Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Unraveling the Fog

Lolan Hill fell from the sky, the night wind brushing past her ears, the gentle pressure of the breeze bringing a sense of comfort. No matter how many times she experienced this feeling of gliding through the wind, she never grew tired of it.

She slowly landed on the balcony, her pure white dress fluttering with the air currents before settling back down. Her emerald eyes shone like jewels in the night, then gradually dimmed, returning to their ordinary appearance. There was no sound during this process. With her acute perception, she easily avoided the gaze of the courtyard guards.

She quietly entered the bedroom. The door remained locked. Her fingers swept through the air, and a gentle breeze extinguished the candle. She then opened the window, allowing the night wind to circulate within the room, clearing away the previously stagnant air. Finally, she closed the curtains and lay down to sleep, finding peace.

This night was particularly tranquil and sweet.

The next morning, when Lolan Hill stepped out of her bedroom, the four maids outside greeted her as usual.

They first brought hot water for Lolan Hill to wash her face. One of them combed her hair, tying two strands behind her ear into slender braids that met at the back of her head and were tied with a light red bow, which hung slightly lower than her waist-length hair.

Lolan Hill shook her head in front of the mirror, her golden hair brushing against her red dress before falling like silk.

“Pearl, you’ve done a wonderful job with my hair.”

“Milady overpraises me. Actually, your hair was already perfect, I just tidied it up a bit.”

“Mm, but better than nothing, right?”

“Yes.”

The maid adjusted Lolan Hill’s hair behind her ear one last time before putting down the comb.

“How long have you been working here, Pearl?” The young lady looked at the mirror and asked.

“About five years now. Because my father once accompanied Lord Angus on his travels, I was able to smoothly enter the headquarters.”

“Is being a maid hard work?”

“Not really, there are plenty of people at the headquarters, so we often have time to rest.”

“I see.”

Then, Lolan Hill entered the dining hall, where Chelsea was already waiting.

“Good morning, Milady.”

“Good morning, Chelsea.”

As usual, these maids would temporarily leave during breakfast while Chelsea would report some matters. But today, Lolan Hill asked Pearl to stay.

While Lolan Hill talked with Chelsea, she stood by, initially composed, then increasingly uneasy, her white stockings trembling slightly.

Lolan Hill continued questioning Chelsea about the investigation into yesterday’s assassination attempt, gradually discussing the motives behind the Helix family’s guards’ attack.

“Why do you think those who worked for the guild betrayed? Could it be because the guild treated them poorly?”

“I don’t know…” Pearl’s body trembled, her face pale, her voice shaky.

“I see.”

Lolan Hill took a sip of hot tea, pondering how to handle the personal maid who had poisoned her dinner and candles.

“There’s a remote island in the Southern Wild Berry Kingdom where the branch has always been short-staffed. Would you be willing to work there for twenty years?”

“I’m willing, I’m willing.”

She trembled, kneeling on the ground, knocking her head to the floor, sobbing as she spoke.

“Alright, pack up and say goodbye to your parents and family today. Their lives will remain unchanged.”

“Thank you, Milady. I’m sorry for what I did.”

She knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face, her forehead covered in dust and bruises.

“Very well, then.” Finished speaking, Lolan Hill rose and left the dining hall where cries echoed.

Chelsea called several other maids to follow Pearl and then followed Lolan Hill out.

The two walked through the corridors in the courtyard. The head maid did not ask any questions, which piqued the young lady’s curiosity.

“Sister Chelsea, aren’t you curious about what happened just now?”

“Why should I explain myself to you, Milady?”

Uh-oh, the head maid sister is actually upset. Lolan Hill turned her head, looking at the maid with glasses dressed efficiently.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why should Milady apologize to me? You are the mistress.”

“Sorry~” Lolan Hill tried to brush it off.

“Sigh, Milady, you’re always like this. That rainy night too, can’t you take care of yourself?”

“What if Pearl has more tricks up her sleeve? What if there are other accomplices? If something happens to you, what will happen to such a large guild?”

Chelsea expressed her worries and dissatisfaction.

But I know she doesn’t have any more tricks, and there are no other accomplices among the maids, Lolan Hill thought, but she couldn’t explain how she knew, so she simply nodded in agreement.

Afterwards, they continued talking until they reached the guild’s study, where Lolan Hill usually worked.

After handling some affairs, Lolan Hill asked Chelsea to fetch Sereles.

During the wait, she began to recall the old butler’s life story.

In his youth, he was a minor noble of the West Wind. Later, he joined the military and became an officer in the war between the West Wind and the barbarians. After the war, he served as a mercenary for a while before meeting Angus. They became close friends and helped manage the guild’s affairs. As a core member of Carithes, he was experienced, meticulous, and rarely made mistakes, earning the trust of most guild members.

“Milady, I’m here,” Sereles entered the room, interrupting Lolan Hill’s recollection.

“Mm, Uncle Sereles. Last time, you investigated Lady Merau’s past. Any progress?”

“Some results. Lady Merau’s family was once a noble house in the West Wind, with their lands in Vergha. However, by her father’s generation, they had fallen into decline. When he was young, her father ran small businesses but didn’t make much money, so they lived rather frugally.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Lord Angus met Lady Merau at a banquet. At that time, he had just brought Carithes into the heart of Vergha and gained a seat at the 26-member guild table, full of vigor, often attending banquets and integrating into the circle.”

“After one such banquet, he got drunk and fell outside the banquet hall garden. Lady Merau happened to pass by and intended to help him, but ended up being entangled by the drunk Lord Angus. This led to a passionate night, unexpectedly making Lady Merau pregnant.”

“At first, Lord Angus didn’t fully acknowledge the situation, thinking it might be a conspiracy by another guild. Gradually, after getting to know Lady Merau’s character, he accepted it, but due to his deep love for his deceased wife, he never publicly acknowledged this relationship, only sending someone to take care of Lady Merau and helping her father secure profitable deals.”

“What happened later?”

“Later, after tasting the benefits, Lady Merau’s father repeatedly sought Lord Angus’s help. He also became addicted to gambling, demanding more and more. Eventually, Lord Angus sternly disciplined him several times, forcing him to settle down. Now, he no longer does business and instead lives comfortably in the countryside, managing a few estates.”

“So that’s how it is. Uncle Sereles, you’ve investigated thoroughly.”

Lolan Hill stood up and slowly walked toward the windowsill, then turned around.

“Unfortunately, you haven’t told the whole truth.”

At this moment, six sword-wielding guards rushed into the study, encircling the guild’s old butler with swords drawn, while two guards stood in front of Lolan Hill, preventing any sudden attacks.

(End of Chapter)