An Unexpected Killing

Clang, clang, clang!

Footsteps came straight to the door of Qin Ran's cell.

Click!

As the key turned, the heavy cell door creaked open from the outside.

Torchlight flooded in, making Qin Ran narrow his eyes.

There were three people in all.

The man holding the torch had a deferential expression and a key in his hand. He was probably a prison official, though his face was well kept and his clothes were fairly clean.

The jailer? The warden?

Qin Ran tried to guess the man's position.

The identities of the two men beside him were much easier to discern.

One wore blue-black armor and a longsword at his waist. His face was stern, with a trace of killing intent.

He was undoubtedly a guard.

The other was dressed in finery, with black silk at his waist and cuffs. A white wig covered his head, and false brown eyebrows framed his eyes. A handkerchief covered his nose and mouth, making his features hard to make out. All Qin Ran could see was a thick layer of powder.

This was naturally the man the guard was protecting.

"Wretched place!"

"If this weren't so important, I would never set foot in here!"

The finely dressed man grumbled.

His voice should have been deep, but he pinched it into a thin, shrill tone that sounded painfully affected.

"My lord, you came for the honor of your family. His Highness will surely appreciate all you've endured!"

The man Qin Ran took for the warden bowed and smiled obsequiously.

But when he turned toward Qin Ran, his face turned vicious.

"This lord is Riedler, youngest son of Duke Merck, the Eagle of the Duchy of Merk, and a master swordsman!"

"Tell him where you hid the Inheritance Item!"

As he spoke, he kicked Qin Ran