Chapter 175
How many servants are here right now?
Im the only one.
Thats strange.
Its not a big problem because there arent many people to serve.
Ha.
Verdic seemed to be growing more suspicious as time went on.
Even to herself, it didnt sound entirely normal. Carynne was relieved that she was at least wearing her maids uniform. If she had been wearing something more extravagant, the situation would have been even more complicated.
So, did Sir Raymond officially hire you, Young Miss?
Well I dont really know.
Do you think its reasonable for you not to know about it when its your own issue?
I dont have any memories of signing a contract.
So, we cant even say youre a maid. Youre just a slave.
After all, Carynne wasnt originally employed here. Carynne made an effort to appear as insignificant as possible. She had to divert as much attention away from herself as possible. Verdic seemed to be getting increasingly irritated, but she had no choice but to avoid giving straightforward answers.
Do you think it makes sense for two adults to live together in a place like this without a contract? No one would do that if theyre in their right minds.
Well, Raymond was a bit like that. Carynne initially agreed but then hesitated and countered.
Lord Raymond is my benefactor. Please dont speak ill of him.
A person with a sound mind wouldnt handle things this way. If you want to show kindness, you should do it properly and take her back to her home. Just leaving her at home like this
Verdic was criticizing Raymond in terms of morality. Carynne had to stifle a laugh at how absurd the situation was.
He seemed to have the predilection for meddling in everything ever since Isella disappeared.
Since when have you known Sir Raymond? And have there been any strange incidents or other women involved?
I dont know.
But Carynne understood Verdic. She was also very well aware of the weight of the axe he wielded.
Should I kill him?
Carynne thought about the traps at the entrance. Raymond had set numerous traps in the mansion.
Verdic and Carynne had never had a positive relationship.
Since they had already met, excising him from the story might be the way.
Before Verdic could kill her, she should kill him first.
Its possible.
She hadnt done it before because of fear. She hadnt done it before because she didnt have the opportunity.
Carynne looked around. Verdic was following her.
He was a well-built middle-aged man, but if she used traps instead of going into direct combat, even someone relatively weak like herself might succeed.
This time, she might succeed in her revenge.
Carynne looked at the large front door before her.
She took a shallow breath.
Lets try.
The door doesnt open properly. Could you help me?
Carynne turned around and asked Verdic.
There was a trap set on the door. It opened by pulling the lion-shaped door handle, but if you pulled it without untying the knot inside the handle, the rope would catch the person entering. If she was lucky, she could strangle Verdics neck at once.
Please push this door open for me.
Fine.
Verdic frowned. This wasnt his job.
Carynne inwardly rejoiced as she watched Verdic walk closer to the door. This time, she was a bit nervous, but if she killed him decisively from the beginning, both herself and Raymond would be safe.
Ba-thump.
Verdic reached the door. He adjusted the scarf around his neck. Carynne imagined herself strangling his neck right there. She could do it. Deal with Verdic and dispose of the body. She would have to clean up thoroughly.
She couldnt do it in her past lives. Her first and foremost priority back then was to survive.
But Verdic didnt touch the handle. Carynne waited impatiently and decided to speak up. Why was he just standing there? Had he noticed something? That couldnt be true, right?
If you just pull this
Lind! Come here and open the door!
Verdic turned around and shouted. Whats going on? Carynne was taken aback, so she turned her head in the direction Verdic shouted. Damn it, Carynne cursed. From a distance, Verdics aide, Lind, was coming.
Mister Verdic! Slow down, lets open the door, gaaasp, together
Youre too slow, you idiot!
Verdic yelled and gestured to his aide. There were more people. In fact, it wasnt just one person. Carynne was too tense to notice that there were others besides Verdic. Damn it. Carynne quietly cursed to herself once more, teeth grinding together.
There are many guests.
Verdic looked at his watch with a grimace as he replied.
Who would come all the way here alone? My watch is ruined, damn it. This was expensive Lind, open the door. It looks like there are hardly any servants at the Tes Manor right now.
Who is this young lady?
The belatedly arrived chubby aide looked at Carynne.
She fell into the water, so I pulled her out. She says shes Raymonds maid.
Please open the door.
Carynne interrupted Verdics words. Verdic gestured with his chin towards the door. Clearly, he had no desire to even go through the trouble of opening it.
She then counted the people behind Lind. Its not just the two of them. One, two, three Roughly six of them. There was no way that such a man as him would come alone like this.
Carynne hastily spoke to the aide who was about to open the door.
You have to untie the knot inside the doorknob.
Its quite an unusual method.
I know. Its very different from before. It wasnt like this back then, Verdic quipped.
There are fewer people here now.
Carynne replied to Verdics comment, hoping it wouldnt sound like an excuse.
Carynne felt her palms getting slightly sweaty.
With a creaking sound, the door opened. Verdic looked inside from behind and spoke slowly.
The inside of the house seems quite different from before.
The plan to kill Verdic in one go was a failure.
She had expected her to come alone, and she seemed nervous as well. What could she do? With a composed face, Carynne addressed Verdic.
Sir.
Im Verdic Evans. I dont know how long youll pretend not to know, Young Miss.
Ah Yes Mister Verdic. If you wait here, I will inform Lord Raymond.
Very well. Ill wait.
Verdic stood in the hallway and replied. There was not just one trap. And when dealing with many people, there was a certain way to handle them. Carynne clasped her hands together and asked as if she were a real maid.
Shall I bring you some tea?
Please do.
The aide replied willingly, staring directly at Carynnes face and smiling brightly. Carynne also smiled back at him and turned her head to Verdic.
However, Verdic did not smile. He shook his head with a displeased expression.
No, I dont need any.
Mister Verdic.
Lind, be quiet. Just notify Sir Raymond of my arrival first.
Yes Understood.
Mister Verdic, its not advisable to act like this. You came here without even informing Sir Raymond Saytes
Lind.
The aide fell silent.
She turned and walked away. She needed to inform Raymond and figure out what to do. With Raymond, they should be able to easily eliminate three or four people. They had to be eliminated.
Carynne couldnt understand why Raymond hadnt dealt with Verdic first. She needed to vent her frustrations somehow.
* * *
Strange.
Verdic glared at the redheaded woman.
Theres just the two of them alone in this barons residence? Did that even make sense? It was clear they were hiding something.
Verdic Evans clenched his fist. Doubts started creeping in.
His daughter had disappeared. Without a trace.
Raymond Saytes was supposed to be attending a scholarly conference hosted by Countess Solia right about now.
Dont think about strange things. Dont. Youre not sure yet.
Mister Verdic Evans, isnt it? Its been a long time.
Raymond Saytes was looking down at him from the staircase, wearing a casual smile.
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