Chapter 151: "The Thieving God!"

Chapter 151: "The Thieving God!"

Tessa charged at the suspect like a predator locked onto its prey. Her eyes burned with a mixture of fury and focus, each step echoing in the silent theater.

The director, who moments ago was bellowing instructions, had fallen silent. For now there really was a need to exercise caution, one could throw caution to the wind later when I figure out what in the hell is going on–he thought.. His eyes narrowed as he observed the scene, sensing the unease rippling through his crew. Even the guards, who were usually quick to intervene, hung back, their hesitation speaking volumes.

The director's mind raced. Who is this girl? She is either immensely powerful or someone formidable was backing her, and that was enough to make him reconsider his usual bravado. For now, the film could wait—this unexpected spectacle had everyone's attention.

No one bothered to listen, or pay any form of attention to the film, Tessa had stolen the show, literally. The whispers began to spread like wildfire through the crowd:

"Who's she chasing? What's happening?" someone murmured, their voice low but filled with curiosity. Everyone had the same thought as they watched her move.

"She crossed the director and survived? That's a first. She's got my respect," another chimed in. Tessa had done something very rare in the theatre hall.

"Even the bodyguards backed off. She must be dangerous," a third voice added, a hint of admiration in their tone.

Tessa closed the distance swiftly, her movements fluid and calculated. She approached a man standing casually at the corner, his expression one of amused anticipation. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and a warm, almost nostalgic smile spread across his face.

"A Kaelrian in the flesh," he said, his voice smooth, laced with a mocking delight. "And not one of those uptight ones like Rhemon. What are the odds?"

Tessa halted a few feet from the man, her posture taut and commanding. Her lips twisted into a scornful smirk. "A Kaelrian who stoops to playing petty thief and crafting some ridiculously absurd legend?" she scoffed, her voice dripping with derision. "What are the odds?"

The words hit their mark, her tone sharp enough to cut. Yet, instead of faltering, the man's grin only widened. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched her approach, savoring every moment of their exchange.

"It's not every day I get a visitor from home," he remarked, his voice calm, smooth, and deeply self-assured. "So, what's your story? And why do you need my help?"

Tessa's eyes flickered with surprise, a rare lapse in her otherwise controlled demeanor. For a moment, she hesitated, the unexpected question catching her off guard. She quickly masked it, but the man's grin grew, clearly pleased with himself. Though their conversation was low enough that the rest of the room couldn't hear, every eye in the theater was glued to the pair.

At that moment, Principal Hammond, Nyala, and Heziah Eric advanced toward the pair, their expressions a blend of caution and resolve. Heziah's gaze locked onto the man, his heart skipping a beat. There was no mistaking it—this was the same figure he had seen in the classified files of Rhemon's Agency.

The man's sharp blue eyes briefly scanned the newcomers, registering their connection to Tessa in an instant. His calm demeanor didn't waver; he neither stopped them nor showed the slightest hint of concern. They were no threat to him, and his body language made that abundantly clear.

The film director, on the other hand, was less composed. His eyes nearly popped out of his head as he finally recognized the man standing before Tessa. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. This wasn't just some random interloper—this was Bandel Blue, owner of the entire Oakridge Estate, including the very theater building the director was using.

The director swallowed hard, a sinking dread settling in his chest. Not only had he failed to intervene, but he might have inadvertently crossed someone with immense power. His eyes darted between Tessa and Bandel Blue, and his overactive imagination filled in the gaps. They're close, he thought, and they've got history—dangerous history.

The deluded director spiraled further, concocting elaborate scenarios in his mind. What if Tessa, with a mere word or gesture, decided to ruin him? His career, his connections—everything could vanish in an instant. The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine.

He dabbed at the sweat beading on his forehead, his hands trembling. Desperately, he tried to blend into the background, hoping to escape their notice, all while silently begging for mercy from the gods of fate.

Meanwhile, Tessa narrowed her eyes, her voice low and probing. "How did you know I needed your help?"

Bandel chuckled, folding his arms across his chest with the confidence of someone who had seen and done it all. "Simple," he said, his tone casual. "Two types of people seek me out—those who want to kill me and those who need my help. I've dealt with the first kind thoroughly—most don't live to tell the tale. And from the way you made your grand entrance," he gestured vaguely to the stunned crowd, "it's clear you're here for the latter. No weapons drawn, no real malice. Just... desperation, thinly veiled behind bravado."

Tessa clenched her jaw, unwilling to admit how close to the truth he was. His smugness was irritating, but she knew she couldn't afford to alienate him.

"I'm Tessa," she began, trying a more diplomatic tone.

"I'm Bandel Blue," he interrupted, flashing a wicked smile. "The Thieving God."

Tessa's composure cracked. "You're who?" she blurted, momentarily forgetting her poise.

The name hit her like a thunderclap. Stories of the infamous Bandel Blue were whispered in Kaelrian history, a figure both revered and reviled. Legends painted him as a master trickster, a thief who could outwit entire armies, but also a reluctant hero when it suited him.

Tessa's shock was evident, and Bandel basked in it. "I see you've heard of me," he said, clearly relishing her reaction. "Now, tell me, little Kaelrian, what brings you to my humble domain?"

Tessa swallowed her initial disbelief, forcing herself to refocus. She had come for a reason, and despite his theatrics, Bandel Blue might be the only one who could help her.