A few days later, the investigation into Sien’s theft charges finally came to an end.
Just as expected, the stolen items she had taken over the years were discovered inside the dormitory room where she had been staying.
There was also ample evidence showing that she had sold the stolen valuables for money.
Attempted murder of a noble, along with repeated theft.
Under those two charges, Sien was dragged away to Ludwig’s underground detention prison. She would remain there until her official sentence was decided, after which she would be transferred to a proper prison.
“W-Wait! I was wrong! I don’t want to go to prison—prison is…! Nova! Please let me see Head Maid Nova! Please let me see Lady Nova, just once! Please!”
Even while being hauled away by the guards, Sien screamed desperately, begging to see Head Maid Nova.
In the end, nothing came of it, and she disappeared into Ludwig’s underground prison without gaining anything.
However—
one particular question lingered in people’s minds.
Why was that criminal looking for Head Maid Nova?
“That useless fool!”
Bang!
Nova Morgan slammed her hand onto the desk and sucked in a harsh breath. Murderous fury burned in her eyes.
“If she was going to get caught, she should’ve gone quietly. How dare she drag my name into this?”
Sien had been one of the maids loyal to Nova. More than anyone else, she had eagerly offered bribes and openly displayed her greed.
There had been moments when her excessive greed caused problems, making Nova uneasy—but never had she imagined the girl would create a disaster this massive.
So she said she wanted to teach that new maid a lesson?
Truthfully, Nova herself had approved of tormenting Janette.
She had wanted that naïve, foolish maid to come crying to her for help.
It wasn’t merely about bribes.
In a place as enormous as Ludwig, the only way to solidify one’s authority was to steadily gather loyal followers in exactly that manner.
Above all else, it was necessary for that person’s sake.
Crunch.
Grinding her teeth, Nova shouted toward the door.
“Mary! Mary!”
“Y-Yes! Head Maid!”
The pale-faced maid hurried anxiously into the room.
“Report every single thing happening outside to me. Especially anything related to Sien!”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
“And one more thing.”
“Yes.”
Nova clicked her tongue at the sight of Mary trembling uncontrollably.
“Place people near the Black Estate as well. Tell them to keep watch in case the Third Young Master makes a move.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
Bowing deeply, Mary practically fled the room.
Nova narrowed her eyes.
Since something happened at Julieta’s estate, the Third Young Master may start moving as well.
Ideally, he would simply stay locked away quietly inside that pitch-black annex.
Because if he started crawling out of there again, it would become troublesome for her in many ways.
Do they have any idea what it took for me to reach this position?!
She had done anything and everything to become someone influential within Ludwig.
How much had she suffered while serving as the nursemaid of that insufferable young lady she couldn’t even stand? How long had she been forced to attend to that arrogant little brat?
If she hadn’t managed to catch that person’s attention, she would probably still be stuck beside that troublesome princess, playing the role of her guardian.
Pretending to love her.
Pretending to cherish her.
Pretending to care.
All while putting on that disgusting act.
I finally managed to grab hold of a proper lifeline. I refuse to let it go.
Crunch.
Biting down on her fingernails, Nova’s eyes shook uneasily.
