As uproar reigned throughout Klover Estate, the situation in Demin's mansion was different. Despite the shocking news, the atmosphere was unusually tranquil.
Demin was calm. He had received a report from Jin the previous night regarding the success of the mission, and as such, he was satisfied without making any comnts.
Having achieved his objectives, Demin saw no need to make hasty moves or draw unnecessary attention toward himself. Instead, he chose to bide his ti. After all, he is fully aware of a storm that is about to engulf this estate.
....
On the next day, Johann returned from the capital. The first thing he noticed was a festive mood in the estate. He was confused about what they were celebrating.
Perplexed by the atmosphere, Johann couldn't help but wonder what had happened in his absence to warrant such celebration. The lesser families, in particular, openly express their happiness.
Looking at their smiles and happy laughter only deepened Johann's confusion.
"Is there a good news that I missed?" he muttered. Despite his curiosity, he refrained from voicing his question. He chose to observe the scene through the window.
Johann's carriage rolled across the Klover Estate. As he passed the patrolling guards, he couldn't help but notice the conflicted expressions that flickered across their faces.
The guards seed like they wanted to convey sothing. However, they had no choice but to remain silent. Although they know what transpired in the estate, they are not allowed to talk about it, especially to outsiders.
Percival did a great job in blocking the news from being blown out.
Though Johann was observant, he didn't press them for information. He decided to go straight to his mansion.
Upon reaching his mansion, the atmosphere there contradicts the joyous mood outside.
When the servants see him getting out of the carriage, Johann notices that they also share the sa expression as the guards—Fear, reluctance, and anxiousness.
Feeling that there was sothing wrong going on, Johann asked the butler. "Did you have anything to say?"
"My lord, it's about Young Master Adam..."
His eyes narrowed as his grandson's na was ntioned. A concern quickly erges on his face. "What about him? Did soone dare bully him?"
The butler hoped it was just that but no. It's actually worse. "H-He...T-The young master was found dead yesterday morning."
Ti seed to stop. Everything was frozen in place. Johann wasn't a good-for-nothing noble who was incapable of processing and digesting information. But, the words from the butler were the last thing he expected.
Johann's face reddened. He clenched his fists and looks at the butler with anger. "Even if you have been working for for decades, there's a line that you should not cross. Do you think this kind of joke is funny?!"
"How could I dare to utter lie to you?" the butler replied.
"Show his body then!!" Johann's voice erupted with anger. His shout reverberated through the mansion.
He refused to believe his butler's word. Even though it was the sa butler who had been accompanying him for decades.
The butler said nothing in response. His master's emotions are currently unstable, which is exacerbated by his old age. The best thing to do is to let Johann see with his own eyes.
And so, the butler led Johann to the old cellar where Adam's body lay.
Inside the dimly lit cellar, there is a figure covered in white cloth lying motionless in the centre of the room.
Johann approached slowly. As if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders, each step feeling heavier than the last.
As he drew closer, the white cloth revealed the outline of his grandson's body. Johann wants to first deny it but he knows his grandson well.
The mont he sees the pale face of his grandson, tears begin to flow, blurring his vision and clouding his mind. His heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest.
Every mory of their ti together flashed before his eyes.
Johann lost all strength in his body and collapsed to his knees. His shoulders shook with silent sobs. "Hukk...Hukk... Why, why do you leave earlier than ?"
The old noble felt a part of himself had died along with Adam. He knew that life would never be the sa again.
Amid his sadness, Johann's eyes spotted the stabbing wound on Adam's chest.
He takes a closer look. With trembling hands, he reached out to touch the outline of the fatal wound.
The stab was precisely on Adam's heart. Whoever did this was not a novice. You need to have a lot of killing experience to pull this off.
Johann's face darkens. "Who was the last person Adam had contact with?"
"That would be Young Lady Sarika and Tutor Han."
"Call Han to co here and et ."
Han arrived as fast as he could once he got the news that Johann was looking for him. To be honest, his heart has been in turmoil ever since Adam died.
He knows just how much Johann adores his grandson. He was afraid that Johann end up couldn't find the culprit and pin all the bla on him. If that happens, who would side with him, a commoner?
"You wanted to see , Your Grace?"
Johann's gaze bore into Han. "Han, I need you to tell the truth. As soone who was always by Adam's side, did you find anything odd happening near Adam in the past few days of my absence?"
Han gathered his thoughts before responding. "Your Grace, Adam stays in the mansion most of the ti. His daily routine is simple. You should know this the best. I would notice if there is any stranger get close to him."
"Aside from you and Sarika, is there anyone else he cos in contact with?"
"Only two servants and a butler. I know three of them well. Last night, all the servants have gone to bed. Although I live across the corridor, I haven't heard a whisper of noise."
User Comments
0 comments from readers