Chapter 27
After leaving the cell, Raylenne, still wearing her dark blue robe, headed to the stables. She planned to visit the person Aiden had introduced to her. It was best to strike while the iron was hot.
Upon arriving at the stables, Raylenne spoke to the stable keeper.
“I need to go somewhere right away.”
“Alone, miss…?” The stable keeper asked, puzzled.
Raylenne nodded and scanned the surroundings.
“Do you manage this place alone?”
“Yes… though other employees come and go occasionally.”
Good. Raylenne smiled inwardly.
“What’s your name?”
“K-Kelvin,” he replied reluctantly, surprised by the sudden question.
“Kelvin, I don’t want anyone to know that I went out.”
Raylenne removed a ring from her finger and handed it to Kelvin.
“You understand what I mean.”
Kelvin’s eyes widened at the sight of the ring. He quickly looked around, then pocketed the ring.
“I’ll get a coachman right away!”
Just as she had told Kelvin, Raylenne intended to leave without anyone knowing. Since visiting the magic greenhouse last time, Helen had disappeared, and Raylenne suspected other eyes might be watching her. The grand duke’s castle felt more alien than ever. Shadows flickered in her blue eyes under her long lashes. Even if she found the culprit who intended to harm her, her future life remained a problem. Would it be right to marry the Crown Prince and live as his wife? Even if she didn’t marry him, she would have to marry someone else, and who knew if she could marry the one she truly desired? Perhaps helping Aiden escape and disappearing herself was the answer. Now that her health was recovering, escaping might not be impossible with careful preparation. Her mind buzzed with various thoughts.
“Miss, here’s the carriage.”
Kelvin’s voice interrupted her thoughts. A carriage stood before her, and Kelvin winked as he opened the door.
“I’ve informed the coachman. When you leave the main gate, he’ll tell the guards you’re a guest.”
“Thank you.”
She appreciated Kelvin’s meticulousness.
“Do you have scissors or a knife?”
“I have scissors.”
“Bring them to me.”
Kelvin quickly fetched the scissors. Raylenne snipped off the Ergen family emblem from her robe. Kelvin seemed a bit startled but made no comment, understanding she needed to go somewhere discreetly. She glanced at her now tattered robe. Though it looked odd with the underlying clothes visible, Aiden had warned her not to let anyone know she was from the Ergen family.
“Thank you.”
She returned the scissors and climbed into the carriage. The coachman leaned out the window.
“Where to?”
Raylenne handed him a paper with an address.
“Here.”
The coachman’s eyes widened as he read it.
“The back alleys of Gaenew Street?”
“Yes.”
“That place can be rough for a lady alone.”
Raylenne silently handed him a bracelet. She had many ornate accessories after meeting the Crown Prince. The coachman, realizing her intent, nodded.
“I’ll ensure your safety.”
This was indeed convenient. Soon, the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats filled the air as the carriage moved. Gaenew Street was quite far, about a two-hour journey. The sun was already setting, and by the time she returned, it would be late at night. Though she hadn’t informed anyone at the estate, no one had ever sought her out in the evenings. Even if someone did, she could claim to have been on a night walk. Raylenne leaned her head against the window to nap. After a while, the coachman’s voice woke her.
“Miss, we’ve arrived.”
The sky outside was dark. Her pocket watch showed it was already 10 o’clock. Raylenne shook off her drowsiness and stepped out of the carriage.
“The address is in that alley.”
The coachman pointed to a shady alley filled with beggars and drunkards. It looked as dangerous as Aiden had warned.
“Shall I escort you?”
The coachman offered, but Raylenne shook her head. Though she had brought him this far, he must not learn she was searching for Helen. She had to go to the agency alone.
“I’ll wait here.”
Ignoring the coachman’s words, Raylenne pulled her hood low and stepped out of the carriage, carefully avoiding the red-faced drunks. A foul stench greeted her at the alley entrance. The empire wasn’t running well; this was the stark reality of the lower class.
‘Where could it be?’
There were several doors but no proper signs. Then, someone slung an arm over her shoulder.
“You don’t look like you belong here, judging by that fancy robe.”
His voice reeked of alcohol.
‘Damn it.’
Raylenne slowly turned around. The man took a deep breath, and the stench of alcohol hit her nose. She grimaced.
“What brings you here? Let me guide you, for a fee, of course.”
The drunk chuckled.
“Why so silent? Are you too noble to speak to a lowly person like me?”
Raylenne’s silence only provoked the drunk.
‘What should I do?’
The man didn’t seem to realize she was a woman, but if he heard her voice, he would know instantly. If he realized she was a woman, the situation could get worse. The grip on her shoulder was loose.
‘Yes. Don’t engage. Just run.’
Raylenne silently counted to herself. One… Two… Three… Now!
She attempted to run, but the drunk grabbed her robe, nearly making her fall. She regained her balance, but her hood slipped off, and her hair whipped around.
“A woman, huh?”
The drunk looked bewildered. Raylenne quickly pulled her hood back on.
“I remember someone with the same hair color recently… They had the same robe, too. Such an unusual color. Are you from the Ergen family? If so, why are you here…?”
But the drunk’s thoughts were cut short as a large man appeared, knocking him to the ground with a single punch. The man had a sturdy build, clearly strong despite his age.
“Don’t block the entrance.”
To punch someone just for blocking the entrance? This place was lawless. The man looked at Raylenne.
“You seem wealthy. You won’t fare well here.”
As if she wanted to be here! Raylenne checked her hood, ensuring her hair was covered. She pulled it lower just in case.
“I’m here to find someone.”
“Who are you looking for, risking this dangerous place?”
The man’s tone was rough. Still, he seemed the most normal person in this alley, so she decided to ask.
“Do you know someone named Cashwood?”
The man’s eyebrow twitched. He scrutinized Raylenne cautiously. She felt nervous, though her hood was secure. The man turned abruptly.
“Follow me.”
Raylenne trailed closely, hoping he wasn’t dangerous. He soon opened a rusty iron door, which creaked loudly. A pungent smell emanated from inside.
“Is Cashwood here?”
The man poured water into a white ceramic cup and placed it in front of her.
“I’m Cashwood.”
Raylenne’s eyes widened. Could it be that easy? She noticed the man’s left hand, the skin under his sleeve looked strange.
[Cashwood retired from knighthood due to an injury. He has a prosthetic left hand, which makes him easily recognizable.]
Aiden’s instructions echoed in her mind. ‘So this is Cashwood.’
“Sit down.”
Cashwood offered a rough wooden chair. Raylenne carefully sat, avoiding the splinters. Once seated, Cashwood pointed at her.
“Who are you?”
Raylenne swallowed hard. She couldn’t reveal her identity.
“I can’t tell you.”
Cashwood smirked.
“Then I won’t take the job. I can’t trust someone anonymous.”
“Aiden!”
Raylenne quickly added. Cashwood paused.
“I came on Aiden Bedeusian’s recommendation.”
“On Aiden’s recommendation…?”
Cashwood looked surprised, but then his expression turned neutral.
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
Raylenne produced the map Aiden had drawn.
“Aiden gave me this map.”
[Cashwood is a loyal subordinate of mine. He will recognize my handwriting and know I sent you.]
Cashwood muttered as he read Aiden’s handwriting.
“It seems Aiden really sent you.”
Smart Aiden. Except for the missing sign, everything Aiden said was true.
“So, will you take the job?”
Cashwood finally nodded.
“Alright.”
