Chapter 439: Leaving Gritnia (II) (1st Bonus)
Hayley slowly turned toward him, giving him a strange look. "Wait. Do you not do laundry in this house?"
Ethan paused. "I mean... not really."
He thought about it for a moment. "Unless Francesca is in the mood to do it, I guess. But no. At least not for me."
Hayley’s expression became one of disbelief.
She looked back into the wardrobe, then at the pile of freshly tagged clothes Ethan was packing.
"You’re a spoiled brat, you know that?"
Ethan laughed as he continued folding his clothes.
Then something seemed to have occur to her then, so she asked "Since Eduardo is going too...how exactly is Stark Industries going to run while you’re gone?"
"We’ll only be gone for a month or two at most," Ethan began. "But I’ve already made arrangements for the company."
"Normally, I would’ve left Valerie in charge of most of it, but she’d probably break down after a week."
Hayley chuckled.
Ethan smiled, "Everything’s divided up sort of"
He placed another shirt into the bag before continuing.
"For the airships, Henrik and Old Oswin are taking over temporarily"
These two were the oldest workers in that section and knew the entire operation better than almost anyone there. This was basically a promotion for them
They were also the same two who complained to Ethan about not getting paid by the Late Victor Keating.
"For the airplanes and suit divisions," Ethan continued, "Lucy has those handled."
Ethan zipped one of the bags partially closed.
"She knows all of our designs... Although the production process will be slower while I’m gone since I use my abilities to speed things up, but it shouldn’t cause any serious problems."
"Thankfully, we’re already done with most of the aircraft orders we’ve taken. Any new orders that come in while we’re gone will just have to deal with the delay. A month or two isn’t going to destroy anything."
Hayley nodded slowly.
"There’s Stark City as well," Ethan continued. "But Mr. Chang was a developer assigned to us by the King, so I don’t expect him to suddenly disappoint over my short absence. The King has also promised to look into the progress there in my absence."
He paused for a moment.
"Although, I’m still considering leaving one summon behind. Someone who can act as my eyes while I’m gone, so I can always see what’s happening and communicate when necessary."
Hayley nodded in understanding.
Ethan nodded too, but his expression gradually changed. He lowered his gaze, and sighed a tired one.
Hayley noticed immediately and asked, "What happened? You suddenly look worried."
Ethan was quiet for a moment, then said. "I’m just tired, I guess. Tired of all the stress, and honestly... I’m worried about how things would go in this new place we’re heading to."
Hayley listened.
"There was a time when Eduardo warned me about the Demon King and the Dragon Emperor," Ethan continued. "Back then, they felt like people I’d probably never have to deal with."
He gave humorless laugh. "And now my life is heading straight toward a point where I’m probably going to meet both of them."
"As much as all of this is about finding my mother, that’s another problem."
"How so?" She looked puzzled.
"I’m a complete hybrid of demon and dragon." He said. " and I have no idea how the rulers of those kingdoms are going to react if they find out what I am...."
"Well I know the Dragon Emperor will have my mind for being Irene’s son, that’s for sure"
He sighed. "This whole involvement could create a whole lot more trouble for me than I’m already expecting."
Hayley reached over and gently squeezed his hand. "You worry too much, Ethan."
He turned to look at her.
"You just have to be a little more careful. That’s all." She added
Ethan lowered his gaze again. "Maybe."
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then his eyes happened to fall upon the engagement ring on Hayley’s hand.
His attention lingered on it for a few seconds before he said, "By the way...I’m sorry we haven’t really had much time to talk about us.. you know..."
"Oh, please." Hayley smiled softly. She had caught on to the direction of his conversation. "Come on. It’s been a crazy few days. I completely understand."
She looked down at their joined hands. "I’m just glad we’re actually here right now."
Ethan smiled too and nodded.
"But I have missed doing this." Hayley added, then pulled Ethan closer, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.
Ethan wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as they shared the moment.
Then, footsteps suddenly approached from the stairs.
They both heard them, and from the familiar scent, they recognized Bettie.
They parted as the footsteps drew closer, and a moment later, Bettie appeared at the doorway.
She gave a light knock before peeking inside. "Hey, guys... is now a good time?"
Hayley turned toward Bettie and shrugged. "I guess so..."
She paused, then glanced at Ethan before looking back at Bettie.
"Because five more minutes from now, you might’ve walked in and caught him fucking me on that bed."
Ethan’s eyes widened.
Bettie’s expression went completely blank for a moment. "Oh."
Hayley immediately burst into laughter, pleased with herself. "Don’t worry. I’m just messing with you... what’s up?"
Ethan shook his head in amusement.
Bettie then stepped farther into the room, clearing her throat before speaking. "Okay, Ethan, I actually came because I wanted to talk to you."
Hayley glanced between them. "Oh. Do you need me to leave?"
"No, no, no." Bettie quickly shook her head. "It’s not that. I just wanted to ask something."
She turned towards him, hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I wanted to ask if you’d let me travel with you. With the rest of you."
Both Ethan and Hayley stared at her in suprise. Of all the people they expected to hear that from, Bettie was probably the last.
Bettie noticed their expressions and sighed. "Yeah, I know how that sounds."
She looked down for a moment before continuing. "The thing is... I need some time away from my father. I don’t think he’ll ever really look at me the same way again."
"And I think I’m beginning to change as a person."
She looked back at Ethan. "But there’s something else. I need to understand this power."
She glanced at her hands.
"I can feel the changes happening in that aspect of my life too. Things connected to my abilities, my senses, even the way I experience certain things. I don’t fully understand what being a Blessed is going to mean for me."
She paused.
"And since Isabella is going with you, I thought... maybe it would be easier for me to speak with her. Or rather, that other version of her who made me a Blessed."