Winter Wolf - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The next morning, Lysithea entered the diner. She felt dizzy from a lack of sleep.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“Yes….”

The sight of the two men sitting at the table made Lysithea feel even more dizzy.

Terrence cleared the last of his plate with an expressionless face; there was still quite a bit of food on Gray’s plate, no doubt because Gray had talked over him and Terrence had ignored him and continued eating.

“Liz, I’ll get yours.”

After taking her seat beside him, Terrence stood up and left for the dining room, leaving Lysithea alone. She sighed involuntarily as her spot became empty.

“Mr. Kadas, you seem to be in a bad mood this morning.”

“Yeah, he’s like that sometimes…”

Receiving criticism from someone outside their supposed relationship, Lysithea chose her words carefully.

A few moments later, Terrence returned with breakfast and placed the plate in front of her, his gaze sharp.

“You need to break your habit of sleeping in, Liz. Being late for breakfast isn’t ideal.”

“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t sleep last night.”

“Again?”

Terrence raised an eyebrow, and Lysithea couldn’t decipher if it was anger or concern. Avoiding eye contact, she felt Gray’s curious eyes from across the table.

“I apologize for interrupting you.”

Gray interrupted their discussion.

“How about having dinner together? I’m a slow eater, and I’d like to keep up with a lady.”

“Would you do that?”

Lysithea gladly accepted, eager to escape the tense atmosphere with Terrence.

“I’ll go up first.”

Terrence said it abruptly. He left the kitchen, leaving Lysithea with a strange mixture of discomfort and relief as she watched him leave.

Gray casually started a conversation.

“You’re heading to the northern port?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s our plan.”

Lysithea pushed thoughts of Terrence aside and concentrated on talking with the stranger.

“The only port to the north would be Sylvaneth.”

“Anything interesting there?”

“Well, there’s the sea.”

“The frozen sea,” Lysithea said

“Exactly, the frozen sea.”

Lysithea was uncomfortable with her casual response. She glanced at Gray, who smiled as if he had expected her reaction.

“How do you know it’s a frozen port?”

“That’s the same question I have for you. How do you know that the floating port is frozen?”

Lysithea was surprised, but she didn’t let it show.

“It’s our destination, and I got a message from my friend that we can postpone our trip because the sea is frozen.”

“Ah, I see. So you’re visiting a friend and exploring the city at the same time.”

She wonders if he will ask about her friend this time. Lysithea tensed as she quickly made up a fictitious character.

“I come from the port of Silvanus.”

“What?”

“I have been working there for about two months. Now I’m returning to the capital for a debriefing.”

“So, you knew the sea was frozen.” Lysithea nodded and continued.

“I see you’re a detective, working for two months. In novels, they always solve cases in a few days.”

“Ah, that’s how it goes in novels. A bunch of people, a mystery, a detective in the mix, and everything gets resolved. The setting is often a mansion like this one.”

Gray looked around the spacious dining room and smiled.

“I used to do that kind of work, although I stopped recently because it’s fun, but it doesn’t pay the bills.”

“So…the novels I read weren’t wrong.”

Lysithea smiled in relief, and Gray added casually.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a short stroll inside the mansion.”

“What? But….”

Terrence had mentioned going upstairs first, implying that he should return promptly after dinner.

“This will only take a minute. I thought a walk would be good for my digestion, and I have a question to ask you.

If she refused, it might look like she was avoiding questions. Lysithea agreed to his proposal, justifying it as she saw fit.

***

Gray Hoflander was a tall man, possibly as tall as Terrence, if not taller. Walking alongside him, Lysithea felt a familiar sense of dizziness as they circled the halls of the first floor.

He had the tall, slender build typical of noblemen. Unlike the muscular Terrence, who was built for physical activity, Gray seemed more suited to sitting, talking, and thinking.

“There are many rooms in this mansion. Have you explored all of them?”

“No, it’s an abandoned mansion. I didn’t feel comfortable snooping around, so I didn’t explore much.”

Lysithea silently swallowed as she recalled that room in the third-floor hallway.

The room with the broken mirror, the room with the noose, the torture chamber. Since talking about these rooms seemed to intrigue Detective Gray, Lysithea refrained; the sooner he lost interest in the mansion, in her, and in Terrence, the better for everyone.

“It used to be a drug dealer’s den, and I’m sure every room has an unpleasant history. It’s better not to open doors out of curiosity.”

I wish I had heard those words earlier. Lysithea smiled wryly and nodded.

