episode_0007

I deliberated earnestly, pondering over and over again. If Serin wanted to see my face despite my shabby appearance, shouldn’t I willingly take off my mask?

But I quickly steadied my wavering resolve. It would be better to wear a mask, for if I were to show my bare face, it would likely serve as evidence of my debauchery with a bright red blush like an apology. I didn’t want to disappoint Serin, who had become my friend.

What kind of spectacle had the abandoned Hwangung turned into while Serin was in such a state?

“Um… I’m truly sorry.”

Since that night, Serin had carried herself more modestly than before. Every moment of her day seemed like an effort to make up for the harsh words I had uttered. It was hard to believe that she was much more comfortable now, as it was said.

Thus, the disguised individual, who hid their true feelings, set foot in the next village on a chilly evening.

Perhaps due to its proximity to the capital, the village appeared much more bustling than the ones visited before. From the prepared lights to the bustling marketplace, and even the specialty shops like dessert stores, it was a different scene from before.

“I’ve been to this village before.”

Serin casually mentioned as she quietly looked around.

“It seems familiar to you.”

“Yes, somewhat. Do you see that large building on the slope across the road? That’s the mansion of Lord Raden. She’s one of the few women who inherited a title from the Empire.”

“I’ve heard rumors of her immense wealth.”

“That’s right. She’s not just a lord, but even most baronial families can’t compare, you know?”

Lord Raden was a familiar name. Rodrick had mentioned that a few years ago, they terminated the contract with our mercenary group. Since the practical aspects of the contract were not under my jurisdiction, I didn’t know the lord’s face.

“Moreover, being unmarried, there are many men eyeing her covetously.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why? Are you interested?”

Serin asked, subtly probing. Was she unexpectedly admiring the lord?

“Not at all. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

No matter how wealthy one may be, nurturing soldiers in the vicinity of the capital is not an easy task. That’s why Lord Raden had contracted with the mercenary group to handle security and defense.

In other words, the lord was likely trading power for force even now.

It wasn’t my place to speak as the one who kidnapped Serin, but many shoulders often underestimated the importance of education.

It would be prudent to be cautious even in Lord Raden’s domain, just in case.

“Then I’ll trust Lian’s words. Even though Lord Raden is a bit older, she’s still beautiful.”

“There’s no need to worry about something I have no business with.”

“Uh-huh! Actually, depending on Lian’s intentions, there may or may not be something to see…”

“You mean my intentions?”

“Yes. It may sound strange coming from an ordinary person like me, but… surprisingly, I have an acquaintance with Lord Raden?”

It was neither strange nor particularly surprising. After all, I had been exuding an unmistakable air of non-commoner boldness all day.

“So if Lian is okay with it, we might be able to stay at Lord Raden’s residence tonight!”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll follow.”

“Great, you won’t regret it.”

After all the frequent nights spent in the wilderness, how much she must have longed for a bed. It was understandable why Serin’s eyes sparkled like the Milky Way embroidered on the night sky.

“Shall we go then?”

◇

Lord Raden’s mansion felt much larger in person than it appeared from a distance. What seemed like just an ordinary mansion from afar turned out to be grander than expected up close.

In front of the imposing main entrance, a muscular guard in neat attire stood watch, scanning the surroundings. His forced, stiff appearance seemed typical of someone in a shoulder-tapping position.

“Excuse me, I would like to see Lord Raden.”

“He is not available for visitors.”

Beneath the man’s curt refusal, there was a hint of disdain. His dismissive attitude was enough to make a timid woman back down.

“I know Lord Raden. Once you see me, you’ll understand.”

“I said it’s not possible.”

“Who are you to stop Lord Raden’s guest?”

“It’s my job to stop anyone.”

“Ugh…!”

As the gatekeeper arrogantly narrowed his eyes, Serin’s patience seemed to wear thin. I felt a sense of discomfort from the confident man’s demeanor.

‘Blocking a potential guest of the lord, even if he’s just an employee.’

Whether he was a servant of the mansion or an outsider hired by an organization, it was a problem. A single mistake could harm the entire organization.

That was why Roderick emphasized the mental training of our members. Most of our personnel were not exactly upstanding individuals.

“Serin, I have a question.”

