In a luxurious, high-ceilinged chamber lit by golden crystal lamps, a middle-aged man sat on a velvet sofa, reviewing a stack of documents. His sharp features were calm, but the flicker of annoyance in his eyes betrayed his mood.
A soft knock wasn't heard instead, the door opened quietly as an old butler stepped in. He approached, bent low, and whispered something into the man's ear.
The man's expression darkened. He frowned.
"I see... Contact the leader of the investigation team and have her brought to me. I wish to speak with her directly."
The butler bowed and left without another word.
An hour passed.
Then without knocking a woman entered the room, her boots echoing on the marble floor. She carried herself with the casual arrogance of one who feared nothing, even in the presence of nobles.
Had Grey been there, he would have immediately recognized her: the woman who had kidnapped and interrogated him.
The man, Count Issac Roseman, noted her discourtesy but chose not to address it. Instead, he gestured to the seat opposite him.
"Mrs. Elizabeth Starfall, please take a seat."
Her gaze sharpened at the sound of her full name. She didn't sit.
"Mr. Issac Roseman, please mind your words," she said coldly.
Issac let out a dry laugh but didn't respond. He smoothly shifted the topic.
"I've received certain reports, Mrs. Starfall. It seems you allowed some suspects to walk free. The Church is quite displeased."
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed.
"They were suspects. And I did not 'let them go' carelessly. I examined all three thoroughly through illusion. Do you question my abilities, Count?"
Her voice was frosty, but not loud. Controlled. Dangerous.
Issac held up a hand in mock surrender.
"You misunderstand. I'm merely a minor count a cog in the machine. These are not my concerns, but the Church's. You know well how ruthlessly they handle matters related to evil gods. Three suspects walking free that's not something they overlook lightly."
Elizabeth folded her arms and exhaled through her nose, clearly irritated.
"Fine. Do as you wish. It has nothing to do with me anymore. If they want to kill three commoners to soothe their paranoia, let them. Their misfortune."
Without another word, she turned and strode out, not giving Issac the chance to reply.
Count Issac Roseman watched her go, the corner of his mouth twitching in displeasure. After a moment, he leaned back with a tired sigh.
"Hmph. The Duke's illegitimate daughter, no respect, no courtesy. And yet she walks with the arrogance of royalty. If not for her backing, I wouldn't tolerate such insolence for a second"
He clapped twice.
The butler returned, quiet as ever.
"Gather detailed information on the three suspects she mentioned," Issac ordered. "I want full dossiers names, routines, families, affiliations. Everything."
The butler bowed and vanished again.
Hours later, he returned and placed a thick file before the Count.
Issac flipped through it slowly, nodding as he read.
"Commoners, all of them no noble ties, no backing."
He closed the file.
"Send your people. Eliminate them swiftly and silently. No noise. No loose ends. Make it look like accidents or disappearances. I don't want the Church sniffing around my estate again."
The butler nodded once and exited.
Count Issac leaned back into the plush cushions, eyes closing as he muttered,
"Sometimes, it's the lowest-born who cause the biggest mess. Best to clean them up early before they grow teeth."