Chapter 28: A Deadly Celebration
"Listen carefully. This matter… it concerns my very life."
The moment the words left his mouth, the air between them grew tense.
Georgio's carefree grin vanished, replaced by a sharp, alert expression.
Even Ragar's stoic face hardened, his usual composure replaced with visible concern.
Rocco, taking in the tense expressions of his two bodyguards, drew a deep breath before speaking to explain just how dangerous the invitation truly was.
"You two probably already have an idea, but… my relationship with the people at the main family isn't very good. Especially with my father, the head of the Di Malvento family—he absolutely hates me."
Even with just those introductory words, Georgio and Ragar seemed to fully grasp Rocco's grim situation.
Their faces twisted into bitter expressions, though their confusion was clear as they asked simultaneously.
"Why does the head of the family despise you so much? It's sounds like he doesn't have any sense!" Georgio exclaimed indignantly.
"I agree," Ragar added solemnly. "How could anyone dislike someone as kind-hearted and noble as you, Young Master? The people at the main family must be completely lost their minds."
Rocco was momentarily taken aback, not just by Georgio's outburst, but by Ragar—usually so composed—voicing such a pointed opinion.
He couldn't help but think, If the people at the main family heard this, they'd have your heads on spikes!
And yet… deep down, he felt a small spark of satisfaction he wouldn't admit aloud.
Still, he couldn't share in their sentiments entirely.
From Rocco's perspective, he was the villain, while the people in the main family represented the protagonist's side—the side of justice.
It wasn't in his nature to think poorly of his father, let alone his mother.
"But what do you mean by 'your life is on the line'?" Georgio asked, tilting his head. "Isn't it just a birthday party? It's supposed to be a celebration, so why are you so worried?"
Rocco let out a short sigh at Georgio's question.
It was clear he'd need to explain everything if he wanted their cooperation.
Although it pained him to admit, he had no choice but to lay it all out.
"My mother is scheming to make me the successor of the Di Malvento family. But my father… he must have caught on to her plans by now. Which means this is the perfect opportunity for him to get rid of both of us—me and my mother—at the same time."
"So basically…" Georgio began, blunt as ever, "your idiotic mom's meddling is going to drag you into her mess, and now your scheming father's likely to have you killed, huh?"
Rocco winced at Georgio's brutal summary but he still nodded his head, his brows furrowed. "Well… yeah, that's pretty much it."
Georgio stared at him, wide-eyed and speechless, while Ragar wore an expression that was equally hard to read, silent but clearly troubled.
The weight of the situation seemed to finally settle on both of them.
"What the heck!? That's totally unfair! You hasn't done anything wrong, Master!" Georgio exclaimed, pounding the ground angrily with his fists.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone