Chapter 53

"Instead of hiding in there laughing, why don't you come on out, my lord Marquis."

Christine called out to Stone beyond the door.

His voice was sweet enough that anyone who didn't know what was happening might have mistaken it for a whisper of comfort, as though he were soothing someone. But the tendons on the back of the hand gripping his sword stood out, taut.

Instinct told him not to let his guard down for even a moment.

From behind the door, Stone asked in a low voice.

"What are you most afraid of, Count Weiss?"

"Hard to say. I've never really felt fear."

"Then I'll show you soon enough. Though the moment you realize it, your breath will already be gone."

Christine let out a low chuckle he couldn't quite hold back, and it broke into outright laughter.

"If you can manage that, I'll gladly die for you,…