Chapter 11

What should I do? Who could save me?

Standing behind the bookshelf, my fingers clenched tightly.

Before entering Killian's study, I had sent a message to Virio.

He should have received it by now, right?

But it was so late—would he really come to rescue me like I hoped?

I didn't know.

I could only hope that Virio had some compassion for me.

No matter what I did, maybe he would go along with it.

We were partners now, were we?

My thoughts were all over the place when approaching footsteps made me hold my breath.

Killian was getting closer.

I could hear his footsteps.

The study was huge.

Killian handled almost all his work here.

Last time I snuck in, there were guards at the door too.

Only at one particular time at night would there be no one on guard—that was when I slipped in.

But I wasn't sure if I'd been discovered now.

Killian was calm and careful, not turning on the lights during his search.

As if this would help him spot any unusual details in the study.

In the darkness, I heard him release the safety on his gun.

A "click"—an especially crisp sound.

His voice sounded deep in the darkness. "If you come out now, I can spare your life."

"I just want to know who sent you."

Killian had made countless enemies over the years, so he didn't seem to suspect me at first.

I was just starting to relax when I realized he was getting closer and closer.

If he really found me, would I have to fight him?

With my skills, I probably couldn't beat him yet, not to mention he had a gun.

Watching his shadow move closer and closer, I broke out in a cold sweat.

Just then, there was a commotion downstairs.

I heard the sound of a car.

Then a servant at the door spoke respectfully.

I thought I heard Virio's name!

The moment I heard that name, my whole body tensed up.

A moment later, Freya's excited voice came from the hallway. "Mr. Soren, it's really you!"

"What brings you to my house at this hour?"

With Freya's voice outside, Killian, who had been approaching me, stopped.

He cursed under his breath, as if he found Virio's appearance at this moment very inconvenient.

But Virio's presence forced Killian to leave the study.

That was what I was thinking, but would Killian really do what we expected?

Throughout this whole time, I held my breath.

Killian was alert, and I was afraid any sound would give away my position.

Freya's voice continued downstairs. "Mr. Soren, do you remember me? We met at a party before."

Then came Virio's low voice, but I couldn't make out what he was saying from the study.

Killian put away his gun, seemingly thinking about something, standing still for a few seconds.

Then he left the study.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Only after I heard Killian's voice outside did I carefully leave through the window the way I came.

It only took three minutes to get from the study back to my room.

But I couldn't go back to my room now.

Tonight I was destined not to go home.

Just now, Killian had almost discovered me!

Fortunately, I'd already installed the bug.

Though the location wasn't ideal.

After making noise entering the study, Killian came quickly, so I could only place the bug on a nearby bookshelf.

But at least that bookshelf was one Killian rarely used.

Still, since the study was so quiet, it should pick up sounds inside.

As I climbed down from the window, my thoughts drifted.

Since I didn't succeed today, getting into the study next time would be difficult.

Killian was naturally suspicious. After hearing those sounds tonight and searching the study with his gun, starting tomorrow, he would definitely increase security around the study.

As I climbed down from the window and saw someone standing below, my heart nearly stopped.

But when I saw it was Charles, I realized Virio had brought him to rescue me.

When Charles saw me land, he gestured "shh" and motioned for me to look.

From this position, we could see into the living room without being spotted.

Sure enough, Virio was there.

Virio wore a suit and looked different from usual.

Freya stared at him, blinking occasionally, her cheeks already flushed. "Oh, I can't believe it's really you, Mr. Soren. When I opened the door, I thought I was dreaming."

Clearly, Freya was thrilled by this surprise.

In contrast, Virio seemed much calmer. "I was organizing some things today and suddenly had some intelligence to share with Killian."

"But he's not here?" Virio asked.

Afraid Virio would leave, Freya quickly blinked. "Of course he's here. I guess he's just changing clothes, so he hasn't come downstairs yet."

As she spoke, Killian had already changed and was hurrying down the stairs toward Virio.

It really was Virio—even Killian had to greet him. "Long time no see, Virio."

Even their greetings sparked tension.

Given Killian's personality, would Virio's sudden visit at this hour make him suspicious?

But I had no time to think about that now.

Charles quickly tapped my shoulder, signaling me to leave with him.

We got in the car first, then I asked when they'd arrived.

Charles replied, "Actually, as soon as Mr. Soren saw your message, he had us set out. But we got delayed on the way."

I had mixed feelings—I hadn't expected Virio to come himself.

Charles added, "I'm your partner, so if I showed up, it might have been too obvious. Mr. Soren still wants to protect you as much as possible."

Hearing this, my heart stirred even more.

I quickly changed the subject and looked up to ask, "So how did he get in just now?"

"Lucky timing, really. He happened to run into Freya coming downstairs for water. The servants were about to turn us away, but fortunately, Freya let him in."

My foolish sister probably had no idea she'd actually helped me.

If she hadn't happened to let Virio in, given Killian's security, Virio probably wouldn't have gotten in so easily.

Charles seemed to notice I was lost in thought and shook his head. "Actually, you don't need to overthink it."

"Virio values you highly."