If what he inherited was truly the blood of Lexione, then not only would he be killed, but he could also be used and then sold to the enemies of the family or live his life as an experimental subject.

It was unclear whether Elizabeth initially came to the Fortrion mansion intending to kill Walter, but her actions were just as meticulously planned as Sophia’s.

Benjamin also stuck out his tongue.

“Who would have thought that a young lord who squandered his estate management would be scheming like this? Kidnapping and imprisoning someone of the Lexione ducal bloodline…”

Upon hearing Benjamin say this, Edith recalled the characteristics of Walter she had previously overlooked.

His domineering demeanor over other employees, as if it was a given. His extraordinary physical strength and intuition, providing help to employees while skillfully obtaining what he wanted.

Remembering his noble and somewhat arrogant countenance whenever their eyes met, it wasn’t hard to believe he was from a ducal family.

“To deceive, you’d have to act convincingly enough that not even the head butler would suspect.”

“What act…”

“Well, perhaps the stableman should feign interest in the lady.”

Walter had always been graceful, even when uttering such blatant words.

Edith licked her lips for no reason, disturbed by the vivid memory of his face and tantalizing voice. She felt embarrassed to remember him so clearly.

Benjamin hesitated a little before asking her, noting her unnatural behavior.

“Edith, you saved Walter, so he should be fine. But what will you do now?”

Benjamin was worried about Edith, who was still emotionally trapped. If those who aimed to kill Walter faced setbacks, eliminating Edith wouldn’t be a big deal.

“If I can do something for you, that would be great.”

“It’s fine. I asked Isabelle to summon a magician in exchange for giving up my inheritance. If all goes well, he’ll arrive next month, and I’ll be able to enroll in the academy safely.”

“…You always have a plan, don’t you?”

“Finding the spell scroll Sophia hid to undo the binding spell would be ideal, but it’s like searching for a needle in a desert. Probably impossible.”

Benjamin felt relieved in vain. He had momentarily forgotten that Edith was strong enough to navigate situations without relying entirely on someone else.

And that was why he had kept his feelings for her to himself.

“By the way, shouldn’t you be heading back to the capital soon?”

Though she had never worked in a newspaper, Edith knew that a competent journalist like him would not be given an extended assignment.
Benjamin had no intention of relaying the order from Agnes, the editor of the Report, who told Edith to return immediately and take over the special article.

He thought that since she was still confined in the mansion, he might be able to help her in some small way.

“Do you think my probation is that short? Besides, I find it interesting to delve into matters here, so I plan to stay in Portrion for a few more weeks. If you have any favors to ask, speak up.”

Due to the manner in which Benjamin spoke, as if teaching her a lesson about social life, Edith no longer doubted the length of his probation. Walter had left, so she was in need of one more trustworthy person.

She did not decline his help and spoke of her ongoing concerns.

“Then, when the time comes, I do have a favor to ask……”

A few days later, over forty employees arrived at the Portrion mansion. Elizabeth, dressed as a butler, was about to burst into a giggle as she looked at Aizen, who stood at the forefront.

“Elizabeth, who are these people?”

The query came from Izajel, who was glancing over sheet music beside her.

“These are employees I’ve hired. I’ll be inheriting soon, so I thought I’d splurge a bit. We’ve been short-handed, haven’t we?”

“That’s true.”

Those Elizabeth introduced as employees were actually soldiers of the Gauturk Count’s household, all possessing outstanding skills as assassins.

Now that Nicholas’ funeral was over, Sophia would be absent daily for an investigation at the shrine, and there would be no one to interfere—it was the right time to kill Walter, and that was why these men had been summoned.

After finishing her teatime with Izajel, she went back to her room and called Aizen.

“Don’t kill Walter as soon as you find him. Kidnap him and take him to an unused warehouse or something. We have plenty of employees who can help, so take care of it quietly in a secluded place.”

“I will do so.”

Aizen smirked and immediately set to work. After all, Walter was confined in the mansion; he was a rat in a cage.

“Report as soon as you find him.”

Aizen issued the order in a rather relaxed tone. However, the news that arrived half a day later was completely unexpected.

“Sir Aizen, uh, it seems… it seems that the stable keeper has fled the mansion.”

“What?”

Aizen was so shocked that he let the wine he had been sipping dribble out of his mouth.