Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 835 - 158

The Blood Duke, Mire-bloodthorn.

Back in Gear City, Qina had never heard any tales about this Duke. Compared to Duke Ash, who would publicly torture rebels, Mire was a discreet noble.

All day, Qina observed Mire-bloodthorn. The Duke lived a very routine life, and his pastime was staying in his study reading books except when he was briefly distracted by the Other Shore's mirror in the afternoon. His afternoon tea snacks and midnight refreshments were delivered by maids.

A discreet and reserved man, speaking courteously, without the haughty air of nobles who wish to only look down on others. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

All day, Qina pondered but couldn't understand how the title of the Blood Duke had come to be.

It was her fourth close observation of the Duke. After collecting the dinner dishes and trays, she picked up a cloth and mop to clean his study. She excelled at these tasks. Before her sister went missing, although their family was not wealthy, they lived happily in Gear City.

Since she was very young, she helped her parents with chores. The family's dream was to save enough money to open a small shop in the city.

Until one day, her sister went to the market and never returned.

Their once happy family was shattered by sudden tragedy. Her mother fell gravely ill, and to treat her, her father spent all their savings and incurred debt, yet her mother could not be saved. Her father was taken away by debt collectors and never returned.

Their small house was soon mortgaged.

One night, Qina was awakened by a noise. The debt collectors had returned. She sensed something was wrong, climbed out the window into the backyard, and ran the streets under the cover of night, wandering aimlessly until she had unknowingly left Gear City.

But the Blood Duke was a clue her mentor left her.

Thinking of this, Qina took a deep breath, her hands gripping the mop trembled slightly.

She trusted her mentor, and this meant she was close to uncovering the truth.

Night fell, and the Bloodthorn estate was eerily quiet. The crystal lamp on the table was still on, and in her daze, Qina saw the entire study dyed red.

The color of blood, or the blaze of fire.

More than once, her mentor hinted and advised against continuing the pursuit.

This was an event from over a decade ago, which turned a young girl into a rebel messenger and made her realize what prolonged disappearance meant in the Silver Radiance Empire.

"Your Grace, the Duke."

Qina took a deep breath, mustering her courage, suppressing her trembling hands to show her most harmless side before the Duke.

At her words, Mire-bloodthorn, who was reading, looked up and gazed at Qina with indifferent eyes.

"May I ask... have you heard of a girl named Selena?"

Qina knew the question was abrupt, but it was her reason for coming. She quickly gestured with her hands again, "About this tall, long auburn curly hair, gray-green eyes, freckles on her nose, smiles gently."

Her memories of her sister were full of warmth.

Her sister was gentle, always bringing candies home.

Mire-bloodthorn didn't seem inclined to answer. He only gave Qina a deep glance before returning to his reading of the Sheepskin Book.

"She's from Gear City. If you had met her, she would have left a strong impression on you..."

In fact, before infiltrating the Mire-bloodthorn estate, Qina still harbored an unrealistic hope deep inside. Maybe her sister wasn't dead. Who could bear to harm someone so gentle and capable? Maybe she remained in the estate as one of the many maids.

But her hopes were ultimately dashed.

She couldn't find Selena in the estate, which was a labyrinth, and the servants were rather cold, greeting them warmly only returned cold stares, making it difficult even for pleasantries, let alone inquiring anything.

Even now, Qina didn't know why the head maid drew a vial of her blood.

Her intuition told her it might be related to the Blood Duke's title, even her sister's disappearance.

"Mire-bloodthorn, I think you should answer her questions."

As Qina struggled to continue the conversation, a comforting voice came from the study's entrance. Without turning, she knew Solan had arrived.

This was the charm of a hero, always appearing when needed.

At the moment, Solan wore a helmet and standard light armor, with the chest plate bearing the insignia of the Bloodthorn Clan, a blooming red Rose.

"I've heard of your reputation. You are unlike the Simpler Clan scum."

Solan's impassioned words finally piqued Mire-bloodthorn's interest. He raised an eyebrow and asked with interest, "Oh? How am I different from Ash-Simpler?"

"You are humble and discreet, never making enemies, nor attending their gatherings."

"Is that so..."

Mire-bloodthorn looked at Qina, "Long auburn curly hair, gray-green eyes, a sharp nose, from Gear City. I indeed know such a person."