Chapter 30
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Whispers of Judgment
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It might sound like a cop-out, but using people is one way to overcome hardships.
Of course, ratting someone out like this felt a bit sleazy...
But there was nothing I could do about it.
Disposing of a close aide required the master's permission, and getting that permission meant explaining everything.
The master might even step in personally during the process.
In other words, I'd maneuvered a specific person in a particular direction.
'Just keep sucking the honey until it's over.'
Like magic, guiding others was a skill in itself.
It felt sleazy, but it didn't break any rules.
Staying in the castle was a concern, but even that seemed fine.
After all, imperial royalty had approved it.
"Nngh..."
I finally took a relaxing shower after so long and flopped onto the bed.
Lying here alone, my shoulders felt soft and refreshed.
Antiope and Ekyon were waiting next door.
I'd enjoy them when the chance came.
'Everything's wide open.'
The glass doors to the balcony were left ajar.
Just in case, I'd set a white-glowing candle on the balcony table.
Our current spot was the third floor.
The floors were only three stories, but looking down, it felt dizzyingly high.
I considered just drifting off like this, then stepped out to the balcony.
Spending the night with the northern chill wind blowing felt pretty romantic.
'Should I call the girls over?'
It was a bit of a distance, but the next room's balcony was visible.
Raising my voice a little would carry over easily, but in the end, I kept quiet.
I wanted some peace tonight, and guests would arrive soon anyway.
"I'm here."
Whoosh. Amid the blowing wind, Actaion's voice rang out.
She was still invisible, using her cloaking.
"Good work. Any eyes on us?"
"None. Who'd be crazy enough to watch the Crown Prince's room?"
"Someone crazy enough to kill me exists."
"Oh, right."
A clap echoed from beside me.
She sounded genuinely impressed, no room for argument.
"Let's head inside first. Easier to talk face-to-face, right?"
"Make yourself comfortable."
Once inside the room, Actaion dropped her invisibility.
Seeing her face made it feel much more natural.
"Sit. Let's talk."
We sat across from each other at the small square table.
The sofa was so plush it swallowed me up.
"Fancy sofas like this are kinda uncomfortable..."
Actaion, on the other hand, grimaced like it didn't suit her.
Luxury must feel awkward to her.
"You'll get used to it living with me."
"An assassin getting cozy with luxury feels off."
"Even if you get used to luxury, you'll adapt back when rolling in the field. Don't worry."
I waved it off with a light laugh, and Actaion smirked too.
She seemed more at ease now.
"That actually works?"
"Even spoiled nobles toughen up after enough rolls. Anyway, what were you up to outside?"
"Scouting, then just resting and waiting."
"Good job. When there's nothing to do, don't hunt for work—resting's fine."
Machines overheat if run nonstop, and people are the same.
Rest when it's time to rest.
"Most nobles get pissy if their underlings slack off."
"Depends on the noble."
"You're one of a kind. Must be 'cause you're the first fancy guy born in ages?"
"Could be. Anyway, give me your hand."
I extended mine, and Actaion naturally reached out to clasp it.
It looked just like a handshake.
In that position, I activated my Unique Magic right away.
White light poured from our joined hands.
"Huh?"
As the soft glow flowed out, Actaion's eyes went wide.
The white light was seeping into her body—no wonder she was shocked.
"Feels like my body's getting healthier?"
"It is. Fatigue recovery's part of the effect."
"You're looking out for me?"
"You're gonna be my woman. Of course I am."
I smiled while holding her hand, and her shoulders twitched.
Her cheeks flushed a bit too.
"I've asked a few times already, but you're serious? My tits are too big, and I'm tall—kinda gross, right?"
"I'm the only one who knows your appeal, so that's a plus. Perfect match for my tastes, plenty sexy. And cute too."
I gripped her hand tighter, lowering my voice.
This should convey my sincerity.
"Got it. Shut up already. It's weirdly embarrassing and hot."
Actaion squeezed her eyes shut and turned away.
The tough tomboy assassin's shy look was adorable.
Made me want to pounce right then.
'Hold back. Gotta hold back.'
Blood rushed to my cock, balls churning hot, but I endured.
Satisfying my lust now would leave a bad aftertaste later.
After grilling Count Kruger as planned.
When I had a moment's breather, I'd fuck her senseless in the shower.
'First time's gotta be shower sex.'
Water cascading from the showerhead, slamming her against the wall in doggy.
Then missionary, savoring her slick skin covered in bubbles.
Antiope or Ekyon might get jealous if they knew, but I couldn't hold back on this.
Fucking a big-titted tomboy was my dream too.
"Hoo."
I slowly caught my breath and let go of her hand.
Needed to cool my excitement for a proper talk.
Quiet but deep exhale, inhale.
Once the blood flow to my cock normalized, I spoke.
"I told Aunt everything—about my situation and yours. From the vibe, she'll handle yours all at once."
"What? For real?"
Actaion's eyes sharpened, her shyness gone.
Family talk put her on edge instantly.
"Yeah. Handling it ourselves would take too long and be inefficient, so I asked her."
"Grateful, but will imperial royalty really move like you want?"
