YWPWYLFDM 20

Chapter 20

Cloud, who had never once contradicted an order before, had recently begun questioning his master’s commands more and more.

Byron recalled with irritation how Cloud had once even tried to dissuade him, saying it was too soon to be teaching that foolish girl, Aila, the art of toxicology. The memory doubled his foul mood.

“Right. That was the original plan.”

To interfere with his nephew’s work. Since the time was not yet ripe, Byron had intended to stop there. But now…

“We have to move quickly. If we kill him here as an example, those cowardly old fools who hesitate to side with me will have no choice but to follow.”

Self-serving cowards, desperate only to preserve their own skins.

Byron’s expression twisted in disgust as he downed the remaining liquor in his cup in one gulp.

It was sickening enough that, in order to reclaim the position that had been his since birth, he had to take the hands of such men at all.

“…Is this because of Lady Heilring?”

Cloud asked cautiously. There was no other reason that could explain Byron’s sudden change of heart.

As always, his intuition was sharp. Byron lowered his head slightly and curled his lips into a wicked smile. With his face cast in shadow, his expression looked all the more sinister.

“You’re right. I thought my Ophelia would wait for me in that place forever. But now I’ve realized… she may not be able to.”

A gnawing unease plagued him—an unbearable fear that Ophelia might slip forever beyond his reach.

He had to take everything back quickly. Only then could he hold her in his arms. Otherwise, nothing would have any meaning.

“So let’s stop wasting words and move. If not now, when else can we kill him? I’m counting on you, Cloud Ayr.”

For only then could Cloud’s family wash away their disgrace.

Byron refilled his empty glass with liquor and jerked his chin toward the door, signaling Cloud to leave.

“…Yes, my lord.”

And as always, Cloud had no choice but to obey.

At last, the moment Aila had been waiting for arrived.

She lay in bed, stealing furtive glances at Laura.

Tonight was Laura’s turn to keep watch by her side, and to ensure Laura slept soundly, Aila had slipped a small dose of sleeping draught into her water.

It was a specially concentrated mixture—just a few drops would keep Laura in a deep sleep until morning.

All that remained was for Laura to drink. Until then, Aila couldn’t help but keep watching her nervously.

“…Why are you staring at me like that, milady?”

Laura scowled, irritated at being watched so intently. She clearly didn’t enjoy having to stand guard over the daughter of her enemy while the girl could rest so comfortably.

“…It’s nothing.”

Aila quickly turned toward the wall, not daring to arouse more suspicion and risk ruining her plan.

But her ears stayed keenly focused on Laura. She strained to catch even the faint rustle of her clothes whenever she moved.

Finally, after what felt like ages—

Gulp, gulp. Laura drank from the cup.

It worked.

The potion would soon spread through her system, and the young Laura would be powerless to resist the drowsiness that overcame her. By morning, she would still be fast asleep.

Aila’s heart raced as she waited for the result.

“…What’s wrong with me? Why am I so sleepy…”

Laura’s voice faltered as she weakly resisted the overwhelming tide of slumber. But before long, steady breathing filled the room. She was asleep.

“Laura?”

Aila sat up and poked her, then shook her gently.

But the potion was far too strong—Laura wouldn’t wake no matter what.

Wearing only a white nightgown would draw too much attention, so Aila took a pitch-black robe from the coat stand and pulled it over herself, tugging the hood low.

Shrouded entirely in black, she blended well enough into the night. The glow of the streetlamps brightened the streets somewhat, but the shadows were still deep enough to conceal her.

She opened the window and peered outside. Just then, the tavern door swung open and someone stepped out.

Cloud?

Though his hood was pulled low like hers, his tall, broad-shouldered frame was unmistakable.

…Where is he going?

Cloud’s primary duty was to guard Byron. For him to be moving about alone in such a dangerous city at night could only mean one thing—whatever he was doing was extremely important.

I have to follow him.

She couldn’t know exactly what, but she was certain she could glean information if she shadowed him.

Her eyes measured the distance to the roof of the next building.

I can make that.

Hesitation would only make her lose him. She leapt, landing on the roof with feline agility.

Good. There he is.

She trailed Cloud from above, moving silently across one roof to the next.

Despite the late hour, plenty of people still wandered the streets. But no one noticed Aila’s presence—except for a startled alley cat, which arched its back and fluffed its tail at the sudden appearance of a human overhead.

…Where did he go?

After bounding across several rooftops, she suddenly lost sight of him. She froze, scanning the streets.

Had she lost him just like that? Lowering her body, she searched more carefully—and spotted him at last. Cloud was hiding in the shadows of an alley across the wide street.

Why would he suddenly conceal himself? Did he notice me following him…?

Aila swallowed nervously and crouched behind the rooftop’s edge.

No. That wasn’t possible. She knew well enough the gap in skill between them. There was no way Cloud could have detected her presence so quickly when he hadn’t before.

So then—what was he waiting for in that alley?

She decided to get a closer look. Spotting a narrow, deserted passage behind the buildings, she judged it safe and dropped down lightly.

She had checked several times to be sure no one was there. Yet the instant her feet touched the ground—

A shadow leapt from the darkness.

“Ah!”

The startled cry belonged to a young boy, his voice still cracking with adolescence. He had nearly collided with her as she landed.

Aila, equally shocked, cursed inwardly. Damn it. Where did this brat come from?

The boy looked about ready to scream. Aila quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.

Her sudden movement dislodged her hood, revealing her gleaming silver hair under the moonlight.

Wide-eyed, the boy stared blankly at her, dumbfounded that such a small girl had silenced him so easily.

Shh.

Keeping her hand over his mouth, she raised her other index finger to her lips. Comprehending her intent, he nodded slowly, still looking dazed.

Aila cautiously let go and studied him. He, too, wore a black robe like hers—a suspicious getup.

Through the folds of the robe, his skin looked smooth and healthy. Well-fed, well-kept—clearly a noble child.

His golden eyes glimmered even in the dark, reminding her of Byron. His long lashes and delicate features also bore an uncanny resemblance to that loathsome man, though his beauty was softer, more refined.

Why fate had cursed her with the sight of someone resembling Byron, she did not know—but it was enough to sour her mood.

Who is this boy?

She glanced behind him and caught a faint shimmer of light, vanishing into the air. A trace of magic.

She remembered seeing something similar back at the ducal estate. A teleportation scroll. Such magic was of high rank and very expensive. Clearly, this boy was from a very wealthy household.

His refined clothing under the robe only confirmed it. He had no business lurking in back alleys.

There was only one conclusion: some pampered young master had snuck out for a secret excursion.

“From the looks of it, you don’t want to be caught either. Let’s just pretend we never saw each other.”

Her voice was low and cold. She couldn’t afford to waste time. Every second risked losing Cloud’s trail.

She turned sharply and hurried toward the alley’s exit.

“Wait…!”

But the boy stubbornly followed. Though tall for his age, he struggled to keep pace with her swift steps.

Irritated, Aila finally stopped. If she stepped into the open with this boy dogging her heels, Cloud might notice her presence.

“…What is it?”

She crossed her arms and leaned to one side, her expression filled with annoyance.