Taras was going through all the materials he had compiled. After Arabella's case was concluded, he started focusing on taking down AE. The drug empire AE controlled spanned the globe, and in the past, AE and Arabella had worked together almost recklessly. Now that Arabella was dead, it cut off one of AE's crucial support ties. With the smuggling ring of drugs that Arabella had uncovered before his death, it was only a matter of following the trail to expose AE's flaws.
He got so caught up in his work that he lost track of time. It wasn't until midnight, when Faceless Ghost returned, that Taras finally looked up from the pile of evidence he had been going through.
Faceless Ghost waved the late-night snack he was holding and said, "How about a break? Want to eat something?"
Taras smiled as he took the meal from him. Sitting down at the table, he asked, "How's Marcellus doing?"
"He seems fine, taking care of national affairs, eating when needed, speaking when necessary. But whether he's just numb, like a living corpse, I can't really say."
The complicated love-hate relationship between the Montfort and Ackerley families, and between Arabella and the two Ackerley brothers, is something outsiders can never truly understand or intervene in. The only thing left is for Marcellus, the one who survived, to bear this pain alone. Whether Ferdinand had intended to commit suicide is beside the point. Arabella is dead, and her body, along with Cyrus's, is buried in the swamp, where they will rest in peace, untouched by the outside world.
For Marcellus, Arabella was the person he longed for in his youth, and she would forever haunt him, unable to be let go for the rest of his life.
Faceless Ghost suddenly remembered something and reminded him, "Oh, by the way, Arabella's case is officially closed, and the temporary task force is disbanding. We're having a meal tomorrow to gather, don't forget to come. I'm leaving early tomorrow, and we need you to hold up the fort."
Taras paused and asked, "You're really leaving? I was still hoping you could help take down AE."
Faceless Ghost dramatically cupped his face and said, "Come on, I've been playing the fool for so long just for Arabella's case. At least let me rest! Besides, AE is no easy target. His identity alone is enough to cause trouble. You'll need to be ready for a long, drawn-out battle. AE is a slippery and dangerous snake."
"Exactly because AE is so difficult to deal with, that's why we need someone as capable as you to join in."
Faceless Ghost shook his head as he sipped his drink, "My friend has been undercover in AE's stronghold for a year, gathering evidence. You should know, the country of his practically has nationwide drug trafficking—children and old people alike are involved in planting, harvesting, manufacturing, and selling drugs. The whole national economy depends on the drug trade. AE is like a god in that country, and trying to find evidence of his crimes there is like a pipe dream. The entire country is protecting him. Years ago, Merrick sent out a message saying they had found solid proof of AE's involvement in drug production. Unfortunately, when my friend got there, he had already gone mad and never regained his sanity before he died. They had to put everything on hold for the 'Tumor Project' at the time."
Mentioning Merrick, Taras sighed, "His sacrifice is truly regrettable. Back then, Nicholas must have had a clear understanding of his identity, and I'm afraid any evidence he had on AE is probably gone now."
"That face of his—it's truly both a blessing and a curse. If he hadn't happened to run into the madman Nicholas, catching Arabella would have probably been quicker."
Taras raised his glass and clinked it with Faceless Ghost's, "Come on—let's drink, and forget the past."
"Cheers! Don't forget the team dinner tomorrow. I won't be around, and someone was dead, the team really needs you to lead."
"Who's dead? Was someone from the Special Operations Team killed in action? How come I didn't know about it?"
"It's the foreign officer who spotted Arabella at the restaurant. Well, not exactly killed in action... turns out he had a latent illness. Sigh—being in our line of work, there's no shortage of hidden injuries."
Taras's expression immediately darkened. He slowly lowered his wine glass, furrowing his brow as he pressed on, "How did he die? When did it happen?"
"That day when we were capturing Arabella at the factory, he wasn't feeling well and went back to his temporary residence to rest. He didn't come in for a day or two, and no one paid attention because everyone was busy with Arabella's case. On the third day, he was found dead at his place. The time of death was three days ago, and it was due to a sudden heart attack. He probably had the attack the moment he returned, and couldn't get medical help in time."
