I was able to gain a solid understanding of the intricate layout of the grand mansion and the precise routes taken by the diligent servants on their patrols.
Remaining calm and composed, I patiently bided my time as the sun slowly disappeared behind the thick veil of clouds, signaling the onset of nightfall.
With the darkness enveloping the surroundings,
I sprang into action and meticulously executed my carefully crafted plan.
To throw off any potential intruders or spies,
I strategically placed a makeshift decoy in my own bed, concealing it under a carefully arranged blanket for added authenticity.
The prison, being situated in a heavily patrolled area, meant that the guards would certainly conduct regular checks to ensure I hadn’t escaped.
Utilizing a decoy would create the illusion that I was sound asleep in my cell.
As the first light of dawn approached, the discovery of my escape would be inevitable, but under the cover of night, it would be much more challenging for anyone to realize I was missing.
“…Fell asleep early tonight, huh.”
The initial guard on patrol passed by without so much as a second glance, confirming the success of my carefully calculated plan.
With the key secretly hidden away, I deftly turned the lock on the sturdy iron bars and made my way out into the open air.
As I set foot outside of the prison walls for the very first time, a rush of unfamiliar emotions swept over me, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
The sensation of freedom was entirely foreign yet undeniably invigorating.
“No time to dwell on this.”
There was no time to enjoy the experience as I needed to put as much distance as I could between myself and the place I was escaping from before the break of dawn.
It was crucial to be far away before morning arrived as news of my escape would surely be widespread.
Each passing moment was of the essence, and time was of the essence.
‘From the prison, turn right, exit the long hallway, and I’ll reach the central garden, right?’
Walking through the central garden would ultimately bring me to the grand entrance of the mansion.
It was a risky move as guards were probably positioned outside, prompting me to devise a plan to climb to the second floor from the lobby and make my escape through a window.
The clock was ticking, with only ten minutes until the next patrol was due to arrive.
Despite the urgency of the situation, I remained calm as I had already mapped out the route in my mind.
My movements were instinctual as I swiftly made my way down the long corridor, determined to reach the central garden and ultimately the mansion lobby.
I maintained a cautious distance from the patrol that had recently exited the prison, keeping a close watch on my surroundings.
The guards were not patrolling alone; each one had a designated area to cover, resulting in their patrol routes overlapping.
As long as I adhered to the details provided by Sherry, I felt confident that I would be safe.
Of course, it was important to ensure that the trusted axe did not accidentally strike the foot of the person wielding it.
‘Wait, is that…?’
I hid in a spot where I wouldn’t be noticed by patrolling guards coming from both directions.
So far, everything was going according to plan, but the problem was the figure approaching directly ahead of me.
The cheerful footsteps belonged to none other than Sherry.
She had deceived me.
‘You never mentioned you’d be patrolling at this hour!’
It was a major crisis.
If I stayed where I was,
Sherry would discover my escape.
But if I moved to a spot out of her sight, I’d be caught by another guard.
Cornered, I had only one escape route.
The door behind me.
I had no idea what kind of facility lay beyond the door to the right of the central garden.
If someone was inside, it would be game over.
But I had no other choice.
Click!
I grabbed the doorknob and turned it decisively.
As I swung the door open, a wave of hot air greeted me.
Inside was a small space containing a basket filled with clothes, including undergarments, and a full-length mirror.
There was another door inside, and steam was escaping from it.
‘A changing room? And beyond it, a large bath?’
A bathhouse near the central garden. How extravagant.
Still, it wasn’t entirely nonsensical.
Nobles often preferred soaking in baths filled with flower petals, desiring the scent to permeate their skin.
Having the bath near the garden would allow for a variety of floral options to suit their mood.
‘There’s someone in the bath.’
The sound of splashing water and a faint humming came from beyond the door.
If I went inside,
I’d be discovered for sure, so I had to wait quietly.
But Sherry’s footsteps were growing steadily closer.
Her destination wasn’t the patrol route—it was the bathhouse.
‘Damn it, there’s nowhere to hide!’
The cramped changing room offered no viable hiding spots.
As dangerous as it was, I had no choice but to enter the bathhouse.
As soon as I opened the door,
I was caught—of course, by Letia, who I thought was supposed to be out on reconnaissance.
Thankfully, the dense steam in the bathhouse obscured both of our views, making it impossible for either of us to see the other.
If I stayed quiet and moved carefully, I might be able to hide.
“Who’s there?” Letia called again.
“Ah! It’s me!”
“Sherry? Is that your voice?”
“Yes! I came to assist you with your bath today, Lady Letia!”
Just as the tension reached a boiling point, Sherry entered at the perfect moment, diverting Letia’s attention.
So, the reason Sherry had come here was to assist Letia with her bath.
A nerve-wracking twist.
“Sherry, I appreciate the thought, but I’d like some time alone today. Let’s save your help for another time.”
“Yes, of course! I’ll leave now.”
As Sherry’s footsteps receded, silence returned.
It seemed I’d narrowly escaped discovery, so I resumed my movements.
I crept out cautiously from behind the lion statue spouting hot water, heading for the exit.
“Ugh!”
“Where are you rushing off to?”
Out of nowhere, Letia pounced, overpowering me in an instant.
She pushed me to the ground, straddling me in a mount position.
She pinned my arms above my head, pressing her weight onto my hips to ensure I couldn’t resist.
I was doomed.
There was no way to escape.
“Who are you, really?”
“Huh?”
“Did you escape just to see me naked?!”
Letia’s furious outburst and the absurdity of her accusation rendered me speechless.
The murderous glare in her eyes silenced any thought of retorting.
Her rage, exuding a terrifying aura, was overwhelming.
“Confess right now. Or else…!”
But the most terrifying thing of all was the fact that Letia wasn’t wearing a single thread of clothing.
My gaze darted around, desperately seeking a safe spot to focus on, but I felt like my eyes might pop out of my head.
I needed to defuse the situation immediately. Calming Letia down was my top priority.
“You…”
“What?”
“I said, you! I came here to see you.”
“Ah!”
Letia’s pale, ghostly face turned bright red like a ripe tomato.
She released my arms and brought her hands to her own cheeks, gently cupping them.
Her upper body rose as she straightened her back, inadvertently drawing attention to the swaying movement of her chest.
Wow, pink.
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