Chapter 131: The Shadow of Windsor
Chapter 131: The Shadow of Windsor
✨𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 ✨
“What did you say?”
Mrs. Pensler tilted her head, her voice laced with curiosity.
“You asked if our children, the ones sent to Boyard’s factory, were safe. Is there… something we should know?”
“…Yes?”
Without warning, she grabbed my wrist and led me into the narrow alley beside the building. Johannes followed closely—but, to my relief, she didn’t seem to notice his presence.
He stopped silently at the alley’s edge.
At the secluded end of that quiet path, Mrs. Pensler spoke again, her voice lowered:
“I was terribly startled, you know! I contacted the factory thinking something had happened. But there was no issue at all. Then I received even more astonishing news.”
“Astonishing news…?”
“Apparently, the children have an anonymous benefactor. Isn’t that curious? But if that was the case, why would you ask if they were safe? If I’d known about such a blessing, I would’ve written you immediately. You’ve always cared for them deeply.”
My breath caught in my throat.
The wrist she held turned icy cold. Yet, oblivious to my turmoil, she continued reciting the contents of my letter:
“Didn’t you ask if I still visited the embroidery studio? You even mentioned the anniversary of my husband’s death was nearing and promised to visit me then. You told me to stay safe until your return.”
“Are you really that busy to forget such a thing?” she added with a light laugh.
I tried to nod, but a chill ran down my spine.
‘If you can tell my husband, tell me. I will eliminate the weak around you, one by one.’
Edward’s warning echoed in my ears like a curse.
This wasn’t just intimidation—he was truly investigating everyone around me, methodically laying out his traps.
The so-called sponsor… It had to be him.
My lips trembled as the crushing truth slammed into my chest once more:
Edward Windsor is a mad murderer.
You can’t try to understand him through the lens of ordinary humanity.
I clenched Mrs. Pensler’s hand, my own trembling.
“Edith?” she asked, concerned.
Snapping out of it, I forced a smile. I couldn’t let her see my fear.
“I did ask… it’s nothing. I just wanted to check on the children. I’m relieved they have a sponsor.”
Mrs. Pensler relaxed, unsuspecting. We exchanged more pleasantries before parting ways.
I watched her wave from the square with a confused expression… and waved back.
Only after she disappeared did the waves of anxiety surge forth.
My body trembled. My legs nearly gave out—but Johannes caught me, steadying me.
“Is there a problem?” he asked gently, eyes sharp with awareness.
In his voice, I heard Edward’s sinister echo. The suffocating pressure. The looming dread.
In that moment, I felt as though I stood once more in the dark, cold warehouse of the Mussen Museum.
“Edith.”
That soft voice broke the spell. I turned slowly toward Johannes.
A familiar face. A man who only ever worried about me.
Just like my father once did—eyes filled with quiet resolve.
‘If you want to test the royal family’s power, be prepared to walk the same path as your father.’
‘Even the most powerful duke is nothing but a docile hound before the crown.’
Edward wasn’t bluffing.
The previous Duke Schultz had been formidable. Yet the royal family… their reach was terrifying.
Still, Johannes would be safe—at least until the original story begins.
“I guess the letter I sent reached you late. I had forgotten some parts, but remembered once we spoke.”
Edward clearly wanted to keep me in a constant state of dread. I had to make a decision:
Tell Johannes everything.
‘And when he breaks his promise, he will commit every kind of atrocity.’
I clutched my heart.
Don’t be deceived by Edward Windsor. Don’t let him win.
In the original story, both the Schultz and royal families were untouched. But now that I was Johannes’ wife, the plot may have shifted.
“Is it real?” he asked, scanning me for lies.
“Yes.”
This time, I answered with unwavering calm.
I took his arm, and we walked out of the alley, into the cacophony of the street.
“You seem tired. Do you want to rest?”
“No… Today isn’t over yet. Let’s enjoy the festival a bit more.”
I pulled Johannes toward the crowd, hoping the distractions would bury the dread.
Truthfully, I was the one completely engulfed in anxiety.
In every interaction with Edward, I had been at a loss.
So, I lied. Not because I distrusted Johannes.
But because I couldn’t trust myself.
Because I feared Edward Windsor.
“If you want.”
Johannes followed me without resistance.
Our steps led us to a noisy booth surrounded by men.
Two people stood at the center, a gun between them, the crowd roaring in excitement.
“I’ll bet on number 1!”
“No way! Number 2 has the stance of a professional!”
“Experts don’t show off. Number 1 has this in the bag!”
Carlos Roulette.
It was a simple festival game—no real bullets, only tension.
People gathered, placing bets, cheers rising into the air.
“I want to try Carlos Roulette,” I said.
Johannes turned to me in confusion.
“Carlos Roulette? Why?”
“Just curious,” I said.
“It doesn’t suit you.”
He watched me, suspicion creeping in.
I smiled faintly. “It’s just a game. Let me experience everything I want.”
“…Alright.”
The previous round ended in victory for participant #1. The crowd buzzed with excitement for the next match.
“Any new challengers?” the host called.
Without hesitation, Johannes stepped forward.
“I will participate.”
“With her?” The host blinked at me in disbelief.
Johannes nodded, paid the fee. The man announced:
“We have a new pair! A strong man versus a slender lady! Place your bets!”
The crowd erupted.
“I bet on the lady! Luck favors women!”
“No way! That guy looks like he’s seen war!”
Bets flew. Excitement soared.
The host placed a fake gun between us.
Suddenly, everything went quiet.
‘I’m a little nervous…’ I thought.
Facing me, Johannes said coldly:
“This game is about your touch.”
“My touch?”
He nodded. “Turn the chamber, feel the bullet with your finger when it rests beneath.”
Then—he drew a real revolver from his belt.
A real gun.
Without warning, he pointed it at me.
“What are you doing?!”
I gasped. But Johannes remained composed.
“You still think I’m unreliable. Don’t you?”
“…What?”
“Then let’s do it right. Let’s defeat Windsor together.”
With my heart pounding, I watched in horror as Johannes pulled the trigger—aimed at me.