"Why was I not informed?"
"At that time, all your attention was on Arabella. He was already in prison, and I only found out a couple of days ago. After all, he died in an accident, so it had nothing to do with the case."
"Who says his death has nothing to do with the case?" Taras suddenly stood up, his mind finally piecing together the strange elements he'd been sensing. He rushed back to the table, flipping through the mountain of files, and without looking back, ordered, "Quick, help me find the list of SWAT officers who stormed the factory that day."
Faceless Ghost stepped forward, confused, and asked, "What's going on?"
"It was Bramwell who first discovered Arabella. Who was the SWAT officer standing next to him when he found Arabella? We need to find out."
"Why do we need to find that person?"
Taras, his eyes red from long hours of strain, snapped, "Something's not right! There's too much weirdness about how Arabella was discovered, and that officer standing next to Bramwell is suspicious too. It feels like there's an extra person. There must be something we missed, we need to figure it out! If Bramwell is really one of Arabella's infiltrators in the police, then he's been helping her escape all along!"
Arabella didn't move, still holding her gun, but she understood clearly in her mind—these two men were far more difficult to deal with than Blade and his group. The reason was simple—proper people didn't resort to underhanded tactics. It wasn't that they weren't vicious, it was just that they followed the rules. And once someone followed the rules, they were restricted. Restrictions limited what could be done, leaving too many constraints.
For example, she could calculate that Blade would go to great lengths to capture her and bring her to justice, and she could also rationally accept that he would send her to the execution ground to die. But he would never use any tricks after her death. The upright and transparent star of the police force, Blade, would, in fact, go to great lengths to fulfill her final wish. Similarly, take Marcellus. For all these years, he had been shouting orders to kill her, yet he was the softest-hearted, the one who would be most reluctant to let her go.
As for the two men before her, when they said they would strike, they undoubtedly would. When they spoke of killing, there would be no hesitation. In fact, even after death, they might not spare her body. The extent of their madness was only limited by what one could imagine—these two men were as crazy as that.
Seeing that Arabella didn't respond, Nicholas's expression darkened with a hint of resentment. "Arabella, why did you lie to me? You took so many people with you, why couldn't you take me too? What's so special about those others that makes them better than me?"
If it weren't for the bomb remote control in his hand, it would sound like he was just jealous and petty.
Arabella raised an eyebrow, glanced at Nicholas, and asked, "So, what do you think your use is? Arabella, the Master Unknown is dead, there's no need for any more fighting or killing. Your intelligence is useless to me now." After saying this, she looked at Nicholas's lower body and added, "And in bed, I'm not lacking for anyone."
Nicholas was taken aback. If it really came down to bedroom skills, then he wasn't the best. But was Arabella going to abandon him just for that? Why? Did the others have better skills in bed? If his intelligence was no longer needed, then weren't the others just good for fighting and killing? Couldn't they rely on anything else to live their lives?
Live life?
Nicholas's eyes lit up, and he immediately seized the opportunity to defend himself: "Are those few of yours really spending every day in your bed, indulging in lust? Who's going to tend to the fields around here? Who's going to cook every meal?"
Arabella replied dismissively, "If I want to survive, I'll learn how."
"I know it all, Arabella," Nicholas retorted. "But you really expect those guys who only know how to fight and kill to understand how to live?"
Arabella caught the meaning in Nicholas's words and couldn't help but chuckle. "You... don't actually think you're staying by my side to take care of me, do you? Is it really necessary?"
Nicholas's face remained cold as ice, but his words were fiery, "Why wouldn't it work? With the Master Unknown of both the underworld and the law dead, you're the only one left alive, and you need the most careful, thoughtful care—only I—I've been figuring out how to help you with your irregular cycles all these years. Do you really think those useless fools could ever care enough?" I even know you crave sweets during your period of the month. Do any of them know that?"
