“Wow… That’s…”

It’s insane. It’s basically asking to die.

In the original work, Elizabeth Keaton was threatened by the Crown Prince for almost harming Siena.

“How dare you touch Siena, do you want to die?”

“My heart is already dying because Crown Prince, you don’t accept me.”

Ignorance is bravery. Original Elizabeth wasn’t afraid even when the enraged Crown Prince brought his knife close to her neck.

She acted even more insolently and prioritized her feelings.

Tired of her, the Crown Prince said this.

“Ha… Unbelievable. Fine, death won’t do for you. How about this? I’ll imprison you in the Imperial City’s underground dungeon on the pretext of you trying to kill the future Crown Princess.”

“…!”

“Your face turned pale, Duchess. So you don’t fear death but don’t want to become a prisoner?”

Although most noble houses have underground dungeons, the Imperial City’s dungeon was different.

It was a space where hardened criminals were relentlessly pushed to confess without any mercy, so once you enter, you’d either come out as a wreck or not at all.

‘So, even opening one’s mouth about Duke Whitewood merits such treatment?’

It was overly cruel.

It was a terrifying threat to kill not only Duke Whitewood but anyone who tried to associate with him.

‘So that’s why that handsome man had to live as if he didn’t exist.’

It made sense why there was no mention of him; he was a walking human bomb.

As I looked at Duke Whitewood with pity, Jacqueline hesitated before offering additional information.

“Hmm… This is strictly confidential information, but since Duke Keaton is a benefactor to our house and the faraway sun has already set, I will tell you.”

“Please tell me anything.”

I’m too curious.

While Jacqueline and I were gossiping, Luce was chanting a spell and creating a long bridge in the air.

“Rise, the bridge to cross.”

Then, starting from House Celeste, a semi-transparent silver-gray bridge appeared.
The passage was wide enough that even a sturdy adult male could easily pass through, with no fear of falling.

“Let there be a railing to prevent any falls.”

Just in case of an accidental fall, Rus installed a railing.

Elegant silver-grey legs sprouted up in an instant.

“What’s going on…?”

“Huh?”

“Uh… Ah… Oh…”

As the unforeseen silver-grey legs materialized, zombies, vaguely sensing something strange, began to shuffle around with grotesque murmurs.

“What’s happening…?”

“Shadow, cloak the people crossing this bridge for a moment.”

Of course, the zombies turned around, only making a noise, losing interest due to the magic Rus used to immediately hide any trace.

“What are you doing, Your Grace! I told you to get ready!”

Rus nagged at me, who was standing close to Jacqueline.

“Just a moment! Rus, I’m talking to Countess Jacqueline Celeste.”

“What’s so important? Tsk. Keeping this bridge up takes magical energy. Hurry up!”

Originally, the plan was to walk among the zombies as we had done entering Duo Street…

However, due to the unexpected number of people, Rus had to create a bridge to prevent potential zombie encounters. We decided to head toward ‘Angel’s Breath,’ which had a secret passage.

In total, there were eighty-six of us now.

With more people, crossing the bridge took longer, and the amount of magical energy consumed was enormous.

So, if we didn’t hurry, Rus would run out of magical energy, and the bridge might disappear.

“Alright! Let’s start by having Rus lead us in divided groups.”

“I’ll guide.”

“Do that! I’ll follow soon.”

“…Then I’ll provide rear support.”

“Great!”

Ultimately, as I issued the order to move, Rus, who created the bridge, took the lead, Michael guided, and Benedict provided the rear guard.

First, about ten people started crossing the bridge with Rus.

“Heeek. It’s high!”

“If you fall, you either become zombie food or die from serious injuries.”

“I, I’m not good with heights…”

People hesitated as they stepped onto the bridge. It was built high to keep zombies from invading, making the crossers hold their breaths.

Standing at the front, maintaining the bridge, Rus yelled at the people passing.

“Move quickly! Don’t look down! We don’t have the time! If you don’t move, you’ll die by my hand before this bridge sucks out all my magical energy!”

Whether it was the effect of large-scale magic or just his nasty disposition, Rus warned with a fearsome face, making the hesitant people run as if chased by a tiger.

“Move in an orderly fashion, single file.”

Hearing Michael’s voice, orderly movement became the standard.

‘Well done…’

I was inadvertently paired with Jacqueline as we waited for our turn to cross.

“So, what were you going to say about the Duke of Whitewood?”

At my question, Jacqueline whispered softly.

“The Duke of Whitewood is the second prince who was exiled from the Imperial City because of the Crown Prince.”

…What?