Chapter 72

A small red flame danced atop a candle, sputtering with a faint fizzle.

The girl watched entrantly as the shadow of the fire swayed back and forth across the surface of the knife in her hand.

She gently slid her finger over the beautifully polished blade. Whether it was due to her caressing touch, the edge remained as submissive as a toy, never once nicking her white finger.

The girl’s lips curled upward in satisfaction, but in the next moment, she quietly lowered her eyes.

She picked up a book that had been lying face-down on the shelf beside her bed and recited a passage from it. There was actually no need for her to reread it; it was a Bible she had read and prayed over countless times. Yet, for her right now, it was an absolute necessity.

“…I’m sorry.”

The girl murmured softly, then slowly surveyed her surroundings.

A large sword, unbefitting a young girl’s hands.

A small vial filled with a sinister red liquid.

And—a worn-out Bible, the very embodiment of deep faith.

The people of the world would never imagine that such things were hidden away in the room of a girl regarded as so cheerful.

“…I wonder, would you be surprised?”

Twisting her lips into a self-deprecating smirk, she continued her monologue in a tone steeped with resolve. “Even so… I won’t back down. …Forgive me, Elma.”

Having uttered her friend’s name, she snapped her gaze upward and resumed her packing with brisk, efficient movements. To begin with, there wasn’t much to bring into the maid dormitory. Though she was often overshadowed by her overly competent colleague, she was still among the top five most capable junior maids.

The task was completed in a matter of minutes.

After tucking the Bible and the vial into a hidden spot in her bag, the girl finally gripped the large sword. As if swearing an oath to it, she spoke in a low voice.

“I will—drag you down.”

Her green eyes, which usually gave off a cat-like impression, were now saturated with a powerful will that felt almost fierce.