Arabella glanced at AE, who raised an eyebrow, his gaze filled with murderous intent as he looked at Nicholas. Arabella instantly understood—back when AE had used Julius's identity to get close to her, the intel about the cake had come from Nicholas.
The people behind Arabella wore grim expressions, especially Raven, whose face was particularly dark. He had been so focused on Arabella's every move, but Nicholas had a point—he didn't understand what it meant to live a normal life. Ever since Arabella had bought him, all he knew was to fight for his life. He'd never experienced a peaceful life. He was utterly devoted to Arabella, loved her deeply, but was also careless in many ways. He thought of the deceased Albatross, who, just like him, had once cared for Arabella through the bloody chaos.
Arabella glanced at Nicholas, whose face was tense with agitation, his hand gripping the remote control as if, at the slightest refusal from her, he would choose to bring them both to ruin. She had always found Nicholas troublesome—clingy, unpredictable, and crazy—but, ironically, it was always at the crucial moments that he showed his worth. Now, here he was, suddenly revealing yet another side of himself. Was this what life was supposed to be? Such a mundane existence? Could she endure it with him in it?
"But I no longer need the King of Intelligence."
Nicholas's eyes flashed with light. "Without you, there's no need for Night Owl to exist!"
After Nicholas made his declaration, AE immediately ground his teeth and spat, "Nicholas, so you break up this easily? Arabella, I won't let you go so easily."
For AE, a snake that could bite back at any moment, Arabella was even less inclined to keep him around. She immediately rejected him, "Nicholas only deals with intelligence; he might still escape. But you—Blade has had you in his sights for a long time, don't even think about escaping. Besides, if you stay, are you really willing to give up all the national power you fought so hard to acquire?"
Arabella had struck at the heart of the issue, and AE immediately fell silent. Nicholas might still be able to escape, but AE was different—he still had the public identity of a national leader. Could he really give that up just for Arabella? Moreover, faking his own death wouldn't be as easy for him.
Arabella was about to continue speaking when suddenly, the barrel of a gun shifted, and her eyes almost instantly flashed with murderous intent. At the same time, AE had drawn his gun and aimed it at the dark, shadowy swamp in the distance.
"Were you followed when you came?"
Nicholas immediately shook his head. "I've been hiding near the swamp, waiting for you. There's no way I had a tail."
AE quickly moved close to Arabella and whispered, "Raven didn't notice, the person's skills are above his level. Could it be Blade?"
Arabella shook her head and looked toward Raven. Raven subtly nodded in response. Though he had noticed the oddity a moment too late, he was still focused enough to sense the hidden presence in the distance.
Arabella and AE exchanged a glance, both ready to act, when suddenly, a chaotic voice called out, "It's me, it's me!"
The voice reached them, and everyone froze. Especially Ferdinand, who immediately raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "You little brat, you actually managed to come?"
Norris wore a simple outfit— a black shirt, dark blue jeans, and a hiking backpack slung over his shoulder. He peeked out from the shadows, then smiled as he took a few steps closer, meeting Arabella's gaze with a clear, bright smile. Under the glaring light of the chandelier in the courtyard, his overly delicate, youthful features became even more striking, as if carved from the finest sculpture.
After Norris appeared, Arabella's expression became nonchalant. She swept her eyes over him and asked with a light smile, "Was it you who hijacked the prison on the way?"
Desperately nodding his head, Norris complained with a somewhat aggrieved expression, "You didn't tell me, leaving me to worry for nothing. If I hadn't recognized halfway through that the person in the car wasn't you, I almost would've messed up your big plan!"
Arabella gave him a casual wave, and he obediently extended his head, allowing her to stroke it. His lips pouted slightly, showing a hint of pride as he asked, "How was it? Am I especially clever and impressive?"
"How could you tell at a glance that the person in the car wasn't me?"
"By your gaze... The Arabella I know always has a spark in her eyes. The person in that car, so utterly despairing, is definitely not the Arabella I'm looking for, not my sister."
