Seven Sins System Chapter 506. Not A Martyr
I chuckled, crossing my arms with a faint, mocking smile. "Don't thank me yet. You'll be paying it back soon enough."
She arched an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation flaring in her eyes. "And what exactly does that mean?"
"That investigation?" I replied, leaning in just slightly, my voice a low murmur laced with amusement. "You're my bait."
She stiffened, her eyes narrowing with clear annoyance. "Bait? You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm very serious," I said, my tone dripping with smug satisfaction. "We need a way to lure out the cultists, and what better bait than a shining beacon of Light like yourself?"
She crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "So that's it? You let me pass just to use me?"
"Call it a strategic choice," I replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "You're here to serve a purpose, just like everyone else."
Her gaze turned icy, her jaw clenching as she processed what I'd said. I could tell she wasn't pleased, but she was smart enough to realize that arguing wouldn't get her anywhere.
"This is just another test, then?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation.
I chuckled, pushing off the wall and giving her a casual nod. "I called it a personal test. Think of it as an opportunity."
Aria's eyes flashed with something close to defiance, but she held herself back, taking a deep breath before responding. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't expect me to just follow orders blindly."
"Fair enough," I replied, though the smirk on my face told her I was hardly worried. "Just don't get any heroic ideas. You're bait, not a martyr."
"Martyr," she repeated, her voice laced with skepticism. "That's a fancy word, especially coming from your mouth."
"Oh, please, it's hardly fancy for me," I scoffed. "Do you think people like that don't end up in my realm? Believe me, I've met plenty of martyrs down there, those with twisted beliefs and even worse logic."
She crossed her arms, the faintest glimmer of curiosity beneath her guarded expression. "And let me guess, you punish them all the same."
"Every last one of them," I replied, shrugging. "You'd be amazed at the creative ways people manage to convince themselves they're doing the right thing… right before they realize they've messed up royally. Sacrifice can be noble in theory, but once it's tainted by ego or misplaced pride…" I trailed off, raising an eyebrow for effect. "Let's just say it doesn't hold up under scrutiny."
Aria's expression softened, but she didn't drop her guarded stance. "So, what? You're warning me against making the same mistake?"
I chuckled, folding my arms as I leaned against the wall. "I'm saying that while you're important to the mission, don't let it go to your head."
Her eyes narrowed, a slight glint of irritation flashing within them. "You act like you know me well enough to say that."
A slight clearing of a throat cut her off, and we both turned toward the sound to find Penelope standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and a curious smirk on her face. "You two seem close," she said, her tone edged with amusement.
"Not really," I replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "We were just chatting. I was giving her some pointers on what she needs to improve."
"Yes," Aria added quickly, glancing at Penelope. "Dr. Allen was just giving me some notes so I could lead well. He's… a good mentor." The faintest tinge of awkwardness crept into her voice, as if she still couldn't quite believe the words leaving her mouth.
Penelope chuckled, raising an eyebrow as she looked between the two of us. "Good mentor, huh?" she teased, the smirk deepening as her eyes fixed on me.
I met her gaze coolly. "What are you doing here, Penelope?"
She shrugged, approaching us casually, though her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Just needed to get my pen." She picked it up from the table, tucking it into her pocket. But instead of leaving, she crossed her arms and tilted her head at me, still smirking. "But I think I want to have a word with you too, Allen."
She glanced at Aria, a silent command in her gaze. "Alone."
Aria hesitated, her eyes flickering between me and Penelope, clearly sensing whatever was about to be said. But, after a brief pause, she gave a curt nod and stepped out, her footsteps echoing down the hallway until the door closed behind her.
Once we were alone, Penelope's casual demeanor shifted slightly. She uncrossed her arms, studying me with a cool, calculating look. I thought she might be about to press me further on my decision with Aria, but I was wrong.
"My mother…" she started, her tone low but laced with suspicion. "She was with you last night, right?" She paused, her eyes narrowing. "What did you do to her?" Her voice dropped to a hiss, sharp and accusing.
I gave her my best innocent smile, shrugging as though her question was absurd. "Nothing," I replied casually, letting a hint of amusement color my tone. "I did nothing. Besides," I added, leaning back slightly, "rather than questioning me, you should be asking her."
Penelope's eyes flashed with irritation. "She didn't answer me," she said, her voice tight. Her fists clenched, and I could tell her frustration wasn't just directed at me. She was genuinely worried. "She's been… different. Quiet. Like she's hiding something."
I held her gaze, letting a moment of silence settle between us. I knew exactly what she was getting at, but I wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of an easy answer. "Penelope," I said smoothly, "if she's keeping something from you, there's probably a good reason. She's not exactly the type to let herself be influenced easily, and you know that as well as I do."
Her face softened for a split second, but the suspicion remained. "You're dodging, Allen. I know how you operate. Just tell me straight, what happened?"
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