CHAPTER 25
BOOM!
The bridge collapsed, and debris flew in all directions.
The horses reared in panic, chaos erupted, but Cayden didn’t move an inch from his spot.
One of his subordinates, unable to bear it, tried to cover his face with a black cloth, but with a flick of Cayden’s hand, it was torn in two.
“Move. I can’t see.”
“…Shards might hit you.”
“I need to see it with my own eyes if I’m going to explain it properly.”
Just then, a chunk of stone flew from the bridge and grazed his cheek, leaving a red line.
Drip.
The drop of blood that rolled down his pale cheek somehow suited him perfectly. Cayden, wiping it off casually with the back of his hand, smiled as he looked at the crumbling bridge.
“Nice.”
“…Young master.”
His black hair and fiery eyes gave off a decadent aura. Devon, overwhelmed by the oppressive energy, instinctively lowered his head.
If it’s Lady Adelaide’s order, there’s nothing I can do.
No matter what he said, it wouldn’t reach Cayden’s ears, so he quietly stepped back.
“The Count is expected to arrive here by tomorrow. He might be shocked to see the bridge has collapsed.”
“Did I ask?”
“…”
Cayden was only interested in one thing.
Hand it over.
When he extended his hand, Devon flinched and hurriedly handed him the letter.
“…What the hell.”
Cayden frowned when he saw the envelope stamped with the Yuden Trading Company’s crest. His eldest sister never used the company’s seal.
“Why isn’t my sister replying herself?”
“Pardon?”
“It’s the third time.”
That someone other than his sister had replied.
Cayden gritted his teeth, his expression souring even more when he realized the reply had come from the ever-annoying Zerox.
“…Something hasn’t happened to her, has it?”
“T-that couldn’t be.”
Devon wiped the cold sweat off his brow.
If anything had happened to Lady Adelaide, Cayden would’ve been the first to be informed.
There had been a few times before when her replies were delayed—and anyone who’d seen how Cayden reacted back then knew how dangerous it was to keep silent.
“Zerox said nothing of the sort, so surely there’s no issue. Lady Adelaide is simply busy filling in for the Count’s absence.”
“No. Even if she’s busy, she’d have written me at least one line.”
“…”
“She knows me too well for that.”
The cold smile on his lips didn’t last long. Finally, Cayden turned away from the sight of the collapsing bridge he hadn’t taken his eyes off.
He hadn’t been expected back so soon, so the people in the barracks were talking loudly, without a hint of caution.
“Once the Count returns, I’m sure the eldest lady will take over the company, right?”
“Of course. Lady Adelaide’s ambition is no joke. Seems like the Count doesn’t believe in that old saying about the household falling if the hen cries.”
“Right? And he has a perfectly fine son. No matter how competent she is, she’s still a woman and—ugh!”
One of the men badmouthing Adelaide was suddenly grabbed by the throat. As he choked and thrashed, his eyes nearly popped out.
“Y-young master! P-please! S-spare me!”
“Why should I?”
“I-I was wrong…”
“Then beg her for forgiveness.”
Still smiling, Cayden lifted the man off the ground. His red eyes darkened.
“If your tongue’s still attached.”
“Gahhh!”
Splatter. Blood gushed from the man’s torn mouth, but Cayden remained utterly indifferent.
Devon, who had been frozen in place, realized he had to intervene before things got worse. He quickly came up with something that might work on the current Cayden.
“Young master! The acting lady has counted exactly how many of us were sent here!”
Thud!
Cayden hurled the man aside, and the barracks filled with dust—as if the bridge had collapsed again.
The fact that his sister had counted the people beforehand was her silent way of saying bring back every single one alive.
Irritated with everything, Cayden grabbed his sword from the table.
“Send a letter. I’m going back immediately.”
“…Already? But the acting lady specifically ordered us to confirm the Count turns back at the bridge before returning.”
“No. My sister would’ve known.”
Even though she was meticulous, she wouldn’t have gone this far.
How stupid.
Now realizing this, Cayden sneered at himself and unbuttoned his blood-stained shirt.
“She knew I’d head back around now.”
