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[ Debbie ] “You look pleased, Miss Permat.”
One of Permat’s close confidants, as well as one of her group mates, Debbie glanced at her, assessing her mood. Though she carefully omitted the word ‘today’ from her comment.
Permat had been in a foul mood these days, and the reason for that was anybody’s guess. She was so sensitive that it was far too easy to set her off, yet difficult to please her.
But today, there was a small smile on her face.
[ Permat ] “Yes, that’s right. I feel well.”
That was all the more proof that her mood was exceptionally good.
Any other time, if someone made any comment on how she looked good, she would’ve cut back saying Does that mean I look bad other times? But instead, she answered smoothly, even smiling brightly as she did.
[ Debbie ] “Then I am glad you are feeling good, Miss Permat.”
[ Lady ] “Did something nice happen?”
Another one of the ladies asked.
[ Permat ] “I think something good will happen soon.”
Nothing happened yet, but Permat knew it was only a matter of time.
When she complained about the woman who was clinging to the Prince’s side, Erhein spoke as though he would take care of her right away. But even as time went on, everything remained exactly the same.
[ Permat ] —’When are you going to take care of that woman? She’s still walking around with Lord Lexus! Or did you lie to me when you said you would take care of it?’
[ Erhein ] —’These things take time. Don’t worry. I’ve made all the necessary preparations.’
[ Permat ] —’Preparations?’
[ Erhein ] —’Patience, sister.’
She was comforted by his words.
All things considered, that woman hadn’t been spending much time with Lexus, but even this short time was insufferable because Permat hated it so much. She wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible.
And so she started to grow resentful of her older brother who seemed relaxed in contrast to her suffering.
[ Erhein ] —’Today’s the day, Permat.’
[ Permat ] —’Today?’
[ Erhein ] —’Today, I will take care of that which makes you suffer.’
Erhein told her with affection in his voice.
[ Permat ] —’Really?’
[ Erhein ] —’Of course. That’s why I am telling you.’
[ Permat ] —’How will you do it?”
[ Erhein ] —’Killing would be too much trouble. If a student were to be murdered, they would open an investigation to understand the reason.’
[ Permat ] —’Then?’
[ Erhein ] —’An ‘accident’ would be more appropriate. A terrible, most unfortunate accident.’
With that, Erhein gave her a tender smile. The fact that she wouldn’t have to see that woman by Lexus’ side any longer filled Permat with unabated elation.
And now, she even saw one of her brother’s servants going out with that woman following behind him. She saw it with her own two eyes.
[ Lady ] “Well, I hope whatever good thing it is, it’s good for you, Miss Permat.”
For the outdoor circuit, many different people were gathered, even servants. And because there were so many people around, no one bat an eye seeing a strange person they did not recognize among the group. And this place was usually no more dangerous than the Academy or the capital itself, so no one was on alert.
Tap—
A raindrop fell from the sky.
[ Lady ] “Oh, it’s raining. Shall we head back inside, Miss Permat?”
[ Permat ] “Yes. Let us go.”
A sudden flush of rain would be enough to turn anyone’s mood sour, but even that made her feel good tonight.
She was too busy feeling her heart, beating with excitement as she thought of the unfortunate ‘accident’ that would befall the wretched woman who failed to know her place.
*
* * *
*
The man didn’t say a single word as they walked, but after following him for a while, it felt like they’d come too far now.
The dark clouds above had become pervasive, and the sunlight faded while the darkness set in. But even then, the man in front of her remained completely silent as they passed through the field and into the forest.
[ Valentia ] “How far are we going?”
[ ??? ] “I was told to bring you out this way since it would be better to meet somewhere out of sight of others.”
Once she noticed how dark it was getting, she felt something wet touch her cheek. Not long after that was the echoing sound of rain hitting against the treetops above.
She tried to believe that the man guiding her was simply doing what he was ordered to do in total silence, but she couldn’t shake this bad feeling.
[ Valentia ] “Where is he?”
[ ??? ] “He’s waiting. Not much farther in.”
Valentia stopped in her tracks.
[ Valentia ] “I asked you where he is.”
[ ??? ] “Be quiet and follow me.”
[ Valentia ] “Do I know who you are?”
[ ??? ] “Dammit, I don’t think that’s much of your concern.”
A random curse left the man’s mouth. He stopped walking too, looking back at her as he shook out his wet hair.
[ Valentia ] “Your face
..”
Valentia let out an inadvertent gasp. The man’s face looking back at her was melting. Like it was losing its hold, slowly sloughing off his skull.
[ ??? ] “My face? Ah.”
The man touched his fingers against his face, pulling at what looked to be rubber. Then he pinched it, grabbing at it as he ripped it off.
Or at least it appeared like he was tearing his face off. But that was a mere mask, below which was his true face. One far different from who he was supposed to be.
[ ??? ] “Shit, why did it have to rain? Water got inside my mask and I seriously thought I was gonna suffocate.”
[ Valentia ] “Who are you? Who sent you?”
[ ??? ] “I shouldn’t have to tell you that. You just need to think about who holds a grudge against you.”
When it came to Valentia, she had countless people who disliked her, even hated her. Many of which were people she did not know on a personal level. Yes, she had nary a single person who liked her, yet many who despised her.
But she didn’t know they hated her enough to want to hurt her.
[ ??? ] “There’s no use running away.”
Valentia instinctively stepped back. But even as she did, the man remained calm and relaxed. Against him, she was nothing but a fragile and weak woman—alone in a forest shrouded by the rain. He had no reason to be in a hurry.
