Chapter 340
Chapter 340: Creep of Malevolence
Officia cautiously returned to the city center.
While keeping a maximum lookout, she made her way along the rooftops toward the warehouse. If the purpose of Outluke’s request was discovered, it could be dangerous for Isabella and Nina, but either way, she needed a large amount of oil and cloth, so there was no turning back.
(Is there… no one on watch?)
Observing from a distance, there were no signs of guards lying in wait. The lights were off, and the residents seemed to be fast asleep.
The ones to be wary of were the Hero and Priest hiding their appearances with the magic of stealth, but they seemed absent as well. There was no unsettling feeling that these higher-level combatants were lying in wait.
It might just be intuition, but Officia trusted her instincts.
(…Alright, no one is here.)
Indeed, that was correct. She silently infiltrated through the rain shutter of the top floor, and there was no sign of an ambush.
Living in this building were only Isabella and Nina, a few nearly dying old men, and the mute, injured soldier Mock. The old men posed no threat, and Mock was a weakling as well. In fact, Isabella and the others, who could scream, might be the biggest trouble.
(Mock and the old men can wait.)
First, she would secure Nina and suppress the other residents. From this base, she would set fire across the capital. Then, with the dawn, she would escape the town—
Considering the wind direction and the structure of the city, Officia began to think about where to start the fire, but—
Descending to the lower floor, she suddenly halted her steps.
Creak, creak.
From Isabella’s room, there was the sound of something creaking.
(That is…)
—The spinning wheel.
Isabella must be spinning thread!
(Why is she still awake at this hour? Why?)
Was she doing some night work by the light of the moon?
Officia thought it would be a simple task if she just ambushed her while sleeping, but now it was turning into a hassle! She nearly clicked her tongue in annoyance.
“Mom, you’ve really gotten better,”
came Nina’s muffled voice from the other side of the door.
“Yes, my body feels as light as a feather,”
Isabella replied with a bouncy voice. Officia frowned. Isabella had always spoken with a weak voice, as if something was stuck in her throat.
(“Gotten better,” huh? Could it be she’s received treatment…?)
Is Outluke still alive? Did they summon a Priest to achieve their goal? Officia was bewildered and couldn’t comprehend the situation.
“Thank you so much for today…”
Isabella’s voice sounded deeply moved.
“I really want to express my gratitude.”
Gratitude… It seemed that it was undeniable she had been treated. The sickly Isabella Officia knew couldn’t have spoken so continuously. She always needed to cough or catch her breath—
(Then, has that woman’s status been whitened?)
If she received treatment from a Priest, then the impersonation plan… no, it’s too dangerous to take that route in the current capital.
Either way, killing this woman doesn’t change.
“But don’t push yourself too hard, Mom.”
“Yes, but I truly feel refreshed,”
the spinning wheel continued to turn, creaking with every motion.
“I’ll go to sleep soon, so you should rest first.”
“Okay, then I’ll watch over you while you sleep.”
Rustling sounds came from the bed.
“Fufu…”
It seemed that Nina was lying on the bed, watching Isabella spin thread. Isabella wore a smile, and Nina was giggling along with her. Officia, peering through the door, envisioned this heartwarming scene of mother and daughter—
(Damn it…)
She felt irritation boiling within her.
Her subordinates had perished, and she was desperate to find a way out while trudging through filth, yet here was a mother receiving treatment and radiating a happy atmosphere—it was infuriating.
(What a cozy situation… Who do you think is responsible for this?!)
Officia believed that Nina’s chance encounter with that Hero, Alex, must be involved in this whole ordeal. She had no concrete evidence but felt the timing was too coincidental. Whether directly or indirectly, she sensed Alex had a hand in it—
That’s why it was unforgivable.
Nina’s carefree attitude, leading to the root cause.
Her pent-up indignation ignited Officia’s wicked thoughts—
(…That’s right.)
She thought of an excellent idea.
Quietly placing her bag on the floor, Officia pulled out one of her perfume bottles.
It was a potent drug that could cause unconsciousness. Soaking a handkerchief with it, she ensured it was ready and placed it in her pocket.
She then drew the knife from her waist and headed back to the stairs—deliberately making noise as she climbed.
“—”
The sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway caused Isabella and the others to cease their conversation, sensing the atmosphere tense. With a wicked grin, Officia approached the room.
Knock, knock.
She knocked on the door.
“……..?!”
The middle-of-the-night visitor understood the agitation of the mother and daughter from inside.
“I’m sorry for coming so late,”
Officia called out in her usual gentle voice.
“It’s me, Officia. I hope you’re not already asleep…”
She painted a picture of profound regret. She could almost see Isabella and Nina glancing at each other.
“……Officia-san? What brings you here?”
The sound of blankets being tossed aside, light footsteps hurried closer.
—Nina was coming.
(Just as planned.)
Officia smirked, holding her knife at the ready. The unsuspecting Nina opened the door—
“Eh?”
She appeared confused.
What stood before her was not a kind woman dressed in fine merchant clothing, but rather—
A filthy woman radiating a putrid stench and wearing a devilish grin.
With a swift motion, Officia covered Nina’s mouth with her left hand and pulled her close.
“?! What are you—”
As Isabella stood up in a panic,
“Stay quiet,”
Officia said in a voice that sent chills down the spine.
“If you make another sound, I’ll kill you.”
She pressed the sharp knife against Nina’s neck. Isabella froze, and Nina’s eyes widened, paralyzed with confusion and fear.
Once she confirmed their reactions, Officia nodded with satisfaction.
—What she had thought of earlier was this.
Initially, she had considered knocking out Nina, then killing Isabella thereafter, but now she had changed her mind.
(Before knocking this kid out—)
Let’s showcase the moment when she kills Isabella!
