Otaku Translation: I! Anomaly Cleansing Agent! C142

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Chapter 142: Unwelcome Visitor?

“How…how could you possibly think that?”

At Leon’s words, Anna felt the world tilt beneath her feet. She nearly collapsed but managed to cling to a sliver of hope as she stammered, “Brother, you’ve seen the photos! You look so much like Mother—the color of your hair and eyes matches Father’s perfectly…”

“Yes, it’s an uncanny resemblance,” Leon agreed, nodding thoughtfully. His tone was calm and open as he continued, “It was precisely because the likeness was so striking that I never doubted anything before. But last week, while on an assignment, I visited the genealogical archives of the Lion family. I learned quite a bit there.”

He paused, his gaze steady on Anna. “Anna, unlike me, who has no memory of the past, you must know this: Grandfather came from the Lion family. And our surname doesn’t originate from some distant county—it’s tied directly to the Duke’s lineage in Redwood Avenue, isn’t it?”

“Yes…”

Seeing that Leon had uncovered even this deeply buried truth, Anna paled visibly. Clenching her lips, she admitted, “I—I didn’t mean to hide it from you. It’s just…Grandfather warned us. He said he made bitter enemies during his struggles for the title and barely escaped the capital. He begged us not to involve ourselves with them…”

“I believe you,” Leon said softly.

After finishing tying his shoes, he stood up and took a step closer to his pale-faced sister. Without hesitation, he pulled her into another deep embrace, speaking in a soothing voice. “But I also want you to trust me.”

“I…” Anna faltered, tears welling in her eyes.

“It’s okay. Everyone has secrets they’d rather keep hidden—even I have things I haven’t told you. But none of that changes how I feel about you.”

Gently stroking her hair, Leon released her from the hug and cupped her face with both hands, looking straight into her eyes. His expression was resolute, his voice filled with sincerity.

“I don’t know what criteria you use to define family, but for me, blood relations aren’t the sole—or even necessary—condition. If I’m happy, who do I most want to share it with? When I’m hurting, who do I turn to first? That person is my family. And when I think of those questions, the answer has always been you.”

“Brother…” Her voice trembled.

“I need to go now,” Leon said gently, offering a small smile. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes and flushed nose, he playfully pinched the tip of her nose. Then, taking a step back, he picked up his belongings, opened the door, and stepped outside.

“Wait! Just a moment!”

As Anna wiped away her tears and moved to see him off, Leon suddenly turned around and asked, “By the way, what were you saying to me just before I came in?”

“What?” Anna blinked, confused.

“You told me something important. No matter when or where, if I ever feel tired, I should come home because you’ll always be waiting for me…”

Repeating her earlier words, Leon frowned slightly, his tone tinged with mock disapproval. “You promised, so you’d better keep your word. Whether we’re related by blood or not, whether you consider me your real brother or not—you can’t send me away when I return.”

“Brother…you really are…” Anna shook her head, smiling through her tears. A hint of playful reproach colored her voice. “What nonsense are you talking? How could I ever chase you away?”

“Well, good. But even if you tried, I wouldn’t leave anyway.”

With a swift motion, Leon kicked her shoes further inside, preventing her from following him out. Waving goodbye to his visibly relieved sister, he descended the stairs carrying the blankets and shopping bag.

Once Leon disappeared downstairs, Anna quietly closed the door and hurried to the window. She stared intently at his retreating figure until he climbed into a carriage and vanished around the corner with a whistle of steam. Only then did she reluctantly tear her gaze away.

Perhaps…perhaps the worst-case scenario wouldn’t happen after all? Even knowing everything she’d done, maybe her brother wouldn’t…

Knock, knock-knock.

Suddenly, a heavy knocking sound startled Anna. Collecting herself, she approached the door cautiously and called out, “Who’s there?”

A muffled voice responded, “Let’s say…I’m a friend.”

There was a soft click as the lock turned automatically. The door creaked open, revealing a man clad in a black robe, his wide-brimmed hat obscuring most of his features. Stepping inside, he gave Anna a curt nod, his voice cold and sharp.

“It’s been nearly six years, Miss Anna. Have you been doing well?”

Six years?

At the mention of that number, Anna froze. Staring at the man’s furrowed brows, downturned lips and forced smile—an expression that somehow still looked sorrowful—she realized who he was.

“You…you’re the man from the photography studio!”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Removing his hat and bowing slightly in a gentlemanly gesture, the man apologized with icy politeness. “Forgive the intrusion. I’ve come simply to check on your situation. There’s no ulterior motive. May I ask—is the person who just left the family member you’ve chosen for yourself?”

Hearing his question, Anna’s face drained of color. Biting down hard on her lip, she nodded stiffly. “Yes…”

“Your husband?”

“No, my brother…”

“My apologies,” the man said mechanically, showing no genuine remorse. Continuing without missing a beat, he added, “I overheard parts of your conversation earlier. It seems you two have grown close over the years. So, I take it you’re satisfied with the gift I gave you?”

“…”

“Miss Anna, please try not to be so tense…”

His frosty tone softened slightly, though it still carried an edge of frustration.

“I assure you, my visit today is purely benign. I only wish to inspect the item I entrusted to you. As for bypassing the lock, I merely feared you might refuse to open the door.”

To reassure her, he stepped backward toward the doorway, maintaining a respectful distance. Extending one hand, he politely requested, “If possible, may I trouble you to retrieve the object I gave you? I’d like to examine it briefly.”

Relieved by his apparent lack of malice, Anna hesitated for a moment before shaking her head apologetically. “I would, but…I seem to have lost it…”

Lost?

The visitor froze, clearly taken aback. His expression darkened as he processed her words. After studying her closely—with what appeared to be some kind of verification technique—he confirmed she wasn’t lying. Narrowing his eyes, he let out a frustrated sigh.

“This complicates matters… Very well. Since the item is lost, could you at least recount what’s happened over these past few years?”

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