BCHG Chapter 44

Hearing that, I tightly clenched the hem of my skirt.

 

In the original story, it was revealed that Isaac killed Lian’s younger brother. If that part remained the same, Lian would soon discover that Isaac was the culprit and seek revenge.

 

“This is everything I’ve found for now. If you find anything, Mia, please let me know.”

 

“…Okay, I will.” I felt a bit dizzy but forced myself to smile.

 

Lian smiled back at me and said, “Well, that’s all I wanted to talk about… If you ever need my help, you can come here.” He handed me a piece of paper with an address on it.

 

As I took it, Lian continued. “Mia, have you had lunch yet?”

 

“No, not yet.”

 

“Then let’s go eat together. How about it?”

 

I nodded. Lian smiled brightly, and we left the café together. We went to a well-known restaurant, but I couldn’t remember what the food tasted like. All I could think about was Isaac. The image of him being stabbed by Lian’s sword in the original game kept flashing in my mind.

 

* * *

A few days passed, and once again, the night world came for me. It had been a while since I’d been summoned there, which could only mean one thing…

 

“Aah, Mia… I really, really missed you…”

 

Isaac had become completely clingy! He hugged me tightly and endlessly showered me with kisses. Ugh, I knew this would happen…!

 

I extended my paws to block Isaac’s kisses, but he paid no attention and kissed the pads of my feet instead.

 

“Mia, what’s wrong? Don’t you like my kisses?”

 

“Meooow…”

 

Yeah, it’s a bit much! You’re overdoing it!

 

I leaped out of his arms and placed my paws on the Ouija board.

 

-No more kisses!

 

“…Really? But I love kissing you, Mia…” Isaac’s face instantly turned disappointed.

 

Even with that expression, the answer was still no!

 

I flicked my tail in annoyance. Isaac looked dejected, but in the end, he couldn’t resist me.

 

“Alright. I won’t do it anymore.”

 

His sad face was both cute and a little pitiful, but I couldn’t back down. Wait, this isn’t the time for this! I almost forgot what I had to do because of Isaac’s antics. Quickly, I got to the point.

 

-Isaac, I have to leave early today.

 

“Why? You said you’d spend three hours with me.” Isaac’s eyes flashed dangerously.

 

Oh, no! Go back to the sad face—it’s less scary!

 

I couldn’t stay in Isaac’s arms any longer. Lian had discovered too much. I had to figure out a way to clear the game without killing Isaac by making a deal with the grand duke. But if Lian uncovered the mansion’s secrets and killed Isaac first…

 

I needed to hide the clues in the mansion and unlock the third floor to buy more time. I had to move fast.

 

– I’m really, really sorry. But I have something urgent to do.

 

“…Still.” Isaac pouted, looking like a child.

 

This is all for your sake! But I couldn’t even say it out loud. Sigh.

 

I placed my paw on the Ouija board again.

 

-If you let me go, I’ll allow more kisses.

 

“Really? I can kiss you as much as I want?”

 

-Yes.

 

Only then did Isaac’s face brighten up. He hugged me tightly and started kissing the top of my head again.

 

“Mia, my little cat… You’d better come back to me as soon as you’re done, okay?”

 

“Meow.”

 

“You must come back to me… I love you…”

 

Yeah, yeah. To calm him down, I gave him a quick kiss on the chin before jumping out of his arms.

 

As I left the study, I glanced back to see Isaac watching me leave with a forlorn expression. Sigh… I should finish this quickly and spend at least ten more minutes with him.

 

I hurried off to find the clues. Fortunately, I still remembered where they were hidden. There was information about the Dias mansion in the madam’s room. There were other clues scattered around as well, but it was best to tackle them one at a time.

 

“Meow…!”

 

Alright, let’s do this.

 

First, I needed to unlock the madam’s room and to do that, I had to find the clue hidden nearby. Luckily, I remembered where it was.

 

I headed to the empty room next to the madam’s room. Inside was a large portrait of Isaac’s father, Marquis Dias.

 

“Meow.” I leaped onto the cabinet in front of the painting and recalled a hint from the game.

 

If you wandered around the second floor, you’d find a note that said: <Cut off the head of the patriarch.> It was a clue to slash the neck of the portrait.

 

I extended my claws and began scratching the canvas. The material was tough, but after some persistent scratching, I managed to tear a hole. Behind it was a small button. I pressed it with my paw, and a clicking sound came from the adjacent room.

 

Great, the madam’s room was unlocked! I dashed into the next room.

 

The madam’s room was as luxurious and beautiful as expected. Back when I stayed at the Dias mansion, this room was off-limits, likely because the marchioness had met a gruesome end here… Thinking about it gave me chills. I’d better find the clue and get out quickly!

 

I approached the desk in the corner of the room. After struggling to open a drawer, I found a diary inside. Destroying this completely would be problematic… I decided to hold on to it and reveal it at the right time. That should delay things a little.

 

As I sighed in relief, I noticed another door nearby. Come to think of it, that was the dressing room… Out of curiosity, I slipped inside.

 

The room was filled with all sorts of dresses. Most were old, but some still looked nice. In the glass jewelry case, there were colorful gemstones. In the game, they were just background objects, but…!

 

With my heart racing, I carefully lifted the lid and placed my paw on the jewelry. A notification popped up.

 

[Sapphire Necklace: A sapphire necklace worn by the madam. Price: 10 gold.]

 

Yes, jackpot! I excitedly touched the other pieces of jewelry.

 

[Ruby Ring: A ruby ring worn by the madam. Price: 5 gold.]

[Pearl Earrings: Pearl earrings worn by the madam. Price: 3 gold.]

[Opal Brooch: An opal brooch worn by the madam…]

 

Each item was quite valuable, with even the cheapest one being worth at least 50 silver.

 

I filled my inventory until it was full. By the time I was done, I had collected nearly 50 gold worth of items.

 

“Meoow~!” I let out an involuntary cry of joy.

 

Fifty gold! Freaking fifty gold! Now I have 100 gold in total. I only needed to borrow 50 more from Lian to finally be free. Ah, this feels amazing…

 

As I basked in my happiness, I noticed another door further inside. That must be the bedroom. I wonder if there’s anything valuable there?

 

I decided to check it out, just in case. The door was closed, but being the genius cat that I am, I easily opened the door handle. Standing on my hind legs, I pulled it down, and the door clicked open. Inside was a calm, serene bedroom. Nothing particularly valuable seemed to stand out…

 

Tick, tick…

 

That’s when the pocket watch started moving. What is it going to show me this time?

 

Suddenly, the room darkened, and a piercing scream echoed through the air.

 

“Get away! Don’t come near me!”

 

A woman was shouting. Startled, I backed away.

 

Standing there was a woman with long, silver hair. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties. The woman was wearing an elegant dress, but her face was utterly worn and haggard. She was terrified.

 

“Get out! You beast! You filthy thing!”

 

She screamed with veins bulging in her neck. In front of her stood a young Isaac. He looked about six years old, trembling in fear as he stared at her.

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