After meeting with Eleanor, Stella finally made up her mind.
Of course, before anything else, she would have to tell Evelyn. Convincing her, however, would be another matter entirely.
Somehow, she would have to persuade her that this decision was not only reasonable but also the best course of action for their mission.
From the very beginning, the group's attention had been focused on the Caden family's main residence. Eleanor's residence, on the other hand, was merely a separate estate located near the outskirts of Lily Pier.
Compared to the main household, it was rarely mentioned whenever information about the Caden family circulated.
Moreover, Eleanor Caden was widely known for staying away from the family's affairs. With the two Caden brothers ahead of her in the line of succession, no one seriously considered her a likely successor. Most people simply viewed her as a noble young lady who preferred a quiet life over politics and business.
To Stella, however, that was nothing short of good fortune.
Living there would keep her away from the group's watchful eyes for a while, giving her a chance to move more freely. At the same time, the transfer would allow her to earn more money before continuing her journey.
In the end, though, she was still serving a member of the Caden family. If Eleanor personally requested her transfer, refusing simply wasn't an option. Whether Evelyn agreed or not, the decision itself had already been made.
But Even so, she still had to pretend to be trying to convince her, so she would appear to be doing her job diligently in front of the group.
Early the next morning, as usual, Stella and Evelyn woke before sunrise and quietly went about their duties.
The morning air was pleasantly cool, carrying the scent of freshly watered flowers through the garden. Servants moved back and forth along the stone paths, each occupied with their own tasks, while the estate gradually came to life beneath the rising sun.
The two of them were eventually assigned to work in the same section of the garden.
Stella glanced around without making it obvious.
After confirming that no one was close enough to overhear them, she set down the basket she was carrying and turned toward Evelyn.
"I have something important to tell you," she said in her usual calm voice. "We should also inform Thomas and Mr. Jack."
Evelyn immediately looked at her, her expression turning serious.
"Did you find out something? Or did you see anything?" she asked quietly. "Tell me."
"Actually..." Stella paused briefly. "It's about me."
She spoke with the same composed tone she always used, as though discussing nothing particularly unusual.
"Yesterday, a servant came looking for me. He was the same servant who had attended the dinner that night."
Evelyn frowned slightly.
"Who was he? And why was he looking for you?"
"It was Miss Caden's personal servant... Henry. He serves Eleanor Caden."
Evelyn's expression grew even more solemn.
"Miss Caden asked to see me."
Stella met Evelyn's eyes before calmly finishing her sentence.
"She wants me to transfer to her residence and serve as her personal assistant."
"What?" Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Just like that?"
For a brief moment, she simply stared at Stella, as though wondering whether she had misheard.
Then the question that immediately came to mind escaped her lips.
"Why you?"
...
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Lily Pier...
Jack stood beside the carriage at the entrance of a small village, leaning casually against its weathered wooden frame as he silently read the letter in his hands.
The village itself was quiet. Aside from the occasional sound of distant voices and wagon wheels passing along the road, very little disturbed the peaceful morning.
It was the latest report Evelyn had sent him.
Or rather... Stella had.
After reading it from beginning to end, Jack gave a faint nod. Without showing much reaction, he folded the letter with practiced movements and slipped it back into the leather bag inside the carriage.
Once the carriage door was shut, he walked toward the driver's seat, where Johan remained quietly watching the road ahead.
"Johan," Jack said, "stay here and guard the carriage. I'll join Aemilia and Thomas."
Johan simply nodded before returning his attention to the surroundings.
Jack adjusted his old fur-lined leather coat and headed into the village with steady, unhurried steps.
Hidden beneath the coat was the weapon he always carried. A long dagger, slightly larger than an ordinary one. Its unusually slender blade gave it an elegant appearance, though anyone familiar with weapons would immediately recognize it as something designed to kill quickly rather than impress.
After several minutes of walking through the narrow village streets, he finally reached his destination.
Aemilia and Thomas had already taken up positions overlooking a small inn near the center of the village.
From where they stood, they could keep an eye on both the front entrance and the nearby street without attracting unnecessary attention.
Jack approached with his usual silent, measured steps until he was suddenly standing directly behind them.
Aemilia nearly jumped. She quickly covered her mouth before lowering her voice into an irritated whisper.
"For heaven's sake, Jack! Why do you always do that? You nearly gave me a heart attack."
She shot him an annoyed glare.
"What if someone noticed us because of you?"
Jack remained completely unfazed.
"Forget that for now."
His gaze shifted toward the inn.
"Where is he? Has he gone out again?"
Thomas shook his head.
"No. He hasn't left the inn for two days."
He kept his eyes fixed on the building as he continued.
"I'm starting to wonder if he knows we're watching him... but I can't say for certain."
A brief silence followed.
Jack continued staring at the inn,"It doesn't matter."
His voice remained calm. "The only thing that matters is catching him."