After leaving Elias's hideout, Livia drove straight to Adrian's place.
The wind outside was strong, casting tree shadows that twisted and clawed under the streetlights like restless specters. The heater inside the car was on, but it couldn't dispel the heavy urgency pressing on her chest.
Pushing open the door, she found Adrian sitting in the living room. The moment he saw her, he jumped to his feet, his eyes brimming with eagerness and worry.
"Big sis, what exactly happened yesterday?!"
Faced with Adrian's anxious curiosity, Livia simply lifted a hand, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
"There's too much. I don't want to talk about it." She walked over to the sofa, sat down, took off her coat, and leaned back, closing her eyes briefly. "Just remember one thing—focus on the task I gave you. Don't say a word to anyone. Not even accidentally."
Seeing the rare weariness on his sister's face, Adrian's heart tightened. Though he was full of questions, he still nodded obediently.
"Your main duties must not have any slip-ups." Livia continued, opening her eyes to meet his, her gaze sharp and resolute. "And one more thing—study the underground waterway blueprints. Mark every possible hidden spot. No matter how small the anomaly, don't overlook it."
Adrian froze, sensing the gravity behind her words. He straightened up and answered seriously, "Understood, sis. I'll give it my all."
Satisfied with his response, Livia gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
The night grew deeper as she returned to the familiar castle.
Arriving at Emma's quarters, she pushed open the door to find Emma seated on the sofa, poring over documents. Hearing the sound, Emma immediately stood up, a trace of unspoken worry flashing across her face.
"Livia, you're back." Emma set her things aside, clearly holding back a thousand questions.
Livia walked straight over, her expression serious. Without any preamble, she laid out her plan.
She explained in detail the division of duties between her and Elias, the truth about the Eryx region—and most importantly, the task she had assigned to Emma: infiltrating Eryx's territory to search for the Holy Grail.
At that, Emma's eyes widened in shock, almost unable to believe what she was hearing.
"I can't believe the three of you planned everything so meticulously…" she murmured, then lifted her head to meet Livia's gaze. "But why me? Something this important…"
Livia looked at her with unwavering, gentle determination, her voice carrying a weight of absolute trust.
"Because right now, we need someone skilled, experienced, and someone I can trust one hundred percent." Her voice was soft but firm. "And Emma, this time—we can't afford a single mistake. We're not just up against Eryx. There's that mysterious third force as well."
As she spoke, she pulled out a map, pointing out all the locations where she suspected the Holy Grail might appear.
Emma's fingers trembled slightly, a rush of emotions overwhelming her.
At this moment, she knew—Livia truly, completely trusted her.
"But…" Emma hesitated, a hint of reproach in her eyes. "Didn't you say… you weren't supposed to tell me?"
Livia gazed at her quietly, countless unspoken emotions hidden deep in her eyes.
"Because I trust you," she said softly, like entrusting a heavy yet precious secret, "and because… we've reached the critical stage. We must use every trustworthy force we have."
She paused, then added cautiously, "But you're right—we don't truly know what the Holy Grail can do. If you find any clues, or actually discover it, don't act on your own. Tell me immediately. We must work together to find the safest way forward."
Emma took a deep breath, feeling an unprecedented weight settle on her shoulders.
But in the end, she raised her head, her gaze firm as steel.
"I understand, Livia. I won't let you down."
Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, all their trust and determination were laid bare.
At this moment, they were not just superior and subordinate—they were comrades standing side by side.
Once everything was arranged, Livia finally dragged her slightly weary body back to her own room.
Taking off her coat, she stood at the window, gazing quietly at the night sky.
The sparse stars far away seemed to be holding their breath, awaiting the coming storm.
She closed her eyes gently, allowing herself a brief moment of respite.
Just a little rest.
Because she knew—the real battle was only just beginning.