“So, when did you and your husband tie the knot? You two seem to get along well, though you looked a bit unhappy this morning.”

“We got married a year ago.”

“Ahh, so you’re newlyweds. Is this some kind of first-anniversary trip?”

“Yeah, sort of… kind of.”

She answered calmly, but her heart was beating fast. She was about to weave a web of lies that Terrence hadn’t agreed to. The thought of having to face him later was already giving her a headache.

“Despite his looks, he’s quite homely. He can cook, and yesterday he made a room for me in no time at all.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I would think he’s a cook, not a hunter, or maybe he served as a butler in some fancy house somewhere.”

“Exactly, but he earns his living through hunting.”

“Yes. Though I haven’t had a chance to confirm it, I’m sure he’s a skilled hunter, and I’d imagine he makes a decent living at it, considering how much you and your husband travel, leaving you time for your hobbies.”

Lysithea slowed her walk for a moment, taken aback. Aside from the travel aspect, she felt she hadn’t mentioned any novels. Was there such a thing as a hunter’s wife who enjoyed reading novels for pleasure? She forced herself to remain calm.

“I’m lucky to have found a good man; he cares a lot about me, despite the morning argument, and…”

“You were sleeping in a separate room last night.”

Lysithea finally stopped walking. Gray, walking ahead, glanced back at her.

“Mr. Hoflander, how do you… how do you… how do you know…”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not a peeping Tom; I just happened to be out calling harmony at dawn and happened to look down the hall. I thought it was odd because the fireplace light was unusually bright, but it only looked that way because both rooms were lit.

“How is this different from spying?”

“I see now that you mention it; I’m sorry.”

Lysithea sighed. She had no regrets about saving Gray, but it was embarrassing when he started acting like this. She had been trying to save a poor damsel in distress, not dealing with disgusting soldiers running around.

“We just… had a little argument… about money, something like that.”

Lysithea redirected the conversation towards money, as she had heard that commoner couples often argue about finances. Gray appeared to be convinced.

“Money is important,” he said. “You only have one horse, and I can’t lend you Harmony.” I hope it works out.”

Lysithea was feeling overwhelmed by the detective she was dealing with. She had a bad feeling that if she spent a few more days with this detective, both her identity and Terrence’s would be exposed.

“Mr. Hoflander, when will Harmony be back?”

“Perhaps in a few days, she’ll be enjoying her freedom for the first time in a while. But if it starts to snow, she won’t be able to come.”

‘I never imagined I would long for snow,’ Lysithea thought. She gazed out the window at the cloudless sky.

“The first-floor hallway spans 287 steps from end to end.”

“What?”

They had reached the doorway to the hall. Gray indicated the long corridor on either side.

“When I went out at night, I checked the area. The first and second floors have 287 steps each, and the hallway appears to be the same length on both floors. I was testing it out, hoping to find a secret room.”

It was a very detective-like story. Lysithea was intrigued but cautious.

“Why did you have to do that? There’s a secret room…”

“Mansions and castles often have secret rooms and passages. Given the illegal activities that took place here, it is likely that this mansion also had secret passageways.”

“So, you did this just for fun?”

“I did it for fun, but not without purpose. I’m sure you’re well aware of that,” Gray said, his blue eyes twinkling sharply.

“Different regions use different herbs to stun beasts. In your region, what herbs did you use to stun beasts?

“What? Uh, we used…”

Lysithea’s head spun at the sudden question. Where did Gray think Terrence and she came from? Also, the only herbs Lysithea knew were a few she had read about in a book she had picked up at the mansion.

Gray looked at Lysithea for a moment. She found herself inventing names for herbs that didn’t exist.

“Black fog herb… yeah, I think that’s what it was called. That’s what we used to use, we used to.”

“Black fogweed? That’s another new one. I’ve never heard of it. Anyway, the kind of stuff we use on animals now, we used to use on people, too. For more intense pleasures.”

“In this mansion, you mean?”

“Yes. The mansion became so famous that after the owner’s death, it was ransacked by various people who took away all the drugs that had been stored there. Although the quantity of drugs was said to be enormous, an interesting fact is that there was one drug that was never found.”

“What drug?”

At the time, the nobility preferred this drug for their most dangerous pastimes.

“Is it similar to anesthetic…?”

“No, it’s not just dangerous. Anesthesia can also be fatal. What I’m referring to, however, is even more dangerous.”

“Is there anything more dangerous than death?”

“Yes, there is an explanation, but our common sense cannot comprehend it.”