Arabella stopped stroking the back of his neck and asked with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "Sister?"
Norris practically buried his head in Arabella's embrace. "That's right," he said, his voice full of longing. "After you abandoned me, I thought about it for days. I couldn't stop thinking about you. Will you be my sister? I promise I'll be the cutest, most obedient little brother. Please, I came all this way to find you—don't send me away, okay?"
Arabella chuckled lightly and looked at Nicholas, saying, "The younger generation surpasses the older, huh? It seems like your solo-combat list might need a new name."
Nicholas fixed a venomous stare on Norris, his face full of disdain. "These little brats aren't worthy."
Arabella glanced toward the freezer in the back of the house, thinking of Cyrus's body. The murderous intent that had been rising in her vanished instantly. She slowly withdrew her hand from stroking Norris's neck, but he immediately grabbed it again, rubbing his face against her hand like a kitten, murmuring, "I knew it, Arabella couldn't bear to kill me."
AE, watching the sudden appearance of Norris, came up with a plan. He straightforwardly turned to Arabella and said, "Let's talk privately."
The two of them ran far, retreating to the bottom of the slope, standing on the far edge of the swamp. Arabella knew that getting rid of AE wasn't an easy task. She could certainly kill him, but that would likely lead to both of them being harmed with no gain. It was far better to make him retreat willingly.
"Since you can't bear to part with your identity, it's best if you leave early and clear the grudges between us."
AE raised an eyebrow and immediately retorted, "Who says I can't bear it?"
Arabella was a little surprised, then smiled, "What's the real reason that someone so obsessed with power wants to stay with me?"
AE answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world, "Of course, you interest me more than power. Arabella, it's been years, I've fallen for you, didn't you know?"
Arabella of course didn't know. She had heard of this word, but had never felt it herself. Even with Cyrus, she couldn't pinpoint what kind of feeling it was. As for AE's confession, she could only find it both laughable and bewildering.
Having used a clever ruse to escape and finally retrieved Cyrus's body, Arabella's aura of hostility diminished somewhat. Rarely, she showed a touch of patience and tried to persuade him. "Julius, back when we fought to the death, and later cooperated, using each other for our own gain—there was certainly mutual interest. But was there ever any real feeling? My identity is truly dead, and I must hide it for a lifetime. Why must you act on a moment of pride?"
"You let that madman Nicholas stay, so why can't I? That guy is reckless when he loses control, but at least I know how to behave."
Arabella glanced at AE and chuckled, "You're ruthless enough to kill, aren't you?"
AE cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "For you, I can put away my venomous fangs."
Arabella studied AE carefully for a moment and realized he was being sincere. Unable to hold it in, she let out a loud laugh. "Julius, this attraction of yours is really something. What exactly do you want to stay for? I've already said, I don't need anyone else in bed."
"Well, one more wouldn't hurt, and besides, I could be your bodyguard."
"Bodyguard?" This time, Arabella was genuinely surprised. She just couldn't understand what Julius's feelings really meant.
"Arabella, think about it. Among your group, apart from Raven, the rest aren't top-tier fighters. Even if Nicholas and Bramwell can barely defend themselves, what about the others? I can protect them."
Faced with AE's nonsense, Arabella could only feel bewildered. She shook her head and rejected him. "Stop talking nonsense. You think you can stay here forever?"
"You're not going to stay here forever either, right?"
"But you will never get another chance to rule everything again. Julius, your drug empire and your authority will all be buried. Are you really willing to accept that?"
"I've told you, I think you, Arabella, are more important than all that. You're important, and that will never change."
Arabella fell silent, knowing that reasoning with the man before her was futile. A thought crossed her mind—perhaps she should just take matters into her own hands and eliminate him. But then, she remembered how hard she had fought for a peaceful life in her later years. To risk it all in a mutual destruction with this man felt, in the end, utterly not worth it.
She took a deep breath, shifted her approach, and asked, "So, how do you plan to get out of this? You're not like Nicholas. Without absolute certainty and opportunity, you won't be able to escape."
