. He’d been so absorbed in how Ingrid’s words affected him that he hadn’t stopped to consider just how deeply his own actions had hurt her.

’Hm.’ Demorian sounded genuinely impressed. ’I’ll be honest, protege, with how emotionally crippled you are, I expected to be explaining this until sunrise. But look at you. Growing.’

’...shut up.’

’There he is. Anyways, now that you’ve finally figured it out, what are you going to do about it?’

Zephyrion frowned as he considered the question. There was no way to fix everything that had happened in the past, and whatever problems Ingrid had with their mother and father were unfortunately beyond his control. But... there was one thing he could still do something about.

Their relationship.

’I suppose I should apologize to her.’

’Wow. Inspiring. Now say it again like you actually want the woman to forgive you.’

Zephyrion swallowed, feeling his heartbeat gradually settle. Everything that had happened tonight still felt surreal, and he hated every moment of it, especially the chaos it had stirred inside him.

Honestly, he wanted nothing more than to run as far away from Ingrid as possible and never have to feel... this again. However, the thought of simply abandoning her after everything he’d just realized also left a bitter feeling in his chest.

It disgusted him.

He hated his father for not giving a crap about his family. The last thing he wanted was to become anything like him.

A moment later, Zephyrion exhaled slowly and opened his eyes.

”I need to apologize to her,” he said out loud.

Demorian remained silent, but Zephyrion could practically feel the ancestor’s smugness through their bond. Lumi, on the other hand, blinked at him, giving him a strange look as though she wasn’t entirely certain he was okay.

”I’m fine.” Zephyrion gave her a small smile that surprised even him. ”I just need to fix something. I’ll be back soon.”

Lumi stared at his smile uncertainly for a moment, almost as though confirming she was actually seeing it, before her expression brightened. She immediately raised both hands and gave him two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Somehow, the sight filled him with courage.

And considering what he was about to do, he would need every ounce of it.

...

It was hard.

Zephyrion had slaughtered entire rooms of people, entered dens filled with dangerous beasts and stood before armies without flinching. Yet as he waited alone in the quiet forest beneath the ghostly light of the silver moon, his heart refused to stop pounding.

Ten minutes had already passed since he sent Ingrid the text asking her to meet him here, and somehow, every second felt torturous.

What was he even supposed to say when she arrived? Simply apologize and everything would suddenly be fine? What if she refused to accept it? What would he do then? Or worse... what if she never responded at all?

Zephyrion silently curled his fists.

He’d never been in such an uncomfortable position before. He was usually the one in control, the one deciding what happened next, never the one left waiting and hoping someone else would make a choice in his favor.

And now, he somehow found himself missing his former life, when he never had to expose himself to this sort of vulnerability.

’Maybe I should just leave...’

’Woah, woah, woah. Protege, relax. I can practically hear your heart trying to beat its way out of your fucking chest.’

’This was a mistake, Demorian. We’re supposed to be focused on our goals, not deliberately creating weaknesses Frost can use against us.’

Demorian let out a long sigh, and a moment later, his figure appeared before him. This time, however, there was none of his usual amusement on his face as he gave Zephyrion a serious stare.

”But she isn’t just some weakness, is she? She’s your sister. Your family. There are some bonds worth having even if they can hurt you, protege. So stop trying to run away because you’re scared and stay. Do the right thing.”

’...what if she doesn’t come?’

Demorian’s expression softened slightly. ”She’ll come, protege. I’d bet the lives of every woman I’ve ever slept with on it.”

Zephyrion frowned, giving him a strange look. ’Aren’t they... all dead?’

”Haha, yes, technically, but...” Demorian placed a hand over his heart, his expression turning strangely solemn. ”Their sacrifices, their contributions to this world and, most importantly, their magnificent bodies will live forever in here.”

Zephyrion could only shake his head at this shameless ancestor. At the very least, Demorian was proving to be a decent distraction from the impending meeting.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long.

It wasn’t long before his thoughts drifted back to Ingrid, and the anxiety he’d managed to suppress began creeping in again. Demorian noticed almost immediately, and after watching him for a moment, said,

”Alright, this is getting painful to watch. How about I distract that terrifying brain of yours before you brood yourself to death? Want to finally know why I disappeared for an entire year?”

Zephyrion’s attention snapped towards him.

Demorian immediately grinned. ”Actually, forget telling you. Where’s the fun in that? I’ll show you.”

Before Zephyrion could respond, the ancestor dispersed and vanished back into the rod.

’...this fucking fool.’

Sighing, Zephyrion glanced around the forest. He was still within the academy grounds, but this part of the forest was far enough away from any buildings that they were unlikely to be disturbed. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to be careful.

He settled beneath a large tree and, after making certain there was no one nearby, sent half his consciousness into the rod while keeping the other half alert to his surroundings.