Chapter 4
To find evidence, I needed information. So from the crack of dawn, Ji-hyuk roamed the inner castle grounds, grabbing anyone in sight and asking if anything strange had happened around here lately.
"I don't know. I haven't heard anything."
Everyone repeated the same vague response. But Ji-hyuk could spot the unease flickering in their eyes.
...Looks like they've been ordered to keep their mouths shut tight.
He wasn't going to get anything useful here. The castle seemed under the count's strict control when it comes to information. Sure, with enough effort, he could pry open a gap, but not in just one day.
That left venturing outside the castle walls. The count couldn't possibly seal every citizen's lips. Especially not when alcohol loosened tongues—people would spill real stories, or make up wild ones if there were none.
Guess I'll head out later.
Ji-hyuk figured it was better with company than alone. After breakfast, he called out to Bella as she headed back to her room.
"Bella."
"...Yes?"
Her large, timid eyes widened as she looked up at him. He flashed a subtle smile at the corner of his mouth. She shyly returned it.
"Got time today?"
"Time?"
"If you're free, wanna go out with me?"
A—h. Bella's face froze in momentary panic.
"Uh, um, y-yes! Sure, I'd love to."
"Cool. I'll wait outside. Get ready quick."
"Okay."
She spun around and dashed to her room, slamming the door and leaning against it. Her hands flew to her face. It burned hot. What do I do, what do I do? Her heart pounded so hard her toes tingled and her ears scorched. She waited for it to calm a bit.
This was the first time Ji-hyuk had suggested going out alone together. Bella's mood soared; a smile bubbled up unbidden. She rushed to her luggage, yanking out clothes. No time. He'd be waiting—too long and he'd get annoyed. Man, if only he'd said sooner. No time to try on options. She changed into her cleanest, prettiest outfit. Dabbed on a little makeup. Perfume was gone. She sniffed her armpits and elbows. Good—no smell. One last mirror check, twisting this way and that, then bolted out.
"Ji-hyuk!"
Ji-hyuk stood at the mansion entrance, hands behind his back. He chuckled awkwardly at her dressed-up look.
"You didn't have to doll up... you're pretty without it."
Oh god. Bella's face flushed crimson at his words. Of course, she was thrilled. What woman wouldn't love hearing that from a guy she liked?
"Shall we go?"
"...Yes."
Ji-hyuk glanced back when she wasn't looking. Up on the second-floor window overlooking them, the fairy hero leaned against the frame. Their eyes met. Her face was blank.
Sorry, but bugging guys is my specialty.
Ji-hyuk turned away with a smirk and led Bella out of the castle.
"Bella, mind helping me out? Got some business..."
"Business?"
Her expression screamed confusion.
"Wanna hear any rumors about the count. Anything. ...Sorry for not saying sooner. Didn't want anyone overhearing and causing issues."
"No worries. Caution's smart. Sure, I'll help."
She forced an awkward smile. ...So it's not a date. I got my hopes up alone. Still, no disappointment showed. She wasn't the type to refuse someone asking for help. Hiding hurt behind a smile was her specialty anyway. She'd lived that way forever.
"Meet at the fountain in the square later, then."
Ji-hyuk pointed toward the plaza ahead. Bella nodded. He strolled off casually. The smile on her lips faded slowly.
...Was I too eager?
He didn't have to feel the same. Maybe he needed time. Or maybe he felt nothing romantic for her at all.
Come to think of it, she's got that stunning fairy hero with her. Sure, Bella was cute, but no match for a fairy. Anyone would fall for the hero, not her.
Her energy drained further. Sudden sadness welled up. But she forced a smile. Ji-hyuk needed help—focus on that. Why else borrow her hands?
Bella turned slowly, trudging away, glancing back repeatedly. If only he'd come back... and say he likes me.
"Bella, I like you."
But the fantasy stayed unrealized.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Ji-hyuk hit every tavern nearby, even buying drinks for drunks and beggars. Anything for a scrap of info.
Then he caught a ear-perking tidbit.
"The count's daughter died, y'know. ...Been a bit. Heard he was devastated."
"His daughter died?"
Ji-hyuk's eyes sharpened.
"Few months back, I think. Wouldn't eat for days. ...But hey, parents bounce back. Kids die all the time—par for the course."
The drunk cackled wetly. The old innkeeper glared, telling him to quit tempting fate.
"That bitch's cunt's gotta be loose now, right?"
"Hey, watch your mouth, you bastard. Say that shit and get lost."
"Fuck, who said I'd fuck her? Just sayin'."
If Ji-hyuk hadn't been so generous, the innkeeper would've booted them already. Dangerous talk if relatives heard.
"My wife's cunt's fucked so loose from all the pounding. ...Probably took other dicks too, huh? How else it get that sloppy so fast?"
"Whether your wife's cunt is loose or not is your damn problem."
"Nah, fuck, takes the fun outta life. ...Bitch should sell that pussy for cash then."
"Goddamn, you got no filter."
Nothing more beyond the daughter's death. Ji-hyuk stood.
The innkeeper looked surprised. Ji-hyuk had spent well—he seemed reluctant to see him go.
"You're bothering him."
"Aw, sorry 'bout that. I spout bullshit sometimes."
The drunk panicked too, sensing the cash cow leaving. Ji-hyuk waved it off, dropping two silver coins.
"Have a couple more. Good talk."
"Thanks. Safe travels."
Ji-hyuk left the drunk's lecherous grin behind. The sun blazed midday. He raised a hand to shade his eyes, glancing at the sky, then headed slowly to the plaza fountain.
The count seemed flawless. Clean with women, no cruelty. Not a sage king, but close enough with some leeway.
Except one thing. His precious daughter died.
Perfect tie to necromancy. Even wise parents misjudge on kids sometimes. Emotions override reason. The count might've too.
Tolerating a necromancer? Probably some shady connection.
Just suspicion, no proof. Plenty of nobles lose kids. Scale to citizens, it's epidemic.
...Maybe I'm way off. Necromancer could be rogue crazy.
But Ji-hyuk ignored the nagging doubt. Bad smells usually meant something. If wrong, oh well—he'd suffer the effort.
He reached the fountain, suspicion intact. Bella sat perched on the edge, waiting.
"Bella."
"Ah, Ji-hyuk."
She hurried over, beaming. Not as purely innocent as before.
"Find anything?"
"Not really, bu—"
She glanced sideways, leaned in close, whispering so no one heard.
"His Excellency's daughter passed three months ago."
"I see... Thanks anyway. Appreciate the help."
"No biggie. We gotta help each other. You and me aren't strangers."
Nice girl. She'd suffer forever with some deadbeat. Ji-hyuk wasn't much better—not evil incarnate, but far from good. Closer to bad.
"Head back?"
"...Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure."
Bella forced a smile. ...I'd psyched myself to suggest sightseeing, but now...
Of course Ji-hyuk noticed. She'd been buzzing with excitement leaving.
"...Or since we're out, wanna look around? Can't stay long—maybe one or two loops."
Bella's sullen face brightened gradually. Joy overflowed uncontrollably.
"Ah, yes! Yes, let's do that."
Nothing special, but she was overjoyed. They walked side by side. So this is strolling with a lover, Bella thought. Just walking felt good. Seeing his face was good.
"Why?"
"Nothing. ...No reason."
His soft smile was good. Broad shoulders, compact muscles—good. Handsome face—good. Kind, diligent—good.
...And down there's big too. All good.
Bella... liked Ji-hyuk.
Very much.