Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 104

104.

It seemed the matter was resolved. Kite wanted to stay with Ibelin, but couldn't—the Emperor and guests were still outside, and there were things to finish.

Ibelin cleared her throat.

"Let's go—we need to check on the situation outside."

She gently pushed his chest. He clicked his tongue reluctantly, but smoothed her disheveled hair and nodded.

"Fine."

But the moment he turned, the warmth vanished from his eyes, leaving only coldness.

"Take them out."

At his command, the knights moved swiftly, binding the assassins and dragging them away.

As they stepped into the corridor, Martin approached.

"All secured, Your Grace."

She reported with a bow. Thanks to the Intelligence agents and knights, the remaining assassins had been silenced without disturbing the hall. But the guests had sensed something amiss—that would need addressing.

The next step was interrogating the survivors—but this wasn't the place.

"Move the rats carefully."

"Of course—we'll make them useful."

From the moment they left, others would try to reach the assassins—to kill or rescue. Either way, it'd be troublesome.

"But it'll be interesting."

Martin smiled. Assassins were trained not to talk—breaking them would be hard, but she seemed confident.

"Draven?"

"Quiet."

Outwardly, he appeared uninvolved, likely confident in his position. Moving rashly would only raise suspicion.

Just then, a familiar boy appeared—Emperor Leonhardt, flanked by his usual knights. Martin was alarmed.

"Your Majesty, you shouldn't be here!"

"Is there anywhere I can't go?"

"Dangerous places—and this is one."

"The assassins have been caught."

Kite kept quiet about Ibelin's true identity, but had told Leonhardt of the assassination attempt. He'd given Kite authority to move Intelligence officially.

"Still, it's not safe."

"I'm fine—there's a delicate lady here, and I can't be the only one protected. Besides, Archduke Gracias is here—he'd have dealt with the assassins quickly."

Leonhardt looked at Ibelin with sparkling eyes. She'd mentioned she was good at hunting, but that didn't connect to catching assassins. She smiled demurely.

Kite wore an amused expression—Leonhardt recognized it as his uncle's teasing look and narrowed his eyes. Then he peeked inside the broken door.

"Surely not?"

He looked at Ibelin.

"Surely yes."

At Kite's words, Leonhardt's eyes widened. The handsome blond boy with such wide eyes was adorable. Ibelin glanced at Kite—if they had children, they'd look like that. Then she caught herself and blushed.

'Where are my thoughts going!'

They'd only just had the engagement ceremony—and it was really a trap for assassins.

She tapped her cheeks, coming back to reality.

The knights withdrew with the captives. As Intelligence tidied up, Leonhardt approached Kite, clearly wanting to talk. Ibelin stepped back.

With safety secured, she wanted to see her grandfather. Martin would have told him, but he'd still worry—having family who cared was good.

Then she wondered—

Is this really over?

They'd caught the assassins, but would that solve everything?

No.

There was no proof Draven hired them. And Unknown wouldn't give up so easily. He'd do something more.

Turning, she saw a door slowly opening. A frightened girl emerged.

Normally, she'd have approached kindly—loud noises would scare anyone. But she'd been warned: assassins could be anyone—children, the elderly.

The girl suddenly rushed at her, crying.

"Help me!"

Tears streaming, she screamed—then a strange light began to emanate from her.

The age of magic had ended, but relics remained—like those Intelligence used. Magic wasn't impossible.

"Got you."

A familiar voice—the girl grabbed Ibelin. A black pattern appeared, smoke erupting.

'Teleportation.'

Kite reacted, his blue energy slicing the smoke—ancient spatial magic only known in texts.

A blinding blue light flashed, something pulling her. She could have broken free—but she hesitated.

If I go, Unknown will be there.

Escaping now would prolong the confrontation. Meeting him directly might offer a solution. And she trusted herself.

Her hand brushed her hidden weapons.

I'll be fine.

She saw Kite almost reaching her, and said.

"I'll be back."

A blinding flash enveloped them. When the light faded, Ibelin was gone—the girl lay unconscious. Kite clenched his fist.

His blue eyes blazed.

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