TISND Chapter 126

Chapter 126

“Did you tell that child?”

The count was already plagued by enough headaches, thanks to his son acting like a champion of justice, completely forgetting that he was an Eskel. Staying quiet would be the best way to help, but why did he have to act so impulsively?

Because of his son, who always caused trouble and informed him only afterward, the count had reached a point where he feared his son’s visits to the mansion. And today, once again, Salizar had gone ahead on his own and delivered the news.

“I don’t like to get involved, but she’s a sharp kid when it comes to money. I thought she’d be useful for handling troublesome matters, so I showed her.”

“Hey, hey, you little brat… Oh, my head.”

The count clutched his head as his son casually delivered the news. Every time he saw the boy, his head throbbed, and his stomach churned.

“How could you entrust something so important to that girl?”

“I told you. I thought she’d be useful!”

“Still, that’s too much.”

Wait. On second thought, maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea. The count slowly stroked his chin.

“Have her handle your tasks for now.”

“…What?”

Salizar’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected this response.

“It might be better to make her a key figure. She’ll be useful for the time being, so go ahead and do it.”

“For the time being? What do you mean?”

“If things go wrong, wouldn’t it be good to shift the blame to her?”

“But Father.”

Salizar blinked.

“She’s still an Eskel, after all…”

“It would still serve the Eskel cause if she were used. There’s no other choice.”

The count clicked his tongue.

“After all, we can’t let our only son—our future—fall into danger, can we?”

“Now that I think about it, you’re right.”

Salizar grinned slyly.

—

Not long after, Helena was entrusted with managing the expenses of Bacchus. Jane expressed concerns that it might be too dangerous… but Helena had anticipated this outcome. She had a pretty good idea of why her father had handed over such responsibilities. Instead of anger or threats to silence her, he chose this route.

As Jane had warned, it was indeed a dangerous position. However, it was also a perfect place to operate from.

After sending a letter to Bahen to report her initial progress, Helena requested a portrait of Frina. Not long after, she received it. The portrait depicted a beautiful woman with calm golden hair and dark eyes. The portrait was well-worn, as if it had been handled countless times.

She needed to find Frina quickly. Truthfully, she didn’t have much time—not just because of her health but also because there wasn’t much time allocated for finding her.

Helena had already informed Caligo about Bacchus. By now, Caligo was likely making swift preparations. If this situation continued, there was a risk her father would notice something was amiss.

The Bacchus Club involved numerous nobles. If the secret were exposed, her father would undoubtedly cut off any loose ends. He would destroy all evidence, including objects and… victims.

So, without hesitation, Helena headed straight to Bacchus. The nobles usually stayed only on the first floor, so there was little risk of being seen by them. From the outside, the building appeared to be a single-story structure, but in reality, it extended two floors underground.

The interior resembled a vast labyrinth. There were guards posted at critical points that one had to pass through to reach the outside, and there were no ventilation systems that could aid in an escape.

A man who appeared to be a manager paused when he saw Helena’s face. He seemed to recognize her as part of the Eskel, but his expression showed wariness toward this unfamiliar figure. However, Helena remained unfazed.

“I came here with Father and Brother’s permission. Are you going to keep glaring at me like that?”

“…!”

Her demeanor was not only confident but also chilling, causing the manager’s eyes to widen in surprise.

No matter how bold Helena might be, it was impossible not to feel nervous here.

The prisoners stared at her with eyes filled with both murderous intent and anxiety. Regardless of gender or age, everyone regarded her with hostility. The name Eskel was never welcomed in this prison.

She was scared. In truth, she was terrified. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded as if it might burst. She couldn’t help but worry—was someone watching her with suspicion? Would her father or Salizar show up unexpectedly?

The count would never show mercy, even to his own daughter. He might try to kill her for attempting to reveal the family’s secrets. As an illegitimate child, her situation would be even more dire—he would have no hesitation in ending her life.

But Helena had a mission she had to accomplish. She had to rescue the innocent people imprisoned here.

So, a little fear was nothing. She took shallow, quiet breaths, making sure the manager wouldn’t notice. She could sense Jane, who was supporting her, staring with a tense expression.

