“…You… don’t tell me….”

“It seems I have evidence that you were involved with the Katlan royal family. You seem quite relaxed, don’t you?”

The smug expression on Gael’s face vanished in an instant. He tried to remain calm.

“It seems you haven’t regained all your memories if you’re saying ‘seems.'”

“Yes, but it won’t take long. Just the fact that I remember you killed me is enough to have you executed.”

Gael slowly removed his hand from the door handle, realizing they were now discussing matters that could never be overheard.

“Since I returned alive, the crime was quietly downgraded to ‘attempted murder.’ But thanks to your insistence on proving Marsden’s guilt, the charge has now been upgraded back to murder. So, thank you!”

“You… you….”

“Even so, saving Marsden won’t be easy. He might actually die.”

Olivia’s voice wavered slightly, and Gael seized the moment, about to explode in anger.

“But even if I have to die with him, I have my pride. Do you really think I’d beg for help from someone like you?”

Olivia suddenly grabbed Gael by the collar. Gael struggled, but he couldn’t overpower Olivia in her current state of fury.

“I never liked you from the start.”

Olivia stepped back with one foot, and Gael, sensing what was coming, let out a scream.

“Say ‘hi’ to hell for me, you maggot!”

Olivia landed a powerful kick to Gael’s midsection, channeling all her strength into the blow. Gael collapsed without a sound.

The knights rushed in too late, only able to help Gael to his feet after the damage was done.

“Phew…”

Olivia felt immense relief and a rare sense of satisfaction as she was cheerfully escorted out by the knights who had arrived to take her away.

***

The Imperial Knights personally escorted Olivia all the way back to the Marchioness’ residence, watching her until she entered the main building. It seemed they were more cautious, not only because of the false charges but also because of what she had done to Gael. Olivia simply shrugged and went inside.

“My Lady!”

As soon as Olivia stepped into the lobby, Melanie, who had been anxiously waiting, rushed to hug her tightly. It was an unusual display of emotion for Melanie, but no one found it strange given the circumstances.

“I’m back, Melanie.”

Melanie sobbed, holding back her tears as if she had been under tremendous stress while Olivia was away. It was clear how worried she had been. Nearby, Glen and Illehan stood watch. Olivia gently separated herself from Melanie and hugged Glen and Illehan in turn.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t return sooner.”

“We’re just grateful that you came back alive.”

Glenn held Olivia’s hand firmly, his grip both strong and gentle.

“But, my lady, there’s something I need to tell you. I wanted to wait until you had a chance to rest…”

“What is it?”

Olivia met Glen’s eyes, signaling for him to speak. The rest could wait until everything was settled.

“It’s about Bay.”

“What happened to Bay?”

Even as she asked, Olivia sensed that the news wouldn’t be good. The somber and heavy atmosphere gave it away.

“Bay has gone missing.”

“…”

“We tried to contact Bay multiple times while you were gone, but there’s been no response.”

Olivia’s mouth went dry, and her eyes darted around, unable to focus.

“Just give the order, my lady. We’ll handle the rest.”

Olivia quickly assessed the situation. Marsden had lost his title and been sent to the Imperial prison. The whereabouts of Lottie and Ronae were unknown, and there was no word on Bay’s fate.

And she was stuck at the estate, under tight surveillance by the Imperial Knights. Sneaking out was an option, but unlike with Marsden, the Knights would be watching the Mrchioness’s residence closely. Olivia recalled the plan she had discussed with Marsden.

“It’s called ‘Operation Explosion.’ It’ll be quite fun.”

“Explosion? What do you mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. We’ll blow something up. Sneak in without anyone knowing. But to do that, we’ll have to use that method.”

Olivia mentally reviewed the plan she and Marsden had devised. Then she looked around at the three standing before her.

“As you might guess, Gael Abyss framed me. He claimed I learned dark magic from Marsden and that I’ve gone mad because of it.”

“That’s obviously nonsense…”

“But I’m going to make it real.”

“What do you mean?” Glenn asked, his face hardening. Olivia gently patted his arm to calm him.

“I’m going to sneak into Abyss Manor. Just like Gael did when he killed me—suddenly.”

“What do you mean by that?” Illehan asked, tense. Olivia raised a hand as if to focus their attention during a briefing.

“Gael wasn’t suspected because he used teleportation magic to find me. That’s why no one saw him.”

While Marsden, who had lost his mind and charged at Olivia, was witnessed by many, Gael had managed to evade all eyes and harm her without being seen.

“So I’m going to do the same.”

“How?” Glen asked.

“I told you, I’m going to make those rumors real. And yes, I learned how from Marsden.”

The three exchanged confused looks. Olivia raised her index finger.

“Bay mentioned that there’s evidence in Gael’s study showing that he attacked me. After reporting that, Bay went back into the manor and then we lost contact.”

Olivia’s expression faltered as she mentioned Bay.

“I hope Bay is alive… but if not, we can’t waste any more time.”

Olivia’s eyes reddened as she raised her middle finger to indicate the second point.

“So, instead of dealing with passwords or whatnot, we’ll just blow up the study. Just enough to destroy a single bookshelf.”

“What do you need us to do?” Glenn asked softly, trying to comfort her. His kindness brought a faint smile to Olivia’s face.

“You’ll bring a much bigger bomb and storm the manor. Can you manage that?”

“Absolutely,” Illehan said with conviction. Olivia nodded slightly and turned to Melanie.

“Melanie, I need you to keep an eye on Marsden. The guards will be watching him 24/7, but I need you to sweet-talk them into checking on him—make sure he’s okay.”

“My uncle works as a guard at the Imperial prison. I’ll ask him for help.”

It was reassuring. Olivia felt grateful for the people she had around her as Melanie embraced her again.

“My lady, I’m a coward. Even though I care about you and like you, I denied those feelings and only thought of my own safety. I wasn’t there for you when you needed me, and I’m sorry I didn’t stand by you until after you changed everything.”

Olivia hugged Melanie back. She understood her situation, and she was grateful that Melanie had found the courage to help now.

“You’re going to win, of course, but even if you don’t, I’ll still be here. Just come back safely, like you always do.”

Touched, Olivia swayed gently from side to side, holding Melanie close.

“Glenn.”

Still embracing Melanie, Olivia called Glenn over, who approached immediately.

“Make sure the manor is in chaos, but the Bartram sisters must remain unharmed. They helped me, and… more importantly, I promised Lottie I’d save Ronae.”

“Understood, my lady.”

Olivia felt a bit more at ease. She was truly lucky to have such good people by her side.

“Then Glenn, help me get ready. Melanie, pick out the lightest clothes—something easy to move in. Illehan, oversee the final preparations.”

“Yes, my lady.”

The four of them immediately set to work. As Olivia dressed in the outfit Melanie chose, she mentally mapped out the interior of Abyss Manor. She had been there before, when she pretended to take an interest in Gael. Thanks to her returning memories, she could vividly recall the layout.

‘Can’t land in the wrong spot.’

Olivia equipped herself with a small dagger, a pistol, and a few small bombs. Then she visualized the magic circle and recited the incantation.

‘Bay, I’ll be there soon.’

Olivia met the eyes of her companions one last time before feeling her body being pulled somewhere. She soon landed on solid ground.

She quickly scanned her surroundings.

It was the study. Her magic had worked.

TL NOTE: Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories