Capítulo 46: Led to Death [ III ]
6 Days Ago
"Send word to Karthen and Elloise," Count Trynal instructed. "They are to investigate the Princess's disappearance thoroughly—her last movements, Wellian's activities, and any whispers within the court. Discretion is paramount."
The steward nodded. "It will be done, my Lord."
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Count Trynal's Estate – Training Field
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The clang of steel echoed across the training grounds as Elloise lunged at her opponent. Her short, dark-brown hair clung to her damp forehead, her movements precise yet unrelenting.
"Haah!" she exclaimed, her sword clashing against Karthen's, a bald man whose scar ran from the top to the bottom of the right side of his mouth.
Huff. Puff.
"You're improving, Elloise," Karthen said with a grin, lowering his blade.
"And you're still as predictable as ever," Elloise retorted, her breath labored but her tone teasing.
They both collapsed onto the ground, panting and exhausted.
"So," Karthen began between gasps, "thought about what drink you're buying me tonight? Huff."
Elloise shot him a sidelong glance, wiping sweat from her brow. "I don't know what you're puff... talking about."
"Come on... don't tell me... puff... you're breaking your own rules," Karthen said with a smirk.
"What rules?" Elloise asked, her attention suddenly drawn to something else.
"What are you—" Karthen started, but his words trailed off as he followed her gaze.
Standing at the edge of the training field was Hwaan, his steward's uniform pristine despite the dusty surroundings.
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A Few Moments Later – A Private Room
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The air in the room was tense. Elloise and Karthen sat across from Hwaan, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.
"So you're telling me the Princess is missing?!" Karthen's voice boomed, shattering the silence.
"Shhh! Not so loud, you numbskull," Elloise hissed, glaring at him.
"If what you're saying is true, Hwaan," she continued, her tone more measured, "then not only the Count but Viscount Wellian should be informed."
"Correct, Lady Elloise," Hwaan replied calmly.
"And we're supposed to follow Viscount Wellian's every move?" Karthen asked, his tone tinged with skepticism.
"Yes, Sir Karthen," Hwaan confirmed.
The steward departed shortly after, leaving the two alone.
Karthen leaned back in his chair, rubbing the scar on his face. "What do you think, Elloise?"
"I don't know," she replied, her voice quieter now. "We were supposed to leave this line of work a long time ago."
"And we will," Karthen said firmly.
"When, Karth?" Elloise snapped, frustration evident in her tone.
A moment of silence passed before she sighed, her voice softening. "I'm only still here because of you."
Karthen reached out, pulling her into a tight embrace. "This will be the last mission. After this, we'll go back to our hometown and get married. I promise."
Elloise leaned into him, her voice barely a whisper. "Make sure."
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Count Trynal's Estate – The Count's Office
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Count Trynal stood by the window, the morning light filtering through the curtains. His hands clasped behind his back, he radiated an aura of cold calculation.
Hwaan entered, his presence barely acknowledged by the Count.
"Have you told them, Hwaan?" Trynal asked without turning.
"Yes, my lord," Hwaan replied, his voice steady.
A thin smile played on the Count's lips. "Good. Now, ensure they never return from this mission."
The room fell silent as Hwaan bowed and departed, leaving the Count alone to stare out the window, his gaze as cold as the plans he had set into motion.
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