Chapter 879 (1/2)

Chapter 879: Excuse For Betrayal

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

Why did Dott Somi mention the riot?

It was true that many years ago, a tragic mine accident had resulted in hundreds of deaths among mine laborers. Since at that time the mine owner had only been willing to indemnify the losses for freemen, his indifference toward those underpaid refugee workers outraged the victims’ family members, which had thus led to a huge riot in Silver City. Swarms of refugees had escaped from the mining area in a fury, looting and plundering every residence coming into sight. After an extensive pillage, the riot had finally been quashed by the knightage in the king’s city, and peace and order had been again restored.

That was the last time she had seen her parents. It was until she and her brother had been escorted to the old Gilen mansion that they had learned the death of their parents.

But now it appeared that it had not been the case, based on what the viscount had just said.

Nightingale did not expect she would overhear a completely different side of the story decades after the accident. If the viscount was indeed telling the truth, she would have to investigate something other than the relationship between Hyde and the Somis.

Nightingale exited the room quietly. She reached the basement floor and turned on the Sigil of Listening she took with her.

The Sigil was initially to facilitate the communication between her and Roland in the event Roland wanted her immediate return. She did not anticipate that she would use it on such an occasion.

“It did seem quite fishy,” After hearing the account at the other end of the line, Roland replied. “So you want to stay at the mansion a little longer?”

“Yes, I plan to ask Hyde in person at night… Perhaps he knows something.” Nightingale hesitated for a moment and then apologized. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I…”

“No need to apologize.” Roland quickly interrupted her. “I’ll wait for you at the camp while you’re conducting your investigation. Don’t worry, it’s very safe in here. As long as I stay in, I’m not breaking the promise. You need to take care of yourself and stay safe. Don’t act rashly. No matter what you discover, you have to report to me every four hours.”

Nightingale felt the warmth of Roland’s words wash over her. After a moment of silence, she replied in a soft voice, “Yes, I understand.”

…

When the moonlight faded away outside the skylight, Nightingale left the cellar for Hyde’s room. She had confirmed the location of her brother’s room earlier. The slant of the moonlight indicated it was a quarter past midnight, a perfect time for her to take action, for most people were in a deep slumber at this hour, and even vigil guards sometimes dozed off in the dead of the night.

Hyde’s bedroom was on the first floor of the mansion close to the backyard, a place usually for servants or insignificant guests. This room arrangement further corroborated the testimonies of the two guards. It not only showed that Viscount Dott did not take the heir of House Gilen very seriously but also suggested that all the kindness the Somis had perpetrated in the past was feigned.

Due to Hyde’s low status in the household, the entire hall and the hallway were unguarded, which provided Nightingale ample time to escape in case of an emergency.

After entering the bedroom, Nightingale dragged her brother out of bed straight away. Before Hyde completely woke up and realized what had happened, he felt the chill of a dagger around his throat.

“Any screams, cries or wailings will bring you an instant death. You got it?” Nightingale whispered behind Hyde.

Hyde nodded immediately.

“Very well. Now turn around and look who I am.”

Hyde soon submitted to Nightingale’s order. His pupils dilated instantly after he figured out who the assassin was in the dismal moonlight. If it was not because of the dagger to his throat, he would have shrieked.

But he managed to keep silent.

Nightingale slowly withdrew the dagger after making sure that her brother was tranquilized.

“Why… why are you here?” Hyde could barely suppress the tremor in his voice. “Didn’t you die a long time ago?”