Chapter 286: My Good Brother!
Evening gradually descended upon Selvas City, painting the horizon with shades of orange and crimson as the tide rolled onto the shore, one wave after another.
Cobert stood barefoot at the edge of the beach, allowing the cool seawater to wash over his feet before retreating back into the ocean. His hands rested casually inside his pockets, while his listless eyes remained fixed on the endless sea before him.
He seemed to be watching the waves.
In reality, he was simply lost in thought.
Standing a few steps behind him was a thick-eyebrowed man with short black hair and a sturdy build that looked as solid as a mountain. His upright posture and composed expression made it difficult to imagine he was one of the strongest assassins of the Night Hawkers; he looked more like a warrior.
As Cobert’s direct assistant, Grizz is used to helping him manage the organisation, keeping those troublemaking assassins under control with both strength and prestige.
Seeing Cobert remain silent for so long, Grizz finally spoke.
"What are you thinking about, Cobert?"
Cobert continued to stare at the sea for another moment before quietly muttering,
"I was just wondering, Brother Grizz... if I hadn’t crossed paths with that guy... could I have continued living my simple academy life?"
Grizz smiled helplessly.
"You know the answer to that."
He slowly walked to Cobert’s side, his own gaze drifting toward the waves.
"You are the leader of the Night Hawkers now. Whether you like it or not, sooner or later, you were destined to shoulder this responsibility. Perhaps meeting him simply pushed that day forward."
He paused briefly before continuing in a calmer voice.
"And besides..."
"The peaceful academy life you keep longing for was never more than an illusion. A bubble that could burst at any moment."
Grizz turned to look at him.
"Only absolute strength gives a person the freedom to choose how they want to live."
Cobert rolled his eyes dramatically before turning around.
"Yeah, yeah... stop lecturing already."
He scratched the back of his head in annoyance.
"I’ve heard that speech so many times my ears have grown callouses."
Grizz simply chuckled.
Cobert sighed.
"Seriously... can’t you give me a break?"
He looked back toward the sea, the laziness in his eyes disappearing for just a brief moment.
"I know better than anyone how deep I’ve stepped into this quagmire."
"My current strength..."
He shook his head with a bitter smile.
"...is nowhere near enough if I ever want to climb out."
The atmosphere fell quiet again.
After a few seconds, Cobert finally asked,
"Have they arrived?"
Grizz nodded.
"All of the Hawkers have reached Selvas City safely."
"Following your instructions, everyone checked into different hotels throughout the city. They’ll avoid drawing attention to themselves or alerting the enemy."
He glanced at his mana bracelet.
"I also just received confirmation that everyone has settled in."
"Good."
Cobert nodded slightly.
"Tell them to stay on standby."
"No unnecessary actions."
"They’re to act like ordinary tourists until further notice."
Grizz acknowledged the order immediately before tapping his mana bracelet and sending the instructions to the organisation’s group chat.
Only after receiving several confirmation messages did he put the bracelet away.
Cobert gave the sea one last glance before turning toward the city.
"Let’s go."
"Luis should’ve already booked a room for us."
Grizz nodded.
"Yes. It’s a five-star hotel called Mirano Oceana."
---
Mirano Oceana Hotel.
The luxurious lobby was brightly lit despite the evening outside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling while elegant music drifted softly through the air.
Walking up to the reception desk, Cobert casually handed over his forged identification.
The receptionist quickly checked the reservation before smiling professionally.
"Welcome, Mr Cobby."
"You’ve reserved our Presidential Honeymoon Love Suite."
As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the thick-eyebrowed man standing faithfully behind Cobert.
Her smile froze for the briefest moment. Then she immediately lowered her head.
"Please... enjoy your honeymoon."
She bowed so deeply that Cobert almost wondered if she was trying to inspect the carpet.
His face instantly darkened.
Veins bulged on his forehead as he silently accepted the room card.
’Luis... You bastard!’
’One day, I’ll definitely kill you!’
Feeling the strange looks coming from every direction in the lobby, Cobert wished he could dig a hole and bury himself on the spot.
Just then, he turned around, wanting to leave.
Only to discover Grizz standing behind him with an unusually red face.
The normally dependable assistant looked unexpectedly shy, almost like a newlywed bride who didn’t know where to look.
Cobert’s eyelids twitched.
"Let’s go, Grizz."
"Why are you still standing there?"
Grizz hurriedly nodded.
"Y-Yes... d-dear."
The words slipped out instinctively.
Cobert froze.
"..."
Grizz froze as well.
"..."
The entire lobby became strangely quiet.
Then someone suddenly coughed.
A middle-aged woman covered her smile with a handkerchief.
"So sweet."
A young couple nearby smiled knowingly.
"Congratulations!"
An elderly gentleman in a neat suit even raised his cane cheerfully.
"Enjoy your honeymoon, young man!"
"Selvas City has plenty of beautiful places for couples. Make sure you visit them all!"
Cobert’s lips twitched violently.
Without saying another word, he grabbed Grizz by the sleeve and dragged him toward the elevators at the fastest speed possible.
From behind, the old gentleman watched them leave with a nostalgic smile.
"Ah..."
"To be young again."
He sighed softly, memories of his late wife surfacing in his mind.
"It seems that young fellow can’t wait to begin his honeymoon."
---
When Cobert entered the suite, his expression became a few shades darker. Because this suite was specially decorated to make it suitable for couples. On the table, even a few small boxes were available.
"Damn you, Luis!"
***
At this moment, Luis, who was preparing to use the transport circle, suddenly sneezed.
"Achoo!"
"Young master, should I bring some warm clothes?" Jack asked with concern.
"No need." Luis waved his hand. "Let’s hurry; I need to discuss tomorrow’s plan with Cobert."
While speaking, he asked. "You booked the hotel rooms, right?"
"Yes, I’ve let some people book the best rooms available," Jack assured.
"That’s good." Luis smiled in satisfaction. No matter what, Cobert is like a good brother to him. He must receive the best treatment.
Only he had no idea that his good brother wanted to tear him apart at this moment.