[ ??? ] “Why don’t you stay calm? I’m not going to kill you.”
[ Valentia ] “You’re not going to kill me?”
[ ??? ] “Yup. Those weren’t in my orders. Actually, I might get into some serious trouble if I killed you.”
He had an easygoing way of speaking, like this dark topic was absolutely nothing to him, but Valentia had no doubt that he would kill her easily if need be. And he definitely looked like the type to have killed in the past before.
There wasn’t an ounce of nervousness or uncertainty in the air around this man.  That could only mean he was used to these sorts of things.
[ Valentia ] “So what were you ordered to do?”
[ ??? ] “Do you really need to know that?”
Killing her wasn’t a part of his orders, but there was no way on earth he would take things this far only to allow her to walk away unscathed. If she managed to get out of this, he would know she’d report this incident without hesitation.
He’s not going to kill her, but still did such a bold thing. So obviously he had some other plan in mind.
[ ??? ] “The Academy definitely wouldn’t let the murder of a student go without an investigation. But that’s only if a definite murder occurred.”
[ Valentia ] “So you’re going to disguise this as an accident.”
The man looked a little surprised.
[ ??? ] “Well, I’ll be. Even in a situation like this, your brain is still firing on all cylinders.”
When one’s life is under threat, men and women alike would normally beg for help, saying they wouldn’t report their assailant if they could just escape with their life. But this woman didn’t cry or panic, even though there was obvious fear in her expression.
[ Valentia ] “Well, all this means is that you can’t hurt me.”
If there was any kind of suspicious wound on her body, anyone who found her would immediately think she died of unnatural causes.
[ ??? ] “Are you one of those people who can’t read the room? Your situation right now is far from good.”
[ Valentia ] “So where does this leave us?”
[ ??? ] “First of all, you need to go where I tell you and stay quiet. If you do, you might get to live just that much longer.”
Even if she tried to run, this man could easily catch her, tie her up, and drag her off wherever he pleased. That would only make things uncomfortable for her, so instead, walking with her own two feet would be better. She’d probably be able to survive better that way, too.
[ Valentia ] “Very well.”
[ ??? ] “Such an obedient child.”
[ Valentia ] “I’d rather not get tied up.”
[ ??? ] “It’s a damn shame this needs to happen to a lady like you. Just how did you manage to earn such hate from someone?”
[ Valentia ] “I’d like to know that, too.”
[ ??? ] “Well then, ladies first.”
Valentia walked in front of him, taking the lead as the man urged her forward from behind. She was completely under his thumb now, and she did not attempt to struggle as he forced her further into the forest.
[ ??? ] “Well, that’s my part done. I should be on my way now.”
[ Valentia ] “If you so wish.”
[ ??? ] “It’s so nice that you don’t get angry and spit curses at me. Are all nobles like this? The ones I’ve met definitely weren’t.”
There wasn’t exactly any point in crying or making a fuss. She could struggle and fight with all her might, but it was all pointless considering her body was losing strength from the exhaustion—rapidly turning cold from the rain.
[ Valentia ] “I know it wouldn’t change anything.”
[ ??? ] “Hm. Well, in your next life, try not to piss off anyone else, yeah?”
She honestly thought she was dead right there and then the second this man tore his mask off and revealed his true face. But honestly, this didn’t feel any better.
Saying his snarky goodbye, the man slipped away into the deep dark forest. He was only moving slowly because of her, but now that her dead weight had been lifted, he was gone in a second.
The immediate threat of a physically fit man was solved at least, but now she was left alone and abandoned in the middle of the forest. It was completely pitch black, and thanks to the rain, she was soaked and chilled to the bone.
Lightning struck, casting shadows across the forest from the brief flash of light, and she jumped back in surprise. They were only just now entering the fall, but her wet clothes made her tremble from the cold.
She’d disappeared, but who would notice that? There was a chance Lexus might notice she was gone but
.
But there was no certainty he would realize she was missing and then go out to find her. Shaking her head, Valentia started walking, her steps frantic as she tried to find her way out.
Grrrr—
A strange sound came from somewhere.
The heavy rain drowned it out for a moment, but it wasn’t long before the source made itself obvious.
It was a dog.
A wild dog.
But not just any wild dog. It was emaciated, growling to reveal its fangs—clearly starved. And it wasn’t just one but three, presumably traveling in a pack.
So this was his plan.
He was told not to kill her because it was much better to pose this as an unfortunate accident. One where a student accidentally wandered into the forest only to be killed and torn to bits by a pack of hungry dogs.
That was her guess at least. Her guess as to why he quietly left her here without saying much else.
Valentia slowly took a step back, but the dogs took a step closer in response. What could she do now? Her whole body was aching, but if she didn’t run, she would die right here from a dog bite.
I’m scared. Someone please. Help me.
She prayed and prayed, but she knew there was no one who would help her. If she wanted to live, her only option was to run.
Valentia ran faster than she’d ever run before. Her feet clashed against the mud, splashing up pools of muddy rain water and piles of wet leaves. Rushing against the branches and brambles, her whole body was being covered with wounds, but the pain didn’t touch her.
All that hurt was covered by the intense fear, beating in her ears along with the sound of rain and vicious dog barks.
And in all that hurry, Valentia’s foot caught on the root of a tree and she tumbled across the ground.
The starving and wild dogs slowed their steps, like they knew their prey was cornered and filled with fear. They cut the air as they rushed in and Valentia instinctively closed her eyes.
Lexus.
For some reason, in that moment of fear and panic, the only person she could think of was that man.