Brunaulf POV:

I stared outside the window, observing the garden scenery that was impossible to see in the South. One week had passed since I began living in the Kassmeyer Mansion, but it had been two weeks since I first left Outer Astril.

Beatrix visited me more often than I thought she would and spoke to me about a variety of different things. Some conversations were longer than others, but she never failed to ask me if I was feeling alright. I wondered if this was her true personality; however, I didn’t jump to any conclusions.

I heard the sound of the door opening and closing as Beatrix entered the room. If there was one thing I needed to reassess, it was whether or not she truly wanted to use me as bait. Judging from her actions so far, it didn’t seem like she was trying to lower my guard to take advantage of me; she already had the upper hand in terms of negotiations.

I could have asked around to find out more about the Baron myself, but that was risky. The information I needed was somewhat common knowledge, so I would essentially be telling people that I’m not from here and taking into account the whole escapee situation, it wouldn’t be a wise move to make.

“It seems like you aren’t planning on using me as bait.”

Beatrix sat on a chair and rested her fist against her cheek while staring at me. Her thin lips rose slightly.

“A rather interesting thought.”

‘...’

I didn’t expect her to give me a clear answer in the first place. Regardless, it was time to finally get down to business.

“The situation here has stabilized. The extra security has been removed as the Border Patrol have turned their attention to other possible avenues of escape.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Beatrix nodded her head and rose from her seat. She pulled out a few papers from the desk, one of which was a rather large map that showed a lot of Inner Astril.

“I have been keeping an eye on Baron Oswald for the last 4 years. Three years ago he bought an estate right here.”

She tapped on the map. The location she pointed to was situated between Losa and Irvinhale: the next nearest city. It was very close to a network of trade routes that expanded out, connecting multiple cities together throughout the country.

“I initially dismissed this matter as a cause for concern since his presence there would provide extra security for traders, which would in turn boost the economy.”

I examined the map carefully. Beatrix’s assumption was logical; I couldn’t see what there was to be concerned about it.

“However, there were strange rumours floating around long before the Baron made his move. Dead bodies of girls and young women were frequently found around the area where he used to live. Unfortunately, I couldn’t link those bodies to the Baron directly, even with the spies I sent to watch over him.”

Beatrix pointed to several points on the map while she explained the back history of the Baron. I did recall that she said Baron Oswald had peculiar tastes, but there was no clear evidence pointing to him, and with groups like Enigma around, the possibility of their involvement could never be overlooked.

“I still believe that the dead bodies were a result of his depraved tastes. I examined the wounds they received, and a lot of them were subject to extreme torture that often involved some level of sexual intimacy as shown by the bite injuries on their tongues.”

She slid the report to me as I looked at the staggering list of injuries found on the targets and agreed with her assertion. They followed a specific pattern devoid of any deviation: chain marks, deep scars left from the use of a whip, half a tongue remaining, ripped off toe and fingernails, and so on. The fact that the authorities never got involved either, made the case against Baron Oswald more reliable.

“It’s plausible. Judging from the reports, none of the local authorities took the matter seriously, which usually indicates two things: a failed government or it’s the work of a noble.”

“Exactly. Based on the number of dead bodies, the Baron wasn’t satisfied with the women he was buying. What if he wanted someone better? Someone stronger—who wouldn’t break? But how would he know if he could only rely on the word of a seller?”

I see. I understood what Beatrix was hinting at.

“An Appraiser.”

“That’s my line of thinking too. His presence here would allow some corners to be cut all the way from Losa to a few places at the border. This way he can inspect the goods himself and find whatever he’s looking for more easily.”

I folded my arms as I turned my attention away from all the information she had laid out. I could tell that it was difficult to make all of these connections since nobility had the power to make it seem like nothing had happened, but...That wasn’t my problem.

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“Are you implying that’s how he found my sister?”

My fingers curved in, forming fists as a quiet rage began bubbling inside of me. Beatrix cast her eyes back down to the map and continued to speak.

“Not quite. The only problem with this theory is that once he made the move, no dead bodies have shown up since.”

“...It would be easy to burn or bury them in a remote place like that.”

My fists shook slightly as the tension slowly spread throughout my body.

“The spies I sent have abilities specialized in noticing these kinds of things. Even though they were unable to get too close, they would still be able to tell.”

Beatrix took a deep breath before looking me in the eyes.

“Two years and eight months ago, after Baron Oswald moved, I received a report that a girl matching your sister’s description was seen being taken out of Viscount Hardwin's mansion. A man widely known in the Underground for grooming and molesting young girls. If it wasn't for his wealth, he would have died a horrible death already.”

“...”

I moved away from the desk and stood by the window. I placed my shaking hand over my face. The more I truly understood what I made others go through, the harder it was to accept.

My sister had suffered in such disturbing ways because of me, because of my decision. I knew it deep down inside that I could never be redeemed of the things I’ve done, and today served as another reminder.

