Chapter 26
Episode 26
The building shook violently as if there had been an earthquake, and dust trickled down from the ceiling with a soft patter.
Clouds of white smoke filled the mansion due to the falling powder.
The chandelier hanging from the ceiling swayed precariously as if about to crash down, filling everyone's eyes with terror.
"W-What was that noise just now?"
Everyone buzzed in shock at the sudden explosion.
It was a marquisate that was noisy when noisy and quiet when quiet. As long as no one reminded them of Rihart, whom everyone ignored.
Such a sudden explosion in a place like this instilled anxiety in everyone.
As everyone tried to find the source of the noise, another series of deafening booms—'Boom! Boom! Boom!'—shook the entire mansion.
"Rosie!"
At that moment, Emily urgently grabbed my wrist.
"Let's get out."
"What?"
"This doesn't feel good right now. Let's step out of the mansion for a bit."
While everyone was milling about in confusion, unsure what was happening inside the mansion,
Only Emily calmly assessed the situation and made a quick decision with steady eyes.
Without giving me time to respond, she dragged me out of the mansion, and I followed her.
Something was exploding inside the mansion—what on earth was going on?
"Rosie, stay here."
Emily led me to a secluded spot away from the mansion.
'This is......'
The Maze Garden?
I knew it from the original story. A place Arjen cherished.
Tall evergreen walls formed sharp angles, creating a labyrinth.
I'd heard that if anyone other than Arjen entered, they could wander lost inside for days due to its complex structure.
"Wait here, Rosie."
"Emily?"
"I'll go check the situation briefly."
Emily's expression looked grim, so I planned to follow her words, but I had no idea why all this chaos was happening.
Was it really that serious?
Like the other servants still inside the mansion, I hadn't yet grasped the gravity of the situation.
"But Emily, why are you risking it to check?"
"I'm strong."
"Ah, right."
I immediately accepted her simple explanation.
"I'll wait, Emily. Hurry back."
"Rosie will wait for me?"
Emily blushed happily, pulled a kitchen knife from her bosom, and left.
......An action that didn't match her shy expression at all.
Watching her go, I quietly thought to myself.
......I should seriously ask her sometime why she carries that around.
* * *
"An explosion in the basement......!"
"Look over there! It's the monster!"
"It's the monster's doing!"
It would have been better if he'd attempted escape at night when no one was around, but Rihart had little time.
The burning pain that grew stronger the more time passed since meeting Rosie forced him to hurry.
He escaped the stuffy-smelling basement.
"The monster......! The monster is out!"
"Gasp! Someone inform the Marquis......!"
"Run!"
So noisy.
The rumors Arjen had spread about him were effective in this regard.
Thanks to the exaggerated 'monster' rumors, the servants fled in panic upon seeing him.
Right now, no one was there to hinder him.
So he needed to quickly find that maid.
How surprised would she be to learn he'd escaped?
The thought of her startled expression fueled his excitement.
Strangely, only around that maid did his unknown sadistic tendencies emerge.
Troublesome.
Despite thinking that, he was smiling.
Rihart didn't waste time and set out to find Rosie.
Time was short......
Rihart felt uncharacteristic impatience, and at that moment,
He faintly caught Rosie's scent.
But the scent faded away again.
Rihart felt regret at not being able to smell the sweet fragrance longer.
Rosie was nearby.
Satisfied with that fact, he smiled.
* * *
Unaware of the situation's severity, I leaned against a tree and sat down.
Lost in thought alone while gazing at the vibrant roses at the Maze Garden entrance.
Arjen loved beautiful things, but he also loved one other thing: 'the complex.'
That seemed to pique his interest.
That's probably why he was intrigued by Rihart, who refused to be tamed no matter what.
I stood up and wandered aimlessly around the Maze Garden.
When would Emily come back......
"Aaaah!"
In that leisurely moment of thought, a horrific scream echoed from nearby.
My relaxed expression hardened instantly.
What? What's happening......?
I hid behind a tree and observed the situation.
Rescuing the screamer wasn't an option in my actions. I planned to bolt if things went south.
As I watched, unfortunately, the dense branches of the neatly aligned trees blocked the view.
Guess running is best.
I should avoid reckless actions and turn back—right then, a familiar voice rang out.
"I'll ask one thing."
......A smooth, melodic voice like flowing notes.
It was Rihart.
In that instant, the blood drained from my face.
Why is someone who shouldn't be here......?
Don't tell me that explosion earlier was......
As I pieced together the situation, my heart sank like falling off a cliff.
Rihart had escaped.
Too shocked to even scream, I hurriedly clamped my mouth shut.
If it was discovered that I was in the direction the escaped Rihart was heading, massive trouble would follow.
Two options here.
One: Capture Rihart and hand him to Arjen.
A method I'd recommend only if you wanted to die.
Two: Pretend I wasn't here and run.
The second was best.
I slowly lifted my foot carefully to avoid making noise and not getting caught by Rihart.
"Have you perhaps seen a pink-haired maid?"
"Eek, eek! P-Please spare me! Just my life, please......!"
"That's not the answer I want."
"Hic, hic!"
......Is there another pink-haired person in this mansion?
Rihart was looking for me.
At that fact, my fingertips grew ice-cold. I clenched my fist tightly to steady my trembling fingers.
Why on earth is he looking for me?
Don't tell me......
Is he trying to kill me? To get revenge before leaving this place?
<Please help me escape.>
What had I replied to Rihart back then?
<Pretend I didn't hear that. I won't tell the Marquis, so don't bring it up again. To anyone.>
......I'd coldly brushed him off like that.
Did I come off too harsh?
Isn't this a normal response anyone could give? I had to hope so.
"Opportunities don't come twice. Answer quickly, or......"
"I-I think I saw her heading to the stables......!"
Saw what?
She must have blurted anything out of fear that Rihart would kill her.
Thanks to that, she survived.
Rihart would head to the stables now, so if I stayed hidden quietly here......
"Are you sure you saw her at the stables?"
"Y-Yes......! I'm sure......!"
"You're lying."
"Eek......! G-Guhk!"
......Dead?
Through the branches, I saw a collapsed body. No blood, so probably just knocked out.
At least that was fortunate.
'But how did he know that was a lie?'
As I anxiously watched, fortunately Rihart turned in the opposite direction.
This is my chance!
I need to escape the Maze Garden quickly.
Rihart had said I had a certain 'scent' to him.
He hadn't detected my smell yet due to the distance, but if it narrowed even a little, he might notice my presence.
Carefully, without getting caught by Rihart......
But at that moment.
Crack!
I stepped on a twig I hadn't even noticed was there.
I blankly stared at the broken twig under my foot.
Hahaha......
Why was laughter suddenly bubbling up......
A chill of foreboding ran down my spine.
"Who's there."
"......"
"It would be better to come out obediently."
If you don't want to be dragged out and suffer.