"She's already on it. We'll stay in the castle for now, so hide in my room. Go invisible if anyone comes."
"Got it."
She nodded calmly at my next orders.
Better than lurking outside.
"Aunt knows about you, so she'll play dumb if she notices. No need to stress."
"You sound so sure, guess I can trust you."
"You can. Family."
I trusted on instinct over logic, and I was sure she did too.
Orpheus probably felt the same.
"Dunno how it works, but thanks anyway. No one saves and helps an assassin who tried to kill them."
"If you weren't my type, it'd be a different story. You got lucky."
I stood, stretching.
Said everything—time to hit the bed.
"I'm off to sleep, so close the window and crash. Sofa or next to me, your call."
"You end all wholesome then bait me? Hilarious. I'll head next door, don't worry."
Actaion chuckled and headed to the balcony.
Her self-aware caution meant I could fully trust her.
'Pure love sex confirmed.'
I shoved the debauched thoughts aside and lay down.
As I closed my eyes, the large window creaked shut.
Just before dawn, when the faintest light twinkled like a dot.
The navy-haired sisters gathered in one place.
One was Manes.
The other was Orpheus, mistress of the office.
"Got all the evidence. Present it, then execute on the spot. Right in front of the kid."
"That'll do. You not going?"
Manes packed the evidence-filled bag and asked.
The woman who'd seemed ready to bolt changed her tune, which was odd.
"Not going."
"You look like you'd dash off at the sight of his tail. Why not?"
"Can't indulge my greed while he's walking a hard path."
"Yeah?"
Then I can fuck him first.
Manes nearly teased her blood-sister but held back.
The subdued voice and gloomy eyes.
Even a glance showed she wasn't in a teasing mood.
'Feels relatable, makes it awkward to push.'
Still, enjoy what you can.
Manes shouldered the evidence bag and sighed shortly.
"How about hoping he comes back soon?"
"Can't rush the pilgrimage, right? Watching over his future's the right path."
"True. Gotta end it cleanly to avoid backlash."
Manes nodded in agreement.
Last task left—head there now.
"He's doing fine. I'm off."
"Yeah. Go."
"I'll tell him to write you letters. That'll comfort you at least."
Manes opened a spatial rift and stepped into the damp stone chamber.
She missed Orpheus's startled face as she turned away.
'This is the place.'
Manes quickly scanned around.
Dark stone chamber, its unique vibe, spatial sense, dry air laced with humidity.
Definitely the basement of Count Kruger's mansion, where she'd been before.
Clack. Her heels clicked against the floor with each step.
Loud enough that anyone there would've reacted.
This chamber was originally for interrogating criminals.
A prison and torture room combined, but empty now.
At least on the surface.
'Here?'
Five cells left, five right.
Manes entered the third on the left among the ten.
The one with the hidden space.
Tap tap. Her pale fingers lightly rapped the damp stone wall.
To the eye, just rubbing.
But Manes's spatial senses picked up something else.
'Cute. A real hidden room?'
Not behind the wall—stairs descending under the floor.
She clearly felt the shape of another room below.
'This it?'
Glancing around, Manes moved to the corner.
She firmly pressed a square stone tile.
Clunk. Shockingly, it sank in, and the corner floor shuddered.
The sound of stone slabs shifting.
Soon, stairs appeared where the floor had moved.
Leading down.
'All real, huh.'
Manes mulled Niu's words as she descended.
The passage was narrow and dark, but a small fireball ahead fixed that.
Finally, at the bottom.
A man huddled asleep in the small room.
'This the one?'
Manes approached and checked his features.
Pathetic state, but matched the info perfectly.
'Good to go.'
Confirmed, she opened a spatial passage to her office.
Grabbed the sleeping man's ankle and dragged him through.
"Uh, ahk...?!"
Right after crossing, dragged over the bumpy floor.
His brow furrowed neatly.
Bumps thudding his back, scraping friction.
Stimulus enough to wake him.
Plus, faint light pouring in stung his eyes.
After so long in darkness.
"Awake?"
Manes dropped his ankle with a thud against the floor.
"Wh-who are you?"
The man twisted, eyes still shut.
Cool, fresh air.
Smooth floor texture, warm sunlight—he realized he'd been moved.
'What'd be fun to say?'
The guy who made your sister his cumdump—my son? Nephew's kin?
Your mom?
Arms crossed, Manes pondered, then spoke.
"Doesn't matter. Wait here a bit."
She gave up thinking and stepped away briefly.
Hostage secured—now snag Count Kruger and lop his head.
She raided his room at once.
Grabbed the soundly sleeping count by the collar and warped space.
"Wh-what?!"
Count Kruger jolted awake, eyes bulging.
Yanked from sleep by the collar—natural panic.
"L-Lady Manes! What is the meaning of this?!"
"Don't know him?"
"Him? Who do you mean? What are you—"
The count glanced around frantically, mouth agape.
At the end of his gaze, an impossible man lay collapsed.
'Wh-why is that bastard here?'
As the count panicked, Manes slipped behind him.
She whispered.
"Time for last words?"