Linia Took in a Child - Chapter 4: The Pursuer (7)

Edwin gazed down at Russell, his expression devoid of pity or hesitation. What might have once been an overwhelming irritation had now transformed into an unsettling calmness.

It was clear now—everything made sense.

The moment Linia had begged him to run, Edwin had realized something profound. The sight of her then—her trembling voice, her tearful eyes—had struck him with a clarity he could never forget.

She wasn’t just a fleeting source of amusement or comfort. Edwin liked her.

The truth had been buried under layers of denial. But now, it was glaringly obvious: the longing to stay by her side, the desire to feel her warmth, the craving for her attention and affection—it all stemmed from one undeniable fact.

He loved her.

But Edwin wasn’t naive. He understood the reality of his situation all too well. Linia could never love him—the real Edwin Schpenhardt. She had only ever shown her kindness to the facade of Ruin, the innocent child who had won her trust and affection.

“She forgave Ruin, not me,” he thought bitterly.

But that didn’t mean he would accept it. No, he would rewrite everything. This time, he would win her over not as a child, but as a man.

He would make her love him, body and soul.

And for that to happen, there was no room for Russell Damon.

“So, you’ll have to disappear,” Edwin said, his tone deceptively soft. “The real Russell Damon.”

The words jolted Russell out of his panicked stupor. With a surge of desperation, he slapped away Edwin’s hand and attempted to scramble to his feet. But his legs, pinned by Edwin’s invisible force, gave out, sending him crashing to the floor.

Fear gripped him as the suffocating realization set in: he was going to die.

Every fiber of his being screamed at him to fight back, to resist, but his body felt paralyzed by the sheer force of Edwin’s presence. The looming shadow of death was unbearably close.

“If you kill me, she’ll never forgive you!”

The words burst from Russell’s lips, raw and desperate. His wide, terrified eyes met Edwin’s, searching for any flicker of doubt.

To his astonishment, Edwin hesitated.

For a fleeting moment, his hand stilled, hanging mid-air as if frozen by an unseen force. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly, as though contemplating the weight of Russell’s words.

Then, Edwin tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“She won’t know.”

The reply was whispered in perfect mimicry of Russell’s voice, sending chills down his spine.

Edwin’s hand moved again, this time with finality.

Russell could do nothing but watch as the end descended upon him, helpless against the crushing inevitability of his death.

* * *

The clock was nearing 5 PM, yet Linia was still seated on her bed. Recently, she had felt drained of energy. She was plagued by regret and guilt, unsure whether saving him had truly been the right decision.

If other victims emerged, the blame would rest squarely on her shoulders. Yet, she simply couldn’t let Ruin die. Even if she could go back to that day, she was certain she would still urge the child to run away.

Even knowing that Ruin was him, she couldn’t bring herself to hate him. He seemed to embody both good and evil, making it impossible for her to wholly despise or love either side. As Linia recalled the last glimpse she had of Ruin, her face grew dark.

Just then, the sound of a knock reverberated through the room, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Linia, it’s me.”

The familiar voice prompted Linia to open the door, letting him in. Russell quickly stepped into the room, saying he had something urgent to discuss. Linia sat on the sofa and faced him. His expression was unusually tense and grave.

“Russell, what brings you here so suddenly—”

“I know it’s abrupt, but please don’t be alarmed. That man seems to be looking for you.”

Linia instantly understood who he meant by that man. A chill ran down her spine.

“It’s only a matter of time before he finds this mansion.”

Linia silently gripped the fabric of her skirt over her knees. She had assumed Ruin had fled far away, but now she was being told the opposite—that he was searching for her. Linia was at a loss for words, her mind blank and overwhelmed.

“I think it’s best for you to leave immediately.”

At that moment, Russell’s firm tone provided a sense of direction. Linia raised her head to meet his gaze. He was still looking at her with the same heavy, serious expression.

“Come with me. My family will take care of protecting everyone else here, so you don’t need to worry.”

He urged her to leave with him, trying to reassure her as she hesitated anxiously. Though his words were sudden, Linia couldn’t deny that he was right. If Ruin truly was searching for her, her departure from the mansion would be the only way to keep it safe.

He had already killed so many people. Linia couldn’t predict what further threats he might pose, nor how he might use the lives of those around her to coerce her. She couldn’t risk putting Sophie, Bessie, or the members of the Count’s household in danger.

Her thoughts tilted toward leaving, but when it came time to agree aloud, she hesitated. Having never left before, fear crept into her heart.

“Please trust me and do as I say. I will… absolutely protect you.”

Despite the nervousness in his face, Russell’s eyes were resolute. It was clear he had thought deeply and made this decision carefully.

“…Alright. I’ll leave.”

At last, Linia made up her mind. Russell fell silent for a moment, saying nothing. After a brief pause, he instructed her to meet him at the back gate in two hours before leaving the room.

Linia knew she needed to bid a hurried farewell to Sophie and Bessie. When she told them she’d be away for a while, both insisted on accompanying her. For the first time, Linia firmly refused their request. Instead, she promised to tell them everything when she returned, soothing their disappointment.

After a sudden and brief farewell, she packed her belongings. By the time she was ready, the appointed hour had arrived. Holding a bag with a few outfits and necessary items, Linia slipped out through the mansion’s back gate.

Following the wall, she spotted a carriage standing alone in the crimson light of the setting sun. As she approached it, she opened the door to the black carriage. Russell had not arrived yet. Thinking she should wait inside, Linia began to climb in.

Just then, she felt a hand grasp her bag from behind. Assuming it was the coachman offering help, she turned to see Russell standing there. He must have arrived without her noticing. Naturally, he took her bag and extended a hand to her.

“Shall we leave now?”

Without hesitation, Linia took his hand. She allowed herself to be pulled into the carriage, and once they were both aboard, it began speeding away at a rapid pace.