KTYLBH 24

Chapter 24

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“Would you like to see more?”

“No, that’s enough.”

Having visited this place before, today’s shock was less intense. Honestly, I was surprised by my own mental resilience and numbness. But still, this wasn’t exactly the kind of gallery you’d leisurely stroll through like any regular art exhibition.

“Seeing you appreciate the exhibits like this makes displaying the Sellys worthwhile. Please feel free to come back anytime.”

Karen spoke as though these horrific displays had been made solely for me. As I exited the exhibition room, I couldn’t help but throw a cold remark her way.

“I hope you get the Tower Master’s blessing soon, so I can see you displayed here.”

It was a cruel jab, spoken impulsively. Even between a noble and a maid, this was harsh. Yet, Karen responded as if I’d complimented her.

“Thank you, miss. But there’s still so much work for me to do, especially taking care of you.”

She began her usual spiel about how precious I supposedly was to Eon.

“The fact that the Master brought you here shows just how much he treasures you. You’re probably the first person besides senior maids who’s ever entered this gallery.”

I scoffed inwardly. No matter how much she tried to spin it, this was absurd.

“A normal person would hide a place like this from someone they genuinely liked.”

I hoped my words would dampen her enthusiasm, but Karen was unfazed.

“Is that so? Well, Master Eon isn’t exactly a ‘normal’ person. You shouldn’t judge him by ordinary standards. Perhaps it’s time you adopted new criteria when viewing him.”

Now she was even lecturing me. Whether brainwashed or genuinely devoted, Karen’s convictions couldn’t be shaken by a few casual remarks.

“You can go. I’m headed to the lab.”

Escaping Karen seemed wise, so I chose the laboratory as my refuge.

However, the lab wasn’t much of a refuge either. The moment I entered, curious eyes fixed on me, clearly intrigued by yesterday’s spectacle. Jumping out a window after spinning around the hall with Eon would naturally arouse interest. Acting as if nothing happened would’ve implied someone was pressuring me.

“Good morning. Didn’t expect to see you today,” Selly greeted warmly, approaching me as the unofficial representative of the researchers.

Looking at her bright expression, I suddenly wondered if she knew about the fourth-floor exhibit.

She leaned close and whispered, “I heard you danced with Master Eon yesterday. Even the researchers are buzzing about it.”

Did she really not know? Perhaps ignorance explained why she allowed herself to be called Selly.

“They’re wondering if the Tower will soon have a mistress.”

Her words passed through my ears without settling in my mind.

Even I, who hadn’t been here long, knew about the exhibition. How could Selly possibly be unaware?

Seeing my lack of response, her playful expression faltered.

“They don’t mean any harm. The Tower just rarely has such interesting gossip.”

I nodded absently, only the phrase “boring place” lingering ironically. In less than a week, two maids had vanished, and an exhibit of human specimens was on the fourth floor.

“Boring, indeed.”

Clearly, Selly knew nothing about the exhibition.

“Oh, right!” she suddenly exclaimed, finding a safer topic. “Did your invisibility potion turn out well?”

The mention of the potion reminded me of Tara.

“No. It was a complete failure.”

The potion had worked fine in tests, but Eon had discovered Tara during the mission. It had cost someone’s life.

My eyes stung with tears.

I turned away, gazing outside to hide them.

“Our main job is failing experiments, isn’t it? Next time, it’ll work out,” Selly comforted gently, misunderstanding my reaction.

“You’re right. I’ll just try making something else to lift my spirits.”

As we talked, my gaze fell upon someone ringing the Tower’s front gate bell. A woman stood outside, wearing a familiar dark-blue dress and gray cloak. Under the winter sun, her brown hair shimmered golden.

“No way…”

A maid stepped outside, briefly glancing towards the lab, nodded, and opened the gate.

I stood abruptly.

“Sorry, Selly, we’ll talk later.”

My hurried footsteps echoed through the quiet halls.

I burst open the main door, confirming my suspicion. Outside stood Mary—the only person from House Hirne who’d been genuinely kind to me, her green eyes bright and warm.

“Miss! How did you know I was coming?” she asked, rushing forward with a radiant smile.

Instead of greeting her warmly, I quickly pulled her outside, flipping the hood of her cloak up.

“We met at the market before, didn’t we?” Karen noted, stepping forward.

Only now did I realize the maid was Karen. Of all people.

“Come inside quickly. It’s cold,” Karen insisted.

“No need to treat her as the Tower’s guest. She’s just here for me,” I interjected.

“But she’s your guest, miss. Shouldn’t she be invited in?”

“No, it’s unnecessary. We can talk here.”

Mary looked visibly cold, cheeks and nose reddened, yet seemed unbothered.

“Miss is right. I’m only here briefly to see her,” Mary graciously agreed.

Karen relented, turning back toward the Tower. I watched carefully as she reached for the door handle.

But before she could grasp it, the door opened smoothly from inside.

“A guest for Miss Selenia, I see.”

Eon stood there, instantly shattering my efforts.

“We can’t leave such a distinguished visitor outside.”

Mary quickly curtsied upon recognizing Eon.

“Greetings, Marquis Granoir. I’m Mary, Lady Selenia’s attendant from House Hirne.”

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?” Eon recalled.

“Yes, it’s an honor you remember me.”

“Come inside. You’re the first guest from House Hirne, after all.”

I stepped in front of Eon, determined.

“Mary’s about to leave anyway.”

“Don’t be stubborn. You’ll catch a cold,” Eon gently insisted, his eyes softer and brighter than usual.

“What’s he plotting now?”

Instinctively wary, I hesitated.

“You shouldn’t strain yourself after yesterday’s ordeal,” he added kindly.

“Something happened to Miss?” Mary asked sharply, glancing around worriedly.

“She was always frail but rarely sick.”

Karen quickly reassured her, “Master Eon cares greatly for Miss Selenia, so there’s no need to worry.”

“The Marquis himself?”

“Absolutely. She’s given the best room, the finest meals—every comfort she needs.”

“That’s truly generous,” Mary acknowledged gratefully.

“See? Even a simple greeting can consume time. Come inside. Karen, prepare tea and refreshments,” Eon concluded firmly.

There was no reasonable way to send Mary back now.

“Thank you, Marquis. You’re too kind,” Mary said appreciatively.

Further resistance would only seem strange to Mary.

Eon gently took my hand, leading me inside.

Clearly, he was up to something—but for now, I could do nothing but follow.