A few seconds of silence dominated the room.

Before long, his brother spoke, Theodore.

!

He was so happy when he heard his name called.

But he was surprised to see the expression on his brothers face. Because there was no anger or contempt, much less disgust, floating there.

Why is he

His brother was smiling wryly as he sat comfortably in his chair.

It was as if to say, There is no one in this place who can do me harm.

Ill keep you company for a little while. When you said you locked her up, did you keep her in a locked cell or something?

Huh?

That question irritated Theodore a bit.

Prisons werent something that could be found anywhere. Everything in the Imperial Capital was under the control of the Order, and they would naturally investigate such things.

In other words, he asked the question knowing that she wasnt imprisoned.

So, he also retorted with a sneer, Shes kept in a narrow, dirty room, the size of a prison cell. Locked from the outside, where she cant get out on her own without the key.

The key? What else?

Rough men with weapons are watching the room shes in. Its a room so high up in the building that she cant escape even through the window. If she raises her voice to call for help, the guards will jump right in and silence her.

Tsk tsk, I didnt know there was even a window.

For some reason, his spare reply increasingly vexed Theodore.

Were you listening to me? Theres no way she can escape from a window in a high room, or from a locked door.

She cant escape?

Thats right. And the unlikely event that she gets out, the watchmen will capture her, and thats the end of it.

He made it so clear, And yet, that didnt raze his brothers composure.

Normally, I suppose.

?

~ What in the world was that?

Impatience followed by frustration was kindled deep within Theodore. Did he possibly err in choosing the person to hold hostage?

No, it cant be!

There was no mistaking the fact that her brother had his eyes on her, no matter how he looked at it. So why wasnt he angry at him?

Shouldnt he be furious, turn his hatred on him, and hurl abuse at him?

I knew I should have cut off one of her fingers and brought it with me. It isnt too late for that. You should know Sister-in-law will easily get hurt from my single command to the guards, right?

Foolish little brother.

The elder brother laughed disdainfully at Theodore.

It was close to what Theodore was craving for, but it was distinctly different. He didnt despise Theodores foul play of taking his bride hostage, but Theodores folly.

You didnt stand a single chance of winning when you thought youd captured that one.

What?

After saying that, his brothers eyes turned towards the door.

Oh look, here she comes!

W-W-What do you mean?! Why cant I understand what youre saying? Its not like you

Just as Theodore was about to argue vehemently, the door popped open with a bang.

Eh?

The door was properly locked. How did it get thrown open?

Theodore looked in the direction of the door in disbelief.

The sight he beheld was even more astonishing.

No way

There stood a girl, holding a dagger in her hand.

With the dagger in one hand, she flipped her coral hair and the hem of her dress.

His brothers fiance, Rishe, looked at him with her beautiful face and smiled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ive come to even the score, Your Highness Theodore.