Lirien used to cry heartrendingly even when a rabbit she had been close to for a week died.

Moreover,

‘It’s been a long time. Seeing my sister laugh so happily.’

So, Edmond concluded from the drawing room to confine Etrisha in the mansion to prevent her escape.

It was an excellent way to find out her purpose, motives, and even if there was someone behind her actions.

Since her entire range of activities would be within his domain, she wouldn’t dare think of threatening his sister.

Turning his back to the panoramic window, Edmond refreshed his thoughts.

“Tail, you will be granted command of the extermination squad upon your return, so investigate our sister’s past whereabouts. Rail, as the butler, stay and take charge of the surveillance in the mansion.”

Rail’s eyes widened.

He was the one who had diligently learned the work of the estate and butler duties while protecting Lirien for nine years. It seemed it was all for this day.

“Yes, Master.”

The bickering twins released each other’s collars and saluted.

At Edmond’s nod, they backed away and melted into the darkness.

He looked down again beneath the brightly lit window.

Below, Etrisha was laughing, clear and serene like the blue sky, oblivious to the sharp gaze falling upon her from above.

I surveyed my newly assigned bedroom.

Intricate, ornate wallpaper, charming statuettes, and a canopy bed.

It was clear without saying – a space imbued with young Lirien’s memories.

My wandering gaze settled on the man standing before me.

“My name is Rail. From today, I am appointed as the butler of the Mipidian mansion to serve the Countess.”

The man with a waterfall of dark blue hair gave a theatrical smile.

“Please take care of me, Butler Rail.”

“It’s an honor to serve you.”

Rail slowly straightened up, watching me through his deeply indented monocle. I chuckled at his overt scrutiny and caution.

‘Escape seems impossible now.’

“Rail, could you leave now? I’d like to rest.”

“Understood. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Rail bowed neatly and then disappeared after closing the bedroom door.

Finally, I sighed and leaned back in my chair.

I was certain the hastily assigned butler was Edmond’s agent for surveillance.

At this point, I rationally suspected they were holding me because of the assassination contract.

‘But it can’t be.’

The guild leader’s memory would have been erased. Moreover, Lirien was alive.

Even Edmond couldn’t track the process without an outcome, especially in such a short time.

But…

‘Who are you?’

The memory of being threatened with a knife at dawn brought a wave of anxiety.

‘Let’s check the guild’s monthly journal periodically to verify the guild leader’s life and death.’

If the guild leader is reported dead, it would mean the assassination plot has been exposed.

After spinning various scenarios in my head, I reached a conclusion.

‘The overprotective brother wants to check if I’m safe for Lirien.’

Considering he rushed back, changing his return schedule upon hearing about a stranger staying at the mansion.

Moreover, I was a scandalous figure, having declared divorce and whose mansion burned down overnight.

It made sense for him to view me suspiciously, especially considering Lirien’s inept acquaintances.

Then, the best course for me now was to act submissively like a tongue in a tiger’s den, dreaming of escape.

‘Oh, really? You’re staying at the mansion?’

Although Lirien seemed so happy during breakfast when she heard I’d be staying, it weighed on my mind a bit.

But having outlined what not to do, I felt almost leisurely, as if in a superior position.
I reclined casually, smiling as I stared at the table. In my hand, I held a quill pen, deeply dipped into an ink bottle, and I pulled a sheet of luxurious parchment up to my chest. These were tools prepared by a maid, following Rail’s instructions before he came to greet me.

‘Time to revert to the original plan.’

I had to write a letter to the Emperor.

I moved the quill swiftly, making the peacock feather vibrate.

The content roughly went like this:

[ I hope this finds you well. How is your esteemed health? Fearing I might have inadvertently offended my mother-in-law, Lady Antara Dien, I regret not inquiring about her sooner. ]

I directly implored for understanding about my in-laws’ wrongdoings.

[ With humility, let me share that recently, my late father visited me in a dream… ]

Mentioning the common tactic from my past life about spirits of unjust deaths not leaving this world… I hinted at the manipulation of his will.

[ I no longer wish to live with that man. ]

Thus, I conveyed my decision to divorce.

The Emperor would surely see through my shallow tactics, but I believed he would welcome the news.

Then, I intended to retrieve the will stored in Count Vuiel’s VIP safe deposit box and send it to the Emperor.

Regrettably, Devon probably thought it sufficient to find and alter only the will hidden in the mansion.