Chapter 52
After I Die, the Little Groom
Heinrich certainly knew Baron Warden Yeong-sik. He had been the one to interrogate him during this incident.
“He’s alive, but I doubt it will be easy to get him to speak.”
Heinrich omitted the details, but Baron Warden Yeong-sik had probably endured some form of severe torment.
Baron Warden Yeong-sik quickly admitted to human trafficking. However, he did not reveal a single thing about the black magic incident.
“He claimed responsibility even for the crimes his subordinates or mercenaries committed. He didn’t come across as someone magnanimous enough to take on others’ sins.”
In this world, there were such things as criminals with a sense of loyalty, but Baron Warden Yeong-sik did not seem to be that type.
The only reason he would shoulder another person’s guilt was one:
“He desires death.”
Not only was Baron Warden Yeong-sik unafraid of death, he actually sought it.
Nadia touched her jaw and lips, lost in thought. Heinrich silently waited through her silence. After a moment, Nadia raised her head, her golden eyes sparkling.
Understanding her expression, Heinrich spoke before she could.
“Do you have a plan?”
“I wouldn’t call it a plan. But if he’s still alive, I want to meet him. Could you help me?”
“I will.”
It was an instant response, so quick that Nadia barely had time to be surprised.
Heinrich continued before she could even ask.
“We are currently waiting for His Majesty the Emperor’s judgment. If we delay, he could be executed. We must depart immediately.”
“Ah, yes.”
Nadia set down the dish she was holding and lifted herself halfway from her seat. Heinrich gestured for her to sit back down.
“There’s time to finish your meal. I’ve heard you’ve been traveling by carriage frequently lately; will that be alright?”
“I’m fine. I want to meet Baron Warden Yeong-sik before he’s executed.”
“Understood. If it seems impossible later, let me know. Excuse me, I’ll go ahead first.”
“Your Highness, wait a moment.”
Nadia called out to Heinrich as he started to leave.
“Are you coming with me? If you just lend me the letter of permission and the carriage, I could go alone…”
“No man in the world would leave his partner alone with a criminal. If it’s unavoidable, I will accompany you.”
“Huh?”
Nadia blinked, confused.
“…I mean, it’s our contracted romance.”
“Oh, it might look a bit odd to outsiders. In that case, I’ll be indebted to you.”
Nadia finally nodded in understanding.
Heinrich bowed politely and turned away.
Was it just her imagination? She thought she saw a faint smile on Heinrich’s face.
‘No, that can’t be. What could have been funny in our conversation just now?’
Nadia tilted her head, then quickly finished her meal. She didn’t know how long she’d have to wait for another chance if Baron Warden Yeong-sik were executed, so she was anxious.
Over several days, the Crimson estate had regained much of its liveliness. It seemed the staff were eager to forget their dishonorably deceased master and welcome the clumsy but kind and diligent new mistress.
Passing through the lively streets, they arrived at the Count’s residence, where Arkis greeted the visitors.
“Arkis, you were still in the north?”
Even as she stepped down from the carriage, Nadia could not hide her joy.
“I was worried about Yulia.”
“You must be busy, yet you came to see us. Thank you.”
“No, I’m just a nag. Yulia has already gotten used to the work and finds me bothersome. I was busy at first, but now I have nothing to do and am about to head back.”
Nadia visibly relaxed at Arkis’ words.
“Yulia is clever. I knew she’d manage well.”
“Although you say that, you seem very worried.”
“I’m not attached enough to stay home like Arkis.”
“Ha ha. That’s embarrassing.”
While exchanging friendly jokes with Nadia, Arkis sensed a fierce aura nearby.
Heinrich was staring at both Arkis and Nadia with an expression completely devoid of humanity.
Though he did not show displeasure, Arkis felt a chill run down his spine. He put on a composed smile and greeted Heinrich.
“It’s an honor to see you again, Duke Baldwin.”
Heinrich merely nodded, seemingly unconcerned that Arkis was a minor duke.
