Prologue
“Duke, Lady Reina Borton wishes to see you.”
“Let her in.”
The Duke of Winternight leaned back in his chair and dropped the quill he was holding.
After a moment, the door opened and Reina came in.
Though she had lived in the mansion for years, she still looked as pale and thin as she had that winter day.
Her dull pink hair and bright yellow eyes.
A blurry impression that did not suit the name Reina.
She spoke.
“…There are people planning to kidnap Lady Estelle.”
“So some fools have finally shown up, eager to die.”
“I… I can help you catch the one behind it.”
There was a moment of silence.
“Help me?”
Reina nodded and pulled a small piece of paper from the pocket of her apron.
“This is a letter from the person who ordered me to kidnap the young lady.”
“…!”
When the Duke reached out his hand, Reina quickly hid the letter behind her back.
“What are you trying to pull?”
Anger flashed in the Duke’s eyes.
“I’ll give it to you—but I want something in return.”
Reina’s voice trembled as she held back tears.
“My child…”
“…”
“Please save my child.”
