Ezekiel couldn't say anything when he heard his father's statement, he can't disagree with him since he sees him as a good son and better than her sister.
"I didn't know that your daughter is also a capable with this kind of aspect, Luciano." Mr. Alaric said in amusement with a bright smile.
Mr. Luciano just chuckled.
While Rue's lips formed a smile when she heard his compliment as she feels being appreciated. The man beside him also couldn't agree more with his father. Ezekiel on the other side, secretly cursing in his mind. It pissed him off as he feels being on the bad side and his sister enjoying the spotlight.
"But knowing Xenos, we also have to find him before he could cause any trouble." Mr. Luciano declared as if he's talking about a threat.
"I volunteer myself on the search." Ezekiel responded deliberately. Since he did a mistake on provoking his sister, he immediately thought of getting back his good image.
Rue's corner of lips lifted, as he feels his brother's competitiveness.
"It's not your task, because I'm assigning you to lead the investigation." Mr. Luciano disclosed. And hearing his words, Ezekiel feels the victory on his heart.
"Then I'll give my best throughout the mission, Father." Ezekiel gladly acknowledged with a smile.
Mr. Luciano just nodded at him.
But behind her brother's smile, Rue can read what he's trying to portray. He's playing the so great and obedient son, that won't disappoint their father.
"For finding Xenos," he looks at Demitri as he speaks.
"I'm counting it on you, Demitri." He finished his sentence.
Demitri nodded. He then looks at Salem with meaningful look. They somehow get along since these past few days, he's been working small tasks with him.
"Father, can I have your permission in helping for the search?" Rue asked voluntarily, but there's a further reason why she wants to be in the search. With the hidden truth that she discovered. She's wanting to stay away from the castle for now.
Her father looks at her with vague expression. And by just looking at his reaction, she can tell that he's having a second thought.
"This is a serious matter, Ruella." Just as she expected, her father still couldn't trust her enough. Even she can't erase the fact that her father just killed her beloved Gino, she shouldn't act impulsively because it won't help her. Instead, she's sticking to gain his trust fully.
She tried to suppress her emotion as her look become more serious.
"I know. That's why I wanted to help." She said with determinant. She just spent her years in the world of mortals finding criminals and solving cases, but she doesn't want to brag it because she might be misunderstood.
Mr. Luciano examined her for a while, as the others are also waiting for his approval.
He cleared his throat while thinking that his daughter become more vocal to her words. But he's also thinking that maybe it's a good opportunity to prove herself.
"Father, I can see that sister is just trying her best to help in the incident. Please give her a chance." Rue's gaze swiftly turned to her brother, to meet his genuine smile while looking at her.
The corner of her eyes twitched for a second. With his choice of words, he just mocked her in a subtle way. But she can't react carelessly in front of their father.
Mr. Luciano slightly nodded at him, visible of being in favor to his thought.
"If that's the case, then make sure help Demitri on his duty." He noted at the end. Rue showed a small smile to her brother, a fake one then turned her gaze to Mr. Luciano.
"Thank you for trusting me, father." She guaranteed with a sincerity on her words.
Mr. Luciano merely nodded. But she knows that it's already a good start gaining his trust. And as long as she can stay away from them at the meantime.
----
"You just saved me back there." Rue acknowledged to the man in front of him. They're walking on the downstairs towards the dungeon.
Demitri didn't response, he just keeps on walking.
"I'm not really good at words, but thanks for helping me." She continued, referring about how he saved her from being provoked by Ezekiel.
"You used to be a timid before you entered immortal world." Demitri finally speaks. Her eyebrows suddenly furrowed. She can't tell whether he despised her by talking too much or just hate noisy people.
"What are you trying to say?" She asked in confused. "I just appreciated your help." Irritation can be heard on her voice, as her footsteps become heavier.
As far as she remembered, she doesn't talk much before because she knows how sharp her words are, it will just cause a misunderstanding. But now, she doesn't care at all. She will now live her life according to her plan and she will outsmart those people who's trying to put a scheme on her.
"You become talkative and annoying at the same time." She felt her blood boiling from her veins as she sees his broad back walking ahead of her.
She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Can't you see I'm being kind by thanking you?" She said hysterically as she grimaced.
He suddenly stopped from walking and look at her.
"You're welcome." He acknowledged.
"And I like it when you're being talkative." He said in a serious face, looking straight in her eyes. Then turned around and take a step ahead.
Her body stopped from walking when she heard his words. Her fuming anger went cool down just like that. She can't believe what she heard, the rigid Demitri just complimented her.
When she recovered from astonishment, she resumed on walking.
"Did you just compliment me?" A grinning smile forming on her lips.
"If that's how you understand it." He said in a gruff voice. He walks more faster and with his long legs, he easily makes a space between them.
"Come on, don't be shy." She playfully uttered as she runs towards him.
With his response, she slightly chuckled as she slowly shakes her head. He used to know him as quiet as well, they barely talk with each other since they hated each other back then. It's like a two-fire combining when they interact.