Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 23

Chapter 12.1

Van Helgram gently wiped down Winter’s body with a towel as she drifted into a deep sleep.

He spent the night brushing away the dampness from her eyes with his fingertips and kissing the scars that marred her pale skin.

According to Sianna’s report, Winter suffered from severe insomnia, but that night she did not wake up—not even once.

He wasn’t sure if it was because she was exhausted or if she had finally felt human warmth for the first time in a long while, but it was a good thing nonetheless.

Van held Winter’s hand, running his thumb over the Helgram ring. It fit snugly on her delicate finger.

The family curse. It was a precaution his ancestors had taken to prevent the tragedy that would befall future generations, even if only partially.

Although it was a double-edged sword, the descendants of Helgram were fortunate. Thanks to the ring, they were spared from dying in ignorance and deception.

“Good night, Winter.”

The rain that had fallen all night finally stopped, and dawn began to break outside the window.

Van stopped by his room to get dressed before heading to his office.

Normally, he would visit the training grounds to warm up, but on rainy mornings like this, he went straight to his office.

The sun had not yet risen, so he walked through the dark corridor, relying on the flames of the candles.

Upon entering his office, he found Sheeran already there, organizing the documents he needed to handle.

Most of them revolved around the Helgram territory, but there were also several papers related to his marriage with Winter.

“You’re here, Your Grace?”

Van acknowledged him with a nod and sat down at his desk.

Not long after, a maid brought in tea. As soon as Van took a sip, Sheeran immediately began his report.

“Regarding the marriage arrangements, I’ve consulted with the head maid and compiled a list of tasks that need to be done. I’ve placed them on top of the documents. Oh, and a reply has arrived to the letter you sent earlier.”

Sheeran took a sealed letter from his pocket and handed it to Van. He broke the wax seal bearing the Antherden emblem and began to read the three-page letter, lounging in a relaxed posture.

As Van read through the letter, his expression changed subtly, but it was enough for Sheeran to notice and sense that his master was displeased.

This only made him more curious. Sheeran stood there, his curiosity piqued, waiting for Van to finish reading the letter.

“What does it say?”

Van tossed the letter into the lamp’s flame, his expression much more displeased than when he had first entered the room.

“The duke himself is willing to give up, but he’s not sure if Lillian will do the same.”

“Hmm. She did seem to harbor some affection for you, Your Grace.”

“And you were rather fond of her, weren’t you?”

“Oh, how long will you keep bringing that up! ...Ahem, in any case, I’m worried that she might cause harm to Lady Winter.”

Sheeran’s concern made Van chuckle, as if he found it amusing.

“Sheeran, Winter is an assassin. Shouldn’t you be more worried about Lillian’s safety? She was the woman you fancied, after all.”

“Hah, would you please drop it…!”

Van continued to laugh, finding Sheeran’s reaction highly entertaining.

“No, no, never mind. You truly don’t understand, Your Grace. Lady Winter doesn’t accept jobs just for money. She doesn’t kill just anyone.”

Sheeran’s wide eyes and defensive tone made him sound like Winter’s personal spokesperson.

“If an assassin won’t accept jobs for money, then what do they accept them for?”

Van leaned back in his chair and stared at Sheeran expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

Since this was information about Winter, Van was curious to hear what conditions she used to take on certain requests.

Especially since Winter had accepted the request to assassinate Van Helgram.

“There’s a rumor that she only kills those who deserve it. Winter’s methods are so precise that, just by examining the scene, one can usually guess who the target was. I’ve noticed it, too.”

Van leaned forward, intrigued by Sheeran’s words.

“Is that so? Then I wonder why she accepted my request.”

“…I find it rather uncomfortable to say that out loud.”

“Haha, yes. I suppose killing my half-brother and then trying to kill my own father does make me one of the worst parricides.”

Van’s words caused Sheeran to avert his gaze and awkwardly scratch his head.

“…What I’ve heard is merely a rumor, so you should ask her directly why she accepted your request. There could be other things she takes into consideration. Perhaps it’s not a simple matter of good or evil.”

Sheeran backpedaled from his earlier statement, not wanting to offend his boss.

“I’ll ask her later. If Winter believes I’m a man worth killing, even I might find myself somewhat wounded by the notion.”

Van chuckled, but Sheeran could tell there was a hint of genuine hurt in his eyes.

“Uh, I hope I’m not overstepping by asking this, but…”

“What is it?”

“…Do you love her? L-Lady Winter, that is…”