I found myself at a crossroads. As Askan advised, I had to choose between returning to the mansion or staying at the party to observe the situation. While contemplating what was the right thing to do, a palace servant passing by offered a tray with a fruit juice.

“Would you like a drink?”

I shook my head, expressing my refusal. I purposely refrained from eating anything, fearing that the Seruna and Manoko families might have tampered with my food. However, as people continued to approach and recommend various foods, I began to feel more convinced than suspicious.

That wasn’t the only thing.

“Uaaah!”

Turning my head at the sound of a child crying, I saw a doll-like girl sitting on the ground, appearing to have lost her way. Normally, I might have approached and offered help, but knowing that the Seruna and Manoko families were targeting me, I deliberately observed in silence.

Soon, numerous adults showed interest in the girl. However, she ignored them all and came directly to me, shedding tears.

“I, sniff, lost my way. Please help.”

She was so cute that I wanted to hug her immediately, but I had an instinctual feeling that this could also be a trap.

‘All sorts of things are happening.’

I called a nearby servant and pointed to the young girl.

“That child says she’s lost. Please help her.”

“Oh, yes. I understand.”

The servant kindly approached the girl and asked various questions, but the girl only rolled her eyes with a bewildered expression.

It felt like they had prepared a lot to pull me out of the party. ‘With this much effort, I can’t go back to the mansion without worry.’

The Seruna and Manoko families were no ordinary opponents. If I hadn’t known beforehand that they were adept at hypnosis, I might have fallen into a trap.

Regardless of what it was, there was a high possibility that something would happen today. I couldn’t let my guard down, especially worrying about Askan getting involved.

‘Whatever it is, if I know, I can help.’

Although I had planted informants in the Kalua Empire, there were limits to their capabilities. The original story had changed a lot, making it difficult to predict what events might occur.

When I wanted to gather information, I happened to spot Bill. I expected him to be with Askan, but for some reason, he was alone.

“Squad Leader?”

Approaching and calling him, Bill looked at me.

“Young-ae, are you still at the party? I thought you had returned to the mansion.”

“Oh, it happened like that unexpectedly. But where is Count Artreas?,”

In response to my question, Bill looked awkwardly and shook his head.

“I don’t know either.”
“If you happen to meet Count, please let him know that I will be waiting, and suggest going back to the mansion together.”

“Well, that’s a bit… It might not be easy. We have urgent discussions among the guards after the party today.”

Leaving Askan behind was bothering me, so I deliberately tested Bill’s reaction. However, after hearing Bill’s response now, I became more certain. Askan was undoubtedly involved in today’s events.

At that moment, one of the guards approached us. Having traveled with the guards to the Kalua Empire, I had seen his face before. The man, tall with a robust build, was named Carlton.

“Squad leader, as ordered, I have located the position of Viscount Manoko.”

Bill subtly glanced at me upon Carlton’s words. However, judging by his reaction, it seemed challenging for me to deduce anything from this statement alone.

“Okay.”

Viscount Manoko? I wasn’t sure what was happening, but was it related to the Manoko family? I quickly thought about it. I couldn’t just sit idly by.

I didn’t know what was going on, but I felt the need to find out and help Askan. Bill no longer seemed to have any intention of staying by my side, bidding farewell.

“Well, then─.”

“Wait a moment.”

As I grabbed Bill, he frowned slightly.

I was familiar with Bill’s personality from the novel. He was loyal only to Askan, showing no interest in anyone else. Was he an exclusive affectionate man for Askan?

“Do you have more to say?”

Although Bill didn’t show his emotions outwardly, internally, he might find me very annoying.

However, I couldn’t let him go like this. If it was about Askan, there was probably no one who knew as much as Bill did.

“Squad leader, I have something important to say…”

When I glanced at Carlton with a vague tail, Bill immediately understood my desire to have a private conversation. As if Bill couldn’t help it, he said to Carlton.

“Go ahead. I’ll catch up soon.”

“Understood.”

Carlton lightly bowed and disappeared elsewhere. Now that I finally had Bill alone, I cautiously lowered my voice, aware of my surroundings.

“What’s happening at the party tonight?”

I deliberately didn’t turn the conversation. No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t uncover Askan’s hidden affairs on my own.

Therefore, I decided to seek the help of Bill, the most suitable person.

Bill’s expression stiffened. His ashy eyes momentarily seemed to regain life.