1414 Brother-In-Law Goes Missing
Brother-in-Law went missing.
It was a rumor that no one took seriously at first.
But when a week passed without the man doing a shopping spree, it was quickly accepted by many quarters.
The news shook the entire capital.
Some said he was a fraud and escaped before he could be found. Others opined he was kidnapped or even killed. A few went as far as to propose that he was wiped off by the Archdukes for his rude behavior.
Even though no one could touch the Archdukes, the pillars of the kingdom couldn't stop the public perception building against them.
It came up even in the weekly court meeting.
It wasn't King Ferdinand who mentioned it. The ruler only focused on serious matters and didn't consider this serious enough.
Some of the officials raised the topic near the end.
Interestingly enough, it was Duchess Serenthia, who didn't attend the last session who appeared the most worried.
"No matter what our personal views of him, this is not tolerable. The reason for his disappearance must be known and the man must be found."
Most people only thought she was worried about the kingdom's prestige but Sarah and Enigma who were also seated in the throne hall with Princess Sonya sensed something else.
Looking at each other, they became even more certain.
Her disinterest in Varian displayed in their meeting was not faked. However, his disappearance upset her.
Which means, even though she didn't care for him, she wanted something from
The court session ended shortly there after.
And as they were about to leave, Archduke Micheal greeted them. "I've talked to those old bastards. It's not them."
"I see." Enigma said in a plain tone.
"Please do not worry. I have mobilized my forces to find him. No matter where he is, I'll find your husband."
"I see."
At the dull, uninterested response, Archduke Micheal tilted his head and asked in a confused tone.
"I don't mean to pry, but Lady Enigma, you don't seem too worried about your husband disappearing. Did he really disappear or does it not bother you? Some say your marriage must've been polit—"
Enigma's eyes glowed with a violent light before she looked away and said. "I don't know where he is. I know he is alive. He'll return sooner or later."
She didn't even bother to comment on the 'political marriage' remark. Only she knew the deep affection she harbored towards her husband.
The Archduke sighed and waved his hand. "I won't take up any more of your time."
Duchess Serenthia approached them almost immediately.
"Don't tell me he escaped." Glaring at Sonya, the woman said in a harsh tone.
Princess Sonya hid behind Sarah and bit her lip. She wanted to yell at her 'mother' that she hated her. But centuries of bond was hard to break.
"Sonya, I'm talking to you. You better ask him to return before the ritual."
"Or what will you do? Mother?" Enigma interrupted, a cold smile on her usually expressionless face.
Duchess Serenthia's attention shifted to her daughter's younger sister and she let out a sigh.
Without a hint of hesitation, she said. "I won't kill you. But I'll find your man and end him. Then you can experience the joys of widow hood.
Some women marry again. But you sure are not one of them.
So, you will live your long life alone, remembering his face, recalling your memories and praying that heaven or hell exist so you could meet him again.
That is what will happen. And I promise, I will deliver."
A thick killing intent burst out of Enigma, enveloping the entire throne hall before concentrating on the Duchess.
"Do you think you can kill me?" Serenthia chuckled in amusement. "I am the weakest Duchess, yes. But I am still at the peak of 8th rank."
Sarah took a step forward, ready to itervene when Enigma took a short breath and took back her killing intent.
"Good, I like obedient girls. Aren't you an obedient too, Enig—"
"I have a sister." Enigma said softly.
Serenthia's brows furrowed. She assumed that this girl was talking about Isadora.
"She is a cheerful girl, bright and energetic. But there's another side to her. She doesn't forgive enemies. She doesn't give them easy deaths. Every single time, she goes to the next mile to torture them brutally.
She's a kind soul most of the time but the sanctuary island of her heart is in an ocean of abyss."
Serenthia clenched her fist, misunderstanding this as Enigma's warning.
"I won't kill you. I'll give you to her. She knows how to break people like you. And she enjoys seeing you cry." Enigma said with a light smile but the content of her words and the way she said them sent a chill down Serenthia's spine.
"She won't get that chance, so you can dream on." The Duchess said and beckoned to someone nearby.
A young woman stepped forward.
Her long white hair swayed gently while the sleeves of her pure white dress fluttered.
With snow white skin, white eye lashes with the only colored part being her pitch-black pupils, the girl looked like an artist's creation more than a living person.
"This is Princess Samantha. She'll join your group on the day." Serenthia introduced.
Princess Snow, as she's nicknamed, gave them a small nod.
Sonya returned the greeting on practiced instinct while Sarah and Enigma ignored her.
But the Duchess didn't seem to care. "I hope the man returns before I find him."
Warning for the last time, she disappeared into a puff of smoke.
Enigma exhaled deeply and returned to the manor. For the new hours, she trained with utter desperation until she fainted.
Sarah, on the other hand, sat down to meditate and tried to establish a link with her husband.
All communication devices failed but the link of Synergy still existed. That's how they knew he was still alive. But that's all they knew.
'Var! Where are you?'
