While Neon Nostrade was still in the bathroom washing up, Rimo called over Light Nostrade.
"Nosla, I'm taking Nion out for a while."
The moment those words left his mouth, Light's expression changed drastically.
Plop!
He dropped straight to his knees.
" Rimo-sama! Have I failed in my duties? Or is there something you are dissatisfied with? Please tell me this subordinate will correct it immediately!"
Rimo stared at him, speechless.
He could already guess what Light was thinking.
The man assumed he was about to be abandoned.
"…Get up," Rimo said, waving his hand. "You're overthinking it. I just want to take Nion out to relax. After yesterday's fight, I've got some insights I want to digest."
Only then did Light finally breathe again.
He stood up quickly, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
"I understand! Please rest assured, Rimo-sama, I will arrange everything perfectly."
"Mm. Handle it."
That was the advantage of having someone like Light.
Once given a direction, he would handle every detail without needing further instruction and more importantly, he would do it in a way that maximized Rimo's comfort.
"Understood!"
Light bowed and withdrew immediately.
Just as he left, Nion came running out of the bathroom, face bright with excitement.
"Master! I'm ready! Can we go now?"
Rimo smiled and rubbed her head.
"Your father's making arrangements. We'll leave once he's done. For now, let's eat and see if you want to bring anything."
"Okay! Nion is going on a trip!"
Her eyes sparkled.
Despite being the daughter of a Mafia family, she had barely ever left Cambie City, let alone traveled. Light had always kept her tightly protected even restricting her from normal schooling due to the risks surrounding her Nen ability.
Thinking about that, Rimo frowned slightly.
School…
Sooner or later, that would become an issue.
If Nion went to school, it would mean staying in one place for long periods.
But if she didn't
He certainly wasn't suited to teaching.
He couldn't exactly raise her into someone like Uvogin strong but barely literate.
…No, that wouldn't do.
"Forget it," Rimo muttered inwardly. "That's a problem for later."
By noon, everything was ready.
Light had arranged a luxury RV instead of an airship.
Since Rimo only specified "east" without a fixed destination, an RV made far more sense flexible, comfortable, and capable of continuous travel.
Along with it came two drivers and a personal chef.
Two drivers ensured nonstop movement.
The chef ensured consistent meals.
And all three had strict instructions: remain in the front section unless summoned.
They even brought sleeping bags.
They were essentially invisible staff.
Rimo glanced at the setup and nodded slightly.
"…Not bad."
As expected of Light.
Overprepared but in exactly the right way.
"Master, are we leaving now?" Nion asked eagerly.
"Yeah."
With that, their journey began.
At the same time
Far away, at Zoldyck Estate on Kukuroo Mountain
Silva had just returned.
His arm was gone.
Illumi's eyes were bandaged.
Even after basic treatment during the journey, their condition was still visibly severe.
At the gate, the old butler Zebro froze in shock.
"…Master Silva?"
He had served the family for decades.
But never
Never had he seen Silva return like this.
Before he could react further
Boom!
The massive Testing Gate opened from inside.
"Dear! Illumi!"
Kikyo Zoldyck rushed out.
At this point, she had not yet modified her eyes with machinery, and her appearance still carried a natural elegance. But now, her face was filled with panic.
Seeing Silva's missing arm and Illumi's condition
Her composure shattered.
"How… how did this happen?!"
She hovered helplessly, afraid even to touch them.
Behind her, Zeno Zoldyck stepped forward slowly, hands behind his back.
His gaze sharpened immediately.
"…Impressive."
His tone was calm but serious.
"The opponent was that strong?"
Silva nodded.
"These injuries are minor. What matters is him."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"That man… Rimo… he's abnormal."
Zeno didn't interrupt.
"His fundamentals are rough," Silva continued. "His control isn't polished. His Nen usage lacks refinement. But…"
He paused.
"…his aura is overwhelming. His abilities are beyond conventional Nen categories. And his growth "
Silva clenched his remaining hand.
"…is ongoing."
Zeno's eyes narrowed.
"…You think he's from there?"
The implication was clear.
The Dark Continent.
Silva shook his head.
"No. I didn't feel that kind of presence. Not like… that thing."
He was referring, of course, to Nanika.
Zeno exhaled quietly.
"…Good."
If Rimo had been connected to that level of unknown
This situation would have been far worse.
"As long as he's just strong," Zeno said calmly, "we can deal with it."
Meaning
Avoid him.
Price him out.
Or refuse the job entirely.
For the Zoldycks, that was also a valid strategy.
Kikyo, however, looked unconvinced.
In her mind, the Zoldyck family stood at the absolute peak.
How could someone surpass them?
Sensing her thoughts, Silva handed Illumi to her gently.
"The world is bigger than you think."
Then he turned and walked deeper into the estate with Zeno.
Despite his calm words
There was still a trace of unwillingness in his eyes.
As Kikyo followed, holding Illumi carefully, she hesitated.
"…Dear."
Silva paused slightly.
"I… I think I'm pregnant again."
Silence.
Both Silva and Zeno stopped.
Their gazes fell to her abdomen.
Another child.
A new possibility.
A successor?
Or something else entirely?
"…We'll see," Silva said finally.
The Testing Gate closed behind them.
And outside
Zebro stood frozen.
Cold sweat ran down his back.
"…I definitely wasn't supposed to hear that…"
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