Victor and Ghost Lady, who had not taken their eyes off Crimson Skull since it appeared, immediately noticed something odd about their murderous enemy.
Victor turned sideways and cautiously looked over.
Ghost Lady, meanwhile, kept her gaze firmly fixed on Crimson Skull.
He was worried it was a deliberate trick.
But when he saw that someone really was behind them, and got a clear look at that person's face, a flash of admiration crossed Victor's eyes.
That exquisite face seemed to belong not to the mortal world, but to an angel or deity in a cathedral's frescoes and murals.
Only the clothes were shabby.
The corners of the trench coat had worn down to their original color, as had the knees of the trousers. The leather shoes were even dirtier, stained with what looked like vomit.
Judging by the clothes alone, without looking at the face, this person looked like a habitual drunk.
Victor was sizing Anna up.
Anna was looking at Victor too.
Hmm?
Almost instantly, Anna noticed something was wrong.
His eyes were clear, like those of an innocent child.
The old inscrutability was gone, leaving only innocence and quick wit.
What was going on?
Anna could not understand it.
At that moment, Ghost Lady finally turned around.
"Lady Anna?!"
The moment she saw Anna, she cried out in surprise.
"Anna?"
Victor paused, then gave Ghost Lady a questioning look.
"Lady Anna is one of the Shepherds' senior members. She's very powerful."
Ghost Lady explained in a low voice.
"So we're safe?"
Victor sighed in relief.
"No!"
"Lady Anna was one of your few 'enemies'-she always believed you were hiding something and had an ulterior motive, but without evidence, she kept herself in check."
"And now..."
Before Ghost Lady could finish, Victor gave a bitter smile.
Clearly, now