The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 233: The Hideout

Chapter 233: The Hideout

When darkness fell over the estate, Adeline and Dimitri prepared to leave.

Despite the serene atmosphere, Adeline’s mind buzzed with the mission ahead. She had to inform her family before setting out, it was only proper, after all.

Her first stop was Aaron’s room. The second eldest of her brothers had spent the afternoon indulging in alcohol, and as expected he was now sprawled across his bed in a state of laziness and chaos.

"Aaron," Adeline called, stepping inside.

He groaned and covered his face with a pillow. "Aaah, I don’t... Care," he mumbled, his words slurred but clear enough. "Just don’t make noise, please."

Adeline sighed. Typical. She wasn’t even surprised at this point. Rolling her eyes, she left him to his self-inflicted misery and made her way to her father’s chambers.

Her father was no better. Though he had consumed just as much, if not more, than Aaron, he seemed to handle it better. He lay in bed, sleeping soundly, his face calm and composed.

Adeline tilted her head, momentarily marvelling at how someone could maintain such dignity even while passed out from drinking. She decided not to disturb him.

That left Alaric, her eldest brother. Unlike the others, Alaric had already sobered up and was hard at work in his study, reviewing documents and handling the estate’s affairs. He looked up when Adeline entered, his sharp eyes briefly scanning her face before returning to the papers in his hand.

"What is it?" he asked without much preamble.

"I’m heading out with Dimitri," Adeline informed him. "We have some urgent matters to take care of."

Alaric’s pen paused mid-stroke. He set it down and leaned back in his chair, regarding her thoughtfully. "Is it dangerous?"

"Not too dangerous," she replied quickly. "Dimitri is with me, after all."

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "He’s the Archmage now, isn’t he?"

Adeline nodded, a small smile forming. "Yes, he is."

Alaric leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Then I suppose there’s little to worry about. There are fewer than a handful of people in the world who could rival him in power. Still..." His gaze softened slightly, a rare show of affection. "Be careful. And try not to cause too much damage."

Adeline pouted. "Since when have I ever caused damage?" she muttered, crossing her arms.

Alaric’s lips twitched, threatening a smirk. "Do you want a list? Because I can think of several incidents off the top of my head."

Adeline wisely chose not to argue. Instead, she nodded and said, "I’ll be careful. I promise." And so, she quickly escaped.

Her family was informed, and there was no need to linger any longer. She met up with Dimitri near the stables, where he was already preparing their horses.

"I was thinking," Adeline began, brushing a hand over her horse’s mane, "we should take a few knights with us. Just in case."

Dimitri shook his head firmly. "No. The fewer people we have, the better. The hideout has been on high alert ever since they learned I left the Mage Tower and entered the Empire. A large group would draw too much attention."

Adeline frowned but didn’t argue. She trusted Dimitri’s judgment.

Once everything was ready, they mounted their horses and rode out into the night. The estate quickly faded into the distance as they followed the winding roads leading toward their destination.

The journey was quiet at first, the only sounds being the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the dirt path and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Adeline glanced at Dimitri, who rode beside her, his expression calm but focused.

"Do you think we’ll find what we’re looking for?" she asked softly.

Dimitri nodded. "I’m certain of it. The information we’ve gathered points to this hideout being one of their main hubs. If nothing else, we’ll at least uncover more leads."

Adeline nodded, her resolve strengthening. She trusted Dimitri implicitly.

"Don’t reply to this, but I’m glad you told me. I hate being kept in the dark." Adeline muttered.

Dimitri understood where she was coming from and who exactly she was reminded of. He smiled and nodded. Following her request, he did not reply to it and they rode in silence.

As they approached the forest bordering the hideout’s location, Dimitri signaled for them to slow down. They dismounted, tying their horses to a sturdy tree branch a safe distance away.

"We’ll go the rest of the way on foot," Dimitri said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It’s better to stay quiet and avoid detection."

Adeline nodded, falling into step beside him. The forest was dark, the thick canopy above blocking out most of the moonlight. Shadows danced between the trees, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine.

"Stay close," Dimitri murmured, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Adeline was following.

"I’m right behind you," she assured him, her tone light despite the tension in the air.

They moved cautiously, their steps silent as they navigated the uneven terrain. Dimitri led the way, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of a small clearing. In the centre stood a dilapidated building, its walls partially hidden by overgrown vines and moss.

It looked abandoned at first glance, but the faint glow of light seeping through the cracks in the wooden shutters told a different story.

"That’s it," Dimitri said quietly. "The hideout."

Adeline studied the building, her eyes narrowing. "It doesn’t look like much." She could not imagine those arrogant mages staying in a place like this.

"Appearances can be deceiving," Dimitri replied. "Stay alert."

The place was close enough to the slums of the area and just far enough to not arouse attention. She thought the initiative she put forth years ago was helping people, but there seemed to be just so many!

As if Dimitri knew what she was thinking he whispered, "The children you helped me save that day became knights, they are living well. And they are trying to help too. You don’t need to save the world all by yourself." He reminded.