Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 232: Scene CCXXXII

“What are you doing? Where are you taking her?”

“... I am leaving her under watch-”

“It’s not necessary, she’s going with us.” — Indifferent to their stunned demeanours, the Archduchess did not waver while telling her plans. — “We need people who know the Castle’s paths. She can guide some of the men so no corner is left without disposing of the intruders.”

“...”

“What? Is there a problem? Is it that you don’t want to go?”

Glaring at the woman, she inquired with sarcasm. Demanding from Kelly the only answer she should give so her excuses could be told. — “Or is it that the hunger you imposed on yourself doesn’t allow you to answer?

“N-no... I... I am going... I will do as the Archduchess says.”

“... Now you may leave.”

The bows they gave as they retired, provoked strong displeasure in the wife. Aware of the character Kelly used to showcase, her submissive attitude and extreme decisions frustrated her... for the change implied suffering, and such suffering was not one she was willing to learn while still hurt.

Nonetheless, the night was there for them to act, and as she had told them, they were to enter the Orteu’s humble castle. Gilead led the men so the front and back would be cleared first in hopefully a sneaky attack while Kelly led others to the places less enemies may stand. Yet herself was to go into the residence. Up the stairs and through the halls and corridors, searching in the chambers if that one from an unwelcomed household was residing in the house of her mother.

From the Castle’s side, where the well she once had lifted water to cleanse and serve those of her house, Ewelina’s company sneaked slowly into the castle, careful not to bring attention in case any who roamed outside could find.

Luckily no eyes were there to find them. For no one was there to alert any of their movements, and so... it was now time to disperse inside the residence, cautiously taking care of their every step to prevent anyone unknown from hindering their path.

“Delay confrontation as much as possible... If possible, Gilead.”

“... Hah... yes, if it is possible...” — Gilead said to Ewelina’s petition, aware that such would not be achievable.

Along with those that were to sneak in, for the time they remained concealed Gilead and Kelly guided them through corridors leading to the castle’s main hall, knocking one man out that suddenly appeared in their path.

“Huh? Who are- KH?!”

“Effing lords...” — Gilead sighed after hitting the man in the face with his fist covered in an iron glove, holding him so no sound was provoked to his collapse, for outside the door the man had crossed, he could hear laughter coming from celebration at the vast building meant for such across the front square of the residence. Ultimately glancing at the woman to ask... — “Do you recognise this man?”

“... No. If he were part of the Orteu’s people maybe... yet never have I seen this man.”

Taking a quick moment to look at the man’s outfit, Gilead took from him every weapon, finding an emblem that did not belong to that of the Orteu.

“Cursed luck... the kid was right with her warning... and it’s indeed Felios who came here... That savage better take care of the Ma’am.” 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

“... Do you think they would do something to her?” — Naive, Kelly inquired. Believing Ewelina’s position in the Kingdom would aid in her safety. Yet the guard glared... for nonsense it was.

“Why wouldn’t they? Even if she is the Archduchess, if they have little care and her words aren’t allowed, they could kill the Ma’am without hesitation.”

“Shut tha mouth, Northener.” — One of the men that were from Sortnafeigr retorted to Gilead’s sayings, offended at the sayings he forgot they could hear. — “You serve our Ma’am and spout nonsense. Cut your tongue if bull’s gonna be spit.”

“... Right... That’s bull I said.” — Convinced by the menace, Gilead chuckled at himself. Becoming focused as an inevitable encounter was to occur. — “Woman, you’re not to lead anyone to the back. It seems these people have been celebrating, losing their reason. No soul is here to take care of... everyone appears to be there.”

Pointing at the door where a line of light escaped along the chaotic noise of celebration, Gilead showed the men while still inside the Castle.

“Everyone’s probably inside, fucking around... One of you go make the signal and tell those waiting to come. We’ll intrude in their fun.”

“What about being cautious? The Ma’am-”

“She said ‘if possible’.”

“...”

“The Archduchess knew well such was not the case if some Sortnerers are between us, to begin with.” — To Kelly’s retort, the guard glimpsed at those smirking with the thirst of their roots. Lowering to whisper the orders. — “Once we hear their reply from outside, we go inside. Until then, keep an eye out for any who comes around... only once we hear their reply will you be able to do what you want... Was I clear?”

“khkhkh... Aie, cursed Northener...”

“We’ll wait this once... khkhkh.”

As told, one went back to use their hands to sing a cue for further intrusion with more of their men and an answer was swiftly heard by those that had arrived at the front where, hiding in the dark, waited to intrude with their weapons.

Meanwhile, she who went to higher places of the residence, cautiously moved around with an aloof group of Sortnerers, one from below the crag and two others that served as guard of the Jazhara’s tail.

“Veneer Female.”

“?! Speak lower! Do you want us to be found?

“No soul’s around...”

“Aie, there’s no one here Ma’am... probably.” — The other Sortnerer confirmed, opening a door to find no soul in the room. — “I’m sure everyone’s where Gilead is headed, I smell the ale.”

“... There may still be someone in here.”

“Veneer Female, it’s worthless to be cautious of northerners. Weak they are.”

“Aie, Ma’am. If we’re cautious, it appears like a jest... although I am to follow our Myrkzver’s instructions loyaly.”

“... Sigh... It does appear to be void of people...” — She then granted while looking into the dim corridor lit by very few flames. — “Let us look if there is anyone to make sure at the very least. Look inside those rooms.”