Chapter 85

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Playing Along

I would never forget this voice even if it turned to ashes. Although, strictly speaking, this was my first time seeing him.

“Edward…”

Before my eyes, countless little stars seemed to be flying by, and I felt a slight pain in my head. Unable to hold back, I raised my hand to gently press against my forehead, suppressing the discomfort in my body, and looked in the direction of the voice.

Two figures in black robes stepped out from the house opposite. The man at the forefront had black hair and black eyes, with a face as handsome as jade. Compared to the face in my memory that made me feel disgusted, although he appeared slightly more mature, there was no doubt that he was Edward.

Behind him, half a step away, followed a masked figure. Like other masked figures, he was completely covered by a large black robe, making it impossible to discern his age or gender. He was special because his mask was golden.

The two stopped about ten meters away from me.

“Haha. You could have come out later, allowing this little bitch to stab me a few more times!”

Varal pressed hard on the wound in his shoulder, speaking with sarcasm, clearly targeting Edward, who was smiling broadly.

The latter seemed not to have heard him at all. Instead, he turned his head towards the golden-masked figure and said with a smile, “Mr. Langman, it seems your dog isn’t very obedient.”

Varal immediately became furious.

“You brat, who are you calling a dog?!” He pointed at me, “You’ve seen the strength of this girl; she’s not the frail thing she was three years ago. If I hadn’t risked my life to inform you of the message, and followed your brainless plan, would you still be standing here making snide remarks?!”

His words were quite impolite, and Edward’s expression darkened.

“It’s none of your business how I act.”

“None of my business? Little brat, understand this: the information was provided by me. Then I was caught and thrown into the dungeon, enduring for two months without saying a single word! Why didn’t you come to save me then?”

“Do you think I only have you as a source of information?”

“Then where are your other spies? Why don’t you call them out? Do you know what’s happening in Schantel Castle right now? Do you know what that old dog Scarlidge wants? You hid outside, doing nothing when I almost died in the dungeon because you didn’t kill her!”

“Who told you to kill her? Who gave you the order! To assassinate Pepi!”

“I didn’t kill her, but should I just stand by and watch her tell Scarlidge the truth, leading us both to our deaths?”

I silently watched the scene before me, understanding roughly what they were arguing about, feeling somewhat speechless.

Originally, I thought Varal had been ordered by someone to assassinate me. Now it seems that he simply decided on his own, fearing exposure upon seeing me return?

And the real mastermind, Edward, doesn’t seem very pleased…

Actually… Three years ago, I didn’t remember Varal being in the team… Even if I mentioned him, it probably wouldn’t have anything to do with him… Of course, I don’t know if the Duke knows he is a spy.

Suddenly, I found it somewhat amusing.

“Puh—”

Oops, I couldn’t help laughing out loud, quickly covering my mouth.

Then I was startled.

Hmm, the feeling of weakness seems to have disappeared?

After carefully feeling it, I noticed that the discomfort in my body was gradually fading, and my vision was becoming clear again. I quietly moved my wrist. At this moment, I heard the masked figure speak.

“Acting on your own initiative, exposing all our secrets in the Central Workshop. Varal, do you still have the nerve to speak here?”

It was a steady male voice. Varal immediately lost his arrogant demeanor and hurriedly explained, “I, I wasn’t, afraid that she would return and reveal the truth from three years ago, so I acted hastily…”

“Shut up and wait.”

“… …”

Their relationship was far from harmonious. Perhaps I could take advantage of this opportunity to act decisively… But Lafayette was still nowhere to be found.

I secretly raised my hand, wanting to test if the power of order could be used normally. Just then, Edward suddenly turned his face toward me.

He saw my small movements, and his face showed a mocking expression.

“Pepi, stop struggling. You inhaled a lot of anesthetic powder made from mandrake seeds; its effects are

It must be strong.”

…Anesthetic powder? When did I get hit by anesthetic powder… The black ball from Varall didn’t hit me, right? When exactly was this?

Right, it’s the house. The dust in the house isn’t ash… This was a trap they set for me.

As if to verify my guess, Edward spoke again.

“Are you wondering when you fell into our trap? Don’t torture yourself. Let me tell you. The moment you opened that door, you were already caught in our trap.” He suddenly sighed as he said this, “How nice. You’re still the same as before, so innocent and beautiful. I really… like it.”

Mm…

“How is it? Do your limbs feel numb and can you barely stand?”

Huh?

Is… Is it like that?

“Your Frost Order won’t work anymore, right? Soon, your whole body will stiffen up, and you won’t be able to move.”

Mm… Huh?

“You’ll fall down, feeling clear-headed but unable to do anything.”

Huh, so that’s how it is?

But why do I feel better now?

“Then watch me kill your older brother, hahaha! How’s the show? Isn’t it perfect?”

Mm, you finally got to the point.

So I stumbled, pretending to be weak but with a stubborn glare, I forced myself to open my eyes wide and glared at him fiercely.

“Lafayette! Where is he?”

My acting must have been decent because his expression grew increasingly delighted.

“Don’t worry, my dear. Your brother isn’t here. But I’ve always treated you well. If you beg me, I’ll take you to see him.”

“He’s… in your hands…”

“Mm… You’ll know when you see him. But you shouldn’t worry about others now, right? Don’t you feel heavier?”

Mm… What should I do?

I rolled my eyes and had an idea.

“Aiyah—”

I slowly squatted down, holding onto the edges of the ice columns, clumsily climbing down, and fell when my feet touched the ground.

Then I frowned.

“I feel so uncomfortable…”

After falling, I realized the ground was very dirty, and there was a musty smell in my nose. There was also some unknown stench. This smell must have gotten on me, so these words weren’t fake.

I felt truly uncomfortable and regretted it a little.

Seeing that I couldn’t move anymore, Varall boldly stepped forward.

“Haha! Little slut, you finally collapsed. It hurt a lot just now! We need to settle this account.”

My heart tightened, but I suddenly heard Edward shout angrily, “Varall! Step back!”

Varall stopped and turned to look at Edward. There was a sinister look in the dark eye sockets of his mask.

“On what grounds do you command me?”

“Because I’m the crown prince of the Valen Empire! The first in line to inherit the throne. Dare you not listen to me!?”

Varall sneered.

“Tch. Without your emperor father, you’re nothing. Just a kid.”

“You…”

Edward’s face changed dramatically, as if he wanted to tear Varall apart. Seeing the situation wasn’t going well, the golden mask spoke again, his tone cold.

“Varall.”

He didn’t say anything else; he just called out Varall’s name, and Varall trembled, standing still, not daring to make another move.

Edward became happy again.

“Hmph. A dog should know its place. A dog that bites its master will eventually be killed for meat… Mr. Langman, don’t you think she’s showing the full effect of the drug now?”

The golden mask nodded. “That’s right.”

“Then let’s act.”

Only then did Edward dare to step forward.

I pretended to be angry and cursed, “Despicable. Lowly.”

“Haha! Pepe, do you know you look cute even when cursing… It’s great. Three years have passed, and I thought you were gone. I was really sad back then. Luckily, destiny has returned you to me.”