TNR CH 04

Chapter 4 – The Secret at the Villa

Seriniel’s emerald-green eyes reflected the colorful petals of the flower tea.

She knew this tea very well.

The tea Leraie had given her — the one she said was good for the body and helped with fertility.

Seriniel had brewed and drunk it faithfully every single day, never missing a cup.

“If I’d known it would take this long, I’d have poisoned every meal instead of just the tea.”

That must have been around this time — when Leraie first sent her the gift.

Yes, it had probably been difficult to obtain. It must have been something special — after all, not a single doctor had ever discovered the cause of Seriniel’s illness. Even when she couldn’t stand or move anymore, they couldn’t explain what was happening.

So whatever poison had been hidden in that tea, it left no trace. That alone said a lot about how hard Leraie must have worked to find it.

“Please wait just a moment, milady! I’ll go bring hot water for the tea!”

Kina smiled brightly, unaware of the truth. But Seriniel suddenly grabbed her sleeve.

“You don’t need to prepare that, Kina.”

“Oh, then perhaps after breakfast, milady? It’s not good to drink tea on an empty stomach—”

“No. That’s not why.”

Seriniel shook her head firmly.

“I’m never drinking that tea again.”

“But… Lady Leraie sent it herself as a gift…”

Kina looked confused — and Seriniel couldn’t blame her. For years, Seriniel had cherished Leraie deeply, and everyone thought the feeling was mutual.

At least, that’s what it had looked like.

But not anymore.

“Instead, I need you to do something for me.”

Her voice dropped low.

“Take this tea to the market, Kina.”

“To the market? Why?”

“Do you remember that old merchant — the one who was close to my father?”

“Yes…”

“Give this tea to him. Ask him to analyze it and tell us what’s in it.”

That man ran an apothecary — his family had been in the trade for generations, well-connected with noble families like the Berdellets.

If anyone could uncover the tea’s true ingredients, it was him.

“Tell him I sent you. He’ll keep it secret. And the sooner he gives us the results, the better. I’d like to know by tonight.”

Seriniel’s mind was filled with the memory of that awful night — the voices she’d heard before dying, the excruciating pain coursing through her body.

She wasn’t doubting herself.
She simply needed proof.

“Milady…”

Kina looked shaken. She had never seen Seriniel like this before.

Seriniel, who had always trusted Calian and Leraie completely — loved them so much she would have died for them.

And now she was doubting them? Just like that?

“It’s alright, Kina. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“I… I suppose so. I just hope you’re truly alright…”

Kina rambled nervously, and Seriniel gave her a reassuring nod.

Then she added quietly—

“And Kina — don’t touch the petals with your bare hands.”

“What?”

“Just… better safe than sorry. Oh, and Calian — when will he be home?”

“He said he’d be visiting the mines today.”

Of course. Around this time, Calian had been extremely busy — always away from home. He’d claimed it was because the mining operation had just begun, and he had a lot to manage.

That’s what he’d said, at least.

“But he should be back tonight. Maybe late, though.”

He rarely came home before dark anyway.

Which meant…

Seriniel thought for a moment, then stood up from the bed.

“Kina, call the coachman.”

“Right now? If you want to go to the mines, I can send someone ahead—”

“No. I have other business.”

Her tone was calm but firm.

“Find a coachman you can trust — someone who won’t talk, no matter what. I’ll pay whatever it costs. Do you understand?”

“Milady…”

“And no one must know I went out today. Not even Calian. Only you.”

Kina’s eyes widened in fear. She didn’t fully understand what was happening, but she could tell something was wrong.

Still, she nodded quickly.

“Is there anything else I can do?”

Seriniel smiled faintly.

Kina had been by her side since childhood — through her time at the count’s estate and now, as the wife of a baron. Seriniel trusted her completely.

But even Kina couldn’t be told everything. Not yet.

“It’s fine, Kina. Just get the carriage ready. I’ll be back by evening — don’t worry about me.”

***

Kina worked fast. Within minutes, the carriage was ready. She even asked again if Seriniel wanted company, but Seriniel refused gently and climbed in alone.

“…”

The carriage rattled along the cobblestone road. Seriniel sat in silence, staring out the window, her expression grim.

She took a deep breath — then another. Her hands fidgeted in her lap.

Why?

Why had she come back?

Was it divine mercy? A curse? Some cruel trick of fate?

No matter how she thought about it, there was no answer.

But she remembered her own voice from the darkness—

I won’t go like this. Never.
I’ll take revenge. I’ll make them suffer like I did.

That blood-stained vow still echoed in her ears.

She didn’t know how or why she’d returned, but one thing was clear:

She would not repeat the same mistakes.

That was the reason she was here now — riding through town in secret. She needed to confirm what was true and what was lies. To see how far their betrayal went.

“We’ve arrived, milady,” the coachman said after a long ride.

Seriniel steadied her breath and stepped down from the carriage.

“Wait here,” she instructed. “I’ll return soon.”

“Yes, milady.”

Seriniel walked toward the quiet villa that stood before her.

It was Calian Helkar’s private retreat — a mansion far from their main estate.

He’d bought it shortly after starting the mining business. At the time, the investment had puzzled Seriniel.

When she’d asked about it, Calian had smiled gently.

‘I just wanted a quiet place for us — to make new memories together. You’ll get lonely staying at the main house all the time.’

She had believed him then.

But after that day, she’d never visited the villa again.
He was always too “busy.” And soon after, she’d fallen ill.

‘I’ll send someone to the villa right away. We’ll bring the nanny and Benny. He’ll celebrate his seventh birthday here.’

Those words — his voice from the night she died — echoed painfully in her mind.

Maybe he hadn’t bought this villa for her at all.
Maybe there had been another reason — one he never intended her to know.

Clenching her fists, Seriniel drew a deep breath.

She had to see for herself.

She moved closer, careful to stay hidden among the trees.

No one could know she was here. If Calian found out, he’d realize she knew everything.

Fortunately, the villa was sparsely staffed — just a butler and a few maids. She could observe from outside without being seen.

And Calian was supposedly at the mines, so she didn’t expect him here.

She only wanted to take a quick look and leave.

That was the plan.

Until—

“Daddy! Daddy!”

A child’s voice echoed across the garden.

And then—

“Yes, my boy.”

Her husband’s voice answered.

Calian’s voice.

The same gentle tone he’d once used with her.