AE had been waiting for Arabella to ask that question. He replied happily, "You must have evidence of my crimes from back then, right?"
Arabella looked at his delighted expression and thought to herself, "You're happy knowing I have evidence of your crimes?"
"Of course, I'm happy. If I fabricated the evidence myself, it wouldn't be convincing. Only evidence left by an undercover cop would be the most powerful proof. You must know where Merrick left his things before he died, right?"
Upon hearing AE's words, Arabella gave him a second look, and finally took on a more serious attitude as she asked, "You've always known?"
AE nodded and added, "Arabella, after I fought with you back then, I regretted it. The more time passed, the more I regretted it—not that I wanted to kill you, but that I didn't kill you then. Now my life is entangled with yours. I've never done anything good in my life, but my feelings of love and hate are clear and honest. So, Arabella, how about it? Have you considered me?"
This time, Arabella shifted her perspective and looked at the man in front of her. She moved closer, looking up and asked, "A kiss?"
AE smiled happily, bent down, and kissed Arabella. He was unusually careful and gentle. After the kiss, Arabella was dissatisfied. "Your kissing skills have regressed."
"I was being gentle. Don't comment if you don't understand. Give me six months, and I'll get everything arranged for my escape."
Arabella turned away, waving her hand casually at AE, not looking back as she left with one last sentence, "The evidence is hidden at your country's burial site on the outskirts, where I first met Merrick."
Six months later—
It was midday, and the swamp area was as quiet as usual, but suddenly a loud voice broke the silence.
"Which bastard pulled up the seedlings in my field?!"
Arabella, wearing slippers, emerged from her second-floor room, still half-asleep, with her hair tousled and standing up in all directions. The wind from the open door made her hair sway like an antenna. Behind her stood Raven, his bare chest revealing a well-toned physique. He reached out, wrapping his arm around Arabella's slender waist, his voice husky with the desire of early morning: "Master Unknown, stay and sleep with me for a while."
With Nicholas's loud, frantic voice, any hope for a morning workout was quickly dashed. Arabella, toothbrush in hand, mouth full of foam, and a towel draped around her neck, made her way downstairs.
From another room on the second floor, Ferdinand poked his head out the window and teased the frustrated Nicholas in the field. "I told you, you've been planting those seedlings for half a year now, and they look withered to me. If they grow any rice, it'll be a miracle."
Before Nicholas could strike his usual stance and start his daily banter with Ferdinand, his eyes shifted, locking onto Arabella. Without missing a beat, he redirected his focus. "Arabella," he said, voice firm, "how many times have I told you? Stop taking cold showers first thing in the morning. Even if it's hot here every day, you can't let cold water shock your lower abdomen, do you understand? You started your cycle yesterday—keep warm."
As Nicholas spoke, Arabella had already finished rinsing her mouth, stripped down, and started showering under the semi-outdoor shower on the first floor. The water, having been deprived of sunlight all night, wasn't heated by the electrical system. However, Arabella had grown up enduring hardships—she could squat in the bone-chilling river for hours, so the lukewarm water felt perfectly comfortable to her.
Normally, the doctor wouldn't join the young people in their daily morning activities, but when he heard that Arabella was taking a cold shower, he quickly opened his window from the second floor and poked his head out, calling, "Miss Arabella, you really need to take care of your health."
Arabella, soaked and with water blurring her eyes, decided to give up on using soap. She casually shook her head and rinsed herself off a couple of times before stepping out of the shower, looking like a drenched chicken.
Nicholas had anticipated this, so he no longer cared about the seedlings in the field. He hurried over, unfurled a large bath towel, and wrapped the naked Arabella tightly.
Bramwell, who had returned early from deep within the swamp, carrying the prey he'd captured and covered in mud, grinned upon seeing Arabella up. "Master Unknown, look what I caught. This snake will make an excellent, nourishing soup."
Upon seeing the giant snake in Bramwell's hands, Nicholas immediately shook his head and said, "You should avoid this kind of food during her period. I've worked hard to help her get her health back in balance. Can you guys not sabotage it?"
