"Hiding myself? Something unexpected?"
Alia knew very well that all of this was only because she had reincarnated into Livia's body. Without this reincarnation, the original Livia might have indeed been nothing more than a noble lady sheltered too well—naïve, ignorant, and completely unaware of the intrigues of the world.
She didn't refute Emma's speculation, nor did she offer any explanation. Instead, she simply looked at her in silence, waiting for her to continue.
Seeing that Livia did not respond, Emma didn't seem to mind. She continued speaking at her own pace, "It seems you don't believe I was the one who ordered your kidnapping. Otherwise, you would be more flustered right now."
Alia finally spoke, her tone calm and unwavering. "Indeed. I know about your relationship with my mom. Ever since the kidnapping, I have been trying to figure out who was behind it. I don't believe you are someone who would be ungrateful. Even if you were involved in the kidnapping, I don't think you would want me dead."
Her words were logical and well-founded, yet they also carried a subtle test.
Emma's gaze flickered slightly. Then, she let out a soft laugh, her eyes revealing a complicated emotion. "You're right," she said in a quieter yet firm voice. "No matter what, I would never harm you. In fact, I wouldn't allow anyone else to harm you either."
She paused, her expression softening as if lost in some distant memory. "You can't imagine how important your mother was to me. Her kindness is something I can never repay."
Alia keenly noticed the shift in her tone and pressed on, "Then… who was behind my kidnapping?"
Emma's eyes wavered slightly as if considering something. Finally, she spoke in a low voice, "It wasn't me who ordered it, but I do bear some responsibility."
Alia was momentarily stunned.
"I just… passed the information along," Emma admitted slowly. Her voice was calm and steady, yet a trace of hesitation flickered in her eyes.
Who was this "someone else" she spoke of?
Alia already had an answer in mind, but she didn't reveal it. Instead, she feigned ignorance and continued probing, "Someone else? Who? Who wants me dead?"
Emma looked at her, silent for a few seconds before sighing. "Knowing this will only bring you more trouble."
She hesitated as if weighing her words. After a brief moment, she finally said, "Besides, I suspect… that the person I told wasn't the one who wanted you dead."
Alia frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Emma's gaze grew deep as she spoke slowly, "Your kidnapping may have indeed been arranged by that person, but I don't believe their goal was to kill you. The one who truly wants you dead… is likely someone else."
A chill ran through Alia's heart.
Emma's voice remained calm and composed. "If my guess is correct, there is a third force working in the shadows. They want you dead, and they're using this kidnapping to drive a wedge between me, 'that person,' Marcellus, and Edgar—deepening our hostilities so they can benefit from the chaos."
Her words sent a shock through Alia's heart.
Not Eryx? Then who? Could there really be a third force?
She stared into Emma's eyes, trying to detect any hint of deceit. But Emma's expression remained steady, showing no signs of lying.
But… what if Emma was being used as well? What if Eryx had lied to her?
Alia didn't dare trust her completely.
After a moment of silence, she asked in a calm voice, "What is all of this for?"
Her tone was unwavering, but her sharp gaze hinted at the depth of her inquiry.
Emma stared at Livia for a long moment, as if contemplating how much to reveal. Finally, she let out a quiet sigh, her voice lowering. "You might not believe it even if I told you."
She turned slightly, her eyes carrying an indescribable meaning as if weighing how much to say. Then, after a brief hesitation, she chose to be direct.
"But you must know—at the center of all this… is an artifact known as the 'Holy Grail.'"
A faint crease appeared between Livia's brows.
Emma ignored her reaction and continued, "The power of the 'Holy Grail' surpasses everyone's imagination. It offers more than just wealth or power—it grants things that cannot be measured by ordinary means."
She paused as if debating whether to say more. But then she shook her head, her tone turning cold. "I won't go into details. The more you know, the more danger you'll be in."
Alia pressed her lips together slightly, a thoughtful glint flashing through her eyes.
Emma continued, "You only need to understand one thing—this storm is far from over. In fact, it has only just begun. More trouble will come for you."
Her voice was eerily calm, without a single fluctuation. But it was precisely this composed certainty that made it even more chilling.
Alia felt a slight weight settle in her heart.
Emma narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone carrying a warning. "Marcellus and Edgar know the most about the 'Holy Grail.' They may have even come into contact with it directly. And you, as the person closest to them, have naturally become a target."
Alia's heartbeat quickened slightly, but she forced herself to remain composed.
She looked up at Emma, her tone still calm. "If all the forces are fighting over it, then what about you?"
Emma's expression faltered briefly.
Alia lowered her gaze slightly, her voice even. "You wouldn't have come all this way just to tell me this, would you?"
Emma studied her for a few seconds before suddenly letting out a soft laugh.
"You really are sharp," she murmured, her eyes flickering with a mysterious emotion.