Chapter 34 -

Amon quickly understood my explanation without needing to ask for clarification.

“The arsonist’s body is being held by the Order. It won’t be moved until the identity is confirmed.”

“Then it should be easy to examine the wounds, right?”

“Yes. If I give the order, we can check immediately. And, as you suggested, it might reveal who the spy is.”

As if ready to head to the Order’s headquarters right away, Amon rose from his seat. I grabbed his arm as he hastily started gathering the scattered documents on the table.

“Wait! I’m coming with you.”

“What?”

Amon froze mid-motion, looking at me with a serious expression that clashed with his disheveled hair.

“You mean you want to examine the body yourself?”

“That too. But more than anything, I just want to leave this place.”

“Leave? What do you mean by that?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

Amon frowned, setting the documents back on the desk. His posture suggested he was gearing up for a full-blown attempt to convince me.

“As I’ve mentioned before, the outside is dangerous. There’s a spy in the Order, so staying in the headquarters is risky, too. And if you were to stay somewhere like an inn again, as before, who knows what might happen? If you are public—”

“I understand what you’re saying. But things are different now. We have a clue that might reveal the spy.”

“It’s a minor clue at best. For all we know, the body might show no signs of anything. Considering that the poison used leaves no traces, no evidence of injection may be found either.”

“Then how long are we supposed to stay hidden? We can’t guarantee another clue will even show up.”

“Milady, the culprit has already killed three people.”

Amon’s voice dropped lower than usual.

“This person kills without hesitation. They may be targeting you next. And if I can’t protect you—”

“Sir Spencer.”

I interrupted his words abruptly. I knew he was speaking out of concern. I understood he was doing everything he could to keep me safe, and I was deeply grateful for that.

“Nowhere in our contract does it say you’re obligated to protect me.”

Even so, I had a desperate reason to see this case through to the end. My voice reflected my determination to catch the real culprit myself.

Even if I saved this life—Julia’s life—by hiding behind Amon, it would mean nothing if I couldn’t return to my original world.

Staring at Amon, who seemed lost for words, I continued.

“You joined forces with me because you wanted my information. We started on equal terms. I didn’t agree to this partnership to be kept under protection. And...”

I hesitated before adding,

“There’s the second condition.”

“The second condition?”

Amon’s expression grew puzzled at the unexpected remark.

“You mentioned it yourself. That we should stay together as much as possible.”

“Second condition: Until the case is resolved, avoid concealing movements and live together as much as possible.”

Amon’s mouth fell open slightly as if he had just remembered.

“That wasn’t meant to be taken like—”

“It’s a contract officially endorsed by the imperial family, isn’t it? You said it has to be honored.”

Amon lowered his gaze, realizing he couldn’t persuade me further. He wasn’t the type to resort to force, either.

Without a word, he resumed organizing the papers on the desk. The rustle of paper echoed in the silence, coupled with the occasional thud as the stacks hit the desk. His rumpled hair and the faint imprint on one side of his face stirred an odd sense of pity in me.

After a moment of hesitation, I added,

“I won’t act recklessly.”

“...Alright.”

“And if the body doesn’t reveal anything—if we can’t figure out the spy’s identity—I promise to return immediately.”

“...Understood.”

Amon gave a small nod and murmured,

“I guess I’ll have to haul back all the luggage I just unpacked.”

Though his tone sounded indifferent, disappointment lingered in his voice.

Late that evening, the Order’s building was uncharacteristically quiet, far from its usual bustle. The hallway lined with small rooms was particularly dark and deserted.

Walking alone in that stillness, Eloise suddenly stopped in her tracks. Staring at the dead-end ahead, she muttered,

“Stop following me.”

Startled by her low voice, Carlyle, who had been trailing her from behind a pillar, flinched.

“Come out before I lose my patience.”

Carlyle hesitated before reluctantly peeking out from behind the pillar. Eloise was already turned around, glaring at him with her usual scowl.

‘So she knew. She’s just been letting it slide.’

When Carlyle didn’t budge, Eloise beckoned him with her finger. Still reluctant, he remained behind the pillar, prompting her to step closer.

“What do you want this time?”

“...What do you mean?”

“Why do you keep following me?”

Eloise crossed her arms, her brows furrowing so deeply they nearly touched.

“I just... well...”

Carlyle trailed off, avoiding her gaze. His habit of trailing her was a long-standing joke within the Order, something both of them were aware of. Eloise had tolerated it until now, but her pointed question suggested something was different this time.

“...I just wanted to see you.”

Though he forced a playful smile, her response was an unimpressed scoff.

“See me? Hiding behind a pillar?”

“Even from a distance, your beauty shines...”

“Enough. What is it?”

Eloise cut him off mid-sentence, her expression making it clear she wouldn’t accept any more excuses.

‘How do I explain this?’

Carlyle bit his lip. His reason for shadowing her was tied to her suspicious behavior earlier.

He feared that she might actually be the Order’s spy—the one who had killed Hayden.

Though he hadn’t shared his doubts with Amon, Carlyle couldn’t ignore the possibility. More than anything, he hoped he was wrong.

When Eloise pressed him again, Carlyle finally spoke, his tone unusually serious.

“Do you truly not know why?”

“What are you getting at?”

“You’re aware of why I distracted Amon that day. And you know what that means.”

Eloise’s lips tightened. Carlyle had hoped she’d respond with outrage, demanding how he could accuse her over something so trivial.

But she didn’t move an inch.

‘It can’t be. She wouldn’t betray us. She wouldn’t betray me—or Amon.’

As unease churned in his heart, Eloise suddenly stepped closer, grabbing Carlyle's wrist.

“Wait, what are you—”

Before he could resist, she pulled him into one of the small rooms lining the hall.

The door slammed shut, and his back hit the wall with a thud. She held him firmly in place, her scarlet eyes piercing through him in the dim moonlight seeping through the small window.

“Sir Yuste.”

“...Yes, Vice Captain.”

Eloise dropped her head, her dark hair falling into view.

“...Carlyle.”

Her voice softened, almost trembling. Carlyle's expression stiffened. She hadn’t spoken to him like this since she’d become vice-captain—using his name and showing vulnerability.

“Eloise, what’s going on?”

“If... if someone in the Order really is a traitor, and if you found evidence against them, what would you do?”

Carlyle's mouth fell open. 

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