Bramwell muttered to himself, confused, "Huh? You can't eat snake? I thought it was good for nourishment, especially since I pulled those seedlings from your field to lure it."
"Alright! You bastard, so it was you who pulled up my seedlings!" Nicholas, furious, charged at Bramwell, ready to fight.
After finishing her morning wash, Arabella changed into a cotton outfit. Her underwear, specially bought by Nicholas from the border town of Manos, was soft, breathable, and extremely comfortable. She leaned against the wall, enjoying the shade, watching Nicholas and Bramwell play around, feeling a rare sense of contentment.
This morning, it was Norris's turn to prepare breakfast. Over the past few months, everyone had become something of a kitchen expert, and he had finally learned how to steam and cook simple dishes. Now, he brought a plate of eggs to the table, sitting beside Arabella as he began peeling the shells.
"Bella, here—"
Arabella opened her mouth and took a bite of the egg from Norris's hand, its tender, warm fair flesh delicious. As she chewed, Norris stole a kiss, and both enjoyed their moment—one savoring the taste of the eggs, the other savoring the sweetness of the kiss. After finishing two eggs, Norris, still not satisfied, whined, "Bella, it's not fair. Why don't I get to sleep with you at night?"
Arabella silently watched the crawling insects on the ground, then lifted her foot and crushed one into the mud. "I'm not interested in underage dick."
"Bella, what are you thinking? I just want to sleep beside you. It's so scary sleeping alone," Norris leaned against Arabella's arm, his eyes full of the usual eager innocence.
Arabella chuckled lightly and pinched Norris's face. "Scared? I saw you disarming Nicholas's bombs on the way here. Doesn't seem like you're scared."
"Hard to sleep alone."
Arabella withdrew her hand from pinching his youthful face and lazily leaned back in the chair, asking, "Have you finished everything I asked you to do?"
Norris nodded vigorously, continuing to take credit. "Of course, I guarantee it'll run smoothly for hundreds of years without a problem."
"Good, very obedient."
Norris was just about to seize the moment to make a request when he noticed Arabella's gaze shift, already fixed on the distance. He immediately sensed someone approaching the outskirts of the swamp, his movements sharp and swift.
"Arabella! I'm here!"
The voice barely faded when Julius quickly emerged from the shadows. After not seeing him for half a year, his pale skin showed no signs of being sunburned, despite rumors circulating that he had been on the run, evading death. Rumors had it that AE's drug empire had suffered a heavy blow, with its leader being hunted by the police, reduced to a stray dog. Yet, despite days and nights of fleeing, he remained impeccably dressed, still exuding a striking, handsome charm.
Outside, there were those who felt regret, those who enjoyed the spectacle, and those celebrating the division of his power. But at this moment, Julius was in a very good mood—AE was dead, and there was no longer anyone like him in the world.
Several men around and those still upstairs all turned cold-faced. "Great, another one." The houses on the front and back rows were nearly packed to capacity, and now, someone especially skilled had arrived. A group of men, each with their own hidden agenda, subtly adjusted their tactics. After all, they couldn't allow the newcomer to take advantage.
Occasionally, when the men were fiercely vying for attention, Arabella would quietly retreat to the cold room she had set up in the back courtyard. There, Cyrus lay in peace, his body still intact. It was Norris who had designed a special device that meticulously separated the bones from the flesh. The bones were compressed and forged into a set of ornaments, which Arabella carried with her at all times, while the flesh was preserved, untouched by time, capable of remaining uncorrupted for a hundred years.
Arabella felt her story wasn't long, and her life wouldn't be long either. She had once had a lover in her youth, but love was unrequited. After traveling through countless mountains and rivers, enduring countless hardships, she had finally reached this moment where she cast aside the thorny road and gained the kind of life that ordinary people could never have. The glory and sins that belonged to her, Arabella, gradually fused with the years, becoming eternal and shaping the final chapter of her story.
