Chapter 243: After the intrusion
Emily’s face turned pale upon seeing Julia lying cold on the blood-stained floor. She couldn’t believe her maid had been murdered within the castle.
"Who could have done this?!" she asked in disbelief.
Raylen stared at the lifeless body, noticing the distinctive cut on its front. Despite the murderer’s attempt to make a straight incision with the knife, there was a hint of waviness to it. He commanded, "Gather all the servants in the hall. Right now."
"Yes, Master!" Lauren hurried away, apprehensive about finding herself on the receiving end of her master’s ire.
"I am sorry about the loss of your maid, Princess," Raylen said, and when he turned to look at her, he noticed her lips trembling.
"Why?" Emily asked in bewilderment and confusion. Why kill her? Julia was her faithful maid, who had journeyed from Versailles to the Storm Kingdom with eyes full of enthusiasm, eager to see the world, only to be cruelly snatched away from it.
"Whoever is responsible for killing the commoners in the towns appears to have infiltrated the castle during our absence," Raylen replied, noting the striking similarity in the knife cuts. He couldn’t help but entertain the thought that there might be a connection between the events within the castle and those outside, something he hadn’t considered until now.
"You think it’s the... person who wants my soul?" Emily asked, the burden of the guilt weighing even heavier on her heart. Julia was dead because of her.
Emily suddenly realised how each of her maids had met a swift and tragic end, as if the position itself was cursed and she was not meant to have assistance. A sudden pang of pain tore through her heart, and she cried out in distress.
Raylen was quick to come to her side, holding her as her knees gave way.
"Her death isn’t on your hands," he consoled her. "The killer knew we weren’t around and seized the opportunity to strike. They were aware that your maid’s death would affect you deeply."