TQV 11

Chapter 11

When Killian arrived at headquarters for work, he gave a quick once-over to the members who had come out to greet him and nodded in acknowledgment.

His gaze, swift but sharp, caused the surrounding temperature to drop noticeably.

As he walked inside, even the members who were cleaning their firearms stood up to greet him. They were all large and rugged, exuding an air that warned not to mess with them.

As he walked further inside, accepting their greetings, a gun unfamiliar to him caught Killian’s eye.

“What’s that gun?”

The member addressed answered promptly and smoothly.

“It’s a sample we received from a new batch released by the gun shop. It weighs 25 pounds, uses 7.92 caliber rounds, and has an effective range of 1,600 yards.”

Once one had a firearm license, there weren’t many difficulties in acquiring guns. It didn’t take long to learn how they worked and how to handle them.

But the reason why sniper operatives were still trained specifically for guns was because of the magical bullets.

These magical bullets were difficult to produce and thus in short supply. Additionally, reloading them required a significant amount of magical energy, making the process time-consuming.

Compared to that, swords were relatively unrestricted in use as long as the user had the proper skills. They also allowed for quicker attacks. That’s why, even with the development of firearms, magical swordsmen still played active roles in wars.

Guns were more commonly used by the mafia—especially in small-scale duels or for assassinations.

Although swords still had more advantages, Killian, like most mafia members, trained with guns rather than swords.

Learning sword techniques could take years, and nobles who inherited distinct family sword styles had an advantage.

But for commoners, who had no such traditions or skills, it was difficult enough just to make a living. They couldn’t afford to spend years training with a sword.

Killian picked up the gun to test its weight. Despite having a scope attached, it didn’t feel any heavier than usual. It was definitely one of the better models he’d seen lately.

He had first handled a gun at eighteen and became the best hitman within just a year. While his hard work contributed, his ability to handle magical bullets was astonishingly powerful and precise.

Thanks to Killian’s extraordinary talent, the Star Family quickly rose to become one of the four major families.

That’s why not only members of Star, but also snipers from other families, looked up to Killian with respect and admiration.

“Have you tested it yet?”

“Not yet.”

Killian set the gun back down on the table and said,

“Once maintenance is finished, bring it to my office.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll bring the special magical bullets as well.”

As Killian sat down, the executives came forward one by one to report on the previous day’s events. The group he was especially keeping an eye on was the Juliano Family.

“What’s their current movement?”

“Nothing much yet, aside from Laminis running around on his own.”

Laminis was known as the nephew of the Juliano family’s boss. But rumors had it that even his own family found him too uncontrollable to handle.

“Keep monitoring him.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ever since the wedding, the Juliano family had been oddly quiet, giving Killian an uneasy feeling.

Just as he lit a cigarette with a grim look, Chambers approached him.

“Sir Killian.”

“What is it?”

“What is that?”

Chambers pointed at the handkerchief tucked into Killian’s coat pocket. It didn’t match Killian’s usual style, as he disliked unnecessary accessories.

“It’s nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like nothing.”

Chambers pushed up his glasses, eyes gleaming sharply.

“Wasting that sharp look again, I see.”

Ignoring Killian’s sarcasm, Chambers began laying out his deductions.

“White lace trim, delicate floral embroidery on the edges… This handkerchief was clearly given to you by a lady.”

A smug smile tugged at Chambers’ lips as he finished his brief deduction.

“A lady who would give you such a handkerchief… it must be Miss Emily.”

Nox, standing nearby, looked at Chambers as if he were pathetic.

“You think you’ve made some brilliant deduction, but that was obvious to anyone.”

“…If even Nox figured it out, then yeah, it was obvious.”

Nox clicked his tongue and turned to Killian.

“But seriously, a handkerchief? That’s not something you carry around. Is it the honeymoon effect or what?”

Grinning, Nox plopped down right beside Killian.

“Wow, it even smells nice. Hm~ floral scent? Trying to feel your wife’s presence at work too?”

Chambers grimaced and backed away.

“Mr. Nox, your expression while saying that just now was borderline perverted.”

“I thought so too,” Nox admitted quickly and straightened his expression. Killian brushed off the shoulder that Nox had leaned against, looking disgusted.

The handkerchief was indeed from Emily. Or more precisely, he had stolen it from Johan.

It happened just a few days after returning from the banquet.

“Emily, there’s something I want to ask before break ends.”

One sunny day, Johan and Emily were enjoying a relaxing time in the garden after a meal.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing serious.”

Johan pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

“A permission slip for the sports day?”

“Yes, it’s an event held before the semester starts to help new students bond with returning ones. It’s not mandatory, but there’s something I really want to do—with you.”

Johan hesitated, clearly embarrassed.

“Don’t be shy. Just say it comfortably.”

Encouraged by Emily’s gentle tone, Johan finally spoke.

“A three-legged race with Mom. I’ve never been able to participate because I don’t have a mother.”

Johan knew exactly how to tug at her heartstrings.

When he looked up at her with those big, blinking eyes, her chest tightened again.

She had lost her parents as an adult and still found it painful. But Johan had lost his at such a young age. Naturally, she wanted to grant him this one small wish.

“That’s not difficult at all. Of course I’ll run with you.”

“Really? Thank you!”

Johan jumped into Emily’s arms.

“Shall we start practicing tomorrow?”

“Sure!”

Later, when Killian and Giovanni heard the news, they were utterly dumbfounded.

Especially considering that when Cézanne and Roxy had offered to act as his mother substitutes for the sports day, Johan had said:

“Why should I attend such childish games? Don’t drag me into kids’ stuff. A sports day? That’s just ridiculous…”

And yet, the one asking now was that same Johan.

“His acting skills improve by the day,” Giovanni commented.

Killian nodded in agreement.

“When does this break finally end?”

“Not long now, sir. Please hang in there.”

Giovanni hadn’t even marked his own birthday on the calendar, but Johan’s first day of school was marked with a big red star—if that didn’t say it all.

Even Alvin, who had been managing his duties as butler quite skillfully, had visibly lost weight in the meantime—it was getting pitiful.

“Make sure everything is prepared for his return to school.”

At Killian’s warning, Giovanni replied with a serious face,

“Don’t worry. I won’t make a single mistake.”

He had already sent Johan’s books to the school in advance.

On the day of practice, Emily and Johan met in the spacious yard of the mansion.

“Emily, even your workout clothes look amazing.”

Her high ponytail emphasized her striking facial features, and the tunic-style shirt with riding pants showed off her tall, slender frame.

Johan personally thought she looked even more vibrant and beautiful in this outfit than in a dress.

“Thanks. You look cute too.”

Emily gently pinched his cheek with affection.

Johan’s long bangs were tied up in a top knot, making him look like a cute, handsome little apple. It was a hairstyle often seen on young boys for safety during physical activity—one Johan normally hated.

But if Emily thought it looked good and said it was cute—then so be it.

“Really?”

Johan touched his apple-bun hair and smiled sheepishly.

“Really. You’re so cute.”

Yes, if it made Emily smile, he could endure even this humiliation.

Just remembering how Cézanne had burst out laughing while styling his hair still made his cheeks tremble.

“Shall we start with warm-ups?”

To maintain her title as social queen, Emily had trained diligently.

It wasn’t just about keeping her figure—stamina was even more crucial. Attending numerous parties and gatherings required a lot of energy.

Beginners in the social scene often underestimated this and fainted left and right.

“What kind of exercises did you do?”

“Stretching, running, swimming too…”