To The Traitor in My Bed - Chapter 48

However, the war with Froiden had drained much of the kingdom’s military funds, and now that there was no external threat, there was no excuse to call upon the army. As a result, the king began to increase the number of military police under the pretext of maintaining order.

Thanks to this, the influence of the military police grew, and the nobility began to be cautious around them, which was a positive change at first.

However, as with all things, excess can become problematic. The increase in both internal and external military forces was steadily increasing the debt of the Leonhart family.

That, however, wasn’t Lysander’s concern. What did concern him was the unreasonable demand to release these kinds of horses and carriages and to arrest the noblemen. He checked to make sure the warrant he was holding was secure before sticking his head out the window.

“You two, get down.”

This was directed at the two military police who had been following in the carriage.

Captain Gale, who was sitting opposite, raised an eyebrow.

“Major, what are you planning to do?”

“Planning? I’m going to ride into the Count’s mansion on horseback.”

Captain Gale, who had been drafted from the military police of the Upper Island, was quite immersed in the sense of power that his rank provided.

“Well, wouldn’t it be more intimidating to ride in a carriage as befits Lord Holborn?”

“We’re not some young lady out on a picnic. If Count Glenwell is quick-witted, he’ll probably have us turned away the moment he sees this carriage.”

“But, didn’t you say, Major, that the Count probably doesn’t even know what crime he’s being accused of?”

Of course, Lysander had made up a suitable excuse to arrest Count Glenwell, as per His Majesty’s order. He had come up with a creative justification for ‘hiding the criminal.’

This accusation was based on the fact that Holborn was very close to the hometown of Ian Darnell, just next to Upper Island. Whether it was true or not didn’t matter; the suspicion alone made Lysander feel that it was a great fit for his plan. He was certain that Darnell had not fled this way, and Lysander would bet his medals on it.

“Better safe than sorry.”

The two men who had dismounted the carriage quickly mounted the military police’ horses.

“Any carriage or person coming to the Count’s estate, capture them and bring them back with you.”

After giving the orders, Lysander urged his horse to move forward. His riding skills were as good as any of the royal guards, and he handled his horse fiercely. The horse, startled by Lysander’s intense energy, galloped up the hill toward the Count’s estate. Captain Gale quickly fell behind.

‘Pathetic bastard.’

Lysander muttered under his breath as he continued onward without a second glance.

Count Glenwell’s mansion was exactly as one would imagine from the term ‘old house in the mountains’ that exuded a quiet charm.

The mansion walls were nearly exposed, but inside, there were rows of white birch trees and shrubs. The building, partially buried on the mountainside at the back, was glowing with warm light.

Lysander circled the wall and surveyed the area. It was quiet, with no signs of movement.

A few minutes later, Captain Gale arrived panting and nodded towards the main gate. Understanding his intent, Gale rang the doorbell. Soon, a butler appeared at the entrance. Gale called out loudly so that he could be heard.

“I’m Captain Gale from the Upper Island Military Police. Open this door.”

The butler said nothing but opened the door. Lysander rode his horse right up to the entrance.

“This is Lord Holborn’s house, right? Who else lives here besides Lord Holborn?”

He asked the question, but of course, he had already gathered information on the inhabitants. Excluding the married eldest daughter and the missing Heather, the Countess and two daughters resided in this house.

The butler nodded.

“Lord Holborn, Lady Holborn, and the two daughters live here. Currently, only Lord Holborn is inside.”

“Have him come out.”

Soon after the butler went inside, a middle-aged man with yellow hair appeared. This was Count Glenwell.

Lysander greeted him cheerfully.

“Ah, Lord Holborn. I’m Lysander Cottenham from the Swinton Military Police. We’ve received a report of a fugitive being spotted nearby, and I’m here to check if there are any issues at your estate.”

“Thank you for your concern, but there’s no issue here. We haven’t seen any fugitive.”

Count Glenwell spoke calmly. It was understandable that one would be caught off guard when the military police showed up suddenly asking about a fugitive.

Lysander dismounted the horse with a leap.

“That’s good to hear. But perhaps you missed something, Lord Holborn. I’d like to inspect inside. Oh, and I have a search warrant, so I’m sure you’ll cooperate, right?”

He pulled out the warrant and tossed it at the Count. The man reflexively caught it, and a flash of anger appeared in his eyes.

However, the look of anger soon turned to a deep sense of resignation or despair. Lysander thought to himself that if he was the Count, he wouldn’t waste energy on such trivial matters.

He passed the Count and headed for the hallway, where he could see the entire first floor and anyone coming down from the second floor. The house, just like the outside, felt eerily silent.

Almost unnaturally so.

“So where are your daughters?”

“They’re visiting a neighbor.”

“At this hour? I suppose they’re not as well-behaved as I thought. What about Lady Holborn?”

“She’s out with her niece.”

Lysander looked over at the butler standing by.

“There must be other servants in this house besides you, right? Bring every single one of them here. And, Captain, once we’ve gathered information on the servants, line them up in the hall. If any of them resist, you’re free to shoot them.”

As he gave these orders, he placed his foot on the stairs leading to the second floor. Just then, the sound of a carriage was heard from outside.