~Chapter 44~
“The Dark Guild Rune.”
When Killian suddenly said Rune’s name, Aisha’s violet eyes shook wildly.
“As a reporter, you’d know what kind of group they are, right?”
“Y-yeah, sure?” Aisha stammered slightly.
“I mean, it’d be weirder if someone in the Drakxion Empire didn’t know about Rune. Even a stray dog would know.”
“…”
“Am I wrong?”
She answered casually, but her mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts.
This guy knows I’m connected to Rune, and he’s still saying this?
Why? Why bring it up now? Did I say something wrong?
Was he letting it slide before, and now he’s starting the real game? He’s not going to interrogate me, is he?
As Aisha’s brain silently screamed, Killian spoke again, calm as ever.
“You’re right. Every citizen of Drakxion knows about them. Funny thing is, the Dark Guild thrives on secrets and cover-ups, yet they’re so famous. That shows how big their reputation is—good or bad.”
“They must have a really talented leader!” Aisha blurted out, completely opposite to what she actually thought.
“But, well, a Dark Guild is… you know, dangerous people doing shady stuff, right? It’s crazy how famous they are. Really creepy!”
Hmm?
Killian’s eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at her.
“I think hearing such a scary topic made me feel sick all of a sudden. If it’s okay, can I leave early to rest? Of course, I’ll leave all the articles I’ve written here!”
Aisha rushed her words.
When things aren’t clear, the best move is to get out.
“I’m, uh, feeling dizzy… Oh no…”
Aisha stumbled a bit, but whether Killian knew it was an act or not, he didn’t move to help her.
“Ugh…”
Aisha straightened herself up, looking embarrassed.
“Anyway… can I go now? Please? You know I’ve been overworking on articles these past few days.”
She wasn’t wrong.
“And it’s partly your fault, Duke. Bringing up such scary stuff naturally makes me feel weak, right? So…”
“Fine, go rest, Aisha Ashton,” Killian said with a reluctant look.
“If you stay here any longer, I might lose my mind.”
“…”
“Better if at least one of us stays sane.”
Hmph.
Killian’s response was annoying, but Aisha didn’t have time to argue. She jumped up, gave him a quick goodbye, and bolted out of the office.
“…”
Left alone, Killian let out a short sigh and a small, amused laugh. Then he looked at the papers Aisha left behind.
As expected.
His eyes gleamed with certainty as he read.
Roselia giving weapon production monopolies and mining rights to her allies is old news—anyone could find that out with a bit of digging. But…
Baron Hayden – Recently meeting often with Roselia. Probably because of his northern territory? If a war with Aldrosia happens, Roselia needs that area secured. Dig deeper.
There’s talk that Roselia’s allies’ mines are producing not just ore but gems too. Mines with gems or mana stones belong to the Empire, not individuals. Need proof Roselia’s been turning a blind eye.
“…This is different, Aisha Ashton.”
How could a mere noble lady find out such recent information—things even I didn’t fully know?
It didn’t make sense.
Rune.
Killian already knew Aisha was close to Rune. That’s why he’d been testing her lately.
But there was something he needed to confirm.
That’s why he suddenly brought up Rune to her.
Was Aisha Ashton still in contact with Rune even after coming to the Winters estate?
And he just got his answer.
She couldn’t have met them elsewhere. She’s been with me the whole time. She hasn’t gone out, and the only letter was from Leoric.
And hadn’t he checked that childish letter himself? It had nothing important.
The only time Aisha’s away from me is when she’s sleeping…!
Suddenly, Killian froze noticeably.
“Wait. When she’s sleeping…?”
Aisha had never wanted to see Til this badly.
“Damn it. Why isn’t he here?”
It was almost 2 a.m. Aisha had left Killian’s office early and had been waiting for Til for about eight hours.
I’ll kill him…
Just as Aisha’s eyes filled with murderous intent, she heard it.
A soft tap on the window.
Aisha jumped up and rushed to open the balcony window. There was Til, looking as relaxed as ever.
“Hey, why are you so late…!”
“Something’s weird.”
Huh?
Aisha looked at Til, confused.
“There were no guards today.”
“Guards?”
“You wouldn’t know since you use the front gate, but the Winters estate has tight security. Makes sense with all the people after his life.”
“And?”
“Usually, getting here is a pain. But like I said, today… it wasn’t.”
Til muttered, puzzled.
“Why’s that? Any ideas, Aisha?”
“No?”
“Yeah, figured. Didn’t expect you to know.”
This guy, seriously.
Aisha glared at him but then asked with a more serious look.
“If there’s a sudden change like that, isn’t it dangerous? It feels… off.”
“Dangerous? Nah.”
“What if you get caught? Killian already knows I’m tied to Rune!”
If Til got caught here, it’d be a disaster. Things would get too risky, and besides…
She didn’t want to be stuck in the same building as that annoying guy for long.
He’d probably cry and blame me!
“Hey, don’t you know who I am?” Til said, looking at her like she was worrying over nothing.
“I’m the leader of Rune. Not some lowlife guild member—the leader.”
“Oh, is it introduction time? My bad. Should I go after you’re done?”
“No, don’t be sarcastic. Listen.”
Til sighed and continued.
“Aisha, if I want, I can vanish like the wind.”
“…”
“Like I was never here. I can move like a shadow in the same space, and no one would notice me.”
“…”
“I’ve done countless dangerous jobs and always came back alive. You think someone like Killian Winters could catch me? Hah, that guy?”
Right at that moment—
“Aisha, let me in for a sec.”
A voice that absolutely shouldn’t be heard rang out, and Aisha’s bedroom door burst open.
And…
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
The three people in the room said the same thing at the same time, each with a different expression.
