Chapter 106: First Suspect

Adrian’s mind whirred as the system’s response sank in, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He exhaled slowly, tempering his impatience. There would be no easy way out. He would have to handle this curse himself—or find the person responsible.

"Are there any items in the shop to cure this curse?" he asked the system, hoping for a miracle.

The system responded promptly, "No. Host currently has no access to such items. Matters regarding curses, souls, and spirits can leave permanent effects on the host if handled before reaching third class. So, the system has currently prohibited such items in the system store."

Then it continued with its cold mechanical voice, a little more serious, "The system strongly advises the host against getting near such items and phenomena. Even if such items are found in this world, using them before you achieve sufficient strength would endanger your soul and mana flow."

Adrian frowned, his frustration threatening to boil over, but he remained focused. He had to approach this with caution. "So how can I break this curse?" he asked.

"Your best option is to find the person who cast the curse. As this is a low-level curse, it will be easy to resolve once you identify its source. The system recommends investigating the origin."

His eyes shifted toward Chris, who had returned to her mother's side, watching him with a mixture of anxiety and hope. She had been so strong for her mother, but Adrian could see the strain in her posture and the fear in her eyes.

He moved closer, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "Chris, do you know if your family had any enemies? Someone who would have a reason to harm your mother?"

Chris shook her head, her voice trembling as she spoke. "We… we didn’t interact with many people. Father kept us isolated. He was always so… controlling, always forcing us to work. He would punish us if we didn’t obey. But enemies? I don’t know…"

Adrian’s thoughts raced. Her father. The memories of the cruel man resurfaced in his mind. "Chris," he said slowly, his eyes searching hers, "your father… didn’t he try to sell you to a brothel to pay off his debts before your mother saved you?"

Chris winced, the painful memories bringing tears to her eyes. "Yes… He tried to sell me, but Lady Isabella stopped him," she whispered, hugging herself. "But… why would he curse my mother? I knew he was cruel, but…"

Adrian’s expression hardened. "It’s possible he did it out of spite or greed. If he was willing to sell his own daughter, cursing your mother wouldn’t be too far-fetched."

Chris’s face paled, her body trembling as she processed the possibility. "Do you really think my father… would do something like this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian nodded grimly. "It’s a strong possibility. He could have cursed her as revenge or for some other reason. But we’ll find out." He stood and called out into the hallway.

He then glanced around the room, which had one other maid, who was there to help Chris take care of her mother.

He then ordered her, "Go find the captain of the patrol force and have him locate Chris and Christine’s father immediately and have them pry out if this matter has his involvement. I want answers."

The maid bowed and hurried away. Adrian turned back to Chris, who now sat on the bed, her emotions swirling in turmoil. Kneeling beside her, he took her hands in his.

"Chris," he said softly, "I need you to trust me. I’ll find out the truth, and I’ll break this curse. You won’t have to go through this alone."

Chris sniffled, nodding, but her eyes were filled with doubt and fear. "I trust you, Adrian. It’s just… I never thought that bastard could be capable of something like this."

Adrian squeezed her hands gently. "I know. But people like him—sometimes they don’t need a reason. We’ll stop him, I promise. I just hope, for your sake, Chris, that I am wrong and overthinking things."

Even though he said that, ever since he came to this world, he felt his intuition was growing, and he had felt that the culprit was without a doubt her father.

He was just consoling her, as no matter how much of a bastard he was, the lower he stooped, the more it would hurt Chris, as that bastard was still her father.

At that moment, Christine, who had been standing quietly by the door, approached. Her face was somber, her usual lively expression dimmed by worry. Adrian motioned her over, and she walked to his side, looking up at him.

"Big brother," she said softly, "is mother going to be okay?"

Adrian smiled reassuringly, wrapping an arm around Christine’s shoulders. "I’m going to do everything I can to help her, Christine. I’ll cure her."

Christine’s eyes brightened slightly, and she hugged him tightly. "Thank you, big brother. I knew you’d be able to. You’re so awesome."

Chris, still shaken but feeling the warmth of Adrian’s words, stood from the bed and walked over to join them. Her gaze softened, her appreciation evident.

"Adrian… you’ve done so much for us already," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don’t know what we’d do without you and how can I repay you."

Adrian opened his arms and pulled both Chris and Christine into a warm embrace. The sisters clung to him, their gratitude and relief palpable. In that moment, the weight of their worries seemed to lift, if only slightly.

"You don’t have to thank me," Adrian said softly, his voice steady and comforting. "We’re family now. And family takes care of each other."

Chris rested her head against his chest, her tears finally spilling over. "Thank you, Adrian. For everything. I don’t know how we can ever repay you."

Christine hugged him even tighter, her small body pressed against his.

Adrian smiled, his heart warming as he held them both close."Don't worry and leave everything to me. I won’t stop until your mother is safe. I promise."