"Young Duke Lukewater, I am sure you will soon know what being friends with young miss means. For now, why don't you head back to your retainers? They look like they are about to faint on that side."

Mary pointed out, and Daidus looked confused before he looked back at his guards.

They tried not to stare, but the discomfort in their eyes was evident. They did not trust this country and anyone here, so they wanted their future Duke to stay with them.

Daidus felt conflicted but decided there was no point in anthologizing his guards. After all, these guards were the only defense he had going home.

"I will send you a formal invitation letter once I have time. I hope you will consider visiting me when the time is right. For now, I should take my leave now."

Daidus's face had a red hint as he coughed into his fist before leaving stiffly. He returned before speaking to his guards and making them all back out.

The glaring did not stop until the young Duke disappeared with his guards, but this was far from a peaceful retreat.

"What a charming young man. Young Miss, do you think he has a crush on you? That blush certainly gave away a lot."

Mary asked in a teasing voice, but Layla did not feel comfortable talking about this topic.

For one, Daidus was just a kid. Even if he felt more mature for his age, Layla had been in her late 30s in her previous life. Her taste in people was different.

And even if she did not have that old taste, she was not in the mood for romance. She had never had a crush before and did not think she ever would.

She did not have the emotional capacity to care for another human romantically.

"Mary, stop your nonsense. Just pack our luggage, and we can head back. We achieved what we came here to get. Also, tie up the loose ends. I know you want to meet that mother-son duo again.

So go and do what you want to. You have until we depart to get it all done."

Layla offered before she went back to the carriage.

Mary had about an hour to finish everything, which should not be enough time under normal circumstances.

Packing alone would have taken hours, not to mention tracking down Sally and Liam.

However, since Mary was in front of her, Layla felt she would take care of this quickly.

"Of course, young miss! I have an hour, right? I will make sure to get back to you on time."

Mary disappeared as soon as she finished speaking. Layla sighed and opened a book to read in the meantime.

Since she had time, she wanted to do something productive that would keep her mind busy. A lot had already happened, and Layla did not want to consider the future.

Raizel sat beside her quietly, not speaking a word. But the pressure of his sharp eyes made Layla extra aware of his presence.

...

"I will kill them all. H-How could these slave traders do such a thing? Did Father kidnap people for this?"

Liam felt like he was about to be sick.

He knew his father's profession and what he did, but Liam was a kid and never actually tried to look into the specifics of his father's job.

Had he known that his father was such a vital human, Liam would have surely spoken to him about quitting his job and starting fresh.

Whatever resolution he had about taking revenge for his father was also gone. Now, only hollowness filled his heart.

"Liam, it's fine! Your father did it for us. If he did not participate in kidnappings, then you and I would have become targets as well. You do not need to hate your father for all this."

Sally assured him, and her white lie rolled off her tongue too easily.

She felt ashamed that she had to lie for her husband, but Liam needed something to believe in.

Her son was flailing apart after seeing how the kidnapped people lived and what they went through. If she did not do anything, then the guilt would consume him whole and bury him under it all.

"I…what should I do to atone, mother? I cannot go on like this. I need to do something…"

"Oh! So, you have emotions like guilt and sympathy inside you, kid? That's good! Then, would you like to try your luck and help people for a change?"

Mary's voice startled the mother-son duo. They looked at the door where Mary stood with a grin.

She was a beautiful young girl, but something about her presence did not make her feel human.

Instincts told Liam and Sally to stay away from her, but Mary did nothing but stand in the doorway.

"What do you want from us? Do you think we are foolish enough to fall into another trap? If you want to use us, then forget about it. I will not be used by others anymore."

Liam declared, and he waited for Mary to get angry.

But Mary did not get angry. She did not even get startled or show any displeasure on her face.

If anything, she looked glad to hear Liam and Sally have such strong morals.

"Why don't you both hear me out first? I am sure you will feel intrigued once you hear what I say. And if you don't want to do what I said, I can always end your life and make you atone for your life like that.

But first, why don't we agree to a contract? I don't want information to leak out of here and outside. I am not as kind as my young miss is, after all."

Mary spoke, and she extended her hand toward the duo. They realized that they had no choice but to take that offered hand.

The last loose knot had been tied up for this case.