Chapter 41
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 041
Chapter Title: Contract Written in Blood (1)
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Instead of grabbing Helena by the throat,
"I already know why you're suddenly doing something you never did before."
Thud.
He placed his hand on Helena's shoulder. The thick, firm palm pressed clearly against her.
"Let me make this clear right here."
Helena, who had been utterly focused on that spot for a moment,
"My intention to use you as a shadow hasn't changed."
She drew in a short breath at Dane's following words.
'What's gotten into the master?'
She hadn't expected him to take her side instead of his wife's. He wasn't the type.
"……."
Whether it was because her inner thoughts had been exposed, or because Dane had flatly rejected her words,
Rose listened to Dane in silence, her face somewhat pale.
"Surveillance and background checks on the castle staff. You're the only one who can pull that off without getting caught."
"……."
"And you have connections to the guild. It's hard to find someone with conditions like that."
Dane recited it in a dry voice, as if appraising merchandise.
"Even if I asked another guild for an informant, it'd just lead back to me. You know that too, Madam."
Helena amusingly found herself thrilled at mere words like these.
Her pride as a woman was wounded. But more than that, the hand on her shoulder, the indifferent acknowledgment, mattered more.
The moment Dane needed her. She knew she'd do anything for that.
"...Your Excellency is right. But I, I'm......"
Rose briefly turned her gaze toward Helena.
Why did those drooping eyes look so forlorn? Why did they gaze at her as if they knew her so well?
Unable to figure it out, Helena fell silent.
"...No."
Soon, Rose bowed her head deeply. Like stopping in the face of an unstoppable current.
"Your concern is valid, Madam."
Dane's hand left Helena's shoulder. He turned his body so that the distant Arsil Orphanage came into view.
"That's why we're here today. To clean up the remnants still lurking in the shadows."
"Ah."
Rose let out an exclamation as she followed his gaze to the Arsil Orphanage.
"You had a plan all along, Your Excellency."
"But I need your cooperation, Madam."
"Pardon? What kind of cooperation?"
Dane cupped his chin and tilted his head. His voice held a hint of uncertainty, but his eyes sparkled with clear mischief.
"I'm not sure if you can pull it off."
**
"Damn it. Nothing's going right."
Arsil Orphanage Director Kevin was in a foul mood these days.
Orphanages usually ran on donations. And most nobles donated for charitable reasons.
But the few nobles who visited Arsil Orphanage had special expectations when donating.
Sometimes it was for background checks on someone. Other times, to cause trouble at a rival's place. And occasionally...
"Tch, that guy was too much after all."
...it was an assassination request. In fact, that was Arsil Orphanage's biggest source of funding.
The client had demanded Dane's assassination and offered a massive donation. Half upfront, half upon success.
Kevin had bet the orphanage on this gamble. The result was utter ruin.
"Shouldn't have taken the bet. Tch."
Losing his skilled children hurt deeply. Among them, Helena's absence stung the most.
"Tch."
He regretted losing his top asset and prized plaything.
"Should've excluded Helena if I knew."
The assassins sent to Schmichael Castle were all killed. And with them, half the donation.
It wasn't just a failed hit. Losing key talents hampered future jobs.
Wondering how to fill the gap, Kevin racked his brains over the orphanage's children list.
That was when it happened.
"Director! Director!"
Casto, who had been helping with work, burst into the room.
"What's the commotion?"
Kevin scowled without clearing the papers on his desk. Why was this calm kid making such a fuss?
"A guest has arrived."
"At this hour? No appointments. Must be a surprise visit."
Guests at this time had obvious business. And Casto had handled such guests before.
"Then guide them in quietly. Why the racket?"
"Well......"
Bang.
Before Casto could answer, the door flew open again.
Seeing the person entering,
"-!"
Kevin instantly understood why Casto was sweating bullets. It was that kind of opponent.
Dane Schmichael.
A massive silver-haired man stood at the door. First time seeing him in person, but Kevin knew the description.
'Even more impressive in the flesh.'
