Chapter 145 “Heidi and Her Family”

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Heidi wisely decided not to delve deeper into the matter. She was keenly aware of the differences between herself and Vanna. Although both were recognized as “clergy” and officially certified by the Truth Academy, Heidi’s expertise was more research-oriented rather than confronting dangerous entities directly. While her skills technically aligned with such encounters, she always ensured she worked within controlled and safe environments, which the current situation did not provide.

In contrast, Vanna was adept at handling such situations. With years of experience in challenging heretics and managing high-pressure scenarios, Vanna was well-versed in these matters. If Vanna advised against probing further, it was wise to heed her advice.

As they approached the final stretch of their journey home, Heidi, seeking some clarity, asked what she believed to be a harmless question, “Is there something unusual about that antique shop?”

After a brief pause, Vanna, slowing the car, replied with a contemplative look, “The antique shop itself is fine. However, there might be something unusual unfolding within our city-state.”

By that time, night had fully set in, marked by the tolling bells and signals from the central steam core, prompting the streetlights to illuminate. By the time Heidi reached her house, Vanna’s car was already disappearing into the distance.

Vanna’s responsibilities didn’t allow her the luxury of a night’s rest like Heidi. She had another visit planned to the restricted museum to coordinate with its guardians, along with administrative duties awaiting her at the main cathedral. Even on her supposed days off, Vanna was always active.

Heidi couldn’t help but lament the turn her day had taken. Nevertheless, she didn’t linger outside. With a turn of her key, she stepped into her spacious living room, illuminated by electric bulbs hanging from the ceiling.

The usual silence greeted her, indicating that the day maid had completed her chores and retired for the evening. The expansive residence felt eerily empty at that moment.

However, this wasn’t new for Heidi. Her father often immersed himself in his studies for hours, and with her mother’s frail health, she knew better than to expect a bustling welcome. But the absence of noise didn’t mean a lack of warmth. Their family bond had always been strong and affectionate.

After removing her coat and setting aside her medical kit, Heidi noticed a light emanating from the study, signaling her father’s presence. Not wishing to disturb him, she moved to her parents’ bedroom and gently knocked, calling out, “I’m home. Are you in there?”

From the other side of the door, Heidi heard her mother’s voice, tinged with a hint of feigned frustration and genuine concern. “Why are you home so late tonight?”

Suppressing a giggle, Heidi playfully stuck her tongue out at the door. Composing herself, she gently pushed open the door and entered, explaining, “I was out with Vanna, Mom. You know you don’t have to worry when I’m with her. Vanna’s so skilled, she could take on the entire city even with one hand tied behind her back…”

The room was softly lit to accommodate her mother’s sensitive eyes, a condition resulting from a chemical accident at a factory eleven years ago. Bright lights would aggravate the irritation in her mother’s eyes.

As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, Heidi saw her mother propped up against the bed’s headboard, wearing soft, cozy pajamas. She was working on an intricate craft of Pland, a renowned artisanal weave.

“You’re always gallivanting around with Vanna,” her mother tsked. “If you’re not careful, you’ll end up like her, unable to find a husband. Don’t think I’m clueless. I know she visits the matchmaking center every weekend, trying to find a suitable match. The church isn’t pleased with her frequent visits either…”

A hint of defensiveness crossed Heidi’s face. “Mom, please… Vanna’s an inquisitor now. Show some respect.”

Her mother waved her hand dismissively, “Being an inquisitor doesn’t change who she is. I remember the young girl who would dine with us long before her uncle took over city administration. Ever since he became preoccupied with the city’s well-being, Vanna’s traditional upbringing was somewhat neglected. If I were in his shoes, I’d march over to the church and demand they lift the multiple oaths she took. Most women take just a single vow during their baptism. Vanna, for some reason, took three significant ones. Those vows are why she remains unmarried…”

Heidi sighed, slightly amused by her mother’s ability to launch into a full-blown monologue. Waiting for the right moment, she decided to redirect the conversation. “Your weaving looks almost done, doesn’t it?”

With a resigned smile, her mother responded, “It’s a work in progress. I’ve had to redo it several times because something always feels off.” She proudly displayed the exquisite ribbon to Heidi, woven meticulously with silken threads adorned with shimmering stones and beads. This wasn’t just a decorative piece; it was believed to fend off malevolent spirits. With a playful glint in her eyes, she added, “Maybe once I finish this, it will bring a suitable young man your way…”

Heidi took a closer look at the intricately tied ribbon her mother was working on and gently proposed, “Maybe, if it doesn’t feel right… you could undo it and start afresh? By the time you’re done again, the right moment might have come…”

Her mother responded with playful exasperation, “You’re just teasing me now!”

