Along the way, S remained silent, and the awkward atmosphere made Ivina feel very uncomfortable.
No wonder, this was only the second time she had met S.
They walked through a long, narrow corridor, with colorful thick glass on both sides reflecting dim light.
"We're here."
Ivina looked up to see a luxurious wall door. Bright candles burned warmly on either side of the door.
"The master is waiting for you in his study, Witch Visata." S knocked on the door and bowed respectfully.
Ivina had not gone far when Xiasang, who had been waiting, stepped out of the room. As she walked through the quiet corridor, she slowed her steps at a hidden turn and held her breath, watching Ivina enter the room.
Why invite Ivina in such a secretive manner? The master of this castle, regardless of which count it was, had no reason to show such courtesy to an ordinary witch.
If that were the case, it wouldn't be him. He was such a proud and unapproachable man.
Xia Sang's footsteps moved forward involuntarily. As the door closed, she caught a glimpse of the room's furnishings.
But before she could react, a shadow covered her mouth. The swift movement left her unable to see who it was.
"Don't make a sound. If you're discovered, you know what will happen." Such a trivial tracking trick was no match for the sharp-witted Si. Along the way, he had already noticed the third party following them.
Slowly releasing his grip, he shoved the woman forcefully, sending the lowly servant crashing into the corner of the wall.
Xia Sang stubbornly raised her head, her gaze meeting Si's sharp eyes without flinching.
"Speak. What is your purpose?"
A mocking smile tugged at the corners of Xia Sang's lips.
"Besides asking this, do you servants have no other valuable questions to ask?" she sneered.
Si remained silent for a moment.
His toes stepped on Xia Sang's hand, which was supporting her on the ground. Then he twisted it without mercy.
"..." After a muffled groan, Xia Sang clenched her lips tightly.
"Speak." Si's expression was hidden in the darkness, making it impossible to read.
"Do you know how severe the punishment is for harboring the king's witch?!" Xia Sang did not back down. By hitting others where it hurt, she could turn her disadvantaged position around.
Si paused, then knelt down to get a clear look at Xia Sang's delicate face.
"What else do you know?" He narrowed his eyes, the atmosphere growing dangerous.
"I also know... the witch's real name. Ivina, isn't it?" She was about to let out a smug laugh, but her neck was suddenly gripped tightly by the man in front of her.
Si tightened his grip, slowly standing up. Xia Sang was lifted off the ground and pressed firmly against the wall.
"You know quite a lot..." Seeing Xia Sang still forcing a smile, Si's face, filled with murderous intent, showed a hint of surprise.
She wasn't just a simple maid—absolutely not!
"Then... I want to know... your master."
"A dead body has no right to ask any questions!" He cut her off. Si clenched his fist, almost breaking her slender neck.
Was she going to die here? She hadn't found him yet, and she wasn't willing to accept that...
She closed her eyes tightly, waiting for death.
Just as Xia Sang's face turned pale, almost lifeless, Si let go. He didn't understand why... why the maid's desperate expression moved him.
"Who are you?"
"Please, save me..."
"Identify yourself, or I won't show mercy."
"Don't call anyone," the woman said frantically. "I want to see Duke Dandel… I want to see him, please…"
His long sword gently lifted the woman's chin, watching as tears streamed down her beautiful face.
"Unknown identity… Bring her here." His tone held no hesitation.
"Please, just let me see him once, I promise I'll serve the Earl well…" the woman pleaded.
"Here! We found her, this whore!" A group of ugly vampires roared. "Lord Spuz, this maid has been causing trouble everywhere, disturbing you. We'll take her back now."
"No, no, they're evil. I beg you, save me, you must save me." The woman was nearly hysterical, her flailing arms already firmly grasped by the vampires standing on either side.
He looked into her eyes and saw endless fear and desperation.
"Take her back." He knew nothing of this woman's origins, nothing of her motives, and he hadn't even heard her finish explaining why she had fled.
This wasn't like him—deciding the fate of a maid without a second thought. She might have had a valid reason for her plea, but he didn't listen. The cold four words were his response to her. Perhaps, at that moment, he was overly cautious about the king's safety.
He knew that a fleeing maid deserved only death.
But the woman with tear-stained cheeks, her beautiful face twisted in pain and helplessness, slowly fading from his sight, reappeared before him again after a long time.
Later, he learned that after leaving the palace, she had been sent directly to become the sex slave of that count.
That beautiful face constantly reminded him how wrong his decision had been. He could never forget that expression…
And that long-buried memory began to clarify bit by bit because of the maid before him.
"You didn't… cough cough… kill me." Xia Sang glared angrily at Si, whose eyes were vacant. Beneath her angry expression lay a hint of surprise, but it was quickly concealed.
"The witch Visata is a new guest of honor. As her maid, your earlier indiscretion can be attributed to your unfamiliarity with the rules. Withdraw at once!" He was indeed dazed. Seeing Xia Sang's despairing smile, that expression was strikingly similar to the one he had seen back then.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Xia Sang slowly uttered a sentence that S never could have anticipated.