Ch#76
Around the time Kinder Toten was returning to the marquis's residence once more, Dies—the younger brother of the diminutive late marquis, confined inside the room—paced around in circles. Biting his nails, he agonized, regretted, and raged dozens of times over.
"Damn, damn, damn. Something's wrong. Why is he still alive? He should be dead for sure."
No matter how he pieced together the situation, nothing changed. Thinking his nephew had finally kicked the bucket, he demanded to go see Rider. When the maid suspiciously refused to open the door no matter what, he fetched an axe and smashed it down. As Dies peered inside, he saw the maid clutching his nephew in terror.
In truth, up until then, Dies hadn't been entirely convinced of Rider's death. He realized it from the butler's reaction.
The butler followed Dies and peeked through the door crack. It was the first time Dies had seen a person so filled with ecstasy. The light leaking from inside the room illuminated only the butler's face. His eyes sparkled, and the corners of his mouth twisted upward in a bizarre grin. "Ah, finally." The butler let out an exclamation laced with cheers. Seeing the butler's reaction, Dies realized his nephew was dead.
"Hey! Is anyone out there! Confinement of a nobleman—are you all insane? The moment I get out, none of you will be spared!"
Dies pounded furiously on the door and bellowed.
"I'm the rightful heir, you know. You think clinging to my sister-in-law will get you even crumbs? Let me out of here, and I'll give you 3 gold right now! Just open the door!"
Of course, all Dies currently possessed was 4 silver coins. There was no way he had gold, but the uneducated fools fell for his bluff easily. Whispers came from beyond the door crack.
"Quiet, quiet, please."
The sound of the lock clicking open rang out. The servant, sweating bullets, opened the door. He extended his hand expectantly. Instead of handing over money, Dies seized him by the nape.
"Where's Rider."
"Guh, kkh—give me the gold, and I'll tell you."
"No. You talk first."
Dies didn't care if the servant choked to death. The servant clawed at Dies's arm with his nails but, fearing for his life, revealed Rider's location.
"In, in Madam's room."
"I see. Thanks."
Dies grinned pleasantly and tossed the servant a single silver coin. Even that was generous for Dies.
Dies headed straight for Kinder's room as instructed. In the Toten Marquis's residence, the sunniest, best room belonged to Rider, directly across from Kinder's, so it wasn't hard to find.
The servants of the Toten Marquis family froze in confusion and held their breath as the confined young master strode down the hallway. All they could do was count the minutes until Madam returned, trembling in fear. A few servants, recalling the special treatment Weather had received before, tried to block Dies but ended up subdued and knocked aside. After that, no one dared stop him.
Dies arrived at Kinder's room without issue. Perhaps assuming he was still locked up, the door wasn't even secured. Dies opened it and stepped inside. The arrogant maid named Weather slammed her book shut and jumped to her feet.
"How did you get here...?"
Dies sat in the rocking chair and grabbed his nephew's limp arm, hoisting it up. Weather rushed over but couldn't intervene due to the vast difference in size.
"Look at this! See this! I wasn't wrong!"
Rider's body felt unusually light, as if some weight had been lifted from it. See
