Considering Hermann’s violent and reckless nature, it was no surprise he had amassed a long list of grudges, big and small, among a variety of people. It wasn’t far-fetched, then, that he’d be attacked in broad daylight by an unknown assailant, even in the midst of a crowded plaza.
However, for someone to strike so openly, they’d need a purpose compelling enough to match the considerable risk. Who would go to such lengths just to break a couple of bones?
Last night, Odelliana had been certain the culprit was Matthias, yet she chose not to summon and interrogate him. She didn’t want to keep someone who was preparing to leave bound and waiting into the early hours, so she decided to wait until dawn.
It wasn’t as though she had deliberately stayed awake all night; she simply couldn’t fall asleep. Though she was usually more inclined to eat, sleep, and idle the day away like a cat prowling around the annex, her mind grew sharper as the night wore on, leaving her restless until first light.
Awake earlier than usual, she did something unusual for herself—she tidied her bedding and changed out of her nightwear without assistance. Then, after picking up her cane, she rose. Since she was already up, she thought a walk in the annex garden might help clear her mind.
But as she opened the door, she collided directly with a broad chest blocking her way. She stumbled slightly, but a firm arm steadied her.
“And where are you off to so early, Master?”
Matthias looked down at her with a grin, his expression almost absurdly innocent, especially given that he had been the one responsible for yesterday’s brazen attack.
“Just out for some fresh air,” she replied coolly.
“Allow me to accompany you,” Matthias said.
They left the building together, making their way to the garden pond. Nestled against a high stone wall, the small pond was Odelliana’s only sanctuary in her confined world—a hidden, almost stifling corner behind the annex, where she could avoid prying eyes. Perfect for a private conversation.
“Why did you do it?” she asked abruptly, her voice cutting through the quiet.
Matthias tilted his head, a look of feigned confusion in his eyes. “What are you talking about?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“Don’t play dumb,” she shot back, irritation creeping into her voice.
Matthias maintained his innocent gaze, but Odelliana’s narrowed eyes remained fixed on him, unimpressed.
“You’re the one who broke my elder brother’s legs, aren’t you?” she pressed, her tone sharp.
“And what makes you so sure it was me?” he replied, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
“Who else would be reckless enough to do something so extreme?” she retorted, folding her arms.
“There could be someone else,” he said with a shrug, though his tone had an edge now, and the mask of innocence wavered.
“Are you planning to lie to me?”
At her unwavering gaze and pointed question, Matthias’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he let out a sigh of surrender. “I couldn’t just leave him be,” he admitted, glancing away briefly before meeting her eyes again. “If I at least incapacitated him, he’d be bedridden—and wouldn’t be able to harm you in my absence.”
Odelliana studied him, her expression unreadable as she processed his words. She could sense the fierce determination beneath his calm exterior. For a moment, she let the silence of the garden settle between them, searching his face for any sign of regret.
“So that’s why you did something so dangerous?” she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady.
Matthias shrugged, his tone calm. “I was merely taking precautions in case of an emergency.”
She fell silent, at a loss for words.
“In fact,” he added, his tone casual but his words chilling, “I even considered a few times during the act whether it would be better to break his neck instead of just his legs.”
“Matthias,” she warned, her eyes narrowing.
“Master, that man isn’t even worth the mercy of only having his legs broken,” he said, almost as if he believed he’d shown restraint. His tone suggested that he’d wanted to kill Hermann but had refrained—for her sake.
A fierce glint flickered in his half-closed, golden eyes, like a predator waiting to sink its teeth into its prey. Feeling her mouth go dry, Odelliana instinctively moistened her lips.
“I told you to restrain yourself while staying here,” she replied, her voice tense. “Nothing good can come from getting involved in troublesome affairs. What if someone had seen you? In a busy, bustling street in broad daylight?”
“No one would suspect it was me—except you, Master,” he replied with a hint of amusement.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Where’s that confidence coming from? Your striking looks make you stand out, even if you’re just standing still. Are you unaware of that?”
He gave a slight smile, unbothered. “Do you really think I’d handle this so openly? Most people likely wouldn’t even realize I was there.”
She understood what he meant. His agility, surprising for his powerful build, was legendary in his past life. To those without a keen eye, his movements would be a blur, leaving them unable to catch even a trace of him in action.
“Even now, you worry about your disciple, Master,” Matthias teased, a mischievous smile spreading across his face as if delighted by her concern.
Odelliana squinted at him, unimpressed. “What kind of madman would dare attack the heir of the Grüsewald family? You’ve done something seriously reckless; how could I not worry?”
He shrugged, unbothered, as if he didn’t grasp the gravity of the situation. She sighed, realizing that despite his flashes of maturity, he was still just a boy at heart—unpredictable, like a ball bouncing in every direction.
“Would I ever willingly put you in a difficult situation, Master?” he asked, his tone almost innocent. Odelliana stared at him.
“I only did it because I knew I could handle it,” he continued, a hint of pride in his voice.
“You really…” She shook her head.
“It will take at least a month for the bones to heal,” Matthias added, his tone serious. “Please think of it as my way of preventing any ‘accidents’ from happening while I’m away.”
Odelliana felt her frustration melting. He was about to leave for a long time, and instead of scolding him, she wanted to send him off with a smile. His loyalty and intent, misguided though they might be, were undeniable. She realized his actions came from a genuine desire to protect her, no matter how questionable his methods.
