Chapter 24

Chapter 24

During the brief break, Carynne ripped off the decorative flowers draped over her one by one. While doing so, she struggled to untangle her complicated thoughts and thought about it.

Who did her father say he met?

Obviously, Carynne strangled Nancy. But did she stop breathing for sure? No way, no way. In case she hadnt died from that, Carynne would have done something about it. Then since its like this, from when did the illusion stop and reality start? Carynne was suspicious of the incident, but rather, she was more distressed about herself.

Haa.

She breathed in the cool night air. Perhaps her mind was getting a little clearer because of this. Leaning on the balconys railing, she looked up at the moon. Her head was pounding. She needed some time to think.

How far could she trust her own senses?

Carynne looked down at her hands. How far could a lunatic be sure of her own senses when she knew for a fact that shed gone mad?

In the end, Carynne had no choice but to guess through the others, not through herself. More than anyone else, she couldnt trust herself.

She contemplated other peoples words rather than her own perspective and experiences. First, she had to exclude the assumption that even this was just a dream. Lets think about this rationally, Carynne.

Isella saw Nancys corpse. Nancys death was certain to some extent, since Carynne also personally saw the same corpse. And the coachman who used to fancy the maid was now interested in Donna.

But lets set this aside for now. There lay no certainty in emotions. Dialogue, testimoniesthese were the ones that mattered.

There was a certain window of time between Carynne and Isella seeing the corpse. Carynne had no intention of hiding the corpse in the first place, so she just left it as is. She also left the necklace on the body. Between those timeframes, there was plenty of time for someone to come and chop up the corpse.

Whatever process they used, there was only one thing for her to confirm right now.

Did the fief lord tell the truth about this?

What are you thinking so hard about?

Raymond suddenly entered the dark balcony.

So damn annoying.

Carynne had to wrestle with herself to school her features as she looked at Raymond. He butted into her thoughts.

Its nothing much.

She crushed the petals in her hands and threw them away. Annoying. If this life could be considered a good fantasy, then among everything here, Raymond was a first-class nightmare. His outward appearance was luminous, but he was never the answer.

His love was meaningless.

His face, his capabilities, his wealtheverything was useless when Carynne had so many questions.

If its nothing much, then I would like to spend this time reserved for nothing together with you.

Please dont tease me.

I apologize. Would you like to have a drink? This has high sugar content, so its a good refreshment.

Youre teasing me properly, arent you.

Frustrated, Carynne glared at the glass as she replied.

I cant drink liquor because of my injury.

Ill have to drink two glasses then.

Whoop-de-doo.

Why dont you just drink from the bottle?

Go ahead and die from alcohol poisoning. Thats perfectly fine.

Haha!

Raymonds eyes widened, then he burst into laughter.

It seems like youre in a sour mood?

What should I be happy about? I got stabbed by a knife

Because you were late.

Raymonds face lit up with a refreshing smile as even his eyes curled up.

Dont you think that seeing me is a good thing?

Pardon?

There was also one noble young lady who applied to be a nurse on the battlefield just to look at me.

Ah, yes Is that so.

With a playful smile, he made eye contact with her. It was a boyish face.

You dont believe me?

Wow Sir Knight, how awfully confident of you.

She twisted away from him.

How disappointing. Right, I have to play the role of an innocent girl, a shy tomboy who secretly likes you.

I heard a rumor that youre here Youre famous even in these parts, so just, perhaps you did come

Her face became red.

Thats all.

There was also some time that elapsed before he ran after her. The distance should have been quite far away, and since it was nighttime, Raymond couldnt have read her lips clearly. Even so, he cornered her and asked if she really said his name, so he must think so.

Carynne felt the heat of her anticipation die down. The night air was chilly.

Well, alright.

The space between them had gotten wider. But Raymond held her hand again.

You really dont get surprised at all.

What do you mean?

That night, I said I had read your lips But why arent you surprised?

Pardon? Because, you have good eyes

Hadnt he always been the beloved knight?

But the gentle look in his eyes disappeared, and strange doubts arose. His lips were twisted now.

People usually just admire my shooting skills.

He gripped her hand a little tighter before he let go again.

You werent awestruck, neither were you suspicious of me. Its like you already know me so well.

But when you look at my face, it seems to be far from something like affection.

What Lord Raymond, youre going too far with your accusations. Fine. I thought that it would be more comfortable for mefor the sake of my familyif youll fall in love with me. But dont try to read more into it than that.

So you planned to seduce me? With that expression on your face?

While Raymond spoke still with the same expression as a while ago, Carynne felt a little flustered and awkward. She tried to step back, but there was no more space behind her.

Avoiding his burdensome gaze, Carynne continued speaking.

I was trying until a while ago. Now that Ive been caught, Im feeling terribly ashamed. Happy now?

She pushed Raymond away. However, rather than moving, his trained body was stuck there as though he was the one pushing her. There was still a smile on his lips.

Sir Raymond. Please refrain from paying too much attention to my fiance.

Dullan was here, and he grabbed Raymonds arm.

Excuse me.

He took Raymonds hand off.

L-Lets go back.

Carynne rubbed her wrist. Dullan usually didnt come at this time, but its a good sign that Dullan was approaching her this often. It would be easier to kill him. On the other hand, it seemed like its going to be a challenge to kill Raymond.

But itll be worth it. Ill kill you. You. Definitely. The moment you beg for my love, Ill hand you a poisoned chalice. Raymond, my knight. I cant believe youre resisting like this. I cant believe youre twisting a dagger of doubt like this. Its getting harder and harder to kill you.

Carynne inwardly recalled her vow.

Carynne wished to kill Raymond. Because hes the male lead. Wasnt it unfair to keep dying alone? If the story changed when one character was killed, it gave her goosebumps just thinking of what kind of ending there would be after Raymonds death. Itll be fun, certainly.

Carynne would continue to kill. He would be Carynnes main dish. She could cook him and chew him and swallow him whole.

Even at this moment, there was something she was curious about. He was always like that. Regardless of which ending. She wondered then, if he would be the same again this time.

She wants to know.

Will you love me again this time?

* * *

Now then. Its time for an experiment.

In a little while, she would be able to find out if her father lied. While holding a watch up, she glanced over at the chopped-up corpse. Shed know for sure this time. Lets see if the body disappears after a day.

Will you watch it closely without looking away?

The boy shook his head with tears brimming his eyes. He didnt want to do it. Carynne didnt like this. She grabbed the kids shoulder tightly and smiled up close to his face.

Understand? Watch it closely.

Carynne looked down at the boy she had kidnapped.