Internally clicking his tongue, Kevin suddenly noticed another figure hidden behind Dane's huge frame.
'A woman?'
There was also a red-haired girl. Dane stood beside her protectively, shielding her.
'Hm... Could it be.'
Kevin roughly guessed her identity. But politely, he averted his gaze and signaled Casto.
"Bring some tea suitable for guests."
Then he quickly rose from his desk to greet the two at the door.
"My apologies for the poor welcome. Please, this way."
Guiding them to the guest table, Kevin subtly observed Dane.
No wasted movement in his steps. Just walking felt like a master predator approaching slowly, sending chills down the spine.
A chilling aura emanated from him, his body honed like a seasoned warrior. And those piercing blue eyes.
All of it intimidated. Even Kevin, used to dealing with nobles, had to steel himself.
'What eyes for a young guy. Like a demon who's slaughtered dozens.'
It wasn't wrong. He'd heard of countless assassination attempts.
But no pain had ever brought this tiger to its knees.
Gazing at that flawless, aloof face that seemed untouched by scars or scratches, Kevin imagined it twisted in agony.
'This'll be entertaining.'
That was why he started this business, the guild.
To Kevin, an orphan, nobles were monsters from another world. Their innate noble blood, something his lowly birth could never have.
So he wanted to take it from them, make them kneel before him.
'Please, spare my life at least......'
'Where is my daughter? Where is she?'
'Whose orders were these?!'
Nobles who raged like that became servile when their lives hung in the balance. Docile once their families were hostages.
Kevin relished those distorted faces. An orphan like him subjugating them—pure ecstasy.
Thus, assassinating Dane Schmichael, the North's top ruler, was his lifelong ambition.
But.
'No wonder it failed.'
Looking at Dane now, Kevin saw his unseen past.
A startlingly pure, meticulously controlled aura. His mana reserves were said to be immense, yet contained flawlessly.
Muscles honed for killing balanced perfectly across his body. Even in dark clothes, they bulged imposingly.
'Sent my best and most persistent kids, but still.'
Seeing Dane, he realized they were hopelessly outmatched.
And Dane wasn't soft enough to spare those who targeted his life.
'So why come here?'
That was Kevin's biggest question.
Yet Dane sat silently, coldly surveying the room without a word.
He didn't touch the tea Casto hurriedly brought.
'Well-trained habits.'
Those long-targeted by assassins grow cautious. This clue revealed Dane's life.
"Had we known you'd bring no entourage or notice, we could've prepared better."
Pointing out the sudden visit, Kevin feigned ignorance of his identity innocently.
"Forgive our rudeness. I'm Kevin, who runs Arsil Orphanage. May I ask who you are?"
"Dane Schmichael."
Dane's reply was bold yet curt, as if that sufficed. Then he introduced the demure woman beside him.
"This is my wife, Rose Schmichael."
"Oh."
Kevin let out a low exclamation.
He'd been tracking Schmichael Castle's news post-assassination attempt. Heard about the 8th wife, and it seemed to be her.
"An honor to meet you."
Hiding his thoughts, he bowed deeply, then fixed his gaze on Dane again.
"Forgive me, but what brings you to our humble orphanage?"
"Hm."
Instead of answering, Dane glanced at his wife beside him. Then he extended an arm, wrapping her shoulder and pulling her close.
As Rose startled and looked up at him, Dane said,
"She told me to come."
The words were warmly affectionate, mismatched with his expressionless face.
In that moment, Kevin clearly saw it. Rose's fair cheeks flushing red.
"Ahem."
Rose brushed back a stray lock of hair and cleared her throat. Then she looked at Kevin.
"What reason would we have to visit an orphanage? As you know, it's for donations."
"As expected."
"Before that, I wanted to check if the children are doing well and if this place is trustworthy."
Kevin felt a moment of puzzlement at the situation.
They came together, yet Dane stayed silent, letting his wife speak for him?
'Ah, a henpecked husband.'
It was common enough.
Newly minted matriarchs eagerly pushing projects. Husbands pretending to yield to prove their love.
'Even this guy's an idiot in love.'