Nadia, having only ever seen Heinrich’s polite demeanor, could not help but be surprised.
Arkis, on the other hand, led the way as usual.
“Yulia—or rather, the Crimson Count—asked me to convey apologies for not coming to greet you personally. He’s been very busy lately.”
“It’s the busiest season. It’s fine.”
Nadia answered unusually quickly, and Arkis seemed to understand why.
“Not an excuse, he’s really busy. There are days he sleeps less than an hour. He used to sleep nine hours without fail, so he must be completely out of sorts.”
Hearing this gave Nadia a strange feeling.
She regretted not seeing Yulia, but at the same time, she worried about the hardships Yulia was enduring. Yet she felt relief that Yulia had not ignored her.
Nadia carefully composed her expression and replied,
“Please tell him I always support him. And that he can contact me anytime if he needs help.”
“Of course. Yulia also said that for Nadia, he would open the doors of the Crimson estate anytime.”
Nadia smiled and nodded.
Most of the reason Nadia could enter the Crimson Count’s underground prison was thanks to Heinrich. Yet she was glad that Yulia also considered her needs.
However, once they entered the underground prison, there was no room for smiles.
Even during her time as Rivenia, Nadia had entered Baldwin’s underground prison countless times, but she never got used to it.
The foul breath of the criminals filled the prison from floor to ceiling.
When Nadia covered her mouth, Heinrich offered her a handkerchief.
“Ah, thank you.”
Seeing this, Arkis asked with concern,
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“Not great, but I can endure it.”
Even as Rivenia and now as Nadia, she was not the delicate lady she appeared to be.
Nadia covered her nose and mouth with the handkerchief but did not hesitate to move forward.
Arkis, who had been leading, stopped at a corridor.
“Ahead, there’s a solitary cell. Baron Warden Yeong-sik is there. I’ll step back from here, as you will discuss something important. The guard inside will step out to accompany you both.”
“Thank you, Arkis.”
“Don’t mention it. This isn’t a place to stay long.”
Arkis gently kissed the back of Nadia’s hand and withdrew.
“Your Highness, shall we enter?”
Before leading the way, Nadia glanced back at Heinrich. For some reason, he was staring intently in the direction Arkis had gone.
“Your Highness?”
“…Did you call me?”
Heinrich answered a step late, turning to her.
“Did Arkis commit some rudeness?”
“No.”
Heinrich replied briefly and entered before Nadia.
Following him, Nadia saw the guard straighten his posture. Beyond the guard’s shoulder, a man was locked in the cell.
He looked completely different from when they met in the northern cave recently; the sight drew a natural sigh.
Baron Warden Yeong-sik’s limbs were shackled, and a strong gag was in his mouth. It was only natural; one cannot grant death to someone who seeks it.
Nadia approached the cell after watching the guard exit.
“Are you Baron Warden Yeong-sik?”
“He cannot answer.”
Heinrich said, as if already aware.
“That’s alright.”
Nadia spoke reassuringly and addressed Baron Warden Yeong-sik again.
“Are you Aaron Warden, Baron Warden Yeong-sik?”
Aaron, who had been slumped as if exhausted, raised his head.
Nadia carefully observed Aaron’s mana.
From Aaron’s heart, colors of anger and sorrow surged passionately. Within that, she faintly recognized the shape and color of positive emotion.
The color and shape of mana according to emotions were similar among people, but sometimes differed.
The initial, basic question was to confirm this.
Nadia swallowed and asked the next question.
“Do you remember me?”
“Ugh…”
Aaron tried to speak through the gag. His anger was so intense that the world before her eyes seemed red.
“You remember. That day, you tried to use black magic on me, correct?”
Through the cracks of anger, a tinge of pleasure leaked. The memory of attempting to kill her with black magic seemed enjoyable to him.
Nadia felt sick and coughed lightly. Heinrich immediately covered her eyes with his large hand.
“Miss, please stop.”
