~Chapter 48~
It was the first time Killian had ever looked at Aisha this way.
Until now, his eyes had always been filled with disdain, irritation, or cold contempt.
But now… his expression was completely serious.
Almost as if he were about to propose.
“Answer me, Aisha Ashton.”
Killian pressed her again.
“I will trust you, and you will trust me. Can we do that?”
Aisha stared at him for a long moment, then let out a heavy sigh. Finally, she nodded as if resigned.
“Yes. What else can I do? We’ve come this far.”
“……”
“Like it or not, we’re in the same boat now. If you die, I die. And if I die…”
“If you die?”
“Then I’ll become a ghost and follow you, dragging you down with me.”
“What a chilling thing to say.”
“Now let me ask you. Can you really trust me? I’ve betrayed you several times already.”
“Well, as you can see.”
“As I can see?”
“While you’ve been living at the Winters estate, I kept minimal watch on you, but I never locked you in the dungeon or tied you up, did I?”
“……”
“To me, that alone was already a huge sign of trust.”
“Hah, if you trust me twice, you’ll probably end up buried in the ground.”
Killian smirked.
“So, what are you going to do? Just let Roselia capture you like this?”
The sun would rise soon. In such a short time, what could he possibly do? Aisha looked at him nervously, but Killian only smiled.
“You’ll see soon enough.”
“……”
“I’m a man who prepares far more than you think when it comes to survival.”
The Raid
At dawn, the Imperial search squad stormed the Winters estate.
The one leading them was none other than Bill—Roselia’s closest aide and personal knight.
Bill’s eyes carried a trace of unease.
“This search is only a formality. Killian Winters must already know that.”
Roselia’s scheme was clear:
-
Blame Aisha Ashton as the reporter behind Sunday’s Exposé.
She had broken ties with her family and disappeared for a time—perfect to frame her activities. -
Blame Killian Winters as the sponsor of the newspaper.
After all, he had benefited the most from its publications, even if he hated the attention. -
Claim their engagement was just a cover for their partnership.
-
And if possible, link them to the Dark Guild Rune as well.
If everything worked, Roselia would eliminate all her enemies at once.
“In truth, it’s an arrest. Killian Winters and Aisha Ashton will be taken away.”
Then they would be thrown into the palace dungeons, and the “evidence” would be fabricated later. The important thing was to bind Killian’s hands now.
Roselia’s final order echoed in Bill’s mind:
“It doesn’t matter what you use. If you find even the slightest excuse, arrest them on the spot.”
Bill turned to the squad with a stern face.
“Killian Winters is a man of great skill. I hope he is innocent, but if not, we must arrest both him and his fiancée, Aisha Ashton.”
The soldiers were trembling with fear. Some had even fought alongside Killian in the war. Arresting him felt impossible.
But Bill raised his voice like a general on the battlefield:
“To protect the peace of Drakxion, we must punish those who dared smear Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s honor with filthy articles!”
His determination clashed with the soldiers’ doubts.
“Still… we don’t know anything for sure, right?”
“Yeah, this is supposed to be just a search.”
“Why would Duke Killian ever waste his time on something like that…?”
The squad was already divided.
“Let’s move out!”
Bill pushed forward regardless. Soon, they reached the massive doors of the Winters estate. Bill checked the sword at his waist, then banged loudly on the door.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
It sounded more like he was trying to break it down than knock.
The door opened, and standing there was Theorn, Killian’s knight, his eyes wide with innocent confusion.
“What is this about?”
“Sir Theorn.”
“Sir Bill? What are you doing here so early in the morning?”
“You must know—the palace is hunting down all those tied to Sunday’s Exposé. Reporter, publisher, everyone.”
“I see. Please continue.”
“We believe a noble is involved. That means Duke Killian Winters must also be investigated.”
“Hmm…”
“And if he doesn’t cooperate, we have orders to arrest him immediately.”
Bill clenched his fist, already savoring victory.
“This is the end for you, Killian Winters.”
“So,” Bill demanded, “where is the Duke?”
“……”
“We need his cooperation and to ask him some questions.”
Tension rose. If Killian refused, they would arrest him here and now. But then—
“Ah, I see. I understand. But… what can I say? The Duke isn’t here.”
“What?”
“Well, it’s not something I should say in front of everyone… could you keep it secret?”
“Speak.”
Theorn leaned close to Bill’s ear and whispered:
“He went out with his fiancée.”
“W-what did you say?”
“Lady Aisha Ashton, of course. I warned him so many times that people would talk if he traveled before the engagement ceremony. But he wouldn’t listen.”
Theorn sighed deeply.
“What can I do? First love is always stubborn. No one could stop him. He left with Lady Ashton. I don’t know where they went.”
“W-what the…!”
“Sorry I can’t be of help. But you’re free to search the mansion all you want. The Duke would have allowed it anyway.”
He smiled brightly and gestured for them to enter.
Bill’s face twisted into a sour scowl.
