Chapter 46

Chapter 46

I wish you were dead.

Lady Mary continued to murmur almost hysterically. Chel stood frozen at the back of the bed, clearly shocked by the sight of his mother. Ian glanced at her briefly before instructing one of the warriors.

Summon Chief Kakantir and Lord Nersarn.

Yes, Sir Ian.

I wish you were torn to pieces. I wish no one remembered you were ever born.

Mother, you should stop talking like that. The investigation team is still in the mansion. If they hear you, wed have no choice but to hand you over.

Mary paused at his words. Was it because blood was rushing to her head? It seemed like Ian was suggesting he would save her.

Ian, are you going to save us? What about father?

Chel-hyungnim, this is not the time for such talk. Father is already captured by the central army and is beyond our reach. Do you have any belongings to take?

Upon hearing that Dergha was captured by the central army, Lady Mary seemed to lose strength in her legs and slumped down. Chel was similarly affected. It was dark, but it was obvious that he was shocked and close to tears.

I, I will save Father.

What?

His trembling voice and the outrageous claim did not match. The Cheonrye warriors only let out faint chuckles. Who was going to save whom, really?

Chel-hyungnim, get a grip. Do you not understand the situation? Deo is dead, the steward is dead, and most of the mansions servants are dead. And thats not all. On top of that, the people of the fief blame Count Dergha for the casualties in the battle.Theres no place for you and mother in Bratz, except this hidden space.

The harsh reality seemed unbelievable. Chel kept flinching and looking around the dark room and at his mother. To live in a place like this for the rest of his life? Never, he couldnt live like that.

Ian turned his head to the noise coming from outside.

Sir Ian, Chieftain Kakantir and Lord Nersarn are here.

Alright, Ill be right out. Mother and Chel-hyungnim, Ian paused, seemingly deciding on their destination, and snapped his fingers. It seems you have no place to go but to your maternal home. Prepare to leave with the warriors. Well depart as soon as it gets deep into dawn.

Sir Ian, where is this womans maternal home?

Im not sure, actually.

Lady Mary was shocked once by being referred to as this woman, and again by Ians indifferent attitude. Chel spoke on behalf of his tongue-tied mother.

Fo, Fontrol.

Fontrol? Ah, its to the north of Bratz. We have to go around Merellof, so it will take about two weeks. There are not just the distances but dangerous mountains as well.

Why go around Merellof? Cant we stop by to get some food or clothes

Merellof has completely shut its gates. They are the ones who killed the steward. Theyve imposed a self-lockdown until the situation clears.

Upon hearing Ians words, Lady Mary swung her head in disbelief.

It was understandable that Merellof did not help during the standoff with the central army; they didnt want to be implicated as traitors. But the fact that they killed the steward was beyond belief.

Merellof killed the steward?

Why are you surprised, Mother?

That woman, she shouldnt have done that to me. She cant do that to me

She bit her nails frantically, her behavior chilling. The warriors looked at Ian with uneasy expressions, but he had no clue either.

I will go to Merellof.

Mary nodded her head as if she had made up her mind.

Ian, before leaving Bratz, we should stop by the main house.

Have you lost your mind, Mother?

His tone carried a nuance of telling her to stop spouting nonsense. But the Lady was undeterred and forcefully expressed her will.

If we go, Merellof wont be able to easily drive us away. We can borrow some money there, get some help

It was impossible to know what was going on in her mind, but it was clearly a mess. Ian crossed his arms as if challenging her to continue her nonsensical talk.

Lady Mary suddenly stopped and asked.

My husband, Dergha, hes not dead yet, right?

I regret how things have turned out.

The Cheonrye is!

Just as Mary was about to hurl insults, she swallowed her anger. After all, Dergha was still alive. They had to survive until 1st Prince Marivs reply arrived.

She knew that these people werent helping them with pure intentions, but she had no choice but to thrust her head into the mouth of the tiger.

I trust you will understand, as we each have our circumstances. It would be good to know that this is our last favor to you.

Lady Mary gnawed at her lips. Was this what it felt like to knowingly step into a trap? She firmly grasped her sons hand and nodded.

Alright. Cover your face with the hood.

Come this way.

Hurry up!

Ian moved closer to Mary and Chel, who were heading toward the horses, and whispered.

The warriors will guide you to Fontrol, but they wont risk their lives for you.

Meaning, cooperate and stay low. If they felt their safety was compromised, they could abandon the two at any time. As Mary glared at him, Ian simply smiled.

If you dislike it, you can quit now.

If they dont leave, they only had two options: either live wretchedly hidden in a secret storage, or get captured by the investigation team and be executed alongside Derka.

Chel quickly pulled on his mothers arm as if urging her to move.

Ian, you bastard

I wont forget your warm love during this time, Madam. Thank you. But I dont particularly want to see you again.

Mary regretted it. She should have just killed him when she learned of his existence. Or maybe she should have severed his arms and legs, burned out his eyes and ears, and sent him off as a beggar. She had so many regrets in the many missed opportunities that had passed.

Now. Leave.

Um, Ian, about my father

Chel!

Mary glared at her son, as if telling him not to speak with Ian any further. Mary and Chel put on their black hoods and mounted their horses.

The investigation team has started their dinner and meeting.

Good timing. Keep the front gate open.

Yes, understood!

Hee-yiing!

The horses carrying the two galloped through the center of the mansion. A few soldiers turned their heads reflexively at the sound of the horses, but that was it. Horses came and went dozens, if not hundreds, of times a day, after all.

Tadak-tadak!

The two horses quickly entered the quiet village and sped down a deserted road. A few of the territorial residents glanced at them from the shadows, but paid no mind.

What are they so busy with?

Exactly, and its getting dark too.

Public interest was quickly buried in the darkness, leaving no trace. The servants who were left in the mansion saw that the horses were running smoothly and hurriedly focused on cleaning up.

Make the grass look natural.

Should we put some rocks on it?

No, that would only arouse suspicion. Restore it as it was.

Yes, understood.

Meanwhile, Ian looked towards the lit annex. He was wondering what could possibly be the reason for Madam Mary to return to her room even in such a situation.

What was it that made her think Merellof would help her?

However, that place was currently being used by Commander Erica. Soon after Countess Mary left along with the investigation team, he would have to search there.