Not wanting to linger on that topic, Heidi quickly retreated, but she could still hear her mother’s familiar refrain about marriage following her. The pressure to marry wasn’t new, but it was something Heidi had grown adept at sidestepping. She deftly closed the door behind her and was heading towards the kitchen when she unexpectedly ran into her father in the hallway.

Hearing her footsteps, Morris looked up and remarked, “I heard you come in a while ago. Have you been giving your mother a hard time again?” His posture and poise always embodied the refined elegance of a gentleman.

With an innocent wave of her hand, Heidi dismissed the accusation, “Oh, just the usual chit-chat, really.”

Morris shifted topics slightly, “Did you manage to deliver my gift to Mr. Duncan?”

“Yes, I did. He seemed genuinely appreciative,” Heidi confirmed, pausing momentarily to glance curiously at her father. “Still, I was quite surprised you parted with a piece from your cherished collection…”

Morris shrugged off the sentiment with grace. “It’s merely an object. Mr. Duncan did play a vital role in saving your life. To be honest, I feel like the gift wasn’t sufficient. I’ll make a visit in a couple of days to extend my gratitude.”

The mention of this made Heidi’s cheeks turn a shade pinker, recalling the awkward incident of her having to give Nina hypnotherapy earlier in the day. She ventured, “Is it necessary to make such a formal gesture?”

Morris, with his usual poise, replied, “This isn’t just about formality. Beyond saving your life, I have ties with Mr. Duncan as Nina’s mentor. Moreover, his enthusiasm for antiques and his expertise as a dealer present valuable networking opportunities. I appreciate a sentiment Mr. Duncan often shares – he refers to our connection as ‘fate’…”

Recognizing her father’s unwavering rationale, Heidi sighed, feeling a mild headache brewing. Navigating social nuances had never been her forte. And now, her father was inundating her with the importance of social decorum, which she felt was superfluous in her line of work. She attempted to draw some boundaries, “Just promise me your visit will be just that. Please refrain from impulse purchases this time?”

Chuckling, Morris replied, “It truly hinges on whether anything there piques my interest.” He paused, pondering for a moment before changing the subject. “You spent time with Vanna today, didn’t you?”

She nodded, “Yes, she had the day off. We used her car for the outing.”

Morris seemed contemplative, as though weighing his words carefully, “You seem to be growing quite fond of Vanna, aren’t you?”

“Have I? I mean, Vanna and I have been inseparable since we were kids,” Heidi replied, puzzled by her father’s out-of-the-blue inquiry. “Why do you ask? We’ve shared countless memories since our early years.”

Morris hesitated, “It’s just that…” Memories of a conversation he had with Mr. Duncan resurfaced, where he mentioned something peculiar about dynamics at all-girls schools.

Heidi furrowed her brows, perplexed by her father’s sudden odd demeanor. “Is everything alright, Dad?”

Shaking his head, Morris replied, “Oh, it’s nothing. I just let my thoughts wander a bit too far.” He hoped to sidestep the momentary lapse in judgement. Then, seeking a diversion, his eyes landed on Heidi’s wrist, and he noticed something amiss.

The bracelet Heidi wore, symbolic of the protection from Lahem, the deity of wisdom, seemed incomplete. A red agate, one of its treasured stones, was conspicuously absent.

Morris’s heart rate quickened, his face drained of color. Though a seasoned academic, the gravity of this observation wasn’t lost on him. Keeping his composure, he remarked nonchalantly, “Heidi, did one of the beads from your bracelet fall off? I can’t help but notice a gap where the red agate used to be.”

Surprised by the observation, Heidi glanced at her wrist and remarked, “Oh, that? I always thought it was designed this way. I didn’t realize a bead was missing.”

Trying to suppress the whirlwind of anxiety and dread building up inside him, Morris took a deep breath. The gravity of this revelation was not lost on him, and the worst scenarios raced through his mind.

Deciding to probe a bit further without causing undue alarm, Morris casually inquired, “You only visited the antique shop today, correct?” He hoped to glean any useful information without raising red flags to anyone who might be eavesdropping.

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