“Do you dare show such insolence to someone you should be serving?”

“I-I’m sorry! It will never happen again.”

Helena looked the manager up and down before leisurely waving her hand.

“Forget it. Go bring me the list of the people imprisoned here.”

“Why… would you need that…?”

“How can we manage this place if we don’t even know how many people are here?”

Helena did her best to imitate Rosalith. In this situation, channeling Rosalith’s demeanor was highly effective.

Shortly after, the manager returned with the list. Helena split the documents with Jane, and they reviewed the names. However, among the hundreds listed, the name “Frina” was nowhere to be found.

…So, Frina really isn’t here? Or is she involved with someone else, not the count? The thought of Bahen’s disappointment filled her with self-reproach.

“Madam, there are thirty unnamed individuals on this list.”

“Unnamed?”

“Yes. Why would they not have names?”

“If we don’t know, we’ll have to find out.”

—

They left the management office and headed to the second basement level, where the “unnamed” were said to be held.

On the first basement floor, there were men and women wearing relatively decent clothing. But the second basement floor was so horrific that the first seemed like heaven in comparison. It was impossible to find anyone in proper attire. Even their skin showed similar neglect—everyone was covered in wounds.

It was a sight so terrible it made her want to scream. The crushing guilt made her knees weak, as if she might collapse.

But now wasn’t the time for regret and sorrow. Now was the time to act. Tears and apologies could come later. Move. She needed to move.

She forced her legs, which felt numb to the core, to take her forward.

Helena, with hollow eyes, scanned the iron bars as she moved to the place where the “unnamed” were held.

“Jane, we have to find Frina.”

“Yes, madam.”

The cramped cell held countless people, regardless of gender.

Blonde hair, blonde hair… But there was no blonde woman in sight.

More importantly, the condition of the prisoners was dire. Many looked in need of immediate medical attention.

As Jane and Helena examined the cell, the people inside stared back with eyes full of fear and dread.

…She wasn’t there.

No matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t find the woman from the portrait Bahen had shown her.

“Primrose.”

Just as Helena was about to leave, weighed down by despair and frustration, she heard the name “Primrose” faintly.

She immediately turned to find the person who had murmured it. It was a woman, wearing a hat that barely covered her nearly bald head, her body thin and frail.

“What did you just say?”

“Primrose. Flower, my flower, yellow flower. The flower that blooms even when the sun sets.”

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“A name… What was it? What is a name, anyway?”

“It’s Frina.”

Someone else spoke up.

“She’s been trapped here for so long. She’s become so weak. If nothing is done, she might die. I don’t know who you are, but I’m begging you—please save Frina.”

There was no time to hesitate. Helena moved into action immediately.

“Jane.”

“Yes!”

Jane quickly supported Frina and helped her out of the prison cell.

—

As they attempted to leave the building with Frina, an unwelcome visitor awaited them.

It was Salizar.

Helena nearly screamed when she saw him.

How could he be here? Of course, it made sense for him to be here, but…

Had he found her suspicious and followed her?

Her heart pounded wildly.

“What’s this? Why are you taking that woman out?”

Judging by Salizar’s calm expression, it seemed their encounter was merely a coincidence. Perhaps the manager had reported to him separately.

Stay calm.

Helena swallowed dryly.

“She seems to be ill.”

“If she’s sick, just let her die.”

“It might be an infectious disease.”

What? An infectious disease?

Salizar recoiled, putting distance between himself and both Helena and Frina.

“If an infectious disease spreads in such a confined space, it could be disastrous. Not only for the nobles here but… even for you or Father.”

“Eek! Fine, just get rid of her. Hurry up and get her out of here!”

“Yes, I understand.”

“And you! Don’t come near me either. You might infect me too, so stay away!”

Salizar shouted, even pointing his finger at Helena.

“Until we confirm whether it’s an infectious disease or not, we need to be cautious. Just in case, you should avoid going underground as well, Brother.”

“I said I got it! Now go! Get lost, Herrine!”

“It’s Helena.”

He had never called her by the correct name before, so she had wondered.

But of course, he didn’t even remember my name.

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