Chapter 187 Cover and Deflect
201%
Finished
But Jean quickly calmed down again, her expression returning to its usual stillness.
As if nothing had happened, she followed behind Ludwig-
The group moved toward the large conference table at the front of the room.
It was made of polished redwood, carrying a faint, natural woody fragrance.
Jean pressed her lips together, still quietly observing.
The short–haired girl – the one who appeared to hold the most authority – and Ludwig seemed to be at the center of this gathering.
Meaning, the two of them were likely the highest–ranking members in the room.
Everyone else, even if subtly, seemed to watch their expressions for cues.
And sure enough, the seating arrangement confirmed Jean’s guess.
The table was a massive round one. The short–haired girl and Ludwig were the first to take their seats side by side, right at the center of the circle.
Only after they sat down did the others begin to pick their spots, slowly and cautiously.
Jean naturally took the seat next to Ludwig.
And with that, Abyssal Choir’s routine meeting officially began.
It wasn’t all that formal.
In fact, the first few minutes felt more like casual banter between coworkers-
What they’d eaten, things they’d seen on the way in…
Jean kept quiet, absently pressing her fingers together.
Seriously?
This is what I came here for?
–
She hadn’t shown up to listen to snack reviews grocery lists.
—
she wanted to learn the organization’s secrets, not their
“Hey, kid – what’d you eat this morning?”
A lazy, offhand voice drifted into her ear. Jean was lost in thought and didn’t realize the question was aimed at her.
Until-
She sensed multiple eyes landing on her all at once.
1/2
12:58 Mon, May 5 BGG.
Chapter 187 Cover and Deflect
81%
Finished
At that moment, the room seemed to collectively lose interest in small talk – instead, everyone turned their attention squarely on Jean.
Their stares weren’t subtle.
Jean realized that ever since she’d stepped into this room, her behavior had probably looked “off” to them.
Quiet. Detached. Like an outsider to the whole thing.
But the truth was she genuinely didn’t know what to say…
1
She had no interest in their chitchat and zero knowledge about the group’s internal dynamics. Staying quiet was the only safe play.
But clearly, that wouldn’t be enough for long.
–
She’d known from the very start if these hyper–perceptive members ever suspected she wasn’t the real Jean, the consequences would be… bad.
Really bad.
Just as she opened her mouth, ready to give some kind of answer about breakfast-
“Alright, that’s enough,” Ludwig spoke up before she could.
His voice cut through the tension, cool and sharp. His gaze swept over the group, brow slightly furrowed. “That’s just how she is. Quiet, introverted. Doesn’t like talking. Stop fixating on her.”
He was covering for her – clearly and deliberately.
Under her mask, Jean exhaled quietly, relieved.
With Ludwig backing her up, no one was likely to press her any further – at least for now.
Sensing the chill in Ludwig’s eyes, the others dropped their staring. But one person still couldn’t resist tossing out a teasing remark, “Well, well… didn’t think you’d warm up to this little newbie so fast. You never give me the time of day whenever we meet.”
Ludwig merely pressed his lips into a flat line – neither confirming nor denying anything – and said nothing more.
232
