As the group approached, Neera became increasingly confused.
The other party seemed ecstatic, as if they had just reunited with a loved one. Their emotions were so overwhelming that they were on the verge of tears.
If it werenât for Darcelâs intimidating aura, Neera believed that this crowd would have eagerly embraced them.
âLeave if you donât want to die,â Darcel coldly rebuked, showing no concern for the odds. His aura was powerful and unpredictable.
The few individuals swallowed hard and hesitated to step forward. However, they were unwilling to leave and remained nervously in their original spot.
âUm⦠Sir, please donât be scared. No, I mean, please donât be angry. We⦠weâre a little frightenedâ¦â
the tall man leading the group hesitated before speaking, his tone tinged with a sense of grievance.
Darcel watched with a cold gaze.
Neera was speechless, her face filled with exasperation. What on earth was happening?
What kind of introduction was this? Couldnât he be a little more subtle?
They had approached and immediately played the weak card. It was quite candid.
However, Neera and Darcel remained cautious.
3 The other partyâs behavior could be a ploy to catch them off guard. They were unsure if it was a deliberate act or genuine naivety.
Neera scrutinized the man who had spoken, analyzing him with her gaze.
He had a handsome and refined appearance. If it werenât for his disheveled state, he would probably look quite energetic.
He doesnât seem like a scheming person, Neera thought.
Behind him stood five others, all wearing tense expressions, some even showing signs of embarrassment.
It seemed they had encountered some sort of trouble to end up in such a sorry state.
With that thought, Neera became distracted again, glancing at herself and Darcel.
Hmm⦠Our current state isnât much better. We look like refugees, just like these people.
Darcelâs sharp and imposing gaze swept over each of their faces.
Those who caught his gaze immediately straightened up, standing tall and firm like poplar trees guarding the frontier./
Seeing that Neera and Darcel remained silent, the man at the forefront began to fidget, nervously rubbing his hands together. He then awkwardly scratched the back of his head, looking utterly lost.
âMiss, sir, we mean no harm. Thereâs no need for you to be so wary. We have no ill intentions, nor do we wish to -hürt anyone. We just wanted to ask if we could join your team. It seems there are only two of you, and this gentleman here looks very dependable. If we stick together, weâll surely be safer!â
Darcel stared at him coldly, his vigilance unwavering, and began to interrogate.
âWho are you people?â
Upon hearing him speak, the manâs eyes instantly brightened a bit. He quickly responded, âMy name is Cayden.â
Darcelâs eyebrows slightly furrowed. âAre you the head of the Massey family?â
Cayden nodded enthusiastically. âYes! Thatâs me!â
Neera almost facepalmed, internally rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Really? Are you serious?
This is actually the head of the Massey family!
She had thought it was someone elseâs mischievous kid!
She had thought her uncle was outrageous enough before; pushing her into resuming the position of family head. But she hadnât expected the Massey family to be even more absurd than the Gordon familyâ¦
Cayden had a pair of doe eyes, which were somewhat adorable as they were moist and sparkling.
He caught a twitch at the corner of Neeraâs mouth, blinked his moist eyes, and asked her, âAre you mocking me?â
Neera was surprised. âHow did you know?â
Cayden said, âI knew it. Everyone reacts the same way when they hear about my identity. They all canât believe it, finding it unbelievable that Iâm actually the head of a family. But I truly am the head of the Massey family, as real as it gets!â
He patted his chest proudly, but patted too hard and choked himself, coughing twice.
Despite the tense situation, his antics somehow managed to inject a bit of comic relief.
Neera couldnât help but shake her head. This guy is really wasting his talent by not being a comedian.
Darcel was left somewhat speechless, his face stern, by his antics.
âSo why do you want to team up with us?â
Caydenâs face immediately fell, and he poured out his woes with a bitter laugh.
âWe were having such a great time on this trip, enjoying the mountains and waters, truly having the time of our lives. We thought this journey was well worth it. We planned to camp and rest last night, then throw a barbecue party to unwind. But for some unknown reason, we were suddenly attacked. Our campsite was destroyed, some of us got injured and had to be carried down the mountain. Now, only a few of us are left.â
âIâm worried that someone might take a dislike to us again and attack us, so we wonât dare to rest. Weâll have to keep moving. But our numbers have been cut in half now, and I fear we might not make it to the mountain top. So, weâre looking to team up with others who are also on their own, to travel together.â
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Neera and Darcel, sizing them up.
âJudging by your appearances, it seems like something has happened to you too. Have you been separated from your companions?â
Ignoring his question, Darcel asked again, âDo you know who attacked you?â
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