Being the head maid may seem like a comfortable position where you can simply command the maids with one hand, but it had its own troubles. It was an exhausting position where you had to be mindful of both the superiors and the subordinates, requiring delicate handling. The head maid, after a day of hard work, lay on the bed, lavishing herself with praise and encouragement. However, as usual, instead of quickly falling asleep, an uncomfortable gaze was felt.

Although no one should be staring at her in her private room, there was a presence lingering beyond the eyes, as if something was lurking.

‘Well, is it a ghost?’

Could it be that the ghost said to be near the annex had come to my room? The head maid clasped her hands together and tightly closed her eyes.

However, the human psyche cannot endure the presence in front of them without confirming it.

Eventually, as the head maid slowly opened her eyes, she screamed when faced with three pairs of eyes staring at her.

No, she tried to scream, but her mouth was immediately covered by a large hand.

“Ugh!”

The bewildered head maid rolled her eyes. A thief? How could a thief come all the way here? When the head maid was in confusion, the man with red hair, whose face was more than half covered by a hood, asked in a low voice.

“Where is the star room?”

The frightened head maid trembled, and the man with gray hair who had been blocking her mouth lifted her by the collar.

“Guide us quietly. It would be better to give up any thoughts of making a fuss. If you don’t want to die.”

When the gray-haired man threatened, the frightened head maid vigorously nodded her head. She put on the coat they handed her and led the way.

Late at night, perhaps because it was the maid’s quarters, it was silent without a single person wandering around.

For a brief moment, she considered shouting to call the royal guards, but before they arrived, she had a terrifying premonition that her throat would be cut off first.

Especially, the man who had been silent and hadn’t said a word so far was scarier than the two imposing thugs.

Shivering, the head maid hurried her steps, followed by Cahilun and his knights.

The distance was so wide that voices couldn’t be heard properly, but if she tried anything foolish, it would be easy to cover her mouth before they arrived.

“I couldn’t have imagined such a terrifying practice among the palace maids.”

It was said that many maids who sought reassignment left or quit within a year, especially those who were locked alone in a dark room for several days might not be in sound mind.

Matthias glanced at Cahilun.

He had not said a word since hearing about the bookstore owner’s resignation, and he had not spoken a word while silently following the head maid.

Silently following behind the head maid, he stepped back a couple of steps at the same time as Matthias and Randols exchanged eye contact.

‘Is he angry?’

‘A lot.’
Cahilun and Randols anxiously watched their infuriated master, afraid she might reveal her identity. Entering another palace without permission posed a significant problem. If the queen found out, she would undoubtedly persistently inquire about it.

After enduring the tension, they finally reached the entrance of the underground star room.

“Is this it?”

“Yes. Y-Yes, it is.”

In response to Machi’s question, the head maid quickly nodded. Randols walked forward, scrutinizing the door.

The door made of iron was so robust that it couldn’t be opened by human strength alone. It seemed needlessly reinforced, perhaps to prevent breaking it down.

No sound was heard from inside.

“It’s quiet.”

“I-It really is. Here is the place!”

Frightened, the head maid shouted. She was desperate, wondering if these people were murderers. However, it might be better not to resist.

“He’s probably unconscious! Since no one can endure being trapped in this room for a day! Most people won’t stay sane!”

Oh. Machi and Randols glanced at Cahilun.

The head maid, frozen in fear, had already given up. The man who had been silent until now stared at her chillingly, making her freeze even more.

Ignoring the head maid, Cahilun confidently headed toward the door. Machi, who received the key from the head maid, unlocked the door.

As the door slowly opened, a dark interior was revealed. Just as Cahilun was about to lift his foot, someone inside exclaimed, “Hey, Jinjer, you damn brat!”

Something protruded from inside, hitting Cahilun square in the chest. The wooden barrel that had fallen to the floor made a thudding sound as it bounced a few times before rolling away.

Machi and Randols, who watched this scene, gasped, holding their breath and observing Cahilun’s reaction.

“When I said I was leaving, I told you I wouldn’t stay still.”

A familiar voice sharpened its tone.

“You’re dead…”

Before she could finish speaking, Reneola, who stumbled out of the door without properly opening her eyes, collapsed.

Cahilun picked up the swaying Reneola. Even after a few days, her face looked terribly pale.