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Chapter 78 - Veil of Deception

Malik ascended the spiral staircase toward the upper balcony. His steps were steady, even as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

When he reached the upper floor, the ambiance shifted dramatically. A small room with classic decor greeted him, enveloping him in a meaningful silence. Heavy velvet curtains hung on either side of large windows, offering a view of the palace gardens bathed in moonlight.

 

Viola was already there, seated gracefully. Her silk gown reflected the candlelight, casting a mysterious glow that made her seem untouchable. As Malik stepped in, she raised her wine glass, offering a smile that was hard to decipher—a friendly greeting or a veiled challenge.

"Young Master Tang," Viola's voice was soft, flowing like a melody. "Congratulations on your victory. It's rare to meet someone who brings such life to this game."

Malik approached, accepting the wine she offered. Before taking a sip, he fixed his sharp gaze on her. "Thank you, Princess. However, this victory is merely a small step in a much larger game."

Viola's smile turned faint before she let out a soft laugh. "Ah, you're clever. But cleverness can be a double-edged sword. You're aware of that, aren't you?"

Malik swirled the wine in his glass. "And a well-honed sword knows when to be wielded."

The two fell silent, exchanging glances. In that silence, a conversation unspoken yet heavier than words passed between them. Malik knew this meeting was more than a gesture of appreciation for his victory. It was the first step in a far more dangerous game.

"Shall we drop our masks, Young Master Tang?" Viola suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

"That sounds like a good idea," Malik replied with a faint smile.

They removed their masks simultaneously. Viola's expression shifted dramatically. "You!" she gasped, her voice barely a whisper.

The guards outside the door stepped closer. "Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

"Nothing," Viola replied quickly. "Return to your post."

Malik's gaze was meaningful. "Your Highness, it seems you're the person I once helped."

Viola fell silent, then a memory surfaced. "So it was you? But... everyone calls you Young Master Tang. Why didn't I realize it before?"

"I'm sure Your Highness already knew in your heart," Malik answered cryptically.

Viola sighed, a small smile gracing her lips. "You're good at keeping secrets."

Malik stood politely. "I know you're looking for your sister, Kirana. I have information that might help you."

"Kirana?" Viola's eyes widened. "How do you know?"

Malik only smiled. "I'll explain later, Your Highness. It gives us a reason to meet again."

With a respectful bow, Malik left. In his heart, he knew this mission had just begun. The night dissolved into silence as Malik walked away from the palace like a shadow fading into the dark.

Outside, Diandra waited for him in the carriage with a mildly irritated expression. "What happened?" she asked.

Malik sighed deeply. "Everything went as planned," he replied. Yet, in his heart, he knew this was only the beginning of a much more complicated journey.

 

The Next Morning

In the corner of a small, newly opened cafe, Nico sat, observing the room with sharp but calm eyes. The cafe still smelled of fresh wood, its sturdy tables and gleaming floors bathed in sunlight streaming through large windows.

Sana moved deftly behind the counter, polishing glasses until they sparkled like crystal. The aroma of toasted bread and fresh coffee filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Below their feet, large barrels were neatly arranged, storing supplies of beverages they would soon sell.

Suddenly, a hooded man entered silently, like a shadow slipping through the light. He walked over to Nico, placed a piece of paper on the table, and left without a word.

Nico picked up the paper, unfolding it with deliberate precision. His eyes scanned the report, absorbing every detail with sharp focus. It was the result of Malik and Diandra's work, detailing their meeting with the trade guild the previous night.

Sana, curious about Nico's quiet demeanor, approached cautiously. "Husband, is something wrong?" she asked softly, her tone laced with careful concern.

Nico took a deep breath before answering, "The mission was a success. And as we suspected, Kirana is King Bernault's daughter and Princess Viola's sister. No wonder she fled the palace to search for her sibling."

He paused, staring at the paper in his hands before folding it back with care. His thoughts drifted, imagining a world outside filled with intrigue and suffering.

"It's heartbreaking to see this world, Sana," he continued, his tone tinged with bitterness. "A place that should offer hope to those seeking a better life has become an arena of oppression. Second chances mean nothing when hearts are consumed by greed. Those who are selfish, even when given countless opportunities, will remain the same."

Slowly but resolutely, Nico crushed the paper in his hand, then lit a match and set it aflame. Thin smoke curled upward, carrying the remnants of words now vanished into the small fire. Sana watched his every movement, trying to grasp the depth of disappointment hidden beneath her husband's calm exterior.

She stood firmly beside Nico, appearing ready to face the day ahead. Her confident smile seemed to echo every lesson learned the previous night. Nico turned to her and said with conviction, "Sana, let's begin. Soon we'll open, and this is our chance to make a good impression. Remember, information and money are crucial. Let's serve our customers the best we can."

Together, they opened the cafe with the help of several employees. By now, they had enough staff as this was the only food hub in Soltera. Nico had also opened several branches in other parts of the city.

To gather more information, Nico decided to open a small beverage stall in front of his food shop. Although not as large as the food shop, the beverage stall quickly became popular. Sana and Nico managed the stall, while the operations of the food shop were handled by their employees. Since the workflow was well-organized, they only needed to supervise. Additionally, many Yu Fei people worked behind the scenes to ensure the business ran smoothly.

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