Chapter 50
After the Grand Duke left, Cecilia prepared to go out as planned.
Ellie still looked a little regretful, but she didn’t seem as hurt as before.
Changing clothes was probably the right choice.
Cecilia glanced down at her outfit—the one she always wore whenever she went out to assess the city—and smiled with quiet satisfaction.
Perhaps keeping a proper distance really was the right thing to do.
Even asking for more food than usual for the packed lunch hadn’t raised much suspicion.
“It seems you’ve been meeting a lot of new people lately.”
“I just happened to. Since I show my face often, people recognize me quickly.”
“Then have a good outing today as well, my lady! Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Cecilia, who had been about to nod lightly, paused.
Only then did she realize how similar the concern hidden in those familiar words was to the worry her parents used to show.
And with that came the belated awareness that Ellie had been taking such careful care of her all this time.
Feeling a little guilty, Cecilia adjusted her grip on the basket of food and looked back at Ellie.
“You should dress warmly too. I’ll be back soon.”
Ellie’s eyes widened.
Slowly, emotion and joy spread across her round face.
Ellie, who had been pouting with her walnut-wrinkled chin, broke into a grin.
“Yes, my lady! I’ll have tea ready today too!”
Perhaps buoyed by such enthusiastic send-off—
Even though the same cold wind as yesterday scratched at her cheeks, it didn’t feel that chilly.
Carefully choosing a route that wouldn’t catch Ellie’s attention, Cecilia walked on before subtly turning toward the forest.
It was strange—despite the area being well maintained, she had never once met anyone whenever she visited the sanctuary. Still, it might be better to be cautious from now on.
No one else seems to know about Berry.
If they ran into him, they might kill him in the name of safety.
Cecilia grimaced at the horrific thought.
Then maybe I shouldn’t use the path leading to the sanctuary?
But poorly cleared paths came with the risk of encountering wild animals.
The best option would be to not enter the forest at all, but…
Perhaps because she had been coming faithfully to see Berry for months now—she felt she would miss him terribly if she could no longer meet that bear.
Just as Cecilia was pondering how to continue meeting Berry safely and secretly—
Suddenly, she noticed the densely packed trees swaying weakly.
As if something heavy was brushing past them.
There was also the soft patters of snow falling from branches.
Cecilia stopped and turned toward the sound.
Between the hazy fog and the wall-like trees surrounding her, it was difficult to make out any shape.
Yet instinctively, she believed it was Berry.
So far, the bear had always approached her carefully, showing consideration—and had even demonstrated an uncanny ability to find her wherever she was.
Lifting the corner of her lips, Cecilia raised her hand to show off the lunch—
“…Huh?”
A powerful stench rushed into her nose.
Black blood dripped from between its teeth—so thick and viscous it looked less like blood and more like some other substance.
Its exposed gums were rotting in places.
No—its gums weren’t the only thing decayed.
Its head, its body—everywhere, decomposing flesh was visible.
“Unlike lower-grade monsters that expose their bones, mid-grade monsters look no different from ordinary beasts—aside from the decay of their flesh.”
The words Lady Renox had once told her before her marriage whispered through the wind into Cecilia’s ears.
“Another sign that lets you identify a monster would be—”
Her feet moved without her realizing it.
Cecilia staggered a step backward, her eyes never leaving the monster.
The monster, also frozen as it assessed her presence, let out a low growl.
A harsh, threatening roar burst forth.
At the same time—
Its bright red eyes—
“—the eyes.”
No, embedded in those eye sockets was a gem—clear and pure, completely at odds with its grotesque appearance—staring straight at her.
Her heart pounded.
Proof of fear.
A chill seized the back of her neck. Her heart thundered violently, the pulse echoing all the way to her head until she could barely think.
If this continued, she would die.
Compared to the first time she met Berry, this was an overwhelming, instinctive warning screaming in red.
The basket slipped from Cecilia’s hands.
With a dull thud as it hit the ground, she turned and ran with all her strength.
She didn’t remember that one shouldn’t turn their back on a beast, or that one should run at an angle.
She didn’t even have the presence of mind to question why a monster was in a forest deemed safe.
The only thought dominating her mind was the need to get away from the creature behind her.
Her weak body betrayed her quickly—her lungs felt like they were tearing apart.
Still, Cecilia didn’t stop.
Numb legs and breath burning at her throat were not reasons to halt.
Panting, Cecilia suddenly realized something was wrong.
Why was it—
Enough time had passed that she should have been caught already.
Why am I still… running?
If it truly was a monster like the ones she had learned about, she should have been captured long ago.
The realization struck her instantly.
It’s…
Playing with me.
Tears streamed down her face as her body reacted before her mind could.
Barking laughter echoed behind her.
No matter whether she sped up or slowed down, the sound stayed at the same distance.
Because she was easy prey, it wasn’t killing her outright.
She didn’t know when the monster would lose interest.
So she had to find a solution before then.
Even now—late as it was.
Cecilia clenched her teeth and tried to gauge where she was.
Fortunately—or perhaps not—she had unconsciously chosen familiar paths, and quickly realized she was on the road leading to the sanctuary.
The misfortune was that she was already quite far from the castle.
Going back to ask for help might be impossible.
It might be better to head for the sanctuary.
It was a hut, after all—it had a proper door. If she dragged furniture to block it, she might buy herself a little time.
Even a moment’s reprieve would be precious.
If this continued, she felt she would collapse the instant her breath ran out.
Biting the tip of her tongue to regain focus, Cecilia forced strength into her legs.
Just a little more.
Endure the pain briefly, and she could catch her breath somehow.
Behind her, the monster continued to growl.
The wet, phlegmy sound almost resembled laughter.
Disgusting enough to spark defiance.
She clawed together what little breath she had left and took another step.
Thankfully, the sanctuary soon came into view.
Strength returned to her stride.
Though it was unfortunate that the monster seemed to realize her destination and sped up as well—
Just a few more steps.
Victory was within reach.
Just a little more…!
Just enough for one more step—
Her outstretched hand slammed into the door as if to break it.
Cecilia tumbled into the sanctuary, rolling inside.
Missing her by a hair’s breadth, the monster snapped its teeth together.
Her shoulders shook violently.
The door wasn’t closed yet.
But—
Why?
The monster growled, yet could not enter the sanctuary.
Something unseen seemed to block it, allowing only the occasional dull thud to echo.
As if some mysterious force were protecting this place.
Only then did strength leave her legs.
Cecilia collapsed onto the floor, gasping.
Her throat felt torn, a metallic taste rising to her tongue.
Her ears rang, her mind in chaos—but even so, it would be foolish to lower her guard just yet.
Frowning, Cecilia forced herself up and took a few steps forward to close the door—
—KROOOAAARGH!
A massive presence moved with blinding speed, pouncing upon the monster.
