"No! This isn't happening! No!"
Adham kneeled on the floor while holding his head. He was devastated at the sight of Siegfried's lifeless body. Helena was horrified, while Duchess Vermillion was shocked.
"Seal this place and call everyone that guard Siegfried. I want all of them, now!"
Helena could not believe it. Just a few days ago, she spoke to Siegfried. He still joked about his life and laughed in front of her. Yet, he was nothing but a corpse right now. Helena glanced at Adham. That young man was crying on the ground. He was supposed to be there to say goodbye, yet welcomed by the death of his guardian.
Helena must soothe him. Her hand reached his shoulder. "Whitesmithe, are you-"
He slapped her hand, showing pure anger and sadness on his face. Adham ran and left the prison. Helena felt like a knife had been twisted in her heart. She had never seen him with that expression. It hurt for her to see him holding his pain.
Duchess Vermillion touched her head. This incident was out of her control. "Lady Helena, you should return to your mansion. Let me handle the situation in here."
"But-"
"The Duchess is right, Lady Blackmoore." Eric Taupe intercepted. "We are going to disturb the investigation by staying in here."
Helena pulled a long face but complied. She returned to her home along with the knights. Helena did not expect Siegfried to die in prison. She dwelled on the case for the whole day.
Now that the past had changed, the future would be the same. Some occurrences in the present were different from the ones in the past. There was more criticism toward the royalty for hiding the Paradise Star. Everyone knew the organization lurked under the kingdom. In her first life, people had less contempt for them after Sinner's Punishment. People assumed the cult was dissolved when its members were executed.
Paradise Star hid themselves when everyone learnt about their existence. The cult might lose its influence, but the situation in the capital remained worse. Burglary, assault and robbery had become rampant lately. Some people were found dead in their homes. This time, their possession was taken. The newspaper said it was armed robbery. Helena frowned when she read it. The names of the victims were familiar to her somehow.
"Lady Helena!" Violet shouted while knocking on her door. "Pardon my intrusion. A servant from Vermillion house is in here! He came with a carriage and a letter. Looks like there is an emergency."
Helena opened the letter and was shocked. She rushed to the Vermillion estates. The atmosphere of the place was tense and heavy. Only one servant greeted her arrival. The butler brought Helena directly to the Duke's office. Duke Vermillion looked miserable. His hair and clothes were messy. His cheek was damp, perhaps from crying.
"Your Grace, forgive me for barging in."
"It is all right, Lady Blackmoore. I am sorry for not giving you a proper welcome."
"How is the Duchess condition?"
"She is still resting. Her wound is deep, but she passed her critical state."
"That's good news."
Helena was relieved to hear that. The content of the letter almost made her faint. The Duchess's carriage was attacked when she went back home. The knight protected her, but there were too many enemies. She suffered an injury in the shoulder as a result.
"I should investigate her carriage attack, but I can't. I am too worried about Nora's condition. I am afraid of losing her when I leave her side." Duke Vermillion hung his head.
"I don't know if I can do this work anymore... "
Helena understood his feelings. The despair and hopelessness during rough times always made her pessimistic. Yet, Helena survived against every odds. She was still alive and breathing.
Helena held his hand and comforted him. "Raise your head, Duke Vermillion. You have many loyal friends and knights willing to stay by your side. This storm will pass."
A weak smile appeared on his face. "Lady Blackmoore, no wonder my wife likes you. You are a thoughtful person." He stood up from his seat and looked out from the window. "The situation in this place has been dangerous lately. I suggest you and your family leave the capital for a while."
"I understand. Thank you for the advice."
Helena excused herself and left the estate with anxiety. She thought about the Duke's words inside the carriage. Perhaps staying outside the capital would do her good. She would be safe from hide and seek with death.
Helena had a quick stop at the church. She was still worried about Adham since he left in anger. He might be a gentle person, but he could be a reckless man. Sister Mary and the children were happy to see her. They had not seen Helena after her arrest.
After greeting the children, she had a private conversation with Sister Mary.
"I'm here for Whitesmithe. Is he in here?"
"Well, about that...." The old lady took a deep breath. "Whitesmithe has been gone for few days..."
"What?"
"Don't worry, he comes a few times at night but disappears again." The nun calmed her down despite looking concerned. "Honestly, what that kid has been doing? It is not safe outside."
Helena drowned in thought. She was silent during her trip back home and dinner time. The young woman went to her bedroom with a murky look. When Helena turned the doorknob, cold air blew through her face. The balcony door was open. Her eyes widened to see that figure appear again before her eyes.
The damned demon sat on the balcony rail.
"Hello!"