Avoid 19-rated content

Chapter 8

From the beginning, if I were to go directly to where I hid the items, suspicions would naturally turn back toward me. I suggested starting by searching the areas near my room.

"If someone wanted to frame me, they might have hidden it in or near my room."

Even though the conclusion was easily reached by just thinking a bit, Khan looked at me with a slightly displeased expression, perhaps thinking my words were based on experience. Without needing to correct that misconception, I continued.

"So, it would be best to start looking around this area."

"Fine. Let's do that."

Khan nodded and entered the room next to mine, this room was three times the size of my own. As I admired the large bed, sofa, sturdy and luxurious desk, and various decorations, Khan sarcastically remarked.

"This is a guest room. You're a prisoner. The room is still the same. At least for a week."

"...Who said anything."

Khan glared at me and began searching the guest room. As he unhesitatingly bent down to inspect under the bed, I felt a slight sense of guilt. The place where I hid those items wasn't under the bed or beneath the wooden floor.

I walked near the large desk by the window and pretended to rummage through the drawers. However, my gaze was fixed on the thick branch outside the window. Yesterday, in the early morning, as I contemplated the money pouch, the tree outside caught my eye. Bathed in moonlight, its thick branches seemed like a suitable hiding place. Just in case, I gathered other items along with the money pouch and silently went outside, climbing the tree.

Although it was difficult with my weak muscles, the thought that Khan might mistake me for a thief and kill me, gave me the strength I needed.

That's how I ended up hiding the money pouch and other items inside a hole in the tree trunk outside. It was challenging to see from afar as I had to climb the tree, and the hole was on the opposite side of the Duke's castle. I had to climb the tree myself to make the hole visible.

How happy I was when I found that hole yesterday. I confidently stowed away the money and other items, thinking that no one would be able to find them, and returned to my room after almost two hours. Now, the problem I faced was how to subtly encourage Khan to climb the tree himself.

"Nothing under the bed."

Khan stood up from the floor just as he spoke. I hastily opened and closed drawers noisily, then turned around to look at Khan.

"Nothing here either."

Afterward, we meticulously searched every room on the third floor. Naturally, nothing came up, and my energy, already in poor condition, quickly depleted. As my movements noticeably slowed and my expression darkened, Khan sighed.

"This is why I despise southern nobles."

Saying that, he grabbed my collar.

"Let's eat first."

He lifted me effortlessly and led me to the dining room on the first floor. I insisted I could walk, but he paid no heed.

Khan kicked open the dining room door and boomed, "Food!"

There are food beggars in every world.

However, the servants quickly prepared a meal as if accustomed to Khan's behavior. Seating me on the opposite side, Khan sat askew and scrutinized me.

"Why... Why?"

"You have an illness?"

Probably not. According to the game setting, Del Narcisse was very healthy. Just a bit weak in terms of stamina, fitting for a noble.