Chapter 4: Pei’s Twin

Felix’s expression stiffened, and for the first time since Evan arrived, he seemed genuinely at a loss for words.

"Of course not," he replied quickly, although the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his unease. "Young Master Caesar, that was never our intention. We simply believed that since Lumi herself had agreed to the transfer, there would be no reason for you to object."

The moment the words left his mouth, Felix seemed to realize how unreasonable they sounded.

Evan Caesar had not agreed to anything. He had not even been informed.

Felix quickly continued, "The official procedure has not begun yet. We only intended to settle the matter with Lumi first before informing you of the arrangement. The Fated Guide connection belongs to both parties, so naturally, we would never proceed without your knowledge."

Evan remained silent as he listened, his expression revealing nothing.

"You would inform me...?" he said after a moment.

Felix paused, there was something strangely uncomfortable about the way Evan had repeated those words.

"Yes, of course." He swallowed hard.

"After deciding the matter?" Evan asked more.

Felix’s mouth closed.

The dining room fell quiet.

His eyes briefly shifted toward the agreement resting on the table before returning to Evan.

"We merely wanted to discuss the matter with our daughter first," Felix said carefully. "Since the connection belongs to Lumi, we believed her wishes should also be considered."

Evan’s gaze remained fixed on him.

For some reason, Felix suddenly felt as though that explanation had only made the situation worse. Because if Lumi’s wishes mattered, then why had Evan’s not?

"I understand." His tone was calm, but Felix could not tell whether that was a good thing.

Evan slowly picked up the Fated Guide Transfer Agreement and glanced over it once more. His eyes lingered briefly on the first name.

Then, without looking up, he asked, "Where is this... Lumi Pei?"

"Uh—she’s resting in her room," Felix answered, clearly taken aback by the sudden question.

Evan’s gaze swept over the dining table. It appeared they had only just begun breakfast when he arrived, and judging by the untouched meal at one of the empty seats, someone had left not long ago.

His gaze lingered there for a brief moment before returning to Felix, "Call her down."

Felix blinked.

Evan placed the Fated Guide Transfer Agreement back onto the table. "There is something I would like to confirm."

Felix’s expression changed slightly, though he quickly nodded. "Oh—Of course."

He immediately turned toward one of the servants standing nearby. "Go upstairs and ask Lumi to come down."

"Yes, Master."

As the servant hurried toward the staircase, Celestine remained silent beside her family, her gaze shifting briefly toward Evan before settling on the agreement in front of him.

Something about his sudden interest in Lumi made her feel strangely uneasy.

Esther Pei glanced briefly at Evan before turning toward Celestine.

"Since Lumi will need a moment to come down, why don’t you keep Young Master Caesar company?" she said with a gentle smile.

Celestine immediately understood her mother’s intention.

"Of course, Mother."

She stepped forward and looked at Evan. "Would you like to sit down while you wait, Young Master? You arrived so early in the morning, and we haven’t even had the chance to properly welcome you."

Evan’s gaze swept over her.

Her face, down to her neck. Then, the pale skin exposed above the collar of her dress before ended on her arms.

Nothing. No bruises. No visible wounds. Not even the faintest trace of injury. His gaze lingered for only a moment before he finally looked away.

"Thank you."

Evan pulled out one of the chairs himself and took a seat at the dining table without waiting for anyone to assist him.

Celestine’s smile remained in place as she took the seat beside him, while Esther watched the two of them with quiet satisfaction before she, Felix and Rei also took their seats.

"Please, don’t mind the sudden visit," Esther said warmly. "You are welcome to join us for breakfast."

Evan glanced at the table. "I have already eaten."

The smile on Esther’s face did not falter, "Then perhaps some tea?"

"That... would be fine." He said without much emotion.

At her gesture, a servant immediately stepped forward to prepare it.

Celestine remained seated beside Evan, her posture elegant and composed. Although his attention had been focused elsewhere since his arrival, she did not appear particularly discouraged.

"I heard there was quite a lot of chaos yesterday. An S-rank Anomaly appeared," she said, attempting to continue the conversation. "Was Young Master Caesar the one dealing with it?"

Celestine’s words made Evan turn his head, tilting it slightly.

"Where were you last night?"

The sudden question made everyone in the room blink in confusion as they tried to understand the meaning behind it. Celestine, however, found herself holding her breath, suddenly wondering if she had made a mistake by bringing up the Anomaly incident.

"Is there anything else I need to sign?"

Lumi’s voice suddenly came from the staircase, fortunately cutting through the tense atmosphere.

Everyone turned toward the stairs.

Lumi slowly descended the staircase, her expression carrying a hint of impatience as she looked toward her family.

"I didn’t feel well, so if there is any—"

Her words cut the moment her gaze shifted toward the dining table and froze.

’That man.’

Evan’s eyes met hers.

Lumi was stiff as she gulped hard.

’Isn’t he...’

For several seconds, neither of them moved.

Then Evan’s gaze slowly swept over her.

Unlike Celestine, Lumi was dressed far more plainly. Her clothes covered almost every part of her body, from the high turtleneck around her neck to the long sleeves covering her arms.

Evan’s eyes paused briefly at the collar.

’She was hiding something.’

His gaze then returned to Felix.

"They are twins?"