Chapter 40 After several hours of arriving in Ravenska, Aliana finally met her adoptive parents. The security protocol that had initially delayed them was relaxed once Gabriel and Marisse passed the full inspection. The guards who had been firm now nodded respectfully, allowing the couple into the hotel grounds. In the main room of the homestay, Aliana sat patiently, though alert. Meanwhile, Elena was busy preparing drinks and snacks on the table to welcome Aliana's parents. When the sound of a car came from outside, Aliana immediately stood up. Her heart beat slightly faster. Moments later, a security guard opened the door, and Gabriel stepped in first carrying a large woven basket of food, followed by Mariss Their faces were bright with affection and longing. "Dad… Mom." Aliana greeted her adoptive parents in a low voice, tinged with the kind of longing she couldn't hide. Her smile bloomed for the third or fourth time that day. Elena, standing nearby, gave a respectful nod, then quietly stepped back to give them space. "My darling," Marisse said as she hugged Aliana tightly, warmly. The familiar scent of Marisse's light perfume wrapped Aliana in the nostalgia of childhood-a scent that had always made her feel safe. Gabriel didn't say much. He simply patted Aliana gently on the head, then said in his usual playful tone, "Did you get taller, or did I get shorter?" Aliana chuckled softly. "Maybe both, Dad." Marisse loosened her embrace and studied Aliana closely. "Our little girl's getting thinner." "You're right," Gabriel replied, his voice slightly trembling. He raised the basket he brought. "Your mom made all your favorites. Let's eat!" They sat together in the living room. Marisse unwrapped a large parcel from the basket-homemade food, still warm, neatly wrapped in cloth and wax paper. "I brought bone broth soup and homemade pull-apart bread. You still like them, right?" she asked. "Always," Aliana replied gently. The classic wooden table in the center quickly filled with the aroma of savory broth, large vegetable chunks, and soft bread fresh from the warm cloth. The steam blended with the natural wood scent that filled the home's cozy interior. From the hallway, Elena-trying to stay discreet-couldn't help but swallow quietly. Their conversation remained light. They caught up, talked about the market, a neighbor's dog giving birth, and the soup Marisse used to bring Aliana during the winters. But beneath every sentence, there were hidden codes-messages only the three of them could understand. "This soup," Aliana said, stirring her spoon in the bowl, "tastes just like I remember. But… something's different. Did you change the secret ingredient?" Gabriel chewed slowly, then nodded subtly. "The spice we used to make isn't safe anymore. I threw it out under the old tree near the east shed." He took another bite and laughed. "But don't worry, the core flavor is still there." Aliana understood immediately. That sentence was code. The "old tree near the east shed" referred to a remote area just beyond the homestay a location never included in Andrian's surveillance maps. Gabriel's message was clear: he wanted to shift their meeting from Rafe's original spot to a safer one. Aliana nodded softly. "That's a shame… I liked the old flavor too. But I guess I can't taste it as often now. I can't even step into the kitchen these days-there's always someone blocking the way." Marisse smiled faintly, catching the subtext in her daughter's words. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she replied gently, "Next time, we'll make it together. Your father and I will help. Besides, it's casier and faster when we prepare the spice, team." The conversation continued. To an outsider, it would seem like any family reunion, full of warmth and catching up. But every line held two meanings, as if they were playing a game of coded language beneath everyday chatter. Aliana took a bite of the bread and then, in a casual tone, looked at her father and asked, "Oh, by the way… how's the neighbor's dog? The big white one?" Gabriel looked straight at his daughter, then responded cheerfully, "The one that always guards the front door and barks whenever someone walks by?" "Yes," Aliana replied lightly. "He always barks when I pass." Gabriel nodded, understanding instantly. Aliana was talking about the guard stationed by the door. His face remained relaxed as if discussing something trivial. "He's fine, but he does look a bit dangerous. Sometimes I wonder-what exactly is he guarding? Maybe he's just scared of his owner… scared enough to become a vicious dog?" "Could be." Aliana smiled faintly and glanced briefly out the window to make sure no one was catching on to their real conversation. "His owner is known to be fierce. Cold. Like a human icicle." Gabriel chuckled softly. "Ice man, huh?" he muttered, glancing at his daughter before continuing in a lower voice. "Speaking of which, did you know some people have been asking about the owner of that dog lately?" Aliana fell silent. Though the statement sounded casual, she caught the hidden meaning. Gabriel was referring to the people hunting Andrian during the charity gala. Previously, Aliana had asked Rafe to request her father's help in identifying the assailants. "Who?" Aliana asked cautiously, her tone subtly shifting. Gabriel stroked his chin thoughtfully, still speaking in a casual tone but with measured intent. "Myfriend who lives near the dog owner's place said there've been a few ice vendors stopping by the neighborhood lately. Normally, they sell far up north, but suddenly they've been coming into our town." Aliana's body tensed. She knew exactly what her father meant. "Ice vendors" was