Evolution of the Ruined Heir

Capítulo 376: Mamush

A luxurious carriage throttled through a pathway leading to the gates of an estate.

Through the open window of the carriage, Malakai gazed at the grand mansion ahead.

They had spent the bulk of the day traversing between the victims’ homes.

Now, the sun had sunk low behind the mansion, its fading rays unable to reach them, casting the area in a golden dim glow.

‘District Head Mamush.’

As they approached the district head’s estate, Malakai’s thoughts drifted back to his earlier conversation with Octavia.

“There’s a connection between Mamush and the victims!” Octavia had claimed. When asked, she explained,

“They all grew up in the Blood Home.”

‘The Blood Home…’

Malakai had heard of it before. It was, in simple terms, an orphanage for Sanguine children who had lost their parents at a young age.

He didn’t bother asking how she knew that, it was only natural for the Sixth Pulse, given who she was, to run background checks on everyone under her.

“So? Dozens of children are sent there every year. There are probably hundreds of them under the Umbrella Group.”

“Yes,” Octavia replied, “but only a few ever become Coinmasters. It would explain his current actions.”

“What actions?”

“He’s trying to get rid of some Coinmasters under him, the victims excluded. Now that I think about it, he probably wants to create space for his people from different districts.”

“But…”

Renlo spoke up, drawing both their gazes.

“Say what’s on your mind,” Malakai urged.

He hesitated, glancing at Octavia’s sharp look before clearing his throat.

“I-it’s just… Coinmasters are major figures. I find it strange that this connection hasn’t already been discovered.”

“I wondered the same thing.” Malakai nodded in approval, earning a proud smile from Renlo before turning a questioning look toward Octavia.

Renlo had a point. What Octavia had revealed was something anyone familiar with the Umbrella Group’s structure, especially the Sixth Pulse, should have noticed immediately.

“Momma probably already knew,” Octavia muttered with a shrug.

‘So we’re just following her trail.’

If the Sixth Pulse had already uncovered the link and found nothing, then speaking with Mamush might prove a waste of time.

Even so, Malakai had decided to proceed.

Before them stood the grand estate of the District Head of the Vein District, Mamush Sanguine.

“Ninth Vein! Tenth Vein! It’s an honor to make your acquaintance,” came the hearty greeting.

Malakai’s eyes settled on the portly yet imposing man standing before the mansion, flanked by a retinue of guards and maids.

‘So he’s Mamush.’

He had already pried some information about the man from Octavia. Though she usually acted difficult, Malakai couldn’t deny her usefulness.

Mamush was the district head of the Vein District, meaning he oversaw everything related to the Umbrella Group in the region.

Every Coinmaster under the district ultimately reported to him. His booming voice and shrewd eyes were enough for Malakai to discern the type of man he was dealing with.

As he disembarked, Malakai gave a curt nod in acknowledgment, while Octavia merely scoffed and leaned closer to him.

“You guys can discuss whatever the hell you want to discuss. I’ll be outside.”

Malakai turned and caught her guarded expression as she stared at Mamush.

‘She doesn’t like him.’

He had sensed it from her tone earlier, but seeing her now only confirmed it.

“Let’s go, Renlo,” Octavia ordered, already striding toward the garden before the estate, her guard following close behind.

“M-me?” Renlo’s eyes widened as he turned to Malakai, silently pleading for rescue.

“You should go with her,”

Renlo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stood frozen until Octavia’s sharp voice snapped him out of his mind.

“What are you doing!”

“C-coming!”

Throwing Malakai a look of pure betrayal, Renlo hurried after her, leaving him alone with the large man.

Malakai turned his gaze back to Mamush. The man’s broad smile remained unfazed.

‘He’s not disturbed by her actions.’

“Ah, it would seem it’s just you and me, Ninth Vein,” Mamush said with a chuckle. “I can’t say I’m not relieved. The Tenth Vein has a way of… intimidating me.”

“She does?”

From what Malakai had seen, it was clearly the opposite.

“Yes, yes,” Mamush continued, “Though she looks like a little innocent girl, she’s anything but. Every bit her mother’s daughter. Though, I could say the same thing applies to you.”

“To me?”

“Yes. Your father—”

Malakai’s eyes instantly turned cold.

“Ah! Please forgive me, Ninth Vein! It seems I misspoke,” Mamush said quickly, bowing slightly.

Malakai stared at him with a hardened expression.

‘I fell for it.’

He had realized it too late. When two people conversed, the one who reacted first often ended up being pulled into the other’s pace. He had learned this lesson from the countless confrontations he’d experienced growing up in the clan.

‘Hmm, he’s good,’ Valentine murmured in his mind. ‘Be careful, or he’ll steer the whole conversation.’

“It’s fine,” Malakai forced his composure back. “How does it apply to me?”

Mamush clasped his hands together. “It’s just… the Ninth Vein is truly gifted. Even more so than your father. To be so powerful at such a young age… it’s remarkable.”

“Thank you for your praises, District Head Mamush. But I believe it’s time we get to the matter at hand. Do you know why I’m here?”

Malakai didn’t miss the sharp glint that flashed in the man’s eyes before it vanished just as swiftly.

“I haven’t the faintest idea, Ninth Vein,” Mamush said. “I assumed you’d come to admire my garden. I dare say it’s the finest in all of Vitaemora. If you’re interested, I can show you around right now.”

‘He’s feigning ignorance.’

“You’re aware of our mission sanctioned by the Sovereign?”

“Yes, yes, the one involving the disappearance of members of the Umbrella Group, yes? Such a dreadful affair. Have you made any progress? Who would commit such an atrocity?”

“That’s why I’m here,” Malakai said calmly. “To question you about the case.”

“Hmm, I’m afraid I don’t follow, Ninth Vein. Investigations usually involve questioning suspects or witnesses, do they not? I am neither.”

“That’s for me to decide, District Head Mamush. Our investigation led us here. And with the authority granted by the Sovereign, you will answer my questions. Now, will you invite me inside, or should we do this here?”

Mamush held his gaze for a long moment before his lips curved again into that same polished smile. Bowing slightly, he gestured toward the entrance of the mansion.

“Of course, Ninth Vein. It would be my honor to welcome you into my home.”

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