In reality, Hubert was in her room. He was being held captive because he was having nightmares.

Despite the awkwardness in their relationship compared to before, surprisingly, he willingly stayed in the room.

‘Why is he acting like this all of a sudden? Thanks to Hubert, my head is already pounding!’

Hubert, Hubert, Hubert.

Beloved Hubert.

Sometimes, she wondered if he truly saw her as a sister, but it was never the case. The look in Hubert’s eyes when he looked at her was not that of a family member but rather someone who could cause trouble at any moment.

Of course, compared to other lively young nobles who praised her, his gaze was subtly colder, and in his calm temperament, there wasn’t even a significant emotion.

Anyway, his gaze was that of a man.

Some speculated that he might be projecting the image of his younger sister, whom he lost to illness when he was young, onto her, but Arias just scoffed at that idea.

‘That’s impossible. How dare he compare me to anyone.’

Recently, due to Hubert, who didn’t spend time with Igraine and did everything she asked for, the anger she felt had somewhat dissipated.

If her lost ability was blamed on not feeling well for a while, that should be enough. She tentatively reached a conclusion.

She was also considering bringing in an inexperienced priest to use whenever needed.

Until she becomes the Countess.

‘After that, well, I can say that my divine power naturally weakened.’

It was great to have a rough plan. The problem was that, now that it had become like this, Jacques, who had been a pleasant playmate, became slightly burdensome.

It was too reckless to abandon him just because she felt lonely.

What if Hubert suspected on the first night that blood was not flowing? Even if she thought that it was fortunate that Igraine got rid of the thorn in her side.

‘But that also ended in failure.’

She must have been extremely surprised when she saw her passing through the mansion door, soaked like a wet rat.

It was breathtaking. The first thought that came to her mind was, what happened to Princess Lelatu?

Later, the danger of what she had done hit her, and she wanted to turn back time.

When she secretly saw Jacques hiding in the darkness without Hubert’s knowledge, the anxiety she had been suppressing turned into a fuse, exploding into anger.

“What’s with that attitude? Are you jealous right now? In this situation?”

Still thinking that Jacques was deeply infatuated with her, Arias felt a sense of danger from his grim reaction while emitting a snort.

“My colleague has been captured. She’ll probably be tortured.”

Ignoring her words, Jacques muttered gloomily.

“So what?”

“The target’s response was different from what I expected. How could she prepare so well?”

“Hmm, it does sound strange. Wait a minute, are you suspecting me now?”

“…….”

“Unbelievable. Who’s blaming whom now?”
With a reaction that seemed like he could fly at any moment, Jacques looked at her intently.

“Have you not disclosed this affair to anyone else?”

“Of course not! Why would I do such a thing? I’m also involved in this matter!”

Lowering her voice to avoid attention, Jacques asked directly.

“And you haven’t been caught?”

Arias, who was about to say no, paused.

‘Did I get caught?’

That couldn’t be.

All she did was send a letter to the princess, suggesting that Igraine should be suspected.

A letter that could even turn the situation with Jacques upside down.

Catching a glimpse of Jacques’ reaction, Arias nodded emphatically.

“Of course.”

“Then why…”

Crackle.

Sensitive ears sharpened in the darkness.

The frozen gazes of the two collided in the air.

Jacques opened his mouth.

Who?

Who could come here at this hour? In a brief moment, Arias’ face, who had been turning her head, brightened.

“Oh, it’s probably Jenny. Igraine’s maid.”

“Why did she come here? Didn’t I say no one would come at night?”

A smirk passed Arias’ lips.

“I sent her on an errand to gather moonflowers.”

“Moonflowers?”

“A flower that blooms only at night. Lady Igraine’s madam asked her to grow it, so she probably came to pick it at midnight. Stupid.”

“She’s hiding behind the wall, trying to eavesdrop on us.”

“Ha! What does she hope to find out?”

“What should we do?”

“I already know what to say.”

Beautiful blue eyes sparkled cruelly.

“Capture her.”

As if expecting that, Jacques moved before she finished her sentence.

Thud!

Perhaps having noticed something suspicious, there was a sound of someone fleeing from behind the wall. Arias felt anxious.

She didn’t know if the conversation had been overheard, but it was certain that someone saw them together at this hour.

‘If I tell Igraine, it will also reach Hubert’s ears!’

If that happens, it’s over.

“Don’t let her escape! Kill her if you have to!”

“She understood my intentions. I was planning to do that anyway.”

Jacques took out a dagger from his bosom and threw it.

Why would a merchant carry such a weapon?

That question briefly passed through her mind.

“Ugh!”

At the scream, her attention was entirely focused.