a clear code-it referred to a group professional assassins who often operated without clear motives. With a quiet breath, she tried to hide her reaction. of "Why would the ice vendors be interested in the dog owner?" Aliana asked carefully, her tone light but not hiding the edge of worry creeping into her voice. Gabriel offered a faint smile. His voice sounded joking, but Aliana knew the message was far from lighthearted. "Apparently, the dog owner's been drawing too much attention while going about his daily business. Maybe someone got irritated and decided to send ice vendors to settle the score." Aliana paused, then slowly reached for her glass and took a sip, steadying her thoughts. "The group of ice vendors is called 'Argent Coil," Gabriel murmured as if talking about produce prices at the market. "People used to call them the 'Silver Ring. They usually set up shop in the north, but lately, word is they've been seen drifting near the city." Aliana said nothing. Argent Coil. That group was the stuff of legend. They made no distinctions-guilty or innocent, if the price was right, they moved in. To them, lives were numbers. And when they worked, they left no trace behind. "Shame I'm too grown-up to enjoy ice anymore," Aliana whispered, her voice barely audible. Gabriel exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. "They don't sell your kind of ice anymore, anyway. They deal in adult flavors. Seems like their target market was never kids to begin with." Aliana's eyes widened. From her father's phrasing, she understood the hit wasn't meant for her-it was meant for Andrian. Marisse gently put her spoon down. "Even if they sell all kinds of ice, you shouldn't overindulge, sweetheart. I don't want you getting toothaches." Aliana smiled faintly, grateful for her mother's concern. "My teeth haven't hurt in a long time." For a moment, silence filled the room. Only the distant call of birds and the ticking of the old wall clock broke it. Then Gabriel chuckled softly, breaking the tension. "Oh, by the way, your mother stopped by the market before we came here. You know the old vendors still ask about you?" Marisse smiled, continuing where he left off. "They miss you. A few even asked when you'd stop by the shop again. They say the market feels empty without you." Aliana smiled gently, her voice soft and tinged with guilt. She understood her father was talking about the Corvo family's agents who missed her presence. "Give them my regards, Mom. Tell them I miss the market too. But… I can't come back as soon as I'd like." Marisse looked at her daughter with understanding. She nodded slowly. "There's no need to rush. People at the market understand. What matters most is that you're safe and well." "But I know," Gabriel interjected softly, "you'd be more comfortable at home. There's no place like it." Aliana paused, a dull ache in her chest at her father's words. She gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. There's no place more comforting than home." Gabriel studied her, wise and calm. "Sometimes life pulls us far from what we know best. But I believe you'll find your way back-sooner or later." Aliana looked at her father with quiet gratitude. That simple statement gave her the inner strength she needed right now. Marisse suddenly clapped her hands gently, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright, enough sad talk. There's still plenty of food. Come on, finish your soup. You need to eat well to stay healthy!" Gabriel chuckled, nodding in his usual cheerful manner. "Your mother's right. I don't want to see you lose more weight. If you fall sick, who else will help us run the shop?" Aliana laughed softly at her father's joke. "Alright, I'll eat more now. But if I gain weight, don't complain later "No complaints," Gabriel said, laughing heartily. "The rounder you are, the better you'll look as the mascot for our shop when business gets slow!" Aliana laughed again, the moment wrapped in warmth and humor. But that laughter faded when the sound of steady footsteps approached from the hallway. All heads turned to see Elric standing firmly not far from the living room. "Apologies for the interruption, Miss Aliana," Elric said politely but firmly. "It's time for you to rest. Per Mr. Andrian's orders, you're not to overexert yourself today." Aliana paused before nodding gently. She understood-it was a soft signal that the visit needed to end. With reluctance, she turned to Gabriel and Marisse, who were already on their feet, sensing the shift. "You do need your rest. You must be tired from the journey," Gabriel said, still wearing his warm smile. He glanced at his wife and gave a small nod. "We can't stay long either. We have to open the shop in the morning, right?" Marisse gave her daughter one last hug. "Take care of yourself, sweetheart. And don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything." Aliana hugged her tightly. "I promise, Mom." Gabriel approached and gently patted Aliana's shoulder. "We'll see each other again soon." Aliana nodded, trying to smile through the heaviness in her chest. "Yes, we will." Slowly, Gabriel and Marisse walked toward the door, Aliana escorting them to the entrance. Elric, ever formal, opened the car door and gestured for them to leave. As Gabriel stepped into the vehicle, he turned once more and waved lightly. "Don't forget to finish your food. I don't want your mother's cooking to go to waste!" Aliana gave a small smile, waving back. "I'll eat it all. Drive safely." Once the car door closed, Aliana let out a long breath, her smile fading. What remained was a lingering worry-one that slowly filled the space left behind by the warmth of her parents' visit.