Chapter 8
Chapter 8: The World Is Wrong
Cynthia stood by the office window, her fingers lightly tapping the window frame, her gaze falling on Hien.
She was considering the feasibility of the plan Hien had just proposed.
Her irritable emotions were affecting her judgment, and she planned to get closer to him, to enjoy that irresistible pleasure of having her mental power soothed.
“Knock knock knock.”
Just as she was about to step forward, a series of knocks interrupted her thoughts.
“Come in.”
Cynthia withdrew her gaze, her tone cold.
“Lady Cynthia, Hien’s sister has been brought over and is currently waiting downstairs.”
Irene pushed the door open and respectfully bowed.
“Rufia?”
Hien was startled. He hadn’t expected Cynthia to act so quickly, so he looked at her with surprise.
“I don’t like dragging things out. Tomorrow I’ll arrange your employment and your sister’s enrollment procedures.”
Cynthia raised an eyebrow slightly, answering Hien’s question. She then turned to look at Irene, a trace of fatigue in her voice.
“Arrange for them to rest. I need some quiet time right now.”
“Yes.”
Irene nodded, making a “please” gesture to Hien, though her gaze remained unfriendly.
“Thank you, Lady Cynthia.”
Hien also quickly stood up to thank her. He followed Irene out hastily, eager to see Rufia.
After the two left, Cynthia’s gaze turned to the window again. She saw a black-haired girl standing below.
The girl had delicate features and wore a dress that had been washed until it was faded, appearing simple and pure.
Her expression carried a hint of nervousness and worry as she looked around until Hien appeared. Only then did her eyes light up as she ran over quickly.
“Brother, are you okay? Are you hurt? Did they give you trouble?”
When Rufia saw Hien, she immediately rushed forward, grabbing his arms with both hands and carefully examining his body.
Her movements were urgent and frantic, her voice trembling slightly.
“I’m fine, Rufia. Look, I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?”
Hien cooperated with Rufia’s actions, turning in a circle and letting her examine him, his face wearing a gentle smile as he softly comforted her.
“Thank goodness… I thought something had happened to you. They suddenly brought me here, saying you arranged it, but I was worried the whole time…”
After confirming that Hien wasn’t injured, Rufia finally breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes slightly red as she hugged him tightly, as if afraid he would disappear the moment she let go.
“Don’t worry, everything is fine. Let’s go rest first, and I’ll explain everything slowly.”
Hien gently stroked Rufia’s head, his tone tender.
“Lady Cynthia has already made arrangements. Follow me.”
At this moment, Irene, who had been observing from the side, walked over and spoke to them coldly.
“Thank you for the trouble.”
Hien thanked Irene, but she walked past him as if she hadn’t seen him at all.
Watching everything from the window, Cynthia’s lips curved into a meaningful smile.
She didn’t leave the window but quietly observed the siblings’ interaction, as if watching an interesting drama.
The more Hien valued his sister, the easier it would be to keep him under control.
“This is it.”
Irene led Hien and Rufia to a temporarily arranged room. Though not large, it was clean and tidy with complete furnishings. This was the knights’ dormitory – simple, but thousands of times better than the shabby rooms at the orphanage.
Rufia entered the room first, and when Hien was about to follow, Irene stopped him and pulled him aside.
“Hien, you need to understand your position and status. Lady Cynthia is just momentarily interested in finding a plaything. You’d better know your place and not harbor any improper thoughts about her, or I’ll be the first to deal with you.”
Irene’s gaze swept coldly over Hien, her tone carrying a warning.
“Miss Irene, I understand my position. Everything is to serve Lady Cynthia. I will follow her orders and won’t do anything out of line.”
Hien lowered his head, his tone humble and respectful.
“I hope you’ll do as you say. Watch yourself.”
Irene snorted coldly, her eyes showing a trace of disdain. After speaking, she turned and left the room.
Hien watched Irene’s retreating figure, a flash of deep thought in his eyes.
When he had seen Cynthia tell Irene outside the city about appointing him as special assistant, Irene’s reaction had already caught his attention.
Clearly, this deputy had complex feelings toward Cynthia – similar to a fan’s worship of an idol, viewing Cynthia as a respected elder sister and believing only she deserved to stay by her side.
His appearance had obviously shattered Irene’s fantasy, which was why she resented him so much.
This Irene might be useful somehow.
Hien calculated silently in his heart.
After seeing Irene off, Hien returned to the room and closed the door. As soon as he turned around, he saw Rufia looking at him with eyes full of confusion and worry.
“Brother, what’s really going on? Why are we here? Who is Lady Cynthia? Why does she want to help us?”
“You know about Messiah’s Twelve Saints, right? Lady Cynthia is the Crimson Flame Saint among them, and also the leader of the Crimson Flame Knights.”
Hien walked to the bed and sat down, gesturing for Rufia to sit as well. He took a deep breath and slowly began.
“During the beast disaster earlier, I happened to save Lady Cynthia’s life. She’s someone who repays kindness, so she made an exception to let me join the knights. When she asked what I wanted, I mentioned your illness, and she decided to let you study at Messiah Magic Academy, where they have the best healers in the holy city.”
After listening, Rufia didn’t show the joy Hien had expected. Instead, she lowered her head, looking somewhat dejected.
Seeing this, Hien couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
He remembered that when they were young, Rufia would always watch those well-dressed mages with longing, envying the children who could enter Messiah Academy. But because they were orphans, they weren’t qualified to enter such an institution. The disappointment in Rufia’s eyes at that time was something Hien still remembered.
“Rufia, what’s wrong? Being able to study at Messiah Academy has always been your dream, hasn’t it?”
Hien asked softly.
“Brother, can just saving Captain Cynthia’s life really get us all this? You must have given up something, right? I know how much effort you’ve put in for my illness… I don’t want to hold you back anymore. If I weren’t sick, you wouldn’t have to work so hard…”
Rufia looked up, tears glistening in her eyes, her voice somewhat choked.
Hearing this, Hien trembled slightly. He hadn’t expected Rufia’s intuition to be so sharp.
Though they weren’t blood-related, they had lived together at the church orphanage for over ten years, becoming each other’s only family.
Every word from Rufia was like a needle, gently piercing his heart.
He couldn’t help but reach out and gently embrace Rufia, his voice low and tender.
“Rufia, in my view, all of this is worth it.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, brother. I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.”
Rufia hugged Hien tightly in return, tears finally flowing down.
“Brother, if you find it too hard, then come back, okay? Abandon everything. I don’t want anything. Having you by my side is enough…”
“It’s not your fault.”
Hien closed his eyes and gently stroked Rufia’s hair, warmth flowing through his heart.
“The world is what’s wrong.”