Gray stepped onto the stairs that led to the second floor. Lysithea followed him slowly, listening to him as he spoke.

The drug is a confessional that drains the body of energy and breaks down mental barriers. Records indicate that the drug used in this mansion is more powerful than any other confessional in existence.”

At first, Lysithea looked confused and did not understand the situation.

“Why is breaking the mind’s wall worse than death?” she asked.

“Because without those mental barriers, anyone can know your deepest truths.”

“I won’t be able to lie anymore?” Lysithea asked. “Well, it still sounds better than dying.”

“Think of it as a drug that forces you to reveal things to someone you would rather keep hidden,” he continued.

 Lysithea stopped speaking mid-sentence, feeling embarrassed.

“What does your husband think about when I’m with Mrs. Kadas?” asked the person abruptly.

She asked, “What? Where did that come from?” Blushing, Lysithea felt a sudden mixture of anger and realization.

“Oh, I see now. If I said something like that in public, it would be better to just die,” she concluded.

“Well, it was a fancy party with wealthy people experimenting with all kinds of drugs, so imagine what an exciting game this confession could have been,” he explained.

Lysithea asked Mr. Hofflander why he was searching for it. She found his interest a bit strange, considering his usual behavior, but she didn’t think that he would be interested in it.

“I’m not looking for it for myself, as I mentioned. I’m just doing jobs to make ends meet these days,” clarified Mr. Hofflander.

Lysithea asked, “Are you searching for the confession to sell it?”

“Yes, because if I find it, it could bring me a life-changing amount of money,” Mr. Hofflander replied.

Lysithea pointed out that the revolution occurred two months ago, and there would be no nobles left to buy it,” Lysithea pointed out cautiously. Gray found her idea amusing and smiled.

“That’s true, but there are still people who would be interested. Thanks to the revolution, our prisons are filled with individuals looking for information, even if it means resorting to torture,” Gray explained, leaving Lysithea shocked.

“Torture you for that.”

“Not for torture. For money.”

“Isn’t that what you use it for?”

“I don’t consider the consequences when making money. That’s why I struggle to earn anything.”

Lysithea wanted to ask more. However, she was unsure because she had never earned money herself.

“Then why are you sharing all this valuable information with me? What if I desire it?”

“It’s okay if you want it. You have been a lifesaver for me.”

Lysithea suddenly remembered her conversation with Terrence from last night. She wondered if she could repay him for saving her life with the expensive medicine.

“I hope you and Mr. Kadas recover soon.”

They finally arrived at Gray’s room. Lysithea smiled weakly, recalling their destination.

“I understand. I will find a solution.”

“He cares deeply for you. It may not be for long.”

“What?”

Lysithea asked absentmindedly. She realized it was probably too late. Gray responded casually.

“It may seem strange, but it’s a habit that comes with a job where life and death are at stake. You get used to hiding your true feelings for most of your life. I assume that is Mr. Kadas’ personality.”

Lysithea felt uneasy, but if Gray was a skilled detective, he was likely correct.

“How can I handle someone like him?”

“You must show him that you are serious.”

Lysithea found the word “convince” to be a challenge. She couldn’t be sure of anything about Terrence. Similarly, he wouldn’t be sure about her either.

And most importantly, give him what he wants most. Fulfilling their desires is appreciated, but it can be tricky because they often don’t express their true desires.

Lysithea thought about all the things Terrence had wanted from her so far.

‘She should not run away. She should inform him if she feels scared or unwell. She should cook him a meal.’

Terrence performed these actions as part of their agreement. They were not genuine desires without a cost, but rather obligations.

‘What does Terrence want?’

Lysithea had many thoughts racing through her mind. After a moment of deep contemplation, she glanced at Gray.

“You must be quite skilled in matters of love to give me this kind of advice,” she said with a smile, and he replied in a monotone voice.

“It just happens that way. People in this world are interested in political matters, and there’s always money in that.”

Gray entered the room. Lysithea was left alone in the hallway, staring at the long row of doors leading to her and Terrence’s room.

Terrence claimed that the ghost of a deceased drug dealer haunted the mansion. Gray mentioned that there was a valuable confession hidden within it.

When did people become so interested in rumors? Lysithea calmed her uncertain thoughts and held onto a strong belief.

“Neither.”

She walked down the silent hallway, her footsteps echoing. She didn’t need ghosts or drugs; she only wanted one thing.

She wanted to be close to Terrence again, with a strong belief that she could provide him with what he truly wanted.