BLOODY LOVE'S
Episode 170's

Actually he could have asked Marco for permission to come out, but that's stupid. Jose knew his uncle wouldn't give him permission. The existence of workers guarding the doors in this house is clearly not just for security but also a sign that he must remain at home. If he asks for permission, Marco will reject him, then most likely even tighten the guard because he already knows his intention to leave. Jose's been puffed on that pattern.

An hour after finishing breakfast, Jose locked himself in one of the empty rooms on the east wing whose windows were blocked by oak trees. He noticed the change of guard from behind the window, then pushed the glass carefully. A cold wind blew his hair. Jose pulled the body out. His feet were firmly fixed.

"Jose?"

Jose turned his torsonya hearing that voice. Jacob was on the doorstep of the room in official and neat clothes. Her eyes are still narrowed, but not swollen.

"Hi Jake," Jose replied lightly, not knowing what else to react to. "Don't tell anyone."

Jacob melengos's. "You know why it's forbidden to leave, right?"

"Because out of danger" said Jose, had jumped over the window panes. He did not know how far his brother knew about the matter, so he decided to keep his mouth shut about Sir William. "Uncle is never willing to move until everything is clear and all the roads in front of it are safe. But I'm not that patient."

"Sort of like you've had patience" Jacob closed the door and walked up to him, noticing how Jose had the wall ornaments poking out as a foothold. "If it falls from here, your head will crumble" he commented.

"Have known, so don't try to push me."

"Oh, I'll do it" Jacob said for sure, but did nothing. He just leaned his side of his body on the kosen while watching. "You're going to Garnet's place?"

Jose did not answer. He closed his body against the wall when a servant passed under him. "Send my regards to Dad" he said after the maid passed by. "And Lord Greyland." He kicked at the wall and used the force of his body to jump onto the main branch of a strong tree. The easy part is done. The hard part is crossing the page unseen. "Hey, Jake," he said. "You're on a horse-drawn carriage or a car?"

"Train four horses" Jacob said, "want me to go this way?"

"That's gonna help. I can smuggle in your compartment."

"I'm sorry first."

"For what?"

Jacob pointed at his reddish-blurred eyes. Jose stared flatly, then retorted by pointing at his own bruised black jaw, refusing to apologize for what he thought was breakeven.

The two of them exchanged glances with equally defiant gazes. Then Jacob let go of a small laugh sign of surrender. "Sorry," he said.

Jose squinted behind the leaves, feeling suspicious. They used to fight and then make up without apologizing, usually they just suddenly behave sweetly with each other to show that the problem has been resolved. Jacob's apology demands just now, he believes it's just a joke.

"I mean for abandoning you ten years ago" Jacob continued, bringing up their argument last night. "I was selfish. And I think you're right, I'm a little jealous of you being so dear to Uncle Marco. But that was before. Now I have my own place, while you deserve to be here, leading them."

"Don't make eulogies, I'm not dead yet" Jose said in a grim tone, pretending to be annoyed.

Jacob just laughed, then turned out of the room.

***

Are you going to turn into an undead in this house? Rolan asked inwardly while tying Dave's hands and feet to the bed with a soft cloth as a precaution.

After looking back at Linda and Anna's condition, Rolan left the hospital room to report to Marco. He was just a few steps down the passageway connecting the main room with the back room when his ears caught a loud and long groan. Dave's Voice.

Rolan twisted his body calmly, inexplicably getting used to all the unexpected strange things that have always occupied his day since he knew this family.

Did he turn into a living corpse? Rolan found the question again popping into his head. His hand slipped into the pocket of the suit, setting up the scalpel.

***

When he heard the sound of steps approaching his room, Xavier thought it was Jose or Jacob. But his guest this morning was completely unexpected. He even found himself wanting to run away as soon as Marco opened the door. The man looked fresh and healthy. Had it been above his eyebrows there had been no new long scar, Xavier was sure he would have doubted Marco had ever been caught.

Monsters, he thought astonished. I don't understand how that man survived.

Behind Marco stood a thin man in his thirties who was wearing a black suit as if he had just attended a funeral. His dark brown hair was neatly combed with oil, his black mustache crossed and the man's eyes were as dark as winter.

"Raymond Stuart," whispered Xavier softly, recognizing the face. "The Argent Family Whisperer."

"Informan," Lord Stuart said calmly. He pulled out a wooden chair near the nightstand and placed it on the edge of Xavier's bed. "And according to the info I heard, both of your legs were broken. So there's no need to stand up to salute."

Xavier spits on the floor.

Marco pretended not to be disturbed. He sat in the chair Mr. Stuart had provided. "The three of us will talk at length, so keep your spit."

"If I don't want to talk, what will you do?" Xavier laughed bitterly. He waved his puffed fingers. "Cutting fingers? Breaking my bones?"

"If you want to talk" Marco said quietly, "I'll help your cousin."

For a few seconds there was only a gripping silence in the room. Xavier gasped in astonishment. "What ..." A tear falls through the cheek. He hurriedly wiped it off with the end of the blanket while laughing softly. "What do you want to help Charles out of?"

"Someone forbids you to talk" Marco said calmly. "We are dealing with natural energies that ordinary people do not possess. Magic, term. We're dealing with magic, and I'm guessing you two you and Charles, are sinking too far in a business that you shouldn't be interfering in. Let's start at the beginning: you tried to let me go, you sought refuge from Jose, but on the other hand you also kept obedience to Sir William's orders. I'm guessing there's a threat, or maybe a bond. Maybe magic? Whatever the shape, it's what makes you unable to freely turn around. Or maybe you're just not sure if I'll be able to help you, because it's trying to play on two legs."

Xavier chuckles. His eyes were sad. "There's nothing to hide from the Argent family, eh? Now I know why so many people are afraid of you." He took a trembling breath, then exhaled slowly. "But in what way are you going to help her?"

Marco smiled. He took out a golden talisman from his pocket in response. The necklace pendulum moves like a pendulum.

***

¬Eulogy: speech of respect/compliment to others. It is usually said at funerals for the dead.