NLBWM 09

Chapter – 09

“W-what? You’re going out?”

“Milady is going out?”

The moment I mentioned stepping outside, the maids’ eyes went wide.

I was eager to get out of the Ducal Mansion—not only because being cooped up was stifling, but also to gather evidence that the steward and head maid were embezzling money. Yet somehow, the maids’ reactions seemed suspicious.

“Hmm. Is there a problem?”

“N-no, but…”

“We’re just worried about your health, Milady!”

“That’s right! Being exposed to the cold wind could easily give you a high fever!”

“But the weather is nice right now, isn’t it?”

Sure enough, a spring breeze wafted through the room, carrying the scent of flowers. A perfect day for an outing in May.

The two women, momentarily lost for words, exchanged glances as if to come up with excuses—but I preempted them.

“I don’t have the energy for games. Just summon the carriage. Don’t think about reporting it to the head maid.”

No more questions. No nagging. My gaze conveyed it all, and their faces went pale.

“H-heavens! Mary, milady must have used mind-reading again!”

“N-no, that’s not good! Rose, watch your words! And your brain!”

Realizing they were stuck, the two women eventually proposed a deal: if I let them accompany me, they would fetch the carriage. Fine. The more witnesses, the better.

“Alright. But get ready immediately.”

With my approval, Rose and Mary hurried to bring light dresses and shoes, helping me prepare for the outing. To be cautious, I hid a knife from the tea table inside my dress.

“Where shall we go, Milady?”

“To Dwellon Forest.”

According to the information in my head, the lords would gather there. I could confirm the ingredients and see who they’d send ahead to negotiate at the Ducal Mansion.

“But there’s probably nothing there…”

“Let’s see for ourselves first.”

The coachman tilted his head in doubt but followed my instructions without protest, gripping the reins.

Clop. Clop.

The carriage moved at a moderate pace, neither fast nor slow. The sound of hooves mixed with the natural chorus around us.

“Wow! It’s really beautiful, Milady!”

“Ahh~ The protected reserve really is different~”

Dwellon Forest had been designated as a protected area by the Hetis Ducal House to preserve endangered flora and fauna. Human interference was minimized, but some lords exploited the seclusion, building taverns to hide their corruption. The area saw almost no foot traffic, making it the perfect hideout.

“Gasp! Milady, look over there!”

“Hm? An old tavern? And… the knights are lined up?”

It seemed improbable for such a place to exist, but there was indeed a tavern in the forest. Its dilapidated exterior and lack of a sign meant it would normally be easy to overlook—but in reality, it served as a base for illicit dealings.

“Are those knights from the Hetis Ducal House?”

“Judging by their insignias, yes, Milady.”

As we approached the tavern, I spotted Kasian’s accompanying knights and the aide Hans. Something felt off—their faces were taut with tension.

“Where’s my husband?”

“Sir? He’s probably alone.”

“He’s used to being alone anyway~”

What? Kasian was alone? That meant he had entered by himself! How reckless!

“Still, sending him alone…”

Before the coachman could signal our arrival, I bolted from the carriage, pushing past the knights and reaching for the door handle.

“Husband!”

Meanwhile, inside the tavern

“It would’ve been better if they had confessed sooner. All this bloodshed could’ve been avoided.”

After a stormy confrontation, Kasian, frowning, brushed the blood from his clothes. Yet the stains spread like paint, leaving dark marks.

“I’ve only ruined these clothes… Maybe I should charge them for them too.”

From embezzled provisions to illicit subsidies, the offenders had taken everything they could. Even demanding double for what they stole would be justified.

“The mousetrap paid off.”

The lords had always slipped away easily, but the bait worked. They habitually set up in secluded areas, scheming. After each round, they’d set a new date and send a stand-in to negotiate instead, avoiding the Hetis Ducal House’s scrutiny.

After several rounds of “interrogation,” the lords gradually confessed. Initially stubborn, they couldn’t endure the punishments for long and one by one revealed the truth.

With satisfactory results, Kasian walked among the lords, pondering whether to execute them summarily or hold a public trial, twirling his scabbard absentmindedly.

“Husband!”

A voice that shouldn’t be heard here.

Kasian turned, catching sight of Eveline’s face. The ease in his expression cracked slightly.

‘Why is the lady here?’

He hadn’t mentioned his destination, and this was no place to press for an explanation.

“Are you okay? Any injuries?”

Eveline dashed to him like a worried puppy, checking on him. Her concern was genuine, but somehow, it didn’t feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, it sparked a strange new feeling.

“I’m fine.”

Kasian pushed her away gently, trying to suppress unfamiliar desires. But Eveline didn’t back off; she stepped closer, pointing to the blood on his uniform, alarmed.

“How can you say you’re fine?! You’re hurt!”

Her high-pitched voice contrasted with her gentle, caring touch.

It wasn’t my blood… How could I explain that?

“Feeling dizzy?”

“Ah, yes… a bit lightheaded.”

Kasian, pretending to match her concern, closed his eyes as if weak, leaning against the wall and groaning. Eveline, believing him seriously ill, urged him to lean on her, supporting him.

The witnessing lords were speechless.

‘What a disgusting man.’

‘Anyone would think he’s the victim.’

They had been thoroughly interrogated, their assets confiscated, yet here he was, suddenly acting frail before a woman. A true trickster—but different from them.

What could be his connection with this woman?

She was delicate, her appearance naturally drawing attention.

Her hair, like a brush of nature’s green.

Eyes deep as the blue sea.

Fine features on pale, flawless skin. Her figure elegant, well-proportioned.

Even a passing glance would be captivated. She had the beauty any high society lady would be praised for.

Her origins were unknown—if noble-born, she would dominate any social circle. Yet no one recognized her face, suggesting either a lower class origin or that she was from elsewhere.

As the lords’ hawk-like eyes followed Eveline, someone remarked:

“Now that I think about it… doesn’t she resemble the northern witch?”