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Chapter 20
“I looked into the Baron after Miss Kalia was brought into the mansion.”
Obed opened a drawer, took out a fresh candle, and skillfully replaced the one that had burned out.
Knock knock.
It was completely dark outside. A maid entered after a knock, lighting several lanterns and rekindling the fireplace before stepping out backward.
The room quickly brightened and filled with warmth. The Duke asked again.
“How was he?”
“In general, people say he’s a decent person though lacking in refinement. The main reason for this reputation is that he took in and raised his infamous and ill-mannered niece himself. There are rumors that he recently started gambling.”
“When they say ‘lacking in refinement’…”
“It means he lacks the dignity expected of a high noble. He mismanages his finances—being stingy where he should spend and wasteful where he shouldn’t. His subordinates are no better than street thugs.”
“Hm… what about his wife?”
“She’s similar to her husband. She has poor taste, tries to be courteous but often fumbles and turns red-faced. She’s not well-respected. Still, thanks to her husband’s temporary position as acting count, they’ve managed to fit in reasonably well.”
“But the daughter is different.”
Even the Duke, who had no interest in social matters, knew her. Partly thanks to his son, who couldn’t hide his infatuation.
“Indeed.”
The old butler nodded.
“As you know, Helena Varden is widely known for her upright conduct and gentle personality. She’s also well-liked at the academy. However, those who approached her hoping for influence changed their attitudes after the family’s decline. Still, most feel sorry for her and are growing increasingly hostile toward Miss Estel.”
Kalia Estel had declared, upon barging into his mansion, that she would expel the entire Varden family.
“Not just those three, but from the youngest laundry maid to the stable boys—every single one of them.”
At the time, he had frowned at what seemed like a harsh act, chalking it up to her twisted personality.
His decision to keep an eye on her came only after she came under Desmier’s protection. He had no intention of getting involved in what happened that day.
But now, a sliver of doubt about Baron Varden had formed in the Duke’s mind.
What if Kalia hadn’t driven them out because of a cruel nature…?
“Resentment.”
And resentment always had a reason.
“…What became of those who worked for the Count’s household?”
“Most scattered. Some are working again at the Baron’s new residence in the capital, but their numbers are small due to the family’s decline. A few entered the service of other houses, but none of influence. Many returned to their hometowns or went to live with relatives in other provinces.”
“Contact someone in the capital and bring one of them here. Preferably someone who held a high position—and quickly.”
“I already identified a potential candidate. We’re still tracking her location. Just give the order, and we can bring her right away.”
“Who is it?”
“She was the head maid of the mansion.”
“Bring her. Immediately.”
***
The door to the study opened silently.
“This way.”
A woman named Ashley, her face pale and sweaty, was dragged in by two of the Duke’s subordinates.
She had just been about to go to bed when they came for her.
When someone knocked at the door late at night, she opened it cautiously—and found three people waiting for her.
“The master wishes to see you. Please come with us for a moment.”
The woman in the lead spoke curtly.
Her tone and words weren’t harsh, but before Ashley could resist, the others moved in and grabbed her arms—solid as stone.
“Mom? Mom, where are you going?”
Her youngest child tugged at her skirt, whimpering. The older two clung to each other on the bed, trembling.
“I’ll take good care of the children.”
One of the men blocked her and the children with ease, standing in front of the youngest.
A long scar ran across his grinning chin.
Ashley swallowed and nodded reluctantly.
“Please, sit.”
A single luxurious chair was placed in the center of the room.
Ashley, her head lowered in fear, let her wide eyes dart around madly.
They hadn’t blindfolded her on the way here, as if they had nothing to hide.
But she’d been too scared to look around. From the moment she got out of the carriage and entered this grand mansion through a backdoor, she’d kept her eyes shut tight, fearing what she might see.
“Sit.”
When a soft but commanding voice issued an order, she flinched and shut her eyes tighter.
Ashley instinctively knew that the voice belonged to the master of this house—a man who could end her life with the flick of a finger.
“Please sit, Mrs. Minker.”
Hearing her name made her blood run cold.
A strong push on her shoulders forced her down onto the soft cushion.
“Raise your head.”
She finally opened her trembling mouth.
