Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 141
Standing at the top of the stairs, Kyden scanned the crowd with an emotionless gaze before nodding at the man at the front.
“Agent.”
“Yes.”
“If there’s anything you’re hiding, speak up now. You’ll regret it later if I find out on my own.”
The sudden interrogation caused the agent’s face to stiffen. Kyden stared at him, as if he could see straight through his thoughts. It was a common tactic used by the late Count.
“Wh-what do you mean?”
“If it’s uncomfortable to talk here, you can speak when it’s just the two of us. Do it however you like.”
“……”
After a long moment of contemplation with his eyes tightly shut, the agent finally managed to speak.
“C-can I tell you when it’s just the two of us?”
He clearly seemed to think that staying silent would be difficult, but he hoped he could twist his way out of the situation. Kyden nodded, satisfied. It was time to test the agent’s courage.
“Alright. Elden, you take care of the others. Question the managers first, and leave the lower-ranking staff for now. We have plenty of time.”
Kyden gestured toward the knight standing behind him, arms crossed and displaying a serious expression.
If the mansion had been without a master for several months, there would undoubtedly be more than a few who had slipped away with the owner’s possessions.
Now it was time to establish order and prevent further thievery, but the reason for questioning the managers first was due to the amounts of embezzlement involved.
Those in higher positions tend to be bolder and often take more for themselves. The lower-ranking staff would likely be stealing only small supplies from the pantry. Showing that he would hold the higher-ups accountable would naturally make everyone more cautious.
“Yes! Just trust me!”
Elden, who had recently shed his apprentice status, was filled with enthusiasm. Sensing this, Kyden added,
“Don’t be too harsh. Be gentle.”
“Gentle, understood.”
Those who had ever touched the goods rolled their eyes nervously, glancing around, while the agent, the steward, and the head of security turned pale.
With the aim of creating a quiet, harmonious, and happy mansion as soon as possible, Kyden’s eyes glinted with determination.
He needed to organize the mansion and its surroundings quickly; after all, a wedding ceremony was on the horizon. Everything was laying the groundwork for a swift marriage.
* * *
Roel couldn’t stand the boredom and wandered around the room while waiting for Kyden. One wall had a square outline where a frame used to hang, and the shelves were sparsely filled with items. Although each item looked expensive, there was an undeniable emptiness to the room.
Growing tired of exploring, she began examining the books on the shelf. They were far more luxurious than the ones she had purchased for six silver coins. Given their high quality, they likely contained complex content that was difficult for Roel to grasp; she struggled to turn even one page.
After what felt like a long wait, Kyden returned around dinnertime.
“Kyden! Did you get a chance to greet everyone?”
“Yeah.”
“Did they seem nice?”
“Hmm, well, not bad.”
At least the agent had been dealt with. He had mentioned others wrongdoings first while keeping his own hidden. Kyden put the agent in the underground cell for about an hour, which quickly prompted him to reveal where he’d hidden his emergency funds.
Although it was a matter that warranted punishment, Kyden, being somewhat lenient, had chosen to confiscate only the embezzled funds and any fines while leaving the original assets and salary untouched.
Once one person confessed, others soon followed. It turned out that more than half of the mansion’s staff had been greedy for personal gain, which was quite a headache for him, especially considering he hadn’t even investigated the younger or older staff members.
“Where are we having dinner? Where’s the kitchen? Should I just stay in my room?”
Roel bombarded him with questions with curiosity piqued. Kyden led her to the bed and gave her a gentle pat on the backside.
“I asked them to bring the meal to the door.”
“Why? Isn’t there a dining room?”
“There is, but I figured we wouldn’t have time to go there.”
“Do we have to go out again?”
“No. I just think you won’t be able to leave your room.”
With that, he playfully nudged Roel. Once she tumbled onto the bed, it finally clicked for her.
It seemed like a riled-up Kyden was unaffected by the long ride in the carriage. Meanwhile, Roel was feeling mentally exhausted from adjusting to the new environment, and Kyden’s energy seemed quite impressive to her.
“I’m tired.”
“Mm.”
Kyden collapsed beside her, groaning. She could see his prominent lower body.
‘When did he get aroused?’
Roel couldn’t help but grab his shoulder.
“Alright, just a little. Kyden doesn’t know how to take it easy, so just lie there.”
Roel began to remove her clothes. Lying on his back with a hand on her chest, Kyden watched her slowly undress, his gaze lingering.
‘This is a lot of work.’
Once fully undressed, Roel pulled up his shirt and slid down his pants. As she mounted him, her softness brushed against his abs, sending a shiver through him.
