Chapter 176
Knock, knock.
After Carynne led Verdic to the hall just a moment ago, still soaked to the bone, she knocked on Raymonds door. Her head felt like it was about to explode as she thought about Verdic waiting below.
Knock
Yes.
When she opened the door, she saw Raymond cleaning his bag and gun. It was two days later that he was scheduled to leave the house for work. No matter how many times she died and lived again, his work always remained the same.
He put down the items he was holding when he saw her. Then his expression changed. He realized that her entire body was drenched.
Carynne, why are you wet?
But she cut off his words there. That wasnt important right now. She didnt want the conversation to veer in the wrong direction. Verdic was directly below them. Time was of the essence.
Sir Raymond, we have guests.
Who is it?
Mister Verdic Evans. Hes yet to say why hes come to visit, but he must have come to see you.
His eyes immediately became calm. Carynne herself wasnt worried about her being wetthat could be addressed later.
Raymond took a moment to look at the bag and belongings he was holding and then answered.
I see. Ill go out to meet him. First, Carynne, you should change out of those clothes.
Yes. And he remembers me.
Right. Youve already met before?
We did. You and I reunited in that tower, not at my house, right? Thats because I was on my way back from canceling the contract between him and my father. I was Fathers representative.
He nodded in response. His expression wasnt particularly positive but also not gloomy. He just seemed to think, Oh, so that man arrived.
Raymond had certainly mentioned going to work, but he had never mentioned anything about Verdic. However, his face wasnt showing the kind of surprise youd expect from an unexpected incident, which made Carynne a bit anxious.
Mister Verdic arrived, Raymond.
She repeated it once more to make sure he was fully aware of the situation. Nevertheless, he remained surprisingly composed, to the point where she felt a bit flustered herself.
Why?
Yes, Carynne. I will go downstairs. I didnt think that youve already met before, but it shouldnt be a big problem.
But why would he come here.
But she couldnt be as composed as him. She couldnt fathom his calm demeanor. She couldnt understand why he was so unflustered. Why are you so unphased? She was bewildered by his nonchalance, watching him check his clothes first in the mirror before leaving the room.
Verdic had killed Carynne dozens of times before. Verdic showing up in front of her was definitely not a good sign.
She felt like her mouth had gone dry. This timein this lifeshe thought that she finally wouldnt have any connection to Verdic.
Now that Raymond remembered her, she believed that she had completely severed ties with Verdic.
But that wasnt the case.
She recalled the fingernail. She recalled the people panicking when Isella disappeared. She recalled the face of the haggard Verdic.
If Raymond had truly, towards Isella If that was the case, wasnt it just a matter of time before Carynnes death would once again be triggered?
But still, he seemed calm.
Theres nothing much to it. I guess he has his reasons for coming, but its not something you should worry about. Mmh, well, what can we do? Even if he recognizes you, I have no intention of sending you outside right now.
At least, I repeatedly insinuated that I didnt recognize him. But he doesnt seem to believe it at all.
What if you use a fake name and say that youre suffering from memory loss?
Would he even believe that?
Carynne didnt think Verdic would believe the fake name shed use, let alone the convenient excuse of having amnesia.
Even if he doesnt believe it, it shouldnt be a big issue. Thats not the most important thing. But please, be careful from now on. What startled me the most was when you came in.
When Raymond saw Carynne, who was dripping wet, his face lost color instantly. However, as she spoke about Verdic, he seemed to regain his composure and his bewilderment vanished. He scrutinized his reflection in the mirror and straightened his attire.
Carynne, why are you soaked?
I fell into the stream.
Flinch.
Raymond stopped fixing his clothes and walked towards her. It seemed like that was the only thing that mattered.
I thought you had gone swimming.
Then, he placed both hands on her shoulders.
But clearly, you were in danger even if you shouldnt have been.
He started to speak, but he clenched his teeth midway. Right now, the most crucial thing to him wasnt Verdic.
And ironically enough, the fact that Verdic was waiting outside was whats still anchoring down Raymonds rationality.
If Verdic hadnt been there, Carynne was a bit scared of what Raymond might have said. His expression was that serious.
Im glad youre not hurt, but from now on, please refrain from going outside alone. Especially when Im not here. You must stay inside the house at all times. Verdic, he No, in fact, it would be best if you just stay here and dont go out from now on. Just act like youre a maid.
Sir Raymond.
As for Verdic, Ill handle it. Dont worry too much. Change out of your clothes.
He asked her to change her clothes and exhaled a sigh. Then, he finished packing his bag and placed it under the bed.
* * *
Its been a while, Mister Verdic Evans.
Verdic looked at Raymond and felt an unfamiliar, odd sensation. The Raymond in front of him was undoubtedly the same young man he had been acquainted with all these years, but His attitude, the look in his eyes, and his voice
Everything felt oddly disquieting.
Why?
Verdic was skilled at reading people.
He had watched Raymond since he was very young, even when Raymond was still just at the height beneath his chest.
Raymond was a man akin to a doll that his daughter wanted to have for herself. Being excessively competent was also a problem, but the young mans youthful, rebellious spirit always glimmered in his eyes. That part of him was charming, but it was also his weakness.
However, the Raymond before him now was strangely unsettling. Verdic did not know how to express the unfamiliarity that he was feeling.
Youre soaked. Arent you cold?
You dont need to worry.
Verdic replied and regretted it slightly. He should have said that he performed an act of goodwill by saving the maid just a moment ago. Was he here to gain Raymonds approval? No.
However, the mans gaze, truly, felt eerily uncomfortable. It was the same sensation that Verdic felt the moment he took a step into this mansion. No, rather, it started when he had first seen that redhead.
Carrie, please prepare enough tea according to the number of people.
Raymond looked at Carynne as he gave this order, calling the name as though summoning her over.
Verdic watched them with a pitiful expression as they engaged in a ridiculous act. Carynne to Carrie. Wasnt this quite the pointless charade?
Looking at the red-haired woman who still wouldnt meet his gaze, Verdic pointed at her with his finger and said to Raymond,
Is her name not Carynne instead of Carrie?
Raymond replied with an unabashed smile.
Ive been calling her Carrie.
Even though Ive met that noble lady before, and she introduced herself as Carynne Hare?
If youre going to lie, its better to change the name to something more plausible. Verdic thought he might need to learn more about Carynne Hare.
Isella Evans, his daughter, had disappeared. Yet here, why was Carynne Hare now with his daughters former fianc?
Verdics mind began to spin rapidly.
Raymond. Carynne Hare. Baron Saytes.
Is that so? Well, Mister Verdic, is that the reason youre here now? If you want to conduct a thorough investigation regarding the young ladys name, youre more than welcome.
When Raymond led with this, Verdic said nothing in return.
He didnt expect Raymond to counter like this.
Raymond had no intention of making proper excuses right now. His attitude seemed more like, So what if you think so?
Verdic thought of Isella, the reason he had come to this place. The hair of Isella Evans was sent through the post that passed by this place, and he was here to find more clues.
He didnt have the time to dig deeper into Carynne. It might lead him off track, and he was at risk of getting lost down a fork in the road rather than sticking to the main path.
Continuing to talk about Carynne would veer him off his main purpose.
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