8 Under Suspicion (2)

'Is he testing me. . .?'

I looked down with a tense feeling as I was trying to think of a solution to the question.

'Problems like corruption, thievery, and scandals are already hard to solve in my previous world but what about this Kingdom that is full of peace?

I stayed quiet as I gestured my hand to my chin and continued to think.

'. . . Perhaps. . . No, that wouldn't work. I have to think carefully.'

But at the time when I thought I found the answer, I was quickly interrupted by the Archduke's sigh.

I looked up and saw him staring at me.

'. . . Is he done waiting?'

"I-"

Before I could utter a word, he beat me to it.

"Your Highness."

I stopped at my track when he started to speak and stayed quiet as I decided to look at him with an attentive expression.

"I will help you. But in the meantime, please think about it. I will wait for Your Highness's answer."

He exclaimed before he returned his playful smile and gesture a reassuring sight.

"After all, this isn't an issue that could be solved in a matter of seconds."

I look at him oddly.

When I see he quickly changes expressions, I've always wondered if the personality he presented now is true.

'. . . He must be used to it.'

I sighed before thinking back at what he just said.

'. . . It is quite weird. Not only that he instantly agreed to give information, he also wants to join without further questions.'

I thought before I decided to trust him since there was no one else that I could know and count on.

I stand up before I cross my legs, then bend my knees as I slightly lift the fabric of my dress out to my sides politely.

"I thank you for your assistance, Your Grace."

I was grateful to him as he provided me with a lot of clear information about Directive Orders.

"Azrael."

He smiled once more as I raised my brow.

"Pardon?"

"We're partners in crime now. That's why calling each other's names is more fun than formal greetings. Right, Dorothy~"

My eyebrow twitches as I heard his cheap explanation and sighed.

". . . Of course, Azrael."

I was hesitant to call him by his given name, but since he already permitted me to do so, then why not?

He walks closer to me until he stands exactly in front of me, towering me with his height that is obviously taller than me.

I almost stepped back away as I looked at him, surprised.

"We'll be leaving at sunset, Dorothy."

". . . What?"

I raised an eyebrow as I slightly tilted my head to the side since I was confused by the sudden act of Azrael.

"To meet him. The acquaintance that could help us find who the creator is. The faster the better, right?"

He exclaimed as he started walking to the door, swiftly passing me.

I turned my head towards him, as my expression was filled with confusion.

'We're visiting that person now?'

-

When the carriage was ready as the maid helped us carry the baggage, the Directive Knights immediately inspected our belongings, including ourselves too.

When I was done being inspected, I looked to my side to see the head butler, Gray Oswald, also being investigated.

My eyes went wide the moment I realized something.

'. . . Is he coming with us too?'

I thought before I decided to stay quiet since I don't want to cause any unnecessary reckless acts.

As the Directive Knights finished their inspection, the butler gladly extended his hand to me as he offered help.

I smile genuinely as I take his hand while entering the carriage.

I took a seat in front of Azrael as the butler sat on the coachman's seat to drive the carriage.

'. . . Perhaps Azrael trusts him the most, considering he is the only one who is allowed to come, not to mention he became our coachman as well.'

I thought curiously before I looked back at Azrael who was looking through the window calmly and subconsciously staring at him until I had a glimpse of his wrist.

My eyes widened as I looked at him stunned.

He looked in my direction as he noticed my glance and smiled before playfully speaking.

"What's wrong, Dorothy? Is there something on my face?"

He jokingly stated while pointing his finger near his face.

I ignored his statement as I spoke,

"You still have Zero (0) on your wrist."

Azrael just stared at me before he chuckled.

"Of course I still have zero on it. I'm not that special."

He answered casually with a shrug.

". . . Right."

I just nodded at whatever he said.

-

"We have arrived."

Gray announced as the carriage slowly came to a stop.

I exit the carriage along with Azrael as my eyes widen when I finally see the place.

"This way."

Gray gestures his hand to the place as he leads us to the door and opens the door as Azrael and I follow him from behind.

I tilted my head confusedly.

'How does he have-'

That's when I thought of the events before as I connected them.

My eyes widened as I finally grasped it.

'. . . So, the acquaintance Azrael was talking about is Gray Oswald from the beginning?'

I thought to myself surprisingly as I observed the place full of everyday things.

I was amused.

'This must be his house.'

I understood now before I realized my current state as I followed them from behind.

After arriving in a strange room filled with antiques, Gray suddenly stopped and opened us a door, revealing stairs.

"This is the way to the basement underground. Please be careful because there will be many tunnels that will lead to other buildings. I will stay here to guard."

Gray explained thoroughly.

"Thank you, Sir Gray."

I thanked him as Azrael simply nodded before we climbed down the stairs.

When we met on the ground again, I was stunned by the spacious room were inside.

"Gray said the library was in that direction."

Azrael exclaimed as he pointed in that direction he just stated.

I nodded as I followed him from behind.

We took many directions until we found another room that was filled with books.

"Is this the place?"

I asked as I was cautious.

"Yes. This library contained all the history books about this kingdom. There is even from 120 years ago."

He explained casually while roaming around the room freely.

My eyes widened in amusement.

That's when we began our investigation on every people that were present 120 years ago.

Because the Directive Order exists 120 years ago.

But after reading a large number of books, we couldn't find any clues on finding out who is the original creator.

"Neither this book too."

I sighed before putting down the book.

"Perhaps we should continue another time? It would be suspicious if we are here for too long."

Azrael suggested while closing a book in his hands.

'. . . He's not wrong. I guess we have to continue later.'

I sighed in dissatisfaction as we put the books to their respective orders.

We tried to find the exit from the underground room.

But after a long time, we suddenly stumbled into a new room.

'. . . What is this?'

I thought as I observe the unfamiliar room and I'm sure that the two of us are lost.

"We must have taken the wrong path."

Azrael exclaimed while putting his hand on his chin.

I turned my head towards him and lightly smiled.

"No. I'm pretty sure we're lost."

I stated truthfully as his eyes went wide.

". . . Let's try another path."

He immediately dodges my previous statement as I lightly chuckled but then I realize something weird.

"Wait-"

I stop him for a moment when I saw something moving and took a step closer.

My eyes widen when I saw a male figure near my age sleeping on a bed.

We just realize that we entered a bedroom that has no windows and not even a worthy place to sleep on.

Azrael glance at my reaction before looking at the room.

"There's someone in here-"

He muttered in surprise when he saw the boy.

'What happened to him. . .'

I felt a sudden sympathy for the boy.

"We should go. We'll investigate him later."

Azrael exclaimed, retaining his original self and doesn't seem to care much or interested in the guy that is sleeping on the bed.

At first, I want to disagree but after thinking about Directive Knights and that we couldn't possibly do anything right now, I soon decided to follow his words.

"Fine."

I mumbled quietly as we slowly leave the room.

When we find the stairs, I climb up the stair first as Azrael said he has something to do real quick.

As I reached the surface, I look around my surroundings and raised my brow.

'. . . Where is Gray?'

I was confused as I expected him to be here.

But when I walk and exit the room, my eyes widened horrifyingly as I cover my mouth in disgust and terrified of the unwanted sight of Gray's laying body that is covered in blood.

He looks pale and lifeless.

Fear sends a shiver down my spine as I trembled nervously.

'How-'

I was stunned as I looked beside his laying body to see another figure.

'. . . A Directive Knight!?'

.

.

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