Free Web NovelChapter 229: _Be Careful What You Wish For
"Valentine!"
"Valentine?"
Ambrose and Viktor exchanged a glance after saying the SS-Rank’s name in unison. Ambrose feigned excitement. While Viktor was wondering why the fuck he was here.
Valentine pushed the smaller part of the gate open, looking back briefly. Then his head swerved to Ambrose and Viktor.
"You two don’t sound too thrilled to see me."
Viktor snorted. "Why should I—"
"It’s not like that," Ambrose beat the S-Rank to it, rushing through the lawn to the Necromancer. "I just... had a long day. Today was my first raid mission in the new Guild I joined and I—"
The second he got close enough to Valentine, the latter grabbed his chin. The movement was so fast that Ambrose’s breath only got the chance to hitch a couple of seconds after.
"I know," Valentine murmured, slowly taking off his glasses. "Were you hurt?"
"I–I wasn’t."
"But it wasn’t a C-Rank dungeon as expected, hm?"
"... How did you get to know that?"
"Word got around," Only after he’d scrutinised him to his satisfaction did Valentine pull back his fingers. "I got... worried and made a stop at Steel Falcon. Then I came running here."
The word ’worried’ took Ambrose totally by surprise.
Valentine Lockwood.
Worried about him?
At the steps leading into the house behind him, Viktor watched the scene unfold with his arms folded in front of his chest. His icy blue eyes glinted with a cold light.
’Valentine is probably still unaware of the permanent link.’ He thought. ’Look at him. Stringing the Guide along like he genuinely gives a fuck.’
His brows furrowed once the thoughts raced past his mind.
Was that... jealousy?
No.
No, no, no... fuck no.
Jealousy was usually Devon’s forte.
"Well, thank you." Ambrose’s cheeks reddened. He flung his head back to Viktor before his gaze flitted to the front entrance. "Hey, would you like to come in? For lunch or something."
[Now what are you up to?] Aura chimed in his head.
’Must I be up to something whenever I do anything nice?’
[Knowing you so far? Yes.]
’I guess you don’t know me that well,’ a pause. ’I genuinely just... want him to come in. I don’t know why. Maybe I feel it’s courtesy considering he came to check on me.’
[Or, maybe deep down you feel warm in your stomach knowing he cares. And you want to be close to him because of that.]
Ambrose didn’t have an answer to that.
Like he always says—emotions were so fucking weird.
"I doubt that’ll be convenient," Valentine declined his offer. "Just glad you’re okay. I should probably be taking my leave now."
He indeed spun toward the gates, ready to head out. But then Ambrose caught his wrist.
"I insist," the Guide wore the warmest smile he could muster. "I could whip us up something nice for lunch."
"Something touched by the angel of death?"
"Haha. Very funny. But I can cook a few good meals."
Valentine showed a little more resistance at first.
Then—he inhaled through his nose, placing a hand on his waist. "Lead the way then." He brushed a shoulder against Ambrose’s. "But do be careful what you wish for, Guide."
He strode like a shadow to the front entrance. Viktor made way for him, following his receding as he advanced into the foyer.
"Are you really," the ice Prince snapped his neck to Ambrose, "about to make a meal for that guy?"
Ambrose rolled his eyes so hard he almost saw his skull. "For all of us. What? Is that suddenly so bad?"
"It’s not, but—"
"Then relax, Vikky" Ambrose waltzed calmly to him, surprisingly planting a peck on his cheek. "It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you make it."
As the Guide disappeared into the house, Viktor just stood there. Staring blankly at the lawn stretched ahead.
The loud caw of a raven snapped him out of the dissociation.
"Fuck." He turned on his heels, rushing into the house.
★★★★★
Inside the house, Ambrose busied himself in the kitchen, chopping vegetables with practised ease. The clatter of pots filled the air as he prepared a simple stir-fry.
In the living room, Viktor cornered Valentine near a couch.
"What do you truly want with Ambrose?" Viktor went straight to the chase, voice low and edged.
Valentine leaned back, crossing his legs. "I merely showed concern. That’s all."
Viktor didn’t buy it.
He stepped closer, arms still folded. "Concern? From an SS-Rank like you? Don’t play games. You don’t just drop by unannounced."
Valentine’s lips curved slightly. "Push all you want, snowman. My reasons are my own."
"I have my eyes on you," Viktor warned, icy blue gaze sharpening. "One wrong move with him, and—"
A soft chuckle escaped Valentine.
The SS-Rank Esper tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Cute. Truly cute that you think you can threaten me."
Ambrose emerged just then, carrying trays of steaming food. He set them on the dining table, the aroma of garlic and spices wafting through. "Lunch is ready. Come eat before it cools."
Just as they moved toward the table, the front door swung open.
Devon stepped in, holding young Orion’s hand. The boy’s golden eyes sparkled with curiosity as he glanced around excitedly.
Meanwhile, Devon froze mid-step, eyes widening at the sight of Valentine seated casually near the table. "Valentine?" He frowned. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Tension thickened the room.
Ambrose offered a quick smile, gesturing to the seats. "Devon, relax. He stopped by to check on me after the raid. Join us?"
Viktor shot Valentine another glare before sitting.
Valentine nodded at Devon, unfazed. "Pleasure to see you again."
Devon muttered under his breath, guiding Orion to a chair. The boy beamed at the food, oblivious to the undercurrents. Ambrose served portions, his cheeks still faintly warm from earlier.
As forks clinked against plates, unspoken questions hung heavy. Viktor watched Valentine closely, while Devon processed the unexpected guest.
Ambrose focused on the meal, hoping the simple lunch would ease the strain.
But with powers like theirs swirling beneath the surface, peace felt fragile at best.