“Just a moment, Lian. This person keeps saying unreasonable things…”

“Is Lord Raden important to Serin?”

“What?”

Serin’s eyes widened at the sudden question. After pondering my words, she slowly nodded.

“… Yes, he is important.”

“Understood.”

There might be a need to shake up the organization we hired. With a firm resolve, I suppressed the murky fog that had lingered beneath my feet when Serin’s affirmation faltered.

Slinking silently and covertly beneath our feet, the black fog was named Pura for convenience. Like a snake targeting its prey, Pura swiftly bit into the man’s foot.

Crack!

The sound of bones breaking echoed. The man collapsed in pain, letting out a scream.

“Ah… Ugh, aaah! My ankle!”

The situation had turned in an instant. The man, who had been stiffly looking down at us, now sat on the cold floor, staring at us. Serin, taken aback by the sudden change, asked me in a bewildered tone.

“What happened to his hip joint…?”

“Well, sometimes you can twist your ankle just by walking.”

“That may be, but… still, this is too…”

Before she could analyze the situation clearly, I quickly suggested, “Let’s inform Lord Raden and recommend treatment.”

“Oh, yes, that’s a good idea. He really is unlucky!”

Perhaps the guard’s response had lifted her spirits, as a subtle joy lingered on Serin’s lips.

‘It’s easy to understand in times like this.’

Was it because she dressed as an ordinary village maiden, concealing her true self? Her demeanor seemed as ordinary as ever.

“Ah, it feels refreshing.”

The wind blew.

Walking gracefully through the grassy field, she took the lead this time. Her black hair swayed in the breeze, revealing a hint of white at the nape of her neck. The legs that had surprised me with their clumsy movements now traced an ideal curve up to her waist.

As I followed behind, my gaze was drawn to her back, a sight I had never seen before.

When I turned to check if I was following well, her beautiful eyes met mine. Aqua marine, as my mother had described them, her eyes were a vibrant shade of blue.

“Lian! Are you out of your mind? It’s because of the mask, isn’t it?”

“I’m following properly.”

“It’s suspicious, but there’s no way to confirm. How nice would it be to just take it off and clear up any misunderstandings?”

“It’s not even worth half a penny.”

“Well then, what am I expecting?”

She chuckled.

Gathered in the luxurious drawing room, the noble lady exuded an unconventional smile, displaying a variety of colors. Instead of the expected elegance, an unknown force reminiscent of wildflowers blooming in a green field lingered around her stubborn lips.

‘Serena might feel guilty, but she might have lied.’

As my attention focused on her, memories of the bright Marquis Jungkyung faded. Time slipped away, and before we knew it, we had reached the main mansion.

As I berated myself, Serena confidently opened the door to the main house.

“Oh my.”

A gasp greeted us in front of a statue that hinted at a high price.

“I came down because of the commotion outside, but to think that in a place like this…”

“Just a moment, Marquis!”

“…Marquis?”

“Marquis!”

It seemed like the Marquis saw through Serena’s identity in an instant. As she pushed the concept, the Marquis seemed to guess something and ushered us inside.

“Well… come in. That is…”

After pondering on the title for a long time, the Marquis resignedly spoke.

“Miss and the mysterious gentleman.”

A princess and a masked monster, even from the Marquis’s perspective, it would be absurd. If the royal family publicly launched a search for Serena, he would probably have recoiled in shock.

“I apologize for visiting without notice, Marquis.”

“How dare you apologize… I mean, misspoke. It’s fine, Miss.”

The Marquis, taken aback, quickly corrected himself. Honestly, Serena couldn’t shake off the impression of being a bit of a gangster.

“Thank you. We didn’t have a proper place to stay, so we decided to visit out of the blue.”

“If it were up to me, you’re always welcome. I’ll arrange a bedroom and bath for you shortly.”

“Phew, we’re really lucky to have you here, Marquis.”

“Don’t mention it.”

As the Marquis nodded, a man in a uniform similar to the gatekeeper’s approached. Serena instinctively furrowed her brows, but the Marquis, focused elsewhere, didn’t notice.

And from behind, the man who had been following them closely finally had the chance to observe the man who had been eyeing the Marquis.

“As expected, he’s not deviating from expectations.”

With a simple greeting, the man’s distorted pupils revealed greed, devouring respect for his superior.