TISND Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Felliarerin Hill.
At first glance, this plot of land appeared ordinary, yet an unusual number of carriages came and went. Today, in particular, the activity was even more intense, with sturdy and expensive carriages—though not overly lavish—coming and going.

Though the area was usually sparsely populated, occasionally, curious locals would linger nearby. If they asked what this place was, the guards at the gate would reply with a straight face that it was a building owned by a certain merchant group. They would add that it catered to high-ranking nobles, which seemed to satisfy most inquirers, who left without further suspicion.

A short while later, yet another carriage entered the property, and a well-groomed man stepped out. Music seeped through the closed doors of the building. As the man entered, he was greeted by the raucous sounds of laughter and the pungent smell of strong alcohol.

“This is a statue from the continent of Esquallos. It is, in fact, a statue of the goddess they worship. Do you see it? The gemstone embedded in its forehead? It’s a transparent opal, unique to Esquallos.”

Along with the smell of alcohol, the booming voice of the auctioneer filled the building.

“This statue has crossed both land and sea. It is a rare piece, something ordinary folk might never see in their lifetime. A piece that, until now, could only be seen in a temple. How much are you willing to bid for this treasure?”

5,000, 10 million, 15 million gold…
The drunken nobles were too busy throwing money around to properly assess the rarity or beauty of the statue before them. Intoxicated by both alcohol and lust, they had already lost their senses, spending money like a cracked pot spilling water.

The Eskel, who had suffered losses from a previous investment, wore a bright smile at Bacchus’s first auction. He had reaped a tidy profit. This auction, after all, preyed on those who were drunk. Those who lost money would surely feel the sting the next day, but that was hardly his concern.

Each time the bids climbed higher, the Eskel poured more drinks. The gentlemen who had dressed to the nines before entering the building were now sprawled on the floor, their appearances disheveled, while thick smoke hung heavily in the air.

—

As the auction began, Helena moved busily.

“Make sure the tables never run out of wine. Keep the bottles filled.”

“Understood.”

Like the mistress of a household hosting a grand party, Helena managed things from the back of the building.

While Count Eskel and Salizar were drunk, she prepared ample food and drink. But she didn’t just serve the nobles; she also shared the bounty with the guards at the gate and those stationed at the prison.

“Thank you! We’ll enjoy this!”

“It’s a joyous occasion, so eat and drink your fill.”

“Yes, ma’am! We’re grateful you’d think of us, hehe.”

Fortunately, no one suspected Helena. They simply believed she was helping her father, as she had always preferred to avoid the public eye.

Everyone ate and drank to their hearts’ content—everyone except the prisoners.

Helena had expected it, but the auction was not merely a trade of goods. When a man was brought onto the stage, and cheers erupted, she turned away.

As time passed, those who had eaten and drunk their fill began to wander, giggling like fools. The same went for the guards patrolling the underground. Helena realized now was her chance.

Before long, people would storm this property. Once her father’s sins were exposed to the world, the prisoners would surely be rescued. But Helena couldn’t wait that long. She did not believe for a moment that all the prisoners would make it out unharmed. It was all too clear that her father would take measures to destroy the evidence.

“Have you finished the wine?”

“N-No, thankfully the Duchess provided plenty. There’s still a lot left.”

“Why not take a walk to sober up? I won’t forgive you if you bring that foul stench of alcohol near me.”

“Haha, of course not! I’d never do that to you, my lady!”

For those still conscious, she suggested they take a walk outside, clearing the building of stragglers. Soon, there were no sober guards left in the underground. Well, to be fair, she had mixed a little sleeping powder into some of the wine barrels. She would have preferred to knock everyone out, but that would have aroused suspicion.

In any case, Helena set Jane as the lookout and began helping the prisoners escape, bit by bit. She started with those on the second underground floor.

These individuals were at the greatest risk in an emergency. If a fire broke out, they would have no means of escape. That’s why Helena chose to get them out first. Of course, leading this many people straight out of the building would be suicide.

Fortunately, there was a safe hiding place within the grounds: a wagon filled with crates that Helena had prepared in advance.

Amidst the countless noble carriages, Helena had arranged for a wagon capable of carrying cargo. Though cramped, it was sufficient as a temporary hiding spot. She wanted nothing more than to take these people to a physician immediately… but acting too hastily could endanger everyone.

Helena successfully evacuated nearly forty people. This was almost everyone from the second underground floor. Still, there was no time to waste. If a commotion arose or if someone sobered up, things could go terribly wrong.

—

“Curse that Eskel!”

“What are they planning to do with us?”

“They deserve to be torn apart!”

The prisoners, recognizing Helena’s face, erupted in anger. But she calmly began unlocking the cell doors.

“……!”

Shh.

To the wide-eyed, startled captives, Helena pressed a finger to her lips.

“Stay quiet. Unfortunately, not everyone is asleep.”

“What is going on…?”

“Hurry, let’s go.”

“Where to…?”

“Out of this prison.”

Helena said.

Though puzzled, the prisoners followed Helena outside. At first, they thought it might be another cruel joke by the Eskel family. Some even considered attacking her when the opportunity arose. But seeing the guards passed out in the corridors, their thoughts changed. Were they really being rescued?

Hope kindled. As they crossed the hallway, their expressions brightened. Perhaps there was a chance to escape this suffocating hell! One of them even spat on a sleeping guard.

“Did you drug the guards?”

“Yes, I mixed sleeping medicine into their drinks.”

“Why are you… helping us?”

“Let’s focus on getting out of here first.”

Helena, offering a short reply, opened the door leading from the first basement to the outside. After ensuring no patrolling guards were around, she signaled them to leave. Finally, with nearly ten people, she made it outside.

However, there was a problem—Helena’s condition wasn’t good. She could barely walk, and when forced to move quickly, she often stumbled.

“Are you hurt? Shall I help you?”

One of the women, unable to watch any longer, offered.

“Forget I said anything.”

“Why? I’d appreciate the help, actually. It’s been tough walking, you know.”

Helena leaned on the woman without hesitation, easing the tension of those who had been wary of her.

“Hey, who are you?”

A guard’s voice called out from afar. Startled, Helena took a sharp breath. Panic gripped her, and her heart pounded. Had the journalists arrived? No, if it were them, Caligo and his soldiers would be here too.

“Hide, quickly.”

She urged the frightened captives to conceal themselves among the bushes and approached the guards to assess the situation.

“What’s going on?”

The guards hadn’t discovered the escapees, fortunately. She sighed with relief and looked up at the supposed guard—Pedro, a man she’d seen beside Caligo.

“……Duchess?”

Pedro seemed just as shocked to see her there.

“Duchess? Is this woman from the Frantor Duchy?”

Pedro’s slip of the tongue drew sharp suspicion from the other guards.

Hey Guys you can read advanced chapters on Patreon
If you liked my work and want to support me then you can visit my page for tips. As I can’t create Kofi because of the unavailability of Paypal in my country, I’ve made this tier which is being updated every week so that you won’t be charged again till you want to donate again by yourself or you can exit the tier after donating .

Happy Reading