"Miss Ruby, are you certain about this? Several projects are close to completion," the man said with a slight frown, standing before her with his hands clasped behind his back.

He was the research chief, the man responsible for overseeing every researcher and acting as the bridge between the developers and Ruby, the Master of the Tower.

"Yes, I am certain." Ruby replied firmly. "I know whatever they are trying to achieve could benefit society in the future, but this...this is far more important."

The man let out a quiet sigh. "Miss Ruby, I would like to offer my opinion."

Ruby wasn’t in the mood to listen, but not wanting to appear rude, she gave a small nod for him to continue.

Tars took a deep breath before speaking honestly.

"We are not the Ministry of Defense, nor are we an organization responsible for public safety."

Ruby’s eyes narrowed instantly. "What exactly are you implying?"

Tars didn’t hesitate.

"The other Towers have chosen to wait and organize a strategic operation regarding the cult situation. There is also a high chance they will receive support from their respective rulers."

"And you’re suggesting I should do the same?" Ruby growled. "Just because Tower members are supposed to focus on development? Tell me, Tars, who exactly will be left to benefit from that progress if the world falls apart?"

Tars sighed inwardly. He had expected this reaction, especially considering how irritated Ruby had been these days.

Still, he remained calm and explained himself.

"From my perspective, we stand to lose far more than they do. If we launch an ambush against the cult now, all we will eliminate are expendable pawns. Numbers they can replace without difficulty."

Ruby rose from her seat, clasping her hands behind her back as she stared at him sharply.

"Then tell me, Tars. What do you propose we do? Sit back while they do whatever they want and pretend none of this concerns us?"

Ruby couldn’t understand it.

The very man she had chosen for his wisdom and proactive nature was now speaking in a way that sounded unbearably cowardly to her.

The man stared at her for a few silent moments.

The answer lingering in his mind never left his lips. Instead, he lowered his head slightly and said, "I apologize for overstepping my boundaries, ma’am. I’ll take my leave now."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room.

Ruby clicked her tongue in irritation before sinking back into her chair. Her fingers pressed against her temple as she closed her eyes.

Everything had become chaotic ever since the meeting two days ago.

For the past several days, she had been trying to devise the best possible strategy to suppress the threat for as long as they could. To achieve that, she needed the support of her subordinates, the very people she trusted and relied upon.

But things were proving far more difficult than expected.

Even as the one who built and governed this Tower, Ruby still had limits and restrictions placed upon her.

She needed to find a way around them, and quickly.

"Alright...calm down first," she muttered to herself.

She slowly rose from her seat, intending to clear her head with a walk outside when suddenly,

"Would lemon tea be enough to help you relax a little?"

The familiar voice made Ruby freeze instantly.

She turned toward the left and found Adrian casually leaning against the wall while pouring tea from a pot.

"Did I come at a bad time?" he asked as he approached and placed the cup on the table.

Then, gently resting his hands on her shoulders, he silently urged her to sit back down.

"Adrian...when did you get back?" Ruby finally asked after recovering from her surprise, a faint smile touching her lips.

Adrian responded while unbuttoning the cuffs of his sleeves, "Just last night. Sorry...I should’ve come to see you immediately, even if I got back late."

Ruby blinked in surprise.

Not only did the concern in his voice catch her off guard, but his words confused her as well.

"You didn’t need to come to me right away," she said softly. "I mean, I missed you too, but Ariana and Annabelle must’ve been just as lonely."

Adrian let out a quiet sigh. He first set the teacup aside before sitting on the edge of the table in front of her.

His eyes met her crimson ones.

For a moment, he allowed the silence to settle between them before gently taking her hands into his.

"Even if Annabelle hadn’t told me anything, I would’ve known you weren’t doing well just by looking at you."

Ruby immediately grew flustered.

"Wait...do I have bags under my eyes? Oh god, I should—"

"Ruby."

Adrian interrupted her gently, not with reprimand, but with quiet firmness while keeping his gaze fixed on her.

Ruby let out a defeated sigh and finally gave in.

Leaning forward, she rested her forehead against his knee and murmured,

"Yeah...things have been difficult lately."

Adrian’s hand moved gently through her soft hair.

He first loosened the hastily tied knot, letting her hair cascade down freely before softly caressing her head.

"Tell me," he said quietly, "why are you so worried about this gathering of cult members?"

Ruby closed her eyes before finally confessing,

"Adrian...I’m scared. Even as a possibility, I don’t want this fragment of Darkness to awaken."

Her heart refused to settle.

She didn’t fully understand the Darkness or its connection to Adrian. In truth, she barely knew anything at all.

And that uncertainty terrified her.

What if the moment it awakened, it changed him somehow?

What if it forced him to choose a side?

Ruby had already decided long ago that she belonged beside him. Wherever he went, she would follow without hesitation.

But what if he no longer wanted her there?

What if he rejected her...and pushed her away?

That thought alone tightened around her chest.

It frightened her.

Adrian hummed softly and looked ahead.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned too, Ruby. This matter...the truth behind my origin is as incomprehensible as the ancient runes of Ginma. I know where it begins, but I have no idea where it leads or how it ends."

Ruby slowly lifted her head and looked at him. "Then doesn’t that make it even more important for us to carry out this operation as soon as possible?"

Adrian nodded. "I never said we shouldn’t take those people down. I just think you’re rushing everything because you’re desperately trying to stop them from succeeding."

Ruby frowned slightly. "Aren’t you anxious about it too?"

Adrian cupped her cheek gently and asked,

"Look into my eyes and tell me honestly. What do you think matters more to me? Your safety...or the possible rise of Darkness?"

Ruby fell silent.

His words struck directly at the most fragile part of her heart.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she lowered her head before mumbling,

"Okay...then guide me through this, Adrian. I’m feeling very anxious right now."

Adrian softly squeezed her shoulder, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything."

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.