Apollonia didnt probe any further. She could see Tanya hiding behind the woman. The girl avoided her eyes. Maybe because she was crying.

What does the lord do with all that wealth?

Isnt it obvious? He goes to the capital city to waste it. For example, he can play with prostitutes to his hearts content. Oh, that reminds me he has another nasty hobby. Hes been snatching virgins from town

Thats enough. Apollonia glanced at Tanya. A 13-year-old child shouldnt need to listen to such a horrific story. But the old woman ignored her, and continued to explain as if it were nothing.

Im lucky I still have my one and only granddaughter, healthy and strong. Tanya nodded as she listened to the story.

Has Tanya met Viscount Diaman? Apollonia remembered Tanyas reaction when Apollonia had first mentioned the viscount.

We had a hard year last year. We couldnt pay the taxes so my eldest grandson was dragged away. Diaman publicly flogged my grandson in the town square to set an example. When the whipping was finished, he forcibly poured poison into his mouth. The second the poison touched my grandsons lips, he fell to the ground, writhing and screaming in excruciating pain. Tanya couldnt bear to see her brother like that, so she ran into the square and bit the viscounts arm. The old woman sighed. Tanya looked away regretfully.

She somehow managed to escape with only a few hits. Ever since then, that bastard has been hunting for Tanya. If he catches her, shell die. Thats why shes scared of him.

Wait. Apollonia interrupted the womans story before she could get any further.

Are you saying that he hasnt been able to find this Bella child, even in such a small town? No matter the size of a population of Bellas in an area, the majority of other residents would be ordinary people. Even at such a young age, she would stand out in any crowd. People couldnt help but notice her beautiful face.

Well, Ive tried to find a way to hide it. The old woman pointed at Tanya at her eyes. Her eyes had been glimmering a bright purple only a moment before. But now, theyd changed into a murky grey.

She couldve covered her eyes instead, I guess, but I thought itd be better just to change the color altogether. Less conspicuous. Thats what this medicine is for. The problem is that this brat keeps forgetting to take it.

Tanya stuck her tongue out at her grandmother.

Then, dont tell me

I heard people might give you money for directions. The moment I heard about that, I had only one thought. Forget the money! Just for anyone to get her out of here somehow Im willing to give anything. Even my life. The womans voice shook slightly. Apollonia could see what her life, which wouldnt last much longer, was focused on. But she still had questions.

Do you know who I am? The old woman was desperate, but clearly armed with reason. She didnt look like someone whod accept just anyone in her house and confide everything about her family situation. Did you take me in because I look rich? Because I was attended by people who arent easily conquered by those trivial bandits?

The old woman wasnt offended by Apollonias question. Rather, she took a step closer.

During the decades Ive been trapped here, the rich people whove come to Lishan always stayed in Lord Diamans residence. Miss, youre the first one whos actually seemed to care about our lives.

It was a sharp insight. Sid frowned slightly, and Uriel seemed nervous. The old woman smiled.

With these old Bella eyes, sometimes I can see a persons hidden image.

Apollonia made eye contact with the woman. She had a hunch. The old womans eyes, which seemed to pierce through Apollonias robe, demanded an answer from her.

I refuse.

Are you sure? The womans voice was heavy with disappointment and sorrow.

Tanya is still too young to live far away from her family. And I dont have the capacity to take care of a child.

If you say so The womans shoulders drooped. She seemed to have aged 10 years.

Instead.

The woman flinched and looked up.

I promise. After I return from Mt. Calt, youll never see Diaman again.

What

What did you say

What do you mean by that?

Tanyas brothers were stunned. The old woman simply blinked.