“My lord… I don’t know why you’ve summoned me, but I swear I know nothing. I’ve seen nothing. Please, spare me!”
“I only called to ask a few questions. Don’t worry. I’m not in the habit of blindfolding people and accusing them of things they didn’t witness.”
His tone had lightened. He wasn’t smiling, but his demeanor was gentler than those who brought her.
Encouraged, Ashley opened one eye and looked at the man before her.
Seated behind a large desk, the master of the room was a middle-aged man. His interlocked fingers rested on the desk as he gazed at her with unreadable eyes.
At least, he didn’t seem likely to kill her on the spot.
Finally, Ashley straightened up. Her eyes fully opened. The people who had brought her stepped back.
Maybe if I just answer his questions properly… he’ll let me go…
A spark of hope flashed across her mind.
Gulp. She swallowed the remaining fear and spoke.
“Thank you, my lord. If you ask me anything and I know the answer, I’ll tell you everything I know.”
“I appreciate that.”
The Duke gave a slight nod.
“Sorry for bringing you here so late at night.”
Ashley frantically waved her hands.
“No, not at all, my lord.”
“If you answer well, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded. Your children are still young, and they need food and clothes, don’t they?”
A new glint appeared in Ashley’s eyes.
Maybe… this wasn’t a crisis, but an opportunity.
Whoever this man was, he didn’t seem like the type to toy with her and then kill her.
Thinking of her three children, Ashley grit her teeth.
That monster girl… I still want to rip her apart with my bare hands!
Ever since being kicked out of the Count’s household, every day had been hell.
Her husband, doing business far away, wouldn’t be back anytime soon. The children had sores blooming like flowers around their lips.
Even though she worked herself to the bone, the earnings weren’t enough. Watching helplessly tore her heart apart.
Maybe now, all of that could end.
“Please ask, my lord! I’ll answer everything!”
She pounded her chest and nodded repeatedly.
“Tell me everything you know about Kalia Estel.”
Creak. Her head, which had been bobbing so energetically, froze. Her pounding fists halted midair.
Her mouth hung open, revealing decayed molars. Her arms fell limp onto her thighs.
The Duke watched this dramatic change with interest.
“What’s wrong? You said you’d answer everything you knew.”
She couldn’t say anything.
Even now, when she slept, that day appeared in her dreams.
The day she had no choice but to kneel and beg that girl…
The day dozens of servants and maids were thrown out like beggars at her single word…
“Never show your face to me again.”
Her voice still rang in Ashley’s ears.
Her mouth closed. Her pupils shook.
She hated her—yes. But she also feared her.
Even though she wanted her dead, just remembering that day made her body shrink back.
She wanted revenge—but more than that, she just wanted to avoid getting involved again.
“You were the head maid. There’s no way you didn’t know her.”
“I-I… My lord, I really…”
Ashley, pale as a sheet, stammered helplessly. The Duke cut her off.
“500 gold.”
“…What?”
In an instant, Kalia vanished from Ashley’s mind.
She forgot that girl’s icy glare, her threats, and the order to stay away.
Instead, a golden mirage danced before her eyes. The noble before her looked more like a sack of gold than a person.
500 gold whispered to her:
“With that much, you could live comfortably anywhere. Move away from the capital if you like. Start fresh with your family.”
His next words sank into her ears and trapped her thoughts.
“Perhaps someday your children might marry into the minor nobility—or even a fallen noble family.”
A noble.
Someone who could summon people in the middle of the night and do whatever they pleased—like now.
Greed bloomed like heat haze. Strength returned to her limp fingers.
“So just answer honestly—everything you know.”
His voice hadn’t changed, but to Ashley, it now sounded as sweet as sugar.
How much could he possibly ask, anyway? Everyone already knows what kind of girl she is. I’ll just repeat the rumors… nothing more.
He was polite for someone of such status.
He could’ve blindfolded her and brought her like a prisoner, or knocked her out—but he didn’t.
Maybe… he’s too old to be good at things like kidnapping or interrogation.
The more she told herself that, the more she started to believe it.
Just a bit of talking—and she’d be sent off with 500 gold.
The Empire was vast. If she just moved to a quiet village, that mad girl would never find her.
Ashley, now resolute, opened her mouth.
“Kalia Estel is…”
