Yumix; Unveiled Chapter 40: Risky Deal

Read chapter 40 of Yumix; Unveiled by iiPilix on NovelPedia.

The Original Web Light Novel Project Volume 02, Chapter 23: [ Risky Deal ] Original work. By the author 'Pili.' That same morning, miles away in the capital, stood a secondary building of the Royal Guard overlooking the border. Security was unusually tight at that time. Two soldiers in distinctive white uniforms stood in front of the small outer door. That place was usually used for quick meetings. But… this morning, the air was tense as some unusual person was present in that private meeting room. Seina Karino sat at the head of a long, polished wooden table. She seemed calm as usual, yet the slight strain around her eyes showed how tired she was. She still didn't want to show it. Opposite her sat Ryuuji Yamaake. He was not wearing his usual casual PHG attire, but rather a more formal coat. His gaze showed unshakable confidence as he sat facing her. Standing near the window, next to Seina, was a tall guy. He looked a few years younger than Seina, with similar hair color. He wore the uniform of the Interior Security Force, but it was more customized and refined. "So…" Seina finally broke the silence. "You saw the report, Mr. Ryuuji." Ryuuji nodded slowly as he listened to her. "I did. I’m really sorry to hear what happened in the west district. It was… a terrible tragedy." Seina rested her chin on her interlaced fingers. "That wasn't like the usual attacks we're familiar with. It was a direct threat." She looked at the map spread out on the table. Red markers indicated the areas hit by the Night Crows. "Their timing was too precise," Her voice turned low and tight with frustration. "They struck exactly when our patrols are at their weakest. They knew exactly our shift timings… They understand our vulnerabilities." "You think there was a leak?" Ryuuji crossed his arms as he asked. "I don't just suspect it," Seina replied, her voice cold. "I know it." She glanced toward the guy next to her. "It’s more complex than it appears, isn’t it?" The boy glanced aside as he crossed his arms. "We have thousands of guards, Seina. Information may slip. People talk in taverns. This might be more realistic than having a traitor in higher position." "Or maybe you're just not looking hard enough," Seina replied to him. He didn't flinch. "Are you okay?" He asked instead, his face didn’t show much concern. "You look tired." Seina narrowed her eyes. She seemed unusually bothered. "I'm fine. Just… handling the mess you failed to prevent." She signaled to him with her hand. "You can leave for now. I need to discuss the countermeasures with Ryuuji privately." The guy stared at her for a moment. Then, he simply nodded with eyes closed. "Understood." He walked out of the room, his footsteps heavy on the stone-paved floor. He shut the door firmly behind him. All the while, Ryuuji was simply observing intently. His gaze never left that boy's face. Seina let out a long breath, slumping slightly in her chair. "Pardon me for asking. But, who is this person?" Ryuuji stared at her curiously. A few seconds passed before she replied. "He's my brother," she replied, "He was recently promoted to become the sergeant in charge of the kingdom's internal defense. That's why you probably haven't seen him with me before." Ryuuji scratched his cheek. "Oh, I heard before that you have a younger brother. I didn't expect him to become that high-ranking so quickly. Impressive." Seina rested her head on her clasped hands. "He may have a lower rank than me, but he's pretty lazy. I’m curious about what makes him like that." Ryuuji watched her carefully. "Family business is complicated." His tone was quiet and respectful. "Everything is complicated these days." She replied. "You're carrying too much alone." "It's my responsibility." Her response was brief yet gentle. "You don’t have to isolate yourself to handle it." He seemed slightly worried about her. But she ignored that part. S