Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 156
In truth, they weren’t much different. They were excellent villains.
Genevieve could no longer blame Shane.
Not long ago, she had shouted at him, insisting that he needed to listen to Adeline’s story. But now, she found herself standing on the same side as him, understanding his position.
Harrison had met Genevieve as the ‘Saintess’.
Even if he was disappointed that she wasn’t saintly enough, it was something she had to endure.
But reason and emotion were two different things. Genevieve thought it was only natural for Harrison to be disappointed, yet she still wished for him to continue liking her.
Despite the fact that she had chosen him out of convenience, now that she had opened her heart, she didn’t want to let him go. She knew this was a ridiculous form of selfishness, but she couldn’t help hoping that Harrison wouldn’t change.
Though he didn’t say he understood, Harrison instead took Genevieve’s hand and held it.
*
“Lady Adeline, I’m here!”
Genevieve deliberately called out cheerfully as she flung open the door.
Just as Shane had said, the only person guarding the hideout where Adeline was imprisoned was Lloyd, but the boy was more than capable of handling the task.
Though it seemed like he might help Adeline escape, Lloyd calmly blocked her path and remained vigilant against any intruders as he welcomed Genevieve.
When Harrison had made an unexpected visit, Lloyd initially tried to turn him away, saying he had received no notice of the visit. It was only when Genevieve mentioned that Harrison was her husband and a knight of Edwin’s imperial guard that Lloyd finally allowed them inside.
Genevieve had to swear multiple times that she would take full responsibility for anything that happened. Even then, Lloyd still wore a frown as though displeased.
Seeing him treat Harrison like an unwelcome guest until the very end, Genevieve could only shake her head in amazement.
It seemed more reliable to have one boy like Lloyd guarding the place than to post dozens of guards who wouldn’t be helpful.
In the end, Genevieve had no choice but to leave Harrison with Lloyd. She was beginning to understand why Shane trusted the boy so much.
Perhaps it was because the two of them were similar in some ways.
“Genevieve!”
Adeline, who had been sitting by the window, jumped to her feet.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her complexion pale to the point of looking ashen. Genevieve’s mouth dropped open.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t sleep a wink all night?”
“Genevieve, where’s Shane?”
Adeline urgently grabbed Genevieve’s arm and asked.
“His Grace has some matters to attend to and couldn’t come.”
“I need to speak to Shane. I need to see him right now. Bring him to me, or take me to him!”
“I can’t do that.”
“Genevieve.”
“My role is to take care of your health, Lady Adeline, to ensure you don’t collapse. I don’t have any authority beyond that.”
“Authority? What authority is there in crime? Is this some sort of division of labor?!”
Adeline, raising her voice in frustration, questioned her with a look of desperation.
“Tell me he hasn’t done anything yet. Tell me nothing’s happened. The Kingdom of Brubewein has nothing to do with this! It was just me—damn it, it was just me lost in my delusions!”
“Do you think anyone will believe that?”
Genevieve’s voice rang cold.
“What kind of delusion would let you know the type of poison in advance and be prepared with an antidote? Lady Adeline, you’ve lied too many times.”
“Genevieve…”
“If you tell me everything, I’ll help you. At the very least, I’ll make sure innocent people don’t get caught up in this. But if you won’t tell me, there’s nothing I can do. It’s already…”
“Already?”
Instead of answering, Genevieve gave a bitter smile.
“Kaitlyn Blair, the sorcerer, is dead.”
“No, she’s not dead.”
Adeline’s eyes widened in shock. Genevieve, startled by the familiar voice, turned around.
Lloyd, with a knife stabbed into his chest, was limp in Harrison’s grip. As if shaking filth from his hands, Harrison carelessly threw Lloyd’s body aside before smiling at his wife.
“Lloyd!!”
Adeline’s scream sounded distant. Genevieve could only watch Harrison’s mouth move.
“There are just certain people you should never touch, Jenny.”
Then, everything went black.
