Chapter 79

What did you say? Joachim asked again. It was not because he couldnt hear what Zich said. It was because he couldnt believe Zichs words. However, since Joachim asked this question, Zich made the effort to repeat his previous statement.

I said, theres a high possibility that Ms. Bargot is the one who spread the infectious diseases this time around.

People had their mouths closed. Their eyes were full of disbelief as they stared at Zich. For everyone in the room, Zichs words were beyond shocking. Out of all the people, only Hans maintained enough composure to think that despite his shock, he should first try listening to Zich.

Stupid fool! You arent able to differentiate between reality and imagination anymore! Because you found the cure, you think you can just go around spouting nonsense? Shalom mocked Zich. If thats not it, do you want to get all the credit for putting an end to Igram? You acted as if you didnt need any recognition, but I guess you are a shallow person after all. As expected of someone on the Dracul familys side. You guys go very well together.

Why are you being so defensive? Zich calmly replied to Shaloms mockery. You act as if you have to be the one at fault.

Shaloms face stiffened. Im the one who is the judge. Do you think I will be happy if someone contradicts me!

So even if you get killed, you swear on your life that you were the one who invented and spread the infectious disease around this estate?

Yes!

Then can you tell me how you invented it? Ah, you dont have to give me a specific explanation. You can just give me a basic outline or theory.

Shalom did not reply.

What happened? Try saying anything. I told youif your words make sense, I will believe you. Ah, did you find the information in a book like me? Then I guess it cant be helped. Zich smirked while recalling his past events.

Then is it really true Joachim murmured to himself. Other people also began to realize that Shalom did not know much about infectious diseases.

Fine. I admit it. I just used the diseases that the robed man gave me. But I was the one who judged

But isnt it strange? Zich cut off Shaloms words again. Like a cat cornering a mouse, Zich slowly drove Shalom into a wall.

Arent you siding with Ms. Bargot too much? If you acted like you usually did, instead of just telling me that you got it from the robed man, you would have laughed at my face and told me it was my choice whether or not I believed your words.

Zich seemed like he was enjoying the situation. No, he was definitely enjoying it. Hans shook his head as he saw that Zichs sadistic personality had emerged again. However, Hans remained focused on Zich. When Zich was like this, he was as keen as he was demeaning.

I dont think you are reacting like this out of guilt because whenever it comes to Ms. Bargot, you draw a firm line. Whenever we searched for Ms. Bargot, you just told us to find her by ourselves. But if you were acting this whole time, the entire story completely changes. Zichs eyes glistened. You guys are working together, and the final plan was for you to take the fall. Then, Ms. Bargot would live on and continue her work. Since Ms. Bargot was the one who invented the infectious diseases in the first place, the judgment you are so proud of will continue.

Nonsense.

Shaloms acting was levels above Cloveys amateur acting. His denial was clean and simple. He really looked as if he was not related to Ms. Bargot at all. However, Zich was not convinced.

Well, it doesnt matter. I can find out whether or not Ms. Bargot is the one who spread the diseases after I kill you and get more information out of her. If Im wrong, then Im wrong. Dont worry. I wont torture her. As you can tell, Im good at shaking up peoples mental states and forcing information out of them. With an exaggerated movement, Zich moved his thumb. If you really have no ties with Ms. Bargot, it doesnt matter, but if word gets out that you actually do, I dont know what will happen to her. Maybe she will Zich did not finish his sentence. It was not because he didnt know what would probably happen. But he wanted to leave the rest up to Shaloms imagination so that Shalom could imagine the worst-case scenario. Zich laughed, and from his parted lips, his sharp canines glistened in the light.

Im sure that a lot of people who want revenge like you will appear. And like you, they wouldnt want the perpetrator to get an easy death. So... Zich snapped his fingers as if he just realized something. I think I will be the first in line. Ever since I arrived at the estate, I suffered a lot because of the infectious diseases.

Shalom did not reply. It was impossible to know whether it was because he really had no ties with Ms. Bargot or if it was because of a different reason. He continued to stare at Zich in silence.

Lets end this. Zich fixed his grip on the swords handle and headed towards Shalom. The knights looked at each other and then nodded. They followed Zichs back; for now, they decided to support him.

First of all, if you dont need them, why dont you return the Count and his son? And why dont you try your best to give us a good show? You must not have any regrets since you were able to fulfill a bit of your revenge. And you have nothing more to worry about, Zich said while taking one step further. Since you have no ties with Ms. Bargot at all.

Crunch!

Shalom gritted his teeth and made his move simultaneously. He took out a hidden sword behind the back of the bed and began wielding it around.

Crassssh!

Two swords infused with mana crashed into each other and sharp sounds filled the whole room. Zich smirked as he blocked Shaloms sword.

Huh? Whats up with you? Your face looks so serious. Its as if I just pointed out your weakness.

Shalom did not reply. He moved his feet and kicked the bed next to him.

Swish!

Shalom infused mana into his kick, so the bed easily went up and flew towards Zich. Even though it was a feeble attempt to cover Zichs sight for a second, the Count was still on the bed.

Father! Joachim cried out, and the knights moved. However, Zich paid no attention to the Count.

Im sure the knights can take care of that.

They werent people who couldnt catch one person from falling.

Crack!

Zich flung the whole bed that was covering his view to the side. Still, since the person lying on the bed was Joachims father, Zich controlled his strength to not injure the Count. When his view cleared up, Zich saw Shalom. Shalom was squeezing his body inside the floor where the bed used to be.

Its a secret passageway.

There was a secret passageway underneath the Counts bed. It wasnt anything unusual, and Shalom had probably learned of its existence while acting as the butler. Zich stabbed the air with his sword and used the skill, Piercing Space. Sharp air mixed with mana shot out of the swords sides, but Shalom was hidden in the secret passage.

Yet, the attack wasnt aimed at Shaloms body but the floor surrounding the passage.

Whoosh!

The air struck the floor, and Zich could hear Shaloms screams. Urgh!

Zichs piercing attack had penetrated the floor and pierced Shalom. Shalom received a significant injury, and a little bit of blood splattered outside the passage. However, it didnt completely finish him off and Shalom moved deeper into the passageway.

Hmm, hes better than I expected.

Before he became a butler, Zich heard that Shalom had been a skilled knight, and it seemed as if that was true. Shalom was faster than most low-level knights even while limping.

He probably didnt slack off in his training even after his injury.

Did you lose him? Joachim asked while taking care of the Count.

Rather than losing him, I didnt chase after him.

Sorry?

Shalom probably went to Ms. Bargot anyway. You said that Ms. Bargot was in the prayer room, right?

Yes.

Lets go. I think everything will end there. Zichs gaze moved towards Joachim, and Joachim looked at the Count on the ground and the secret passageway that Shalom had escaped out of. Then, with a determined look, Joachim nodded.

* * *

While leaving a part of their army, they headed to the prayer room. Joachim was among the group who moved to the prayer room as Brod carried him on his back; Joachims complexion didnt look too great, and it seemed as if he was shaken by Shaloms revelation about his father. But because of their current situation, Joachim didnt fall into a deep state of concern or guilt. He didnt have time for it.

Sir Zich.

Yes?

Why do you suspect Ms. Bargot