The rage bubbled up inside of me like a volcano ready to erupt. The Madness called out to me in the darkness as I clenched my teeth. I held back the tears threatening to escape my eyes while I tightly closed them.

‘I’m going to kill all of them.’

I gnashed my teeth together, unable to calm myself down. Every single one of those dirty human beings would be punished. I can’t be a hero, but I damn well knew how to be a villain.

My Ki exploded around me, causing the window to shatter violently into hundreds of small fragments. I knew where he was staying. I didn’t need to wait anymor—

‘Don’t cry... Brunaulf.’

‘!’

Denise's voice whispered words of comfort to me, allowing me to barely stabilize my fragile mind. I sighed inwardly as my eyes flickered open. I... I shouldn’t disappoint her any further.

I shifted my gaze to Beatrix, who looked visibly concerned for my well-being. She moved in front of the desk and parted her lips to speak.

“Sorry about the window, and thank you for the information.”

I turned around, not waiting for her to reply, but she grabbed my arm and refused to let go.

“Do not be rash. The Baron is not an opponent you can just charge in and fight against. While he does not care for money, he has a lot of it and with it, he has bought high-level mercenaries for protection. In addition, a Knight's Apprentice from Yoran, who has trained directly under Jyn himself, has been seen guarding the perimeter during the weekdays.”

“...”

Yoran was the heart of the Cotis Empire. A Knight’s Apprentice from there was not an opponent one could overlook. A frustrated sigh left my mouth as I turned around to face Beatrix.

“What’s your plan then?”

She let go of my arm slowly and smiled.

“I will use myself as bait to break into the estate.”

“I refuse. You have your own goals, but I won’t let you use yourself as bait as long as you want to work together with me.”

My reply came immediately, and Beatrix's eyes widened in surprise. Nana had entered the room roughly at the same time I refused Beatrix's plan. She folded her arms but didn’t add anything to the conversation.

“This... This is the only way to break inside securely.”

A rare expression of desperation appeared on Beatrix's face as she tried to convince me that this was the best option. The atmosphere in the room had changed, and I couldn’t help but feel somewhat surprised by her reaction.

I thought about it for a while. The Baron was unlikely to check the goods out in the open, and judging by the approximate size of his estate, he had most likely set up multiple security checkpoints.

“Fine. Once we pass the first checkpoint, your role as the bait is over. Do we have a deal?”

Putting aside why Beatrix was so keen on working together with me, this was the limit to what I could compromise. As long as we made it inside the estate without alerting the guards, it would be a lot easier to manoeuvre around. If Gia was here, this wouldn’t be an issue at all.

“...Alright. That is more feasible than a frontal assault.”

Beatrix glanced at Nana, who bowed her head.

“Let’s leave tomorrow then.”

“!”

“I’m not going to let my sister stay another day there. Knight’s Apprentice or not, I’m getting her out of there tomorrow.”

Beatrix parted her lips but closed them a few seconds later. She moved back behind the desk and glanced over the papers she had laid out, which showcased a rough sketch of the large estate.

“You will take on the role of a merchant. Your job is to convince them that the goods your carrying are of extremely high value. They won’t be expecting anyone tomorrow, so... It is risky.”

“That's a trivial concern. I’ll get us through there easily, you take care of the rest.”

Beatrix nodded her head while pointing at each of the squared-off, barricaded walls that progressively got wider as you reached the centre of the estate. Each section was no doubt filled with dozens of mercenaries maintaining security.

“Since I can only be the bait for the initial checkpoint, we will have to use force to breakthrough the rest.”

“You can use me, Milady.”

Beatrix hesitated, and I let out an annoyed sigh. Nana clearly disliked me, but I still wouldn’t use her like that. Do they really think all those mercenaries are just going to turn a blind eye to them? All it takes is for one to pull the sheet aside and peek inside.

I knew they were both strong, but the other side had the advantage in numbers. If high-level mercenaries meant Shin minimum, then it definitely wouldn’t be easy.

“You should stay outside of the estate. The only ones going in will be Beatrix and me.”

Nana furrowed her eyebrows but didn’t give any retort. My patience was beginning to deteriorate, and I felt myself becoming more irritated by the minute.

“Once we get inside, Beatrix will go and find the documents she needs. Then she'll leave with Nana, and that’ll be the end of our partnership.”

“We should leave together.”

I clicked my tongue and glared at Beatrix. She looked apprehensive as she stroked her rose eyepatch.

“Do what you want. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I turned my back on them and jumped through the broken window. I cut through the garden and the small forest behind it without looking back.

Some time alone wouldn’t help clear my head after everything I had found out, but it would still be beneficial. Beatrix only worked with a small team that she completely trusted; however, not all of those members were combatants.

Maybe this was why she wanted the strength of the Mad Wolf on her side. At the very least, he would go berserk and draw attention away from herself.

'Ha...’

I shook my head and regained what little composure I could. I already knew Beatrix wasn’t like that. Tomorrow, everything would come to an end.