Episode 19

"Sir, sir! I've been making some telephone calls. Eventually, I stumbled upon something peculiar about Fane. It's most bizarre!"

Ghost Face hailed James as he hurried in, a look of alarm etched on his features.

"Bizarre?"

James was mildly startled to receive Ghost Face's briefing. It had never crossed his mind to classify Fane with the term 'peculiar.'

"Take a gander at this. This is the information I wrangled from contacts in the military tasked with scrutinizing Fane's history."

"There's his name, ID number, and former job as a delivery man. After that, he turns up as a son-in-law in the Taylor family. Fane enlisted the second day after his wedding. Whatever transpired post-enlistment remains a blank. Out of the blue, five years later, Fane resurfaces in the Central Province!"

Furrowing his brow, Ghost Face remarked, "Isn't a case file like this odd? Not only is his military service shrouded in secrecy, but the department Fane registered with is also a mystery. All we've managed to glean is his mother's name, Joan Xavier, who presently works as a street cleaner in the Central Province. We have no data whatsoever on his father!"

"The absence of any details regarding his father and his time in service indeed constitute quite the enigma..."

James's face creased in thought, but he swiftly concluded, "Judging by the looks of it, it's highly probable that someone deliberately wiped clean all records of Fane! Or perhaps, what we have is merely his superficial portfolio and Fane's true identity is far from simple. There might be another exceedingly confidential dossier on him!"

"Sir, if this is the case, there's definitely something unique afoot. Otherwise, the government wouldn't blatantly conceal his records and thwart any attempts to delve into his particulars!"

Astonished, Ghost Face commented, "To have the power to orchestrate movements on such a scale... If Fane isn't a War God, he must certainly be close to one!"

"Yes, precisely!"

Stirred by the discourse, James nodded vigorously and directed, "Proceed, continue your probe into Fane's current situation in the Central Province. Isn't he dwelling with the Taylor family? Observe what Fane's up to and discern his present endeavors!"

"No problem, sir. I, too, suspect that little rascal isn't as plain as we presumed!"

Ghost Face rapidly assented, adding, "Seems this time it's not just one War God returning to the Central Province, but two!"

"Haha. An opportune moment for us Drakes!"

James chuckled. After cogitating briefly, he then said, "Locate Fane's present whereabouts. I can't contact him now. Moreover, Fane has seen me all day and might get suspicious if he notices me again tonight. Still, we can arrange for Titus or Tanner to reach out to him!"

Ghost Face's expression tensed.

"An excellent strategy, sir. I'll organize it immediately! As for the Taylor household, we can investigate and get close gradually. I'm confident we'll ascertain Fane's current location in under an hour!"

***

Upon reaching home, something struck Fane. With a frown, he inquired, "My dear, where shall I sleep tonight?"

Selena blushed at Fane's question. Indeed, it was a quandary.

The two were married with a daughter.

Following their wedding night, inebriated, Selena had, well, interaction.

She fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Noticing Selena's puzzled expression, Fane cheerfully suggested, "Worry not, I shall bed in any available spare room!"

Selena frowned, explaining, "There are a few rooms. One for your mother, my parents each have one. Though my brother seldom returns, he's got a room too. Kylie and I share. Four rooms, none spare. Fortunately, Jenny rented elsewhere, or she'd lack a room here!"

Embarrassed but smiling wryly, Fane replied, "A storeroom's fine, as long as it's sheltered from wind and rain. During missions, we'd hunkered down for a month on an isolated isle..."

"An isolated isle!"

On hearing this, Selena frowned sympathetically, "That must've been tough?"

"Not really. I'd muse of a beautiful wife waiting at home should I triumph in battle. Such thoughts spurred me on."

Fane gazed at Selena directly before him. The five years of grueling ordeal felt like time well spent.

Five arduous years honed Fane into a keen blade. Yet, that blade must hide its edge to safeguard his wife and kin.

Gratitude swelled in Selena upon Fane's words. Once the family rebel, she now realized how irrevocably attached she was to the child within.

And now, Fane made her feel reliant.

"You... I think you ought to room with us!"

Selena finally said, her face flushed.

Fane coughed, "May I then embrace you in sleep?"

Fane's affection grew for the woman before him, gentle and kind. Selena's clear eyes could captivate any soul.

"No. Allowing you to share our room suffices. Previously, an incident brought forth Kylie. I cannot fully accept you yet. When the time comes!"

Selena turned, adding, "You may sleep on the floor, carpeted. Wait... let's wait until our bond deepens, then I'll consider. Go bathe. Kylie's elated for tonight's feast."

"Alright, bathing now!"

Unexpectedly, as Fane bathed, Fiona approached Selena's chamber. She coldly queried, "With no empty room, where shall Fane sleep tonight?"

"On the floor. Shall I lay the carpet now?"

Selena bitterly unveiled the carpet.

Relief washed over Fiona, who advised, "My child, you mustn't let that scoundrel touch you, understand? If not for him, we'd not live so squalidly. Until I see his promised ten million, debase not yourself. Understood? Easily attained, men value not!"

"Why judge so harshly, Mother? If Fane treats us well and we work together, all will improve!"

Selena mused before adding, "Moreover, he's not so bad. Fane is kind to me, to Kylie, and respects his mother!"

"What's good without money? Can Fane spoil you, feed us well, clothe us better, enhance our living? To lavish money on us denotes kindness, not mere talk!"

Fiona concluded her lecture and stormed out, slamming the door.

"I don't care. Fane plans to treat us tonight, so I'll make the situation difficult for him! I want Fane to realize he can't afford to care for us!" Fiona declared.

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