Chapter 74
At that moment, within the Duke’s household—
“Isn’t Tiana and Ellie a bit late? Has there been any report of their return yet?”
The Duke asked Vice whether the two had come back.
“No, not yet, sir. Their delay is beginning to concern me.”
“I see. Just in case, bring me the map.”
“Understood.”
Vice bowed and started off to retrieve the map.
Then—
Bang, bang—bang!
Both the Duke and Vice immediately turned toward the direction of the sound.
“That color—! Duke!”
Before Vice could even call out, the Duke had already gripped his sword and dashed out of the room with a terrifying aura.
Vice quickly followed after him.
“I’ll head toward where the flare went up. Vice, gather the knights and follow as fast as you can!”
“Understood!”
The Duke mounted his beloved horse, issued the command, and was just about to ride off—
When hoofbeats thundered from behind.
“Father!”
The voice belonged to Gilbert, who was galloping toward him on horseback. Behind him followed Liam.
“Please, let us come with you!”
Liam pleaded, his eyes filled with fierce resolve and determination.
Both of them had swords strapped at their waists.
The emergency flare for reinforcements had gone up, and they had rushed there without hesitation.
Gilbert, too, fixed his father with a strong, unwavering gaze. Recognizing their resolve, the Duke allowed them to accompany him.
“Let’s move!”
The three of them spurred their horses toward the place where the flare had risen.
Please, let us make it in time—
The Duke’s killing intent radiated as he raced through the wind with unstoppable speed.
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I’m scared. So scared.
Tiana was trembling with fear.
But my sister and I have the magic necklaces. Even if we’re on the verge of death, they’ll protect us… but what about Mariana? What about Dino? If they’re hurt, they could die.
Why are they targeting us?
Are the knights fighting outside safe? They must be—fighting desperately to protect us.
Wait… that assassin—could it be that the target is… me?
Tiana touched the pouch in her pocket.
Inside was the handkerchief soaked with the liquid she had taken earlier—from Camilla’s tea.
Ah… that’s right. The assassin is after me.
This whole tragedy might be… because of me.
“Haa… haa… wheeze… haa… wheeze—”
Tiana’s breathing grew increasingly ragged.
“My lady! My lady, it’s all right! You’ll be fine!”
Mariana gently rubbed her back.
But Tiana, convinced that what she carried was the cause of this attack, could not control her fear and struggled to breathe.
Her face was growing pale.
“My lady, deep breaths! Please—breathe!”
“Tia…? What’s wrong, Tia? Tiana!”
Ellie noticed Tiana’s condition and panicked. Trembling, she clasped Tiana’s hand tightly.
(Father… Brother… someone, please—save everyone…)
Ellie prayed desperately.
Tiana could no longer hear anything. The world around her had turned pitch-black.
It’s my fault. This is all my fault.
“Awoooooon!”
Then, a howl like that of a giant beast echoed through the night.
The sound grew closer and closer—toward the carriage where Tiana was.
